MONDAY 12TH JANUARY 2026

FG Targets N189bn in National Assets Sale to Plug 2026 Budget Funding Gaps

Works, agric receive lion's share of N3tn, N1.1tn for capital projects Presidency to spend N100.5bn, NSA gets N286bn in capex

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government expects

to raise more than N189 billion in 2026 from the sale of national assets and the privatisation

of selected public holdings, positioning asset disposals as a critical plank in financing what is

set to be Nigeria’s largest budget in nominal terms.

Details contained in the

2026 Appropriation Bill seen

by THISDAY showed that the N189.16 forms part of a

N25.27 trillion financing package

Continued on page 5

Tinubu Arrives United Arab Emirates for 2026 Sustainability Summit... Page 7 Monday, Monday,January January12, 6, 2026 2025 Vol Vol29.

30.No No10865.

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Governors Celebrate Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Hail Tinubu’s Devotion President prioritises welfare, equipment of Armed forces, says defence minister Akpabio: N’Assembly working with executive to restore peace, security

James Sowole in Abeokuta, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Gbenga Sodeinde

in Ado Ekiti and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Some governors, yesterday, celebrated the Nigerian military by joining in the

Armed Forces Remembrance Day, commending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to

the military.

That was as Minister of Defence, General Christopher

Musa (rtd), reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising Continued on page 5

Chimamanda Serves Legal Notice over Son’s Death, Sanwo-Olu Orders Probe Author demands certified copies of all medical records Nwandu addresses alleged inconsistencies in Euracare's statement

See story on page 5

A RESOUNDING ENDORSEMENT OF MR. PRESIDENT...

L-R: Former Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Presidents of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Senator Ken Nnamani; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Governor of Imo State and Chairman, South East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Francis Nwifuru; and Deputy National Chairman (South), All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emma Eneukwu, during the South East APC Stakeholders Meeting and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu at Hotel Presidential, Enugu, at the weekend

Wike: I Had No Pact with Tinubu on 2023 Election... Page 8

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Report: World’s Richest 1% Already Used Fair Share of Emissions for 2026 Global economic damage to hit £44tn by 2050

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The world’s richest 1 per cent have already used up their fair share of carbon emissions in the first 10 days of 2026, according to a research by Oxfam, a non-governmental organisation focused on tackling poverty, inequality and injustice around the world.

The charity said the worst effects of the emissions would be faced by those who had done

the least to cause the climate crisis, including people in low-income countries on the frontlines of climate breakdown, indigenous groups, women and girls.

Lower- and middle-income countries are most at risk from the detrimental effects of these emissions, with global economic damage potentially adding up to £44 trillion by 2050. Meanwhile, the richest 0.1 per cent took just three days to exhaust their

annual carbon budget, the report added.

Oxfam called on Britain’s chancellor to “increase taxes on climate-polluting extreme wealth”, saying: “The wealthiest individuals and corporations hold disproportionate power and influence.”

It said the UK’s richest 1 per cent produced more carbon pollution in eight days than the poorest 50 per cent used in a year, The Guardian UK

reported.

Not only are the super-rich responsible for most carbon emissions, but they also invest in the most polluting industries, the report added. A billionaire carries, on average, an investment portfolio in companies that will produce 1.9 million tonnes of CO2 a year – roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of 400,000 petrol cars.

To stay within the agreed

global heating limit of no more than 1.5C above preindustrial levels set by the Paris agreement in 2015, the richest 1 per cent of the world’s population would have to reduce their emissions by 97 per cent by 2030, the report stressed.

Beth John, a climate justice adviser at Oxfam GB, said the UK government should focus on the richest polluters in order to limit damage caused

Musk

by emissions.

“Repeated opportunities to make the richest pay their fair share for climate action have been missed in the UK, but there is still so much that can be done,” she said.

CHIMAMANDA SERVES LEGAL NOTICE OVER SON’S DEATH, SANWO-OLU ORDERS PROBE Wale Igbintade and Sunday Okobi Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, has demanded accountability from Euracare, a private hospital in Lagos, accusing it of medical negligence and professional impropriety. This followed the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, after a series of medical procedures.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also ordered a probe into the alleged medical negligence that reportedly led to the death of Master Nkanu. The probe followed public concern caused by the tragedy.

In a detailed legal notice dated January 10, 2026, solicitors acting

for Adichie and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege, alleged that the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel breached the duty of care owed to their son, Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, who died in the early hours of January 7, 2026.

According to the notice, the child, born on March 25, 2024, was referred to the hospital on January 6, 2026, from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an imminent medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist medical team was reportedly on standby.

The procedures included an echocardiogram, a brain MRI, a peripherally inserted central

catheter (PICC line), and a lumbar puncture. Intravenous sedation was said to have been administered using propofol.

However, the notice alleged that during transportation to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI, the child developed sudden and severe complications.

Despite being under sedation, he was reportedly transferred between clinical areas under conditions that raised “serious and substantive concerns” about compliance with patient-safety protocols.

He was later pronounced dead in the early hours of January 7.

The legal notice, issued “without prejudice” to the parents’ rights and signed by the law firm led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro,

SAN, outlined multiple alleged lapses in paediatric anaesthetic and procedural care. These included concerns about the appropriateness and cumulative dosing of propofol in a critically ill child, inadequate airway protection during deep sedation, and failure to ensure continuous physiological monitoring.

The parents further alleged that their son was transferred without supplemental oxygen, without adequate monitoring, and without sufficient accompanying medical personnel.

They also raised concerns about the availability of basic resuscitation equipment, delayed recognition and management of respiratory or cardiovascular compromise, and an overall

failure to comply with established paediatric anaesthesia, patienttransfer, and safety protocols.

Another key grievance cited was the alleged failure of the hospital to adequately disclose the risks and potential side effects of propofol and other anaesthetic agents, thereby undermining the legal requirement for informed consent.

According to the solicitors, these alleged lapses amount to prima facie breaches of the duty of care and render the hospital and the medical personnel involved liable for medical negligence resulting in the child’s death.

As part of their next legal steps, the parents demanded certified copies of all medical records relating to their son’s

treatment within seven days of receipt of the notice.

The requested documents included admission notes, consent forms, pre-anaesthetic assessments, anaesthetic charts, drug administration records, monitoring logs, procedural notes, nursing observations, ICU records, incident reports, and the identities of all medical staff involved.

The demand also covered internal reviews, safety logs from the MRI suite, and any other documentation connected to the child’s care.

The hospital was placed on formal notice to preserve all relevant evidence, whether Continued on page 36

GOVERNORS CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY, HAIL TINUBU’S DEVOTION the welfare, motivation, and adequate equipping of the armed forces and other security agencies to enable them carry out their constitutional duties with professionalism and efficiency.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that the National Assembly, working closely with the

executive, remained committed to restoring peace and security across the country.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, while commending the federal government for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding life and property across the country, said it was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abiodun gave the commendation during a special church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

He stated that Tinubu had taken decisive steps to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through improved intelligence coordination,

enhanced inter-agency collaboration, better welfare for troops, and the provision of modern equipment for the armed forces.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the federal government’s interventions were already yielding positive results, helping to restore public

confidence in the country's security system.

He urged Nigerians to support government efforts by promoting peace, unity, and patriotism, stressing that collective responsibility is essential to building a strong, united, and indivisible nation.

Fubara Calls for Calm

in Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urged Rivers people to remain calm and trust in God, assuring them that his administration would continue to work to sustain peace and progress in the state.

Fubara made the call Continued on page 36

FG TARGETS N189BN IN NATIONAL ASSETS SALE TO PLUG 2026 BUDGET FUNDING GAPS designed to plug a wide fiscal deficit arising from expenditure that significantly exceeds projected revenues.

The projection sits alongside N23.04 trillion in new debt financing and about N2.05 trillion in multilateral and bilateral project tied loans, underlining the increasing reliance on nonoil funding sources to support government operations and capital investments.

Although the assets for sale and privatisation in 2026 were not explicitly listed, the federal government has been considering a broad range of transactions as part of an ongoing effort to monetise public holdings, reduce fiscal pressure and reposition the state away from direct participation in commercial activity. These plans cut across oil and gas, power, transport, industry, real estate and other strategic sectors.

In September last year, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE),

Ayodeji Gbeleyi, confirmed that 91 federal assets would be privatised as part of ongoing efforts to optimise public enterprises, attract investment, and boost efficiency across key sectors of the economy.

He stated that out of the 91 firms the government had earmarked for privatisation or commercialisation, 16 are in the oil and gas sector, including refineries and depots, though he did not name them. He added that 12 operate in agriculture, 20 in aviation, and 28 are in other public enterprises.

He further noted that the remaining firms include those in mines and steel, transport, eco-tourism, as well as two agencies under the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

According to the DG, equity in 35 of the firms will be fully privatised, while equity in 57 will undergo partial privatisation.

But according to the 2026 bill, aggregate government expenditure for 2026 is expected to be N58.47 trillion, against total projected

revenues and inflows of N33.20 trillion, leaving a deficit of N25.27 trillion to be financed through a combination of borrowing, asset disposals and external project loans.

An analysis of the budget framework showed that while asset sales contribute less than 1 per cent of total spending, the proceeds are treated as a strategic funding source that complements debt financing and supports fiscal sustainability objectives.

Within the revenue structure, government expects N23.09 trillion as its share of gross federation revenues, N4.31 trillion from independent revenues, N4.98 trillion from government owned enterprises net of operating surplus, N1.37 trillion from grants and N1.99 trillion from other sources, including domestic recoveries, assets and fines.

Besides, the 2026 budget allocated N23.21 trillion to capital expenditure, representing the largest single component of

spending and accounting for nearly 40 per cent of total outlays.

This scale of capital investment heightened the importance of diversified financing sources, including asset sales, to avoid excessive reliance on borrowing.

Debt service remained a dominant expenditure line, with N15.91 trillion allocated to servicing domestic and foreign obligations, consuming more than a quarter of the entire budget.

This burden has sharpened policy debates around the need to expand non debt revenues, including through privatisation.

By contrast, recurrent non-debt expenditure was pegged at N15.25 trillion, while statutory transfers amounted to N4.10 trillion, reflecting constitutionally mandated allocations to key institutions and intervention agencies.

However, the N189.16 billion projection also comes amid renewed scrutiny of government owned enterprises (GOEs) and their contribution to public

finances. While GOEs are expected to generate nearly N9.40 trillion in gross revenue in 2026, only N4.98 trillion is projected to accrue to the federation after accounting for operating surplus retained by the entities.

Within the financing plan, the debt financing of N23.04 trillion remained the dominant source, highlighting the scale of Nigeria’s funding challenge. The asset sales component, though comparatively small, is viewed as a signal of intent to gradually rebalance financing away from borrowing.

Multilateral and bilateral project tied loans of N2.05 trillion are expected to support infrastructure and development programmes, often on concessional terms that are cheaper than commercial borrowing.

While the projected N189.16 billion from asset sales is listed as a financing item in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the government also listed how it intends to spend it, particularly in sectors that absorb large capital allocations

but also carry significant recurrent costs.

In terms of capital expenditure, the presidency got an allocation of N100.5 billion; the Ministry of Defence got N464.4 billion; the Office of the National Security Adviser got an allocation of N286.9 billion as capital expenditure, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will receive N113.5 billion.

Besides, the Ministries of Works as well as that of Agriculture and Food Security received the lion's share of the capital spending, with the sums of N3.06 trillion and N1.13 trillion respectively, underscoring the critical importance of both ministries to the country.

In the same vein, Foreign Affairs was allocated N56.1 billion; Information and National Orientation received N22.6 billion for capital expenditure; Art, Culture and Creative Economy got N28.2 billion, while the Ministry of Police Affairs was allocated N60.9 billion.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 08074010580

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN PROGRAMME IN ONNA...

L-R: Dean, Akwa Ibom State College of APC Women Leaders, Mrs Inyene Bassey; Principal Assistant Registrar, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic; Mrs Uduak Ilaumoh; Managing Director/CEO South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio; Wife of Akwa Ibom State Finance Commissioner, Iniobong Bob and Engineer Anietie Akpabio, at the empowerment of women programme in Onna Local Government, Akwa Ibom State ...yesterday

New Tax Act: Oye Lists Limitations that May Hinder Successful Implementation

The Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), Dele Kelvin Oye, has said the rent relief which caps deductible rental expenses at NGN 500,000 per year and the restrictions on forex deductions, preventing businesses from deducting actual foreign exchange losses when sourcing funds in Nigeria’s volatile currency market are amongst hurdles that could hinder the successful implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

According to him, while the reform is the most significant legislative change to the Nigerian income tax environment since the return to democracy, there are structural 'glitches' that demonstrate a disconnect from Nigerian reality.

Oye, who is the immediate Past Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and Chairman of the NigeriaTürkiye Business Council

(NTBC), spoke in a paper titled, "The Nigeria Tax Act 2025: A Critical Examination Of Consolidation, Implementation Challenges, And Institutional Identity Crisis."

He said, “Perhaps the most criticized clause in the new Act is the limit on relief for individual taxpayers. The Act decrees that taxpayers will be allowed to deduct rental expenses capped at NGN 500,000 per annum.

“Considering Nigeria's primary economic hubs, including Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, this figure is embarrassingly low. Given the inflationary and devaluationary pressures on property values, NGN 500,000 per annum is a drop in the bucket versus the actual rent expense of most average urban professionals and small business owners.

“The "Rent Relief Paradox" is emblematic of a failure to properly index tax benefits

to inflationary realities. By establishing fixed, static, and extremely low thresholds, the government progresses towards a "decorative doormat" as opposed to a safety net. For many taxpayers, the time and effort needed to collect documentation and submit for relief expenses may outweigh the aggregate tax savings.

“In fact, the policy may simply be emblematic of the purpose in theory, as it allocates benefits to persons above the threshold because it available to them, while providing no tangible benefit in the real world. Rent Relief, like other costs, would actually better serve the purpose in a meaningfully inflationary environment if tied to something regional like averages or a minimum wage.”

On the forex fiasco, Oye said, “Section 20(4) of the NTA 2025 creates incredible administrative burdens on

businesses in Nigeria's perpetual volatile forex market. Under this provision, the Act prohibits the deduction on a business's losses and expenses related to forex abstinence, often having to be calculated at the official exchange rate determined by the CBN. “The dysfunction of the Nigerian market is the perpetual liquidity scarcity at the official window, which forces many businesses into alternative or parallel markets to source the required forex at a massive premium.

“The Act is imposing a ‘Double Jeopardy’ tax assessment, creating a situation where businesses cannot deduct the measure of the actual forex cost to conduct normal business operations, such as importing raw materials or servicing foreign debt.

“The Act implicitly requires taxpayers to conduct business without any measure of expense

Saraki, Olubadan to Headline 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, will chair the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue, scheduled to hold on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja, a statement signed by Ahmed Shekarau, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Trust Group, said yesterday.

Themed: “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What is Working and What is Not”, the statement added that the former Kwara Governor, who also represented Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly from 2011 to 2019, will be presiding at the event with his wealth of experience spanning nearly three

decades.

“Before venturing into politics, Saraki, the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, had worked as a medical officer at the Rush Green Hospital, Essex, United Kingdom, between 1988 and 1989 following his graduation from London Hospital Medical College, University of London, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1987.

“He became a director of the defunct Société Générale Bank Ltd in 1990 and held the position until his appointment in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant on Budget,” the release noted.

According to the statement by the Media Trust Group, His

Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Dialogue, where public figures within and outside the government will speak extensively on the theme of the event.

Ladoja, who was crowned the 44th Olubadan in September 2025, was governor of Oyo State from 2023 to 2007 and represented Oyo South in the Senate in the short-lived Third Republic between 1992 and 1993.

The monarch, a graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Liège, Belgium (1966–1972), has cognate experience in the private sector, having worked for 13 years at Total Nigeria in various

positions,it stressed.

He started his private investment in 1985, venturing into shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture and transportation. He was installed as the Jagun Balogun in 1993, and became a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited in 2000.

Media Trust Group, the owners of Daily Trust, Aminiya, Trust TV, Trust Radio and Digital Trust, revealed in the statement signed by its CEO that the dialogue will be a multi-layered event, with a pre-event countdown which involves production, publication and broadcast of treasured contents on some of the most fascinating and dramatic moments of the Republic since 1999.

deduction, which creates a "Forex Fiasco" scenario, where profit margins shrink to a depressing state for manufacturing and service industries. Many businesses will ultimately choose to create capital flight in search of a more realistic fiscal environment.”

He continued: “Coming behind the "guilt by association" progeny with the VAT compliance, is likely the most unpopular provision in the NTA 2025. Specifically addressed in Section 21(p), a business may have an expense denied deduction solely if their supplier failed to charge for VAT or remit the associated charge to the NRS. “Simply put, every corporate accounting department in Nigeria, would now need to act as a full-time private contractor, evaluating their entire supply chain for compliance.

“The government needs to be concerned with fundamental injustice of this policy. A compliant taxpayer is penalized for the limitations of third parties, over whom they and their process have no legal right.

“In a complex economy, that is entirely unrealistic to construct evidence that every vendor from large utility providers to landscape or janitorial service contractors, are in good standing with their respective tax collections.

“The obvious unintended consequence is that the government has implemented a compliance rule that would impact domestic supply chains, because larger firms will have to limit or refuse the business with SMEs that cannot provide ironclad proof that these were remitted to the government.

“Rather than outsourcing the enforcement responsibility

to the private sector, the NRS, in its modernized digital capabilities, should simply track and penalize those suppliers directly, as they are already remitting tax.

“The NTA 2025 is a big leap toward regulating fiscal affairs, but these embedded mistakes suggest that the "landing" of the reform will be bumpy for the Nigerian economy.

“The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics supports periodic reviews of these particular provisions to ensure that the law enables rather than stifles the businesses that it seeks to regulate.

“The spirit of consolidation must be matched with the spirit of economic realism if the Nigeria Tax Act of 2025 is to reach its transformative potential.”

Oye further stated, “The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 brings significant changes to Nigeria's fiscal architecture, most notably, the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) as the successor to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“While there appears to be rebranding in the service used to administer taxes, the legislation suggests an expansion of the mandate of the revenue authority into investment policy.

“The growth of power is an institutional identity crisis where the primary purpose of revenue extraction is likely to eclipse the nuanced task of attracting investment.

“Historically, investment incentives were the responsibility of specialized agencies who were better positioned to assess fiscal costs against long term economic benefits; the NTA 2025 crops up the center of gravity of incentives into a single revenue authority.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

NEWS

TINUBU IN ABU DHABI...

President Tinubu arrives Sheilkh Zayaed International Airport in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Tinubu Arrives United Arab Emirates for 2026 Sustainability Summit Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday evening arrived in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit.

Tinubu's official aircraft, Nigeria Air Force (NAF) 1, touched down at 11:30pm (UAE time) and was received by Minister of State in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan.

Tinubu, who left Lagos on December 28 for Paris, France, as part of his Yuletide vacation,

is attending the summit at the invitation of President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who extended a formal request for Nigeria’s participation in the high-level global forum.

The week-long summit, which holds between January 11 and later in the week, is an annual platform that convenes world leaders from government, business, and civil society to shape the future of sustainable development.

With the theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” the 2026 edition of ADSW is designed to

Tinubu Felicitates Ex-Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, At 67

Describes him as a seasoned legislator and statesman

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, as he clocks 67 on January 12, 2026.

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Senator Lawan as a seasoned legislator and statesman who has made enduring contributions to Nigeria's democratic development.

Tinubu extolled the senator's decades of distinguished service to the nation as a legislator, particularly his tenure as Senate President, during which he provided steady leadership and upheld

the principles of dialogue, stability, and collaborative governance.

The President acknowledged Senator Lawan's commitment to national unity, good governance, and democratic values, which has earned him respect across party lines and among Nigerians from all walks of life.

According to him: "As Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan played a critical role in strengthening the legislature and fostering constructive engagement among the arms of government in the interest of national progress".

Tinubu wished the ranking Senator good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve the nation.

connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and human capital, highlighting practical pathways for advancing

climate resilience, clean energy transition and inclusive economic growth.

The president is expected to engage in key

discussions with global leaders on sustainable development, climate action and investment partnerships that align

with Nigeria’s development priorities.

Tinubu will return to the country at the end of the summit.

Lekki Waterfront Dispute: Rights Group Backs Court's Intervention, Condemns Attacks on Judiciary

Alex Enumah in Abuja

A human rights group has commended the court for its intervention in the ongoing Lekki waterfront property dispute, noting that there's some measure of peace, following the order to the police to provide protection for the disputed property.

Meanwhile, the group, Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society (HRGDS) has condemned the escalating campaign of misinformation, alleged intimidation, and unwarranted attacks directed at the Nigerian judiciary in respect of the matter.

