Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko
Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025. In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank
also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above. The ceremony brought
together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative
banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.
Among the eminent personalities who graced
the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor
www.thisdaylive.com
DSS Gets Kudos over Recent Major Breakthroughs in Fight Against Insecurity
Elated Tinubu rejoices, hails INEC for hitch-free polls, commends electorate for voting APC Victory is endorsement of the president, ruling party boasts ADC alleges intimidation, corruption, LP says it’s mockery of democracy, travesty of justice; PDP chief dismisses exercise as fraud
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of
Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the Founder & Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Vice President,
Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; and the Publisher of Thisday Newspaper, Prince Nduka Obaigbena at the Zenith Bank 35th Anniversary and
FT: Ivory Coast Election Protests Grow after Opposition Candidate is Barred
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Ivory Coast’s opposition parties, including that of former Credit Suisse Chief Executive, Tidjane Thiam, have launched a wave of protests after their leaders were struck from the ballot, fuelling uncertainty over the future of one of west Africa’s star economies, The Financial Times has reported.
The country’s President, Alassane Ouattara, 83, announced last month
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City, James Sowole in Abeokuta, John Shiklam in Kaduna, DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja, Daji Sani in Yola and Laleye Dipo in Minna
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed a decisive win in weekend’s bye-elections held in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation, emerging victorious in 12 constituencies.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won two constituencies, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gained the upper hand in one constituency each, in poll outcomes that were roundly rejected by the opposition parties.
The ballot on Saturday appeared to be a critical test of the strengths and current standings of the major political parties as the country prepared for general election in 2027.
he would seek a fourth term at elections in October, arguing that a 2016 constitutional change has reset the clock on his already 14-year tenure over the world’s largest cocoa producer, the report said. While candidates have until the final week of August to register, Ouattara’s path back to power appears to have been cleared after Thiam was removed from the electoral roll in April by an Abidjan court because he was a
While there were slightly stiff competitions in a few states, like Kano, the political parties mainly took the helm in states where they controlled the government, a pointer to what might pan out in the 2027 general election.
President Bola Tinubu rejoiced with all the winners, just as APC described the triumph of its candidates as an endorsement of the Tinubu administration.
But African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and PDP condemned the exercise. Tinubu, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended INEC for hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence. Tinubu also congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership. He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the bye-elections.
The president stated, "Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown
French citizen when he registered.
Another opposition leader, former President Laurent Gbagbo, has been barred for years over a conviction related to the country’s second civil war. His refusal to cede power after losing an election to Ouattara in 2010 sparked a civil war in which at least 3,000 were killed and half a million displaced.
Gbagbo was also prosecuted at the International Criminal Court (ICJ), the first trial of a former head
leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders.
"To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God."
He commended all the political parties and candidates, who participated in the election, and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest, and magnanimity, which were enablers of enduring democracy.
National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, commended the president for creating a level playing field for the bye-election.
The ruling party also commended progressive governors, devoted party leaders, members
of state at The Hague, and was acquitted in 2019. Ouattara framed the decision to run as a response to the “unprecedented security, economic and monetary” challenges facing the country of 31 million people, including persistent poverty and unemployment, which he said require his ‘ experience’ to manage.
Opposition politicians removed from the electoral roll have demanded an audit of the
and supporters for their sacrificial efforts and contributions towards the party’s victory.
Morka stated, “This win is yet another solid endorsement of President Bola Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda designed to deliver, and now steadily delivering transformation of our country’s economy and other sectors of our national life.
“Our hearty congratulations go to our victorious candidates across the country, and we charge them to reward their constituents with purposeful legislative interventions that translate Renewed Hope Agenda to meaningful benefits for the people.
“We specially congratulate our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on this crucial first dominant victory under his eminent leadership as National Chairman. It is a strong pointer to greater things to come.”
APC further commended the
Continued on page 36
voters’ register, which they say will allow them to participate in the polls — something the head of the electoral commission has ruled out.
That leaves protests as, in effect, their final recourse. Tens of thousands of supporters of Thiam’s and Gbagbo’s parties — who have joined forces to challenge their leaders’ exclusion — rallied peacefully last weekend in a working class suburb of the
country’s largest city Abidjan. It is expected to be one of many demonstrations against their leaders’ exclusion from the electoral list, with Gbagbo holding a rally on Saturday in the same neighbourhood.
LIST OF CONSTITUENCIES WON AND THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN SATURDAY’S BYE-ELECTIONS
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)
1) Remo Federal Constituency (Ogun State)
2) Edo Central (Edo State)
3) Garki-Babura Federal Constituency (Jigawa State)
4) Basawa Constituency (Kaduna State)
5) Ghari Tsanyawa (Kano State)
6) Zaria Kewaye (Kaduna State)
7) Ovia Federal Constituency (Edo State)
8) Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency (Kaduna State)
9) Ganye Constituency (Adamawa State)
10) Edo South Senatorial District (Edo State)
11) Dekina-Okura II Federal Constituency (Kogi)
12) Munya Constituency (Niger State)
PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
13) Ibadan North Federal Constituency
ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA)
14) Anambra South Senatorial District
15) Onitsha North State Constituency
NEW NIGERIA PEOPLE’S PARTY (NNPP)
16) Shanono/Bagwai (Kano)
ZENITH BANK MARKS 35TH ANNIVERSARY, RECOGNISES PIONEER CUSTOMERS AND LONG-SERVING STAFF
of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief
terror group, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Mallam Mamuda, who served as his Chief of Staff.
Aside from Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who extended the applause to President Bola Tinubu over breakthroughs in the arrest of terror kingpins by the Oluwatosin Ajayi-led secret police, some youths under the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) as well as the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also praised the DSS. Abba, leader of Mahmuda was said to have been recently captured in Wawa, Borgu local government area of Niger State and was taken to Abuja for further investigation. Bago described the move as a demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Bologi, the governor said: “Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the
Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity
most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS. As you read. He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.
“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news. Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians.
“Look at the appointments in the security services, especially the DSS. It takes a tremendous degree of intelligence and competence to, without firing a single shot, capture a high-profile terrorist like Abba. Where there is a will, they say, there is a way. Mr. President has consistently shown that willpower. That’s why we are recording such successes,” he said.
The governor promised that the Niger State government would continue to collaborate with the federal government and security agencies to ensure that terrorism
transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”. In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of
is halted in the country.
The Mahmuda terror group was said to have been terrorising residents around the Kainji National Park in Niger State as well as some areas in Kwara state.
After weeks of surveillance, the DSS was said to have trailed and arrested the terror group leader in Wawa community, Borgu local government area of Niger State.
Also, a group, Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA), has praised the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for finally confirming weeks of speculation on the capture of two most-wanted leaders of terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Ribadu in a press conference last Saturday in Abuja formally announced the capture of the leadership of the Ansaru terrorist organisation, otherwise known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, and the Mahmudawa terrorist group.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the northern group expressed satisfaction with the NSA for
global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and
publicly addressing a security issue they said had troubled most parts of Northern Nigeria, especially given the fact that the operation was intelligence driven.
The group noted that this lent credence to the statement by Niger state Governor that the DSS stealth operations resulted in the capture of the terror kingpins.
The statement was signed by NEYGA spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, said: “As a group with special interest in happenings in Nigeria, especially the northern part of this great country, we have been consistent in observing the new approach of covertness and studied silence by the new DSS leadership that has been working tirelessly to rid our region of insecurity.
“We are particularly happy with the kind of DSS leadership we now have that is not interested in self-adulation or self-praise, but in results. Even when it was clear to all that the DSS was behind these security gains, the leadership of this security service refused to speak out or take the credit. We are pleased to note that this is in
investors forged at Zenith Bank”. Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family
line with the DG’s promise on assumption of office to return the Service to covertness.
“We are particularly pleased that, even after the NSA severally mentioned that the feat was a result of intelligence-led operations, the DSS Director General, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, who was physically present at the press conference, did not behave like someone whose agency has just recorded a major milestone in the global war on terror,” the group said.
It added: “We are not surprised.
As Assistant Director in charge of Operations in Kaduna, Mr. Ajayi, in 2009 coordinated the rescue of a Canadian woman, Julie Ann Mulligan (45 years old at the time), who had been kidnapped whilst on a Rotary International exchange programme.
“The operation involved the same covert approach; surveillance, tracking and use of human assets, which resulted in locating Mulligan in a village near Kaduna municipal. No ransom was paid, no single shot was fired, and, of course, there were no casualties during
led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support. Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.
Mulligan’s rescue,” the group recalled.
At the time, it said the Canadian and Kaduna State Governments, as well as Rotary International, issued statements commending the DSS, explaining that the news reports of Mulligan’s rescue are well-documented on the internet.
NEYGA stressed that this new approach of covertness and efficiency displayed by the DSS in the capture of the terror group leaders were clear signs that Nigeria was on the true path to winning the war on terrorism.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organisation, yesterday praised Nigeria’s security leadership for the recent capture of two notorious terrorist leaders from the Al-Ansaru and Mahmuda groups.
The suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman—self-styled “Amir of Ansari”—and his associate Mahmud al-Nigeri, were apprehended in a joint sting operation by operatives of the DSS.
Thiam
PROMOTING WOMEN EXPORTERS...
In New Regulatory Guidelines, ICRC Decentralises Project Approvals to MDAs to Fastrack Delivery
Move to unlock billions in private investment, ensure due diligence, says Ewalefoh
James Emejo in Abuja
Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has issued new guidelines to govern the development and implementation of all Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the country.
The new framework was released under the statutory powers conferred on the commission by the ICRC Act,
2005, and in compliance with a recent presidential directive. The move seeks to overhaul the country's infrastructure delivery processes through PPPs, decentralise project approvals to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government for faster delivery while safeguarding ICRC’s role as regulator of the PPPs. Director-General of ICRC, Dr.
Jobson Ewalefoh, disclosed the development during a highlevel stakeholders’ engagement with representatives of MDAs directly involved in PPPs.
Ewalefoh said the fresh regulation was in response to President Bola Tinubu’s vision to liberalise the economy and in line with the president's charge to ICRC to seek innovative ways to attract private sector finance to build
infrastructure through PPPs.
The ICRC boss said, "These rules establish a definitive framework for the conception, development, and execution of PPP projects in Nigeria. They decentralise project approvals to empower MDAs for faster delivery while safeguarding the ICRC’s role as regulator of PPPs in Nigeria.
"Every PPP project — regardless of sector, scale, or
UNDP, REA Launch Partnership to Drive Nigeria's Clean Energy Agenda
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a ‘landmark’ partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, boost innovation, and prepare a future-ready workforce.
The collaboration, a statement from the REA, said will focus on five core pillars — energising education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth.
At the signing ceremony
in Abuja, Chief Executive of REA, Abba Aliyu, described the partnership as a ‘game-changer’ for Nigeria’s clean energy future, emphasising that the initiative will build on ongoing federal government's renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investment.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyze innovation, research, and development. The REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalyzing opportunities across critical
ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment," Aliyu said.
He emphasised the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub of Nigeria, leveraging the huge energy market in Nigeria and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance. This, he said, will cut the cost of governance and advance sustainability.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, stated that the collaboration with the REA was a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous
Nigeria.
“Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential," she stated.
She highlighted how important it is for the nation to transform its natural resources, such as lithium, into impactful renewable products like the lithium battery systems. She explained that innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyse the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.
NIOB to Address Challenges Fuelling Building Collapse in Nigeria
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has announced plans to comprehensively brainstorm on the incessant collapse of buildings across the country, with a view to coming out with practical solutions to end the menace.
The institute stated that this will be part of its 55th Annual Builders’ Conference scheduled to hold from Tuesday, August 19 to Friday, August 22, 2025 where it is set to gather professionals
that will provide answers to the many questions in the sector.
Speaking at a press briefing, President of NIOB, Alderton Ewa, said the opening ceremony will take place at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, with the theme: “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development.”
The theme, he said, reflects the strong commitment to strengthening professional competence, enforcing building
regulations, and promoting sustainable practices in the Nigerian built environment.
According to him, it also aligns with the national agenda for infrastructure quality, urban safety, and climate-conscious development.
"In Nigeria today, the safety and durability of our buildings depend not only on the existence of regulatory laws but on their effective enforcement. Builders, as one of the seven statutorily recognised professionals in the built environment, play
a central role in ensuring that every stage of construction complies with approved designs, quality standards, and legal requirements.
"Unfortunately, incidents of building collapse and substandard construction remain a major concern, often due to weak enforcement or lack of professional oversight. This conference aims to bridge that gap through capacity building, policy engagement, and professional collaboration," he said.
origin — must strictly comply with these provisions. Every project shall be subjected to our due diligence and compliance requirements.”
He re-emphasised the role of the commission as a regulator of PPPs and not an operator or grantor of projects, adding that it would continually facilitate and coordinate negotiations between MDAs and private proponents to ensure that the terms and conditions of agreements are fair to parties and implementable.
Ewalefoh stressed that the presidency’s decision to delegate greater approval authority to MDAs, with ICRC regulating the process, also comes with heightened accountability and zero tolerance for non-compliance.
ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with MDAs, private investors, financiers, and development partners to reposition Nigeria as the continent’s leading destination for bankable and transformative PPP projects. Essentially, ICRC has a mandate to superintend and regulate PPPs for the construction and maintenance of federal infrastructure. Its functions include providing guidelines for project development, tendering, and contract execution, building capacity within government agencies, and monitoring contract compliance to address Nigeria's physical infrastructure deficit and foster economic development.
GEI Applauds FG’s Landmark Policies on Menstrual Health
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Gender Educator Initiative (GEI) has commended the federal government for adopting the country's first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), and removing tax on sanitary towels.
According to a press statement signed by Founder and Executive Lead of GEI, Shafa'atu Suleiman, the milestone is a victory for dignity, equity, and justice for women and girls across Nigeria.
"For too long, menstruation has been surrounded by silence, stigma, and economic barriers that have robbed millions of girls of education and denied women full participation in society," said Suleiman.
The new policy and tax removal on sanitary towels signal Nigeria's recognition of menstrual health as a human rights issue, a public health concern, and a development priority.
GEI particularly applauded the leadership of Minister of Women
Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the collective commitment of commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The organisation also celebrated the partnership of WaterAid Nigeria, Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, and other stakeholders, whose collaboration demonstrated the power of inclusive consultation and partnership in advancing social justice.
GEI called for swift and inclusive implementation, grassroots collaboration with women-led organisations, and sustained investment in WASH infrastructure, so that no girl is left behind.
"The federal government's decision is proof that when governments listen, women and girls win," said Suleiman.
As educators and advocates for good representative health, GEI affirmed that menstruation should never be a barrier to opportunity.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director,Guaranty Trust Bank, Mariam Olusanya; Director-General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Industry, Trade, Investments,Dr Olajumoke Oduwole; Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, during the launch of the Women Exporters in Digital Economy Fund in Abuja...recently
UNVEILING OF THE 2025 JCI TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS OF NIGERIA ...
Alausa: FG Improving Digital Education, Modernising Learning Environment
Seeks streamlining of WAEC’s 76, JAMB’s 80 subjects Says with NELFUND no student will be denied education
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has declared that Nigeria is making a decisive leap into digital education as part of the federal government’s sweeping reforms aimed at modernising the country’s learning environment and preparing young Nigerians for global competitiveness.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, Alausa explained that the integration of technology into education is no longer optional but essential for Nigeria’s future. He stressed that the reforms currently underway place digital transformation at the heart of the sector, with initiatives designed to enhance lesson delivery, expand access, and empower both teachers and students.
Denmark, UNODC Partner Bayelsa to Launch Youth Empowerment Programme
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with Bayelsa State Government, and support from the government of Denmark, has launched the Youth Peace Champions programme in Bayelsa State.
The programme, which marks a significant stride in efforts to empower young Nigerians as drivers of sustainable peace, is a strategic expansion that brings a proven, youth-led peacebuilding model, celebrated for its impact in the North-east, and now extended to the Niger Delta for the first time. Rooted in the conviction that sustainable peace must be peopleled and youth-powered, the Youth Peace Champions initiative is a grassroots movement.
It equips young people with essential tools, specialised training,
mentorship, and influential platforms to become effective peacebuilders and positive changemakers within their own communities.
The programme, now launched in Bayelsa, which is implemented under the project, “Strengthening the Niger Delta Peace Architecture using Community-based Crime and Violence Prevention Strategies,” (funded by Denmark), directly aligns with the state’s pioneering youth policy.
It stands as a potential blueprint for youth-led transformation across Nigeria: Investing in Youth, Building Resilient Communities.
Building on documented successes in the North-east, where 32 Youth Peace Champions reached over nine million people with campaigns, like #SeeTheChild, UNODC is adapting its methodology to Bayelsa's unique context.
“Education is changing across the world, and Nigeria must not be left behind. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to digital literacy, we are embedding technology into every aspect of learning. This is the big leap we must take if we want to build an education system that is modern, inclusive, and globally competitive,” Alausa said.
According to him, the ministry has begun rolling out solarpowered infrastructure in schools to ensure reliable electricity, while teachers are being equipped with tablets and trained in digital skills. Local technology firms, he noted, are also being engaged to develop
AI-driven learning platforms, e-libraries, and interactive tools to support the reforms.
“These innovations will make classrooms smarter, learning more engaging, and teachers more effective. Beyond improving outcomes, they will prepare Nigerian students for a digital economy that rewards creativity, problem-solving, and global collaboration,” he added.
Among the flagship initiatives, Alausa highlighted the Launch of the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, a €38 million programme funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
The project, he said, will drive
digital transformation in 10 Nigerian universities, including the University of Calabar; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan; Federal University of Technology, Minna; and University of Maiduguri.
In addition, he stressed that it is designed to strengthen institutional ICT infrastructure, enable hybrid and cross-border learning, improve education data systems for evidence-based policymaking, promote technical and vocational education through digital tools, and expand digital education in underserved communities.
He also announced significant TETFund-backed tertiary infrastructure investments,
including N70 billion to upgrade 18 medical schools and N40 billion to build six state-of-the-art simulation laboratories for medical training institutions.
Another major reform, he disclosed, is the federal government’s artificial intelligence training programme aimed at equipping 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This effort, according to the minister, is backed by the creation of an AI in Education Task Force, responsible for embedding AI into teaching and ensuring schools adapt to the technological future.
SPRiNG, FCDO, Livestock Ministry Promote Conflict-Sensitive Communication
The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme has completed a four-day capacity-building initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The training, delivered first to senior ministry leadership and then to journalists and editors from across the country, focused on equipping participants with the skills and strategies to communicate more effectively on
complex livestock sector reforms.
A statement in Abuja stated that the partnership is expected to foster trust, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoral communities.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, stressed the importance of the initiative, highlighting the need to master the art of communication that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates a peaceful environment.
“The plans, programmes, and activities of the ministry
need to be communicated in a manner that ensures correct and adequate understanding of the objectives and rationale for our policies and interventions.
“This workshop is about mastering the art of communication that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates a peaceful environment for innovation and productivity in the livestock sector,” he stated.
Representing the UK Government, Conflict Adviser at FCDO, Pirmah Rimdans, commended the ministry’s commitment to the initiative.
“We agree wholeheartedly
with the experts who say that pillar six on peacebuilding, security and social cohesion should be the bedrock and priority of this growth agenda. This workshop shows the ministry’s commitment to making that principle a reality, and we are proud to support it,” Rimdans stated.
Also speaking, Team Leader for SPRiNG, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, highlighted the crucial role of strategic communication in reform, underscoring the need to ensure that reforms are presented in ways that build understanding and reduce tension.
Land Dispute: Community Seeks Imprisonment of IG, Three Others for Disobeying Court Order
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Some residents in a community on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have commenced move to jail the Inspector General (IG) of Police and three others, for disobeying a valid order of court in respect of a land dispute.
Some aggrieved members of
the community who sued for themselves and on behalf of the allottees of landed properties at Jibi Phase ll Layout, want the IG and others who willfully ignored a court order which restrained them from taking any further steps in respect of the disputed property, jailed.
To this extent, the plaintiffs/ applicants; Samuel Evbota,
Charles Ujiagbedion, Salawu Wasiu, Bright Edore, Anthonia Uso, Abdulazeez Kaseem and Shuaibu Fache, have filed the Form 48; Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court.
Defendants in the suit with No: NSHC/SD/67/2025, are; Link-on Nigeria Ltd, Water Lake Farm Estate,
Nigeria Police Force Property, Development and Construction Company Ltd, the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police and some Unknown Persons.
Recall that Justice Ishaku Usman of a High Court of Niger State in the Suleja Judicial Division, Suleja, Niger State, had in May, this year
restrained the IG and other defendants in the suit "from further activities in the land".
The judge subsequently adjourned till June 16, for hearing in the main suit.
Plaintiffs alleged that despite the clear and binding directive of the court, the defendants have continued illegal construction activities
on the land and are actively selling plots to unsuspecting members of the public. Claiming that the action of the defendants constituted a direct contempt of court and a grave insult to the integrity of the judicial process, the plaintiffs subsequently applied to initiate contempt proceedings against the defendants.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
L-R: 2025 Chairperson, JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria, Ms. Yetunde Oyeyipo; Wife of the Chief of Taiwan Mission in Nigeria, Mrs. Yolanda Liu; Representative and Chief of Taiwan Mission in Nigeria, His Excellency, Andy Yih-Ping Liu; 2025 President, JCI Nigeria,Ms. Oluwatoyin Atanda; Director, Policy and Partnerships (Africa), NewGlobe, Dr. Adekunbi Wuraola and Associate Director, Assurance Services, KPMG West Africa, Mr. Anthony Okonkwo during the unveiling of the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria held in Lagos on Friday
COURTESY VISIT TO DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY TO ENCOURAGE COMPLIANCE...
