Obasanjo, Atiku, Mark, Akpabio, Abbas, Barau, Bio, Touray,Obi, Fashola, Adebayo, Tuggar, Bakare, Ooni, CDS, Ngige, govs, senators, Chinese embassy, ACF, APC, PDP, others mourn See tributes on back page by Tinubu, Babangida, Jonathan
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Peter Uzoho
President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged African entrepreneurs, business leaders and wealthy individuals to invest in the development of the continent.
Speaking while hosting participants of the Global CEO Africa Programme from Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School, Nairobi, after a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Dangote emphasised that with the right investments, Africa has the potential to grow and compete globally.
A statement by the Dangote Group quoted Dangote to have asserted that what the continent needs were bold and transformative projects capable of addressing its long-standing challenges.
Citing the successful construction
family of the former president, has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”
However, formally announcing Buhari’s demise, President Bola Tinubu, also said “Buhari died on Sunday in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.”
According to a release issued by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has since spoken with the former President's widow, Aishat Buhari, and offered his deep condolences.
In addition, the President has also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari's body back to Nigeria.
Tinubu, in the same stroke, has ordered flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
Tinubu: He’s a Patriot, Soldier, Statesman
Paying glowing tribute to his late predecessor, President Tinubu described Buhari as a patriot, soldier and statesman whose legacy of service and sacrifice endures.
According to him, the deceased leader confronted corruption headon whole in office and was always placing the Nigerian nation above personal interest.
President Tinubu also disclosed that his predecessor would be accorded full state honours befitting his public status while an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has been summoned for Tuesday in honour of the deceased leader.
"It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
"President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
"He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
"In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest
of the world’s largest single-train refinery - the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery - as proof that nothing is impossible, he maintained that similar achievements can be replicated across sectors to drive economic growth.
Dangote reflected on the initial scepticism surrounding the refinery project, noting that despite numerous obstacles, the group remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering on its vision.
“There will always be challenges. In fact, life without challenges isn't exciting. You just hope for the kind of challenges you can overcome - not the ones that overwhelm you,” he remarked.
He explained that completing the refinery has emboldened the group to pursue even more ambitious goals.
“Now that we’ve built this refinery,
condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
"I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate. We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
"As a mark of respect to our former leader, I have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today. I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour.
"The federal government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.
"May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him AlJannah Firdaus. And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness," he stated.
Shettima: It’s Black Sunday in Nigeria
Speaking, also, the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, while expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Buhari, said Nigeria has lost one of its greatest leaders of all time.
He described his demise as the biggest loss Nigeria has ever incurred in recent times.
The Vice President who recently travelled to London to pay the late Buhari a visit at the behest of President Tinubu, regretted that the former President eventually succumbed to the cold hands of death when he was being expected to recover soon.
Noting that the loss was "too cruel than terms could give out," Shettima said, "It is a black Sunday in Nigeria! My heart is overwhelmed by grief, as the nation mourns one of its greatest leaders of all time, His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“This loss is too cruel than terms could give out - coming at a time I was anticipating his quick recovery after visiting him at the hospital in the United Kingdom.”
The vice-president said while "great leaders like the late Buhari are very rare to come by in a lifetime," his legacies as "an archetypal public servant, having served in several positions in the military before ascending the highest office in the land as Head of State, and civilian President after two decades, will continue to serve as a leading light for future leaders to follow.
"The late Pa Buhari dedicated his active years to serving Nigeria and the people. He was a true democrat in all senses of the word,
we believe we can do anything. We aim to make our fertiliser company the largest in the world - and we’ve set ourselves a 40-month timeline", he said.
Dangote highlighted Africa’s wealth in both human and natural resources, stressing that business leaders are in a privileged position to harness these assets and create jobs for the continent’s growing population.
He stated that development cannot be left to governments alone, urging the private sector to trust in national leadership and invest at home instead of moving capital abroad.
“We, as Africans, must stop taking our money abroad. We should invest it here to build our countries and the continent. As for me, I don’t take my money out of Africa.
“If we don’t show confidence in our own economies and leadership, foreign
and his loyalty to his country, uncompromising stance on unity and vision for a greater Nigeria contributed in no small measure to keeping the nation as one.
“Indeed, he lived a life that transcended the ordinary—a life of selflessness, a life defined by bravery in the face of adversity and integrity in public service," Shettima added.
He expressed deep condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the Nigerian government and Nigerians, urging them to find solace in the fact that "the former Nigerian leader will continue to live amongst us through his legacies already engraved in the very fabric of the Nigerian State."
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has also mourned former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of immense courage, conviction and a tireless advocate for justice.
In a condolence message, the First Lady said the ex-President served Nigeria with integrity and commitment and a deep love for the Nigerian people.
Mrs Tinubu, in the tribute stated, "It is with deep sadness I received the news of the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Our nation has lost a great leader who dedicated his life to the service of our beloved country.
"President Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a deep love for his people. He was a man of immense courage, conviction, and a tireless advocate for justice and good governance.
"I recall his dedication to the common good, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every Nigerian.
"To his beloved wife, H E Hajia Aisha Buhari, his children, grandchildren and the entire family, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. May you find solace in the outpouring of love and support from a grateful nation. Please know that your grief is shared by all of us."
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Buhari as a patriot, who tried his best in the quest to give the country needed progress and development.
Obasanjo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said he received the news of the death of his former colleague in the military and a former president, Muhammadu Buhari, with heavy hearts.
investors certainly won’t. After all, we know our leaders better than anyone else. That money being taken out of the continent should be left here, where it can benefit everyone,” he advised.
While many African nations have achieved political independence, Dangote argued that they remain economically dependent.
He cited countries like Dubai and Singapore, which were on par with some African countries in the 1970s but have surged ahead through deliberate policies and partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs.
Dangote expressed concern about the disparity between Africa’s rapidly growing population and the limited job opportunities available.
He called for a strong banking sector, a robust manufacturing base, and a thriving agricultural sector
"It is with heavy heart, that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier, played his role as a soldier. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator, as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman, of course.
"At a time like this , we need the totality, of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be surely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace," he said.
IBB: It’s the Loss of a Symbol
Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has described the passage of Buhari as the loss of a symbol.
Babangida, in the tribute he personally signed and titled: "Tribute To A Brother Friend, And Patriot — Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR", declared: "His (Buhari) passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President, it is the loss of a symbol — a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.
"A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life," Babangida said in the tribute.
According to Babangida, beyond the uniform and the public glare, Buhari was a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.
"We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” describing him as "my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood."
Babangida said Buhari stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.
"Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country," IBB said.
He, however, expressed his condolences "To his beloved wife Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and the nation he loved and served," while praying Allah in His infinite mercy to, forgive deceased shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Jonathan: He Served with Character,
as cornerstones of the continent’s transformation.
He also stressed the importance of improved interconnectivity among African nations, revealing that it is currently cheaper to import goods from Spain than to transport cement clinker from Nigeria to neighbouring Ghana.
Acknowledging policy inconsistency and infrastructural challenges, Dangote encouraged the visiting CEOs not to be deterred but to remain ambitious while acquiring deep knowledge of their respective industries.
“If you think small, you don’t grow. If you think big, you grow. It’s better to try and fail than never to try at all,” he advised the 24 CEOs in attendance from six African countries.
In his remarks, Academic Director of the Global CEO Africa Programme at Lagos Business School, Patrick
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has described Buhari as a courageous leader, who served the nation with character and sense of patriotism.
The former President, noted that the late Buhari was deeply admired across the strata of society because of his honesty and discipline.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died at the age of 82.
“President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
“The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
“In his passing Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.
“On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the former president said.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has described as man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline.
In a statement he signed, Atiku said, ''I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism, stoic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the sovereignty and unity of our great nation.
''President Buhari was not just a former Head of State, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he served with the kind of austere conviction and firm belief in duty that marked him as a soldier of principle and a leader of formidable will.
''His death is not just a loss to his
Dangote
Akinwuntan, explained that the initiative was designed to inspire Africa’s future business leaders. The programme, in partnership with Strathmore Business School in Nairobi, comprises three modules, requiring participants to spend a week each in Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), and New Haven (USA).
“The goal is to nurture business leaders who see Africa as a single market - one without borders - focused on the continent’s vast potential. The refinery is a powerful symbol that vision goes beyond mere sight,” he said.
immediate family and the people of Daura, it is a profound national tragedy. Nigeria has lost a statesman who bore the burdens of leadership in both turbulent and triumphant times and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
''To his beloved family, I offer my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and comfort in this time of grief. To the people of Katsina State and the entire nation, I mourn with you. May we all take solace in the knowledge that he gave his life to the service of Nigeria and never wavered in his belief in her promise.
''May Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus,'' Atiku said.
Mark: His Legacy of Selfless Service
Unparalleled
The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Senator David Mark, has lamented the death of Buhari, saying his legacy of selfless service was unparalleled.
Mark stated that Buhari passed away at a critical time when his fatherly advice was most needed to navigate through the murky water of the nation's leadership.
"Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader, who gave his all for the good of our nation."
He stated that "the greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity.
"It is sad that President Buhari transited to the great beyond at this time but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure."
Obi: He Comported Himself in Dignified Manner
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has described Buhari as a leader who has always comported himself in a dignified manner.
In a statement, Obi said, ''I have just received the very sad news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London. His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.
''President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians I extend my deepest condolences.
''May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul
Nigeria is hoping to approach the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to raise the country's crude oil production quota by 25 per cent on the back of expectations that output will be raised soon, the Nigerian
National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has said.
The national oil company is also targeting 2 million barrels per day from 2027, with plans to be included in the upcoming talks over updated country capacities, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the state-owned
NNPC, Bashir Ojulari, said in a report by Argus Media. Nigeria's current crude quota is 1.5 million bpd, but Ojulari said current production is slightly below that at around 1.4 million bpd. Including around 250,000 bpd of condensate, that takes current oil output to around 1.65
million bpd, just shy of the country's oil production capacity.
Argus estimated Nigeria's crude output at just shy of 1.6 million bpd in May, the latest month for which estimates are available, although that figure includes production of Nigerian light sweet Agbami, which
Peter Uzoho
At the second edition of Sahara Group's thought leadership forum, Asharami Square, energy experts and government functionaries have affirmed natural gas as Africa's transformational fuel for bridging energy and powering industrialisation.
The forum held in Lagos, highlighted gas as the bridge between energy access and renewable transition, stressing the need for $100 billion annual investments in African energy infrastructure to bridge the widening access gap in Nigeria and other African countries.
The forum also highlighted the media's critical role in shaping accurate energy transition narratives in the continent.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Africa needs to urgently address the narrative of "Africa's energy paradox".
Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Mr. Abel Nsa, the minister cited the International Energy Agency (IEA) which said Africa accounts for over seven per cent of global natural gas reserves, with Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Mozambique holding the majority of these volumes.
"And yet, the continent consumes less than five per cent of global gas output. This mismatch between potential and utilisation must be addressed with urgency and purpose", Ekpo said.
Applauding Sahara Group for shaping public discourse through Asharami Square, Ekpo said the platform can help bridge the gap between intention and action, and between information and transformation.
According to the minister, harnessing the power of gas demands bold investments in infrastructure, pipelines that connect supply to demand, virtual pipelines that reach the underserved,
and financing frameworks that de-risk investments and incentivize privatesector participation.
"Natural gas is not merely a transitional fuel. It is a transformational fuel. It can power our industries, energize our homes, reduce dependence on more polluting fuels, and drive the engine of inclusive economic growth," he added.
In his keynote presentation, Group Asset Manager, PSC Asset Group B at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Dr. Justice Derefaka, who was represented by the Asset Manager PSC, NUIMS, Mr. Frank Mmamelu, reiterated the socio-economic value of gas in Africa.
Derefaka stated that gas has the potential to lift millions out of poverty by supporting agriculture, improving access to clean domestic energy, reducing deaths caused by pollution, and addressing gender inequality.
He stressed the need for local
capacity building across the gas value chain, noting that reducing the export of unrefined resources should be a top priority.
Speaking on a panel session at the forum, energy communications expert and Team Lead at Platforms Africa, Dr. Adeola Yusuf, said the media needs to have a "seat on the table" as partners in conversations relating to sustainability to drive accurate reporting and support of all stakeholders.
He urged government and private institutions to facilitate seamless access to data and critical information that will support "holistic understanding and fact-based reporting of the issues to promote accountability, transparency and stamp out greenwashing."
Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, highlighted the importance of contextualising sustainability within Africa’s unique developmental realities.
The federal government and Qatar Charity have agreed to implement humanitarian interventions, programmes, and development initiatives that meet local needs.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, signed the deal last week, on behalf of the federal government, while the Charity’s Chief Global Operations Officer, Mr Nawaf Abdullah AlHammadi, endorsed the framework in Doha, Qatar, according to a statement posted on the ministry's X handle.
The agreement sets the framework for cooperation, and establishes a legal foundation for the continued operations of the charity as an
international organisation in Nigeria.
The framework also ensures the provision of essential facilities for the ongoing work of the charity’s office and the implementation of its humanitarian and development projects across various sectors. Essentially, the charity offers support in health, education, information technology, water, institutional capacity building, and the empowerment of local social networks and charitable organisations, in coordination with the federal government bodies. According to the agreement, both parties will collaborate in the specified sectors and ensure that the Charity’s office in Nigeria receives the necessary support to carry out its humanitarian
and development efforts effectively and efficiently.
Bagudu said the signing demonstrated the charity’s genuine commitment to supporting humanitarian development efforts in the country over the years through a wide range of projects in health, education, water, relief, and community empowerment.
The minister said, “We greatly value this leading and effective role, which has left a significant mark on the lives of thousands of Nigerian families."
He pointed out that the federal government looked forward to the charity continuing on the noble path and enhancing the scale and quality of its humanitarian interventions in Nigeria, contributing to a brighter
future for Nigerian communities.
He said, “This agreement reflects the depth of the brotherly relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State of Qatar and paves the way for further cooperation in addressing shared humanitarian and development priorities."
In his remarks however, AlHammadi, stated that the organisation was proud to continue its partnership with the federal government.
He said, “This agreement reflects our firm commitment to supporting sustainable development and humanitarian work in Nigeria. In the coming years, we aim to implement impactful and high-quality projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Nigeria itself classifies as condensate, the report said.
By 2027, NNPC is targeting a capacity of around 2.4 million bpd, and production of 2 million bpd, Ojulari said. Of this production, around 1.7 million bpd will be crude and the 300,000 bpd balance, condensate, Argus reported at the weekend.
And within three years, the company is aiming for production of 3 million bpd, comprising crude output of 2.5 million bpd and condensate production of 500,000 bpd. Capacity will be around 3.5 million bpd, it added.
Nigeria's plans come as the OPEC+ group embarks on a new campaign to update and refresh each member country's maximum sustainable production capacity, which would then be used to determine new production baselines, or quotas, for members from which output targets for 2027 will be calculated.
The OPEC secretariat was in late May instructed by the alliance to start developing a framework to present to the ministers at the next
full OPEC+ ministerial conference on November 30.
Nigeria has on several occasions in recent years attempted to request an upward revision to its OPEC+ production baseline, the level from which production quotas are calculated, but with no success. This was primarily due to the country largely failing to meet even existing targets because of infrastructure and operational problems. But with those issues now largely behind it, Nigeria is looking to make a renewed attempt to argue its case to be allowed to produce more, particularly in light of the significant additional oil refining capacity that the country has added, and will add, over the coming 12-18 months.
"We believe that with the increased demand being created in-country, we are now in a better position to also seek from Opec to increase our production quota," Ojulari said.
Nigeria recently commissioned the 650,000 bpd Dangote refinery while 500,000 bpd of modular refining capacity are at "different stages of progress", Ojulari said.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove petrol subsidy on his first day in office triggered widespread economic hardship across the country.
In a statement shared via his X handle on Sunday, Atiku said the move was “hasty and thoughtless”, adding that it has “buried the average Nigerian under the weight of inflation, hunger, and despair.”
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of breaking its promise to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal through a temporary wage award for federal civil servants.
“In a bid to manage the selfinflicted crisis, the administration promised to pay a wage award to federal civil servants as a temporary cushion pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new national minimum wage,” he said.
“That promise, like many others under this government, has become a broken covenant.”
Atiku noted that it took the government 10 months to agree on a new minimum wage, during which the wage award was to serve as a stopgap.
“By implication, the federal
government owes 10 months of wage award arrears to federal workers. Yet, only six months have been paid - and that too after a series of unfulfilled assurances and avoidable delays,” he said.
He said each worker is owed N35,000 monthly for four months, amounting to N140,000 per person.
Atiku praised some state governments for handling labour issues responsibly but criticised the federal government for showing “callous indifference and utter disdain for workers’ welfare”.
He also condemned the continued detention of Andrew Uche Emelieze, a labour activist, arrested nearly two weeks ago for attempting to organise a peaceful protest over the unpaid wage awards.
“Instead of engaging in dialogue or fulfilling its promises, the government has now resorted to tyranny and suppression of free speech,” he said.
“His only ‘crime’ was speaking up for workers abandoned by the state.”
Atiku called for Emelieze’s immediate and unconditional release, saying his detention “is an affront to democracy, a slap in the face of every Nigerian worker, and a chilling reminder of the authoritarian drift of the Tinubu administration”.
N825bn, $2.5bn Meant for Refinery
As NNPC chairman pledges extreme transparency with company affairs
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Peter Uzoho
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over the “failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing N825bn and $2.5bn meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and other oil revenues.”
The suit followed damning allegations documented in the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was published on 27 November 2024. Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group also last week said that NNPCL refineries may never work again, despite the $18 billion spent on them.
But following the recent public attacks and allegations against NNPCL sparked by the controversial exotic trip by its officials on a retreat in Kilgali, Rwanda and other issues, the Chairman of the company, Mr. Kida Musa has promised that the organisation will be extremely transparent to all Nigerians on the affairs of the oil company.
Musa also appealed to Nigerians to assist the company’s leadership to deliver on its mandate by refraining from hounding the management led by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari. Meanwhile, in the suit number FHC/L/MISC/722/25 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPCL to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing N825 billion and USD$2.5 billion of public funds meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and repair.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to recover and remit to the federation account the alleged missing N825 billion and USD$2.5 billion of public funds meant for refinery rehabilitation and repair.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to identify those responsible for the missing oil money, surcharge them for the full amount involved, and hand them over to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation
Deputy Speaker Urges Aggressive Campaign to Pass Women Special Seat Bill
As the campaign for more female inclusion in governance in Nigeria, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, has asked various women groups in the country to rally support for the passage of the Bill on Special Seat reservation for women in the legislature.
He said the women must not allow the momentum of advocacy to slow down and should undertake an aggressive lobby of critical stakeholders, particularly members of National and state Houses of Assembly.
and prosecution.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that:
“The grim allegations by the AuditorGeneral (and Mr. Aliko Dangote) suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “granting the reliefs sought would strike a blow against the impunity of those responsible for the missing oil money meant to repair the country’s refineries and ensure that the money is returned for the sake of NNPCL’s victims - Nigerians.”
According to SERAP, “These grim
allegations have also undermined economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty, and contributed to high levels of deficit spending by the government.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The vast majority of Nigerians have seen little benefit from their country’s oil wealth, even as the NNPCL continues to fail to account for the missing billions of dollars that are desperately needed to repair or replace the country’s dysfunctional refineries.”
According to SERAP, “The AuditorGeneral has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPCL. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public
funds meant for refinery rehabilitation.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms. Oluwakemi Oni, and Ms. Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “The missing oil revenue reflects a failure of NNPCL accountability more generally and is directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold transparency and accountability principles.”
“According to the recently published 2021 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N825 billion and USD$2.5 billion of public funds meant
for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and repairs, and other oil revenues.”
“The Auditor-General fears that the money may be missing.”
“The NNPCL reportedly failed to account for over N82 billion (N82,951,595,510.47) meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation and repairs.’ The ‘money was deducted from the sale of crude oil and gas between 2020 and 2021.
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the Federation Account. He also wants the NNPCL ‘to ensure that the amounts due for the Federation Account are not subjected to any deductions before remittance of net.’”
Rivers community agog as NDDC inaugurates ultra-modern market, seeks support for Tinubu
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that people of the Niger Delta are firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing the administration’s significant development strides in the region.
people of Ibaa and Obelle Communities in Rivers State to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Tinubu.
Rivers State Representative on the board of the NDDC, Tony Okocha made the call during the commissioning of an ultra-modern market built by the commission in the area.
his presidency.
He said: “In the past, the Niger Delta was used as the goose that laid the golden egg but had nothing to show for it.
removed our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. This time, we stand united. On Tinubu’s mandate, we stand.”
He explained that the objective of the Women Special Seat Bill is to address chronic underrepresentation by creating additional women only seats in the National and state assemblies.
He said that the Bill provides for one Senate and House of Representatives seat to be reserved for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory FCT and another one House of Assembly seat in each of three senatorial districts across the country.
Speaking specifically to some women lawmakers attending the meeting from various state Houses of Assembly in the country, Kalu said: "Why I like that you are coming from the Assemblies is because you have a job to do in convincing the people in your Assemblies, because, by the nature of our Constitution, once the federal parliament is done, we move it to you, the state. If you say, no, it will not fly. So, you have greater job to do in making sure your governors".
"This is an opportunity of a lifetime and you must not let it slip off. As women you possess what it takes to convince every man, you should form groups to reach out to the legislators both at the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to make the support the Bill," he said. Kalu who made the appeal at a sensitization campaign jointly organised by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and sponsored by the European Union at Hilton Hotel in Abuja said Nigerians should see the ongoing amendment as an opportunity to correct the long-standing imbalance in governance representation.
A statement by his media office yesterday in Abuja, explained that Akpabio spoke at the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Meanwhile, in a related development, NDDC also called on the
Okocha noted the project was made possible by Tinubu through funding of the NDDC, urging the people to be united in their support for the president.
The statement by Senate President Akpabio’s media office yesterday in Abuja, lauded Tinubu’s commitment to the region and warned against political conspiracies aimed at undermining
“Today, President Tinubu has changed that narrative by establishing the Environmental Sciences University in Ogoni land and signing into law the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, among several other educational and developmental projects.
“We, the people of the Niger Delta, have assessed President Tinubu and have found him fit to continue beyond 2027. Let those conspiring against him remember how they
The event, the statement further explained, drew prominent personalities, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (who represented President Tinubu), Administrator of Rivers State, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from across the region. Akpabio also decried the high turnover in the NDDC leadership, which he said had severely hampered the commission’s ability to deliver long-term development.
Chinedu Eze
The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, has urged the federal government to stand down the payment of $300 landing fees by helicopter companies providing shuttle services to oil and gas operators in Nigeria because the demand has no regulatory backing. The payment was introduced last year but was stopped by the Ministry of Aviation, but this year, a new directive was issued by the
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which supported the payment and said the money ought to be paid by the oil and gas companies and not the members of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON); that is, the helicopter operators.
The oil and gas companies shunned the payment, prompting NAMA to threaten that it would refuse to give start-up for the helicopter operators if the money was not paid.
A private company, NAEBI
Dynamic Concept Limited, few years ago received approval from the federal government under the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to collect $300 helicopter landing fee from oil and gas service providers.
But Sanusi said the company demanding the money has not provided any service to warrant payment for cost recovery, emphasising that if NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited, had provided any infrastructure in any way like
enhancing communications or any other kind of service, it could argue about collecting such payment, but so far, the company has provided nothing; so, the payment should be jettisoned.
“Well, you know my stand has always been very clear on this. That payment of $300 fee is not part of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) charges for cost recovery because you must invest; then you can now recover the cost.
Chinedu Eze
The federal government has designated Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, to start direct flight to Brazil immediately the airline provides aircraft for the route.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while fielding questions in a television interview.
Tuggar said that this was part of the outcome of the meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had with his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - that as Air Peace provide passenger service to Brazil, a Brazilian carrier, LATAM will operate cargo services between Nigeria and Brazil.
“Air Peace is to be flying between Nigeria and Brazil. LATAM, Brazil’s own airline, will be flying cargo between Nigeria and Brazil. We already have the green imperative that is already up and running.
“If you remember before this
visit to Brazil, the Vice President of Brazil, who is also the Minister for Trade and Investment had visited Nigeria to further build on the green imperative, which is going to have agricultural projects in every local government in Nigeria,” the minister disclosed.
The minister also disclosed the president of both countries discussed how Brazil’s aircraft manufacturer would establish Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria for the maintenance of Embraer aircraft in West and Central Africa.
“And as soon as Air Peace secures a plane that it can put on that route, the Brazilian equivalent of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), National Civil Aviation Agency, has said they are ready to approve for them (LATAM) to start flying to Nigeria immediately.
“This is something the two presidents emphasized. President Lula said, ‘Look I am 79; President Tinubu is 73; we don't have time.
Emejo
Ine of the country's top cybersecurity and digital forensic experts, Dr. Robinson Tombari Sibe, has been named Cybersecurity Personality of the Year.
The award was presented during the 2025 National Cyber Security Conference (NCSC) with the theme,"Building a Resilient Digital Future: Innovation, Collaboration and Resilience", in Abuja.
The cybersecurity conference recognises individuals and institutions making significant contributions to Nigeria’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Sibe is co-author of the book, Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria, published by Springer.
The book is considered a vital resource in Nigeria’s cybercrime response and academic landscape.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Communication, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Office of
the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the conference served as a platform to boost cybersecurity awareness, foster collaboration, and strengthen best practices across public and private sectors.
In his reaction to the hon our, Sibe said, "I was deeply honoured to receive this Cybersecurity Personality of the Year Award."
He remains a globally respected leader in digital forensics and cybersecurity, who has consulted on complex investigations and supported key national institutions in capacity building, policy development, and awareness initiatives.
As the Chief Executive and Lead Forensic Examiner of Digital Footprints Nigeria Limited, Sibe oversees a stateof-the-art forensic lab in Abuja, leading high-profile investigations and mentoring future professionals.
He is also Managing Director of Abatis Technology Limited, a pioneer in endpoint protection for financial institutions, government agencies, and SMEs.
This has to be done as quickly as possible and Mr. President (Tinubu) also re-emphasized that. So, we have our marching orders, we are ready to go,” the minister said. Air Peace had a firm order of about 35 Embraer aircraft, including
E195-E2 and E175 aircraft types of which five have been delivered to the airline.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has confirmed that its Flight P47190, operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt yesterday morning,
had a runway excursion after landing safely at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The airline explained the aircraft veered slightly off the runway without any damage and all passengers disembarked safely
and calmly, and no injuries were reported.
“We reassure the flying public of our unflinching commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety in all our operations,” the airline said in a statement.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has tasked the government on enhancement of security in the country, while urging the media to be patriotic in its responsibility of information dissemination.
The NGE held its 2025 biennial conference, with theme "Nation's Security Future: Harnessing Diversity for Peace/Stability and the Media's Role" on June 27, 2025, which saw the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, chairman of Channels Television, Dr. John Momoh, former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba, Firmer Chairman, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and others addressing the subject matter.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the convention and signed by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, President and General Secretary,
respectively, the NGE emphasized that a nation's security and stability can be enhanced by leveraging its diversity, with the media playing a crucial role in promoting this goal.
It noted that editors and journalists should promote responsible journalism practices, and that the media and government should prioritize peace and inclusion, and work towards building a stronger, more united Nigeria.
Key resolutions reached at the convention were: “Security is duty of the government and citizens.
“The media must promote peace, inclusion, and justice by prioritizing peace and stability over breaking news.
“Security agencies and media must collaborate to promote peace and stability.
“Media practices should promote
diversity and representation as well as avoid one-sided stories and sensationalism.
“The media should promote dialogue and consider implications of reporting certain things.”
Other resolutions by the NGE as stated in the communique were that the government must see the media as a profession of patriots who have the interest of the nation at heart.
The NGE also called on the government to equip the military and other security agencies with requisite and modern weapons needed to ensure security.
The professional media organization said: “Security agencies should step up intelligence gathering and be proactive in handling security challenges.
“The legislature should look into laws that inhibit media practices in
the spirit of democracy.
“The NGE should explore ways to benefit members by working with the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to establish a Media Trust Fund.
“The new executives should maintain the cardinal objectives of the Guild - the preservation of the standards of journalism practice, ensure adherence to the code of ethics, defend the rights of its members."
The Guild also conducted elections, and the following officials emerged: Eze Anaba (President); Sabastine Abu (Deputy President); Sheddy Ozoene (Vice President (East)); Hamza Idris (Vice president (North); Kabir Garba (Vice President (West)); Onuoha Ukeh (Secretary); Gabriel Akinadewo (Assistant Secretary); and Iyobosa Uwugiaren (Treasurer).
James Emejo in Abuja
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) yesterday said it will host a national conference on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) amid efforts to safeguard the country's financial integrity.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Mr. Dare Adekanmbi, said IFFs remained a menace that adversely impacts revenue collection.