Executive Secretary of HRGDS, Comrade Femi Akanbi, in

statement over the weekend explained that the order to all parties to maintain the status quo as well as to the police to preserve the subject matter of investigation, in order to restrain parties from the property was done "judicially, lawfully, and in accordance with settled legal principles.”

They therefore warned against the unwarranted assaults on the judiciary, especially through media manipulation and orchestrated public agitation.

The group explained the plaintiff who instituted the case, merely exercised his constitutionally guaranteed right to seek redress before a court of competent jurisdiction, adding that the ruling was issued solely to preserve the

subject matter of the dispute and prevent further illegality pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“It is reckless, misleading, and legally indefensible for any individual or organization to suggest that the court acted outside its powers or targeted innocent parties,” he added.

Backing the court’s intervention, he noted that courts exist “precisely to intervene” where disputes, alleged irregularities, and competing claims threaten to degenerate into disorder or cause irreparable harm.

Akanbi raised the alarm over alleged coordinated attacks on the judiciary when “lawful court orders” failed to align with certain

private interests.

This, according to him, has resulted in an emerging pattern in which media organizations reporting factual developments on the matter have allegedly been threatened.

“Such conduct raises grave concerns regarding contempt of court and deliberate attempts to undermine public confidence in the justice system,” the group added.

Akanbi explained that disagreement with a court order does not confer a licence to malign judges, incite public sentiment, or orchestrate smear campaigns against the judiciary, adding that such actions strike at the very heart of democracy and the rule of law.

ASF France, Partners Train Journalists, Lawyers on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation in Lagos Amby Uneze in Owerri

The dangers journalists face in the field of their daily duty to serve the public were brought to the fore recently during a two-day training workshop organised for them by the Avocats Sans Frontieres France (ASFF) otherwise known as Lawyers without Borders in Lagos, Nigeria.

The training programme was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented

by ASF France in Nigeria in partnership with Spaces for

Change (S4C), and the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITD) under the e-Rights (enhancing digital rights in Nigeria) with their firm belief that all human rights are also applicable in the digital sphere for governments, businesses and individuals to demonstrate utmost respect for human rights offline and online.

Tshe programme’s training theme was: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and the organisers brought some selected

journalists from Imo and Lagos States, and lawyers together to deliberate on the practical experience bordering on intimidation they encounter in the hands of law enforcement agents and the judiciary as they ply their daily work routine.

Welcoming participants to the training, the Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu UzomaIwuchukwu, highlighted some of the SLAPP issues such as silencing journalists, instigating journalism anti-corruption charges, restricting press

freedom, clamping journalists through flimsy charges like cyber-bullying, cyber-crime, etc.

She pointed out that her organization has been providing media defence against all odds, through free legal support to journalists, noting that in order to contribute in legislating matters, they recently interfaced with the members of the national assembly in Lagos to discuss the issues for legislative intervention as well as assisting to curb digital-facilitated gender violence.

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NEWS

SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK 2026 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY...

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide, Chairman, Nigeria Legion Ogun State, Veteran Mariam Adebayo, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta; Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Signals, Abeokuta; and Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Command, Mr. Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, during the special church service to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta

Wike: I Had No Pact with Tinubu on 2023 Election Says presidential election issues settled Amaewhule: You remain our political leader Chinda: Nobody can threaten you in Rivers

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said he did not enter into any agreement with President Bola Tinubu for his electoral victory in the 2023 general election in Rivers State.

Wike, who insisted that all issues pertaining to the 2027 elections in the state had been settled, dismissed allegations that his present position as FCT minister was the fruit of his agreement with the president.

The minister’s assertions came

as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, declared that Wike remained their political leader in the state.

Similarly, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, assured Wike that nobody could threaten him in Rivers State.

Chinda also appreciated Tinubu for appointing Wike into his cabinet.

Speaking during his visit to Obio/Akpor, his home council area, Wike said, “Like the minority leader said, we never signed an agreement with the president. We never sat down with the president.

Okpebholo to Renovate Late Ambrose Alli's House Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

Ms. Rosemary Ambrose Alli, daughter of former governor of Bendel State, now (Edo/ Delta), has disclosed that the government of Senator Monday Okpebholo has made known intentions to renovate her late father's house at Emuado, Ekpoma.

Ms. Alli who made this known in Benin while speaking with journalists informed that an official of the Edo State Government told her that the state government had concluded plans to upgrade the house to a modern one.

It would be recalled that the house was built in 1990

by Prof. Alli's friends after his death in 1989 immediately he was released from prison.

Recall also the late governor did not build any personal house throughout his tenure as governor of Bendel State from 1979 to 1983 before the military

terminated the democratic rule on 31 December, 1983.

Expressing her appreciation to Okpebholo's government, Ms. Alli said no government, whether Delta or Edo, had thought it wise to provide succour to the family despite her father's selfless service to the two states.

"Severally, we have made efforts to get the attention of the governments of Edo and Delta without success. Past Edo governments at time sent some few things to us but Delta has bluntly refused to acknowledge even our communication," she said.

She noted ordinarily the two states ought to pay compensation to the family as done by some states of the country even without asking.

According to her, the family lived average life despite her father's status as a governor, adding her father donated his salaries for humanitarian purposes.

“All Mr. President told us was to support him, you will not regret it. To the glory of God, he saw what we did for him to have confidence to appoint a Rivers man to be Minister of FCT. What else do you want him to do for you?”

Boasting of his capability in politics, the FCT minister said, “From 1999, when I was the chairman of a local government, till today, the people of Obio/ Akpor have never disappointed me.

“Each time I call you, you always answer me positively.

So, I felt it is important to come and thank you.

Obio/Akpor is not an ungrateful local government, we always appreciate those who have helped us in life.

“Let me say this clearly, I have never told anybody that I am a trader, I have not said I am a pastor, I didn’t say I am a public commentator, I never say I want to be a journalist. I said I want to be a politician, and I am a

politician.

“Choose whatever you want to be in life. So, for those who are crying left, right, and centre, it is their business. You cannot be a politician at the same time a trader, a pastor.

“No, you must do the one you want to. You don’t need to begrudge me that I am a politician, no. I have never told any journalist what to write. I have never told any pastor what to preach or how he makes his profits.

“If you like to cry from morning till night, it does not affect me. If you don’t want to play the game, go away. So, those of us who have indicated interest in playing the game, don’t worry yourself about what they will not be focused on.”

Wike explained, “Power is not a free gift; you will work for it.

If Donald Trump does not have the power, he will not go to Venezuela to pick a president.

Whether it is wrong or right, he did because he has the power.

For the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power.

“Nobody has become a governor in this state, a senator of Rivers East without Obio/ Akpor making a pronouncement.

So, we use what we have. Don’t mind people who say sack me, if my appointor says that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right.

“But we are very proud to tell Nigerians that we have never disappointed as far as politics is concerned. Those who say ‘I am coming from the Atiku side,’ I don’t understand.

“Those who could not give Atiku 10 per cent in 2023 are the people now saying they want to deliver the president. You want to deliver failure because you have never passed any day, we are the ones that have been passing every election.

“How can somebody who failed come to lead your own camp?”

The minister stated, “We have settled the issue of the presidency

come 2027. The good thing is everybody saying we support Tinubu.

“So, I want to plead with all of you, don’t bother about accusations. We have been in political battles for years. Since 1999 I have been here, we have seen battles, this one is not a battle, it is a won battle.”

Amaewhule recalled how in their loyalty agreed to work with Wike to ensure victory for Tinubu in Rivers State.

He told Wike, “The real people of Nigeria know your worth, that you are helping Mr. President to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. And that is why Obio/ Akpor people in their numbers have gathered here this afternoon to reassure Mr President, because you are the political leader of Rivers State.

“Your Excellency, when you go back to Abuja, tell Mr President that what we did in 2023, when the time comes in 2027, we will do even more, we will redouble our efforts.

Shettima to Chair Hadiza Bala Usman’s 50th Birthday Colloquium Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Tuesday chair the first Hadiza Bala Usman governance colloquium holding in commemoration of the 50th birthday anniversary of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman.

The event which holds at 10am at the Transcorp Hilton,

Abuja, will be addressed by renowned public policy expert, Dr. Joe Abah, who will speak on the theme: “Leadership, Delivery, and the Courage to Serve,” a statement in Abuja said yesterday.

Abah’s keynote address, according to the organisers of the event, will set the tone for a robust interrogation of the discipline and accountability required to sustain public sector performance through a panel discussion with policy

and governance experts.

According to the release, the distinguished panel of experts will give deeper insights into the colloquium's theme, drawing from their extensive experience in policy formulation and institutional reforms.

The panelists include: Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee; Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN) and Waziri Adio, Founder and Executive Director, Agora Policy and Former Executive Secretary of the National Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Others are: Rinsola Abiola, Director-General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre and Habiba Lawal, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination.

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NEWS

PDP STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING IN JOS...

PDP Board of Trustees member, Amb. Bagudu Hirse; Plateau State PDP Chairman, Hon. Raymond Dabo; former Governor of Plateau State and PDP Board of Trustees member, Senator Jonah Jang; and PDP Board of Trustees member, Prof. Gabriel Lombin, at the Plateau PDP Stakeholders’ Meeting in Jos at the weekend

Health Ministry: Nigeria Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease As FG begins final stages of deployment of health fellows

Michael Olugbode and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over the changing health challenges in the country, warning the country is currently dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the Nuparadigm Health

Foundation, which marks a new era of health awareness in the country, a representative of Ministry of Health, Abraham Emmanuel emphasized the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the federal Government said it will on Monday, January 12,

commence the final interview stage of the National Health Fellows Programme (NHF) following a nationwide selection process that attracted over 150,000 applicants.

The programme being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and coordinated by the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office is designed to produce one health fellow

governmental organisation committed to raising awareness about non-communicable diseases and the risk factors associated with them.

The foundation aims to provide credible health information, educate communities, and encourage healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of avoidable illnesses.

Emmanuel explained that Nigeria’s health challenges are changing, with the country now dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

He said: “Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is deliberately chosen not to no longer facing only make much noise until we communicable diseases. We have successfully crossed all are now experiencing a double burden of communicable and the necessary hurdles.

"The parameters and non-communicable diseases, requirements for state and some even describe it as a creation are enormous and triple burden when pandemics rigorous. Overcoming them are included.”

He decried that younger demands nothing less than Nigerians are increasingly unity of purpose among our affected, stating that: “Nonpeople. communicable diseases are "The old Ijebu Province, increasing in Nigeria, and which forms the basis of this aspiration, consists of nine the age limit is dropping. local government councils. Conditions like hypertension, Anything short of this full stroke and type 2 diabetes are complement cannot guarantee now affecting people in their 30s.” a successful process.

Emmanuel noted that lifestyle is the main risk factor.

He said: “These are mainly lifestyle-related diseases, which means they can be managed and prevented the institution listed as 6th through increased awareness defendant, to complete his and better choices.”

He also highlighted alarming remaining three years and five months tenure of office. national survey findings, In the judgment that was warning that many Nigerians delivered on December are unaware of the silent health 11, 2025, the court threats around them.

“The data from our national further granted an order directing the payment of survey is alarming. Many the claimant's emolument Nigerians are developing from September 2023 till non-communicable diseases date of delivery of the without knowing the risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, judgment. from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to support ongoing health sector reforms.

The ministry said that the fellowship, which targets young Nigerians, aims to build a new cadre of health system leaders who will drive innovation, accountability and community-based interventions at the grassroots.

Nuparadigm Health Foundation is a non-

Lack of Unity May Hamper Creation of Ijebu State, Daniel Warns

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A former governor of Ogun State and Senator Representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, yesterday warned that creation of the muchdesired Ijebu State may not be realistic unless there is unity of purpose among the people of the nine local governments that constituted the old Ijebu Province.

Daniel gave the warning at Ikoto Okeowa, during the BATOGD Movement Tour of Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

The tour which drew stakeholders from entire wards that constituted the local government was the seventh in the series of the assessment tour.

The senator who highlighted some of the achievements of his administrations as the governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, said what can bring further development to the old Ijebu Province, is the transition of the province to a full fledge state.

As the sponsor of the bill for the establishment of the

proposed state, Daniel said he had done all behind the scene jobs, to ensure that the creation of the new state become a reality.

He said: "In the current circumstances facing Ijebuland, the last real hope for accelerated and sustainable development lies in the prospect of creating a new State from the old Ijebu Province.

"As your Senator, we have undertaken significant work behind the scenes on this and other matters.

"However, I have

Court Orders Reinstatement of Prof. Igwe as MD, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court (NICN), has ordered the reinstatement of Prof.

Monday Igwe, as the Medical Director of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu State.

Justice Subilim issued the order to the federal government after holding

that the purported termination of Igwe's appointment was unlawful, null and void.

The court thereafter voided the appointment of Dr. Unaogu Ngozihukwu Nneka as the substantive Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu State, which was done during the pendency of the suit,

for been overreaching and unlawful.

Delivering judgment in the suit marked: NICN/ ABJ/130/2024, the judge held that the claimant, Prof. Monday Igwe has successfully proven his case against the defendants.

Justice Subilim specifically issued an order directing the reinstatement of the claimant as the Medical Director of

physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco use and even second-hand smoke,” he said.

Emmanuel lamented that these risk factors which are often overlooked in daily life are driving a surge in preventable illnesses, creating a hidden crisis that could overwhelm families and the healthcare system if urgent action is not taken.

On her part, the founder of Nuparadigm Health Foundation, Dr. Omolara Olagunju said her experience as a doctor led her to conclude that hospitals mainly treat disease, while true healthcare lies in daily prevention.

She said: “After about 15 years of medical practice, I realised that we don’t really have healthcare in the true sense. Hospitals are not health care systems; they are more like disease parlours. Real healthcare happens outside the hospital, and you should not have to be sick before you start thinking about how to be healthy.”

She explained that many Nigerians harm their health unknowingly because they lack access to simple, trustworthy information.

Olagunju said: “A lot of people are doing things every day that are damaging to their health, and they don’t even know it. When I tell them, they say, ‘Doctor, I didn’t even know.’ That is why we believe that everyone has a right to essential health information - the kind of information you need to maintain the good health that you already have.”

She also acknowledged the harsh realities of daily life, saying many people sacrifice health in the struggle to survive.

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Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONlY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

As S’East Govs, Leaders Make Definite Moves Ahead of 2027...

The South East all Progressives Congress’ recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu reflects a pragmatic political realignment that could help the region reclaim lost influence and unlock renewed opportunities at the centre, writes Gideon Arinze.

Mbah

F

or the people of the South East region, it was a fundamental shift in political alignment at the weekend as three of the five South East governors as well as All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, lawmakers, elders and critical stakeholders from across the zone reviewed the region’s political fate and undertook to align fully with the ruling party at the centre and also endorse President Bola Tinubu.

The import of the South East APC stakeholders’ meeting, which held at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu, was underscored by the colour of the attendees, as it turned out to be a gathering of who is who in the South East region: Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Francis Nwifuru; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Presidents of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Senator Ken Nnamani as well as former governors, serving and ministers, federal and state lawmakers, among a host of others.

Recall that in May, 2025, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, elder statesman, Emeka Anyaoku, and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders from across the state openly endorsed Tinubu’s leadership, pledging their support for him in 2027. This means that Tibubu has secured the endorsement of four of the five South East governors. With Governor Alex Otti’s refusal to move with former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi to the All Democratic Congress (ADC), an alliance with the ruling party to strengthen his re-election bid cannot also be ruled out.

Expectedly, keen observers of the political handwritings on the wall, have interpreted the weekend endorsement of President Tinubu as a clap back on Obi, who had in Enugu nearly a fortnight ago dumped the LP and declared for the ADC where he is eying the presidential ticket.

However, feelers from among political leaders of the South East is that having suffered the aberration of inability to produce the president of the country since 1999 and indeed since independence, the region must restrategise,

Uzodinma

play the right politics going forward.

For context, the South East aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the break of the current democratic dispensation, voting massively for the party from 1999 to 2019. Thus, 2023 was seen as the region’s turn to fly the presidential flag. More so it suffered huge denials under the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari for its support for the PDP. But that turn was twisted as former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, eventually clinched the ticket. The protest votes that followed saw Obi sweeping 88 per cent of the votes, leaving Tinubu with six per cent and Atiku, generally seen by the region as a usurper garnering only a paltry four per cent.

The result was that as predicted by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, neither Obi nor Atiku was able to win, having divided their votes since they were from the same PDP constituency, a situation that would leave the region waiting till at least 2039 to nurse the hope of producing Nigeria’s president.

For the South East, it was particularly an unpalatable experience: Obi was unable to win to correct what the region and many see as a retinue of marginalization and injustices against it, and with a mere six per cent of the votes going to Tinubu, it lacked the bragging rights to negotiate with the eventual winner on matters

Nwifuru

affecting the zone.

Therefore, the general feeling that with Obi still unlikely to win the 2027 presidential election even if he gets the ticket ahead of Atiku and, some say, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, who it is rumoured, could be heading for the ADC in the coming weeks, Obi is still not likely to win.

It was no doubt against this backdrop that the governors and stakeholders of the South APC endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office at the weekend, insisting that pragmatic politics based on bridge-building, partnership, and aligning with the centre to sustain the gains accruing from the president’ administration and nurture a realistic hope of ultimately producing a Nigerian president of South East extraction had become an imperative for the Igbo nation.

In doing so, they acknowledge that it’s a big task, especially given what many perceive as the region’s emotional approach to politics. Therefore, they vowed to go down to the grassroots to mobilise massive votes for Tinubu’s re-election and also resist any individual’s ambition capable of undermining dissipating Igbo votes and a collective bargain.

Therefore, in the communique signed by the governors, party leaders, and stakeholders, and presented by South East zonal Chairman of the party, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the leaders unanimously declared their total support for President Tinubu, suing for unity of purpose to reposition the Igbo politically.

“The people of the South-East Zone categorically dissociate themselves from all activities

One thing to be taken away from the endorsement is that pragmatism is taking a front seat among the South East leaders.

Again, unlike in 2023, the South East people know early in the day where their leaders stand and where they should go come 2027.

motivated by the self-serving interests of any individual, however highly placed. We affirm that the progress of our zone and our great party cannot be achieved through narrow personal ambitions or actions that fracture collective unity.

“Any such conduct shall henceforth be regarded as contrary to our shared aspirations and will receive neither endorsement nor support from our zone.

“The political leadership of the South-East has resolved, in the supreme interest of Ndi Igbo, that never again will we allow personal ego and motivated actions to influence the fate of the Zone. in this regard, the South-East will join other zones in supporting the ruling party, wherein our leaders can effectively negotiate better representation and interests of our people,” they stated.

They urged Ndigbo within and outside Nigeria to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the region’s political and economic interests, warning that scattering votes across multiple parties had historically weakened the South East’s influence at the national level.

Governor Uzodimma had earlier told the gathering that the South East could no longer afford political isolation, noting that the region’s megre contribution to APC’s victory in the 2023 presidential poll dealt a great blow to its bargaining power at the national level. He regretted that while other zones contributed between 34 and 54 per cent of votes to Tinubu in 2023, the South East recorded about six per cent, a situation he described as politically unsustainable.

According to him, the political tide in the region has since changed, pointing to the growing strength of the APC in the South East when the party now controls three out of the five states, while its representation in the Senate had risen from six to eight senators, with region’s APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives had moved from eight to 23.

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

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FEatures

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

The Mask of Masculinity: Revealing the Hidden Struggles of Today’s Men

In a world where traditional masculinity is being redefined, men are struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life.

The stigma surrounding mental health, the expectations of societal norms, and the lack of emotional support are all taking a toll on men's well-being. But there's hope. The Triple G Conference is shining a light on the crisis facing modern men and providing a platform for them to open up, share their experiences, and find support. Writes MARY NNAH

B

ehind the façade of confidence and strength, many men are struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life. The mask of masculinity, once a symbol of power and resilience, has become a barrier to emotional expression and vulnerability. As men navigate the complexities of relationships, careers, and societal expectations, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle of silence and suffering.

In a society where men are conditioned to be strong, stoic, and unyielding, the cracks are beginning to show. The pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity is taking a devastating toll on men's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. The statistics are alarming: rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among men; a growing sense of disconnection and isolation; and a lack of emotional intelligence and vulnerability.

Against this backdrop, the maiden edition of the Triple G (Groom, Grow, & Grind) Conference took place recently in Lagos. Convened by Sola Oyebade, aka Mr. Mahogany, the event shone a spotlight on the crisis facing modern men and provided a platform for men to open up, share their experiences, and learn from others.