L-R: Head, HSSE/Sustainability, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Itoro Unaam; Executive Director, Operations, Mariya Aliko Dangote; newly deployed Ag. Director, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Lagos Liaison, Dr. Jonathan Sylvanus Dajal; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc; Ravindra Singhvi; and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Lagos Head, Extended Producer Responsibility, Babatunde Adigun, during the NESREA, Ag. Director’s courtesy visit to familiarise himself with the industry players and a bid to encourage compliance visit to Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on Friday
Tinubu, Atiku, Bago, David Mark Rejoice with Ex-military Leader, IBB at 84
President says Babangida’s 8-year rule impacted Nigeria positively Jonathan visits IBB, declares he will continue to be relevant Ex-leader voice of moderation in Nigeria, says Idris
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago and ex-Senate President, David Mark, yesterday felicitated former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) as he clocked 84 on August 17, 2025. In the same vein, former President Goodluck Jonathan for the second time in three weeks, yesterday visited Babangida at his Minna hilltop mansion in Niger state, declaring that the former Nigerian military leader will continue to be relevant in the
scheme of things. But Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, rejoiced with the family, friends, and associates of the former military leader whose eight years of rule, he said, greatly impacted Nigeria's socio-economic and political development. He celebrated Babangida's distinguished military career, which included serving as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment, Commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Director of Army Staff Duties and Plans, and Chief of Army Staff.
Walson-Jack: I’m Retiring from Civil Service in August 2026
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi WalsonJack, said at the weekend that she would be retiring from the service in August next year.
Walson-Jack disclosed this during the OHCSF Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum in Abuja.
Walson-Jack was appointed by President Bola Tinubu with effect from August 14, 2024, as a successor to the immediate past Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Yemi-Esan, who retired on August 13, 2024.
She alluded to her expected date of retirement in response to the concern voiced by a retired civil servant, Mrs. Grace Njoku, about the inability of retirees to access money saved in the National Housing Fund remitted from their salaries after 35 years of service.
Njoku had said, “If I am working, you don’t mind. But when you are not working, you have a child in the school and you cannot pay the school fees of your child. It is terrible.
“Many of us are still being owed our repatriation allowance after putting our best for our
country. Please, make a move in this direction and help us”. In response to that submission, Walson-Jack told Njoku not be worried, saying, “By August next year, I am joining you. So, I will have to do all that I can to make sure that when I join you… but on a serious note, we are aware of all these things.”
She said when she came on board, civil service welfare was her top priority, adding that some of the things inserted in the 2025 budget were as a result of her interface, with the support from federal authorities.
Walson-Jack said, “And what I can say is, the truth is that some of these payments have been longstanding. And so, there is a big backlog. But I can assure you that payments are going on because what has happened is that they have been batched. And so, the payments have been made in batches by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.”
She also said, “The issue of the NHF is an issue I know about because we tried to tackle it when I was Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office. And I must say, it appears that that issue is still there.
The President noted IBB’s stewardship to the country, saying his military administration will be remembered for its massive investment in infrastructure, such as the Third Mainland Bridge, and the reforms that liberalised the Nigerian economy.
The former military leader, he recalled, also established the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
Tinubu also highlighted Babangida's role in creating states
and relocating the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. While thanking him for his sacrifice and leadership, the President prayed to God to grant the former military leader more years and renewed strength.
Besides, former Vice President, Atiku, in his tribute said that IBB's life was worthy of celebration as 84 years is a milestone in the journey of life, and in every aspect of his journey, noting that the former military President distinguished himself remarkably.
''As General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, former military President of Nigeria celebrates
his 84th birthday anniversary, it's my honour and privilege to join millions of Nigerians to felicitate with him and his family on this special occasion.
''It's difficult to write about Nigeria’s journey to progress and development without a mention of the role that he played in shaping the destiny of Nigeria. In terms of national infrastructure, his legacy is still standing tall despite the passage of time. He gave Nigeria visionary and purposeful leadership. The foundation he laid is worthy of emulation. Babangida is widely respected because of his humble
leadership style.
''As one of those Nigerians privileged to know him closely enough, let me say without any fear of contradictions that it's impossible to interact with him without being instantly inspired by his erudition, intelligence, and amazing wisdom.
''His magnanimity and understanding of our national diversity is one of his finest virtues. In fact, even his stubborn critics may automatically change their perception of him once they have the opportunity to meet him. This is a widely held testimony about IBB,'' Atiku stated.
Arise TV News Director, NGO Demand Action on Drug Abuse, Prostitution
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Director of News at Arise Television, Sumner Sambo, and the Founder of the Shelimitless Mentoring and Empowerment Foundation, Blessing Shemiye Narai, have called for urgent government and private sector intervention to address the deepening menace of drug abuse, prostitution, and school dropout among youths in Nigeria’s rural communities.
The call came during the foundation’s flagship seminar, “The Power of Choice,” which brought together dozens of young people from the Karu
rural community in Nigeria's federal capital city, for a day of mentorship, empowerment, and inspiration.
The event, which featured accomplished speakers across diverse sectors including journalism, law, entrepreneurship, tourism, fashion, and disability advocacy, sought to guide teenagers toward making intentional choices capable of reshaping their futures.
Addressing participants yesterday, Sambo, who also doubles as Chairman of the Karu Gbagyl Development Association, warned that Nigeria faces the risk of losing an entire generation to
social vices if urgent measures are not put in place.
He lamented that many parents in rural communities remain ill-equipped to appreciate the value of education, a reality that continues to fuel the vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability among young people.
Sambo said: “We must not lose our younger generation the way some of their parents missed out on education and opportunities. If we fail to act now, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, and idleness will continue to produce young people who, instead of being assets to their communities, become threats to society.”
He called on government agencies, private organisations, and community leaders to increase investments in mentorship, education, and skill acquisition to keep teenagers meaningfully engaged.
Sambo said: “Let’s support initiatives like Shelimitless with resources and partnerships. It is not enough to ask children to stay in school; we must also provide them with alternatives such as vocational training, internships, and mentorship programmes that allow them to dream beyond their immediate environment.”
Ex-Ghanaian Minister Seeks Local Financing, Data Gathering to Boost Tourism
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Former Ghanaian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, has declared that Africa must stop waiting for external approval to unlock its tourism potential, insisting that the continent’s destiny lies firmly in its own hands.
In an interview on the sidelines of the official launch of the Africa International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC-World) in Abuja, Afeku said the key to transforming African tourism was to focus inward before seeking global markets.
“Africa does not need anyone’s permission to
thrive. We just need to allow ourselves. If Africa packages its tourism potential and sells within Africa, the narrative will change. We will have Zimbabweans visiting Nigeria, Nigerians exploring Gabon, and Ghanaians going to Mozambique," she noted.
She urged African nations to prioritise three core areas
including: Data gathering, technology integration, and policy advocacy to make tourism a driver of jobs and economic transformation. Afeku called for a centralised African tourism database that would showcase each country’s top destinations at the click of a button, backed by credible research.
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna
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Will Stakeholders Reinvent PDP at November National Convention in Ibadan?
The forthcoming National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party in Ibadan, Oyo State capital is seen as the last hope for the main opposition party to reinvent itself. Chuks Okocha reports on the enthusiasm and expectations among party members ahead of the November, 2025 elective conference.
The proposed People’s Democratic Party’s elective national Confab, is seen as a landmark event aimed at reuniting the party, repositioning its vision, and charting a bold path to restore party and the nation to prosperity and economic development.
The elective national conference is scheduled to take place at Adamasingba Stadium in the historic city of Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15-16, 2025. The convention will bring together delegates, party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across Nigeria to strategize for the party’s future.
According to stakeholders, the PDP’s convention will set in focus it’s renewed commitment to Nigeria, and will serve as a pivotal moment for the PDP to consolidate its strength, address internal challenges, elect new leaders and present a unified front to tackle Nigeria’s pressing economic and social issues.
The convention is expected to focus on crafting actionable policies for the main opposition party that will drive the country forward in the path of inclusive growth, create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure sustainable development for all Nigerians.
It is believed that the convention will foster reconciliation among party members, heal past divisions and build a cohesive platform to advance the PDP’s vision. Through dialogue and collaboration, the party aims to emerge stronger and more united.
The Ibadan2025 as it is branded will unveil a rebranded PDP, with a renewed focus on innovative policies and governance models that prioritize economic recovery, security, and social justice. The party will outline its roadmap to lead Nigeria back to stability and progress.
#Ibadan2025 will highlight the PDP’s track record of transformative governance while showcasing its vision for a prosperous Nigeria, where every citizen has access to opportunities and a brighter future.
#Ibadan2025 is not just a convention; it is a clarion call to rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Nigeria’s greatness. Together, PDP hopes to restore hope, create opportunities, and ensure a prosperous future for all.
The party is so optimistic that the convention is all that it needs to get back on it’s feet and reclaim lost glories since 2015 when it lost political power to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Even the comments and utterances of stakeholders alluded to this. Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State told the party at one of the recent National Executive Committee meetings to be transparent and devoid of the impunity that is associated with the party in the past.
According to Mohammed, who spoke at the 101th NEC when the squabbles over the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu was resolved said ‘’Only a transparent and a successful national convention will help heal this self-inflicted wound. We would be taken serious as a party when we conduct a transparent and successful national convention. This would be a game changer for us.
‘’This is a long way we have travelled. This is how PDP is known, a party with a history, with a logo that has not changed over the years. The party that has shown resilience, and we have the governors solidly behind all the organs of the party. We don’t have to make a lot of noise.
“We are working behind the scene, behind the NWC, behind the BoT, the caucuses of the National Assembly and the six chapters to ensure that we remain intact and provide a credible platform for Nigerians to actualise their aspirations.
‘’As the BoT Secretary has said, this is not time for calling names. This is not time for abuses. We sympathise for those who became impatient and left but certainly they will understand and we would still leave the door ajar for them to come in when they wish to, within a time limit.
‘’We will not continue to condone indiscipline in this place, because indiscipline is what brought us all the problems and challenges. Definitely, the party has shown resilience, and the governors are going through a lot of challenges, just like the NWC. We will continue to express confidence in the organs of the party
“Now with the necessary recognition by the regulator INEC, at the end of the day, we’ll give the APC political party a run for their money in terms of contest that will be given on a level playing field with a party that is intact, and also give answer to our people wishing to come in.
‘’In terms of whatever permutation or conjecture we call it, whether it is coalition, whether it is alliance, it is the PDP that should be able to drive it, because it is the main opposition party,’’ Mohammed had stated.
Even the Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Illya Damagum said that
#Ibadan2025 is not just a convention; it is a clarion call to rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Nigeria’s greatness. Together, PDP hopes to restore hope, create opportunities, and ensure a prosperous future for all. The party is so optimistic that the convention is all that it needs to get back on it’s feet and reclaim lost glories since 2015 when it lost political power to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
much when he inaugurated the Governor Douye Diri-led zoning committee last week at the party’s national secretariat.
Damagum expressed confidence that the committee will ensure fairness to all party members in allocating the National Working Committee positions.
His words: “This Committee is the engine room where will lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years. The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory. I trust that the zoning committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest.
“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced changes in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path. Yet we remain standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Damagum noted that the next NWC must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive.
According to him: “We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity. We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.
“Please members of this committee, do keep in mind that the deputies are just as important as the principals. I speak from experience. I ran for and won the position of National Deputy Chairman (North). Yet, due to political circumstances, I was thrust into the role of leading our great party nationally.
Damagum
Diri
Makinde
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
With Glory to God, we announce the glorious exit of our Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend Obsequies
Tuesday 26 August 2025 th
Service of Songs
Time: 4pm (Colour of the Day: Blue)
Wednesday 27 August 2025 th
Funeral Service
Time: 10 am (Colour of the Day: Purple)
The services will take place at: RCCG Redemption Pavilion Parish 295 Jide Oki Street, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Elder (Pastor) Vincent Ozugbe Sagua
August 26 1938- August 3 2025 (Aged 86 years) th rd
NASFS: Strengthening Nigerian Army’s Combat Power, Retooling Training Architecture for Unconventional Warfare
Through the Nigerian Army Special Forces School (NASFS), the Nigerian Army has pivoted towards more sophisticated training that is in tandem with wider global trends in military strategy, where asymmetric warfare and insurgency demand specialised responses. With its recent relocation to Doma, Nasarawa State, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that these enhanced facilities and expanded scope will mark a decisive step in creating an array of elite operatives equipped to confront Nigeria’s most persistent security threats. It essentially signals a strategic leap in strengthening the Army’s combat power and retooling its training architecture for unconventional warfare
“Since my assumption of office, it has been my resolve to provide our Special Forces with the highest quality training to enable them to compete favourably with Special Forces anywhere in the world. It is envisioned that the training that will be provided here will guarantee this, while also preparing our warriors for today’s dynamic and evolving threat landscape.”
Those were the words of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, weekend at the foundation laying for the Nigerian Army Special Forces School (NASFS) at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Doma in Nasarawa State.
Shift in Specialised Training for the Special Forces
The Special Forces, often referred to as the Army’s “indomitable warriors,” play a central role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, as their operations, typically carried out in the most challenging theatres, demand superior skills, mental toughness, and flexibility.
Relocated from its original base in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, to the new cantonment in Doma, Nasarawa, the NASFS move, which was strategic in nature as it had been in the works for several months, has signalled a strategic leap in strengthening the Army’s combat power and retooling its training architecture for unconventional warfare.
For the COAS, the relocation also reflects a shift in approach to specialised training. According to him, it’s a legacy of excellence, bravery and sacrifice” that will redefine the training of Nigeria’s elite troops.
Thus, this initiative, which was designed to produce highly skilled warriors capable of dominating complex and unconventional battlefields, marks a strategic push in strengthening the Nigerian Army’s combat power towards safeguarding the nation’s future.
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen. Oluyede said: “Since my assumption of office, it has been my resolve to provide our Special Forces with the highest quality training to enable them to compete favourably with Special Forces anywhere in the world. The training that will be provided here will guarantee this, while also preparing our warriors for today’s dynamic and evolving threat landscape.”
His words underscored the Army’s determination to ensure that Special Forces training in Nigeria is benchmarked against the best globally, equipping soldiers to dominate complex and unconventional battlefields.
A Charge and a Pledge to the Warriors
In his charge to troops on the expectations attached to this elite status, he said beyond the physical foundation laying, it was a “groundwork for a legacy of excellence, bravery, and sacrifice.
“To our elite Special Forces, my indomitable warriors operating all over the country, remember that you are the unconquerable and thus nothing should stand in your path to victory. Nothing should deter you from doing your duty and nothing should shake your will to fight. The only time you take a rest is when
the job is done.”
Taking it further, he made a solemn pledge to the special forces. He said: “On my part, I pledge to provide all you need in terms of training and equipment, for you to achieve victory and we owe it to Nigerians to be victorious in all our engagements.
“We are investing in the future of our Special Forces and by extension, the security and prosperity of our nation. To this end, the entire construction process of this school must be meticulously carried out in line with global best practices.”
Welfare Beyond Words
The day’s events were not confined to the foundationlaying alone. The COAS also inaugurated two major projects: the new 4 Special Forces Command Headquarters and a modern Officers’ Mess. The facilities, complete with operational workspaces, conference halls and recreational amenities, were designed with both effectiveness and welfare in mind.
This is in tandem with the welfare drive of the COAS, who has a strategic policy to strengthen not just fighting capacity but also morale and esprit de corps among officers and men. By blending operational readiness with welfare support, the Army hopes to foster resilience in
troops deployed across difficult theatres. The ceremony climaxed with a symbolic tree planting, a gift presentation to the COAS by the Andoma of Doma in recognition of his leadership.
Lt Gen. Oluyede further acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his “strategic guidance and unwavering support” for making such reforms possible.
He added that the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, when fully established, would become “a beacon of excellence and professionalism inspiring generations of Special Forces to excel as the elite and unconquerable force of the Nigerian Army.”
Boost for Sustained Civil-Military Collaboration in Nasarawa
Earlier in Lafia, Lt Gen. Oluyede paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule. During the meeting, he highlighted the national character of the Nigerian Army and called for sustained civilianmilitary collaboration in securing lives and property.
Governor Sule in turn praised the Army’s role in stabilising the state, noting that its presence had enabled both agriculture and mining to thrive despite regional security pressures. “The Army has provided the stability that allows our economy to breathe,” he said, assuring the COAS of his government’s continued support.
While the Buni Yadi site will now serve as the Nigerian Army Acclimatisation Centre dedicated to preparing troops for the unique challenges of the North East theatre, the Doma facility designed to provide a wider range of advanced, mission-specific training, which mirrors the Army’s broader transformation as a shift from reactive deployments to proactive, world-class training. Thus, by institutionalising excellence in training and providing the right infrastructure, welfare, and leadership, the Army is seeking to embed resilience into its operational DNA.
COAS with Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule
R-L: Commander 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Hillary Nzam; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; and Corp Commander Infantry, Major General Usman Yusuf
R-L: Chief of Training (Army) Major General Sadiq Ndalolo; Corp Commander Infantry Major General Yusuf Usman; and Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army) Major General Adetokunbo Fayemiwo
POLITY
IPOB’s Theatrical Search for Nnamdi Kanu’s Acquittal
By Chineze Emelieze
In its usual staged attempt to cause confusion and coerce presiding judges into arriving at rulings favourable to it, IPOB has once again resorted to demanding that Justice Kolawole Omotosho must strike out the ongoing charges against Nnamdi Kanu. Ridiculous! They have added that the current charges against Kanu amounted to a resurrection of the repealed Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013. Laughable, right? In IPOB’s short-sighted insinuation, acts of mass murder committed and charged by the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 – repealed in 2022 by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 (Section 97) stand forgiven. And as usual, the powerful Emma signed and circulated the comical statement in the hopes that Justice Omotosho could be cowed by it. This, by the way, is not a first; it is rather the group’s latest gimmick. Given that only days ago, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the federal government for the continuation of trial proceedings, despite IPOB’s cry against what they call an illegal rendition of Kanu from Kenya. For IPOB and this sustained delusion of wanting to cut Kanu loose from terrorism charges, everything is doable. Once Justice appears closer than ever, Kanu and his sympathisers resort to a circus of acts, attempting to insult Nigeria’s jurisprudence. Akin to precedence, Kanu and his cohorts have also upped their antics from production of fake contents/ graphics to spurn narratives in their favour in a bid to maintain leech on their remnant of gullible sympathisers, to adopting despicable levels of disinformation, malicious reports, in addition to outright defamation, to gain leverage in the courts of public
opinion. Eventually, in desperation, they turned to harassing and embarrassing Judges in open Court to coerce or attempt to hoodwink them into letting Kanu go free. However, aside from the conspiracies of terrorism and the litany of terror-related offences against Kanu, there are several acts prejudicial to judicial processes that this group and its leader have contravened. The travails of the members of the Nigerian Judiciary in the course of Kanu’s trial only climaxed with many ignoble accusations. He, Kanu, does this with ease.
In open Court, Kanu called Justice Nyako shameful, disgraceful, and accused her of hobnobbing with lawyers in the AGF’s
office and collecting bribes in hundreds of millions. He added that she was only assigned to his case in exchange for freedom for her son and husband from corruption charges. Allegations that he or any member of his legal team is yet to verify. Such antics became so damning for his case that Kanu Agabi, SAN, his latest senior counsel, is said to have counselled Nnamdi Kanu and the other members of his team, to apologise for their misdeeds in Court. I am beyond certain that Kanu is already preparing a subterfuge against Justice Kolawole Omotosho. Before the endless drift to appealing for reassignment of Judges, even Justice John Tsoho, was not spared Kanu’s ridiculous on the claims suggestive of bias towards his trial. Ask Hon. Justice Haruna Tsammani, who knows quite well that no matter how wellintentioned one is, Nnamdi Kanu and his theatrics will certainly mudslide and defame every iota of sincerity one brings.
Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that despite several contemptuous actions, all he and his cohorts have provoked is at best a slap on the wrist. For instance, in June 2025, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, after raising a false and reckless alarm on X with allegations that the DSS denied his client’s visitation rights, he, Aloy, got away with a simple warning to either retract the claim or risk being barred from attending future trials. Linda Kanu, despite making videos of court proceedings, which she posted across social media platforms to stir controversy and intimidate Judges, went scot-free. Without charge.
As the 10th October date draws near, it is expedient to caution public vigilance. For IPOB it is always well planned and orchestrated to malign and incite malicious actions, particularly hostile propaganda, against Judges and those on the prosecuting side. It shouldn’t surprise if Kanu begins to feign illness,
and begins to spread blackmail that the British government is conspiring with the Nigerian government. These antics are his stock in trade. However, it should be known that the Supreme Court, in its judgment, held that the manner Kanu was brought back to the country should not be an issue; and therefore, ordered the continuation of Kanu’s trial. Kanu himself once stated in an interview with journalists on 24th September, 2024, that he fully commits to the constitutional provision that any determination made by the Supreme Court is binding and supercedes all rulings on the said subject by any lower Court.
