MONDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2025

Soludo in Landslide, Secures 2nd Term, Victory Reinforces Power of Incumbency

Garners 422,664 votes, close rival and APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu with 99,445 Tinubu congratulates him, declares his triumph affirms his visionary leadership NGF, Abiodun, Ngige greet, task winner ADC dismisses exercise as ‘Cash-andCarry Democracy’, warns of 2027 danger

Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, weekend, secured his re-election for another term of four years, thus, reinforcing the power of incumbency in Nigeria’s electoral system.

In a landslide, Anambra State

ANGOLA REMINDS THE WORLD OF NIGERIA’S GLORY UNDER MURTALA

L–R: Director, Afreximbank, Mr. Stephen Kauma; Chairman, Anap Jets FZE, Mr. Atedo Peterside CON; Executive Director, Zenith Bank PLC, Dr. Adobi Nwapa; Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Founder & Chairman, ART X Lagos, Mrs. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig; Coordinating Minister for the Economy & Finance Minister, Mr. Wale Edun; Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; CEO, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Olumide Oyetan, at the Opening Ceremony of the 10th Anniversary Edition of ART X Lagos at The Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, over the weekend

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Chuks Okocha in Awka, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and James Sowole in Abeokuta

MUHAMMED...

President of the Republic of Angola, Joao Lourenco, flanked by Mr Abba Risqua Murtala Muhammed, Son of Nigeria’s former Head of State, Late General Murtala Muhammed ,Left, and Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode ,Daughter of the late Head of State; at an Award Ceremony in Honour and Recognition of the Late General's role in Securing Angola's Independence , as part of activities marking the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, in Luanda, over the weekend.

Nigeria, IMF Discuss Economic Reforms, Growth Plans for 2026–2030

Fund hails country’s commitment to reform, policy coherence in pre-election years

Bagudu: We're working to ensure development plan reflects collective ambition to sustain long-term growth

James Emejo in Abuja

Nigeria has continued its engagement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the country’s ongoing reforms, medium-term outlook, and preparations for the 2026–2030 National Development Plan.

Over the weekend, Minister of Budget and Economic

Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, met with a highlevel delegation from IMF, led by its Assistant Director, African Department, Mr. Axel Schimmelpfennig, to further discuss the subject matter.

The engagement came as the global economy moved towards reform-oriented and resilient growth, and the country

continued to establish itself as a prominent advocate for evidence-based policymaking and inclusive economic transformation.

Bagudu said the federal government was working to make the plan reflection of the country's collective ambition, one that incorporated fiscal discipline, subnational collaboration, and

the reforms necessary to sustain long-term growth.

The visit was part of IMF’s consultative mission to review Nigeria’s fiscal priorities, macroeconomic framework, and reform trajectory ahead of IMF’s subsequent country report.

Schimmelpfennig commended Nigeria’s reform momentum. He

said the fund was interested in understanding how the country’s medium-term strategy aligned with its broader development agenda.

He also hailed the country's consistent policy coherence, which he said, highlighted its institutional maturity, stating that pre-election years often yield uncertainty.

SOLUDO IN LANDSLIDE, SECURES 2ND TERM, VICTORY REINFORCES POWER OF INCUMBENCY

Although a few governors have failed the re-election test since the country returned to civil rule in 1999, the power of incumbency remains a recurring factor in Nigeria’s election calculus.

Since 1999, about 20 governors had failed to return to office for a second term of four years, albeit under different circumstances.

While the likes of Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Lam Adesina (Oyo), Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), Adebayo Adefarati (Ondo), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) Chinwoke Mbadinuju (Anambra), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), Abubakar Hashidu (Gombe), Ikedi Ohakim (Imo), Idris Wada (Kogi), Bindow Jibrilla (Adamawa) and Mohammed Lawal (Kwara), did not secure re-election after they ran for another term, some others were victims of court verdicts.

President Goodluck Jonathan being the only president defeated in office.

The election of Soludo, despite the tension in the build-up to the election, has reaffirmed the role of the incumbency power as a critical factor in elections in this part of the world.

Soludo secured a second term after he was declared winner of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

For example, Olagunsoye Oyinlola was already in his second term in Osun State when he was sacked mid-way by the court. Professor Oserheimen Osunbor had barely completed his first term when the court also sacked him as Edo State governor.

In a ruling on an ex parte motion dated October 15, 2025, and filed on October 20, Justice Dipeolu issued sweeping orders restraining Nestoil Limited, Neconde Energy Limited, and other Nestoil affiliates from operating their bank accounts or dealing with funds, shares, or assets held in any Nigerian financial institution.

At the centre of the storm is Neconde Energy Limited, which has faulted its inclusion in the Mareva and receivership orders obtained by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited, describing the orders as wrongful, oppressive, and a clear case of judicial overreach.

Meanwhile, Glencore Energy UK Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited, and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) — collectively described as Senior Lenders – have filed motions seeking to be joined as defendants to overturn the sweeping ex parte court orders. Through their counsel, Olufemi Oyewole (SAN), the Senior Lenders asked the Court to set aside or vary the ex parte orders of October 22, 2025, which they said threaten their security interests in Neconde’s assets and operations.

They argued that the plaintiffs failed to disclose in their affidavit the existence of the Senior Secured Medium-Term Facility Agreement dated April 27, 2016, under which Neconde obtained a $640 million

A similar fate befell Celestine Omehia of Rivers State after he

syndicated loan.

They added that the Deed of Charge dated December 8, 2022, relied upon by the plaintiffs in obtaining the ex parte orders, was registered against Nestoil Limited only and not against Neconde Energy Limited, rendering it defective and unenforceable against Neconde.

Citing Clause 3.4 of the Deed of Charge, they noted that FBNQuest’s charge “shall rank in all aspects subordinate and subject to the charges and assignments constituted by the Neconde Senior Security Documents.”

They therefore urged the Court to vacate or vary the interim orders or restrain further interference with Neconde’s assets pending determination of the substantive suit.

They asserted that the interim orders have made it impossible for Neconde to service its obligations to the Senior Lenders, potentially triggering events of default that could lead to insolvency actions with highly disruptive consequences.

When the case came up on Friday November 7, 2025, Justice Dipeolu revealed that he had received the petition sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court concerning his handling of the case and related cases.

He subsequently suspended further proceedings pending the Chief Judge’s directive on whether he should continue or

was sacked a few months into office in his first term. Also, Dr. Chris Ngige, had a taste of the court ruling as he, too, was sacked as Anambra State governor.

Unfortunately, for Akinwunmi Ambode, a former governor of Lagos State, he was denied the

recuse himself.

The petitions accused the judge of judicial misconduct and reckless issuance of sweeping ex parte Mareva orders in two related cases — FBNQuest Merchant Bank & Anor v. Nestoil Ltd & Ors (FHC/L/CS/2127/2025); Aries Energy v. Neconde Energy & Ors (FHC/L/CP/1439/2025).

The petitioners alleged that Justice Dipeolu granted freezing and receivership orders without verifying ownership of several properties, including Nestoil Tower, which allegedly belong to third parties not indebted to the plaintiffs.

They also accused him of granting freezing and receivership orders against Neconde without any basis and authorising the Nigerian Navy and Department of State Services (DSS) to assist a receiver in enforcing civil orders and selling crude oil from OML 42 — actions they said contravened the preservative nature of interim injunctions.

They urged the National Judicial Council to investigate the matter and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign all related cases to another judge to preserve public confidence in judicial impartiality.

Neconde has also filed processes in court praying the Court to discharge the ex parte orders.

It argued that the instant suit is jurisdictionally incompetent, having been commenced against

opportunity to re-present himself for another term, as he failed to clinch the party’s ticket for re-election.

In the case of Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, both of Ekiti State, while they did not immediately return to office for

it despite being under winding-up proceedings before the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/CP/1439/2025: Aries Energy & Petroleum Company Limited v. Neconde Energy Limited, Gobowen Exploration and Production Limited, Dr. Ernest Azudialu, and Bridge H&T Limited.

The firm submitted that by the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, once a company is being wound up by the Court, any disposition of its property, including things in action, transfer of shares, or alteration of members’ status after the commencement of the winding-up, shall be void unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

They further contended that any attachment, sequestration, distress, or execution enforced against the estate of a company in liquidation shall equally be null and void except by the Court’s order.

Neconde, a major independent oil producer in OML 42, maintained that it is neither indebted to the plaintiffs nor privy to the syndicated loan transaction forming the basis of the suit.

The company’s lawyers argued that its inclusion amounted to wrongful interference with third-party rights and had effectively halted its daily crude oil production of over 40,000 barrels.

They contended that the ex

second term, they both returned after a few years outside of power to complete their second terms. Despite these examples, the incumbency factor has continued to play a major role in both the governorship and presidential elections in Nigeria, with former

parte orders were excessively broad and issued without jurisdiction, particularly since Neconde is already the subject of ongoing winding-up proceedings before the same Federal High Court.

The other defendants, Nestoil and its affiliates, have also filed a motion seeking to vacate the orders, describing them as unconstitutional and obtained through suppression of material facts.

They accused the plaintiffs of failing to make full and frank disclosure before securing the ex parte orders, thereby misleading the court into granting extraordinary far-reaching orders without hearing from the affected parties.

According to their counsel, the plaintiffs’ actions were “profoundly hasty and desperate,” contrary to established legal principles governing ex parte reliefs, which are intended to be temporary and preservative.

They argued that no urgency existed to justify freezing accounts or seizing assets, especially since the alleged loans had been restructured under a Common Terms Agreement (CTA) executed in December 2022.

The CTA, they said, rescheduled repayments over ten years from December 2021, making the present suit premature and in breach of its reconciliation clause.

According to the results announced by INEC in the early hours of Sunday, Soludo, who ran on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won by a landslide in the 21 local government areas of the South-east state, polling 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 99,445 votes.

Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of

Continued on page 36

The defendants further accused FBNQuest of failing to provide statements of account for over three years despite repeated written requests, insisting that only a forensic reconciliation could determine the true financial position.

They alleged that the plaintiffs’ claims were inflated with illegal and excessive charges and argued that Nestoil Towers, a major landmark on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, is an immovable and secure property, making the drastic order unnecessary.

They also challenged the appointment of a receiver/ manager by the plaintiffs, claiming the appointee was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as required under CAMA 2020.

The companies warned that maintaining the orders would paralyse operations, freeze directors’ personal accounts, and inflict devastating losses on Neconde’s oil production — losses that would also affect the Federal Government’s revenue from crude oil exports.

Meanwhile, industry sources warned that the continuing legal tussle, if not promptly resolved, could disrupt oil production in OML 42 — once producing over 250,000 barrels per day in the 1970s — and further erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous oil sector.

Edun

Soludo making his victory remarks

To Tap $3.65bn Global Cassava Market, NALDA, Agbeyewa Sign MoU to Boost Production, Others

James Emejo in Abuja

National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agbeyewa Farms Limited on the launch a Joint Venture (JV) partnership on land development for cassava production and the management of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Irele, Ekiti State.

Speaking at the ceremony, NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Cornelius Adebayo, said the partnership aimed to accelerate cassava production, enhance food security, and strengthen the country's position in the global cassava value chain.

Adebayo described the collaboration as a strategic step towards realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural

transformation and rural prosperity.

He said the partnership was inspired by his official visit to Agbeyewa Farms, where the scale and efficiency of operations convinced him to prioritise cassava as one of NALDA’s focus crops.

He said, “What we saw at Agbeyewa Farms changed my direction as chief executive. It encouraged me to include

cassava as a major crop under NALDA.

“Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, yet we benefit the least from its global export market."

Adebayo lamented that although Nigeria produced about 65 million metric tonnes of cassava annually, its share in the $3.65 billion global cassava trade remained barely $1 million.

Food Security: Alternative Bank Unveils Plan to Boost Financing to Farmers

Non-interest financial institution, Alternative Bank, has set a new benchmark for purpose-driven finance with its ethical financing framework designed to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape.

The framework seeks to place farmers, rather than financiers, at the heart of the continent’s food future.

The non-interest bank's Executive Director, North, Garba Mohammed, made the disclosure at the Agriculture Summit Africa

Dike Onwuamaeze

Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the federal government for its recently announced 15 per cent import tariff on certain petroleum products, calling it an appropriate and necessary measure to protect and encourage local refining. In a press statement yesterday in Abuja, DirectorGeneral of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said “it is absurd for a country blessed with crude

2025, with the theme, “Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny," over the weekend in Abuja.

Mohammed said Africa’s prosperity depended not only on how food was cultivated and processed, but on how it was financed.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Azeez Badru, Mohammed said, “This theme signals a continental awakening. Africa’s food destiny will not be reclaimed by technology alone, but by the courage to

oil to spend so many years importing petrol and diesel".

Oyerinde attributed the comatose state of the four government refineries in the country partly to the ongoing importation of the products, which the refineries could produce.

He said, "The imposition of the tariff on imported fuel is not only timely but essential.”

He emphasised that “this policy is a significant step toward promoting local value addition, strengthening domestic refining capabilities, conserving foreign exchange

finance differently, to make money serve humanity rather than the other way around.”

Amid Nigeria’s escalating food security crisis, the bank is leading a movement towards ethical, transparent, and equitable financing.

Mohammed described agriculture as “a sacred trust” and reaffirmed that the bank’s mission was to fund productivity, not speculation.

He said, “We are financing purposes, not just profit. Agriculture is a national

(FOREX), and advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation plans”.

The director general stated, “To expedite economic recovery, promote local production, strengthen the Naira, and attract investors, the government must demonstrate commitment and confidence in local production.

"If implemented effectively, this policy will accelerate Nigeria’s challenging journey toward energy sufficiency and economic development. It will also provide the Naira with some breathing room,

responsibility. Every loan, every partnership must feed families, preserve the land, and build resilience. That is the essence of ethical finance."

Drawing on time-tested non-interest financing models, such as Mudarabah (profitand-loss bearing), Musharakah (equity partnership), Ijara (lease-to-own financing), and Murabaha (cost-plus trade finance), the bank’s strategy redistributes risk and reward across the agricultural value chain.

allowing pressure on FOREX for imports to be redirected toward other critical needs.

"Moreover, this initiative will assure genuine local manufacturers and investors in the oil and gas industry that the government is committed to supporting their investments with policies that protect them and ensure the sector’s sustained development.”

Oyerinde also said the government must take necessary steps to ensure that the policy would not backfire.

To bridge the gap, he said NALDA will support the private sector to drive value addition and industrial processing of cassava derivatives, such as starch, sorbitol, and flour.

Under the MoU, NALDA will clear 5,000 hectares of land for Agbeyewa Farms to expand production around its existing 3,000-hectare cassava plantation in Ekiti State, while also supporting similar projects in Delta and Kwara states.

Adebayo said, “Government cannot run enterprises. Our job is to provide the enabling environment for private investment to thrive. Agbeyewa has proven to be the best and largest in cassava cultivation; they deserve to anchor our Ekiti Mega Farm Estate."

He added that the arrangement allowed Agbeyewa to repay the land-clearing cost over time at a reduced rate, ensuring sustainability and inclusiveness.

Adebayo said, “We are encouraging large-scale farming, in-grower systems, and farm estate clusters. This model will not only boost food production but also make Nigeria competitive in cassava exports."

Adebayo also commended Tinubu’s economic policies for restoring investor confidence as well as attracting international interest in the country's agriculture sector. He disclosed that the authority had received partnership enquiries from six foreign investors in the past week.

NCC to Host Digital Economy Awareness, Sensitisation Forums

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to host the inaugural edition of the Digital Awareness and Sensitisation Forums as a platform to strengthen policy and innovation for a digital future.

The forums are meant to facilitate a conducive environment to build infrastructure for innovation and inclusion and to lay a solid foundation for bridging gaps between policy and infrastructure for national development, a statement by the commission said.

The maiden edition, with the theme: "Leaving No One Behind: Digital Assets, Equity, and Empowerment” which is scheduled to take place on November 13, 2025, will bring together industry

experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders to brainstorm practical solutions for bridging the digital divide.

Sessions at the inaugural forum are expected to focus on designing inclusive digital policies, promoting accessible infrastructure deployment, developing adaptive digital literacy programmes and advocating for affordability and accessibility in digital services, the statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, said.

Africa has the world’s youngest population, with 60 per cent of its people under the age of 25. With Nigeria’s great contribution to that figure, the NCC said it recognises this for the asset that it is and is dedicated to leverage the untapped potential of this demography while including the rest of the populace.

James Emejo in Abuja

L-R; Ag. MD/CEO, Coronation Merchant Bank, Paul Abiagam; Africa Regional Director, Financial Institutions, IFC, M. Aliou Maiga; Regional Vice President, Africa, IFC, Ethiopis Tafara; Chairman, Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; Managing Director, IFC, Makhtar Diop; Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC, Dr Dahlia Khalifa; Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele; and MD/CEO, Coronation Insurance Plc, Olamide Olajolo during a meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Coronation Group at the Africa Financial Industry Summit in Casablanca…. yesterday

PRESENTATION OF CAR TO THE WINNER OF VERVELIFE FITNESS...

UN: Despite $2 Trillion New Investments in Renewables, Overshooting 1.5°C Now Inevitable

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The United Nations (UN) has stated that despite the $2 trillion investments in renewable energy last year, overshooting the 1.5°c global temperature agreed by nations of the world now seems impossible.

Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, speaking at the Energy Transition Roundtable at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), in Belém, Brazil, called for people-centred investment in grids as well as end to fossil fuel subsidies.

The 1.5°C global temperature idea refers to a global warming limit that countries agreed to try to stay under, mostly to avoid the most dangerous and irreversible climate impacts. It

means limiting the increase in the earth’s average temperature to no more than 1.5°C above what it was before the Industrial Revolution (around the late 1800s). The world has already warmed by roughly about 1.2°C.

“Last year, 90 per cent of new power capacity came from renewables; global investment in clean energy reached $2 trillion — $800 billion more than fossil fuels; renewables are now the cheapest source of new electricity in nearly every country. They are powering prosperity and empowering communities long left in the dark.

“Every dollar invested in renewables creates three times more jobs than a dollar invested in fossil fuels — and clean energy jobs now outnumber fossil fuel jobs worldwide.

Angola, Nigeria Vote for Stronger Bilateral Relations

Angola and Nigeria have expressed readiness to strengthen their bilateral relations as well as be at the forefront of regional multilateral cooperation.

This was disclosed at the weekend at the Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Abuja.

The event with themed: “Pieces of Angola’s History Told by the Protagonists,” brought together diplomats, scholars, business leaders, and veterans to celebrate half a century of independence and friendship between Angola and Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to

strengthening relationships with Angola.

Tuggar, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director/ Head Southern African Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Nonyelum Afoekelu, said the 49 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Angola had witnessed tremendous achievements.

He added that: “There is no doubt that there is room for more collaboration in these new areas identified by both countries during the Joint Commission.

“I wish to reiterate Nigeria’s unrelenting commitment to deepening the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria-Angola for the mutual benefit of both countries.”

The renewables revolution is here. But we must go much faster — and ensure all nations share the benefits.

“At COP28, countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner; and to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. The mandate is clear — now we must close the delivery gap.

“And this, Excellencies, is where we are falling dangerously short. Even if new national commitments are fully implemented, the world is still heading for clearly

more than 2°C of warming. That means more floods, more heat, more suffering — everywhere. Scientists tell us that overshooting 1.5°C is now inevitable — starting, at the latest, in the early 2030s. But how high and how long that overshoot lasts depends on the speed and scale of our actions today,” the UN chief stated.

To return below 1.5°C by century’s end, he pointed out that global emissions must fall by almost half by 2030, reach net zero by 2050 and go net negative afterwards.

According to him, the first

thing to do is to provide clarity and coherence and align laws, policies and incentives with a just energy transition; and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies that distort markets and lock us into the past.

“Second, put people and equity at the centre of the transition; support workers and communities whose livelihoods still depend on coal, oil and gas; provide training, protection and new opportunities — especially for young people and women.

“Third, invest in grids, storage and efficiency. Renewables are surging, infrastructure must catch up

— fast. Fourth, meet all new electricity demand with clean power — including from the data centres driving the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Technology must be part of the solution, not a new source of strain,” he added.

Guterres stated that the fifth thing to do is to unlock finance at scale for developing countries, stressing that today, Africa receives 2 per cent of global clean energy investment and insisting that the world needs international cooperation to tear down barriers, cut the cost of capital and crowd in private investment.

Thugs Storm MOWAA Preview in Benin, Hold Foreign Dignitaries Hostage

EU, German, Danish envoys reportedly trapped as chaos disrupts high-profile cultural event Ministry condemns incident, vows to protect cultural institutions

Sunday Ehigiator

The preview opening of the highly anticipated Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City turned violent on Sunday, when armed thugs invaded the venue, disrupting proceedings and, reportedly, holding several foreign dignitaries hostage.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who claimed the museum “belonged to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II,” stormed the site with weapons, forcing the event, a private exhibition for investors, artists, and diplomats, to a premature halt.

A viral video circulating on the social media shows panicked guests, including foreign nationals, being evacuated by security agents amid visible chaos. According to multiple accounts, among those trapped were the ambassadors of the European Union, Germany,

and Denmark.