He said the two-day conference with the theme, “Combating Illicit Financial Flows: Strengthening Nigeria’s Domestic Resource Mobilisation”, will serve as a platform for reflection on actionable solutions, reinforcing the federal government’s commitment
to protecting financial integrity and ensuring that domestic revenue is fully harnessed for national development.
According to him, the event will bring together experts from various fields, including policymakers, tax administrators, law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption agencies, financial experts, and international stakeholders.
Further commenting on the conference, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, said the event will showcase the agency’s intensified efforts in tackling IFFs, including strengthening compliance mechanisms, enhancing beneficial ownership transparency, and leveraging technology to detect and
deter tax evasion, trade mispricing, and other illicit outflows.
He said, “Before now, we have set in motion machinery to tackle IFFs by approving capacity building programmes for staff members of the agency on how to identify and block IFFs, and to increase revenue collection from the multinational corporations.
“In sustaining this, we also approved the establishment of Proceeds of Crime Management and Illicit Financial Flows Coordinating Directorate (POCM-IFF), which is pivotal to addressing the menace. Taxes play a very strategic role in the nation's economy.
“Before now, the federal government had established an Inter-Agency
Committee on Stopping IFFs from Nigeria in its efforts to curb the illicit flows."
The committee, according to him, comprises FIRS, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Securities and Exchange Commission, among others.
A key member of the United Nations High Level Panel on IFFs, also known as the FACTI Panel, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, will deliver a keynote address, while the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, will chair the conference.
Dr. Mrs Jumoke Awe
Engr. Henry Nzekwue
Engr. Taiwo Adesanya
Engr. Abasam Onyia
Engr. Humphery Omo-Ohan
Engr. Tony Adano
Engr. Anthony Babatunde Benco
Engr. Joseph Apabieku
Engr. Tunde Jubril
Engr. Anthony Odiatu
Engr. Joseph Onibudo
Engr. Uche Abazie
Engr. Ariyibi David
Engr. Keneth jangbadi
Engr. Vanessa Oguns
Engr. Bayo Awoyele
En gr. Kuku Abiodun
Engr. Victor Aliu
Engr. Bright Ugochukwu
Engr. Segun Eludire
Mr. Paschal Okechukwu
Engr. Ebele Onugha
Engr. Adebayo Aina
Engr. Livinus Onuh
Engr. Greg Ona
Engr. Sule Adeshola
Ms.Chinelo Anisiobi
Engr. Okoro Eke
Engr. Ikechukwu Onwufor
Engr. Lekan Anthony
Engr. Wale Fagbamila
Engr. Charles Ereama
Engr. Leo Amanze
Engr. Wale Williams
Engr. Chidiebere Okorie
Engr. Nduka Nwosu
Engr. Bijimi Gaiya
Engr. Chigbo Mbonu
Engr. Okechukwu Okeogu
Engr. Seun Awe
Engr. Chijioke Nzeukwu
Engr. Okoro Ohale
Mr. Davis Ezie
Engr. Chinasa Nkwocha
Engr. Oladotun Andre
Mr. Evans Okpogoro
Engr. Chinedu Uguru
Engr. Olumide Lawson
Mr. Femi Adefalaju
Engr. Chinedu Uguru
Mr. Olawale Olayunju
Engr. Emeka Nnnadi
Engr. Festus Olaoye
Engr. Seun Awe
Mr. Silas Bekeso
Engr. Gabriel Orukpe
Engr. Seun babatunde
Engr. Femi Oso
Eng r. Segun Moses
Mr. Patrick Kamalu
Engr. Patrick Iwelu
Mr. Francis Agboona
Engr. Chinwe Njokamah
Engr. Paul Ahaneku
Mr. Francis Uche Okonkwo
Engr. Chuks Emu
Engr. Paul Okonkwo
Mr. hakeem Hamusa
Engr. Cletus bassey
Engr. Philip Aremu
Mr. Lugard Chidi
Engr. Dave Ogbeide
Engr. Prince Nwaogwwugwu
Mr. Nelson Ubong
Engr. Dosumu Adeniyi
Engr. Ruben Etaure
Mr. Nyeche Wordu
Engr. Emeka Eke (Late)
Engr. Samuel Aben eme
Mr. Ukie Ezeali
Engr. Geoarge Ipaye
Engr. Seyi Olakuleyin
Mr. Yusuf Ayodeji
Engr. Greg Amanze
Engr. Simon Agbidiye
Mrs. Nkechi Eke Kalu
Decades ago, from the dusty streets of Daura in northern Nigeria, a young boy named Muhammadu Buhari embarked on a journey that would ultimately shape his life and to some extent, the destiny of the nation. Emmanuel Addeh writes on the late Nigerian President’s legacy and his many foibles.
At an early age, the Nigerian Army became his arena and for the next several decades, Muhammadu Buhari rose to prominence. His reputation grew during the tumultuous years of the Biafran Civil War, where he earned a place among the military elite. But it was his rise to head of state in 1983, via a military coup, that truly marked the beginning of his national impact.
1983 COUP & WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE
Buhari’s first tenure as Nigeria’s military leader was defined by his “War Against Indiscipline,” an aggressive campaign to restore societal order as uniforms, queues, and public behaviour all came under scrutiny.
The anti-corruption crusade earned him both admirers and critics; his strict policies resonated with many, but his methods and the harshness with which they were sometimes implemented provoked controversy. In 1985, he was ousted from power, landing briefly in prison before his release and eventual retirement from military life.
For the years that followed, Nigeria’s political stage was tumultuous and Buhari remained largely distant. Yet as frustration in the country simmered, fueled by economic woes and widespread corruption, the military man turned politician said he felt the call of public service once more.
For several years, he launched a democratic bid, until in 2015, when he succeeded at the age of 72. Buhari battled an incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, emerging victorious and making him the first opposition candidate ever to unseat a sitting Nigerian leader.
Buhari’s campaign slogan “to sweep away evil with a broom”, he said, was more than rhetoric. Upon taking office, he implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a policy that centralised government revenues and claimed to save the nation trillions of naira. He established the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption and reinforced the whistleblower legislation. Under his watch, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took unprecedented
action, prosecuting judges, military personnel, and officials and repatriating loot left from the infamous Abacha years.
Buhari’s anti-corruption drive attracted praise from international allies, but critics accused him of selective enforcement and political motivations, claiming key prosecutions targeted his rivals while allies were often left untouched.
One of the defining achievements of Buhari’s international legacy came in 2023, when Nigeria scored a landmark legal victory in its long-running arbitration battle with the Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd.
The British firm had initially secured over $10 billion award against Nigeria over a failed gas project, threatening the country’s sovereign assets abroad. But under Buhari’s administration, Nigeria mounted a determined legal challenge.
A UK court eventually overturned the arbitration award, citing fraud and corruption in the original deal. It was not just a win in court, it was a powerful
statement of state sovereignty, a demonstration that Nigeria could resist being cornered by commercial interests exploiting weak governance.
Buhari’s tenacity in pursuing the case, despite diplomatic and financial pressures, won commendation both locally and globally. For a presidency often critiqued at home, the P&ID victory offered a rare moment of unambiguous pride.
Buhari’s broom wasn’t limited to sweeping corruption. It also aimed to clear Nigeria’s infrastructural stagnation. Under Buhari, rail projects long frozen in bureaucratic limbo, especially those connecting Lagos to Ibadan, Warri to Kogi and Abuja to Kaduna were finally completed.
Although still a drop in the ocean, infrastructure like the monumental Second Niger Bridge became reality, and a wave of dam, housing, and road projects rolled out across every corner of the country.
For many, Buhari earned a new title: the “Infrastructure President.” His government also
Buhari signed the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into law in 2021 after nearly two decades of political gridlock. This landmark legislation was designed to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by restructuring NNPC into a limited liability company… He also established regulatory clarity between upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. Besides, the law created a 3 per cent Host Community Development Fund (HCDF). Although implementation lagged and the 3 per cent fund sparked tension in the Niger Delta, the passage itself broke a legislative jinx and signaled intent to modernise the sector.
launched the National Council on Climate Change, a signal that infrastructure and environmental awareness could go hand in hand.
Despite these large-scale projects, social welfare remained firmly in Buhari’s view. He championed the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), a multi-pronged effort to empower vulnerable citizens through direct cash transfers, interest-free loans for traders and farmers, and school feeding initiatives.
The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative funded to stimulate agriculture touted the local production of one million metric tons of fertiliser, reducing dependency on foreign imports and empowering rural farmers.
These policies, taken in combination, sought to address massive challenges: poverty, youth unemployment, and economic inequality. Although they were imperfect, they were largely seen as steps in the right direction.
Economically, Buhari followed through on reforms: New finance legislation, pension updates, housing incentives, and prison information systems took shape. The Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020 modernised corporate governance, an example of his commitment to law and order, even within the private sector.
He also tried to reform Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime, a politically explosive undertaking, but one he insisted was necessary to reallocate funds toward more productive sectors. On this count, he did not fully succeed, although he raised the price by up to 100 per cent.
Yet, the Nigerian economy faced repeated hurdles under his leadership. Currency devaluation, inflation, and sluggish growth marred his tenure, and unemployment levels reached uncomfortable highs. His critics argued that his economic team lacked dynamism, while his supporters maintained that structural reforms take time to yield results.
One of Buhari’s understated yet significant contributions to Nigerian democracy was signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law in February 2022.
Muhammadu Buhari was the rarest of individuals to grace political life anywhere in the world: an incorruptible servant of the people. He was not motivated by pride, or by riches - the accumulation of which repelled him. He was drawn to public service, discipline, and patriotism, and the unity of Nigeria as a one nation and one idea.
In his long service, first in the military he campaigned to keep Nigeria as a single country, and later briefly holding the position of head of state, he fought to tackle rampant corruption. Later, as a converted democrat after the return
of elections in 1999 he campaigned relentlessly to liberate Nigeria from becoming what he feared would be an elected, but corrupted, one-party state. Without Buhari’s refusal to back down, the disparate democratic opposition may never have united, and there would be no true multi-party system in Nigeria today.
Once that unity was achieved, Buhari –who else? – was chosen as the opposition’s flagbearer. In 2015 he became the first candidate to win election over an incumbent, for Nigeria the first-time power changed hands peacefully between the victor and vanquished.
His two terms in elected office coincided with worldwide economic challenges, and
the threat from terrorism in the Sahel. He tackled both, creating new and welcome welfare programmes, and decisively breaking the power of Boko Haram. Facing down accusations of favouring the north, he created ranches for northern herders to protect the livelihoods of southern farmers, saving lives and fostering better relations.
A deeply religious man, he was the opposite of partisan – enlisting a southern pastor as his two-time running-mate and regularly writing about Christianity and its relations with his own Muslim faith. After assuming office, he struck up a lasting friendship with the Archbishop of Canterbury, with tolerance and modesty as well as religious fervor being
attributes they shared.
After retiring from office, he returned to his farm and tended to his cattle, staying scrupulously out of the public eye and away from politics – always and intentionally refusing to comment. It was more important for this modest man to give a wide berth to his successor than to express any opinion, believing intervention in political affairs by ex-leaders was rarely merited, and more often a sign of a vanity he would never personally countenance.
Muhammadu Buhari led a life full enough for many men. He will be remembered best by his own words: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”. He was the best of Nigeria, and we are all less without him.
After years of pushback and delays, the amended Act introduced innovations like electronic transmission of results and early primaries, aimed at enhancing the credibility and transparency of elections.
However, although this move was widely applauded by civil society and election observers, especially for strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) independence and limiting manipulation of collation processes, the system experienced major glitches during the 2023 poll.
FOREIGN POLICY & REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
It is widely believed, even by his greatest critics’ that Buhari played a stabilising role within West Africa and the African Union (AU). He was instrumental in mediation efforts in The Gambia during Yahya Jammeh’s post-election standoff, helping to avert violence and ensuring a peaceful transition.
Nigeria’s standing in ECOWAS strengthened during his tenure, and he emphasised anti-terror collaboration with neighbouring countries like Chad, Cameroon, and Niger through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). While not seen as a charismatic diplomat, Buhari’s image as a statesman lent quiet credibility to Nigeria’s regional engagements.
Buhari signed the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into law in 2021 after nearly two decades of political gridlock. This landmark legislation was designed to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by restructuring NNPC into a limited liability company.
He also established regulatory clarity between upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. Besides, the law created a 3 per cent Host Community Development Fund (HCDF). Although implementation lagged and the 3 per cent fund sparked tension in the Niger Delta, the passage itself broke a legislative jinx and signaled intent to modernise the sector.
In the eight years that Buhari governed Nigeria, the digital space saw rapid growth. The launch and expansion of National Identity Number (NIN) registration, coupled with SIM-NIN integration, were positioned as moves to enhance national security and digital governance.
Besides, the Nigeria Startup Act, passed in 2022, was another major highlight which provided a regulatory framework to support startups and tech hubs, particularly in fintech. Additionally, agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Digital Economy Ministry received greater visibility, with Buhari encouraging young Nigerians to embrace coding, digital skills, and entrepreneurship as a future path away from oil dependency.
Although the success of this programme remains debatable, Buhari championed agricultural selfsufficiency, banning forex access for food imports and supporting local production through programmes like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), Presidential Fertiliser Initiative and National Livestock Transformation Plan.
These policies led to increased local rice production and growth in agribusiness, though critics argue that banditry, flooding, and poor storage systems limited the full impact.
Buhari initiated a strategic power infrastructure agreement with Siemens AG under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), targeting a phased upgrade of transmission and distribution infrastructure to raise national grid capacity to 25,000mw.
Though progress has been slow and actual generation has lagged behind targets, the project represented one of the most technically ambitious power sector partnerships in decades.
While Buhari insisted he respected the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) independence, his tenure saw heavy central bank intervention in both monetary and quasi-fiscal areas, from rice farming to COVID-19 intervention funds.
The controversial naira redesign policy in 2023, which triggered cash shortages, sparked national uproar and raised questions about coordination between the presidency and the CBN. Nonetheless, Buhari defended the policy as necessary to combat vote-buying and illicit financial flows.
In addition, there was the accusation of uncurbed printing of the naira, a development that has been described as unprecedented in the nation’s chequered history.
Nigeria under Buhari responded early to the COVID-19 outbreak with border closures, lockdowns, and health interventions. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 coordinated containment strategies and international vaccine procurement, helping Nigeria avoid the massive fatality numbers predicted early on.
The rollout of conditional cash transfers and business support loans also aimed to cushion the pandemic’s economic fallout.
While judicial independence remained a sore spot, especially after the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen in 2019, Buhari did sign Executive Order 10 to grant financial autonomy to state judiciaries.
The order aimed to free state courts from the grip of governors and enhance rule of law at subnational levels, though enforcement remained inconsistent.
Under Buhari, security remained a volatile problem: the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east persisted, banditry and kidnappings marred the Middle Belt, and tensions flared around farmer–herder conflicts.
While Buhari’s military background made him a symbol of strength, his administration was believed to be slow to adapt to evolving security threats. New military chiefs were appointed, new strategies launched, but peace remained elusive in many parts of the country.
Despite some successes in reclaiming territory from insurgents, the psychological and economic toll of insecurity was enormous. Communities remained displaced, school abductions continued, and faith in the security apparatus remained shaky until his exit in May 2023.
ET AL
In politics, some accused his administration of democratic backsliding, curbing media freedom, stifling dissent, and deploying security forces
on protesters. Notable incidents, such as the handling of the #EndSARS protests and ban on Twitter in Nigeria cast a shadow over his civil liberties record.
Media organisations and activists frequently clashed with the government over press freedom, privacy rights, and freedom of speech.
Still, Buhari did not seek constitutional amendments to prolong his stay, nor did he interfere with the formal conduct of general elections. Many saw this as a commitment to constitutional order, even amid criticism.
Among the more divisive elements of Buhari’s presidency was the perception that he governed with a Northern lens. From cabinet appointments to military command restructuring, critics argued that the Buhari administration tilted federal power towards the North and marginalised other regions, especially the South-east.
Although he insisted his decisions were merit-based, the optics often fueled allegations of ethnic bias. His slow response to violence involving Fulani herders, for example, deepened suspicions.
The former president’s dismissive comment during an early foreign interview where he described electoral regions as those who gave him “97 per cent” versus “5 per cent” of votes further damaged perceptions of national inclusiveness. While his supporters defended him as fair and principled, insisting that his track record as a soldier and statesman disproved the charge of bigotry, the narrative of ethnic favouritism lingered throughout both terms and became almost a significant stain on his record.
Depending on who is talking, Buhari’s legacy is not easily defined. It was a mix of structural reform, uneven execution, missed opportunities, and quiet institutional wins.
His defenders remember him for personal integrity, restoring railways, passing the PIA, and standing firm in foreign courts, among others. However, his critics remember a sluggish economy, rising insecurity, ethnic imbalance, and democratic backsliding. Regardless, his presidency changed the tone of national leadership, less flamboyance, more rigidity, and a focus on “doing things right,” however long they took.
FEMI ADESINA
All that some people knew about former President, Muhammadu Buhari, was his stern nature, which they mistook for wickedness. But the man had his soft side, which you never got to know except when you got close to him.
Let me tell the story of Buhari’s encounter with Dr Marilyn Amobi, the then Managing Director of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc. She told me of her encounter with the President way before she completed her work at NBET.
“At about 1 pm on Tuesday September 26, 2017, I received a telephone call from someone who told me that he was calling from the Villa. He told me that the President was in his chambers and wanted to see me immediately. I should make my way to the clearance gate, that someone will be there to receive me and bring me straight to the President, who needed to conclude his meeting with me before he departs at about 2p.m to prepare for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for the next day.
“I was terrified and concluded that the President was calling me to confirm the termination of my appointment. This was because earlier in the year, the Permanent Secretary of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr Louis Edozien, had summoned me to his office and told me that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo had approved the termination of my appointment on some grounds that he noted. I asked him if the Honourable Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN was aware of the development; and he affirmed it. I requested for a meeting with Mr. Fashola, SAN and a termination letter. Mr Edozien asked me to return to the Ministry at about 4p.m to see Mr Fashola, SAN which I did. At the tripartite meeting, which held at about 7p.m between me, Mr Fashola, SAN and Mr Edozien, Mr Fashola, SAN asked me to prepare a summary of the lawsuits which the distribution companies had filed against the government and to submit the said report to him the next day. I had not received the termination letter when the staff from the Villa telephoned to tell me that the President wanted to see me immediately.
“I waited briefly in an office that was shared by Ambassador Lawal Kazaure (SCOP), Mohammed Sarki Abba, and Dr Suhayb Rafindadi, before I was eventually ushered into the Office of the President. My knees were shaking when the door to the President’s office was opened. Peering at me from his seat; it seemed to me that he noticed that I was visibly shaken, perhaps, frightened because I froze and was clearly unable to take the next step. He cleared his throat, smiling, and beckoned on me to come forward whilst asking me to take a seat that was located to his right hand, around a conference table.
“He came and sat on a chair that was to my left; and he placed some papers on the table which were in two piles. I immediately observed that on top of the larger pile was a letter to the President, on which the President appended his approval for the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) PLC to sign transaction documents on the US$10 Million partial risk guarantee (PRG) which the World Bank provided to the Accugas to supply natural gas to the Calabar Generation Company Limited (CGCL), a power plant that was in the portfolio of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Limited. The letter was dated the 2nd of March 2017, with reference number: FMP/9055/S.1/ Vol.1/69; and the President’s approval on the said letter was dated the 27th of March 2017. This letter is entitled: ‘Approval for NBET to sign agreements relating to World Bank. Partial Risk Guarantee for gas supply to the NDPJHC-Calabar Power Plant’. The smaller pile was handwritten scribbles, which as the meeting progressed and he took further notes, I realized that it was the President’s handwriting. It seemed to me that he had made the notes from his reading of the documents in the larger pile.
“He sat down, looked at me and started laughing. I was so frightened.
“My daughter, how are you?” he asked, as he continued to laugh whilst looking at me. “I couldn’t answer.” He continued: “I hear you are fed up with your job, the job you are doing for this country. You have too many troubles.
“Whilst he continued laughing, he asked me if I had gone to jail before?
“He stopped laughing. Maintaining his smile, he told me that he was jailed because he pushed for the right things to be done. He told me to see all what I call troubles as part of the honour of serving the country and a sign that I was doing the right things. He told me that I will have more troubles, more people that I know and those that I do not know would revolt against me.
“He then went ahead to tell me why he had called me. He asked to see me before he retired to study the memos for the FEC that will hold the next day, because of the things he read in the letters that I wrote on the Accugas deal.
“He told me that the President is answerable to Nigerians about all the decisions the government makes. But many Nigerians do not know how the President makes the decisions that he makes for the country. He put it to me that in my office, where I am the MD, I have people that I trust and accept their advice to approve things or make certain decisions. He emphasized that I may find out after I have approved some things that the
same people that I trusted their opinions to make the decisions, gave me wrong advice.
“He went ahead to tell me that the same way that I have people that I trust to make decisions in my office, is the same way that he has some people that he trusts their opinions to make decisions regarding the power sector.
“He told me that he was not an engineer or an expert in electricity. As the President, he approves things on works and housing; he approves things on health; he approves things on finance. The Ministers are his representatives; and he expects them to give him very honest advice that will promote the public good.
“He said that he had very highly placed people, and when they bring things to him and tell him that it is best for our country, he believes them.
“He said he had read the advice that I wrote; and that was where he made his notes from, and he felt very bad that he was misled into signing away US$10 million of Nigeria’s money. ‘I do not know why they have done this to me and to this country. This is very bad,’ he lamented.
“I called you to thank you for your courage to write against the deal. I do not know many people in the Civil Service who will do what you have done. I want you to know that the Civil Service is very well organized, and it has very good processes and record keeping. Anybody who is honest and wants to do the right thing, should write down their position like you have done. You can see now; it is because of what you wrote that I am able to know your position. These your letters will remain in the government record even after you leave the job. Nigerians will have them to refer to, when they want to know how you defended Nigeria on this matter, but some people refused to take your advice. And I approved. They will not know that they did not show or tell me exactly what you told them.
“He asked me to tell him the University that I attended; and I said that I graduated from the University of Nigeria, in Nsukka. He told me that he was aware that I had studied abroad and wanted to know where I schooled; and I confirmed that I studied at the City, University of London, in England.
“I told the President that now I had the rare privilege of seeing him, that I wanted to ask for one favour. And I told him that I was already tired of the job and was very concerned about my security and safety.
“He told me that he could only attribute the security risks to the incorruptible positions that I had. He assured me that it was very important to him and Nigerians that I am protected. He told me that on behalf of Nigeria, it is his duty to
see that I am safe and that I always feel very secure. He assured me that he would deal with the issue of my security with military dispatch.
“In closing, the President told me that whenever I needed to contact him, I should do so by sending him a message through Mohammed Sarki Abba and Malam Adamu Adamu, the then Minister of Education. Both of us laughed when I said something like: Your Excellency, are they your human telephones; and still laughing, he said yes!
“The President then prayed for me. When he finished, I asked him if I also could pray for him too; and he said I could. I thanked God for lifting him up as our President. I reminded the Lord that except He (the Lord) raises a ruler over Nigeria, that no other person can do so. I told God that since He had set Mr President over us, may He bless him by granting him the lucidity of thought, divine wisdom that he needed to rule over Nigeria. I reminded the Lord that by His stripes we are healed; and pleaded that He accelerated the full manifestation of the healing of Mr President; that He would grant Mr President the strength that he needed to cope each day and grant him long life. I ended by saying: In Jesus name. Both of us said: Ameen together.
“When I opened my eyes and looked at his face, I was shocked and touched to see that Mr President’s eyes were filled with tears.
“When I finished, he looked at me, thanked me for the words of the prayer that I shared with him. He said that he was happy with the prayer, but that my prayer should include a request to God to bless Nigeria with more honest and courageous people like me, in government because that is the only way by which he felt that we can rescue the country.
“The President invited me to have dinner with him on the Thursday. On the planned day, I was contacted to reschedule to the following weekend. We rescheduled again because I had to take a staff of NBET who had brain aneurism abroad for treatment; we met after I returned from the medical trip.
“The President did not know me before he appointed me. Following his discovery of the position that I took regarding the Accugas transaction, which he did, from the letters that I wrote, he scheduled a meeting with me; and gave me unrestricted access to him. I did not experience any hatred of any form from him. On a personal note, I do not bother to argue with anyone who plays the Ibo hatred generalization anthem against the President. I love to speak about my own experiences, which influences my thoughts and processes. I am not and refuse to enroll for qualification as a generalization apostle.”
*Adesina was Special Adviser on media and publicity to President Buhari, 2015-2023
Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a London clinic, aged 82, had a career path marked by military service, leadership roles, and controversy. With experiences in the military and politics, spanning over 30 years, Buhari commanded troops, managed complex operations, and made high-stakes decisions.
His leadership style was defined by charisma – and later, diplomacy, especially during the years of his transition to civilian politics. His was a unique blend of military discipline and statesmanship, as he embodied the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism.
At the time of his death, Buhari was two years and two months out of power, having done two four-year terms as president, and handed over to the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu.
He was elected president in 2015 after three failed attempts, and become Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president.
Buhari ran for president on the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 and 2007, and on the ticket of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011. He rode to the presidency in 2015 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of opposition elements from the now defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), CPC, ANPP, and factions of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP). He emerged presidential candidate of the new opposition coalition in December 2014.
Buhari was a man always popular with the poor folks of northern Nigeria. But he had to embrace the country-wide coalition to win the 2015 presidential election.
His sweep to power in 2015 was dramatically helped by his public image of a disciplined, honest, and austere figure, virtues Nigerians tended to desire in their leader at the time given growing security challenges.
But Buhari never quite delivered. It took him six months after inauguration on May 29, 2015 to name a cabinet peopled by many of his close associates, some from his days as military Head of State between 1984 and 1985.
That unprecedented wait and other delays in policy approvals earned Buhari the nickname “Baba Go Slow”.
His tenure was marked by several foreign medical trips, which kept him away from his office and put his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in charge as acting president.
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari started out in the Qur’anic school system, where he helped in rearing cattle and tending livestock.
He had his primary education in Daura and Mai’Adua, graduating in 1953. He was admitted into Katsina Middle School (later renamed to Katsina Provincial Secondary School), for his secondary education from 1956 to 1961. In Form Six, he served as house captain and head-boy of the school.
He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 at 19, and spent 23 years in the career that took him to many parts of the country and the world for trainings and operations.
He underwent trainings at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and Mons
Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, among other institutions in the United States, India, and other countries.
In January 1963, at the age of 20, Buhari was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army and appointed Platoon Commander of Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta.
In 1964, he attended the Mechanical Transport Officer’s Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom.
Buhari served as commander of the Second Infantry Battalion from 1965 to 1967, and was appointed Brigade Major of the Second Sector, First Infantry Division (April 1967 to July 1967).
Buhari participated actively in the 1966 military coup and the ensuing civil war.
After the war in 1970, he was Brigade Major/Commandant, 31st Infantry Brigade, and then served as Assistant Adjutant-General, First Infantry Division Headquarters, from 1971 to 1972.
Buhari was acting Director of Transport and Supply at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport Headquarters from 1974 to 1975.
He served as military governor of the then North-Eastern State (19751976), military governor of Borno State (February 1976-March 1976), and Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (1976-1978).
He was Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters (1978-1979) and also a member of the Supreme Military Council.
He was General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division (1980 –1981), and General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armoured Division.
“Buhari presidency was also credited with anticorruption campaigns that led to the exposure and prosecution of high-profile case, like $2 billion arms deal, which involved many prominent Nigerians. The government also instituted a whistle-blowing policy, which encouraged citizens to expose corruption for some rewards…
The government said it successfully prosecuted and convicted over 600 prominent Nigerians on corruption charges.”
Buhari led a brave military operation in April 1983, which led to the recapturing of Nigerians territories from Chad. A Chadian force had invaded about 19 islands on Lake Chad, which were claimed by Nigeria. The Nigerian government under President Shehu Shagari responded by deploying troops to the area.
Buhari, as GOC of the 3rd Armoured Division, Jos, was in charge of the operation, which led to the successful recapture of the islands after pushing back the Chadian forces and pursuing them 50 kilometres across the border.
He was military Head of State from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985.
Buhari’s time as military Head of State was marred by the infamous Decree 2, which gave the security services sweeping powers to arrest and detain without charge persons perceived to pose security risk to the state. There was also a repressive press law named Decree 4 under which journalists were tried and jailed.
His 20 months’ tenure witnessed several hash measures, including massive retrenchment of civil servants, prosecution of over 500 politicians, officials, and businessmen for alleged corrupt practices, and imprisonment of critics.
But his War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign tried to instill public morality and civic responsibility, which were lacking then under the Second Republic government of Shagari.
Upon his overthrow in 1985, Buhari was detained for three years in Benin City. His mother died during his prison detention.