Amnesty International (AI) in its report of 13th August 2025, A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South -East Nigeria estimates that “between January 2021 and June 2023, about 1,844 people were killed in the South-East region of Nigeria.” The report also cites several attacks on security agents by gunmen, leading to the unlawful killing of security agents and residents. AI further documented several cases of killings in different areas in the South-East by so-called “unknown gunmen,” cult groups, IPOB, and its militant arm, the ESN. Nnamdi Kanu cannot then absolve himself of bloodletting or innocent lost souls, which by all standards in Nigeria, is a massive case to answer. He might as well show up honourably on 10th October. This time, it’s a call for justice for scores of death and destruction of property caused by MNK in the South East, it is also a test of our dear nations judicial system. No amount of blackmail should sway justice for the slain. The judiciary must stand firm, and rule of law should be top most.
•Emelizie writes from Owerri, Imo State
Mr President, Kindly Call NAFDAC Officials to Order
Chike Okeke
After the 2023 elections, some Ndigbo living in Lagos have been experiencing hard times. In some cases, markets have been closed, residences and business vandalised. Some attacks were perpetrated by thugs and vandals, while others were authorised by government agencies. In a recent example, a business premises owned by Mr. Peter Obi’s brother (with a Certificate of Occupancy) was pulled down without notice. Ndigbo, known for their patience and endurance have been enduring these pains and deprivations, in the hope and expectation that, in keeping with the prayers to God as stated in our national anthem, “help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed”, the Lagos State Governor would order a stop to these actions of man’s inhumanity to man. Unfortunately, all their hopes have been in vain, rather the acts of tyranny, destruction and vandalism have increased with more venom. Just recently, some local governments in Lagos have changed names of streets bearing Igbo names and replaced them with names of non-Igbos. That of Charly Boy bus-stop in Gbagada being the most controversial. If Awolowo Hall, Akintola Hall, Ahmadu Bello Hall in University of Nigeria, Nsukka are replaced with names of Ndigbo, will we not be paying lip service to the so-called quest for national unity. This sudden and unnecessary change of names is happening in a country whose constitution provides for freedom of individuals to
live and conduct their businesses freely and without interference in every part of the country.
Even a highly politically-exposed person
with the popularity of Mr. Peter Obi was threatened by two state governors not to visit their states without their express authorisation. Haba! One is constrained to ask, “do Ndigbo still belong to Nigeria.”
A number of federal government agencies and parastatals have compromised themselves in these anti-Igbo actions, the most notorious being the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC).
This agency, whose activities were brought to limelight under the leadership of an eminent Igbo woman, late Prof. Dora Akunyili, has in recent times made Ndigbo its main target of oppression, deprivation and destruction of their businesses. A few months ago, NAFDAC closed down the popular drugs market in Onitsha in Anambra State for three months. Reason: Some of the traders were engaged in sale of unwholesome, fake and adulterated drugs. Instead of separating the wheat from the chaff, all the traders were made to suffer. Businessmen, who depend on the sales of the drugs to pay their rents, feed their families, pay children school fees and settle other family bills were left desolate, in hunger and penury for those three months. Where else can this injustice, oppression, cheating and intimidation happen in Nigeria except to the people of the South-east. Of course, as in all previous cases, mum is the word from the Federal Government of Nigeria. The latest in these acts of treating Ndigbo as third- and fourth-class citizens of Nigeria is NAFDAC’s official invasion of the Balogun Business Associates (BBA)
premises in Lagos. No one is against any agency of the federal government executing its Constitutional mandate, but this should be done in accordance with the law. Our legal system abhors arbitrariness and reckless use of power. You cannot, because you are authorized to control the use of wholesome food and genuine drugs manufacturing and distribution in the country, embark on unlawful seizure of goods of businessmen. The danger of the allowing NAFDAC personnel free rein is that they throw the displaced businessmen whose businesses they destroy into the unemployment market. As we are aware idleness is the devil’s workshop. The displaced traders will eventually resort to crime and constitute nuisance to society, a situation that is avoidable ab initio.
Mr. President sir, your attention is humbly needed to stop these acts of vandalism by NAFDAC officials. The traders narrate that from their experience when these goods are returned, some may be tampered with and no longer in good condition. Who will pay for these losses? The souls of these innocent citizens cry to high heavens for justice. Our dear Ashiwaju, kindly intervene and hearken to the cries of the oppressed, deprived and intimidated for no just cause. These acts of man’s inhumanity to man continuing at the Balogun Business Center in Lagos, calls for your Excellency’s immediate intervention. Kindly save the souls of your people. It is indeed an SOS situation.
•Chike Okeke wrote in from Lagos.
NAFDAC DG, Mojisola Adeyeye
Nnamdi Kanu
www.thisdaylive.com
OJULARI, NNPCL AND RENEWED HOPE VISION
The NNPCL boss is fit for purpose, reckons JACK OKUDE
See page 21
POWER OUTAGES AND NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY ELVIS EROMOSELE contends that digital economy cannot grow on a foundation of noise and smoke
opinion@thisdaylive.com
Africa should move toward a model of leadership based on competence, character, and results, argues LINUS OKORIE
UNLOCKING WOMEN’S UNTAPPED POTENTIAL IN AFRICA
When people talk about leadership, they often slip into lazy stereotypes. Men are “decisive and bold.” Women are “collaborative and nurturing.” These are myths that continue to shape how leadership is perceived and practiced in Africa. But when we peel back those assumptions, we discover that leadership is not about gender. It is about competence, vision, and the ability to drive results.
Africa, with its youthful population and urgent development challenges, cannot afford to sideline half its talent pool. Our women’s untapped potential remains one of the continent’s greatest opportunities, and currently, it is one of our most persistent blind spots.
From all metrics, there is no male way or female way of leading. What exists are skills, habits, and capacities that anyone, regardless of gender, can develop. Studies that try to box women into “soft leadership styles” do more harm than good. They reinforce biases that keep women out of positions where “hard” decisions are made. The truth is, Africa has countless examples of women who were tough negotiators, strategic thinkers, and shrewd leaders, and these are qualities often labeled as “masculine.”
Building a culture where leadership is based on competence, not on sentiments like gender, we give ourselves permission to judge leaders by their results, not by outdated expectations.
African history is rich with stories of powerful women leaders, yet they are too often omitted from mainstream narratives. Ask most people to name an African queen, and they might stop at Cleopatra. But what about Queen Amina of Zazzau, who led armies in present-day Nigeria? Or Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire, who resisted British colonization? Or Nzinga Mbande of Angola, who negotiated, strategized, and fought to protect her people?
These stories remind today’s generation that women’s leadership is not a modern subject and expectation of the modern world. It is woven into Africa’s own heritage. Reframing history this way helps dismantle the myth that women are only now stepping into leadership. They have been here all along. Despite history’s examples, modern statistics show a troubling picture. In 2022, women held just 5% of CEO
positions across Africa’s top companies. On corporate boards, women occupied about 14% of seats. These numbers matter because representation at the top shapes decisions about policies, products, and investments. A McKinsey report found that companies with more women in executive roles outperform those with fewer women, with higher profitability and stronger long-term value creation. This is smart economics, for organizations willing to consider this.
Gender inclusion is a core driver of growth. The African Development Bank estimates that closing gender gaps in labour markets could add $316 billion to Africa’s collective GDP every year. Excluding women from leadership is national economic loss. When half the population is left out of critical decision-making, economies simply underperform.
Women are increasingly breaking into industries that are historically dominated by men, and the results are telling. From mining executives in South Africa to women running largescale agribusinesses in Kenya, to women driving fintech startups in Nigeria, these leaders prove that competence, not gender, determines success. The benefits of women’s leadership don’t stop at boardrooms or government offices. Studies consistently show that women in leadership invest more in education, healthcare, and community development. In families, when mothers earn more, children’s nutrition and school attendance improve.
This ripple effect means that elevating women leaders creates a cycle of social progress that benefits everyone. It is leadership that multiplies impact beyond individual achievement. Some African nations have recognized this potential and acted boldly. Rwanda is
perhaps the most famous example, with women holding 61% of parliamentary seats, which is the highest percentage in the world. This shift was driven by constitutional mandates and deliberate gender laws.
In Ethiopia, the appointment of SahleWork Zewde as president and a genderbalanced cabinet signaled a political commitment to shared leadership. In South Africa, corporate governance codes encourage diversity on boards, with measurable results. These examples show what happens when countries move from talk to action.
Despite progress, barriers remain stubborn. Cultural expectations still discourage women from pursuing leadership. Workplaces often lack policies that support maternity and work-life balance. Informal networks that drive promotions and deals are still dominated by men.
There is also the issue of confidence. Not because women lack it, but because cultures often penalize assertive women while rewarding assertive men. This double standard can keep women from putting themselves forward for leadership roles.
Dismantling these barriers requires practical changes: Mentorship and Sponsorship: Women need mentors who guide and sponsors who advocate for their promotion. Flexible Work Policies: Organizations should adopt family-friendly policies that make leadership compatible with personal life. Leadership Development: Training programs should intentionally include women, equipping them with skills to thrive at executive levels. Visibility: Women leaders must be highlighted in media, conferences, and case studies to normalize their presence.
Men are not bystanders in this journey. They hold the majority of decision-making positions today, which gives them power to accelerate or stall progress. Male allies can challenge bias in hiring, open doors in networks, and use their influence to ensure women are not overlooked. #
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 NNPCL boss is fit for purpose, reckons JACK OKUDE
OJULARI, NNPCL AND RENEWED HOPE VISION
Bashir Bayo Ojulari, a mechanical engineer versed in the ecosystem of oil and gas, has spent roughly four months on the beat as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). And if morning shows the day, as ideally it should, then the nation’s oil and gas behemoth is in safe hands.
NNPCL even with all the challenges in recent years, is still the largest stateowned oil and gas facility in Africa. But it has been afflicted by a leadership distortion syndrome which has seen it experience high leadership turnover. A particular managing director (Shehu Ladan) served for just seven weeks. Such quicksand uncertainty at the helm of leadership in the nation’s biggest player in the oil and gas sector does not only discourage long-term planning and visioning, it sends negative signals to foreign investors and potential partners.
Here, President Bola Tinubu deserves credit for reappointing the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, who was an appointee of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Kyari with about six years to his belt as GCEO is the longest serving of them all.
Established in 1977, and transitioned into a limited liability company in July 2022 following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, NNPCL has had a turnover of 20 CEOs in 48 years, an average of one CEO in 2.4 years. This is not the picture of stability. NNPCL is not the only state-owned oil company in the world. Examples of National Oil Companies (NOCs) abound and most of them are run on the chain of profitability, ensuring energy security for their respective countries.
A quick checklist of some of the biggest in this category: Aramco (Saudi Arabia) ranked as the world's largest oil company by revenue and market capitalisation; Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA) (Venezuela); China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) which operates not only in China but in many other countries; National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC); Kuwait Petroleum Corporation; and Rosneft, a Russian state-owned oil and gas company. It’s therefore not a misnomer for a country to run its own oil and gas corporation. What matters is efficiency in management and stability in leadership. When these two ingredients are in good mix, energy security and profitability is guaranteed. For instance, Amin Hassan Nasser is the President/ CEO of Aramco, a position he has held since 2015 (10 years now). Compare with the NNPCL leadership. It means that if Aramco were a Nigerian company, it would have had at least four
different CEOs within the 10 years. This is both disturbing and distressing. It is antithetical to planning, growth and innovativeness. Modern leadership thrives of innovation, short and long-term planning (envisioning), futuristic decision-making and anticipatory projection. None of this is possible when the leadership that ought to provide the compass for the organisation is swamped in uncertainties. Leadership of successful state-owned NOCs share a common trait: they are insulated from politics. The leadership is allowed to drive organisational growth through the levers of professionalism, legacy corporate governance, proven competencies, transparency, innovative wand and manifest capacity.
This is what NNPCL needs now. President Tinubu’s choice of Ojulari fits the purpose. A case of a man fit for the moment. Ojulari’ s private sector pedigree lends him to the job and it is already showing in his early steps: firm and sure-footed. Appointed April 2, this year, he has set out to wheel NNPCL to the path of efficiency and accountability befitting the national monument. In just barely four months, his imprints across upstream partnerships, infrastructure development, energy transition, and corporate governance had been telling. They reflect in profitability, refinery rehabilitation, transparency, and employee welfare, a clear break from the past.
Under his watch, there has been enhanced collaboration with upstream partners, improved growth in oil and gas production, and guaranteed 100 per cent pipeline availability, all of which have resulted in spike in revenue flows.
He has instituted a neo-culture of timely cash call payments which has directly boosted operations and improved partner confidence in the oil and gas spectrum. His zero tolerance for waste policy undergirded by a demonstrative disavowal of value loss has helped to cut operational costs, inefficiencies and lethargy at all strata of operations and management value chain. This has bred an attitude of ownership, patriotism and responsibility among staffers.
Okude, a policy analyst, writes from Abuja
ELVIS EROMOSELE contends that digital economy cannot grow on a foundation of noise and smoke
POWER OUTAGES AND NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY
Recently, I found myself inside a multistoried shopping complex buzzing with activity. The building was home to laptop shops, phone sales and repair centres, and accessories vendors, an ecosystem of Nigeria’s thriving tech economy. Yet, beneath the hum of commerce was another, more unsettling sound: the deafening roar of generators.
The noise was overwhelming, like a thousand engines competing for dominance. One out of every five shops had turned to gas-powered generators, while the rest clung to the more familiar diesel units. In that moment, it struck me: Nigeria’s quest for a digital economy still rests on shaky ground. The greatest stumbling block remains what it has always been, power supply.
A nation cannot hope to digitise its economy when its entrepreneurs and citizens spend more time and money generating power than generating innovation. Until the power supply is fixed, Nigeria’s ambition for a true digital economy will remain more rhetoric than reality.
Private individuals and businesses have done more than their fair share. Many have moved from diesel to solar energy, inverters, and even bio-gas systems. Others have embraced energy-saving systems to reduce consumption. These efforts, while admirable, represent only coping mechanisms, not sustainable solutions.
Generators, in particular, are a symbol of the broken system. Their drawbacks are well documented: unbearable noise, air pollution, escalating costs, and long-term health risks. According to some health experts, constant exposure to generator fumes increases respiratory diseases. For small businesses, the costs of fueling and maintaining generators eat deep into profits.
The reality is stark: Nigeria cannot grow a digital economy on a foundation of noise and smoke. Power is not optional. It is the backbone of everything—data centres, fintech apps, e-commerce platforms, e-health systems, and even education technology.
The government must take immediate steps to ease the burden while working on long-term fixes. Some practical recommendations for the short term include:
First, expand grid reliability in urban hubs. Quick fixes such as upgrading transformers, replacing broken distribution lines, and improving load management in major cities will directly benefit businesses. A reliable grid in commercial hubs like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano will have a ripple effect on the economy.
Second, subsidise alternative energy for SMEs. Small businesses are the heart of Nigeria’s digital economy. Providing grants or tax incentives for SMEs to adopt solar and inverter systems will drastically reduce their dependence on generators.
In addition, improve metering and transparency. Widespread installation of prepaid meters and real-time monitoring of distribution will cut down on electricity
theft and ensure that consumers only pay for what they use. Transparency builds trust in the system. Moreover, explore hybrid energy initiatives. This involves encouraging public-private partnerships to set up mini-grids powered by solar, hydro, or wind in high-density business clusters. These can be scaled quickly and help to reduce pressure on the national grid. For the long haul, Nigeria must aim for energy transformation, not just power restoration. Some strategies include: We must start with massive investment in renewable energy. Nigeria has abundant sunshine, wind, and water resources. A clear national roadmap to expand solar farms, small hydro dams, and wind energy will reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Countries like Kenya and South Africa already generate significant renewable energy. Nigeria must catch up.
Number two, is to reform the power
sector value chain. From generation to transmission and distribution, the sector is riddled with inefficiency and corruption. In my mind, genuine deregulation, strict enforcement of contracts, and increased private sector participation will improve performance. Three, we need to urgently improve the energy mix diversification. Relying on gas alone is risky. Nigeria must diversify its energy mix by integrating coal, nuclear, and renewable power into the system. This makes the grid more resilient.
Besides, regulatory oversight should be strengthened. Agencies like NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission) must be empowered to enforce standards, protect consumers, and punish erring operators. A weak regulator equals a weak system.
Furthermore, we need to explore the regional power pools. Nigeria can also collaborate with neighbouring countries through regional power pools, exchanging excess supply for stability. West Africa’s interconnected power systems are still largely underutilised.
Eromosele, a corporate communications professional and sustainability advocate, writes via elviseroms@gmail.com
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
AVERTING ANOTHER FLOOD DISASTER
The relevant authorities should do more to mitigate impact of floods
Despite recent warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that people living in flood-prone areas should relocate to higher grounds, dozens of Nigerians are losing their lives to flooding. From Ebonyi where flood is sweeping away residents of some communities in Afikpo Local Government Area to Ikorodu in Lagos State that is witnessing worsening floods which have destroyed homes and livelihoods to Adamawa and Kano States, it has been tales of woes for many Nigerians. Hundreds of homes were reportedly destroyed at the weekend in Potiskum, Yobe State. "In all my life, I have never seen so much water. It destroyed my three rooms and two toilets," a victim, Adamu Mohammed, told the AFP.
of the country in times past. In the flood of 2012, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), no fewer than 665 people died while the World Bank estimated losses at about $6.7 billion. More than three million people were displaced across the country.
Flooding elevates the risk of hunger and malnutrition because of disruption of farmlands and commercial losses for farmers engaged in subsistence farming
The real challenge is that the authorities responsible for mitigating the impact of floods seem to have no actionable plans for these unfortunate Nigerians. It is not enough that people be asked to vacate flood-prone areas, as where they would be temporarily accommodated is also important. The Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, has continued to bemoan this lapse. “Floods threaten lives, infrastructure and livelihoods. No investment to build resilience is too much,” Bassey said recently following the tragedy in Niger State that claimed dozens of citizens. “They require emergency shelters and climate-proof housing, roads and other infrastructure.”
With its urbanisation rate put at 5.5 per cent yearly and considered one of the highest rates in the world, the number of Nigerians at risk or vulnerable to flood hazards is high. One needs to quickly recall the devastating effect of flooding in various parts
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 T
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
As we have repeatedly highlighted, flooding does enormous damage to the ecosystem and destroys public utilities. It also elevates the risk of hunger and malnutrition because of disruption of farmlands and commercial losses for farmers engaged in subsistence farming. But perhaps most significant is that we have lost thousands of people to flooding in the past decade while millions remain displaced. Meanwhile, the Ecological Fund was established in 1981 to have a pool of funds that would help mitigate natural disasters like flooding. From its inception, the fund originally constituted one per cent of the Federation Account but was reviewed upward to two per cent in 1992.
Unfortunately, the management of the fund has been marred with controversy, essentially due to the discretionary powers given to the president in the disbursement. Such is the abuse of the Fund that officials of both the federal and state governments now see it essentially as a slush fund to be deployed for all manner of things. At a period when the forces of nature are raging, and Nigeria seems to be at the mercy of the environment, it is imperative that the Ecological Fund be deployed strictly to tackle such challenges. But in the immediate, we implore all the relevant authorities to prepare for the rains with great diligence. The focus should be on prevention and pre-emptive intervention because little is gained when resources that should be put into developmental initiatives are dissipated in dealing with avoidable emergencies and calamities.
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.
NEMA AND THE FIGHT TO CURB FLOOD DISASTERS
Every rainy season in Nigeria, when the skies darken and rivers swell, millions brace for the inevitable. In states like Kogi, Benue, and Bayelsa, families keep bags packed, ready to flee at the first sign of danger. Flood season has become a season of exile not a question of if disaster will strike, but when.
The devastation of 2022 remains a painful reminder of what is at stake. That year, floods claimed more than 600 lives, displaced over 1.4 million people, and destroyed livelihoods on a massive scale. Croplands vanished under water, homes crumbled, and dreams were swept away. Three years later, communities still carry those scars, and the new flood alerts for 2025 have revived fears of a repeat. It is against this grim backdrop that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is repositioning itself. For years, the agency was largely seen as the responder of last resort arriving with relief materials after lives and property had already been lost. Today, under
the leadership of its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, NEMA is making a deliberate shift: from being merely reactive to becoming a driver of foresight and prevention.
“Emergency management must no longer be about sympathy after the tragedy,” Mrs. Umar insists. “It should be about preparedness that saves lives before the waters rise.”
That vision is beginning to take root. NEMA now works more closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), ensuring that seasonal forecasts and dam release alerts translate into action at the grassroots. Through community training, simulations, and sensitisation, the agency is attempting to close the gap between warnings and response gap that has cost too many lives in the past.
Yet the challenge remains daunting. Nigeria’s geography makes it naturally vulnerable, with the Niger and Benue rivers
cutting across states where millions depend on farming. Poor urban planning compounds the danger, as blocked drainages and informal settlements in flood-prone areas turn cities into ticking time bombs. Climate change, with its unpredictable rainfall patterns, only worsens the threat.