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy condemned the incident. The ministry, in a statement by Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, pledged the federal government’s commitment to continue to protect cultural institutions and safeguard the country’s cultural heritage.

One eyewitness described the moment as “utter pandemonium”, recounting how security personnel scrambled to protect the diplomats and contain the attackers.

Property was, reportedly, damaged during the invasion as the mob attempted to breach the secure area, where the dignitaries were gathered.

Museum officials and private guards later worked with armed police to escort the guests to safety.

The incident sparked outrage and raised questions over the state of security in Edo State, particularly concerning highprofile investment and cultural projects.

Sources within the diplomatic community said the EU, German, and Danish missions had since expressed deep concern for the safety of their nationals and demanded assurances from Nigerian authorities.

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy said it “received with deep concern reports of disturbance” at MOWAA, saying, “it is closely monitoring developments.”

The ministry insisted, in the statement, “Our cultural institutions are custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity and collective memory. They are spaces for learning, dialogue and reconciliation.

“The reported disruption at

MOWAA not only endangers a trusted cultural asset, but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic patrimony for future generations.” The statement said the presidency had been briefed on the matter and it was “receiving attention at the highest levels of government”.

The MOWAA project, long promoted as a beacon for African heritage and international collaboration, had been dogged by controversy over control and ownership disputes involving the Oba of Benin and private investors.

Earlier this year, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpeholo, during a courtesy visit by the Oba, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Benin’s cultural heritage.

L-R: Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Tokens and Inclusio), Interswitch, Chidi Oluaoha; Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele; Founder and GMD, Interswitch Group, Mitchell Elegbe; Winner of a brand new car, Chidera Success Nkem; Director of General Services, Carloha Chery, Ekpeyong Duke; Managing Director, Payment Tokens (Verve), Vincent Ogbunude; and Vice President, Issuing and Acquiring Management (Africa) Verve, Paul Ohakim presenting the brand new Chery Tiggo 2 car to the winner at the recently concluded Vervelife 8.0 fitness event in Lagos … yesterday

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT AND HAGGAI LOGISTICS...

NISO: Cost-reflective Electricity Tariff Must Be Gradual, Linked to Service Improvement

Advocates targeted, not blanket subsidies in power sector Power correspondents seek balanced pricing

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the government organisation that manages the national electricity grid, has maintained that the planned cost-reflective tariff pricing regime must be gradual and should be linked to service improvement by the operators.

In a keynote address at the 5th Annual Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PCAN) Conference in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NISO, Bello Mohammed, the grid manager also advocated targeted subsidies, rather than

the current almost blanket model being operated.

The programme was themed: “Cost Reflective Tariff vs Energy Poverty: Finding a Pricing Balance in the Nigerian Power Sector”, and was attended by key stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“Transitioning to a fully cost-reflective tariff should not be abrupt. It must be gradual, deliberate, and linked to visible service improvement.

Consumers are more willing to pay when they experience reliability and fairness. Servicebased tariffs, coupled with

Union Bank Secures N20.7bn Judgement Against Danium Energy, CEO Ogbor

A Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N20,732,299,999.21 in favour of Union Bank Plc against petroleum marketer Kehinde Elliot Ogbor and his company, Danium Energy Services Limited.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who delivered the judgment in Suit FHC/L/CS/1905/2023, also directed Union Bank to take exclusive possession of all properties belonging to Ogbor and Danium Energy that were pledged as collateral for the loan.

These include properties in Ikoyi, Banana Island, and Victoria Island, Lagos, as well as the company’s head office at Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island.

Union Bank approached the court seeking interpretation and enforcement of a Memorandum of Settlement

dated 6 March 2018 and a Consent Judgment of 25 April 2018, which the bank claimed were breached by Ogbor and Danium Energy.

The bank argued the settlement agreement along with personal guarantees executed by the defendants created valid contractual obligations and that the defendants’ failure to settle their debts had triggered the bank’s statutory power to foreclose on the pledged properties.

Union Bank also requested orders for police and security assistance to enforce possession if required.

The bank’s claim sought the immediate recovery of the outstanding debt, enforcement of the terms of the settlement, and authorization for foreclosure and sale of the properties used as collateral.

transparent communication and performance-linked adjustments, will foster this trust.

“Regulatory predictability is also crucial. Investors, operators, and consumers need certainty. A stable, transparent, and consultative tariff review process by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission (NERC) builds confidence and reduces the temptation for political interference,” Mohammed emphasised.

While the tariff framework provides a transparent methodology based on key variables such as exchange rate, inflation, and gas price, political and social

considerations, he pointed out, have often led to tariffs that remain below actual cost levels.

He pointed out that the result is a system that struggles to attract investment, sustain operations, and deliver the level of service that Nigerians rightly expect.

But beyond the economics, he said, lies a deeper issue of the enduring challenge of energy poverty, where millions of households in Nigeria still lack access to reliable electricity, explaining that energy poverty goes beyond lack of connection, but the inability to afford sufficient power for daily life and productive enterprise.

Oriental Energy, Partners Mark Sailaway of Emem FPSO in Dubai

Oriental Energy Resources (OERL) and its partners have marked the sailaway of the Emem Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) from Dry Docks World Dubai Shipyard.

A statement from OERL, said the Emem facility is the first fully funded and converted FPSO by a Nigerian indigenous company, positioning the company at the forefront of the nation's energy independence agenda.

According to the oil firm, the event drew distinguished attendees including: Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Governor of Borno State, Babanga Zulum; Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Umo Eno and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri.

Also in attendance was OERL Founder and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, Dr Muhammadu Indimi,

alongside key representatives from Drydocks World Dubai and strategic project partners.

The FPSO Emem has the capacity to process 40,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and will be the crude oil production, storage and export facility for the Okwok field development offshore Nigeria. It will complement OERL’s existing production facilities at the Ebok field.

The Emem FPSO, according to the statement, is due to sail from Dubai to the field in Q4 2025 where it will integrate with the already installed Well Head Platform (WHP) and five production wells.

First oil from the field is anticipated in Q1 2026 and will mark OERL’s first fully independently developed and delivered project following its decision to take on direct operating responsibility at its assets.

Speaking at the sailaway ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Lokpobiri praised

the commitment of OERL, highlighting the firm's innovative approach, and the potential of the facility to raise crude production.

“This event is not just the launch of a vessel; it is a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and a demonstration of the kind of bold, forward-looking investments we need to achieve our national goals.

“I would like to commend Oriental Energy Resources Limited for this landmark investment. Your commitment to sustainable operations, your innovative approach, and your unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential place you among the independent producers we are most proud to support. Investments like this not only expand production capacity but also demonstrate leadership in navigating a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

“With the commissioning of the EMEM FPSO, we are not just increasing barrels; we are also creating the revenue

streams required to fund Nigeria’s development agenda. This project underscores the link between strategic investment and national growth, showing that with vision, commitment, and collaboration, we can meet both our energy targets and our economic objectives,” he added.

Launching the FPSO during the ceremony, OERL Chairman, Indimi, recalled how the project started, describing the sailaway of the FPSO as a critical step to the development of the Okwok field.

“In 2022, we made the ambitious decision to develop the Okwok field entirely independently. The sailaway of the EMEM Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Facility is a critical milestone in the field development process.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Nigerian government, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, The Honourable Minister of

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu;

Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji; Managing Director/ CEO, HAGGAI LOGISTICS, Mr. Segun Amure and Director Operations, HAGGAI LOGISTICS, Mr. Olanrewaju Pedro, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State Government and HAGGAI LOGISTICS, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State over the weekend

INDOMIE ANNUAL TEACHER’S SEMINAR...

NIBSS Executes First Transaction on National Payment Stack

Marks landmark moment in Nigeria’s fintech evolution

New infrastructure delivers instant payments, seamless integration, cross-border capability

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has achieved a major milestone in the country's financial technology landscape with the successful execution of the first live transaction on the National Payment Stack (NPS), the next-generation infrastructure designed to unify and modernise Nigeria’s electronic payment ecosystem.

The transaction, completed at 11:56am on November 7, between PalmPay and Wema Bank, marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s digital payments industry.

Processed in milliseconds with instant settlement, it demonstrated the speed, scalability, and reliability of the NPS new engine powering seamless, secure, and inclusive financial transactions nationwide.

NIBSS, in a statement, said built on the ISO 20022 international messaging standard, the system aligned with the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enhance data quality, regulatory transparency, and global compatibility.

The upgrade also laid the foundation for Nigeria’s emerging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a critical driver of the country’s digital

economy, the statement said. With advanced architecture, NPS enables instant and reliable payment processing, seamless integration across banks and fintechs, enhanced data protection through digital signatures and multi-layer authentication, as well as cross-border capability for regional and international transactions.

It also opens new opportunities for innovation,

FRSC: Bauchi Recorded 283 Road Crashes with 152 Killed, 1,402 Injured in 2024

Reiterates safety, security of special marshals during operations desirable, imperative

The Zonal Commanding Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Zone 12, covering Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states, Yakubu Mohammed, has lamented the high death rates linked to road crashes calling on special marshals for more helping hands.

This was as the

management of the FRSC reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of its special marshals during operations is not just desirable, but is imperative.

Disclosing this during the Special Marshals 2025 Sectoral Workshop with the Theme: “Enhancing Security and Safety Strategies for Special Marshals Operations”, held at the Banquet Hall of the

Government House, Bauchi on Saturday, the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), Education, Standardization, and Documentation Sector as well as Special Duties and External Relations (ESDER), DCM Pauline Olaye, said that "No one can effectively advocate for safety if they themselves operate in unsafe conditions."

Represented by the Zonal

Commanding Officer (ZCO) Rs12 headquarters, Bauchi, ACM Mohammed Yakubu, she stated that, "In recent times, our operational environment has become increasingly complex. We face challenges ranging from insecurity on the highways, public apathy, and misinformation, to the rising risks associated with road traffic management."

Fed Ministry of Women Affairs, Intelligent Innovations Launch Platform to Empower 10m Women

Mary Nnah

allowing financial institutions to develop cutting-edge digital products and services.

Speaking during media rounds at the NPS launch in June 2025, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, emphasised, “The National Payment Stack is a key milestone in our collective journey to simplify payments, foster inclusion, and position

Nigeria at the forefront of digital transformation across Africa.”

Oiwoh extended special recognition to PalmPay and Wema Bank for being the trailblazers of the achievement and to all participating financial institutions and partners for their continued collaboration and shared commitment in realizing this vision.

St. Gregory’s Alumni Showcases Lifelong Support for Sick, Bereaved Members

Wale Igbintade

The St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association has reaffirmed its role as a lifelong support system for its members, using this year’s All Souls Day commemoration to underscore the alumni body’s enduring commitment to honouring the departed, supporting their families, and preserving the Catholic values that define the school’s identity.

Francis Oluwole Kudayah, said the event represents more than an annual ritual of remembrance.

According to him, it is a reflection of the values that bind St. Gregory’s Old Boys together and a reminder of the association’s responsibility to those who once walked the college halls.

“What we do here is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of values.

“Remembrance is an act of love and respect. It shows that the legacies of our past members continue to live through us,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with Intelligent Innovations, has officially launched the Happy Woman Platform, a groundbreaking national initiative designed to empower 10 million Nigerian women to achieve financial independence and sustainable growth, regardless of their background or economic segment.

The Happy Woman Platform serves as a central digital ecosystem that aggregates opportunities for Nigerian women, from micro

and small business owners to young professionals and creatives, giving them access to financing, skills development, digital tools, mentorship, and community support.

Through the Happy Woman Platform, women across Nigeria will be able to access financing and business

growth tools, including loans and business funding to scale their ventures.

They will also have access to capacity development programs, including training, mentorship, and skill-building programs to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

Held at the college chapel in Ikoyi, Lagos, the solemn ceremony drew alumni across multiple generations, alongside families of deceased members and the wider school community.

The gathering, rooted in deep Catholic tradition, served both as a memorial and a reaffirmation of the brotherhood that continues long after graduation.

In his address, the association’s president, Mr.

A roll call of deceased Old Boys was read aloud, their names documented in the association’s remembrance brochure.

Hymns, prayers, and candle lighting created an atmosphere of reflection, symbolising the unbroken chain of faith and fellowship linking generations of Gregory’s men.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

L–R: Chief Operating Officer, Nedwig Consult, Gloria Udanana; General Manager, Corporate Communications and Events, Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju; Director of Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Onatoye-Buraimoh Olusanu; Department of Science Education and Curriculum Studies, University of Lagos, Prof. Sunday Adeyemo; and National Manager, Indomie Fan Club, Faith Joshua at the 16th Annual Indomie Teachers’ Seminar held at the University of Lagos …weekend

2025 REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA CONFERENCE...

Agbakoba Unveils Blueprint for Unlocking N1.5 Quadrillion Economy

Urges Tinubu govt’ to back Naira with real assets Calls for nationwide land titling, credit expansion, mechanised agriculture to stabilise currency Says reforms can transform Nigeria into a globally competitive economy within 10 to 15 years

Sunday Ehigiator and Wale Igbintade

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has urged the federal government to embark on bold structural reforms capable of building a N1.5 quadrillion economy

and stabilizing the naira within the next decade and a half.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, Agbakoba commended the Tinubu administration’s efforts to restore macroeconomic stability but cautioned that persistent exchange rate

volatility remains Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.

He argued that the naira’s weakness stems from the absence of strong “economic fundamentals,” stressing that unless tangible value is created to back the currency, volatility will persist.

Agbakoba proposed three transformative reforms - land

and real estate titling, credit economy expansion, and agricultural mechanizationwhich, he said, could unlock over N1.5 quadrillion in dormant economic value and fundamentally restructure the Nigerian economy.

Citing studies by the World Bank, PwC, and his firm, Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL),

Delta Govt: Oborevwori’s Defection to APC Yielding Progress, Dividends from Presidency

Party-switching necessary adjustment to the changing political climate

Sunday Ehigiator

The Delta State Government has said the reasons behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is yielding dividends in the state.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said this at the weekend

during a television interview, describing the defection as a “necessary adjustment to the changing political climate.”

The commissioner said the governor’s decision to leave the PDP earlier this year was strategic and rooted in a “clear understanding of where the state’s interests would be better served.”

“We noticed a change in the taste of the palm wine, and it became necessary to adjust our drinking pattern,”

Aniagwu said metaphorically.

“That was what we did, taking a look at what was happening in the PDP. From what we have seen since that time, our governor saw tomorrow.”

The commissioner added that since the governor joined the APC in April, Delta State had received greater attention and support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Even while we were in

the PDP, there was love,” Aniagwu said. “But becoming a member of the same family has brought a whole new level of partnership and progress. Politics, after all, is local and if this new political alignment benefits our people, it is the right step.”

Aniagwu addressed reports of internal tension within the APC in Delta State following the governor’s entry into the party.

Adamawa AGILE Initiative Records Milestone Progress Across Key Components

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) have recorded significant progress across its various components aimed at promoting girl child education and empowerment

in the state.

Speaking at 2nd Phase Media Round Table held in the state by AGILE, the Commissioner of Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Umar Garba Pella, said the initiative which is being implemented across the state has achieved notable milestones in creating safe and accessible learning spaces,

improving schools, promoting social norms change, and providing life skills, digital skills, and alternative education opportunities for girls.

Pella said the initiative has completed site-specific prototype climate-smart designs for the first batch of 32 schools.

This is expected to provide a conducive learning environment for girls in these

schools. Additionally, a total of 773 Schools Improvement Plans (SIP) have been approved for implementation, while 121 SIP approvals are pending.

The Commissioner further explained the initiative has made strides in promoting social norms change and providing life skills, digital skills, and alternative education opportunities for girls.

he observed that about 90 percent of land and real estate in Nigeria have defective or no titles, a situation that traps immense wealth as “dead capital.”

He referenced Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto’s work, The Mystery of Capital, which shows how formal property rights can turn untapped assets into productive capital in developing economies.

“Property titling reform transforms dead capital into legally recognized assets,” Agbakoba said. “Owners can then use land or homes

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has accused the federal government of misapplying the legal concept of No Work, No Pay which is intended to serve as a last resort in the process of resolution of industrial dispute.

It said that government's frequent threat to withhold salaries of striking workers is not only unjust but contrary to the principles of equity upon which industrial relations are built.

General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi who expressed the position of the university workers, in a statement on Sunday warned that sustainable industrial harmony cannot be achieved through coercion.

Rather, Adeyemi said that industrial peace can only thrive on the basis of mutual trust,

as collateral to access credit, releasing equity locked in real estate and injecting liquidity into the financial system.”

He noted that the federal government’s ongoing National Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme provides a solid foundation for reform but urged its acceleration and integration across federal and state levels.

By digitizing land records and harmonizing property laws, he said, Nigeria could “create an instant credit market worth potentially thousands of times our GDP.”

respect, and compliance with both national and international labour standards.

Against the background of recent threat by the federal government to invoke the principle of No Work No Pay on striking workers, Adeyemi said that, "time has come for Nigeria to rise above intimidation and hypocrisy, and to embrace the principles of fairness, justice, and collective dialogue as the foundation of a truly democratic labour relations system".

He said over the years, the phrase “No Work, No Pay” has become a recurring instrument of intimidation in the hands of government officials in Nigeria.

"Whenever trade unions contemplate lawful industrial action, federal authorities are quick to brandish the so-called clause in Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act (Cap. T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004).

L-R: The Chief Executive Officer, Venco Africa, Chude Osiegbu; President, Nigeria PropTech Association, Dr Roland Igbinoba; Managing Director, Haven Homes Nigeria, Ufuoma Ilesanmi; and Head, Technical Management, UPDC FM Ltd, Chijioke Akanno, at a panel session on ‘The Digital Future of African Communities’, during the 2025 Real Estate Management in Africa Conference (REMA), held in Lagos...recently

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

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Anambra: Soludo’s Rough Road to Re-election as Gov

David-Chyddy Eleke examines the campaign strategy of anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, how he fared in the last three and half years as governor, and concludes that his for re-election was well deserved.

The Anambra state off-season governorship election has come and gone. This is not only so, the election proved to be one of the easiest in the history of governorship election conducted in the state, with many having already predicted a Soludo victory, long before the election took place.

The State Governorship Election commenced with preparation close to two years ago with mounting opposition, first from late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and later other opposition politicians who consistently mouthed the same thing “remove Soludo”.

Despite efforts that were glowingly applauded by prominent individuals and lowly persons alike, opposition politicians remained resolute about the desire to remove Soludo, using even things as serious as tragedies as campaign tools for his removal.

It was not also a rosy period for Soludo as the insecurity that had plagued the state left it in the news for the wrong reason at every short interval.

For example, while Soludo was engaging ground breaking projects - construction of roads in places across the state where none was previously seen, reviving existing primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, reintroducing pipe borne water in the state, but careless incidences like killing of an indigene of the state by renegades, or the brutalization of residents by local security or even altercation by tax collectors with an individual is escalated to discredit the governor.

Unlucky for Soludo, his coming as governor was at a time when criminals masquerading as freedom fighters had used the sympathy of marginalization to garner support for themselves, wrecking havoc in parts of the state, and annexing places to themselves. Knowing that the activities of the hoodlums were putting a dent on his works in the state, early this year, Soludo launched the new Anambra Homeland Security Law, and followed it up with the creation of both Agunechemba and a joint military operation, Udogachi. It could be said that the governor knows exactly when to strike and how to do so. Despite the fact that activities of criminals posing as separatists predated his tenure, he solved it once and for all and rescued several communities from the jaws of killers - all these to the admiration of many Anambra people, yet this didn’t satisfy his opponents. Every unfortunate incident was escalated and made a national issue, but lucky for the governor, Anambra people were steadfast with him, having seen the difference between what he can do and what other have ever done.

Though his major challenger, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah later died, others never gave up as they frequently described him as a one term governor. But Soludo remained focused, continued to work, insisting that“Mine is an agenda with a deadline. I bided for the job and Anambra people hired me. Only them can renew my employment”, he always said. Soludo constituted his campaign, combining it with work in the office, insisting that his job should never suffer because he was seeking re-election.

A total of 15 candidates from diverse parties, faith, zonal background challenged Soludo during the election, but he kept faith, joggling work and campaign. Soludo remained the only candidate that visited all the 179 communities of the state for campaigns. What was even more intriguing was that for every community he visited, the indigenes were quick to applaud him, including reeling out landmark projects he did for them. Soludo’s acceptance became glaring when communities began making donations to him to fund his election. Every community he visited donated in several tens

of millions to fund his re-election, citing his capability to govern. This was unlike what was usually obtainable, where communities wait for candidates to dole out cash to them as a way of buying their support.

As expected, in last Saturday’s election, Anambra people spoke in a loud echo, affirming their choice of Soludo. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while declaring the result of the election was emphatic. Declaring the final results of the election, the state collation officer, Professor Edoba B. Omoregie (SAN), who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin announced the total tally for the election. He said: “Total registered voters in the state is 2,788,864, total accredited voters for the election which held on Saturday is 598,229.”

