SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2026

Cardoso: Nigeria’s Net External Reserves Hit $46bn, Links Stronger Buffers to FX Stability, Investor Confidence

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria’s net external reserves have climbed to a record $46 billion, strengthening the country’s

capacity to meet foreign exchange (FX) obligations and further boost investor confidence. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr.

Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this while speaking at the NigeriaAsia Connectivity Dialogue in Singapore, noting that stronger external buffers had made foreign

exchange transactions more predictable for investors. Cardoso said Nigeria’s gross external reserves had also risen to an all-time high of $55.07 billion

as of October 8, 2026. “The gross foreign reserves are now at an all-time high of $55 billion. Our net reserves at $46 billion. In addition to that,

the foreign exchange market is stable. These are the things that give investors confidence. You can plan. You can bring in money Continued on page 5

Soyinka to Scientists: Don’t Let AI Rob Us of Our Humanity...

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Saturday October 10, 2026 Vol 31. No 11507

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2027: Tinubu to Kick Off Campaign in Kaduna Oct. 24, ADC Inaugurates PCC...

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2027: NDC Blames Vetting for Delay in Campaign Council Inauguration, Manifesto Release Party says Obi, Kwankwaso to determine inauguration date

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The

Nigeria

Democratic

Congress (NDC) yesterday said it was taking deliberate steps to ensure that its Presidential

Campaign Council (PCC) reflects competence, unity and credibility, explaining that the process of

constituting the council is still undergoing due diligence. The party also said it had

left the announcement of the date for the inauguration of the campaign council to its

presidential candidate, Peter Continued on page 5

Fuel Price Discount: Atiku Asks FG, ‘What Happens on Day 31?’ Says Tinubu wrongly copied policy he once mocked Keyamo: Former VP’s attack on president sign of political depression Oyedele insists 30-day discount is commercial decision, not subsidy Story on page 5 Declares politicians using populism to move country in wrong direction

2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbejabiamila; Director General of All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, and President Bola Tinubu, during an interaction ahead of the planned commencement of the party’s 2027 election campaign, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday

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Soyinka to Scientists: Don’t Let AI Rob Us of Our Humanity NLNG celebrates literary, scientific, creative excellence at 2026 awards night

Sunday Ehigiator

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday warned scientists and technology developers against allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to erode human creativity and imagination, urging them to establish boundaries that would prevent machines from taking over essential aspects of human existence.

Soyinka gave the warning at the 2026 Nigerian Prize Awards Night organised by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) held in Lagos, where the theme was Heritage. He described the threat posed by AI as real, despite its enormous potential to advance human progress, warning that excessive reliance on the technology could undermine

humanity’s capacity for independent thought and creative expression. “The menace that AI constitutes, despite the fascination with this incredible facilitator for human progress, the menace is a very real one,” he said. The playwright urged scientists, physicists and technologists to recognise the limits of AI, particularly in

creative fields such as literature, where human imagination and personal expression remain fundamental. “When AI begins to write our thesis, to write our poetry, or to claim that they are writing our poetry for us, there’s danger. That means we’re being dehumanised,” Soyinka said. He warned that allowing machines to perform tasks that require human imagination

FUEL PRICE DISCOUNT: ATIKU ASKS FG, ‘WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DAY 30?’ Chuks Okocha, Ndubuisi Francis, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Chinedu Eze, Peter Uzoho and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the federal government to explain what will happen after the expiration of its 30-day petrol price discount, accusing President Bola Tinubu of adopting his proposed petroleum pricing policy but stripping it of the measures he said were necessary to deliver lasting relief to Nigerians. Atiku raised the question while inaugurating the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that a temporary reduction in petrol prices would not address the persistent pressure on households, transport operators and businesses. He said the President embraced his policy prescription that the government once mocked. The former vice-president insisted that his proposed production subsidy was designed as a lasting, targeted intervention to support locally refined petroleum products and lower fuel costs, unlike the government’s 30-day discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) retail outlets. His criticism has added a political dimension to the debate over the government’s response to rising petrol prices, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, subsequently accusing Atiku of

making verbal attacks on Tinubu because of political defeat. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has defended the petrol price discount, maintaining that it is a commercial decision by NNPC Retail to temporarily surrender its profit margin rather than a return to the petroleum subsidy regime. The price cushion initiative, which offers a N60-per-litre reduction by allowing NNPC Retail to forgo its retail profit margin, is intended to cushion households, commuters and commercial transport operators against rising petrol prices triggered by global oil market volatility amid tensions in the Middle East. However, the initiative has generated divergent reactions, with the government insisting that the measure is a commercial decision rather than a return to fuel subsidy, while industry operators have questioned its implementation framework and implications for competition. Atiku, accused Tinubu of wrongly copying his petroleum pricing proposal after previously criticising the idea. The former Vice President said: “Tinubu has had more than three years to improve our lives. What has he given us? A bag of food that costs more each time we go to the market. A journey to work that eats up our salaries. A business that cannot keep its lights on. A farm we may be too afraid to visit. “This is the cruel record he wants Nigerians to applaud. I

have heard the anger in your voices, and I share it. Across this country, people are ready to stand with us and demand better. I will stand with you until we make life affordable again. “You have demanded painful sacrifices from the people while you, your family, and friends are junketing all over the place. You told Nigerians to be patient as the price of petrol has pushed up the price of almost everything else. But now that an election is approaching, you have suddenly discovered their pain. “Nigerians did not need a press conference to tell them they were suffering. They have lived it for 1,229 days since you took office. They know who made their lives difficult, and they are ready to hold you to account and mark your script. “Yesterday, your government announced a 30-day discount on petrol at NNPC stations, with priority for public transport operators. You also proposed a measure to contain petrol prices. When I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy. Your government said it could not be done. Now, in a desperate and clumsy retreat, you have shamelessly embraced the principle you mocked. You owe me an apology. But more importantly, you owe Nigerians an answer: what happens on day 31? Speaking further, Atiku said: “My production subsidy proposal is a lasting, targeted plan. Yours is a

temporary palliative dressed up as a solution. Nigerians can see the difference between a leader who has done the work and a government scrambling for an election-season headline. “Your 30-day discount is a sugar rush masquerading as economic policy: a fleeting taste of relief at the pump, followed by the same brutal crash when the month ends. Families cannot plan their meals around a temporary discount. Transporters cannot set stable fares on it. Businesses cannot invest or plan for the future on it. Nigerians need lasting relief through a welldesigned production subsidy that supports local refining and lowers fuel costs - not a N50 sweetener with an expiry date. “But I am glad you have finally acknowledged the failure of your approach. It is a pity you still seem to have learned nothing from it. I offered a plan because Nigerians' welfare matters more to me than who gets the credit. You chose to mock it, then copied it badly. “You created the hardship and now want a medal for announcing fake relief. This is Deception 101 - or, better still, yahoo-yahoo subsidy. For three and a half years, your government has driven up the cost of living. “Now you offer a N50 petrol discount for 30 days and expect applause for returning a fraction of what Nigerians have lost? How can you make daily life unbearable for years and expect one month of token relief to wipe the record clean?

could gradually weaken people’s creative abilities. “We’re allowing our imagination to atrophy,” he added. The Nobel laureate expressed concern that AI could eventually progress beyond assisting humans with routine tasks to creating digital clones of writers and other creative professionals capable of imitating their gestures and personalities.

He said such developments would raise serious questions about the preservation of human identity and the authenticity of creative works. “When you begin to see a clone of a writer, a clone of the prize winner, on the internet, masquerading, imitating gestures which you thought could only be made by human beings, then there’s a real problem,” he said.

“Nigerians are neither foolish nor forgetful. They have lived with the consequences of your decisions, and they will judge you by them. Can’t you smell the coffee I am brewing? Nigerians can smell it. They know the difference between a government with a plan and a government buying time. “Do not hide behind the word “discount.” You say public transport operators come first. Will fares fall? Who will enforce that? What about the farmer moving produce, the trader restocking a shop, the manufacturer running a generator, and the family paying for food? They all pay for fuel, even when they never fill a tank. ‘What you have announced is not relief. It is a late confession of failure on the eve of a general election. Do you think that millions of Nigerians, whom you have condemned to poverty and hardship for three and a half years, will applaud you for failing so abysmally? You have miscalculated. Nigerians are fed up with you.” Atiku said the economy “has collapsed under your watch,” adding that, “by offering a 30-day relief package, you admit you have no idea how to fix it. That is why you summoned your gang of tax collectors for help. It is a sad spectacle. You have run out of time. Nigerians need leadership with the political will, administrative experience, and sound economic judgment to make life affordable again.” “You still reach for the same old excuse. You blamed past

administrations for the hardship your decisions have inflicted today. You are the President. The petrol price is your problem. The collapsing purchasing power is your problem. The shops closing under the weight of fuel and power costs are your problem. Take responsibility for the country you govern. “My alternative is clear. Support petroleum products actually refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Cap the support. Put it in the budget. Audit it independently. Exclude imports. Show the public what it costs and what they save. Give families relief they can count on and give domestic producers a reason to produce more. That is the lesson you missed. “Fuel is only one part of the damage. We must make food affordable, restore reliable power, put people to work and let businesses grow. We must secure the roads and farms. We must remove the obstacles that hold back young Nigerians with the talent to compete anywhere in the world. A speech about growth means nothing to a family that cannot afford dinner.”

Oyedele: Discount a Commercial Decision by NNPC, Not Subsidy Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has defended the petrol Continued on page 14

2027: NDC BLAMES VETTING FOR DELAY IN CAMPAIGN COUNCIL INAUGURATION, MANIFESTO RELEASE

Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The NDC's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in response to enquiries by THISDAY, on when the party would constitute its Presidential Campaign Council and release its manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election. Director said the party's leadership was being meticulous in assembling the campaign team to ensure that appointments and engagements aligned with the strategic objectives of

the presidential candidates and the broader interests of the party and the country. "The NDC Presidential Campaign Council is being deliberate and thorough as part of the strategy adopted by our presidential candidate and vicepresidential candidate," he said. He added that the party was conducting due diligence to ensure that those appointed to the council possessed the competence and credibility required to contribute meaningfully to the campaign.

"We are conducting due diligence to ensure that every appointment and every engagement reflects competence, unity, and the interests of the party and the nation," Director stated. The publicity secretary stressed that the careful approach was intended to produce a disciplined and results-oriented campaign structure rather than a hastily assembled team. "This careful process is about resenting a winning team, one built on credibility, discipline,

and results," he said. On the timing of the inauguration, Director explained that the party had deliberately left the decision to Obi and Kwankwaso, indicating that the presidential candidates would determine when the campaign council would formally commence operations. "The party has carefully relinquished the announcement of the date of PCC inauguration to our presidential candidate and his running mate," he said. However, the party did not

provide a specific date for the inauguration or indicate when it would make its manifesto public. The absence of a timeline for the two key campaign activities leaves questions about when the NDC will formally unveil its campaign machinery and policy agenda to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council is expected to provide the organisational framework for coordinating the party's nationwide campaign, managing

engagements with stakeholders and communicating its electoral message to voters. The manifesto, on the other hand, will be central to explaining the party's policy priorities and proposed solutions to the country's political, economic and security challenges. With the 2027 election approaching, the party's ability to assemble its campaign leadership and articulate a clear policy direction will be important in shaping public understanding of its preparedness for the contest.

CARDOSO: NIGERIA’S NET EXTERNAL RESERVES HIT $46BN, LINKS STRONGER BUFFERS TO FX STABILITY, INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

and take it out,” he said. The net reserves figure represents an increase of approximately $11.2 billion from the $34.80 billion recorded at the end of December 2025, underscoring the improvement in Nigeria’s external liquidity position. The growth in net reserves is

significant because it provides an indication of the country’s reserve position after accounting for specified foreign-currency liabilities and obligations. It also offers additional insight into the strength of Nigeria’s external buffers beyond the headline gross reserves figure. At a recent Monetary Policy

Committee briefing, Cardoso attributed the accumulation of reserves to sustained policy discipline, noting that gross reserves had exceeded $55 billion, their highest level in more than 18 years. “We have been able to rebuild our reserves, and the whole conversation around rebuilding

the reserves we know that today, and it was mentioned in my communiqué, that we are in excess of $55 billion, the highest number in over 18 years. That’s a big thing, and it has come through consistency and discipline in approach,” he said. Cardoso had also identified diaspora remittances as an

important contributor to reserve accumulation, helping to strengthen Nigeria’s external buffers and resilience. The latest figures come after gross reserves rose to $54.08 billion on September 3 and $54.61 billion by September 14, reflecting sustained growth in the country’s external assets.

The improvement in reserves could support confidence in the naira and Nigeria’s ability to meet external payment obligations. However, the durability of these gains will depend on continued foreign-exchange inflows, disciplined macroeconomic management and sustained stability in the currency market.

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NEWS

News Editor: Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

UNVEILING REMODELLED PREMIER HOTEL IBADAN... L-R: Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Prof. Abibat Adubiaro; SSG to Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Secretary to the Government of the COURTESY VISIT... GBEMIGA ABIODUN MEMORIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME... Federation, Senator George Akume; Group Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited/Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. Seni Adio, SAN; Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru and SSG to the STrATeGIC ALLIANCe TO SANITISe FXGovernorship MArKeT… L-R: of theMrs. Budget Office Salu-Hundeyin, ofScience the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; CEO, Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover; Chair ofin GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Mrs.Dapo Ibukun Awosika; Minister of L-R:Director-General Ogun State Commissioner forAbimbola Education, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola; Governor Abiodun of Ogun State, and Lagos State Government, during the inauguration of newly remodelled and redeveloped Premier Hotel Ibadan, Oyo State…recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; CEO ofEconomy GSGAbiodun Impact, Ms. Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen, and Market Development Manager at GSG Impact, Ms. Atieno Otonglo, at the courtesy the Federal Ministry RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATION... L-R: Minister of Finance andSenator Coordinating Minister of the ofMemorial Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede andvisit thetoGovernor, Central his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, during the fourth edition of the Gbemiga Education Support Programme held in Iperu…yesterday

Bloomberg: Nigeria Draws First Tranche 2027: Tinubu to Kick Off Campaign in Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic President Tinubu Welcomes New of $5 Billion Swap With UAE Bank Kaduna Oct. 24, ADC Inaugurates PCC over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect Investment Initiatives from Qatar of Budget andand Economic Planning Abuja… recently Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in aBabatunde StrategicAjayi; Alliance to Stimulate the forex market Abuja…yesterday L-R: Akarigbo Paramount RulerinOf Remoland, representative of Minister of Trade andin Investment, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Group Managing Director, Codic Pharm Ltd, Sammy

Ogunjimi; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate Muhammad, and Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of Codix Bio Limited held along the Sagamu-Benin expressway, Ogun State…yesterday

Nume Ekeghe with agency reports

tranche of a $5 billion derivatives press time. drawn attention from market closing at N1,380.9/$ at the inflows, despite mounting deal with United Arab Emirates' The $5 billion facility, participants because of the official market yesterday, pressure from investors chasing largest ahead captured. approved by the National stupendous limited public disclosure compared with Mr. N1,380.1/$ “In his infertile rambling,assets, Tenebe state Governor, Godwin dollar-denominated as N9 billion for the has been lender, swindledpressing by Obaseki-led Adibe emenyonu in Benin City made wild and completely off-theObaseki across all sectors of the fathom projects which only "Information at the behest of the with a transaction that has been Assembly earlier this year, is surrounding its terms. The the previous day, while holding falling international oil prices Nigeria has accessed the first administration with an unassailmark suggesting that state over the paston seven years.” in arguing theMonetary imagination of online offorthcoming the Edo State House of existed humongous debt profile of members for of thethe campaign record, that the President Muhammadu Buhari, isand flag-off would take place in scrutinized forcharging being opaque. part federal government's International Fund firm atthat N1,390/$ the parallel acomments pullback the domestic tranche of aand proposed $5 able, Council (PCC), members span over 1,700 kilometres - aimed The minister reiterated that the the federal government about 85 per centin complete projects Deji Elumoye Chuks bold reform agenda, which included Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Edo State is October owing $35 billion. “Tenebe hasmore beenprojects on a support frenzy the governor, it was discovered Assembly is to the effect that they Edo State chapter of the All ProN135 billion and $35.6 billion, at unlocking economic activity and ongoing reforms by the Tinubu is concentrating in the handled by Rock Result along Ahoada and the proposed timetable for government had made progress who enjoyed substantial Kaduna on 24. “The West nation plan to diversify external (IMF) and Fitch recently market for the third consecutive equities market. billion derivatives the removal of Nigerians fuelAfrican subsidies and the to mobilise across the Blessing Ibunge in Portfinancing Harcourt Okocha in Abuja Even ifofthat was what was written looking for to oftell sinceit section the facility was notjust N9 South were recalled from their holiday gressives Congressin(APC), yesterday, the governor is unyielding and Nigeria. Thesources Ambassador knows that stability tothat thewere world. Ieven seeabout your Nigeria's taxlies system, making Nigeria's readiness to build on theas end of the tunnel."You find Deji Elumoye Abuja bridging regional divides. administration not thanNorth northern areas nation. East West is can't atknown 60 per unification of foreign exchange rates - or state visits. since assuming office more than in assumed the but struggled to for He said the President had drew about $1.5 billion in the financing and reduce cautioned while derivativeweek. The naira hasRoad come under arrangement with the United country and present thehis party him, he should have office astheActing but a figure wrapped in he leave by Qatar the Speaker on the billion urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to unstoppable in his characteristic that I take very seriously. efforts in human development, easier for foreign investors to do momentum generated by state a better partner than Nigeria. “The aim is not just connectivity, economic arithmetic, but about Responding to questions from cent completion, adding that RCC, two of the most significant policy shifts Minister of Information and National The former Zamfara three years ago and would use secure sufficient backing in approved the proposed schedule that the figure is wrong and can't Chairman. Rather than focus secrecy as much as N17.5 billion request of the state governor for last couple of weeks from a borrowing costs. Structured as based financing can improve Analysts attributed pressure in recent sessions as Arab Emirates' largest lender, a credible alternative ahead of The Director General of the All stop securing loans, noting that the design leave State inhistory. ruin, but economic opportunity,” he said. creating aand new foundation forLike inclusive who his inspection Setraco have follow shown commitment in Weimmediate are willing to go further peace prosperity. business in observed the country. visit toto Qatar inEdo 2024, pledging to the I always global issues President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Nigeria’s recent economic Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said by be true. on reawakening histo completely which the opposition in you, the journalists approval ofFirst thein to State governor expressed its policies and achievements the South during his earlier for campaign activities and state N9 billion loan recently approved asking for a facility of N17.5 total return swap transaction a Total Return Swap with liquidity, such arrangements the resilience strong investors reposition ahead of the according to a Bloomberg the 2027 general election. Progressives Congress (APC) “Nigeria is really retracing its steps. growth, the Zarama section of theefforts Westto their our bilateral relations." we areaccountability, sandwiched between the of all difficult bilateraldecisions agreements "We are making and your efforts. You have to welcomed new initiatives by implement “These were that said thethe country was on Assembly the path towards "Injobs. reality, our debt stock is not comatose party, which isEast unable rejected andand orsustainable refused facility which according to house by House of was few days ago, which was confidence inbe the APC’s tobeseek another term. presidential bids. visits, adding that further details with First Abu Dhabi Dhabi proceeds are should be macroeconomic fundamentals, dollar-denominated fundraising report, marking first billion Speaking atThey thecountries. inauguration ItAbu isThe becoming anBank, important nation once development. rehabilitation in Bayelsa State, Addressing the journalists, Umahi Presidential Campaign Council, said the Qatari challenge terrorism and helping Road between the reform our tax system. Going more inin Nigeria toare help fight had to causedBank some them Qatari investors tothe explore economic recovery, restating federal ado secret and fact, we ‘under to provide constructive criticisms to partofof the transparently approval. isPresident said to N9 billion needless and will plunge the state said tobe bemade. N9two billion." again the comity ofarguing nations. In“President another development, who Umahi expressed satisfaction withstill theus said, "We have just inspected the work geographical reach, Bola Tinubu, calculation shows would bein made public after the PJSC, according to earmarked for refinancing debt managed toreaction, minimise fiscal healthy external by Dangote Refinery and but like"It an taking reported drawdown under turbulence, in Abuja, Atiku said thepeople council government’s commitment toyesterday restoring Senator Abdulaziz government had demonstrated our neighbours. We areUmahi conscious He directed the Minister of but by“This experiences ofreserves the past and poverty the humanitarian opportunities in theYari, agricultural borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe would expected of a viable opposition, But in its the Edo asamong event unfolded, after into financial distress. Tenebe, said isaircraft important The respect thatforesight Nigeria used to have disclosed this yesterday while inspecting ongoing projects across Rivers, Delta ofPetrochemicals, Rockknown Result where we have multiple off, we are now reaching stability. The investors’ confidence and deepening that Tinubu had a broader since the time he assumed that even if you have control council’s inauguration. maturity and in working of who is our friend and those Budget and Economic Planning, the need to depart from old area. You have done well have this if he understood he has resorted to spreading State Government stated that sector and assured that Nigeria the mammoth request by the familiar with the transaction, and supporting infrastructure and debt risks. on a steadily upward trajectory prompting ain had a responsibility to take the asaid facility that has attracted President Bola Tinubu will But in a swift reaction, the to state, that it is now in public is now gradually returning. Investors the ongoing construction of federal and Bayelsa. concrete culverts themeeting East West World Bank has noted our return to opposition democratic the economics governance, fiscalis misinformation in the a have desperate Edohas APC “obviously the House asbase to the for global in peace and deserves helping us turned towas ameliorate the Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; ways, our reforms been developing aofover knowledge-based remains open to structure strategic national support office, around the of 80 per cent of South, if “The inaugural Edo State values. Government said it and political space that the who asked not to be identified financing. Meanwhile, the naira has at $51.2 billion and sustained rotation of capital from naira party’s message to every market, scrutiny over its commence his 2027 re-election more confidence our country,” roads in by Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta He said that the cheap Bodo-Bonny Road Road failure in between Rivers and growth levels not seenState in over a have This was as his to counterpart, responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. curry popularity. the achievements of attempt rationale for ain facility as pained commendation. problems." Minister of of Information and hard. Itomade decisions economy Qatar, but14th what partnerships. was perplexed learnon ofMinister what fiscal budget Edo was than his main challengers, situation that he met on the you don't havetough anything in the Bayelsa. going into to bedollars. done on the of motor park, farm, campus and the because they aren't authorised This transaction has, however, remained relatively resilient, foreign portfolio investment assets campaign in Kaduna October and transparency. he said. states, dismissed the claims trending construction handled by Julius Berger decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa. Works, David Umahi, has disclosed itoftermed “laughable and incredibly passed few weeks ago before the According to him, "I am proud President Tinubu also noted National Orientation, Mohammed so that we could grow. We are about Nigeria?", the President The President gave the former Vice President Atiku ground. Still, the economy is North, you cannot make it. If you this month, that' s next Wednesday listen toof citizens and tocommunity, speak to the 24, that theisPresident Bloomberg reported that He noted this media." year’s observance that thedeclaring federal investing ridiculous tantrums attributed to Edo State House of Assembly your efforts to and ongoing to streamline Idris; and that Minister Foreign ofAbubakar seeing at the assurance atgovernment the State House, ofbring thepeace African moving.reforms So, I think we have gradually have 80 per centthe oflight control of explained. at the State House Banquet Hall, of the Democracy Day notYusuf just explain how ADC intended trillions ofacting naira in the in construction commands support than proceeded Efforts bythe THISDAY toto Nigeria drew about $1.5 billion the newwhile chairman of the on leave without the Affairs, Ambassador Abuja receiving amore special warranted celebration, but sober and rehabilitation ofthe roads across the Democratic Congress (ADC) done enough that we can tell the North, if you don't have any and by God's grace, on the 24th Edo State chapter of APC, Jarret commencement of the execution address the country’s challenges. 10 states each in northern and independently confirm the over the past two weeks through MaitamaonTuggar, to work together envoy from the Amir of the State reflection the journey ofexecutive. democratic country. Tenebe where he made baseless of the budget by thethe and Peter Obi of the Nigeria our opponents about what we state in the South, you cannot of October, we're going to do our Yari, disclosed date for southern parts of the country. reported drawdown from a Total Return Swap (TRS) to ensure the timely execution of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin and economicthat renewal. reaffirmed this yesterday in Itconsolidation andIdris spurious allegations on the isthese most disheartening workersCongress from around the trapped rubble before the Heavy severe shortages of Democratic (NDC). did. Weunder are not promising. We buildings. make it,” Yari said. machinery reported flag-off campaign in Kaduna,” the commencement of the the of agreements. This comes as former ViceAbdulaziz Al-Khulaifi Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Rescue transaction with Abu Dhabi Idris explained that funds recovered an interview withFirst Forbes Africa to Edo fiscal management of our dear State Government now is world yesterday intensified efforts critical 72-hour "golden window" arrived in some of the hardest-hit essential supplies, saying years of “Today, I'm sure Asiwaju are doing it, and we are going He added that Tinubu had, at he said. was told that he would not board the would clear the air on what really every passenger has a right, your Chinedu Eze He said, "To all the members of Qatar's Minister of State for President’s campaign after President Atiku Abubakar Finance were unsuccessful. Bankby PJSC, people familiar requesting from the fuelfor subsidy removal were mark the Democracy Day celebration state the citing Governor Godwin a facility of N17.5 to locate survivors trapped beneath for finding survivors begins to close, areas nearly two days after the underfunding had left the country' flight because boarding had closed. happened, since the Senator and the right is limited to what is within the the delegation, ITinubu want tointo asent big Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al-Khulaifi, has control of more than 10 to continue,” he said. different times, supported both Yari added that Rivers States being reinvested directly critical Obaseki-led government.” meeting at the State and unbroken 26inaugurated years ofrequested democratic with no corollary ofsay project yesterday the billion Calls andwith text messages with the deal who lid Operators Minerals Development, formalisation of would artisanal miners also want tobegin be available part of the move Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, InYari, another development, the airline have made their own ICAO (International Civilbe Aviation Airline ofSouth, Nigeria (AON) collapsed buildings in Venezuela the BBC reported. disaster to clearing massive healthcare system ill-prepared for a thank you for coming to Nigeria. conveyed Amir's strong interest in Addressing a press conference attached there to the said facility infrastructure projects including two rule in Nigeria. states in the in the however, questioned the Atiku and Obi in their political and Maiduguri among House, Abuja, where he briefed African Democratic Congress to the Minister of Finance and anonymity because they were Dr. Dele Alake, has described into cooperatives amongst others. to reduce global emissions and put David Greene, in his office on Minister of Aviation and Aerospace videos that covered the incident. Organisation) regulation and the said that by disrupting the operations We are grateful to God for what expanding bilateral cooperation, yesterday, Tenebe had said the state and also that the facility is not after two powerful earthquakes The worst-hit areas include the piles of debris. disaster of such magnitude. expansive highway corridors that will He defended President Bola Tinubu’s conservative estimate, more geographical strength of Atiku careers, expressing confidence the subsequent stops on the thehave President on preparations (ADC) Presidential Campaign United Nigeria’s "Theindustry. miningThere sector mining sector on the global aviation Coordinating of the Alake lauded the United not authorised to speak publicly. Development, Festus Keyamo, has our Okonkwo stated the operators’ is noprovides amount of Air Peace States when itasdenied him Thursday, was already suffering a debt contained as loanMinister to be in the we experienced astaken partners announcing that aunder high-level killed more than 900 people and capital, Caracas, the coastal state Among those anxiously awaiting The tragedy has also reignited than 10 states in the South, and Obi, challenging them that the President would retain campaign trail, with the APC longstanding ally and strategic a veritable avenue for increased map. We have critical minerals States’ commitment to fostering boarding for the Lagos-Abuja flight, ordered that a probe should be viewpoint on the incident and said of any disappointment, if at all, from Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, According to Bloomberg, profile of N135 billion and $35.6 2024 fiscal budget recently in progress. I am also just glad that the partner Qatari business delegation will the left thousands injured in State one ofand the cooperation ofto La Guaira and neighbouring rescue isCentre Natacha Diaz, criticism ofvisits Venezuela's fragile for nation’s mining trade between Nigeria andinvolved theparts United that are in commercial demand with Nigeria in diverse and Igovernor believe has control identify states where they that thepassengers support needed his re- any planning toalso other of conducted on the incident. have their2,for rights but airline that gives you any rightin former ofheEdo billion. AQatar cursory perusal are under scrutiny and processing," Penta Mefforts &Amp; Tambuwal one of them was Kuni Tyessi inthe Abuja wereofnot responded toofasthe of sector "Nigeria has accessed first passed. Amir greatly remembers visit Nigeria in the the coming development. States, especially in the area of value globally,"Alake said. sectors of the economy, stating that country' s deadliest natural disasters communities, where hundreds of whose two daughters are believed emergency response system, with Spokesman of AON and the airline operations are guided by for self-help. We have been talking currently Senator representing Edo He said, "While it is a monumenof more than 10 states in the commanded comparable political election bid. the country. budgetdiscussed does not reveal where Oloyede said. LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State. impersonation. the issues during my weeks to explore opportunities entire Speaking while receiving itChairman addition, which implies processing The minister partner- about underscores significance of the ofthe United Nigeria and itawelcomed isshopping the responsibility behaviour. So,towhat District, Oshiohole, tal that Edo State patrimony for the facility is ever North inNorth. more than century. buildings were reduced tobetween piles of regulations trapped inside complex residents urging authorities allow ThisaAdams is calculation, support across the showed country. On campaign timetable, Heunruly said thesaid “Thebilateral 2025 UTME the Oloyede added 80 suspects The registrar also that due to The Joint Admissions andit smooth visitproject last year. in disaster agriculture, food security, and the of extracted minerals andcampaign setting up ship withthe the US onthat investments in you relations Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in a press of airlines and passengers to abide saw was a typical case of unruly violated aviation regulation. According toscience,” Venezuelan concrete and twisted steel. where they worked. Holding more civilian volunteers to participate prevalence of some particular types of the were being interrogated bytheir the factories substandard performance, four centres Board (JAMB) has both isSenator not rocket Yari He argued that a presidential Yari said the APC Presidential would focus on presenting "Let me commend the brotherly Matriculation other critical sectors. here. We would also require mining value chain, expanding countries. in Lagos yesterday called by those regulations. behaviour. It is not acceptable. Air Oshiomhole who had conference infractions, suggests police fortechnology their involvement inhold the had been delisted and blacklisted for officially announced of on authorities, at Abuja leastthe 920release people ofwhich grief unfolded across photograph, the distraught mother in operations as thousands financing from multilateral institutions to extracting “IScenes you for your visit. I access President Tinubu emphasised relations between Qatar and 6:30a.m. said. Lagoscandidate needed asystemic broad Campaign Council therescue administration’s record and thethank Federal Airports Authority “AON had had theinwould full brief of Peace is a respected airline. No matter flight on Air Hope” and improving the lives of the 2025 Unified Fidelis David in Akure vulnerabilities or gaps in registration examination malpractices and most technical deficiencies. He listed the Tertiary Matriculation for our local operators. We are providand processing minerals and met the US Assistant Secretary of have been confirmed dead, while affected communities as desperate said they were "all I have." remain displaced. He also defended the Tinubu national support base to win, its inaugural meeting on October mobilising support for Tinubu’s Peace last Wednesday was denied of Nigeria (FAAN) to bring out the Air Peace on this incident. And as what you think about it, they carry the people Ondo State. Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan among theof youthful population. boarding “Wethan are3,300 establishing, this State ing incentives for investments like mining areas. forvideo Energy Resources, Geoffrey and examination administration or/ asecuring ofmatter them would beas prosecuted. centres Adventure Associate, Behind Examination (UTME) results. CCTV of the incident, saying of fact, much as we 40 to 50as: percent of all the domestic when he arrived atsustained 6:05a.m., more others families waited near collapsed Another resident, Andreina Meanwhile, international administration’s economic citing the experience of former 14, while the formal second term. “Today, wethe takegovernment yet another bold The Governor of Ondo State, tax waivers for mining equipment, Throwing light oncampaign reforms Pyatt, on thevideo sidelines ofFAAN the Mines He said is year, 37,000to Citizens’ Brigade and monitoring. “The Board has identified the passengers Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Following poor performance the numerous challenges Olawale Ajimotokan in that it is the from that appreciate and understand that in Nigeria. 25 minutes departure time and a joint partnership between Chindu Eze injuries afterSchool. the twin2025 earthquakes, structures, hoping forin news of embarked Valerio, appealed to rescue assistance hasrepatriation pouring into step in our ongoing commitment to of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his worried of full ofZaria. profits upon byfor thehelp federal govThe Director General, Money London that about 72 per cent Primary inUTME, each and “The newconference trends observed were presence of extraneous fingers in policy Rimi College ofbegun Education, candidates in the1,000 confronting theof country, Abuja the federal government and in the youthful welfare our people, administration will continue measuring magnitudes 7.2 and past missing loved Many her registration one-and-a-half-year-old son, thehome country. Rescue teamsothers," from to countries amongst the minister highlighted year, andones. weand hadExamination asurvivors fruitful ernment, Orientation Agency (NOA),to ofimproving the nation’s population state, including FCT, Abuja. These in the Registration the details of some of On how to check the UTME results, telecommunications and digital ensuring social inclusion fulfilling prioritise socialIssa-Onilu, and urging them to and intensify Imo State Government. emphasised. The Minister ofinclusion Aviationhas and have Community Development I didwere analyse our 7.5, struck barelyare aGlobacom, minute have also forced toallin sleep Santiago, who This remains trapped Alake Switzerland Mexicothe have Mallam Lanre become foreigners through Brigade going toapart be engagement. processes andbeen they mainly the revised these candidates. raises concerns Oloyede said:and "To check 2025 solutions company, said the promise of Renewed Hope for Citizens’ economic empowerment of vulnerable In his remarks, the US Ambas(CDA) guidelines issues, andcategories: fundamentally, we just Agreement prayers for President The federal government "The Governor of Imo Aerospaceplans Development, announced to launch the influence of cartoons Bola on Wednesday night. The second outdoors after their homes were alongside other family members joined local emergency responders, and like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild following Identity Fraud, regarding potential strategies for UTME results, candidates should send its Examination Preparatory Service Tinubu for the support given to the all,” he declared. Kuni Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships sador commended the renewed geared towards reducing friction in want to diversify our economy Tinubu and histhe administration. has asserted its unwavering awith 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in movies State, H.E Senator Festus Keyamo, yesterday which are foreign in of theEnumah olden and Biometric Fraud of Combined impersonation. by text message “UTMERESULT” as was specifically designed to help from quake is believed to be the strongest destroyed or declared unsafe. beneath the rubble. while the United States military is A statement posted on the anti-graft's prosecution to proceed with the trial described the May 27, 2025 bail application Alex indays. Abuja According to Aiyedatiwa, aHope total the federal government. interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, commission and Humanitarian host communities; on-going plans oil. Not just for our own primary schools across the countryto . contents, He255 also expressed optimism resolve togovernment securing freedom Uzodinma (toand whom I spoke said the federal values cultures. the in world, Nigerians Thumbprint of Candidate,” he of 3,656 candidates fall hearing withinzone this one to 55019 or 66019has using the Computer-Based social handle X, noted thesaid. duo prayed for of theword defendants as incompetent, given of 16, beneficiaries across all 18 students to“Across hit theexcel South American nation economic Inmedia La Guaira, residents described inaccelerated thearchitecture disaster participating inthe humanitarian rescue that sector huge Also, Aiyedatiwa hasgovernment forwarded forlDoctors new security to ofstressing survival butthat also to and Affairs Ministry. The federal yesterday He made theHouse whilea Local Other he trends said, were category. Consequently, the results of that same they had used Issa-Onilu saidAreas as a in way out are known beFinancial the smartest examinations. were arraigned onglobal a six-count case. natural thephone defendants neither underto that ongoing security The Economic Crimes be for Nigerians held captive earlier today) along with decided todisclosure temporarily potentials tonumber rivalwere the contribution the state secure efforts in tuneinfractions, with for the the Ondo State of Assembly HeGovernment revealed that Nigeria said there arejournalists ongoing discussion since 1900. toand widespread devastation ascharge, rescue warned that resources; hospitals were operations despite longstanding speaking with in Ibadan bordering on toWe the defence J.J. arrest, inthe detention, nor have appeared impersonators at laundering the point of to theResponding, candidatesthe have beencounsel, withheld.” register the registration process. thereceive malaise, NOA would on earth. is abriefing positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at workers aThis press in reduction of oilnortoduring nation's economy. generate big geo-data; the inmoney global warming. will N75,and 000plans each, disbursed list of 12 nominees for the position of of operations coordinated other critical stakeholders by bandits. close the Nigerians Sam Mbakwe has concluded to soon host people on how 15,000 stranded Emergency are racing teams, police officers and military struggling to cope with the influx tensions between Washington There’s evidence, I won the Usman, than a presidential candidate Alake stressed that is no Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja during a working to Oyo launch of $12no million. SAN, on underage his part reminded the before the court, being thethere grounds the Managing Director/Chief Executive registration with the activebut involvement Speaking on candidates, Result printing will be available later." aleaders Mobile App containing but some people Abuja yesterday, Registrar of JAMB, tune installments of N25, 000 development commissioners the visit State Executive interventions would yield inmonthly Imo State and South East global to discuss issues Secretary toinNiger, the Government in Cameroon, Chad and in International Airport, against time to rescue those feared personnel searched damaged ofwho casualties. Medical personnel and Caracas. election. Everything isregistration, nottobased becoming a veteran end to Obi's posturing andpoor no State. The defendants according the court of is subsisting bail following applications ofof provided by thereacting Administration of Officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, Halima for three months, directly through Council for confirmation. of few CBT centres, double he explained that the Meanwhile, to the indigenous cartoons through mischievously tend to portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the of migration and itneed affects other parts of worldSenator would have agreed onhow thethe for Buba positive results in fight Owerri, to the rehabilitate the which ofHe the Federation, statement, however, dated May 2025 and Act,students (ACJA) that should bank's Executive Director/ saidgovernor 1,000 Brigade on attempted evidence,” Obi hadofpleaded said thedefendants, race. of Perhaps the 27, master and Criminal end toJustice his shenanigans farce. their debit cards. The AlltheProgressives The made this and substitution self byin the Ministry Education’s decision performance of inand the 2025 Board withheld the results of 39,834 local contents, national us inand negative light. ButCongress this is EFCC's countries under theclosure membership be returned to Citizens’ Nigeria safety. the temporary of the against kidnapping and other runway to improve safety George Akume, gave the values “not guilty” to all the charges when they prayed that the acourt should uphold the precipitate a bail application but rather Chief Compliance Officer, Innocent He said the total amount injected commitment during the official would be set up in each of the candidates. to enforce minimum age of UTME, the company explained that candidates out of the over 1.9 million a recent interview on the BBC. his followers are two sides of the He said, “For a candidate and culture would be not who we are as a people. (APC) Presidential Campaign of the on Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite read to them following which the lead applications and admit the defendants applied for bail from the comfort of their Federal Commissioner, National runway, to allow for essential and operational criminal activities. assurance yesterday when into theEuro-African scheme is N1,Dialogue 219,125, 000, flag-off ofFederal theefficiency second phaseof promoted. 36 statesceremony andfor the Capital Oloyede added that 244Campaign candidates 16, an rotten exception was granted for the Glo Examination Preparatory applicants that the sathas for the exam. “To change negative narAPC Presidential same coin. who placed a distant third in the Council (PCC) said that the Migration and Development. Commission Refugees, Migrants Rotimi Oyedepo, to“exceptionally bail. ortrains officesstudents when noronaction has of the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for economic support of thehosted Conditional Cash national Transfer rehabilitation, resurfacing and ratives, the facility. Tand erritory (FCT) toDisplaced promote "Our direct mission he members of providing were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp gifted” underage homes Service practical According thesetting JAMB out ofof prosecution According to him, "These variwe to are the Council Spokesman, Dele "Nothing iscounsel more annoying presidential poll to persistently continued display ofup lack Popularly known asontheearth, Rabat Internally Persons SAN, announced the readiness of the The prosecution in his response, been taken against them. alleged fraud. to thousands of households. disbursement to beneficiaries in Ondo values as Minister of Alhaji old, stating that the ous extension works. to rogue groups students. ways to won excel — in without Computer-Based inofa statement the figure 96 candidates' results were runs,” our goal on earth is be to Citizens’ policies geared towards Brigade produce theThe Federation Muslim Process, theare meeting would (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, Alake,subscribing in a statement issued bordering than Obi's recent claim that he Fagbemi, insist he evidence character, candour,toand dignity The governor recalled thatthe in young State, held atthe theBrigade Akure South Local essence ofthis was toin changing that on terrorism murder. enumah in Abuja promising leaked questions. The registrar said thatand of the 41,027 examinationsSAN, such assubmitted Joint Admissions withheldNigerians over exam malpractices, a Alex the narratives and and create “The closure is expected explained, "I wish to inform promote, to preserve, and Women's Associations the first thematic dialogue under disclosed at a media briefing yesterday said Obi's constant won the 2023 presidential election and contrary to all official records November 2024, a total of 8,637 debit by the presidential candidate of Government Secretariat yesterday. the charge having been filed by Although, they pleaded not revive and rebuild the national He said their results had also been underage candidates who registered, and Matriculation Board (JAMB), decrease from 123 in the previous year. wrong impression that the outside positive models to rebuild the to commence on October 20, the travelling public, to prolong life. toIt's not to the Nigeria Democratic Congress habit Nigeria’s chairmanship, which Nigeria (FOMWAN), led cards in Abuja. were distributed beneficiaries, At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa exaggerating facts was guilty while467 simultaneously admitting he the — Inspector reflects aGeneral deepgovernment’s and troubling JusticeofBolaji Olajuwon of a Fedthe of Police, was to all the charges, the judge values and create positive models withheld to set a stern example. only met the high-performance Junior and Senior West African Oloyede said the Board remained world is having about the country . national values." conveyed government' s approval stakeholder participation in health federal Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja is being co-chaired by Nigeria 2026, and last approximately Ahmed revealed that no particularly residents of Imo amounting to N647,775,000, making launched the distribution of the by its National Amirah, Dr. shorten it. The government resolute High Court Abuja, yesterday, incompetent and askedexaminations the court to however, ordered that they ofinahe man who lacks evidence to support it. and disconnection reality and (NDC), inPeter is troubling. In cases, said,Oversight theaspires entire and criteria, with onedefendant. disqualified duebe to Examination Council its Obi, commitment to eral High Court which had dismissed onethe other unreliable witness testimonies, atunbecoming thesome 5th the Ministerial sector governance. commitment tofrom strengthening and the Kingdom ofa Spain, andin Wale Igbintade fewer six people current phasedecision significant Renewed Hope Debit Cards to the days. This is Statethan and themillion wider southdismissed application bycentres two remanded strike out counts 1,3,4,5,6, and and 7 of is25doing everything to secure atsmalpractice. the Kuje Correctional Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza. to lead the great country. “By Obi' logic, it is acceptable to absolute disregard for facts It added that nothing was more syndicates colluded with CBT examination as well as IELTS. eliminating any form of examination his no-case and quashed At lower court, Justice Raliatu those of PW9, PW10, theof social net. thousands of beneficiaries as part expansion isthe focusing on youth, education were inthat Nigeria, while Committee (MOC) held in Abuja Center, Astheofpending efforts to reinforce health sector governance, The federaladding government has Rivers Statesubmission, indigenes challenging the charge or strike strike outand the hearing of including the bestofinterest aviation east on the temporary closure release allofsafety who are malpractice, Hedisplaced vowed noNational effort to register usingcharge multiple fingerprints. He bail said that the the Board remained Theas 2025 UTME results released that 1,957,000 He noted, " the Mr. Peter Obi make outrageous claims without a PW11, truth. annoying Obi's recent claim the the 12-count filed against Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC well as Exhibits P59–P61. Court of than Appeal, Lagos Division, “We understand the economic The of the federalofgovernment’s and innovation. thousands refugees are living jurisdiction of court to try entire suit for been incompetent. their application fixed for yesterday, said that the committee state financing compliance, deepening accountability across approved N32,880,443,906.25 safety and the long-term of Sam Mbakwe International captured," he said. will be spared to facilitate the that regard, has approved your indicated that Governor Seyi Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan According to him, as a result of committed to providing the necessary by JAMB on May 5 had elicited candidates were verified to sit for him by the Economic and Financial had established a prima facie case The Court of Appeal agreed, has discharged and acquitted a continues to complicity demonstrate a February shredCommittee of evidence " Where is Police Obi institutions, sourcing his that many of holds our people that hethe won the 2023 presidential Social Investment (NSIP), challenges them over alleged in the Responding, lawyer, Mr. 2, as wellordirected asverisimilitude. the motion The meeting, which May under elsewhere acrossProgramme the world. has so farthe disbursed aHouse total of the the holding implementing second quarter, 2026 as the Onido ofof Ido in burning Makinde approved the suspension operational efficiency Cargo Airport, Owerri for face this, 3,656 with “extraneous support for persons with disabilities widespread concerns asurged more than Crimes Commission (EFCC). some ofhim, the counts and ordered that the appellant was not a He lauded FOMWAN for the examDirector while 71,705 were absent. former General the safe return ofcollaboration captives, while and this programme is a clear implemented in with ofcandidates Rivers State of on Simon Lough, SAN, the of the 1st and 2nd defendants troubling lack of character, candour, “For it is in order and facts? Could it be from his election while simultaneously 13th toof 14th, 2025, is2024. expected toof suspension “We have 15,000 Nigerians who The Oyo State Government, yesthe area of authority of Ido Local on 1st February, N290 under thetheir initiative. MOC Secretariat to issue formal improving coordination among BHCPF disbursement memo Assembly The billion EFCC accused andtertiary his co-defendant the VIMSAS Committee; Maritime Administration thesteadfast airport, which serves Nigerian fingerprints” have had results Akpobolokemi aspiring to pursue education. 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates improved safety, operational According to him, 2,157 candidates thatcontributions the that government the Ondo State Government through demonstration complex in Port Harcourt, court toofdismiss the application challenging the jurisdiction of member its reaffirming the government's feature discussions would want to return to the country and dignity. acceptable to make allegations infamous adviser at Upper Iweka admitting he lacks the evidence terday, suspended Oba Investment Gbolagade stands Area ofrejections Oyo State." Thea letter readthe ingovernor part, "I wish to Government Akpobolokemi of conspiracy, open their and notresults a signatory to any of the and Safetyfingerprint Agency (NIMASA), The meeting alsoCBT approved communication all2025 36orthe states to stakeholders, andreleased accelerating with you,” added. withheld, and some centres to He said that fortothe whose were scored totoItsustain implementation of Rivers the National Social experienced due State. for lacking merit. court to defence. entertain suit critical gateway for efficiency and ahead toas national development, commitment to capacity strengthening policy direction, shape voluntarily, and we alsoOnido have guide “One would expect his the without substantiation toUTME, act on Committee’s Junction orinbreakdown from one Obedient Muritala Babalola, as the directed Oba to hand stealing, support it. Babalola inform you that His Excellency, the and forgery in connection Akpobolokemi, through his accounts. Patrick Akpobolokemi, of alleged He further disclosed that efforts Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Programme Agency (NSIPA). According to Lough, besides against them. implicated will face sanctions. a total of 501 candidates were below 200. A of the results to suspected registration infractions, modalities to commence inclusion reiterate responsibilities relating to implementation of ongoing healthcare services nationwide. the people, businesses and ofIdo Christmas travel season." cooperative efforts among not less 100,000 foreigners describing association as of inthan Ido Local Government national security. government properties in with Executive Governor of Oyo of over latest twaddle to come from impulse by airing punching the laptop for the next "Ialldon’t like going back alleged illegal transfers from the Collins Ogbonna and The court further held he N754.8 million fraud. Lukman Oladele, were ongoing tothe expand theState state’s Sections and 66Monday of thethat Police Ezebalike and unsubstantiated Oladele had health Addressing the gathering, the are He identified the centres as lawyers successfully examined by Kunle JAMB released by4JAMB on showed a figure, he said, was far aboveto Prince ofoverzealous private sector actors within the counterpart funding obligations sector reforms under the The Coordinating Minister countries origin, transit and living in the this country asand refugees. of the his Area of state. He said the planned possession todecision the Chairman Nigeria, inof exercise the powers aeconomic vital partner inofpromoting The SGF underscored account of the VIMSAS Committee. appealed the ruling, neither signed nor approved any In a unanimous delivered among five persons charged with Gbolahan, Acts that empower them to bring argued that by the provisions supporters rather conjectures." post from California or Dallas? social register to activities accommodate more the past. I won the last election. governor expressed joy a deep Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) acceptable margins and currently The government, in a letter dated localthe government. Incourt the terrorism conferred on him by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive All these are theof responsibilities Ministerial Oversight Committee and fund commitments. national agenda towarddefendants, achieving of Ido Health and Social Welfare, South-East,"Keyamo said. runway rehabilitation was vulnerable He wasand originally arraigned with arguing thenationwide. EFCC to withdrawal instructions internal yesterday, appellate murder. The others the charge against of theequity Terrorism Act, it isfailed only the peace, advocacy, unity and the vital role faith-based households, that of sense ofFebruary, responsibility, noting that International School, Maitama, across 11that centres scored between 160the andor199, while under investigation. 2nd of 2024 and signed meantime, the stateAli government 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger of the commission, tostep give them no framework to strengthen broader In his remarks, Pate reaffirmed Universal Health Coverage. Prof. Muhammad Pate who several others, but the charges were link him to any wrongdoing and memos related to the alleged are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga allowed Akpobolokemi’s appeal, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Attorney General of the Federation vulnerable household should be the initiative is a bold towards social progress. organisations in addressing According to Oloyede, the results 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) "A total of 39, 834 results remain Abuja, Wudil Computer Information by the Commissioner for Local

Yari claims president 10 statesofeach north, south Umahi says FG investingcontrols trillions inover construction roadsin across Nigeria

Affirms Nigeria's readiness for strategic partnership

Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, USto 920 Death Toll in Venezuela Earthquakes Rises Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership Places 1,426 results under scrutiny Globacom: how our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams

Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Keyamo:Cash Temporary Closure Conditional Transfer in Ondo, Akume Assures Nigerians of Owerri to Improve Nominates NOA DG: FGCommissioners toAirport Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

in Captivity of Freedom Safety, Operational Efficiency

FG to Repatriate 15,000 Nigerians Stranded Abroad

Alleged Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO, Executive APCMoney PCC: Obi’s Continuing Display of

Lack of Character, Dignity, Troubling

BurningofRiversAssemblyComplex:CourtDismisses Pate: FG Application Has Disbursed N32.88bn Challenging Competence of Charge

Basic for Q2Fraud 2026 Appeal CourtHealthcare Acquits Ex-NIMASA DGFund Akpobolokemi in N754.8m Case

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

support,” hepromise said. of “Renewed fulfilling the Government andPresident Chieftaincy Ahmed thanked Bola Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

Law,sustained Cap. 28 Vol I, Lawsthat of Oyo and dialogue can left Statebehind. of Nigeria 2000positively. and by virtue reshape migration of all other enabling powers in

has vowedthe to hit hard atthe anyone, set aside Ikeja unreleased. Ofruling these, of 1,426 results no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. later amended to include only him Technology. Kano State and They wereWudil, last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

relied onfileinadmissible evidence transfers. Act, shows that theand police have that any released charge ofbut terrorism are can also being sadly, fraudulent scored between powers to also 140 initiate 159. terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman charges against the defendant.

7

SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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BRIDGFORTE DIALOGUE ON FINANCIAL TRUST...

L–R: Chairman, African Philanthropy Forum, Gbenga Oyebode; Kitoro IV, Mai Borgu, Emir of Borgu Kingdom, H.R.H. Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro; Convener, Bridgforte Dialogues, Aishah N. Ahmad; Emir of Kano, H.R.H. Muhammadu Sanusi II, and, Co-founder Amandla Institute and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the Bridgforte Dialogues held on the sidelines of UNGA 81, held at Harvard Club, New York City…recently

World Bank: Only Lagos, Enugu Generate Enough Revenue to Cover Recurrent Costs

Nume Ekeghe

The World Bank has said that only Lagos and Enugu states had enough internally generated revenue (IGR) to cover their recurrent expenditure in 2025, underscoring the continued dependence of most state governments on federal allocations to meet their day-to-day obligations. The Bank, in its October 2026 Nigeria Development Update (NDU), titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities’, noted that although states had recorded significant improvements in revenue collection, their internally generated revenue remained insufficient to finance recurrent spending in most parts of the country. According to the report, state governments’ IGR covered an average of about 40 per cent of recurrent expenditure between

2021 and 2023, before improving to approximately 50 per cent in 2024 and 2025. However, Lagos and Enugu were the only states whose internally generated revenue exceeded their recurrent expenditure. In 2025, Lagos generated revenue equivalent to 160 per cent of its recurrent spending, while Enugu recorded a significantly higher ratio of 377 per cent. The World Bank warned that the inability of most states to finance recurrent expenditure through their own revenue sources remained a significant fiscal risk, particularly if federally collected revenues were to decline. It states, “Tax administration improvements in many states have also boosted IGRs, contributing to a bigger resource envelope for state governments. In real terms, aggregate state IGR grew by 55 per cent between 2023 and 2025, supported in part by the growing

adoption of automation and other digital technology initiatives in revenue administration. Enugu state saw by far the highest growth in its IGR during this period. Its total IGR grew from N25 billion to N209 billion, 732 percent growth in real terms.” It added that all components of the state’s IGR grew and that the Direct Assessment Tax personal income tax paid by business owners, contractors, landlords and other

self-employed individuals grew the most from N280 million to N14.5 billion, almost 4,000 per cent growth in real terms over the two-year period. The state achieved this by aggressively expanding its tax net capturing thousands of previously unregistered self-employed informal businesses, landlords, and contractors into the formal tax structure and implementing deep systemic and digital technology reforms. By automating its

revenue collection processes and enforcing cashless payments made directly into the state treasury, the government enhanced collection efficiency, blocked leakages, and phased out unauthorised roadside collectors. The report noted that several state Internal Revenue Services have increasingly embraced digital technology and data integration to automate revenue collection, improve tax compliance and

minimise revenue leakages. It added that the integration of revenue systems with geographic information systems and other government databases had helped states expand their tax base and enhance collection efficiency. Meanwhile, inflation-driven salary increases also contributed to higher Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax receipts, which remain the largest source of internally generated revenue for most states.

Oborevwori Orders Overhaul of All Dilapidated Public Schools In Delta Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess all dilapidated public primary and secondary schools across the state for immediate rehabilitation. Oborevwori issued the directive yesterday at the inauguration

of the newly completed Model Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area. “I have directed that all schools in Delta State that are in deplorable condition, whether primary or secondary, should be assessed for immediate rehabilitation,”

he said. The governor urged the relevant authorities to begin the scoping without delay, stressing his administration’s commitment to building an efficient and robust education system. He said the State Executive Council had recently directed the

education ministries to identify public schools requiring urgent intervention. Oborevwori said maintaining more than 1,400 primary schools and 480 secondary schools across the state was a major responsibility requiring sustained investment and planning.

2027: Ondo APC Rift Widens as Party Chieftains Allegedly Back Obi Urges Igbo Youths to Enlist in Security Forces, Opposition Candidates Fidelis David in Akure Fresh allegations of anti-party activities have plunged the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into a new crisis, with members of the state executive and political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa accused of working against candidates recognised by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development has heightened tension within the ruling party following the controversy that trailed the National Assembly primaries and the subsequent review of some candidates’ names by the APC national leadership, with allegations of parallel political interests now threatening to deepen divisions within the party. At the centre of the latest dispute

is the State APC Women Leader, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Iji-Ayeola, who is allegedly facing possible disciplinary action, including suspension, over her alleged refusal to align with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s position on some of the disputed candidates. Sources within the party alleged that the move against the women leader was linked to her continued support for candidates recognised by the NWC, despite an alleged expectation that members of the state executive should support the governor’s preferred candidates, including those contesting on platforms outside the APC. One of the sources said, “She was expected to abide by the governor’s position, but she continued to identify with the candidates backed by the NWC. That is why the issue of her suspension is now being considered.”

Says There's Dignity in Serving Fatherland David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Presidential Candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the January 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Igbo youths to enlist in security forces, saying there is dignity in serving one's fatherland. Obi stated this yesterday when he visited the home of Lieutenant

General Isaac Chikadibia Obiakor to condole with the family on the passing of the general, during his burial ceremony in Awka, the Anambra State capital. Obi eulogised the late military general as an upright officer who served with integrity, but expressed unhappiness that such men were never celebrated as a mark of respect

and dignity for the office they held and the sacrifices they made for the country. Obi said, "Obiakor served at the highest level as an ambassador at the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, but I'm unhappy that people like him are not celebrated enough. "Just imagine if today was the burial of a general in the western

world. In this country, we have lost someone as big as a Chief of Army Staff and our President was not there, Vice President was not there and political heavyweights were not there. That shouldn't be. It should have been a place where all of us come together to give them the honour deserving of the sacrifices they made for the nation."

Gombe Begins N10.32bn Gratuity Payments to 6,665 Retirees Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commenced the payment of N10.32 billion in gratuities to 6,665 state and local government retirees, in a major intervention aimed at clearing outstanding retirement liabilities.

The latest disbursement brings the total gratuity payments made by the Yahaya administration since 2019 to N44.134 billion. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony yesterday, Governor Yahaya described the occasion as a moment of justice, honour and joy for men and women who devoted their productive years

to the service of Gombe State. He said his administration inherited more than N21 billion in outstanding gratuity liabilities in 2019, covering obligations accumulated between 2012 and 2019 for local government retirees and between 2014 and 2019 for state retirees. The governor said despite the

challenging fiscal environment inherited by the administration, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, two economic recessions, the Russia-Ukraine war, fuel subsidy removal, naira floating and other economic shocks, his administration remained resolute in its commitment to clearing the liabilities.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026

NEWS

ONE YEAR MEMORIAL MASS FOR CHIEF BEN IGHODARO IKIMI...

L-R: Mr. Alfred Okoigun; Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, and Mr. Allan Fatayi-Williams during the private dedicated one year Memorial Mass in remembrance of Chief Ben Ighodaro Ikimi organised by Friends and Family at the Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

2027: INEC Vows Crackdown on Vote Buying, Campaign Spending Wike Berates INEC over Amaechi’s campaign incitement Issues no work, no pay warning to labour

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would pay attention to spending by candidates in the

2027 general elections, insisting that those who engage in vote buying would be prosecuted. This was as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has faulted INEC for failing to sanction or call to order the Vice Presidential

PINL: No Pipeline Fracture Recorded in Two Months

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has reported zero pipeline fractures across its operational areas in the past two months, attributing the development to improved collaboration among host communities, surveillance personnel, contractors and security agencies. The company also disclosed that its surveillance operations provide employment and livelihood opportunities for more than 35,000 youths, while its scholarship programme has awarded over N2 billion to more than 1,500

undergraduate and postgraduate students. PINL’s General Manager, Community and Government Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, disclosed this yesterday at the company’s Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, in Port Harcourt, where he called for sustained cooperation to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and support economic growth in the Niger Delta. Mezeh said the absence of pipeline fractures in the past two months demonstrated the value of collective action but warned stakeholders against complacency.

NHRC Seeks Death Penalty Moratorium as 3,000 Inmates Languish On Death Row Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to declare an official moratorium on executions and state governors to commute eligible death sentences to life imprisonment, amid concerns that more than 3,000 inmates remain on death row across Nigeria. The commission said Nigeria was approaching 10 consecutive years without a state execution, a development it described as meeting the international standard for a de facto moratorium, despite the continued imposition of death

sentences and the prolonged detention of condemned inmates. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call yesterday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against the Death Penalty at the commission's headquarters. Ojukwu urged the federal government to formalise the suspension of executions, while calling on state governors to exercise their constitutional prerogative of mercy to commute death sentences, particularly in cases where inmates had exhausted their appeals but remained on death row.

candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, for inciting the public on matters that were not issue -base in his campaign. Wike delivered the disapproval yesterday in Abuja after a brief meeting with FCT Area Council chairmen. The INEC Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in charge of Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, stated this yesterday during a stakeholders’

meeting attended by leaders and representatives of political parties, candidates, community leaders and media representatives. She said, "We don't want a repeat of what happened during the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State where people were talking about families and other matters away from the election. INEC will not accept it. "We will not tolerate campaign of calumny. Campaigns have been lifted and we expect candidates

to go into the field and tell the people what they can do. It is immaterial if a candidate is impotent or if a candidate's wife's last child is not the candidate's, it is immaterial. Just tell the people what you will do for them." Speaking on vote buying, the REC said, "We will monitor vote buying and we are urging people to report vote buyers. I have never witnessed one, but we call on those who notice it to report to us.

"The money you will use to buy votes, why not give it to the people during election campaigns and tell them what you will do for them. This is the time to campaign. It is not INEC that engages in vote buying, and it is not done by the police or other organisations, but by political parties. All parties are engaged in vote buying and at the end you blame INEC and want us to stop it when you are the ones doing it."

Go Get Your PVCs, ADC-PCC Urges Nigerians Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on all eligible Nigerians to turn out en masse to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as the nationwide collection exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced yesterday The Council assured Nigerians that their votes must count in the 2027 general elections, declaring that no individual or political party should be allowed to manipulate the electoral process

or subvert the will of the people. In a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC dismissed the notion that votes would not count and that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would simply write results in favour of its candidates, describing such claims as false, deceptive and designed to discourage voter participation. "Go and collect your PVC. Your voter's card is your power and your guarantee that you will vote on January 16, 2027. "The notion that votes will

not count and that the APC will write results is deceitful and unattainable. Nobody will be allowed to manipulate the 2027 general election," Ologbondiyan said. He alleged that the narrative was being promoted by agents of the ruling APC to instil fear, encourage voter apathy and discourage Nigerians from participating in the electoral process. According to him, the strategy reflects the ruling party's fear of rejection by Nigerians at the polls following its poor performance in government.

"The APC knows it cannot win a free, fair and credible election after plunging Nigerians into hunger, hardship and insecurity. That is why it wants Nigerians to believe that results will be written. It is a lie. The era of writing results in hotel rooms is gone forever," he stated. Ologbondiyan noted that the Electoral Act, as amended, the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and the heightened political consciousness of Nigerians have strengthened safeguards against electoral manipulation.

APC Writes INEC, Demands Enforcement of Supreme Court Judgement On Party Membership Register

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately enforce the Supreme Court judgement on party membership register and compliance with Sections 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court delivered a judgement on 24 September, 2026 in INEC v Zenith Labour Party with Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026 regarding compliance with the statutory requirements governing the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.

In a letter dated 9th October, 2026, which was addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and signed by National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, the party said INEC, as appellant in the suit, is constitutionally bound to give effect to the judgement under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026 set aside the Court of Appeal order that had nullified Section 77(5) to (7) and Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 and Activity Serial No. 2 of INEC's Revised Timetable for the 2027 general election. The APC said the judgement affirmed the mandatory nature of Section 77.

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

COMMEMORATING WORLD HEART DAY...

L-R: Matron, Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Mrs. Patricia Osegi; Managing Director, Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Victoria Island, Dr. Ayobami Kuyoro; Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olubisi Oyeniran; Group Head, Marketing and Communication, Mrs. Foluso Adeyemi; and Head Human Resources, Mrs. Funmilola Adedeji, during the 10,000 steps walk to commemorate World Heart Day in Lagos… recently

FG, States Adopt Ethiopia’s Nutrition Model, to Introduce Scheme in 774 LGAs Govs, ministers back stronger local action on child nutrition Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government and the 36 states have pledged to deepen collaboration at the grassroots as Nigeria moves to translate its nutrition policies into measurable

improvements in communities and households. The renewed push is aimed at strengthening nutrition delivery through coordinated action across health, education, agriculture, water, sanitation and social

protection, with states and local governments expected to play a central role in implementation. Speaking on the sidelines of the Nigeria–Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange in Addis Ababa, Vice President Kashim

Shettima who the Nigerian delegation which included governors and ministers, said Ethiopia’s experience offers useful lessons for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle malnutrition and child stunting through stronger national

Bauchi: NDC Supporters Defect to APM, Cite Governor's Achievements

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

A large number of supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bauchi State have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), citing what they described as the landmark achievements of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as the reason for their decision.

The defectors, led by Mr. Muntaqa Ahmad Zubairu, the Chairman of the party's decampees yesterday, said their decision to join the APM was motivated by their assessment of the governor’s performance, particularly in infrastructure development and other areas of governance across the state. They expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership,

noting that his administration’s projects and policies influenced their decision to align with the APM and support his political direction. The development is seen as a fresh political realignment in Bauchi State, as supporters from the NDC move to the APM, with the stated aim of supporting Governor Mohammed and his administration.

The delegation, which was received by Governor Mohammed while the party’s State Secretary, Alhassan Danlami Bako, spoke on behalf of the group. Bako said the decision to join the APM followed their assessment of the achievements and developmental initiatives of the Mohammed-led administration.

and subnational coordination. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State said interventions must pay particular attention to children under five and pregnant women, noting that while Nigeria has recorded some progress, there is room for improvement. “Especially for the young ones under five and, of course, pregnant women, it is very, very important. “We have some success, but we can improve on it. That is why I am here, to learn from our counterparts in Ethiopia,” Adeleke said. On the part of his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, Nigeria must be willing to learn from countries that have achieved progress rather than attempt to reinvent the wheel. “There’s nothing wrong with saying that we have not done well. And there’s also nothing wrong in learning from those who have done it, so that you

don’t go reinventing the wheel,” Otti said. He stressed that nutrition goes beyond food security, saying progress requires coordinated interventions in healthcare, education, agriculture, climate action and poverty reduction. “Today, we have learned that it’s not just about food security. It’s also about health. It’s about education. It’s about climate change. It’s about agriculture. So, a whole lot of things are intertwined,” he said. Otti said Abia State had recruited 9,469 teachers, was developing 20 smart schools and rehabilitating more than 200 primary and secondary schools, while committing about 20 per cent of its annual budget to education. For Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, insecurity has worsened nutrition challenges in a state traditionally known for substantial food production.

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

term. In most of the communities the team was received by a large crowd of party supporters and enthusiastic voters, where the APC chieftains explained that President Tinubu deserves re-election because of the development strides his administration has achieved in rural communities in Nembe and Brass local government areas. Speaking in an interview, Sam said President Tinubu deserves re-election for the developmental projects his administration has achieved in Nembe and Brass communities through the NDDC, which has a Bayelsan, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, as its Managing Director. According to him, the NDDC has carried out developmental projects in rural communities in Nembe and Brass.

Product Testing: NMDPRA, Bureau APC Chieftain Rallies Support for Veritas, Ace Energy Sign Tripartite MoU Tinubu in Bayelsa Communities Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bureau Veritas and Ace Energy

and Power Solutions Limited to digitalise its nine laboratories across the country. The agreement was signed at the NMDPRA office on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday. The Authority’s Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community,

Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, signed on behalf of the Authority Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Umar. Bureau Veritas Managing Director, Daniel Wilbert, and Ace Energy Group Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Nwokolo, signed for their respective organisations.

Speaking after the ceremony, Lamorde said the partnership would strengthen the Authority’s regulatory oversight through capacity building, standardisation of operating procedures, staff training and the deployment of world-class laboratory equipment.

FG Launches Free CNG Buses in Kano Varsities to Ease Transport Cost

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The federal government has launched free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus rides for students of Bayero University (BUK) and others as part of efforts to ease transportation hardship in tertiary institutions.

The initiative was unveiled yesterday at BUK under Project SPROUT, a university-focused clean and affordable mobility programme being implemented by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) in partnership with FEMADEC Energy and MD

GIF. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG & EV, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, his representative, Louisa Afu, said the programme was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's mandate to transition the nation to clean energy following the removal

of fuel subsidy. She said Project SPROUT was designed to introduce affordable transportation solutions in universities through the establishment of CNG refuelling stations, vehicle conversion centres, and deployment of buses and tricycles in phases.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and CEO of Labrador Security Services, Dr. Kojo Sam, led a two-day campaign tour in Nembe and Brass, rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027. The communities visited including Agrisaba, Ikensi, Okoroba, Oluasiri, Obioku, Okoroma, Ewelesuo, Nembe Creek, Fantuo and Odioma, where they emphasised the development achieved under Tinubu's administration, particularly through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Dr. Sam highlighted the positive impact of NDDC projects in the region and urged voters to support Tinubu for a second

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026

NEWS XTRA

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR TOURISM OFFICERS...

L-R: Director, Research and Development Department, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Temitope Legunsen; Managing Director/CEO, PWK Consultancy Services, Dr Kolawole Oseni; Director, Administration and Human Resource, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu; Facilitator/Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Prof. Michael Kununji; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; Facilitator/Head of Department, Tourism and Hospitality, Lagos State University, Ojo, Dr Adeyinka Olarinmoye; President, Lagos State Local Government Tourism Officers, Dr Nurudeen Damilare Shoye; representative of Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board/Director, Administration and Human Resource of the Board, Mr. Deji Sulaiman; and Director, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, during the Community-Based Tourism Workshop for Tourism Officers at the 57 LGs/ LCDAs, held at Ikeja…yesterday

Chinese Embassy Explains One-China Principle to Nigerian Media Executives

Sunday Ehigiator

The Chinese Embassy has explained its One-China Principle, urging the Nigerian media to distinguish between reporting on Taiwan and descriptions that suggest the island is a sovereign country separate from China. Speaking during a meeting with media executives in Lagos, Mr. Xu Fan, Director of Bilateral Relations and Commerce at the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, said China’s position on Taiwan was rooted in historical records, international agreements and the diplomatic framework established after the Second World War. He cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 and Nigeria’s diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China, while maintaining that the One-China Principle remained the political foundation of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Abuja. Fan noted that Nigeria

reaffirmed its commitment to the principle during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024. He clarified that China did not object to Nigerian media reporting on Taiwan but was concerned about terminology that could be interpreted as recognising the island as a sovereign state. The explanation prompted a robust exchange with Nigerian media executives, who stressed the importance of editorial independence and the need to preserve the freedom of journalists to report issues in the public interest. The discussion, which also examined Nigeria-China relations, trade, investment and media cooperation, underscored the importance of dialogue between Chinese diplomatic institutions and Nigerian media organisations. The session was convened by Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze, representative of Buffalo and

Financial Inclusion: Piggyvest Mobilises 9 Million Nigerians to Save, Invest

Dike Onwuamaeze

In a country with a record low savings and investments, the CoFounder/Chief Executive Officer of Piggyvest, Mr. Somto Ifezue, has disclosed that the company has mobilised over nine million Nigerians and transformed them to committed savers and investors for assured financial freedom. Ifezue disclosed this recently during the company’s ‘Open House’ event, which was held last month at the National Theatre, Lagos. He said, “We are trying to transform Nigeria into a productive country. And in order for it to be productive, there has to be savings and investments internally. “So one of the things we have done at Piggyvest, which we are proud of, is that we have reduced

a lot of frivolous spending from our customers. “Today, our customers are using Piggyvest to limit their unplanned spending. We are helping people to save, invest and achieve financial freedom” He also said that the Piggyvest has completely rebuilt and refreshed its app with additional savings and investments features. A Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Piggyvest, Mr. Joshua Chibueze, said that Piggyvest wants to become the financial platform for Nigerian households. Chibueze said, “We are aiming to go deep into the Nigerian household by creating a safe, secure place where Nigerians can participate in high-yield investment opportunities.”

Bay Media, and featured Amb. Anderson Madubike, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, former Consul General in Shanghai, China, and former Chargé d’Affaires to South Africa.

Earlier, Eze described Nigeria-China relations as a partnership that had expanded beyond traditional diplomatic engagement to encompass infrastructure, trade, education, technology, agriculture,

investment and people-to-people exchanges. He urged media organisations to report the relationship with accuracy, balance and context, stressing that informed public discourse was essential to

maximising the benefits of bilateral cooperation. “The media does not merely report events. It shapes how societies understand countries, people, policies and opportunities,” Eze said.

NDLEA Rehabilitates Over 53,000 Drug Users, Conducts 17,213 Anti-Drug Outreaches in Five Years Sunday Ehigiator The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that it has counselled, treated and rehabilitated 53,843 persons struggling with drug use across its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide in the last five years. The agency also revealed that it conducted 17,213 outreaches under its War Against Drug Abuse

(WADA) campaign within the period to prevent substance abuse and raise public awareness. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this in his remarks delivered by the Assistant Comptroller-General, Archie-Abia Ibinabo, Director of Seaport Operations, at the fourth Vanguard Mental Health Summit

held yesterday in Lagos. Marwa, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the summit, said mental health challenges and substance abuse were closely connected, warning that efforts to address one without considering the other could undermine support for affected young people. “At the NDLEA, we meet this reality every day. Behind almost every case of drug abuse is a

story of pain: anxiety nobody noticed, depression nobody named, trauma nobody treated,” he said. According to him, some young people resort to drugs to cope with emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and trauma, underscoring the need to strengthen mental health support alongside efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

HBM Nigeria Trains 120 Persons with Disabilities in Lagos HBM Nigeria Plc, a provider of innovative building solutions and manufacturer of cement, ready-mix, mortar, and Plaster of Paris brands, has commenced the 2026 edition of its Disability to Ability (D2A) programme. This edition aims to provide 120 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from Alimosho and Epe in Lagos State with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills to support

economic independence and workforce participation. The six-week programme, delivered in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), kicked off with a joint orientation and launch on Monday, September 21, 2026. Participants will receive practical training in make-up and Gele, wig and braids making, phone and laptop repairs, and shoe and bag

making. Additionally, the programme includes sessions on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, business management, sustainable livelihoods, circular economy and green skills. Participants will complete practical projects and assessments, culminating in a graduation showcase of their work. Speaking on the initiative,

the Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, HBM Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, noted that the D2A programme reflects the company’s belief that disability should not limit or impede the achievement of economic goals. She noted that skills development creates a real opportunity to equip people living with disabilities to pursue sustainable livelihoods.

BATN Foundation Supports 200 Women in Anambra

Bennett Oghifo

Following the successful rollout of its EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project in Jigawa State, BATN Foundation has expanded the initiative to Anambra State, empowering 200 rural women from Okija, Ogidi, Okpoko and Akpu communities with 4,000 Noiler birds, feeds, medications, training and technical support to help them establish sustainable

poultry enterprises and improve household incomes. The project was officially flagged off at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, bringing together government officials, community leaders, project partners and beneficiaries. The Anambra intervention builds on the Foundation's broader commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment through agriculture and follows a

similar programme implemented earlier in Jigawa State, where women beneficiaries received poultry production assets and enterprise support to establish viable businesses. Through the expansion of EMPOWER-Her, BATN Foundation is scaling a proven model designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women across rural communities in Nigeria. Under the project, beneficiaries

received Noiler birds and feeds, alongside practical training in poultry management, business development and enterprise sustainability. Training was conducted across four local government areas namely Ihiala, Idemili North, Ogbaru and Orumba South LGA before the official handover, ensuring participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills required to manage and grow successful poultry enterprises.

SaturDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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OCTOBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT 13

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Free at alast... What waste!

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In Praise of President Teachers: Why Do We Need Them? Buhari

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He talks described battle between ness, and disregard of the disclosures of the President’s stock takingas wasahow the country Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried of dishonesty ritual money and wealth is completely chapter verse of21billions [b], of weNaira read: works frittered He awayhelps billions his in foreign elephants currency by importing goods,the which can inbaseless. AfAW is makinggood this call following the out was the3,approval in bailout fundsand to enable state with them. in which grass for the common continue to be produced at home. items was rice, a major staple among reported arrest ofthemselves. suspected ritualists in Oyo State governors pay something as basic as workers’ “Safeguard practical wisdom andsalaries. Granting peoplethose to bailout think clearly about theirOne of such evitably suffers, the real question reproduce By ways banning rice importation into the country, the President on one in southern Nigeria. The local media reported funds was aability.” huge boost to national security because pressure of arrears thinking Also, Proverbs 4:7 the needs and to findNigerians. suitable that should occupy our minds is that members The problem, therefore, deeper hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually. of the Western Nigeriais Security of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a says: is the most important to meet them. He looks not merely who winsproduction the election, Network, than elections. It is asuspected crisis ofritualists And, onfor the every other hand, the President has boosted domestic Amotekun, arrested ticking “Wisdom bomb. thing, sonaysayers acquireandwisdom, with opportunity in process an had nudged of riceideas and in the the country into of self society sufficiencywe in are with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. Ask the they wouldand readily remind you of how long it to share but what kind values. An election can change food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice The suspects, who were apprehended in the tookyou President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to all acquire, acquire understandopen and friendly way.” becoming. the occupants of political offices, chain. about Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim collapse Wisdom of the economy as if, without ministers,of governance was frozen. ing.” implies a breadth What more canvalue be said Our society appears to beis at butasked it cannot itselfsome change the What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government cleric them toby procure human body But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, knowledge and atermed depth undergood teachers instill its frugal management of scarce national resources attain optimum for rituals.ofRitual attacks are Chimamanda Adichie, “theof danger of a single story”. Yetteachers? the whole Good the nadir of to moral decay.goals. While parts character a society. Wewidespread can elect standing. is closely confidence they teach, and Buhariadults Recall that since President stepped in saddle, watching oil revenue dropped Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of howand to story was thatEducation many of our citizens did notrelated know how decrepit a state in those sitthealoof, a soci- in new leaders every four years abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to make money or become wealthy and successful President Buhariand inherited in 2015. to wisdom understanding in they make learning a fascinating ety that is increasingly deficient still remain trappedMany in the same during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the undergird these atrocities. Nigerians It was therefore for him to take stock the background the sense thatnecessary education involves theagainstchallenge. A goodcitizens teacher recognizes in almost everyoilaspect moral strongly cyclebelieve if theinvalues that govern our President is achieving what governments that received windfallsof could blood money, known in of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full gradual process acquiring knowleach student’s not dreamand of. knows some local languages Ogun Owo (Yoruba) well with the incomingof government in terms of leaving workable handover potential decency, we seem to have norindividual and as collective conduct edge and understanding. Biblical how to make and flourish. Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And Ogwu egounchanged. (Igbo). They think that they notes. Although President GoodluckThe Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many it blossom malised indiscipline, corruption, or remain from brand new rail track was started and completed; could become rich, or successful through ritual of his appointees were still sulking over whaton they saw as sense of wisdom lays emphasis Totheir getpersonal the best out ofLagos eachto Ibadan child,athe dishonesty, impunity, intolerance Bashir Bello, Kaduna citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is notState the case. losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the sound judgement, based on knowlteacher must discover what interests andthe the gradual erosionAnd ofwith our country seamlessly as they reap from dividends of democracy. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, Buhari government. edge understanding; the ability or motivates orway herthis and what is going,shared government before 2023 when the President would or reality. Home movies known asDonald? Africa Evenand with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDPhim the moral values. Camp David or Camp to use knowledge and understanding makes the child tick, a dedicated leave, and the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic magic or Nollywood films have not helped appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making We have become increasingly matters. These movies continue to reinforce things difficult forto Buhari, theproblems, President moved on with his methodical repair successfully solve avoid teacher must loveadvantages. children. resident Trump is looking at adding of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja preoccupied with political power these mistaken notions and other superstitions. or avert dangers, attain certain goals, Daniel Ighakpe, St. Jude’s Private while paying little attention to a presidential residence to one of Families, churches, mosques, and other public of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be or others in doing so.the policy of Schools, FESTAC Town, Lagos institutions do not encourage thewill interrogation paidcounsel into one single account in line with his golf courses. Who pay for of these traditional occultitbeliefs. There arefor Single Treasuryplay Account Teachers a (TSA). central role in this, and will be available T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these The TSA policy, interestingly, waseducation mooted by the education. They provide future Democrat Presidents? EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE irrational and paranormal claims in schools, PDP government but its penchant for imprudence DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU for people of all ages - children to President said So “Itmillions seems of that all colleges, andTrump universities. and lack of accountability denied it the courage of T HMANAGING E SAT U RDIRECTOR DAY N EENIOLA W S PABELLO PER adults, andtheinpolicy. a diverse of literally studEDITOR OBINNA CHIMA Nigerians grow blindly believing that they implementing What thefield President DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU presidents play up golf' but most don't cheat. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN OGBU ADENIYI DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA could make money through ritual sacrifice of did was to gather work all the nation’s into one box ies. Teachers hard money to inspire, There is some doubt on at least one leader's EDITOR NATION’SDIRECTOR CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING ENIOLA BELLO human body parts. The belief has led many and locked it up withand a big mentor padlock and guide, educate uswatched everyfor MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU golf skills and honesty as suggested by the Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate any thief to come close. THE EDITORIAL OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI day. very valuable healthfirst roundMany that Nigerians Kim Jong-il played atrocities. have ever been jailed WhoIn canfact, blameathe President for almost developing EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN care handbook titledof‘Where There or are he undergoing court trialspar due34. to ritualparanoia over the safeguard the national treasury where shot a 38-under Not all THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE related are attacks and murder. with revelations and authored reports of mind-boggling Is No Doctor,’ by Davidlooting leaders honest on the golf course. Not too long ago, the police arrested some that took place the 16 the PDP? With T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D Werner hasinthis toyears sayofabout teachApparently most the necessary security young Nigerians forofstealing female pants, such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA ing: “Thein art of teaching is the features areintended already,tothere but why? Is it which they use for ritual sacrifice. insurgency the Northeast ended up in themost pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, TH I S DAY N E WNWOGWUGWU, S PA P E R S LEMMANUEL I M I T E D EFENI ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA important skill a person learn. AfAWso is that asking all Nigerians tohis desist from a few individuals while our gallantcan soldiers fought with secure no one can see approach EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE abuses because ritual money bareteach hands and on empty Buhari To is to help stomach, others President grow, and toritual-related golf, including dropped balls. Some of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLAOJOGUN BELLO, KAYODE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR VICTORKOMOLAFE, DANBOYI beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back to grow with them. A good teacher ISRAEL IWEGBU SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH the bunkers will be sand bunkers, others media, schools, and colleges should help in national spending. DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORSASSOCIATE SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE is Thus, not someone who puts into educate and reorient the There public.are They will be military bunkers. tooshould many under President Buhari, the ideas Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI other heads; he or she assist in reasoning Nigerians access, out of this Financialpeople’s Crimes Commission (EFCC), whichis had DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO SNR.PRINTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH questions about ownership, purpose, killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. remained comatose years,others was woken up to resume ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI someone who for helps build TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com security and even, why it is necessary? Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI on their own ideas, to make new It is certain to be named Camp Donald. Witches (AfAW) funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO discoveries for themselves.” The Dennis Fitzgerald, 28 Landale St., Box TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com book goes on to say: “People do not Hill, Vic. Australia

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026

NEWS XTRA

HYBRID INVERTER LAUNCH...

L-R: itel Energy National Sales Director, Mr. Lion Wang; Energy Installer Operations Manager, Mariam Shour, and Energy National Distributor Manager, Mr. Lucky Ovenseri, at the itel Energy PowerTank 1000 and 11kW Hybrid Inverter Launch in Lagos…recently

MEDIA BRIEFING...

L-R: Wife of the Lead Pastor, Mrs. Glory Umoru; Abowa of Agbowa Ikosi, Lagos State, Oba Owolabi Saheed Momson, and Lead Pastor, International Miracle Service, Andrew Umoru, during a press conference on the Agbowa Miracle Crusade held in Lagos…recently

Imo West Senatorial: Court Orders Okorocha, Araraume, PAGE ??? Others’ Arrest over Alleged Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery Alex Enumah in Abuja

A senior Magistrate Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha and a former Senator, Ifeanyi Araraume, and two others over alleged criminal conspiracy, forgery and tendering of false documents. The two others are Timothy Ama Chuks and Amen Okorocha. They are accused of forging and tendering false results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Imo

West Senatorial, which presented Okorocha as winner of the May 18 primary election. According to the court documents sighted by THISDAY, all police officers across Nigeria are, by the bench warrant authorised to seize Okorocha, Araraume, Timothy Chuks and Amen Okorocha and produce them before the Senior Magistrate Court 3 at Jiwa, Abuja. In the bench warrant dated September 9,2026 and issued by Ebiwari E Damini, the four defendants are charged with criminal conspiracy, forgery,

perjury and uttering false documents. In the case numbers CR/M/ JW/084/2026, and CR/M/ JW/085/2026, the matter is between the Inspector General of Police and the four wanted persons. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked both the Police and DSS to investigate Okorocha for allegedly parading fake APC primary results. Besides, the electoral umpire has also disowned a document allegedly being circulated by

Okorocha claiming that he won the primaries. The commission in the separate letters to the DSS and Police stated that the authentic document by APC before it showed that Governor Hope Uzodimma won the primaries upon which his name was duly forwarded to it by the APC as the candidate for Imo West Senatorial Zone (Orlu Zone). In the letter to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, and his DSS counterpart, INEC declared the document allegedly being

paraded by Okorocha as fake and urged the security agencies to investigate the former governor. In the letter dated October 8, 2026 and signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Imo State, Chukwuemeka C Ibeziako, INEC declared that it was reporting a case of "fraudulent and fictitious All Progressive Congress senatorial party primary report for Imo State dated May 18,2026." It raised the alarm that contrary to the document duly signed by APC and forwarded to its headquarters with Uzodimma as

the clear winner of the primary election, the one circulating in the social media purported Okorocha as the winner, hence the petition. "The fictitious document wrongly presented Senator Ethelbert Rochas Okorocha as the elected candidate for the party," INEC stated. While enclosing the original results it claimed declared Uzodimma as the rightful winner of the primary and the alleged fake one being paraded by Okorocha, INEC urged the police and the DSS to thoroughly investigate the forgery.

"The pain and bitterness stems from the fact that he, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT finally outsmarted him politically to get the most coveted position of President and he can’t mentally deal with this fact. What we are witnessing with all his recent tantrums against Mr. President, veiled as opposition heroics, is actually a higher form of depression in the field of mental health called agitateddepression. "Recall that President Bola Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State at a time when he was Vice-President of Nigeria and was generally regarded as politically ahead of President Tinubu in the pecking order of those who aspired to be President. This is not a forum to restate the political journey these two eminent politicians embarked upon when both left their offices as Vice President and Governor in 2007, both in union sometimes and in disunion some other times, with both of their eyes fixed on the ultimate prize," Keyamo said. He said, however, through a combination of fate, luck, divine interventions and political dexterity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally clinched the Presidency "At the first try as against his (Atiku's) never-ending ambition since 1993. Here lies his pain, anger, despair and depression." "But let me remind Atiku Abubakar that, despite all the invectives he has poured on the President of late, power is given only by God Almighty, not by man. My most favourite Bible verse since I was 10 years old is actually Ecclesiastic 9:11 which states: 'I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift,

nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all,'" Keyamo said. The Minister also added, "We should all pity Atiku Abubakar rather than goad him on. Those close to him should actually administer anti-depressants on him. Rather than win supporters, he will lose most intelligent ones by his recent posturing. "Atiku Abubakar urgently needs mental health support at this critical time as he finally peters into political oblivion," Keyamo added.

FUEL PRICE DISCOUNT: ATIKU ASKS FG, ‘WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DAY 30?’ price discount, insisting that it is a commercial decision by NNPC Retail to temporarily surrender its profit margin rather than a return to the petroleum subsidy regime. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance yesterday, Oyedele explained that a retail margin discount occurs when a marketer voluntarily reduces or temporarily relinquishes its profit margin to lower the price paid by consumers. The price cushion initiative offers a N60-per-litre reduction by allowing NNPC Retail to forgo its retail profit margin. It is intended to cushion households, commuters and commercial transport operators against rising petrol prices triggered by global oil market volatility amid tensions in the Middle East. Oyedele said the cost of the discount was being borne by NNPC Retail and that no public funds had been committed to the initiative. “Every marketer adds a margin to the price it pays for the fuel it sells. A margin discount means the retailer chooses to take a smaller margin, or no margin at all for a period, and passes the saving to the customer. The cost of the discount is borne by the retailer alone,” the minister said. He maintained that the arrangement differed from a subsidy, under which the government pays part of the price consumers would otherwise bear using public revenue. According to him, NNPC Retail continues to purchase petrol from Dangote Refinery and other suppliers at prevailing market prices on commercial terms before applying its retail margin to determine pump prices. \Oyedele also argued that the

reduction in earnings per litre could be offset by higher sales volumes as motorists patronised NNPC stations because of the lower prices. Speaking further, Oyedele said: “We must not keep quiet and allow populism to move our country in the wrong direction. To answer your question, if Nigeria produces 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, that volume does not belong to the country alone. Under production-sharing contracts and joint ventures, the crude is shared among the parties involved, and the ratios vary. For illustration, let us assume a 45:55 ratio. A portion of the crude goes to the contractors, while another portion goes to the government. “There is also the cost of production—the cost of extracting the crude oil from the ground. This is recovered through cost oil, which further reduces the volume available. Royalties must also be deducted before the parties can share the remaining profit oil. The point I am making is that, before the recent reforms, almost all the crude oil revenue available to Nigeria had been exhausted by the cost of the fuel subsidy.” “Before President Tinubu introduced the reform in May 2023, the NNPC, which holds crude oil on behalf of the country, had less than 100,000 barrels of free crude left. When government revenues were exhausted, the government resorted to printing money, but that was still insufficient. We then began using future crude oil production to secure commitments and borrow money to subsidise current consumption.” According to the minister, Nigeria was in an unsustainable situation as of May 2023, when the President

introduced his subsidy removal reform. Nigeria had less than 100,000 barrels of free crude available. What the government has achieved since then is the result of increased production, reduced oil theft and the renegotiation of some commitments that previously tied down crude oil. Many Nigerians will remember when Mr. Tony Elumelu, went on social media that the country was unable to account for much of the crude oil it produced because of theft. He later returned to say that the estimated level of theft had fallen to about five per cent. These developments reflect some of the efforts made by the current government. “However, despite the increase in production and the reduction in oil theft, Nigeria still does not have up to 700,000 barrels of free crude oil available to service Dangote Refinery. Therefore, those suggesting that the government should simply offer crude oil at a discounted price based on the cost of production may not fully appreciate the technical and commercial realities involved. “It is also important to understand that Nigerian crude is predominantly light and sweet. It may not be the most optimal feedstock for every refining requirement, and Dangote Refinery still needs to import some heavier crude grades. I do not want to go into the technicalities, but the reality is that Nigeria does not currently have up to 700,000 barrels of free crude oil available to supply any single buyer, including Dangote Refinery. That is why the President introduced the naira-for-crude arrangement, which was intended to

help provide greater stability for the refinery and the domestic market. The arrangement has helped, but the available volume is still insufficient to meet all the refinery’s requirements. “As we ramp up production and free up more barrels from existing commitments, we should reach a point where Dangote Refinery can obtain the crude it requires and other refineries can also secure adequate supplies. Personally, I hope Nigeria will eventually reach a stage where all the crude oil it produces is refined domestically and only the surplus of refined petroleum products is exported. “However, I cannot provide the exact volume of free crude currently available because I do not have that figure. What I can say is that it is below Dangote Refinery’s requirements. It is important to establish that fact: the refinery still imports crude oil, and Nigeria must continue to increase production and make more crude available to domestic refiners.”

Keyamo: Atiku’s Attacks on Tinubu Sign of Political Depression In a direct response to Atiku’s criticism, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday described the former vice-president’s recent verbal attacks on President Tinubu as symptoms of “agitated depression” fuelled by political defeat. Keyamo who made this known in his verified X (Twitter) account, said Atiku was pained and that the pain stemmed from the fact that President Tinubu, has outsmarted him politically to become the President.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH FELICIA, now wish to be known and addressed as KORGBARA FELICIA. All documents remain valid. The general public and other relevant authorities should please take note.

Descendants of the Late OBA KOYETO Royal Family wish to change their name in ABEJOYE Royal Ruling House from OGUNYI to KOYETO as agreed by all 4 branches (OGUNTIMEHIN, OGUNNAIKE, ADESOYE and OGUNDIPE). All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OSOBA TAWAKALITU ABISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OTUBANJO TAWAKALITU ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as NABILAH WINIFRED LAWAL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NABILAH WINIFRED LAWAL OCHEJA. All former documents remain valid.The general public should please take note.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

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SHOWBIZ

Ferdinand Ekechukwu- 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Bovi Wraps-up ‘Guilty as Charged’ Tomorrow in Lagos Stories by Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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fter an impressive run across the United Kingdom and six Canadian cities, Bovi Ugboma, one of Nigeria’s best known stand-up comedians closes his 2026 world tour in Lagos tomorrow, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island. The door for the ‘Bovi: Guilty as Charged’ finale opens 6pm, show starts 7pm and ends 10pm. Bovi who has established his brand with several productions including Bovi: Man on Fire and Bovi: Naughty by Nature have become a leading force in Nigeria comedy entertainment, attracting audiences both at home and abroad. ‘Bovi: Guilty as Charged’ is the latest chapter in the journey and brings him back before Nigerian audiences after the tours sold-out dates abroad. Speaking about the upcoming event recently, Bovi said, “It’s Guilty as Charged" because like every show I do there’s always a running title that goes with it. It’s like an album. So, in every album there’s one song, a music that usually is the tile. So, most of the jokes are themed and majority of them basically is just like pointing accusatory finger.” The award-winning comedian, actor and writer, reflects on the originality of his material saying, “As for my material, I’m just being me, trying to evolve over the years, where I can evolve. I have never taken my audience for granted, that’s what I can assure you. And I always put my best foot forward because people are paying money for this thing. And I need to give them value for their money.” However, the comedian noted that tickets sales alone

Oscars 2027: ‘Dear Ajayi’ Selected in International Feature Category

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ear Ajayi’, a family drama directed and produced by Damilola Orimogunje, has been selected as Nigeria’s official submission for the International Feature Film category of the 2027 Academy Awards. The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) announced the decision after reviewing films submitted during its month-long call for entries, which ran from 1 to 31 August. ‘Dear Ajayi’ is a Nigeria-Germany co-production set in southwestern Nigeria in the 1990s. The family drama follows Ade and Titi Ajayi, two estranged sisters forced to live together and care for their paralysed mother. Ade, a devout Christian and the family’s breadwinner, struggles to understand Titi, an aspiring singer whose independent spirit challenges the expectations placed on her. The film stars Bimbo Akintola, Uzoamaka Power, Tosin Adeyemi and Baaj Adebule, among others. The selection does not, however, constitute automatic Oscar nomination. The Academy will assess the film’s eligibility alongside submissions from other countries before voting determines the 15-film shortlist and, subsequently, the five nominees. For the 2025 Oscars, Nigeria selected Mai Martaba, an epic Hausa-language film, while Mami Wata represented the country at the 96th Academy Awards. In 2021, The Milkmaid made history as the first Nigerian film accepted into the Oscars’ International Feature Film category, although it did not advance to the final shortlist.

don’t sustain a show like his. “I mean if we have 10,000 or 20,000 capacity arenas tickets sales would do the magic. But we don’t have 20,000 capacity arenas. That’s why we are grateful to sponsors that come on board, both private and corporate.” He acknowledged comedy as “actually very unique. So, two people might tell similar joke but stays unique to them.” What should audience expect? “Everything I’m going to talk about; everything you can think of that’s being happening in the last one year. Because I haven’t done the show in three years now, so everything is on the table. One thing about comedy is that it has to be relatable.” When asked why he rarely features other A-list Nigerian comedians on his headline shows, Bovi described himself as a creative ‘puritan’. He then shares his specific vision for curating his personal storytelling projects and stated that if he does bring on other talents, they must be properly commercialised and paid for their craft. He however promises one A-list guest appearance to make a surprise. Bovi, who by 2028 would mark 20 years as a comedian, seized the occasion to clarify perception around his precursor show, ‘Bovi: Man on Fire’, over ‘Bovi: Guilty as Charged’. ‘Man on Fire was a name of group of shows I did, it was never my name. The last time I did ‘Man on Fire’ was 2019. After that I have done two other specials in Lagos, and I have done five, six specials around the world.” He explained further, teases in between. “Man on Fire was the name of a product as at the time. Because my first shows were called Man on Fire, that’s why it has stuck. And because it sounds like a name that was attributed to me, so it’s like an alliance. But truth is it was the name of the show. Not an alliance. My name will always be Bovi. Not ‘Man on Fire’ and not ‘Guilty as Charged’

Bovi

Mr. P Drops Uplifting Single, Video of ‘Chukwu Mee’ Ahead of His Forthcoming Album

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ave you been listening to Mr. P’s “Chukwu Mee”? There’s now a video for the Afro-gospel track, directed by ID Directions. Translating from Igbo as “God Did It,” “Chukwu Mee” is a song of praise and thanksgiving, with Mr. P reflecting on the hurdles he has overcome, the skepticism he has faced, and the role of faith in getting him to where he is today. He also sings about silent prayers, patience and taking things as they come, summed up in the line, “no rush, and no force." The production pairs upbeat percussion with choir harmonies, giving the song its celebratory feel. The video follows that same direction, moving between polished studio scenes, traditional Igbo imagery, church gatherings and social celebrations. Mr. P opens the video in an oversized cream double-breasted suit with a matching fedora, before changing into a brown vest over dark tailoring, finished with gold chains. Later, he leans fully into traditional Igbo styling in a black Isiagu top, red okpu agu cap, dark sunglasses and an Akupe hand fan. Traditional dancers blue outfits join him for

Mr. P the cultural scenes, while a choir dressed in flowing off-white robes performs alongside. The video also features women in fascinators, pearls and evening wear, waving handkerchiefs and dancing through scenes that feel closer to a lively celebration than a formal performance. Across the different settings, “Chukwu Mee” keeps its focus on gratitude, faith and the idea

of looking back at what one have overcome and simply saying, as the title goes, “God did it.” Built around the realities of everyday hustle, the song finds Mr P speaking to anyone who has had to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. Rather than romanticising success as something that happens overnight, the record celebrates patience, work, faith and the quiet determination required to stay the course. “We had nothing, just a dream / Every morning, same routine,” he sings in the opening verse, immediately establishing the song’s grounded perspective. At the centre of the song is its simple prayer: “Chukwu mee, kai di mma” — a heartfelt appeal to God for things to turn out well. It is not a request for excess, but for the dignity of seeing one’s labour rewarded: “Bless our work, make e show.” That sentiment gives Chukwu Mee its emotional core. The record also draws heavily from Igbo expressions of resilience and traditional wisdom. Lines such as “Nwayo nwayo” reinforce the idea of moving gradually and trusting the process, while “Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe” speaks to the relationship between personal resolve and divine support. The reflective, yet uplifting single arrives ahead of his forthcoming album set for November.

Inside ‘Chaos in the Ring’: When Celebrity Rivalries Entered the Ring

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treamer, Carter Efe and Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna have continued to dominate reels and post online following their emergence as winners in the headline celebrity boxing bouts tagged “Chaos in the Ring” Independence Edition, which took place in Lagos. Efe retained his celebrity boxing title after beating rapper, Speed Darlington, while Phyna, real name Josephine Otabor, stopped Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing in the final round of their scheduled bout. The two celebrity contests were held on Thursday, October 1, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. The highly publicised celebrity bouts included part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. ‘Chaos in the Ring’ delivered a night of superb celebrity bouts and unforgettable entertainment, attracting some other names in the industry spectators. There were also professional championship bouts. The celebrity contests provided a very different kind of spectacle. Efe and Darlington delivered one of the evening’s most entertaining encounters, with Efe combining his moment with unexpected dance breaks. Speed, meanwhile, spent much of the fight protecting his face. Efe was eventually declared the winner, and

Phyna and Nkechi during their bout after the bout, the entertainer immediately set his sights on an even bigger challenge, declaring that he wants to fight boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. ‘I’m tired of fighting local celebrity fighters. I need Mayweather’, he said. The night’s female celebrity contest between Phyna and Nkechi Blessing delivered perhaps the loudest reactions of the evening, as both women brought an unexpected level of intensity to the ring. The atmosphere inside

the arena continued to build as Phyna and Nkechi exchanged punches. The crowd remained fully invested in the contest, turning the bout into one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Phyna eventually found the decisive opening and knocked Nkechi Blessing out, bringing the contest to an emphatic conclusion and securing the victory. By the final bell, Chaos in the Ring had delivered everything its name promised: championship boxing, knockouts, national rivalry, celebrity drama, unexpected sportsmanship, and a crowd that stayed locked in until the very end. After the victory, Phyna called out actress Etinosa Idemudia, who was present at the venue. Phyna claimed Etinosa had been sending her messages before challenging her to another celebrity boxing contest. Etinosa accepted the challenge, potentially setting the stage for another bout under the promotion. Phyna also indicated that she wants to explore boxing beyond the celebrity contest.

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Super SATURDAY Solomon Adeola: Ogun Should Not Be State Where You Make Money and Spend It in Lagos Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. Having served as senator representing Lagos West from 2015 to 2023 and Ogun West since 2023, Adeola brings more than two decades of legislative experience to the race. He outlines his vision for industrialisation, infrastructure, job creation and inclusive growth, arguing that Ogun must retain more economic value from businesses operating within its borders. He also responds to the controversy over his indigeneship and change of name. Wale Igbintade brings the excerpts:

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mid the controversy over your indigeneship and the allegations surrounding your change of name, what verifiable documents or official records are you prepared to make available to establish your claim that you are an indigene of Ogun State?” Let me say this, I can’t be running for such an exalted office and I will not be confronted with these challenges. P ​ eople who are doing this know they are doing it to discredit and destroy my person. There’s what is called investigative journalism. Where my father was buried is 30 minutes away from here (Ikeja), go and investigate. It is in Almosho, number 3, Ogunsola street, Alagutan, bus stop, in his house, that’s where he was buried.​ My mother was buried at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, there. My grandmother, the mother of my mother, was buried at Ikeja, the burial ground is there. My great-grandfather was buried at Ishaga. S ​ o, how can I be running for a governor’s office, and I’ll be having such a big skeleton in my cupboard, and I’ll be comfortable? Having served The Guardian, and I resigned, I left, and somebody said, “He did change his name.” Yes, I did change of name, and I did it in The Guardian newspaper. I advertised it in The Guardian; I notified The Guardian newspaper of my change of name. ​They don’t understand, because they have nothing to fight with. So, they have to say something to discredit me, and I’m the candidate to beat. They can’t match me. I don’t want to join issues with them. They have nothing to offer. The know Yayi is from Ogun State. What they can do is to destroy Yayi, and those who are from Ogun State have responded, “Let him come from Afghanistan”. We will vote for him. Now, how did your political journey begin? My sojourn into politics has not been an easy road, but at least I managed to find my level. Because that was dated back to the June 12, 1993 struggle. Along the line, I lost my immediate younger brother to that riot, and that got me discouraged. I had to look for a way to step aside and make sure that I don’t get involved in politics again. I became very disheartened and decided to step aside and concentrate on my work. But God has a way of directing one’s path. It is something He destined

you to do. In 2002, I found my way back into politics and contested for the position of member representing Alimosho Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly. I was there for eight years. Judging by my performance, I was encouraged to go to the Federal House of Representatives to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency, where I served for four years. Within those four years, I was able to convince my constituents and, by extension, the leadership of the state and the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my father, my leader and my mentor, that I was ripe enough to represent the Lagos West Senatorial District in the Senate. By God’s grace and with the support of my constituents, I represented Lagos West for eight years. Before then, I knew that originally I was not from Lagos; I am from Ogun State. That was evident in all my documents and forms that I filled. There was no cause for doubt. I attempted to return home for the first time, but I met some resistance. Since things were working for me in Lagos, it was

easy to return and contest the Senate seat there, which I did successfully. For the second time, I attempted to return home to contest for the governorship of Ogun State. That was also met with some resistance, and again I returned to the Senate from Lagos West. I am giving you this history so that you will understand how I eventually found myself in Ogun State. What eventually brought you back to Ogun politics? For the third time, that was when God answered our prayer. When God opened the way and the political opportunity came, I was encouraged to return home. At a point, I was asked whether I would be interested in contesting for a Senate seat in Ogun State. I said yes. Initially, I did not want to run for the Senate again. My intention was to complete my two terms as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and then prepare myself for the governorship. But some people insisted that it was not possible to wait outside the political structure. They said I had to be in a position where I could remain politically relevant and then migrate from there to the governorship. It took me some time to deliberate on it. I never knew that it

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

Super saturday

Solomon Adeola: My Critics Can’t Prove I’m Not from Ogun was the platform God wanted to use to elevate me to become governor of Ogun State. When I eventually decided to run for the Senate, I noticed that there was a lot of confusion and that several people were also showing interest. I did not realise initially that everybody was galvanising themselves around that platform as a possible route to the governorship in the future. I decided to throw my hat into the ring and, graciously, by the special grace of God, I got the ticket and won the election. By the end of that period, I had spent 12 years in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 24 years as an elected legislator, serving in both Lagos and Ogun states. What experience from your legislative career do you believe prepares you for the governorship? I have had the opportunity of getting to the zenith of the legislative body, which is the Senate. I also served in various capacities. In the Lagos State House of Assembly, I was Chairman of the Committee on Finance. In the House of Representatives, I was Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts. That was while I was in the opposition party because, under the rules of the National Assembly, the opposition traditionally chairs the Public Accounts Committee. In the Senate, I was the pioneer Chairman of the Local Content Committee in the Ninth Senate. In the 10th Senate, I served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. With that experience, I believe I have what it takes to govern Ogun State and take it to the next level. Another important point is that my senatorial district has never produced a governor of Ogun State after 50 years of our existence. I believe that I have the experience and capacity required to provide leadership at this point in the state’s history. Today, I stand before you as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the February 6, 2027 governorship election. You have said your ambition is driven by a passion to serve. Why should Ogun people believe that? My quest to become governor of the state is not based on personal interest. It is not about

•Adeola enriching myself or occupying an exalted office simply to be called governor. It is driven by passion to serve. I want to serve the people for good. That is why I have chosen to engage the fourth estate of the realm and other opinion holders. There are a lot of issues in the political space. You read something about YAYI today, something about the opposition tomorrow, something about the governor the next day, and so on. But today, this gives you a first-hand, one-on-one interaction with the man called YAYI. I want you to hear directly from me what I intend to do for Ogun State. Your development agenda places consider‑ able emphasis on continuity.What exactly do you mean by continuity? I want to work with someone whose experience has brought about some level of advancement to Ogun State. I strongly feel that the next person in line should come to consolidate on

the gains we have made in the last seven and a half years as a state. I make bold to say that, under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State has done exceedingly well. I can testify to that. Of course, people will ask: if the government has done well, why are there complaints about certain things? I understand that. No government can completely address all the challenges confronting a state within a limited period in office. Governance is about the seen and the unseen. The seen are the physical structures we see—the roads, hospitals, rail transport and other infrastructure. The unseen are the policies, economic foundations and other things that, when put together and properly implemented, eventually give birth to the visible development. Under Governor Abiodun, we have been able to establish a strong economic foundation. For example, we have the proposed $7 billion deep seaport project in Ogun State, with groundbreaking expected in November. If that project becomes fully operational in the next few years, you can imagine the multiplier effect it will have on the state’s economy. There is also the dry port at Kajola and the proposed rail connection from Apapa to Kajola. The biggest dairy farm in Nigeria is also coming up in my local government area, starting with about 5,000 cattle and eventually increasing to a minimum of 15,000 cattle to produce dairy products from Ogun State. A major furniture manufacturing company is also coming up. As we speak, Ogun State is the most industrialised state in Nigeria. When Governor Abiodun came on board, our internally generated revenue was less than N100 billion annually. Today, we are talking about around N300 billion a year. There has also been oil exploration activity. We may, in the near future, be referred to as an oil-producing state. All these things are part of the foundation that has been laid. My responsibility, if elected, will be to consolidate on these gains and ensure that the multiplier effects are properly harnessed for the benefit of the people. Does continuity mean you intend to continue everything the present admin‑ istration is doing? No. I don’t want anybody to misconstrue

what I mean by continuity. Continuity does not mean that I want to take everything this administration has planned or implemented and say that I must continue with it. There are areas I need to continue; I will continue them. There are areas I need to improve upon; I will improve them. There are areas I need to change; I will change them. I will introduce new ideas and new initiatives that will put Ogun State on the path of growth. The essence of continuity is that whatever this administration has achieved and needs to be taken forward will not be abandoned simply because there is a change of government. Many of the projects are still works in progress. A responsible government coming on board will consolidate and ensure that these projects come to fruition. That is what “ITESIWAJU” is about. What does ITESIWAJU mean in practical terms? ITESIWAJU is the framework for the kind of government I want to run. The “I” stands for Infrastructure. The “T” stands for Tourism and Culture. The “E” stands for Education and Environment. The “S” stands for Security and Law Enforcement. The second “I” stands for Inclusive Growth and Well-being. The “W” stands for Women and Youth Development. The “A” stands for Agriculture. The “J” stands for Job Creation and Industrialisation. The “U” stands for Urban Physical Planning and Environment. All these nine pillars are critical to Ogun State. None of them can be treated in isolation. When you talk about tourism and culture, for instance, you cannot compare Ogun with Lagos because we are more of a rural setting and our culture is well appreciated. There are many activities and festivals that take place in Ogun every year. The question is:Are we deriving the maximum economic benefit from them for the state and its people? That is an area we want to focus on. We want to turn our cultural and tourism assets into economic opportunities. See concluded part on www. thisdaylive.com

Vanessa Cole: We Deserve to Put West AfricanCuisineonGlobal Map Vanessa Cole, internationally trained chef and founder of Cole Cooks, draws on Lagos and London influences to promote Nigerian and West African cuisine, preserving indigenous techniques and advancing hospitality. Funmi Ogundare brings the excerpts:

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ou began in fashion and creative spaces before becoming a professional chef. What was the moment you knew food was going to become your career? It’s funny because food has always been central to my life, but seeing it as a career only became a recent thing I pursued. I have always seen myself as a leader, and I wanted to have my own business ever since I was young. I knew I wanted to create a business that made people feel excited and thought of, and as time went by and I saw how natural hosting and curating experiences was to me, I took the leap. I also received critical feedback from my father when I told him I wanted to launch a business in the culinary industry. He told me that if I wanted to be respected, I should ensure I can do every job in the establishment I run. That meant taking my natural culinary skill and refining it through culinary school and restaurant exposure. Working in that field solidified it for me that this is what I want to do. How did growing up between Lagos and London shape what you cook and how you think about food? I didn’t grow up traditionally. I was open to all sides of my cultural heritage while also being exposed to a very international way of life. That meant my first introductions to food were not sheltered around a specific identity.

My earliest memories involved learning dishes from home as well as internationally. When I cook, I look at the ingredient and the flavour profile I am after what is available around me and how I can make it work. I spent much of my childhood in a small town in the UK where Nigerian ingredients weren’t readily available. So, when we had the chance to find a few, we would always look for ways to use spices and flavours in traditional and non-traditional ways. My culinary expression has therefore not been defined by one or the other, but rather a blend of culinary curiosity and ingredient-led innovation. You trained professionally in Europe at Chef Academy London and worked in a two‑Michelin‑starred kitchen at Bibendum. What’s one myth about that world you wish more people understood? Culinary school is not enough to make you a chef, funny enough, it’s not even essential to becoming one. You cannot graduate from culinary school and assume you have all the skills you need to succeed. School provides a foundation for learning, but the real work begins in the kitchen, working under pressure and learning on the job. So, stop thinking you need to go to Le Cordon Bleu to become a respected chef. Find the training that works for you and push yourself to work in the kitchens where the greats are.

You describe your cuisine as refined comfort food that also evokes nostalgia. How do you balance comfort and sophistication when you design a menu? Comfort is a feeling. Sophistication is the craft. For me, when I design a menu, I first ask myself what the client is after and what feeling I want to give them. My craft then comes through in the way I take humble ingredients and reinterpret them in an elevated and wellthought-out way. How do you approach creativity in the kitchen differently now than when you first started? When I first started, I was trying to work with what I saw the industry doing, playing it safe by giving clients what they were used to: import-heavy dishes, with creativity coming through in the accompaniments. But now, I am a lot more unapologetic about what I serve. I truly believe we can create menus that are just as refined using our local produce. Because of that, I push myself to turn what clients think they know into a completely different experience, one that still feels relatable but is innovative. Now I ask myself: how do I make garri into a dessert, or turn uyayak into a beautiful demi-glace? You created platforms like The Setting the Standards Brunch to shift how food and hospitality are perceived. What is the core message you want the broader industry to

Cole take from that work? Rather than looking outward for validation and a stamp of approval, why not look inward to truly see what is working, what needs investing in, and what needs unlearning? We spend too much time trying to copy other cultures when our infrastructure isn’t even able to support it. When we highlight the parts of the industry that deserve respect and support, people can better see how much untapped potential there is here in Nigeria, potential that leads to better investment, job creation, infrastructure development, and international tourism.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 10, 2026

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MILESTONE

As Olusunle Bags Another Professional Medal Ajuluchukwu Brown

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hree years ago, at the 42nd International Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA), held at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja, poet, journalist, scholar and media relations practitioner, Tunde Olusunle was one of the select inductees into the Faculty of Fellows of the Association. The honour was in recognition of his redoubtable contributions to the development of Nigerian literature, both as a creative writer and a literary scholar. Over the years, Olusunle has carved a niche for himself as a prolific poet with four very well received, voraciously studied published volumes of poetry. To be sure, Olusunle’s ouvre has been studied and referenced by respected literary and language scholars like Sunny Awhefeada, Sola Babatunde, Taofiq Alabi, Segun Ayobolu, Okon Dati Etim, Oladeji Olayemi Adenike, Chris Anyokwu, Clement Odia, and so on. Many of Olusunle’s contributions to literary scholarship are indeed regarded as groundbreaking, even as his scholarly contributions have been published in several journals, books and festschrisfts, locally and internationally. He has equally raised the bar of literary journalism and has published five well-articulated compendiums of essays on topical sociopolitical issues and human-interest topics, which collectively hold nearly 300 essays. Saturday September 26, 2026, in the famous Coal City, Enugu, Olusunle was once again festooned with another professional medal. At the impressive Enugu International Conference Centre, one of the signature projects of the wonder-working, multitasking Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Olusunle was one of four seasoned journalists inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE), at the closing ceremony of the Guild’s 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference, (ANEC). Other inductees were Husseina Akila Bangshika, former Director of News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); Ogbuagu Anikwe, former Editor of Daily Times; and Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties. The new Fellows took the oath of professionalism administered by Emeritus President of the Guild, Baba Dantiye. They are now entitled to add

L-R: Bangshika, Anikwe, Rahman and Olusunle FNGE to their existing titles. For Olusunle, the fellowship marks another milestone in a career spanning about four decades across journalism, government communication, academia and literature. He began his journalism career with the primordial Daily Times of Nigeria in 1990, rising from staff writer to senior staff writer and assistant editor before serving on the newspaper’s editorial board. Between 1999 and 2007, he served in the Presidency as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, with responsibilities covering national orientation, public affairs, press liaison and special services. He previously served as State Director of Information and Public Affairs in Kogi State and as Director of Press Affairs/Chief Press Secretary to one civilian Governor and two Military Administrators, between 1992 and 1997. Beyond the newsroom, Olusunle holds a PhD in Media Arts from the University of Abuja and has written extensively on Nigerian literature, journalism, theatre and politics. His books include On the Trail of History: A Reporter’s Notebook on Olusegun Obasanjo; Atiku: Perspectives on a Phenomenon and Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria,

Volumes One and Two. His poetry collections include Fingermarks, Rhythm of the Mortar, A Medley of Echoes and the most recently published Newland. He is currently a Faculty Member of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies. Adding colour to the Enugu gathering graciously hosted by Governor Mbah, was the presence of 90-year-old Vanguard publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, the Guild’s Member No. 001 and widely regarded as Nigeria’s oldest living journalist. Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, is Member No. 002, while Chief Ugochukwu, a former Guild President and pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), is Member No. 003. Former Managing Director of Tribune Group of Newspapers, Folu Olamiti; Managing Director of THISDAY, Eniola Bello; former Managing Director of The Guardian newspapers, Martins Oloja; Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard newspapers and President of the Guild, Eze Anaba; former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, (NIJ); Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, were among the dignitaries who also attended the ceremony.

Tosin Adefeko at 50: The Tenacity to Keep Progress Eyoh

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ilestones often make people look back. Tosin Adefeko, however, has always seemed more interested in what comes next. At 50, her story is not only about what she has achieved, but also about her willingness to keep learning, changing and building. That instinct has shaped a career spanning banking, media, marketing communications and entrepreneurship. More than a record of success, it is a story of continuous becoming. The thread running through it all is what she has helped make possible for others. Today, Tosin fondly called Tosh by her friends is the Founder and CEO of AT3 – The MUVMNT Agency, a brand growth agency that grew from the specialist communications consultancy she founded years ago. Her career may look carefully planned in hindsight, but the path was far from obvious. She studied English and Literary Studies and grew up around books, ideas and lively conversation. Her father, the late Dr Femi Adekanye, was a banker, author and former Chairman of Commerce Bank. Tosin has spoken about reading and editing his books, reading newspapers and business magazines, following the news and debating current affairs. That early curiosity that would later shape her work in communications was already taking root. Her first major career chapter, however, was banking. Tosin worked across five banks and built a successful career, but she came to an uncomfortable conclusion: being good at something does not always mean it is where you belong. At 31, she chose to change direction. After earning a master’s degree in Marketing Communications in England,

she returned to Nigeria and moved into media through Arise Magazine and NN24. She later sought an opportunity to learn from one of Nigeria’s leading marketing communications professionals, Dr Biodun Shobanjo. She joined The Quadrant Company, rose through the ranks and eventually became Chief Operating Officer of QuadrantMSL, working with major local and international organisations across technology, financial services, FMCG and other sectors. Those years gave Tosin experience, but they also helped her see what was missing. She began to notice market gaps and opportunities to do things differently. Eventually, she decided to build something of her own. That decision became AT3 Resources. The early years were not glamorous. Tosin has spoken openly about having more time than briefs and taking on opportunities, including some unpaid work, to build experience and credibility. She volunteered her expertise to organisations such as Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), sometimes asking only for AT3’s logo to appear on a backdrop. In many ways, she was building a reputation before recognition. The work eventually began to speak for itself. More briefs came, local and global brands trusted the agency with their businesses, and AT3 grew from a specialist communications consultancy into the wider brand growth business now known as AT3 – The MUVMNT Agency. Her experience offers a useful reminder that success rarely looks as neat while it is being built as it does when the story is told years later. Much of it happens quietly, through patience, consistency and a willingness to keep doing the work before anyone is paying

attention. People who have worked closely with Tosin will recognise that persistence. Once she decides something is worth doing, it can be difficult to convince her that it cannot be done. She can be warm and demanding, encouraging while still expecting more. She questions ideas, challenges assumptions and often pushes people beyond their first answer. Underneath that approach is a strong belief in possibility. A difficult idea is not always impossible. Sometimes it simply needs more thought, better execution or someone willing to keep working at it. Perhaps the most interesting shift in Tosin’s career came after she had already built a name for herself in communications. For years, she helped organisations find and tell their stories. Over time, she began creating spaces for others to tell theirs. Through The Muvmnt Studio, she hosted conversations with women leaders, industry trailblazers, and corporate executives, including The Uncovered Series. Through #ToshTalks, she created a more personal platform to share her thoughts on leadership, entrepreneurship, communications and life. Then came PodFest Naija, bringing together Nigeria’s growing community of podcasters, creators and storytellers. The inaugural PodFest Naija in 2025 attracted more than 2,200 registered podcasters, creators, storytellers and enthusiasts, with more than 40 storytellers participating. By 2026, it had grown into a broader gathering of creators, brands, culture shapers and others in the storytelling community. That growth says something about the direction Tosin’s work has taken. She spent years helping brands find the right stories to tell. Today, she also helps create spaces where others can find an audience for their own stories. This evolution makes sense to

Adefeko anyone who knows Tosh beyond her professional titles. She loves a good conversation. She reads, questions, debates and becomes deeply engaged when an idea catches her attention. Her interest often goes beyond what someone has achieved to the person behind the achievement. That curiosity helps explain why conversations, storytelling and creating opportunities for others have become such an important part of her work. She believes ideas deserve to be explored, people deserve to be heard and knowledge becomes more useful when it is shared. Recognition has followed. Tosin has been honoured among leading

women in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry, named an Outstanding PR Personality of the Year, recognised among industry women change-makers and listed among leading women in Africa. She has also served on international and regional awards juries, including the IPRA Global Awards and SABRE Awards. These achievements matter, but at 50, there is another way to look at her success. Progress Eyoh Project Co-ordinator - Podfest Naija Read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 10, 2026

PERSPECTIVE

Bridging Opportunities: Advancing Egalitarian Progress in the Niger Delta- A Review of Ogbuku’s Leadership Ibiso Oprite Amachree and Oboma Oprite Amachree

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istorically, societies have had to navigate social hierarchies, even as people continue to hope and work for a fairer, more equal world. Philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, Rousseau, Marx, Weber, and Rawls have each sought to explain the origins of inequality and propose avenues for improvement. Aristotle posited that hierarchies arise naturally from individuals’ differing strengths and societal roles, while emphasising the importance of a robust middle class for societal stability. Plato similarly advocated for aligning individuals’ abilities with their societal roles, cautioning that excessive concentration of wealth fosters instability. Rousseau traced the genesis of inequality to the advent of private property and the human tendency toward comparison, famously stating that society’s divisions began when someone claimed, “This is mine,” and others acquiesced. Marx attributed stratification to class conflict and resource control, whereas Weber highlighted the significance of status and political power alongside economic capital. In the twentieth century, John Rawls introduced a novel framework for justice, asserting that inequalities are permissible only if they benefit the least advantaged and if all individuals possess genuine opportunities. These philosophical insights still resonate in today’s Nigeria, a country where deep-rooted social hierarchies and the collective desire for a fairer society coexist. The challenge is not to erase every difference between people, but to ensure that opportunities for advancement are real and widely accessible, even within a stratified system. Like many complex societies, Nigeria’s social structure stretches across a spectrum: from the lower-income groups—those involved in subsistence farming, informal trading, or day-to-day labour—through the working and lower-middle classes, such as artisans, junior civil servants, and small traders, to a broad middle class of professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. Higher up the spectrum are the upper-middle tier—senior professionals and successful business owners—and, at the very top, the elite: industrialists, top executives, and longstanding families whose resources and influence touch many parts of society (see Aderinto & Rotich, 2022; Osaghae & Suberu, 2005). Each of these groups play a role in Nigeria’s development, contributing expertise, investment, and leadership in different ways. These layers reflect differences in education, occupation, access to capital, geography and historical opportunity rather than any single conscious plan. Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, varied natural endowments, rapid urbanisation and the uneven geography of oil and other resources have produced differentiated life chances across areas and communities (Akinola, 2021). Stratification here is therefore best understood as a structural and historical reality rather than a product of malice. In any society distinguished by its diversity and complexity, individuals inevitably begin life from varied starting points, influenced by geography, history, and socioeconomic factors. A mature approach to fairness recognises that equitable progress depends on intentional efforts to provide for all citizens—regardless of their background— with meaningful opportunities to thrive. This involves broadening access to quality education, healthcare, and other vital services, as well as fostering clear and attainable pathways for both personal and community advancement. The ongoing challenge lies in addressing barriers associated with inherited disadvantages while encouraging the innovation and aspiration necessary for collective progress. Striking this balance is fundamental to building a society that is both inclusive and resilient, and which upholds the dignity and potential of every individual. Central to this strategy is human development facilitated by systematically designed empowerment programs. In the Niger Delta, there has been a prevailing perception that economic empowerment or regional development primarily benefits a select few, with broader advantages materialising only gradually and indirectly through a passive trickle-down effect. Dr Ogbuku’s leadership intentionally counters this narrative. Empowerment initiatives are structured to ensure that benefits extend beyond individual recipients, generating both direct and indirect advantages across multiple socioeconomic strata. For instance, a young entrepreneur who receives training and startup support in agro-processing not only enhances personal prospects but also creates employment, sources produce from local farmers, supplies products to regional markets, and motivates peers to pursue enterprise. Similarly, scholarship recipients who return with advanced expertise contribute to strengthening public institutions, private enterprises, or community organizations, thereby elevating standards and opportunities for colleagues and future generations. Solar-powered water points and skills centres serve entire clusters of households, while vocational graduates who establish micro-businesses stimulate local economies by engaging transport operators, food vendors, and artisans. In this manner, targeted empowerment functions as a multiplier, simultaneously elevating primary beneficiaries and expanding economic activity, skills transfer, and social

Ogbuku capital among lower-income, working, and middle strata in both riverine and upland communities. Consequently, development is experienced more broadly and rapidly than traditional trickle-down models would predict. These interventions do not eliminate socioeconomic strata; instead, they expand the pathways for mobility between them. The tangible outcomes of policy measures—such as enhanced road access, electrification, healthcare, and skills development programs—directly implement Rawls’s theoretical framework, which holds that social and economic inequalities are justified only if they benefit the least advantaged. For instance, a young individual from a riverine community who gains access to reliable transportation, electricity for evening study, functional healthcare facilities, and educational or vocational opportunities is significantly more likely to ascend to the middle or upper-middle strata than peers who remain isolated and under-served. These initiatives thus exemplify Rawlsian principles in practice: they improve the absolute condition of the least advantaged while broadening equitable opportunity. In practical terms, this approach involves converting the region’s natural resources into visible, accessible assets—such as roads, clinics, and training programs—that positively impact numerous lives. This demonstrates that, even within a stratified society, substantive progress toward fairness is achievable when marginalised groups are afforded authentic opportunities. In this context, the leadership of Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), provides an opportunity to examine how regional development can be connected to the idea of an egalitarian society. Born in Ayakoro in Bayelsa State and having risen through youth and community leadership into senior public administration, Ogbuku’s public career has been closely associated with the development challenges of the Niger Delta. An important change since the original version of this article is that he is no longer the Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro. He has now become the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro, Daufa VI, following the traditional succession process in the community, giving him an additional traditional leadership responsibility alongside his regional role at the NDDC.The combination of traditional leadership at home and responsibility for a regional development institution creates a connection between community-level leadership and regional public administration. When Ogbuku assumed leadership of the NDDC, the development challenge was larger than the construction of individual projects. The fundamental issue was how to transform public resources into opportunities that

reach people across different social and geographical circumstances. Infrastructure, education, health care, youth development, economic empowerment and access to markets therefore become important because they can reduce some of the barriers that separate under served communities and elitist groups. This is consistent with the central argument of egalitarian development: people may begin from different positions, but public institutions can help ensure that those differences do not become permanent barriers to advancement. A road connecting an isolated community to a major city, electricity enabling a small business to operate, a scholarship giving a young person access to higher education, or vocational training giving someone a marketable skill can all expand the opportunities available to individuals who might otherwise remain disadvantaged. The NDDC’s recent emphasis on economic investment provides another important dimension to this argument. The 2026 Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit brought together government, businesses, investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders around the objective of stimulating investment and economic diversification in the region. The discussions focused on sectors including agriculture, agroprocessing, energy, manufacturing, the blue economy, tourism, technology and human capital. The significance of the summit for ordinary people ultimately lies not simply in the value of investment announced, but in whether investment produces sustainable businesses, jobs, skills, markets and income opportunities for people across the Niger Delta. The summit therefore represents an attempt to move the regional economy beyond dependence on a narrow resource base and towards broader participation in economic activity. This emphasis becomes even more significant when considered alongside Ogbuku’s focus on youth enterprise and sustainable livelihoods. The NDDC has encouraged young people to use emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create enterprises and generate sustainable livelihoods, while continuing to emphasize education and human-capital development. Such an approach is relevant to an egalitarian framework because empowerment is not limited to distributing benefits to selected individuals; it seeks to provide people with capabilities through which they can participate in economic life and create opportunities for themselves and others. The most recent NDDC conference adds another important dimension to this picture. On 23 September 2026, the Commission held its Partners for Sustainable Development Conference in Port Harcourt under the theme, “Synergy for Transformation: Aligning Regional Development, Local Governance and Sustainable Partnership in the Niger Delta.” The conference brought together government representatives, traditional institutions, state governments, communities and other stakeholders to discuss how the region could pursue development through greater coordination and partnership. What makes the conference particularly relevant to the idea of an egalitarian society is the emphasis placed on participation. Ogbuku presented the conference as an opportunity for the NDDC to account for its stewardship and encouraged stakeholders to participate in discussions, offer constructive ideas and scrutinize the Commission’s activities. This approach is significant because an egalitarian society is also about creating institutions in which people have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. When a development institution invites communities, traditional leaders, youth organizations, governments and other stakeholders to examine its plans and performance, the relationship between the institution and the people becomes less one-directional. The conference also featured the presentation of a governance framework and discussions around a regional master plan. The governance framework is intended to establish clearer rules, procedures and institutional responsibilities within the NDDC, while the regional master plan is intended to provide a common development direction for the Niger Delta. Ogbuku said the framework would provide an institutional safeguard and create a basis against which the Commission’s leadership could be held accountable. From the perspective of egalitarian development, equality of opportunity depends not only on what government builds but also on how public institutions make decisions. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 10, 2026

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PERSPECTIVE

Glo: Soaring High in Customer Service Ezekiel Akinyemi

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he universal Customer Service Week was again celebrated Monday, October 5 to Friday, October 9, 2026 when corporate organisations across the globe recognize and celebrate their frontline employees who serve and support customers daily. Customer Service Week is an international annual event held during the first full week of October. The theme of the Customer Service Week for 2026 is “The Extra Mile” which speaks to the need for companies to go beyond the call of duty to satisfy their customers. It also aligns with Globacom’s ongoing national advocacy campaign themed “Never Settle for Less” , a call on consumers to prioritise their satisfaction, self actualisation, and break barriers to their next levels. In line with this universal practice and culture, Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, Globacom, observed the week with a series of activities involving the Customer Service teams nationwide not only to celebrate them but also to prepare them for more efficient service to the customers. The company sent letters of appreciation to the customers letting them know they are the reason it goes the extra mile and thanked them for being a valued part of its journey. Of course, efficient customer service automatically renews, strengthens, and deepens the bonds and relationships between corporate organisations and their customers. Therefore, one of the major gains of the Customer Service Week for customer-centric and efficient organisations is better synergy and and improved relationships. For Globacom, the 2026 Customer Service Week is a special one because of its coincidence with a symbolic regulatory recognition of its excellent record of customer service, as well as its impressive scorecard in consumer Adenuga complaint management and resolution which surpassed the regulatory thresholds in the month of August, of 2026. in the past. Right from when it made its debut, the The recognition and accolade came from the Nigerian company has remained consistent and unwavering Communications Commission (NCC) which praised in its determination to raise the bar in customer the company for its adherence to regulatory compliance, service. commitment to customer service, and the development The latest regulatory applause from the NCC of the telecoms sector. is not only an affirmation of Globacom’s commitThis recognition and commendation by the regulator ment and outstanding performance in consumer is not an isolated incident as Nigeria’s truly indigenous complaint management and resolution but also telecoms giant has been recognised for service excellence an acknowledgement of a deliberate and planned

process of consistently delivering superior service to its customers. These are the exact words of the NCC: “We are pleased to note that your organization achieved and surpassed the Commission’s complaint resolution thresholds of 90% and 97% for Level 2 (L2) complaints. This accomplishment reflects your commitment to regulatory compliance, consumer satisfaction, and the continuous improvement of service delivery”. There is no doubt that the company has put in the works to ups ale both service delivery, consumer complaint Management and resolution, as well as offering subscribers a unique customer experience. The NCC also acknowledged Globacom’s dedication to timely complaint resolution and adherence to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) which it said have contributed significantly to enhancing consumer confidence and promoting a positive customer experience within the telecommunications sector. As a company built on process, systems, and quality control, it is not surprising that all its partners and stakeholders are efficiently served and accorded the utmost consideration in every decision making. The company’s decision to stand out in customer service is deliberate as could be gleaned from its investment in infrastructure, optic fibre expansion, deployment of 4G network, and the top-of-the range modern customer service management technology emplaced. Globacom has prioritized service excellence, zero service failure, and an efficient and highly optimized network. Its investment in submarine cable network has not only widened network broadband but has also produced fast, clear, and efficient telecoms service The deployment of AI Gloria, Glo’s AI powered voice and text assistant which responds to complaints, has significantly enabled seamless complaint management and resolution. The Glo AI assistant understands and responds to text and verbal queries and offers answers in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French, and Spanish. Besides, Glo Cafe 3.0’s wide range of services as a self service app also reduce the possibility of service errors in a significant way. The revamped Glo Cafe 3.0 app is a big

step forward for Glo’s self-service platform, giving subscribers more control and a smoother experience right at fingertips. The revamped Glo Café App lets you buy airtime and data, borrow credit, Data gifting – sharing, managing subscriptions or to pay postpaid bills, as any of these can be done in just three clicks. App users can Pay via cards, transfers, USSD, and more payment options.More than an update, the latest Glo Café App is a friendly digital space blending connection, convenience, fun, support, and value. Globacom’s record of service excellence dates back to its inception 23 years ago, winning and stacking up awards in succession. This is a testament to the commitment and vision of the founder, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jr. Who set a template of innovation, service, value and impact which the dedicated and go-getting employees of the company are building on. In May 2026, a Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) report revealed that Globacom emerged as the country’s fastest-growing Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the month of May, recording the highest net addition of internet subscribers among the nation’s major mobile network operators. The NCC data revealed that Nigeria’s internet subscriber base rose from approximately 154.3 million in April to about 157 million in May 2026, representing a net increase of 2.67 million subscribers within the month. Out Of the 2.67 million aggregate Industry growth, Globacom contributed nearly half, expanding its internet subscriber base by about 1.3 million subscribers. The achievement further reinforces the company’s renewed competitive momentum within Nigeria’s dynamic telecommunications landscape. Airtel Nigeria posted the second-highest growth, adding approximately 1.07 million, while MTN Nigeria recorded an increase of 382,894 subscribers during the period. In order to deliver smooth and seamless voice and data services to its teeming subscribers nationwide, Globacom commenced a holistic and extensive Infrastructure upgrade, expansion, enhancing and fibre optic expansion years back. Akinyemi, a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, writes from Lagos Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

TRIBUTE Victoria Adefala: Corporate Nigeria Has Lost a Gem Frank Kintum

Corporate Nigeria has lost a remarkable professional, corporate governance expert, lawyer and accomplished business leader with the passing of Mrs Victoria Osondu Adefala, who died on September 2, 2026. For many who encountered her in the corporate world, boardrooms, legal profession, manufacturing, power, rail transportation, telecommunications and business advocacy, Victoria Adefala represented a rare combination of professional excellence, intellectual depth, leadership, integrity and commitment to institutional development. Her passing is therefore not only a personal loss to her family, friends and professional associates, but also a significant loss to Nigeria’s corporate and professional communities. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, Adefala was a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree and later earned a Master of Laws degree in International Law from the University of Houston Bates Law School, Houston, Texas, USA. Her professional journey, however, went far beyond the legal profession. Adefala built an impressive career across manufacturing, transportation, power, telecommunications, financial services and corporate governance. Her ability to operate effectively

across different sectors made her one of the notable Nigerian professionals whose careers demonstrated the value of combining legal knowledge with business leadership and strategic management. She spent 16 years with the Michelin Group, one of the world’s leading tyre and mobility companies, where she worked in several departments, including the legal department at the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Her time at Michelin provided her with extensive international exposure and a deep understanding of manufacturing, government relations, private-sector advocacy and corporate affairs. She eventually rose to become Executive Director of Michelin Nigeria. In that capacity, she was deeply involved in government relations and the broader business environment affecting manufacturers. Her professional responsibilities exposed her to private-sector advocacy and lobbying in France, Washington and the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels. This international experience helped shape the corporate leader she later became and gave her a broad perspective on the relationship between government policy, business development and economic growth. Adefala was also a founding partner of Whitgift Law, a Lagosbased law firm involved in traditional and emerging areas of legal practice, particularly commercial and

corporate law. However, in 2008, she took a leave of absence from the law firm after accepting the opportunity to become the Nigeria Country President and Chief Executive Officer of Alstom Group, the French multinational known for its work in power generation and high-speed rail transportation. She held the Alstom leadership position for seven years. Her tenure at Alstom further broadened her experience in the power sector and gave her significant knowledge of rail transportation, an area of growing importance to Nigeria’s infrastructure development. Following her voluntary exit from Alstom, she returned to Whitgift Law in January 2016 as Managing Partner. It was a return that demonstrated the breadth of Adefala her professional identity. She was at once a lawyer, business executive, director of Saipem Contracting In one notable engagement, corporate strategist, governance Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian Adefala led a delegation of Orange expert and boardroom leader. operation of the Italian oil and gas Middle East and Africa to the Her expertise and reputation sub- engineering company, from 2016 Nigerian Communications Comsequently earned her appointments to 2019. mission in Abuja to discuss the to the boards of several reputable She also served on the board of company’s interest in the Nigerian organisations. She served as an Societe Francaise Orange Middle telecommunications market. independent non-executive director East and Africa, associated with During the meeting with the of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, followthe French telecommunications then Executive Vice Chairman ing the approval of the Central Bank giant Orange. of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba of Nigeria for her appointment. Her association with Orange Danbatta, she spoke of Orange’s Her boardroom responsibilities also provided another illustration of her interest in Nigeria and the compaextended to organisations including capacity to operate at the intersecny’s desire to support broadband Coronation Registrars Limited, tion of international business and development, digital economy Interswitch Holdings Limited in the the Nigerian market. initiatives and local content. United Kingdom and other major Kintum, a journalist has known Victoria for over 20 years institutions. She served as a non-executive Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

•Tourism •Arts&Culture Ikechi Uko: Tourism Can Drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth As Nigeria seeks new engines of growth, the Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, says tourism offers a powerful opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, earn foreign exchange and showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage to the world writes Charles Ajunwa

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s Nigeria searches for new drivers of economic growth beyond oil, tourism offers one of the country’s most significant opportunities to create jobs, attract investment, strengthen local businesses and generate foreign exchange. With its rich cultural heritage, festivals, cuisine, music, arts, beaches and diverse destinations, Nigeria has the assets to build a competitive tourism economy that can benefit communities and businesses across the country. Tourism’s economic value extends far beyond hotels and airlines. A vibrant tourism industry creates demand for transportation, restaurants, entertainment, retail, event management, travel agencies, hospitality services and creative enterprises. It also provides opportunities for young people while enabling states and communities to turn cultural and historical assets into sustainable sources of income. For Nigeria, developing these linkages could make tourism an important component of broader economic diversification. The sector can also help Nigeria project its identity and improve its international image. Visitors who experience the country’s food, music, culture, hospitality and heritage can become informal ambassadors for Nigeria. This makes tourism not only an economic activity but also an instrument of soft power. The challenge, however, is to package Nigeria’s diverse attractions into experiences that can compete effectively for travellers within Africa and globally. It is this opportunity that tourism entrepreneur and Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, has pursued for more than two decades. Through the travel market, Uko has sought to create an African platform that promotes tourism products, connects industry players and demonstrates the commercial value of African culture and experiences. Speaking on the 22nd edition of Akwaaba, medical tourism, youth development and the contributions of Cross River and Ekiti states, he also offered his vision of a Nigeria that preserves its culture while remaining contemporary and globally competitive. Building an African Tourism Platform Asked how he was able to host the 22nd edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market Expo, Uko said the original vision of the platform remained the driving force behind its growth. “First of all, how the vision started is what still drives us. I went to World Travel Market (WTM), I saw the problems Africans have in marketing themselves in Europe. So, when we decided to do Akwaaba, we decided to do something that would be purely African. Everybody said it wasn’t going to work. First, Africans don’t travel within Africa. Secondly, your concept, if you don’t copy what they do in Europe, you’ll fail. But today, we could look back and see that the big people are copying us. “When we did Beauty Queen, everybody brought Beauty Queen the next year. We started food. Everyone that has attempted food failed. Because the culture of the Nigerian or the African is different. Most Europeans will deal in a corporate way. So, they do mainly meetings and they will book appointments. So, when you go for a travel show, there are prearranged meetings. “There are some people who pulled out of Akwaaba that I don’t organise meetings for them with everybody. I come from a country where we have African time. Where people can be stuck in traffic and they won’t meet those meetings. Who will be held responsible when the meeting doesn’t hold? They hold me responsible. So, from the beginning, I said no. I adapted to the Nigerian and African culture. So, we don’t do prearranged meetings. We are probably the only ones that don’t do it. But most people are beginning to copy. “So, we wanted something authentic, something African, something experiential. And that’s what we are doing. That experience has to be flavoured

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Charles Ajunwa

• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

SORON IBE-IJAW KINGDOMS OF EDO STATE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE VICIOUS ATTACK ON GELEGELEGBENE INDIGENES AT THE EDO STATE HIGH COURT PREMISES ON THE 6TH OF OCTOBER, 2026.

CALL FOR URGENT INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF OTEDO YOUTH LEADERSHIP.

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he leadership of Soron Ibe-ljaw kingdoms of Edo State wishes to draw the attention of Edo State Governor and Security Agencies to the dastardly attack meted on Ijaw indigenes including Archbishop Godwyns Soroaye, Mr. Edwin Ikinbor, Mr. Tena Donyegha, Friday Sode and others; who were at High Court 4 (Civil) to represent Gelegelegbene Community in a suit filed by Ughoton Community against them. The assailants numbering over 50 with insignia of OTEDO YOUTHS trailed the victims and their Lawyers from the Court room to the Court canteen at about 10:30 am after the court proceeding and made videos of the lawyers and their clients for reasons best known to them. They started perambulating the premises brandishing battle axes and short guns to intimidate and threatened the litigants and their Lawyers who were on lawful duties in court. It became worse when Otedo youths trailed the victims to the exit gate of the Court and viciously attacked them forcing some of them into waiting vehicles in a bid to abduct them but for the timely intervention of the High Court Security Officers before the arrival of the DPO Aideyan Police Division, who brought the situation under control. The victims received various degrees of injuries while some of them had their clothes ripped apart. Our lawyers went back to the Court to report the incident whereupon the judge invited the Chief Security Officer of the Court to confirm the incident which he admitted was captured by the Court's CCTV. This followed an earlier mobilization notice on social media posted a Bini indigene (whose identity is known) to mobilize Bini youths in their numbers to the court premises on the 6th of October, 2026 with intent to perpetuate violence on the Ijaws of Gelegelegbene.

Uko differently every year. We just want to create an African product. “The other thing that helps us, most people don’t want to come to Nigeria. They have issues with Nigeria as a country. So, we have to create compelling reasons to make people who wouldn’t want to come to Nigeria come to Akwaaba, and we have been very successful with that. So, each year you have to do new things and you can see how we dress tells part of the story because we are communicating to people’s senses, perceptions. So, that’s the story behind it.” Financing the Tourism Vision On the challenges he had encountered over the past 22 years and how they were addressed, Uko identified financing as a major obstacle. “The first challenge we know is money. I pay for this hall at Eko Hotels and it is not cheap. “Most countries who support things like this, the government pays. If I’m doing events in Ghana, I don’t pay for hall. I can pay for other things. Either the government of Ghana pays for my hall or the hotel offers hall. So many results have come to me pledging to host the next Weizo. Now, people want to host. But in Nigeria, you’ve seen the story yourself. So, everybody will see those things and it defeats you. “We are using the most expensive venue in this country. When we started, the partners gave us standards and we have kept to those standards. We are the first African organisation to be admitted into the International Federation for Travel Expo. And not just the high money we had to pay to join and they gave you and must stick it up and that helped me. “So, the biggest challenge we have had in the beginning nobody believed something like this. They said, ‘Oh, it’s only a white man that can do it.’ We told them we have to go to London to sell Nigeria. They said that is not possible. How will Calabar Carnival carry all these people to London? Where will they get visa? And they’ve been able to market their state to so many people. A lot of Kenyans are coming for the carnival because they met them at Akwaaba. “So, we needed to create those platforms. Convince Nigerians, West Africans, and Africans was the second problem. So, and one way or the other, we skilfully scaled through those challenges.” Medical Tourism Opportunity Uko said medical tourism became part of Akwaaba’s agenda after international hospitals approached him about the Nigerian market. “Medical tourism came, would I say, by accident. Dubai approached me that they want to join Akwaaba. See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com

Prior to the incident precisely on the 27th of September, 2026, another set of assailants whose identities are known trailed some of our leaders to Nigeria Union of Journalists press center at the GRA, Benin City while they were exchanging pleasantries with a fellow Ijaw man in the presence of Ogbeide Uhunmwose and other press men. The intention of Aguobasimwin Movement was clearly an attempt to harm Ijaw indigenes of Edo State. In another instance a Bini indigene made an open threat on his personal Facebook page to assassinate Ijaw indigenes of Edo State. Evidence of this post shall be presented to the security agencies when needed. We want to make it explicitly clear that we cannot be intimidated by Bini youths because we have the capacity to defend ourselves if attacked. It is more worrisome that these youths could perpetuate this level of violence in the sacred temple of Justice which is the hope of the common man. Bini youths cannot intimidate the Ijaws by any strand of imagination and the Ijaw nation will not fold it arms and watch the ugly trend of harassment and assault; added to the name callings especially when they threatened openly to exterminate every Ijaw indigene of Edo State, one after the other including our lawyers. We therefore call on the Governor of Edo State, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, Commissioner of Police Edo State and other security Agencies to arrest, investigate and prosecute the OTEDO YOUTHS' leadership for their actions on 6th of October, 2026 and to prevent them from unleashing further mayhem on unsuspecting innocent Ijaw indigenes of Edo State. The activities of OTEDO Youths on the 6th of October, 2026 were covered by the Court's CCTV Camera in the security department and can be assessed by security agencies to aid their investigation. Consequently, it is our belief that Edo State Government will rise up to the occasion and tame the excesses of these miscreants before the situation snowballs into full blown crisis. The Ijaw nation will therefore protect its people by any means necessary if urgent actions are not taken against the assailants who are hell-bent on creating tensions that will lead to ethnic crises. Signed:

Elder Edmund Tiemo. President SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State & Chairman Egbema Leaders of Thought..

High Chief Robinson.Ogunkoruwei Vice president SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State

Toru-lbe Agagha Esq General Secretary SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State

Comr. Freedom E. Atigbi PhD. Youth Leader & Director of Communication SORON IBE Ijaws of Edo State

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 10, 2026

POLITY

Tinubu’s 30-Day Petrol Relief: Nigerians Deserve Solutions, Not Political Distortions Gloria Fraser

more effectively than political exchanges.

he National Patriots Movement of Nigeria has examined the October 8, 2026, statement issued by the Atiku Media Office concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 30-day petrol discount. While constructive opposition remains indispensable to democracy, public debate must be anchored in economic facts, institutional realities and the genuine welfare of Nigerians rather than political interpretations designed to discredit every government intervention. Atiku Abubakar’s suggestion that the temporary discount represents a restoration of petrol subsidy is misleading. It confuses two different economic instruments: a governmentfunded subsidy and a commercial decision by a petroleum retailer to forgo its profit margin. That distinction is neither semantic nor trivial. It goes to the heart of Nigeria’s petroleum reforms.

The United States is Also Providing Temporary Fuel Relief

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Commercial Discount Not Restoration of Petrol Subsidy

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced that its retail subsidiary will temporarily forgo its petrol retail profit margin, allowing consumers to purchase fuel at cost for an initial 30-day period, with priority given to commercial transport operators. Under the former subsidy regime, government resources absorbed the difference between the economic cost of petrol and the regulated selling price. Under the newly announced retail arrangement, NNPC proposes to surrender its commercial margin without receiving government reimbursement for the discount. One is a fiscal subsidy. The other is a reduction in commercial earnings. A supermarket offering temporary discounts does not thereby establish a national food subsidy. Neither does a petroleum retailer automatically restore fuel subsidies by reducing its profit margin. Nevertheless, NNPC should publish the financial details, including confirmation that no hidden reimbursement, below-cost sale or public financing arrangement is involved. Transparency will strengthen the government’s position far

Atiku’s statement overlooks an important international reality: governments across the world are responding to exceptional energy-price pressures through temporary measures. On October 5, 2026, the United States introduced temporary relief permitting wider on-road use of red-dyed diesel while deferring federal excise-tax payments without penalties through the end of 2026. The intervention followed American diesel prices reaching approximately $6.50 per gallon. The American arrangement is a tax-related intervention, whereas Nigeria’s announced NNPC discount concerns a retailer’s profit margin. They are not identical policies. However, both illustrate a recognised principle of economic management: temporary relief can accompany longer-term market reforms without necessarily abandoning those reforms. If the United States can respond pragmatically to extraordinary fuel-price pressures, why should Nigeria be accused of economic inconsistency for exploring temporary relief? Economic flexibility is not policy failure. It is often a necessary feature of responsible governance.

Beyond 30 Days: Relief Must Continue While Transport Alternatives Expand

The initial 30-day petrol discount should be regarded as the beginning of a carefully sequenced relief strategy, not the conclusion of government’s responsibility to cushion Nigerians against high transportation costs. The National Patriots therefore recommend that the federal government and NNPC review the intervention before its expiration and consider extending the discount, or introducing comparable relief measures, until CNG-powered vehicles, electric mobility and affordable mass-transit services become more widely accessible.

L-R: International Vice President/African Commandant, Christian School of Chaplain, Chaplain General, Prof. Mike Oriyomi Raimi; the Ambassador, Col. Dr. Fola Oyebade; Pastor Mrs. Christiana Oyebade; and Chaplain Maj. Gen. Joel Babalola during the induction ceremony of Dr. Fola Oyebade as Chaplain Ambassador held in Ogun State…. recently

L-R: Director, Partnership and Grants Management, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare; Representative of the General Manager, LASEPA, Mr.Kayode Bello; Lagos State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Environment Parastatals, Hon. Adebola Shabi; Managing Director, Brightest Hope Engineering Services Nigeria Limited, Engr (Dr). Omowumi Olatunji; Director, Oil and Gas Unit, LASEPA, Engr. Sesan Odukoya and

Fraser Such an extension must remain financially sustainable, transparent and subject to periodic review. Priority should be given to commercial transport operators, whose operating costs directly affect commuters, food distribution and household expenditure. President Tinubu’s administration has an opportunity to demonstrate that economic reform and social protection are complementary responsibilities. Nigerians should not be left without practical relief while longer-term transportation alternatives are still being developed. Fraser is the President, The National Patriots Movement of Nigeria Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP Fatai Tijani; Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan; Executive Chairman, Agege Local Govt., Hon. Vinod Obasa and Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji during the presentation of Operational Vehicle by LSSTF to Agege LGA Chairman, Obasa for Agege Special Security Response Unit held at the Agege LGA Secretariat...recently

L-R: SVP and Business Head, Integrated Feed and Protein Business, Olam Agri, Amit Agarwal; Olam Agri Nigeria’s Country Head, Anil Nair; and the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha during the Minister’s visit to the agribusiness head office in Lagos …yesterday

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

Interview

Dumo Lulu-Briggs: GrowingUp,ThereWereTimes We Had No Food at Home

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, recalls growing up at a time when he sometimes had no food at home and had to rely on the kindness of neighbours, an experience that shaped his belief in community and a shared future. He discusses his vision for Rivers State, plans to diversify the economy, create jobs, improve education, promote transparency and protect the environment ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He also addresses his previous electoral experiences and questions surrounding his alleged links to business interests and government contracts. Blessing Ibunge presents the excerpts.

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hy are you contesting the governorship election? I am running because I believe political power must return to public purpose. We are children of the same soil. Whether we come from the riverine communities or the upland communities, whether we were born here or have built our lives here, we share the benefits when Rivers State succeeds and the consequences when it fails. For too long, political conflict has consumed attention that should have gone into jobs, schools, healthcare, safer communities, working infrastructure and stronger businesses. The cost of this crisis is not only found in economic estimates. It is found in postponed government decisions, weakened citizens’ confidence, projects delayed or abandoned, businesses that did not expand, young people who waited too long for opportunity, and communities that watched politics become louder than governance. That is why I am running: to move Rivers State from politics without purpose to disciplined and committed public work; from sharing poverty to creating prosperity; and from a state known mainly for oil and gas to a state respected for what its people built, produced and became. You repeatedly use the word“reset.” What exactly does “Reset Rivers State” mean? Reset is not revenge. For me, Reset Rivers State has six clear implications. First, we must reset politics so that it becomes peaceful, civil and purposeful. Second, we must reset the government so that institutions are honest, predictable and competent. Third, we must reset the economy so that production, services, logistics, enterprise and exports matter more than dependence on monthly allocation. Fourth, we must reset opportunity so that work, finance, markets and advancement do not depend on political connection. Fifth, we must reset trust through fairness, truth, continuity and respect for the rule of law. Sixth, we must reset our commitment to the environment so that clean water, monitoring, emergency response, remediation and resilience are treated as matters of public safety and economic justice. Rivers State belongs to the people. It needs a reset. What is your immediate economic agenda if you become governor? Rivers State possesses much of what it needs to succeed: human resources, energy and gas, ports and waterways, industrial experience, enormous potential in tourism, the blue economy, agriculture, culture and creativity, and the commercial strength of Port Harcourt. Our challenge is conversion, turning these assets into reliable power, productive firms, safer movement, skilled work, stronger local businesses, better public services and more secure household incomes. We must build an economy where the government creates the conditions for businesses to succeed rather than becoming the economy itself. The state budget should provide essential public services, pre-

You did not pull another person’s child down. You did meaningful things to help them. We were friends. We were family. That sense of common ownership has weakened. Politics has become so divisive that even people who should naturally support one another have become suspicious of one another. That is why when I say reset, I mean returning to that sense of common future.

Lulu-Briggs pare serious projects and build infrastructure that enables production. Government should not pretend that ownership is the only path to progress when a commercial project can attract private development financing and professional operatorship. You have spoken of moving Rivers from about $20 billion to a $200 billion economy. Isn’t that too ambitious? Dream big, because you cannot be bigger than your vision. Our vision is long-term but honest about what one administration can do. We will lay the foundation for moving Rivers State from the current approximation of a US$20 billion economy to one that can become a US$200 billion economy in 15 years. We will not be there in 15 years. But by the time we leave, we will have achieved enormous progress and set the foundation for solid growth. It will require serious economic expansion. That is why we are looking at tourism, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, industrial production, services, the creative economy, exports and private-sector investment. The opportunity is enormous. But you must get the politics right before you can get the economy right. What would you do differently from previous administrations? We will use public money with discipline. Useful inherited projects and lawful obligations will be judged on evidence, not on who started them. Projects must be properly prepared. They must be economically justified. Where private financing and professional operatorship can deliver better results, the government should create the conditions for that. At the end of our tenure, the people should be able to ask: Are politics safer? Are institutions more

trusted? Have priority projects moved beyond announcements? Are small and medium-scale enterprises working better? Has tourism grown? Has the creative sector been given its proper place? Are more people moving from training into real work? Is environmental monitoring stronger? Government must be able to tell the people clearly what succeeded, what failed and what needs to be corrected. You have spoken passionately about education. What would your administration do in that area? We have to invest very heavily in education. My background was very humble, but I attended the best schools, our public schools. Sons and daughters of commissioners and government secretaries were in the same schools with ordinary children. That created a sense of common ownership and a common future. That was the Rivers I knew. Every child had a fair chance of success in the race of life. Today, the reverse is increasingly the case. We have created an opportunity gap. Education must therefore become a central economic policy, not simply a social policy. We need employer-linked skills, quality public education, technical training and an environment where young people can move from training into real employment. What shaped your belief in this idea of a common future? Growing up, I always accepted people. There were times when I had no food to eat in my own home, and I went to my neighbours’ homes. Whenever they cooked for their children, they found me there. There was a sense that every child belonged to the community. We all believed in what our parents did. If your children were there, you cared about them.

Critics have suggested that you were not serious about previous elections and that you may have compromised your political interests.What is your response? I am not a regular politician. What drives me into politics is my conviction about what needs to change in Rivers State. I have continued to serve Rivers people in and out of season. My concern has never been simply about holding political office. In 2019, I had a complicated experience with the political process. I became a candidate through the process available to me, but there were disputes and litigation surrounding the candidacy. I fought that election to the very end. The broader point is that Rivers has experienced political conflicts that go beyond ordinary democratic competition. People have lost lives. Communities have suffered. Elections have been disrupted. We cannot continue like that. People should be allowed to participate. The political space must be open. Genuine representatives should have an opportunity. You should not have to depend simply on who you know. You have faced questions about alleged links with Lubrik Construction and other family business interests. What is your position? I am not a contractor. At no point have I had anything to do with Lubrik Construction. There may be family connections and there may be businesses associated with the wider family history, but I have no dealings, directly or indirectly, with Lubrik Construction. My position is very clear: I do not do government contracts. If anybody says that I have anything to do with Lubrik Construction because of family relationships, that is not correct. What I am interested in is creating opportunities for communities and businesses to operate transparently and competitively. What plan do you have for the creative industry which many believe has been neglected over the years? The creative industry is one of Rivers State’s enormous opportunities. We have talent. We have culture. We have history. We have music, entertainment, arts and creativity. The government must create the infrastructure and policy environment that allows those talents to become businesses. We need spaces where people can create, perform and develop their skills. We need investment and incentives that attract private capital. We need to connect the creative sector with tourism. Tourism and the creative economy should not be treated as afterthoughts. See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

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FEATURES

2027: INEC, Media and Battle for Public Trust

As Nigeria counts down to the 2027 general election, concerns over misinformation and declining public trust have placed a greater responsibility on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the media to ensure accurate, ethical and transparent election reporting, writes Oluchi Chibuzor

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ith about 100 days to the first ballot of the 2027 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) are confronting a reality that goes beyond ballot papers, voting technology and election-day logistics. Nigeria’s next election will also be a contest for public trust. That was the central message that ran through a Strategic Workshop for Editors organised by the NGE in collaboration with INEC inAbuja this week. Bringing together electoral officials, editors and experts, the workshop was more about the difficult relationship between elections and information in an increasingly fragmented media environment. Nigeria is approaching another major electoral cycle at a moment when citizens consume information through an extraordinary mix of traditional newsrooms, social media platforms, messaging applications, citizen-generated content and increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence tools. In such an environment, a rumour can travel faster than a verified fact, while a manipulated video can acquire the appearance of truth before an official institution has time to respond. For INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, that makes public confidence perhaps the most important asset in the electoral process. “Electoral trust is not a legal presumption, nor is it an administrative inheritance; it is a precious public currency earned through consistent, verifiable performance and radical transparency,” he told the editors. Amupitan was explicit that the relationship he envisages is not one in which journalists surrender their watchdog role. “Our goal throughout this engagement is to forge a strategic alignment — a shared commitment that while you remain fiercely independent in holding us accountable, we operate from a common foundation of verified facts, institutional transparency, and democratic patriotism,” he said. That distinction matters. A credible electoral process requires an independent media capable of questioning INEC just as much as it requires an electoral commission willing to answer those questions. Beyond the information challenge, INEC used the workshop to outline its operational preparations for 2027. The Commission said it had successfully completed eight of the 14 major statutory activities contained in its revised timetable and was advancing towards the ninth. The timetable, issued on February 26, 2026, has been translated into an operational plan involving INEC’s 23 headquarters directorates, 36 state offices, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government offices. Perhaps the most immediate milestone for voters is the commencement of nationwide collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards on October 9. According to INEC, the three phases of Continuous Voter Registration conducted between August 2025 and July 2026 produced more than 10.6 million new applicants, subject to biometric verification. The Commission said its final Automated Biometric Identification System cleanup had been completed and that the National Register of Voters now stands at more than 103 million. The PVC collection exercise therefore represents an important point at which electoral participation moves from registration to practical readiness. INEC appealed to editors to use their platforms to inform citizens about collection locations and encourage registered voters to collect their cards promptly. INEC said it had strengthened the hardware, software and cybersecurity components of its electoral technology architecture. The Bimodal VoterAccreditation System, or BVAS, has undergone software hardening, battery optimisation and biometric calibration, while 57,000 new BVAS devices have been acquired. Other innovations highlighted at the workshop included online voter registration, downloadable or printable PVC technology and the use of artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in database traffic and strengthen cybersecurity. Yet technology, as the workshop discussions made clear, is not a substitute for trust. A technologically sophisticated election can still be undermined by poor communication, misinformation, inadequate logistics or public suspicion. Conversely, transparent communication can help citizens understand why systems are being deployed, what they are designed to achieve and what their limitations are. INEC’s readiness assessment is therefore extending beyond computer systems. The Commission said it had completed physical audits and staff engagements in the South-west and North-west geopolitical zones, examining facilities, safe-storage arrangements, security protocols and logistics networks, with the remaining zones scheduled for assessment. There is also an internal dimension to credibility. Amupitan stressed that an electoral system can only be as reliable as the people operating it. INEC said all electoral officers and temporary personnel are required to take an oath of neutrality and warned that officials

•Amupitan

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found engaging in partisanship, negligence or compromised conduct would face administrative action. Another threat identified at the workshop was vote-buying. INEC said it was taking an uncompromising position against the buying of votes and was working with institutions including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to strengthen monitoring of campaign finance and financial inducement. “The integrity of the ballot box is fatally compromised when a citizen’s vote is treated as a commodity for sale,” Amupitan said.

“Elections are not merely about casting ballots. They are about trust. They are about citizens believing that their votes will count, that the process will be transparent and that the institutions responsible for conducting elections will act fairly and professionally,” Anaba said. For the media, that responsibility is heavy because editors sit between an increasingly noisy information environment and citizens trying to make sense of what is happening around them. They determine which claims receive prominence, which are challenged, which are verified and which are rejected. The NGE president acknowledged the difficulty. The media, he said, cannot effectively perform its watchdog role without credible, timely and accessible information from the electoral management body. “In an environment increasingly polluted by misinformation, disinformation, manipulated content, deepfakes and partisan narratives, the relationship between INEC and the media must therefore be one founded on openness, mutual respect and regular engagement,” Anaba said. For the NGE, the objective is similarly broader than improving election-day reporting. Anaba said the Guild wants the engagement to mark the beginning of a stronger and more structured partnership between the electoral commission and the media. “The credibility of the media is itself an essential component of the credibility of the electoral process,” he said.

Editors as ‘Final Filter’

Amupitan described editors as the “final filter” in an era of information disorder. In his words, the media is the bridge between the electoral institution and the public, with editors carrying the responsibility of translating complicated electoral laws, procedures and operational developments into information ordinary citizens can understand. “When newsrooms prioritise factual accuracy over sensational headlines, when reports contextualise field logistics rather than default to inflammatory speculation, and when information is verified before publication, you perform a sacred public service,” he said. INEC warned that the consequences could extend beyond damage to the Commission’s reputation. “When fake news spreads, it does not merely damage INEC’s reputation; it attacks the democratic fabric of our nation,” Amupitan said. That places a new responsibility on the newsroom. The traditional instinct to be first must increasingly compete with the obligation to be right. In an election, a wrong report about a result, a security incident or a logistical problem can have consequences far beyond an ordinary news cycle. Amupitan described democracy as “a journey, not a destination.” His appeal was for editors, civil society and INEC to build what he called a common front against threats to democratic stability. “If we stand together—Editors, CSOs, and INEC—we create a fortress that no amount of electoral malpractice or political mischief can breach,” he said. An election does not become credible simply because an electoral management body says it is prepared. Citizens must believe that their votes will count, that the process is transparent and that complaints will be heard. Political parties must have confidence that the rules will be applied fairly, while journalists and civil society organisations must be able to scrutinise the process without being treated as adversaries. That was also the point made by NGE President, Mr. EzeAnaba, who argued that elections are fundamentally about trust.

Trust and Responsible Reporting

In his presentation, a former Managing Director/Editor-inChief of The Sun and presently lecturer at Paul University, Tony Onyima, in his presentation emphasised that electoral integrity depends on accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, alongside effective enforcement of electoral laws. He urged editors to combat misinformation, avoid sensationalism and ensure balanced coverage, while stressing the importance of journalists understanding electoral laws and holding political actors and institutions accountable to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. “Media and INEC need to work together to build trust. Some Nigerians don’t trust the media just as some don’t trust INEC. So, there is need for more engagements to build that trust,” he added. A former INEC Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode, urged the media to always authenticate their report and never to shy away from asking the tough questions. He emphasised that technological innovation alone cannot guarantee credible elections, stressing the importance of transparency, effective communication, cybersecurity, institutional capacity and sustained public trust in INEC and electoral outcomes. See concluded part on www. thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 10, 2026

FEATURES

Elumelu and the Push for West Africa’s Integration Dike Onwuamaeze

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or Tony Elumelu, Africa’s economic transformation cannot be left to governments alone, nor can it be achieved by depending indefinitely on foreign capital, aid and the export of unprocessed natural resources. It requires African entrepreneurs and investors to commit their capital, expertise and enterprise to building productive economies that create jobs, generate wealth and improve lives. This conviction lies at the heart of Africapitalism, the economic philosophy championed by the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). It is also central to the renewed push for regional integration and industrialisation in West Africa, where political leaders and private-sector players are seeking to convert the region’s vast resources and consumer market into sustainable economic opportunities. Elumelu brought this perspective to the fore in Lagos this week, at a media roundtable involving Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and Lagos State Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, ahead of the West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit (WAIIS), scheduled to hold in Freetown from November 16 to 18, 2026. The engagement focused on mobilising private capital, developing investment-ready projects and strengthening cooperation between governments and businesses across West Africa. With an investment pipeline estimated at more than $180 billion across four strategic pillars, the summit is intended to move regional integration beyond political declarations towards bankable projects and measurable economic outcomes. For Elumelu, however, the significance of the initiative extends beyond a summit or a collection of investment pledges. It reflects a broader argument he has consistently advanced: Africa must take greater responsibility for its own development by investing in the sectors that underpin productivity, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and building markets large enough to support competitive businesses. “We are happy that our political leaders are beginning to bring all of us together so that we can make a much greater impact,” he said, speaking on behalf of the African and West African private sector. He linked the initiative to the urgent need to create employment for young people and ensure that economic growth translates into opportunities for people across the region. “This is consistent with our aspirations to create jobs for our young people and ensure that everyone within the region has an opportunity to prosper,” he added. His message captures the central premise of Africapitalism: private capital should generate commercial returns while contributing to Africa’s economic and social development. Elumelu describes Africapitalism as the belief that “the African private sector must take the lead in driving economic development”, through long-term investments in key sectors that generate both economic returns and social impact. The

philosophy challenges businesses to look beyond short-term gains and consider how investment can help address structural problems such as inadequate power supply, weak infrastructure, unemployment and limited access to economic opportunities.

From Regional Declarations to Investment

The timing of the Freetown summit is significant. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 1975, has spent five decades pursuing regional cooperation, free movement, trade and economic integration. Yet the region continues to face barriers that constrain crossborder commerce, industrial development and the movement of capital. President Bio acknowledged this gap at the Lagos engagement, observing that West Africa had discussed integration for about 50 years without doing enough to create a consolidated market. “West Africa has been talking about economic integration for about 50 years, but we have not done enough to integrate our economies and create a consolidated market,” he said. He argued that governments and businesses must work towards a common market serving more than 400 million people, mobilising investors within and outside the region to take advantage of its opportunities. That proposition aligns with Elumelu’s longstanding call for Africa to break down barriers between markets, improve infrastructure and expand intra-African trade. The founder of Heirs Holdings argues that regional integration would remain incomplete without the capacity to produce goods that neighbouring countries need. “If you trade and you don’t produce what your neighbour needs, your neighbour will go outside and look for who can produce it,” he had said, stressing the need for African economies to develop stronger productive capacity and larger markets. The implication is that integration cannot be sustained by agreements alone. It must be supported by businesses capable of manufacturing goods, processing agricultural produce, supplying energy, providing digital services and moving products across borders at competitive costs. For West Africa, the opportunities are substantial, but so are the challenges. Energy shortages raise production costs; inadequate transport networks impede the movement of goods; and fragmented markets limit the scale available to manufacturers and other businesses. Differences in regulations and border procedures can also make regional expansion more complicated than it should be. WAIIS seeks to address these constraints by bringing governments, investors, development finance institutions, business leaders and project owners together around projects that can attract public and private financing. The summit’s four strategic pillars are energy trade and industrial growth; strategic minerals and natural resource development; agribusiness and food systems transformation;

Building Nigeria Where Justice Works At the 2026 Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation Annual Lecture in Lagos, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo turned the abstract debate over Nigeria’s rule of law into a deeply human question, writes Sunday Ehigiator

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or the widow who loses her home after her husband dies, justice is getting her house back. For the teacher who saves for years to buy a piece of land only to discover that someone else has taken possession of it, justice is about recovering what she paid for. And for the woman whose husband, the family breadwinner, is killed in an accident, justice is about receiving compensation that can help her raise the six children he left behind. These were some of the human stories used by former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to make a larger point about Nigeria’s justice system at the 2026 Annual Lecture of the Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF) in Lagos. Osinbajo, who was the guest speaker, placed the question of justice at the centre of Nigeria’s democratic future, arguing that the law must ultimately work for the people it was created to protect. The lecture, organised by the Lagos Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (LACMON), was themed, “Rule of Law in Nigeria: The Challenges of Leadership Compliance.” The Human Face of Justice The majority of cases before Nigerian courts, Osinbajo noted, do not involve government. They are disputes between individuals and organisations. For the people involved, one of the most important questions is what happens after judgment. A citizen may spend years in court, pay lawyers, endure adjournments and eventually obtain a favourable judgment. Yet if that judgment cannot be enforced, the victory may remain largely theoretical. That distinction between obtaining justice and enforcing justice captures one of the central weaknesses in the country’s justice system. For the ordinary Nigerian, justice is not complete when a judge delivers a ruling. It is complete

when the person whose rights have been violated can actually recover what belongs to them, obtain protection and return to a life of dignity. That was the essence of the people-centred justice system Osinbajo advocated. One of his stories was about a woman whose husband died, leaving her with three young daughters. Soon after his death, the man’s father and brothers arrived at the family home, threw the widow and her children out, took possession of the house she had built with her husband and seized the family’s car. She had no money and nowhere to turn. She was forced to go to court, but the case became stuck for years. For such a woman, justice is the return of her home, the recovery of her car and the protection of her children. Another story involved a teacher who had saved money over several years and used her earnings to purchase a quarter-acre of land for N500,000. Someone else subsequently took possession of the property. She went to court, but three years later, the dispute was still unresolved. Again, the meaning of justice for her will be an effective court order restoring her property and protecting her from further dispossession. “These are all stories, but these are not technical cases. They are the real experiences of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods were suddenly thrown into disarray,” Osinbajo said.

When Justice Becomes a Development Issue

The consequences of a weak justice system extend far beyond the courtroom. The denial or delay of justice, Osinbajo argued, is simultaneously a legal, developmental, governance and moral crisis. Land disputes, conflicts between farmers and herders, domestic violence and other disagreements can escalate into

Elumelu and digital transformation and connectivity. These priorities reflect the interconnected nature of economic development. Reliable electricity supports manufacturing and digital services. Efficient transport and logistics connect farmers to processors and consumers. Access to finance enables entrepreneurs to expand production, while digital infrastructure makes it easier for businesses to reach customers and operate across borders.

Africapitalism as a Development Model

Africapitalism emerged from Elumelu’s conviction that Africans must play a leading role in financing and building the continent’s future. Rather than treating the private sector merely as a source of tax revenue or a beneficiary of government policies, the philosophy positions businesses as active participants in solving economic and social problems. It also rejects the idea that profitability and social impact must be mutually exclusive. Investments in electricity, financial services, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure can wider community tensions when people no longer believe that an impartial institution can resolve their grievances. “The absence of justice actually fuels mistrust—mistrust in government because the government is supposed to be the protector,” Osinbajo said. That mistrust has implications for democracy itself. A citizen who believes that the law works only for the rich, powerful or politically connected may eventually lose faith not only in the courts but in the institutions of the state. Once confidence in those institutions begins to disappear, democracy becomes weaker.

The Justice People Can Understand

Osinbajo’s argument was that reform must begin by changing the way justice is understood. Justice, he said, must be designed from the perspective of the person seeking it, rather than simply from the perspective of lawyers and legal institutions. “How many people were able to get justice? How long did it take? What did it cost them? Did the outcome make their lives better?” he asked. Those, he said, are the true tests of a justice system. For Osinbajo, the answer lies partly in making justice easier to navigate. Technology should be deployed to enable citizens to obtain information, lodge complaints and follow their cases without repeated journeys. Legal information should be made available in languages ordinary people understand. Data should be collected to establish where the greatest legal needs exist, while justice institutions should be adequately funded.

The Danger of Technicality

Another major concern was excessive legal technicality. Osinbajo questioned the wisdom of allowing procedural technicalities to determine the fate of cases after years of litigation. He cited cases in which disputes could effectively end because of the manner in which court processes were signed. His concern was that procedure should not become so detached from the purpose of justice that technical errors overwhelm substantive rights. The central questions, he suggested, should always be what harm has the person suffered? What remedy will put that person in a better position? Does the outcome advance justice? Does the weaker party become better off? And can the outcome be explained to the ordinary citizen as fair?

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 10, 2026

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Bennett Oghifo AUTOWORLD Mercedes-Benz Vans Post 25% Growth in Africa-focused Emerging Markets

• 08037128871 •Email: benett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

Rising demand across developing markets boosts commercial vehicle sales as automaker expands electric mobility offerings

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ercedes-Benz has recorded 25 per cent growth in commercial van sales across its Rest of the World region in the third quarter of 2026, highlighting emerging markets’ growing importance to its global business amid intensifying competition and shifting demand. The German luxury automaker sold 84,400 vans worldwide during the quarter, with sales outside China rising six per cent year-on-year, driven by an eight per cent increase in North America and strong growth across the Rest of the World region. Although Mercedes-Benz did not disclose Africa-specific sales figures, the performance highlights the potential of emerging markets as demand for commercial vehicles evolves across transportation, logistics, distribution and other business sectors. For African businesses, where commercial vehicles support the movement of goods and passengers, the development underscores the importance of reliable transport solutions to productivity and operational efficiency. However, the company's reported regional figures do not establish how much of the growth came from Africa or individual African countries. The commercial van business delivered stronger growth than the company's overall van sales,

which increased one per cent compared with the same quarter of 2025. Demand for large vans remained particularly strong, with sales rising 15 per cent, while the commercial van segment expanded four per cent year-on-year. The performance reinforces the strategic importance of larger vehicles to Mercedes-Benz Vans as businesses seek transport capacity for logistics, passenger services and other commercial operations. Head of Sales and Marketing at MercedesBenz Vans, Mathias Vaitl, said the continued positive development of the company's global commercial van portfolio reflected customers' confidence in its products and services. At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, the company presented MercedesBenz PRO, a business ecosystem that integrates vehicles, digital features and services to help commercial customers improve efficiency and manage their daily operations. The platform is designed to combine vehicle technology with digital solutions tailored to customers' business requirements, reflecting the growing role of connected services in commercial transportation. Mercedes-Benz also showcased the new electric VLE, an eight-seater shuttle vehicle designed for professional use, as part of its efforts to extend electric mobility into commercial transportation. The company recorded a 12 per cent increase in electric van sales during the third quarter

The new Vito and eSprinter compared with the previous year. Electric vehicles accounted for 11 per cent of its global van sales, up from 10 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025. In Europe, electric vans represented 15 per cent of sales, compared with 14 per cent a year earlier. The figures point to gradual growth in demand for electric commercial vehicles, although adoption across African markets will depend on factors

including vehicle acquisition costs, charging infrastructure, electricity reliability and access to maintenance services. For fleet operators and transport businesses, these considerations will remain important in determining the commercial viability of electric vans, particularly in markets where infrastructure and operating conditions differ significantly from those in Europe.

Hyundai Motor Unveils all-new TUCSON, Boldest SUV

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yundai Motor Company has unveiled the all-new TUCSON, introducing its boldest SUV ever, which combines the “Art of Steel” design philosophy, hybrid performance enhanced by intelligent efficiency, and the advanced Pleos Connect next-generation infotainment system. A statement by the automaker said the all-new TUCSON made its world premiere against the iconic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline in New York City, underscoring Hyundai Motor’s confidence in its best-selling global SUV. The bold urban venue reflected the vehicle’s innovative spirit, celebrating TUCSON’s rich heritage as a global market leader while signaling a new era of versatile mobility. Designed for ultimate versatility, the all-new TUCSON seamlessly transitions from sophisticated daily commutes to rugged weekend getaways. Guided by the “Art of Steel” design philosophy, it combines muscular exterior styling with a purposeful, tech-forward interior. Alongside the standard model, the debut of the rugged TUCSON XRT PRO further elevates its off-road capability. Integrated with Pleos Connect featuring Gleo AI , an advanced Next-generation Hybrid System,

of bold design, generous cabin space, seamless infotainment, and available hybrid efficiency sets a new standard for what customers should expect in this segment. TUCSON opens the most ambitious product offensive in our history, including more than 100 new and refreshed vehicles globally by 2030 — 58 in North America alone." How Does “Art of Steel” Design Language

Influence The all-new TUCSON’s Bold Look? The all-new TUCSON embodies “The Boldest SUV” ideal through Hyundai Motor’s “Art of Steel” design language, combining structural strength with a commanding road presence. Every element, from muscular exterior proportions to refined interior spaces, reflects purposeful engineering and aesthetic vision. The exterior design centers on pronounced, muscular fenders that showcase the inherent tension and strength of steel. This aesthetic is balanced by restrained door surfaces and crisp body lines, reinforcing the all-new TUCSON’s bold SUV image. The redesigned body is longer, wider and taller, commanding greater visual presence while unlocking additional interior space. The long wheelbase model measures 4,700 mm in length (+60 mm), 1,905 mm in width (+40 mm), and 1,685 mm in height (+20 mm) compared to the previous model. The all-new TUCSON’s front design helps to improve pedestrian safety while enhancing forward protection in the event of a collision. Meanwhile, door opening angles expand from 73 degrees to 83 degrees compared to the previous generation, improving accessibility and ease of entry.

The winner was selected through a live draw on Friday, September 25, bringing customers, guests and members of the Jetour family together for the highly anticipated announcement. As the brand continues to expand its presence in Nigeria, initiatives such as #WinYourWayToBrazil forms part of its commitment to delivering value to customers, both on and beyond the road. The #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign follows the successful Jetour Africa Expedition — Nigeria Edition, which marked the first major activation created specifically to bring Jetour owners together in Nigeria. The Jetour Africa Expedition brought

owners, influencers, media and the Jetour team together for a unique journey that combined driving, adventure, culture and community. With #WinYourWayToBrazil, Jetour I W Motors is putting its owners back in action, creating another opportunity for customers to come together, participate and experience the Jetour community beyond the showroom and beyond the vehicle itself. Jetour Nigeria Club officially established The celebration also marked an important milestone for the Jetour community in Nigeria, as Jetour I W Motors officially announced the establishment of the Jetour Nigeria Club for the first time in the country. The Owners Club is being created to bring Jetour owners together through a growing calendar of experiences, activities, adventures and community initiatives.

The all-new TUCSON interior and Hyundai’s first Smart Terrain Assist (STA) , the all-new TUCSON lineup empowers customers with confidence and elevated convenience across diverse lifestyles and life stages. "Millions of families around the world count on the Hyundai TUCSON, and this is the best one we have ever built," said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "Its combination

Jetour WMotors Launches ‘Win Your WayTo Brazil’ for Customers

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etour W Motors has continued its commitment to building a strong and engaged community of Jetour owners with the conclusion of its Jetour #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign, bringing customers together for an evening of celebration, entertainment and the highly anticipated raffle draw. The campaign gave customers who placed an order and purchased any Jetour vehicle between August 18 and September 20, 2026, an opportunity to participate in the raffle and win their way to Brazil for the Jetour Brazil Fan Festival. To mark the occasion, eligible customers gathered at the Jetour I W Motors showroom on Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, for an intimate celebration featuring bites, refreshments, music and a relaxed

Jetour W Motors vehicle lineup

evening of interaction. Branded Jetour Owners Club gifts were also distributed to customers as part of the celebration.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION NIGERIA DOES NOT NEED BIGGER BUDGETS, BUT EFFICIENT SPENDING that had been set by the government. The size of a national budget, in itself, is not a reliable measure of economic strength or development potential; rather, the critical consideration is how efficiently available resources are mobilised, allocated and deployed to stimulate productivity, create jobs and improve living standards. Expanding the budget size will also widen the gap between budget promises and actual delivery especially for a country already grappling with mounting debt obligations, revenue constraints and competing demands on public finances. Additionally, expanding expenditure without first addressing structural weaknesses in budget implementation could compound existing fiscal pressures without delivering commensurate economic gains. For instance, Nigeria’s 2026 budget has an aggregate expenditure of N68.32 trillion and N15.8 trillion for debt service. The government also allocated N15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, N32.2 trillion to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure, while statutory transfers increased from N4.1 trillion to

N4.79 trillion. The approved budget also showed a broader increase in recurrent non-debt spending to N15.4 trillion, up from N15.25 trillion. The government’s borrowing plan equally rose sharply from N11.31 trillion to N29.20 trillion. On the other hand, the country’s debt reached another significant milestone, with total obligations rising to approximately N166 trillion as (of) AT June 2026, an increase of about N7 trillion in three months. The latest figures, reported by the Debt Management Office (DMO) renewed attention to the country’s borrowing trajectory and the fiscal pressures confronting the government. These show that Nigeria is already spending substantially more than it gets in terms of revenue generation. Therefore, increasing the budget further without a credible financing plan would worsen fiscal imbalances and leave future administrations with larger debt obligations. Another danger is that if increased spending is not matched by sustainable revenue, Nigeria would have to borrow

more, increase taxes or introduce other forms of financing for citizens who are already facing cost of living crisis. The proposal by Bagudu will definitely heighten inflationary pressures. The more useful question here is not whether Nigeria spends as much as Brazil as the minister highlighted, or any other country, but whether Nigeria collects and deploys its resources effectively relative to its own development needs. The Senate recently extended the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30 to December 31, 2026, citing the need to prevent the abandonment of ongoing projects and ensure effective utilisation of funds already appropriated and released. Developments like this should worry Bagudu more. He should be more concerned about why budget implementation in the country routinely falls behind schedule. Also, the minister’s energy should be seen canvasing for a deliberate shift towards innovative revenue generation, improved efficiency in public asset

management, and the elimination of waste. The diversification of the economy away from its over-reliance on oil remains paramount. Investing strategically in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create new avenues for growth, employment, and export earnings, reducing vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations. Strengthening domestic production capacity is equally crucial. By fostering a conducive business environment and improving infrastructure, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on imports and build a more self-reliant economy. Nigeria certainly needs to broaden its revenue base, improve tax administration, reduce leakages and ensure that profitable economic activities contribute fairly. The government should prioritise compliance, reduce unnecessary waivers and improve collection from high-income and high-value economic activities. The government must demonstrate not only that it can approve a bigger budget, but also that it can finance, execute and account for it.

contemporaries were content to travel at the lowest end of the economy cabin, Alake had discovered the pleasures of first class. He understood early that if one must undertake a journey, the experience need not be an endurance test. There is something quintessentially Lagosian about this disposition: enjoy life when you can, because tomorrow has its own uncertainties. Yet, for all his accomplishments and privileged access, Alake is not given to advertising himself. One might reasonably have expected a milestone birthday of this magnitude to inspire elaborate celebrations across London, Dubai and New York, a city that has long figured prominently in his international life. But one suspects that, confronted with such expectations, his response would be characteristically dismissive: “Omo, it’s just another day jor!” And that, quite possibly, would be the end of the discussion. At 70, Alake has much to be grateful for. His journey suggests that favour and preparation are not mutually exclusive. Yes, God has been kind to him. But divine favour appears to have met a man equipped with the intellect, discipline, ambition and relationships to recognise opportunities and make something of

them. He has not merely been carried by the currents of fortune; he has, in many respects, prepared himself to navigate them. That is why he should not be envied as much as he should be studied and emulated. The lesson is not that everyone must adopt his temperament, his peculiar communication habits or his uncompromising loyalties. It is that intellect must be cultivated, relationships must be built, opportunities must be recognised, and whatever advantages life confers must be matched by preparation and purpose. Still, as he enters his seventh decade, there is one small request his friends and admirers might respectfully place before him. Dele, please make yourself a little more reachable. Not every unanswered call is an act of betrayal, and not every message is an attempt to impose on your generosity. Sometimes, the person calling simply needs a word of encouragement, a little direction or the reassurance that the relationship still matters. And sometimes, the opportunity you could unlock with a brief conversation is precisely the one that might change a life. You have demonstrated that you can remember people even when you have not spoken to them for months. Imagine what might happen if a little more of that remembrance were translated into timely attention. Ekiti, too, might yet benefit from a more deliberate investment of your extraordinary gifts. So might the many younger people who look up to you, some of whom may never have the privilege of receiving one of those unexpected telephone calls. For a man who has spent much of his life opening doors, perhaps the next phase is about helping more people find the handles. Happy 70th birthday, my brother. May the years ahead bring you good health, peace, fulfilment and the satisfaction of seeing your ideas bear even greater fruit. May you continue to enjoy the finest things life has to offer, without losing the simplicity that allows you to dismiss a landmark birthday as “just another day”. And may those of us who have occasionally wondered whether you still remember us be pleasantly surprised, once again, by the ringing of our telephones. Because, with Dele Alake, that call may come when you least expect it. And when it does, you may discover that you were never quite forgotten after all.

DELE ALAKE: A JOURNEY OF CONVICTION

to pursue and problems that refuse to wait for a philosophical examination of their merits. Still, one learns that being ignored by Dele Alake is not necessarily the same as being forgotten by him. And that distinction can be everything. There is, however, one loyalty that has consistently stood above the clamour of competing expectations: his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his principal and, in the President’s own words in his birthday message, “my confidante, brother, and buddy” This is perhaps the most misunderstood—and, for some, the most exasperating—dimension of Alake’s public life. His devotion to the President is so pronounced that other relationships and expectations can appear to occupy a distant second place. Friends may wait. Associates may wonder. Even Ekiti, his state of origin, may sometimes be left contemplating the possibilities of what might have been. One cannot help wondering what Alake might have accomplished for Ekiti had he deployed to its development the formidable intellectual resources, cosmopolitan exposure and international connections at his disposal. It is a legitimate question, not an accusation. His loyalty to Tinubu has been a defining choice, and history will judge both the strength of that commitment and the opportunities that may have been sacrificed at its altar. For now, the President’s description of him as a confidante offers a revealing glimpse into a relationship whose depth transcends the usual calculations of political convenience. Yet there is another Alake, one who emerges when the demands of office recede and the formality of public life gives way to friendship. This is the Alake who can point you towards a path, explain what lies ahead, and then leave you to your fate with the disarming instruction: get on with it! No elaborate promises. No lengthy assurances. No succession of telephone calls to ask whether you have arrived safely at the destination. He has shown you the road; the journey is yours. The road may be rough, the terrain unforgiving and the obstacles formidable. Nevertheless, he expects you to find your feet and excel. Is this tough love, a test of character, or an expression of his confidence in the person he has chosen to assist? Perhaps it is all three.

Dele Alake

Alake may simply see in others the capacity he recognises in himself. He knows that success is rarely delivered on a platter, and perhaps believes that people must sometimes be left alone to discover the strength they did not know they possessed. His method may not win him a popularity contest, but it can leave a lasting lesson: assistance should create capacity, not dependency. And then, there is the Alake who understands that life is not meant to be endured exclusively in the pursuit of achievement. It must also be enjoyed. Beneath that formidable exterior lies a proper jayejaye, an omo Eko gangan who understands the philosophy of living well. Long before his buddy became President, Alake knew how to show a friend the finer side of life. He could introduce you to the hidden corners of East London, where carefully marinated, peppered Aparo—Sparrow, as the connoisseur might explain it—could accompany some of the finest cognac in an exclusive lounge. He has an appetite for quality, whether in conversation, cuisine, travel or the good things of life. And he makes little apology for it. While some of his privileged

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Mbah: Making Enugu New Economic Destination Enugu State is undergoing a transformation driven by an ambition to create a more connected, secure and prosperous economy. Governor Peter Mbah’s strategy links infrastructure, tourism, education, investment and security to build a state where people can live, work and invest, writes Gideon Arinze

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or Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the transformation underway is about building an ecosystem in which infrastructure, security, tourism, education, healthcare, transport and investment reinforce one another to create a more prosperous state. That was the message he conveyed during an interactive session with journalists who had spent time touring some of the projects and initiatives of his administration across the state, during the All Nigeria’s Editors’ Conference (ANEC). For the governor, the opportunity to host journalists for the second consecutive year was an opportunity for them to see the changes for themselves, ask questions and offer feedback on what they had seen. At the centre of Enugu’s story is an ambition to grow the Enugu’s economy, reduce poverty and create a state where people can live, work, invest and dream of a future. Mbah explained that the different projects being undertaken across the state should not be viewed as endpoints in themselves. Rather, they are instruments designed to deliver a broader economic and social transformation. Security, transport, investment and tourism, he said, are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, with each expected to contribute to the larger objective of expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of residents. The philosophy is particularly evident in the administration’s approach to the challenge of youth migration. During his campaign, Mbah had said he was concerned about the number of young people who left Enugu after their education in search of opportunities elsewhere. His response was to create an environment in which young people could remain in the state, Mbah find employment, create wealth and build fulfilling lives. “We don’t want our boys only to come back to Enugu when they want to attend funerals or weddings,” he said. The remark captured a central element of the administration’s development philosophy: creating an Enugu where people do not have to leave before they can find opportunity. That ambition cuts across the sectors, and tourism provides one of the clearest examples. The administration is positioning tourism as an economic engine capable of attracting visitors, creating jobs and stimulating businesses across the state.

Tourism Development

According to Mbah, the state is developing six major tourism sites, with an ambition to attract three million visitors to Enugu. The thinking is that Enugu’s historical, cultural and natural assets can become economic assets if properly developed and connected to the wider economy. Tourism brings visitors, while visitors create demand for accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment, retail and other services. Those activities, in turn, create opportunities for entrepreneurs and workers. It is the interconnectedness Mbah repeatedly emphasised as he explained why the administration’s various projects should be seen as parts of one larger economic strategy rather than independent initiatives. The same philosophy is evident in the administration’s investment in transport and aviation. The state’s involvement in aviation is driven by the desire to improve connectivity and make Enugu more accessible to people coming for business, investment, tourism and other purposes. For the governor, a state may have attractions, businesses and investment opportunities, but the ability of people and goods to move efficiently remains fundamental to unlocking their value. Infrastructure, therefore, becomes more than physical construction; it becomes an enabler of economic activity.

Education and Smart Schools

That thinking extends naturally to education, which Mbah considers another critical foundation of the state’s future. He spoke of the construction of more than 7,000 classrooms, but quickly stressed that the initiative goes beyond putting up buildings. The schools are being designed around a different conception of what education should mean for children growing up in the 21st century. The governor contrasted the approach with the educational environment familiar to an earlier generation, when chalk-and-board teaching and rote learning were dominant. For today’s children, he argued, education must prepare them for a fundamentally different world. That explains the emphasis on smart schools, technology, solar power, data and experiential learning. The objective therefore is to change the learning environment and expose

children to tools and methods that reflect the demands of the modern economy. “When these kids begin to learn what we now call experiential learning, you cannot take them back to the old system of learning,” he said. The investment is intended to raise expectations and create a standard that future administrations will have to sustain. Mbah said his administration is carrying much of the heavy capital expenditure, with the expectation that future governments would build on the foundation and focus increasingly on operating costs. That continuity is important to the governor’s vision because the ambition is for projects to become part of the permanent development infrastructure of the state. In that sense, the administration is attempting to shift the conversation from what can be completed within a political tenure to what can continue delivering value long after the tenure has ended.

Improved Revenue

Behind the physical transformation is the state’s revenue base. Mbah pointed to the growth in the state’s internally generated revenue as part of the administration’s effort to create a more sustainable financial foundation for its development agenda. According to him, Enugu ended the previous year with N406 billion in revenue, compared with N25 billion when his administration began in 2023. He also stressed that taxation accounts for less than 13 per cent of the state’s internally generated revenue, arguing that much of the growth was associated with the activation of state-owned businesses and other revenue-generating enterprises. The administration, he said revived moribund companies and turned them into productive assets. Among those mentioned were United Palms Products Limited, the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Enugu, among others. The objective is to create businesses capable of generating revenue and employment while reducing leakages in the state’s financial system. This approach reflects the broader argument that government-owned assets do not necessarily have to remain dormant or depend entirely on public funding. Properly activated, they can contribute to economic activity, employment and public revenue. Theemphasis on revenue and economic activity also reinforces the administration’s larger objective of creating the financial capacity to sustain development. After all, infrastructure can only deliver its intended benefits if government possesses the resources to maintain it, while social investments require sustained funding to remain effective. This is why Mbah’s focus on expanding the revenue base is closely linked to the administration’s broader development strategy.

Security is another critical pillar of the transformation agenda because, for a state seeking to attract investment, tourism and human capital, security is fundamental. Investors need confidence, visitors need to feel safe, and residents need assurance that they can conduct their daily activities without fear. Mbah spoke of the state’s efforts to strengthen security and the possibility of developing a common command-and-control centre for the Southeast. The proposed approach would go beyond intelligence gathering to include operational coordination. The logic is regional. Security challenges do not necessarily stop at state boundaries. Where pressure is reduced in one location, criminal elements can relocate to another. A coordinated regional approach, therefore, could strengthen the ability of states to respond collectively. This thinking also aligns with the broader idea of Southeast integration, which Mbah believes can help the region address common economic and infrastructural challenges more effectively. The governor welcomed the establishment and operationalisation of the Southeast Development Commission, describing it as an opportunity to revive and coordinate projects of common interest across the region. Among the projects he referenced were efforts around gas infrastructure and the integrated Southeast railway line. For Enugu, the development of regional infrastructure has implications beyond the state itself. Better rail connectivity, stronger energy infrastructure and coordinated regional planning could deepen economic linkages among the states and improve the movement of people, goods and investment. Enugu is also seeking to strengthen its position as a regional gateway through the development of its airport. Mbah noted that the international wing of the airport had been concessioned and that the state was working to ensure that the investor operationalises it. Again, the objective goes beyond aviation. A functional international gateway can support tourism, investment, trade and business travel while strengthening Enugu’s position within the Southeast economic landscape. The state’s relationship with the federal government is another component of the development strategy. Rather than treating state and federal infrastructure as competing initiatives, Enugu is pursuing areas of collaboration. Mbah cited road infrastructure as an example, explaining that on the EnuguAbakaliki Road, while the federal government was handling the flyover, the state was undertaking the dualisation of a 22-kilometre stretch. He also pointed to federal interventions on other road projects that had previously been difficult to complete. This picture is one of complementary interventions, with the state taking responsibility in some areas while the federal government supports others. For a state whose economic ambitions depend heavily on connectivity, such cooperation can be consequential. Better roads reduce travel time, improve access to markets and strengthen the movement of people and goods, while improved aviation and regional infrastructure can connect Enugu more effectively to other parts of Nigeria and the wider world. Mbah’s larger development philosophy is perhaps best understood through his repeated emphasis on interconnection. A new road connects communities to marketså. A tourism project creates demand for transport, hospitality, food, entertainment and other services. A school is an investment in human capital. An airport can become a gateway for tourism, investment and trade. Security is an economic imperative. Revenue generation is about creating the financial capacity to sustain public services and development. That interconnected approach provides the framework through which the Mbah administration wants its interventions to be understood. The ambition is to use infrastructure to stimulate economic activity, create jobs and improve the circumstances of the people. Mbah appears conscious of that. His emphasis on building foundations that subsequent administrations can sustain suggests an attempt to make continuity part of the development equation. For Enugu, the opportunity is considerable. The state has historical assets, an entrepreneurial population and a strategic position in the Southeast. The challenge is to translate those advantages into an integrated economic system that creates opportunities at scale. The emerging strategy is to connect the dots between infrastructure and investment, tourism and employment, education and human capital, security and economic activity, aviation and connectivity, state and federal projects, and Enugu and the wider Southeast. As the governor put it, the projects are not the endpoints. They are the means to an end. And that end is a more prosperous, connected and opportunityrich Enugu.

GLOBAL SOCCER

NEWSPAPER

NEWS

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 24, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.10.2026

NEWS

JOSHUA/FURY FRENZY PAGE. 29

LOLA OGUNBOTE GARLANDS FOR AN AMAZON Nigerian trailblazer, Lola Ogunbote has made a historic move to Chelsea Women as Head of Football Operations & Player Services after a brilliant five-year transformation at Burnley. Following in the footsteps of legendary administrator, Michael Emenalo— Chelsea’s formerTechnical Director-Ogunbote’s elite appointment anchors a powerful wave of Nigerian excellence shaping the global future of sports governance.

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LOLA OGUNBOTE

Garlands for An Amazon in Female Football

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he corridors of Stamford Bridge are steeped in a history once seen as an exclusive, homogenous club. But structures are built to be dismantled. When Ogunbote walked into Chelsea Football Club earlier this summer, she didn’t just accept a job; she cemented her status as a global pioneer, representing a monumental shift at the apex of women’s football Mastering the Chaos: The First 90 Days Within her first 90 days, Ogunbote was thrown directly into the logistical deep end. Her initial responsibilities included orchestrating Chelsea Women’s massive overseas pre-season tour acrossAustralia and NewZealand—acomplex,multi-continental operation involving elite athletes, support staff, and tons of equipment. Closer to home, her desk has been flooded with the intricate details of a massive structural shift. She is the mastermind overseeing the operational transition that moves Chelsea’s WSL home fixtures directly into the iconic Stamford Bridge, while simultaneously coordinating their European nights by moving Champions League matches toAFC Wimbledon. From managing elite player services to flawlessly executing high-stakes matchdays across multiple competitions, Ogunbote has quickly shown that she possesses the calm composure required to steer a sporting superpower. The Nigerian Lineage: From Emenalo to Ogunbote To fully appreciate the weight of Ogunbote’sappointment,onemustlookbackward to the foundations laid by Michael Emenalo. During his transformative tenure at Chelsea from 2011 to 2017, Emenalo completely reshaped the modern multi-club model and modern scouting. He overhauled the club’s academy, spearheaded the infamous “loan army” system, and brought in era-defining superstars like Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kanté, and Cesc Fàbregas. Despite facing immense media scrutiny, Emenalo’s blueprint yielded multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and Europe’s ultimate prize—the UEFA Champions League. The Nigerian Executive Lineage at Stamford Ogunbote now steps into this rich lineage of Nigerian sports governance. Like Emenalo, she possesses a rare, crossdisciplinary mind capable of looking at football through both a commercial and human lens. While Emenalo dominated the men’sgameduringagoldenera,Ogunbote arrives at a time when the women’s game is experiencingunprecedentedexponentialgrowth. Her presence at the boardroom table ensures that Nigeria remains an active, powerful force in shaping the global sporting landscape. From corporate boardroom to the Pitch: A Unique Journey Ogunbote’srisetothetopofEnglishfootball was far from predictable. Born in Nigeria and raisedinEastLondon,aftermovingtotheUnited Kingdomasababy,sheinitiallyfoundherfooting in the corporate world. ShetrainedasaUK-qualifiedlawyerandbuilt aprestigiouscorporatecareer,whichincludeda stintattheinvestmentbankinggiantGoldman Sachs.Yet,thepullofthepitchprovedtoostrong toignore.In2016,shemadeacourageousleap offaith,walkingawayfromcorporatestability to joinArsenal’s Gap Year programme. What followed was a masterclass in building a career from the ground up. Ogunbote

Ogunbote

gathered diverse international experience across coaching, player development, and football operations, proving she was just as comfortable working on grassroots pitches as she was reviewing corporate contracts. Her breakthrough came in 2021 when she joined Burnley FC and made history as the club’s first-ever Head of Women’s Football. Over a remarkable five-year project in Lancashire, Ogunbote transformed Burnley Women’s football operations, completely reshaping recruitment, player development, and performance structures. Her masterwork concluded beautifully last season when Burnley clinched the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title, earning a historic promotion.

In February 2026, Ogunbote brought this vision directly to Surulere, Lagos, launching a transformative two-day summit. The event brought together 300 female students from 10 different schools, beautifully pairing intensive football drills with vital leadership training.

A Visionary Beyond the Pitch Ogunbote’s impact extends far beyond the professional leagues of England. Her deep connection to her Nigerian roots remains a driving force behind her work. As an Executive Director of the US-based non-profit Goals for Girls, she actively uses football as a tool to uplift young women in West Africa.

Driving the African Wave in the WSL Ogunbote’s arrival at Chelsea comes at a time when Nigerian influence in English football is reaching an all-time high. The WSL is experiencing a thrilling influx of Nigerian talent on the pitch, highlighted by Super Falcons goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor moving to Crystal Palace and tactical defender Rofiat Imuran signing

The Goals for Girls Summit in Lagos Her brilliant knack for balancing elite sports administration with grassroots empowerment has caught the attention of the wider sports industry. Ogunbote was proudly named to the prestigious 2024 Football Black List in the administration category, standing side-by-side with influential industry leaders like Paul Elliott, Mark Esiri, and Fleur Robinson.

with Aston Villa. Ogunbote’s story is a powerful reminder that trailblazing isn’t just about being the first to cross a finish line; it’s about building a solid bridge for others to follow. By stepping into this high-profile role at Chelsea, she honours the legendary path of Emenalo, elevates the global standing of Nigerian administrators, and inspires young girls from East London to Lagos to dream without limits. The blue flag is flying high at Stamford Bridge, and a Nigerian woman is helping guide its course. Childhood Shaped by Two Cultures Ogunbote had a childhood shaped by a blend of two cultures. Born in Nigeria, she relocated to East London at just 18 months old. Her parents instilled strong Nigerian values at home while she navigated British culture at school. Driven by her parents’ sacrifices, she was raised to value discipline and academic success over her early passion for football.At age 14, a discouraging encounter with a career advisor who claimed law was “not for people who looked like her” ignited a fierce determination within her, prompting her to initially pursue a legal education.

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Senegal are waiting to hear the result of an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being stripped of the Afcon title they thought they had won in January

CAF Considering Resciding Decision on Hosting AFCON Every Four Years

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peaking yesterday at a Confederation of African Football (Caf) strategy conference in Cape Verde, president Patrice Motsepe said: “We’ve discussed it over the last few days. “We are looking at everything, including having the Afcon coming back every two years. We are very clear, the matter

is being reviewed.” The tournament has taken place every two years since 1968, bar a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions. However, in December 2025 CAF announced it would shift to being staged every four years after the 2027 Afcon in East Africa and a 2028 edition. That planned alteration to

the schedule had received widespread criticism across the continent. National associations had raised concerns about the visibility of their teams, the commercial implications and where Africa’s biggest competition would sit in the international football calendar.

Maresca Backs Man City to Win Appeal Against Guilty Verdict Manchester City boss, Enzo Maresca says the club’s owners are “convinced” they will win their appeal against an independent commission that found them guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. Speaking at his first press conference since the verdict was announced, Maresca insisted he “100 per cent completely trusts” the club’s hierarchy, making him believe “we’re going to win the appeal”. In his 15-minute press conference ahead of Sunday’s game at Liverpool said: 9”Man City’s achievements are “absolutely not” tainted.

The independent commission found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18, Man City arranged “sham” contracts with a number of its commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme” to artificially inflate the club’s revenues by £830m. Last Friday, City confirmed their appeal because they are “innocent” and described the judgement against them as “opinion” and claimed it “contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe”. Maresca, who was assistant to Pep Guardiola in the 2022/23 treble-winning season, replaced the Spaniard as head coach this summer.

Tickets for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium have sold out in just one hour. Fury and Joshua will meet on a bill that begins on 11 December but they are not expected to fight until the early hours of 12 December. The highest-priced tickets were available at £13,128, including booking fees, with the lowest at £88.50. The all-British heavyweight contest, which will be broadcast globally on Netflix, was announced in September and around 80,000 tickets went on sale at 12:00 BST yesterday.

Just minutes after the tickets went on sale, more than 500,000 people were waiting in the online queue. Tickets quickly began emerging on resale websites, with ringside VIP seats being advertised for £73,645, while upper tier seats were available for £425. Ringwalks are expected to start around 01:00 GMT on Saturday 12 December, following a short live music performance, and the stadium will remain open until 03:30. The event is being promoted as a collaboration between Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh’s The Ring and UFC chief Dana White. Organisers are yet to confirm any

Asked if he would still have joined the club had the verdict beenreleasedearlier,hereplied:“I knowtheorganisationfromyears ago. I know how serious they are. I know they do the right things.” Questioned on whether the charges issue was raised during talks, he responded: “No, we didn’t speak about that. I didn’t think that was a problem for the club at that time. Also, because theyarethinkinginanhonestway. “Ithinktheyareconvincedthat intheendwewillwintheappeal.” Earlier he said: “The reason why I joined this club is I completely trust 100 per cent, the owner, the sporting director, the CEO - all the organisation. I have no doubt about that.

Over 80,000 Tickets Sold in 60 Minutes for Joshua/Fury Clash of the undercard fights. “Joshua, 36, and Fury, 38 - both former two-time world champions - signed contracts for the bout earlier this year, but the date and venue had yet to be confirmed. London’s Wembley Stadium and New York’s Madison Square Garden were the frontrunners to stage the fight, but both presented issues before Cardiff emerged as an alternative. The Principality Stadium has hosted late-night boxing before, including Joe Calzaghe’s fight with Mikkel Kessler in November 2007, which began at 01:00 GMT.

Alozie, Kanu Strike as Nigeria Fire Past Comoros 2-0 The Super Falcons began their campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles with a convincing 2-0 win over Comoros in the first leg of their qualifying tie. Nigeria went into the encounter as overwhelming favourites to progress to the next round, but faced a Comoros side that reached this stage after thrashing Sudan 30-0 on aggregate. The match was played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne because Comoros do not have a stadium that meets CAF requirements. Augustine Eguavoen, who took charge of his first game since replacing Justin Madugu, named a strongstarting lineup despite the withdrawal of some

2028 Olympic Qualifier

key players from the squad. Joy Igbokwe made her Super Falcons debut, while RasheedatAjibade captained the side and Shukurat Oladipo, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Michelle Alozie were also included in the team. The Super Falcons took control early on and dominated the first half as they searched for an opening goal. Kanu and Alozie both threatened the Comoros defence, while Ajibade came close to breaking the deadlock but saw her effort hit the woodwork. Nigeria needed just three minutes af-

ter the restart to find the breakthrough, withAlozie finishing from close range. Gift Monday knocked down a cross from the right, allowing Alozie to arrive at the right time and tap the ball home to give the Super Falcons a deserved lead. The visitors doubled their advantage on the hour mark through Kanu, who headed home from a corner delivered by Echegini. Janet Akekoromowei also came on for her debut in the second half as the Super Falcons continued their dominance in the encounter. The game ended 2-0 as Nigeria take a massive advantage into next week’s second leg clash.

L-R: Kano Pillars players, Fabian Nworie; Ibrahim Sani Halliru; Chairman of Rafa Corporation and Group Executive Director of BUA Group; Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu, Frank Onyebuchi and Shola Abdulraheem, during the sponsorship signing ceremony recently

Rafa Corporation Signs 3-year Shirt Sponsorship with Kano Pillars, Announces Plans for Football Academy

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afa Corporation, the company behind the rapidlygrowingRafa Detergents brand, has signed a three-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Kano Pillars Football Club. Unveiled in Kano under the theme,“TogetherforaStronger Tomorrow,” the partnership featuredthreenewofficialKano Pillars jerseys bearing the Rafa brandlogo.ItstrengthensRafa’s connection with consumers while supporting Nigerian footballandcreatingopportunities for young people. The agreement was signed byAlhaji Kabiru Rabiu, Chairman of Rafa Corporation and Group Executive Director of BUAGroup,andAlhajiAhmed Musbahu Garo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kano Pillars Football Club. Speaking at the unveiling, Rabiu described the sponsorship as a natural connection between a proudly Nigerian manufacturing business and a football institution whose significanceextendsfarbeyond the field of play. “We are very excited to form this partnership with Kano Pillars,” he said. The club’s extraordinary following, enduring place in Kano’s identity and distinguished contribution to Nigerianfootball,heexplained, made it a compelling partner forRafa.Formanypeopleborn

and raised in Kano, supporting Pillars begins in childhood and becomes a lifelong attachment. Football,Rabiuadded,brings youngpeopletogether,encouragingdiscipline,friendshipand asharedsenseofpurpose.Rafa’s involvement would extend beyond brand visibility to supportingtheclub’sdevelopment and expanding its reach across Nigeria and beyond. Recalling earlier support for Kano Pillars by BUA Group back in 2013, he described the agreement as a renewal of a longstanding connection and a foundationforgreatercollaboration. He also commended the Executive Governor of Kano State,HisExcellency,Engr.Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support for the club and commitment to youth and human capital development. Welcoming the partnership, Garo described it as one of the most significant achievements of his tenure and an important step towards strengthening the club’scommercialfoundations. “Weareveryhappywiththis partnershipastheStateGovernment encourages Kano Pillars to be financially self-sufficient,” he said. Garo thanked Rafa Corporation for its support, noting that stronger private-sector partnershipswouldhelpreduce dependence on government funding, support academy development and provide a

sustainablefoundationforsporting success. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would bring renewedmomentumtothecluband contribute to a successful season. With a Median age of 18.3 Years (World Population Review, Worldometer 2026). There is a need to engage the huge and growing youngpopulationinaveryproductive manner that will give them a better chance of succeeding in life and becoming model citizens. As part of the broader collaboration, Rabiu disclosed that discussions were underway on establishingaRafaFootballAcademy in partnership with Kano Pillars. The proposed academy would identify and nurture promising young players through structured coaching, discipline and developmentopportunities,preparingthem torepresentKanoPillars,progressto national teams and pursue professional careers internationally. He emphasised that discussions remained at an early stage but expressed optimism about the academy’spotentialtocreatelasting opportunities for young talent and deepen the relationship between Rafa and the club. Founded in 1990, Kano Pillars is one of Nigerian football’s most distinguishedinstitutions.Theclub haswonfournationalleaguechampionships—in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014—including three consecutive titles. Its honours also include the 2019 Federation Cup and a semifinal appearance in the 2009 CAF Champions League.

Nestle, NBA Announce Multi-year International Marketing Partnership Charles Ajunwa NestleandtheNationalBasketball Association (NBA) entered a new multi-yearinternationalmarketing partnershipmakingMilo,Nescau and Nesquik Official Partners of the NBA. The partnership will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programmes and platforms Theagreementspans21markets across four continents, including Nigeria andisdesigned to engage fans and inspire youth basketball participation around the world. In Nigeria, where Milo has supported youth basketball development for more than two decades through the Milo Basketball Championship, the partnership represents an opportunity to build on that legacy and inspire even more young people to get active through

sport. Nestle’slargestinternationalbrand collaborationtodate,thepartnership reflects the company’s strategy to focusonfewer,largerglobalmarketing platforms that can be activated consistentlyacrossmarkets,ensuring localrelevance.Itwillcomeintoeffect on 1 January 2027. As part of the collaboration, Nestle and the NBA will build on a shared commitment to youth participation in sport by creating more opportunities for young people and families to engage with basketball. This will include activationsacrossselectNBAyouth basketball development programs and platforms, including Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA, NBABasketball School, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBACoachesAcademies, Her Time To Play and NBA 3X, and will extend across select NBAevents and fan engagement platforms, including NBAGlobal Games and NBA House.

“For decades, our brands have believed in the power of sport to bring out the best in people,” said Liberato Milo, SVP Head of Confectionery and Snacking Strategic BusinessUnitatNestle.“FromMilo and Nescau sports programmes to Nesquik athlete partnerships and initiatives, we have seen how sport can energise people, build confidence and create healthy habits. Together with the NBA, we will use the power of basketball to connect with consumers at scale, create locally relevant experiences andinspiremoreyoungpeopleand families to get active and enjoy the game.” The marketing partnership will alsoencompassretailprogrammes and in-market fan experiences, including on-pack promotions featuring NBA branding and opportunities for consumers to win NBA tickets, merchandise and other prizes.

Price: N400

SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

BACK PAGE LEAD PHOTOGRAPH

MODEL TECHNICAL COLLEGE INAUGURATION...

L-R: Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone; Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Major-General Felix Mujakperuo, and former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, cutting the ribbon to formally inaugurate the Model Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area…yesterday PHOTO: SAMUEL JIBUNOR

OBINNACHIMA EDGY OPTIMIST

obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria Does Not Need Bigger Budgets, But Efficient Spending

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he Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, recently called for a fundamental scaling up of the size of Nigeria’s national budget, arguing that the country cannot achieve its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy while operating what he described as one of the smallest budgets among the world’s most populous nations. Speaking in Abuja, Bagudu said Nigeria must stop preparing budgets merely according to available resources and begin to consider what it would take to achieve its development aspirations. “Perhaps the starting point for this Bagudu discussion should be: What should the national budget be? Because without reach the right conclusion. I don’t have starting from there, maybe we will not one definitive answer, but I would say

that of the 10 most populous countries to my size, then I should remain in the in the world, Nigeria has the smallest same shape. Maybe I will not even have the spare capacity to sew a cloth for national budget,” he had argued. Bagudu tied the debate to President Bola another person,” he said. Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Citing Brazil, another large federation, Agenda 2050, the long-term framework he said: “But Brazil’s 2025 budget is developed through a whole-of-society at least 25 times the size of Nigeria’s budget. So, do I expect to achieve the approach. “How can we, as a step towards that same outcomes as Brazil? Is it that these wider dream, generate a $1 trillion needs do not exist in Nigeria? I believe economy in the next four years? And they do.” not just a $1 trillion economy, but a $1 But while the former Kebbi State trillion economy that includes everyone,” Governor’s argument that Nigeria needs greater fiscal capacity to finance its he had said further. Using the popular expression about development ambitions is understandable, cutting one’s coat according to one’s size, I do not agree with his assumption that he warned against budgeting only on a larger budget is the starting point for what the government can immediately achieving the $1 trillion economy target afford. Continued on page 27 “If I decide to cut my coat according

MOSES JOLAYEMI GUEST COLUMNIST

Dele Alake: A Journey of Conviction

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here are men you can reach but cannot quite get through to, and there is Dele Alake. With him, the telephone can be a most humbling instrument. You call, it rings, and nothing happens. You try again, and still nothing. You send a message, and the silence that follows can be so profound that you begin to wonder whether you have the right number, or whether your name has somehow disappeared from his directory of consequential relationships. Do not despair just yet. You may be dealing with a man who has perfected the art of being conspicuously unavailable without necessarily being emotionally

absent. Just when you have concluded that your friendship has been consigned to the archives, your telephone rings. It is Dele Alake! Calling you out of the blues, as though the last time you spoke was yesterday. And then, astonishingly, you discover that you have been on his mind all along. Welcome to the Dele Alake paradox. At 70, which he attained on October 6, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development remains a study in contradictions. He can be maddeningly difficult to reach and wonderfully delightful to converse with. When he grants you his time, he does so with such generous abandon that a telephone

conversation can stretch into hours, almost as if he were making up for the months of unanswered calls. A physical encounter is equally delightful, although ministerial responsibilities have understandably made such moments shorter and more precious. The man is, in his own peculiar way, an acquired experience. Many who know him would readily testify to his reluctance to dispense attention on demand. He is not one of those who confuse friendship with perpetual accessibility, nor does he appear persuaded that every ringing telephone represents an emergency deserving his immediate attention. With Alake, even a message must sometimes earn the

right to be read. Its reasoning must be sufficiently compelling, its purpose elevated enough to arrest his attention. Sentiment alone may not open the door; a well-constructed argument stands a better chance. It can be frustrating, certainly. But there is a method, perhaps, to this apparent madness. Alake is an intellectual who likes his mind engaged. He seems more interested in the substance of an argument than in the urgency with which it is delivered. Unfortunately, the rest of us have bills to pay, opportunities Continued on page 27

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