As he transitioned to civilian politics, Buhari contested the 2003 presidential election under ANPP, but was defeated by then incumbent Presdent Olusegun Obasanjo. He contested again in 2007 under the same platform, and was defeated by fellow Katsina man, Umaru Yar’Adua. In 2011, he contested under CPC, and lost to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari campaigned for the 2015 election on a message of anticorruption and tough fight against bourgeoning terrorist tendencies by Boko Haram, especially in the North-east. But not only did those threats increase during his tenure, there was a massive rise in armed banditry, kidnapping, and killings by armed herders, mainly by his native Fulani tribesmen, in different parts of the country. These led to extensive displacements and growth in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially in the Middle Belt.
Buhari was widely accused of turning a blind eye to the killings and devastations by Fulani terrorists.
But the Buhari presidency was also credited with anticorruption campaigns that led to the exposure and prosecution of high-profile case, like $2 billion arms deal, which involved many prominent Nigerians. The government also instituted a whistle-blowing policy, which encouraged citizens to expose corruption for some rewards.
The government said it successfully prosecuted and convicted over 600 prominent Nigerians on corruption charges.
Buhari ascended the presidency on a loud promise of restoration, particularly in the areas of economy and security. But things did not really pan out well on his watch, as he struggled with his own health and had to work under a lot of pressure from extraneous forces.
Samuel Ajayi looks at the early life, times, politics and public service mindset of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari
With the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a chapter in the cherquered history of Nigeria has closed. It was a chapter that was fraught with many milestones. But it was a chapter that the history of Nigeria would not be complete without it.
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942 in Daura, in present day Katsina State, he was one of the 23 children of his father, Mallam Adamu. In fact, he would not have been educated, at least formally, if not the benevolence of one Waziri Alhassan, son of a former Emir of Daura, who took in Buhari’s mother Zulaihat and his siblings.
Initially sent to Koranic school, his formal education journey began with his enrolment in a primary school in Daura before moving to Katsina Middle School which was later named Provincial Secondary School where he finished his secondary education in 1961.
Unknown to many Nigerians, Buhari actually wanted to become medical practitioner. That was his dream. However, fate had other ideas. Inspired by the late Hassan Katsina, who was then an already commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, Buhari’s course of life was to change from an aspiring medical doctor to a military officer.
Shortly before his 20th birthday, Buhari was one of the 70 intakes into the Nigerian Military Training School, NMTC, in Kaduna. The school was to later change to the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA.
Buhari went for officer training course Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, United Kingdom, in 1962 and upon his return to the country in 1963, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of the Nigerian Army and his first military posting and assignment was as Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Abeokuta, in present day Ogun State.
Buhari’s involvement in the political history of the nation did not just start when he was named the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on December 31, 1983 following the sacking of the then democratically elected government of late President Shehu Shagari.
In fact, he has been involved 17 years before then in 1966 when he joined the likes of General Theophillus Danjuma, to oust then Head of State, late General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi in a counter coup on July 29, 1966. It was a response to the earlier coup of January 15, 1966 which claimed the lives of the then Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Samual Ladoke Akintola, Brigadier Ibrahim Maimalari and Colonel Abogo Largema.
The killings, perhaps with some element of justification, were seen as being lopsided in terms of killings.
Buhari also played his role in the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970. He was the adjutant and company commander of the second battalion unit of the second sector of the first division. This division was to start the first action of the civil war when it started in Gakem, very close to Afikpo, in present day Abia State.
After the civil war, Buhari had numerous military postings before becoming the military governor of North-Eastern State in 1975. Again, he was part of young military officers that orchestrated the ascendance to power of late military Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.
He later became the military governor Borno State for just 40 days and following the attempted coup that claimed the life of General Mohammed, Buhari became the Minister of Petroleum Resources (they were known then as Federal Commissioners) and when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was
created in 1977, Buhari was named the chairman.
Under him, the NNPC carried out numerous projects which included the construction of the pipeline network connecting the Bonny terminal and Port-Harcourt refinery to the depots and it also initiated the construction of the Kaduna refinery.
Perhaps, Buhari’s biggest involvement in the political history of the country was when he and late General Tunde Idiagbon and other military top brass toppled the democratically elected government of the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Buhari was named the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while the late Idiagbon became the Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters. His government was not only high-handed, it was also draconian. Under the infamous Decree Number Two of 1984 which gave security operatives and the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, which was the second in command to the Head of State, the powers to detain, without charges for up to three months individuals they perceived to be security risks.
Many Nigerians, including journalists, were detained while there was also a ban on public demonstrations. The height of the administration’s high-handedness was the handing down of ridiculous jail terms for former politicians who held elected positions between 1979 and 1983.
There was also the Decree Number Four of 1984, the Protection against False Accusations Decree. This decree stated that “any person who publishes in any form, whether written or otherwise, any message, rumour, report or statement which is false in any material particular or which brings or is calculated to bring the Federal Military Government…to ridicule or disrepute shall be guilty of an offence under this Decree.”
Two journalists, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, were jailed under this decree.
The Buhari/Idiagbon regime also executed convicted drug traffickers and was greatly perceived to be very harsh and unfriendly to the people. It was therefore not surprising when he was toppled on August 27th, 1984 in a coup led by Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff, the Major General Ibrahim Babangida.
Buhari was to be placed under house arrest for over three years until his release in 1988. Upon his release, Buhari went off public glare was rarely seen in public. He did not only refuse to be part of the botched return to civil rule programme of Babangida between 1990 and 1993, he was not making any contribution to any national debate or conversation. He totally became a recluse of sort.
It was not until 1994 that Buhari returned into public space when the then Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, named him as the Chairman of the then newly created Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, PTF, which was created to supervise the disbursement of whatever was saved from the partial removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
When Abacha died suddenly in July 1998, Buhari again went off the radar of national consciousness. In fact, the emergence of General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the new Head of State after the death of Abacha gave the nation a new political and social lease of life.
Abacha did not only choke the nation’s democratic space, he also incarcerated those who could challenge him. The culmination of the charade
that was his sham transition programme was when the five registered political parties endorsed him as their joint presidential candidate. His death, much as it was a pain to his immediate family and those benefiting from him, it was also a huge relief to a nation on the brink.
Immediately Abacha died, Buhari recoiled to his shell again and did not participate in the transition programme that culminated in the emergence of his former boss, retired General Olusegun Obasanjo, as a democratically elected President in May 1999.
However, Buhari was to step out of the shadows once again in early 2002 when he announced his intention to participate in the 2003 elections. He joined the now defunct All Nigeria People’s Congress, ANPP, emerged as the presidential candidate of the party. He was defeated by the incumbent, President Obasanjo.
Undaunted, Buhari ran again in 2007, again as the candidate of the same ANPP. But this time, he was defeated by his fellow Katsina indigene and former governor of the state, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The 2007 election was fraught with irregularities and even the winner of the presidential contest, Yar’Adua, admitted that the election that brought him to power was not a clean one. And this prompted Yar’Adua to embark on sweeping electoral reforms.
The unfortunate death of Yar’Adua after a protracted illness led to the emergence of his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as the new President. Jonathan completed Yar’Adua’s term office and was the candidate of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2011 presidential election. Buhari ran, yet again.
However, this time, he ran on the platform of a new party which he floated, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. This time, he picked charismatic Pentecostal cleric, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as his running-mate. Again, he came a distant second.
One of the things that many believed worked against Buhari in the three times he attempted to govern the country again, this time via the ballot box, was the fact that his politics was not considered a pan-Nigerian in approach and engagement. He was perceived, arguably rightly, as an ethnic irredentist, who would first see the North in anything before seeing the entire country.
He was also seen as a religious bigot who has made pronouncements that were inconsistent with someone who once occupied the highest office in the land. He once led a delegation of northern leaders to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to protest against perceived treatment of northerners in the state.
The biggest indication of his lack of religious broad-mindedness was when he addressed a crowd of supporters in Bauchi in the build-up to the 2011 presidential election that they should join him to send the ‘Kafirs’ (infidels and unbelievers) out of Aso Rock presidential Villa.
Many people were of the opinion that the kind of sectional and inciting rhetoric he espoused during the campaign for the 2011 presidential election led to the bloody protests that followed his loss of the election when over 1000 people were killed including innocent NYSC members. Even before then, his positions on national issues had always aligned with those of the conservative North. For instance, he was fully in support of Sharia and once defended the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Expectedly, one cannot take away the fact
that he was a popular political figure in the North where he was perceived as a very simple and Spartan leader, who would never embezzle public funds. In fact, he enjoyed cult hero support in the region where he was fondly called ‘Mai Gaskiya’ (honest man) or ‘Sai Baba’ (holy one) but unfortunately, this did not translate to national acceptance. He was also rumoured to being averse to doing ‘political business’ with those he considered as ‘dirty politicians’.
All this changed when he started negotiations with other parties in 2012 which led to the formation of the current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. His party, CPC, had gone into merger talks with the now defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a faction of his former party, All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP). With massive propaganda, the type never seen in the history of the country, Buhari was practically ‘recreated’. Gone were those images and perceptions of an ethnic irredentist and sectional leader. Making the rounds were images of Buhari in bow suit with bow ties. He was roundly accepted in the south, especially, the South-west region, a stronghold of one of the legacy parties that formed the APC, the ACN.
He was also presented as an ultimate corruption fighter who was ready to clean the nation’s Augean stable. Targeting the northern bloc votes, it was not surprising when virtually all key leaders within the new party worked towards his emergence as the candidate of the party in the presidential primary election held in Lagos in December, 2014, where he defeated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. And three months later, he led the political movement that made history as the first opposition party to win a general election in the history of the country, defeating an incumbent.
Buhari’s governance style was obviously not to increase the burden on the poor. And he demonstrated this by his reluctance and eventual decision not to remove petroleum subsidy even when he was presented with incontrovertible proof that the regime was no longer sustainable.
Rather, he kept finding a way round it by carrying out partial removal that increased pump price of the product without being too much of burden on the people. Buhari also embarked on massive infrastructure development, especially in the transportation sector with massive investment also in the agricultural sector. Economically, his attempts to shore up the value of the naira led to debt build-up, especially in foreign currency and this led to massive Way and Means debt burden which the present administration is still battling. Like old habits that usually die hard, Buhari’s sectional mindset was ruthlessly exhibited upon gaining power with an unabashedly lopsided political appointments. Beyond this, it could be recalled that Buhari rode to power on the back of the promise to fight corruption. In fact, nothing sold him to voters in 2015 than the belief that he would deal with those who stole public funds. But he was a spectacular failure in this regard. Prodded by politicians around him and his party’s desperation to retain power, the anti-corruption campaign was politically weaponised to get opposition figures to their side. Instead of being tried and made to cough out whatever they stole, opposition figures were ‘encouraged’ to join the ruling party and their sins forgiven. By 2019 when Buhari was running for second term in office, he himself knew that using anti-corruption fight for campaign had become hopelessly impossible.
with the President of the Senate over the weekend
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate has clarified that there was no legal foundation for the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following claims from a recent court judgment.
This was contained in a statement released yesterday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu.
The Senate responded to a letter from the law firm of Numa S.A.N.
& Co., acting on behalf of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The letter referenced the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, 2025, claiming it constituted a binding order for Senator Natasha’s reinstatement to the Senate by Tuesday, July 15.
However, the Senate in its statement, stated that the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order of the judgment did not contain any express directive or mandatory
order for her recall.
According to the Senate, Justice Nyako’s remarks were advisory in nature and did not invalidate the chamber’s constitutional authority under Section 60 to impose disciplinary measures.
“For the avoidance of doubt, nowhere in the judgment did the Court issue a declaratory or injunctive order mandating her recall,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging the court’s observations, the Senate
emphasised that such commentary did not override its internal disciplinary processes or amount to enforceable legal orders.
Nevertheless, the Senate stated that it would review the judgment, deliberate accordingly, and communicate its constitutionally informed position in due course.
“The Senate remains committed to the principles of constitutional democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law.
“It will not allow its procedures
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and his Enugu counterpart, Peter Mbah, activated peer review mechanism in governance weekend as they compared notes and discussed issues of mutual interest for their states.
Mbah came calling on Otti in his office and both governors held a closed -door meeting during which they agreed on a joint strategy to tackle security problems that have persisted in Enugu, Abia, and the entire Southeast zone.
They underscored the need to strengthen and sustain collaborative efforts among the states of Southeast zone in finding solution to a common problem.
Otti told journalists after the meeting
that he and his brother governors were desirous of enhancing security in the entire region and would leave no stone unturned to achieve that goal.
He lauded the Enugu State Governor for his visit which underpins the cordial relationship existing between the governments of Enugu and Abia States, adding that the visit was auspicious.
"You know, we share boundaries. So, some of the things we discussed are also, how to ensure that there is security and that our people are secured in those places," Otti said.
He stated they discussed about Abia and Enugu joining hands to fight insecurity as it would be more effective because "if he (Mbah) successfully drives away criminals from (Enugu), they will probably end up here (in Abia).
"If we don't do anything, then, one part of the South East will be secured and the other part will not be. So, this kind of cooperation is very important," Otti stated.
The Abia governor said his administration and many other states support the creation of state police, adding that he remains hopeful that the federal government would sooner than later consider the proposal.
"I'm completely in sync with my brother's (Mba) position. As a matter of fact, our two states and many other states, have supported the creation of state police," he said.
Otti noted that "the issue of security, just like politics, is local" hence the need for the federal government to consider the position of governors on
the issue of state police and make it a reality.
On the issue of equalisation of states, the Abia Governor re-echoed the call for the creation of additional state in the South East region, given that Southeast has the least number of states among the six geo-political zones of the country.
"Virtually every geopolitical zone has six, and I believe the North West (even) has seven states. The South East has five states. So, I'm also in alignment with the creation of one additional state in the South East," Otti stated.
Corroborating his host, Governor Mbah explained that he came to Abia to rub minds with Governor Otti on issues of common interest for their two states, bothering on the provision of enhanced welfare for the people.
The Pro-Chancellor
APC presidential candidate for 2027 general election.
Ojo, in a statement yesterday said the South-West endorsement rally was long overdue considering the good
performance and wide acceptance of President Tinubu across the country.
The Ekiti politician said it had become a necessity for all progressive-minded people across the South-West geo-political zone of the country to embrace and support President Tinubu not by mere occasional statements alone but with a massive endorsement rally in order to demonstrate to the whole world that the support base of the President is intact.
Ojo said: “All the Governors in the region irrespective of political inclinations should without further delay organise
a joint endorsement rally for Tinubu. It has become a necessity, a must and sine qua non for all progressive minded people across the South-West geo-political zone of the Country to embrace and support Tinubu.
“The move will not only encourage the President to intensify more action on the development of the country but will also be a sign of unity of purpose for the development of the region especially with the establishment of Southwest Development Commission under the leadership of Senator Olubunmi
Adetumbi. The region will fast-track development through robust support for the President ahead of 2027 general elections.”
While commending President Tinubu on the establishment of South West Development Commission, the UNN's Pro-Chancellor called on the people of the region, irrespective of political or religious inclinations, to see the Commission as an opportunity to bring about more development in the region, hence the need for more support and prayers for the President to succeed.
or integrity to be undermined by premature interpretations of ongoing legal proceedings or misapplications of constitutional provisions.”
The Senate concluded by
reiterating that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains under suspension, and “there is no legal basis upon which she can resume legislative duties at this time.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mohamed Fouad, has said scaling up the trade and investment relations remains the priority of both governments of Egypt and Nigeria.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the weekend in Abuja, the envoy said historical ties that link Egypt to Nigeria date back centuries ago with Cairo’s leading Al-Azhar AlShareef University established few centuries ago “The Borno Pavillion” dedicated to students arriving from Northern Nigeria.
He noted that generations of Nigerians sought knowledge at the esteemed University of Al Azhar, and as of today, hundreds of Nigerian students are enrolled in Egyptian universities, fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the Nigerian society, and will undoubtedly strengthen the ties between our two nations.
He said: “We are proud of the growing people-to-people exchange between Egypt and Nigeria, that has significantly intensified over the last few years through tourism, business, and education, constituting a solid foundation for our bilateral relations.”
The envoy said: “Scaling up our trade and investment relations is a priority for our two governments. In that regard, we are proud of the numerous Egyptian companies that have been active in Nigeria for years, in areas such as construction, energy, and communications, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and creating employment opportunities.”
He noted: “From security, countering-terrorism, to energy, communications, trade, and infrastructure, to agriculture, health care and education, our two countries
are proceeding with determination on the path to forge a modern and forward-looking partnership anchored in our common values and shared objectives.”
The envoy added that: “Our respective compatriots in Egypt and in Nigeria play a crucial role in advancing the various facets of our partnership. They will continue to serve as the engine advancing our common objectives.”
He said: “Egypt, today, is a nation on the move. Under the “New Republic” Vision of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we are embarking on an ambitious journey of comprehensive development and modernization across all sectors.
“We are building new cities, investing in sustainable energy, expanding our industrial base, and prioritizing education and healthcare, all with the aim of creating a prosperous and inclusive future for all Egyptians. Our economy is diversifying, our infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and our commitment to regional stability and global cooperation remains steadfast.”
He added that: Today at a time of profound uncertainty, Egypt and Nigeria are cognizant of the imperative of redefining and further developing their bilateral relations to meet emerging common challenges and priorities.
“Against this backdrop, the third round of our bilateral political consultations convened for the first time at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Cairo last January. Our two Ministers of Foreign Affairs H.E Dr. Badr Abd-Elatty, and H.E Youssef Tuggar discussed numerous regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest. The two Ministers also signed a joint statement elevating our bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership.”
Late monarch spent over 65 years on the throne Tinubu mourns, describes Adetona as honest arbiter, confidant, reliable leader Sanwo-Olu: It's great loss to Nigeria, traditional institution
Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday announced the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, at the age of 91.
In a statement he personally signed, Abiodun stressed that Adetona left behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
Throughout his reign, Abiodun stated that Adetona was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development, noting that his dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
But the death of Adetona draws the curtain on one of the longest and most consequential reigns in Nigerian traditional history. His death brings to an end a royal stewardship that spanned over six decades from his coronation on April 2, 1960, until his final breath.
Born on May 10, 1934, into the Anikinaiya royal house of Ijebu-Ode, Sikiru Adetona ascended the throne at just 26 years old. His appointment was unexpected at the time; he had been studying accountancy in the United Kingdom when he was recalled to
assume the sacred role of custodian of Ijebu tradition.
His coronation came only months before Nigeria itself gained independence, making his reign almost synonymous with the country’s modern journey.
Over the years, Oba Adetona distinguished himself not merely as a traditional monarch, but as a stabilising force and an influential elder statesman. His fearlessness in speaking truth to power was legendary.
In 1981, he was briefly suspended by Governor Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State for criticising political excesses, only to be reinstated after the military coup in 1983. This marked him out as a monarch who did not cower before state authority but saw himself as a servant of the people first.
Adetona elevated the Ojude Oba festival, an annual gathering of Ijebu people into a national spectacle. Through his leadership, Ijebuland maintained one of the most robust traditional councils in Yorubaland.
Besides, he was deeply invested in education, serving as chancellor of universities and helping to found Crescent University in Abeokuta. He also published a widely read autobiography, Awujale, which chronicled his personal and political philosophy, offering readers an unfiltered view into palace life, Yoruba identity, and national politics.
Abiodun wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered Awujale of Ijebuland. Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91 leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“It is indeed double sadness that Oba Adetona joined his ancestors the same day that the former President, Muhammadu died in a London, the United Kingdom hospital. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a remarkable royal father, who ascended the throne in 1960, marking the beginning of a transformative era for Ijebuland.
“Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
“Under his guidance, Ijebuland witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure and community development, establishing itself as a model of progress in Ogun State. His leadership not only enhanced the cultural heritage of Ijebuland with the Ojude Oba festival attaining international standards but also solidified its reputation as a thriving
hub of commerce and tradition.”
As Nigerians mourn his passing, Abiodun stressed that there was the need to celebrate the extraordinary life of Oba Adetona and honour his contributions to the country.
“His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to uphold the values he instilled in us during his illustrious reign,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu yesterday evening mourned Oba Adetona, describing the first class traditional ruler as an honest arbiter, confidante and reliable leader without any guile.
According to him, the foremost monarch who spent over 65 years on the Awujale stool was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class and an unmistakable sense of duty.
Tinubu in the tribute stated: "One of Nigeria's most outstanding, foremost, and revered traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has joined his ancestors after over 65 remarkable years on the throne.
"I received the news of this transition … with double pain in my heart as it coincided with the passing of my predecessor, President Muhammadu
Mary Nnah
The Guaranty Trust Holding Company's (GTCO) 15th Annual Autism Conference is shining a spotlight on the critical need for early intervention and inclusion in autism awareness, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment that enables individuals with autism to thrive.
Ahead of the conference, scheduled to take place from July 15th to 17th at the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos, stakeholders have emphasised the need for awareness and inclusion.
Addressing journalists on
Thursday, during a press briefing ahead of the 15th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, themed “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion”, at the GTBank Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos, Head of Corporate Communication for GTCO, Oyinade Adegite, emphasised the company's commitment to creating awareness and promoting inclusion.
“We have to go to communities, spread the news and advocate that we understand that people with Autism are different and it doesn't make them bad,” she said.
Adegite further highlighted the importance of creating a supportive
environment for individuals with autism. “Sometimes we ask ourselves what can be worth it other than giving a voice to people who don't have a voice. And sometimes we can speak.
“And sometimes we feel like we are not heard. It's something that bothers us. And then you can imagine for children and adults who don't even find ways of expressing themselves and calling on society and communities to understand the differences.”
Dr. Grace Bamgboye, a renowned speech and language pathologist, emphasised the importance of early intervention in helping children with
autism reach their full potential.
“The earlier we can identify and intervene, the better the outcomes for these children,” she said.
Solape Azazi, a passionate autism advocate, shared her personal experience of navigating the system and highlighted the need for more support and resources.
“Many families are left to fend for themselves, without access to the necessary tools and support to help their children thrive,” she said.
The GTCO's 15-year commitment to autism awareness and inclusion has made significant strides in promoting awareness and inclusion in Nigeria.
Buhari. The demise of Oba Adetona has left an enormous void within the traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
"Oba Adetona was a towering natural ruler who served his people with dignity, panache, class, and an unmistakable sense of duty.
During his remarkable reign that witnessed tremendous progress and development in Ijebu-Ode and the entire Ijebuland, Oba Adetona provided uncompromising leadership to his people.
"In his over six decades on the throne, ascending at 26, Oba Adetona used his role as a foremost ruler to advance the cause of progress and national unity. In a time of national crisis and uncertainty, he stood firmly as a voice of reason.
“I enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with Kabiyesi. I will forever cherish our time together. He was an honest arbiter, confidante, and reliable leader without any guile. I found his company comforting, wisdom enriching, and candour empowering.” Tinubu stated that Adetona's sterling qualities of service, philanthropy, investment in education, and research through the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye, will be enduring monuments in his memory.
As the nation mourns Adetona's passing, the President extended his condolences to the family, Governor Abiodun, the government, the people of Ogun State, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Retired Deputy Commander General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, has said that drug abuse among commanding officers in the Nigerian military leads to decreased ability to lead by example. He also noted that another leadership and command challenge of substance abuse by commanding officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria is difficulty in maintaining discipline and order.
Speaking on the dangers of commanding officers abusing drugs at a One-Day Mental Health Sensitization Training for Personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Momodu further stressed that drug abuse reduces subordinate confidence in leadership.
According to him, "These types of drugs we are talking about exert their major impacts on the brain. It is pertinent to note that all activities we carry out are coordinated by the brain. For instance, such activities as movement/coordination, experiencing hunger and thirst, remembering/ recalling, speech, calculating, and so on.
"An officer who is suffering from drug use disorder whose brain functions are already altered by the drugs can
have their behaviours altered in a number of ways, which may include: officers who suffer from hallucinations and delusions will lack concentration and coordination; erratic behaviour and mood swings, stealing of funds, leaking of vital financial information, reduced personal competency, strained relationships with colleagues, organizational problems, and damage to the reputation of the corps."
He also outlined some of the operational challenges of abusing drugs by commanding officers, including compromised security, increased risk of accidents and casualties, decreased situational awareness and response time, reduced ability to adapt to changing situations, decreased effectiveness in combat and peacekeeping operations, increased risk of fratricide and civilian casualties, and compromised ability to achieve mission objectives.
The ex-Director of Technical Services of NDLEA stated that the one-day sensitization training is designed to raise awareness about mental health among armed forces personnel.
The programme, he said, includes educational sessions, interactive activities, a documentary screening, music, a drug test demo, and survey assessments to help participants understand, reflect on, and manage mental health challenges.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611
After nearly nine months of legal battle over the number one seat in Edo State, respite came the way of Senator Monday Okpebholo last Thursday, following the affirmation of the election that brought into power as Edo State Governor by the Supreme Court, writes Alex Enumah.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the final court in the country and as such its decision cannot be appealed against except to the Almighty God. So, when it delivered its verdict on the Edo State Governorship Election litigation last week, it won’t be out of place to say the curtain has been drawn and every hope of aggrieved candidates for manning the saddle of leadership in the state has been deferred until 2028, when the next governorship election is expected to take place.
Invariably, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the next three years and five months does not need to prove to anyone that he won the September 21, 2024 governorship poll but that he was deserving to steer the ship of Edo State. His major priority should be how to deliver the dividends of democracy and campaign promises.
Rather than focussing on the failures and shortcomings of the immediate past administration or looking for scapegoats in the opposition, Okpebholo should work tirelessly to ameliorate the burdens of the nearly 300,000 voters who put their trust in him and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edo State is known as the “Heartbeat” of Nigeria and by its geographical location easily connects with the South west, South east on one hand and the Northern part of the country. Unfortunately, as at today none of the major roads that leads to these various geopolitical zones is in passable condition. Besides road infrastructure another major challenge Okpebholo would do well to curtail is the issue of insecurity that is gradually stifling the economy of the state. While the menace is a national challenge, collaboration with neighbouring states as well as establishing a local security network that would work hand in hand with the police and other national security agencies can quickly drive economic development, promote peace and prosperity of the people of Edo State.
In the midst of scarce resources for development of the state, rather than spend money on different probe panels which may eventually lead to nowhere after four years, Governor Okpebholo would do well to woo his opponents to his side, in demonstration of the saying, “no victor, no vanquish”.
This is not the time for vendetta but a period to pursue the development and wellbeing of the Edo people.
Those who lost the battle both at the September 21 poll and at the courts, should know and accept that “there must be an end to litigation”, sheath their sword and either join hands with the government to move the state forward or begin earnest preparations for 2028.
Nothing would give the people of Edo State joy like the enthronement of peace, progress and development by a focus and determined administration. And nothing can guarantee the easy return of Governor Okpebholo and the APC in 2028, like the enthronement of good governance, peace and stability.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last year declared candidate of the APC winner of the September 21 governorship election, having scored majority of the votes cast at the poll.
According to the electoral umpire Okpebholo had polled 291,667 votes to emerge as winner, while Ighodalo came second with 247,274 votes, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata, finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Dissatisfied, Ighodalo and the PDP had approached the state election petition
tribunal to challenge the result, claiming that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
They had also prayed the court to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner on the ground that the election was allegedly marred by irregularities.
However, the tribunal after considering oral and documentary evidences presented before it by all parties, came to the conclusion that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations of non-compliance and over-voting, among others.
The tribunal subsequently dismissed the case of Ighodalo and PDP and affirmed INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as lawful winner of the governorship poll in Edo State,
held on September 21, 2024.
Still not satisfied, Ighodalo approached the appellate court to challenge the verdict of the tribunal, but was again told that he failed to present a convincing case, in addition to the fact that he called just 19 witnesses to support his case, majority of whom lacked the necessary competence to give evidence because they were not at the polling units to witness first hand, how the alleged irregularities and over-voting occurred.
Again, not satisfied with the findings and conclusions of the appellate court, Ighodalo accordingly approached the Supreme Court to redress his grievances.
He claimed that the appellate court perverse justice and misdirected itself when it unanimously held that the appellant did not prove the allegation of non-compliance and over-voting, among others.
However, the apex court last Thursday
Senator Monday Okpebholo in the next three years and five months does not need to prove to anyone that he won the September 21, 2024 governorship poll but that he was deserving to steer the ship of Edo State. His major priority should be how to deliver the dividends of democracy and campaign promises.
in its conclusion held that the case of the appellant lacked merit, adding that it had not find any tangible reasons to deviate from the judgment of the two lower courts.
The five-member panel in a unanimous judgment held that the appellant failed to prove allegations of non-compliance as well as claim that Okpebholo did not win lawful votes cast during the September 21, governorship election in Edo State.
Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal, who read the lead judgment, stated that the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal were in order in dismissing the case of People’s Democratic Party (PDP’s) candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, for lacking in merit.
Like the earlier judgments, the apex court noted that the appellant failed to call relevant witnesses to support their case, adding that the Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines which they had relied upon to prove over-voting was not put to use but simply dumped on the court.