Omoregie announced that the APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo scored 422,664 as the highest scorer in the election. Three of his challengers, Ukachukwu of APC scored 99,445, Paul Chukwuma of YPP 37,753, Moghalu of LP 10,576 and Nwosu of ADC 8,208 came a distance behind, as Soludo’s score

constituted 73 percent of the entire vote cast. Omoregie after computing the results said 10,481 total voters were affected in areas where there were skirmishes, but stated that the figures were added up and found not to be up to the number of votes between the leading candidate and the runner up, declaring that margin did not affect the winner.

Declaring Soludo re-elected, Omoregie said: “I hereby certify that I’m the returning officer of the election, I also certify that the election was contested and a winner emerged. I declare that Soludo Charles Chukwuma having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared elected. I must add that the winner scored the required votes in two third of the local government. There are 21 local government areas in the state, and the candidate scored two third in all the local government areas.”

The election is already a forgone conclusion as Soludo has accepted his victory and extended a hand of fellowship to other candidates who contested against him in the Saturday’s election. The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu as a democrat for allowing the will of the people to prevail. He also mourned one of his supporters, a councillor who was shot dead shortly after

Despite efforts that were glowingly applauded by prominent individuals and lowly persons alike, opposition politicians remained resolute about the desire to remove Soludo, using even things as serious as tragedies as campaign tools for his removal. It was not also a rosy period for Soludo as the insecurity that had plagued the state left it in the news for the wrong reason at every short interval.

voting in a border town of Owerre Ezukala. The governor who addressed journalists at his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area said: “This is a moment to say congratulations to Anambra People. Four years ago we were elected with 112,000 votes, but this time you spoke loudly with 73 percent of the entire votes. This is a show of solidarity and a very emphatic statement. Out of 326 wards, we lost only six wards, and we won the entire 21 local government and that is very emphatic statement. We are in partnership with people at all levels in the state and we are marching on to gear four. We are in gear three as it were and we are moving to gear four. Thanks to Anambra people for renewing our employment. We thank Mr President, he has proven to be a very good democrat. I thank the new INEC chairman. It was his first outing and as the saying goes you don’t get second chance to make first impression, and you have proven that with this election. Every election year is getting better and better in Anambra.

“Except for few cases, I think the election was very free, fair and credible. I thank the ICT section of INEC, as at last night, they had uploaded up to 99 percent of the results and we already knew where the election was going. To my brothers (fellow contestants) I say, we were 16, and obviously only one person will win. We have had fun, we have fought but we will still meet at functions at weekends and share drink the Anambra way. I extend a hand of leadership to you and we will work together to make Anambra better. For me, we will work for Anambra people and no minute is lost. Ours is an assignment with a deadline.”

Many have described Soludo’s victory as deserving, saying both in his first term and in his campaign, he did well to merit the victory. National chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa said: “This victory is quite deserving. The governor worked hard for it, visiting every community and canvassing for votes. It did not come to us as a surprise,” he said.

Soludo

FEaturEs Anambra Election and Lessons of Protecting Democracy, Integrity of the Ballot

For a state supposedly marked by insecurity, the just held November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election offered a masterclass in the orchestration of a largely peaceful and credible electoral process. Although it was not without cases of vote buying, however, from pre-election peace accord and intensive security planning by the Nigeria Police Force and meticulous preparation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that for the 2.8 million registered voters, the election became not just a democratic exercise, but a lesson in protecting the integrity of the ballot

The November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election drew over 2.8 million registered voters to the polls in what was widely regarded as a high-stakes off-cycle election. The exercise was closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s electoral institutions, with INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies implementing robust measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible voting process.

Pre-election Build-up and Peace Accord

In the days leading up to the Anambra governorship election, tension and anticipation ran high. With the state’s political landscape often charged and its security history mixed, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force left nothing to chance.

Political parties and candidates had earlier signed a peace accord under the supervision of security agencies, committing to non-violence before, during, and after the polls.

The peace accord, backed by several stakeholder meetings, was a vital part of the election engagement rules, underscoring the collective determination to ensure a credible process.

Police Preparation and Security Architecture

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had also directed a special security architecture to neutralise potential flashpoints and guarantee safety across all 21 local government areas.

Thus, in line with the directive, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the election, Benjamin Okolo, led the election whilst activating the air, marine, and tactical units. According to DIG Okolo, these operations were crucial in maintaining calm ahead of the polls.

As election day approached, security coordination in Anambra reached an impressive scale. Checkpoints dotted the highways; armoured personnel carriers were stationed in major towns, and tactical units were visible in strategic locations. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had laid the groundwork through community-policing engagements and intelligence gathering.

Ahead of the Anambra governorship election, the groundwork laid by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, proved pivotal in stabilising areas historically prone to electoral unrest.

Recognising the potential for disruption in flashpoints such as Ihiala, Ogbaru, Onitsha, and parts of Aguata, CP Orutugu initiated a comprehensive security and community engagement strategy well before the polls.

The strategy combined visible policing, stakeholder consultations, and pre-election reconnaissance. Police personnel were deployed to sensitive communities to engage with local leaders, youth groups, and traditional authorities, fostering trust and ensuring that any potential threat to peace was identified and neutralised in advance.

In Ihiala, a known hotspot for IPOB-related activity, CP Orutugu’s team conducted clearance operations and liaised closely with community stakeholders to mitigate tensions.

The Commissioner also intensified public awareness campaigns in Ogbaru and Onitsha, emphasising law enforcement neutrality and the consequences of election-related violence.

By election day, CP Orutugu’s groundwork had established a strong operational framework. Checkpoints were strategically positioned, and patrols were intensified in high-risk areas. Coupled with air surveillance by the Police Air Wing and support from other security agencies, these measures ensured that voters could exercise their franchise without fear.

How INEC Lived up to Billing

Before the polls, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan promised that the Anambra governorship election would be free, fair, and conducted according to global best practices, with over 2.8 million registered voters able to participate.

He also assured full preparedness, including tested BVAS machines, secured transport and riverine arrangements, and a strict enforcement of the peace accord and zero tolerance for malpractice or vote buying.

INEC’s preparation was equally methodical as the Commission had spent weeks training ad-hoc staff and fine-tuning the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to reduce delays and irregularities.

Thus on election day, logistics and personnel deployment were concluded on schedule, and the BVAS worked well, just the commission repeatedly emphasised its neutrality and readiness to deliver a credible election.

How Police Secured Security Flashpoints

On election day, the heavy but orderly presence of security personnel defined the atmosphere. Across Onitsha North and South, Ogbaru, Ekwulobia, Agulu,

Uga, and other previously volatile communities, security was visibly tight.

Patrol vehicles lined major streets, while canine and equestrian units monitored polling areas.

DIG Okolo, who was deployed to oversee security on behalf of the IGP, described the election as “largely peaceful and orderly.” He praised the professionalism of officers and the effectiveness of the security plan in neutralising potential threats.

“We had security phases covering movement of materials, voting, and collation. Every phase was monitored closely, and the result is what you see, a calm and secure process,” he told THISDAY.

“The arrangements put in place under the guidance of the IGP have been excellent. His directives ensured that all agencies performed effectively, and this contributed immensely to the peace we are witnessing,” he added.

He revealed that security coverage was planned in phases — from the movement of election materials and personnel to polling units, through voting, and finally to collation centres.

“The architecture will remain until the IGP orders a stand-down,” he added.

The police also deployed canine and equestrian units, armoured vehicles, and checkpoints at strategic points. As a result, there were no major incidents of violence or ballot disruption reported across the state.

Peaceful and Seamless Process

From early morning, voters trickled into polling centres in Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, and rural areas. INEC officials arrived promptly, accreditation began on time, and BVAS functioned smoothly in most locations. Pregnant women, the elderly, and physically challenged voters were given priority.

By mid-morning, accreditation and

voting were proceeding side by side. The atmosphere was calm; police officers maintained visible but non-intrusive presence. Commercial activities continued in some parts of Awka, reflecting a sense of normalcy.

Voters expressed satisfaction with the process. One woman at Amawbia Primary School polling unit said, “The process was seamless. Everything went well; we voted peacefully.” Another voter, Tochukwu, said, “The police were neutral. The environment was peaceful, and BVAS worked fine.”

At polling units across Awka, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, voters expressed satisfaction with the process. The BVAS machines functioned seamlessly, drastically reducing queues. Elderly citizens and pregnant women were given priority, and the mood was largely relaxed.

Some voters acknowledged isolated attempts at vote buying but said those who refused inducements were still allowed to vote freely. “People came out early, and the security presence gave confidence. Even when rumours of money sharing spread, most ignored it,” one voter at Ezinifite said.

Commercial activities resumed gradually in the afternoon, but security personnel remained stationed at collation centres well into the night.

How Police Air Wing Secured Airspace

By the eve of the election, the Nigeria Police Force had intensified its presence across Anambra. Aerial surveillance helicopters patrolled the skies, while ground forces fanned out to potential flashpoints.

On the day of the election, the Commissioner of Police Martins Nwogo, who led the tactical operations across the state, said the deployment was “comprehensive and intelligence-driven.”

He explained that the Police Air Wing had been monitoring movement patterns and detecting suspicious gatherings. “We are combing all nooks and crannies from the air with a fine-tooth comb to guarantee a hitch-free exercise,” he said.

NOTE: Story continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Governor Chukwuma Soludo

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan

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To reverse Trump’s aggression, Nigeria must understand its leverage, writes NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

NIGERIA, DONALD TRUMP AND DIPLOMACY

When history records the moments that define Africa’s international standing in the 21st century, Nigeria’s relationship with the United States under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency may prove decisive. The defeat or humiliation of Nigeria by President Trump will spell doom for Africa. For decades, Nigeria has been the continent’s moral and diplomatic compass—a voice of leadership in peacekeeping, regional integration, and multilateral engagement. Any open confrontation with Washington, if mishandled, risks eroding not only Nigeria’s influence but also Africa’s collective dignity and leverage on the global stage.

Trump’s aggressive posturing toward African nations, his transactional foreign policy, and his record of disparaging comments about the continent are not new. What is new, however, is the scale of the challenge Nigeria faces in a world order increasingly shaped by nationalism and self-interest. Trump has already humiliated the Presidents of South Africa and Senegal through dismissive remarks and policy snubs, effectively reducing their diplomatic influence in Washington. Nigeria must ensure it does not suffer the same fate.

Since independence, Africa has been the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. From its pivotal role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa to leading peace missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Nigeria has positioned itself as the “Big Brother” of Africa—using diplomacy, resources, and moral authority to advance African unity. This philosophy, however, must now evolve to address new realities.

The world is witnessing a reawakening of “America First” politics under Trump. In this context, Nigeria must recalibrate its diplomatic approach—not through confrontation, but through strategic engagement. The objective is not to appease Trump, but to protect Nigeria’s national interest, safeguard Africa’s image, and maintain access to vital partnerships in trade, technology, and security.

To diplomatically reverse Trump’s aggression, Nigeria must first understand its leverage. The United States relies on Nigeria in several key areas: counterterrorism cooperation against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, economic partnerships in the oil and tech sectors, and the influence Nigeria wields as Africa’s largest democracy. These are powerful tools—if used wisely.

Confronting Trump publicly would be counterproductive. Nigeria should instead use quiet diplomacy—leveraging back channels, special envoys, and trusted intermediaries within the U.S. State

Congress, and think tanks. Washington listens to reasoned persuasion from partners who demonstrate stability and pragmatism.

Engaging the Diaspora and NigerianAmericans in Politics: A sizeable number of Nigerians are now making significant impacts in U.S. politics as elected officials, policy advisers, and public administrators. From city councils to state legislatures and federal appointments, these individuals are an untapped resource. The Nigerian government must cultivate stronger ties with this diaspora network to influence policy debates in Washington and counter negative narratives. Their voices carry weight in both the Republican and Democratic establishments.

Economic Diplomacy and Mutual Interest: Trump’s worldview is transactional. Nigeria must present cooperation in terms that appeal to his administration’s priorities: investment opportunities, job creation, and energy security. A well-crafted economic diplomacy strategy—emphasizing American investments in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and digital sectors—can reframe the relationship from charity to mutual benefit. When American companies see profit in Nigeria, Trump will see value in partnership.

Leveraging Multilateral Platforms: Nigeria should rally support within the African Union and United Nations to resist unilateral bullying. However, it must do so with subtlety, avoiding direct confrontation that could isolate it. Instead, Nigeria can lead African consensus on trade, climate, and migration, demonstrating its indispensability as a regional stabilizer.

Public Diplomacy and Image Management: Nigeria must proactively manage its image in the U.S. through media engagement, cultural diplomacy, and thought leadership. A robust communication strategy highlighting Nigeria’s contributions to global peace, technology, and innovation can help counter Trump’s dismissive narratives

about Africa. Public perception in America shapes policy more than many realize.

Lessons from the Humiliation of Other African Leaders: When Trump openly insulted or sidelined certain African presidents, it was partly because their governments failed to anticipate his style— blunt, theatrical, and unapologetically nationalistic. South Africa and Senegal learned the hard way that traditional diplomatic courtesies mean little to a leader driven by optics and personal ego. Nigeria must study this pattern carefully. The way to avoid humiliation is to anticipate provocation and respond with dignity and restraint, never emotion.

Nigeria’s strength lies in its moral authority and population power. With over 200 million citizens and a diaspora exceeding five million globally, Nigeria is too strategic to be ignored or bullied. The key is to communicate that strength intelligently. A calm but confident diplomatic tone—rooted in shared interests, not moral pleading—will earn respect where anger would invite contempt.

Building Alliances Beyond Trump: While managing Trump directly, Nigeria must also engage with broader American institutions—the U.S. Congress, business community, and civil society—many of whom may disagree with Trump’s approach. Bipartisan lobbying and cultural exchange programs can ensure that Nigeria’s image remains positive regardless of the occupant of the White House.

Moreover, deepening ties with China, the European Union, and emerging powers like India should not be viewed as anti-American, but as part of Nigeria’s diversification strategy. Balanced diplomacy ensures Nigeria retains leverage and is never seen as desperate for American validation.

Donald Trump’s aggression toward Nigeria or Africa is not personal—it is ideological. His worldview values strength and self-interest above all else. Nigeria must, therefore, respond not with protest but with purpose. Diplomatic skill, economic pragmatism, and strategic alliances will be the instruments of reversal.

If Nigeria allows itself to be humiliated by Trump, Africa’s collective confidence will suffer a generational setback. But if Nigeria responds with wisdom, firmness, and quiet strength, it will reaffirm its place as the voice of African dignity and resilience on the global stage.

Okon-ekong is a Journalist

Department,

The proposed capital gains tax is sending the wrong signals to investors, argues SOLA ONI

CAPITAL GAINS TAX AND THE BATTLE FOR INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

Nigeria’s capital market is on edge. A single policy proposal, the proposed hike of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to 30 percent, has sent ripples of uncertainty across trading floors and investor circles. As a concerned stakeholder in the market, I feel compelled to address the implications of this proposal and the urgent need to safeguard investor confidence.

The question on everyone’s lips is simple yet urgent: why punish investors at a time when the world is rolling out the welcome mat? Globally, markets are moving in the opposite direction. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has abolished CGT entirely, Switzerland’s SIX Swiss Exchange exempts private investors, and in Africa, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) scrapped CGT on listed securities back in 2016. While other exchanges are dismantling barriers to attract capital, Nigeria risks signaling caution, or worse, hostility to the very investors it needs to drive growth.

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee deserves credit for pursuing landmark reforms aimed at promoting fairness and easing the tax burden on low-income earners. Yet, its stance on the proposed Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is sending the wrong signals to investors. Despite your assurances, Mr. Oyedele, during recent engagements that stakeholders’ concerns will be addressed, anxiety still hangs over the market. Analysts point to the persistent bearish trend on the NGX as evidence of gradual divestments by both foreign and local investors, a quiet but telling “flight to safety.”

To understand the depth of this anxiety, one must look beyond the numbers. Nigeria’s capital market has endured years of volatility, low liquidity, currency pressure, and inconsistent regulation. In this fragile context, a steep tax hike on capital gains feels less like reform and more like a penalty for participation. Investors are not merely concerned about the rate itself; they are unsettled by what it signals, a perception that fiscal policy may be unpredictable, reactive, and unsympathetic to market realities.

Globally, investors respond to fiscal cues. Sudden or poorly communicated policy shifts are interpreted as instability. In Nigeria, where foreign portfolio investments provide crucial liquidity and support for the naira, even the perception of unpredictability can trigger capital flight. What begins as market caution can quickly become a liquidity crunch, a scenario the NGX can ill afford at this stage of recovery.

The government’s drive to expand the tax base and boost non-oil revenue is understandable. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in Africa, and fiscal pressures have intensified amid rising public debt and subsidy reforms. However, revenue mobilization must not undermine the very markets that serve as engines of capital formation. An abrupt 30 percent CGT could dampen trading activity, discourage portfolio inflows, and reduce appetite for long-term investments, shrinking market participation just when policymakers are striving to deepen it.

When investors lose confidence, the effects ripple far beyond stock prices. Corporate fundraising becomes more challenging, pension funds face reduced returns, and the broader perception of Nigeria’s economic stability suffers. Investor confidence is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for a thriving market and sustainable economic growth.

Timing is critical. Introducing such a policy amid high inflation, currency volatility, and sluggish growth would amplify existing weaknesses. Rather than rushing toward an aggressive tax measure, a phased, consultative approach that prioritizes market confidence is essential. A practical step would be a tiered or progressive tax structure, taxing short-term speculative gains more heavily than long-term investments. This approach rewards patient capital investors who contribute to market depth and stability while still allowing the government to collect fair revenue from short-term trading profits.

Equally important is clear communication and legislative certainty. Investors do not fear taxation as much as unpredictability. Policies that emerge suddenly, without transparent debate or timelines, create panic. Structured dialogue with capital market operators, fund managers, and the investing public would restore calm and demonstrate that reform is being pursued thoughtfully.

Nigeria is at a critical crossroads. The current administration has taken bold steps to unify exchange rates, remove fuel subsidies, and attract foreign investment. These have potential to reshape the macroeconomic landscape. Yet, such progress can be undone if fiscal policy erodes trust in the financial system. The capital market thrives on stability, consistency, and predictability, three qualities every investor values above tax concessions. Ultimately, it is not just about raising revenue; it is about building confidence. Every policy signal carries weight. A well-calibrated, investor-sensitive tax policy can coexist with fiscal responsibility, but only if crafted through engagement, foresight, and realism.

Mr. Oyedele, the proposed capital gains tax hike may promise short-term fiscal gains, but the long-term cost to investor confidence and market stability could far outweigh the benefits. In a climate where capital is mobile and investment competition is global, Nigeria’s most valuable currency is trust and it must be protected.

Oni

an Integrated Communications Strategist, Chartered Stockbroker, Commodities Broker and Capital Market Registrar, is the Chief Executive Officer, SofunixInvestment and Communications

JOHN BARIKA IDAMKUE urges government to do more to mitigate the harm and injustice in Ogoni land

THE OGONI NINE: 30 YEARS ON

The ideas Ken Saro-Wiwa espoused in the iconic Ogoni Bill of Rights have stood the test of time. Global discussions about climate change echoes the foresight of Saro-Wiwa and the heroic struggle of the Ogoni people regarding environmental protection. Some 30 years after the unjust hanging of the OGONI 9 by the General Sani Abacha military government, Ogoni land remains a blighted land.

Saro-Wiwa formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in 1990 and launched a peaceful and nonviolent struggle for self-determination and political autonomy, a fair share in the economic resources in their land, representation in national institutions, and environmental protection for his minority Ogoni. A prolific writer with tremendous gifts, Saro-Wiwa was a patriot who stood with Nigeria during the civil war and served at great personal risk as the Administrator of the oil port of Bonny, Rivers State. He put his incredible talents, writing skills, and financial resources to the use of the community. It is indeed a regrettable irony of fate that General Abacha who ordered the brutal hanging of Saro-Wiwa and his comrades was a neighbor of the environmental activist on Nzimiro Street in Port Harcourt as a young officer in the Nigerian Army at the end of the civil war while those that cheered Abacha in 1995 were former supporters of the Biafran secession.

Saro-Wiwa provided inspiring and aspirational leadership to set the pace for environmental consciousness in the Niger Delta and secured the trust of young graduates like myself, Oliver Orage, and Goddy Nwikpo who founded the Committee for Ogoni Autonomy, the nucleus activist group in MOSOP, that later was renamed the National Youth Council of the Ogoni People (NYCOP).

The organization recruited thousands of Ogoni youth and trained them in community participation, volunteerism, selfless service, self-help projects, and non-violence advocacy. John Kpuinen and Dr. Barinem Kiobel were among this group of young Ogoni that bought into the Saro-Wiwa vision for Ogoni.

Policy initiatives like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), the change of derivation principle of revenue sharing for oil-producing states from 3% to 13%, United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Report, and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 are primarily attributable to the sweat and struggle of the Ogoni people and supported by the citizens of the Niger Delta.