The conference was designed to be a safe space for men to have honest and open conversations about the challenges they face. "We want to create a platform where men can talk to each other honestly and openly, where they can talk about the facts, not just come and say, oh, I'm big, I'm fantastic, I've built a great business," Mr. Mahogany explained.

"Let people understand that. What did I go through? What kind of suffering did I get? How many ups and downs did I have? You know, what are the intricacies about having relationships, about working with people, like we spoke today about emotional intelligence?"

"I was inspired to create the Triple G conference because I realised that men are not supporting men. When I looked out there, I said, What is out there for men?

I mean, there are so many events out there for women, women are supporting women, but men are not supporting men.

And I talked to a lot of young men, and they seem to be lost. They don't seem to have any direction, they don't have any mentors, they don't understand what the right things to do, how's the right way to talk to women”, Mr. Mahogany said in an exclusive interview with THISDAY. The conference featured four main sessions: Men's Grooming Panel ("Habits of the Modern Gentleman"), Health & Wellness Fireside Chat ("Fit for Life, Not Just the 'Gram"), Business & Finance Panel ("Boss Moves, Soft Life"), and Leadership Panel ("Leading Without the Suit").

The event brought together industry experts, including Jason Poshe, Ugo Monye, Dr. Ibukun Tunde Oni, Samuel Ayowole, Ayo Akinola, Dr. Yemi, Kunmi Ariyo, and Sola Oyebade (Mr. Mahogany), to share their knowledge and experiences.

One of the key issues discussed at the conference was the toxic masculinity that's been ingrained in our society. Mr. Mahogany believes that the pressure to conform to societal expectations of what it means to be a man can be overwhelming.

Convener, Triple G Conference, Mr. Sola Oyebade (first from right) with guests at the event

Triple G Conference Convener, Mr. Sola Oyebade (first from right), hosts esteemed guests

A panel of discussion during the event

"Men are expected to be strong, to pay all the bills, and to be tough all the time," he said. "But life is not like that anymore. There's so much going on. We're in a country like Nigeria. The economy is not always as good for us. Women are doing much better than men nowadays.

If you look at a lot of women, they are in the good middle management to senior management positions. So that means some women are starting to earn more than men. That puts even more pressure on the man."

The conference also highlighted the importance of mental health and the need for men to prioritise their well-being. "Men are suffering

in silence, and it's affecting their relationships and their productivity," Mr. Mahogany said.

"We need to create a safe space for men to talk about their struggles and to seek help when they need it. Even if they do have people to talk to, they feel it's a stigma to be able to go out and say, I'm suffering from mental health issues. I want to go and see a therapist, and that becomes an issue”, he added.

As the conversation around men's mental health and wellness continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable. "I don't think we are fully ready to shatter the status quo

and redefine what it means to be a man," Mr. Mahogany admitted. "And I say that based on numbers. Yes, you have a few ready men, but the majority are not ready. And I think the majority are not ready because they are not educated to be ready."

The Triple G Conference is a step in the right direction, but it's just the beginning. The real work starts now. As Mr. Mahogany noted, "We are going to be doing Triple G every year, and we are going to be doing smaller seminars and workshops to support men on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves. We're not just talking about one event, we're building a movement."

T H I S D AY MONDAY JANUARY 12, 2026 20 TR

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& RE A S O

Monday January 12, 2026 Vol 27. No 11235

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

NIGERIA’S TRAITOR-POWERED TERRORISM

MICHAEL OWHOKO urges the President to demonstrate courage to identify and deal with the sympathisers, financiers and sponsors of the terror groups

See page 21

RENEWING HOPE IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

Tunji Alausa is focused on building a future-ready education system that unlocks human capital, and restores confidence, reckons YAKUBU DATI

See page 21

EDITORIAL

2025 LASSA FEVER FATALITIES

See page 22

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The discipline of deliberate goal setting separates leaders who harness the momentum from those who watch it dissipate, writes LINUS OKORIE

THE STRATEGIC POWER OF GOAL SETTING There is something almost magical about the beginning of a new year. The slate feels clean, the possibilities endless, and the motivation to achieve great things runs high. But the discipline of deliberate goal setting is what separates leaders who harness this momentum from those who watch it dissipate by March. As we stand at the threshold of a fresh year, you will be busy over the next 12 months. The question is, will your busyness compound into meaningful achievement or simply scatter activities that leaves you wondering where the time went?

As leaders, the beginning of the year represents far more than a date on the calendar. It is a strategic inflection point where you can either seize control of your trajectory or surrender it to the whims of circumstance and the demands of others.

The individuals and organizations who thrive are not necessarily more talented or better resourced than their counterparts.

They are simply more intentional about defining what success looks like and creating accountability structures to pursue it relentlessly.

Goal setting matters because it transforms the abstract into the concrete.

When you lead an organization or a team, you are constantly swimming in a sea of possibilities, demands, opportunities, and threats. Everything seems important.

Every initiative appears worthwhile. Every request carries some degree of urgency.

Without clearly defined goals, you become a leaf floating on this turbulent water, moving in whatever direction the current strongest force pushes you. With well-crafted goals, you become a ship with a destination, able to navigate the same turbulent waters with purpose and direction.

Consider what happens in organizations without clear goals. Teams work hard, people stay busy, meetings proliferate, and yet progress feels elusive. The problem is not effort or dedication; it is the absence of a shared definition of success. When you ask team members what they are working toward, you get different answers. Sales focuses on volume, operations prioritizes efficiency, and leadership talks about market share, but these priorities exist in parallel rather than pulling together toward a common vision. The result is enormous expenditure with minimal forward movement, like a car with its wheels spinning in mud.

Now, contrast this with organizations where leaders have established crystalclear goals. Everyone knows what they are trying to achieve, why it matters, and how success will be measured.

The sales team understands that their volume targets connect to the company's goal of achieving market leadership in their segment. Operations knows

their efficiency improvements directly enable the pricing strategy needed to win enterprise clients. Marketing recognizes that their brand-building efforts lay the groundwork for expansion into adjacent markets. Suddenly, disparate efforts compound into coherent momentum because everyone is rowing in the same direction.

The psychology of goal setting reveals why it is so powerful. When you commit to a specific, challenging goal, something shifts in your brain. You begin seeing opportunities and resources you previously overlooked because they are now relevant to your objective. That conference you might have skipped becomes essential because it connects you with potential partners who can accelerate your goal achievement. That book you have been meaning to read jumps to the top of your list because it addresses exactly the capability gap standing between you and your target. This phenomenon, known as selective attention, means that goals quite literally change what you see and therefore what becomes possible.

But not all goals are created equal, and this is where many leaders stumble. Vague aspirations like "grow the business" or "improve our services" or "become more efficient" feel like goals but function more like wishes. They provide no criteria for decision-making, no way to measure progress, and no moment of clear achievement. The difference between a wish and a goal is specificity and measurability. When you transform "grow the business" into "increase annual revenue from eight million to twelve million dollars by achieving a thirty percent increase in client retention and adding forty new enterprise clients," you have created something actionable.

Suddenly your team knows what game they are playing and how to keep score.

The timing of goal setting at the year's beginning is not arbitrary; it is strategic.

Organizations operate on annual cycles for budgeting, planning, and performance review. When you set goals in January,

you align personal and team objectives with organizational rhythms and resource allocation. You are making decisions about where to invest time, money, and attention before those resources get consumed by the daily demands that will inevitably arise.

For leaders in public office, goal setting carries additional weight because you are stewarding public trust and taxpayer resources. The citizens you serve care about outcomes. Did crime decrease? Did the roads get fixed? Are more children reading at grade level? Public sector goals must be particularly specific and measurable because accountability is to the community. Vague goals in the public sector translate directly to wasted taxes and eroded public confidence.

What makes goal setting genuinely transformational rather than merely performative is the depth of commitment it requires. When you set a goal publicly, when you attach your name and reputation to a specific outcome by a specific date, you create a powerful form of accountability that transcends good intentions. This is why effective leaders don't just set goals; they declare them, communicate them broadly, and build systems to track and review progress regularly. The goal written in a private journal carries a fraction of the motivational power of the goal announced to your board, your team, and your stakeholders.

Yet goal setting also demands humility and adaptability. The business landscape shifts, circumstances change, and new information emerges. The leader who treats goals as carved in stone will find themselves pursuing obsolete objectives while opportunities and threats evolve around them. Effective goals are commitments strong enough to resist the distraction of shiny objects but flexible enough to adapt when fundamental assumptions prove wrong.

Perhaps the most compelling reason goal setting matters is what it reveals about priorities. Your goals are a truthtelling mechanism that exposes what you actually value versus what you claim to value. You might say people development is your top priority, but if none of your goals involve measurable improvements in team capabilities, training completion, or succession planning, your stated priority is hollow. Goals force the difficult conversations about trade-offs, about what you are willing to sacrifice, and about where you will focus your finite resources.

Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.

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Tunji Alausa is focused on building a future-ready education system that unlocks human capital, and restores confidence, reckons YAKUBU DATI

MICHAEL OWHOKO urges the President to demonstrate courage to identify and deal with the sympathisers, financiers and sponsors of the terror groups

RENEWING HOPE IN THE NIGERIA’S TRAITOR-POWERED TERRORISM EDUCATION SECTOR

Few sectors capture the sense of urgency needed to address Nigeria’s development challenge like education.

With millions of out-of-school children on the prowl, declining learning outcomes, a widening skills gap, and the consequent effect on security and the economy, the need for decisive reform was no longer debatable but urgent.

Clearly, there's no way any nation can move forward with such a grim prospect hampering one of its most sensitive sectors, more so an administration like the current one led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is serious about renewing the hope of Nigerians to install a stable economy and ensure a highly educated citizenry.

When President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he took very bold steps in addressing the economy, and because of that, he was seen as the solution to revamping other sectors.

At that time, hundreds of thousands were fleeing the country in search of quality education to be able to compete on the global level and to contribute to the development of the country.

Unfortunately, even basic education was being outsourced for lack of standards, while for tertiary education, those that couldn't get to Europe and America had to, to the utter shame of a big country like Nigeria, make do with seeking admission in neighboring African countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, etc.

The height of the embarrassment was when these countries started cashing in on the education deficit in Nigeria by resorting to sub-par curriculum just to issue paper qualifications in the shortest time possible in what became known as Cotonou graduate syndrome.

It is against this backdrop that Dr. Morufu Tunji Alausa was appointed minister of education.

With a solid academic pedigree, Dr. Alausa immediately understood the task before him and keyed into the agenda of President Tinubu to fundamentally reset the sector.

It would suffice to state here that Dr. Alausa earned his MBBS from the University of Lagos and pursued advanced medical training in the United Kingdom and the United States, rising to serve as Chief Medical Resident and Assistant Professor in leading institutions.

Beyond academia, he built and managed successful healthcare organizations as a board-certified nephrologist, demonstrating capacity for complex system management, institutional reform, and results-driven leadership.

He brought these experiences to shape his approach to education reform.

To tackle the problem of access without quality, which has been a big problem, Dr. Alausa placed emphasis on curriculum relevance, teacher quality, and accountability; as for years, Nigeria only expanded enrollment but neglect-

ed learning outcomes, thereby producing graduates ill-equipped for the demands of a modern economy.

With that focus, he began to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and digital literacy, while making problem-solving skills imperative so that Nigerian learners could compete globally and contribute meaningfully at home.

As education is the most powerful enabler, there was a need to start from the foundation: the issue of tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children.

To keep children, especially the girlchild, in school, interventions that go beyond building classrooms, school feeding programs, conditional incentives for vulnerable families, community engagement, and safe learning environments have to be designed to make education more attractive.

A system where data, outcomes, and continuous improvement guide decision-making, rather than ad hoc initiatives, was introduced, and the sector is already experiencing a shift toward evidence-based policymaking and innovation.

One of the most consequential shifts is the renewed focus on technical, vocational, and skills-based education because for too long, Nigeria has privileged certificates over competencies, producing degree holders without jobs and industries without skilled workers.

Revitalizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), embedding apprenticeship models, and partnering with the private sector to bridge this disconnect have also been set in motion.

Apart from attracting funding streams through TETFUND, innovative financing models—such as public-private partnerships and targeted grants to complement public spending—are being entrenched.

Instinctively, digital transformation also features prominently in the vision of the current administration; hence, the need to expand access to technology, improve teacher training, and strengthen system-wide monitoring.

Dati, Chairman, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, can be reached at Yakubudati@gmail.com.

Worried and moved by the unending terrorism in Nigeria, I was recently compelled to investigate the menace, using my crystal ball. From the revelation, some high-ranking individuals are fueling the widespread terrorism-induced bloodbath through betrayal and tacit support. And except there is a unified response driven by sincerity, patriotism and unbiasedness, devoid of religious and ethnic prejudices, Nigeria will be brought to its knees by terrorist’s groups with jihadist agenda.

I am not a clairvoyant, but I have a crystal ball which I occasionally consult when I am eager to forecast the future. I have never doubted the accuracy of my crystal ball due to outcome of previous results. This forms the basis of my concern and fear for Nigeria, a country that had once showed great promises, could become a victim of traitors and systems contradictions.

In my crystal ball, I see terrorism draped in jihadism with ultimate goal to establish Islamic Caliphate in Nigeria. There is a covert design aimed at spreading Islamic authority and influence across the country, and what is playing out is a script to deliver this plan. Current outlook for control of economic and political power is accidental, and not the underlining motive. It is a carefully guided intent by the traitors.

This underscores the reason for the underground conspiracy by some powerful Islamic extremists to weaken capacity of government to fight terrorism, implicitly, exposing the country to complex risks with streaming effect of sliding into an Afghanistan’s experience.

Afghanistan is currently ruled by the Talibans, reputed for terrorism and human rights violations. Though a longterm plan, the goal is aimed at making Nigeria an Islamic country, using Sharia law as driver.

Unarguably, the introduction of Sharia law in 12 northern states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Gombe and Niger, has encouraged Islamic extremism, and provided the framework for promotion of jihadism in Nigeria. Islamic extremists, particularly those of Fulani extraction, believe Sharia law should be extended to other parts of the country through Jihad, even though it undermines Nigeria’s secular status. This ambition emboldens Fulani Islamic extremists and other terrorist groups to move into communities to maim, kill, dislodge and dispossess inhabitants of their ancestral homes and lands. Until Sharia law is abolished, Islamic terrorism in Nigeria will not abate.

Trailer load of Fulani youths together with some persons suspected to be from the Sahel, being transported and dropped off in large numbers in bushes of various communities across the country, particularly in the southern part of Nigeria, is part of the overall plot. These youths with no visible education and

skills, carry out various crimes from their hidden locations, including kidnapping and rape, and most times, forcefully converting their victims to Islam.

In my crystal ball, I see some notable traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, politicians, business men and influential personalities from the north as benefactors, providing support for jihadist agenda in a coded fashion. The Nigerian Army is also not immune to insider traitors who secretly volunteer classified information to advance Sharia scheme.

As a ploy to gather sympathy, I see some of these sponsors and sympathisers appealing to sentiments by downplaying the gravity of crime of these terrorist groups, and portraying them as bandits and insurgents fighting for religious obligations. This position is expected to be canvassed and sustained in various social media platforms in the time ahead. A few of these collaborators are also secretly working with some external groups with leanings to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). It is ISIS’ agenda to push its ideology and influence across some key African countries, including Nigeria.

Besides, I see the conspirators not giving up in their attempts to frustrate government’s efforts at defeating terrorism.

Targeting and killing of Christians, and some Muslims who hold contrary view of Islam, is part of grand design to blackmail government into submission, and expand Islamic hegemony in Nigeria. It is also their plans to leverage strategic alliance with some Sahel groups to attain mutual goals.

Notwithstanding the recent United States’ bombing of terrorists’ cells in Sokoto State, I see terrorists’ organisations expanding their bases and networks beyond current operational holds in the north, and making incursion into the southern parts of the country. I also see emergence of new splinter groups from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while Ansaru, Fulani Islamic extremists, Mahmuda and Lakurawa, will remain united with common agenda for territorial expansion.

Dr. Owhoko, Lagos-based public policy analyst, author, and journalist, can be reached at www.mikeowhoko.com, and followed on X {formerly Twitter} @michaelowhoko.

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T H I S D AY

EDITORIAL

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

N

MONDAY JANUARY 12, 2026

2025 LASSA FEVER FATALITIES All stakeholders should do more to stem the scourge

toms of Lassa Fever are so varied and non-specifo fewer than 206 Nigerians were ic, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially lost to Lassa Fever in 2025, acearly in the course of the disease. For that reason, cording to the Nigeria Centre for steps should be taken by the government, at all Disease Control and Prevention levels, to emphasise routine infection prevention (NCDC). More unfortunate is and control measures. Healthcare workers should that the case fatality rate (CFR) also be advised to always be careful to avoid confor the last quarter of the year recorded a higher tact with blood and bodily fluids in the process of numbers than the same period in 2024. Factors recaring for sick persons. sponsible include late presentation of cases, poor Unfortunately, Lassa fever has been a serious health-seeking behaviour, and the high cost of health challenge in Nigeria since it was first ditreatment, especially in high-burden communities. agnosed in Lassa (the village after which it was But beyond the general figure, health authorities named) in Borno State in 1969. Even though must interrogate why 88 per cent of the confirmed there have been efforts in the past to contain the cases were concentrated in just four states – Ondo scourge, our country has been wit(35 per cent), Bauchi (25 per nessing frequent outbreaks in recent), Edo (16 per cent), and cent years.

This, according to the Taraba (12 per cent).

Health authorities must interrogate why 88 per cent of World Health Organisation (WHO) That Nigerians die needlessly “could be attributed to reduced rethe confirmed cases were concentrated in just four states from a preventable disease like sponse capacity in surveillance and Lassa fever is quite egregious.

– Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba laboratory testing.”

Besides, what the latest figures Experts have advised that people indicate is that if indeed there should ensure their food (cooked or uncooked) have been any preventive strategies, they are not T H I S D AY is properly covered while regular handwashing EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU working. “Late presentation continues to drive up DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE should be adhered to always. The bush around mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO the home should also be cleared regularly while remain critical to survival,” NCDC said in ratioDEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU windows and doors of the house should be closed, CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI nalising the spike in fatality rates. But to rid the especially when it is nighttime.

The public should EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN nation of the preventable disease that claims the THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE also be adequately enlightened on the dangers lives of dozens of our citizens on an annual basis, posed by rats in their homes.

With the enormous authorities in the health sector need to do more resources available to them now, authorities in the work.

36 states and 774 local government areas should Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness which is T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D be able to mount a public awareness campaign EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA caused by the Lassa virus, and transmitted to on the issue. But the real challenge is to work toGROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, humans primarily through contact with food or ISRAEL IWEGBU wards its total eradication in a disease that is enhousehold items contaminated by the urine or DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, demic in some West African countries. faeces of infected rats. The virus has an incubaANTHONY OGEDENGBE We hope the authorities will take both prevenDEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI tion period of between six to 21 days. The onset SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH tive and long-term measures this time around so of the disease is usually gradual, starting with feASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI that we do not continue to lose our citizens to ver, general weakness, before being followed by CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI the virus that has for decades been an emblem of headache, sore throat, nausea, cough, and bleedDIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO shame for Nigeria.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com ing from mouth, etc. However, because the symp-

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

LETTERS BOMAI: TURNING AROUND YOBE’S INDICES OF DEVELOPMENT By whatever indices you may want to measure him, Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, representing Yobe South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has demonstrated his dedication to unity, compassion, and service to all constituents regardless of religious affiliation.

His exemplary leadership and infrastructure development, which cut across the nooks and crannies of the state, is evident in his developmental approach to governance, inclusive leadership, and uplifting the standard of living in the state, and also for his giant strides in infrastructure, good governance, and promoting peace.

Sen. Bomai's huge investment in road and power infrastructure across many communities as well as his people-oriented programs, projects and policies have brought a remarkable impact in the standard of living of the people of the state and positioned the state as a reference point for good governance.

One of his most impactful humanitarian initiatives is his rolling out a strategic Business Cash Support Initiative

in February 2025 where N1-2 million grants to 150 young men and women to start, expand and sustain their businesses as way of empowerment.

Also, Sen. Bomai implemented a Women Cash Support Scheme benefitting 4,000 women across Fika, Fune, Nangere and Potiskum (Zone B), where each beneficiary received N20,000 creating opportunities for small-scale trade and long-term economic reliance.

For the same Zone B, 25 solar-powered boreholes were constructed to ensure access to clean and sustainable water for residents.

Guided by empathy and responsive governance, the Senator approved and delivered Ramadan food palliatives and N1.05 billion financial support for 45,000 households across all 44 wards of Yobe South.

Also, for over 20 years, Fika thirsted in silence, relying only on shallow water pits and water from motor tankers.