In Lokoja, often called the “confluence of suffering” during flood season, traders recall markets transformed into lakes, while fishermen lament the cruel irony of drowning in abundance. In Borno, families already displaced by insurgency were uprooted again when torrential rains washed away their shelters. These stories underline a sobering truth: floods in Nigeria are not just natural disasters but humanitarian emergencies that multiply existing vulnerabilities. Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes on disaster management, humanitarian response, and national development
Kayode tokede
On the of sustained investors’ confidence fuelled by foreign exchange reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the overall market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) increased to N139.82 trillion in seven months of 2025
The N139.82 trillion overall market capitlisation of three trading instruments (debt, stocks and Exchange Traded Fund) as of July 2025 is about
N30.55 trillion or 27.96 per cent Year-till-Date (YtD) growth when compared to N109.27 trillion overall market capitalisation as at December 2024.
The stability in the foreign exchange market, companies recovering from foreign exchange losses, market liquidity, capital inflow, dominance of domestic investors, increasing portfolio investment, CBN’s banking sector recapitalisation and insurance sector reforms have played a critical role in overall market
capitalisation growth so far in seven months of 2025.
The debt market on the NGX is made up of corporate Bonds/ Debentures, FGN Bonds sub regions and Local Bonds.
Currently, there are 15 listed bonds on NGX issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN); four States bonds and 21 corporate Bonds/ Debentures. As of July 2025, a total of 150 stocks are listed on the NGX.
The equities segment dominates the market with N88.436 trillion or 63.25 per cent of the N139.82 trillion total market capitalisation.
Trailing the equities segment is the debt market with N51.353 trillion or 36.73 per cent as of July 2025, while the ETF ranked third with N32.3 billion or 0.02 per cent contribution during the period under review.
Equities has appreciated by N25.66 trillion in the seven months of 2025 to close at N88.436 trillion
from N62.774 trillion it closed 2024, while the debt market moved from N46.446 trillion in December 2024 to N50.851 trillion as of May 2025.
The stock market growth of N25.66 trillion in the seven months of 2025 can be attributed to strong earnings by listed companies, massive inflow from retail investors and foreign investors demand for fundamental stocks.
Out of the N88.436 trillion market capitalisation of
listed stock as of July 2025, MTN Nigeria Communication Plc contributed the highest, followed by Dangote Cement Plc and Airtel Africa Plc.
Analysis of trading numbers showed that MTN Nigeria Communication stock price closed July 2025 at N472.00 per share to lift its market capitalisation to N9.91 trillion about 11.2 per cent of equities segment capitlisation as of July 2025.
Currency outside the formal banking system moderated to N4.49 trillion in June 2025, down from N4.63 trillion in May, though it continued to dominate overall
liquidity by accounting for about 90 per cent of total circulation.
Currency in circulation (CIC) closed the month at N5.01 trillion, marginally higher than N5.00 trillion recorded in the previous month,
according to the latest Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) data. The pullback marks the first notable easing in two months, following a steady rise in cash supply. Over the past year, cash outside banks (CoB)
had maintained an upward trajectory, climbing from N3.79 trillion in June 2024 to a peak of N5.13 trillion in December 2024, driven largely by festive spending. From July through November, out-of-bank
currency expanded consistently—rising from N3.66 trillion in July to N4.02 trillion in September and N4.65 trillion in November underscoring the persistent reliance on cash in the economy. The trend shifted
at the turn of 2025 as liquidity conditions began to adjust. In January, CoB eased to N4.74 trillion before declining further to N4.52 trillion in February.
^21.00
Nume e keghe
NCC Raises Hope on Service Quality, Blames Lack of Collaboration for Telecoms Vandalism
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has assured telecoms subscribers of improved service quality across networks by December this year, following the 50 per cent hike in telecoms tariff that was approved by the NCC early this year.
The assurance is however contrary to the initial promise
given by the telecoms operators that telecoms service would improve across networks after three months from the date of implementation of the 50 per cent hike in telecoms tariff, which took effect in March this year.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who gave the renewed assurance during a media parley at the weekend in Lagos, said subscribers would begin
Roqqu, SiBAN Join Forces to Advance Blockchain Adoption in Nigeria
Emma Okonji
Roqqu, a prominent digital finance and blockchain solutions provider, has partnered the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), in a strategic move to propel the Nigerian blockchain
ecosystem,
The alliance is expected to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organisations to foster innovation, drive development, and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology across Nigeria.
In the statement, President of SiBAN, Obinna Iwuno, said: “We are delighted to have this collaboration. Our collective strength lies in the diversity and commitment that we both bring to the table and ultimately, contribute to the growth of the blockchain ecosystem.”
Asst.
Asst.
Correspondents
KayodeTokede
Ebere
Reacting to the partnership, the Chief Compliance Officer of Roqqu, Roimot Ajiboye-Ibitoye, said partnering with SiBAN, remained a natural step to make blockchain technology and digital finance accessible, safe, and beneficial for everyone.
to experience improved service quality after nine months from the March implementation date, which is from December this year.
According to Maida,
operators have commenced investment in the areas of network expansion and network upgrades, and in few months time subscribers will begin to benefit
from such investment.
Maida, however said lack of collaboration between telecoms operators and road contractors, was largely responsible for telecoms infrastructure vandalism, aside the vandalism caused by social miscreants that intentionally damage and steal telecoms facilities.
APM Terminals Champions Collaboration to Boost Port Efficiency, Trade Facilitation
Eromosele Abiodun
APM Terminals
Apapa, has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration across the maritime sector to improve operational efficiency, accelerate cargo clearance, and boost Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The firm made the
call during its Partners’ Engagement Forum in Lagos, an annual event bringing together key players in the supply chain, including port operators, government agencies, shipping lines, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders.
Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, opened the forum by
expressing gratitude to customers for their trust and continued business despite the challenges affecting the global supply chain. He noted that many of these difficulties, such as congestion, delays, and fluctuating freight costs, are not unique to Nigeria but require a concerted, localised response to ensure the
country’s ports remain competitive. Klinke reaffirmed APM Terminals’ longterm commitment to Nigeria, pledging sustained investments in physical infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and advanced digital tools to deliver faster, more transparent, and more customer-focused services.
Oye: Empowering Women-led Enterprises Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential
Immediate past Chairman of the OrganiSed Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and 22nd National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has disclosed that empowering women-led enterprises under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
framework is key to unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential.
Oye who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Türkiye Business Council (NTBC) said this in his remarks at a forum hosted by Zenforte and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the theme, “Breaking Barriers –AfCFTA as a Catalyst
for Inclusive Financial and Trade Systems for Women-Led Enterprises in Africa,” held recently in Abuja.
The former NACCIMA boss who listed AfCFTA’s enormous potential, stressed that womenowned businesses, which account for 40% of enterprises on the continent, remain an untapped engine for innovation, growth, and job creation. According to him, “I am thrilled to share my insights on how we can empower women-led enterprises, a crucial force in unlocking Africa’s economic potential. Women-led enterprises are not just an essential part of the continent’s economy, they represent a profound opportunity for growth and innovation.
Kayode Tokede
WealthBridge Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of WealthBridge Financial Services (Holdings)
Limited, has received upgraded investment ratings from Nigeria’s leading credit agencies, Agusto & Co., and DataPro Limited affirming its growing
market leadership, operational strength, and investor confidence.
DataPro, a SEClicensed credit rating agency, upgraded its Long-Term Investment
Rating for WealthBridge Asset Management Limited from BBB to BBB+, citing its ‘’stable management team, good liquidity, and very good capitalization.’’
Eromosele Abiodun and Emma Okonji
L- R: Chief Finance Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi; Director of Regulatory Services, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Margaret Ogbonna; Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Apapa Command, Abubakar Usman; Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen; Director of Ports and Inspection, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Olaniran Olakunle and Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Lawal Adebowale at the APM Terminals Apapa Partners Engagement Forum held in Lagos… recently
CIFIAN: Increased Excise Tax on SSBs will Cause Job Cut, Threaten NSMP
Raheem Akingbolu
The Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts, Nigeria (CIFIAN), has urged policymakers to reconsider planned increment on sugarsweetened beverages.
CIFIAN warned that excise tax increase in the sugar sector would not only shrink the beverage market in the country it would also lead to reduced sugar
consumption, job cuts and ultimately disrupt the Nigera Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). Speaking during a high-level policy workshop themed, “Understanding the Impact of SSB Taxation on Nigeria’s Sugar Economy: Supply, Demand, and the Policy Disconnect,”
CIFIAN President, Prof. Godfrey Omojefe, noted that despite the health
benefits in driving low or no sugar consumption the SABs tax increase would cause market boycott by consumers to the detriment of the nation’s sugar master plan.
Prof Omojefe urged the Federal Government to align its sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax policy with broader public health objectives and Nigeria’s industrial development goals.
NEPC Boosts Non-oil Export With Distribution of 23,239 Seedlings to Farmers
Arthur Eriye
The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has distributed 23,239 hybrid seedlings and farm inputs to 3,047 farmers nationwide, in a push to strengthen the country’s non-oil export sector. The initiative, part of the council’s Corporate
Social Investment, includes cocoa, sesame, and oil palm seedlings aimed at improving the quality and quantity of export commodities.
Presenting the firsthalf 2025 Non-Oil Exports Performance Report in recently, the NEPC boss, Nonye Ayeni, said the intervention has
boosted production capacity for global markets. In addition, over 150 small and medium enterprises have benefited from the council’s Export Mentorship Programme, which paired 60 exporters from various states with five topperforming exporters for hands-on training.
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DIGITAL ASSET MARKETS
with Nicky Okoye ( digitalassets@anabelgroup.com )
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
Nicky Okoye discusses the strategic impact of digital asset markets in the growth and dynamics of the global markets and dives deep into the monumental forces that are driving the growth of the next hundred trillion dollars in global GDP. In this series of essays, policy makers, legislators, enterprise executives and investors can gain strategic positioning variables as they unfold in real time.
The Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is usually recognised as official legal tender by the issuing central bank of a nation state. They are considered the central bank’s own form of cryptocurrency stablecoin. They allow the Central Bank to participate in the digital asset markets revolution without disrupting the local financial system. For instance a CBDC can be used to trade internationally between local and international importers and exporters engaged with various international trading partners. This allows international traders and banks, the ease of managing and maintaining transactions. It ensures the efficiency of transferability as well as the security of payments. Considering the large and growing scale of the World’s international trade, the expanded use of CBDCs or even the use of independent stablecoins would be a tectonic shift in global trade and what I consider, a transformation of international business transactions on a global level. The more the digital asset markets are adopted globally, the more we can expect to see a complete overhaul of the global financial systems, as it relates to international trade, finance and asset exchange.
Strategic Applications of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
We currently have three major CBDC global projects that are currently in development phase or in testing phase that are clear use case examples of what we can expect in the future as the digital asst markets ecosystem continues to evolve. I have provided this review without prejudice to the digital naira that was launched by the Nigerian Central Bank, a few years ago. These global projects include:
a. Chinese “Digital Yuan” (e-CNY), which is currently in testing phase across China, expected to be used as a retail CBDC in China and possible to support international trade.
b. European “Digital Euro”. This is still under exploration by the European Central Bank and may get the green light once its strategic applications and benefits to the Eurozone have been clearly defined. It is pertinent to note that a decision on whether the proposed “Digital Euro” will be best applied for retail use or for whole sale use between financial institutions, has not been taken to be best of my knowledge.
c. The United States’ “Digital Dollar”. The United States Federal Reserve (US Central Bank), is currently studying this approach and may make a final decision any moment from now. Especially as the United States Stable Coin Act has been passed and signed into law. I will address this new US legislation in future articles in this series. Recently signed legislation by the President Trump may have slowed down a possible US Federal Reserve CBDC. Future US administrations may reconsider this.
It is pertinent to note that more and more Central Banks across the World are considering the improved efficiency and security of payments that CBDCs offer, hoping to use them to serve as drivers to stimulate the local and global financial systems as well as positively impact national development. In this respect, we can expect to see more CBDCs in the near future. It is also important to mention that as the global digital asset markets continue to unfold, the Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are a strategic way Central Banks can stay relevant within the context of the digital asset markets ecosystem. The CBDC approach provides Central Banks with much boarder oversight of national money flows, traceability and tracking, effectively making money laundering and illegal financial transactions of the future almost impossible. In addition, the CBDCs will support Central Banks with strategic monetary policy mechanisms with strategic management tools as has never been available before. Understanding the accuracy of money supply, and financial flows into specific and strategic areas of the national economy will be at the fingertips of future Central Bankers.
Nigeria and Financial Inclusion
The mandate of Central Banks continues to be about national development and ultimately inclusion. In Nigeria, for instance, the Nigerian Central Bank has been very successful in its implementation of the Nigerian Financial
Services Strategy, which was initially targeted for full adoption by the year 2020 (FSS-2020), five years ago. The CBN has been very faithful to this plan as many of its strategic goals have been met over the years, including driving the cashless economy, the rise of FINTECH, wireless payment systems and the intervention of Microfinance Banks.
Another major pillar of the FSS-2020 was the need to drive financial inclusion, as studies had shown that Nigeria’s unbanked population was exceeding 60% of the entire population. Efforts to achieve more extensive inclusion especially for the artisanal traders is still a work in progress, however Nigeria is far more advanced than most of its peers and in some bases ahead of even some first tier countries when it comes to wireless financial transactions, instant money transfers and the use of mobile and wireless payment systems. The success of Nigeria’s wireless transactions, the ability to pay seamlessly by bank transfers and the proliferation of Online wireless Payment Systems, which became a microbusiness service in Nigeria, are all success stories of effective implementation of FSS-2020.
The game changer for Nigeria and indeed the rest of the World will be when the full adoption of the digital asset markets is achieved across all financial markets and financial systems, and I must say that this is coming. One of the most important goals of global Central Bankers that are currently considering CBDC projects is to achieve financial inclusion in such a way that fiat currencies could not achieve. The draw backs of fiat currencies, include its paper weight, its being prone to defacing, its short shelf life, and the security implications required for fiat currency storage. As digital asset markets continues to expand, cryptocurrencies and eventual issuances of CBDCs will easily be able to side step all the listed challenges of fiat currencies.
China and Hong Kong Chinese investment in digital assets currently represents a total market capitalization of about four hundred and eighty billion dollars ($480 billion) USD, which is 20% of the global digital asset market capitalization. Strong trading and investing is recorded off-shore as mainland China still has restrictions on cryptocurrency trading.
A lot of activity that represents China’s $480 billion digital asset total market capitalization is in its stablecoin CBDC activity. The Chinese authorities have been very active in investing significant amounts in research and development, as well as in the design and development of a China Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC),
which is represented by the Digital Yuan. In fact, it is on record that more than fifteen billion US dollars ($15 b USD) has been invested so far in CBDC design and development by Chinese authorities. In most recent times, China has also becoming a strong source for engaging with new innovations with “Blockchain Technology”, which is the currently considered the backbone and the future of the digital asset markets. China and Hong Kong are becoming more important in the global digital asset marketplace mostly for their significant share of global digital asset markets total market capitalization, as well as for their strategic investment and innovation in blockchain technologies. This World digital asset market significance as recorded across China and Hong Kong is happening despite strong attempts by the central Chinese authorities to restrict trading in cryptocurrencies in the domestic mainland markets. Significant trading and investing activity currently still occurs via offshore digital asset platforms and there has been a large adoption of stablecoins, as is being recorded on Hong Kong platforms. Hong Kong has already been positioned as a quasi-global financial hub for most of China’s international finance and banking transactions. So Hong Kong’s ability to fill this role for the digital asset markets makes a lot of sense. In fact, Hong Kong is treated by mainland Chinese authorities as an off-shore financial Hub and system, giving Hong Kong the abilities to embrace digital asset markets for local and global investors alike.
China and its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
The Chinese authorities are looking seriously at expanding their ability to issue a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), effectively creating a digital version of their national fiat currency, the Yuan. In the Digital Asset Markets ecosystems, CBDC’s are usually recognised as official legal tender by the issuing central banking authority. In this case, a Chinese CBDC can be used to trade internationally with China’s various trading partners, including Nigeria and Africa’s traders. Considering China’s dominance in international trade, this would be a monumental shift in global trade and effectively transforming the global financial systems. China believes strongly that its approach to issuing CBDCs will improve local and international payment systems, reducing transaction costs and provide a secure digital alternative to current cash movements which are mostly based on US dollars.
The Chinese Digital Yuan or Digital Renminbi (DCEP) has been launched by the People’s Bank of China in strategic pilot projects. These pilot
projects have integrated several retail chains and payment system programs across multiple Chinese cities. To give the pilot projects the strength it needs the Chinese authorities integrated various retail and wholesale payment systems across China into the overall project, collecting key data for study, on consumer behavioural trends and CBDC acceptability. These real-world testing pilot projects have included retail stores, airlines, bus terminals, train transportation, and even global trade, indicating that China is ready for an eventual conversion and monumental shift to a purely digital asset markets ecosystem.
Is China Ready for the Digital Asset Markets Revolution
In my personal opinion, China appears to be very well-prepared for the tectonic shift toward digital asset markets, all be it through its CBDC (Digital Yuan) infrastructure as a start. In this respect, we can expect China to provide some global investment direction, strategic guidance and regulatory clarity in the overall CBDC global ecosystem going forward.
In the final analysis, and in conclusion, I have these insights for those seeking to prepare and position for the digital asset markets revolution as it concerns CBDCs, China and Hong Kong:
•I see a strong and very robust digital payment ecosystem which has emerged across China and this extensive network of payment systems have already been integrated with the Chinese Digital Yuan. This is a strategic plus for China.
•There is significant backing and support from the Chinese authorities, especially the People’s Bank of China, which has guaranteed stability. In this respect, this support from the authorities has encouraged and promoted mass adoption of CBDC across major Chinese Cities.
• Global Market Strategic positioning of the Chinese global financial ecosystems has been fully established especially with international financial counterparties. This has as its ultimate objective, to strategically position the Digital Yuan as a global stable-valued digital (crypto) currency. To the best of my knowledge and observation, this strategy is currently working.
• As China undergoes a strategic transition to Digital Yuan, we have witnessed Chinese suppliers, familiar with digital payment ecosystems, adopting the Digital Yuan, rather than adopting decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This is a deliberate strategy by the Chinese authorities and it seems to be working as well.
• In the technology and investment Infrastructure space, China has invested heavily in digital asset markets investment infrastructure especially as it relates to the roll out of the Chinese CBDC and the Digital Yuan pilot projects. In providing the Digital Asset Markets Investment Infrastructure, blockchain technology has received extensive investment in research, datacentres, skills etc. This public investment in Digital Asset Markets Investment Infrastructure, has obviously generated even more private investment in the same direction, facilitating future innovations and keeping the ball rolling as far as the digital asset ecosystem is concerned.
• Chinese suppliers and international traders are beginning to rely heavily on more developed digital payment systems especially if they have been integrated with the Digital Yuan, these systems include WeChat Pay, and Alipay and others. In other words, China has used its strong manufacturing and global supply base to position the Digital Yuan as a future reserve currency for all its international customers. This is very powerful.
• China has kept out from mainland China financial ecosystems, the well-known decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. These remain under strict regulation and in many cases there are outright bans on trading and owning these decentralized cryptocurrencies. In China, the overall focus has been the Central Bank Digital Currency, digital yuan, and its use as a sovereign digital currency tool, rather than the broad crypto market liberalization we are currently witnessing in the western World.
•Dr Nicky Okoye Global Investment Advisor
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14 August-2025, unless otherwise stated.
Tech Brands Drive Future Digital Economy to Support Nigeria’s $1trn 2030 Ambition
Oluchi Chibuzor
Nigeria has risen to the forefront of Africa’s digital economy with a powerful ecosystem that is both homegrown and resilient – fuelled by government initiatives, global tech enterprises, and a thriving startup ecosystem; propelling Nigeria’s future with tech opportunities in talent development and digital infrastructure to help achieve the goal of $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Central to Nigeria – and Africa’s – ambitions of
digital sovereignty lie in the opportunity to upskill, operate and expand grassroots talent and organisations. Perfectly timed to support these ambitions is the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA which will act as a convergence point for key local and international decision makers, not only in tech but across multiple sectors embracing digital transformation.
Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, GITEX NIGERIA premieres across Abuja and Lagos. It is supported by the Federal Ministry
of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The event is endorsed by Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
A high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja takes place on the opening day in September to forge a united future for international leaders driving the growth of digital infrastructure, AI, and innovation.
Access Bank Rewards 56 Customers with N1.8m in DiamondXtra Promo
Fifty six customers have been rewarded with N1.8 million by Access Bank in Ibadan in its DiamondXtra Season 17 loyalty reward scheme.
The onsite draw for the winners during which 45 customers won N20,000 each; six customers winning N50,000 each, four customers winning N100,000 and a customer winning N200,000, was held at its branch in Dugbe, Ibadan.
The Regional Sales Director, South West of the
bank, Mr. Bolaji Aboderin, while speaking at the event, said the reward scheme is a cornerstone of the commitment of the bank to show appreciation and give back to its loyal customers.
While assuring that the bank will continue to empower its customers, foster financial growth and be the catalyst for their dreams, he said the initiative has grown from strength to strength and achieving incredible milestones along the way.
Aboderin stated that the success of the past 16 seasons was made possible
by the unwavering support of the customers, disclosing that till date the bank has rewarded 30,893 customers with over N6.61 billion, a true testament to the true value of the scheme.