We would not forget the suffering, hardship, environmental pollution, and human rights violations visited upon the Ogoni people by successive Nigerian government and transnational oil companies as documented by the United

Nations Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, Justice Oputa Panel, UNEP Report, Major Paul Taiwo Panel Report, and other reports by Civil Liberties Organization, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and PEN-WEST USA. Besides the OGONI 4 and OGONI 9, more than 4000 other Ogoni victims perished in the course of the struggle particularly during the sponsored raids from Andoni territory, killings of Ogoni traders traveling from Cameroon, killing of Ogoni people at the Port Harcourt waterfronts, and the destruction of several villages in the Ban Ogoni Special Area by the Internal Security Task Force.

In the wake of the unfortunate killing of the OGONI 4, and after the hanging of the Ogoni 9, Col. Dauda Komo deployed hundreds of troops and the Internal Security Task Force who rampaged and terrorized our people, raped the women, and engaged in cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of our people. No one has been held accountable for the crimes committed against the Ogoni people. The Ogoni struggle elevated the pro-democracy struggle against the dictatorship of General Abacha in Nigeria. The Ogoni struggle was the rallying point of the pro-democracy movement especially in the diaspora as President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged in multiple public pronouncements.

I call on President Bola Tinubu to wipe the tears of the Ogoni people and end the bloodshed in the Niger Delta. Tinubu’s Ogoni Dialogue Committee flippancy with confidence building measures must begin with mitigation of the harm and injustice done to the victims of military repression in Ogoni. Tinubu should right the wrongs done to our people. The traumatic impacts of state violence on our people have festered for 30 years. Mitigation measures must include, but not limited to, psychological evaluation and counselling of the victims, rebuilding the homes and villages that were destroyed by the military, compensating and restoring those who lost their livelihood, and environmental remediation of pollution sites.

Dr Idamkue writes from Port Harcourt

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

GOVERNORS AND UNVIABLE AIRPORTS

Many of the airports springing out in the states are cost centres we can ill-afford

Building airports is capital intensive and so is their maintenance. A functional airport needs permanent technical and administrative personnel who must work to sustain the cost of their existence, even if they are not generating money. But it appears that the priority project for almost every governor is to build an airport in their state. Against the background that only three airports account for more than 90 per cent of all passenger journeys across the country, according to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), we fail to understand the motivation for this obsession by governors.

Looking at market projections, there is not going to be sudden rise in air transport in Nigeria because of low per capita income. Yet, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, said recently that 19 of the 22 federal airports were being subsidised as they do not get passenger traffic commensurate to their operational cost. “We also have about six or seven airports that are either owned by state governments or private individuals or entities, which we support with either aviation security or fire and rescue services,” said Kuku.

Of the 26 airports being managed by FAAN, only six of them record above 5,000 aircraft movement in a year. All the others depend on these six to stay afloat

We therefore do not understand the rationale behind building more airports for the states beyond political consideration. Unfortunately, the states are only following the bad example set by the federal government. When in 2020 the federal government gave approval to states to build airports in Anambra, Benue, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Ebonyi States while taking over the ones built by Kebbi, Osubi and Dutse and Gombe States, we queried the rationale behind the decision. Of the 26 airports being managed by FAAN, only six of them record above 5,000 aircraft movement in a year. All the others depend on these six to stay afloat. The question we posed at the time remains unanswered: In a period of lean resources when the same government is borrowing to meet commitments, why does it have to saddle the country with more cost centres?

At present, out of all the airports built by states, only the ones in Uyo and Asaba could be said to be viable and that is because government in both Akwa Ibom and Delta States support them financially. Kebbi State, for instance, built an airport some years ago with state-of-the art facilities. Today, it barely has scheduled regular flights, except charter services. Unable to break even, the airport was handed over to FAAN to manage at huge deficit to the aviation agency. It is the same experience with other state-owned airports in Bauchi and Gombe that have been taken over by the agency.

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

The argument that states cannot develop without an airport fails in the face of reality because some of these airports have formed a cluster. An investor travelling to a certain part of Akwa-Ibom may have to land at the Calabar Airport to get faster to his destination than landing at Uyo Airport. Asaba Airport is closer to a businessman in Onitsha than Anambra Airport at Umueri. In fact, it is said that the air traffic controller at the Asaba airport could guide a plane to land at Umueri airport in Anambra.

The consequences of building unviable airports are that huge resources, which would have been used to provide other essential infrastructure and other amenities, are spent on unprofitable ventures. Most of these airports only serve the interest of the governors who travel through them with charter services, as scheduled services cannot break even for commercial airlines due to low passenger throughput. All factors considered, it makes no sense that states are expending huge resources to build new airports.

GROWING CONCERNS OVER FREQUENT TRAIN ACCIDENTS

In a country where rail transport was once hailed as a symbol of progress and modernity, the increasing number of train accidents across Nigeria has become a troubling issue. What should represent safety, efficiency, and economic development has too often turned into scenes of chaos, injury, and tragedy. From Lagos to Kaduna, and Warri to Abuja, the disturbing recurrence of train derailments has left commuters anxious and questioning the integrity of Nigeria’s railway system. What went wrong with one of the oldest and most promising transport sectors in Africa?

For decades, rail transport in Nigeria struggled under neglect and poor maintenance. The renewed push to revive the railway system—through government partnerships, modernization projects, and foreign investments—brought hope of safer, faster, and more affordable travel. However, recent accidents have cast a dark shadow over these efforts.

In March 2022, for instance, the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train was attacked after derailment, leading to loss of lives and abductions. More recently, collisions between passenger and freight trains, mechanical failures, and track collapses have raised serious safety concerns. The promise of a modern railway system now stands at a crossroads between progress and peril.

Experts point to multiple causes behind these frequent accidents. Poor maintenance culture tops the list. Many of Nigeria’s railway lines were laid decades ago and have not received consistent upgrades to meet modern safety standards. The signaling systems, which should automatically prevent collisions, are either outdated or nonfunctional in several routes. Human error is another major factor—drivers, station officers, and control operators often work under stressful conditions with limited training or supervision. In

some cases, accidents have occurred due to communication breakdowns between train crews and dispatch centers. These lapses are not isolated mistakes but symptoms of a system in urgent need of reform. Beyond technical and human factors, vandalism and encroachment on railway tracks have made the situation worse. In many parts of Nigeria, illegal crossings, market stalls, and residential structures are built dangerously close to railway lines. Vandals steal metal parts, bolts, and clips from tracks, weakening their stability and increasing the likelihood of derailment. Some even remove components of newly installed rail infrastructure for scrap sales. Despite laws prohibiting such acts, enforcement remains weak. Each time tragedy strikes, the blame game resumes, but preventive measures rarely follow through. Rabi Murtala, Dept of Mass Communication, Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri

In a bid to amid stabilise liquidity and manage inflationary pressures within the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), mopped up an estimated N11.43 trillion through the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) in 10-month of 2025. This is about 4.01 per cent increase over N10.99 trillion mopped up in 10-month of 2024, according to the CBN ‘Primary Market’ data.

The CBN success with the N11.43 trillion NTB was fuelled by investors’ demand for risk-free instruments to

hedge against double-digit inflation.

NTB is a short-term debt instrument issued by a government at the primary market to raise funds and manage liquidity in the economy. It is considered one of the safest investments because it is backed by the government.

In the period under review, the CBN offered to raise N9.3 trillion, about 50.3 per cent increase over N6.19trillion offered in the corresponding period of 2024.

Total subscription stood at N30.2 trillion, about 9.8 per cent drop from N33.45 trillion

total subscription reported by the CBN in 10-month of 2024.

CBN numbers revealed that the spot rates on 91-Day NTB dropped to 15.3 per cent as of October 2025 auction from 17 per cent October 2024.

As rate on 182-Day moved from 17.5 per cent October 2024 to 15.5 per cent as of October 2025, the rate on 364-Day NTB closed October 2025 at 16.14 per cent from 20.65 per cent October 2024.

The apex bank has been scaling back on elevated discount rates offered on the NTB due to strong demand and the fact that the benchmark interest rate has

raced ahead of the country’s headline inflation that has seen decline in recent months.

By tightening its monetary policy through higher interest rates and large NTB auctions, the CBN aims to curb rising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate, thereby fostering a more balanced economic environment.

This has reflected in the dwindling inflation rate, currently at 18.02 per cent as of September 2025, to mark a decrease from previous months. This is the lowest rate recorded since July 2022, attributed to factors such as foreign exchange stability and

seasonal harvests.

THISDAY observed that investors demand for long maturities NTBs continued to grow as its stop rate reached 20.32 per cent as of Feb 5, 2025, the highest so far this year.

The variation in stop rates across tenors also offers insight into investor sentiment regarding short-, medium-, and long-term economic outlooks.

While the lower stop rate on the 182-day NTB bill suggests anticipation of stable interest rates, the higher stop rate on the 364-day NTB could imply a cautious stance towards

potential future economic volatilities.

Investors’ diversified demand across the different maturities of NTB reflects strategic positioning for various investment horizons and signals a healthy trading environment in the Nigerian debt market.

For instance, rate on 91-day NTB auction rate in December 2024 stood at 18 per cent from 7 per cent in December 2023, while 182-day moved from 10 per cent in December 2023 to 18.5per cent in December 2024.

Nigeria’s external reserves climbed to $43.32 billion as of November 6, 2025, an 8.2 per cent increase year-onyear from $40.94 billion on November 6, 2024, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed.

The steady accumulation reflects improved foreignexchange inflows from oil

receipts, stronger non-oil exports, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial reforms. The reserves, which serve as a vital buffer for exchange-rate management and external obligations have been supported by tighter monetary policy and coordinated fiscal adjustments.

A review of CBN data for 2025 showed alternating months of depletion and

recovery, driven largely by oil-price swings, remittance flows, and foreign exchange reforms.

The year opened with reserves at $40.88 billion on January 2, before closing lower at $39.72 billion on January 31, a $1.16 billion. In February, reserves slipped again, from $39.60 billion on February 3 to $38.42 billion on February 28, down $1.18 billion.

March remained largely flat, with reserves edging from $38.36 billion on March 3 to $38.31 billion on March 28, a marginal $54 million dip, reflecting subdued inflows.

The second quarter opened on April 2, the first recorded date for the month with reserves at $38.17 billion, easing slightly to $37.93 billion by April 30. However, May reversed the trend as reserves

increased from $38.01 billion on May 2 to $38.45 billion on May 30, gaining $439 million, 1.15 per cent amid modest oil and remittance inflows.

June marked a stronger rebound: reserves rose from $38.39 billion on June 2 to $39.73 billion on June 30, a $1.18 billion, 3.07 per cent gain, buoyed by improved crude-oil earnings and capital inflows.

The third quarter saw sharp fluctuations. Reserves rose from $37.21 billion on June 30 to $39.36 billion on July 30, a $2.16 billion, 5.82 per cent jump, one of the largest monthly gains of the year, followed by another rise in August, from $39.54 billion on August 1 to $41.31 billion on August 29, $1.76 billion.

Kayode tokede

Nume ekeghe

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Ellah Lakes, Paul Farrer; Chief Executive Officer, Chuka Mordi; Director, Osaro Oyegun; Co-Founder & Managing Director, ACQ Capital Managers, Seun Onayiga and Head Corporate Finance, Rand Merchant Bank, Bimbo Oyeyiga at its press conference announcing Ellah Lakes intention to undertake a public offer in Lagos…recently

Dantsoho: Interconnected Africa Needs Collective Action for Port Growth

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has emphasised that the interconnectedness and interdependence of African nations make cooperation an essential precondition for the collective advancement of seaports across the continent.

Dantsoho made this known at the closing ceremony of the 45th Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) held in Pointe-Noire, Congo.

Dantsoho said the level of enthusiasm, goodwill and altruism displayed throughout the technical sessions and deliberations convinces him that ports within the sub-region are well-positioned

to confront future challenges with renewed confidence.

Represented by the General Manager Corporate Affairs Ikechukwu onyemekara, he said resolutions from the week-long meeting will shape policy formulation and strengthen government action across member states.

According to him, “On behalf of all of us at PMAWCA, thank you immensely for lending your time and expertise to advancing the frontiers of trade and prosperity by deploying your efforts, energies and experience to formulate ideas that will enable us, as a sub-region, to maximize the potentials of our maritime sector.

“I have always looked forward to a time in the life of the African community

$50M

development, and strategic product portfolio growth.

African fashion retail platform, Stitches Africa, has secured US$50 million in funding to support its global expansion. This fund will boost its production financing, logistics

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Stitches Africa Co-founder, Franklin Peters, explained that the financing is being led by JF Advisory Group with Cedrus Trustees Limited serving as Custodian and Transaction Trustee.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

The investment, he said, will also enable Stitches Africa to scale its platform across key global corridors, “while providing financing to designers, tailors, and fashion entrepreneurs within its ecosystem.”

Peters stated that with over four million Africans living in the United States alone, and with millions more living across Asia, Dubai, Europe, and Australia amongst others, Stitches Africa targets a huge diaspora market leveraging its AI powered measuring technology to connect Africans in diaspora with some of the most skilled designers on the continent.

when we all collaborate and act in good faith in pursuit of the greater good of our dear Africa. Judging from the goodwill, enthusiasm and altruism that pervaded the technical sessions and meetings—as evidenced by

the robust cross-fertilization of ideas—I am persuaded that the Ports of West and Central Africa are poised to face the future with confidence.”

He reiterated that Africa’s geographical and economic

realities demand stronger integration and cooperation, especially given the rapidly evolving global maritime environment.

Dantsoho also expressed gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Congo for their hospitality in hosting the Council, and commended the SecretaryGeneral of PMAWCA, Mr. Koffi Jean Marie, as well as the Port of Pointe-Noire team and other partners for their excellent coordination.

Recapitalisation: NAICOM to Commence Feedback on Review of Operators’ Plans

Ebere Nwoji

The commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun

Ayo Omosehin has given an update on the insurance sector’s preparation for the on going recapitalisation exercise that will migrate operators to a new capital regime.

Emma Okonji

Mastercard, a global technology provider, has urged African banks and Fintechs to embrace global technology, insisting that such technology will help banks, fintechs and innovators to

The Managing Director, Project Management Institute (PMI), sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, has urged African governments, Nigeria inclusive, to invest in the manufacturing and installation of renewableenergy technologies in order

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday inaugurated the new office complex of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in the state.

During the inauguration,

He said NAICOM had completed review of recapitalisation plans submitted by operating firms and would commence official communication to individual firms on the outcome of its

build open and scalable infrastructure across Africa.

Master card said this during its recent inaugural Africa Edge summit that convened leaders from across Africa’s payments ecosystem to explore how collaboration and innovation could accelerate

to tap into the 30 million new clean-energy roles that will emerge by 2030.

According to him, with 600 million people still lacking access to electricity and coal that provides cheap and reliable energy, the continent faces a significant paradox, insisting that the green transition is critical to

Governor Aliyu represented by his Deputy Alhaji Muhammad Idris Gobir described the new office complex as a milestone for industrial growth and consumer protection in the state.

Aliyu said the new edifice symbolised national progress and reflected the state’s

reviews very soon.

He gave the update at the Insurance Directors’ Annual Conference Organised by the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) in Ogun State.

He said the recapitalisation exercise which commenced with the assent of President Bola Tinubu on July 31, 2025, with a 12-month deadline ending July 31, 2026, was aimed at strengthening the financial soundness, stability, and competitiveness of the insurance sector in Nigeria.

the continent’s digital growth.

Speaking at the event, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard, Folasade Femi-Lawal, said: “West Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech sectors. Nigeria alone accounted for 28 per cent of all African fintech companies in 2024, attracting nearly $400 million in investment. By combining global technology with local insight, we are helping banks, fintechs and innovators build open, trusted and scalable infrastructure.

global climate goals, even though it could come at a substantial cost for Africa.

The International Energy Agency warns that under net-zero pathways, about 13 million fossil-fuel jobs could disappear globally even as 30 million new clean-energy roles emerge by 2030. The catch is that

commitment to quality and standards.

“This project speaks volumes about SON’s dedication to promoting standards and ensuring that Nigerian goods and services meet global expectations,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of State for Trade,

most of those new jobs will be created in countries that already manufacture and install renewable-energy technologies.

Asamani therefore explained that in Africa where local production and technical training remained limited, job losses could easily outpace early gains.

Investment and Industry, Senator John Ewan Eno said the inauguration of the facility in Sokoto would not only expand the activities of the organisation from the state to all other neighbouring states and it will.reduce traveling to Lagos, Enugu laboratory for analysis.

Esther Oluku

Eromosele Abiodun

Emma Okonji

Mark Ring: Partnerships Key to Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Reliable Delivery Business Special

The 12 edition of the Nigeria Energy Exhibition ended recently in Lagos, with a renewed call by participants for increased investments and partnerships across the country’s power value chain. Group Director, Energy Portfolio, Informa Markets, Mark Ring, spoke to THISDAY about the summit’s growing influence as a platform that connects global and local players, the evolving role of state governments in energy reform, and how Nigeria Energy continues to bridge ambition with execution across West Africa’s power sector. Peter Uzoho presents the excerpts:

Nigeria Energy 2025 just concluded its 12th edition. Looking back at this year’s conversations and attendance, what would you say stood out the most about the event’s impact or direction?

This year stood out for the sheer depth of engagement. We saw stronger participation with 8,500 attendees with exhibitors from China, India, Budai, Turkey, Germany, and Pakistan, including both public and private sector stakeholders, not just in numbers but in quality of dialogue. The conversations moved beyond identifying problems to proposing actionable solutions that bridge policy, financing, and technology. Attendance exceeded expectations, and the diversity of voices, from the minister to state commissioners to international financiers, reflected how far the conversation around Nigeria’s energy transformation has matured. What also stood out was the optimism. Despite the challenges, there was a shared sense that collaboration and innovation are beginning to unlock new momentum across the power sector.

The theme this year was “Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation and Partnership.” In your view, how did the summit succeed in translating those three pillars into action or measurable outcomes?

We were very intentional about ensuring that each pillar came to life through the sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. The discussions on investment highlighted clear pathways for capital mobilisation, while innovation was reflected in the range of technologies showcased, from smart metering systems to clean energy solutions. The partnership aspect came through most strongly in the dialogues among state and federal regulators, development partners, and the private sector. We saw the signing of partnership with Solinved & Primos on day three. We also saw several introductions turn into potential partnerships, and for us, that is what success looks like. Nigeria energy has become a place where deals begin, where collaboration moves from talk to tangible action.

One major talking point was the Electricity Act 2023 and its implementation. After hearing from policymakers, investors, and state officials, what progress did you observe, and where do you think the real work still lies?

There’s been visible progress since the passage of the Electricity Act. States are taking ownership of their energy markets, and regulators are increasingly open to dialogue with private players. The conversations at the summit showed that

Ring

implementation is not just a federal task anymore. However, the real work lies in execution and consistency. Aligning regulatory frameworks across states, de-risking investments, and ensuring transparent market operations will be key. The Act has given Nigeria the right structure; now it’s about building the institutional discipline to make it work effectively.

Public-private partnerships were a central focus of the leadership sessions. From an organiser’s perspective, did the discussions move beyond theory to practical pathways for collaboration and financing?

Yes, they did. One of the strongest outcomes from this year’s event was how candid both public and private participants were about the barriers they face. Conversations around PPPs were not abstract; they focused on specific case studies and financing models that could be replicated. The Ministry of Finance Incorporated, power generation companies, and investors spoke directly about structuring bankable projects. These exchanges were practical, and several state representatives expressed interest in replicating such models within their own jurisdictions. That is the kind of outcome that tells us progress is being made.

Attendance at Nigeria Energy continues to grow each year. What trends are you noticing among participants, particularly

regarding investor interest, statelevel engagement, or private sector participation?

We are seeing growing investor curiosity about sub-national opportunities, which is a direct result of power decentralisation. States like Lagos and Enugu are starting to attract targeted interest because investors now see clearer entry points. The private sector, especially indigenous developers and energy startups, is also becoming more visible. They are not just attending to observe; they’re showcasing technologies, seeking partnerships, and competing with international firms. This shift signals confidence in the local market and a readiness to collaborate across borders.

Beyond the conference halls, what tangible outcomes does Informa Markets hope to see emerge from Nigeria Energy 2025 in the coming months? Are there specific partnerships, pilot projects, or policy conversations you expect to gain momentum?

We expect to see greater coordination among stakeholders who connected during the summit. There are several ongoing conversations between state agencies, investors, and technology providers that began at the event. We’re also tracking follow-up meetings on renewable energy integration and grid expansion projects. Our goal is to help sustain that momentum through post-event engagement. Nigeria Energy doesn’t end when the doors close; we continue to work behind the scenes

to ensure that relationships formed here translate into measurable impact for the sector.

Technology and innovation were key threads throughout the summit. How are digital tools, smart grid systems, and renewable technologies shaping the next phase of West Africa’s energy transformation, based on what you saw at this year’s exhibition?

Technology is becoming the bridge between ambition and results. We saw solutions for grid digitisation, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring that can drastically improve efficiency and reduce losses. Renewable energy innovators, especially in solar and battery storage, showcased models that are already being deployed successfully across Africa. What’s encouraging is the collaboration between local engineers and global providers, which makes these technologies more adaptable to Nigeria’s specific challenges. The appetite for innovation is clearly there; now the focus is on scaling adoption.