But with Senator Ibrahim Mohamad Bomai representing the zone, a new chapter has begun to flow. Through this

initiative, today, pipes flow with clean water and our people taste the blessing of clean water from taps which has made a history. Generosity and compassion at its peak, helping the less privileged has always been part of his life for decades. This quiet approach to charity reflects his belief in sincerity and selflessness in service to humanity.

His hope is to ensure that his interventions reach the grassroots, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. Widows, orphans and the needy remain at the heart of his humanitarian focus, a commitment that is not merely as a duty but a lifelong passion.

And as part of his commitment to inclusive education, 3,500 students from Yobe South benefited from local scholarship support, with priority given to final year students, and provided ₦5,000,000 and 200 bags of rice to the Christian community in Yobe South Senatorial District for the recent Christmas celebrations.

Nasir Imam, Abuja

monday, JANUARY 12 , 2026 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

POLITY

Putin’s Allies in Peril: What Maduro’s Capture Reveals About Russia’s Global Standing

Adekunle Adewole

T

he dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces is more than a sensational headline. It is a geopolitical tremor that exposes the fragility of Russia’s alliances, the limits of Moscow’s global reach, and the emergence of a world order increasingly defined by raw power rather than international law.

A Meme That Speaks Volumes

In Russia, a viral meme has captured the mood. It features President Vladimir Putin’s oft-repeated phrase, “We don’t give up on our own,” alongside images of leaders once celebrated as Moscow’s “key allies.” The roll call is sobering: Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, toppled and killed in 2011; Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovych, ousted and exiled to Moscow in 2014; Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia in late 2024; and now Maduro, dragged from his bedroom by American commandos and flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The meme is biting satire, but it also reflects a deeper truth: Russia’s allies often fall, and when they do, Moscow rarely intervenes decisively.

Silence in Caracas

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Maduro’s capture as “armed aggression,” yet Putin himself remained conspicuously silent. The defence pact between Moscow and Caracas was deliberately vague, offering no guarantee of military assistance in the event of foreign intervention. This silence

is not accidental. For Putin, Venezuela is expendable compared to Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Arctic - regions he considers vital to Russia’s survival and influence. To risk confrontation with Washington over Caracas would be strategically reckless.

Svita would not only secure U.S. energy dominance but also prevent China from achieving independence in this critical sector. In this sense, Maduro’s fall is less about Venezuela itself and more about the larger chessboard of energy and influence.

The Anchorage Summit and the Division of Spheres

Inside Russia, pro-Kremlin voices have framed Maduro’s capture as proof of Western “imperialism.” State media insists that such moves will ultimately fail, portraying the incident as part of a broader campaign to weaken Moscow.

Yet, beneath the propaganda lies unease.

Reports suggest Putin fears betrayal within Maduro’s circle, reinforcing his paranoia about leaks and conspiracies. This could drive him to tighten his own security and even consider retaliatory moves, such as targeting Ukraine’s leadership.

Domestic Spin and Paranoia

Speculation abounds that Putin and Trump quietly agreed to limit their spheres of influence during their August summit in Anchorage, Alaska. The theory holds that Venezuela was written off in exchange for concessions elsewhere: Russia’s dominance in Ukraine and the post-Soviet space, and America’s freedom of action in Latin America and Greenland.

Greenland’s strategic importance is obvious. It offers control over the Arctic gateway, a region rich in untapped resources and increasingly accessible Echoes of Assad Maduro’s fate mirrors Russia’s inaction due to climate change. For Washington, Greenland is a stepping stone to securing during Assad’s flight from Damascus in dominance in the northern hemisphere. 2024. In both cases, Moscow refrained from direct military involvement, preferring to preserve its strength for battles closer to Energy as the Ultimate Prize At the heart of this geopolitical bargain home. The pattern is clear: Russia will not lies energy. Russia’s Bazhenovska Svita expend resources to defend allies outside shale deposits in western Siberia are the its immediate sphere of influence. largest in the world, but Moscow lacks the technology to exploit them. American From Chávez to Maduro Russia’s relationship with Venezuela dates firms, pioneers in shale extraction, could one day play a role in developing these back to Hugo Chávez, who spent billions on reserves. Control over Bazhenovska Russian weapons and even hosted a factory

for AK-47 production. But outdated technology failed to stop Venezuela’s economic collapse, marked by declining oil output, hyperinflation, and a mass exodus of skilled workers. Maduro, Chávez’s successor, continued the relationship, visiting Moscow repeatedly for lavish state receptions. In October, he reportedly pleaded for more Russian military support - missiles for S-300 systems, repairs for Su-30 fighter jets, radars, and financial aid. Whether Putin ever responded remains unclear.

Prestige Lost, Leverage Preserved

Maduro’s downfall is a symbolic blow to Putin’s prestige, but strategically, it may be a price worth paying. By refraining from confrontation in Latin America, Russia preserves its strength for battles closer to home.

The episode illustrates the harsh reality of today’s geopolitics: alliances are disposable, sovereignty is negotiable, and force — not law — is the currency of power.

Final Thought

Maduro’s capture is not just the end of a presidency. It is a reminder that Russia’s global alliances are brittle, that Washington is willing to act unilaterally, and that the world is entering an era where might increasingly makes right.

For Putin, the loss of a Latin American ally may sting, but the preservation of leverage in Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Arctic is far more consequential.

•Adewole, a geopolitical analyst wrote from Lagos

FOCUS

Will Nigeria Break Its Mass Metering Jinx in 2026?

Musa Ilallah

S

uccessive Nigerian governments have tried to close the country’s yawning electricity metering gap, rolling out a series of ambitious programmes with limited success. Today, Nigeria still has a deficit of more than 6 million meters, out of an estimated 12 million electricity consumers.

Why does metering matter? Is it not simply another way to make Nigerians pay more at a time when wallets and purses are already under severe pressure? In reality, metering delivers benefits that many people do not fully appreciate.

Beyond its direct cost-control advantages for individual consumers—particularly those who have suffered the arbitrariness of estimated billing—metering strengthens the entire electricity system and, by extension, the broader economy.

It allows Distribution Companies (Discos) to collect revenues more efficiently and transparently.

Modern smart meters are sophisticated pieces of technology, capable of collecting, interpreting, and processing granular data.

That data is invaluable. It enables better planning by providing a clearer picture of demand, allowing investments and infrastructure to be targeted more accurately. Crucially, it also makes targeted subsidies possible. With reliable consumption data, the government can identify who needs support and where they are, ensuring assistance reaches those at the bottom of the economic ladder. This is standard practice around the world.

For too long, Nigeria has relied on subsidies that are neither targeted nor supported by credible

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

data, resulting in massive losses, fraud, and wastage. The petrol subsidy scandal that erupted in 2012 remains a vivid reminder of what happens when subsidies are applied indiscriminately: those who benefit most are often not those who need help the most.

Metering, therefore, is of immense importance. It is one of the most underrated pillars of a functioning economy.

President Bola Tinubu’s response to Nigeria’s metering challenge is the new Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). For perhaps the first time, the issue is being driven by direct presidential intervention—an indication of how seriously the federal government views the problem.

As always, the devil is in the details.

The PMI has mobilised substantial funding from both federal and state governments to finance the rollout of the millions of smart meters required to close the gap. This marks a notable departure from previous efforts, which treated metering almost exclusively as a federal responsibility.

With state governments now involved, there is a broader sense of ownership—an important factor given that states hold equity stakes in the Discos, who are ultimately responsible for deploying the meters.

Another point to note: the PMI rollout is expected to involve a mix of imported and locally assembled smart meters. The case for local meters is straightforward: Nigeria must deepen local content across all sectors of the economy. This has become even more pressing following the launch of the ‘Nigeria First policy’.

The argument for imported meters is equally compelling. The scale and urgency of the task mean that Nigeria cannot afford to rely on a single source. While local manufacturing capacity has grown in recent years, it is not yet sufficient to deliver millions of meters within a short timeframe. In short, patriotism must be balanced with pragmatism.

Beyond local manufacturing, the PMI also promises benefits for local technical capacity. A successful mass rollout will require thousands of trained technicians, creating opportunities for young Nigerians willing to acquire new skills. The initiative

plans to oversee such training programmes in collaboration with public and private sector partners.

These skills will likely extend beyond meter installation, forming a foundation for broader electrical expertise applicable to construction, manufacturing, automobiles, and other sectors.

On paper, the PMI appears well thought out and carries many of the hallmarks of a potential jinx breaker. But it must prove itself in practice.

Its success will ultimately be judged by the quality and speed of implementation, and by whether it truly departs from past initiatives that stalled or progressed at a crawl.

Public awareness will also be critical. This is where institutions such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) can play a supporting role, leveraging their national reach and renewed momentum. For the PMI to succeed, all hands must be on deck. This is not a task for the government alone.

Every stakeholder in the electricity value chain has a role to play in successful implementation— because when Discos plug revenue leakages, they are better positioned to meet their obligations to generation companies, which in turn can pay their fuel suppliers. It is yet another example of the cascading benefits of effective metering.

Will the PMI live up to the high expectations surrounding it, or will it follow the path of previous interventions? In 2026, Nigerians should have a clear answer to this all-important question.

•Musa Ilallah, a public affairs analyst based in Abuja, can be reached via musahk123@ yahoo.com

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

J anuar y

S & P INDEX

9 , 2 0 2 6

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

25.34%

CALL

23.25%

INDEX LEVEL

595.26

1/4 to daTE

0.24%

N1,457.68/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

25.18%

1-MONTH

21.37%

1-DAY

0.10%

YEAR TO DATE

-10.99%

*AS AT FRI., January 9, 2026

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

With 129.6% Gain, NGX Consumer Goods Emerges Best Performing Index in 2025

Kayode Tokede On the back of investors’ demand for consumer goods stocks, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) Consumer Goods Index outpaced other indices to emerge the best performing indicator with a gain of 129.6 per cent in 2025.

Consumer goods stocks outperformed others in 2025 to cement its role as a major driver of overall market wealth creation for investors.

The stellar performance came amid a historic year for the Exchange, with the

All-Share Index closing 2025 with a gain of 51.2 per cent to 155,613.03 basis points, while total market capitalisation gained N36.6 trillion close at N99.38 trillion, reflecting renewed investor confidence and aggressive portfolio rotation into stocks.

With a gain of 65.6 per cent, the NGX Insurance index came second, followed

by NGX Industrial Index with about 58.9 per cent.

However, the NGX Oil & Gas Index declined by 1.54 per cent to emerge the worst performing index in 2025.

Capital market analysts

have attributed the demand for companies in the Consumer Goods Index to strong corporate earnings, stressing that these companies overcame the numerous macro-economic challenges of 2023 & 2024 FY to return to profitability.

The foreign exchange policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of 2023 led to a sharp depreciation of the Naira, adversely affecting companies in the Consumer Goods index.

THISDAY analysis of companies in the NGX Consumer Goods Index revealed that Guinness

Nigeria Plc, followed by Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and Champion Breweries Plc recorded the highest return on investment in 2025.

While the stock price of Guinness Nigeria advanced by 398.08 per cent to close N349.9 per share from N70.25 per share, the stock price of Vitafoam Nigeria gained 300 per cent to close at N92.00 per share from N23 per share it closed in 2024.

In addition, the stock price of Champion Breweries increased by 247.6 per cent to close at N14.00 per share from N3.81 per share.

Analysts at Cordros Securities in a report had urged investors to BUY most stocks in the Consumer Goods Index.

The firm in its report maintained an optimistic outlook for the food companies such as Nestle Nigeria, NASCON, given the essential nature of their products and their ability to implement price hikes more effectively than their peers, supported by a favourable price/volume mix.

“These companies also benefit from strong market share, extensive distribution networks, and consumer

demand resilience, making them less affected by shifts in consumer purchasing power, providing a solid advantage in the medium term,” the report explained.

Also, Afrinvest in a report titled, “2025 brewery sector update report | brewing back to profitability,” said it anticipated that global brewery performance would be influenced by several key trends: the deepening of premiumisation strategies for flagship brands, and Innovation tailored to Gen-Z preferences.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Subscription to T-Bills Tops N1.5trn at First 202 6 Auctions o n Massive D eman d

Nume Ekeghe

Investors’ appetite remained strong at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) first Treasury bills auction of 2026, with subscriptions rising above N1.5 trillion despite higher stop rates across all tenors.

At the primary market auction held last week, the CBN offered a total of N1.15 trillion across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day tenors.

Total subscriptions came in

at N1.54 trillion, slightly higher than the N1.51 trillion recorded at the previous auction, underscoring sustained demand for government securities. The CBN eventually allotted the full N1.15 trillion on offer, resulting in a bid-tocover ratio of 1.00x and a subscription-to-offer ratio of 1.34x.

Stop rates edged higher at the auction, with the 91-day paper clearing at 15.80 per

cent, the 182-day tenor at 16.50 per cent and the 364day instrument at 18.47 per cent, compared with 15.50 per cent, 15.95 per cent and 17.51 per cent respectively at the previous auction.

Meristem Securities in its breakdown of activity said: “In the primary market, the CBN held its first Treasury bills (T-bills) auction for the year 2026 during the week, offering a total of NGN1.15bn across all tenors.

Investor appetite was robust with total subscriptions reaching NGN1.54trn vs.

N1.51trn at the last auction.

Total allotment stood at N1.15trn, translating to a bid-to-cover ratio of 1.00x and a subscription-to-offer ratio of 1.34x. Stop rates inched higher to 15.80% for the 91-day tenor, 16.50 per cent for the 182-day tenor, and 18.47 per cent for the 364-day tenor vs. 15.50 per cent, 15.95, and 17.51 per

cent previously.

“Similarly, investor demand remained firm at the first Open Market Operations (OMO) auction of the year, where total subscriptions rose to N2.73 trillion against an offer size of N600 billion. This translated to a subscription-to-offer ratio of 4.55x, reflecting strong demand, particularly for the 210-day instrument which attracted bids of N2.45 trillion. Total allotment stood

at N2.71 trillion, with a bidto-cover ratio of 1.01x, while stop rates settled at 19.34 per cent for the 161-day tenor and 19.40 per cent for the 210-day paper.”

It added, “In the secondary Treasury bills market, sentiment turned bearish as average yields rose by 30 basis points to 18.02 per cent from 17.72 per cent in the previous week.”

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M a r k e t d ata A s at F r i d ay, J a n u a r y 9 , 2 0 2 6 BONDS Description Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) ^16.2884 17January 99.24 16.94 0.16 9, 2026 MAR-2027 January ^19.94 20102.51 17.43 -0.03 9, 2026 MAR-2027 ^13.98 23January 94.94 16.88 0.00 9, FEB-2028 2026 ^21.00 20January 107.42 16.76 0.00 MAR-2028 9, 2026 ^14.55 26January 104.22 17.51 0.00 APR-2029 9, 2026

BILLS Maturity NTB 5-Feb26 NTB 5-Mar26 NTB 9-Apr26 NTB 7-May26 NTB 4-Jun26

Discount Yield

Change (%) Updated Time

Maturity

15.55

15.73

January -0.01 9, 2026

15.70

16.08

January 0.00 9, 2026

15.92

16.57

January -0.01 9, 2026

16.05

16.93

January 0.04 9, 2026

16.93

January -0.01 9, 2026

EULL CP IX 18-JAN-26 SKIS CP XV 23-JAN-26 VAAG CP XII 2-FEB-26 DANC CP XXI 11-MAR-26 NEVE CP II 3-APR-26

15.85

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS

CPs Discount Yield 19.21

19.30

19.84

19.99

20.80

21.09

18.34

18.92

19.50

20.42

Change (%)

Updated Time

January -0.01 9, 2026 January -0.01 9, 2026 January -0.01 9, 2026 January 0.00 9, 2026 January 0.00 9, 2026

Contract Current Tenor Contract Rate ($/₦) (Month) NGUS JAN 13M – 27 2027 NGUS FEB 14M – 24 2027 NGUS MAR 15M – 31 2027 NGUS APR 16M – 28 2027 NGUS MAY 17M – 26 2027

Updated Time

January 9, 2026 January 9, 2026 January 9, 2026 January 9, 2026 January 9, 2026

26

Monday, January 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

FEATURE

Philanthropy: Okoya Brings Medical Succour to Over 1,000 Lagosians to Mark Birthday When Nigeria’s revered octogenarian industrialist, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, chose compassion over celebration to mark his 86th birthday, it was a moment that blended gratitude, grace and generosity: reinforcing a pattern many have come to identify with the billionaire industrialist. From Monday, January 5 to January 12, 2025, he organised community medical outreach for Lagos residents. Okoya at 86 is already etched in the hearts of the people — not as a birthday party, but as a powerful act of love from a man who chose to celebrate life by preserving the lives of others. Oluchi Chibuzor reports HEART OF GRATITUDE, GRACE AND GENEROSITY or a man whose name has become synonymous with enterprise, resilience and enduring wealth, Chief Okoya once again rewrote the script of celebration. The billionaire businessman, whose multi-billion-naira empire spans industries under the iconic Eleganza brand along with decades of active inventiveness, stunned many as he flagged off a massive, free medical outreach for people living around him.

Fondly called Eleganza by admirers, Okoya’s legacy stretches beyond boardrooms and factory floors. Generations of Nigerians, pupils, student of tertiary institutions, market leaders, artisans and other professionals have different stories to tell about using the famous Eleganza biro, a modest tool that quietly became part of the success stories of several generations.

At 86, the industrialist has chosen to write another chapter of impact, laced not with ink, but a large doze of empathy. Rather than roll out drums for a flamboyant birthday bash as many who are not even in his class are wont to, Okoya deliberately redirected his celebration to the streets and homes of ordinary people in Ajah and the wider Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

His reason was simple, yet profound: good health is the foundation of a good life. Still, he is not unaware that many Nigerians lack access to quality healthcare. To bridge that gap, he unveiled the Okoya @86 Medical Outreach, a week-long programme designed to deliver free, quality healthcare services to people who might otherwise be denied such care due to poverty, limited education or lack of information.

As a result of this, his sprawling estate became a beehive of activities as residents from near and far-flung communities including Ajah, Jakande, Ikota, Iru, Egunshi, Eleko, Epe and surrounding communities trooped out in their numbers. Men, women, young parents and the elderly not only gained entrance but got to experience the comfort of the classic Eleganza chairs as they sat patiently in the over 300-capacity hall of the expansive castle, hopeful and grateful as medical professionals attended to them with dignity and care.

The outreach, which ends today January 12, 2025, the celebrant’s birthday , stands as a bold testament to Okoya’s long-standing commitment to community development, healthcare delivery and the service of mankind.

got the list of all the things you are providing, not only lab services even family planning that we are always talking about in Ministry of Health that people space out their children so that we can reduce our maternal and infant mortality rate. We have HIV screening, very, very important, tuberculosis, dental services, eye screening services, breast and cervical cancer, prostate cancer and, of course, you are going to get drugs.

“What you are getting here is free for you because somebody is paying for it and, guess what, that is what chief is doing. To commemorate his 86th birthday, he thought it wise and, rightfully so, that he’s going to extent that hand of health. Health is wealth.

You can have all the money in the world but if your health is not good or you are not treating whatever is wrong with you well, you are not going to enjoy this wealth. I want the Lagos resident to take advantage of the one-week programme. We are encouraging people to be responsible for their health. Government cannot do it all, that’s why we appreciate Okoya for doing this, for extending this to his community. What he’s giving you is more than money. What he’s giving you is more than food. What he’s giving you is more than the joy. He’s giving you an opportunity to stay healthy, an opportunity to see whatever may be wrong with you,” Ogunyemi said.

F

PROVIDING MEDICAL SOCCOUR IS GIVING BACK Far from a token gesture, the initiative has been described by many as unprecedented as beneficiaries were extremely delighted about the gesture of accessing the ordinarily expensive healthcare services for free. Beyond the comprehensive medical check-ups, each beneficiary who completes the cycle would get a food pack and N10,000 transport fare as earlier announced by Dr. Jemilade Longe, Consultant for the Okoya @86 Medical Outreach and a Retired Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Services Commission.

Addressing the event, Rasaq Okoya spoke with characteristic humility, explaining that his decision to give back to the people of less means in the format he did was born from observation and gratitude.

He noted that while he has been fortunate

O koy a

to enjoy quality healthcare throughout his life, many around him are not so lucky. “This birthday,” he implied, “is not about me — it is about giving people the chance to live healthier, happier lives.”

According to him, “I prayed to God that I know this year. Health is wealth.

I have been going in and out of the country but by the grace of God, now, I feel better. I see that most of us, if detect our health challenges earlier enough, we won’t have problem. Six years ago, I even had prostate cancer, which I detected on time, I had been operated and I am happy with it.

“Today we have tests here, anyone who wants to do test for prostate cancer, HIV, it’s available. There is no disease that is untreatable once it is earlier detected and you know your status and you take care of yourself, you know what to eat, what to drink and you are taking good care of your health. So, health is wealth.