The apex court also held that relevant documents such as voter’s register was not also presented to prove over-voting. It was the conclusion of the panel that the alleged irregularities as claimed by the appellant was not substantial enough to affect the outcome of the election, even if any existed.
“The appellant did not satisfactorily discharge the burden of proof placed on him by the law”, Justice Lawal held and subsequently dismissed the case for lacking in merit.
From the North-East to the North-West, and across joint theatres of operation, airstrikes have become a crucial component of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency and internal security efforts. But alongside this reliance on airpower comes the challenge of avoiding harm to non-combatants living within or near conflict zones. Several times, erroneous strikes often caused by skewered and complicated intelligence have resulted to civilian casualties, thus undermining public confidence and straining civil-military relations. In recognition of these past lapses, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the NAF, under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, is redefining its approach—placing protection of civilians at the heart of its operational strategy. From humanitarian restitutions to the recent creation of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Board, the NAF is truly reshaping the narrative around airpower—where compassion, accountability, and precision go hand in hand
“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to delivering accurate and timely air responses for our ground forces. From surveillance to strikes, and logistics—we will do all to ensure you fight effectively and return home safely.”
That was the clear assurance given by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on June 24, 2025. To stakeholders, it was more than a ceremonial statement as it went beyond assurances for troops to underscore a renewed doctrine of precision, compassion, and accountability in air operations, especially with regard to the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict.
Civilian Protection in Conflict Zones
Across the world, civilians are frequently the unintended victims of armed conflict—injured, displaced, or killed while simply living near military targets. The outcomes are either loss of life or injury and even profound psychological trauma.
Central to humanitarian law is the principle of Protection of Civilians (PoC). According to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, civilians and noncombatants must never be targeted and must be spared from the ravages of war. Yet, even with increased awareness, full implementation in modern combat zones remains a challenge.
Airstrike Miscalculations
In Nigeria, over time, erroneous airstrikes have frayed relations between military forces and the civilian population as such incidents undermine counterinsurgency efforts and the vital civil-military tr ust necessary for intelligence-sharing and post-conflict stability.
To address this, stakeholders have consistently harped on the need for strengthened coordination between air and ground units, and enhanced operator training with protection of civilians as one of them.
Understanding the need to protect civilians from harm, under the current leadership, the NAF has shown that airpower is not only about dominance in the skies—it is about compassion on the ground.
Guided by Air Marshal Abubakar’s philosophy of “People First, Mission Always,” the NAF has incorporated community outreach, humanitarian relief, and rapid redress for civilian harm as part of its operational ethos.
“From rapid compensation for victims of unintended airstrikes to fostering stronger community ties, these actions are reflective of the Nigerian Air Force’s values of professionalism, responsibility, and respect for human dignity,” said Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information. “For the NAF, protecting the lives and property of Nigerians is not just a constitutional duty; it is a sacred trust.”
Accountability
However, beyond the humanitarian aspect was the need for deliberate steps to ensure its operations reflect military precision as well. One of the major developments in this area has been the Nigerian Air Force’s institutionalisation of Civilian Harm Mitigation frameworks aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring precision in air operations.
Inaugurated on July 8, 2025, the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Board was charged with implementing the Nigerian Air Force’s Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan (CHMR-AP) across all operational levels, including in joint theatres of engagement, which highlights NAF’s deepening commitment to international humanitarian law and the integration of accountability into air operations.
Speaking on behalf of the CAS during the inaugural session, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, stated, “We will continue to adapt and refine our strategies to minimise harm and strengthen the legitimacy of our operations.”
Representing the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Chief of Civil Military Relations, emphasised the NAF’s dedication to executing missions with precision, responsibility, and humanity. “We will continue to adapt and refine our strategies to minimise harm and strengthen the legitimacy of our operations”.
Essentially, the CHMR Board was tasked with overseeing the full implementation of the CHMR-AP across all levels of NAF operations, including joint theatres. Key functions include compiling data on civilian harm incidents, conducting harm assessments, analysing patterns, and tracking progress through the Civilian Harm Assessment and Investigation Cell.
Accordingly, information will be sourced from internal combat assessments as well as reports from partners, NGOs, civil society, and open sources. This mechanism ensures lessons are drawn, accountability is enforced, and progress is measurable.
Air Marshal Abubakar described the board as a vital institutional mechanism that reinforces NAF’s evolving strategy to balance operational effectiveness with ethical responsibility.
“Every innocent life matters,” he stated, adding that this initiative is aimed not only at minimising civilian casualties but also at building public confidence and transparency in NAF operations. By institutionalising these
measures, the NAF is setting a new benchmark for responsible air power application while reaffirming its mission to protect the Nigerian people.
Engaging Global Partners
Taking it a step further, the NAF had earlier on July 1, 2025, deepened its commitment to CHM by hosting Defence Advisers and members of the diplomatic corps at a strategic session at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Participants included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Finland, and other partner nations. The event served as a platform to present the CHMR-AP and exchange views on best practices for civilian protection in conflict zones.
NAF’s internal mechanisms—such as its Directorate of Human Rights and Gender Affairs (DHRGA)—were also showcased, with particular attention to how the Service addresses Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to capacity-building and collaboration, reinforcing that civilian protection must remain central to modern military doctrine.
Still in line with his vision for a mission-ready and people-focused NAF, the CAS had also last month, sent a delegation led by AVM Ibikunle Daramola to Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, to reaffirm the imperative of protecting civilian lives in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North West.
Speaking to frontline personnel, AVM Daramola noted, “The trust of the people remains our most potent force multiplier.” He urged all forces to maintain both tactical precision and strategic empathy, underscoring that credible public intelligence was essential to neutralising threats without harming innocent lives. The visit further reinforced the Air Force’s adherence to international humanitarian law and its commitment to balancing operational intensity with compassion and community engagement.
The Road Ahead
For the Nigerian Air Force, the future of military operations lies in precision, accountability, and humanity. From airmen in the sky to communities on the ground, every life touched by conflict matters. Through its evolving doctrine, structured institutional responses, and engagement with national and international stakeholders, the NAF is gradually setting a new standard—where power is not just about strength, but about stewardship.
In the words of Air Marshal Abubakar: “Every mission must reflect the highest level of responsibility. We owe it to the people we protect, to ourselves, and to the values we stand for.” Through a combination of institutional reforms, public engagement, and a renewed commitment to international humanitarian norms, the Nigerian Air Force is sending a strong message: that civilian protection is not a secondary concern, but a strategic priority.
08097710984 (WhatsApp only) alekhuogien@yahoo.com
In 2024, global investors committed
$2.6 billion to women’s health startups, despite a broader downturn in venture capital activity. This investment marked a 55 per cent year-on-year increase and signalled a growing awareness that women’s health, long neglected, deserves urgent attention.
When accounting for diseases that affect women disproportionately, such as autoimmune conditions and certain types of cancer, the total investment in the broader women’s health sector reached $10.7 billion, according to a report by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).
While this momentum reflects a fundamental shift in how the world is responding to gendered health challenges, Africa’s women and health tech innovators remain overlooked. This widening gap reveals the failure to address the preventable suffering of millions of women. In a region where women represent more than half of the population, the neglect of their health needs is both a public health crisis and an untapped investment opportunity.
GLOBAL GROWTH, LOCAL STAGNATION
Globally, women’s health is undergoing a transformation. Investment in precision medicine and personalised healthcare for women surged to $3.6 billion in 2024 from $1.4 billion the previous year.
Healthtech is evolving beyond mobile apps to encompass diagnostics, biopharma, and clinical-stage solutions that specifically target female biology. The sector’s growth is not only driven by compassion, but also backed by data and business sense.
Women are 75 per cent more likely than men to use digital health tools and spend nearly 30 per cent more per capita on healthcare, according to data from the National Institutes of Health.
Despite these global advancements, Africa’s FemTech ecosystem remains underdeveloped. Across the entire continent, fewer than 30 active FemTech startups can be confirmed. In contrast, Nigeria alone boasts more than 200 active fintech companies. African FinTech raised over $1.5 billion in 2023, while investment in women-centred health innovation barely registers.
The disparity is not due to a lack of demand or potential. African women experience some of the most profound health disparities in the world, yet venture capital often dismisses their needs as too niche or unprofitable.
This flawed perception ignores the evidence that women control more than $30 trillion in global consumer spending, a figure projected to reach $40 trillion by 2030. The global FemTech market is on track to reach $1 trillion by the end of the decade, and Africa has every reason to claim a significant share of that growth.
THE HEAVY BURDEN OF WOMEN’S HEALTH IN AFRICA
Across Africa, women’s health outcomes remain deeply troubling. According to UNICEF, 40 million women of reproductive age in Nigeria face some of the direst maternal and reproductive health statistics globally. The country contributes nearly 10 per cent of global maternal deaths despite representing just over two per cent of the world’s population.
The maternal mortality rate stands at 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, and approximately 262,000 babies die at birth each year. These figures reflect a systemic failure to provide basic and life-saving health services to women and their newborns.
The situation in northern Nigeria is particularly dire. In states like Borno and Yobe, up to 90 per cent of pregnant women give birth without the assistance of a skilled health professional. Cultural norms in many rural communities prevent women from receiving care from male doctors, making the presence of female health workers critical.
Initiatives like the Women for Health (W4H) program by the UK’s FCDO have helped increase the number of female providers, but access remains alarmingly low.
In addition to maternal health challenges, non-communicable diseases such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are increasingly contributing to female mortality.
These conditions are often undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in underserved regions. Reproductive health conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS also affect a large proportion of women but are frequently misdiagnosed or ignored due to poor health-seeking behaviours and systemic neglect.
Across the continent, a wave of women-led health tech startups is transforming how healthcare is delivered, often in communities where public systems have failed for decades. These women are designing digital solutions that are affordable and rooted in the everyday realities of African life.
Yet, despite the life-saving potential of their work, these innovators face a lack of funding and visibility.
An example is ChilGroup, a telemedicine company bridging the care gap between rural Africa and global healthcare systems. Through an interconnected network of rural clinics, school sickbays, and partner hospitals across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, ChilGroup ensures that patients in underserved regions gain access to diagnostics and specialised consultations they would otherwise never receive.
In Nigeria, Whispa Health is challenging
cultural taboos around sexual and reproductive health. Its mobile app offers confidential access to sexual health education, private telemedicine consultations, and affordable contraceptive services. By tackling issues often avoided in public discourse, Whispa Health empowers young women and men to take control of their bodies and their futures.
Another innovator, Erith Health in Ghana, focuses on the often-overlooked safety of caregivers. The startup supplies Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals and clinics, protecting frontline workers from infectious diseases and toxic exposures. Their work became especially vital during the pandemic, but continues to fill systemic safety gaps in everyday clinical care.
Then there is Natal Cares, a maternal health tech platform that utilises mobile phones and machine learning to monitor at-risk pregnancies. Through real-time alerts, remote check-ins, and connections to emergency support, the company is reducing maternal and infant mortality in regions where basic services are scarce.
In a similar vein, Mumspring has developed Agnes, an AI-powered, multilingual virtual midwife that provides culturally sensitive guidance for pregnant women. With a focus on local languages and rural accessibility, Mumspring is ensuring that maternal support reaches the women who need it most, wherever they live.
Meanwhile, Lifebank has become a household name in African health tech, delivering blood and oxygen using drones and motorcycles. Their tech-driven logistics platform supports hundreds of hospitals across Nigeria and Kenya, ensuring critical supplies arrive when and where they are needed.
Platforms like Clafiya, which utilise USSD codes to provide rural Nigerians with fast and low-cost access to primary healthcare, demonstrate the potential of non-internet-based solutions for digital inclusion. In South Africa, Quro Medical is revolutionising care through Africa’s first “hospital at home” model, enabling real-time health monitoring from the comfort of patients’ homes and reducing exposure to hospital-acquired infections.
Each of these women-led startups shows African women are not waiting for the world to rescue them. They are building, testing, and deploying the solutions their communities desperately need.
Yet, despite their success stories, most of these ventures remain stuck in early-stage funding cycles. Few have crossed into Series A, and even fewer have achieved large-scale institutional backing. This stagnation is not due to poor performance or weak business
models, but a scarcity of funds available for health tech firms solving African problems. Without targeted funding, mentorship, and ecosystem support, these innovators risk being left behind. Not because their ideas lack merit, but because the systems around them have failed to evolve. And if African capital continues to ignore them, others will eventually step in, claiming credit, profit, and control of solutions born from African soil.
The innovations are here, the impact is evident, but the only thing missing is belief and investment.
Why funding is failing and what can be done
The question is no longer whether innovation exists, but why it is not being funded. Many investors cite concerns about exit strategies, low margins, or cultural resistance as reasons for their hesitation. Yet these arguments overlook the increasing M&A activity in adjacent healthcare sectors and the distinct routes to scale in Africa, including government partnerships, NGO collaborations, or crossborder expansion.
Furthermore, the public health urgency should outweigh outdated assumptions about profitability. From maternal care to menstrual health, every layer of a woman’s life offers opportunities for technology to intervene, improve outcomes, and generate returns. Investors must start seeing these startups not as charity cases but as serious ventures ready for Series A and beyond.
Additionally, governments must create an enabling environment. The allocation of 2.48 trillion in Nigeria’s 2024 federal health budget, though a step forward, is only impactful if linked to reforms that encourage private sector collaboration. Stronger regulatory frameworks, data-sharing ecosystems, and tax incentives for health tech firms could transform the ecosystem.
The global rise in women’s health investment has demonstrated that addressing femalespecific conditions is both a moral imperative and a sound business strategy. Africa, with its youthful population, growing digital infrastructure, and intensifying health demands, is perfectly positioned to lead the next chapter of FemTech innovation.
What remains is for African investors and policymakers to recognise the moment and move boldly. Supporting these startups now is more than catching up to the West. It is about creating a homegrown ecosystem rooted in African realities, led by African women, and financed by African visionaries.
As more women step into tech, leadership, and healthcare innovation, the continent has an opportunity to finally close its most persistent care gaps through smart capital, shared belief, and local leadership.
Lewis Chukwuma
Against the nightmarish background of worsening insecurity in the country, expressed in different bloody iterations, Nigeria’s political leadership must bite the bullet and boldly opt for the engagement of military contractors to complement the efforts of the nation’s almost overwhelmed security agencies - and get the job done. Here’s why.
Since 2009, Nigeria’s military has been battling an Islamist insurgency. Today, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) is now using armed drones for attacks in Nigeria. Security analysts agree that authorities must adopt a new counterterrorism strategy to defeat the insurgents.
In 2016, ISWAP broke away from Boko Haram over doctrinal differences and subsequently became an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State (IS), which gave the group access to resources and technical assistance. Experts say the proliferation of drone warfare by state actors and its adoption by armed non-state actors means they can enhance their offensive capabilities while minimizing risks to their fighters.
ISWAP recently deployed four armed drones carrying locally made grenades in an attack on the Forward Operating Base in the Wajikoro area of Borno, Northeast zone, leaving several soldiers injured. It’s no longer news that these desperadoes attack military formations at will.
The nation’s military though has stepped up efforts to contain ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents. Recent reports have it the army had thwarted plans by ISWAP to establish bases in Plateau and Bauchi states.
Using weaponized drones marks a significant shift in the insurgent group’s tactics. Residents and critics are worried the new shift could further prolong the conflict in the region while acknowledging that non-state actors have used the technology against military targets and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
According to Vincent Foucher, a research fellow at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), “They (ISWAP) have been using drones as observation drones for some time already.” He explained that the use of armed drones is growing in popularity with the war in Ukraine, adding it has “become a sort of staple of modern conflict.”
The insurgents’ access to high-tech devices has largely been linked to their control over smuggling routes and arms trafficking networks, including looting and sourcing hardware within the country. They also modify commercially available drones, specifically the quadcopter.
According to Samuel Malik, who works with Good Governance Africa, “ISWAP has proven to be highly adaptive, learning and evolving in response to state military strategies. Their shift toward incorporating drone technology mirrors broader global trends in warfare, where both state and non-state actors increasingly rely on unmanned systems for offensive and defensive operations.”
The emerging consensus is that authorities must embrace a comprehensive new strategy that combines technological innovation, military preparedness, and coordination with neighboring countries.
Over the past two years, renewed Islamist insurgency in the North-east and the rise of new terror groups in the North-central and North-west have worsened the situation. Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have intensified attacks in Borno, Yobe, and
Adamawa, using guerrilla tactics as they flee military pressure.
In the North-central and North-west, newly emerged groups like Mahmuda and Lakurawa have surfaced from sleeper cells in remote areas of Sokoto, Kwara, and Niger states. Their rise is linked to the spread of violence from the Sahel region.
Enter President Bola Tinubu
In President Bola Tinubu’s May 29, 2023, inaugural speech, he unambiguously pledged to prioritize security by improving training, equipment, pay, and firepower for the nation’s security forces. This solemn promise was encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda to overhaul the security system across board.
Two years on the executive perch as president, Tinubu has certainly not come out smelling of roses. Violent, bloody depredations by armed non-state actors with different toxic agendas, especially in rural Nigeria, have scaled up, mirrored in the thousands of deaths, countless kidnappings, genocidal ancestral land grabbing and more.
While the bosses of the nation’s clearly overstretched security forces talk tough and have actually registered commendable pushbacks - cut to the bone, they have come up short. This is palpably expressed in the failure of the administration’s efforts to rein in the subsisting infamy and stabilize the country.
According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 deaths has occurred, carried out by non-state actors since President Tinubu assumed office two years ago. Not unexpectedly, the administration has denied this figures without countering them with its own data.
ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) recorded 7,472 killed and 12,584 abducted between May 2023 and May 2025 in Nigeria. ACLED is an independent, impartial, international non-profit organization collecting data on violent conflict and protest in all countries and territories in the world.
The Military Contractors’ Option Today, it’s no secret that some developed
powerful nations engage military contractors to bolster their military operations. Some examples include the USA, UK, Russia, and France. Engagement of military contractors to complement a standing army is often considered a form of legitimate outsourcing of state security functions, particularly in developed nations.
While military contractors are employed by nations or private companies to perform military or security-related tasks; they are not necessarily mercenaries. The key distinction lies in the intent of their service and the lack of a formal legal framework:
Military contractors are individuals employed by nations or private companies (Private Military Companies or PMCs) to perform military or security-related tasks which can range from combat roles to logistical support, training, and security services.
Military contractors can offer a broader range of services, including security and training, beyond direct combat. Military contractors operate within a framework of private contracts, while mercenaries lack a permanent framework or vetting.
Nigeria’s use of military contractors is a complex issue with a history of both success and controversy, particularly in the context of combating Boko Haram. Notably, former President Jonathan’s use of military contractors towards the tail end of his abbreviated tenure - before the general election - recorded considerable successes.
While some see military contractors as a valuable asset, particularly in providing specialized training and support, concerns exist about accountability, potential for human rights abuses, and the long-term impact on national security.
Against the background of humungous annual security budgets, the successes recorded by the nation’s security agencies remain debatable. It is against this backdrop that debate for engagement of military contractors is scaling up.
The military itself may not like the idea of foreign intrusion into its statutory mandate theater but when the key challenges –technology, numbers, inter-agency rivalry, political interference and more stack up,
the logical way forward is to engage military contractors to get the job done.
According to the Nigeria Situation Report (January 2025) by ReliefWeb, nearly 8 million people require humanitarian assistance due to ongoing conflict and displacement, especially in Zamfara and Borno States.
The Castor Vali Q1 2025 Nigeria Security Report details over 1,420 deaths and 537 kidnappings in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting persistent violence mainly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
The Nextier Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database recorded 278 casualties from terrorism and 253 from banditry in 2024, with violence continuing into 2025.
The Kimpact Development Initiative report states that over 91,000 Nigerians died from insecurity between 2011 and 2024, with 14,470 deaths in 2014 alone, underscoring a worsening trend. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan projects about 33 million Nigerians facing food insecurity in 2025, driven by violence and economic hardship. In the first three months of 2025, at least 2,819 incidents of abduction were recorded, with 3,190 fatalities and 1,123 persons injured. The incidents were recorded in 428 out of 774 local government areas. It is on record that governors spent N2trn on the Nigeria Police Force, according to the NGF Secretariat findings. Governors of the 36 states have collectively spent more that sum in augmenting police operations nationwide in the last decade alone.
The amount, according to the Forum’s Secretariat, was not minding the contributions of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states, hitherto referred to as the frontline states and critical flashpoints at the peak of the war against insurgency in the country.
It revealed the purchases by the governors covered such items as Hilux light trucks, Armoured Personnel carriers, Helicopters, River Gun Boats, Horses, Communication equipment, uniforms and handcuffs among others.
While there have been some gains in combating terrorism and banditry, persistent and emerging threats continue to undermine the administration’s efforts to stabilize the country. The alarming thinking currently is that all these massive expenditures to beef up security has not reflected at the anticipated scale nor appreciably rolled back the bloody infamy.
The engagement of military contractors comes without the damaging suspicions traditional forces often experience, a scenario that often undermines critical combat cohesion and confidentiality. Military contractors are only beholden to their brief. While some may perceive their engagement as a feature of failed or weak African states, the outsourcing of security has been widely adopted by developed countries that realized the greater cost effectiveness and efficacy of private military contractors over standing armies. The use of PMSCs thus stems from the restructuring of state security functions that typify the neoliberal global order.
To accelerate the decisive defeat of the festering, multi-nuanced insecurity and urgently guarantee the critical space for massive development, President Tinubu must override contrary positions and sign-up military contractors to help get the job done.
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The construction of flyover bridges and related projects are aimed at easing traffic in addition to attracting investments, argues GEORGE ETAKIBUEBU
A CURIOUS COALITION OF POLITICIANS BAMIDELE ATOYEBI reckons that the ADC is a coalition of expired ambitions
LLeaders who are good listeners are the most effective, writes LINUS
eadership without listening is just to it, and this is a growing crisis. This crisis is not about skill gaps, economic downturns, or broken strategies. It’s about the rise of self-centered leaders; people so obsessed with their own voice, perspective, and agenda that they can’t hear anyone else. They might be charismatic, visionary, and smart, but they’re often disconnected from the very people they’re supposed to lead. Broken teams, high turnover, and a work culture built on silence among others are glaring consequences.
The truth is, most leaders don’t realize they have stopped listening until it’s too late, which is the trap. Leadership communication becomes a monologue instead of a dialogue. The boardroom becomes an echo chamber. And before long, the leader becomes the center of a universe where no
This is where active listening steps in. This is one of the most underrated leadership skills, and also one of the most powerful. Active listening is not passive. It nodding. It is about being fully present, open, and genuinely curious about what other people think and feel. It is a leadership move that prevents ego from becoming the boss.
every level were empowered to speak up during their famed Braintrust meetings. Even if you were critiquing the work of a That culture produced blockbuster after blockbuster, and more importantly, it kept leadership grounded.
Compare that with companies where leaders shut down criticism or reward only the loudest voices. Creativity dies. Engagement drops. And soon, you’re stuck managing people instead of leading them.
Empathy is at the core of active listening. It is the ability to tune in objectively to words spoken and the intent behind them.
discipline. They book one-on-one time with team members, not just to delegate but to learn. They keep their mouth shut long enough to hear the truth. They go beyond open-door policies and instead walk through the door to meet people where they are. They don’t pretend to know everything, even when they’re the smartest person in the room. They listen, because they know leadership is a trust; one that’s earned every day.
One story that stuck with me came from a CEO who ran a healthcare company. His operations team was underperforming, and his instinct was to bring in consultants and shake things up. But instead of rushing in with solutions, he did something radical. which included nurses, drivers, No agenda. No speech. Just three months, their internal processes improved because he heard what was broken and problem is clearly not about strategy but distance.
Let’s talk about what happens when leaders stop listening. When leaders don’t listen, they start operating in a vacuum. Decisions are made based on assumptions, it explodes. Talented team members withdraw, withhold ideas, or walk away altogether. The environment becomes toxic, but quietly so. There’s no dramatic crash, just a slow erosion of trust and morale.
The more authority a leader gains, the easier it becomes to ignore voices that challenge or complicate their thinking. And that’s where authoritarian tendencies begin. Not the scary, tyrannical kind but the polite version. The kind that smiles, speaks in strategy language, and still silences people. You see it in leaders who interrupt their team, dismiss concerns, or constantly redirect conversations back to themselves. Sometimes, it is subtle and culturally acceptable. Nonetheless, the leadership.
So how do you avoid becoming that leader? Start with listening. One of the best examples of this is Ed Catmull, cofounder of Pixar. At the height of Pixar’s success, Catmull was intentional about creating what he called “a culture of candor.” He built a workplace culture where dissent was encouraged. People at
When you lead with empathy, you listen to understand, and not to defend. This shift alone transforms how your team interacts with you. People don’t want perfect leaders. They want real ones. Leaders who and show they care.
It is not just about feel-good culture. Listening has measurable business value. Research from Zenger Folkman, a leaders who were rated as great listeners
collaboration, and stronger performance. Listening is an endearing people strategy. Most leaders say they are open to feedback. But openness is a posture, not a policy. If you want people to be honest responding well to uncomfortable truths. That means thanking someone for their courage even when what they said stings. and not pretending to listen just to check a box.
Feedback is not criticism. It is accountability. And it’s the most direct way to stay grounded in your leadership role. If no one is correcting you, challenging you, or asking hard questions, that’s not loyalty. It is fear, and this does not lead to greatness.
Some of the best leaders I have worked with are those who make listening a
This is exactly what listening closes; the distance between a leader and their people. If you’re leading a team right now, ask yourself: when was the last time someone told me something I didn’t want to hear? And how did I respond? Do people feel safe telling you the truth? Do you interrupt more than you inquire? Is your team engaged, or are they performing for approval?
Active listening is not about giving up to lift others, not just yourself. When you listen well, you empower people to lead from wherever they are. And that kind of leadership multiplies. It scales. It lasts. Sometimes, you do not need a new strategy but sharper ears. So, here’s the takeaway: If you want to avoid becoming a self-centered leader, start by being a self-aware one. Train yourself to listen, questions. Resist the urge to control every narrative. And remember that every time you listen deeply, you remind your team
Leadership is not about being heard. It’s about hearing what no one else is listening for, and this is where the real power lies. and listen more. And watch everything change.
•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.
The construction of flyover bridges and related projects are aimed at easing traffic in addition to attracting investments, argues GEORGE ETAKIBUEBU
experience in riverine terrains and timely delivery
leveraging its experience to maintain progress. The commitment to monthly payments has further have emerged. The relocation of high-tension and inconsistent dust suppression on detours has minimized disruptions. The state government’s construction period so far.
expertise in delivering high-quality infrastructure,
gridlock and facilitating smoother transportation of the region’s most congested pinch points. The road pedestrian safety.
impactful infrastructure. employment opportunities, from engineers and traders and motorists have expressed optimism metropolis.
and structured payment plan demonstrate a realistic
reducing frustrations that can lead to social unrest. The involvement of local leaders and communities cooperation during and after construction. Lagos
ATOYEBI reckons that the ADC is a coalition of expired ambitions
for over seven years, appointing loyalists
must create value through their actions. Humanistic philosophy, in contrast, teaches that leadership should centre on compassion, dignity, and respect for human
What humanity did they leave
chaired Nigeria’s privatization you hand over Nigeria to Atiku, regret. His legacy is not one of himself as the monk of governance frugal, modest, local government elections, choosing instead to run the
confusing authoritarian control for leadership. An elder in Southern Kaduna once said, and a shield for the politically connected. He presidents, governors, senators, and ministers
They have no shared ideology, no policy clarity, and no philosophical vision. Their only reminds Nigerians of their failures.
people and preaching unity only after you’ve
leading to the deaths of hundreds and displacement
Local leaders, elders, and clergy accused his Christian communities, dismantling their He refused to conduct local government elections for residents.
• Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, engages in accountability and policy monitoring while also serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist
THISDAY MONDAY JULY 14, 2025
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
It’s time to address the country’s population growth
With the theme ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’, the World Population Day 2025 was celebrated last Friday in many countries. But not surprisingly, it was not marked in Nigeria. Established by the United Nations and to raise awareness about how population issues impact society. If a sustainable society is the one with moderate population growth that enables its are ecologically sustainable, it goes without saying that a growing population that is not matched with commensurate socio-economic chaos. That precisely is the case with Nigeria today.