A lot of attention is shifting from national to state-led energy reform. How is Nigeria Energy supporting that transition by helping sub-national governments connect with investors and technical partners?

One of our biggest goals this year was to make Nigeria Energy a space where state governments can have a seat at the same table as international investors. We curated panels and networking sessions that directly connected commissioners, regulators, and development agencies. Many states are still learning how to structure projects or attract private participation, so these interactions are invaluable. Our platform helps bridge that knowledge and access gap, ensuring that reform is not limited to Abuja but extends across the federation.

Gender inclusion and local participation also featured strongly in this year’s programme. How intentional is Informa Markets about ensuring representation and building opportunities for local developers, engineers, and women leaders in energy?

It is a deliberate priority for us. We know that sustainable transformation cannot happen without inclusivity. One of the most powerful moments at this year’s summit was the session titled “Powered by Her: Inspiring the Women in Energy for Tomorrow,” which celebrated women who are leading change across Nigeria’s energy ecosystem

DIGITAL ASSET MARKETS

with Nicky Okoye (

)

Tokenisation of Real-World Assets

As the digital asset markets continues to unfold and grow across the World, nation states and specific regulatory jurisdictions are locking down key areas of the digital asset ecosystem that are most relevant for national development and wealth creation within local economic ecosystems. In Nigeria, our Global Investment Advisory Community (GIAC), which I founded and currently lead, has been driving the adoption of digital asset markets, since our historic public strategy session held at SEC NIGERIA on the 11th of April 2025. Our current strategic focus is on the tokenisation of real-world assets in its entirety. As we are confident that this focus will not only give us unfettered access to the advances of Web3, Artificial Intelligence and the Next One Hundred Trillion Dollars in global GDP, but it will also ensure that we drive the creation of new wealth across Nigeria and subsequently across Africa and the Caribbean.

I have continued to maintain at many of my speaking forums and speaking engagements, that the tokenisation of real-world assets will redefine Africa, the Caribbean and Nigeria’s wealth positions, completely redrawing the global map of wealth distribution in favour of our people across Africa and the Caribbean for the whole of the 21st century. So lets get into it.

Understanding Tokenisation

Tokenization of real-world assets is the process of converting physical real life assets such as real estate, securities, commodities, oil fields, artwork, or intellectual property into its digital twin or into what we call “digital tokens” which are transferrable or tradable on a blockchain. Digital tokens, once tokenisation process is complete, are therefore representations of the fractional ownership of the entire asset. Tokenization of real-world assets therefore indicates that an investor or a coalition of investors, may buy a digital token which represents a stake or fractional equity in a particular designated asset. This completely revolutionizes asset title transferability, investment and asset liquidity. Whereas each digital token may be a fractional claim to the designated underlying asset, the rights and privileges of digital token owners is defined by the legal contracts that underpin the entire tokenisation process. In addition, the treatment of the asset held in a custodial structure under unique digital asset markets regulatory positions, will depend on the local legal and regulatory jurisdiction, where the tokenisation process is conducted and made available to investors for trading.

Characteristics of Real-World Asset Tokens

Securitization of assets is normally considered to have similar legal and investment processes to Tokenisation. Tokenization however has two major differences from Securitization, which ultimately make it more attractive to investors. First, digital tokens are tradable on a blockchain, which strengthens its transparency, investor confidence and integrity. Secondly, digital tokens are programmable, meaning that all the attributes sort by investors can be encoded into the digital tokens with the use of smart contracts, and such attributes are self-executing. Tokenization is currently adding investor confidence, programmability, and transparency to structural systems which require extensive democratised ownership, and for which value, ownership and transferability must be trailed and tracked in a transparent manner. As we move further into the 21st century’s digital disruption which is driven

L-R:Sitting-Mr.SulaimanAdedokun,ChiefExecutiveMeristemGroup;Mrs.ElizabethEbi,ChiefExecutiveFutureviewFinancialAdvisors;DrNickyOkoye,Founder,GlobalInvestment AdvisoryCommunity,andProf.StefdeJong,DeanEUBusinessSchool.IncludingstandingdelegatesoftheGIACDigitalAssetMarketsretreatheldatGenevaandZugSwitzerland...recently

by overall digital transformation, including electronic interconnectivity, our nation states, sub-nationals and enterprises must begin to consider to shift to the tokenization of real world assets as soon as possible. The early adopters will benefit from this tent by gaining long-term structural advantages over their competitors in this respect:

Global Investment Advisory Community’s (GIAC) Key Pillars of Tokenisation

•Fractional Ownership: Tokenisation allows for the democratization of real-world asset ownership. In this regard, small scale Investors can own a fraction of an asset, reducing extensive investment barriers, typically associated with traditional asset ownership. For instance, a real estate asset valued at ten billion naira (N10,000,000,000.00) can be broken down into ten million digital token units (10,000,000) of one thousand naira (N1000.00) digital tokens. In this case, retail investors can own a fraction of a large real estate project or asset. GIAC has designed strategic tokenisation of real-world asset templates for this approach.

•Liquidity: Once an asset has been successfully tokenised, it enhances its liquidity position. In which case asset owners can convert dead assets into productive assets through leverage or through expanding the ownership base of the asset through tokenisation. Digital Tokens that represented real-world assets can be easily traded on digital asset market exchanges, which ultimately increases overall liquidity and provides major boosts to the corporate balance sheet. GIAC liquidity strategies includes global institutional investors communities providing market maker interventions for Nigerian real-world assets that have been successfully tokenised.

•Transparency & Security: There is no other technology in use today that provides as much transparency and traceability as Blockchain technology. As digital tokens are tradable and held in custody by platforms using blockchain technology, it offers strong measurable and monitoring transparency to regulators, investors and other stakeholders.

•Global Accessibility: Another unique nature of digital tokens on offer supported by Blockchain technology, and its subsequent trading, is its worldwide tradability, which allows easy participation for global investors without geographical constraints. Geographical jurisdictions will have to compete, in the future to own the World of tokenisation, as digital tokens are freely traded and transferred between digital wallets on Blockchain enabled platforms.

•Smart Contracts: A key feature of digital tokens is its programmability. In

addition to the digital tokens itself being programable, the entire value chain, character and asset management of the digital token is initially programmed and embedded onto a smart contract. This smart contract provides the digital token with an on-chain streamlined process for asset management, asset enhancement, cashflow distribution and even targeted payout distribution to selected stakeholders and token holders which themselves may depend on the percentage token ownership each holder has acquired. GIAC smart contract templates encoded for selected blockchain platforms has cut short the process of tokenisation of real-world Nigerian assets.

•Liquidity: Tokenization creates liquidity value for the asset owners when it is successfully applied to very specific assets that are otherwise difficult to trade or access. What PWC called “dead assets” in its 2017 report, tends to lend itself effectively to tokenisation. Strategic examples include our vibrant commercial real estate market which most times has large multi-billion naira valued buildings but has very limited secondary markets, making it almost impossible to transfer assets in a fast and efficient manner. Artwork also most times sits in a private collection or may sit in a separated vault for many years. Artwork value is only appreciated by very few elites of society. Tokenisation with the GIAC, will change all that. Machinery or industrial assets are very capital-intensive and very hard to liquidate quickly. Tokenisation will change that. The GIAC Liquidity strategy includes selection of strategy industries, selection of pilot projects for tokenisation and integration with global digital asset institutional investors.

GIAC Smart Contracts Designed For Nigerian Tokenisation Origination Projects

The GIAC Smart Contract is designed to provide the Nigerian asset’s digital token, with clear rules and indication of expected asset management procedure. The GIAC smart contract is also tightly integrated with local regulatory compliance, embedding KYC/AML, access controls. As GIAC smart contracts can also govern the cash distribution from the underlying asset, it is therefore imperative that the underlying custody and wallet infrastructure proposed by institutional investors or advisory firms are embedded into the GIAC smart contract from the onset. The rule of thumb is that financial advisory firms or capital market advisors will have institutional-grade custody

management systems in place as best practice. Our recommendations include such institutional grade custody as MPC (multi-party computation) and role-based permissions.

GIAC Smart Contract Design and Configuration

A GIAC smart contract for digital token is created when a unique programme for the smart contract on a blockchain such as Ethereum, Polygon, or Avalanche, is designed and created and embedded with the token. Smart Contract can have very specific standards and these include:

•ERC-20 or ERC-1400 for fungible security tokens

•ERC-721 or ERC-1155 for unique assets or fractional NFTs

GIAC Smart contracts features:

•Digital Token Supply and required

Fractionalization: The GIAC smart contract can set the total number of digital tokens required for the tokenisation origination project. This means that total number of digital tokens can be defined by the smart contract.

•Compliance Logic: The GIAC smart contract can equally automatically enforce KYC/AML rules, including the restrictions for accredited investors. In addition local legal and regulatory jurisdictional rules can be encoded in the smart contract, using on-chain whitelisting and specific access controls.

•Transfer Condition: The GIAC smart contract can provide provisions for locking digital tokens during regulatory required vesting periods or it can even provide provisions for restricting secondary transfers to specific marketplaces or investor groups. This makes for regulation enhancement and investor management post tokenisation project much more transparent.

•Revenue Distribution: The GIAC smart contract can provision for the automatic payouts to token investors and stakeholders such as real estate assets’ rental income, token tied bond yields, or strategic royalties from oil fields or music files. These distributions will be based on ownership percentages, and adjusted when verified transactions in token transfers are effected during trading on-chain.

•Governance Functions: The GIAC smart contract provides for specific voting rights or key proposal mechanisms which permits token investors to vote on asset sales, asset renovations, or even overall management changes and trusteeship oversight.

This Week In Tech

Nigeria’s Data Centre Boom: The Billion-dollar Race to Keep Africa’s Biggest Economy Online

Awave of billion-dollar investments is modelling Nigeria’s digital economy as global and local tech firms race to build high-capacity data centers that can process, store, and secure the country’s ever-growing data. Yet, even as these futuristic facilities rise across Lagos and Abuja, the question, “Can Nigeria’s unreliable power grid sustain its digital ambitions?” lingers.

These data centres oversee everything from fintech transactions to artificial intelligence models. They are the unseen engines driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, vital to banking, e-commerce, healthcare, and streaming. For millions of citizens, this means faster internet, safer online banking, and new opportunities in a data-driven economy.

“True economic growth will come from making this technology widely accessible across the country, Abideen Yusuf, General Manager at Microsoft Nigeria, said in an interview recently. “To build a robust AI economy, there is a two-pronged approach centered on cultivating a strong AI ecosystem and developing an AI-ready workforce,’’ he said.

Nigeria’s billion-dollar data rush

Over the past decade, Nigeria’s digital economy has experienced significant growth, driven by millions of connected young people and a thriving startup scene. The country’s data center market was valued at $278 million in 2024 and is projected to hit $671 million by 2030, according to Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). That expansion places Nigeria among Africa’s fastest-growing data markets.

The momentum is being driven by nearly US$1 billion in investments from both domestic and global players, including Digital Realty, Zenlayer, Cato Digital, Africa Data Centres, Open Access Data Centres, and MTN Nigeria. Together, they are building and expanding world-class facilities that will bring computing power closer to Nigerian users.

The map of Nigeria’s digital fortresses

Across the country, a growing constellation of data centers is reshaping how Nigeria stores, moves, and secures its information. From the nation’s commercial heartbeat, Lagos, to the political capital in Abuja, these facilities form the backbone of a new digital economy. Out of 11 active data centers, 10 are located in Lagos, while one operates in the Federal Capital Territory.

Lagos dominates the landscape, hosting nearly 70% of Nigeria’s existing and planned capacity, according to Connecting Africa. The city’s deep ports, undersea cable connections, and large population make it a natural choice for data center clustering. Its facilities are technological marvels crucial to Nigeria’s financial system, streaming services, and growing AI industry.

Global and local players have established sophisticated facilities that rival international standards in the state. Their data halls, powered by high-speed fibre connections and advanced cooling systems, process vast amounts of digital traffic every second, from mobile banking to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Abuja’s single data centre, operated by Digital Realty, marks the beginning of a strategic northward expansion. Industry observers say the spread of new builds into the capital and other emerging cities, such as Port Harcourt and Kano, will gradually balance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure footprint.

Together, these eleven centers symbolise

Nigeria’s growing ability to manage its own data destiny. Analysts forecast that the Nigerian Data Centre Market, supported by eight major providers, will reach a total capacity of 116.72MW in 2024 and expand to 226.72MW by 2029.

This reflects the country’s position as the gateway to West Africa’s digital economy, strategically positioned between global undersea cable routes and a fast-growing population of connected citizens.

Beyond their sheer technical might, Nigeria’s data centers reflect a deeper shift. They are monuments to a nation taking charge of its digital sovereignty, ensuring that more of its data, intelligence, and innovation stay rooted in African soil.

The power predicament: Progress meets fragility

Despite the rapid expansion, Nigeria’s unreliable electricity remains the industry’s Achilles’ heel. The country has an installed generation capacity of 13,625MW, but only 5,200MW is typically available, according to the Nigeria National Grid. In other words, nearly two-thirds of potential power sits idle, hindered by gas shortages, grid collapses, and outdated infrastructure.

For operators, that means relying on diesel generators, batteries, and uninterrupted power systems to ensure uptime. The cost of keeping servers online can run into millions of dollars annually.

In March 2025, the grid briefly reached a record 5,801 MW, Nigeria National Grid reported, but the milestone was short-lived.

This overreliance on diesel raises not only costs but also environmental concerns, forcing the industry to strike a balance between growth and sustainability.

Turning to greener power

Efforts to shift data centers toward renewable energy remain cautious. Operators acknowledge the promise of clean power but face serious challenges in adopting it at scale. One of the biggest concerns is reliability.

Renewable sources, such as solar energy, can be inconsistent, operating below capacity on cloudy or rainy days. For an industry that relies on uninterrupted uptime, even brief interruptions can be costly. Space is another limitation. Renewable systems, particularly solar power, require extensive land areas to generate sufficient electricity. Real estate in key commercial

hubs is expensive, making it challenging for operators to allocate large areas for energy production.

To overcome this, some developers are turning to power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable mini-grid companies. These agreements enable data centers to draw power from solar or hybrid grids constructed in more affordable areas, while maintaining their facilities in major business districts.

New projects, such as Husk Power’s solar expansion, which added 73MW of capacity in 2024, demonstrate how partnerships can boost Nigeria’s clean energy supply.

“The future of sustainable data infrastructure in Nigeria depends on creative energy solutions, partnerships, hybrid systems, and off-site renewables will play a critical role in bridging the power gap,” said Connecting Africa.

For now, however, most data centers still depend on natural gas to power their operations. Gas-fired plants are seen as a more stable and cost-effective alternative to diesel, offering lower emissions without sacrificing reliability.

However, as Nigeria’s renewable sector matures and solar capacity expands, experts believe that operators will increasingly integrate green energy into their power mix, marking a slow but inevitable shift toward a cleaner digital economy.

Government policy is also beginning to align. Under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020–2030), Nigeria aims to localise data storage, promote the adoption of renewable energy, and build a resilient digital ecosystem that can withstand power shocks.

Policy, regulation, and digital sovereignty

Beyond technology, policy reform is reshaping the sector. The government’s data localisation laws require financial and telecom firms to host sensitive information within Nigeria, strengthening national sovereignty and cybersecurity.

But policy gaps remain. Industry players cite inconsistent tariffs, overlapping jurisdictions, and unclear service-level agreement standards.

Even so, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are moving toward clearer standards, pushing Nigeria closer to a unified digital governance framework.

Jobs, skills, and human transformation

As Nigeria’s data center industry expands, its human impact is becoming impossible to ignore. MainOne, now part of Equinix, has invested more than $40 million in its flagship Lagos data center, MDX-i, located in Yaba. The company plans further expansions in Sagamu and across West Africa, strengthening the region’s position as a technology hub. These investments have created thousands of direct and indirect jobs while fueling the growth of internet service providers, e-commerce platforms, and the broader ICT ecosystem.

Similarly, MTN Nigeria recently unveiled the Dabengwa Data Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, a $150 million first-phase project built in partnership with Dell Technologies, with another $135 million set aside for expansion.

Described by CEO Karl Toriola as “a representation of technological advancement,” the centre is West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data facility, featuring over 1,500 server racks, AI-powered cooling, and hybrid cloud capabilities designed for data sovereignty and cloud independence.

Beyond technology, the project created more than three hundred local jobs during construction and injected fresh revenue into Lagos through land and building approvals. Experts estimate that a 10% rise in broadband penetration, enabled by such infrastructure, could boost Nigeria’s GDP by up to 2.5%.

The center’s locally hosted cloud services are reducing latency, strengthening regulatory compliance, and empowering startups to scale, proof that Nigeria’s digital growth is as much about people and skills as it is about servers and steel.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Despite optimism, major challenges persist. Currency volatility, high inflation, and import costs increase capital expenditure. Land acquisition in Lagos is complex, while environmental concerns, particularly water usage for cooling, are rising.

Nigeria also faces a skills shortage, with too few certified data engineers and technicians to meet surging demand. Without deeper investment in training, the country could face a capacity gap just as demand peaks. Still, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. Analysts expect the country’s total operational and planned data centre capacity to surpass 300MW by 2030, five times its current levels. As major cloud providers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft Azure expand their edge facilities, Nigeria could become West Africa’s digital command center.

JETRO Boss: How Japanese Businesses are Coping in Nigeria

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Country Managing Director and Trade Commissioner of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Takashi Oku, has revealed that more Japanese firms are forming partnerships with Nigerian businesses to enhance their profitability and operations.

Oku, while speaking with reporters during the opening of the JETRO Pavilion at the Lagos trade fair at the weekend, said about nine more Japanese companies, in addition to the existing ones are currently partnering with Nigerian companies for better services and profitability.

According to him, the partnership option has been profitable to Japanese companies operating in Nigeria.

Oku said 47 companies were participating at this year’s Lagos

trade fair, explaining that 37 firms were exhibiting at the main pavilion and others are showcasing at the Super Japan section, a new entertainment innovation at the pavilion. According to him, visitors to the Japan Pavilion will be hosted to “Super Japan in Lagos” this month

He added that this year marked the 10th years of JETRO’s participation at the trade fair.

Also speaking to reporters, Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, asserted that Japanese companies operating in Nigeria are struggling to make a profit.

Hideo who spoke at the opening of the pavilion said that although several Japanese firms were facing economic challenges, they remained optimistic about the future of their operations in Nigeria.

He said: “There are about 52 Japanese companies currently operating in Nigeria across diverse sectors. Some of them are manufacturing firms, others operate in the distribution sector, while some are involved in exportation to Japan. Their situations differ, but many of the Japanese companies are not making profits on their businesses in Nigeria.”

He, however, remain positive that despite the current financial indicators, the companies were maintaining a long-term outlook.

Hideo said: “The Japanese companies are very much aware that they have to think for the longer term in their policies and strategies. They are hoping that they will have a brighter future for their businesses. That’s their current situation.”

Ecobank Promotes Inclusive Digital Education for Children

Nume Ekeghe

Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education by championing digital learning for children with disabilities as part of activities marking Ecobank Day 2025, the Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative held annually across its African network.

This year’s celebration, themed, “Enabling Inclusive Learning for All,” underscores the bank’s resolve to bridge

educational inequalities by empowering learners with special needs through access to digital tools and technologybased instruction.

The bank in a statemnet noted that Ecobank Nigeria visited and supported Hope Fountain Foundation for the Deaf in Lagos; Omoyeni School for the Blind in Ibadan; OPM Free School for Children Born with Autism and Down Syndrome in Port Harcourt; and the Niger State School for Special Education in Minna. Managing Director/Regional

Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, said the initiative is part of the Bank’s ongoing drive to make learning inclusive and accessible for all children, regardless of their physical or learning challenges.

“We believe every child deserves a fair chance to learn and thrive,” Lawal said.

“Through our Transforming Africa through Education campaign, we’ve supported schools with digital tools, training, and facilities to help children develop essential digital and AI-based skills.”

CBI to Redefine Journalism Through Technology

Nume Ekeghe

A new entrant has joined Africa’s fast-evolving media landscape with the official launch of CBI News, a digital-first media platform committed to rebuilding trust in journalism and redefining how African stories are told. The launch, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, marked the unveiling of the CBI News mobile application, available on Android and iOS, signalling a step toward more interactive,

technology-driven news delivery.

Founded by Chairman and Group Chief Executive of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, CBI News was conceived to promote credible, balanced, and data-driven reporting that reflects Africa’s perspectives with depth and integrity.

In his opening address, Managing Director of CBI Digital Media, Mr. Gbenga Adebija, described the launch as a turning point for digital journalism in Africa.

“At CBI Digital Media,

our vision is to be at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation — telling authentic African stories with credibility and creativity,” Adebija said. “The CBI News App is more than a news platform; it is an ecosystem designed to engage, inform, and empower audiences through factbased storytelling.”

Speaking, Chris Baywood Ibe said the idea behind CBI News was to reclaim control of the African narrative and establish a media platform rooted in integrity and accountability.