He added that 12,073 customers will be rewarded with N228.7 million during the 17 season. Aboderin said, “These rewards will be distributed across various categories, including star prize of three customers winning Salary 4 Life, loyalty rewards, monthly draws, regional draws, onsite draws, free digital marketing training and digital cluster draws.”
Coronation Insurance Doubles Revenue to N49.4bn
Sunday Ehigiator
Coronation Insurance Plc has reported its strongest financial performance in a decade, with revenue surging by 101 per cent to N49.4 billion in 2024. This was revealed at the company’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, where shareholders and board members gathered to review a year marked by resilience, innovation, and strategic expansion across the Group’s operations in
Nigeria and Ghana.
Chairman of Coronation Insurance Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, described the 2024 financial year as “a year of profound resilience and bold transformation,” noting that the Group achieved remarkable growth despite Nigeria’s volatile macroeconomic environment.
“Our Group Profit Before Tax rose by 527 per cent, from N2.2 billion in 2023 to N13.8 billion in 2024. Insurance revenue more than doubled to
N49.4 billion, while the Insurance Service Result increased by 6,202 per cent to N5.5 billion. These results reflect our strategic clarity, operational discipline, and investments in people, governance, and platforms,” Sunmonu said.
Speaking at the AGM, Managing Director/ CEO of Coronation Insurance Limited, Mr. Olamide Olajolo said the company’s transformation journey was anchored on digitalisation, partnerships, and operational efficiency.
Sonnex Charges NESREA on Strengthened Regulatory Framework to Tackle Plastic Waste
Sonnex packaging Nigeria (Sara Rpet) Nigeria has engaged with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on ways of strengthening plastic regulation, enforce the extended producer responsibility, promote PET recycling investment, drive industry leadership, and enhance collaborative regulatory framework
development with the private sector during a courtesy visit to the Sonnex Rpet facility in Ikorodu, Lagos.
In a statement, it was noted that the engagement showcased Sonnex Packaging Nigeria’s (Sara Rpet) commitments to national development.
According to the Director, Business Development, Mr. Anil Mohinani, “Sara Rpet Nigeria views
regulatory engagement as partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advance both environmental protection and sustainable business development. The investment in PET recycling, quality assurance and compliance framework and data tracking capabilities support NESREA’s oversight objectives while demonstrating industry best practices.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo),
(Equatorial Guinea), Rabi
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
L-R: Assistant Director, Media, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Ms. Nwamaka Ejiofor; Director, Lagos Liaison, NESREA, Dr. Jonathan Dejal; Director General/ CEO NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor; Director, Business Development, Mohinani Group, Mr. Anil Mohinani; Director Inspection and Enforcement, Dr. Christopher Beka and Business Leader, Sonnex Packaging Rpet, Mr. Hakan Turkmen, during a courtesy visit to Sonnex rPet facility by NESREA in Lagos... recently
Stock Market Drops by N713bn in One Week on Investors Profit-taking
Kayode Tokede
The Nigerian equities market snapped its weekly winning streak, closing lower by N713 billion week-on-week for the first time in 12 weeks amid profittaking by investors. Specifically, the
benchmark Nigerian Exchange Limited AllShare Index (NGX ASI) depreciated by 0.77 per cent week-on-week to close at 144,628.20 points. Also, the market capitalisation dropped by N713 billion to close the week at N91.502 trillion.
Sector performance was largely negative, as the Oil & Gas (-1.4per cent), Consumer Goods (-0.9per cent), Industrial Goods (-0.8per cent), and Banking (-0.2per cent) all closed lower, leaving the NGX Insurance index (+8.2per cent) as the
sole gainer.
The market breadth for the week was positive as 50 equities appreciated in price, 49 equities depreciated in price, while 47 equities remained unchanged.
Mutual Benefits Assurance led the gainers table by 31.85
per cent to close at N3.85, per share. Tripple Gee and Company followed with a gain of 30.23 per cent to close at N5.60, while SUNU Assurance went up by 23.80 per cent to close to N6.19, per share.
On the other side,
UPDC led the decliners table by 17.72 per cent to close at N6.50, per share. LivingTrust Mortgage Bank followed with a loss of 16 per cent to close at N4.20, while Berger Paints declined by 14.67 per cent to close at N32.00, per share.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF AUGUST/14/25
Business Special
Nehikhare: 30% of Africa’s Trade Flows ‘ll Run on Our Rails in 10 Years
MultiGate is a licensed treasury management and cross-border payments solution provider with operational offices in canada, British columbia, london, and Uganda, and licences in many african countries. in this interview, the company’s chief executive Officer, eghosa Nehikhare, discusses the firm’s growth journey, unique value proposition, and his vision for the future of cross-border payments. nume ekeghe presents the excerpts:
Could you give us a background on MultiGate, what you do, and the solution you are bringing to the ecosystem?
MultiGate is a licensed treasury management and cross-border solutions provider, delivering far more than traditional payment services. For example, our platform enables a client to make a payment in naira while the beneficiary abroad receives USD(united States Dollars) or CNY(Chinese Yaun). We focus on the full spectrum of corporate financial operations.
An example is one of our clients, with 30 subsidiaries across multiple countries and over 600 bank accounts, who previously had to log into each bank daily, download statements, and manually reconcile transactions — a time-consuming and inefficient process. With MultiGate, corporates can view all global bank balances in one place, execute payments, reconcile statements, manage trade finance, and handle FX transactions, streamlining all financial operations through a single, unified interface. With our solution, reconciliation is automated, reporting is instant, and the client recently renewed their subscription for two more years. They are now asking us to build additional modules for trade finance, supply chain finance, and exposure management.
What makes MultiGate stand out from other payment providers?
We provide services to corporates from a position of true value. Let me explain what that means. There is no company today that can go to any corporate in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, or Mozambique and say, “Link all your bank accounts anywhere in the world to this platform.” With MultiGate, they can log in, view all their account balances in real time, and aggregate statements from multiple banks — essentially combining all their internet banking solutions into one interface.
We also integrate directly into a company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Many businesses are moving towards ERP-based operations for enhanced financial management, where payment instructions go through the approval workflow, are sent directly to the chosen bank, and are reconciled automatically against the ERP.
No other company in Africa offers this exact solution. We give corporates
real-time visibility of all their bank accounts worldwide on a single platform, fully integrated with their ERP systems. They can initiate FX conversions and make payments in their own name — not in MultiGate’s name or that of a partner. While others focus solely on cross-border payments, we automate the entire financial workflow, ensure robust security, and provide Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) with instant access to the data they need. Many CFOs cannot tell you their exact liquidity position across all banks in real time. Our clients can.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining traction, how do you see prospects for your solution? In the near term, there is a lot of positive conversation happening, and this is prompting
many banks and companies to express renewed interest. In the past, one of the biggest challenges was faced by airlines operating across Africa. They often had to manage revenues in local currencies, such as in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, while simultaneously needing naira in Nigeria. Without a straightforward settlement mechanism, they would accumulate local currencies and use them to settle invoices, which was far from efficient. Now, there’s growing momentum around trade agreements. Are they fully where we want them to be?
Not yet. Interestingly, back in 2018, my team and I developed a white paper outlining what a Pan-African settlement platform could look like. When similar platforms began emerging later, many of their models mirrored the concepts we proposed. We intentionally waited for these
platforms to gain commercial traction — meaning banks actively promoting them to customers across multiple markets — before deciding how to position ourselves. We are now seeing cross-border transactions spill over into other areas, which raises the question: should we compete directly with these platforms, or complement them? Our approach is to complement. We already work closely with most Nigerian banks, many of whom are our clients. Just last week, we held productive meetings with banks here in Nigeria that focused on collaboration. We have our own SWIFT rails, and we can operate in parallel with banks, even acting as a backup. We believe the right strategy is to wait for banks to build demand in their respective countries and then step in to enable those transactions. The worst move would be to enter the market too early, create noise, and then watch someone else succeed two years later simply because the timing was right.
Will global economic shifts affect cross-border payments in Africa?
Yes, and we are already seeing the impact. Trading relationships between Africa and Asia, particularly with China and Singapore, are expanding rapidly. In the past, African importers often had to source dollars from the parallel market and wait up to a week for payments to reach suppliers in Asia. Today, we enable them to pay in local currency, with the supplier receiving their local currency within T+1 or even in real time. Demand for this service is rising quickly, and competition in the space is intensifying.
What is your approach to fostering innovation within Multigate, and how do digital treasury solutions play a role?
For us, innovation is never done in isolation from our clients or partners. We’ve been very deliberate about avoiding the trap of predicting what customers might want, only to build something that ends up unused.
Instead, our approach starts with understanding how critical a request is to the client.
Our product team has even designed a prioritisation process based on the Fibonacci sequence. For example, if I approach the team with a proposed functionality, they use a structured template to evaluate it.
n ehikhare
FOCUS
Mbah Drives Enugu with Modern Transport Infrastructure
On Thursday, August 14, Governor Peter Mbah officially launched, among others, 100 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses and unveiled five modern transport terminals across Enugu state. For the people of the Coal City, the day marked more than just the commissioning of infrastructure, it was a symbol of commitment to efficient governance and a dignified life for every Enugu citizen, writes Emmanuel Addeh.
Residents, business owners, government officials, and transport workers gathered to witness what many called a landmark achievement in the state’s history. It was the launch of 100 out of the 200 CNG mass transit buses acquired by the Mbah administration, and the commissioning of over 80 modern bus shelters constructed across the state.
Chaos to Coordination
Before the transformation, the transport system was virtually synonymous with congestion and confusion. The daily struggle for transport, poorly maintained vehicles, erratic fares, endless waiting was part of life for thousands of Enugu residents. For many, the new project marked not just a physical makeover, but a shift in mindset and expectations.
The projects launched included the Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1), designated for interstate transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport; Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station); Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station).
Equipped with modern accompaniments, including digital ticketing infrastructure, each terminal serves more than a place to catch a ride, it is designed to deliver a public experience rooted in order, comfort, and efficiency.
Dirty Air to Clean Energy
Perhaps the most notable part of the launch was the fleet itself. The governor unveiled 100 state-of-the-art CNG-powered buses, part of an expected 200-vehicle rollout. The buses signalled Enugu’s entrance into the green mobility era, powered by compressed natural gas, an energy source that is cleaner, safer, and significantly more cost-effective than traditional fuels.
The CNG initiative aligned with national and global conversations around sustainability. In all, Enugu is now one of the first states in Nigeria to fully embrace a clean-energy-powered public transit model, placing it ahead of its peers and earning the praise of federal energy authorities.
Besides, the new system is built around a smart transport framework that introduces digital ticketing, real-time vehicle tracking, route scheduling, and commuter support services.
Jobs and Local Economy
Beyond the fanfare, one of the very important implications of the initiative is creation of jobs. According to the state government, over 20,000 jobs will be created through the new transport system, from drivers and maintenance personnel to terminal staff, technology providers, and vendors.
In addition, micro-businesses that once operated in unregulated transport spaces are now being integrated into a safer, better-managed commercial ecosystem. The terminals will serve not just as transport hubs, but as centers for commerce, trade, and service delivery.
As foot traffic increases at the terminals, so will opportunities for small businesses, including restaurants, bookstores, mobile vendors, and logistics services, all gaining access to new, stable, and structured marketplaces.
Integrated Transport System
Mbah’s administration has tied its development vision to a multi-modal transport strategy. While the road remains the current focus, the goal is to eventually integrate air, rail, and waterway systems into a single network.
Already, there are plans for citywide hybrid taxi schemes, ride-hailing platforms, and the revitalization of Enugu’s urban rail lines. An aviation wing, Enugu Air, is also under development, with plans to leverage the state’s emerging status as a regional logistics hub.
From the get-go, Mbah’s economic blueprint
has been aggressive and clear. The target is to raise Enugu’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within a few years. Transportation is central to this vision, as mobility fuels commerce, labour, education, tourism, and public service access.
Indeed, what truly sets the initiative apart is its people-centred execution. From the earliest days of planning, the governor insisted that the new system must reflect the values of dignity, access, and fairness. That ethos is evident in the terminal design: Clean, secure, inclusive spaces where everybody can travel safely and comfortably.
For too long, public transport in Nigeria has been synonymous with suffering. The project breaks that narrative, showing that the public sector can deliver world-class services that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable.
Delivering on His Mandate
Mbah’s performance since assuming office has caught national attention, and for good reason.
The speed, scale, and transparency of the transport system’s rollout stands in sharp contrast to the bureaucratic delays that often stall public projects.
Less than two years into his tenure, he has completed five transport terminals, constructed or rehabilitated over 800 kilometres of roads, restored water access to multiple urban zones, and launched digital education and energy reform programmes.
In every sector, a pattern is emerging: Efficiency, impact, and measurable progress. It is a style of governance rooted in data, performance tracking, and the belief that public office is a platform for transformation, not tradition.
In Enugu, the transport revolution is not an isolated achievement, but a symbol of the state’s new direction under Mbah’s leadership.
On the other hand, the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. For instance, at the Holy Ghost terminal, commuters lined up to board the new buses with a mix of curiosity and pride. Many had never stepped into a clean-energy vehicle before. For them, the experience felt not just new, but deserved.
In the same vein, at Nsukka, students cheered as the first bus rolled in on launch day, snapping photos and posting excited videos on social media.
In Gariki and Abakpa, business owners noted the increased foot traffic and spoke with enthusiasm about future growth.
Mbah: Why It’s Important
Mbah said the projects was a key part of the administration’s integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Project, Phase 1, in line with his vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
Speaking at the Holy Ghost Terminal 2, the governor recalled that until the commencement of the project in late 2023, the Holy Ghost area was “practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.”
The facilities also feature food courts, banking halls, motels, shops, CNG refilling stations, cinemas, and expansive spaces capable of taking 500 buses, while the Holy Ghost Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a 400m-long sky bridge, said to be the longest in Nigeria. The buses feature free wifi and security equipment.
Mbah said: “Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity.
“We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria would be a futile bid, if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.
“So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
“Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed, beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.”
Beyond the CNG Rapid Bus Service, the governor noted that the terminals were “central pillars of his transport agenda, a multimodal highway to the future, integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.
He said that the Enugu Transport Management system would eliminate corruption that had been the bane of government enterprises to ensure sustainability, counting on an e-ticketing system that eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for.
“Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top-up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses. Importantly, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them,” he stated.
Tinubu’s Support
The day did not end without the governor lauding President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to the development of Enugu state.
“Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support
towards Enugu – and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly reposition Enugu as an aviation and economic hub.
‘So, we commend the President because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done,” Mbah said.
Programme Director/CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, who was represented by Tari Mayor-Bright, commended Mbah for the modern terminal and massive deployment of CNG buses.
“This is not just infrastructure, but a bold step in setting up a modern transportation system geared towards a cleaner, safer and more affordable transport for the people of Enugu state,” he stated.
Besides, the Managing Director of contractors, Planet Project Construction Company, Biodun Otunola, said that building five terminals simultaneously was unprecedented. “No administration has ever done this before since the history of Nigeria. We are in this industry and we have the records,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, said that the terminals inaugurated would entertain over 10 million commuters each year while providing a place of comfort after long journeys or interval break from long journeys. Ozor explained that each of the terminals have a fully air conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, fuel station, sunscreen covered walkways, solar powered security lights/systems and surveillance cameras.
It’s Just the Beginning
The governor says it’s just the beginning. More buses will be deployed in the coming months, it was learnt. More routes will open. More terminals will rise in other parts of the state. This is because, the dream is not to patch up the old system, it is to build an entirely new one.
And perhaps most importantly, Enugu’s story will now inspire other Nigerian states to follow. If it can happen in Enugu, it can happen elsewhere. All it takes is vision, willpower, and the political courage to prioritise people over politics.
As it is, Mbah has taken that step. He has not only promised change, he has delivered it. Through steel and sunlight, glass and gas, the governor is laying the tracks for a future that is faster, cleaner, smarter, and fairer. Finally, the state is moving and with the current transport revolution, Mbah is literally driving Enugu to a better place where public utilities are no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
One of the five newly built terminals
32ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AXA MANSARD INSURANCE...
Tinubu: Nigeria Poised t World-class Transportation Students
As FUTD matriculates 529 new students
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday reiterated the Nigerian government's commitment to producing world-class transportation students to address the dearth of human capacity in the transportation industry, with a deep focus on the Nigeria’s rejuvenated railway system.
Tinubu gave the assurance at the second matriculation ceremony of Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), 2024/2025 academic session.
Tinubu, in his welcome
remarks at the event, stated that while the institution will address the dire need for a transport focused education, training, and research-based learning, it will also produce Nigerian experts that will utilise policy, law and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of the Nigerian economy.
He stated that as the institution matriculated 529 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session, it marked another milestone in its journey to become a leading institution for transportation education.
The president, represented by Minister of Transportation,
Senator Said Alkali, emphasised that government commitment was driving towards building a new generation of transportation professionals who could compete globally, making the transport sector a critical driver of Nigeria's economy.
According to him, "FUTD has made significant progress since its establishment, and I take pride in the institution's rapid growth. The university is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, focusing on transportation education, training, and research.
"It is our hope and aspirations
to produce graduates of the highest quality who can compete favourably with other graduates all over the world.”
Tinubu said, "We will deliver on our mandate to disseminate specialised knowledge in all modes of transportation to produce Nigerian experts who will utilize policy, law, and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of Nigeria's economy.
"The matriculating students should count themselves lucky to be in the only specialized University of Transportation, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa. You should
Experts Warn FG: Nigeria's 4-Ds Foreign Policy Thrust Will Stall Without Ambassadorial Appointments
Linus
Foreign relations experts, scholars, diplomats, and international relations analysts have warned that the nonappointment of ambassadors, two years after the inauguration of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will stall the nation’s foreign policy thrust rooted in the 4-Ds: Diaspora, Development, Democracy, and Demography. The current administration, at its inception, unveiled a new foreign policy framework built around Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
Explaining the new policy thrust, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stated the nation’s development, as well as robust relations and engagement with other friendly sovereign nations, regional bodies, and multilateral institutions, depends on it.
According to him, “Nigeria’s - and indeed Africa’sdevelopment increasingly depends on a new line of vision, which has been well articulated in President Bola Tinubu’s new foreign policy concept. Democracy is a universally accepted form of
governance that guarantees freedom, human rights, and the rule of law."
He highlighted Nigeria’s demography, describing it as the largest black nation in the world, with a population of over 200 million people. “This speaks to the country’s greatness and how its human capital endowments can be harnessed for national development, which underscores the importance accorded to the four Ds," he said.
However, experts have expressed concerns over the administration’s inability to appoint ambassadors to head the country’s foreign missions
two years after taking office.
Speaking to THISDAY in a telephone interview, the Head of the Department of Political Science at Benue State University, Makurdi, Dr. Atah Pine, said the federal government’s 4-Ds foreign policy thrust cannot be actualised without the appointment of ambassadors.
He noted that given the range of problems associated with the absence of ambassadors, it is clear that unless Nigeria appoints them, the country will remain constrained within the international system - especially in pursuing the goals of its foreign policy agenda.
NEMA Receives 11 Nigerian Miners Stranded in Central African Republic
Addeh in Abuja
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 11 Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) transported safely back to Nigeria through the intervention of the federal government.
They arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,
Abuja, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, a statement signed by the Head, Press Unit, NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, stated.
The returnees were accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed, and were received on arrival by a federal government delegation led by the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by
the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong.
The Asky Airlines Boeing 747-200 aircraft, with registration number ET-AXO, conveying the returnees touched down in Abuja at exactly 4:45 pm.
From the international wing, the returnees were transported to the Hajj Terminal where they were formally received, cleared by the Nigerian Immigration
Service (NIS) and screened by other relevant security agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the federal government, the Director General of NEMA welcomed the returnees back to Nigeria and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens in distress, as demonstrated in their safe rescue, dignified transportation, and formal reception.
take advantage of this golden opportunity to be serious so that you will one day become the pride of this University, your parents, and the country at large.”
Vice Chancellor of FUTD, Professor Umar Katsayal, in his welcome address, explained that the university was established to safeguard and sustain the huge investments of the federal and state governments in the transportation sector while bridging the gap in human capacity development in the industry.
Katsayal stated that the university had a strong focus on transportation education, training, and research, especially in support of Nigeria’s revitalised railway system.
He added that CCECC Nigeria Limited, the construction giant behind the Lagos–Kano Railway Modernisation Project, had contributed to the development of the university as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on anti-corruption agencies to probe the National Assembly over allegations that lawmakers pay up to ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions.
The call comes amid an allegation by a House of Representatives member, Ibrahim Auro, that federal lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million each to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.
In a letter by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group wants the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to identify the lawmakers involved in the alleged act.
It called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer the allegation to anti-graft agencies for investigation.
“The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional
oath of office by lawmakers,” SERAP said.
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.
“Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly.”
SERAP argued that “the allegations that lawmakers are paying up to ₦3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).”
The group warned that if the National Assembly leadership fails to act within seven days, it would consider legal actions to compel compliance “in the public interest.”
“Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions,” it noted.
Emmanuel
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Aleke in Abuja
L-R: Executive Director, Technical and Clients Services, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Rashidat Adebisi; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kunle Ahmed; Chairman, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kola Adesina; and Non-Executive Director, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mrs. Abiola Bada, at the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos… recently
CIBN 18TH ANNUAL BANKING AND FINANCE PRESS CONFERENCE...