Nigeria is among the fastest growing countries of the world in terms of population. According to the United Nations population prediction, by the year 2050, three of Nigeria. Against the background that uncontrolled population growth is already stretching the few infrastructure facilities in the country and contributing in large measure to the poor standards
to the World Bank, result in increasing pressure on young Nigerians to migrate in search of gainful
The World Bank has in recent years warned that Nigeria is currently undergoing the worst unemployment crisis in its history. Three years
Nigeria has a lot to worry about concerning a population that continues to bulge exponentially, at a period the nation is ranked among the poorest people in the world
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
The essence of the World Population Day is to are often conditioned on population dynamics. It that a growing population presents both challenges and opportunities. Indeed, one of the issues that should task authorities in Nigeria is the growing unemployment, especially among young people. A combination of rising unemployment, booming
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
expanding working-age population combined with scarce domestic employment opportunities amid dwindling resources. This, according to the report, was creating high rates of unemployment, especially for the growing youth population. Nigeria has a lot to worry about concerning a population that continues to bulge exponentially, at a period the nation is ranked among the poorest people in the world. We are saddled with high incidence of unemployment, predominant production of primary goods
pushing people from rural communities. The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in deepening this problem as the nation churns out a by technology, skills, and knowledge. many countries in Europe and Asia is ageing, Nigeria’s But that is only if authorities in the country can design skills. To the extent that there is no such thing, then stakeholders should begin to focus their attention the challenge, we must start with the much-needed
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.
Nigeria is currently witnessing a rejuvenated bilateral relations with the United States, and the reason is not far-fetched. Under the watch of Ambassador Richard M.Mills Jnr, the United Stateslations between both countries. Not that there was a thaw in the relations
As it stands, the determination and hard work of Mr Mills Jnr who conmagic wand.
in a landslide victory for a second term, the United States administration
administration’s agenda.
clarion call yielded the desired result with the member-countries commit-
to their obligations to the body.
United States has been benevolent, and magnanimous in assisting Nigeria
this will continue to be on the growth trajectory. relations with Nigeria is the issuance of visas. Whereas Nigeria has announced waivers for visitors who overstayed, the US should also be magof stay for Nigerian travellers. For many years Nigeria and the US have en-
sidered in the US relations with Nigeria.
cession.
government.
–Chukwudi Enekwechi, Abuja
Editor: Goddy Egene
goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com
0803 350 6821
Recently, United Bank for Africa Plc upgraded its Point of Sale terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to provide convenient, fast, and secure services to its customers across Africa and beyond, writes Kayode Tokede
UBA recently unveiled its vastly improved Point of Sale (POS) terminal as well as the UBA MONI App. The move by the financial institution is aimed at redefining the digital payment landscape that comes with ease of transaction and secure services to its over 45 million customers globally.
Also, it is meant to empower Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) and drive its seamless banking operations.
The POS and MONI App upgraded platforms, according to the bank, is part of its ongoing campaign with the theme: Innovation for Progress: Empowering SMEs, Connecting Communities, Simplifying Banking.
The newly improved POS, which provides customers efficiency and ease in transacting their businesses, boasts exciting features designed to boost efficiency, transparency and trust for merchants; including instant settlement, realtime monitoring, pay-by-link functionality, and a 100per cent transaction success rate.
With the new service, customers can enjoy flexibility, as the terminals have been equipped to serve businesses of all sizes, providing the speed, reliability and fast-paced services demanded by today’s merchants.
The UBA MONI App, which is designed to further strengthen financial institution’s agency banking network, has also been modified with new features. The features include: instant settlement; pay-by-transfer options; secret question security; an enhanced inbox, and a redesigned homepage—offering agents and customers an even more intuitive and secure experience.
This is in addition to its core features of instant account opening with BVN/NIN, realtime transfers, cash deposits and withdrawals, airtime/data payments with agent discounts, and instant POS deployment remains at the heart of the app.
POS, MONI APP UPGRADE NECESSITY
Amid expansion in business frontier, the POS and MONI App upgrade was necessary to enhance security, improved transaction speed and reliability, integration with digital banking ecosystem and support for new payment channels.
The POS terminals now work seamlessly with UBA’s digital banking platforms (e.g mobile app, internet banking and Leo chatbot).
UBA has one of the largest distribution networks in Africa. As at 2024, there were over 1,000 branches and customer touch points across Africa. 2,669 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and over 430,00 POS machines fully deployed. In the same year, it had over 32.6
million digital banking customers with 5.8 million Leo users.
In addition, UBA as of 2024 declared over 21.2 million active cards issued. Same year, the financial institution recorded a double-digit growth in key transactional income lines reflective of the bank’s enhanced offering and robust digital banking play.
E-banking income of N236.3billion in 2024 from N125.57 billion in 2023 accounts for 40 per cent of the total fees and commission income, underpinned by our sustained emphasis on technology-led innovation and best customer experience.
The group noted that its investments in state-of-the-art technology continue to yield expected results, evident in the huge boost of its digital banking income, which grew 91.9per cent year-on-year to N253.0 billion in 2024.
“These gains have enabled us to optimize net earnings amid the accelerating inflationary pressure, currency devaluation, and increased regulatory-induced cost. Digital banking adoption continues to drive our digital banking transaction volumes and revenues,” it explained in 2024 investors & analysts presentation.
Other UBA’s digital channels include: UBA Mobile Banking App that enables transfers, bill payments, airtime purchase, card management, account monitoring; UBA Internet Banking that ease local and international transfers; UBA Leo (Chat Banking), an AI-powered virtual banker available on: WhatsApp,Facebook Messenger and Apple Business Chat and UBA USSD Code – *919#.
The group also has UBA Pay with QR /
mPOS, a scan-to-pay via the UBA Mobile App or third-party wallets. The QR also offers mini POS for small businesses.
In addition, UBA Payment Gateway / e-BillsPay targeted merchants and businesses to receive payments online.
The Group Managing Director & CEO, UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, has played a central role in shaping and accelerating financial institution’s digital transformation across its platforms. His leadership is driving innovation and delivering value for customers and the bank through aggressive digital investment, among others.
Alawuba, over the time, emphasised that UBA has “invested so much in digital banking,” now handling roughly 90 per cent of all transactions digitally, with a target to reach 95per cent soon.
Under Alawuba’s leadership, UBA has launched improvements to its mobile app and introduced chatbot banking—Pioneering solutions in Nigerian banking
He reframed “complaints” as vital feedback, and strengthened UBA’s Customer Fulfilment Centre to address issues promptly and refine digital services.
UBA’s digital platform supports operations in 20 African countries, contributing over half of its profitability
While expanding into France and Saudi Arabia, Alawuba stressed that digital banking is critical for delivering services across such diverse markets
Alawuba had highlighted that digital transformation enables UBA to manage operating costs, enhance fraud prevention, and deliver better service reliability. His vision is not just transactional but transformational:
We understand that speed, transparency, and reliability are critical for business growth, and that’s exactly what the new UBA POS and Moni App deliver. At UBA, we are not just providing a payment device, we are offering a promise of efficiency, trust, and support to the thousands of businesses that rely on us daily. This solution is a testament to our dedication to helping our customers thrive in today’s digital economy
positioning UBA as Africa’s premier digitallyenabled, pan-African bank, with continued global expansion to follow.
UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, said that as a forwardthinking financial institution, UBA is always on the look-out for modern ways to improve their services and offerings, to give customers top-notch experiences while conducting their daily businesses.
He said: “At UBA, we are constantly innovating to provide seamless and secure payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. The new UBA POS and MONI App are designed to empower merchants and agency banking with instant settlements, real-time transaction tracking, and unmatched reliability – ensuring they can focus on growing their businesses with a trusted partner.”
Continuing, he said: “This next-generation POS is not just a payment device; it’s a powerful tool that helps businesses stay competitive in a fast-paced economy. With UBA’s extensive reach and robust infrastructure, we are bringing convenience and confidence to every transaction. With the upgraded MONI App, we are equally equipping our agents, many of whom serve smaller communities, with faster tools, greater transparency, and an enhanced user experience that will help them grow their businesses while serving millions of underserved customers.”
Fashola explained that the bank’s continued investment in digital infrastructure aligns with its broader commitment to supporting African businesses through technology-driven banking solutions that deliver value, scalability, and trust.
UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, emphasised the bank’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“We understand that speed, transparency, and reliability are critical for business growth, and that’s exactly what the new UBA POS and Moni App deliver. At UBA, we are not just providing a payment device, we are offering a promise of efficiency, trust, and support to the thousands of businesses that rely on us daily. This solution is a testament to our dedication to helping our customers thrive in today’s digital economy,” she noted.
She called on merchants, agent banking partners and business owners to experience the myriad of offerings available by visiting any UBA branch nationwide or through the bank’s website.
Kayode Tokede
Amid attractive returns, the Pension Fund Administration (PFAs) exposure in domestic stocks and Nigeria Treasury Bills (NTBs) increased by 48.04 per cent in its Year-on-Year (YoY) growth to N3.35 trillion in May 2025 as against N2.26 trillion May 2024.
This according to data released by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
The latest data by PenCom revealed that PFAs exposure in domestic stock market and Treasury Bills have seen significant growth in one year, impacting on net value that closed May 2025 at N24.11 trillion, up by 19.2per cent or N3.88trillion YoY from N20.23 trillion May 2024.
A breakdown of the numbers revealed that PFAs stake in domestic stock market appreciated by 45.1per cent YoY to N2.75 trillion in May 2025 from N1.89 trillion in May 2024, while stake in Treasury bills closed May 2025 at N604.6 billion, about per cent 63.35 per cent YoY
Nume
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) ramped up their participation in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market in June, with inflows jumping by 133.6 per cent month-on-month to $2.73 billion, the highest level in 29 months.
This surge reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s reform drive, improved FX market transparency, and attractive yields on short-term instruments.
According to data from FMDQ,
from N370.12 billion declared by PenCom May 2024.
The combined PFAs investment in domestic stock market and treasury bills have contributed about 13.9 per cent of the N24.11trillion net assets value as of May 2025.
Analysts have attributed PFAs increasing exposure in stock market to increasing fundamentals of some listed companies, stressing that modest yield and risk-free government securities continued to influence PFAs exposure in Treasury bills
The likes of Nigerian Treasury Bills in 2025 has witnessed significant patronage by investors with yield over 20 per cent on one-year auction.
Local and foreign investors seem to respond positively to the double-digit interest rates on NTBs, as seen in the robust subscription rates, suggesting confidence in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ability to manage the country’s monetary challenges amid scarcity of foreign exchange
FPIs accounted for the bulk of foreign inflows, which made up 56.3 per cent of total FX receipts in June. The uptick helped offset weaknesses in other segments and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appeal to offshore investors amid easing global financial conditions and renewed local policy credibility.
Analysts at Cordros Securities expect the momentum from FPIs to persist in the near term, supported by elevated stop rates at OMO auctions and ongoing reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
and double-dight inflation rate.
Meanwhile, the participation by PFAs in the stock market in the first five months of 2025 lifted the market capitalisation by N7.7 trillion or 12.3per cent when compared to N62.763 trillion it closed for trading in 2024.
In the five months under review, Nigeria’s inflation showed signs of easing, currently at 22.97 per cent amid its rebased National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projections were revised upward by key stakeholders.
So far this year, CBN has continued its monetary policy tightening to stabilise the naira and inflation.
Under Dr. Olayemi Cardoso of the CBN, Nigeria economy has seen gradual clearance of the foreign exchange backlogs and heh has restored stability into the foreign exchange market as he had reassured both local and foreign investors from day he resumed duty.
They reiterated that while inflows from foreign direct investors and corporates softened, the sharp rise in portfolio flows signals a return of foreign capital to Nigerian markets. Nonetheless, lingering global uncertainties and geopolitical risks could still pose headwinds to broader foreign exchange liquidity.
They stated: “According to the data from FMDQ, total inflows into the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) declined by 28.1 per cent m/m to $4.84 billion in June from May $6.74 billion. The
Listed corporate earnings on NGX also played a pivotal role with major fundamental companies declaring impressive earnings in the first quarter ended March 2025 and others migrated to profit generation.
The Treasury bills yields in Nigeria remained high through May 2025, with average yields in the 19-221 per cent range. The primary driver was excess liquidity paired with monetary policy aiming to stabilize inflation expectation.
Analysts believe PFAs are benefiting from the undervalued stocks amid the weakening of the Naira and renewed investors’ confidence in the Nigerian stock market.
They expressed that the PFAs and domestic investors reacted sharply to naira depreciation in the foreign exchange market, doubledigit inflation rate, coupled with the CBN’s hike in MPR currently at 27.50 per cent.
The analysts further stated that the pension industry has been
outturn was primarily due to a substantial decline in inflows from local sources, 43.7 per cent of total inflows. Specifically, inflows from local sources dipped to a four-month low, decreasing by 61.4 per cent m/m to $2.11 billion from $5.48 billion following declines in inflows across individuals, exporters/importers and non-bank corporates segments.
“On the other hand, inflows from foreign sources, 56.3 per cent of total inflows surged by 116.8 per cent m/m to $2.73 billion,
recording significant growth in recent years, following several regulatory reforms by PenCom, which has seen the number of PFAs in the industry reduce as a result of some mergers and acquisitions.
Speaking, the Vice President, Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori said the pension Industry operates under stringent regulations due to the nature of handling public funds, primarily the contributions of workers meant for their retirement.
According to him, PenCom enforces guidelines and limits to ensure the safety and security of contributors’ funds as restrictions are placed on PFAs regarding the allocation of contributors’ funds into volatile assets.
“This cautious approach is in line with the need to protect contributors’ savings and ensure that they have a secure and reliable source of income during their retirement years. To achieve this, the PFAs adopt a mix of fixed and variable assets in their investment portfolios. This diversified approach
May at $1.26 billion the highest level in twenty-nine months, supported by increased market confidence and the moderation in global pressures. As a result, the FPI +133.6 per cent m/m segment recorded higher accretion, while inflows from other corporates -39.8 per cent m/m and FDIs -31.6 per cent m/m segments declined.”
Looking ahead, analysts expect sustained momentum from FPIs in the near term, supported by relatively high interest rates,
takes into consideration the risk tolerance of contributors and the different fund categories within the pension system,” he said.
Responding to PFAs exposure in the stock market, Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka explained that PFAs and investors reacted to low prices of some fundamental stocks on the exchange. According to him, “Prices had become too low to resist, and this happened because of prolonged repricing of securities across markets and instruments, pushing down stock prices below the levels they should ordinarily be.
“It also demonstrates improved earning capacities of some listed companies, as they continue to adjust to variability of costs and cost pressures in the short run, in order to stay afloat. Another factor is the usual positioning and repositioning for year-end rally by investors, as some companies begin to show strong earnings’ prospects ahead of full year results.”
improved market transparency, and reduced currency volatility. They further stated: “In the near term, we anticipate that foreign exchange inflows (particularly from FPIs) will continue to improve, supported by growing market confidence and elevated stop rates at OMO auctions. However, the lingering global trade uncertainties remain a downside risk to inflows from foreign counterparts, potentially constraining growth in the overall liquidity of the NFEM.”
Early last month, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value, GTBank, announced plans to list $105 million (N157 billion) on the London Stock Exchange after cancellation of its Global Depository Receipts. Prior to now, the financial institution had maintained a presence on the LSE through its GDRs, with each GDR representing 50 ordinary shares. The move to list on LSE followed the announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that international banks are required to have N500 billion paid-up capital requirement by March 2026. On July 9, 2025, GTCO’s 2.29 billion ordinary shares were officially admitted to trading on the main market board of the LSE via FCA’s equity share segment, which made the lender the first Nigerian bank with structure of listing on LSE, thus joining companies like Seplat Energy Plc and Airtel Africa Plc, and setting a trailblazsng example on global capital access for Nigerian financial institutions. Speaking in a post-listing media chat in London, GTCO’s CEO, Mr Segun Agbaje, explained that the transition from GDRs to LSE’s share listing is more than just optics; it is a strategic recalibration aimed at unlocking access to the global capital space and attracting long-term institutional investors. Eromosele Abiodun presents the excerpts
What does the GDR delisting mean to Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), and what does it mean to international investors?
If you look at dual listing, obviously you will delist the Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) which means that GDR is now listed on the secondary market like the new shares. It means that anytime you want to raise capital, you can come back to the LSE. So, you have created another platform for you to raise capital whether it’s for your business in Nigeria or for a business group. That’s why I call it the best of both worlds where you have Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and now you have LSE.
What motivated Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc to embrace this route?
We have to unlock Nigeria and unlock Africa. In my opinion, it was time to test whether the macro economic story of Nigeria should change, or whether you could go out and raise money in the international market. And really, that’s it, and it’s always nice to have options. So, if you ever need capital, if you want to raise it outside of Nigeria, you have the choice. Do you want to raise it in Nigeria? So if you have growth plans, you’ve given yourself more options.
What is your response to GTCO’s current valuation on the NGX?
I think we still have a long way to go in terms of finding the right valuations, and that if you look at the valuations of most companies in Nigeria, they’re trading below book or just above book. So for discerning people, Nigeria is actually a pretty cheap place to shop at the moment in terms of what you can buy. You have companies that are
doing over 30 percent ROE trading a book or below book. So, valuation is definitely undervalued currently.
Can you offer us an insight on the strategy behind raising capital from the local and international markets as most banks were raising capital from the local market?
The structure of how we raise capital in Nigeria is quite elongated. One, we realised that you couldn’t
“It’s very challenging. I mean, I can’t tell you. But with this exchange you have to meet strict criterial. You have to meet the FCA as the financial regulator of LSE. I think, honestly, the takeaway is that you have to learn how to play by the rules because you’ll be surprised how much pops up. The other takeaway, which I pray we understand in Nigeria, is that we’ve got to use media a bit more responsibly, because when you do due diligence on a company, everything that has been said about that company or the individual pop up and you’ll have to defend them, but people don’t see that. You will have to debunk, confirm and you will have to explain. It tells you that you can scale if you want to live your life well and you can value it. “
bring in the internationals in any great numbers into the local structure. But we are a Nigerian institution with over 50 per cent retail base. So, we didn’t want to dilute that retail base and not give them a chance to do the capital raise. We decided that we were going to give our first phase to that retail base and raise as much capital as we could from them, and later we would raise internationally. We did the best we could, and we raised N209 billion.
It gave us a delta of about N150 billion to get to N500 billion. And so we started the journey, and immediately we finished that transaction, we began to do this one. If you feel your stock is overvalued, then you want to sell more. But if you feel your stock is undervalued, you will have to raise capital and you will want to sell less.
The GTCO Group now has various classes of shareholders! What sort of return expectation do you anticipate?
A lot of our Nigerian retail shareholders judge us more on dividend pay outs. So, we’re now going to work on two parameters. I think that every Nigerian company should try and pay at least 15 per cent dividend yield when you look at the rate of inflation. So, for the GTCO Group, we’re going to keep that as a parameter. I think when
you look at some of the volatility in the macros, you’ve got to do at least a 25-per cent ROE at the minimum. For us, by doing this deal now, we’re going to be managing, hopefully, a dividend yield of about 15 percent ROE expectations for retail Nigerian investors and a 25 percent minimum for foreign institutions.
With GTCO’s listing on the LSE, any potential acquisition outside Nigeria?
You know we are very conservative. Honestly, diversification is happening without a lot of noise. Nigeria today is really only about 67 percent of our profit and West Africa is 27 percent. We’re going to try and push East Africa from the 1.5 percent it holds and the UK is 1.8 percent.
We will go to Senegal. I mean, that’s our first point of call. So outside Nigeria will become more important for sure. And our non-banking subsidiaries are up around 1.4 -1.5 percent and they’re barely three years old. So, we will gain some traction there.
So, you are right. But more than anything else, part of what we would do with the capital outside of Nigeria is increase the branch network in those countries, because we are clearly on the ground there. And by doing that, we’ll deepen the business. I’m not so sure you need to be 30 or 35 countries. I think you need to be in Africa today, maybe even about 15 countries and be dominant. There’s no point going into 30 countries and you’re a small player everywhere. So, what you will see us do with this capital is to come up with a strategy to become more dominant and become top five in every country. That will be our aspiration.
Any plans to be in the USA and Asia?
You know, we’re still trying to digest the UK probably contributing 1.8 percent to our profit. I think ultimately, probably the Far East will be a place to look at more than the US. It is more attractive to us than the US market, especially for trade.
How challenging was it, and what were the takeaways for GTCO in
meeting the governance and regulatory requirements of the LSE?
It’s very challenging. I mean, I can’t tell you. But with ths exchange you have to meet strict criterial. You have to meet the FCA as the financial regulator of LSE.
I think, honestly, the takeaway is that you have to learn how to play by the rules because you’ll be surprised how much pops up.
The other takeaway, which I pray we understand in Nigeria, is that we’ve got to use media a bit more responsibly, because when you do due diligence on a company, everything that has been said about that company or the individual pop up and you’ll have to defend them, but people don’t see that. You will
have to debunk, confirm and you will have to explain. It tells you that you can scale if you want to live your life well and you can value it.
What options do you recommend on the banking sector forbearance policy of the CBN?
First of all, I don’t think forbearance or the exit should have come as a surprise to banks. We all had a letter that said it will end in 2023. Therefore, we should have exited by the end of 2024. So, whatever the regulator has chosen to do should not have come as a surprise. We were given more than enough time to adhere and that is really my position on forbearance.
“The structure of how we raise capital in Nigeria is quite elongated. One, we realised that you couldn’t bring in the internationals in any great numbers into the local structure. But we are a Nigerian institution with over 50 per cent retail base. So, we didn’t want to dilute that retail base and not give them a chance to do the capital raise. We decided that we were going to give our first phase to that retail base and raise as much capital as we could from them, and later we would raise internationally. We did the best we could, and we raised N209 billion.”
Lastly, lets talk about the CRR policy of the CBN, how is it impacting banks to scale up profitability?
I think CRR is a result of a liquidity overhang that was inherited by this government and CBN. You will have to find a methodical way of getting rid of that liquidity. My belief is that as the CBN sees normalised liquidity, they will reduce CRR over time. But I don’t think it’s realistic to expect them to just reduce CRR in the midst of what is in the large liquidity overhang, which was inherited.
Recently West African leaders met in Abuja for the inauguration of West African Economic Summit where Nigeria pushed for the removal of structural and policy bottlenecks in travel and trade in order to boost economic growth of the sub-region. Chinedu Eze writes that the new move reignites the hope of actualising the goals of ECOWAS treaty.
It was long conceived that there would come a time when countries in West Africa would have unencumbered movement from one country to another without immigration barriers both by air, by road and by sea. It was also conceived that a time would come when these countries would enjoy one common currency to make it easy to trade among themselves, and to develop highways connecting all the countries in the sub-region.
When the Economic Community of West African States was established in May 1975, these were some of the vision conceived and after 50 years, the time is ripe to begin to realise these objectives.
So, recently, African leaders met in Abuja for the inauguration of West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) at the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the focus was how to eliminate structural and policy bottlenecks that inhibited intra-regional trade across the sub-continent.
ECOWAS wants the states in the sub-region to loosen up, remove the barriers that impugn on trade, encourage trading across the member states and also remove all remaining barriers to travel across the borders. It is instructive to note that analysists on travel, tourism and trade posit that in all the sub-regional economic bodies in Africa, ECOWAS is still behind on easy travel, effective economic corporation and easy exchange of currency.
East African Economic Community and South Africa Development Community have advanced to using identity cards to cross borders; unlike in West Africa, where you must submit passports, which must be stamped on entrance and exit. There is no free movement of vehicles across the border without heavy charges and goods from one country to another are flagged down and scrutinized like medical doctor looking for a tiny pebble swallowed by a child.
Such constraints have fueled corruption at the borders and infringed on the rights of the citizens to freely move across the states as envisioned by the ECOWAS treaty. How will member states loosen up these restraining factors? What approach can they adopt in pushing for a more liberal trade interaction among states? These were the butt of discussion at the WAES meeting.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, spoke about the importance of deepening regional trade
links in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), bringing to the fore, the most critical constraints to intra-regional trade, which is Africa’s poor transport infrastructure.
President Tinubu emphasised that intraregional trade remains under 10%, unflattering reality he stressed West Africa can no longer afford to ignore. He pointed out that the low trade record is not due to a failure of will but a concatenation of many other factors. He emphasised that the global economy will not wait for West Africa to get its act together, and rather than competing in isolation or relying on external partners, the region must strengthen its value chain, invest in infrastructure, and coordinate its policies.
He said: “Our prosperity depends on regional supply chains, energy networks, and data frameworks. We must design them together or they will collapse separately. We must move from declarations to concrete deals; from policy frameworks to practical implementation. Let us also recognize that Africa was left behind in previous industrial revolutions. We cannot afford to miss the next one. Our rare minerals power tomorrow’s green technologies, yet it is not enough to be resource-rich; we must become value-chain smart and invest in local processing and regional manufacturing. The era of ‘pit to port’ must end.
“Governments must provide the right environment: law, order, and market-friendly policies, while the private sector drives growth. Our task is to find new and effective ways to invest in our collective future, improve the business climate, and create opportunities for
our youth and women. Let us emerge from this summit with a renewed commitment to ease of doing business, enhanced intra-regional trade, improved infrastructure connectivity, and innovative ideas that move our people from poverty to prosperity.”
In his speech, Tuggar said government would not reinvent the wheel but would build on what the region has and would find new ways that add momentum to the search for peace and stability, prosperity, and growth.
He disclosed that in 2024, West Africa exported goods valued at over $166 billion, yet only 8.6 per cent of that trade remained within its borders. Imports follow the same patterns, which are heavily tilted toward partners outside the continent. “Machinery and manufactured goods from China, India, the United States, and the European Union dominate our import flows, while we continue to export unprocessed raw materials. This trajectory is untenable, and the issue is not just capacity, but orientation,” he said.
Tuggar also observed that though the informal sector finds ways to deliver what the market wants by bypassing borders and regulations when they are too slow and bureaucratic; so African governments in the region need to do more to make it easy to bring that activity within the formal sector, to bring with it the economies of scale and other efficiencies that will accelerate growth and help entrepreneurs.
“This is already happening: this Summit, as envisioned by President Tinubu, is the chance
to build on that change,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the job of African governments would be to help find the best way to deliver goods and services to its people, to help the private sector and the free market to generate investment and build capacity.
He said: “West Africa, for centuries an equal partner in international trade, was left behind by the industrial revolution and patterns of development that reduced our comparative advantage and still leaves us struggling for fair access to markets and finance. One example: we pay the costs for the climate emergency but received few of the benefits of the process that created it. Competition is healthy, and it is in our common interest to keep that competition healthy and positive for all stakeholders. As a region, West Africa has the scale, talent, and critical mass that no individual state alone can match. Let’s stop outsourcing the future and take back control of our destiny.”
Tugar may be referring to the fact that many of the states are still clinging to the whims of their colonial masters, especially French speaking states. Interest of France sometimes infringe on the objectives of ECOWAS trade treaty. For example, instead of importing provisions and other essentials from France; Ivory Coast, Togo and others can patronise West African countries that manufacture such goods and with further liberalisation on the currency, naira can be used as means of exchange in the sub-region, as Nigeria has the strongest economy so far; until ECOWAS fine tunes the regional currency, the Eco.
The summit, themed: ‘Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region’, dwelt largely on African Continental Free Trade Area. Speakers emphasised that AfCFTA aimed to connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, but efficient transportation of goods and people within the free trade area is crucial for the success of the initiative. They noted that the lack of full implementation of the African Union’s Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) remained a major obstacle to AfCFTA because protectionist aviation policies by many African countries have hindered the realisation of its full benefits.
NOTE: Story continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have announced firm collaboration aimed at halting transnational financial fraud emanating from Nigeria and to meet the compliance standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Their joint, efforts they said, seek to ensure Nigeria exit FATF grey list status through the use of technology, improved border control procedures and rebuild the goodwill of the country as a nation guided by rule of law and international regulations.
The two agencies made this known after a joint working visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, led by Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku and Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
The inspection covered passenger and cargo terminals, with both agencies highlighting reforms being implemented to meet global compliance standards ahead of a pending Financial Action Task Force assessment.
The FATF grey list includes countries placed under increased monitoring for strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing systems. While not blacklisted, such countries face greater scrutiny and reputational
risk in global trade and finance.
Speaking during the inspection, CG Adeniyi emphasized the importance of synergy between Customs and airport authorities.
“Our collaboration helps secure Nigeria’s borders while also improving passenger experience.
The goal is to uphold security without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Key issue discussed was the improvement in currency declaration procedures. Comptroller General, Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with FAAN’s provision of designated areas for passengers to make accurate financial declarations.
“We are happy with the structure FAAN has created, which includes both in-person and out-of-home declaration points,” he said.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the agency’s ongoing efforts to streamline airport operations.
“We’ve reduced touchpoints, enhanced screening, and improved the passenger journey through targeted investments.
The E-gates project is only the beginning,” she said.
She stressed the importance of passenger awareness. “We are educating travellers at multiple points—arrival, departure, and throughout the terminal—on the need to declare currency where
necessary,” she added.
Kuku noted that FAAN views cargo operations as central to
Nigeria’s future trade growth.
“Our collaboration with Customs will help eliminate delays and make
where
said.
Emma Okonji
Phase3 Telecom, West Africa’s leading digital infrastructure and technology provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a unified, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem across the continent.
The company displayed its commitment at the just concluded 2025 CCT Africa summit in Mauritius, where it brought together, top executive in cloud, content, and
telecoms to spark collaborative dialogue and to drive bold strategies for Africa’s digital future.