Olaogun Community to Launch N300M Fund for Health Centre

Nume Ekeghe

Olaogun community, a suburb of Agbado in Ogun State, is set to launch a N300 million appeal fund to support the development of its health centre, the community announced in a statement. The initiative will coincide with the first edition of the Olaogun Community Day, organised by the Olaogun Area Community

Development Committee in Ifo Local Government Council.

In the statement signed by Mr. Odutayo Odusanya, Chairman of the Organising Committee, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Building Wealth through Infrastructure.”

“We are expecting Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, to deliver

a keynote speech on the theme ‘Implementation of Community-Based Infrastructural Development in Enhancing Social and Economic Wealth,’” the statement said.

“Our community has raised funds to acquire a property to serve our healthcare needs and provide accommodation for security personnel. We also plan to launch an appeal fund to remodel and refurbish the building.”

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea),

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

President of The Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Abimbola Olashore during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun in Abuja… recently

Ellah Lakes Expands Operations with Acquisition, N235bn Public Offer

Kayode Tokede

Nigeria’s agribusiness firm, Ellah Lakes Plc, has announced the acquisition of Agro-Allied Resources & Processing Nigeria Ltd (ARPN) alongside the launch of a N235 billion public offer, as part of its strategic drive to scale operations and deepen its presence in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

The acquisition grants Ellah Lakes full ownership of ARPN, adding approximately 11,783 hectares of cultivated land — including 6,280 hectares of oil palm and 2,093 hectares of cassava — plus 10,393 hectares of undeveloped land earmarked for future expansion.

The company noted that about 60 per cent of the oil-palm plantation is already productive,

while another 30 per cent is nearing maturity, ensuring immediate and sustainable cash flow.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Ellah Lakes, Chuka Mordi, said the acquisition would significantly enhance the company’s operational scale and financial capacity. “We will purchase key agricultural assets, scale up our livestock business, and link them to off-take

agreements to secure continuous cash flow. This strategy will deliver immediate value to all stakeholders,” he said.

Mordi noted that cassava provides a unique strategic advantage with its shorter gestation period of 12 to 18 months, compared to oil palm’s three to four years. “Cassava generates interim cash flows that help finance undeveloped

land and balance our portfolio,” he said, highlighting that less than 10 per cent of Nigeria’s 60 million-tonne cassava production is processed into high-quality cassava flour (HQCF), leaving vast growth potential untapped.

He further announced that Ellah Lakes had secured Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval for its N235 billion public offer, scheduled to

open on November 10, 2025, to fund the ARPN acquisition and other expansion projects. “We will be starting a fund-raising on Monday — a public offer to the tune of N235 billion — and it will be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange by then. That’s the reason for this event, to enlighten you on what we are doing,” Mordi stated.

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 06 November 2025, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price:

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L-R: Divisional Director, Marketing, Marketing Edge, Aniete Udoh; Group Head, Corporate Communications  and Strategy, Origin Tech Group, Nigeria, Adebayo Adeosun; Convener of the 2025  Impact Men of the Industry, Goddie Ofose; Brand and Marketing Analyst/Correspondent at THISDAY

of the panel session, Raheem Akingbolu; Managing Director/CEO, Integrated Indigo, Bolaji Abimbola; and Managing Director, Outori

during a panel session at the maiden edition of the ‘2025 Impact Men of the Industry’, held in Lagos... recently

L-R: Head of Diversified Industries, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Olasunkanmi Osho; acting Treasurer, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Yetunde Adebowale; and Head of Operations and Correspondent Banking, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Oluleye Esomojumi, at the MSME Finance CEO Forum and Awards 2025, held in Lagos.... recently

L-R: Board Member, Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security (NIIS), Elisha Danjuma; Assistant Commandant, NSCDC,

Wole

of Media and External Relations,

Lagos State Command, Aruwa Kadiri; President, NIIS, Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami; and Secretary of the Council, Wilson Esangbedo, during the 18th Annual Security Conference of Nigeria for Industrial Security, held in Lagos... recently

Head

United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Ramon Olanrewaju Nasir (left), receiving the Media Professional of the Year and the Leadership Award in Media Relationship Management from ex-President of Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Ajufo (right), during the maiden edition of the ‘2025 Impact Men of the Industry’ Summit held in Lagos... recently

Newspaper/Moderator

Limited,

Olagundoye,

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

FOCUS

Shared Value by Design: What Scalable African Business Really Looks Like

Tsola Barrow

A Continent of Ambition, Searching for Endurance

Across Africa, new ventures appear every day – from factories and logistics firms to start-ups and creative enterprises. Each begins with the same conviction: to solve problems, create jobs, and grow. The continent hums with energy and imagination.

Yet many of these ventures fade before their promise is realised. Some stall after early success; fragile systems undo others – volatile exchange rates, costly financing, unpredictable markets. The problem is not ambition but architecture. Too many are built to survive, not to last.

Earlier this year, The Economist captured this paradox: Africa has “too many businesses, too little business.” The observation was sharp but incomplete. The continent does not suffer from too much entrepreneurship; it suffers from too few enterprises designed to grow in ways that also strengthen the systems around them.

A new generation of companies is showing that reliability is not an accident — it is design. At EverCorp, we call this Shared Value by Design: building companies whose success strengthens the ecosystems that sustain them. The task now is clear—to build businesses designed to endure, and to reinforce the systems that sustain them.

When Ambition Outpaces Architecture

The data tell a familiar story: Africa’s ambition often outpaces the systems built to sustain it. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up over 90 per cent of African businesses and provide about 80 per cent of jobs, according to the African Development Bank. Yet they contribute less than 40 per cent of GDP, according to the World Bank. Entrepreneurship thrives, but few firms mature into institutions that anchor longterm growth.

The IFC estimates Africa’s small-business financing gap at 331 billion US dollars. Formal registration of small businesses is often costly and complex, leaving roughly 85 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce in the informal economy. Without records or predictable regulation, even strong ventures struggle to secure investment.

A few cross the line from promise to permanence. McKinsey found that fewer than 400 African companies earn over a billion dollars annually. The figure matters less for its size than for what it reveals: an ecosystem rich in energy but short on structure.

China offers a more instructive comparison. In the 1990s, millions of township enterprises powered local economies but remained fragmented and undercapitalised. The turning point came with special economic zones (SEZs) linked to infrastructure, credit windows, and industrial clusters. Today, China hosts over 2,000 industrial clusters, each benefiting from shared logistics, skilled labour, and targeted incentives. This coordination of policy and finance turned scattered

enterprises into enduring industries.

The lesson is design, not rivalry. Coordination turns activity into stability. Kenya illustrates this today: the Industrial Transformation Programme and mandatory ESG disclosure rules on the Nairobi Securities Exchange have channelled sustainable finance into projects such as Acorn’s Climate Bondscertified green bond.

Nigeria is moving in the same direction, committing to mandatory ESG reporting through the adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards—required for publicinterest entities by 2028 and for other private companies by 2030. If implemented effectively, this framework could strengthen transparency and enhance shared value by aligning business performance with environmental and social accountability.

Responsibility Drives Performance

Africa’s next growth story will come from companies that embed purpose into performance. Profit and purpose are not rivals; when engineered deliberately, they strengthen one another.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) once filled this role through donations and community projects. Yet when resources tighten, CSR budgets are among the first to be scrutinised or scaled back, especially when their link to core business value is weak. Shared Value by Design argues for a different approach: linking a company’s social impact ambitions directly to competitiveness. The idea is simple but demanding — a business should grow stronger by improving the systems that sustain it.

When that alignment works, impact compounds. Stronger supply chains create resilient communities; resilient communities create stable demand. Affordable insurance expands financial security while growing customer bases. Local manufacturing reduces import costs while creating jobs. Cleaner logistics, powered increasingly by gas as a lower-emission transition fuel, reduce both

environmental impact and operating costs. This is strategy, not sentiment. It builds trust, reduces risk, and attracts patient capital.

The IFC notes that companies integrating strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards manage risk better and attract investment. The OECD finds that effective corporate-governance frameworks strengthen market confidence and reduce the cost of capital. The PwC Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024 reports that 85 per cent of consumers feel the effects of climate change and are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Responsibility is no longer a moral add-on; it’s a market advantage.

Putting Shared Value to Work

At EverCorp, this philosophy already shapes how each portfolio operates. The goal: to align financial performance with environmental and social resilience so that what strengthens one strengthens all.

Across our group, we are deepening the connections between portfolios, leveraging shared capabilities and lessons to advance sustainability across insurance, energy, and consumer platforms.

Through emPLE Insurance, shared value informs how we design and underwrite products. Our policies reward clients who demonstrate sustainable practices, reflecting a belief that responsible business behaviour reduces long-term risk and improves resilience.

In our food and beverage portfolio, ongoing work at the Champion Breweries facility in Akwa Ibom State reflects this same principle. The brewery is transitioning toward greater reliance on solar—lowering carbon intensity, improving energy reliability, and reducing operating costs. A complementary water-cycle project is also being developed to enhance local resource efficiency.

Such initiatives may temper short-term returns, but they strengthen the systems that sustain growth. They show that lasting strength comes from building with others

in mind, not from growing alone.

The Design Rules of Endurance

Design must be measurable and repeatable, not abstract. At EverCorp, five principles guide how we embed shared value—a model any company can adapt. Fix real frictions: Growth starts where systems fail. Solving inefficiencies in logistics, payments, or credit creates commercial and social returns.

Align profit with reliability: Trust underpins scale. Reliable service earns loyalty, strengthens brands, and lowers borrowing costs.

Price externalities in: Waste and pollution are hidden losses. UNIDO’s cleaner-production programme shows that factories adopting resource-efficient practices report double-digit savings and lower emissions. For example, 15–20 per cent cuts in energy costs in India and over US$500,000 in annual savings across Kenyan cases.

Govern with data: We track ESG and business KPIs monthly, consolidate quarterly, and report annually. Transparency turns intent into credibility. Over three-quarters of investors now rank disclosure quality among their top priorities, according to PwC and KPMG.

Meet global standards, act locally: Frameworks such as the IFC Performance Standards, UN Global Compact, and UN Guiding Principles provide structure but must fit local realities.

To embed this discipline across our group, we are pursuing B Corp certification, a global standard measuring how companies serve employees, customers, communities, and the environment. For us, it is not branding; it is a framework for accountability and continual improvement. When businesses are built this way, impact is not a by-product. It is the plan.

Endurance as the New Ambition

Africa’s next growth story will be defined less by how many companies start and more by how many build systems that last. The future belongs to firms that endure by enabling the ecosystems around them to thrive. Every decision should leave something standing: stronger supply chains, stronger communities, stronger institutions. Profit matters; endurance with purpose defines impact.

Companies that invest in reliability and trust create stability beyond their balance sheets. They enable households to plan, investors to commit, and communities to grow. These are the quiet foundations of prosperity.

At EverCorp, we aim to help lead this conversation across Africa—to make shared value the common language of business, not a niche.

Africa does not lack visionaries; it needs builders who stay. The measure of success will not be how long companies survive, but how deeply they strengthen the systems around them. Profit sustains enterprise. Shared value sustains progress.

•Barrow is Chief Strategy & Shared Value Officer, EverCorp.

Tsola Barrow

POLITY

A Testament to the Visionary Leadership of Governor Abdulrazaq

Charles Okhai

Men of Integrity are those who demand excellence of themselves. They are focused, purposeful, detailed, bold, and achievers. It is therefore with great pleasure that we at the National Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) commend the outstanding performance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria, for his remarkable achievements in various sectors of the state. Elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, Governor AbdulRazaq has consistently demonstrated a sterling leadership style, marked by a strong sense of integrity, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State.

One of the most notable aspects of Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership has been his dedication to Infrastructural Developments. Under his watch, Kwara State has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, which has enhanced connectivity and facilitated economic activities. Governor Abdulrazaq in May 2024 launched the New Ilorin Master -Plan and Smart City Projects designed to make the state’s capital city habitable and compliant with rules that govern urban planning. The smart city is conceptualized to host about 500,000 residents. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to significantly enhance the resident’s quality of life.

PERSPECTIVE

Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has also invested in modern healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public buildings, transforming the state’s landscape and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

In addition, the governor has also prioritized Economic empowerment, recognizing that a thriving economy is essential for the well-being of the people. His policies have attracted investments, stimulated entrepreneurship, and created jobs, empowering Kwarans to achieve their full potential. The governor’s commitment to supporting small and medium-

scale enterprises has been particularly impactful, providing a vital lifeline to businesses and entrepreneurship.

In the realm of Sports, Governor AbdulRazaq has been a driving force behind the development of sports infrastructure and programmes in Kwara State. His administration has invested in sports facilities, promoted grassroots sports development, and encouraged youth participation in sports, fostering a culture of excellence and healthy competition.

The governor’s focus on road constructions and rehabilitation has been relentless, with numerous road projects undertaken and completed, improving mobility and access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. This has had a direct impact on the lives of Kwarans, facilitating trade, commerce, and social interactions.

Governor AbdulRazaq has also demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of the education sector, recognizing that education is the foundation upon which a prosperous society is built. His administration has invested in educational infrastructure, provided scholarships and bursaries, and promoted teacher training programs, enhancing the quality of education in the state. The innovative programme by the government known as KwaraLEARN is fast revolutionizing education in the state. The ambitious programme launched in November 2021 through Kwara State universal Basic Education Board was set out to revamp basic education, empower students, and ensure quality education for all children in the state.

A hallmark of Governor AbdulRazaq’s

leadership has been his unwavering dedication to promotion of democratic principles. He has consistently demonstrated a respect for the rule of law, tolerance, and inclusivity, creating an environment where citizens can thrive and participate in the democratic process.

Above all, Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated a high sense of integrity and patriotism in his leadership style. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance has earned him the trust and respect of the people of Kwara State. His capacity for leadership is so impactful that his fellow governors unanimously appointed him The Chairman, Governors Forum, a position he has held so far with unrestricted accolades. Governor Abdulrazaq has shown that leadership is about service, not self-aggrandizement, and that the welfare of the people is the ultimate priority. His exceptional performance in office is a testament to his visionary leadership and his unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State. All of this, adds credence to his recent recognition as The Most Outstanding Integrity Governor of The Year 2025, by Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ). We at the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), commend him for his outstanding achievements, and encourage him to continue on this trajectory, as he inspires and transforms the lives of Kwarans.

•Dr. Charles Okhai is the National President, Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ)

The Rise of DIA

By Shuaib I. Shuaib

Remember Col. Frank Omenka. As head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence, he is infamous for carrying out the dirty work of the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha; detaining dissidents from politicians to journalist and even military colleagues who had fallen foul of the government. Brig Gen. Haliru Akilu was even more known for leading the DMI with his named persistently linked to the killing of Dele Giwa though it has never been proven. Akilu would go on to also serve as the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency and the National Intelligence Agency, succeeding Aliyu Gusau in all of those positions except for the NIA seat. Gusau would however serve as President Olusegun Obasanjo’s National Security Adviser. Generally, though, the heads of the DIA have rarely featured in Nigeria’s public discourse in terms political scandals or security breaches. The only other head of the DIA to gain political prominence is Babagana Monguno, who was NSA to President Muhammadu. That is, until now. Today, the story is different. The DIA is enmeshed in the middle of an alleged coup that has claimed the jobs of Service Chiefs and is threatening the existence of other intelligence organisations. In so many ways, the politics of Pakistan resemble the plots and machinations for power in Nigeria. Both have populations of roughly 200 million each and in both countries, politics is dominated by competing tribal, regional and institutional interests. But while Nigeria is shared space between Muslims and Christians,

Pakistan is almost entirely Muslim. You would think that alone would be enough to make its politics less contentious than Nigeria’s. In reality, Pakistan probably has the most intense, competitive and at the same time, interesting politics you can imagine. Intensity, after all raises interest and curiosity. Several different factions compete for absolute power, with holding considerable sway. There are tribal leaders, religious leaders, armed groups and the business community. Then there are biggest players, the Judiciary, the Army and the career politicians that make up the executive; all aiming at one another’s throats.

In recent years though, the power balance has begun to tilt towards the armed forces. Prime ministers have been toppled by both the judiciary and military alike and vice versa. In fact, governments in Pakistan have been brought down in every way imaginable, through military coups, no-confidence votes, street protests and even by assassination and a judicial verdict sentencing a prime minister to death by hanging. The competition has ensured no faction can amass or hold on to power for too long. But if there’s any individual that came close to consolidating power, it was Nawaf Sharif, who was elected prime minister several times; sometimes decades apart. The second time Sharif lost power back in 1999, he tried to sack the Army Chief of Staff, Pervez Musharraf, who was mid-air. The move backfired with Musharraf taking power for himself. The last time he lost his premiership, Sharif was in a power tussle with military intelligence officials over control of Pakistani foreign policy. That is how powerful the Inter-Service Intelligence

is. The ISI has been accused of interference in neighbouring countries and fuelling some of the wars. But its usefulness to Western powers has partly been responsible for its rise and oversize influence over Pakistani politics and its leading role in shaping foreign policy. Its equivalent in Nigeria would be the DIA.

Apart from peace missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and now its role in the Multi-National Joint Task Force taking on insurgents in West Africa, militarily, Nigeria hasn’t really engaged in foreign entanglements. It is hard to say how much influence DIA has had in the setting up and running of the Multi-National Joint Task Force that is combating insurgency in the subregion. It’s not nothing that Nigeria has Defence Attaches in embassies across the world. Normally, the DIA should be seeking intelligence on capabilities; in terms of weapons and manpower, resources, technology and defence plans of Nigeria’s adversaries, while at the same assessing the country’s own defences.

It seems to have its sights elsewhere. The few engagements Nigeria has had tell the story of its Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Udiandeye, who was Deputy Chief of Operations, United Nations Mission in Liberia and is an International Counterterrorism Fellow.

Most citizens might be unaware, but the inter- agency rivalry between Nigeria’s intelligence and security organizations is strong. It was in part what led to the dismemberment of the National Security Organization into three: the NIA, DIA and the SSS. The NSO before its breakup dwarfed the DMI. Splitting the NSO was Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s way of creating an equilibrium in the balance of power among

the agencies. That did not stop the competition. DMI supplanted the SSS in the Abacha years. Olusegun Obasanjo restored the SSS’s role as lead agency in domestic intelligence and threats to the state, while the NIA outshined all the rest in Buhari’s government.

Since 1999 at least, the battle for supervision over all of them has been fiercer than the inter-agency rivalry itself. During Goodluck Jonathan’s president, Aliyu Gusau, who had had an illustrious military and political career was Defence Minister only in name. He lost out to the NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki who managed to take control of the armed forces and intelligence agencies. Similar conflicts played when Muhammadu Buhari was president. Service Chiefs were known to ignore summons from the NSA Babagana Monguno and instead answered to Abba Kyari, Buhari’s Chief of Staff. The absence of a similar power tussle goes to the heart of issues bedevilling President Bola Tinubu’s government. If there has been any infighting, it is over where the money is, CBN, FIRS and daggers drawn over NNPC. Apart from his role as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, he has left them to drift. No one has actual command of the military, not his defence ministers; Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, not his NSA, Nuhu Ribadu and not his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. But the fallout of going toe to toe with Kyari was how Monguno created the Directorate of Intelligence within the National Counter Terrorism Centre, both under the supervision of the NSA.

GovernorAbdulrazaq

TRIBUTE

Iku Olokun Esin: Remembering Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed

By Bimbo “Congressman” Daramola

Our mortality humbles me. One of the reasons why I personally do not hold life with so much of seriousness is the reality of our mortality as humans, this moment you are here, and the next you are gone.

Life has been described variously, some say it is like the chaff, that disappears when the wind blows, some say its like the dew or vapour and that disappears within a short while.

Oh some say life is a stage, and we are actors, and in all stages, the curtains will always fall after all performances.

No wonder why the Yorubas say, “e so fun alaso igbalode ko sora” i.e tell the one wearing the trendy fashion statement to be circumspect!

To further butress and a constant reminder of our limits and limitations as humans, again, I go into the deep vortex of Yoruba saying that amplifies this with the statement of “ iku a pa eni ta npe, iku a pa eni to npe ni” meaning death will take away the one who calls just as well as the one who is being called”, death is a leveller, its icy cold hands will wrap around every one someday, no wonder its called the grim reaper, whose vice grip no one can escape!

The reality is that we won’t be here forever, someday, somehow, we all have that appointment to keep.

On that day, when we keep that date, who we are, is or was, that powerful office, position, all that ephemeral and momentary power drunk driven, inspired and influenced “gra gra”, all that “you dont know who i am” mentality will not matter, what we will have would be our works which will exist only in memories.

When that call is made, that fat bank accounts or all that material acquisitions [sometimes looted, depriving others fair access to a better life] will not make sense, and what will be left will be the memories of our momentss on the stage called life.

I am attuned and aligned with these reality and these facts, and has become the quotient that compellingly moderates me, my choices and my life, incidentally I learnt this fact early and one of the persons who kind of reinforced my simplicity choices is General Mohammed Abdullahi, who only just departed to meet his maker.

I met General Mohammed Abdullahi late in 1999 with the return of democracy and the election of the then General Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo as the civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Soon after the election, before inauguration, the President- elect was in the “holding room” called the Defence House in Maitama, Abuja.