Tinubu, Shettima, Northern Govs Mourn Passing of Emir of Zuru
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the northern governors yesterday expressed sadness over the passing of Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness, Maj. Gen. Sani Sami (rtd).
Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the emir’s death, late Saturday, as a significant loss for the country.
Tinubu said Nigeria would long remember the contributions of the retired general and onetime military governor of Bauchi
State as an administrator and revered traditional ruler.
The president acknowledged the late royal father's sterling leadership, which helped bring stability and development to Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State and prayed to God to grant the emir eternal rest and comfort his family and subjects in this difficult time.
Shettima also expressed grief over the passing of the emir, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria's traditional institution and military heritage.
The vice president stated that the late emir, who died at 81, was an eminent leader who
exemplified the rare combination of military discipline, traditional wisdom, and community service that defined Nigeria's post-independence leadership generation.
He said, "When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our traditional and military landscapes look markedly different without Major General Sami's commanding presence that bridged two critical pillars of our national leadership structure.
"Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami was not just an Emir or a military officer; he was a symbol of how diverse forms of leadership can unite to
serve a common purpose – the betterment of one's people and nation."
Shettima recalled that the late emir's military background brought a unique dimension to traditional governance, saying his strategic thinking and disciplined approach to leadership significantly enhanced the administrative efficiency of the Zuru emirate.
The vice president stated, "On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I express our deepest condolences to the immediate and extended families of the late Emir, his wives and children, the Zuru Emirate
2027: Adebayo Tackles INEC Over Failure to Sanction Campaign Defaulters
Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for refusing to wield the big stick against political parties flouting the electoral law as regards campaign.
Adebayo expressed displeasure at the development when he appeared on Arise
TV PrimeTime programme.
He said the law provides that no political party could start any kind of electoral campaign until 150 days to election, be it by-, off-cycle or general elections, but lamented that INEC had kept blind eye to this provision while the All Progressives Congress (APC) that continually flouts it with impunity.
“There’s nowhere you go and you don’t see the picture of President Bola Tinubu and
some members of his family already dancing and waltzing ahead of 2027.”
“So, if you are not to be caught panting as an opposition, you would give an answer. If the government was governing, our policies would be in opposition against their governing methods.
''But, since they are campaigning, the opposition has to be in a campaign format.
“The key issue is that if we want to go back to regular
order, the president and the APC have to go back to regular order. Once they go back to regular order, remove all those obnoxious billboards all over the place, we will now listen to them,” he said.
However, he also disagreed with the Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who recently commended President Tinubu for stabilising Nigeria’s economy.
Immigration Comptroller General, Extols
ACG Joseph Olutayo Dada at Death
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Comptroller General, Immigration Service, Kemi Nana Nandap has described the death of ACG Joseph Olutayo Dada as a monumental loss to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Council, and the entire people of Kebbi State."
Offering prayers for the repose of the emir's soul, Shettima expressed confidence that his legacy would endure in the hearts and minds of those he served.
He said, "I pray to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, the government and people of Kebbi State, and indeed the entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."
Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed sorrow over the demise of the emir.
In a condolence message on behalf of the northern governors, Yahaya described the late emir as a highly respected monarch, patriotic leader, and elder statesman who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria,
both in military and traditional capacities.
The governor fondly recalled the emir’s illustrious military career, particularly his impactful tenure as the military administrator of the old Bauchi State, where he played a significant role in driving development across the state.
Yahaya stated the late emir’s commitment to the progress of his domain and his invaluable support to the Northern States Governors’ Forum through the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, where he was a respected and stabilising voice.
The NSGF chairman extended heartfelt condolences to members of the royal family, the Zuru Emirate Council, as well as the government and people of Kebbi State over the monumental loss. He encouraged the royal family to sustain the legacy of service, dignity, and development left behind by the late monarch.
KT-IRS Rolls Out Measures to Improve Revenue Collections
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Katsina State Internal Revenue Service (KT-IRS) has rolled out reliable and sustainable measures to improve revenue collections and mitigate leakages in the state.
The Executive Chairman of KT-IRS, Mohammed Isyaku, disclosed this while engaging stakeholders in Sandamu Local Government Area of the state on the central billing system.
“The central billing was introduced to eliminate leakages in revenue generation and build confidence that taxpayers’ money goes directly to the government,” he added.
He noted that the state internal revenue service is committed towards ensuring the success of the new revenue collection gateway in order to boost the internally generated income of the state.
In her condolences message to wife, children and family of the departed officer, Nandap said ACG Dada who served as the Comptroller of Immigration, Oyo State Command displayed distinguished professionalism, discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of care and love in service.
home of the departed officer, in Ilesa, Osun State, described the passing of ACG Dada as a profound shock to the entire immigration service, Oyo State Command and Oyo State Government.
The Immigration boss, represented by the Oyo State Acting Comptroller General, D. A Omoniwa, at the country
Her words: "The news of ACG Dada passing on 10th August, 2025, came as a profound loss to the Nigeria Immigration Service,
Oyo State Command, Oyo State Government and his numerous associates and friends, he served as the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, Agodi, Ibadan - a tenure distinguished by professionalism, discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of care and love.
Represented by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Murtala Mohammed Kankara, Isyaku said the central billing system was among measures taken by the service to enhance revenue collection.
He said the central billing system was designed to eliminate leakages and simplify tax payments in order to ensure all revenues are remitted directly into the government coffers.
He urged the stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the service in recruiting vendors for the collection of both state and local governments revenues. Unveiling the central billing system to the stakeholders, the Executive Director, Digital and Modernisation of the Service, Kabir Isa Fago, highlighted the operations of the platform through PowerPoint presentation.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: President, Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa; MD/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya; President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, PhD, FCIB; 2nd Vice President, CIBN, Mrs. Mojisola Asieru Sweet, FCIB; Registrar/CEO, CIBN, Mr. Akin Morakinyo, ACIB, HCIB at a Press Conference for the 18th CIBN Annual Banking and Finance Conference held in Lagos, yesterday
ASCON DG 100 DAYS IN OFFICE...
Ibom Air Saga: I Was Assaulted, Stripped, Traumatised, Says Comfort Emmanson
Wishes for redemption, regaining dignity, leaves the air hostess to God Father demands compensation, says airline ruined family’s image
Chiemelie Ezeobi and Wale Igbintade
Days after she was released from Kirikiri Prison in Lagos over an altercation on-board an Ibom Air aircraft, Comfort Emmanson, yesterday, opened up on her ordeal.
Emmanson maintained that she was assaulted, stripped, and traumatised by a member of Ibom Air’s cabin crew following a disagreement over an instruction to switch off her phone.
In a video she posted on her instagram account soft_commy, Emmanson, who had a drip line on her hand, said during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, she had initially complied with the airline’s instruction to turn off her phone but encountered difficulties with one of her devices.
She said, “One of their air hostesses, her name is Juliana, said I should put off my phone. I told her that one of my phones was off already, I brought out the other one and showed her that the power button is bad.
“She said I can turn off my phone without the power button. I told her okay, can you help me? She said she will not touch my phone. I told her if you can’t touch my phone, help me to spell general. She refused to spell it for me.
“I tried to put it off but it was
not going. The passenger that was sitting close to me was seeing what was happening. He told me he was an engineer. He said, give me your phone. He helped me, both phones were switched off.”
The lady at the centre of the aviation episode that shook the whole industry and raised a lot of questions said she was surprised when the situation escalated after the plane landed in Lagos.
According to her, “When we landed in Lagos, I sat down for everyone to go down first. After everyone had gone, I stood up to ease myself in the toilet before going down. I went to the toilet, came out and was about to go out. Juliana just blocked me, she said I will not go out. I asked her why. She did not answer me.
“I begged her, I said please let me pass. She did not answer me. She was just looking at me with a bad face. I told her to let me go. She said no. She was still standing; she did not allow me to go.
“I saw that she was not saying anything. I took my phone and started recording what was happening. She now pushed me back inside the aircraft. She held me, dragged my frontal hair, dragged my clothes, dragged the gold on my neck. My phone fell down in the process and broke.
“So I said, why did you do that?
Why did you break my phone, drag my frontal? The pain of removing my frontal, you know how frontal can be when you install it, and it is forcibly dragged. It is so painful.
“That was when I poked her. God knows that I can never go and poke an elderly woman, somebody old enough to be my mum. For what? Poke her? It was the pain she inflicted on me — the frontal pain, dragging my gold, everything falling to the floor. I was so angry; I could not hold it. That was why I was asking her, why did you do that?
“In the video they posted, I was asking, why did you do that? She was dragging my frontal wig, dragging me, calling me a prostitute in the process. I was just asking her; why did you do that? Although I poked her in the video, it was because of the pain.”
Pulling up the frontal hair and the broken neck chain, which she alleged got damaged after it was pulled off her by the said air hostess, Emmanson said she was further dehumanised after the security came in.
Recounting how her cloth was torn, she said, “My body was outside. I was trying to cover myself, and they were videoing. Cameras were everywhere. Tearing my clothes and videoing everything, my naked body outside, the pain was too much for one person to bear.
“While all this was happening, some people came inside the aircraft and started surrounding me. They dragged me outside. You saw how they dragged me in the video. In the process, she dragged my clothes. It was painful. My inner body was exposed, and it wounded me inside.
“The pain of dragging it, the frontal pain, the wounds inside, I was just trying to cover myself while they were dragging me out. My body was out there, and they were videoing. My body was out; I was looking for where to cover myself. Some of them tried to touch me. I was covering myself, but they were surrounding me with cameras everywhere.
“I was surprised. Tearing my clothes, videoing everything, my body outside, my naked body outside. The pain was too much for one person to bear. I could not hold myself. I was angry, asking them, why would you do that to me? Why would you video me and put it out there?
“The trauma is too much. As I am talking to you now, I cannot go out again because my body is out there. People know me. Some have even used it to make a sticker. I am ashamed to go out. How do I face people, clients, or even my unborn children seeing my body online? How do I face a man that will marry me knowing my reputation?
Presidential Amnesty Programme for All Niger Deltans, Says Group
Warns against ethnic tension
Sylvester Idowu In Warri
The Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC) has said the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) was designed to tackle the needs of its 30,000 documented beneficiaries from across the Niger Delta region without ethnic or sectional bias.
The Centre, in a statement issued in Warri weekend and signed by its leader, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, warned that attempts to impose influence or create the perception that the PAP was subject to the directives of traditional authorities
which could undermine the fragile peace and stability of the region.
It expressed deep concern over recent publications attributed to Dr. Shola Mese, a representative of the Olu of Itsekiri in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) alleging the marginalization of Itsekiris in the programme.
The ICHC described the publications as "unguided" and "misrepresentative" of the programme's scope, mandate, and beneficiaries.
"The ICHC condemned Dr. Mese's remarks, which suggested
that the PAP is skewed against the Itsekiri people', describing them as "false" and "calculated to stir unnecessary ethnic tension", it added.
The Centre reiterated its full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, whom, it maintained, has worked with diligence, inclusivity, and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group urged all and sundry to respect the sanctity of the office of the PAP boss and exercise moral
restraint, warning against actions or statements that could fan the embers of discord.
The centre emphasized that the PAP belongs to the entire Niger Delta, not just the Itsekiri people or their monarch, and that its continuity and success demand unity and not division.
'For the avoidance of doubt, the Amnesty Programme is not created to serve the Itsekiri Traditional Rulers Council, nor is it an appendage of the Olu of Warri to be remotely dictated from his palace.
“That is why I did not come out earlier to say my part of the story. I was still undergoing treatment. As you can see, I am still trying to round off my treatment. That is why I could not come out to say what happened.”
Although she was mum on any plans for compensation, she said, “Right now, I do not know how to start again, to look for work or face business. I am into real estate. Imagine me going to sell a house and people are looking at my body, knowing it is out there.
“I want to continue my life, my normal lifestyle. People who know me know I am not really a social media person. I do not know how to face my family, my clients, the people that saw the video. It is so embarrassing.
“So this is my part of the story. This is all that happened inside the aircraft. I am happy I am strong enough now to talk. Please, this is what happened. I am not a troublesome person. I am not a nuisance. People who know me in real life know the kind of person I am.
“So please, this is what happened. I am happy I have come out to tell people what happened. I will round off my treatment, recover fully from everything and move forward with my normal lifestyle.”
However, in a video making the rounds on social media, Emmanson’s visibly distraught father, who condemned the incident, demanded compensation from Ibom Air for what he described as a humiliating assault on his daughter and their family.
He said, “How can an Ibom Air hostess strip my daughter naked just because of a little misunderstanding on their plane and tarnish our image? Is it because I don’t have money or anybody in power?” He added, “The first day I saw the video, I was so provoked. All the pains I went through to send my child to school. I don’t know why it happened that way. They have rubbished our image. I don’t feel like eating or doing anything. “She didn’t steal, just over a minor argument. They showed the whole world my child’s nakedness. How did the video come out in public?”
Suspected Kidnappers Abduct 17
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Suspected kidnappers have been reportedly taken no fewer than 17 persons while one person was killed during the kidnappers’ attacks in both Edu and Patigiils communities of Kwara State.
The incident, according to THISDAY checks, happened between last Tuesday and Saturday in the two affected local government areas of the state.
It was gathered that, "three people were kidnapped at Lade town, Ndanaku 2, Lafiagi 1, Gamalegi 4, Haruna Kata 1, Lata Woro 2, Wariku 2, Lema 1 kidnapped while only one person killed".
Sources close to the two local government councils told journalists in Ilorin yesterday that, the bandits were said to be operating in the midnight when the residents of the affected communal might have slept.
Sources added the development has led to the abduction of many
residents to the nearby forests in the affected local government councils of the state.
It was further said the situation has continued to create panic among the residents to the extent that many have abandoned their homes and farms while many residents have been in a state of despair in the affected areas.
The kidnappers according to THISDAY checks were yet to reach the families of the abductees to demand ransom for their release as at the time of filling this report yesterday (Sunday).
Some residents of the affected communities who spoke with journalists in Ilorin yesterday called on both state, federal government and security agencies to intensify more efforts to stop the attacks. They said that rising to the ugly development would go a long way of returning peace and development to the people of the areas and the Kwara North Senatorial District of the state in general.
L-R: Commander, Naval Operating Base, Badagry, Navy Captain BA Omotayo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola; Vice President, Cavista Holdings, Mr. Olumide Olayomi; Director General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Mrs. Funke Femi Adepoju; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro and Director/Head of Department, Management Studies, Dr. Babatunde Eniayeju, during the celebrations of 100 days in office of Mrs Adepoju as director general of ASCON and closing ceremony of 5-days management retooling retreats for Lagos State Directors and Deputy Directors, at ASCON Topo Badagry...weekend
CONFERMENT OF FELLOWSHIP AT AIMAS...
Ohanaeze Hails Gov Mbah’s 5 Transport Terminals, 100 CNG Buses Across Enugu
Says Mbah's performance justifies calls for devolution of more powers and resources to states
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of Senator John Azuta Mbata, has hailed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State over the inauguration of five ultramodern transport terminals in various parts of the state last Thursday, in line with his integrated blueprint for a modern and multimodal transport ecosystem.
Ohanaeze also commended Governor Mbah for the rollout of100 out of the 200 CNG Mass Transit buses, launch of Enugu State Modern Transport System, and construction of 80 modern bus shelters and bays across the state
The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, equally said that Mbah's performance justifies the various calls for restructuring and devolution of more powers to sub-nationals, insisting that real
development could only come from states.
In a press statement issued by the body's Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, on Sunday, ¹Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed elation at “the historic developmental strides being embarked upon by the governor, in all sectors, all at once.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide takes pride in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s giant strides across all sectors in Enugu State. We recall that in just two years, he has brought moribund government parastatals such as the United Palm Products Limited, the Hotel Presidential, and NIGERGAS back to life.
"We note the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green School Projects as well as 260 ultramodern Type 2 Primary
Omoluabi Group Alleges Plot to Assassinate Ex-Minister, Rauf Aregbesola
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Omoluabi Progressives has raised alarm over an alleged coordinated attempt to eliminate former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson and organising secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede and obtained by Thisday on Sunday, the group said recent incidents point to a political and physical campaign to silence the former minister.
The organisation alleged that inflammatory remarks, veiled threats and state-backed actions, had combined to fuel suspicion of a wider agenda against Aregbesola.
According to the group, “Taken together, these developments raise genuine fears that a sinister agenda is being orchestrated to silence him permanently under the guise of politics.
“Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, made a declaration at a rally on July 23, 2025, interpreted as a call for violence.
He reportedly stated in Yoruba, ‘Ile o mú won’ meaning ‘the land will consume them’, a phrase the group said was directed at Aregbesola.”, the statement said.
The statement also cited a social media post on August 2, 2025, in which journalist, Mayor Akinpelu wrote that “no man could repay good with evil and get away with it.”
The group noted that the article, amplified by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, suggested dire consequences for Aregbesola.
The Omoluabi Progressives, which said such rhetoric amounted to incitement to violence, added that tension arose on August 14, 2025, when a journalist, Gbonka Ebiri allegedly described Aregbesola as a sell-out and called for him to face the wrath of Yorubaland.
On the same day, the group alleged, “police operatives with an Armoured Personnel Carrier disrupted an African Democratic Congress rally in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Healthcare Centres across the 260 wards of Enugu State, the completion of the magnificent Enugu International Conference Centre, the Nodsra Tractor Assembly and Service Centre, and the ongoing road infrastructure projects across the state.
“We equally note with delight what he has done in the area of security where he invested in the state-of-the-art Enugu Command
and Control Centre and over 150 security vehicles all installed with AI-embedded cameras that keep the state under surveillance, thus making Enugu one of the safest states today. Since his assumption of office, Monday Sit-At-Home in Enugu has become history.
"Equally, we note with pride how the Enugu State Government revolutionized the Nigerian Electricity sector by being the first
state to setup its own Electricity Regulatory arm - the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission and subsequently reducing electricity tariff in the state.
“Today and on the heels of these heart-warming strides in the right direction, Ohanaeze celebrates with Ndi Enugu over the launch of Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1), designated for inter-state transport; Holy
Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for inter-city transport; Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station); Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station) as well as 100 CNG buses, Enugu Transport management System, among other transport infrastructure initiated and completed by the Mbah Administration.
Ex-Envoy to Japan: To Cage Economic, Security Challenges,
ADC Remains Only Viable Alternative for Nigerians in 2027
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, now a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State, Professor Muhammed Gana, at the weekend said the structural weaknesses in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), coupled with rising economic hardship and insecurity, had positioned African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the only viable alternative for Nigerians seeking change at the 2027 general election.
Gana expressed confidence that ADC will take over the leadership
of the country at the poll.
Gana, a former deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, made the remarks in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while speaking with newsmen on the state of the nation.
Gana stated, "The current structural deficiencies of the APCled government in the country has caused a lot of the growing public dissatisfaction with the party and even the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the country.”
He said, “People are angry with the APC and the PDP, whose structures have collapsed, not just nationally, but also in
Kwara State.
"Consequently, this has positioned the ADC as the only alternative left for the people of the country and Kwara State as a whole.”
The former Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources disclosed that ADC, “as the party of the people,” was currently deepening grassroots mobilisation across the country, adding that its formal launch in Kwara State will take place in the coming weeks.
Gana said, "ADC’s growing support base is driven by a collective yearning for a government that prioritises
citizens’ welfare and security." He added, “There is serious hunger in the land, and people are very hungry. Insecurity in Kwara State is something that was unheard of before.
"When you ask people on the street if the APC has performed, the answer is clear. As for the PDP that was there before, it has collapsed. We are the only alternative, of the people.”
The former ambassador stated that his decision to join ADC was not made lightly but was driven by a desire to move the country and Kwara State forward.
Osun Govt Launches Investment Portal to Boost Direct Investment in the State
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Osun State Government has launched the Osun State Investment Portal - invest.osunstate.gov.ng as part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the state and attracting both local and foreign investment.
The portal, conceptualized and delivered under the Office of the Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, serves as a one-stop digital gateway for investors. It provides comprehensive information on investment opportunities, sector profiles,
incentives, and step-by-step guidance for establishing businesses in Osun.
It also complements the governor’s flagship ease-of-doingbusiness initiatives, including the Certificate of Occupancy in 45 Days (CofoIn45Days) programme and the Harmonized Bill, both designed to cut red tape, improve transparency, and make Osun one of the most investor-friendly states in Nigeria.
Governor Adeleke, speaking on the launch, said “My administration is institutionalizing ease of doing business in Osun. The Investment Portal gives every investor a single, trusted entry point with
clear guidance, firm timelines, and direct government support.
“Backed by our CofoIn45Days programme and the Harmonized Bill, we are cutting red tape, lowering costs, and making approvals transparent and trackable.
We welcome investors to a state where processes are predictable, rights are protected, and growth is shared.”
The Investment Portal, powered by the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA) in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, offers:
• Sector-Based Investment
Guides – covering Agriculture, Mining, Tourism, Manufacturing, ICT, Trade, and more.
• Investor Support Services – including land acquisition facilitation, tax incentives, permits, and licensing assistance.
• User-Friendly Interface –making it easy for investors to connect with opportunities and resources.