Speaking at the summit, the Executive Chairman, Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Stanley Jegede, said: “Africa’s digital progress depends on how well we collaborate across borders, harmonise regulatory frameworks, and co-invest in next-generation infrastructure. At CCT Africa 2025, we are not just contributing to the conversation- we
are helping shape the blueprint for a digitally enabled continent. This is about building resilient systems, equitable access, and future-shaping platforms.”
Backed by over two decades of strategic fibre deployment, enterprise-grade solutions, and satellite integration, Phase3 is trusted by governments, hyperscalers, and high-growth ventures to deliver intelligent infrastructure that supports both regional ambitions and global connectivity goals. Chief Digital Officer, Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Vikram Bhatnagar, said: “It is no longer just about access- it is about performance, proximity, and purpose. At Phase3, we are engineering smarter digital corridorsfrom edge data centres to cloud exchange points- to meet the evolving needs of Africa’s digital economy. CCT Africa is a key platform to forge strategic partnerships and drive transformation at scale.”
Kayode Tokede
Vetiva Fund Managers Limited (VFML) has announced the rebalancing of its suite of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in line with the bi-annual review of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) indices.
This routine exercise, it said, ensures that the Vetiva Equity ETFs continue to accurately reflect the performance and composition of their respective underlying indices.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are investment securities designed to
mirror the performance of a specific index, commodity, or basket of assets. Vetiva’s ETF suite includes the Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF, Vetiva Banking ETF, Vetiva Consumer Goods ETF, Vetiva Industrial ETF, and the Vetiva S&P Nigerian Sovereign Bond ETF. These funds respectively track the NGX 30 Index, NGX Banking Index, NGX Consumer Goods Index, NGX Industrial Index, and the S&P/FMDQ Nigeria Sovereign Bond Index. Like regular stocks, the ETFs are listed and traded on the NGX, and investors can
purchase units through any licensed stockbroker.
Speaking on the subject, a Portfolio Manager at VFML, Ms. Jesusetuntun Ajagun explained that ETFs make it easy for investors to achieve their investment goals.
She noted that ETFs offer several advantages, such as diversification— meaning an investment in a singular ETF provides the investor access to a number of different underlying stocks/securities which invariably reduces risk.
She also mentioned that ETFs are transparent because the indices they track and the constituents of those indices are publicly available, so investors can easily see the constituents of each ETF.
Addressing specifically the inbound and outbound stocks following the rebalancing exercise, Ajagun stated that the NGX 30 index will be welcoming recently listed Aradel Holding Plc, and Wema Bank Plc, while Conoil Plc and Julius Berger Plc will be heading in the opposite direction.
Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa at Mastercard, Folasade Femi-Lawal, speaks about Africa’s digital payments economy, the opportunities that abound, and Mastercard’s initiative in simplifying cross-border transactions across Africa, among other issues. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:
Expatiate on the Mastercard-commissioned report by Genesis Analytics projects that Africa’s digital payments economy will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030. What opportunity does this present for businesses and consumers?
Africa’s projected $1.5 trillion digital payments economy presents a transformative opportunity—for businesses to scale and for consumers to gain greater financial access. For businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which contribute over 50 per cent of Africa’s GDP, this shift means reduced reliance on cash, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved transparency and security. Traditionally, MSMEs in Africa have struggled with cash-based transactions, a challenge underscored by the World Bank, which estimates that 90 per cent of retail transactions in sub-Saharan Africa are still cash-based. This dependence on cash creates inefficiencies, security risks, and limited access to formal financial services.
Digital payments can help MSMEs streamline operations, improve cash flow management, and increase customer trust. For instance, Mastercard’s Tap on Phone technology enables businesses to accept payments via smartphones, bypassing the need for traditional POS terminals. This not only lowers costs but also provides a seamless payment experience for customers, even in rural or underserved areas.
For consumers, the shift to digital payments enhances financial access, security and convenience. With just a mobile device, consumers can pay bills, make purchases and send or receive money instantly, without relying on physical cash or traditional bank branches. This is particularly impactful in remote or underserved areas where formal financial infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.
Mastercard is actively enabling this transformation through partnerships with telecom providers and fintechs, addressing the continent’s rapidly growing internet penetration and financial inclusion rates. According to a Mastercard-commissioned report by Genesis Analytics, internet penetration in Africa is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20 per cent, while financial inclusion is expected to expand by 6 per cent annually.
To capitalize on these trends, our collaboration with MTN in 13 African markets is helping to facilitate seamless digital transactions by integrating Mastercard’s technology into mobile platforms. Similarly, the Airtel virtual card powered by Mastercard is enhancing access to online and cross-border payments, enabling consumers to participate in global e-commerce even if they don’t have a traditional bank account. These innovations offer consumers more choice, greater control over their finances and improved financial literacy over time.
Furthermore, Mastercard’s partnership with the African Development Bank Group through the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance aims to extend digital access to critical services for 100 million individuals and businesses over the next decade. As part of this initiative, Mastercard has set a target to register 15 million users in Africa within five years.
The projected growth of Africa’s digital payments economy represents a major opportunity to reimagine financial access, fuel business expansion, and accelerate inclusive economic growth. With strategic partnerships and innovations tailored to local needs, Mastercard is helping to turn that projection into reality.
Mastercard has been a long-standing technology partner in Africa. What specific investments and innovations are being made to drive digital transformation?
Mastercard is driving digital transformation across Africa through scalable, locally relevant, and inclusive solutions. In Nigeria, our efforts are focused on innovations that lower the barriers to digital payment adoption, particularly for small businesses and underserved communities.
We are enabling small businesses to adopt digital payments through the launch of low-cost, secure and seamless contactless payment solutions. Products like Tap on Phone, QR Pay-by-Link and Payment Links allow SMEs to accept card payments using just a smartphone—removing the need for expensive infrastructure and expanding digital payment acceptance across informal sectors.
Partnerships are central to our strategy. In collaboration with Alerzo and the USAID-funded e-Trade Alliance, Mastercard is digitizing over 10,000 Nigerian MSMEs by equipping them with tools like Alerzoshop and Veedez for inventory management, payments and micro-lending, alongside digital and financial literacy training. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our Start Path program supports fintech startups that are solving some of the most pressing challenges across the region. Nigerian fintechs like Hello Tractor, which connects smallholder farmers with tractor owners through a digital platform, are alumni of this program. Through Start Path, they’ve had access to Mastercard’s technology, mentorship and global network, accelerating their growth and enabling them to scale impactful solutions.
Another noteworthy example is NetPlus, a Nigerian e-commerce solutions provider that has collaborated with Mastercard to roll out secure online payment technologies. Their work removes the need for cash in
Folasade Femi-Lawal is the Country Manager, West Africa at Mastercard. Based in Nigeria, Folasade is responsible for advancing the Mastercard brand presence in West Africa, overseeing performance and strategic direction, deploying innovative payment solutions, and partnering with local governments and market regulators to build a World Beyond Cash. Before joining Mastercard, Folasade held multiple roles in the finance and banking industry with her first role dating back to 1998, when she joined United Bank of Africa (UBA) as the Head of Loan Monitoring Unit — overseeing the bank’s loan portfolio and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
This position was then followed by her role as Head of Card & Messaging Business at FirstBank, where she managed eleven million cards and coordinated the Card Products Strategy in the Bank and its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
Folasade also served as the Vice President of the Committee of E-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), where she contributed to driving innovation and collaboration across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
She is a seasoned Digital Transformation Senior Executive with 25 years of experience across diverse industries such as Financial Services, Management Consulting, Telecommunications, and Business Advisory Services. Alongside her varied experience, she is passionate about women empowerment and financial inclusion, with affiliations to key organisations such as the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and the Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) initiative, launched by the US Consulate General.
Folasade has been recognised for her leadership and achievements, receiving the Visionary Leader in Technology and Business Award in 2024, presented by The CIO and C-Suite Awards Africa, and being named among the Forty-Five Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation in 2024, awarded by CIO Africa Magazine.
She holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA in Information Management System from Texila American University, Guyana. She has also received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from Veridian Christian University, awarded in recognition of her impact in Business and Christian Leadership. In addition, she has received professional and executive education from Pan-African University, Harvard Business School, London Business School, and Gershom Lehman Consulting (USA).
Folasade is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and the Association of Enterprise Risk Managers. She is also a member of the Forbes Business Development Council and the Committee for Open Banking API Standard.
e-commerce transactions, making digital payments more accessible and secure for Nigerian consumers.
To support these fintechs and partners with faster go-to-market capabilities, we introduced Product Express—a simplified onboarding framework that enables seamless integration of Mastercard products in just a few weeks. This agility is essential in Africa’s dynamic digital ecosystem, where speed and adaptability can make all the difference.
Collectively, these efforts support our broader global financial inclusion agenda. To date, Mastercard has connected over 870 million people to the digital economy—moving steadily toward our goal of 1 billion by 2025. We’ve also connected 48 million small businesses, nearing our target of 50 million by 2025. Notably, we’ve surpassed our commitment to reach 25 million women entrepreneurs, delivering solutions to help 37 million women grow and scale their businesses. Nigeria remains a priority market, and we’re committed to co-creating innovative, locally relevant solutions that enable individuals and businesses to thrive in a digital-first economy.
The Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance aims to impact 100 million individuals and businesses. Can you elaborate on the significance of this initiative?
The MADE Alliance, Mobilizing Access to the
Digital Economy, is one of the most important initiatives we’ve launched at Mastercard, and its significance lies in its goal to bring practical, accessible digital solutions to the people who have long been excluded from formal systems. With a target to reach 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa in the next decade, MADE is focused on supporting the continent’s informal economy, particularly those who have been left out of mainstream financial services.
At the heart of this effort is the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers. These farmers often face barriers such as limited access to financial services, high-quality seeds and essential agricultural inputs. Through Community Pass, a Mastercard-led platform, we are working to provide digital identities and access to essential services.
In phase one, we’re working with the African Development Bank to bring 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria into the digital economy with this solution, as part of a $300 million commitment to the Alliance. This initiative is a critical part of our broader strategy to drive digital inclusion, especially in sectors like agriculture, where the majority of transactions are still conducted in cash. By digitizing this sector, we can help farmers access
better prices, reduce waste in the system and create greater efficiency across the entire supply chain. The initiative also places significant importance on women’s inclusion. While women play a vital role in African agriculture, recent World Bank data shows they contribute around 40 per cent of the labor input in crop production on average. Despite their contribution, women often face greater barriers than men, including limited access to land, finance, training, and markets. Through Community Pass, we are addressing these challenges by providing women with access to crucial services, including financing and digital tools that enable them to improve their agricultural output and overall livelihoods.
At its core, MADE Alliance is about creating a more efficient, transparent and inclusive digital ecosystem for Africa’s rural communities. The success of this initiative depends on effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, and we are proud to be a part of this transformative effort to make the digital economy accessible to all.
SMEs form the backbone of Africa’s economy. How is Mastercard empowering small businesses with digital solutions that enhance financial inclusion and long-term resilience?
SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s economy, driving job creation and contributing significantly to GDP. In Nigeria alone, SMEs account for 96% of businesses, contribute 48% to the national GDP, and are responsible for 84% of employment. Despite their significance, many SMEs face challenges in accessing affordable financial tools and digital infrastructure, hindering their growth and integration into the digital economy. Mastercard is committed to supporting SMEs by delivering innovative solutions that enable them to participate more effectively in the digital economy. Our focus is on lowering barriers and simplifying access to digital tools that drive scalability and resilience. One such innovation is Tap on Phone, which transforms any Android smartphone into a secure, contactless payment terminal. We also launched SME-in-a-Box solution in Nigeria, to enable small and micro merchants across the country in expanding their customer base via digital platforms and enable sustainable revenue growth.
In addition to technological solutions, Mastercard has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria by providing them with digital tools, capacity-building support, and access to financial services.
Through partnerships with organisations such as Omniretail, Duplo and Alerzo, we’re not only providing payment technology, but also offering financial literacy training and improving access to credit, helping businesses optimize operations and grow sustainably. Our platform, Product Express makes it easier for financial institutions and fintechs to launch tailored payment solutions quickly and cost-effectively, further supporting SME growth. By investing in innovative technology and collaborating with strategic partners, Mastercard is helping SMEs across Africa overcome systemic challenges and integrate into the global digital economy, fostering inclusive growth and long-term economic sustainability.
Cross-border payments are critical for trade and economic growth in Africa. How is Mastercard simplifying cross-border transactions to support businesses and individuals?
Mastercard is simplifying cross-border payments across Africa through strategic partnerships and digital innovations that make it easier, faster and safer to send and receive money globally. Our solutions are designed to address the unique needs of businesses, individuals, and the continent’s large diaspora population.
In Nigeria, we partnered with Fidelity Bank to launch Fidelity Send, which enables near real-time fund transfers to over 60 countries—offering transparency, convenience and affordability for both businesses and individuals. Similarly, our collaboration with Access Bank powers Access Africa, a platform that facilitates seamless remittance flows to 150 countries, enhancing financial inclusion and enabling families to stay connected through secure, cross-border transactions.
We’re also advancing mobile-enabled remittance solutions. Through our collaboration with MTN Group Fintech, customers can link mobile wallets to Mastercard’s virtual payment solutions—offering a seamless and secure payment experience. This is especially impactful in rural and underserved areas where mobile penetration is high, but access to traditional financial services is limited.
With Airtel, we’ve enabled virtual payment cards linked to Airtel Money, empowering consumers in countries like Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda to engage in digital commerce—from online shopping to paying school fees and utility bills. Through these partnerships and continued investment in digital innovation, Mastercard is helping to unlock new opportunities for trade, drive financial inclusion and support the growth of Africa’s digital economy.
Kayode Tokede
For a business to remain strong and relevant, experts have urged entrepreneurs to engage in solving problems in the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space and build strong partnerships.
The experts stated at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Business Series with the theme, “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Business Partnerships for Progress.”
Four seasoned business owners including: Beauty Entrepreneur, Dabota Lawson; Real Estate Mogul and Entrepreneur, Wale Ayilara; Journalist and TV producer Peace Hyde and Fashion Entrepreneur, Mai Atafo, encouraged participants to solve problems, invent in products
& service and, create value to remain stronger in business and thrive amid competitive business environment.
Ayilara expressed that an entrepreneur must be able to solve problems and build a strong partnership in order to remain relevant in a challenging business environment.
He stressed further that there are a lot of business opportunities in Nigeria and questioned where consumers money is directed into.
Lawson said the inability to find a suitable sensitive skincare that matches her skin tone forced her to start her company .
On her part, Hyde stated that she ventures into media on the backdrop of telling Africa’s stories to international audiences.
Atafo said passion made him venture into fashion, maintaining that being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is tough work.
Speaking earlier, UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, highlighted the critical role of partnerships in today’s dynamic business environment.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, the power of collaboration cannot be overstated. At UBA, we recognise that collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable business success. The ‘Stronger Together’ Business Series is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to forge meaningful alliances that drive progress, unlock opportunities, and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation,” Shamsideen said.
Ebere Nwoji
Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), has announced Gross Written Premium of N61 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The group in its financial performance for the year under review showed strong year-on-year growth across all business lines and metrics.
The Group reported a total Gross Written Premium (GWP) of N61 billion in 2024, for its life and general insurance companies, reflecting a 70 increase from the 35.8 billion recorded in 2023.
Combined earned Insurance Revenue rose from N20.5 billion in the previous year to N31.4 billion in 2024, indicating a 53 percent increase.
Profit Before Tax for the group ( PBT) rose from N4.8 billion in 2023 to N11.2 billion, more than double the previous year’s figure, and representing a 133 percent year-on-year growth.
The group also sustained customer trust by paying a staggering N10.4 billion claims during the year,
compared to N4.18 billion in 2023, marking a 149 percent growth in claims payment.
In addition, the group’s combined total assets grew by 66 percent rising from N55.8 billion in 2023 to N92.9 billion in 2024.
Breaking down the results, Heirs Life Assurance (HLA), its specialist life insurance company, achieved staggering results:
The company reported an 85 percent increase in Gross Written Premium from 23.87 billion in 2023 to N44.22 billion in 2024.
Emma Okonji
In a bold move to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, Interswitch, a leading African technology company focused on creating solutions that enable individuals and communities prosper, has reiterated its leadership in digital innovation by strategically supporting the launch of the NR Fuel App, a revolutionary platform developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in partnership with Fidelity Bank. Notably, the NR Fuel App was designed to tackle longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s downstream sector, including long queues, fuel shortages,
and inefficiencies in the fueling process.
Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, NNPC Retail Limited, Baba Shettima Kukawa, said the app was developed to make fueling seamless, simpler, faster, smarter, and more secure, combining digital convenience with personalised service to transform the everyday fueling experience for Nigerians.
Speaking during a panel session at the launch, Managing Director, Industry Ecosystems (Interswitch Indeco), Chinyere Don-Okhuofu, emphasised the importance and impact of the collaboration, noting Interswitch’s contribution in shaping Nigeria’s digital payments and e-commerce
Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, Wema Bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment by partnering with the SheCan Conference for the fifth consecutive year. The collaboration has announced it would empower women with N2 million grant during the 6th edition of SheCan 6.0. conference, that will be held on July 18, 2025, at Balmoral, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The event is expected to host over 7,000 women under the theme “SheCan Do More.”
Announcing this partnership, Wema Bank through its womenfocused platform, SARA by Wema, said it will be awarding 2 million in business grants to support women entrepreneurs
within the SARA Community. This grant is to support small and medium businesses within the SARA Community to scale up their business.
Ayodele Olojede, Head, Retail and SME Banking at Wema Bank, said, “Wema Bank is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing the financial backing, tools, training, and networks they need to scale sustainably. Year after year, we’ve seen the incredible ripple effect that access, and opportunity can create in the lives of women and their communities. Through SARA by Wema, our goal is to create an environment where Nigerian women can dream bigger, build stronger, and lead the economy with confidence. This partnership with SheCan is a statement of belief in the power of women to transform
landscape.
According to her, “At Interswitch, we believe that innovation is most meaningful when it improves everyday life. For over two decades, we have been building and strengthening the digital infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, and today’s launch is another major milestone. Our partnership with NNPC goes beyond payments. It represents a shared vision to redefine the fueling experience in Nigeria. The NR Fuel App is a clear example of how technology can transform a routine, everyday task into something smarter, faster, and more personal.”
society.”
“This year’s partnership represents more than sponsorship; it is a tangible investment in helping Nigerian women build sustainable businesses, scale their impact, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. Eligible applicants must be women-led businesses with active Wema Bank accounts and must be registered members of the SARA Community. Interested participants are required to submit a written pitch of no more than two pages, detailing their business and founder story, the problem being solved, target audience and competitive advantage, proposed use of the grant, and the expected outcomes and community impact. Entries must also include the applicant’s Wema Bank account number, full name, and the email address used to join the SARA Community.”
Kayode Tokede
Following massive demand, the stock price of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) reached N43.55 per share at the close of trade last Friday, a new record high on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
The N43.55 per share brings the Pan-African financial institution market capitalisation to N1.79 trillion.
So far in July 2025, UBA’s stock
price has gained 23.02 per cent or N8.15 per share from N35.40 per share it closed for trading the previous month as investors positioned themselves for half year (H1) ended June 2025 interim dividend pay-out.
Investors are optimistic about UBA’s H1 2025 interim dividend pay-out, as the stock has accrued 20 per cent over the past fourweek period alone.
UBA’s stock price has appreciated by N9.55 or 28.1per cent
Year-till-Date (YtD) from N34 per share it closed for trading in 2024.
Investors in UBA in 2024 reaped a yield of 32.6 per cent or N8.35 per share when its stock price appreciated to N34 per share from N25.65 per share.
The key drivers of UBA’s stock price on the NGX is its impressive 2024 financial performance and first quarter (Q1) ended March 30, 2025 result.
UBA in H1 2024 declared an interim dividend of N2.00 per share
and final dividend of N3.00 per share to bring its total dividend for 2024FY at N5.00 per share.
The amount to a pay-out ratio of 26.6 per cent in 2024 from 16.32 per cent in 2023, and a yield of 13.1per cent in 2024 from 10.92 per cent in 2023.
On the back of its recently released 2024 full year financials on the Exchange, UBA again saw its Profit Before Tax (PBT) rising impressively to N204.26 billion in Q1 2025, up by 31 per cent from
N156,34 billion in Q1 2024. Also profit after tax (PAT) jumped from N142.58 billion last year, to N189.84 billion representing a remarkable increase by 33.15 per cent.
The bank’s total assets continued on its upward trend as it increased by 4.58 per cent from N30.23 trillion in December 2024 to N31.71 trillion in March 2025, while shareholders’ funds also rose to N3.7trillion up from N3.4 trillion
recorded in December 2024.
The Group Managing Director/ CEO, UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba at a recent meeting with senior executives in Lagos highlighted the group’s expansion plans, disclosing that the Group is excited about the vast opportunities that the new markets present, a testament to UBA Group’s confidence in the African economy, providing world-class banking services that meet the continent’s evolving needs.
Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday returned to Abuja, thenation's capital, after two-week official visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil.
This was as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the president to tell Nigerians his whereabouts five days after the conference.
The president's official aircraft, Nigeria Air Force (NAF) 1, touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by 1.30am and was received by top government officials.
Those on the ground to welcome him included the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku; his Defence counterpart, Bello Matawalle;
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.
The President left Nigeria on June 28, 2025 first on a maiden state visit to Saint Lucia, where he formalised diplomatic relations between the two countries and was conferred with the country's highest national honour, Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia.
Tinubu, had said on the occasion that he was humbled to receive the honour noting that the recognition symbolised a deepening of historic and cultural connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
He pledged to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states.
Tinubu had also joined other world leaders in Rio de Janeiro,
the Brazilian capital, for the BRICS Summit, where he called for global financial reform and stronger SouthSouth cooperation.
While in Brazil, the President gave an assurance that all bottlenecks hindering the realisation of the agricultural sector's potential, including livestock production, will be removed to enable food sovereignty and export.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and some members of both countries' cabinets at the Copacabana Forte, Tinubu noted that bureaucracy contributed to delays in realising the agricultural sector's potential.
However, despite returning to Abuja yesterday, ADC wantedthe president to tell Nigerians his whereabouts five days after the
conference.
The coalition party said a president that vanished without accountability has no moral authority to demand sacrifice from citizens
In a statement Sunday, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the coalition party extended a weary welcome to Tinubu for finally returning to the country five days after the end of the 2025 BRICS Summit which held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
However, the ADC said since the summit ended on Monday, July 7th, all the other world leaders who were in attendance returned home, briefed their citizens, and got back to work.
''But our President? He only reappeared in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday, July 13—without a word, without a briefing, or any
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the globally renowned literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 91st birthday.
The president, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Professor Soyinka, a well-decorated literary giant, activist, cultural icon, and public intellectual, was known for his extraordinary creative and artistic talent, evident in
his plays, poems, memoirs, essays, and other artistic productions.
Tinubu noted the contributions of the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 to education, pro-democracy and human rights movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building over the last several decades.
He described Soyinka as a massive source of inspiration to Nigerians and, most especially, generations of younger writers worldwide who, on their own, have also attained great national
and international prominence.
The president acknowledged his decades of association, friendship, and collaboration with the accomplished statesman.
"I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation's development. Professor Soyinka is an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country.
“Even at the grand old age,
he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world. We are grateful for his long years of service to Nigeria and humanity.
"I value my association with Professor Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.
"On this special day that marks the beginning of the journey into the last decade of his centennial, I wish Professor Wole Soyinka good health and more years in sound mind."
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday, denied the news making the rounds that he had issued a statement against the defection of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the party, saying the statement was fake and didn’t emanated from him.
According to him, he had never at any point in time issued any statement, adding that the
publication was the handiwork of politicians desperate to contest election.
A statement had recently claimed Akande issued a firm statement rejecting any plans for the defection of Adeleke to the APC ahead of the 2026 elections.
He. Was also alleged to have long told those interested in the state governorship to consult with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, adding that as
an elderly person and statesman, he had left partisanship and running of the party to younger generations.
But Akande was said to have traveled abroad for the past three weeks and could not have made such a statement.
"I have been on holiday abroad for three weeks. See one of the many fraudulent statements being issued in my name on Osun politics. I’m an elderly member of APC and because of the generational gap between me and the general run
of party members, I refrain from making statements on behalf of the party more so when we have a leader in the party in Osun State. I didn’t make this statement. The release is fraudulently made in my name,” he said.
Akande further made it declared that the constitution of the APC was clear as to procedures for joining the party, adding that, “Why would I stop him from joining? If he so wishes, the constitution is clear on that.”
explanation as to why his return to the country had been delayed.
''A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially a country like ours battling with several existential challenges of insecurity and a tottering economy that has made life increasingly difficult for the majority of Nigerians.
“The President was not on holidays, he was on official duty. We therefore cannot wish those five days away and we demand a clear explanation for them.
''The ADC also notes with concern that this disdain for accountability around the President’s overseas trip has become a distinct hallmark of this administration.
''In January 2024, a so-called “private visit” to France turned into a two-week disappearance. No photos, and no statements from our President.
''In April 2024, President Tinubu travelled to the Netherlands, and then to Riyadh, for the World Economic Forum. The summit ended on April 29th, 2024, but there was not a word from him until May 8th, 2024. Those were nine days of unexplained vacuum.
''In August 2024, President Tinubu flew to China via Dubai. After his engagements in Beijing, he vanished from public view on September 5th, and mysteriously surfaced in London on September 11th. He was missing for six days—no explanations, no letter transmitted to the National Assembly, just silence.
''And in the same August 2024, the President also embarked on yet another “brief work stay” in Paris. He remained incommunicado for three days, then quietly returned, as if the nation does not deserve to know,'' the statement stated.
George Okoh in Makurdi
Former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has described those who have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forthe African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political termites.
Ortom said this at the PDP expanded Caucus meeting held in Makurdi yesterday.
He said the moths and termites worked against the party in 2023 and this accounted for its loss, stating that their exit has solidified the party.
Ortom expressed confidence in the party to relaunch into power in 2027, saying the state was better off under the PDP.
"PDP is very strong. In 2023 election, we were rigged out.We had moths and termites, who have left us. Today, we have a solid family. I want to assure you that without those termites we will win election. We are committed.
"In 2027, you will get a governor that will implement the Anti-open grazing laws and stop killing and ensure that the IDPs go back home. We will stop invaders from coming in our state and regain our status as food basket of the nation.
“We will install a government that
is pro-people and secure our land. Forget all the shenigans we are still on ground and strong.
“We were better off under the PDP. There is no coalition if it is strategic partnership, we can go into it but those who are here and there, should be expired."
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also maintained that the PDP was strong, vibrant and intact, noting that those who felt frustrated decided to leave the party.
He said, "Some persons who felt frustrated due to their inability to confuse anybody and truncate the will of the party moved to another party. The unfortunate thing about the ADC is that some persons have moved from certainty to uncertainity.
“If for some reasons some persons decided to move to uncertainty becos of some problems they are in an uncertain boat with uncertain future.
“I am here and do not have any reason to leave the PDP not now or tommorrow. We will be battle ready in 2027. It is not a social media warfare or talk shop. Those who have left will realize that there is no greener pasture elsewhere. We will create a winning mentality for 2027.”
Firdaus,” Obi stated.
Abbas: He’s One of Nigeria’s Most Patriotic Citizens That Ever Lived
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described Buhari as one of the most patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived.
In his condolence message, Abbas said Buhari used most of his lifetime to serve the country.
Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described Buhari as an officer and statesman who made a name for himself as ‘incorruptible’ and lived a life defined by simplicity and a remarkable absence of materialism, virtues that earned him widespread respect and trust across the country.
He added that Buhari was one of the only two Nigerians to have been military head of state and democratically elected president under civilian rule after former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as a rare privilege to serve the country.
Abbas recalled Buhari’s cult followership, especially in the North as a politician, which he attributed to the former president's disciplinary and upright personality.
The Speaker also recalled how Buhari’s alliance with his successor, President Bola Tinubu and others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a formidable force that sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015 after 16 years in government.
Abbas said it was painful that Buhari, who chose to have his deserved rest after eight years as president, has now gone to have eternal rest.
Barau: He’s Tireless Promoter of Peace, Unity
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has hailed the late leader as a tireless promoter of peace and unity in Nigeria. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, he he further described Buhari as a man of discipline, resilience, and patriotism whose leadership, both as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was marked by a clear vision for the nation’s unity and progress.
The statement read: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I mourn the passing of the former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR."
The Deputy Senate President acknowledged Buhari’s commitment to Nigeria’s security and development, emphasising that history would remember him for his efforts to reshape the country’s trajectory.
Praying for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy on the late former president, Senator Jibrin extended heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, their children, and the entire family. He implored God to grant them the strength to bear their loss.