Here was the power house, where the latest men of power and powerful men from accross Nigeria converge to discuss the shape and form of the soon to be formed and incoming administration.

Your access was your well known identity, acceptance and warm reception by the “King and his most important palace courtiers”.

This was where I first saw him fleetingly, and the only way you could identify him was his preferred appearance in his all white quality but simple white material with the white Hausa cap and the matching white very classic slippers.

From these first moments all through the Eight years of President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, I never saw him wear any other colour of dress or shoe !

Even when the then President had sporting event and he had to show up, his track suit was in sparking white just as his regular day to day all white ensemble for those eight years.

It was after my approval as the video biographer of the President that I got to know him more, by this time he had been appointed as the Chief of Staff to the President.

I was later to know that he was a retired soldier, a General,I think they said he was one of the “five majors”, I am not so sure now, he is of Ilorin extraction.

General Mohammed Abdullahi was like a mystery man all through his years as the Chief of Staff for Eight years of President Olusegun Obasanjo, this perception was reinforced by many things, first was the appearance, as earlier said forever to be in all white.

Secondly, you rarely see him, he was one of the hands behind the cradle alongside General Aliu Gusau the NSA both of them were high up in the world intelligence circuits, I later learnt, both were extremely powerful individuals, both of them were the super humans behind the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR.

Thirdly, You rarely see General Abdullahi, except in the long walk way when he is going to see the President or coming from the office, or occasionally, to see Vice President Atiku Abubakar and that’s not so often, I saw him a few times there.

Fourthly, he rarely talks or attends all those State dinners or political events, I cannot recall seeing him in those Eight years at such parties or political events, the few times I did were when foreign Presidents came visiting and not everyone, maybe when President Bill Clinton visited. Political events was a NO NO for him.

For some reason by reason of my duties as a man saddled with the responsibility of putting together an internationally rated documentary of the President, i had

to interphase with the office for a number of things, mostly to get temporary access for my crew who did not have permanent accreditation by Villa.

So in the course of getting approvals from the offices between COS, SCOP [Ambassador Coker] and DCOS [Ambassador Esan], and Dr.Gbolade Osinowo, of blessed memory [then S.A Political to the President] I had the rare opportunities of bumping into the “mystery man” who had become like a father after a while on the account of what he described as my seriousness with my job, particularly when I got important personalities to feature in the documentary like President Nelson Rohilala Mandela, the Madiba, United States Former Secretary of Defence, Robert McNamara, Former Chancellor of Germany, Helmut Schdmit all friends of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

When I pulled off all these international personalities by the grace of God in the documentary, they knew “i was not playing” and all of them started taking me serious.

And this was what endeared me to the “mystery man” as he would later said, when an incident that almost ruptured my relationship happened!

So that year, i cannot remember exactly, but I guess it was 2001 or 2002, it was his birthday, and because he had been good to me and supportive of my work, with facilitations and access to many important people within and without, very senior functionaries of government etc

To appreciate this vantage positioning that his support had given me and my duty, I decided to celebrate him, I got a good card, I think a few super quality brocades such as in had seen him wear, and cake, as birthday gifts to mark tha day, and also placed a full page advert in the reigning newspaper at the time, we did not have heavy social media influence and presence in our lives then.

About 10a.m of that day i got a call from someone from his office informing me that Chief of Staff wanted to see me !

In my mind I sensed he had only just

seen the advert, because he was such a diligent man, who was so hands on and worked like a young man, always holed up in his office, came in early and rarely leaves until late sometimes, he had a very pretty dutiful and warm secretary that we call Auntie Maureen then.

Anyway, the tone of the caller did not betray too much of what was to happen, but I was a bit worried, again this is not unusual with me, I placed congratulatory birthday adverts for a number of Persons on their birthdays from the President himself to the ADC[ Uncle Solo], I was not very close to Uncle Kayode the CSO, for some queer reasons, the Vice President, Dr Gbolade Osinowo and a few others who had taken me as a brother or Son in the course of my job. I quickly rushed to the Villa with the other things that I wanted to take to his office.

As soon as I got in, I was ushered to a sit for a bit and a few moments later, he opened the door from inside and the Secretary waved me in.

The moment I got through the door, this time i knew something was wrong, his visage was not the man i used to know, that very white dentition and toothpaste smile against his very dark complexion was not there, and he barely grunted when I said Goodmorning Daddy and Happy Birthday.

Then he said what’s this pointing to the opened Thisday newspaper of that day, the page where my advert wishing him Happy Birthday was! I froze . If there is anyone you wanted to offend back then in the villa, you had better be sure that the person is not the “mystery man” the all powerful Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Abdullahi.

From the grapevine and villa gist, we learnt he was one of the few that could tell the President anything and the President, a very strong and tough character will accept without changing it, we learnt this was because of the implicit confidence in his capacity, capabilities, his professional background and more importantly the twin virtues of his loyalty and incorruptible nature marinated in his very simple if not austere and spartan outlook to life, aside his Rolex wrist watch known to those who know, he could also pass as another regular person.

Frozen like a Statute before him, I did not have an answer to the question from him, in a minute I was lost, I was wondering if he did not like the picture, because the picture I used was cropped from another a picture with the President.

Only few people can boast of having General Abdullahi’s pictures as Chief of Staff, someone that you rarely see?

Even the picture used here was one of his very old pictures that I had to dig up! Cut long story short, he said sternly, “ I don’t like this! I am not a Politician” and I am here at the behest of the President and just want to do my job not to be on the pages of newspapers” !

I went down gently and prostrated, begged him, I said i just wanted to celebrate him in my little way for all the fatherly support and expressions toward me.

Gen Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed, GCON

CALIFORNIA WINE INSTITUTE’S GLOBAL BUYERS MARKETPLACE EVENT...

PDP Leadership Tussle: INEC Backs Damagum

Monitors Ekiti guber primary election

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upheld Umar Iliya Damagum as the constitutionally recognised National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing clams by Abdulrahman Mohammed, a loyalist of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to the national chairmanship position.

Insecurity:

Gov

INEC, in a formal acknowledgment and recognition of the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), responded to a correspondence by Damagum and deployed election monitors for the PDP governorship primaries that took place on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

AbdulRazaq

Lauds Nigeria Police, Security Agencies for Promoting Public Safety, Peace

As 142 new constables complete training in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State at the weekend lauded the leadership of Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their hard work, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

The governor however urged the public to continue to rally round the government and security agencies in their efforts to strengthen security and promote peace in the state.

The governor spoke in Ilorin at the closing ceremony of a two-week intelligence training for the newly recruited police constables.

At least 142 constables participated in the training that was organized by the Kwara

State Command.

Four former AIGs, Baba Adisa Bolanta, Babatunde Ishola Babaita, Fimihan Adeoye, and Tokumbo Owolabi were among the dignitaries, who graced the ceremony.

While pledging to continue to support and strengthen their capacity to check crimes, the governor charged the new officers to see their calling as a covenant.

"Distinguished constables, as you step into the field, remember the oath you swore to the people of our country. Together, let us make a difference in how the police are seen by the public.

"Let integrity be your compass, courage your fuel, and service your legacy,”

The governor, represented at

the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, expressed delight that the new intakes have mastered some skills at the training, including threat assessment, source handling, digital forensics, and community intelligence, noting all these will transform raw information into public safety.

"I charge you to see every patrol, every report, every quiet conversation as patriotic duty to our fatherland,” he said.

He added, “Nigeria’s stability rests on your shoulders. A constable who spots and acts on a suspicious movement in Ilorin today prevents a crisis anywhere else in the country tomorrow.

"Your badge is not a mere metal; it is a covenant with the

citizens of this country who sleep better because you are awake.”

He also urged the public to continue to rally round the government and security agencies in their efforts to strengthen security and promote peace in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, on his part, said the training was designed to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency, which according to him, are key pillars of modern policing.

He praised the participants for their steadfastness throughout the exercise and charged them to translate the knowledge they acquired into practical at their respective duty posts.

We Have No Alliance with Tantita Security, Oil Rich Itsekiri Delta Communities Clarifies

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The leadership of oil rich Omadino Federated Communities in Warri Federal Constituency has debunked any alliance with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as allegedly claimed by Chief Priest Roland Yomere, also a leader in one of the communities. The leadership under the auspices of Omadino Community Management Committee, in a statement over the weekend, said it refuted vehemently, statement of Chief Priest Roland Yomere, which purports the community entered " renewed alliance" with TSSNL.

A statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of Omadino Community Management Committee, Mr. Tuoyo Mogbeyiteren and Mr. Benjamin Akoreh, respectively, maintained that Roland Yomere was never mandated to act in the capacity of mouthpiece of the community.

The leaders asserted: "Our

attention has been drawn to a recent press release making the rounds on social media by Chief Priest Roland Yomere on the 8th of November, 2025, wherein he purported to be speaking and acting on behalf of the Elders, Management committee, Youth Executive and entire people of Omadino Community.

A faction of PDP had postponed the Ekiti State governorship primary scheduled for November 8. It said the primary election was postponed due to logistics.

That was contained in a letter signed by the purported acting national chairman of PDP, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

The letter was addressed to Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan.

The letter read, “We wish to inform you that the PDP Ekiti

State Congress and Governorship primary slated for November 8th, 2025, has been postponed due to logistics reasons constraining this exercise. “A new date will be formally communicated when decided. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards. Kindly refer to our earlier letter to the commission on this subject matter.” But by monitoring the Ekiti State PDP governorship election primary, INEC had affirmed the Damagum group as the authentic leadership of the party.

NDLEA Arrests Saudi-bound Wanted Drug Lord,

Dismantles Lab, Recovers 148.3kg Colorado, Precursors

73-yr-old

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A wanted drug lord 40-yearold Yussuf Azeez has been arrested by operatives of a special operations unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos while on his way to Saudi Arabia.

Azeez was arrested on his way for Umrah, a holy pilgrimage, after months of intelligence and surveillance on him and his criminal drug activities.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, said the alleged drug kingpin had been arrested and charged for drug offences in the United Kingdom but jumped bail and escaped to Nigeria.

Soon after settling down in Lagos, he set up a massive clandestine laboratory in the Lekki area of the state for the production of Colorado, a deadly

synthetic cannabis and other illicit substances.

Babafemi said at about 6:30am last Thursday, Yussuf walked into the waiting hands of NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport while attempting to board his flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. He was subsequently swiftly driven to his 17 Vincent Eku Street, Ogombo, Lekki, clandestine laboratory which has been under surveillance for a while.

He was said to be found in company of another suspect, 43-year-old Abideen KekereEkun, at the time of his arrest. Babafemi said inside the massive building, operatives from the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring were able to dismantle all installed laboratory equipment, precursor chemicals and already produced illicit substances including Colorado, all weighing 148.3 kilogrammes.

L-R: Director, Dadsons UK Ltd, Sunil Dadlani; Director, Drinks Revolution Nigeria, Dr. Victor Ikem; Executive Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Stuart Spencer; Regional Manager Africa, California Wine Institute, Niel van Velden and Director, Solovino Limited, Kenya, Ivan West, on a tour of California’s wine region of Lodi during California Wine Institute’s Global Buyers Marketplace event held in California, United States...recently

Nabs

grandpa, 70-yr-old grandma in Edo, Bayelsa

ISAN'S 8TH

TRIENNIAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE...

Presidency Flaunts Counter-terrorism Record Amid America’s CPC Designation

Cites 81% drop in terror-related deaths, neutralisation of 13,000 terrorists NSCIA: alleged Christian genocide US pretext to destabilise Nigeria Muslim Ummah backs nation’s stand on Palestinian crisis, condemns Trump's Hamas policy

in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The presidency, yesterday, made public an abridged update on the country’s counter-terrorism operations, detailing arrests, convictions, and significant declines in terror-related deaths since 2023.

The update, posted on its verified X handle, @ NGRPresident, came in the wake of renewed diplomatic

tension following genocide allegations by United States President Donald Trump against Christians in Nigeria, and designation of Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

The US had also threatened sanctions and hinted at possible military action.

The update came as Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) denounced the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern

and the allegation of genocide against Christian faithful by the US president as a covet plan by the American government to destabilise Nigeria.

Similarly, Muslim Ummah, Bauchi State Chapter, and the leadership of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) condemned Trump's proposal labelling Hamas as a terrorist organisation, calling it unjust and counterproductive to the resolution of the Palestinian conflict.

The Nigeria government repeatedly rejected the genocide allegation, insisting the country faces a complex, decade-long security challenge driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, not religious persecution.

The government maintained that the security crisis had claimed lives across all faiths and regions, and continued to appeal to global partners, including the US, for support in its ongoing operations aimed

at defeating the debilitating challenge.

In the update, the presidency reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s stance that “the security of Nigeria is nonnegotiable”, stressing that enhanced inter-agency cooperation has led to stringent action against terrorists and insurgents since 2023.

In the figures released, it claimed security agencies had “vigorously pursued, arrested, eliminated or successfully

SOLUDO IN LANDSLIDE, SECURES 2ND TERM, VICTORY REINFORCES POWER OF INCUMBENCY

Benin, Professor Omoregie Edoba, declared Soludo as winner of the exercise after the collation of results from the local government areas where the election was held.

“I hereby declare that Soludo Chukwuma Charles of the APGA, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Edoba declared at the state headquarters of INEC in Awka, the state capital, where the election results were collated.

Paul Chukwuma of Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 8,208 votes.

George Moghalu of Labour Party (LP) and Jude Ezenwafor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 10,576 votes and 1,401 votes, respectively.

Shortly after the results were announced, there was jubilation at the residence of the governor in Isoufia community, Aguata Local Government Area.

By the victory, Soludo secured another four-year term at the Light House seat of power in Awka.

Sixteen political parties and their candidates contested for Anambra’s top job.

Others cleared by INEC to contest at the poll included Echezona Oti of Allied Peoples

Movement (APM), Ms. Chioma Ifemeludike of African Action Congress (AAC), Jeff Nweke of Action Alliance (AA), Charles Onyeze of Accord Party (AP), Geoff Onyejegbu of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Chukwudubem Nweke of Action Peoples Party (APP).

Equally in the race were Jerry Okeke of Boot Party (BP), Ndidi Olieh of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Martin Ugwoji of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Vincent Chukwurah of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Soludo was first elected governor on November 10, 2021, after sweeping to victory in 19 of the 21 local government areas.

Victory for the 65-year-old former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) signalled the end of the months-long electioneering dominated by debates over the state of affairs in Anambra.

His opponents and critics accused him of failing to address insecurity and economic challenges plaguing Anambra residents.

But the governor promised to consolidate on his achievements in the first four years, if re-elected, banking on APGA’s 19-year grip on power in the state.

Heavy Security, Voter Apathy, Alleged Vote-

buying

Ahead of the election, the police had deployed 45,000 personnel to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

Though largely peaceful, the election was marred by claims of vote-buying and voter apathy.

Several candidates, including Soludo, raised concerns over alleged monetisation of the election.

Observers also shared similar sentiments, accusing parties of inducing voters to back them.

Ukachukwu of APC said, “If there’s no seller, there cannot be a buyer. Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is even worse than those who buy votes.

“When you give up your right to money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t cry later; society must be blamed for encouraging this.”

Tinubu: Soludo’s Reelection is Affirmation of His Visionary Leadership

President Bola Tinubu, among several other prominent Nigerians, congratulated Soludo on his victory at the poll.

Tinubu, in a personally signed congratulatory letter, lauded

Soludo for bringing discipline, grace and fresh perspective to governance in Anambra State.

He assured him of his unflinching support and continued collaboration between the federal and state governments.

Tinubu also commended the new leadership of INEC for conducting what election many observers described as a credible poll.

The president, in the 12-paragraph congratulatory message, stated, "I congratulate Professor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as the governor of Anambra State.

"The overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday's poll has now made him the third governor in the state's political history to win a second term.

"I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.

"Professor Soludo's re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.

"Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that, indeed, knowledge is power and

that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.”

Tinubu added, "I visited Anambra State in May this year, where I inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration. I highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by Mr Solution. That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind.

"I commend Governor Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra. Under him, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.

"I urge Governor Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections. I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the federal government.”

The president said, "The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that

convicted” extremists linked to some of the country’s deadliest attacks.

The update disclosed that since 2024, over 124 terrorists and insurgents had been convicted by Nigerian courts, while several high-profile suspects, including leaders of Ansaru, those implicated in the 2022 Owo Church massacre, and those involved in the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue, were undergoing trial.

victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.

"I must also thank the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what observers have described as a credible election, based on the reports I have received thus far.

"I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system."

NGF, Abiodun, Ngige Greet Soludo

Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) congratulated Soludo on his electoral victory.

A statement by Chairman of NGF, and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the clear margin of victory underscored the popularity of the governor and his programmes among Anambrarians.

The statement, signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, read, "We are confident that this deserving victory will enable His Excellency to consolidate on his great achievements across different sectors.

L-R: Mr Martin Ikpehai, Managing Director of Computer Audit Control & Security Association Ltd.; Mr Ajibola Bankole, Director of Inspectorate at NAICOM; Mr Moses Igbrude, National-Cordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN); Mr Erimona Williams, Partner in Assurance Services at EY (Ernst & Young); Ms Peggy Haliday of NGX Regulations and Chief Matthew Akinlade, Patron of the association at the ISAN's 8th Triennial Delegates Conference in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan

WE CARE MINISTRY MEDICAL OUTREACH TO SCHOOL OF THE BLINDS...

Customs’ Port Harcourt Area Command Collects Historic

N33.75bn Revenue for October, N247.46bn in 10 Months

James Emejo in Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Harcourt Area I Command has disclosed that it boosted monthly revenue collection to N33.75 billion in October 2025, representing about 272 per cent increase compared to N9.07 billion in October 2026.

Giving a breakdown of the revenue performance over the weekend, Customs Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, said the figure represented the highest revenue collection in the history of the command, and a “record that stands as a testament to our collective commitment and the improved efficiency of our operational processes”.

She stated that the command’s

cumulative revenue from January to October 2025, stood at N247.46 billion, compared to N164.08 billion collected within the corresponding period of 2024.

This, she said, translated to a commendable growth of about 51 per cent, demonstrating the command’s steady and consistent revenue performance.

The command had a N216 billion revenue target for 2025 and a monthly average target of N18.07 billion.

Atuluku said, “I am pleased to inform you that as at October 2025, the command has already surpassed its annual target by over N31 billion, with two powerful ‘ëmber’ months to go.

“This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of

IGP: We Must Work Together to Secure Nigeria

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, said ensuring Nigeria’s security required close collaboration, mutual trust, and the rejection of fake news among security agencies.

This call came as the Police Service Commission (PSC) commended the exemplary performance and professionalism demonstrated by officers of the Nigeria Police Force during the recently concluded governorship election in Anambra State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a post on X, quoted the Inspector-General as saying security could not be achieved in isolation.

strategic leadership, renewed operational discipline, and the unwavering dedication of officers and men under my watch.”

She attributed the improved performance to the Unified Customs Management System popularly known as Bodogwu, a

digital analytics and monitoring platform designed to track, analyze, and optimize revenue collection processes.

She said, “Through Bodogwu, we have been able to identify bottlenecks, improve data accuracy, and ensure real-time

revenue accountability. This innovation has greatly supported our drive towards operational transparency and efficiency.”

The customs comptroller, thanked the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for guidance and support, as well as appreciated the dedicated officers, compliant traders, shipping companies, terminal operators, and sister agencies who continue to align with the command’s goals.

Ekiti 2026: Oluyede Wins PDP Guber Primary as Falegan Emerges

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Ikere-Ekiti born-politician, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election as the race for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election continues to take shape.

Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Accord Guber Candidate

Osi local government, which led the voting to extend till 3:00 am yesterday.

But at the end of the voting exercise, Ayeni polled 239 votes, Ogun received 27 votes while Dr. Wole Oluyede scored 279 votes and was declared winner of the primary election.

to focus on the general election while reiterating the commitment of the party to wrest power from the ruling party in the state.

Relatedly, the Police Service Commission (PSC), has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for the effective and efficient deployment of personnel during the Anambra election.

In a statement by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission described the performance of the Police as “above average”, noting that their professionalism contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct and legitimacy of the election.

“Commission staff monitors in Anambra State reported that police conduct during the election was both professional and orderly,” the statement read.

“Security cannot be provided in silos. There must be synergy among all security agencies and communities across Nigeria. To secure this nation, we must work together, trust one another, and reject fake news.”

Oluyede defeated his closest rival Hon. Funso Ayeni and Theresa Funmi Ogun, who came a distant third at the Vino Event Centre in Ado

The keenly contested election process started as early as 8:30 am with the arrival of delegates from the 16 local government areas, INEC officials and members of the electoral panel led by former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, at the Vino Event Centre.

However, the election did not commence until 9:00 p.m as some disgruntled members protested the exclusion of Ido/

Reacting to his victory, Oluyede thanked the delegates for their support maintaining that the victory was not for him alone but for the party.

He emphasised the need

"I want to call on all our members to remain committed to the task ahead. To our great party, today's election – there are no losers – we are all partners in progress and champions of Democracy and this is a prove that internal democracy works in our party," he said.