With this platform, Osun State is showcasing its strategic location, reliable infrastructure, abundant resources, skilled workforce, and investor-focused policies — positioning the State as a hub for trade, industry, and innovation in Nigeria and West Africa.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
L-R: President, African Institute of Management and Administrative Science (AIMAS), Prof. Christopher Ike; Awardee of Fellow at AIMAS, Dr. Dominic Joseph Arung; Registrar, AIMAS, Dr. Ibrahim Simon and Rector, International Bible Training College (IBTC), Middle Belt Zone, Pastor, Egok Effiong, during the conferment ceremony by AIMAS in Abuja on Saturday ENOCK REUBEN
40 UNDER 40 NIGERIA GALA NIGHT...
L-R: Amb. Akinyemi Tunbosun Isaac, Frank Edoho, Who Wants to
electorate and also urged all Nigerians to sustain their support for the party and the president, as he continued to pave a clear and steady path of prosperity for this and future generations.
It applauded INEC for the successful conduct of the byeelections, as well as all the security agencies for maintaining peace and order, despite cases of election violence and voter suppression in some districts.
The state-by-state reports of how the elections held across the 16 constituencies in 12 states are detailed below.
KANO STATE
In Kano State, the two major political parties, the ruling NNPP and APC, secured a seat each in the House of Assembly bye-elections in different constituencies.
Returning Officer, Professor Muhammad Waziri of Bayero University, Kano, representing INEC, declared Garba Ya'u Gwarmai of APC winner in the Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency.
Gwarmai secured 31,472 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yusuf Ali Maigado, of NNPP, who garnered 27,931 votes.
However, in the Bagwai/ Shanono state constituency byeelection Returning Officer Adamu Shitu announced the result and gave victory to Ali Hassan Kiyawa of NNPP.
Shitu announced that Kiyawa polled 16,198 votes, to defeat Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu of APC, who scored 5,347 votes.
The supplementary election followed the passing of Hon. Ali Ibrahim Kundila in April 2024.
APC called for cancelation of the Shanono/Bagwai and Tsanyawa/ Ghari elections following the arrest of about 280 political thugs with dangerous weapons at different polling units.
Morka issued a statement calling for the cancelation due to what he called "widespread extreme violence and election disruption by armed thugs across several polling units in Shanono and Bagwai and Ghari constituencies".
According to him, "Verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai local government areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.”
He added that proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and
outright violent voter intimidation would be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist.
Public Relations Officer of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said on his verified Facebook account that dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.
Kiyawa explained that the individuals were arrested for possessing dangerous weapons with the intent to disrupt the bye-election.
He stated, "Just now, we have arrested 288 persons with dangerous weapons with intent to cause mayhem during the ongoing bye-election."
Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, confirmed that over 100 suspected thugs were arrested in Bagwai Local Government Area.
Zango said the suspects were found in possession of different weapons, adding that further arrests could be made to allow for peaceful conduct of the election. He assured that those arrested would be prosecuted.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, alleged that NNPP imported armed thugs from neighbouring states and countries to influence the just-concluded bye-election.
Addressing a press conference in Kano yesterday, Ata described the bye-election as "charade called an election in Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of our dear state, Kano".
He alleged that hired mercenaries infiltrated all the wards in Shanono/Bagwai constituency to launch coordinated attacks on supporters of the opposition political parties, particularly APC.
Ata stated, "Disturbingly, the deliberate political brigandage by the NNPP reached its crescendo on the election day, despite our early alerts to the security agencies and assurances from the police and the DSS that the situation would be brought under control before the commencement of voting."
The minister, who was in company with some APC stalwarts, added that residents and voters ran away for safety and relocated to neighbouring villages in Gwarzo and Bichi local government areas for their lives.
He said, "We have just been informed that they have started to return to their homes this afternoon.
As a result of this, the NNPP took over the polling units, hijacked the sensitive ballot materials – ballot
papers and result sheets, thumped the ballot papers – and allocated votes for their party.”
ANAMBRA STATE
INEC, yesterday in Anambra State, declared Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA winner of Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday. Officials of the commission also declared Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe from the famous Ikpeazu family in Onitsha, as winner of the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency under APGA.
Nwachukwu polled 90,408 votes to defeat Chief Azuka Okwuosa of APC, who scored 19,812 votes, and Donald Amamgbo of ADC, who secured 2,889 votes.
The senate election, contested by 16 political parties, was conducted to fill the vacant seat left by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Ubah, who was first elected in 2019 on the platform of Young Progressives Party (YPP) and re-elected in 2023, later defected to APC before his death in 2024.
The victorious Nwachukwu, a former President-General of Ukpor community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, would be the first politician from Nnewi South Local Government Area to occupy the senatorial seat, when inaugurated.
In the Onitsha North I State Constituency bye-election, Ifeoma Mimi Azikiwe, was declared winner.
Returning Officer, Professor Ibiam Ekpe of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, said Azikiwe polled 7,774 votes to defeat Mrs. Justina Azuka of ADC, who scored 1,909 votes.
Justina is the widow of the slain lawmaker who previously represented the constituency before he was kidnapped on the eve of Christmas 2024. His body was later discovered in a bush near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
Mr. Ezennia Chuka Ojekwe of APC and Ms. Njideka Ndiwe of YPP received 1,371 and 655 votes, respectively.
In Anambra, Saturday's bye-election was regarded as a foretaste of what to expect in the November 8 governorship election in the state.
KOGI STATE
The ruling APC candidate in Kogi State, Musa Yakubu, was declared winner of the Kogi House of Assembly seat for Okura II State Constituency at the bye election,
by INEC.
PDP 1, NNPP 1
Declaring the results in the early hours of yesterday, the returning officer, Professor Emmanuel Eneche, stated that Yakubu scored a total of 55,073 votes.
Eneche further explained that Mr Godwin Meliga of PDP polled 1038 votes, while Egene Ugbede of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) had 445 votes.
Other candidates were Amos Ahaiba of ADC, who scored 141 votes, Rilwan Mudi of SDP, who polled 85 votes, and Yakubu Ugbede of Accord Party, who got 16 votes.
EDO STATE
INEC declared Dr. Joseph Ikpea of APC winner of Saturday’s byeelection for Edo Central Senatorial District.
INEC Returning Officer, Professor Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area, declared Ikpea winner of the polls with 105,129 votes.
He defeated his closest rival, Joe Okojie of PDP, who scored 15, 146 votes.
Omo-Iwoze stated, "That Ikpea Joseph of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared winner of the election."
Retuning officer for Ovia Federal Constituency, Clement Ighodaro, declared Omosede Igbinedion as winner of the constituency byeelection, with a total of 77,053 votes, while the PDP candidate, Johnny Aikpitanyi, got 3,838 votes and candidate of ADC, Dr. Sandra Asemota, scored 925 votes.
INEC had declared vacant the Edo Central Senatorial seat following the election of the former occupier, Monday Okpehbolo, who is now governor of the state.
OGUN STATE
The APC candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Adesola Elegbeji, was declared winner of the bye-election by INEC. Elegbeji secured victory across the three local government areas of Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North.
Returning Officer, Professor Kazeem Bello, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday, declaring the APC candidate winner after polling 41,237 votes, against his rival, Bolarinwa Oluwole of PDP, who recorded 14,324 votes. ADC polled 289 votes.
Announcing results, Bello said Elegbeji, fulfilled all requirements of the Electoral Act, having secured
the highest number of votes.
Other returning officers who took part in the collation process were Professor Richard Abayomi Sobayo (Sagamu), Dr. Akeem Adekunle Makinde (Ikenne), and Dr. Matthew Wheto (Remo North).
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the APC victory as true testament to the popularity of his administration and the party across the country as well as a validation of the successes of revolutionary 24 months in office.
While congratulating the representative-elect, Princess Elegbeji, on her victory, Abiodun said it marked a new chapter in the democratic journey of Ogun State.
He stated this while addressing journalists at his residence in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.
The governor described Elegbeji as a round peg in a round hole, stating that the representative-elect embodied competence, vision, and dedication.
He assured the people of the constituency of quality representation with dignity and commitment at the green chamber, saying she would carry the voices of Ikenne, Sagamu, and Remo North to the national stage.
OYO STATE
In Oyo State, INEC declared Folajimi Oyekunle of PDP winner of Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election
Returning Officer for the election, Professor Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan, made the declaration at the collation centre located at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan.
According to the results announced by INEC, Oyekunle polled 18,404 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji (Murphy) of APC, who secured 8,312 votes.
With this victory, Oyekunle will officially replace the late lawmaker, Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban), whose death created the vacancy and necessitated the bye-election.
The outcome was hailed as a significant milestone for PDP, marking the party’s successful reclamation of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat for the first time since 2011.
ADAMAWA STATE
The APC candidate for Ganye Local Government Area State Constituency, Musa Misa, was declared winner of Saturday’s bye-election in Adamawa State.
The returning officer, Professor
Tukur Ahmed, said Misa secured 15,923 votes to defeat his closest rival, Buba Joda of PDP, who garnered 15,794 votes. The margin of victory was 129 votes.
The election, which was closely contested across 10 wards, saw the APC and PDP record split victories in different wards.
Former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Martin Babale, thanked God for granting APC victory.
KADUNA STATE
The ruling APC in Kaduna State won all the three bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye, and Basawa state Constituencies.
In Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Felix Bagudu of APC was declared winner by the returning officer, Professor Abubakar Jumare, who announced the results on Sunday.
Jumare said the APC candidate scored 34,580 votes, to defeat Esther Ashivelli Dawaki of the opposition PDP, who got 11,491 votes.
In Zaria Kewaye state constituency, INEC Returning Officer, Professor Balarabe Abdullahi, declared Haruna Ihamo, the APC candidate as winner, having polled 26,613 votes. His closest challenger, Nuhu Abdullahi of Social Democratic Party (SDP), got 5,721 votes, while the PDP candidate, Mamuda Abdullahi Wappa, garnered 5,331 votes.
Similarly, in the Basawa state constituency bye-election, Returning Officer, Professor Nasiru Rabiu, announced that APC also emerged victorious, scoring 10,926 votes to defeat the PDP candidate who secured 5,499 votes.
NIGER STATE
The APC candidate for the vacant state House of Assembly seat in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, Mr. Mathew Daje, triumphed in the byeelection.
Daje and his party, APC, humbled three other major political parties – PDP, SDP, and ADC.
Professor Abdulkarin Ambali Yussuf of Federal University of Technology, Minna, who was the returning officer, announced the result of the election in Sarkinpawa, headquarters of the local government. Yussuf said the victorious APC candidate won convincingly in 10 out of the 11 wards in the constituency.
Be a Millionaire; recipient, Amb. Amaka Diane Okeke, Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners; Amb. Omotayo Salako, Founder, 40 Under 40 Nigeria; and Toyosi Oyetunji during
in Lagos on Friday
IRISHMAN WHISKEY IN LAGOS…
L-R: Head of Commercial, Ekulo International Limited, Sudipto Chakraborty; Regional Commercial Director, Amber Beverage Group, Nikolaya Shileva; Corporate Communications Manager, Ekulo International Limited, Gift Nwachukwu, and Global Brand Manager, Irishman Whiskey, James Kilgannon, at the launch of the Irishman Whiskey in Lagos… recently
Police Officer, Three Others Arrested for Armed Robbery, Extortion in Edo
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city
The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a police officer and three others for armed robbery and extortion in Benin-city, Edo State.
The police gave the names of the suspects as Inspector Ojo Oloruntobi, Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and
Enoma Agho. They were alleged to be responsible for a string of robberies, extortions, and assaults against innocent residents in Benin-city, the state capital. In a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, said: “Their arrest follows a viral video that surfaced recently, in
NAF Trains Officers to Mitigate Killing of Civilians during Air Operations
Linus Aleke in abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday stated that it had completed an intensive five-day Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) in Air Operations course for the first batch of specially selected officers.
The Service stated that this reaffirms its strong commitment to safeguarding civilians in conflict zones.
A statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore
Ehimen Ejodame, said the programme brought together a cross-section of NAF personnel, including pilots, unmanned aerial vehicle operators, armament specialists, legal officers, and public relations experts, underscoring the belief that protecting civilians requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach.
He noted that the training, which was hosted by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Abuja, represents another decisive step in embedding civilian protection as a core pillar of NAF’s operational doctrine.
NBC Empowers 69 New Trainees
Nigerian Bottling Company
Limited (NBC), a leading consumer-packaged goods company, has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and industrial growth with the graduation of 69 skilled trainees from the 27th edition of its prestigious Supply Chain Academy. The event took place at NBC’s Ikeja Plant in Lagos, drawing dignitaries from government, industry, and the community.
Established in 1996, the NBC Supply Chain Academy has become a
cornerstone of technical and leadership capacity building in Nigeria’s beverage industry. Over nearly three decades, the Academy has recruited 1,460 trainees, with approximately 920 securing roles within NBC. Remarkably, 94 graduates have risen to senior positions, including one Plant Manager, underscoring the Academy’s role in grooming the next generation of leaders, innovators, and builders for the manufacturing sector.
which a man claimed he was abducted by men in police uniform, robbed of his phone and other belongings, and intimidated. In response to this alarming report, as well as other similar complaints,
the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered an immediate action to identify and apprehend those responsible. He said: “Acting swiftly on this directive, operatives from
the Ugbowo Surveillance Team intercepted the suspects on August 15, 2025. The group was found in possession of a silver Toyota Yaris and other items believed to be linked to their
criminal activities. Among those arrested was a serving Police Officer, Inspector Ojo Oloruntobi, alongside three civilians: Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and Enoma Agho.”
NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin in Delta, Intercepts N7.8bn Opioids in Rivers
Michael Olugbodeinabuja
A drug kingpin, who had been on a manhunt for three years, has been apprehended by operatives of the anti-narcotics agency.
The spokesman of the National Drug Law EnforcementAgency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday said three years after
launching a manhunt for him over drug trafficking offences, a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, has been arrested by operatives of the agency in Asaba, Delta State, while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilogrammes with his distribution bus.
He said Ibigide came under the searchlight on March 19,
2022, in connection with the seizure of 24.137 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance and 10 grammes of molly, but thereafter went underground.
Babafemi said, however, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives in Delta State were able to arrest him with one of his aides, Clement Osuya, 27, while they were
trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on August 10, 2025. In another clampdown, the agency spokesman said no fewer than six suspects were arrested last Thursday and Friday when NDLEA operatives supported by the military and vigilantes raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu State.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that the state House of Assembly has given him the green light to spend additional N150 billion in Supplementary Budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
He made this known at the weekend during his monthly media interaction with the state journalists, saying that the Assembly had already passed the Supplementary Budget which entailed amending the 2025 Appropriation Law.
Though Otti did not elaborate on the
supplementary budget, it was gathered that he asked for additional N150 billion and promptly received approval from the lawmakers with bill sailing through without amendment.
He stated that his administration remained committed in pursuit of
its goal of building an Abia State economy that operates round the clock through the light-up Abia project. According to him, “Allowing the economy to sleep at night would not make it grow to the level he has envisioned for the state hence the need to keep the state aglow at night.
Olawepo-Hashim: Vibrant Press Remains the Pillar of Democracy
A presidential hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, at the weekend said that a vibrant and independent press remains the ‘pillar of democracy’.
He, therefore, urged journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable.
Olawepo-Hashim stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 45th anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel, Kwara State.
Olawepo-Hashim, who was honoured at the event, dedicated his Award of Excellence to “the Nigerian youths and all victims of institutional abuse.”
Representedat the event by the National Coordinator of Gbenga Olawepo-
Hashim Movement, Mr. Rasaq Hamzat, OlawepoHashim told an audience of journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures that the award was not about personal achievement but about giving voice to those silenced by systemic injustice.
Next Digital, Lakeba Group, AqlanX, Agentic Dynamic Launch AfricAI
In a landmark initiative to advance Africa’s Artificial Intelligence(AI) sovereignty and regional digital infrastructure, four technology leaders, Lakeba Group (Australia), Next Digital (Nigeria), AqlanX (UAE), and Agentic Dynamic (Netherlands) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture named AfricAI, focused on localising, deploying, and commercialising enterprisegrade AI solutions tailored
to African markets.
AfricAI will immediately focus on Nigeria as its flagship market, leveraging existing national data centers and edge infrastructure to deliver impactful AI applications in healthcare, digital identity,
document automation, public administration, and enterprise services. The Joint Venture aims to position Africa as an active developer of sovereign, inclusive, and context-aware AI ecosystems — built locally, for local needs.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
OF NO FIXED ADDRESS
the bushes, highways and ponds, as a meat consumer you never get to meet them in the market. It is the butchers that you meet, with their sharp knives. They cut the beef for you as if they are cutting it from their own bodies. Whenever I call the man from whom I buy meat in Garki market and ask him about the current price of a kilo, he will say, “Alhaji, the price is still the same, we haven’t changed it.” I will further ask, “How much?” and he will say, “It is still the same.” When they mention the price of a kilo, you wonder why the herdsmen who own the cows are not rich. Why is it that after going up and down the country grazing cows, they still have scant clothing, no houses, no pipe borne water, no electricity, nor even shoes, only slippers and the occasional dark glasses and a stick [and sometimes a hidden AK]?
Nigeria Police should prosecute school fees because they are of no fixed address. Proprietors of private schools hike their fees at the beginning of every session. They cleverly break them down into tuition, books, medicals, caution, exams, PTA, development levy etc. Then they cleverly make a small deduction called “neighbourhood allowance.” Hospital charges too are of no fixed address. Since doctors and nurses in public hospitals are frequently on strike, more and more citizens pay through their noses to patronise private clinics. Most often it is the same doctors
that you see in both. One dentist in Zaria once shamelessly referred me to his private clinic, abandoned his patients in the public hospital and drove me in his car to his clinic. When we entered, he sat down behind his desk and said, “What can I do for you?”
Rent in Nigeria is of no fixed address. Nigerian landlords increase rent every time it expires, so if one can afford it, he should better pay for two or three years because if you pay for one year, half way through the year, you will see a notice of rent increase. In 1978, under military ruler General Obasanjo, state governments enacted Rent Control Edicts and even set up rent tribunals in order to protect tenants from Shylock landlords. It didn’t last long. Nigerian landlords do not want tenants to know them, so they always put estate agents in between themselves and tenants. They fear that knowing a tenant and his family could elicit some compassion. I lived in a house at Abuja’s Wuse Zone 7 for four years but did not know the property owner until the day I was packing out. I discovered that the landlord was a politician that I had interviewed several times during my reporting career.
Air fares in Nigeria are of no fixed address. When I went by air from Sokoto to Lagos in 1979, the Nigeria Airways plane made three hops and I had to pay for each one. Sokoto to Kano was N21, Kano to Kaduna was N19
and Kaduna to Lagos was N50, total N90. I thought that was costly, but today, one cannot get a short Keke Napep ride for N90. Forty years later the cost of one hour’s flight in Nigeria is a minimum of N100,000, a 1,111 times increase. The ticket price increases every hour as flight time approaches. Train tickets too are of no fixed address. Last week I had difficulty getting an Abuja to Kaduna train ticket, only to see inside the train that many seats were vacant.
Newspaper cover prices are of no fixed address. The Newspapers Act of 1963 forces them to publish their office address and the names of their editors, but it forgot to regulate their cover price. When I was in Form One in secondary school, I used to buy a newspaper for ten kobo. Today some weekend newspapers cost up to N500 a copy, a 5,000 times increase. If police ever charge newspaper publishers to court, they will tell the magistrate that newsprint, plates, ink, film, printing machines, generators, diesel and distribution vehicles are all of no fixed address. Readers’ pockets too are of no fixed address, hence whereas as a secondary school student I could buy a newspaper, as an editor I had to wait for the office to bring a complimentary copy.
Vehicle prices are of no fixed address. In the late 1970s when a civil servant on Grade Level 8 collected his car loan of N4,000, he could either
CLARIFYING THE PATRIOTS’ POSITION ON THE 1999 CONSTITUTION
However, from General Yakubu Gowon’s Decree No. 8 of 1967, which effectively abolished regional governments in favor of 12 militarily-administered states, to the eventual promulgation of the 1999 Constitution by General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s regime, Nigeria has grown increasingly centralized. Thus, there has never been any conscious effort by successive governments – colonial, civil or military, since Nigeria’s Lugardian almagamation on January 1, 1914 – to have a buy-in of the people through a referendum. None from the 1922 Clifford Constitution;1946 Richards Constitution; 1951 Macpherson Constitution; 1954 Lyttleton Constitution; 1960 Independent Constitution; 1963 Republican Constitution; 1979 Constitution; 1989 Constitution; and up to the 1999 Constitution.
This over centralization of powers at the centre poses severe governance challenges in a country as ethnically, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse as Nigeria. With about 374 ethnic groups (Prof Onigu Otite), at least 500 spoken languages and strong regional identities, a one-size-fits-all approach to governance is both ineffective and inflammatory. As Rotimi Suberu notes, “centralized federalism in Nigeria breeds disaffection, weakens accountability, and fuels centrifugal tensions.” (Rotimi Suberu, Federalism and Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria, United States Institute of Peace Press, 2001, p. 112.)
For example, the same educational policy enforced in Zamfara State may be culturally, religiously or economically inappropriate in Bayelsa State. Federal government’s directives on land use, resource control or school curriculum rarely accommodates local realities. Similarly, national security priorities are often applied uniformly without sensitivity to regional insecurity dynamics such as the age-long farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, or self-determination agitations in the South East.