You can live up to the age of 100 years or more.

“And this is why I am grateful today and say I should extent what I have been enjoying to my community so that everyone can know the status of his or her health and this is why we are here with this medical outreach today. I thank the government of Lagos State and a lot of doctors, pharmacists, we have a high calibre of healthcare here and whoever needs attention, our doctors will take care of them,” said Chief Okoya.

OKOYA HOUSEHOLD IS RENOWNED FOR PHILANTHROPY To the wife of the celebrant and Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Mrs Folashade Okoya, it was not the first time Okoya would be doing a social responsibility of this nature.

According to her, “Rasak Okoya @86

Medical Outreach is just something we decided to do so that everybody will be conscious of their health status and they can control from there. So, this is just an awareness for people to know their health status: physically and mentally so that when you know your health status, you will be able to now start checking and start controlling and know what to do, what to eat, how to ensure that you are in the best state of health and today marks the first day.”

As for Shubomi Okoya, son and director at Eleganza Industry, “These are some of the things that we as young generation aspire to do like him. So, we all support him today. He loves to give out. If you help just one person today; he will be grateful for life. We give glory to God for everything.”

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, who represented Governor of Lagos State Babajide SanwoOlu at the event, said, “I am very, very elated to be here representing the Ministry of Health, representing the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. When I was called to come here to flag off this event, I said to myself, perfect! I didn’t even have to think about it twice and chief has said it all: “Health is wealth”.

“The governor cannot do it all, everybody has to be responsible for their health. So, when events like this occur, when philanthropists like Chief Okoya decides to do this, it’s not just because of his community, it is also to honour God and, like he said, also to thank God because a lot of us has been through healthcare and the best thing is to lead other people and say ‘I do not want bad thing to happen to you’.

“Early detection is going to save life.

That’s what this outreach is all about. There are many other outreaches that are going on in different places but this is such a comprehensive one. This is excellent, and I

MANTRA OF HEALTH IS WEALTH Health experts, volunteers and beneficiaries alike echoed similar sentiments, praising the Okoya @86 Medical Outreach as timely, impactful and deeply humane. For many residents, the programme was more than a medical exercise — it was a rare reminder that wealth, when guided by conscience, can truly heal.

Among the health givers drawn from the various health institutions was Prisca Anyakee, who is head of marketing of Grandville Hospital and team leaders of the hospital at the event, one of the healthcare organisations partnering with Okoya @86 Medical Outreach. Fielding questions from journalists, she said, “It was a thing of joy that the chief and his family reached out to us. We see this as celebration of a legacy giving back to his people and it is the kind of life that chief has lived. For example, over the last one-week, we have attended to over 1,000 people and these are lives that are being transformed because the screening is intensive.

On our own part at Grandville, our doctors are here, our nurses are here, also the eyes screening is also very thorough even the medications. These are some of the things that we are contributing to the programme.

So, Grandville has been a friend and partner to the Okoya family.”

Another health giver and optician, Dr. David Ayanlere, of Haven Eye Clinic said, “What we are doing here, we are doing visual screening basically. We are also trying to diagnose and help elderly patients to get reading glasses and see smartly better. This is basically just an eye screening to help elderly patients mostly.

But we can also diagnose early stages of conditions that are just starting up and we can refer properly and manage. This is what we have done so far.”

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

27

T H I S D AY • Monday, January 12, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD

INSURANCE

2025: Year of Retirement Security for Pensioners The pension sector in 2025 witnessed major regulatory revolution tagged Revolution 2.0 and series of reforms targeted at expanding pension coverage and securing seamless retirement future for Nigerian workers, writes Ebere Nwoji

F

or the pension sector, the year 2025 was a year of revolution and retirement security for Nigerian workers who contributes to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This is as a result of series of reforms put in place by the regulator, the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

A revolutionary year because during the year, PenCom’s management took the bold step of working towards fulfilling the mandate of rebuilding trust, expanding coverage, strengthening governance, and moving the CPS firmly into its next phase, as directed by the federal government.

Indeed, the commission during the year laid a solid foundation towards fulfilling this mandate through various reforms it initiated with assurance to Nigerians that it would definitely accomplish the mandate in the new year.

Trust Issue in Pension

Before 2025, the problem of trust has been a major issue in the pension sector culminating in many employees and employers not complying with contributing into the scheme and workers in different sectors of the economy agitating for exit from the scheme.

The pioneer Director General of PenCom, Muhammad Ahmad, had at a retreat for members of house committee on insurance and pension told stake holders in pension that one of the greatest challenges which operators have been grappling with in the CPS was how to build public trust and confidence to cause members of the public willingly key into the scheme with hope that their money entrusted in the hands of pension fund managers are safe and secured.

He said the people saving their hard earned money with pension fund administrators needed to have some level of trust and confidence in the people they are committing their fund to manage.

He said once the sector conquers lack of trust among pnd savers, the industry would witness explosion in the number of workers and employers complying with the CPS. He said this explains why the Micro Pension Scheme launched since 2019 has not met its target because the individual target saver is still in doubt of the entire system.

PenCom and FG Target

But speaking on the activities of PenCom during the year , the current Director General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, said: “I was confirmed as Director General of the National Pension Commission with a clear mandate: to rebuild trust, expand coverage, strengthen governance, and move the CPS firmly into its next phase. I am proud to say that this past year has been defined by bold decisions, structural reforms, and measurable impact”.

She highlighted some of the reforms embarked upon by the commission during the year as:formal launch of Pension Revolution 2.0, which she described as the most comprehensive reform agenda in the Nigerian pension industry since 2004.

According to her, this was not cosmetic reform. It was structural. It brought together new regulations, stronger supervision, governance reforms, digital transformation, and industry realignment, all designed to future-proof the pension system and position it as a pillar of national stability and long-term development.

Of these reforms and revolutionary actions instituted by the commission during the year, one of the most historic milestones

of the year was the presidential approval and disbursement of N758 billion to settle outstanding pension liabilities. Oloworaran said this was an unprecedented intervention that has sent a clear and powerful signal that Nigeria honours its promises to its workers and retirees.

Over the years, the media and other stake holders in pension sector have been probing to know the quantum of Accrued Rights owed to contributing workers by the Federal Government.

This is because huge outstanding Accrued Rights owed to workers was standing as impediment to retiring workers collecting their retirement benefits as and when do. This is because the law establishing the CPS said the Accrued Right must be paid into the workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) before payment of his benefits by his Pension Fund Administrator(PFA) would be made.

But government over the years remained passive towards clearing of the Accrued Rights of its workers thereby causing delay in payment of workers’ benefit under CPS and truncating the progress of CPS . To the extent that workers will retire and wait for as long as two years before receiving their retirement benefits whereas their contributed funds are much available with their PFAs. But in 2025, the federal government released a whooping N758 billion to clear all outstanding pension liabilities including the Accrued Rights. Government also cleared long-standing pension increase backlogs for federal government treasury-funded retirees, some dating as far back as 2007.

Gladdened by this, the PenCom DG stated, “What many believed would never be paid has now been paid. In addition, zero waiting time for the payment of accrued pension rights was restored with effect from July 2025. Today, retirees receive their benefits when due, not months or years later.”

Other achievements

Other achievements recorded by the industry during the year under review according to Oloworaran included: introduction of Pension Boost 1.0, which added N2.68 billion to monthly pension payments for CPS retirees. Full automation of critical pension processes, including the

Pension Clearance Certificate system, benefit processing, and contribution remittance platforms.

Improvement on operational efficiency through reduction of leakages and transparency. inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the PenCare Initiative, a landmark industry-wide intervention to provide free and accessible healthcare for low income retirees.

Establishment of the Pension Industry Leadership Council, a strategic platform that brings together industry leaders to drive innovation, reinforce accountability, and build collective ownership of reforms.

Also a new pension manager came into the system with the name Parthian Pensions, which said its target is the retail market not necessarily the corporate institutions.

Another major reform witnessed by the industry during the year was restructuring and rebranding of the Micro Pension Plan into the Personal Pension Plan.

Oloworaran said it was about meeting Nigerians where they are including artisans, traders, gig workers, creatives, and informal sector workers.

The industry during the year also witnessed capital increase in tiered form.

According to PenCom , PFAs with assets under management below N500000 billion are to raise their minimum capital from N5 billion to N20 billion while those with assets under management above N5 billion are to raise their capital from N5 billion to N20 billion plus 1 percent of the excess assets under management. All PFAs have up to December 31 , 2026 to meet the new capital requirement. Also new entrants into the business need N20 billion to commence. This, according to PenCom DG, is to build stronger institutions, better risk management, deeper expertise, and a greater capacity to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Linking of Pension Clearance Certificates to participation across the pension industry value chain was another development witnessed by the sector during the year as well as activation of activities of recovery agents against the negative behaviour of deviant employers was achieved during the year and this led to the recovery of N4.04 billion, from non complying employers.

Between the months of January to November 2025 compared to N1.44 billion recovered in the whole of 2024.

This represents an increase of over 180 percent. Most notably, N2.06 billion was recovered in the third quarter of 2025 alone, almost 150 percent of total recoveries recorded in the entire year 2024.

The pension sector also recorded continuous increase in number of contributors into the scheme.

According to PenCom, total RSA registration as at August 2025 was approximately 10.9 million up from 10.8 million as of June 2025. Likewise pension assets as of November 2025 grew to N27.052 trillion .

On the part of PFAs, the operators during the year under the aegis of Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), launched a report titled, “Pension Funds and Infrastructures in Nigeria,” to educate the public on investment of pension funds on infrastructural development.

PenOp in the report noted that though Nigeria has a huge infrastructure deficit, to the extent that World Bank estimates indicated that Nigeria required annual investments of about $100 billion in infrastructure every year for the next 10 years, the use of pension funds as alternative means of infrastructural financing has not been given consideration.

PenOp said as a result, pension funds investments into infrastructure has continued to be largely untapped market and below one per cent of the sector’s Assets Under Management despite steady growth in pension assets.

“The use of pension funds for financing infrastructure remains untapped as a source of financing even when the investment guideline permits them to invest up to 10 percent of the fund into infrastructure,” the report stated.

The PFAs during the year embarked on digital transformation and customer experience .The administrators recorded significant growth in assets under management . For instance, in 2025, operators surpassed their target of growing their assets under management from N18.36 trillion in December 2024 to N20 trillion as they were able to grow their assets to N27.052 trillion as at November 2025.

Being gingered by PenCom through its licensed agents PFAs during the year 2025 began a kind of aggressive enrollment drives for informal sector workers into personal pension plan eg traders, artisans, farmers, gig economy workers . They leveraged USSD codes, mobile apps, and agent networks to simplify registration and contribution.

Implementating Pension Enhancement Program

For existing retirees on Programmed Withdrawal, PFAs implemented actuarial calculations to increase their monthly payouts due to the superior long-term returns generated on their savings. This tangible increase in retirees’ income is a direct achievement of prudent fund management.

Access to Housing via RSA

The year under review witnessed a significant rise in the number of RSA holders applying for and receiving mortgage financing to become homeowners. PFAs worked closely with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and primary mortgage institutions to streamline the process, making homeownership a tangible benefit for active contributors.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

28

monday, JANUARY 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY

business/MOnEYGUIDE

Wema Bank Upgrades ALAT Banking App toVoice Banking,Tap & Pay, Uptime Prediction Oluchi Chibuzor

Wema Bank Plc has launched the upgraded version of its flagship digital banking platform, ALAT by Wema. Designed as the next phase in digital banking, the upgraded version of ALAT delivers a smarter, faster, and more intuitive experience, reinforcing Wema Bank’s leadership in technologydriven financial services.

Tagged ALAT: The Evolution, the upgraded version represents a significant advancement in how customers interact with their bank. It enables seamless banking through intelligent features such as voice banking (called SAW), which allows customers to carry out banking activities using natural voice commands, reducing friction and improving accessibility.

It also introduces Tap and Pay for quick, secure, and convenient contactless transactions, alongside uptime prediction that enhances transparency, reliability, and confidence around service availability.

“Together, these innovations are designed to simplify everyday banking while anticipating customer needs in real

time, reinforcing Wema Bank’s commitment to trust, efficiency, and customer-centric digital experiences,” the bank said in a statement.

Announcing the upgraded version, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, said, “ALAT: The Evolution is more than an upgrade. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to redefining digital banking in Africa. By understanding the future of banking and listening closely to our customers, we have upgraded ALAT

by Wema to a digital banking platform that is smart, intelligent and dependable. This evolution reinforces our promise to deliver innovation that genuinely enhances how people live, work, and transact everyday.”

He added that migrating to the upgraded app is seamless. “Existing customers can simply visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to update their existing ALAT app and sign-in with their existing login details (All their account information and transaction history remain intact on their profile and they will

also gain access to new features that make banking faster, more intuitive, and more reliable). For new customers, all they have to do is visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download ALAT

by Wema app and click the Get Started icon to onboard seamlessly.

Speaking on the technology in the upgraded ALAT by Wema, Chief Digital Officer at Wema Bank, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, explained, “With ALAT: The Evolution, we set out to enhance not just functionality but the overall banking experience. By integrating voice banking, contactless payments, and predictive reliability, we are delivering a platform that is built on powerful technology and responds intelligently to customer needs. This upgrade reflects our long-term digital vision to create a digital bank that is adaptive, intuitive, and consistently available. Built on speed, intelligence, and user-centric design, ALAT: The Evolution redefines everyday banking through intuitive features such as voice-enabled transactions, contactless payments, and predictive service reliability.”

CardinalStone Tops NGX Trades, Crossed N2trn in 2025 CardinalStone Securities has said that it recorded over N2 trillion in transaction value on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in 2025, becoming the first stockbroking firm in Nigeria to reach the milestone, according to the NGX’s latest broker performance report.

The firm had earlier crossed the M1 trillion mark within the same trading year, making it the first broker to exceed both thresholds in a single period and cementing its position as the NGX’s largest broker by transaction value.

Accounting for 18.3 per

cent of total value traded, CardinalStone ranked first on the NGX in 2025, ahead of Chapel Hill Denham Securities, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, First Securities Brokers, Cordros Securities, Meristem Stockbrokers, EFG Hermes Nigeria, ABSA Securities Nigeria, APT Securities and Funds, and United Capital Securities.

Collectively, the top ten brokers executed approximately N7.3 trillion in trades, representing about 61.8 per cent of total value traded on the Exchange.

Commenting on

the milestone, Group Managing Director, CardinalStone Partners, Micheal Nzewi, said: “Crossing the N2 trillion mark on the NGX is a defining moment for CardinalStone and a strong validation of our long-term strategy. It underscores the depth of trust our clients place in us, the strength of domestic capital in driving market activity, and our commitment to delivering consistent execution, insight-driven research, and innovative solutions that support the continued development of Nigeria’s capital markets.”

NASD Grows Market Capitalisation by 106% in 2025 Kayode Tokede

NASD Securities Exchange recorded a strong performance in 2025 with market capitalisation closing 2025 at N2.12 trillion, about 106 per cent increase over N1.03 trillion in 2024, attributable to new listings and price appreciation.

Exchange in the year under review recorded a strong performance , as its market diversification strategy translated into increased listings, higher market capitalisation, and growing activity across

its alternative trading platforms.

The Exchange said the year marked a shift from strategy to execution, with diversification efforts producing measurable results across equities, fixed-income instruments, and digital securities.

While activity on the flagship Over-theCounter (OTC) market was moderate, it was supported by new company admissions and improved stability among established securities.

The NASD Pension Index (NPI) also recorded significant growth,

climbing 215per cent to 3,002.68 points, compared with 954.33 points in the previous year. Listing activity remained a major growth driver during the year. NASD admitted The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NASD, Mr. Eguarekhide Longe in a statement stated that, “The performance reinforces its positioning as Nigeria’s leading alternative securities exchange, providing flexible capital-raising and investment platforms outside the traditional exchange framework.”

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

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

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

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

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

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

29

monday, JANUARY 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY

mARKET NEWS

Stock Market Gains N3.84trn WoW Ahead 2025FY Earnings Report

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market last week kicked off the first full trading week of 2026 with a gain of N3.84trillion as investors adopt a risk‑on stance ahead of 2025 full‑year corporate earnings.

The market capitalisation crossed the psychological N100 trillion threshold, rising

by N3.84 trillion to close the

week at N103.776 trillion on investors bargain hunting in MTN Nigeria Communication Plc (+7.6per cent), Dangote Cement Plc(+4.3per cent), Seplat Energy Plc (+10per cent), Lafarge Africa Plc (+11.5per cent), Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc(+7.5per cent) and Presco Plc (+12.8per cent).

Similarly, the Nigerian All-Share Index (NGX ASI) advanced 3.71 per cent Week-

P R I C E S MaiN Board

F O R DEALS

on-Week (WoW) to close at 162,298.08 basis points.

Market sentiment remained moderately positive, as reflected in a market breadth with 84 advancing stocks significantly outweighing 22 declining counters.

Multiverse Mining and Exploration led the gainers table by 59.73 per cent to close at N23.40, per share.

McNichols followed with a gain of 53.20 per cent to close

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

quantity traded

at N5.50, while May & Baker Nigeria went up by 51.58 per cent to close to N28.80, per share.

On the other side, Aluminium Extrusion Industries led the decliners table by 19.75 per cent to close at N19.10, per share.

Austin Laz & Company followed with a loss of 11.56 per cent to close at N4.13, while Sovereign Trust Insurance declined by 11.29

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S

O F

per cent to close at N3.38, per share.

Overall, a total turnover of 4.164 billion shares worth N94.026 billion in 248,254 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 7.821 billion shares valued at N134.471 billion that exchanged hands prior week in 150,799 deals.

The Financial Services Industry led the activity

J A N UA RY DEALS

chart with 2.651 billion shares valued at N35.957 billion traded in 93,706 deals; contributing 63.67 per cent and 38.24 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Services Industry followed with 369.963 million shares worth N3.383 billion in 16,521 deals, while the ICT Industry pulled a turnover of 297.938 million shares worth N5.727 billion in 21,548 deals.

/ 0 8 / 2 6 Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

30

BusinessSpecial

Monday, January 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY Editor: Goddy Egene goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com 0803 350 6821

Reforms, Collaboration Drive Stock Market Capitalisation to N100trn

A combination of economic reforms, collaboration among regulators and other stakeholders pushed the market capitalisation of nation’s stock market to N100 trillion, writes Goddy Egene

I

an unwavering commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline.”

He further stressed that strengthening oversight, improving governance standards, and expanding financial inclusion remain central to the SEC’s mandate to sustain market growth and resilience.

The synergy between NGX Group and SEC has been a defining feature of 2025, bringing together regulatory discipline with progressive market development.

n a year marked by global monetary tightening, elevated geopolitical risk, and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, Nigeria’s equity market delivered one of the strongest performances in the world in 2025. Far from accidental, this outstanding result emerged from a sustained sequence of purposeful reforms, deep institutional collaboration, and market confidence building that systematically repositioned the Nigerian stock market as a credible destination for capital.

The crescendo of these efforts came in early January 2026, when the Nigerian Exchange (NGX)’s equity market capitalisation officially surpassed the N100 trillion threshold, a symbolic yet powerful signal of renewed investor confidence and economic realignment.

As global markets grappled with volatility, Nigeria’s All-Share Index(ASI) posted an impressive 51.19 per cent return, closing the year at 155,613.03 points, a performance that placed it among the top emerging and frontier equity markets globally.

This spectacular outcome reflects not only resilient market fundamentals but also a deliberate, reform-driven approach to capital market development that has reshaped Nigeria’s investment landscape.

Capital Formation Beyond Secondary Markets Though secondary market performance captured investor attention, the primary market’s role in financing economic activity cannot be understated. NGX Group facilitated approximately N6.49 trillion in capital raising across equity and fixed-income instruments in 2025, supporting infrastructure projects, enterprise expansion, and macroeconomic stability.

This capital formation underscores the market’s evolving role, from trading venue to engine of economic financing and structural transformation.

By supporting corporate and sovereign issuers, expanding product offerings, and facilitating institutional investments, the capital market became a funding lifeline for Nigeria’s broader growth agenda.

A Milestone that Reflects Confidence and Reform Last week’s announcement from the Presidency captured the spirit and substance of the achievement.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the N100 trillion milestone as emblematic of a “new economic reality and rejuvenation,” paying tribute to corporate Nigeria, investors, regulators, and market operators.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” the President stated, underscoring the progress the nation has made under his economic reform agenda.

President Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s equity market outperformed key global benchmarks, including the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100, as well as several emerging-market peers.

He urged broader domestic participation in wealth creation, arguing that deeper local engagement would sustain growth and strengthen the economy’s foundation.