Crisis in Ondo as Monarch Bans Council Chair over Alleged ‘Disrespectful’ Remarks

His action is unconstitutional, says lawyer

A crisis is brewing in Owo, Ondo State, following the decision of the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, banning the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Tope Omolayo, from the town and declaring him persona non grata within the ancient kingdom.

The development came after Omolayo who was recently suspended by the

Owo Legislative Council over alleged gross misconduct was accused of making derogatory remarks against the monarch in a viral leaked video.

Although the embattled chairman had publicly apologised to the monarch, at a press conference in Akure, describing his comments as “thoughtless and disrespectful".

However, the traditional ruler insisted that his continued presence in office was no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.

The monarch, who spoke

through the Ogwadogbon of Owo, Chief Ademola Obanonyen and the entire Olowo-in-Council described Omolayo’s utterances as “utter sacrilege and crass contempt” against the revered stool.

Obanonyen said the Olowoin-Council, after extensive deliberation, resolved that Omolayo had “by his reckless utterances and conduct, declared himself persona non grata within Owo Kingdom.”

He said the council’s position was aimed at protecting the dignity and sanctity of

the Olowo throne, which he described as “a sacred institution that embodies the unity, peace, and progress of the Owo people. “All Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Owo Kingdom have disowned his actions and distanced themselves from his unfortunate remarks,” Obanonyen said, adding that the council called on the Ondo State Government to take note of the development and act “in the interest of peace and order.”

L-R: Assistant Leader, We Care Ministry (WCM), Mr. Collins Nwachukwu; Senior Regional Overseer, Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM), Headquarters Annex, Wuye - Abuja, Pastor Edwin Etomi; Head Administration, School of the Blind, Abuja, Madam Elizabeth Emmanuel; Founder, WCM, Pastor Chioma Gabriel; Financial Secretary, Sis. Grace Abraham and Head Media and Publicity, We Care Ministry, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, during the medical outreach by We Care Ministry, MFM Wuye Annex to the School of the Blind in Jabi Abuja at the weekend...

ENOCK REUBEN

Fidelis David in Akure

Denial of Christian Genocide Unhelpful, Find Solutions to Killings, Women Group Tells FG

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

The federal government has been urged to stop denying the existence of the alleged genocide against Christians and instead channel efforts towards halting the persistent killings in Nigeria.

An advocacy group, the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) gave the advice following FG’s panicky reaction to the threat issued by President Donald Trump of the United States of

America to use military force to rout terrorists wreaking havoc in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, IWA said that denying the targeted systematic killings of Christians that have been going on over the years will not help the situation, adding that only accomplices would deny the occurrence.

‘”Evidence of genocidal killings of Christians in Nigeria is overwhelming. Those denying the

occurrence must be accomplices,” the women group said.

IWA wondered why it has taken a threatening message from Trump for the FG to wake up to the urgent need to stop treating the terrorist groups with kid gloves hence the killings have persisted for long.

According to the group, government has been “turning a blind eye to unprovoked attacks against Christians in Nigeria by Islamic fundamentalists until the jolt by Trump.”

Sokoto Council Chair: Bandits

Kill 5, Abduct 9 Women

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Sharehu AbubakarKamarawa, has confirmed that five people were killed and nine women abducted in a bandit attack on Bargaja village.

The attack, attributed to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, occurred on in the night when are people are about to retire to bed.

According to eyewitnesses, the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, stormed the village, shooting

sporadically and setting houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Kamarawa dismissed allegations that the council failed to act on earlier intelligence about the movement of the bandits, saying: “We acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence, mobilising local vigilance groups and notifying relevant security agencies. Security personnel were deployed to the area, but the bandits diverted through another route, leading to the tragic incident.”

The council has sanctioned

the local security commander responsible for the area and replaced him with a more capable officer to improve coordination and response time.

Kamarawa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting ongoing support to both formal and community security formations through logistics, fuel, and welfare assistance.

The attack has been linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who has been responsible for several attacks on villages in the region.

NAS Seeks Reforms for Stable Democracy in Nigeria

The Olympus Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, has noted that ethical reorientation, institutional reforms, and public accountability are essential steps towards a sustainable and true democratic Nigeria.

The association asserted in a communique signed by Mr. Ilochi Nnamdi, Captain Olympus Marino Deck, at the end of its Street Pulse Series held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The series was anchored by Prof Matthew

Ogali, Professor of Political Theory and Methodology, University of Port Harcourt; Dr. Amaechi Justin, Social Accountability Advocate and Development Consultant; and Mr. Chinedu Nwangwu, a Public Affairs Analyst.

In the communique, the group observed that the type of godfatherism practiced in Nigeria poses a serious threat to the nation’s democracy.

They used Rivers State as a case study, stressing that godfatherism in Nigeria has taken a dangerous dimension, which becomes destructive when driven by greed.

“The political godfathers

in Nigeria are ‘Extractive Godfathers’. Extractive because all they do is take and receive from the economy and system without giving back. Every system needs godfathers, but the godfathers should not be dominating or overcontrolling,” he said.

The association stated that for any positive change in Nigeria, “we will require a form of revolution in our body, politics and psychological consciousness, and awakening, not necessarily violence or military intervention, as witnessed in several developed nations,” this, they said, could save Nigeria from its current political decay.

Asefon Honoured for Leadership in

NextGenBuilders Initiative

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Inventors Community has extended special appreciation to Michael Asefon, a renowned technology leader and innovation strategist, for his exemplary service and leadership in advancing Africa’s technology ecosystem through the NextGenBuilders2025 annual programme.

Asefon, who serves as Coordinator and Judge for the NextGenBuilders2025, a flagship programme

organised by the inventors community, has been instrumental in mentoring emerging innovators, establishing evaluation frameworks, and fostering technical excellence.

Since its inception in 2015, the Inventors Annual Hackathon has become one of the continent’s most respected grassroots innovation programmes, attracting hundreds of participants from diverse universities and technology hubs.

This year’s edi-

tion, branded #NextGenBuilders2025, continues the tradition of empowering young minds through mentorship, skill testing, project incubation, and competitive evaluation.

Asefon’s leadership extends to his role on the Grouping and Review Committee, where he contributes to shaping the judging process, designing technical rubrics, and overseeing quality assurance in the final review of projects.

Blessing Ibunge inPort Harcourt

MONDAYSPORTS

Super Eagles Camp Opens in Morocco with 10 Players

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles camp in Rive Hotel in Rabat, Morocco opened yesterday with 10 players ahead of the 2026 World Cup African Playoff against Gabon on Thursday.

Media Officer of the team, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze were amongst the early birds while Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun who plies his trade with FC Krasnodar in Russia, Beşiktaş Vice Captain, Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon of Paris FC completed list of players in camp as at dinner time.

Captain William TroostEkong, Benjamin Fredericks and returnee Chidozie Awaziem were been expected as at press time last night.

The team’s technical crew and backroom staff arrived earlier to make logistical and tactical preparations for the decisive encounter, ensuring a smooth start to the training sessions scheduled for this evening.

Eagles are expected to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday before Thursday’s play-off, which will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first of two semi-final fixtures while Cameroon take on D.R. Congo.

The winner of the semi finals will clash for the African ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026 — the final hurdle toward qualification

for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Vice Captain of the Super Eagles, Wilfred Ndidi, has expressed the team’s determination to cross the World Cup African hurdles to secure a spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March next year.

“The strength of the team lies in our pace and power in transition, creativity in wide areas, and a solid spine,” he said. “We also have depth— players who can come in and change the game. When we’re connected and intense, we’re dangerous,” began Ndidi.

While optimistic, Ndidi remains grounded in the realities of knockout football.

“With unity and discipline, we believe we can do it.”

The former Leicester City midfield supremo emphasized that no opponent will be taken lightly. “We respect every opponent. Playoffs come

RESULTS

Abia War 0-0 Enyimba

K’Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa

Nasarawa 1-1 Kwara

Rangers 1-0 Shooting

W’Wolves 0-2 Ikorodu

Wikki 1-0 Tornadoes Premier League

Aston Villa 4-0 Bo’mouth

Brentford 3-1 Newcastle

Cry’Palace 0-0 Brighton Nottingham 3-1 Leeds

6th CIO Championship to Tee off in Port Harcourt with Safari Tour Partnership

The 6th CIO Golf Championship will tee off at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, with organisers announcing a groundbreaking partnership with Kenya’s Safari Tour.

Ikenna Okafor, the Chief Executive Officer of Keeves Global Leasing, sponsor of the

event, said that the objectives of staging the event were being realized with every passing edition.

“We came into golf sponsorship to use this platform to support, build, and expose the huge golf talent from this part of the world. Year after year, we have taken bold steps to reach our dream of making this event the ultimate stepping stone to stardom for professional golf players from Africa to the global stage.”

This year, Okafor said the partnership with the Kenyan Safari Tour, operated by the Kenya Golf Union, will allow participants to gain qualifying points for the 2026 Magical Kenyan Open, a Challenge Tour (a second-tier European Tour schedule, now known as the DP World Tour).

down to fine margins, not reputation. Our focus is on preparation—sharp training, good recovery, and executing the game plan. If we do that, our quality will shine through.”

He added, “As a team, we

want to qualify while staying respectful of the task. We’ll prepare well, give everything, and maintain our humility.”

Reflecting on the team’s journey to the playoffs, Ndidi noted the valuable lessons learned.

“We’ve learned to respect the details—game management, set pieces, recovery, and discipline without the ball. Trusting the process, sticking to simple, clear roles, and keeping the team spirit high are key.”

He also acknowledged the challenges that come with high-stakes matches.

“We must manage pressure, handle away environments, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes. Fatigue is a factor with travel and tight schedules, so recovery and squad rotation are crucial.”

NPFL Fines Katsina Utd N9m, Banished to Jos for Rest of Season

Katsina Utd have been fined N9million and also banished to Jos, Plateau State for the rest of the 2025/26 NPFL season for the unruly conducts of their fans during Saturday’s Match-day12 clash with Barau FC at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Barau FC players were injured during the fracas that ensued following the equalizer against the host team’s 1-0 lead on Saturday.

A Barau FC player was initially thought to have been killed but it was later learnt that the bleeding he sustained was as a result of an object thrown

The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling boxing nights of the year in Lagos, as New Era Boxing Promotions, have announced the staging of a 12bout bill tagged “Legendary Ring Return Fight Night” slated for Saturday November 22 at the Shalom Park & Events Centre, Igando, Lagos.

The night will feature 12 explosive bouts headlined by the highly-anticipated return to the ring of veteran boxers; former world Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali and

FANS

from the stands that injured him on the chin.

NPFL in the ruling yesterday after examining the report of match officials, charged Katsina United for breaching the Framework & Rules of #NPFL in the course of their Matchday 12 fixtures vs Barau FC on Saturday.

“The club failed to provide adequate & effective security resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas.

“Katsina Utd also failed to ensure proper conduct of

former national and West African middleweight champion, Prince Bob Alagoro.

“The Bash Ali and Prince Bob Alagoro matchup will be the icing on the cake of a night boxing fans across Nigeria and beyond have been eagerly looking forward to,” said Brigadier-General Idowu Lamina Akinlawon (rtd), CEO of New Era Promotions.

Addressing the sporting press at the Shalom Park & Events Centre last Friday, General Akinlawon (rtd) said

their supporters leading to the harassment of Barau FC players & match officials.

“Supporters of Katsina Utd also threw harmful objects onto the pitch resulting in the injuries of Barau FC players.

“Furthermore, Katsina Utd supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” NPFL stated in the charge against Katsina United.

The league body therefore ordered Katsina Utd to play all their subsequent home matches at the stadium in

the night promises to be a great experience for boxing enthusiasts in the area and Lagos in general.

“Legendary Ring Return Fight Night” has been sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) and we are set to make the evening special for boxing fans who turn up,” he noted.

Scribe of the NBB of C, Olu Aboderin, reaffirmed the board’s support for the event and expressed confidence that the show will further promote

Jos and behind closed doors.

“The club have been fined N1m each for throwing objects towards the pitch, failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & bringing the game into disrepute, totalling N3m. “A N2m fine has also been placed on Katsina Utd for failing to provide adequate & effective security.

“The club will further pay N2m each as compensation for treatment of injuries & damages to the away team’s buses; & for holding the match officials & away team hostage for hours after the match, totalling N4m.

professionalism and growth of boxing in Nigeria. Other top pairings on the bill include a national middleweight challenge contest between Idris Hamza and Lawal Abidemi Faruk. Opeyemi Ibraheem will take on Akeem Muri in the Bantamweight class while Lucky Oyinbu and Sahid Sodiq will clash in the lightweight challenge. Ekene Richard Usonu will take on Abdulkadir Sadalah in a middleweight challenge.

Sunday Olapade.. defending champion of CIO Golf Championship

Super Eagles camp comes alive in Rabat, Morocco ahead of World Cup playoff against Gabon on Thursday

NBCC PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION DINNER...

L-R: Member, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Presidential Inauguration Dinner Committee (PIDC), Segun Akintemi; Vice Chairman, PIDC, Adeola Azeez; Chairman PIDC, Tajudeen Ahmed; Acting Director-General NBCC, Adaobi Onyedum, and member PIDC, Maureen Ngwu, during a pre-event press conference of NBCC's Presidential Inauguration Dinner for Abimbola Olashore held in Lagos…recently

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Twenty Episodes of Disgrace

It is not US President Donald Trump’s untrue claim of a genocide against Christians in Nigeria, his claim of affinity to “cherished Christians” when he does not go to church, or his threat to come “guns-a-blazing” to Nigeria that worry me today. He said Nigeria is now a “disgraced country” because killings, state sponsored or not, religiously specific or not, amount to genocide and a country stands disgraced if it cannot end it. Mr. Trump, could you kindly stop the genocide against school pupils in the US? Between 2000 and 2022 alone, more than 300 school shootings occurred in the United States. The deadliest ones include the April 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia [33 people killed, 23 others injured]; 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut [28 deaths]; 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas [22 killed]; and the 2018 Parkland High School shooting in Parkland, Florida [17 dead]. Stop this genocide against cherished schoolchildren!

The 1978 genocide at Peoples Temple in Guyana was a religious genocide that disgraced the United States. Reverend Jim Jones, after killing visiting US Congressman Leo Ryan, ordered his temple’s members to lick cyanide. 913 of them did while Jones shot himself; it was a disgraceful genocide. As was the 1993 FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents’ 53-day siege of the religious cult Branch Davidians’ compound at Waco, Texas, led by Reverend David Koresh. Fire then engulfed the compound and 86 people died, a disgraceful genocide of a cherished Christian sect.

If Nigeria is disgraced because security forces have not succeeded in crushing insurgents and terrorists who are fighting asymmetric warfare, then the US was disgraced because it deployed 775,000 troops in Afghanistan over a 19 years and ten months’ period, at a cost of $2 trillion, with 2,459 soldiers killed and another 20,000 wounded, yet turned tails and ran and the Taliban were back in power. Anything more disgraceful than that? Except perhaps Vietnam where, between 1955 and 1975, US deployed half a million troops, spent $168 billion ($1 trillion in today's dollars), had 58,220 killed and 300,000 troops wounded, while it killed an estimated two million Vietnamese. After 20 years, US troops escaped from Saigon Embassy rooftops and the Communists captured all of South Vietnam.

The Tet Offensive of January 1968 was very disgraceful, using Mr Trump’s definition. On Tet [the lunar new year], North Vietnamese and Communist Viet Cong forces launched a coordinated attack on South Vietnam’s capital, Saigon and 36 of the country’s 44 provincial capitals. The attackers even

penetrated the presidential palace and the U.S. embassy compound. It was a big disgrace that the same US Air Force and US Navy that used napalm against Vietnamese troops, buildings, jungles and railroad tunnels came back 28 years later looking for Saddam Hussein’s alleged Weapons of Mass Destruction, which didn’t exist.

Korean War of 1950 to 1953 was a big disgrace, using Mr. Trump’s parameters. By the time it ended with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, exactly where it started three years earlier, 36,574 U.S. service members were killed, including 4,800 troops who were missing and presumed dead. Meanwhile, up to four million people died in that war.

Nigeria cannot protect all its troops and policemen from terrorists, but did the US protect its troops from the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut in October 1983? A suicide bomber rammed a truck bomb into the barracks, killing 220 Marines and 21 other service personnel. President Reagan then ordered the Marines to escape from Lebanon, a very big disgrace if you ask me. In nearby Yemen in 2000AD, US lost 17 sailors with 38 others wounded when suicide terrorists exploded a small boat next to the destroyer USS Cole.

Or even protect its embassies. In August 1998, bombs exploded almost simultaneously in front of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in the heart of Africa. Two hundred and twenty-four people died in the blasts, including 12 Americans, and more than 4,500 people were wounded. Much more disgraceful was the episode nine years earlier when revolutionary Iranian

students captured the US Embassy in Tehran and held 66 American diplomats and civilian personnel hostage for 444 days. When a US military mission was sent to rescue them, one helicopter collided with a transport plane in the Iranian desert and the mission ended in abject failure.

Another disgraceful episode was the 2012 attack on the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, where U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith and former Navy Seals Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were all killed, a big disgrace for then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Even though we understood that it was supposed to be a humanitarian mission to save Somali people from the chaos of clans warfare, was the October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu not an absolute disgrace for the United States? Rag tag Somali insurgents shot down a Black Hawk chopper and downed another one that came for rescue. And US troops soon escaped from the country with their tails between their legs.

What about the December 1981 abduction of Brigadier James Dozier, a top American official at NATO headquarters in Verona, Italy by the Marxist–Leninist guerilla group Italian Red Brigades? He spent 42 days in captivity, and was only found with help from the Italian Mafia, with which the Italian police struck a deal. In Nigeria here, do we have a La Cosa Nostra to help us find the hiding places of abducted people? Even the “vaunted” planes that Mr. Trump is threatening to send to strike terrorist targets in Nigeria, is he sure it will not end in a big disgrace, like the May 1960 incident when the US Airforce U-2 reconnaissance plane and its pilot, Francis Gary Powers, were shot down over the Soviet Union? Although US government at first denied it, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev later displayed the captured pilot and wreckage of his plane, to permanent American disgrace. Instead of protecting its embassies and officials, US was busy deploying military might against tiny countries, such as its 1983 invasion of the tiny Caribbean island nation of Grenada. Even there, it suffered 135 casualties. The big North American bully, disgracefully, regularly invades small countries in the neighbourhood, such as its 1965 invasion of the Dominican Republic, leading to a year’s occupation. It wasn’t even the first; US disgracefully invaded Dominica in 1916, occupied it until 1924, and it even wanted to annex it.

Only that, the big bully met a very big disgrace when, in April 1961, CIA sponsored 1,500 Cuban exiles to launch an invasion of the Bahía de Cochinos [Bay of Pigs] coast of Cuba in order to overthrow the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro. They were disgracefully repelled; many were killed or

captured; two US B-26 bombers were shot down and four Americans were killed. Did Nigeria ever invade any country just because it did not like its government? Cuba was neither the first nor the last disgraceful American invasion of small countries because the CIA sponsored a coup in Iran in 1953 that overthrew Prime Minister Mohamed Mossadegh because he nationalised Iranian oil fields. And the disgraceful 1973 CIA-sponsored coup in Chile that led to the killing of President Salvador Allende Gossens, to the consternation of the whole world.

Look, you superpower guys were caught napping on December 7, 1941 when the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet commanded by Admiral Yamamoto crossed the vast Pacific Ocean under radio silence, sneaked up to your naval base at Pearl Harbour, destroyed sixteen ships and many aircraft and killed 2,390 of your service men. How can you now call Nigeria a disgrace because our North East Theatre Command did not detect the movement of an ISWAP suicide bomber squad?

Mr. Trump, your country’s Civil War of April 1861 to May 1865 was big disgrace. 618,222 people were said to have died, 360,222 from the Union side which won the war, and 258,000 from the Confederate side that lost the war. If not disgraceful, where else did the winner of a war suffer more casualties than the side that lost the war? While your civil war lasted a whole four years and a month, our Nigerian Civil War was over in 30 months, which shows we were more humane than you guys were.

In Nigeria, we have protected our leaders from assassins much better than you guys did. Only two of our heads of government were killed while they were in office, in 1966 and in 1976. What about you guys, with your “vaunted” Secret Service, FBI, CIA, National Guard and many city police forces? President Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865; President James Garfield was shot in 1881; President William McKinley was shot in 1901 and President John Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. President Reagan narrowly escaped assassination in 1981 and Mr. Trump had his ear grazed by a bullet. In the 1960s alone, your prominent citizens Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy were all assassinated, so which one is more disgraceful?

You said we allowed Shekau, Al_barnawi, Dogo Gide, Bello Turji, Ado Aleiro and Gwaska Dankarami to run amok in our localities. You guys, didn’t you let Al Capone, Ma Baker, Baby Face Nelson, Machine Gun Kelly, John Dillinger, Jimmy ‘The Weasel” Fratiano and John Gotti loose in your biggest cities? Was that not a big disgrace?