Another critical example is the administration of religion. While the federal Constitution of 1999 claims secularism (section 10), certain states enforce Sharia law, while others either remain secular, practise traditional religion, or remain Christian-dominated. Yet, national laws, judicial and other public structures fail to reflect these peculiar realities, often resulting in policy flip-flops and conflict or discrimination claims. This dissonance between forced constitutional uniformity and lived practical plurality experiences is an enduring source of national instability. Nigeria’s flawed federalism also impedes development. Federating states are heavily dependent on federally-allocated funds (under section 162 of the 1999 Constitution). This disincentivizes local innovation or internally generated revenue (IGR) strategies. Because federal allocation is distributed by formula rather than performance or resource ownership, states have limited autonomy to plan largescale infrastructure, education, or healthcare interventions independent of Abuja. This also breeds discrimination and resentment. Oilrich Bayelsa State, for example, shares from the Federation Account less than may non-oil producing communities notwithstanding the attendant oil and gas–related environmental
degradation and prevalent poverty.
OVERHAULING THE EXCLUSIVE LEGISLATIVE LIST
The Exclusive Legislative List in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) contains 68 whole items which only the federal government has power to legislate upon. (See Part I, Second Schedule, Constitution of the 1999 Constitution. This list is excessive and counter-productive in a federal system we pretend to operate in our pluralistic society. It takes away vital areas of governance from the reach of states and local governements, despite their proximity to the people. Among the most problematic items are police and security, prisons, railways, mineral resources, electricity generation and transmission, labour and trade unions, education (particularly tertiary), taxation of certain commodities, matrimonial matters, licensing, etc.
This dominant central control over crucial sectors greatly undermines Nigeria’s federal claim and limits each state’s ability to respond to its unique developmental needs. Take policing, for example. In the United States and India ( both federal democracies with complex diversities), subnational units maintain their own police forces with full jurisdictional authority. Yet in Nigeria, only the federal government is constitutionally empowered to create or control the police force under sections 214 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution. The implication is that state governors, though constitutionally described as “chief security officers” of their states, can not control security within their borders. (See Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Federalism and the Nigerian Constitution: A Legal Perspective, Spectrum Law Review, 2016, p. 78.)
This unitarinsm has proven disastrous. States facing terrorist insurgency, mass kidnapping and ethnic violence are unable to develop local policing models or equip forces that understand the terrain and speak local languages or respond to such
buy a Volkswagen Beetle for N3,500 and still have some change, or if he wanted the more fashionable Peugeot 504 GR, he must add N200 to the car loan. Peugeot 504 GL went for N4,500, an amount that can hardly buy a gallon of engine oil today. Keke Napep prices too are of no fixed address. Fifteen years ago I escorted a friend who bought two Keke Napeps for N350,000 each. I was shocked recently to discover that the price of a TVS Keke Napep is now N4 million.
The greed of Nigerian politicians is of no fixed address. Major General Muhammadu Iliya Basharu, now Emir of Gwandu, once told me that as Military Governor of old Gongola State in the 1970s, he first heard of security vote when a former Prime Minister of Cameroon suddenly arrived the state on exile. He had no money to take care of the man, until his Secretary to the Military Government [SMG] told him that there is a security vote for such emergency purposes. Within years, security vote became a pandemic. Since then, politicians invented budget padding, “oversight” shakedowns, “constituency projects,” jettisoned separation of powers, made budget laws voluntary, discarded procurement rules, dribbled the Constitution around, defect every day to ruling parties, work towards a one party state, and drive in convoys as long as a train. Human greed is of no fixed address.
accountability and balanced development. What is therefore needed is a restructuring of the Exclusive Legislative List, pruning it to only essential national matters such as defence, foreign affairs, banking and currency, while moving most socio-economic functions to the Concurrent or Residual Lists. This would not only align with global federalist principles but also reflect Nigeria’s diverse socio-political realities. Only a brand new Constitution emanating from the people’s will after a Constituent Assembly and referendum can bring about such a revolutionary outcome, not piecemeal amendment of the present 1999 Constitution.
ROLE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN CONSTITUTIONMAKING: THE LEGISLATURE AS ENABLER, NOT ORIGINATOR
vices as they occur. The result is a reactive and overstretched federal police, further alienating citizens from security providers.
Similarly, prison administration is fully centralized; yet most of the crimes prosecuted in Nigeria occur under state criminal laws, not federal laws. This mismatch causes logistical and financial burdens on the federal system while delaying justice. A state-based correctional system, aligned with state judicial authority, would be more efficient and localized to deal with local offences.
In the education sector, control over accreditation, curriculum and policy located at the federal level stifles local creativity and ignores peculiar local needs. States such as Lagos and Rivers which have made giant strides in digital learning and school reforms are constantly required to comply with federal laws that may not reflect their educational needs, local priorities or resources.
Another major area of great concern is resource control and mining. Under the 1999 Constitution, all mineral resources are owned by the federal government, with states entitled only to derivation funds. This has perpetuated sustained injustice leading to the conflict in the Niger Delta. It has created a retrogrssive culture of dependence where resource-rich states remain poor due to limited control over their God-given assets while non-oil producing states live fat on such poor states. An unjust and obnoxious system of sharing the cake without contributing to its baking has thus emerged.
Globally, federations assign such matters to local authorities. In Canada, provinces control natural resources and generate revenue from them. In India, states co-legislate on police, education and public health under a Concurrent List. In the U.S., the Tenth Amendment reserves unenumerated powers to the states. Nigeria’s failure to adopt similar devolution of powers has painfully hindered innovation, democratic
It is axiomatic that under constitutional democracy, sovereignty resides in the people. The legislature, while clothed with enormous powers of lawmaking, is not the primary source or originator of the people’s will. Rather, it is a conduit-a servant and enabler-of that will. Nigeria’s National Assembly, as presently constituted, draws its powers from the 1999 Constitution which is itself a product of military fiat, not of popular affirmation of the people. This reality raises a fundamental legal-philosophical contradiction: can a creature of a flawed document presume to re-birth it? Can a child reconfigure its own paternity?
The National Assembly, being a product of a schedule attached to Decree No. 24 of 1999, cannot, ab initio, claim any right to author a new grundnorm that overrides its own existential basis. All it can do is to amend, amend and amend the flawed Constitution under section 9 thereof. The reason is that being the tail (representative agent), it cannot wag the dog (the people that own the will).
The National Assembly’s attempts at constitutional amendment-however noble-have therefore largely been elitist and parliamentary, not popular or plebiscitary. Several constitutional alteration bills have been passed (up to 5 already); yet none has bridged the democratic gap of a sovereign national consensus. None has dared to make Chapter 2 justiciable (the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principle of State Policy). They would never! The people thus watch from the sidelines as professional politicians hold sway over what should be their social contract. That is akin to medical doctors prescribing medication to patients they have not examined. The people’s voice is conspicuously absent in the very document that governs their lives. The legislative arm must therefore reposition itself-not as the progenitor of a new Constitution, but as the facilitator of a new constitutional order birthed by the people themselves through a referendum.
[See Mike Ozekhome, “The Illegality and Illegitimacy of the 1999 Constitution,” ThisDay, April 22, 2024].
NOTE:
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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email
Nigeria’s D’Tigers Beat Cameroon to Top Group B, Qualify for Q’finals
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s D’Tigers completed their Group B campaign of the 2025 FIBA Men’s Afrobasket in Luanda, Angola with an impressive 3-0 record, defeating Cameroon 99-90 in their third game to win the group and bag the ticket to the quarterfinals.
Expectedly, the Cameroonian Lions didn’t concede the ticket without a fight. Until last night, the Lions were unbeaten in two games and were full of hopes to reach the knockout by direct qualification. That however became Mission Impossible against the solid Nigerian D’Tigers in that crucial last game of Group B.
It was indeed a tough opening quarter as high-flying D’Tigers won it by just three points at 28-25. Christian Mekwolu led the scoring for the D’Tigers with six points, all coming from threepoint range, while Cameroon’s Jeremiah Hill had seven points. Signs were already there in the first quarter that the barely 2,000 fans in attendance were in for a high-scoring game.
In the second quarter, D’Tigers who were more interested in direct qualification to the quarterfinals rather than going through the playoffs, if beaten, upped their game. Caleb Agada who plays for Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, capped the second quarter scoring 10 points which included a three pointer while Mekwolu added six including a three pointer to end it 32-16.
The third quarter was a blowout for the glory-seeking Nigerians who are looking to replace their 2015 feat by winning the continental showpiece.
NBA star and Houston Rockets’ latest signing, Josh Okogie, and Stan Okoye of MoraBanc Andorra in the Spanish Basketball League, propelled Nigeria to the mustwin encounter, combining for 30 Nigeria points. The third quarter ended 26-12 for Nigeria.
However, the Cameroonian Lions who the D’Tigers knocked out in the quarterfinals of the 2017 tournament, appeared to have found the magic wand to unlock the Nigerians and stop
their three pointers in the fourth quarter.
Trailing by as many as 34 points however required a Herculean effort from the Lions. They put up spirited efforts and the fight back paid off with a 37-15 win. It however came too late as the edge gained by D’Tigers in the first three quarter could not be wiped out. It was however a dangerous gamble for the Nigerians to take their legs off the pedal to allow such massive loss in that final 10 minutes of their last game of Group B.
Nigeria’s 15 three-pointers were the most by any team in the tournament so far.
Nigeria had six players score in the double digits. It therefore was not surprising as Josh Okogie who led the D’Tigers with 16 points was selected as the Player of the Game with Cameroon. He also clocked 2 rebounds and 24 assists to stay top of the leaderboard. Agada scored 15 points with Okoye finishing with 14. Mekwolu and Ike Nwamu each contributed 12, with Martins Igbannu adding 10 points.
Cameroon were led by Fabien Ateba with 19 points and Yves Missi with 18. Jeremiah Hill left the game with a knee injury after scoring 16 points, and Samir Gbetkom scored 13.
Speaking after the game, Stan Okoye expressed his disappointment with how Nigeria finished the fourth quarter beaten.
RESULTS
PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea 0-0 Cry’Palace
Nottingham 3-1 Brentford
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal LA LIGA
Celta Bigo 0-2 Getafe
Ath. Bilbao 3-2 Sevilla
Espanyol 2-1 Atletico LIGUE 1
Brest 3-3 Lille
Angers 1-0 Paris FC
Auxerre 1-0 Lorient
Metz 0-1 Strasbourg
Nantes 0-1 PSG
The zonal elimination for the 9th National Youth Games ended at the weekend in various centres, and it has signalled the countdown to the Games scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State capital from August 26 to September 6.
The South South zonal elimination were held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from August 15. Among the sports contested in Uyo were Abula, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Beach-volleyball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Rugby7 and Volleyball. With the conclusion of the zonal elimination across the country, the number of athletes and officials expected to participate in the 9th NYG is expected to emerge later this week. Meanwhile, host Delta State is
Injury Denies Adarabioyo as Chelsea, Crystal Palace Draw
Super Eagles hopeful, Tosin Adarabioyo, was conspicuously absent in Chelsea’s Premier League season opener goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, explained missing the absence of the AngloNigerian from the squad in the London derby.
The Blues were unable to secure a victory in front of their home fans, playing a goalless draw against the Community Shield champions at Stamford Bridge.
Adarabioyo , who had been expected to step in for the
Ruben Amorim’s goalkeeping gamble backfired as Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header gave Arsenal 1-0 victory over a rejuvenated Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.
In their £200m summer rebuild, United opted against bringing in a new keeper.
With first choice Andre Onana not playing a game in a preseason because of a hamstring
injured Levi Colwill, was a surprise omission, with youngster Josh Acheampong handed the starting role in his place.
Speaking toSky Sportsbefore kickoff, Maresca revealed that the former Manchester City defender was sidelined by a minor fitness concern but suggested he could return in time for Chelsea’s next league outing against West Ham United.
“Tosin had a small injury. Hopefully, we can have him for the next game,” the Italian coach said.
Maresca also backed
injury he suffered at the start of last month, Amorim selected Turkey international Altay Bayindir ahead of veteran Tom Heaton for his side’s opening Premier League game.
But Bayindir allowed himself to get trapped on his line as Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice curled a dangerous 13th-minute corner underneath the crossbar. Bayindir could only get a weak hand to the ball and ended up
Acheampong to continue developing after his assured display alongside Trevoh Chalobah at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
“Yeah, we played with Josh in that position. We are sure he can improve and he can learn,” he added.
With the club yet to move for a replacement for Colwill, Maresca will be hoping Tosin’s injury does not prove more serious, as Chelsea prepare for a London derby clash with West Ham on Friday.
However, Eberechi Eze was denied a brilliant free-kick goal and potential fairytale
pushing it on to Calafiori, who fired home what turned out to be the winner from less than a yard.
The result was harsh on the home side, who were much improved on last season and carried by far the greater threat in the game, accumulating more possession and having significantly more shots and efforts on target.
However, Arsenal goalkeeper
ending in what could be his final appearance for Crystal Palace in the goalless Premier League draw at Chelsea.
The midfielder, 27, was a doubt for selection amid ongoing talks with Tottenham, but started for the visitors at Stamford Bridge and powered home a free-kick from 20 yards in the 13th minute.
However, the strike was ruled out by referee Darren England after a VAR check because Palace defender Marc Guehi - also linked with a move away to Liverpool was within one metre of Chelsea’s wallwhen the free-kick was taken.
David Raya made a series of excellent saves to keep the home side out, turning away three shots from one United debutant Matheus Cunha and scrambling to his left in the second half to keep out a goalbound effort from another, Bryan Mbeumo. Rice went close for the visitors with a late free-kick but Arsenal were still able to complete their fifth victory in six league games over United.
intensifying it’s readiness to host a successful championships.
A member of the Local Organising Committee set up for the Games, former Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, said yesterday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori wants to see a smooth organisation.
“As usual, our Governor wants to see a perfect organisation because he believes that Nigerian youths deserve the best. On our side, we are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring the best organisations in this 2025 edition of the National Youth Games,” Ohwojero stated.
Team Delta has won all edition of the championships since its inception in 2015.
In a stunning display of talent and determination, siblings Usman and Umar Ayoola of Aruna Sports Club defied expectations to reach the final of the boys’ singles category at the 6th Adegboyega Efunkoya U-15 Table Tennis Tournament, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Few anticipated the Ayoola brothers would advance beyond the group stage, but they battled their way through the competition to set up a thrilling all-family final.
The grand finale, witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, and members of the Efunkoya Sports Foundation, delivered an electrifying match that captivated the audience.
From the outset, Umar sought to dominate
the game, but Usman responded with elevated intensity. He clinched the first two tightly contested sets 11-9 and 11-7. Umar bounced back to take the third set 11-4, but Usman sealed his victory in the fourth set with an 11-8 win, completing a 3-1 triumph to emerge as the 2025 champion.
The tournament, organised by the Efunkoya Sports Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), aims to discover young talents and uphold the legacy of the late Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, who championed the integration of sports and education.
In the girls’ category, Khadijat Musa of Osun State claimed the title after defeating Chinenya Okafor of Abia State in the final.
D’TIgers Akobundu Ehiogu in flight after slam dunk during Nigeria’s 99-90 final Group B win in the ongoing 2025 Men’s Afrobasket in Luanda, Angola...on Sunday
PREMIER LEAGUE
27TH SUPPLY CHAIN ACADEMY GRADUATION CEREMONY...
MAHMUDJEGA
VIEW FROM THE GALLERY
IOf No Fixed Address
encountered this phrase for the first time on the pages of the salacious Lagos Weekend newspaper, sometime in the late 1970s. A story said policemen charged a man before a magistrate’s court for some petty crime. They mentioned the man’s name and age, but said he was “of no fixed address.” Even then as a young student, I wondered if the police prosecutor had already poisoned the magistrate’s mind against the accused person. The magistrate was likely to think, “This guy is of no fixed address. If I let him out on bail, where will they ever find him? Even if somebody stands surety for him, where will the surety himself find this person and bring him back to court on the adjourned date?”
I am just wondering. Nigeria Police never gives up on its old bag of prosecutorial tricks. If, for example, it ever charges the naira to court, it will poison the judge’s mind by saying naira is of no fixed address. We used to think that the
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naira resides in banks, but many times when we go to the bank, the bankers say they have no money, that we should wait for their bullion van to return from Central Bank. So we got the impression that naira resides in CBN, but we
later heard that CBN too was waiting for the Mint to print it, which is mostly done abroad. Even more than naira notes, the value of the naira is of no fixed address. Fifty-two years ago when we were spending pounds, shillings and pence in this country, there was one large two-shilling coin which was known locally as “dala.” I later heard from my Auntie that dala meant dollar. In 1973 a US dollar was equivalent to two shillings, or 20 kobo when we switched to spending naira and kobo from January 1, 1973. In 52 years the dollar has gone up from 20 kobo to 1,560 naira, i.e. it has depreciated 7,800 times.
If ever Nigeria Police charges fuel price to court, it will tell the magistrate that fuel price is of no fixed address. Where does fuel price reside? Is it in NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA or even in Aso Rock Villa? Up until thirty years ago, military rulers used to announce petrol pump price in their budget speeches, which afforded
MIKE OZEKHOME
Nigeria Labour Congress the chance to go on strike. Petrol pump price is now announced in Dangote Refinery press releases, too unstable for NLC to react.
Police should charge soup ingredients to court because they are of no fixed address. Nobody knows who fixes the price of soup ingredients such as tomato, onions, peppers and green leaves. They fluctuate wildly, from N2,500 for a small basket of tomatoes in the middle of the dry season to up to ten times that in the middle of the rainy season. The other day I entered the market in Abuja, I was moved to tears when I saw a housewife buy one bulb each of tomato, onion and pepper. I wanted to subsidise her, but I remembered that “Subsidy is Gone.”
If Nigeria Police ever prosecute meat, they will say its price is of no fixed address. Even though we see herdsmen marching cattle up and down
Continued on page 38
Clarifying The Patriots’ Position on the 1999 Constitution
Simon Kolawole alleges that The Patriots have repeatedly claimed that the 1999 Constitution was “written by the military” and that such a claim is false because “it was drafted by a committee of legal experts and approved by the Provisional Ruling Council.” He suggests that this position lacks intellectual rigor and should be dismissed by well-meaning Nigerians.
However, this is a complete mischaracterization of the Patriots’ position. The Patriots have never claimed that soldiers sat down with pens and drafted the Constitution in a vacuum. No. What they have consistently stated is that the 1999 Constitution is a product of military imposition, lacking the democratic legitimacy that should accompany any foundational legal document in a pluralistic society such as Nigeria.
In a public statement by Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN – renowned constitutional law scholar and founding member (later Chairman) of The Patriots-it was clearly argued that:
“The 1999 Constitution was imposed by a military regime without a referendum, without public debate, and without the participation of the Nigerian people. It cannot therefore be considered a people’s Constitution.”
Similarly, in a 2001 press briefing, Chief FRA Williams, SAN, another founding member and pioneer chairman of The Patriots, described the 1999 Constitution as:
“A document that merely adapted the 1979 Constitution and was handed down to us by a departing military junta.”
The use of the term “military Constitution” by The Patriots refers therefore not to its literal authorship by soldiers, but to the flawed process of imposition and the absence of participatory legitimacy through a people’s referendum. It is this absence of democratic authorship and validation that underpins The Patriots’ sustained call for a truly autochthonous Constitution-one emerging from the will and deliberation of the Nigerian people.
To suggest otherwise, as Kolawole did, is to either misunderstand the semantics of constitutional discourse or to deliberately distort the message. I prefer to believe that the former is the case. The consequence of such distortion is dangerous: it undermines the gravity and urgency of constitutional reforms by reducing it to a mere semantic disagreement rather than the existential democratic concern that it actually is.
CRITIQUE OF NIGERIA’S OVERCENTRALIZATION
The evolution of Nigeria’s federal structure is marked by a troubling contradiction: although it is constitutionally designated a federation, the actual distribution of power closely resembles that of a unitary state. This paradox can be traced back to the 1966 military coup and the subsequent unification of the country under a single military command structure. The military, inherently centralist in its command hierarchy, dismantled the regional autonomy that had
defined Nigeria’s First Republic (1960–1966). (See Olumide Akanbi, “The Evolution of Nigeria’s Federalism and the Military Factor,” Journal of African Federalism, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2018, p. 45.). What some Northern soldiers considered to be the original sin of General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, (the then Head of State who seized power during the chaos and crises that ensued during the 15th January, 1966 military coup),was his promulgation of Decree No. 34 pf 1967 which abrogated the federal stricture in favour of a unitary one.
Before the 1966 military intervention, Nigeria’s federalism allowed each of the three (later four) regions (with the creation of the Midwest Region on 10th August, 1963, from Western Region by popular referendum of the people) to exercise substantial control over local affairs. These regions had their own Constitutions, public services, and developmental priorities.
L-R: Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Goran Sladic; Supply Chain Capability Development Manager, Misan Ilesanmi; Best Graduating Student, Supply Chain Academy, Anosike Miracle; Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Adebanjo Moyosore; and Director, Supply Chain, NBC, Franz Schepping during the 27th Supply Chain Academy graduation ceremony at NBC, Ikeja Plant in Lagos, recently