His comments highlight a broader strategic drive: to position Nigeria not just as a national market success story, but as a compelling investment destination for both domestic and global capital.

Reform as Strategy, not Rhetoric At the heart of this transformation sits Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), under the leadership of Group Managing Director and CEO Temi Popoola. Throughout 2025, NGX Group focused on embedding sustainable reform into market practice, enhancing infrastructure, strengthening governance, and deepening investor engagement.

“Our focus has always been on creating a stable, trusted environment for capital mobilisation,” Popoola explained.

“That requires deliberate reforms, collaboration across the ecosystem, and disciplined execution – not short-term gains.”

Social Stability as Part of Market Infrastructure Po p o ola

This ethos translated into a series of well-targeted initiatives, including improvements to market infrastructure, wider access to capital raising tools, and strategic engagement with regulators and policymakers. The result was not a speculative rally, but a structural rally supported by deeper institutional participation, improved transparency, and diversified market access.

NGX Group’s performance demonstrates that when markets function with clarity, predictability, and accountability, investor confidence follows. This was evident in the breadth and resilience the market displayed throughout 2025, despite persistent external shocks.

Performance Anchored in Structure and Depth While the end-of-year rally captured headlines, it was the underlying fundamentals that told a more enduring story. Over 2025, total equity market capitalisation climbed sharply, adding approximately N36.6 trillion to close around N99.38 trillion—one of the most significant absolute gains recorded worldwide.

Importantly, the advance was not driven by short-term speculation. Rather, increased participation from institutional investors, growing retail engagement, and improved market access through initiatives like NGX Invest broadened the investment base.

NGX Invest, a digital platform designed to simplify public offer participation, played a critical role in

bringing new investors and issuers into the primary market. By reducing friction in the capital-raising process and expanding access to new asset classes, it supported over N2.8 trillion in capital raised, including contributions to bank recapitalisation efforts.

By prioritising structural soundness over speculative frenzy, the NGX demonstrated that long-term growth and depth trump short-term fireworks.

Collaboration as Sustainable Growth Engine A standout element of Nigeria’s market resurgence has been collaboration across public and private sectors. Rather than operating in silos, NGX Group, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), policymakers, market operators and issuers aligned behind a shared vision: deepen markets, broaden participation, and protect investors.

This model transformed the ecosystem from a collection of independent actors into a coordinated capital market system working toward common objectives.

Particularly notable is the collaboration between NGX Group and the SEC, led

by Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama. Their alignment combined strong market infrastructure with a regulatory agenda centred on transparency, investor protection, and innovation.

Agama emphasised the critical role of reforms in achieving market milestones, noting, “The N100 trillion milestone is a direct result of decisive reforms and

NGX Group broadened its reform philosophy beyond finance, recognising that long-term markets depend on social stability and inclusion. Initiatives like Project BLOOM (Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors), conducted with partners including the Lagos State Government and Health Emergency Initiatives, tackled child malnutrition in underserved communities.

To date, the project has supported hundreds of children and caregivers, combining nutritional support with education and sustained care. Over half of beneficiaries have entered recovery, a testament to the impact of market-linked social investment.

“True market growth is inseparable from social progress,” Popoola observed, pointing to the intrinsic link between societal wellbeing and investor confidence.

Technology, Sustainability, Global Alignment Technology was another central pillar of growth in 2025. Beyond NGX Invest, continuous upgrades to market systems enhanced settlement efficiency, increased accessibility, and reduced operational frictions. These digital investments helped knit together a more competitive, transparent, and efficient exchange, a prerequisite for deeper global integration.

Simultaneously, NGX Group advanced its sustainable finance agenda through initiatives like the NGX Net-Zero Programme, developed with global partners to help listed companies transition toward sustainable operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

monday, JANUARY 12 , 2026 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

PERSPECTIVE ECOWAS and AES: A Comparative Assessment of Regional Integration, Sovereignty, and Development Impact

By Gloria Adebajo-Fraser

E

COWAS, established in 1975, remains one of Africa’s oldest regional economic communities, with a broad mandate covering economic integration, political coordination, and security.

Despite its longevity and institutional depth, its tangible socioeconomic and security impact has been constrained by weak implementation, internal fragmentation, and declining legitimacy in parts of the region.

By contrast, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed between 2023 and 2024 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has pursued a narrower but more decisive agenda centered on sovereignty, security coordination, and autonomous development.

In a short period, AES has articulated a clear strategic direction and established concrete institutions, including a confederal investment bank.

While AES remains untested over the long term, its early momentum highlights both the limitations of ECOWAS and the emergence of alternative models of regional cooperation.

Within this evolving landscape, Nigeria’s strategic interests—particularly border security and counterterrorism—point toward the practical value of structured engagement with AES, regardless of broader political alignments.

1. Foundational Vision.

1.1 ECOWAS: Ambition Without Full Delivery.

ECOWAS was founded to promote economic integration, free movement, and collective self-reliance across West Africa. Over time, it expanded into political governance and security, developing a dense institutional architecture that includes a Commission, Parliament, Court of Justice, and development bank.

Despite these structures, ECOWAS has struggled to translate ambition into results.

Trade integration remains shallow, enforcement of protocols is inconsistent, and regional infrastructure integration is incomplete.

Security challenges—particularly in the Sahel—have intensified rather than diminished, eroding confidence in ECOWAS’s ability to deliver stability or development.

ECOWAS today faces a credibility gap: it possesses authority and frameworks, but its capacity to deliver concrete outcomes at scale is increasingly questioned by both governments and citizens.

1.2 AES: A Reactive but Focused Emergence.

AES emerged in direct response to political and security pressures faced by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, including sanctions and strained relations with ECOWAS. Rather than replicating a broad integration model, AES adopted a confederal approach focused on sovereignty, collective defense, and internal resource mobilization.

Its limited membership has allowed for rapid decision-making and alignment.

AES was not built to please external partners or fit existing integration templates; it was designed to address immediate security threats and reclaim policy autonomy.

This clarity of purpose explains much of AES’s early momentum.

2. Development Impact and Economic Instruments.

2.1. ECOWAS: Broad Reach, Limited Tangible Outcomes ECOWAS has established trade regimes and development institutions, including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. However, financing constraints, uneven member commitment, and reliance on external funding have limited impact.

For many citizens, ECOWAS remains distant from daily economic realities. Poverty,

ECOWAS Chairman, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone

unemployment, and infrastructure deficits persist, while insecurity has spread across borders with limited regional containment.

In practice, ECOWAS has often appeared more effective as a political regulator than as a driver of development.

2.2 AES: Early Institutional Action.

AES’s most visible economic initiative is the Confederal Investment and Development Bank (BCID-AES), capitalized at roughly 500 billion CFA francs. Its mandate focuses on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and productive sectors aligned with national priorities.

The significance lies less in scale than in intent: development finance is being mobilized internally, signaling a shift away from donor-driven dependency toward regional self-financing.

AES has also linked development to security, coordinating military operations across borders and prioritizing territorial control—an area where ECOWAS has struggled to move from diplomacy to execution.

3. Security, Governance, and Regional Legitimacy.

3.1 ECOWAS: Authority Under Pressure.

ECOWAS’s role as a guarantor of constitutional order once reinforced its legitimacy.

More recently, sanctions and political pressure have been widely perceived—particularly in Sahelian states—as externally aligned and economically harmful to civilians.

These actions failed to restore order and instead accelerated withdrawal and fragmentation. At the same time, ECOWAS has not halted the spread of extremist violence, further weakening its standing as a security actor.

3.2 AES: Security-Centered Cohesion.

AES derives cohesion from shared threat perception. Joint military coordination, reinforced border controls, and unified security strategy have produced measurable territorial

containment in some areas, particularly against ISIS-affiliated and transnational armed groups.

While long-term outcomes remain uncertain, AES has demonstrated operational focus rather than rhetorical commitment. This has strengthened domestic legitimacy and regional credibility in security matters, even as governance and diplomatic risks remain.

• Nigeria and AES: A Case for Pragmatic Security Collaboration.

Nigeria occupies a pivotal position in West Africa and shares extensive borders with AES member states, particularly Niger.

Border insecurity, arms trafficking, insurgent mobility, and extremist spillover pose direct and persistent threats to Nigeria’s national security.

From a practical standpoint, Nigeria would benefit from establishing formal security collaboration mechanisms or a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AES, independent of broader political disagreements or ECOWASAES tensions.

Several factors make this approach wise and necessary: Border Reality: AES states have invested heavily in fortifying shared borders, increasing surveillance, military presence, and joint patrols.

Nigeria’s security outcomes are directly affected by the effectiveness of these measures.

Counterterrorism Alignment: AES has prioritized direct confrontation with ISISlinked and other extremist groups, achieving tactical successes in restricting their mobility and operational space. Coordination would enhance intelligence sharing and reduce safe havens.

Good Neighbourliness: Geography cannot be sanctioned away.

Nigeria’s long-term stability depends on cooperative border management, not isolation.

Strategic Autonomy: An MoU would allow Nigeria to protect its interests without endorsing or rejecting AES’s political model—focused purely on security outcomes.

This is not ideological alignment; it is strategic realism. Refusing engagement on political grounds risks leaving Nigeria exposed to threats

that do not respect institutional boundaries.

• Comparative Assessment Dimension- ECOWAS AES Age ~50 years ~2 years.

Scope.

Broad, multi-sector.

Narrow, security-first.

Decision Speed.

Slow, consensus-driven Rapid, centralized.

Security ImpactLimited in Sahel.

Operational focus.

Development ModelInstitutional, donor-linked Sovereignty-driven.

Nigeria Relevance - Political leadership role.

Immediate border security relevance.

Conclusion ECOWAS remains a foundational regional institution but is underperforming relative to its mandate and age. Its challenge is not relevance, but delivery. Without reform focused on enforcement, security effectiveness, and economic impact, its influence will continue to erode.

AES, though young and constrained, has demonstrated decisiveness, clarity, and operational focus—particularly in security and development finance. It is not yet a substitute for broad regional integration, but it represents a credible alternative model rooted in sovereignty and execution.

For Nigeria, the choice is not binary.

Supporting ECOWAS institutionally while engaging AES pragmatically on border security is sensible, realistic, and responsible. Regional stability will be shaped less by declarations and more by cooperation where threats are real and immediate.

ECOWAS offers scale, AES offers urgency.

Nigeria’s security interests demand engagement with both—without illusion, but with clear-eyed pragmatism.

•Princess G. A. Adebajo-Fraser MFR is President, the National Patriots.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

NEWS

46TH LECTURE SERIES OF THE UNIVERSITY...

L-R: Bursar, University of Ibadan (UI), Mr. Adewuyi Popoola; Registrar, UI, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba; Lecturer, Prof. Osaywe Ehigie; and Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), Prof. Juwon Arotiba, during the 46th Lecture Series of the University, delivered by Professor Osaywe Ehigie in Ibadan …recently

World Water Congress: Mbah's Initiatives in Sustainable Water Supply Gets Global Recognition State wins overall best scientific oral presentation trophy

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

The reforms initiated by the Governor Peter Mbah administration in the water sector of Enugu State has received global attention with the state winning the Overall Best Scientific Oral Presentation Trophy at the XIX World Water Congress in Morocco.

The global honour was bestowed not only on Enugu

but Nigeria in general following the performance of Mrs. Amaka Nweke, who represented Enugu State and Nigeria at the global congress held in Marrakech Morocco.

According to a press release from Enugu Government house, Nweke who is Member IV of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission and Chairman of its WASH Committee, was selected to represent Enugu

State and Nigeria at the XIX World Water Congress.

The event was organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) under the Member IV of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission and Chairman of its WASH Committee, was selected to represent Enugu State and Nigeria at the XIX World Water Congress.

It was organised by the

International Water Resources Association (IWRA) under the high patronage of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The Enugu/Nigeria representative was adjudged the overall winner from among scores of world-class scientists, ministers, researchers, and policy experts from over 100 countries after her presentation.

"Nweke delivered a powerful, data-driven, and emotionally

compelling scientific presentation titled “Water and Nature: Innovative Solutions for a City in Nature, Using Enugu’s Coal City to Water City as a Case Study,” the press release said.

"With clarity, depth, and originality, she traced Enugu’s difficult environmental past, outlined the urgent challenges of urbanisation and water insecurity, and showcased Governor Mbah’s Water-City agenda as a practical, scalable, and forward-looking model for Africa and the developing world".

Governor Mbah is said to have launched "one of the most ambitious water-sector reforms in Nigeria’s history" unity and inclusiveness, qualities with a quantum leap in water Nigeria urgently needs at this critical stage of its democratic journey.

National Coordinator of the movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, commended supporters for their sustained commitment and growing enthusiasm, describing Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole Dr. Hashim as a worthy son in Abuja and brother whose background, competence and global exposure The National Agency for uniquely position him to offer Science and Engineering (NASENI) transformative leadership to Infrastructure will today (Monday) begin a Nigeria. roadshow in Abuja to mobilise staff of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to actively participate in the upcoming Inter-Agency Innovation Competition and Awards. of engineering the endorsement The goal of the competition, of Tinubu, for their own selfish interests and not the interest which a cash prize of N140 million is to drive collaboration of the Igbos.

Stressing that the governors in boosting Nigeria’s innovation were merely trying to ecosystem.

A press statement issued consummate their individual relationship with the President, by NASENI on Sunday he noted that nothing has and signed by the Director, been done by Tinubu in Information, New Media and the South-East geo-political Protocol (DINMP), NASENI, zone to warrant anybody in Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said Igboland to endorse him for the roadshow trains will kick off from the old Federal re-election.

Kebbi Agog for Gbenga Hashim as Groups Drum Support Ahead of 2027

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Birnin Kebbi was agog over the weekend as various support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim converged on the Kebbi State capital, intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups operating under different platforms declared Dr. Hashim as “their son” and pledged massive support for his ambition, while urging

Nigerians across the country to rally behind what they described as a credible, inclusive and unifying leadership project.

Speaking at the gathering, members of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement and other allied organisations said the convergence was aimed at consolidating existing support structures, expanding community-level outreach, and strengthening political engagement across Kebbi State and beyond.

Leader of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Kebbi State, Muhammad Mustapha Yauri, said the people of the state, particularly those from Yauri Emirate, consider it a collective responsibility to stand firmly behind Dr. Hashim, who was born in Yauri, Kebbi State.

According to Yauri, Dr. Hashim’s late father was an indigene of Kebbi State, while his mother is of Yoruba extraction, a background he said symbolises national integration,

ADC Support Group Faults Tinubu’s Endorsement by South-East APC

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the ADC Like-Minds has faulted the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election by South-East All Progressive Congress (APC), saying the move negates the reality of Igbos under the Tinubu administration.

It said that there is nothing

on ground to justify such call on the people of the zone to support president Tinubu in the next election.

The National Coordinator of ADC Like-Minds, Comrade Adolphus Ude, stated this in statement at the weekend.

While reacting to Saturday’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by South-East APC stakeholders and their pledge to mobilise massive votes for his re-election

in the 2027 general elections.

The decision was the outcome of a high-level South-East APC meeting at the Presidential Hotel, Enugu, attended by the three APC governors in the region, lawmakers and other party leaders.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting in a press release on Sunday, Ude who was the foundation Deputy Chairman of APC in Enugu State, accused the South-East APC governors

production from a paltry 2 million litres per day to an unprecedented 120 million litres per day.

This was made possible with massive investments in treatment plants, reticulation networks, a 4.4MW gaspowered energy facility for uninterrupted supply, tariff reforms, community engagement, and sustainable governance frameworks.

In her presentation of this initiative, Nweke highlighted nature-based solutions, sustainable urban drainage systems, rainwater harvesting, wetlands restoration, community participation, and international investment partnerships driving Enugu’s transformation.

NASENI Mobilises MDAs for Inter-agency Innovation Competition, Awards

Secretariat in Area 1 and pass through the main Federal Secretariat at the Central Business District (CBD), Abuja.

"The roadshow will have major stops at MDAs located around that vicinity. It is designed to raise awareness about the competition's objectives, benefits, and the critical role of innovation in enhancing public servants’ participation in using innovation to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, especially through the industrialieation agenda by the f3deral government," the statement said.

Staff from various MDAs will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Inter-Agency Innovation committee officials, participate in informative sessions, and learn how to submit innovative entries.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

NEWS

MUTFWANG LAUNCHES SPORTS REFORMS...

Plateau State Governor, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, presenting the Plateau United Football Club jersey to the new Technical Adviser of the club, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, marking the beginning of a new direction for the former NPFL champions, last Friday

Nigerian Army Intensifies More Internal Security Operations in Kwara, Niger States Joint police/military operatives neutralise scores of bandits in Kogi One person shot during protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, police say

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin Nigerian Army at the weekend hinted that it had intensified clearance and internal security operations across Kwara and Niger states in order to decimate the activities of bandits and kidnapers.

Commander, Headquarters 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume, stated this in Ilorin during the 2025 Nigerian Army

Social Activities (NASA), held at Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.

According to Rume, the brigade has sustained several military operations within its Area of Responsibility (AOR), targeting criminal elements operating in border communities and forest reserves.

He said the operations included Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Harmony in Kwara State, and the recently concluded Operation Park Strike IV and V, which covered Kainji Lake National Park,

adjoining villages in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State.

Rume said, “The Year 2025 saw 22 Armoured Brigade conducting a number of clearance operations, such as Operation Park Strike IV and V which covered Kainji Lake National Park and its adjoining villages and the general areas of Borgu LGA in Niger State, Kaiama and Baruten LGAs of Kwara State."

He added that Operation

Fansan Yamma was ongoing, saying it aims at flushing out bandits and restoring peace across affected communities.

Joint Police/Military Operatives Neutralise Scores of Bandits in Kogi

The joint operations of the Nigeria Police and military operatives neutralised scores of bandits, flushed others out, and dislodged them from their hideouts in the Kogi State. This was contained in a press statement signed by

Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Breaking Education Pact, Abandoning Students Abroad Claims about 1600 students stranded, stripped of support

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning Nigerian students studying overseas under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), warning the alleged breach has left about 1,600 young Nigerians stranded abroad and stripped of support.

In a statement on

Sunday, Atiku said the BEA scholarship scheme was quietly discontinued under the Tinubu administration without notice to parents or wards and without consideration for students already midway through their studies overseas.

He explained that the BEA, which began in 1993 and was revitalised in 1999, was designed to allow Nigerian students pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education

through agreements between Nigeria and partner countries, describing it as a diplomatic bridge now left broken.

“What was initially described as a temporary five-year suspension soon metamorphosed into outright abandonment,” Atiku said.

According to him, the decision has left beneficiary students abroad without stipends, with outstanding allowances now running

into thousands of dollars per student.

“Their pleas are desperate and straightforward: pay the stipends owed, now more than $6,000 per student.

“Yet from the corridors of power came a cold, technocratic explanation: scarce public funds must be managed ‘responsibly,’ and money meant to keep these students alive abroad should instead be redirected home,” he said.

Waterway Accidents: Ban Use of Wooden Boats Now, Oyetola Urges State Govts

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Sunday renewed his call on state governments across the federation to urgently ban the use of wooden boats for commercial

water transportation to avert incessant incidence.

He advised states on investment in safer, modern fibre and aluminum boats.

The minister made the call against the backdrop of recent tragic boat accidents, which claimed several lives and left

many families in mourning.

He expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the mishaps and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister also charged waterway users to take personal responsibility for

their safety by adhering strictly to basic safety measures. He warned against night travel, which often comes with poor visibility and higher risks, and urged passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.

Police Public Relation Officer, CSP William Aya, in Lokoja on Sunday.

The statement said, "The ongoing onslaught against bandit operations in Kogi State by the joint police and military has yielded fruitful results. Bandits were flushed out, their networks dislodged, and scores were neutralised.

"The operation, which is being carried out with vigour, commitment, and utmost professionalism, and supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air wing components through precision air strikes, led to these successes.”

Aya stated, "The command uses this medium to alert the public to be on the lookout for anyone seen around with bullet wounds, injuries, and

suspicious behaviour and to report such to the nearest police station.

"The public are urged to support the ongoing operations with credible information about criminal elements seen around the neighbourhood.

Noting that security is a shared responsibility, together we can make Nigeria better."

One Person Shot During Protest Against Kidnapping in Ekpoma, Police Say

Edo State Police Command said one person was shot during a protest against insecurity in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday.

Continued online

Bayelsa Gov Attends Mgbidi 2026 Crusade, Assures Citizens of Steady Power Supply

Mary Nnah

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured citizens of a steady power supply in the state by the end of January 2026.

Speaking at the just concluded Mgbidi 2026 crusade in Imo State, Governor Diri revealed that his administration has procured eight gas turbines, six of which have already been installed.

The governor's assurance was made during his visit to the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries crusade, where he was warmly received by the General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka.

Governor Diri commended Pastor Muoka for the positive impact he has made in the

lives of people, not just in Bayelsa State but globally.

He expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity to worship and seek spiritual empowerment at the crusade.

The governor also laid prostrate on the altar, worshipping and seeking God's guidance and blessings for the state.

Pastor Muoka, in his prayer, thanked God for giving Governor Diri victory and success in his administration.

He prayed for the governor's continuous success, saying, "Father, from the inception of his tenure, you have proved to the whole world that he did not make a mistake in fellowshiping with The Lord's Chosen. You have given him victory upon victory."

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

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NEWS

PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO ENERGISE NIGERIA’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM...

L-R: Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN); Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Zakariya Tijjani Zannah; and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Philip Ndiomu, during the partnership with the National Assembly to energise Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem in Abuja at the weekend

Obi: Tambuwal’s 60th Colloquium a Clarion Call For Unity, Service to Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has described the gathering at Saturday’s birthday colloquium for Senator Aminu Tambuwal as a clarion call for unity and service to Nigeria.

According to a statement by

Obi, “This celebration was not just a milestone but a clarion call for unity and service to our beloved nation.”

He said during the symposium, “The future of Nigeria depends on our collective strength. Now is the time to unite and forge a consensus to address the

troubling challenges facing our nation.

“At 60, Senator Tambuwal exemplifies true leadership – not measured by years in office but by unwavering dedication to what is right.

He has been a bulwark for a united Nigeria. I also extended my gratitude to him

for his steadfast commitment to advancing vital sectors: education, healthcare, and agriculture.

“His unwavering focus on these areas underscores the reality that effective leadership lies in investing in a united and productive populace. ''As I travel through

XX Nwodo: America Has Never Gone

to War Anywhere for Philanthropy

K Linus Aleke in Abuja A A Former governor of Enugu State and elder statesman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, said the United States had never undertaken military intervention anywhere in the world purely for humanitarian or philanthropic purposes, insisting that such actions are always guided by strategic, political, or economic interests.

Nwodo maintained that wars prosecuted by global powers were rarely altruistic, stressing that national self-interest, rather than concern for humanity, largely determine foreign military

engagements.

He cautioned Nigerians against accepting official explanations for such interventions without interrogating the real motives behind them.

In a chat with THISDAY in Enugu, the former governor said the history of Americanled interventions showed a consistent pattern.

According to him, countries that have experienced such interventions have often been left worse off.

Nwodo stated, “America has never gone to war anywhere in the world for philanthropy. There must be an interest they intend

to protect or an investment they hope to recover. Once they remove a government that does not align with their agenda, they try to impose one that will.

“But the truth is that none of the countries they intervened in—whether Libya, Iraq, Yemen or others—has truly recovered after their exit. That is not the kind of intervention we want."

Nwodo stated that Nigeria’s long-running security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, had persisted for over 15 years, cutting across successive administrations.

He said the problem

was bigger than any single president, pointing out that former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were both overwhelmed by the crisis.

He explained that while military cooperation, security partnerships, and even the hiring of mercenaries were recognised international practices, Nigeria must tread carefully in seeking external assistance.

According to him, indiscriminate foreign intervention can lead to the loss of national autonomy and expose the country’s natural resources to exploitation.

2027: Pressure Mounts on Okowa to Run for Senate

Agugu Anioma group endorses ex-governor, cites 'proven commitment to leadership'

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba There is a growing call for former governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to return to Senate to represent Delta North Senatorial District. This followed his formal endorsement by the Agugu Anioma (Odi Anyi Mma), a socio-political movement, emphasising his outstanding record of service, integrity, and transformational leadership.

The group said the decision to endorse the ex-governor for the 2027 Senate race was

not based on sentiments but rather anchored on verifiable parameters and wide consultation with stakeholders, particularly across the length and breadth of Delta North Senatorial District.

Speaking during the endorsement at Ukala in Aniocha North Local Government Area, at the weekend, Convener of Agugu Anioma, Hon. Louis Ndukwe, stated that the group’s decision followed consultation with critical stakeholders. He said they included traditional rulers,

artisans, youths, women, market women, civil society organisations, and professionals, after which they concluded that Okowa was best suited, given his exemplary antecedents in the senate and as Governor of Delta State.

Ndukwe stated, “Agugu Anioma stands firmly on the side of performance, credibility, and verifiable results. Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has demonstrated uncommon leadership capacity, a deep sense of responsibility to the people, and a clear vision for

sustainable development.

“His achievements speak for him. We will move from door to door, unit to unit, ward to ward, local government area to local government area, to ensure that a resounding victory is achieved.”

He said under the Okowa administration, Delta State recorded massive expansion in infrastructure, particularly in road construction and urban renewal, an outstanding performance that earned him the widely acknowledged reputation as the “Roadmaster.”

Nigeria, I see immense potential being undermined by disunity and ineffective leadership. With unity and competent governance, we can transition our nation from consumption to production, bolster agriculture and manufacturing, and eradicate poverty, corruption, and insecurity—ultimately fostering an inclusive and prosperous nation.”

Obi added, “It is absolutely fitting that we celebrate Senator Tambuwal today—a champion of unity, dialogue, and national cohesion. His relentless service serves as a powerful reminder that Nigeria’s future will not be crafted by those who sow division, but by those who foster connection and

collaboration. ''On behalf of all who strive for a renewed Nigeria, I wish Senator Aminu Tambuwal a very happy 60th birthday.

May this new chapter of his life be rich with good health, renewed strength, and even greater service to our nation.''

Obi said the event brought together a remarkable assembly of distinguished Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Speakers Masari, Patricia Ette, and Yakubu Dogara, along with notable governors and numerous respected leaders and stakeholders dedicated to Nigeria's unity and progress.

2026: Aremu Tasks Govt at All Levels on Labour Devt Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Director General of Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu at the weekend called for the urgent need of government at all levels to take labour and labour issues more serious in the 2026 fiscal year.

Speaking in Ilorin on the sidelines of the celebration of his 65th birthday, Aremu said that, “Labour creates wealth through other critical success factors therefore Labour must be consciously motivated in return for labour productivity and workplace discipline".

He observed that while employers and government must take labour serious, organized labour must also take itself serious by improved productivity, corruption avoidance and above all, avoidance of mutually

disruptive work stoppages by embracing collective bargaining and social dialogue.

Aremu who also used the occasion to laud President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led administration of labour record in the year 2025, said that, the development has brought a new lease of life to the youths in the creation of more jobs, job security, regular payment of salaries and work place dispute resolutions in the past years.

The Director General recalled that more than any other presidential candidates, Presidential Candidate Bola Tinubu in 2022 mainstreamed labour in his reform agenda with a whole Directorate to engage with organized labour.

He recalled that candidate Tinubu promised an administration that would make fiscal and monetary policies work for the workers and Nigerians so they can have a good life.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

NEWS

ZULUM INAUGURATES SECOND CHANCE GIRLS SCHOOL IN BIU...

L-R: Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu II; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, during the commissioning of the Second Chance Girls School in Biu on Friday

Jang to Mutfwang: Resign, Contest Fresh Poll Calls on INEC to stop interfering in political parties’ affairs

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former governor of Plateau State and leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Jonah Jang, has asked Governor Caleb Mutfwang to resign and contest a fresh election.

Jang also called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop interfering in the affairs of political parties.

He explained that during

elections, it was the political parties that were voted for and not individuals.

The former governor spoke at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting while reacting to the recent defection of Mutfwang from PDP to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jang said since the governor had decided to quit and join another party, he should resign his position, join the new political party, and re-contest the election.

He stated, “I don’t know where we got this idea, carrying people’s mandate without even thinking twice about it, to other areas. And you start giving all kinds of reasons. You should first resign that position, call for a fresh election, and then you can recontest in the new party. That should be the right democracy.

“Caleb Mutfwang is still the governor of Plateau State and it is we that brought him to power. Before he disposes of

us, he has to complete this tenure with us. He can’t take our mandate anywhere. We campaigned and voted for him.

It is the PDP government that built that Government House.”

Jang blamed the Nigerian system that allowed indiscriminate defections of political office holders from one party to another, explaining that such attitudes negatively affect the democratic system.

He said, “I have never seen the name of any

individual written on any ballot paper. It is a party that is written on ballot paper. It is party that wins election, not individuals.

“Nigeria is the only country that somebody is elected on the platform of a party and takes the mandate of that party to another party. I have never seen in a democratic country where someone wins an election and takes the mandate to another party.”

The PDP leader expressed

worry over what he described as the country’s tilt towards a one- party system, with many governors trooping to join the ruling party. He accused INEC of interfering in the affairs of PDP. Jang stated, “God forbid that Nigeria becomes oneparty state. By God’s grace, it will never happen. We must stand to ensure this democracy survives. We must not fail the nation. This democracy has come to stay.

CHIMAMANDA SERVES LEGAL NOTICE OVER SON’S DEATH, SANWO-OLU ORDERS PROBE physical or electronic. These included CCTV footage from procedure rooms and corridors, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy and drug inventory records, crash-cart and emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and any morbidity and mortality reviews.

The solicitors warned that any destruction, alteration, or loss of evidence after receipt of the notice would be treated as suppression of evidence and obstruction of justice, with attendant legal consequences.

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated timeframe would leave the parents with no option but to pursue all available legal, regulatory, and judicial remedies against the hospital and all medical personnel involved.

Sanwo-Olu orders probe into Chimamanda

Adichie’s Son’s death Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ordered a probe into the alleged medical negligence that reportedly led to the death of Master Nkanu.

Sanwo-Olu gave the directive through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), following public concern generated by Ms. Adichie’s account of the tragic incident, which occurred on January 7.

In a press statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Sanwo-Olu expressed deep condolences to the grieving family, describing the loss of a child as “a profound tragedy”.

The statement read, “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, we commiserate sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this

painful and irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time.”

The government reaffirmed its zero tolerance for medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state.

“Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State,” the statement added.

Ogunyemi said HEFAMAA had already commenced investigation into the matter and had visited the facility involved.

She stated, “The governor has directed HEFAMAA to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to

unravelling the immediate and remote causes of the death.”

Ogunyemi explained that the investigation would involve a detailed review of clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the responsibilities of all parties connected to the case.

She said HEFAMAA would also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies to ensure credibility and professionalism in the process.

“The agency will work in close collaboration with the MDCN and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process,” she stated.

The government assured Lagos residents that the findings of the investigation would be made public.

Ogunyemi said, “Findings of

the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.”

She warned that any health facility or professional found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

“Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks,” the statement declared.

While urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, the statement said, “Lagos State remains committed to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.”

The government assured Adichie and her family that

justice and due process will not be compromised.

Nwandu Addresses Alleged Inconsistencies in Euracare's Statement Dr. Anthea Esege Nwandu, the deceased child's aunt, debunked Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital’s statement released on January 10, 2026.

Nwandu is a dual boardcertified Internal Medicine physician with 30 years of global clinical experience in Nigeria and the United States.

The renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who recently lost her 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, after a brief illness, blamed his demise on the alleged negligence of Euracare Specialist Hospital.

Continued online

GOVERNORS CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY, HAIL TINUBU’S DEVOTION

yesterday during an InterDenominational Church Service held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

The governor emphasised that his quietness and calm were solidly from his source, God, whom he said gave him confidence and strength.

He said there was no need

for panic or agitation when one was anchored on divine authority.

Fubara stated, "I know what I have. I know that I have what is supreme and that is God. So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear state, and we will get it by the special name of God." The governor assured the people that the focus of his

administration remained the entrenchment of lasting peace across Rivers State, adding that the government is committed to achieving this through faith and responsible leadership.

In her remarks, the deputy governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, reminiscing the message of the sermon, reminded the congregation that every individual was ultimately judged by the impact they

made while alive.

Odu paid tribute to fallen heroes and heroines, as well as veterans present at the service, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to the country.

She stated, "But I want to solemnly say to all of us that as we have come today to pray for legionnaires, for the wives of the fallen heroes, the husbands of the fallen heroines, please, continue to

uphold the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara and my humble self in prayers.”

Oyebanji Gives Kudos to Soldiers for Boosting Nigeria's Pride, Dignity, Honour

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, saluted the Nigerian Army for making the required sacrifices and paying the harrowing ultimate price to

make Nigeria a nation of pride, dignity, and honour globally.

Oyebanji commended the soldiers for the resilient and spirited efforts to defend the country's territorial integrity by fighting stridently to subdue banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping across the geopolitical zones.

Continued online

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION LAST RESORT AS FIRST RESORT had been instated by the courts only eight months earlier after a protracted legal fight, was impeached by the PDP dominated State Assembly, though the courts reversed it.

In terms of impeachment, the most fatal executive office in Nigeria since 1979 has been the Deputy Governor’s office. At the last count, Deputy Governors have been impeached or otherwise forced to resign in 19 states. Rivers State deputy governor Mrs-Ngozi Odu, now joined in the Fubara impeachment notice, might swell their number. In 1982, as part of the split within the Peoples Redemption Party [PRP], Kano State Governor Mohammed Abubakar Rimi got the state assembly to impeach his deputy, Ibrahim Bibi Faruk. In this Fourth Republic, deputy governors have been impeached in nineteen states. They include Iyiola Omisore of Osun State in November 2022; Abubakar Abdullahi Argungu of Kebbi State in December 2022;Madam Kofo Akerele Bucknor of Lagos December 2022; Ibrahim Shehu Kwatalo and Ubale Shittu both of Jigawa State 2001 and 2003; John Oyom Okpa of Cross River in January 2003; Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia State in March 2003; Uba Maigari Ahmadu of Taraba State in March 2004; Abiodun Aluko of Ekiti State in September 2005; Chris Ekpenyong of Akwa-Ibom State in 2005; Otunba Femi Pedro of Lagos State in May 2007; Alhaji Garba Gadi of Bauchi State in 2009; Peremobowei Ebebi of Bayelsa State in June 2010; Sani Abubakar Danladi of Taraba State in 2012; Jude Agbaso of Imo State in 2013; Sunday Onyebuchi of Enugu State in August 2014; Ali Olanusi of Ondo State in 2015; Eze Madumere of Imo State July 2018; Simon Achuba of Kogi State in 2019; Mahdi Aliyu Gusau of Zamfara State in 2022; Rauf Olaniyan of Oyo State in July 2022 and Phillip Shaibu of Edo State in 2023.

Some of these former deputies, such as Madam Kofo, insists that she was not impeached but

apparently resigned when she was served with the impeachment notice. Some State Assemblies went ahead to impeach deputy governors even after they resigned, as in Cross River State. In Sokoto State in March 2006, Deputy Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko resigned moments before the State Assembly, at Governor Attahiru Bafarawa’s behest, voted to impeach him. While the courts reversed some of the impeachments, such as in Kogi and Edo, state assemblies themselves rather reversed one, Femi Pedro’s in Lagos, but only after their terms in office had expired.

Although reasons were always adduced to support impeachment of deputy governors, in all cases the not-so-hidden motive was falling out with the governor politically. Mrs. Akerele said then Governor Bola Tinubu initiated her impeachment because she refused his plan to confiscate leadership of their Alliance for Democracy [AD] party from its gerontocratic leaders. Garba Gadi was impeached in Bauchi because he refused to follow Governor Isa Yuguda to defect from ANPP to PDP. Ali Olanusi of Ondo was impeached, at the behest of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, for alleged absenteeism [to do what in a redundant office?].

A big rigmarole took place in Taraba State in 2012 when deputy governor Sani Abubakar Danladi was impeached at the behest of Governor Danbaba Suntai. Garba Umar UTC was sworn-in as replacement and he became Acting Governor in October that year when Suntai was injured in a plane crash. According to pundits at the time, Suntai’s godfather General T.Y. Danjuma did not like UTC’s speculated 2015 governorship ambitions, so a court case was engineered that quashed Danladi’s impeachment; he was then installed as Acting Governor with a promise not to contest for governor in 2015, thus paving the way for T.Y’s godson Darius Ishaku. Also curious was the 2023 impeachment of Zamfara’s

deputy governor Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed, who remained in PDP when his governor Bello Mutawalle defected to APC. Edo’s Shaibu was impeached in 2003 because he insisted on contesting for governor even though Governor Obaseki had anointed someone else.

Impeaching an elected governor, or for that matter an elected deputy governor, is supposed to be a very serious matter under the 1999 Constitution. Why because, a person who got into office due to millions or even hundreds of thousands of votes should be removed from office by no more than a few dozen legislators only under grave circumstances. During the impeachment and Senate trial of US President Bill Clinton during the Monicagate scandal in 1996, I heard a Harvard University constitutional law professor saying on CNN that ordinarily, an elected person should be allowed to complete his tenure and voters should be allowed the chance to pass a verdict on him in the next election. However, he said, impeachment should be undertaken in the gravest circumstances when allowing the person to remain in office could imperil the Republic. While President Clinton’s frolicking with a White House intern and lying about it was descending very low morally, I believe the Harvard professor implied that it hardly amounted to imperiling the Republic.

Now, whenever state legislators embark on impeaching governor or deputy governor here, they draw up charges as required by the Constitution and allege misconduct and other issues. They never mention the real reason for the impeachment, which almost always is falling out with the governor, with a godfather or with the president. Former President Obasanjo was a complex man who often did the right things in the wrong way.

He probably had good reasons to be angry with Dariye, Fayose and Alamieyeseigha, but engineering their impeachment was very

well for political reasons. In Ladoja’s case, the President’s hand became visible when Ladoja won his cases at the High and Appeal Courts but Attorney General Bayo Ojo stopped the police from providing him with security escort to resume his seat, until he won at the Supreme Court. PDP national chairman Dr Ahmadu Ali sensationally said that Ladoja must submit to the authority of the Garrison Commander, i.e. the Presidency-backed Lamidi Adedibu.

It is true, I believe, that many of our elected leaders commit impeachable offences every day, such as spending money without appropriation, withholding funds of local governments despite a Supreme Court ruling, receiving bribes from contractors, money laundering or operating secret foreign bank accounts. Luckily, frolicking with a Youth Corper or High School student is not regarded as an impeachable offense here.

While the 1999 Constitution as amended never intended falling out with a godfather to be an impeachable offence, it has become the main impeachable offence here, though Only it is never listed in the Articles of Impeachment that are served to a person. A tool of last resort has become the tool of first resort here.

How will it be, for instance, if the Rivers Assembly for once decides to be truthful, stops beating about the bush and states in the impeachment notice to Governor Fubara that, “Whereas you fell out with our Political Godfather, Nyesom Nzom Wike; you refused to take orders from him; you are nursing an ambition to run for a second term even though he will not anoint you; you defected to APC without his approval; you are trying to substitute his leadership with your own by getting APC National Chairman and National Secretary to say you are now the Leader of APC in Rivers State; and you keep Rivers State Treasury to yourself and deny access to the Godfather…”

ECHOES OF VENEZUELA: NIGERIA AND ECONOMIC TURMOIL production target of about 1.84 million barrels per day—about 672 to 673 million barrels for the year—expected to bring in around $40.6 billion before deductions.

Even when the National Assembly suggested lowering the benchmark to $60 per barrel, it still assumed that oil prices would remain stable.

But since January 3, 2026, Venezuela has loomed as a warning for Nigeria. The real issue is not academic debate—it is that Nigeria is too comfortable planning on best-case scenarios, even as Venezuela’s story shows us the costs of complacency.

Recent reports suggest oil prices could fall to $50 per barrel. If that happens, it is a national test of whether we can keep salaries paid, public projects on track, and borrowing under control. A drop from $64.85 to $50 could create a $10.24 billion gap. This shortfall means direct impacts: delayed government salaries, stalled infrastructure, and higher debt costs that can slow economic activity for everyone.

And borrowing is no small matter when debt servicing alone is projected at around N15.52 trillion, and the fiscal deficit sits at about N23.85 trillion—a gap that already stretches credibility.

Add to that the government’s own admission that it recorded a significant revenue shortfall in 2025, and you begin to see why Venezuela is not “their problem.” It is a mirror held up to our fragility.

To grasp the stakes, we must turn these numbers into lived pain.

A weakening oil market means fewer dollars flow into Nigeria’s foreign exchange system, putting more pressure on the naira. For most people, this currency decline means their money buys less—prices rise across markets, essential goods like food and medicine become more expensive, and school fees increase. The economic impact reaches daily routines and necessities.

In Nigeria, inflation is not just a number. It is a slow, ongoing hardship.

When families must choose between fuel and food, or face higher transportation costs, many cut back on visits, delay opportunities, and lower spending. These economic pressures don’t just reduce consumption; they also shrink hopes for better prospects, as hardship becomes a barrier to growth and ambition.

Then comes the second blow—one that can land harder and more suddenly: investment.

Global capital is famously unromantic. It does not fall in love with countries; it falls in love

President Tinubu

with risk-adjusted returns. If Venezuela becomes “derisked”—if sanctions ease, if compliance risks fall, if Western service providers and insurers regain comfort—capital will move. Not because investors are wicked, but because that is what capital does: it runs toward clarity.

And if capital runs to Venezuela, it will not send Nigeria a sympathy note. It will simply leave us with fewer options.

That matters because foreign investment is not only about balance-of-payment comfort.

It is about jobs. It is about projects that create livelihoods beyond government payrolls. If the private sector pauses expansions and tightens hiring, the consequences land first on young Nigerians who are already negotiating adulthood in an economy that treats employment like a privilege.

Even government spending, often a key economic driver, will shrink under pressure infrastructure and social services projects may be put on hold or cut down. Ministry cutbacks don't just affect contractors but also artisans, food vendors, transporters, and small businesses. Each delayed payment directly reduces income and spending, creating a chain effect throughout the local economy.

And all of this is happening while Nigeria’s oil sector already faces problems such as underinvestment, theft, vandalism, inefficiency, and declining output from older fields. We have struggled to meet production targets even before outside problems appear. The bigger risk is not just falling oil prices, but

that we are making plans based on hope while our foundation is weak. Why the talk at the birthday party unsettled me. Not because industry professionals are wrong to worry about their margins, but because we often postpone the national conversation until pain forces it. We perform optimism as though it can substitute for planning.

And here is the political complication no one can afford to ignore: 2027.

As elections approach, fiscal pressures typically rise. Demand for foreign exchange intensifies. Government spending becomes more politically charged. The temptation to postpone hard decisions increases, and the instinct to promise more than we can deliver becomes stronger. In such a season, the country needs discipline most, but discipline is often the first casualty of politics.

So, what does leading in a storm require now—before the storm becomes a flood?

It requires conservative budgeting. In a global oil market where supply dynamics can shift overnight, prudence is not pessimism. It is governance. When the world is volatile, bestcase assumptions become a form of self-harm.

It requires speed with truth. Citizens can endure hard realities better than they can endure surprise. Markets, too, respond more kindly to honest adjustment than to denial dressed as confidence.

It requires protecting the vulnerable. If inflation rises, policy must treat social stability as an economic asset. A nation that allows

hardship to become humiliation invites unrest.

It requires intelligent, non-oil revenue, not punitive measures. Tax reform may be necessary, but reforms that arrive without visible public value will feel like punishment. People will comply more when they can see how the government is using what it already collects.

It requires value addition—the courage to break the absurd cycle of exporting crude and importing refined products at a higher cost. When foreign exchange is scarce, the logic of domestic processing becomes not just economic, but strategic. If we insist on living as a crude-exporting economy in a world of refining and petrochemicals, we will keep importing vulnerability.

And most crucially, it requires unwavering seriousness—the kind that rejects wishful thinking before disaster strikes. The kind that refuses to mistake optimism for a plan,or prayer for policy.

That night, as the celebration went on, I noticed the same thing happening: people kept bringing up Venezuela, looking for signs of trouble ahead.

It reminded me that national crises do not start in Abuja. They often begin far away—in places we do not control, through decisions we did not make, and in markets that do not care about our feelings.

But the difference between countries that survive crises and those that collapse is not luck. It is preparation.

Echoes are ever just sounds—they are urgent warnings.

Nigeria does not have to become Venezuela.

But if we fail to learn from Venezuela—if we ignore the dangers of overdependence, let politics outrun economics, and build life on a single commodity—we risk suffering the same sudden collapse when institutions fail to anticipate or act.

In the end, this is not a story about barrels and benchmarks, or even about superpowers flexing strength. It is a story about the quiet violence of economic instability—the way it enters homes without breaking doors and rearranges lives without announcing itself.

And it is a story about whether our leaders will think early enough, act boldly enough, and govern honestly enough—while the warning is still an echo, and not yet the full roar of the storm.

•Dakuku Peterside is the author of two best-selling books, Leading in a Storm and Beneath the Surface.

monday january 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS xtra

2027: Ex-PFN Chairman Berates South-east APC Leaders for Endorsing Tinubu

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rivers State chapter, Apostle Eugene Ogu, has berated leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the South-east geo-political zone for daring to endorse President Bola Tinubu for his re-election in 2027.

The APC leaders from three states of the Southeast had convened in Enugu state at the weekend where they endorsed President Tinubu and subtly derided the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi. Reacting to the development, the former PFN/CAN chairman in Rivers described the endorsement as “shameful and disgraceful.”

ADC Has Been Hijacked, Gombe 2023 Candidates Allege in the scheme of things.

Segun Awofadeji inGombe The 2023 candidates in Gombe State under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have accused the ‘new entrants’ of the party of hijacking the structure and sidelining old members “who built the party.”

Addressing journalists at a press conference Weekend, the candidates under the aegis of ‘ADC 2023 State Assembly Candidates Forum’ led by its chairman, Muhammad Saleh Katam and secretary, Ibrahim Salisu Adams, claimed that they took the ADC into communities when it had little structure, limited visibility and minimal recognition saying it was unfair for the new entrants who defected into it from bigger political parties to undermine their contributions and sideline them.

They insisted that they invested immensely in the party when it was not big and should be carried along

“We walked through polling units, engaged traditional and religious leaders, strengthened ward structures, invested our personal resources and defended the party at a time when it was often seen as politically insignificant. ”Today, the narrative has changed. The ADC has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing opposition parties and has been adopted as an alternative coalition platform by patriotic Nigerians seeking solutions to insecurity, economic hardship, rising cost of living, corruption and the continued marginalisation of young people.

“We welcome this growth wholeheartedly. We welcome new entrants, coalition partners, youth groups, persons with disabilities, women groups and all Nigerians who sincerely desire to contribute to building a party capable of delivering good governance, unity and national development.

Ogu said it was sad that while the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra(IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is languishing in prison in the north, “these

As Nigeria enters a new phase of tax administration, a locally developed technology platform, Kaanta AI, has been launched to help Nigerians have a better understanding of their tax obligations.

Kaanta AI is a WhatsAppbased, AI-powered tax assistant designed to provide simplified tax guidance to traders, small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, and individuals.

The platform arrives at a time when tax reforms and compliance requirements are becoming more prominent in public discourse.

Rather than relying on complex online portals or technical language, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Oluwaferanmi Oladepo, at the launch of the innovation, explained that Kaanta AI operates entirely on WhatsApp, allowing users to ask tax-related questions, receive explanations, calculate taxes, and understand available reliefs using text, voice, or handwritten notes.

The service also supports local languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin, expanding access beyond English-speaking

users.

With the new tax law taking effect on January 1, 2026, analysts expect increased public confusion and misinformation. However, Oladepo assured Nigerians that Kaanta AI positions itself as a verification and guidance tool, offering instant responses to tax-related questions and

elders went to President Tinubu and pleaded with him to release Kanu from prison, the president rejected their plea.”

“It therefore, implies

that they have been hoodwinking the people of the South-east on their promise that Kanu will be release. This is a grand deception.”

PDP Strategises to Wrest Power from APC in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

As political activities commenced in Kogi State, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed that the party is strategising to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and reclaim power.

The state Chairman of PDP, Muhammed Gambo,

made this known shortly after arising from a stakeholders’ meeting during the weekend, stating that his party will take over the Lugard House in 2027, and that APC’s time is up.

He called on the stakeholders to unite to ensure that the party bounces back, calling on the people of the state to remain faithful to

Pthe DP. Gambo explained that the PDP has a very strong sstructureand past prosperity.

He described APC as “people living in a rented apartment” and predicted a landslide win for the PDP in a free and fair election. Gambo also appealed for peace, lawfulness, and collaboration on security, insisting that Kogi

is a PDP state.

Gambo stated that PDP was working hard to take over Aso Rock too, adding that the party’s structures are strong across the state and Nigeria.

“Kogi is a PDP state,” he insists, recalling that PDP’s past governance aswas time of prosperity, and that the people are eager for their return.

Delta Community Seeks Arrest, Prosecution of Onuwaje’s Killers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and prosecute those behind the

recent murder of a youth leader, Emiko Onuwaje, in Ogidigben.

The committee also urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Chief of Defence Staff to treat the December 20, 2025, murder of the said youth as a matter of national security concern “

involving organised crime, illegal arms, and sabotage of state authority.”

The Secretary of Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), Mr. Eyengho S. Besidone, made the demands at a media briefing over the weekend.

He said the demands

became necessary “because the central figure in the violent activities at Ogidigben (name withheld) ,who is a traditional chief, has continued to walk freely on the streets of Warri, untouched by law enforcement agencies, regardless of several petitions written against him.”

‘Oluyole LG‘ll triple its Votes for Tinubu in 2027’ our performances in the 2023 today, we are working assiduously appropriate time we will ensure KemiOlaitaninIbadan

A former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government area of Oyo State, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, has pledged that the council will triple its votes for President Bola Tinubu and ensure that all the APC candidates win convincingly in the local government in 2027.

Olaosebikan, who spoke with journalists at the APC Unity said:”The party executives and leaders in the local government are totally committed to ensuring that we improve drastically on

Firm Launches AI-powered Platform to Simplify New Tax Laws Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

people are here endorsing the same man that sent their son to the prison for committing no known crime against the state.”

He stressed: “These same

concerns.

He described the platform as a response to a longstanding gap in tax education, sayin,: “Tax should not feel scary or confusing. Kaanta AI is built to help Nigerians understand what applies to them and make informed decisions, using clear and accessible language.”

elections.’’

He said: “ Politics is local. And I want to say that in addition to the mammoth crowd you see here

to see that more eligible voters register; that more registered voters collect their voters’ cards and most importantly at the

that overwhelming numbers of voters cast their votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the APC candidates in 2027.”

39

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JANUARY 12 , 2026

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe

Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

08111813083 SMS Only

Osimhen, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi Make AFCON 2025 Q’finals Best XI Angola, Guinea seek to lure Eric Chelle away from Nigerian job

Duro Ikhazuagbe Following Super Eagles dominant display against Algeria in the quarterfinal of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Marrakech, Morocco on Saturday night, three Nigerian players have been selected in the CAF’s Best XI team of the Last 8 stage of the tournament.

Nigeria’s pacy forward, Victor Osimhen, hardas-rock-defenders, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi were the three Nigerian players named in the quarterfinals Best XI squad.

According to Sofascoreratings for the quarterfinals, Osimhen who was rated 8.2 points was selected to play as a twin striker with Egypt’s Pharaohs’ Omar Marmoush in a 4-4-2 formation.

Interestingly, Nigeria’s fullbacks, Osayi-Samuel (8.2) and Onyemaechi (8.2) were also listed to play in a four-man defence of the Best XI. Osayi-Samuel who had a knock towards the end of the clash with the Algerian

Desert Foxes has reassured Nigerian fans that he will be fine ahead of the semifinal fixture with hosts Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat.

Ademola Lookman who leads the AFCON MVP race with a rating of 8.45 points was left out. He had earlier been selected in the Best XI team of the Round of 16 where Nigeria hammered Mozambique 4-0 to set up the clash with Algeria that ended in a 2-0 victory for the three-time African champions.

Sofascoreratings are collected during a football match. Data is calculated as a player’s statistical rating in real-time and after the game has ended, ensuring 100% accuracy. It was was this app that was used to get each player’s data that rated the three Nigerians in the Best XI team of the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, the good work coach Eric Chelle has done since taking over the Super Eagles job on January 7, 2025, has attracted interests from several countries that include two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Angola and Guinea.

The Franco-Malian who though failed to salvage

How Goldberg’s Festival of Drums & Light Lifted Eagles into S’final The roads leading to Lagos State’s Ministry of Youth and Social Development (Pako Field), Awe Close, Dopemu, Lagos, are usually quiet.

On Saturday, they came alive long before kick-off as football fans made their way to Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Light, staged alongside the Super Eagles’ AFCON quarter-final clash against Algeria.

When the game began, the Super Eagles showed promise from the opening whistle, drawing steady encouragement from the stands. By half-time, with the score still level, Goldberg kept the energy alive. Hypeman Advantage and DJ Flame lifted spirits, ensuring belief did not fade.

That belief proved timely. In the second half, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock, triggering a wave of celebration across the Pako Field. Adams Akor followed with Nigeria’s second goal, sealing a 2–0 win over Algeria and confirming the Super Eagles’ place in the AFCON semi-final.

As the final whistle sounded, the Festival of Drums and Lights moved into full celebration mode.

Zlatan Ibile took the stage with his hit song Overthinking, fire dancers lit up the night and

DJ KhoDeD kept the crowd moving. Mavo’s grand entrance pushed the energy higher, before Segun Johnson closed the live performances. DJs then took over, playing hit after hit as fans danced late into the night, many with ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand.

Speaking on the experience, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola, said the night reflected the essence of the brand’s Our Beat, Our Gold campaign.

“This is how Nigerians experience football,” he said.

“It’s not just about the match.

It’s about the rhythm, the togetherness and the belief.

Our Beat, Our Gold is about creating spaces where fans can feel that connection, especially at moments like this.”

Also commenting, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, described the festival as a celebration of shared identity.

“Football has a special place in Nigeria,” he said. “What we saw here shows how culture and football come together to unite people, and how Goldberg continues to support those moments.”

Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup after both Jose Peseiro and Finidi George had started the journey badly in the qualifiers, has transformed Super Eagles into the team aiming for the AFCON 2025 trophy in Morocco.

A source close to the Super Eagles coach told only SCORENigeria: “Yes, I can confirm to you that there are offers for Eric.

“At least two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Angola and Guinea have indicated interest in working with him, but

what is important here is that he is focused on achieving his target with Nigeria in Morocco.”

It was also understood that Mali are also lamenting that they let the coach go.

The NFF have handed Eric Chelle the target of reaching

the AFCON final.

He is now just a game away – the semifinal against hosts Morocco Wednesday in Rabat – to meet this target.

He is halfway through a two-year contract he signed with the NFF on January 7, 2025.

Super Eagles Jerome Akor Adams (left) tearing away from Algeria’s Rafik Belgjali during the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal clash in Marrakech, Morocco...last Saturday

Ndidi Suspended as Onyedika to Get Starting Shirt Against Morocco

Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi, is to miss Wednesday’s AFCON 2025 semifinal clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

The Besiktas of Turkey defensive midfielder, picked up a second yellow card during the quarterfinal fixture against Algeria’s Desert Foxes on Saturday night in Marrakech.

As a result of Ndidi’s suspension, Raphael Onyedika is the likely choice to step in to pair Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi in

the middle of the Eagles midfield.

Both players have the steel and granite to keep things tight in the middle as Iwobi breaks the line, spraying visionary passes to Nigeria’s forward line.

There is every reason for Morocco’s Atlas Lions to enter into panic mode as they countenance confrontation with the very efficient Nigeria machine in the last-four of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Three-time champions Nigeria have done enough to convince those who have seen them play here that they are not in the North African Kingdom for a picnic. They have shown class, character and charisma, and more than half of their 16 goals in the five matches they have played at the championship have ‘team’ written all over them.

From four-goal-and-two-assists Victor Osimhen (35 goals in 51 matches – only two short

of the Nigeria international goals-record), to three-goal-andfive-assists Ademola Lookman, to two-goal-and-one-assist Akor Adams, to two-goal Raphael Onyedika, to two-assists Samuel Chukwueze, to line-breaking passmaster Alex Iwobi (36 in the knockout phase so far), and a diligent rearguard, the Super Eagles have shown cold brutality and quiet authority in 450 minutes of exhilarating football.

FA Cup: Martinelli Scores Hat trick as Arsenal Maul Portsmouth

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Gabriel Martinelli scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Portsmouth 4-1 comfortably at Fratton Park and progress to the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

After FA Cup shocks involving Wrexham and Macclesfield earlier this weekend, it looked as if the Gunners, who made 10 changes to their starting line-up, could be on the end of another when Colby Bishop put the Championship hosts ahead after three minutes.

But Arsenal were only behind for five minutes before Christian Norgaard forced the ball in via Portsmouth’s Andre Dozzell after a trademark Gunners corner to level.

That goal settled the visitors down and they took the lead from another set-piece when Martinelli

flicked Noni Madueke’s corner into the net after 25 minutes.

Maduke had a chance to add a third from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Zak Swanson but the England international dragged the ball wide.

Martinelli, who also hit the

post and missed a good chance in the first half, added a third after Gabriel Jesus played a low cross into the area following some quick thinking by Myles Lewis-Skelly and the Brazilian tapped in from close range.

Martinelli grabbed his third from another Arsenal corner

when the forward flicked the ball on from the near post and into the net.

There was then a piece of history when at 16 years and 135 days defender Marli Salmon became the youngest player to feature for the Gunners in the FA Cup.

Gabriel Martinelli (second, right) has scored nine goals in all competitions this season for Arsenal

Price: N400

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 • T H I S D AY BACK PAGE LEAD PHOTOGRAPH

NEW YEAR PARTY...

L-R: Group Chairman, Alliance & General Insurance, Mr. Biyi Olafisoye; Managing Director, Safron Hotel, Mr. Bayo Fatusin; former Minister of State for Defence, Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro; and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, during Mr. Fatusin’s New Year party in Lagos, yesterday

MAHMUDJEGA Last Resort as First Resort VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

T

here have been three attempts in thirty-three months to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. That means, an attempt is made every eleven months to impeach him by 26 out of 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. If this latest effort succeeds, Fubara will be only the seventh state governor since 1981 to be impeached and removed from office in Nigeria, two of them later reversed.

Impeachment for purely political reasons was kicked off in Nigeria in June 1981 when NPN members of the [old] Kaduna State House of Assembly, whose party ruled at the Federal Fubara level, impeached Governor Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa after nearly two years of hot ideological the life of the Second Republic but in this battles. No other governor was impeached in Fourth Republic, rapid-fire impeachment of

governors took place between 2005 and 2007 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term in office.

Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached in December 2005. In January 2006, Governor of Oyo State Rashidi Ladoja [recently installed as Olubadan of Ibadan] was impeached. Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose was impeached in October 2006 and in November 2006, six out of 30 members of Plateau State House of Assembly impeached Governor Joshua Dariye. All four governors were impeached at Obasanjo’s behest, essentially due to political quarrels although corruption and misconduct were always alleged. Sometimes with good reasons, though; Dariye was arrested in the

DAKUKUPETERSIDE

UK with hoard of cash; Alams jumped bail in the UK after his arrest for alleged money laundering. Ladoja however was impeached because he fell out with Ibadan strongmen Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu and Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, as Obasanjo himself stated at former Governor Alao Akala’s book launch. Though the courts later reversed some of the impeachments, Federal hanky panky was evident in Ladoja’s case when then Attorney General Chief Bayo Ojo stopped the Police from providing him with security escort to resume his seat after victories in the High and Appeal courts, saying he must await Supreme Court ruling. In November 2006 Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who Continued on page 37

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Echoes of Venezuela: Nigeria and Economic Turmoil

T

his week, I attended a birthday celebration hosted by a friend in the oil and gas sector, with guests deeply involved in Nigeria’s petroleum industry: former colleagues, industry experts, and executives, all interested in the global oil and gas markets.

However, despite the festive setting, one topic dominated the conversations: Venezuela.

Not the Venezuela of beaches and beauty, but the Venezuela facing upheaval—where oil dependence, poor planning, and external

shocks brought economic distress. My Seniors, Friends and Peers debated what this might mean for Nigeria: for our economy, contracts, shipments, and forecasts. The conversation circled around hedges and risk. But to me, the lesson from Venezuela is urgent: what does this impending volatility mean for ordinary Nigerians?

When oil markets face problems, ordinary Nigerians feel it most directly. Leadership failures or misplaced optimism result in real costs to families, including difficulties affording

food, long queues for transportation, hospital shortages, and growing struggles to pay school fees. These economic consequences reach daily life, not just government statements.

In that moment, Venezuela’s story felt like an urgent example of crisis leadership, echoing the heart of my latest book. Crises rarely sound alarms. They appear as distant rumbles, a headline that looks far off, a diplomatic spark we feel is not our own. Then, all at once, the threat is close: the exchange rate, the price of bread, a lost job offer, a budget unraveling

before our eyes.

Until recently, Nigeria ended the year with cautious optimism, which showed in the numbers. At least fourteen states, including Akwa Ibom, Kano, Gombe, Bayelsa, Edo, Sokoto, Delta, Osun, Enugu, Imo, Ogun, Abia, Rivers, and Lagos, planned budgets above one trillion naira, many for the first time. Nationally, the 2026 budget rose to N58.18 trillion, based on a crude oil price of $64.85 per barrel and a Continued on page 37

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