Fashola: He Didn’t Just Talk, He Lived His Values, It Was Privilege to Serve Under Him
Former Minister of Works and Housing under Buhari, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the deceased leader didn’t just talk about certain values he prescribed, he truly lived them.
Noting that it was a privilege to serve in his cabinet, Fashola said, “With a deeply heavy heart and profound sense of personal loss, I join millions of Nigerians and friends around the world to mourn the passing of our former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, his children, and his entire extended family. I also condole with the government and people of Katsina State, especially the Daura Emirate, where President Buhari’s journey in life began — a town whose name has become inextricably linked with his legacy.”
Talking about him, he said, “President Buhari’s record of service to Nigeria is almost unparalleled. From the battlefield to the ballot box, he stood as a sentinel of duty.
“As a military officer, Head of State, and twice-elected President, he offered over five decades of his life to the service of our nation in times of strife and in peaceful times — guided always by a belief in discipline, integrity, and nationhood.
“What often went unnoticed in public commentary was his unwavering commitment to the core values that bind any serious society: order, punctuality, and accountability. He did not just talk about these values; he lived them.
“He was perhaps the most punctual public servant I ever encountered — never late to cabinet meetings, always respecting the time of others. It may seem a small thing, but in governance, it is everything. It sets a tone.
“He had a deep yearning for a society governed by rules, not by
impulse. This found early expression in his War Against Indiscipline, a campaign often misread as rigid but rooted in a desire to rebuild a citizenry of order, courtesy, and civic responsibility.
“I feel privileged to have served in his cabinet — first in the consolidated Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, and later in the restructured Ministry of Works and Housing.
“President Buhari was not a man to micromanage; instead, he gave you the space and the trust to deliver. With that trust, however, came the highest expectations of discipline, results, and honesty.
“He had a quiet strength. Yet, within and outside the cabinet, I witnessed his compassion — his deep concern for the poor, the pensioner, the soldier in the trenches, the Almajiri child, and the underserved in every part of this country.
“Under his leadership, the nation confronted formidable challenges: insurgency, economic volatility, a global pandemic, and deep political tension. Yet he remained consistent — never ruled by noise or poll ratings, only by the burden of responsibility and his belief in posterity’s judgment.
“His death marks the end of a defining chapter in Nigeria’s journey — one marked by sacrifice, moral authority, and patriotic resolve. But even in death, President Muhammadu Buhari leaves behind a living legacy: one of service above self, of discipline without drama, of truth without theatrics.”
NGF: His Death is Significant Depletion in Rank of Africa’s AllTime Great Men
Chairman Nigeria Governors' Forum and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed sadness over the death of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement in Ilorin, he stated that, "This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.
"We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.
"Our thoughts are also with Her Excellency, former First Lady Mrs Aishah Buhari, and the rest of the family at this difficult moment.
"Similarly, we commiserate with His Excellency Governor Dikko Umar Radda and the good people of Katsina State on this very sad development.
"We ask Allaah, who gives and takes life, to ease the account of his servant, Muhammadu Buhari, widen and lighten up his grave, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and bless the family and the nation with the patience to go through this phase."
Sanwo-Olu: It’s Colossal Loss to Nigeria
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Buhari’s death as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Buhari was a transparent, courageous and honest leader.
He described the late former President as a man that truly loved Nigeria and contributed his quota towards her development.
The governor commiserated with the immediate family of the late President Buhari and President Bola Tinubu over the death of his predecessor.
He also sympathised with leaders and members of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), over the demise of one of the respected founders and leaders of the party.
"He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader. His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country.
"Former President Buhari demonstrated unparalleled leadership skills, patriotism, and courage in steering the ship of Nigeria. He was a respected leader who served Nigeria passionately in different capacities and leaving with unblemished records.”
Makinde: He Made His Mark Serving Nigeria
Oyo State governor, 'Seyi Makinde, has said former President Muhammadu Buhari made his mark serving Nigeria.
He, however, commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the wife of the former president, Hajia Aisha Buhari and his entire family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul.
Makinde described Buhari's death as unexpected, noting, however, that the former president made his mark in serving the country.
He prayed that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also granting the former Military Head of State Aljanah
Firdaus.
Northern Govs: He Was Our Mentor and Moral Compass
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), has received with deep shock and immense sorrow the news of the demise of Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a message he personally signed, described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a moment of great national mourning and an immense loss, not only to the North but to the entire nation.
According to a Press release issued by Director-General, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, "President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and an steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.
"From his days as a young military officer to his tenure as military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, Buhari distinguished himself as a leader of conviction and purpose. His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.
"To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass who stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Buhari's death has left a huge vacuum that will be deeply felt across every sector of our national life.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has mourned the demise of Buhari, saying his life was marked by unwavering service and patriotic devotion.
According to a release issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, "The news of the former President’s passing has plunged the nation into mourning, as we come to terms with the loss of a towering figure whose life was marked by unwavering service, patriotic devotion, and a resolute commitment to the unity, security, and advancement of our great country, Nigeria
"President Muhammadu Buhari
was a statesman of uncommon integrity, discipline, and simplicity. His military and political career spanned decades of selfless sacrifice, including his service as Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
“His legacy is indelible, characterized by a strong anticorruption stance, infrastructural renewal, agricultural revolution, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy for growth and selfsufficiency."
Mohammed recalled with reverence his personal and professional interactions with the late President Buhari, describing him as “a patriotic elder statesman, firm in his convictions, calm in demeanor, yet unwavering in his commitment to national unity and good governance.”
Abiodun: Buhari’s Demise Shocking, Devastating Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed profound shock at the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that news of the transition of the former military and civilian leader left him devastated.
Abiodun, in a statement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said even though death was a bill that all mortals must pay, the death of the former president came as a rude shock.
He described Buhari as a gallant soldier and patriot whose commitment to the Nigerian cause shone through while he held sway as military Head of State, and later as democratically elected president. He added that his civilian presidency was enabled by his record as a scrupulously honest, no-nonsense General, who believed that no national progress could be achieved without discipline and accountability.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time, but we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.
“Both as military Head of State and as civilian president, Buhari made accountability his watchword. Although his time as military Head of State had the usual elements of leadership style that is not acceptable in a democracy, it is significant that Buhari was able to reinvent himself and govern Nigeria for two terms as elected president, recording
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Vice President, Kashim Shettima on his way to London to bring back Buhari’s corpse
monumental achievements in infrastructure, from road to rail.
“As a person, he was straightforward, affable, witty, and of a humble disposition. Even his severest critics will readily admit that he did not seek public office for personal gratification.
“President Buhari was particularly fond of Ogun State, where he began his life as a young officer, and was excited to inaugurate and celebrate the achievements of our administration.”
Zulum: Vacuum Created’ll Be Difficult to Fill
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has said Buhari's demise at this critical time of Nigeria's democratic journey was colossal as the vacuum created was going to be difficult to fill.
Zulum, in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, however, said death was inevitable to mankind.
"It is with profound sadness that I learned of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari while receiving treatment at a London Clinic today (Sunday, July 13, 2025).
"On behalf of myself, government and the good people of Borno State, I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and our deep sympathies are with the people and government of Nigeria, Katsina State and Daura Emirate in particular.
"The late former President was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, humility and a steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.”
Bago: He’s Etched His Name in Nigeria's History
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, Buhari has etched his name in the annals of Nigeria's history.
Bago observed that former President Buhari was a very disciplined personality lived a life of service to humanity, and dedication to nation-building.
"The deceased is an icon of integrity and patriotism from when he was a military officer to when he became the Head of State in 1983 and was democratically elected as President in 2015 and 2019" Bago said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
Bago recalled that the deceased had remained steadfast in fighting corruption and making Nigeria better throughout his administration, especially through the numerous initiatives introduced by his government.
He credited the former president with the expansion of rail lines, construction, and rehabilitation of
major roads, establishment of the Social Investment Programmes (SIP), and agricultural and security reforms.
Kogi: His Death Monumental Loss to Africa
The Kogi State Government has described as a monumental loss, not only to Nigeria but the African continent, the passing of Buhari.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said, "This is a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.
“President Buhari was a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.”
Governor Usman Ododo, the statement, added, described the news as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.
“President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility. He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”
He said Kogi State would remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption, adding that, his efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.
Aiyedatiwa: Buhari Was Audacious
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described Buhari, as an audacious patriot, who lived a fulfilled life.
In a statement personally signed, Aiyedatiwa commended Buhari's audacious leadership style, prudence, contentment, strong will, and compassion.
He also highlighted Buhari's commitment to integrity, noting that the late former president was a man who couldn't hide his feelings and was known for his jovial nature.
"Former President Buhari was a man who valued his integrity and couldn't hide his feelings. He was jocular and could make anyone smile even in difficult situations," he said, recalling a meeting he had with Buhari in Kaduna three months prior.
Otu: Nigeria Has Lost Towering Symbol of Discipline
Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has described the passing of
Buhari as a monumental national loss and the end of an era defined by uncommon discipline, personal sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the ideals of nationhood.
In a message by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Otu said the late Buhari lived a life “etched into the soul of our country,” noting that his stoic presence and austere leadership style left an indelible mark on the conscience of the nation.
“His life was a luminous tapestry of sacrifice, honour, and a quiet, enduring patriotism. Nigeria grieves, yet stands in solemn salute to a leader who bore the burdens of our collective dream with dignity,” the Governor said.
Otu further remarked that President Buhari’s demise marked “the twilight of an era,” and a moment of solemn reflection for a nation once again reminded of the fragility of time and the eternal weight of legacy.
“Though his voice is now silenced, the echoes of his service—his steadfastness, his Spartan simplicity, his unshakeable belief in the unity of Nigeria—shall resonate through generations unborn,” he added.
Yusuf: Buhari Was a Symbol of Patriotism
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has has described former President Muhammadu Buhari, as a towering figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity, and unwavering love for Nigeria.
In a condolence message, Yusuf said Buhari dedicated himself to the unity, stability, and progress of the nation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari devoted his entire life to serving our dear country with courage and sincerity. His steadfastness, simplicity, and commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
Alia: Buhari Was Resolute and Committed to National Development
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said Buhari as a leader was resolute and committed to national development above earthly possessions.
The governor, in his message of condolence added that Buhari left behind a legacy that was deeply rooted in integrity.
He noted further that Buhari left indelible marks on the nation's history, and that he served Nigeria with unwavering courage and conviction, consistently prioritising the nation's interests and the wellbeing of its people.
Oyebanji: We Lost a
Great Leader
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the passing of Buhari, saying the nation has lost a great leader.
“We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole” declared Oyebanji in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti.
According to Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the nation and led the nation at two different periods – as a military head of state and two terms President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his very best.
He described the former President as a patriot, a man of integrity and a statesman, who earned his place in history as an anti-corruption champion, and through his sheer commitment to the oneness of the country as well as his dogged pursuit of her socio-economic development.
The late President Buhari, according to Governor Oyebanji, had, at different period in his life, made some sacrifices towards the greatness of the country. This, he said had etched his name in gold.
Adeleke: He Gave His All for Nation’s Devt
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has described Buhari as a patriot who contributed immensely and gave his all toward national development.
Adeleke extends his heartfelt condolences to President Tinubu, saying Nigeria has lost a distinguished leader who gave his all for the country's progress.
He also commiserated with former First Lady, Mrs Aishat Buhari, his children and immediate family who lost more than just a father and confidant, but an embodiment of integrity who brought so much difference to governance in Nigeria.
"It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London, the United Kingdom. His contributions to national development will remain ever green in the minds of all Nigerians.
"Throughout his lifetime, President Buhari was a watchword for integrity, inspiring honesty and selfless services in public service. Nigeria has lost one of its finest and I join in mourning a leader whose contributions to nation building is unquantifiable."
Oborevwori: Nigeria
Has Lost a Patriotic Leader
Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described Buhari’s death as a monumental loss to his
family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large, saying Nigeria has lost a patriotic leader.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori said the former President lived a life of service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He noted that from his days as a young officer in the Nigerian Army to his leadership as military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, Buhari embodied patriotism, integrity, and courage in the pursuit of national goals.
“President Buhari was a man of deep convictions, who believed in the greatness of Nigeria and worked hard, within his understanding and capacity, to promote security, economic stability, and national cohesion.
"His death is a painful loss not just to his immediate family and the military institution he served so proudly, but to the entire nation that benefitted from his decades of sacrifice.”
Niyi Adebayo: Buhari Loved Nigeria Dearly, He Did His Best to Make the Country Great
A cabinet member in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, has said "the passing away of President Muhammadu Buhari was a great loss to the nation."
Adebayo, who served as a minister four years in second term of Buhari's administration, said the late president loved Nigeria dearly and did his best to make the nation great.
"He gave me the opportunity to serve in his cabinet and I saw firsthand the dedication he had for the country. May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God grant his wife, his children and the entire family the strength to bear this great loss," Adebayo said.
Tambuwal: He was Symbol of Steadfastness
Former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Bello Tambuwal, has described Buhari as a symbol of steadfastness.
In a statement, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, said, ''It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His death marks the end of an era in our national life.
''President Buhari was a symbol of steadfastness — a man whose journey through Nigeria’s military and democratic landscapes earned him both reverence and responsibility.
His commitment to the unity, security, and sovereignty of Nigeria remained unshaken throughout his decades of public service.
''As Governor of Sokoto State during his presidency, I had the opportunity to work closely with him on matters of national importance. While we belonged to different political platforms at various points, our interactions were marked by mutual respect and a shared desire for Nigeria’s progress and stability. President Buhari was deeply committed to the nation and remained consistent in his principles — even when those principles were unpopular.
''To his family, particularly the former First Lady, Dr Aisha Buhari, and his children, I extend my heartfelt condolences. May Almighty Allah comfort you and grant you strength and patience during this difficult time.
''To His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I offer my sympathy and support as you lead the country in mourning a former President — a man whose leadership helped shape Nigeria’s modern history.
''To His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, and the government of Katsina State, I extend my deepest condolences. President Buhari was not just a son of the soil but a towering figure whose legacy brought pride to Katsina and the entire North. May the people of Katsina find strength in his memory.
''To the people of Nigeria, and especially the people of Katsina State, we mourn with you. May this moment inspire a renewed reflection on the virtues of sacrifice, patriotism, and nation-building, which President Buhari embodied.
Ndume: I’ve Lost a Father, Nigeria Has Lost a Rare Patriot
Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has described Buhari as “a father figure, mentor, and personal pillar.” In a condolence message, the Borno South Senator expressed profound grief, stating that Buhari’s passing was not only a national tragedy but a deeply personal loss. Ndume said, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. This evening, I received with profound shock the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. I have lost not just a leader, but a father. Nigeria has lost a rare patriot.” Ndume praised Buhari’s integrity, simplicity, and unwavering dedication to national service, noting that their relationship went far beyond politics. He said Buhari believed in his potential and offered mentorship and encouragement at critical moments
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in his journey.
Wamakko: Nigeria Has Lost a Selfless Leader
Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has expressed shock and sadness over the passing of Buhari, saying Nigeria has lost a selfless leader.
In a condolence message, Wamakko described President Buhari as an iconic and selfless leader, an incorruptible patriot, a disciplined statesman, and a symbol of integrity who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment.
"President Buhari stood tall as a beacon of hope, discipline, and forthrightness in national leadership. His unwavering resolve to tackle corruption, his passion for infrastructural rebirth, his investment in agricultural revival, and his strides in security sector reforms will remain etched in the annals of our history," he said.
Wamakko praised Buhari's remarkable leadership qualities, from his early days as a young military officer to his emergence as Nigeria's democratically elected President.
Sani: He Was a Man of Spartan Simplicity, Deep Faith
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has described Buhari as a patriot and a towering figure who was committed to the service of Nigeria in his life time.
In a statement titled: "Farewell to a patriot and people's president", Sani said he received news of the of the passing of "one of Nigeria’s most revered sons" with a heavy heart.
"President Muhammadu Buhari, a towering figure in our national life: he was a soldier, statesman, reformer, and, above all, a beloved leader of the people," the governor said.
According to Sani, "President Buhari lived with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. From his early days in the military to his presidency, he embodied discipline, integrity, and uncommon patriotism.
"His courage in confronting corruption and insisting on accountability in public life inspired millions. A man of Spartan simplicity and deep faith, he remained grounded in the values of justice and fairness, always aligning himself with the hopes and struggles of the
ordinary Nigerian, the talakawa, whom he championed with conviction."
Sani, noted that though a military general, Buhari chose the difficult path of democratic reinvention.
"He believed deeply in the rule of law, due process, and the supremacy of the people’s will. He taught us that strength is not only measured in force, but in restraint; not only in command, but in character.”
Ooni:
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has described the death of Buhari as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s national history.
Ooni believed that, while death was a divine passage that no man could escape, kings and leaders of great legacy were not mourned, but celebrated for their footprints in the sands of time and remain so long after they have transitioned to the ancestral realm.
He extolled Buhari as a resilient leader, a disciplined soldier, and an unrepentant patriot, whose life symbolised selfless service, firm belief in the unity of Nigeria, and a lifelong commitment to national development.
“From the battlefield as a gallant military officer to the highest office in the land as Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari was a man who gave his all to the cause of the Nigerian nation,” he said.
Referring to a recent meeting with the former President, the Ooni stated that, “He was in a very high spirit, strong and jovial as usual as he attended to him with maximum courtesy. It is really shocking to realise that he is no more but I think that in itself is a lesson to everyone here on earth.
“As a true son of the North an esteemed elder statesman of the Nigerian federation a pan-African per excellence, Muhammadu Buhari stood for integrity, frugality, and unwavering devotion to the ideals of a better Nigeria. His place in our national consciousness remains etched in gold, and history will be kind to his memory,” Ooni remarked.
ACF, Arewa Think Thank Mourn
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has expressed sadness over Buhari’s demise.
In a statement in Kaduna, spokesperson of the forum, Tukur Mohammed-Baba, stated:
"It is with great sadness that the ACF received news of the death of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the immediate past president.
"Buhari led a life full of momentous activities, not surprising for a personality who had twice served as chief Executive of Nigeria, first as Military Head of State (1983 – 1985), then as twice democratically elected President (2015 – 2023)..."
The forum noted that Buhari was a recurring decimal in policy and governance circles in Nigeria for nearly the past 60 years.
"Perhaps as should be expected, late General Buhari’s services to Nigeria could not have failed to elicit mixed reactions and evaluations, from friends and foes alike.
"Those different times he had served incorporated momentous and often controversial episodes in checkered Nigeria’s history.
"It is to be expected that some of the controversies and other memories as his legacies will linger and be subjected to analyses.
"However, there is no Nigerian alive today that enjoyed the love and loyalty of the Nigerian downtrodden, especially in the North like the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also reacting in an interview, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said, "The death of Former President Muhammadu Buhari is Shattering, Devastating and Shocking.
“We pray that Almighty Allah Grant him Jannatu Firdausi, it's also a lesson for our present crops of leaders that a day like this await all of us and that they should lead with the fear of God."
APC: Nigeria Has Lost an Enigmatic Leader, Iconic Elder-Statesman
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria has lost an enigmatic leader, iconic elderstatesman.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement described Buhari as an exemplary patriot whose life of devoted resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity would remain evergreen in the hearts and minds of this and future generations of Nigerians.
Morka added that until his passing, Buhari led a simple but exceptional life of service to our dear nation.
He stressed that from his tenure as Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to his service as a military Head of State, and a two-term President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has left behind a solid and awe-inspiring legacy of leadership and service.
“Against the backdrop of his record of military service, the departed former President was an unlikely democrat but is one of the most influential contributors to the strengthening and consolidation of our democracy.
“Aside his stint with the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), he led the emergence of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) which later merged with other political parties to birth the APC in 2013.
“The late President Buhari made history when he became the first presidential contender to defeat an incumbent President in 2015 on the platform of APC.”
PDP: Buhari Was a Courageous Leader and Highly Disciplined Military Officer
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Buhari was a courageous leader and highly disciplined military officer who dedicated his life towards the service of the nation.
The PDP, in a statement by the national Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, ''The departed former President will be remembered by Nigerians for his roles and policies in government as Governor of Borno State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Military Head of State and later as democratically elected President.''
The PDP commiserated with late President Buhari’s widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari and the entire Buhari family; the Federal Government, the Nigeria Army, the government and people of Katsina State and the Daura Emirate for this national loss and prays to the Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal repose.
CPPE: Buhari was Skeptical of Neo-Liberal Economic Policy
The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise
(CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, has described late President Buhari as a man who was skeptical about neo-liberal economic policy but passionate about ensuring the country's food security.
Yusuf said: "He was passionate and committed to ensuring food security and self reliance in food production. He propagated the mantra that 'we must grow what we eat and eat what we grow.'
Yusuf , however, added that Buhari "was very skeptical of neo- liberal economic policies, which considerably limited the role of the market in the economy.
"Many economists, private sector players and multilateral institutions had reservations about his ideological disposition of a state led economy.
"His economic management philosophy resulted in an unprecedented growth in the rent economy in country. However, there was no doubt that he meant well for the economy and the citizens, especially the poor."
Southern Govs: It’s a Significant Loss
The Southern Governors' Forum (SGF) has described the death of Buhari as a great and significant loss to the country.
This was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun, by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
The statement read: "The Southern Governors' Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to the nation following the unfortunate passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The loss of the former president marks a profound moment of reflection for all Nigerians.
"Former President Buhari, who served as the nation's leader twice, dedicated his life to public service and the advancement of Nigeria’s interests. His tenure was characterized by his unwavering commitment to national development, security, and unity.
"He endeavoured to navigate the complexities of governance, seeking to enhance the living standards of citizens while addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the country. His vision for a prosperous Nigeria has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many.
"The Southern Governors' Forum recognizes Buhari’s significant contributions to the political landscape, particularly his efforts
in promoting democracy and stability.
“He was a leader who understood the intricacies of Nigeria’s diverse society and sought to foster a sense of belonging among all citizens. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
"In this time of mourning, the Southern Governors' Forum calls upon all Nigerians to honour the legacies of the late president by continuing to strive for the ideals he championed—unity, development, and peace.
“It is imperative that we come together as a nation to reflect on his life and the lessons imparted. His commitment to service and leadership serves as a guiding light for current and future leaders.”
Mbah: It’s Colossal Loss to Nigeria, Hails the Deceased’s Forthrightness, Patriotism
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the passing of Buhari, describing it as a colossal loss to the entire nation. Mbah, in a condolence message personally signed, described Buhari as one of the most patriotic and honest Nigerian leaders to have ever led the country.
“President Buhari made his entrance into Nigerian governance space in 1984 and 2015. On both occasions, his pedigrees of truthfulness, integrity and patriotism stood out. He demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood.
“He was an embodiment of service and dedication to the fatherland. His life was a lesson to upcoming leaders that leadership is about the downtrodden and the vast number of people who needed development.
"His public service career was glittering and outstanding. His simplicity and forthrightness were virtues that endeared him to millions across Nigeria, and even beyond.
"Although he leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill, there is much comfort in the fact that his life was an inspiration, and his vast legacies are engraved in the sands of time.
"On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I mourn the passing of this astute General, a committed patriot and a leader
whose engaging persona was circumscribed round Nigeria and its people.
“I offer my sincerest condolences to his immediate family, the Government and people of Katsina State, the Federal Government and the entire people of Nigeria,” he stated.
The Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, in a tribute to Buhari, described him as "a dear elder statesman and compatriot."
Bakare, who was a presidential running mate with Buhari in 2011 under the platform of Congress of Progressive Change, said it was with deep sadness and solemn reflection, yet with much gratitude to God for an extremely impactful life, that he received the news of the passing of a dear elder statesman and compatriot, President Muhammadu Buhari.
"This was a man whose destiny first intersected with mine in 1985, when his policy interventions paved the way for a young lawyer at the crossroads. This was a man whose integrity and discipline gave hope to millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of our nation.
"This was a man with a dream of a New Nigeria—a dream he lived for; a dream he worked tirelessly towards from his youth; a dream he pursued persistently despite the challenges he encountered; a dream I had the privilege of teaming up with him in his tireless quest to fulfill; a dream that brought tears to his eyes; a dream, the heart of which he shared with me in intimate conversations—a dream that revealed the soul of a man whose lifelong desire was to make life better for the ordinary Nigerian.
"A colossus has departed our land—one for whom there can hardly be a replacement; one of whom only a few of his breed have straddled this land; one whose kind would be a tall order to find again.
"May history remember you well, my friend and compatriot. And may the New Nigeria you tried so hard to bequeath emerge, even after you have departed."
Bakare also expressed "deep condolences to his beloved wife, former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and to his children and grandchildren. May God, the husband of the widow and the father of the fatherless, fill the void. And to our dear nation, Nigeria, may God be our strength and comfort in this solemn season."
Tuggar: Buhari
Was Statesman of Uncommon Integrity
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has described Buhari as a statesman of
uncommon integrity, and a towering figure in our nation’s history.
The Minister gave this description in an official condolence message on Sunday.
The message read: “It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of national loss that I mourn the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR — former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a statesman of uncommon integrity, and a towering figure in our nation’s history.
“President Buhari served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, both in uniform and in civilian leadership. His legacy is marked by a lifelong commitment to discipline, national unity, and the fight against corruption. His calm resolve in moments of turbulence and his steadfast belief in the promise of Nigeria will continue to inspire generations.
“At home and abroad, he was a symbol of Nigeria’s strength and dignity — a leader who carried the burdens of state with humility and a deep sense of duty.
“When President Muhammadu Buhari spoke at his inauguration in 2015, he said: ‘I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.’ He was sending a signal not just to Nigerians, but also to the region, to Africa and the world. He was not for sale, Nigeria was not for sale, Africa was not for sale.
“He was a soldier by training and a patriot by instinct - and a committed champion of democracy: he was instrumental in the peaceful resolution of Gambia’s electoral crisis in 2016, and an unprecedented transfer of power.
“He worked tirelessly to support regional efforts to roll back the scourge of violent extremism in the Sahel, just as in the 1980s he supported the liberation movements fighting for democracy in South Africa and Namibia.
“He was committed to the rulesbased international order and worked to deepen ties between Nigeria and ECOWAS, the AU, UN and Commonwealth, and was a firm advocate of institutional reform.
“He had friends and allies in the four corners of the globe, but national interest always trumped sentiment: he bought fighter planes from the US, fertiliser from Russia and sealing the gas pipeline deal with Morocco. Nigeria has lost a dedicated patriot; Africa has lost a noble son. We salute you.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic community, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and People of Nigeria, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.”
Touray: His Contributions Greatly Advanced Democracy,
President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Touray has said Buhari’s invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa.
A condolence message signed by Touray read: “It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission, extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the entire Nigerian people.
“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent. May his soul rest in paradise.”
Akpabio: He's Titan of Integrity, Service
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Buhari, saying he was a titan of integrity and service.
Akpabio described him as a towering statesman and a symbol of integrity and a true servant of the Nigerian people.
In a personally signed statement, Senate President Akpabio said, “It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari.
“I am deeply pained that he departed at a time when his wise counsel is most needed by the nation.
“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the National Assembly at large.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Hajia Aisha Buhari, his children, friends and political associates, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the government and people of Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians.
“President Buhari was not just a leader; he was a statesman of exceptional integrity, a fine military officer who served Nigeria with passion and patriotism, and later emerged as a democratic icon.
“Through resilience and discipline, he became the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president — a historic achievement underscoring his belief in democratic ideals.”
Musa: His Life Was Defined by Discipline
Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, has described Buhari as a man whose life was defined by “discipline, humility, and a fearless dedication to national service.”
According to him, “President Buhari was not just a leader, he was a symbol of moral clarity and courage. In an era where compromise too often erodes principle, he stood tall. He reminded us that leadership is not about self, but about sacrifice.
“He lived simply, thought deeply, and walked humbly in the fear of God. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, integrity, and duty to country. In Buhari, Nigeria has lost a father; Africa, a voice of reason.
“May the Almighty forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. His life and service will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Chinese Embassy: Buhari Was Had Unwavering Dedication to Nigeria's Unity
The Chinese Embassy has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he was a resolute leader with unwavering dedication to Nigeria's unity.
The Embassy in a message on X commiserated with the government and the people of Nigeria.
The message read: “The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), Former President of Nigeria.
“We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria's unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy.
“His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and Nigerian people.”
Ngige: It’s Exit of a Titan and Patriot
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as the exit of a titan and a patriot.
"I have been shell shocked and very sad since the last hour that I received the news of the death of our former Boss and my friend President Muhammadu Buhari.
"Shocked and sad, not because we should all not die, so to go the way of all mortals as designed by God Almighty our maker but because the last information on him was that of a patient, on his way to full recovery from an ailment that initially sent him into the Intensive Care Unit.
"A very hardworking and disciplined and regimented individual. He played politics with morals and who allowed his staff officers and political appointees,the latitude to do their job without undue interference and goading. President General Buhari has played his role on this planet earth and his maker has called him home.
"As an austere, transparent, twice head of Government in Nigeria, patriotically selfless we can only pray to God Almighty to forgive his transgressions and grant him eternal rest, comfort the family and all who had worked with him during his public service journey."
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, have joined millions of sympathisers across the globe to mourn the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The Defence Chief, in a condolence message on behalf of the Nigerian Military, extended his heartfelt condolences to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari's family, and the nation at large over the loss of a revered elder statesman, a patriot, and a gallant senior officer.
A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the CDS described the late President Buhari as an exemplary leader whose life was defined by discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He noted that Buhari’s contributions to national development, both in the military and democratic leadership, have left an enduring legacy in Nigeria’s history.
The CDS also noted that the late President has written his name in gold as an incorruptible leader and vanguard of prudence.
The Defence Chief said, "President Buhari was a symbol of dedication to national service. He fought tirelessly for the unity and indivisibility of our great country. His leadership, courage, and principles will continue to inspire generations of citizens."
In his letter of condolence to the family of Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, said that the demise of Buhari, a true and dedicated leader deeply saddens the nation.
Noting that his foresight in prioritising national security led to the re-establishment of the Ministry of Police Affairs as a dedicated entity to address the needs of the Police Ecosystem, the Minister said he also approved vital funding for fuel supplies for police operational vehicles across
the country, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing our security infrastructure.
Adding that it was a profound loss for Nigeria, the Minister stated that Buhari’s commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the security sector would always be remembered and cherished.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a distinguished statesman who served with honour and integrity. May his spirit of leadership continue to inspire generations to come.
“During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all Nigerians. His remarkable contributions to our nation will never be forgotten," he said.
Bio: Buhari was Formidable Statesman Dedicated to Service of His Nation
Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio, has said Buhari was a formidable statesman whose dedication to the service of his nation would remain a testament to his legacy.
A statement by Sierra Leone State House, Freetown read: “It is with profound grief that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio mourns the passing of his dear friend and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, who departed this life on Sunday, 13th July 2025.
“In his capacity as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Nigeria, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and most especially to the bereaved family of the late President Buhari.
“The late President Buhari was a formidable statesman whose dedication to the service of his nation will remain a testament to his legacy.
“As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio recognizes with admiration the leadership demonstrated by the late President Buhari during his tenure as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. His courageous commitment to the advancement of regional peace stability, and economic integration was a hallmark of his stewardship.
“During this time of great sorrow, Sierra Leone stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria. We join all West Africans and the global community in mourning the loss of a true patriot.”
Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Al-Mubaraq Oladosu, Esq, flanked by his parents, Alhaji Ademola Oladosu and Alhaja Temilade Oladosu, during the call- to-bar ceremony in Abuja…recently
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
A senior official in the National Assembly, Mrs. Ifeoma Ofili, has sparked national outrage after making explosive allegations of deep-rooted corruption among federal lawmakers.
Speaking at a retreat hosted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on June 27, Ofili detailed systemic bribery, legislative manipulation, and financial exploitation within the hallowed chambers of Nigeria’s legislature.
THISDAY gathered that a viral video of her testimony, recorded during the Abuja retreat for directors and committee clerks, has sent shockwaves through civil society and prompted calls for immediate investigation.
Ofili, a director in the House of Representatives and former Clerk of the House Committee on Local Content, painted a damning picture of misconduct by lawmakers. She accused legislators of routinely collecting bribes from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Security forces in Anambra State have rescued a kidnap victim, while also killing one of the suspected kidnappers during a gun duel.
A statement issued by the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the incident happened last Saturday at Aguata Local Government Area.
Recall that Aguata and Orumba axis have recently become hotbed for insecurity, with several killings by hoodlums already registered.
In the Saturday’s incident, Ikenga said: “In the late hours of July 12, 2025, operatives of the police-led Joint Security Force from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata, while on a night visibility patrol around Amaokpala, encountered a group of armed hoodlums and engaged
them in a gun duel.
“During the operation, the operatives successfully rescued a 26-year-old female kidnap victim, neutralized one of the armed criminals, and recovered some items.
“The hoodlums allegedly opened fire upon sighting the patrol team, and the operatives tactically returned fire, leading to a gun duel that lasted approximately forty (40) minutes.
“One suspect was fatally wounded and later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, where the body was deposited in the morgue for preservation,” he stated.
He listed the recovered from the hoodlums include; one pumpaction gun, 11 live cartridges, one ash-coloured Toyota Camry Sedan with Reg. No: Lagos-EPE-208-FK, one Police belt, and one carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drink.
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has disclosed that it has uncovered a criminal network involving local collaborators aiding kidnapping gangs in parts of the state, particularly in Kabba/Bunu,Ijumu,Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
Just as it was also revealed that some bread sellers and sachet water factories were supplying basic necessities to kidnappers in their forest hideouts. Motorcycle riders acted as couriers, transporting goods to the criminals, allowing them to sustain operations undetected.
The state government, however, has vowed to crackdown on the collaborators in state.
This was contained in a in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
The statement stressed that the discovery followed a coordinated crackdown by joint security forces in response to recent security breaches, including the abduction and death of a retired Nigerian Army officer from Odo-Ape, the kidnap of a prominent farmer from Ponyan in Yagba East, and a series of related incidents in Yagba West.
Fanwo said the operations, which were initiated under the directive of Governor Usman Ododo, have led to significant arrests and exposure of those fueling.
oversight visits, where they allegedly receive hospitality, money, and travel arrangements from the very institutions they are meant to scrutinise.
“Flight tickets, accommodations, cash all provided by the MDAs. What oversight are we talking about?” she asked. “And after
collecting all this, lawmakers come back and fight over the spoils without giving a kobo to the clerks or committee assistants.”
Isoko Nation alleges oil thieves behind ethnic agitations against Tantita
Sylvester IdowuinWarri
Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege has threatened to take those behind a viral video accusing him of embezzling millions of naira allegedly earmarked for Urhobo youth through a pipeline surveillance contract the federal government awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
This is just as oil thieves as well
as displaced desperate criminal networks are behind recent ethnicbased protests against the work of TSSNL in Isoko land in particular and Nigeria Delta region in general.
The Coalition of Isoko Patriots made up of professionals and leaders, president generals and Tantita coordinators in Isoko land at a media briefing in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State at weekend, said that Tantita is currently one of the highest
employer of labour in Isoko nation.
Omo-Agege, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, yesterday the Senator described the allegations as completely baseless, false and without merit.
“We’ve recently come across a viral video making the rounds on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.”
“In it, one Diamond Dietanuru Osakoigho, known as Paranran, from Ughelli South Local Government
Area in Delta State made some serious and unfounded accusations against Senator Omo-Agege, claiming he corruptly pocketed billions of Naira intended for Urhobo youth from Tantita Security Services Limited, a security company handling petroleum product pipeline surveillance contracts for Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the Niger Delta. These allegations are completely baseless, false and without merit.
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State yesterday suffered a major setback as thousands of their supporters defected to African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The PDP, APC and New
Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) card-carrying members pitched tent with the ADC while unveiling the opposition party as their new political movement in Katsina.
A renowned grassroots mobiliser and former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa; former Minister of Defence, Lawal
Batagarawa, former Senator representing Daura Zone, Ahmed Babba Kaita and Hon. Ahmed Aminu Yar’Adua, were among PDP stalwarts that picked the ADC membership cards.
Former Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development to Ex-governor Aminu Bello Masari, Amina Lawal; former Director-General of the NYSC, Retired BrigadierGeneral Maharazu Tsiga and Hon. Babangida Talau of the NNPP also dumped their parties for the ADC. They picked the ADC membership cards along with thousands of their supporters across the 34 local government areas of the state.
Okon Bassey in Uyo
Aggrieved indigenes in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as “abysmal performance” of the Senator representing them in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson.
Taking inventory of the Senator’s scorecard in the
last two years, the elders and stakeholders of the area scored the lawmaker low, noting that Ibeno, which largely contributes enormous percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through oil production, has been neglected, marginalised in constituency projects and empowerment of their people.
Senator Sampson, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee
on Solid Minerals, from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, represents 12 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.
The elders, youths and stakeholders made their position known through a group, Ulok Ulok Assembly (UUPA), during an emergency meeting at Ukpenekang, where they decried the action of the Senator, as “insensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Ibeno.”
The group in a communique jointly signed by the Secretary of Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Ibeno Chapter Comrade, Emmanuel Okpolo, resolved to send an open letter to the Senator, seeking explanation for the marginalisation.
Sunday Ehigiator
In a bold move to tackle the growing wave of insecurity across Okunland, the Okun Development Association (ODA), the apex sociocultural organisation of the Yoruba people in Kogi State, has launched the Okun
Security Trust Fund (OSTF) and inaugurated three key implementation committees to drive the initiative.
The OSTF, described as a special-purpose vehicle, is aimed at mobilising resources and executing coordinated security strategies to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure across Okun communities.
In a statement from the association, following a formal launch event tagged ‘Launching of OSTF Working Committees’ recently in Abuja, ODA unveiled the three critical arms of the initiative: the Board of Trustees, the Technical and Strategy Committee, and the Fund Mobilisation Committee. These committees were drawn from a pool of respected professionals, technocrats, and community leaders and are tasked with delivering actionable security outcomes.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Worried by the incidence of water-borne diseases in Kwara State, a non-governmental organisation, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABS) has trained 25 plumbing technicians that would be repairing all damages boreholes and
water wells across the 16 local government councils areas of the state.
Already, the foundation has equipped the technicians with modern day tools and equipment that would ease their work so as to bring new lease of life to the rural communities in the state.
Speaking at a ceremony to unveil the plumbing technicians and their tools in Ilorin over the weekend, the ABS Foundation regional director, Mallam Musa Aliyu said that the technicians were trained for three weeks on how to carry out their assignment for the overall benefits of the people in the state. Aliyu who tagged the 25 technicians as “Water Champions” said: “These 25 individuals, one from each local government area in Kwara State, will serve as skilled representatives, ready to support their communities with real solutions.”
Abuja recently witnessed a beehive of activities as politicians, business leaders and experts gathered for the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) to confront a shared challenge on how to unlock the region’s vast economic potential, writes Emmanuel Addeh
Hosted by Nigeria under the theme: “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region,” the summit came at a moment of both regional strain and unprecedented opportunity, as West Africa moves to assert itself as a cohesive and competitive economic bloc.
For a region often caught between unrealised potential and policy inertia, WAES 2025 offered something rare: the sense that a genuine shift may finally be underway. President Bola Tinubu, in his opening address, declared that the time had come for West Africa to stop operating as fragmented economies and start building shared prosperity.
Beyond lofty rhetoric, the summit focused on hard numbers, policy commitments, and practical solutions, from regional infrastructure and investment reforms to youth empowerment and digital integration.
Setting the tone for the two-day event, Tinubu stated that the time had come for West Africa to become a coherent, competitive economic bloc, capable of generating wealth not just for today, but for generations. The point was made succinctly: That regional cooperation is no longer a political ideal, but an economic necessity.
The summit focused heavily on transforming West Africa from a loose collection of economies into an integrated market as several participants spoke openly about the limitations of the current structure.
Attendees agreed that intra-African trade remains painfully low as poor infrastructure, overlapping regulations, and uncoordinated trade policies continue to stunt regional growth, even as countries sit atop rich natural and human capital.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the WAES Deal Room, a platform designed to match governments and private investors with high-impact projects across the sub-region, where over $400 million in investment pledges spanning agriculture, logistics, digital infrastructure, and clean energy was pledged.
Throughout the sessions, the need to harmonise transport, customs, and energy infrastructure was a recurring theme. Regional transport corridors like the long-planned Lagos–Abidjan highway were cited as key to easing trade flow and lowering the cost of doing business. Ministers pledged renewed political will to fast-track such projects.
By the time the summit closed, a joint communiqué was signed, committing countries to deepen cooperation on trade facilitation, regional infrastructure, and access to finance, with clear timelines, and mutual obligations.
In the end, the document now known as the ‘Garki Declaration on Regional Prosperity and Integration’, a comprehensive, forward-looking policy document designed to unlock trade, mobilise investment, and turn West Africa’s long-discussed potential into shared, measurable prosperity was unanimously adopted.
The Garki Declaration, formally adopted at the close of WAES 2025, was seen not as just a mere communiqué, but a 12-point blueprint outlining precise, time-bound, and actionable goals for transforming West Africa’s economic trajectory. The declaration addressed long standing-structural issues, ranging from weak intra-regional trade to poor infrastructure, lack of harmonised regulations, and underinvestment in youth and women.
At the heart of the document was a reaffirmation that regional integration is not optional, but essential. With intra-African trade still hovering around 13 per cent, far lower than the over 60 per cent seen in the European Union (EU), the declaration called for bold reforms to dismantle tariff and non-tariff barriers, harmonise customs procedures, and fully implement existing instruments.
Some of the instruments include the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the Common External Tariff. In an ambitious yet pointed target, the signatories committed to raising intra-West African trade above 50 per cent within five years.
In practical terms, this means simplifying border processes, standardising trade data systems, and streamlining the movement of goods and people. Plans were also laid out to synchronise digital identity systems across West Africa, an initiative aimed at easing mobility, boosting cross-border commerce, and promoting financial inclusion.
Perhaps one of the most strategic outcomes of the
summit was the formal institutionalisation of WAES itself. Going forward, the summit will become a biennial event, rotating among West African countries.
More than a talk-shop, it is envisioned as a recurring platform for regional economic coordination, bringing together governments, business leaders, and development financiers to assess progress, refresh goals, and broker new investment partnerships.
To sustain momentum, a high-level WAES Implementation Secretariat will be created, tasked with tracking delivery of resolutions and ensuring accountability across borders. In a region often hamstrung by follow-through gaps, the mechanism could be a critical tool for turning political will into tangible outcomes.
The Garki Declaration placed strong emphasis on key economic sectors. Agriculture and food security featured prominently, with calls to scale up investment in seed technology, rural infrastructure, and agro-processing to reduce reliance on imports and build self-sufficiency. Governments agreed to work with the private sector to develop integrated value chains that can lift millions out of poverty while also driving industrialisation.
In energy and mining, the focus shifted to value addition, ensuring that raw materials extracted in the region are processed within the region. The declaration also reaffirmed commitments to improving electricity access and pushing forward long-delayed projects like the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), both of which have suffered from political and technical bottlenecks.
Equally important , according to the summiteers, was the plan to expand digital infrastructure, with regional leaders pledging to make the digital economy a central pillar of West Africa’s economic transformation. From e-commerce to digital ID systems and regional fintech interoperability, digital innovation was recognised as the fastest path to both inclusion and competitiveness.
A striking shift in tone at WAES 2025 was the central role of youth and women in the regional economic agenda.
In a continent where over 60 per cent of the population is under 25, leaders made an explicit commitment to invest in skills development, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and youth-led innovation.
Regional startup incubators and targeted funding mechanisms were proposed, alongside the establishment of a “Youth Innovation Index” to track how well countries are enabling young people to participate in and benefit from economic growth. Youth-led businesses that participated in the Summit’s Innovation Expo received special recognition, with the aim of building a pipeline of investible, regionally scalable ventures.
On women, the declaration took a firm stance. It pledged to dismantle the structural barriers that limit access to finance, markets, and cross-border opportunities. Gender-responsive policies will now be mainstreamed into all aspects of regional economic cooperation, from trade facilitation to taxation and land ownership laws.
Recognising that all plans hinge on access to capital, the Garki Declaration strongly endorsed both domestic and foreign investment. Signatories agreed to improve the business environment by reviewing investment regimes, protecting investor rights, and ensuring policy stability. A dedicated West Africa Deal Room Platform will be established to facilitate continued engagement between governments and private investors, particularly those from the West African diaspora and domestic private sector.
here was also an acknowledgment that development cannot be financed solely through aid or foreign direct investment. Leaders pledged to create incentives that allow local entrepreneurs, diaspora investors, and regional financial institutions to play a leading role in mobilising capital for growth.
Perhaps the most quietly powerful element of the declaration was its final section, an acknowledgment that without peace, democratic governance, and macroeconomic stability, economic transformation will remain elusive.
The declaration stressed the importance of harmonised fiscal regimes, improved natural resource governance, and sustained dialogue among countries, including those currently outside ECOWAS’s institutional framework.
Significantly, despite recent ECOWAS withdrawals by countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all West African nations were invited to the summit. This gesture underlined a belief that economic cooperation must remain above political fracture and that the door to reintegration must always remain open.
One of the most forward-looking moments at the WAES 2025 came during the keynote address by Nigeria’s Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
In her remarks titled: “Digital Identity and Trade in West Africa,” she framed identity not as a bureaucratic function but as essential economic infrastructure, noting that when citizens can move across borders with a recognised and verifiable identity, they can trade, access services, and participate meaningfully in regional growth.”
Coker-Odusote highlighted the urgent need to bridge the identity gap that still affects millions across the region, particularly in fragile states. With over 120 million Nigerians now registered under the NIN system, Nigeria, she said, is positioning itself as a continental leader in digital identity infrastructure.
She proposed a five-pronged strategy, urging regional governments, identity agencies, ECOWAS, the private sector, and civil society to align behind a unified framework. In her vision, a harmonised digital identity would not only accelerate financial inclusion and formal trade, it would become the very foundation upon which a truly integrated West African economy could be built.
While formal intra-ECOWAS trade hovers around 10 per cent 15 per cent, she argued that informal flows
led by small-scale traders, transporters, and vendors are much higher but go unrecorded, untaxed, and unsupported due to lack of verifiable identity.
“West Africa’s trade landscape is dynamic but underutilised. While official data from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) shows only 10–15 per cent of trade is intra-regional, informal commerce could raise that figure significantly. Annual trade within ECOWAS averages about $208 billion, with Nigeria accounting for roughly 76 per cent of regional flows.
“Institutions like ECOWAS, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and initiatives such as the West African Competitiveness Observatory aim to reduce trade barriers and harmonise customs procedures.
“Harmony, however, can only be fully realised when we go beyond shared culture, languages, music, and cuisine, and begin to commonise our identity in digital terms. A unified digital identity system is an economic and developmental imperative to our regional growth.
“When citizens can move across borders with a recognised and verifiable identity, they can trade, access services, establish trust in new markets, and participate meaningfully in regional growth. Digital identity strengthens trade by making the informal visible, reducing fraud, and enabling access to financial services, logistics, and government programs across national boundaries,” she maintained.
But the crux of her message was regional. While countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire have made strides in biometric enrolment and identity integration, others such as Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone still face significant gaps in infrastructure and institutional readiness. This uneven landscape, she warned, undermines trust and fluidity in cross-border trade.
Coker-Odusote laid out a five-point strategy to harmonise identity systems across West Africa. She called on governments to treat digital identity as infrastructure, just as essential as roads or ports.
She urged identity management agencies to adopt shared technical standards and support each other through knowledge exchange. She challenged ECOWAS and WAEMU to institutionalise digital identity coordination through a dedicated working group and a regional charter.
The private sector, particularly fintechs, banks, and telecoms, she said, must embrace digital ID as the cornerstone of onboarding and verification. Lastly, she implored civil society and traditional leaders to bridge the trust gap by driving grassroots awareness and promoting digital literacy.
The tone in Garki was one of urgency, but also clarity. After years of piecemeal progress and stalled regional projects, WAES 2025 and the Garki Declaration offered something the region has long needed: a shared, measurable framework anchored in political will. The challenge ahead will henceforth be execution. But for now, the message is clear, that West Africa is done waiting. As the summit drew to a close, one phrase that seemed to have echoed through the halls was: “A prosperous West Africa is possible if we act together, boldly and now.”
Table €25m plus player for Super Eagles winger
Kunle Adewale
Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, has been linked with multiple top clubs this summer, but Napoli have made their move.
The Italian Serie A club, Napoli, have officially tabled an offer to Atalanta for Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman.
Lookman has been linked to different clubs as he is expected to leave Atalanta this summer. The former Everton man has made quite a mark in Bergamo, contributing 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 games for La Dea.
He was also key to their UEFA Europa League triumph two seasons ago, scoring a hattrick in the final.
Juventus, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, West Ham, and Arsenal appear to be the front-runners for the 27-year-old’s signature, but it is still unclear which club he will eventually move to.
Meanwhile, Napoli have started making moves to sign the Super
Eagles star. According to Italian news outlet Napoli Zone, Napoli Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, has met with Atalanta and has offered them Giacomo Raspadori plus €25 million for Lookman.
This might be an enticing deal for La Dea, as Raspadori has bags of Serie A experience. He has won two Scudettos with Napoli. Atalanta will also get to pocket €25 million.
Although Napoli have made an offer, Lookman might not been keen on staying in the Serie A since there is interest from bigger clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona.
However, if they do not make a move soon, the Super Eagles star might consider the Napoli transfer. His potential partnership with Romelu Lukaku could be a deadly force in the Serie A and on the continent.
In the next few days, he will hope that his future is sorted so he can join early for pre-season and gel with his new teammates.
Duro
Cole Palmer last night inspired Chelsea to an incredible 3-0 win against Paris Saint Germain in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey, USA. It was one of the best performances yet under Enzo Maresca, as Chelsea blew the recently crowned UEFA Champions
League winners away with a stunning performance at the MetLife Stadium in front of American President, Donald Trump and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino amongst other high profile guests.
An exhilarating opening 45 minutes of football by Chelsea left Paris Saint-Germain in shock and the Blues supporters in the
USA in dreamland, as they led 3-0 at the break.
Palmer had already warned PSG by going agonisingly close before striking twice with almost identical finishes placed into the bottom-left corner, first after good running by Gusto and the second with a lovely piece of skill to make space on the edge of the box.
Cole then turned provider to
tee up Joao Pedro for his third goal in two starts for Chelsea at this tournament, showing great composure himself to lift the ball over the keeper.
Chelsea held firm to deny PSG any chance of a fightback in the second half, with their chances already slipping away even before a straight red card for Joao Neves a few minutes from the end.
Sinner Dominates Alcaraz to Win First Wimbledon Title
World number one Jannik Sinner on Sunday evening won his first Wimbledon title by wearing down Carlos Alcaraz in another high-quality Grand Slam final between the dominant forces of the men’s game.
Italy’s Sinner claimed a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory at the All
England Club, avenging his brutal French Open defeat by Spanish world number two Alcaraz just 35 days ago.
Then, Sinner led by two sets - and held three championship points - before Alcaraz roared back to win a five-set classic lasting more than five hours.
Now, the 23-year-old has
Shaibu Begins Overhaul of NIS, Appoints Power-Packed AdvisoryTeam
In a bold move to transform the National Institute for Sports (NIS) into a globally competitive institution, the Director General of the foremost institute, Philip Shaibu, has approved the constitution of a high-powered advisory committee comprising some of Nigeria’s most accomplished minds in sports, academia, corporate leadership, and media.
The committee, described by insiders as a blockbuster team, is tasked with charting a strategic pathway to reposition the NIS to deliver effectively on its core mandate and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The composition of the committee reflects a deliberate blend of academic rigor, corporate strategy, technical sports knowledge, and media insight—a rare convergence aimed at redefining the future of sports education and development in Nigeria.
Some of the members include Engr. Musa Kida, Chairman of NNPC Ltd and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation who brings decades of experience in both the oil sector and sports administration and
Mike Itemuagbor, Nigeria’s foremost sports marketer and CEO of Padmozi Sports International, the visionary behind the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first World Athletics label road race in West Africa.
Also included is Professor Ken Anugweje, a respected professor of sports science and former president of NUGA who is a leading voice in sports medicine and athlete welfare and Dr. Kweku Tandoh, a former Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission known for his strategic reforms and grassroots development initiatives.
Some standout former Nigeria internationals also made the list and includes Mary Onyali, a five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist who remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes and a symbol of excellence; Yusuf Ali, a former African long jump champion and Olympian who now serves as CEO of the NSC’s Elite Athletes Development Board as well as Coach Austin Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles head coach and ex-international, bringing technical depth and field experience.
responded by taking twotime defending champion Alcaraz’s crown on the Centre Court grass, following another gripping contest which again showcased the pair’s shotmaking, athleticism and star power.
“It is so special,” Sinner said. “I’m living my dream.”
Sinner, who served a threemonth doping ban earlier this year, has claimed the fourth Grand Slam title of his career and a first major victory not on a hard court.
A composed and clinical performance from the top seed ended Alcaraz’s 24-match winning streak.
Super Falcons to Battle Free-scoring Zambia in WAFCON Q’finals
After Super Falcons were held goalless by resolute Algeria last night, Nigeria will next battle free scoring Zambia in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals. Nigeria won Group B with seven points from three matches, while Algeria finished runners-up with five points.
Botswana finished third on three points after they came from behind to beat Tunisia 2-1. Tunisia were bottom on a point.
It would be recalled that Zambia
denied Nigeria third-place three years ago also in Morocco. Against Algeria last night, Super Falcons’ gaffer, Justice Madugu, lined up a second-string side after eight players were handed their first starts of the competition.
As expected, Nigeria created the better chances, but failed to put away any.
The North Africans were resolute in defence and were the happier of the two teams as they reached their first-ever quarterfinal.
CAA Hails Nigeria for Hosting African U18/U20 Championships WTT Increases 2025 Contender Lagos Prize Money by 33 Per cent
A contingent of 43 athletes from Egypt became the latest country to arrive in Abeokuta, Ogun State for the 2025 African U18/U20 championships.
The event, the 3rd combined CAA U18/U20 championships, will officially begin on July 16, but the Council Meeting by the Confederations of African Athletics (CAA) took place yesterday in Abeokuta.
CAA officials led by the President, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, was full of praises for Nigeria, particularly Ogun State for hosting the championships despite the short notice .
The CAA Boss praised Nigeria as the biggest economy and a power house on the continent which was the reason the CAA turned to Nigeria when there was the setback of the withdrawal of the former host, Algeria.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the highest authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly to His Excellency, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of State for having authorized the organization of our championships and our meetings here in Nigeria.
“Permit me also to extend my
recognition to Honorable Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State for putting at the disposal of African young athletes the sports facilities that could allow them to compete in a very efficient environment”.
“Let me thank Mr. Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission for the valuable initiative that he took to allow Nigeria to host the youth of Africa.
“Our thanks also go to Honorable Bukola Olopade, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and to Mr. Tonobok Okowa, the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria for their strong commitment to organize a successful event.”
“We all know that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and one of the leading countries in the continent. This is the reason behind the decision of our CAA Council to make a request to Nigeria to host these events in Abeokuta immediately after the withdrawal of Algeria for reasons beyond our control. It was a great opportunity for our young athletes and leaders of our sports in Africa, to experience the hosting capacity of Nigeria and specifically the Ogun State.”
The management of World Table Tennis (WTT) Series has announced a significant increase in the prize pool for the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos tournament, raising the total purse from $75,000 (N115 million) to $100,000 (N153 million). This 33% boost is aimed at enhancing player rewards and promoting global competitiveness.
In addition to the increased financial incentives, players will also gain enhanced world ranking points for their performances. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 26 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, located within the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
This development aligns with WTT’s broader commitment to improving player welfare and ensuring that athletes are adequately compensated for their efforts.
Winners of the singles events will receive $5,000 (N7.6 million) and 400 ranking points. From the main draw onwards, all players in the singles category will be entitled to both financial rewards and ranking points.
In the doubles and mixed doubles categories, winners will each receive $2,500 (N3.8 million) and 400 ranking points.
Participants who reach the round of 16 in these events will also earn prize money and ranking points. Tournament Director, Kweku Tandoh, emphasized the importance of prioritizing players: “We are fully aware of the sacrifices players make to participate in WTT events. This over-30% increase in prize money is a deliberate effort by WTT management to reward their dedication. At WTT, player welfare remains a top priority, and Lagos is committed to upholding that standard.” He added, “WTT Contender Lagos has become one of the most dynamic and widely publicized events in the WTT Series. Thanks to strong support from Lagos State and an enthusiastic fan base, it has earned a reputation as Nigeria’s best-organized and most wellattended international sporting event. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) is working tirelessly to raise the bar even higher and ensure this year’s edition rivals the best WTT tournaments globally.”
The 2025 edition promises to deliver world-class table tennis action, with top-ranked players from around the globe competing in what has become a flagship event on the African sporting calendar.
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures. He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.
He stood firm through the most turbulent
Buhari
times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s
potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.
In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.
I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.
We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
As a mark of respect to our former leader, I
have directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.
I have also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday, dedicated to his honour. The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.
•Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria. Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories
and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.
In the course of our long careers, fate placed both of us in leadership at different times, and in very different circumstances. But in all, Buhari remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office. He served Nigeria with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or misunderstood.
Beyond the uniform and the public glare, I knew him as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling. We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.
His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President. It is the loss of a symbol — a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic. A man who, even in
retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.
To his beloved wife Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and the nation he loved and served — I extend my deepest condolences. May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
May his legacy endure.
•General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari who died at the age of 82. President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served
the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
In his passing Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.
On behalf of my family and the Goodluck
Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
•Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON