CAS vows to hunt down insurgents, bandits, protect citizens
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has recaptured a top commander of the Ansaru terrorist group who was alleged
to have masterminded the August 7, 2012, mass killing of Christian worshippers at a
Deeper Life Bible Church near Okene in Kogi State. This comes as the Chief of Air
Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring safety
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Court restrains INEC from monitoring, recognising outcome Delegates, aspirants arrive Ibadan, flags, billboards flood venue
Police assure of hitch-free exercise
Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Relying on a recent Supreme Court verdict that limits judicial interference in internal party affairs, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is going ahead with its National Convention, which begins in Ibadan, Oyo State, today.
The group loyal to the party’s National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, is pressing ahead with the exercise, insisting that the Supreme Court’s verdict gives
the PDP full authority to conduct its internal affairs without further judicial hindrance.
The decision comes despite objections from some members, following yet another order, yesterday, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the main opposition party to put its national convention on hold.
Lifu, had on November 11, delivered a similar ruling restraining the PDP from holding the convention, which was
Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday dismissed viral reports claiming he had died, describing the rumour as false and affirming that he remains alive, hale, and hearty.
In a video seen on social media, Obiano, who was in his house abroad, debunked the death rumour while speaking in Igbo language.
He said: “As you can see, I
am in my house, I didn’t go to the hospital, and I didn’t travel to London. We give God the glory. The rumour is for them to extend my life and that is how it is going to be through Christ Our Lord.”
News of the death of the 70 years old former governor had gone viral, especially in Anambra media space and social media platforms, eliciting tears among some of his close
aides, who insisted he was a nice leader and a humane individual.
But this was later debunked by the former Commissioner for Information, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, who stated emphatically that the former Governor was not only alive, but hale and hearty.
Adinuba in a statement he signed stated: "The Nigerian media have been abuzz in
the last couple of hours over a rumour that the immediate past Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed on in London.
"This rumour has no basis.
Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United Staes, and not London. He is not just alive, but healthy, strong and too agile for someone who has just turned 70 years.
"We thank people from different walks of life across
to "positive" from "stable" backing the country's ongoing economic reforms.
The New York-based financial information and analytics company, also affirmed the country's rating at "B-/B".
"The monetary, economic, and fiscal reforms being implemented by Nigerian authorities will yield positive benefits over the medium term," S&P said in a statement.
In May, Moody's upgraded Nigeria's rating by one notch to "B3" from "Caa1", citing notable improvements in the country's external and fiscal positions, while Fitch last month kept its "B" rating and "stable" outlook.
In 2023, President Bola Tinubu launched Nigeria's boldest reforms in decades,
scrapping the costly petrol subsidy and removing currency trading restrictions to spur growth and attract foreign investment, Reuters reported.
Analysts said if sustained, these reforms could support long-term economic expansion, though implementation hurdles and global oil price volatility still pose risks.
To bridge fiscal gaps, Nigeria has turned to debt markets. Last week, the country raised $2.35 billion through a Eurobond issuance to help finance its 2025 budget deficit, while continuing to borrow domestically.
Meanwhile, analysts have raised fresh concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s budget process, warning that the fiscal system is drifting
into dysfunction as delayed capital spending, missing implementation reports, and repeated extension of the Appropriation Acts continue to erode transparency and distort the national budget cycle.
A notable achievement of the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, was the restoration and maintenance of a predictable January-to-December federal budget cycle, which the present administration has not been able to maintain. There have also been reported delays in capital spending.
BudgIT’s co-founder, Mr. Seun Onigbinde, in an interview on a national television, stated that the federal government has lost cohesion in the budget
preparation and implementation chain, creating overlapping fiscal cycles that no longer align with national planning or economic priorities.
Onigbinde, highlighted opacity around project execution.
“We do not even understand the number of projects being implemented currently by the government. We had the 2023 budget and the 2023 supplementary budget extended to 2024. Then after a while, we saw that the 2024 budget was also extended a little bit more.
“Now we also heard that the 2025 budget capital component, the implementation just kicked off in October. The President signed the budget earlier in the
the globe for their acute interest in the former governor whose large heartedness and record of service delivery remain solid years by any standard.
"The outpouring of love across the globe following the rumour shows how much Chief Obiano matters to many, almost four years after leaving public office and choosing a quite private life abroad.
"At only 70 years, Chief
year and we’re now starting capital budget implementation in October. It shows that there is a cross-disconnect.”
He added that despite the continuous extension of the 2023 and 2024 fiscal cycles into 2025, major reporting obligations remain unfulfilled. “We don’t even have any budget implementation report of the 2025 budget, and we are in the third quarter.”
According to him, the absence of these mandatory reports weakens the accountability chain for capital projects and leaves the public unable to track government priorities.
“You do not even understand which project is being implemented and how significant that project is to
Obiano has joined the pantheon of men like The Great Zik of Africa whose rumoured death turned out to be utterly false and without any foundation" Adinuba stated.
Also, another aide of the former governor, who identified himself as Onyebuchi Okpala wrote on Facebook, "Please umunnem ndi Anambra, disregard the fake news on social media.
national development creates a huge level of distortion,” he added.
With remnants of previous fiscal cycles still running concurrently, he questioned the logic of commencing another appropriation year.
“There seems to be a disconnect between the Budget Office, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo, weighed in on the fiscal challenges.
He said: “The 2025 budget still needs to be fully closed out, and the challenge has been that revenue inflows have not been commensurate with planned expenditures."
intended to elect new national officers to lead the party.
The Supreme Court had earlier this year ruled that matters concerning the leadership or membership of a political party are internal affairs and should not be subject to judicial intervention.
The development comes as details of the report of a Reconciliation Committee set up by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party recommended an inclusive National Caretaker Committee as a panacea to moving the party ahead, just as it advised that the convention should be postponed.
Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido also denied reports circulating that he has abandoned his legal battle against the party and endorsed the Ibadan convention.
In a statement, Lamido described the information “fake news,” explaining that it sparked numerous calls from worried party members across
the country after the rumour circulated at the convention venue.
But the Oyo State Police Command yesterday announced comprehensive security measures ahead of the National Convention scheduled for the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. Posters and billboards of aspirants vying for various positions have flooded the venue Delegates from across the country have begun arriving in the city with coaster buses deployed to convey them to their hotels, as the convention was expected to draw Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members, and other top party officials.
Speaking with journalists at the venue, the Vice Chairman of the Venue Committee and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Stanley Olajide, said the party was more than 99 per cent ready for the convention, stating that arrangements have been put
in place to ensure a successful convention.
According to him, the venue was ready to receive delegates from all over the country, noting that members are happy to be part of the convention.
On his part, the Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, affirmed that the convention would proceed as planned in line with the court’s directive, assuring that security arrangements are robust and that the event was expected to set a new benchmark for political gatherings in Nigeria.
He added that the party was optimistic about a successful, peaceful convention, after which it would strategise on how to unseat the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also, the Oyo State Police Command yesterday announced comprehensive security measures ahead of the Convention.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Adewale Osifeso, in a
statement, said the Command was working closely with other security agencies to ensure a safe, hitch-free, and peaceful convention expected to draw top political leaders, delegates, observers, media professionals, and guests from across Nigeria.
"Security presence will be significantly increased at all entry and exit points, especially around the convention venue. Public facilities such as parks, train stations, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport will also experience heightened monitoring to prevent security breaches", he said.
Osifeso urged residents and motorists to consider alternative routes around Adamasingba during the two-day event to avoid possible traffic disruptions, cautioning against unauthorized gatherings, protests, or any act capable of causing public unrest before, during, or after the convention.
Earlier yesterday, Justice Peter Lifu of a Federal High Court
in Abuja, had ordered the PDP to put on hold the National Convention.
The judge predicated his decision on the grounds that the planned convention would be held in violation of the party's constitution and guidelines, as well as the right of the plaintiff.
Former Jigawa State Governor, Mr. Sule Lamido, had dragged the party to court for refusing to sell nomination form to him on the grounds that the party had closed its sales.
Lamido, one of the founding fathers of the PDP had on October 27, approached the party to purchase nomination form for the position of National Chairman, but was turned down for coming after the expiration of the period for sales of forms.
However, Justice Lifu in his judgment held that the PDP was wrong in foreclosing Lamido, because the former Governor was qualified to contest for an elective position at the convention.
campaign against terrorists and bandits operating within the area of responsibility of Operation Fansan Yamma.
At least 19 worshippers, including the pastor, were killed in Kogi in 2012, and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries when three men armed with AK-47 rifles stormed the church and opened fire.
According to security sources, the suspected terrorist kingpin— who, after the church attack, also coordinated a violent assault on five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State—was initially
arrested but escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The sources further disclosed that the suspect later confessed to orchestrating the Kuje jailbreak following his transfer from the Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
"After more than three years on the run, DSS operatives, acting on a well-coordinated intelligence operation, recaptured the fugitive on Friday morning.
“His re-arrest comes barely two months after the agency arraigned five suspects linked to the 2022 Catholic Church attack
in Owo, Ondo State, signalling a renewed momentum in the DSS’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“During the February 2022 daylight bank robberies in Uromi, which created widespread panic across Edo State, several policemen and bank customers were killed, while hundreds of millions of naira were reportedly stolen.
“Recently, the DSS has recorded a series of breakthroughs in apprehending terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide, with its new leadership accelerating the prosecution of arrested suspects,"
the source said.
Two police officers and five civilians were killed when armed men attacked four banks in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA of Edo State.
The suspected terrorist is also believed to have attacked a police station in the Auchi area.
Confirming the incidents in a statement, the then spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command had said: “Four banks were attacked. We lost two police officers, including a female constable from the division that was targeted, and a sergeant from Auchi.”
Meanwhile, the CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens. He pledged a relentless campaign against terrorists and bandits operating within the area of responsibility of Operation Fansan Yamma.
Speaking during his operational visit to the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that coordinated intelligence-led operations
According to the judge, the aspirant was a bonafide member of the party and had every legal rights to apply for any elective office in the PDP.
Besides, Justice Lifu pointed out that the PDP violated its own guidelines for the conduct of the convention, when it closed the sales of nomination forms 19 days to the convention, contrary to the 14 days provided.
Citing the guidelines of the PDP, the court observed between October 27 when the plaintiff sought to purchase nomination form for the position of National Chairman to the eve of the convention slated for November 15 and 16 was a clear 19 days.
"Court would not allow parties to act arbitrarily and violates its own constitution...", Lifu stated. He subsequently declared that the PDP breached its own constitution and guidelines by denying the plaintiff the opportunity to serve.
would be intensified to track and neutralise criminal elements while safeguarding innocent communities.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted: “The CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to defending the nation and eliminating insurgents, terrorists, and criminal elements threatening peace and stability.
a waste!
WNigerians have yet again been distracted by an unnecessary altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer over allegations of illegal possession of a piece of land and prevention of government authorities from doing their job.
hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.
Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.
A lot of narratives are being peddled in the wake of that altercation by different people, varying versions about who owned what, whether the land had been validly allocated, and whether the minister’s actions were authorised. While the details remain contested, the broader issues raised are all too familiar.
Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.
said to belong to the former Chief of Naval Staff and was reportedly prevented by military men stationed there. That is very unfortunate, to say the least. The minister ought to have acted via the institutions saddled with that responsibility, the land registry, the FCT Administration, the courts and must not physically go to the site, which then resulted in an unnecessary altercation that could have led to bloodshed.
by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.
And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.
TNigeria, as a country, is a place where laws must be obeyed and institutions must be allowed to work freely without any interference from any individual. Yet when a serving minister physically intervenes in a land dispute, rather than going through the proper institutional channels and when uniformed military personnel inhibit government officials from exercising their mandate, the rule of law is weakened.
It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.
Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).
Equally troubling is the question of deploying soldiers and security personnel to prevent government officials from carrying out their mandate by highly placed individuals in Nigeria. Such deployment undermines institutional governance and erodes public trust. The courts are there to address issues like this, to determine lawful ownership, to adjudicate allocation disputes, and to enforce revocation or restitution when necessary.
What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi Anambra State
Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.
Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja
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or too long we have been complaining about the epileptic power supply in Ogwashi-Ukwu, headquarters of Aniocha South Local Govt Area of Delta State.Benin Electricity Distribution Company refuses to give us power despite the humongous estimated bills they inflict on us.On several occasions our electrical appliances have been burnt because of their recklessness.What puzzles us most is why they can’t give us constant power supply like they do to other neighbouring communities.We have cause to believe that they are unto some mischief, but we pray that we are not pushed to the limits.Please intervene on our behalf because so many businesses are closing down because of the epileptic power supply.Even students of the Delta State Polytechnic are complaining bitterly about how the poor power supply.
Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, OgwashiUkwu, Delta State
The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.
Reports suggest that very highly placed individuals in Nigeria have acquired landed properties in Abuja and other parts of the country using instrumentalities of their offices. This casts doubt on how lands are allocated, especially in the FCT. Cases abound where successive FCT ministers revoked allocations and re-allocated the same parcels to their families and cronies, again raising questions about the criteria for land acquisition in the nation’s capital.
Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.
In this latest episode: Minister Wike personally intervened to take possession of a piece of land
Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians
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ope Leo XIV has met 15 Belgian victims of sexual abuse from members of the clergy. It is a step on the right direction but like ‘Mao’s Long Walk’ it will be a very long journey to justice and a safer world.
The crimes of some religious people are well documented and they smear the good work of the majority. Religious leaders and many other parts of society must recognise what has and is happening, stop it from reoccurring and support the victims. This would be a true miracle but they do seem to happen from time to time.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder. Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, yesterday launched a new initiative designed to improve transparency, strengthen datadriven accountability, and guide the implementation of national health priorities.
The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining reforms, learning continuously, and ensuring that Nigeria’s health system continues to deliver results that matter to its people.
Speaking on the final day of the Joint Annual Review
(JAR 2025) in Abuja, Pate said Nigeria's health sector is steadily advancing toward renewal and improved outcomes.
The minister acknowledged the progress recorded under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), strengthened collaboration, and the gains achieved in maternal and child health, immunisation equity, primary healthcare revitalisation, climate and health resilience, and health security.
Pate officially unveiled strategic action plans, reports, and products, alongside the adoption of the JAR
Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike have congratulated the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday.
Tinubu, in a 10-paragraph congratulatory message yesterday, described Fayose as a significant political figure in the country, stated, inter alia: He wrote: "It gives me great pleasure to celebrate Osoko himself on his 65th birthday anniversary, November 15.
"Since the emergence of former Governor Ayo Fayose on the national political horizon as the second elected Governor of Ekiti State in 2003, during which I was serving my second term as Governor of Lagos State, he has remained a significant political figure not only in his state but also in Nigeria.
"While his first tenure as Governor of Ekiti was troubled and truncated towards the end of his first term, due to the abuse of presidential powers, his
courage never waned. He bore the pains with uncommon strength. He embraced adversity with equanimity.
"In one of the great political comebacks of our time, he was re-elected governor of his state in 2014, setting the record as the first person to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria.
"Osokomole, as fondly called by his supporters, is a man who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. We can always know where he belongs on any issue. His strength as a national political figure is his consistency.
Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored.
"Governor Fayose is a political leader who is very comfortable among his people, most especially the downtrodden. His cognomen, Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor), is fitting. He is a colourful politician who has mastered the art of retail politics as a means of establishing a connection with the people.”
2025 communique and resolutions by participants at the 3-day Health Sector Review Meeting.
He explained that these tools are designed to improve transparency, strengthen datadriven accountability, and guide the implementation of national health priorities.
According to the minister, the purpose of the action plans, reports, and products is to save lives, reduce physical and financial hardship, and
improve health outcomes and quality of life for all Nigerians.
He further emphasised that codifying these tools ensures clarity, operational guidance, and mechanisms that help sustain progress across states and local governments.
Pate commended participants, development partners, commissioners of health, heads of agencies, civil society, and the private sector for their commitment
throughout the three-day review.
The minister praised the Permanent Secretary, Deju Kachallom and the management team at SWAP for their leadership on climate and health adaptation.
He encouraged states to adopt, display, and operationalise the documents for wider use.
Earlier, while presenting the Conference Communique, Kachallom said the JAR
2025 resolutions will serve to formalise commitments, strengthen accountability, and ensure all stakeholders move forward with a unified agenda for sector reform. She noted that the framework has already contributed to measurable improvements, including reductions in maternal mortality, expanded coverage of essential services, and strengthened digital and data systems.
Sunday Ehigiator
The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, has approved a N100 million bursary scheme to support 1,000 students from the Ondo South Senatorial District, in what organisers describe as a major step toward boosting educational access and youth development.
According to the organisers, the bursary will be formally presented today, at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, beginning at
10:00a.m.
They said the ceremony marks a significant moment for beneficiaries and the community.
“It’s a new dawn for Ondo South. The 100 millionaire bursary award ceremony is here. Once again, Senator Jim O’Ibrahim leads with vision and compassion, opening doors of opportunity and extending a hand of hope to the next generation,” the organisers said in their statement.
Providing clarity on eligibility, the organisers explained that
only current students from the Ondo South Senatorial District are qualified to receive the bursary. They stressed that graduates or individuals who are no longer students will not be eligible and that any slot belonging to such persons will be reassigned to another student in the same local government.
They added that persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain fully entitled to the bursary but are expected to receive theirs through their leader, Omamofe, and should not attend the ceremony physically.
All beneficiaries are expected to have provided valid contact details for verification and processing.
Explaining why the initiative matters, the organisers noted that the bursary aims to reduce financial barriers to education and empower students across the district. Each beneficiary will also be recognised as a JI Scholar, a designation that comes with an official certificate to be issued later. The certificate, they added, can support applications for future financial assistance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken responsibility for prompting the federal government to drop its controversial plan to introduce a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, insisting that the now-abandoned measure further proves the Tinubu administration lacks clarity and is simply experimenting with governance.
ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary,
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday in Abuja, recalled its October 31, 2025 warning that the proposed tariff would worsen the economic strain already inflicted by subsidy removal, currency depreciation, and rising living costs.
The ADC applauded the government for reversing course but stressed that the administration must learn to thoroughly scrutinise policies before announcing them, only to backtrack shortly after.
“Following our statement
issued on October 31st, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is pleased to note that the federal government has heeded our call to reverse its ill-conceived decision to impose a 15 per cent import duty on imported petrol and diesel products.
“While we welcome the decision of the government to reverse itself on the wrongheaded policy, we are concerned that this reversal is about the seventh occasion in two years where this government would
announce a policy or decision and immediately reverse itself.
''As we noted in our statement reacting to the planned tariff, the ‘new levy is likely to push the pump price of petrol beyond N1,000 per litre. If this happens, life would become even more unbearable for families, commuters, transporters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling under the weight of fuel subsidy removal without social protection and currency devaluation without safeguards.’
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a committee to carry out a comprehensive review of tax policies, rates, levies, and fees under the control of the state. According to the government, the committee, which has two weeks to carry out its assignment, would benchmark Enugu State’s revenue practices against Lagos, Abuja, and other South-east states as they relate to Land Use Charge, Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees, market levies and stall rents, business premises registration, signage and advertisement fees, among others, and recommend reforms to improve compliance, fairness, transparency, and revenue efficiency.
The nine-man committee, which has the Solicitor-General of Enugu State, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, as Chairman, and the Senior Special Assistant
to the Governor on Revenue Mobilisation, Adenike Okebu as Secretary, comprises members drawn from interest groups, market associations, government, organised labour, and the civil society.
They are the Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Enugu State chapter, Comrade Ben Asogwa; Chairman of State Market Association, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi; Head of Legal, Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, Ngozi Ezema; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Markets, Chief Chinedu Mbah; 1st Deputy President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe; Deputy Council Chairman and representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Enugu State, Hon. Paul Okwo; and representative of the civil society, Barr. Crownwell Chibuzo.
Bennett Oghifo
BAT Ideological Group, led by Bamidele Atoyebi, has called for urgent resolution of the long-standing power distribution challenges in Rigasa community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The appeal was made during the group’s courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation, which also included the group’s patron, Alhaji Tejumade Onirin — an old ally of President Tinubu — and Kwara State Coordinator Comrade Seun Ogunniyi Adato, emphasised that the visit was part of the group’s ongoing efforts to address community development needs and
promote peaceful reconciliation among stakeholders.
Comrade Atoyebi stated that the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to the ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focus on adding value to lives and supporting national development, and explained that bridging divides among party members, resolving conflicts, and backing government efforts are central to the BAT Ideological Group’s mission.
Adighije warmly welcomed the visitors and assured them that the NDPHC would treat the Rigasa power issue with the required urgency and commitment.
She commended the group for its proactive engagement and was formally presented with a letter of induction as an ally of the BAT Ideological Group during the meeting.
Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Enugu, yesterday, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that the committee was initiated in response to various public
complaints relating to taxes and state-controlled revenue heads. He added that the committee’s terms of reference include to: “review existing harmonisation/ consolidation laws and other revenue-related laws in Enugu State; review the implementation
of such laws and their impact; identify and evaluate all revenue heads under the control of Enugu State (excluding federally administered taxes like VAT and Stamp Duties); identify all areas of duplication and multiple taxation across the state, including the local government; examine the impact of the expansion of the tax bracket and issues of a culture of non-tax payment; and assess the fairness, transparency, and efficiency of current tax rates and collection processes in Enugu.”
The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has condemned the decision of the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) to cancel the National Language Policy (NLP 2022) and adopt English as the sole medium of instruction at all levels of education, describing the move as a “setback with far-reaching implications” for
the country’s educational and cultural development.
In a press statement signed yesterday by NAL President Prof. Andrew Haruna, the Academy expressed “deep concern” over the policy reversal announced at the NCE meeting held in Akure between November 3 and 6.
The Academy criticised the decision as dismissive of decades of research,
expert consensus and public advocacy in favour of mothertongue-based multilingual education.
According to NAL, “The National Language Policy (2022) was the product of over 40 years of incremental policy decisions and rigorous nationwide consultations aimed at ensuring that Nigerian children receive their first six years of education in
their mother tongue or the language of their immediate environment.”
The Academy noted that” global studies; supported by UNESCO guidelines; consistently show that mother-tongue instruction improves literacy, cognitive development and academic outcomes while promoting cultural identity and social inclusion.”
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Family members, clerics, associates and political supporters of the late political icon in Kwara State, Dr. Olusola Saraki, yesterday held Islamic prayers in his honour, 13 years after his demise.
The 13th anniversary remembrance prayers, held in his Iloffa GRA, Ilorin, was led
by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Solih, alongside other notable Islamic clerics in the state capital.
Quoting verses from the Quran, the Chief Imam prayed for the repose of the soul of the statesman, while he said that Saraki lived an exemplary life of kindness and philanthropy.
In his remarks, the scion of Saraki dynasty, and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to grant his father a place amongst the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.
"Thirteen years have passed since my father, Oloye, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, passed away.
“Today, as we remember his life and enduring legacy, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to grant him a place amongst the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.
"I also pray that He gives us the strength to continue honouring the great Oloye’s memory through our own humility and service to our people.
Paystack, a fintech company, yesterday suspended its cofounder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, for alleged sexual misconduct circulating on social media.
The company stated that it has opened a formal investigation into the allegations.
“Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our Cofounder, Ezra Olubi. We take
matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation.
“Out of respect for the individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the process, we will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete,” a
statement from Paystack added. Since then, several old tweets by the fintech guru have surfaced online.
One of the tweets by Olubi, dated May 23, 2011, read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”
Paystack is an African technology company that provides payment tools for
businesses to accept and process payments securely. Founded in 2015, it was acquired by Stripe in 2020 and offers solutions for online and offline payments, including features like payment pages, subscription APIs, and bulk disbursements. The company focuses on helping businesses across the continent grow by simplifying financial transactions.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The ex-Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has called for a review of the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, explaining that although comprehensive, the Act contains vague provisions that risk undermining journalistic independence. This was as he revealed that budgetary allocations to Defence have consistently risen, from N934 billion in 2015 to N2.2 trillion in 2024.
Irabor stated that reform is needed to amend ambiguous definitions of terrorism, embed procedural safeguards for arrests, and explicitly protect journalistic confidentiality.
The former Defence Chief
made this call while delivering a paper at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC), organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja.
He said, “Within 24 months, targeted amendments should be passed to clarify definitions and reduce arbitrary arrests by at least 50 per cent.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, has called on the National Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the Reserved Seat Bill, currently pending before it. Chairperson of FIDA, Nigeria, Abuja branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, who made
the call yesterday in Abuja, pointed out that the "Reserved seats for women is not a gift" but, "a corrective tool, a long-overdue restructuring, and an investment in national stability and inclusive governance."
According to the chairperson, women have continued to be at a disadvantage in governance over the years, despite their
population, skills, talents and even contributions to the country's development.
Speaking on the theme ‘Advancing Women's Representation: The Reserved Seats and the Future of Nigeria's Legislature’ of the 2025 Law Week, Onyenucheya-Uko, who claimed that Nigeria is at a constitutional crossroads,
submitted that democracy cannot thrive when half of the population is left standing at the door.
While observing that talent, vision, leadership, and national contribution does not come with any gender label, she stated that the future of Nigeria depends on a legislature that reflects the people it exists to serve.
Nume Ekeghe
In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and providing a verifiable snapshot of Nigeria’s corporate landscape, Nairametrics has unveiled the Nigeria Megacorp Index (NMX-100), the country’s first independent, datadriven ranking of the largest companies by revenue.
The index seeks to serve as a benchmark for investors, policymakers, and the general public, highlighting firms that drive economic growth while maintaining substantial operations in Nigeria.
To qualify, companies must report at least N100 billion in revenue based on their most recent audited financial statements. Only companies with headquarters and significant operations in Nigeria are considered, ensuring that the ranking reflects genuine domestic economic impact.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Experts and security stakeholders have emphasised the need for grassroots-driven solutions to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity, highlighting the importance of integrating community security initiatives with corporate social responsibility.
Speaking at the National Symposium on Community Security and Corporate Social Responsibility:
Pathways to Sustainable Development in Nigeria, the Founder of the PanAfrican United Development Network (PAUDEN), Habib Mohammed, stressed that insecurity begins at the community level and empowering citizens through sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes is essential for long-term stability.
Mohammed noted that the symposium focused on
integrating community security initiatives with corporate social responsibility programmes.
“The global challenge today is insecurity, and this insecurity begins at the community level. To adequately address these security threats, we need to empower people at the grassroots through sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives,” he stated.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North-east), Dr.
Mustapha Salihu, observed that despite increased government spending on defence, lasting success depends on public cooperation.
He argued that stronger collaboration between citizens, the government, and the military could significantly accelerate progress, pointing out that ongoing security efforts are often undermined by terrorist informants who alert criminal groups to military movements.
“These legal adjustments will balance the imperatives of security with the preservation of press freedom, ensuring that media institutions continue to serve as watchdogs rather than becoming casualties of counterterrorism policy.
“Such reforms will also build public trust in both the legal system and the media, strengthening democratic resilience.
“When journalists feel legally protected, they are more likely to engage in investigative reporting that exposes extremist networks and corruption that may fuel insecurity.
“By addressing legislative ambiguity, Nigeria can ensure that its counterterrorism framework is not only robust but also consistent with international human rights standards.”
He also emphasised that one of the most pressing needs in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture is structured cooperation between the media and security institutions. To this end, Irabor advocated the establishment of a National Media–Security Coordination Council (NMSCC) under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to serve as a formal platform for intelligence–information exchange.
Ghana-based brokerage firm GFX has announced a landmark initiative placing the company at the forefront of Africa’s financial innovation.
A statement explained that GFX has entered into a strategic arrangement with Libeara, a leading tokenisation platform backed by Standard Chartered Ventures, to deliver a governancedriven, transparent and inclusive model for accessing government-issued financial instruments across Africa.
The announcement, made during the Singapore FinTech Festival, marked a major step toward democratising access to regulated financial assets and aligns strongly with Africa’s commitment to sound financial governance, integrity, best practice, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“High minimum investment thresholds – designed to minimise administrative costs and prioritise large institutional transactions –have excluded the majority of the population from participating in their country’s financial health and long-term development.
“GFX is now leading the solution by deploying Libeara’s tokenisation infrastructure to reduce administrative costs, improve transparency, and ensure that secure, lower-value investments become viable for everyday Africans.
“Tokenising bonds on a blockchain allows for efficient settlement, reduced reconciliation burdens, and enhanced traceability, making it possible to maintain strong governance while lowering minimum investment amounts,” the statement added.
“Across many African countries, ordinary citizens face significant barriers when attempting to invest in government bonds and other state-backed instruments.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of residents affected by the ongoing demolition of environmentally unsafe buildings across the state.
He assured that all displaced persons would be resettled and adequately compensated.
According to him, the state government remains committed to ensuring that no resident is unjustly denied the right to property ownership in Lagos, even as it continues to remove structures that pose environmental risks.
“The very first time we compensated people, 79 affected persons collected their cheques. Today, another 100
The governor’s assurance was conveyed by the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Oladimeji Animashaun, during the second phase of compensation for affected residents in the Oworonshoki community.
As part of activities marking the International Day of Charity, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through targeted community outreach initiatives across the country.
In its Region West operational area, the company, recently extended its support to two notable institutions, the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice, a palliative and respite facility for children with disabilities and the Shinning Light Beach School Foundation by donating essential food and relief items to assist in their efforts toward providing care and education for the most vulnerable groups in society.
Speaking on behalf of the company’s management and staff, Mr. James Agama expressed that Julius Berger’s approach to CSR goes far beyond philanthropy.
“Corporate Social Responsibility at Julius Berger is anchored on long-term impact. It reflects our enduring commitment to building stronger communities, improving quality of life, and supporting causes that promote inclusivity, education, healthcare, and social welfare across Nigeria,” he said.
He added that Julius Berger’s CSR framework is strategically structured around four pillars, Education, Healthcare, Environmental Sustainability, and Community Development with each designed to drive meaningful and measurable contributions to national development.
people are receiving theirs.
Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu promised that those affected would be compensated. That is promise made and promise fulfilled,” he said.
He added that the second batch would not be the final
phase, noting that many more beneficiaries would receive compensation in subsequent batches.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government. One of them, Nwaoha Rosemary, who received N1 million, described
the support as “a welcome relief.”
Another beneficiary, Patrick Arinze, who was given N3 million, said, “They have done the right thing at the right time. People complained, but what the government has done supersedes our concerns. If we had not received anything, what would we have done?”
The beneficiaries received compensation ranging from N1 million to N5 million, depending on the nature and value of their demolished properties.
A fresh round of political turmoil has erupted in Ondo State as 12 members of the House of Assembly have initiated impeachment proceedings against the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of gross financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The lawmakers, in a formally signed resolution
titled ‘Vote of No Confidence and Notice of Removal of the Speaker’ and dated November 13, 2025, accused Oladiji of diverting N50 million earmarked for a public hearing and misappropriating the House’s monthly operational funds.
The allegations, they insisted, violate multiple constitutional and statutory provisions, including the Fifth and Seventh Schedules of the
Nigerian Constitution, as well as sections of the ICPC Act and the Criminal Code.
Citing Section 92(4)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute the Speaker, where necessary.
The impeachment move was endorsed by Jide Oguntodu
(Akure South I), Temitope Komolafe (Ifedore), Fatai Atere (Akoko North-West I), Toyin Japhet (Akoko North-East), Raymond Daodu (Akoko South-West I), Samuel Ifabiyi (Odigbo I), Babatunde Fasonu (Odigbo II), Oluwatosin Ogunlowo (Idanre), Afe Felix (Akoko North-West II), Nelson Akinsuroju (Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo), Akinruntan Abayomi (Ilaje I), and Stephen Abitogun (Akure South II).
Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term. As Ogun State Governor,
Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended President Tinubu for renewing Marwa’s appointment NDLEA boss, the narcotic agency has strengthened its maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities following the successful completion of a week working visit to the United Kingdom by officers from the agency’s Directorate
of Seaport Operations.
Marwa was first appointed by late President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, after serving as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,
the reappointment means the Adamawa-born former military officer will remain at the helm of the NDLEA until 2031. His tenure in the NDLEA has been remarkable for many drug busts, including the arrests of 73,000 drug mules and barons and seizures of over 15 million kilogrammes of various hard drugs.
In a move that signals a new era for African animation, Comic Republic’s animation arm, CR Motion Plus is partnering with Arc and Beyond, the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and Megumi Okawa, a freelance production manager, working on One Piece since 2023, to produce an animated feature adaptation of the hit Nigerian graphic novel Trials of the Spear.
The project follows Dayo Darawu, an outcast who rises above rejection to take on the legendary Trials and defend his people. Rooted in Nigerian mythology and set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos,
Trials of the Spear is renowned for its rich heritage, layered storytelling, and cinematic fight sequences qualities now being reimagined through the lens of Japanese anime artistry. Under the direction and
production guidance of Okawa, the adaptation will merge African storytelling power with Japanese animation precision, aiming for a global release in spring 2026.
As a passionate performer and practitioner, Yemi Amodu has witnessed many eras, bridges, generations and has resourcefully contributed to the evolving landscape of filmmaking in Nigeria. With over four decades in Nollywood, Amodu has deftly traversed, crafted stories and successfully overseen productions that not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and contribute positively to the larger society. His rich tapestry in the art and business of filmmaking incorporates both theory and practical, making him a repository. He takes Ferdinand ekechukwu through his artistic journey and experience of the film industry, such that reads like a historical primer, and brings his knowledge to bear as both a teacher and filmmaker. He shares his thoughts on the impact of streaming platforms in the Nollywood ecosystem, what he sees and considers his biggest threats to Nollywood and opportunities in the next decade. Excerpts
How did you first break into the Nollywood industry, and what were the factors that defined that era of filmmaking?
My journey into the Nollywood industry began long before the name “Nollywood” even existed. I was first trained in Alarinjo theatre by the late Bashiru Sokunbi of blessed memory. That traditional foundation shaped everything I became in the creative space. On July 12, 1983, while still in secondary school, I founded my own troupe called Christ Performing Troupe. Our first major play, ‘Alagba Jeremiah’, toured extensively across the South West and established my early reputation as a passionate performer and storyteller. In 1985, I won the award for Best Poet in a competition organised for all secondary schools in Ajele, Lagos Island. Around that time, during the Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) campaign launched by the then military government, I was frequently invited to perform across Lagos State using Ewi (poetic performance) as a tool for social sensitisation. Those early performances gave me visibility and confidence, but like many young artists of that era, the financial rewards were minimal. After leaving secondary school, I took up employment at the Federal Palace Hotel as a Credit Control Clerk and later as a Front Office Cashier. Yet, my passion for film never waned. I began learning analogue editing alongside my job. Back then, the broadcast-standard equipment was U-Matic and Beta cam SP, which were quite expensive. In 1992, I co-produced my first film, Evil Rise (Idide Ibi), with Dotun Kolade, shot on Betacam SP, a significant feat at a time when most local productions were still done on VHS. That era marked a technological shift from analogue to digital cinematography and I was fortunate to be among the first few in Nigeria exposed to non-linear editing systems. I gained foundational experience using MX 30, Videonics, Amega 1200, and Amega 4000 suites. Later with the Super VHS and DV era, with systems like the DV9000 and Sony DSR models ranging from 150 to 570. Those innovations transformed post-production entirely, making editing faster, more accessible, and more creative. Looking back, those early years were defined by experimentation, passion, and resilience. We were building an industry from scratch — armed more with vision than resources — and that spirit continues to define the essence of Nollywood today.
You did mention Lagos, was it your birthplace?
I was actually born in Ibadan, but I spent my early years in Lagos, which played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. Lagos exposed me to the vibrant energy, diversity, and creativity that continue to influence my storytelling today, while Ibadan remains a place of deep personal and cultural roots for me.
What was life like around the time in Lagos Island and how would you describe the cinema culture back then, considering that Lagos holds a place in Nigeria film and theatre history?
Lagos was truly a wonderful place to begin my career, and I remain proud of that foundation. The city played a major role in shaping me professionally because of the level of exposure and access to film equipment and creative opportunities I had at the time. It was a lively hub where passion for the arts met innovation, and that energy influenced everyone involved in filmmaking and theatre. The cinema culture back then was very vibrant and encouraging. If you produced a good film and took it to the National Theatre or any of the smaller, community-based cinema centres, you were almost guaranteed a strong audience turnout and good financial returns. People were genuinely excited about cinema; it was a major form of social engagement. During festivals, we would sometimes screen films all night until daybreak, and the atmosphere was electric. Even after we transitioned from celluloid to video, we still enjoyed solid returns because audiences were loyal and enthusiastic. Those years were truly special, a time when storytelling and community celebration went hand in hand, forming
a rich part of Nigeria’s film and theatre history.
Can you tell us about your experience in the film industry with regards to a moment, or film that you feel changed the trajectory of your career?
The film that truly changed the trajectory of my career was ‘Afonja’, followed by ‘Owo Eje’. ‘Afonja’ holds a particularly emotional place in my journey because it marked both a painful and defining moment. I was originally positioned to direct the film, but due to the fact that I wasn’t yet a Theatre Arts graduate at the time, I was looked down upon and reassigned to work as a Digital Imaging Technician (DIT). My close friend, who had a theatre degree, was appointed as director over me. It was a deeply humbling experience; I wept bitterly that day and made a firm decision to return to school to study theatre properly. In the end, things turned around: I became the main director of ‘Afonja’ and also played the antagonist role of Alimi. That experience transformed my perspective on resilience, education, and destiny. It reminded me that setbacks can be divine redirections. The second defining project, ‘Owo Eje’, was an adaptation of a Yoruba literature text I had read for WAEC. It was both challenging and rewarding to bring that story to life on screen. The film became one of the most successful Yoruba adaptations and remains a reference point in the industry today. Both Afonja and Owo Eje were milestones that not only shaped my personal growth but also contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of the Nigerian film industry.
How would you describe the major phases or eras you’ve witnessed in Nollywood’s evolution?
The evolution of Nollywood has been quite progressive, and I’ve been blessed to witness its major phases. In the early years, our industry drew strength from the Alarinjo and stage theatre traditions, and then shifted into the home-video era of VHS and VCD where storytelling truly exploded across Nigeria and beyond. Later with the digital revolution, this improved our technical standards and professionalism. Today, Nollywood has become a global brand, one united industry where actors from English and indigenous films collaborate freely. We no longer grow by frivolity but by artistry and technical excellence. Producers now invest heavily in quality productions, and that’s why our films are gaining recognition worldwide.
What specific qualities do you look for in a script that tells you it has potential for commercial success and critical acclaim?
For me, what determines a script’s potential for both commercial success and critical acclaim lies in its content and structure. Every great story must have a clear set-up, conflict, and resolution — that’s the backbone of good storytelling. I believe in structuring creativity in an eclectic and captivating way that holds the audience from start to finish. Even when a script comes to me imperfect, I apply my director’s license to refine it — shaping the narrative flow, deepening the emotion, and making it spellbinding. But beyond structure, the real test is believability and relevance. How true does the story feel? How well does it reflect our society? Is it didactic, offering a message or lesson that endures? Those are the elements I look for. A story that resonates with truth, teaches something meaningful, and connects emotionally with people will always have the power to succeed — both commercially and artistically.
Has there been a time when you had to adapt your creative approach due to unexpected issues during production, such as a challenging location or a budget cut?
Of course, you can’t have a production go perfectly all the time. That’s why filmmaking always leaves room for improvisation and spontaneous decisions. There was a time we had completed our recce and approved all our shooting locations, but just a day before production, heavy rainfall destroyed our set. It was a natural setback that affected our schedule, budget, and logistics. In moments like that, you must think fast, adapt, and still deliver excellence. We had to redesign parts of the set and adjust scenes creatively without compromising the story. Situations like that remind me that a true filmmaker must be flexible; creativity doesn’t only happen on paper; it often comes alive under pressure.
How have you seen the audience’s taste in storytelling change over the decades, and how have you adapted your productions to meet those changes?
Over the decades, the audience’s taste in storytelling has changed significantly. In earlier years, our stories were often dominated by themes such as money rituals or armed robbery, which reflected
certain societal concerns at the time. However, as these narratives became repetitive and began to clash with public sentiment, audiences started to reject such films. today, our producers have become much wiser and more dynamic in developing stories. We now pay closer attention to our environment, drawing inspiration from the real issues and values within our communities. Most of us have also grown more conscious of our sociological responsibilities as filmmakers. We aim to create stories that not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and contribute positively to society.
What are your thoughts on the impact of streaming platforms on the Nollywood ecosystem? the emergence of streaming platforms has truly redefined Nollywood, especially in terms of the technical, artistic, and storytelling quality of our productions. these platforms have raised the bar; pushing filmmakers to produce content that meets international standards while still maintaining our unique cultural identity. streaming services like Netflix and amazon prime have not only given us access to a global audience but have also opened doors for collaborations and co-productions. through them, Nollywood stories are now being watched in homes around the world, giving our filmmakers a new level of exposure and recognition. I remember visiting a friend in dubai who wanted to entertain me with what he called a fantastic film. to my delight, he played one of my own films streaming on one of the major platforms. I was overjoyed. that moment reminded me how far we’ve come as an industry. Of course, getting a film accepted by these platforms can be quite challenging, it’s almost like carrying a camel through the eye of a needle. But once you succeed, your film is instantly taken to the world stage. It’s both a challenge and an incredible opportunity for
Nollywood to continue growing in global relevance.
In earlier eras of Nollywood, what were the main challenges you faced in achieving professionalism and overcoming unsustainable practices?
In the earlier eras of Nollywood, one of the major challenges we faced was the lack of structure and coordination. the industry began as an open field, where there were no clear standards or regulatory frameworks to guide production. It was, in many ways, a free-for-all system. this unstructured environment made it difficult to maintain professionalism or ensure consistent quality across productions. Most of the early practitioners came from diverse backgrounds outside of filmmaking. Many were passionate but lacked formal training or technical grounding in film production. as a result, the market became flooded with low-quality films that, while popular, could not compete globally in terms of technical or artistic standards. a major turning point was the aftermath of the structural adjustment program (sap), which caused a steep rise in the dollar against the naira. this economic shift effectively killed off celluloid filmmaking, which had been our standard medium, as it became too expensive to sustain. to survive, we turned to videography, which, though more affordable, came with a noticeable drop in technical quality. yet, that adaptation was also what kept Nollywood alive—it allowed the industry to continue producing, learning, and eventually evolving into the more professional ecosystem we see today.
What do you see as the biggest threats and opportunities for Nollywood in the next decade? the biggest threat to Nollywood in the next decade remains distribution, which is our greatest weakness. It continues to impede our progress and has, in many ways, kept us from reaching our full potential. the
truth is the current distribution structure in Nigeria is deeply flawed. Many of our distributors have now become producers themselves, which naturally creates a conflict of interest. How can we expect them to prioritise someone else’s film over their own? this has led to an unhealthy cycle where genuine filmmakers struggle to get their works properly showcased. Look at what’s happening in our cinemas today, the revenue-sharing formula between producers and exhibitors is discouraging. It makes the business side of filmmaking unattractive to investors and stifles growth. the basic economic principles of demand and supply, which should be the backbone of the film industry, have been ignored. as a result, our distribution network has become bottlenecked and unsustainable. However, within this challenge also lies a major opportunity. the rise of digital and alternative distribution platforms, from streaming services to independent online channels offer us a way to bypass traditional barriers. If we can establish a fair and transparent distribution system that leverages technology and respects both producers and audiences, Nollywood will not only expand its reach but also secure its financial future.
What key qualities do you expect in a director/ producer, and how do you effectively manage creative differences with them?
the roles of a director and a producer are distinct but complementary. directing is fundamentally a craft of interpretation. a director must be artistically sound and technically proficient, capable of translating a script into a compelling visual narrative. I look for directors who have a deep understanding of storytelling, camera language, pacing, and performance direction. Beyond skill, I value emotional intelligence, someone who can inspire the cast and crew, maintain discipline on set, and still allow creativity to flow freely.
producing, on the other hand, deals more with the administrative, logistical, and financial management of a production. a good producer must be organised, resourceful, and able to balance budgets without compromising the creative vision. they should have strong leadership and negotiation skills, ensuring that the project runs smoothly from pre-production to distribution. When creative differences arise and they often do, I approach them with open communication and mutual respect. everyone comes to a project with their own perspective, but the goal should always be the success of the film, not individual ego. I believe in dialogue, in finding the middle ground where both creative and practical considerations meet. ultimately, if the story benefits and the audience are satisfied, then we’ve succeeded together.
I would like to be remembered as one of those rare filmmakers who truly brought the town to meet the gown, someone who successfully bridged the gap between academia and the creative industry. My goal has always been to merge practical filmmaking with intellectual rigour, so that our industry is not just driven by passion, but also by knowledge, structure, and sustainability. that vision is what continues to drive me today. I am vying for the presidency of taMpaN in 2026, because I believe it will give me the platform to make a meaningful impact to restructure the association, promote professional standards, and empower filmmakers with the right tools and education to thrive globally. My hope is that my legacy will be one of transformation and enlightenment, that people will say I helped liberate Nollywood from informal practices and guided it toward an ideal, well structured, knowledge-based industry. If I can achieve that, then I will have fulfilled my purpose as both a filmmaker and a teacher.
Bennett Oghifo
after four exhiliarating days of showcasing Africa’s ingenuity, creativity through the arts and crafts of talents that abound within the continent and beyond at the Federal Palace in Victoria Island Lagos, the 10th anniversary edition of ART X Lagos wrapped up on Sunday November 9th, 2025.
For many, it was an exciting opportunity to savor the vision, tenacity and the staying power of Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos, an art fair which has seemingly assumed a life of its own.
Now with 10 years of putting the prestigious fair together under her belt, Peterside-Schwebig, described as a visionary whose passion a decade ago birthed an idea fast becoming a phenomenon in Africa and by extension, the globe, said this year’s milestone edition is aptly themed ‘Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide’.
Tagged “10X,” it marked a bold expansion of the fair’s mission to showcase the artistic ingenuity of Nigeria and the African continent. The 2025 fair explores resilience, hope, and creative possibility in contemporary African art.
Although the exhibition was declared open on November 6th, the 10 X edition marking the tenth anniversary of ART X Lagos made its debut on Friday, November 7, 2025 with a glittering and star-studded VIP preview at the ART X Lagos Amphitheatre inside Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The ART X Lagos VIP Preview marked the exclusive opening of the 10th edition of ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair, and the invitation-only evening offered collectors, patrons, and select media an intimate first look at this year’s presentations before the public opening.
Among the dignitaries were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Director, Zenith Bank, Dr. Adobi Nwapa; Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy; Director, Afreximbank, Mr. Stephen Kauma; Chairman, Anap Jets FZE, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; Mr. Bolaji Balogun, CEO Chapel Hill Denham; Dr. Jim Ovia Founder, Zenith Bank Plc and CEO, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Olumide Oyetan.
Also present were stakeholders from the art, culture, and creative industries, with featured curators for the edition listed - Missla Libsekal, Curator-at-Large; Jumoke Sanwo, Curator of the Talent Advancement Platforms; Teju Okiti, Curator ART X Cinema; Fikayo Adebanjo, Cura-
tor of Audience Engagement and Lanre Masha, Curator, ART X Live! to guide the event.
Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X Lagos has over the past decade grown into a vibrant platform celebrating African creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Speaking at the launch which heralded the opening in October, Peterside-Schwebig reflected on the journey so far.
“This is my 10th time standing in front of an audience to introduce the year’s edition of ART X Lagos, and honestly, it fills me with such pride and gratitude to see you all here to commemorate this moment,” she stated.
The 2025 fair, a celebration and tribute to the resilience, impact and growth of what has become one of the transformative events held annually in Lagos over the last decade, kicked off with aplomb on the evening of Friday, November 7 with an unforgettable setting and incredible array of art works, ideas and ventures.
To say it was a successful outing for the visionary Peterside-Schwebig was an understatement.
During a session with journalists about the ten-year journey, she said she felt honoured that the fair was celebrating its tenth anniversary from the humble beginnings of a decade ago.
“It’s an honour to be standing here at the epicentre of the 10th anniversary edition of ART X Lagos. When I conceived ART X Lagos in 2016, I was imagining otherwise. Our theme for this year is Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide, which is self-explanatory and simply means whatever life is throwing at you, look around you and take yourself to a higher place in your mind. Think about your abilities, your resources, everything around you, whether you’re an individual or an organisation and whoever you may be, either an artist or not.”
Speaking further with nods of accomplishment, she noted that “There’s so much around us that can support us to go beyond present difficulties and struggles, and that is what Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide is about, using Lagos as the site of discussion around that idea. We are using the mangrove plants that once filled Eko as a discussion about the resilience that can come even in places where you don’t think that kind of innovation can come from.
“So, yes, in 2016 I did imagine otherwise, because I saw my city, which to me, is one of the most powerful cities in the world, and I wanted my city to take its rightful place as a convener for the entire African continent.
“A convener that would then, on behalf of Africa, having gathered Africa, as was once done in FESTAC 77, bring the rest of the world here to encounter us at where we are at our most powerful. I set out to create this art fair and cultural festival. From day one, we were different from anything the world had ever seen. The world has
seen large art fairs in London, Miami, Paris, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi.
“They had been going for years to Cologne, Germany, but the world had never seen an art fair done the way Lagos would do it. And in trying to serve our city, in trying to serve our country, in trying to serve our continent, we became a truly unique experience platform and entity globally, because we started with home first, we then set out to galvanise the rest of the art sector, creating a satellite programme of events through which we could connect our international visitors as they came from all over the world, and thus spawn the birth of art week,” Peterside-Schwebig stated.
She added: “Today, there are dozens of exhibitions and openings and festivals across Lagos around this week that revolve around ART X Lagos. What we are doing is creating a different kind of tourism experience, one that is centred in cultural ideas, pride, heritage and power. ART X Lagos is proud to have been the catalyst for that. We are proud to be in concert with others in this momentous movement.”
Oozing with an indescribable blend of creativity through the exploration of different art forms, ART X Lagos saw the transformation of the Federal Palace Hotel into a sprawling gallery. With the Marque, Ballroom, Waterfront Garden, ART X Cinema and ART X Live! centres all bearing signatures of the unprecedented display
of creative splendour, visible at the Main Section, Spotlight Galleries, Public Outdoor Spaces, Kids’ Corner, Speakers’ Corner, Development Forum and ART X Cinema.
The occasion also celebrated the creative genius and titan, J.D Okhai Ojeikere.
According to Peterside-Schwebig, celebrating J.D Okhai Ojeikere’s creative mastery meant digging far into the past to capture the elements of nationhood not just for the sake of nostalgia but to inspire the next generation of young people, including the students who were involved for the 2025 schools programme.
Arts enthusiasts could hardly believe it’s been 10 years since Peterside-Schwebig first took those first, audacious steps to create ART X Lagos. Just like an old wine which tastes better with age, in over a decade, the fair has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors from over 170 countries, and ART X Lagos has played a vital role in cementing Lagos among the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals. From the very beginning, ART X Lagos set out to be more than just an art fair. It has just done that as its frenzy continues to resonate across the continent. As the curtain falls on this year’s edition, Peterside-Schwebig no doubt has continued to leave her footprints on the sands of time not only as an arts promoter who is passionate about showcasing talents but one woman whose passion has put African on the global map.
“KADUNA gov hails over $30bn investment prospects from Tinubu’s brazil state visit”
Get it right: ‘Hail’ is not a standalone—you must hail somebody or something. Therefore, delete ‘over’ or rewrite entirely.
“…deficit hits N2.8trn, as Works and Housing, Transportation, others get lion’s share” Three or more ministries cannot simultaneously get the Lion’s share of something (budget)! If there is parity in the allocation, there should be other ways to express it.
Another juvenile misunderstanding: “Group seeks govt’s attention on (to) dilapidated roads in Anambra”
“…bank set to resume operation (operations)”
“In the aftermath of its suspension of business, several deposit (depositors) and staff of the bank….” (Source: as above)
“erosion swallow (swallows) 200 buildings in Anambra”
“LG stakeholders pass vote of confidence on (in) otti”
“Fire outbreak on (at) NNPC’s omL 20 oil asset” Delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of its redundancy
Access this grammatical inexactitude from my bank: “Call…to report an incidence (incident) of fraud or any suspicious activity on your account” (Full-page advertorial by Access bank) Certainly, writing is more than banking and transcends figures!
“…that a football rivalry between the two (sic) countries was truely born” What type of computers do some journalists use that they do not experience automatic spell-check, which is inbuilt? ‘Truly’ does not accommodate ‘e’!
“That is why Sunday’s encounter between the Selecao and the Super eagles will be more than a friendly and the roll call (roll-call) of players
billed for the match attest (attests) to that.”
“Stakeholders gear-up (gear up) for…”
“Sultan advocates stiff penalty for out of school (out-of-school) children’s parents” Guardians, too, should be penalized.
“It is simply not possible because cost of meters have (has) already been fixed by NerC.”
“beDC to rollout (roll out) 572,392 prepaid meters in 2 years” (Source: as above)
“How corruption among govt agencies cripple (cripples) ports’ revenue”
“barca swoops for (on) Nigerian whiz-kid”
“organizers assure on 2025 Lagos Women run” (Source: as above) Who did they assure?
Some media professionals ignorantly use the phrase “armed bandits”: “The Zamfara State Government’s effort towards finding lasting solution to armed banditry and cattle rustlings suffered a setback as...” The dictionary defines a bandit as “a member of an armed gang that robs people”. It means a bandit is usually armed; therefore the word “armed” to qualify him is out of place. on the contrary, a robber is someone who “takes property from a person or place illegally”. A robber may or may not bear arms. If he does, he is an armed robber liable to the death penalty upon conviction. As we can see, the distinction between a robber (armed or unarmed) and a bandit is clear.
The nation’s premier independent radio station, rayPower, reported yesterday that the country “SLIDeD into recession...” Its editors and correspondents, and indeed media professionals, should note that SLID is both the past tense and past participle of SLIDe It is not in the same word class as GLIDe and GLIDeD.
“Among the controversial recommendations was the creation of more states at a time many states are (were) having difficulties meeting their recurrent expenditures, including monthly salaries.”
“…as heads of mDAs most times ignore
the summons (summonses) of the parliament and treat its resolution (resolutions) with levity, while the lawmakers watch helplessly (haplessly).”
“He said the salvation of the country cannot (could not) be found in any of the existing political parties.”
From the preceding diseased headline to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, ebonyi” even the computer underscored this strike carelessness from the same page as above! Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round?
“The facility will result in improved security profile of the Internet traffic and save the nation of the embarrassment of….” Info-tech: save the nation the embarrassment of….
“renowned filmmakers will converge in (on) Nigeria next week for….”
“Politically, experts in IT advocated for the use of e-voting system….” once again, ‘advocate’ when used as a verb does not admit ‘for’.
“There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2026 through mobile money….” ICT development: experience in 2026.
“PDP in make or mar meeting” (Special report bold Front Page and Cover Headline) Get it right: make-or-mar meeting. The hyphenation confers class. No standard publication dispenses with it. The same tragedy trailed the accompanying rider, too: “State by state analysis (sic) of how delegates may vote” As above: State-by-state analyses….
“…today’s presidential primary for 2027 may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.” What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’?
“In doing so (a coma) some of the government’s supporters may certainly have
on 20 october, 2025, the longest-serving editor and managing Director of The Punch newspapers ascended the stately age of 70. Despite his boyish looks, the vagaries of decades plowing the fields while minding other people’s businesses would inevitably leave telltale lines.
He is not the sort of man one easily forgets. Tall, steady and thoughtful, he has an unassuming quality that makes people relax in his presence, yet it is clear he carries the weight of leadership in every gesture. To work under him is to experience a mix of discipline and encouragement, and to watch him in action is to understand how patience, rather than bluster, can steady an entire newsroom. For me, the recollections of those years remain deeply etched, forming a mosaic of encounters that continue to shape not just my journalism, but my outlook on responsibility and resilience.
I first encountered mr. Ademola osinubi in those years when The Punch newsroom was both a factory of ideas and a battlefield of egos. There was a rawness about the place - something unpolished yet exciting. The furniture was rough, the equipment often cranky, the atmosphere tense from government and financial pressure, but it was alive. Into this environment osinubi walked with quiet assurance, neither domineering nor aloof, with a knack for creating calm amid the storm. His smile - often small, sometimes teasing - carries a wisdom that makes it clear he has measured the situation long before he speaks. That quality commands respect, especially for restless young reporters like me - and it still does.
my first meeting with osinubi was in early September 1988, still a little fresh from the sheen of NYSC, with stars in my eyes about the Guardian newsroom. my mentor, ben Tomoloju, had dashed my hopes with the disarming honesty of an editor - no space on his arts desk. but he scribbled a brisk note on the back of a card, addressed to a friend of his. That friend turned out to be Ademola osinubi.
From rutam House (Apapa/oshodi expressway), I trundled to onipetesi (Abeokuta/Lagos expressway). There, behind the modest wooden partitions of Punch headquarters, I met him: a
burly, dark-complexioned man in his early thirties, tall and competent-looking, with a slight limp that seemed to carry more character than handicap. He looked at the note, chuckled, and said something that would shape the next stretch of my life: “Well, if ben sent you, you must be good. but here, we don’t have money to pay you. You can work as freelance - transport allowance only. Probation… maybe six months.”
ecstasy! Who cared about money when destiny was winking at you? Ah, the naiveté of the 80s! He dispatched me - again, jovially - to “bb”, the redoubtable bola bolawole, who would later become both taskmaster and defender. bolawole was the Features editor, who much later supplanted him as editor. The Punch of those days was not the gleaming edifice of later years; it was a brown plywood maze with desks crammed in like Lagos molue passengers. Yet, within those wooden partitions, a culture of doggedness, creativity and newsroom camaraderie thrived. roamed happily across several desks in Features, occasionally flirting with News, pounding out copies with the zeal of a man possessed. Unbeknown to
overstepped the bound of propriety….” From the other side: the bounds of propriety.
“reactions to this position have been pouring in, and it’s highly elating that most share same position.” This way: most share the same position.
“majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.” A/the majority of Nigerians….
“The PDP has expressed serious concern at the fire outbreak, describing it as suspicious.” Just delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of redundancy.
“Nigeria in search for (of) an enduring political structure…”
“NGo sensitises (sensitizes, preferably) girls on (to) engineering, STem-related activities”
“…or through these number….” eFCC please take note: this number or these numbers
“We urge that that it will (should) be sustained.”
“For instance, NLC would (should) have opposed land border closure by the immediate past government when it was clear that in Nigeria….”
“Zamfara, C’river, Adamawa, ogun top cholera cases (case) list”
“Imo agog as APC Flags (sic) off mother of all campaign” Get it right: mother of all campaigns
“Chief Whip stages walk out (walkout) to protest Senate president’s out-of-order ruling”
“The management of the radio station, in a statement (how else?), said his body has (had) been deposited at the Federal medical Centre….”
“The trustees of royal Sports Club International, Abuja (another comma) felicitate with (felicitate) you as you mark the Golden (sic) age of 50.” Write right: ‘of 50’ is an overkill!
me, mr. osinubi was watching. Two months later, he caught me along the corridor, half in jest, half in admiration. “You are overspeeding,” he said. “everywhere I turn, your name is on claims sheets. A freelance cannot be collecting more than staff.” A month later, my letter of appointment arrived. That was osinubi: no fuss, no pretension, but hawkeyed. He saw through bluster, measured performance, and chuckled his way through the bureaucracy until fairness prevailed. but life and journalism have a way of scattering comrades. In April, 1990, when Punch was silenced by babangida’s military clampdown, I was wooed by a general-interest magazine with a fine office and a salary three or four times what Punch paid. Tempting, yes - but I told the publisher I would only resume after Punch was de-proscribed. When we eventually reopened, a month after, I went to mr. osinubi with my decision. With that knowing smile dancing on his lips, he reminded me of Punch’s own grand plans - to grow Saturday Highlife, the much beloved column, into a full-fledged weekend paper. my line editor, bola bolawole, was downright indignant; to him, I must have lost my senses to abandon a promising future at Punch. but youth and ambition are impatient partners, and so I leapt - convinced destiny was calling. Time would show that their instincts were sharper than my ambition. by 1994, the military had again struck The Punch. The paper was locked up for its bold reporting of 12 June, 1993 fallouts. I too was embattled in my new venture - our young magazine (Fame Weekly) was hit by crisis, staff mutiny, and the sudden death of a pioneer colleague. We were at a standstill. What to do?
In desperation, I remembered the Punch crew - also idle, courtesy of military highhandedness. I recollected with admiration an extraordinary typist, a virtuoso on the keyboard, Saka Jimoh (aka Alhaji Paso). If we could find him, perhaps we could salvage our production week. but Paso was head of Punch’s computer section. And so, I traced osinubi - this time, not at onipetesi, but in a modest Ketu apartment. It was a delicate moment. I had left his newsroom abruptly some years earlier. He had every reason to remind me of my youthful impetuosity. but Demola osinubi was not that kind of man. He listened, chuckled (again), understood, and handed
me Paso’s details. Just like that. No grudge, no lecture, just a generous nod at my predicament. And indeed, Paso (along with his trusted female colleague) came to the rescue, typing us back into production.
Looking back, I realise how much osinubi embodies the values of leadership that remain rare in our profession. He does not shout down subordinates; he persuades. He does not panic in crisis; he waits for clarity. He does not parade his authority; he earns it quietly. The Punch of those years was often besieged by government crackdowns, censorship threats, and financial uncertainties, yet he steered the ship with steady hands. He is the longest-serving editor, and later managing Director, in the paper’s history. Colleagues trust him because he never makes himself the centre of the story - he makes the work, the mission, the institution itself the centre. That humility, paired with resolve, gives him a moral authority no decree can erase.
There is another side to him too, one less visible in formal settings but unforgettable to those who know him well. He can be mischievous in humour, quick with a quip that leaves you laughing even in the thick of newsroom chaos. He delights in small gestures of encouragement - an approving nod, a wry comment, a glance that says you are on the right track. For younger journalists, those moments are golden, reminders that what we do matters, even when the world outside tries to silence us. He understands, better than most, that journalism is not just a profession but a calling, one that demands courage and conviction but also tenderness of heart.
At 70, mr. osinubi stands as one of the rare editors who shaped journalism in Nigeria with resilience, fairness, and uncommon humanity. may his chuckles never fade, and may his legacy continue to inspire.
Charles Ajunwa
• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com
President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Founder of the IPADA Initiative, Olawanle Akinboboye, says Africa needs unity to promote tourism in the continent, adding that preparations are ongoing for this year’s IPADA Initiative celebration. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts
What is the vision behind IPADA Initiative?
We must on a regular basis ask ourselves pertinent questions like why is the wealthiest continent in the world with 30.3 million square kilometres of area and 1.5 billion rich in natural resources and at the same time we are regarded as the poorest? I believe the biggest problem we have as a continent is that we have not found a formula for us to come together as one unit in the continent of Africa. It’s a father with 55 children and not one of them is actually claiming him because it’s always been Nigeria for Nigeria, Togo for Togo, South Africa for South Africa, Kenya for Kenya. Tourism requires strategic alliance. For tourism to thrive, you cannot be the lone ranger. You can’t be the only one in the wilderness. You must bring together different advantages that you have and showcase it to the world and use it to attract the world, and become a destination. Not just a consortium of attractions, attractions don’t generate economic trickle-down effects. Attractions attract people. You must transform those attractions to a destination before people will come and spend their money in the destination you’ve created. That will have a place to sleep, place to eat, place to recreate weaved around that particular attraction. If you combine all the natural attractiveness we have in this continent of Africa, from North Africa, to East Africa, West to Central Africa, all the other continents put together cannot compete with us. There is really nothing they have that we don’t have and more. Are you talking about snow? We have plenty of locations, go to Lesotho, South Africa. If you want the best of the best of reefs in the Atlantic Ocean, you find those scuba dive.If you’re interested in beach, Lagos alone, Nigeria, has 854.4 kilometres of beachfront. Just Nigeria alone. If you combine all these resources that we have on the continent as one unit, put the entire Africa in one single cup and serve it to the world, nobody can compete with us. And that was what Europe did, they created the
unified Europe by issuing what they call a Schengen visa. Once you get a Schengen visa, you can visit all over, any part of Europe. Google it, you find out that Europe did 747 million visitors in 2024. They are just about 10.1 million square kilometres of area. They have maximum four months of good weather. What Africa needs to do is to come together as one unit present Africa on a platter and create a gateway through which people of African descent, lovers of Africa can connect with the continent seamlessly. In Nigeria, we have approximately 677 or 766,000 square kilometres of area and over 250 million people. We believe that we are in the right position, the biggest economy, $500 billion GDP. We are targeting $1 trillion GDP now. We believe that if you combine all these, and call for people to connect with the continent, all the activities happening in North Africa, South, East, West, Central Africa, come through Nigeria. Two locations will be the entry point; Lagos come through Nigeria to any part of Africa. We have the deepest seaport, at Lekki port. Let them land in Lekki and from there, they go to the airport to any part of Africa they want to go to. We’re the big brother, let’s start acting like one. That’s the idea of IPADA
Stories by Charles Ajunwa
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in partnership with Novarosta, has announced the global unveiling of Oriki — a landmark cultural and culinary experience designed to project Nigeria’s creative excellence, deepen global cultural exchange, and attract investment into Africa’s burgeoning culinary tourism industry.
The unveiling held at the Eagles Square, Abuja, brought together global partners, investors, culinary innovators, and cultural leaders from across Africa and the diaspora.
Director General, NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, said the conceptualisation of Oriki, was anchored in the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the Oriki experience reflects
Initiative, and this return is to happen on a daily basis. So we have a programme laid out for the next five years. And our focus as the powerhouse of the continent of Africa is to create a platform for the entire world. We deserve that position and that was why we went to the Villa and the President, a Grand patron was gracious enough to give us the Villa to inform all the ambassadors. We had about 36 different countries that came, from the US, from Jamaica, from all over, to hear the good news. So, that is the IPADA initiative that happens on a regular basis. So, at the end of every year, we decided that let’s just do a short celebration. We’re just like farmers, after farming all year round, you harvest. And that harvest is what we’re doing for IPADA Initiative celebration that happens from the 29th of November to December 7th, and we have the dates for the next five years.ß
What would you say had been the achievements of last year’s IPADA celebration that you want to build upon this year?
When you talk about the benefits and achievements last year, it’s unbelievable. And that was the first we had. We created a concept of from slave ships to cruise ships and luxurious airliners that focus more on the prosperity. The fastest runner in the world, the number one footballer in the world. These are all the things that we celebrate with the IPADA Initiative. So, we got a lot of inquiry from people from different parts of the world. We got agreement signed between Vanuatu government to replicate La Campagne in Vanuatu. We got agreement signed between Rwanda. Almost six different MoUs were signed.
What are your expectations for this year’s celebration?
We will use this opportunity to showcase all these natural resources that I have mentioned and we expect that a lot of people will take advantage of this platform
NIHOTOUR’s commitment to using cultural heritage as a driver of economic diversification, youth empowerment, and global influence.
He said, “Through Oriki, we are transforming Nigeria’s cultural soul into a global experience — one that connects tradition with opportunity, and creativity with commerce.”
“Rooted in the ancient art of praise poetry, Oriki is a living expression of identity, pride, and purpose — celebrated in Yoruba traditions and reflected across Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape through Aha Otuto (Igbo), Kirari (Hausa), and Eré (Itsekiri).
“This year, Oriki transcends oral tradition to become a culinary performance experience — fusing storytelling, music, and gastronomy into one unforgettable showcase. From indigenous recipes and poetic recitals to gourmet reinterpretations of local flavors, Oríkì demonstrates how culture can
we have created. Lets quickly begin the process of transformation of attractions to destination. So, that would be our expectation. Throughout the year, we like to downplay the celebration. We want to focus more on the daily operation, daily return for people, for 100,000 people to be coming to North, South, East, West, Central Africa. If you look at Ife Town alone, it has approximately 365 festivals. Only one day that they don’t have a festival for people to experience. So we have tremendous amount of tourism products and we believe that this year, we will quietly be exposing what we have to the world. Through this celebration, we want them to ask, what are you guys celebrating? We want to tell them we are celebrating the rebirth of tourism destinations, creation of tourism products and creation of prosperity through tourism. That is what our focus is going to be about. Let us explore the concept of Agro Ecotourism Heritage Resort Brand. We have strong, vibrant economy and agriculture is key. All over the continent, agriculture is not seen as something prosperous because we’ve not figured out how to make agriculture beautiful. Nobody is going to go to the farms. If you make agriculture beautiful, and merge agriculture with ecotourism, you will see the difference. Ecotourism is what the world is looking for today. They like the natural environment, the plains, the seas, the ocean, the mountains, the hills. Taraba, for example, has 1,400 square kilometers of area. It’s the second largest state in Nigeria. They have over 360 mountains. On one of our properties, we have almost 32 hills, and 40 fields. Then educational tourism. Tourism can also take place where you take students to show them what a cocoa tree looks like. Where they can see cows, rams. They can see antelopes, and see different animals some of them have never seen. What about logistics? You know people coming from outside the country will need visas, transportation and some might have issues of not even wanting to be around hotels within certain places due to insecurity.
drive creativity, tourism, and economic opportunity.
“The initiative will serve as a global stage to spotlight Nigeria’s culinary potential, positioning the nation as an epicenter for gastronomic investment, cultural innovation, and creative exchange,” he added.
The partners, Novarosta, said “This is more than a showcase. It’s a bridge — linking food, art, and hospitality to open new channels for trade, education, and cultural tourism across the world,”
The event would feature live Oriki performances, gastronomy exhibitions, regional food pavilions, and creative showcases from participating states, chefs, and cultural entrepreneurs. It will also mark the unveiling of NIHOTOUR’s Cultural Gastronomy Investment Series, a platform designed to attract both domestic and international investors to Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism value chain.
Maggi, one of the brand seasonings of Nestle Nigeria, has trained over 100 content creators on how to use digital tools to grow and preserve the food industry in Africa.
The content creators received their training at the second Maggi Creators’ Conference held in Lagos, which brought together food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Publisher Partnership Lead for Sub- Saharan Africa at Tik Tok, Vivian Chuene, who took the masterclass, said Tik Tok inspires creativity and it provides the necessary platform to celebrate Africa’s best in all spheres of life.
According to her, Tik Tok is a place to learn something new, grow business, channel for discovery and community engagement.
She said content creators should use
Tik Tok to promote African cuisines in a responsible manner that will encourage buy in from foreigners.
Earlier in her welcome address, Category Development Manager, Maggi Powders, Joy Abdullahi-Johnson, said they partnered Tik Tok in the 2025 Maggi Creators’ conference to elevate the experience, conversation around food, content creation, digital economy and monetisation.
She added, “As the market leader, it is really our responsibility to lead this movement and make an impact that will remain unforgettable. Maggi has been in existence in Nigeria for over five decades and who better to lead this movement than us. Last year, was a great outing and we decided to come back bigger, better and bolder this year.”
According to her, the intention is make participants enjoy themselves, engage, learn, be inspired and “ultimately make magic in the Maggiverse.”
“So why Maggiverse? We know that the universe really is made up of many elements, the galaxy, moon, sun and let us not forget the stars. We really do believe that stars are important and without them, the universe isn’t complete. As they dot the skies, providing us with light so bright and a scene so serene.
“Today, we want to let you know that you are the star and without you, the universe isn’t complete. In this case, without you, Maggiverse isn’t complete. And that’s why we say, ‘me and Maggi, so good together’.”
Keynote Speaker, Brian Uwana, who spoke on the topic ‘The Future Plates: Marrying Culinary Arts With Digital Frontiers,’ implored content creators to promote African cuisines, noting that focusing on African food culture could impact small businesses.
He implored content creators to use digital tools to grow the food industry in Africa, with compelling photos and videos,
The ElectricVehicleTransition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, has been lauded by some automotive sector chieftains since it came up for second reading on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senator representing Abia North, seeks to establish a national framework for the transition to electric vehicles, encourage local manufacturing, and strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
When the proposed legislation had its second reading, lawmakers overwhelmingly supported it, describing it as a necessary step to diversify the economy and align with global clean energy trends.
Senator Kalu had informed the senate that the legislation aims to transform Nigeria’s automotive and energy sectors, foster innovation, and create jobs throughout the manufacturing value chain.
Key highlights of the bill include: tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions, and subsidies for electric vehicle users and investors; and making it mandatory for all fuel stations to install charging points
The bill further requires foreign automakers seeking to sell electric vehicles in Nigeria to partner with licensed local assemblers and establish domestic assembly plants within three years.
It also aims to compel companies to source at least 30 percent of their components locally by 2030, while violations could attract fines of up to N250 million per breach, even as unlicensed importers risk penalties of N500 million and confiscation of goods.
The legislation, which is expected to position Nigeria as a potential hub for electric vehicles production in Africa, would incentivise investors who establish charging infrastructure by availing them with government grants and tax credits.
These automotive industry chieftains believe the proposed law is capable of improving the
domestic automotive industry, particularly if it is assiduously implemented.
Commenting on the fine points of the proposed law, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin said, “We at the NADDC have said it time and time again, that the future of mobility is in electric vehicles, and it is commendable when your legislators see it the way it is.
“And they have also shown that they are aware that we in Nigeria don’t have to sit back and allow the whole world to move far away and leave us behind, only for us to complain later.
“It will not be good to do nothing now and start complaining later. It is always good that whenever we want to take action, we don’t take action based on policy alone, but also back whatever we are doing with law.
“The (Electric Vehicle Transition) bill in the Senate shows that our society is responsible. It shows that our government is responsible. It shows that all of us are responsible, and it is also good to note that the sponsor of this bill, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, is a member of the Senate committee on Industry that has oversight on NADDC, and he understands the issues involved.“The Senate Committee on Industry is one of the committees where you have many legislators who have held the executive position in their various states. So, Senator Orji Kalu understands what it takes to grow this industry.”
Osanipin said though he had not seen the details of the bill, it was clear to him from what he had read so far that it is all about the development of the auto industry, and about “putting in place the necessary infrastructures, and the necessary support that are going to drive this industry.”
He said many countries have set target dates to end the production and sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in their efforts to fully transition to electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.
“In some countries like China, for example, they have already set a target to stop the manufacture
All is now set for another milestone introduction of new Renault models by the leading automobile dealership in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors.
As part of its lined up activities for their participation at the 25th Special Edition of the Abuja International Motor Fair this year, Coscharis Motors Plc, the exclusive representative of Renault in Nigeria, is set to unveil two new exciting additions to its robust Renault portfolio which are the all-new Renault Kardian and the new Renault Koleos. The unveiling will take place during the Auto Fair scheduled for November 18th to 21st, 2025, at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
According to Mrs. Helyn Osandu, General Manager, Sales, Renault, Coscharis Motors “We are excited to introduce these new Renault models to the Nigerian market at this year’s Auto fair. Both vehicles represent a perfect blend of innovation, comfort, and performance – true to the Renault heritage. We encourage members of the public to visit our stand during the fair to experience the all-new Koleos and Kardian firsthand. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore what’s next in mobility from Renault.”
Furthermore, Mrs. Osandu revealed that visitors to their Renault stand will equally have the opportunity to interact with the new models and experience the vast array of functionalities the vehicles presents; like the large augmented reality head-up display, its three seamlessly integrated 12.3’ panorama screens - 5G connectivity powered. The access to driving information via the cluster, integrated navigation and control and a premium experience with generous passenger comfort and entertainment, these vehicles are made to simplify your life’s journeys.
Commenting on the participation, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communica-
tions, Coscharis Group, noted that the company’s participation at this year’s Abuja Auto Fair underscores its continued commitment to offering Nigerians access to world-class automotive experiences.
“Our collaboration with Renault continues to reflect our passion for delivering trusted global automobile brands to our market. The unveiling of the latest models of both Renault Koleos and Kardian further reinforces our promise to provide modern, efficient, and stylish mobility solutions for our customers,” Babarinde stated.
In his words, Babarinde said “The 2025 Abuja Auto Fair offers an excellent platform to engage our existing customers, enthusiasts, businesses
and use of petrol and diesel vehicles, and before that deadline, their people are free to register their vehicles just the way you do your licence every year here.
“But, after that time which I think is in the next eight years or so, you cannot get a licence for your vehicle again if the vehicle is not EV.”
“With various developed economies, including European countries, setting targets of between 2030 and 2040 to completely phase out the manufacture and use of fossil-fuel vehicles.
“We are pushing to get to a point that by 2035, the adoption rate of electric vehicles (in Nigeria) will be much higher,” Osanipin said.
He said, “We also have to develop and prepare, because if we are not looking at taking action today, those vehicles they can no longer register in China and other countries, what do you think will happen to them? Your guess is as good as mine.”
NADDC, he said, would be willing to give any kind of support needed to ensure the bill is passed into law and vigorously implemented. “We are ready to honour their invitation, if they call us to
give support. If they need any questions, if they need any information, we are always available. We are happy that our legislature is taking this to the next level.
“It is always good when you have people that are ready to give you legislative backing. We are ready to work with the National Assembly. If they call us for a presentation, we’ll be there. We are ready to work with them.”
The National Coordinator, Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), Chief Anselm Ilekuba, described the proposed law as a welcome development, considering their efforts to manufacture auto parts for vehicle production in the country and to drive the domestic auto industry towards developing the electric vehicle technology.
Also, his company, Cedric Masters Group assembles JIM-ISUZU, a brand of electric vehicles in Lagos.
He also lauded the promoter of the bill, Senator Kalu, particularly for the potential help the law would be for investors in the EV sector.
He presented his EV lineup, stating that “Apart from the rugged 2.4 litre JIM ISUZU Re-Max 4x4 pick-up which has already started making a mark in the market as a reliable work horse, Cedric Masters is also ushering into the Nigerian market the Leapmotor brand known for its affordable and tech-focused new energy vehicles (NEVs).”
He said the company is also introducing into the local market the Voyah brand of luxury electric vehicles. “Our subsidiary, Cedric Clean Energy Solution, which has an electric charge station assembly plant in Lekki, Lagos State, sees this as a wonderful development and calls for greater stakeholder involvement, especially with NADDC and ALCMAN.
“I commend Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for this laudable bill which shows vision and will serve as a cursor to the long-awaited Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Programme.”
Nigeria’s automotive powerhouse, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, is set to make a grand appearance at the 25th Abuja International Motor Fair, promising a blend of innovation, excitement, and exclusive customer rewards. The company will “storm” the fair, scheduled for November 18-21 at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with its latest vehicles, customer engagement activities, and offerings designed to deepen loyalty to the Toyota brand.
Visitors to the Toyota pavilion will enjoy exclusive discounts on purchases, after-sales services, spare parts, and accessories, while
Jetour Mobility Services is set to make a strong presence at the 2025 Abuja International Motor Fair, showcasing its full range of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), cutting-edge hybrid models, and customer-focused services. The brand will display its impressive lineup, including the Jetour T2, Jetour X70 Plus, Jetour X90
Plus, Jetour X70 Dashing, and Jetour X50, as well as its newly introduced hybrid variants, the X70 Hybrid and T2 Hybrid.
These models combine performance with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, designed with today’s families and adventure-minded drivers in mind, blending advanced technology, comfort, and affordability. Jetour’s participation underscores its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, strengthening its footprint in the SUV and crossover segments.
The company’s steady rise in the Nigerian market has been remarkable, validated by its “Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year” award at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards. Jetour Nigeria is also highlighting its robust after-sales service, including genuine spare parts, technical support, and a comprehensive five-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty.
The brand looks forward to engaging with customers, showcasing its latest innovations, and reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising automotive brands at the fair, scheduled for November 18-21 at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
experiencing the Toyota “Kaizen” focus. The lineup includes the Urban Cruiser, Hilux, RAV4, Rush, Landcruiser, Prado, Hiace, and more, showcasing Toyota’s full range.
Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, says the brand’s participation aligns with its Customer First philosophy, adding, “The fair offers a perfect platform for us to engage directly with customers, showcase our product range, and demonstrate our commitment to satisfaction throughout every facet of our customer touch point.”
Representatives of Toyota’s seven accredited dealers will attend to visitors’ needs, providing detailed information and guidance on every Toyota model. The Abuja International Motor Fair marks a milestone, celebrating its silver jubilee under a fully covered exhibition pavilion, creating a world-class, climate-controlled environment. The event will highlight the future of transportation, including electric mobility, logistics solutions, and vehicle financing, drawing decision-makers, top fleet managers, government agencies, and auto enthusiasts. Entertainment, product presentations, and interactive sessions with finance and insurance firms will add to the experience. For Toyota Nigeria, the fair is an opportunity to reaffirm its leadership in Nigeria’s auto market while engaging customers in a dynamic, rewarding experience.
BYD has unveiled a dynamic initiative at its brand-new showroom in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos- a monthly showcase dedicated to projects that share its core values of innovation, sustainability and lifestyle.
BYD Nigeria is the sole and official distributor of BYD electric and hybrid vehicles in Nigeria. BYD is a brand operated by the CFAO Group which has been present in Nigeria for more than 120 years.
The first edition in October featured PITH Africa, an afro-centric approach to streetwear, redefining creative expression for a new generation.
Mint Organic Care, a brand that champions eco-conscious living and personal well-being, is currently displaying till the end of November.
In the whole of December, a Christmas pop up will feature projects such as Clay of Lagos, Kelly Praise, Stitches by Lope, Mostudeo, PITH Africa and Mint Organic Care.
Upcoming editions will spotlight an array of innovative projects, each bringing fresh ideas and unique perspectives to enrich this collaborative platform.
Carloha Nigeria, the exclusive distributor of Chery vehicles, made a powerful statement of commitment to excellence and innovation through its premier sponsorship of the 2025 Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Golf Tournament held at the scenic Ibom Golf Resort.
The high-profile tournament, a highlight on Nigeria’s corporate golf calendar, brought together top executives, engineers, and industry leaders from across the oil and gas value chain. Carloha’s headline sponsorship not only strengthened its relationship with the nation’s vital energy sector but also showcased how the brand continues to add value across multiple fronts, from the fairway to the factory floor.
Carloha’s presence brought new energy to the tournament. The much-anticipated Hole-in-One Challenge at Hole 12, featuring a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro as the grand prize, captivated participants and added a thrilling competitive edge to the game. While no golfer achieved the elusive shot, the activation became one of the event’s most talked-about moments, reinforcing Carloha’s message of rewarding excellence and inspiring high performance.
Did you know that the World Health Organization identifies distracteddrivingasasignificant threat to road safety? Did you know that distraction increases the likelihood of crashes fourfold if you were driving and phoning? Did you know that the cognitive distraction from both hand-held and hands free devices is the primary danger,notjustthephysicalactofholdingaphone? Did you also know that texting is particularly risky and raises the risk of a road crash by as much as 23 times?
Have you ever lost a loved one through a road traffic crash? What was the cause of the crash? Was it excessive speeding? Driving under the influence? Fatigue? Tyre burst? Or a night trip as a result of poor visibility? Or was it caused by distracted driving which is the focus of the Federal Road Safety Corps for the 2025 Ember Months, theme.
If you tell me that the causative factor was not determined, I won’t be surprised. Even when it was caused by a reckless driver like the one I cited a fortnight ago, we would conclude that it was recklessness. If you read my piece last week, I concluded by saying that data on distracted drivers is a challenge in our clime and also in developed clime.
I, however, cautioned that this challenge is more pronounced in low -income countries as against high income countries where the availability of advanced forensics makes it possible for distraction especially cognitive distraction is much easier for first responders to conclusively prove and report as primary cause of a crash.
My conclusion last week was that the small percentage reported for Nigeria does not mean distraction is not a major issue. It, however, highlights the need for personal responsibility in dealing with the menace of distraction to curb avoidable road traffic crashes which is my focus this week as I draw the curtain on this topic which harps on the need to focus as the surest prevention.
how Chery’s robust vehicle lineup supports the mobility needs of Nigeria’s oil and gas professionals, where reliability and efficiency are non-negotiable.
By backing the NAPE Golf Tournament, Carloha also demonstrated its dedication to promoting golf as a sport of precision, discipline, and connection. The company’s involvement is helping sustain the growth of golf as a networking and wellness platform for Nigeria’s corporate and technical elite, further integrating the sport into the nation’s professional culture.
Carloha’s sponsorship spotlighted Chery’s cutting-edge technology and reliability, key traits that align with the energy sector’s demand for dependable fleet solutions. Through initiatives like the CarlohaCare 6-6-7 service package – offering six years of free service, six years of warranty, and a seven-day repair promise – Carloha continues to raise the bar for after-sales service and customer satisfaction in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
This forward-thinking approach underscores the brand’s mission to provide mobility solutions that enhance productivity, minimize downtime, and deliver lasting value.
Jonas Agwu
amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps marshal Zonal Commanding officer Federal road Safety Corps. Safe driving with
So, what are the recent findings or studies on the dangers of distracted driving? The first is the risk of fatal crashes revealed by the 2023 study in the Journal of Risk and Uncertainty. It found out that drivers engaged in distractions are about three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to focused drivers.
This was corroborated by the 2025 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). The report found that phone-use while driving increased road traffic crash risk by 240 percent.
A second report focused on prevalence and behaviors
In Europe, the European Road Safety Observatory reported that drivers are engaged in distracting activities during about 50 percent of all driving time. Similarly, a telematics-data study in the United Kingdom found 53 percent of trips contained at least one distraction event; meaning that mobile phone use remains very common. A similar survey in the United States found that 78percent of people believe cell phone distraction while driving is a major problem in their community.
Another to consider is the one which focused on
teens and new-driver risk. The first is the study by the University of Pennsylvania (in “JAMA Open”) which found that among newly licensed teen drivers, over one third of their trips had handheld phone use, while speeding occurred in 40 percent of the trips.
Additionally, these behaviors were strongly associated with risky driving events such as hard braking/rapid acceleration. Another survey found that many teens believe they are capable of safe driving despite using phones. This survey reveals a disconnection between awareness and behavior.
Meanwhile, a medical-survey (the DRIVSAFE observational study) on perception versus behavior found that while over 90percent considered sending electronic messages while driving as unsafe, about 13percent of respondents believed texting while driving made no difference to their driving ability. This survey finding suggests that awareness does not always translate into safe behavior.
The last study is the one which focused on technology/ automation interactions. This study was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It showed that drivers using partial-automation systems (like lane keeping or “autopilot” features) were distracted for 30percent of the time while the automation was in use. This is quite high and shows that automation can paradoxically increase distractions.
For emphasis, I must remind you of the specific dangers for those who indulge in this risky driving behavior. They include longer reaction times, and missed cues: Distraction means the driver is less likely to detect changes in the road environment such as other vehicles, pedestrians or signals. Secondly, there is the higher crash risk. As noted above, distracted drivers have significantly higher probabilities of crash involvement.
There is also the risk amplification in certain
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Felix Mahan, General Manager of Marketing at Carloha Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s long-term vision:
“Our investment in this tournament goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a celebration of partnership. The energy sector drives Nigeria’s growth, and Carloha is proud to support that momentum by delivering vehicles and services that match the industry’s high standards of reliability and performance.”
Carloha’s engagement with NAPE’s flagship event underscores its strategy to be more than a vehicle distributor—it’s a partner in progress. By connecting with key industry stakeholders, the company continues to build meaningful collaborations that advance both mobility innovation and operational excellence across Nigeria’s most critical sectors.
From the lush greens of Ibom Golf Resort to the demanding terrains of oilfield operations, Carloha is driving a shared vision of precision, resilience, and innovation—adding tangible value to the event, the sport, the automotive industry, and every stakeholder involved.
groups such as teens and new drivers even as I have shown that drivers using advanced automation, and high-tech phone users are especially vulnerable.
Now, to the solution which as highlighted by the theme chosen by the Federal Road Safety Corps for this year’s Ember Month campaign is personal responsibility and commitment. Personal responsibility is simply the choice to prioritise driving safety above all else whenever you are behind the wheel. It amounts to driving 100percent focused.
In specific terms it involves the following key actions for drivers which includes the discipline to stow your phone by putting it on “Do Not Disturb” or place it in the glove box or back seat before driving. You must always resist the urge to check it at a stoplight.
For freaks who utilize the navigation tool and enjoy music while driving, please plan ahead by setting your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and choose your music before putting the car in drive. If you need to make changes, pull over safely conscious of the risk in doing otherwise.
For those who take delight in eating and grooming, please avoid multitasking. Finish all meals, drinks, and personal grooming before or after your trip. Where you have children and or pets, please secure all occupants and ensure children and pets are properly secured. Whenever, they need attention, pull over safely.
I know that most of us would not categorize drowsiness as distraction, please I urge you to recognize fatigue risk. If you’re tired, please pull over and rest whenever you are fatigued or tired because. drowsy driving is as dangerous as distracted driving.
As passengers, you also have a responsibility to speak up: If you are a passenger and the driver is distracted, courageously and politely plead with them to focus on the road. You may offer to help with navigation or manage the radio.
At victor Tulutu briggs Foundation lies a mission rooted in the belief that education and empowerment initiatives are the keys to unlocking the potential within every individual, especially the youth and women. Since its official launch last year, the Foundation has successfully embarked on several humanitarian projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Nigerians. In this conversation, Dr. victor briggs shares how impactful its projects and initiatives have been. Ferdinand ekechukwu brings the excerpts:
You have been involved in various initiatives in healthcare, empowerment and education, through your foundation - the Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation - what is the motivation behind it?
So, first, I dedicate it to God Almighty, and the motivation is that growing up as a child, as a youth, I encountered quite a lot of difficulties that propelled metosaythatifIhavetheopportunityto,inbusiness or wherever I find myself to do something worthy, I will definitely give back to society. So, growing up, I also met my wife (Amelda briggs) as my girlfriend and she also has the same kind of passion I have. Then I said ‘ok, this is the right time’. So we started giving back. I have been giving back for quite a long time. but I said okay, let’s make it official when I also met some of my friends and some people who also havethesameinterestthatIhave.Wenowsaidokay, we have to make it big. That’s the formation of the victor Tulutu briggs Foundation. We did the official launch last year. And since we did that, because they also have the same interest that I have, it has been so, so smooth. They bring ideas; we bring ideas together,wherenecessary,theyhavetocontribute,they contribute. Solely, we are the ones sponsoring the programmes. We haven’t got any financial support fromanywhereandIcantellyouthatfromlastyearto thisyearputtogether,wehavedonequitealot,andwe havespentoverabillionnairathroughthefoundation indifferentactivitieswehavedone,includingsports. As I speak to you now, scholarship is ongoing in the University of Port Harcourt. We are extending it to riverStateUniversity(rUST).Wehavedonedifferent programmes both in Lagos. If you go to the barracks in Ikoyi we went there. The place is very dilapidated wehadtorenovatetheschoolsandalsorenovatethe quarters,andalsoboughtACsforthem.It’stherewith the garrison commander, General buka. We went to Lagos State, we saw the Police Commissioner, we set up a conference centre for them, the same thing we did in zone 2 with the AIG in zone 2 there same we did. And we also paid for about 200 JAmb forms in Lagos, and also we paid for about 2000 JAmb forms alloverNigeria.Itwasverywholesomeproject.JAmb also wrote to us and also appreciated us for what we did. This year’s JAmb is about the eighth edition of the JAmb forms we have paid for schools. Not just that,wealsoselectsomeofthebestinJAmbthrough some of the programmes we do we also paid their
institution fees for them. Now we want to select the best in their academics then we also want to take them for our scholarships.
So far, the projects you have listed, appears to be self-sponsored by the foundation?
Yes,ofcourse,self-sponsoredbyme,liketheSpelling beeCompetitionwehadinLagosstaterecently,that program we spent close to 11 million naira. That’s the firstofitskindforthefoundation.Thosethreechildren that emerged winners from different secondary schools in the state, so far its government schools, we are going to see them through the universities; we are going to sponsor them, out of the 20 schools, those three people that came out first, second, third in the competition, after giving them 1million, 500, and 300 hundred thousand naira each, we are still going to sponsor them through universities.
Can you share with us the foundation’s core mission and how has it evolved?
Thecoremissionofthefoundationis:oneeducation, thenempowermentofwomenandmenwhoareless
privileged, and also healthcare. Those are our core areas that we think that we can be able to impact people. education is the most important thing in the lifeofourchildrenandeventheyouthstopropelthem andalsobringthemtogetherfromfarandwidefrom differentpartsoftheworldsothattheycanbeableto meet their peers and also give them the opportunity to be exposed to do things for themselves because that’sthefuturethatwehave.Then,wedosmallscale business empowerment for people so that they can beabletoengageinsmallscaletradetosupportthem so that they can be able to feed their family and help theirchildren.Andtheotheroneishealthcareinvarious communities. And of course you know health is life. So those are the core areas that we are really into. Then add to it sports because sports can also give them a lot of opportunities for them to go out there to help themselves and help the society. Those are the four key areas that we are focusing on.
Let’slookatyourlong-termvisionforthefoundation and its role in society… okay,wellforusthelevelwearenowwhatweexpect we have just launched the foundation as I speak to you we are visiting the 23 local governments of rivers State where we are giving all books and back to school materials for most of the schools in the 23 local governments. even we attach police primary school, navy primary school and also the military primary school because you know those are public areas so that they can be able to also get funds to help themselves and the students. other areas are governmentschoolsthatwearegivingthesematerials. but the basic thing is that the long-term we expect that now at this point we expect partnership from donors and global NGos that can also partnership withusforwhichwehavethedreaminsomeofthese key four areas that I have said. That would in a way impactthefoundation.Wearelookingattheendofthis year. but definitely from early next year partnership will start coming into stream because we have done quite a lot. We want to see that those things every year we have a budget for those four areas that we have itemized it will be going on con-currently. every yearwehavetohaveaprojecttoseethatpeoplepass through.Wehavetoseeentrepreneursthatwehave made to set up businesses and where they are and to know where they are going.
Looking at some of the projects initiatives that
youhaveembarkedcanyoushareanythatyouthink has been impactful?
mostespeciallytheeducationalpartofitbecauseas Ispeaktoyoupeopleareinscholarshiptheydon’tfeel need to bother theirparents.every yearwepaytheir fees. They are very happy. That one is very impactful tome.Thenalsothebacktoschoolinitiativeyouknow howeconomicallythingsaredowninthecountry.And considering what we have spent on books, bags and writingmaterialsit’sagoodthing.Alsolastyearwepaid school fees for all the students in my village. None of the parents paid, we did. We paid the school fees for the term. So those are the things. even encouraging small scale business because they can be able to do theirbusinesswithoutstrugglestogetmoney.Wegive themmoneytosupportittomakethemgrowsothat theycanscaleuptheirbusiness.Thosearethingsthat I have seen. And then also giving encouragement to quite a lot of our youths that with what we are doing there, there’s hope for the next generation.
running an NGO comes with challenges, with regards to your team, how do you motivate them to stay committed to the foundation’s mission?
The first thing is that they are convinced that this is something that they too have to be committed to. because you know stimulating or convincing your team, they must also have that passion. The most important thing to the Glory of God they must have that passion. So, it makes it easier for us because if you don’t have the passion no matter how people will pushyouwillnotbeinterested.Sobecausetheyhave that passion they too have now put their effort to say, every time, because we have already gotten an account, they will be putting in small, donating to the foundation no matter how small it is. So they are very, very interested in it and so it’s a good thing. It’s like minds. And it’s their dream and so to some of us our dreams that is coming through. That’s the most important thing.
what role do you see the foundation playing in sustainable developments?
We are going to key into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) project, the World bank project and other things. So we follow the trends of what is going on and also grow on it and also to see that we stabilise our NGo to global standardisation in line with humanitarian projects and developments.
billions of naira lie forgotten in dormant bank accounts across Nigeria; untouched for years, even decades, while communities grapple with poverty, poor healthcare, and failing infrastructure. Drawing insights from the United Kingdom’s reclaim Fund Limited, Chartered Accountant and Data Scientist Adejoke Adegbenro, while speaking with Sunday Ehigiator, argues that Nigeria has both the digital infrastructure and financial expertise to unlock these hidden billions responsibly, turning dormant money into lasting social good without depriving rightful owners of their claims.
every year,billions of naira lie forgotten in dormant bank accounts across Nigeria; untouched, unclaimed, and unnoticed. These funds, some inactive for decades, remain trapped within financial institutions while the nation faces mounting economic and social challenges.
The paradox is glaring: as hospitals struggle for funding, schools deteriorate, and communities cry out for development, enormous sums of money sit idle, serving no useful purpose.
But what if Nigeria could transform these forgotten funds into a force for social good, responsibly, transparently, and without denying rightful owners access to their money? That is the question raised by Adejoke Adegbenro (Ajao), who believes that Nigeria already has the infrastructure and expertise to make this vision a reality.
In the United Kingdom, dormant bank accounts are not allowed to simply gather dust. Through a well-structured system operated by Reclaim Fund Limited (RFL), money that has been untouched for fifteen years or more is repurposed to serve the public interest. Adegbenro explains that this model ensures a delicate balance between protecting individuals’ rights and advancing social welfare.
“Customers never lose their right to their money,” she notes.“Even after decades, they can walk into their bank and reclaim every penny. Meanwhile, funds that remain unclaimed are put to work in
ways that transform communities.”
Under the RFL framework, dormant funds are transferred from banks, investment firms, and insurance companies to a central body. A reserve is set aside to cover any future claims by account holders, while the surplus is channelled into community development projects, education, and affordable housing. The entire process is transparent and technology-driven, ensuring that no one loses and everyone benefits.
“It’s a win-win,”Adegbenro emphasises.“People keep their rights, and society gains valuable resources
to tackle pressing needs.”
Nigeria’s Dormant Potential
Back home, Nigeria’s dormant accounts remain scattered across the banking system with no unified framework to manage them. While the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) have established rules to safeguard dormant balances, the emphasis remains on protection rather than productivity. As a result, billions of naira that could fund hospitals, schools, and infrastructure remain untouched, lost in bureaucratic inertia.
“Nigeria’s banking ecosystem has the tools to do more,”Adegbenro says.“With systems like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN), we already have the digital infrastructure to track and manage dormant funds effectively. What we need is a national strategy that combines data, technology, and regulation to put this money to work responsibly.”
The success of the UK model lies not just in its policy framework, but in its reliance on data science and technology. Behind every pound released for public use is a series of data-driven calculations that ensure fairness and sustainability. According to Adegbenro, machine learning algorithms analyse historical data to predict how much of the dormant money might be reclaimed in the future, while actuarial science determines the reserves that must be kept to guarantee that any claimant can be repaid in full.
Digital systems then reconcile transactions across banks, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Technology is also used to help customers reconnect with their funds through tracing tools, digital notifications, and outreach campaigns.“It’s a perfect example of how data science and finance can merge for social good,” Adegbenro explains.“Nigeria, with its vibrant fintech scene and growing pool of data scientists, has all the building blocks needed to create something similar, or even better.”
The impact of such a model in Nigeria could be transformative. By creating a national reclaim fund, the country could unlock billions of naira currently sitting idle in banks and direct them into sectors starved of resources.
The result would be a steady stream of funding for healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects. It would also foster transparency and accountability through independent data audits, while encouraging innovation among local fintech firms and data experts who could develop the algorithms powering the system.
“Even if just a small percentage of dormant funds were used to build schools, improve hospitals, or support housing projects, the difference would be profound,”Adegbenro says.“We are talking about creating a new source of social capital without imposing new taxes or borrowing.”
Folu Olamiti
There are men whose lives etch indelible footprints not only upon the pages of history but also in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing them. Chief olabode Ibiyinka George, fondly known to me as Uncle bode George, is one such remarkable individual. As he attains the milestone age of eighty, I am deeply honoured to celebrate him-not merely as a statesman, leader, and public servant, but also as a steadfast friend.
When I retired from the Tribune after thirty-two years of service, uncertain of what lay ahead, it was bode George who stood by me. At a time when doors appeared closed and familiar faces had faded, he extended to me the hand of trust and guidance, opening a new chapter in my journey through public service.
Through his benevolent intervention, I was appointed to lead a private media team in support of the administration of former President olusegun obasanjo. He later facilitated my appointment as a member of the Presidential Action Committee on Firearms and Light Weapons, and subsequently as resident media Consultant and Spokesperson for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) from 2005 to 2015. Those years were profoundly transformative, made possible by his unwaver-
ing belief in my ability and character. Through life’s vicissitudes, bode George has embodied rare virtues-loyalty, vision, and friendship-qualities that I shall forever hold dear.
His life story is a compelling testament to discipline, devotion, and national service. born in Lagos, he distinguished himself in academics, sports, and leadership from his early days at CmS Grammar School to his higher education at the University of Lagos, where he earned both a b.Sc. and an mbA. rising through the ranks of the Nigerian Navy to the enviable position of Commodore, he demonstrated strategic insight and a deep commitment to duty-hallmarks that have defined his illustrious career.
As military Governor of ondo State, he left an enduring imprint through his focus on education and infrastructural development, notably establishing the rufus Giwa Polytechnic in owo-an institution that continues to uplift thousands through quality education. His contributions extended further as Principal Staff officer to General oladipo Diya and as Director at the Nigerian National War College, where his intellect and dedication to nationbuilding shone brightly.
In civilian life, his service to the nation remained exceptional. As Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, he confronted chronic congestion, attracted vital investments, and oversaw the modernisation of port operations-enhancing Nigeria’s logistics and
trade capacity. Within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he served with distinction as National vice-Chairman (South-West), Deputy National Chairman (South), and ultimately National Deputy Chairman. His leadership and mentorship have left an indelible imprint on the nation’s political landscape.
Yet, beyond the grandeur of public office, what most distinguishes bode George is his humanity. His personal kindness, his willingness to lift others, and his enduring loyalty are virtues that speak louder than any title. His intervention in my life-offering guidance, creating opportunities, and standing by me in difficult seasons-reflects a friendship that is as rare as it is genuine. Through his mentorship, he rekindled in me a renewed sense of confidence and purpose that endures to this day.
As he celebrates this milestone on 21 November in Lagos, I wish my dear Uncle, Chief bode George, continued good health, abundant joy, and the peace befitting a life of noble service. His legacy-built on courage, wisdom, and compassion-will continue to inspire generations and remind us that true leadership is not measured solely by accomplishments, but by the lives we touch and the values we uphold.
Happy 80th birthday, my dear Uncle and cherished friend. may the years ahead be as impactful and rewarding as the remarkable journey you have lived.
Olamiti is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors
The Premiere, a new wealth management and global mobility advisory firm, seeks to bridge the gap between opportunity and access through citizenship and residency-byinvestment, international real estate, and bespoke advisory services. Its Chairman, Albert Austin discusses the firm’s founding vision, its unique concierge-style approach and how it is helping African professionals and families unlock credible pathways to global financial growth and generational wealth. Nume ekeghe brings the excerpts:
What inspired the creation of The premiere and what makes it different from others playing in this space?
The Premiere was created to be a leading firm in investment immigration, luxury international real estate, and wealth advisory. We were established as a vehicle to provide Africans with equal opportunities through global mobility. We all recognise that second citizenship or permanent residency is no longer a luxury—it is an asset. Access to opportunity is an asset; if opportunities exist but you cannot reach them, then you cannot benefit from them. That is where The Premiere comes in. o ur role is to provide access that enables individuals and families to take advantage of opportunities across different regions, whether for tax incentives, stable economies, safety, or wealth diversification. What distinguishes us is the concierge-style service we offer. e very client is treated like family. b eyond completing a transaction, we ensure they are fully settled and supported whether in property management, documentation, or post-transaction advisory. We have clients who began property purchases but got stuck midstream; with The Premiere, that doesn’t happen. We ensure that what you start, you complete successfully.
You’ve mentioned property and real estate. How does The premiere support clients in selecting viable investments abroad?
o ur parent company, Loft and Keys, partners with b inghatti Developers in the UA e , a multibillion-dollar real estate group. Loft and Keys was ranked number one in Africa and eighth globally among binghatti’s partners. We conduct extensive due diligence before choosing any project. We study price per square foot, projected yield, and overall investment sustainability before taking inventory. This allows us to secure projects at favourable entry prices for clients, ensuring long-term value. For instance, our flagship project in Dubai, binghatti Grove is an exceptional development. every unit, from one-bedroom to penthouse, has a private balcony pool overlooking the Dubai skyline. It’s both aesthetic and functional, designed for comfort and high occupancy rates. With yields of about 10 per cent, tax-free, and the advantage of Dubai’s golden visa and stable economy, it represents an ideal investment.
Compliance and credibility are major concerns in the investment migration industry. How does The premiere ensure due diligence and client protection?
Compliance is central to everything we do. every programme we offer whether citizenship or residency, is government-legislated and regulated. o ur partners, including immigration lawyers, incubators, and funds, are all government-approved and supervised within their jurisdictions. We take responsibility for the entire process, from document verification to global checks, liaising with our partners, and ensuring that every requirement is met. For example, our Portugal fund for permanent residency is regulated by the Portuguese capital market authority, which enforces stringent due diligence standards.
In short, what we say is consistent across the entire chain, from origination to fulfilment until our clients receive their citizenship or residency approvals. That’s how we protect the integrity of the process.
Beyond real estate, The premiere also focuses on professional residency. How are you supporting skilled Nigerians seeking permanent residency in countries like Canada?
We’re excited about our professional residency initiative, especially in healthcare. m any developed countries like Canada are facing an ageing population; the average age in Canada is 41, while Nigeria’s is 19. That demographic gap creates a global demand for skilled professionals.
We’re partnering with Canada’s largest immigration law firms to facilitate express entry for professionals such as doctors, nurses, radiologists, and pharmacists. This programme not only secures permanent residency but also provides better earning power, education access for families, and long-term economic empowerment.
For example, an international student at the University of Toronto might pay 60,000 Canadian dollars, but a permanent resident pays around 5,000. So, the return on investment is enormous when you consider the opportunities, savings, and intergenerational benefits.
How do you justify the cost in terms of long-term value and wealth diversification?
I like to say: you can’t benefit from opportunities you don’t have access to. The ability to travel, invest, or relocate without restriction is priceless. Think of it this way: a family that secures Canadian residency for their children saves over $55,000 per child, per year in tuition. multiply that across several years, and you’ve recouped your investment many times over. It’s not just about money; it is about freedom. Imagine not being held back by visa delays or denials. When opportunity knocks, you can simply pack your bag and go. That flexibility is one of the greatest assets anyone can own. Adding to that, these programmes also protect against inflation and economic volatility. by diversifying assets into stable, USD-denominated economies with favourable tax regimes, families can hedge against local currency risks while building generational wealth.
The premiere says its approach is ‘tailored.’ How do you customise your services for families and clients with varying financial capacities?
The word tailored is key, it means bespoke.
o ur approach begins with listening. We take time to understand each client’s family structure, aspirations, financial capacity, and long-term goals.
We’re not in the business of selling generic products. We design bespoke solutions whether through citizenshipby-investment, real estate portfolios, or residency programmes that fit the client’s exact needs. It’s part of our compliance culture too; every recommendation we make must be traceable to a well-understood client need.
our minimum investment threshold may start from $150,000, but we customise the structure to ensure that clients maximise value from every dollar invested.
You’ve spoken passionately about Dubai. Beyond the glamour, what makes it such a strategic market for investors?
recent data shows that Dubai is now the world’s second city with the highest number of millionaires, and projections suggest it may take the top spot next year. That isn’t accidental it’s a product of deliberate policy and a strong economic environment. Dubai offers safety, zero income tax, and steady capital gains. For five consecutive years, it has ranked among the top five safest countries in the world. These are the kinds of indicators we monitor before recommending investments.
So, when we advise clients to consider Dubai, it’s because the fundamentals, security, transparency, and return on investment make it one of the most rewarding global destinations for wealth growth and preservation.
Finally, what’s the long-term vision for The premiere?
The Premiere is your gateway to global freedom and wealth security. We’re building a brand that Africans can trust, one that embodies prestige, refinement, influence, discretion, and excellence.
o ur mission is to empower individuals and families to navigate global mobility and preserve their wealth through customised immigration solutions, strategic real estate opportunities, and expert financial guidance.
Ultimately, The Premiere exists to show that a home-grown African firm can operate credibly on the world stage and open doors to the opportunities our people deserve.
Peter Okutu
Historically, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, the oil and gas sector accounts for the largest portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings (over 85%) and a significant share of government revenue (ranging from approximately 35% to over 70% in various years).
Hence, the critical role of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, in the oil and gas sector cannot be overemphasised nor underestimated, if the Country wants to sustain its soaring height, in terms of revenue generation and funding of its critical sectors of the economy.
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, is a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, following its undeniable and impactful contributions, geared towards securing oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure of the Country.
What the Company is doing on a regular basis is to mount and maintain an eagle eye surveillance on pipelines within the eastern corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP within the Niger Delta region.
Again, the role of the Company is very critical and pivotal, if the revenues accrued from the oil and gas sector are to remain continuous at the level of geometry and not otherwise.
In the context of the Nigerian oil and gas sector, it is no longer news that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), contributes massively to the nation’s revenue size by providing pipeline security and surveillance services.
The company’s efforts have led to improved security in the Niger Delta, which in turn has significantly reduced crude oil losses and increased production, helping the Federal Government meet its oil revenue targets.
PINL’s specific contributions to national revenue generation include, but are not limited to, ensuring pipeline integrity. This it does by protecting critical infrastructure, such as the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), from vandalism and illegal bunkering.
PINL has helped to achieve higher pipeline availability (reported at 97% across the upstream network at one point) and reduce crude losses. The improved security and reduced downtime have enabled increased crude oil lifting and production levels, a major factor in meeting or surpassing national revenue targets.
PINL has helped in facilitating government revenue collection by ensuring a stable and secure operating environment. PINL’s activities indirectly ensure consistent revenue flows to government coffers through royalties, taxes, and the sale of oil and gas resources by entities like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
It has equally supported the overall stability of the nation’s economy. The increased revenue from the oil and gas sector allows the government to fund its national budget, infrastructure, and development projects, which are essential for economic growth.
It is therefore on record in this country that the primary operational entity making a significant, documented contribution to the nation’s revenue through its field operations is Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
It has been able to tackle and prevent incidences of pipeline vandalism, which hitherto was an unabated phenomenon in the years gone by.
Pipeline vandalism, which PINL has over five years prevented from occurring and reoccurring oftentimes leads to economic losses, environmental degradation, human safety hazards like fire outbreaks, social disruption, and national security threats. More of these negative impacts include reduced revenue, destroyed habitats and contaminated land, potential loss of lives from explosions, community displacement, and increased conflict fueled by illegal oil activities. This ugly trend has equally made operations to be halted within the oil and gas sector, leading to shutdowns of plants and oil terminals, which can cause operational deficits for multi-million naira companies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), among others.
It has also led to a reduction in gas supply, affecting electricity generation, and the scarcity of petroleum products, which in turn causes price instability and economic hardships to Nigerians.
The case of environmental degradation, soil and water contamination are major challenge caused by vandalism of pipelines in the Country. We are aware that spills contaminate soil and groundwater, destroying crops and making land unusable for agriculture.
In addition, when habitats are destroyed following the vandalism of pipelines, this can lead to the loss of vegetation, deforestation, and the destruction of ecosystems, including mangrove forests and rainforests.
Another major threat to the health state of Nigerians following this ugly trend is the health hazard caused by gas flaring, which releases toxic chemicals and oil spills, that in turn deplete fish populations and harm wildlife.
Vandalised pipelines are prone to explosions and infernos, which can be as powerful as a bomb and result in significant loss of life and property as exposure to leaked substances and gas flares can cause respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, and lead to diseases like leukemia.
Communities can be displaced due to the direct dan-
Chisom Ojukwu
Over the years, Nigeria has established several regional and zonal development agencies aimed at driving balanced growth and addressing long-standing inequalities across different parts of the country. From the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), and the River Basin Development Authorities, these bodies were created with noble intentions: to bring development closer to the people and stimulate regional transformation.
Yet, decades later, many of these regions still struggle with poor infrastructure, abandoned projects, and underdevelopment, despite the billions of naira allocated annually to these commissions. The recurring question, therefore, is: Why are the outcomes so poor despite the similarities in their mandates and objectives?
All these agencies share almost identical goals — promoting infrastructure, empowering communities, enhancing agriculture, and restoring the environment. However, their impact has been disappointing. The reasons are not far-fetched: Weak monitoring and evaluation systems, Little or no synergy between the federal and state governments, Duplication and overlap of projects, and a lack of structured oversight mechanisms connecting the National Assembly with the State Houses of Assembly.
These gaps have created a vacuum where projects are often executed without proper supervision, leading to inefficiency, corruption, and wastage.
Bridging the Oversight Gap
The key to solving these problems lies in democratizing the operations and oversight of regional development agencies. Development cannot be driven effectively from Abuja alone; it must involve the people and institutions closest to the beneficiaries.
State Governments and State Houses of Assembly, as representatives of the people within these regions, should have concurrent oversight powers — not to interfere politically, but to monitor, evaluate, and ensure that projects align with the actual needs of their communities.
Equally important, each region should have a Joint Regional Legislative Oversight Committee, comprising one representative from each State House of Assembly within the region. This body would serve as a bridge between federal oversight and local realities — monitoring project execution, assessing value for money, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Such a committee would report annually to both the National Assembly and the respective State Assemblies, ensuring that projects are not duplicated, abandoned, or mismanaged.
Beyond legislation, the State Governments within each region should provide administrative support, liaison offices, and manpower to facilitate coordination between the agencies and their local counterparts. This would strengthen implementation and enhance intergovernmental cooperation.
When States are part of the monitoring and planning framework, project selection becomes more strategic, datadriven, and relevant to local needs.
Another major benefit of democratising oversight is the creation of intra-legislative synergy between the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly. This cross-
gers posed by vandalism and spills. The environmental damage harms the livelihoods of people, particularly those who depend on fishing and farming. This could eventually lead to poverty, unemployment, and a lack of viable economic alternatives, often fueling the cycle of vandalism, which further exacerbates economic instability in affected areas.
Pipeline vandalism is often linked to organized criminal activities and illegal oil bunkering networks. The competition for control over illegal oil routes can fuel armed conflicts and increase general insecurity across regions.
Emphatically, the dangers posed by pipeline destruction in Nigeria is a major threat to the national economy by causing significant revenue loss, decreased oil production, environmental devastation, and a challenging investment climate.
The negative impacts are enormous as it is on record that Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to crude oil theft and product losses from pipeline vandalism. Findings suggest daily losses can be as high as 470,000 barrels per day (bpd), translating to approximately $700 million per month in lost revenue. It was gathered that the frequent attacks by militants and vandals had at some point forced the shutdown of production activities and export terminals, such as the Forcados terminal. This resulted in the country consistently failing to meet its OPEC production quotas, which has previously caused Nigeria to lose its position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
The direct and indirect costs of pipeline vandalism have a negative effect on Nigeria’s GDP and overall economic growth. The lost production in 2016 alone was estimated to be enough to finance a significant portion of the national budget.
Oil companies and the government incur massive costs for pipeline repairs and environmental clean-ups. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reported billions of Naira in operational deficits directly linked to these incidents.
Vandalism hinders the consistent supply of crude oil to refineries and refined products to depots, leading to product scarcity, higher prices for consumers, and operational challenges for businesses reliant on a stable power supply.
pollination of ideas and responsibilities would foster cooperation instead of duplication, allowing both levels of legislature to complement rather than compete with each other. It also builds institutional capacity at the subnational level and deepens Nigeria’s practice of cooperative federalism.
Around the world, regional development thrives on collaboration and multi-level oversight. In the United States, the Appalachian Regional Commission operates through a federal–state partnership, where each state appoints a representative who jointly determines project priorities and monitors implementation. Similarly, the European Union’s Cohesion Policy uses Joint Monitoring Committees made up of national and regional legislators to ensure that regional projects are inclusive, transparent, and performance-based. Nigeria’s regional development framework can adopt similar models — where federal and state stakeholders work hand in hand, ensuring that every project is purposeful, equitable, and properly executed.
Beyond Politics: Towards Real Development
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Ongoing family dispute between Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko has witnessed series of explosive accusations, suggesting the relationship may have reached its end. Ferdinand Ekechukwu captures the issues that have characterised the once celebrated union
The marital crisis between actress, regina Daniels and Senator Ned Nwoko has for various reasons continued to attract public attention. The issue has witnessed messages, video clips, accusations, counters, arrests, and an online court of public opinion trying to assign blame. At the centre are three people: regina Daniels, her estranged husband Senator Ned Nwoko, and her mother, rita Daniels.
The couple’s relationship, once celebrated and admired by their followers, now faces one of its most difficult challenges. What started as private disagreements has degenerated with accusations, allegations, denials, and vitriolic exchanges. And in ways courted pity parties for both estranged partners amid a dispute that has drawn widespread attention on social media and tabloids.
Initially, regina deleted her social media pages, fuelling speculation that things were not well at home. When regina returned to social media, most photos of her husband had disappeared from her Instagram page. She introduced herself only as “regina Daniels,” without mentioning Nwoko’s name, raising fresh talks of trouble and separation.
It’s as if the Nigerian public was waiting for the moment for it to spew deep rooted thoughts, and opinions on Senator Nwoko, a well-known polygamist and the Nollywood actress regina. She has made most, or herself, ‘type shit’ with the slogan in comment sections lately as social media has remained epicenter of their battlefield.
The controversy escalated after a video of the 25-year-old actress in distress went viral. The issue, which spiralled from a viral clip on october 18, to allegations of drug use and the alleged arrest of her family members, took a new turn when regina shared a video on Instagram, opening up about her marriage, her mother, and her children.
The viral video of regina accusing her 64-year-old husband of domestic abuse “became a perfect depiction of all that glitter is not gold”. In the video, regina opened up about her struggles, family, and the toll the recent crisis have taken on her peace of mind. The actress pleaded with Nigerians to stop attacking her mother, whom she described as her “pillar and protector,” and vowed to raise her sons with or without her husband’s support.
“Hey guys, please stop insulting my mom, I beg you,” she appealed. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. She’s my God on earth. For seven years, my mom held it down. You all insulted her, but she tried. She warned me. my brothers warned me. everybody did,”
Icame across an article recently, and it was titled “beyond the Drama: How big brother Naija reflects the Spirit and Struggles of a Generation”, published here, theCable.ng, and something stuck with me. It is that the bbNaija show is a mirror reflecting not only the housemates but also members of its vast audience.
The writer, Sam Umukoro, took a reflective look at big brother Naija as a sociological experiment that reveals the complexities of ambition, identity and mental health under constant visibility. It also raised another question: If the housemates are the observed, what does the act of watching reveal about us, the audience? In the big brother house, the cameras never stop recording. So, every bit of social interaction — disagreements, quiet moments, acts of kindness, and everything in between— is seen. but beyond those cameras is another form of surveillance: the audience’s. Through non-stop social activity on media platforms, viewers have become not just a part of the story, but a huge part of it.
Dr. mariam Salaudeen, a lecturer at osun State University, describes this as “an interactive novel where fans are both the readers and the editors.” It is an apt description of how the show has evolved from just reality television into a shared social experience. The audience does not simply watch; it participates.viewers now influence how stories unfold. They build alliances, create online communities and shape narratives in real time. A single clip can change public perception overnight. In that sense,
regina said. She claimed that her family initially opposed her marriage to Nwoko, but she went ahead because she was in love.
regina denied widespread notions that her mother forced her into the relationship for financial reasons, stressing that she had always supported her family even before marriage. In the same viral video, regina spoke passionately about her sons, munir (born 2020) and Khalifa (born 2022), vowing to protect and raise them regardless of any marital challenges.
regina in the video accused Nwoko of domestic violence and further revealed that she was no longer interested in her troubled marriage to the politician and businessman, stating that she could no longer endure the alleged abuse. Nwoko in turn denied the allegations, claiming that regina was influenced by substance and alcohol addiction.
Amid the crisis, the actress flaunted a new home she acquired for herself despite her husband’s insistence that she should enter rehabilitation centre where she would have no access to drugs. regina later revealed her estranged husband ordered the arrest of her siblings. According to her, Nwoko was using his political influence to intimidate her family members.
She wrote, “my big brother and sister have been arrested. my baby sister might be next.”
The actress pleaded, “Leave my family alone, Ned, and leave me alone too, please.” She also accused police officers of assaulting her brother during the arrest incident. regina would later expressed joy over the reunion of her estranged parents following the arrest of her siblings.
She described it as a long-awaited moment of peace in her family. In a post, regina said her parents, once sworn enemies, had reconciled solely for her happiness. “Two concluded sworn enemies reuniting with no negative ulterior motive other than their daughter’s happiness. And I dare question God for putting me in this situation?” she wrote.
Since then, regina has continued to inundate the public with photos and videos of herself on social media. Also, rita Daniels, regina’s mother, publicly accused Nwoko of exploiting her daughter’s fame and finances. In a statement, she alleged that regina gave her husband $50,000 to fund his election campaign and staged a protest demanding the release of her detained children.
“Ned Nwoko used regina’s high star to boost his fallen star. regina gave Ned $50,000 for his campaign. Ned, which money do you have? regina is covering you, the same way you went up you will come down,” she claimed. Against the growing concern surrounding the family conflict,
regina’s elder brother, Swezzy, made a series of posts addressing what he described as a “false narrative” about regina allegedly taking an oath before marrying Nwoko.
In a post on his Instagram Story, regina’s brother Sammy West had confirmed that he was being held at the ogombo Police Division in Lagos, an allegation also corroborated by his brother, Sweezzy, on his own Instagram Story. There’s been assertion that, Sweezzy had alleged on Instagram that Nwoko’s son died from cardiac arrest and heart failure, allegedly caused by excessive drug use.
However, in a response, the Police Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, denied that Lagos officers were responsible for Sammy West’s arrest. ms Adebisi clarified that the officers who carried out the operation were on official assignment from Abuja and acted with a duly signed warrant.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the arrest of Sammy West on charges including conspiracy, trespass, assault, criminal intimidation, theft, and cyberbullying, according to reports. The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that he was apprehended in Lagos and subsequently flown to Abuja after failing to respond to previous police invitations.
She added that the court remanded Sammy West pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, but did not reveal who filed the petition that led to his arrest. In a detailed Facebook post, mr. Nwoko alleged that Sammy West repeatedly harassed his children and domestic staff in his absence. He further claimed that he introduced regina to drugs and undermined efforts to help her quit.
Nwoko also alleged that Sammy West, along with some siblings and friends, had turned his residence into a drug den. The situation took a new twist after the actress’s siblings launched an online petition against the lawmaker on Change. org. In the petition, initiated by Samuel ojeogwu and titled “Hold Ned Nwoko Accountable for Abuse of Power, Nwoko was accused of abusing his power, violating fundamental human rights, and intimidating regina and her family.
According to the initiators, the petition aims to demand justice and ensure accountability.
“Nwoko’s alleged misconduct is not only an affront to regina Daniels and her family but also a potential threat to all Nigerians who believe in fairness, justice, and the rule of law. His actions were reportedly more than just personal transgressions; they reflect a misuse of influence that undermines the democratic principles Nigeria relies upon,” the petition read.
“The alarming reports circulating in the media claim that Nwoko has leveraged his position and influence to obstruct legal rights and intimidate. Such actions, if left unchecked, could pave the way for an environment where influence overshadows justice. Nigerians in Lagos and beyond should not remain silent onlookers to these grave accusations”, said the petitioners. regina’s brother, Samuel “Sammy West” ojeogwu, who was allegedly arrested and detained on the orders of her estranged husband, was later granted bail. regina and her siblings accused Nwoko of ordering Sammy West’s arrest and subsequent remand in prison for defending his sister against alleged domestic violence inflicted by the lawmaker.
Following the allegation, several public figures, including actress mercy Johnson-okojie, activist omoyele Sowore and others demanded Sammy West’s immediate release by an Abuja magistrate Court.
regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s marriage became public in may 2019 when clips of the traditional wedding held in her hometown in Anioma, Delta State, went viral. According to her mother, regina was almost 20, and her response to the backlash that regina was marrying a man old enough to be her father was that Nigerians were “drinking Panadol for another person’s headache.” Read full Interview online - www.thisdaylive.com
big brother Naija has blurred the line between entertainment and social dialogue.
This participatory energy is not accidental. As beyond the Drama observed, the show captures the essence of modern Nigerian youth culture: curious, expressive and deeply engaged with visibility. Former housemates such as Tacha, erica, and Seyi have each described the emotional intensity that comes with being constantly observed by millions. It is both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Dr. oyeyemi babalola, a psychologist quoted in the article, explained that the pressure to ap- pear authentic while navigating strategic social interactions leads to “masking,” a process where individuals hide parts of themselves to meet social expectations. This insight goes beyond the house. many young Nigerians experience the same pressure online, where the desire to appear successful and confident often outweighs the freedom to be vulnerable.
The creation of organised fan groups has also become one of the most fascinating aspects of the show’s ecosystem. Groups such as the Titans, Icons, and mercenaries have built large digital communities around their preferred contestants. Their loyalty is fierce and creative, driving hashtags, influencing brand deals, and even shaping how the public interprets each season.
media observers often note that these fan cultures mirror the dynamics of politics, where mobilisation, messaging, and passion determine victory. but beneath the rivalry lies a more meaningful truth. The audience’s investment reflects a desire for participation and belonging, a yearning to be part of a larger story that represents the ambitions and emotions of a generation.
Prof. Aderemi Ajala, a professor of African Anthropology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University of mainz, Germany, also quoted in the piece, offered a key observation: “big brother Naija is not just a reality show; it is a mirror that reflects how Nigerians engage with visibility, power and identity in the digital age.”
That statement feels accurate. What we see through big brother Naija is not just competition but a portrait of how Nigerians connect, judge, empathise and evolve. It has become a living study of human behavior in a society negotiating fame, morality, and aspiration.
Social media has turned everyone into both contestant and judge. We curate our lives while commenting on others. We celebrate vulnerability but reward confidence. We demand authenticity yet criticize imperfection. In many ways, the big brother house is only an exaggerated version of what happens every day.
That is why beyond the Drama remains such a pivotal piece. It moved the conversation away
from moral debates and helped frame the show as a cultural reflection. The real insight lies in how the audience mirrors the very traits it critiques: ambition, insecurity, creativity, and survival.
The influence of big brother Naija now extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. Its seasons trend across Africa and the diaspora. Its alumni have become ambassadors of Nigerian creativity. And as obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, observed in the piece, the show has strengthened Nigeria’s soft power, amplifying the reach of Afrobeats, fashion, and youth culture. Ultimately, big brother Naija’s success rests not only on its contestants but also on the people who engage with it. The viewers are not passive participants; they are active contributors to a social experiment that explores visibility, empathy and collective identity. Perhaps that is what makes the show so compelling after all these years. It holds up a mirror to society and invites us to see ourselves in sharper focus. It reminds us that being seen is both a privilege and a test.
The real genius of big brother Naija is not in the spectacle but in what it reveals: that the line between the performer and the audience no longer exists. And maybe that is the true meaning of reality.
Akanni, a media professional, writes from Lagos.
Oliver Alawuba
It is a profound honour to stand before you today, at the crossroads of ambition and action, at this historic UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum. I bring you warm greetings from Mr. Tony Elumelu, the Group Chairman of UBA Group, Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the entire UBA Group, a proud partner in Africa’s growth trajectory.
Let me begin by commending the visionary leadership of the Government of Chad and the strategic partnership of the United Arab Emirates for convening us around a blueprint of such transformative potential: Tchad Connexion 2030.
We are here to discuss a subject that is both an imperative and an opportunity: Financing African Competitiveness.
For too long, the narrative around Africa has been one of potential. But I stand before you today to declare that the era of potential is over. We are now in the era of execution. And what we are witnessing in Chad is a masterclass in how to make that shift.
The $30 billion Chad Connection 2030 plan is not just a document; it is a declaration of intent. It is a detailed roadmap to move a nation from the periphery to the very heart of global economic competitiveness. With its 268 projects targeting infrastructure, industrialisation, and human development, it understands a fundamental truth: competitiveness is not born in boardrooms; it is built on the ground.
This brings me to the core of my message today. Aplan of this magnitude poses one critical question: How do we finance this future?
• It means understanding that a reliable power grid is the foundation of industrial growth. Chad’s target of 60 per cent electrification by 2030 will enable factories to operate, cold chains for agriculture to function, and the digital economy to flourish.
• It means recognising that water access for 11 million additional people drives economic transformation. Safe water reduces healthcare burdens, enables food processing industries, and unlocks agricultural productivity across the value chain.
• It means seeing the strategic value in infrastructure. When we finance a road, we finance market access. When we structure a PPP for renewable energy, we finance both climate resilience and energy independence. When we support digital payment systems, we create the foundation for inclusive economic growth.
• And it is built with governance that assures an investor that their capital is safe, and their project will be seen through.
The answer lies not in a single source, but in a powerful, collaborative model. A model where African financial institutions like UBA step up not as mere intermediaries, but as architects of finance.
At UBA, we have always believed that the capital to transform Africa exists, both within and outside our continent. The challenge has never been a lack of capital, but a lack of bankable structures and credible partnerships, including huge domestic capital misalignment.
According to the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Africa’s domestic financial assets are estimated to total approximately $4 trillion ($2.5 trillion in Commercial Bank Assets, $725 billion in Foreign Reserves and others, $455 billion in Pension Assets and $320 billion in Insurance Assets), but less than 15 per cent of these assets are currently channeled into productive infrastructure essential for growth. This the gap we bridge.
Across our network in 20 African countries and global financial centres (New York, London, Paris) - including right here in the UAE (Dubai) - we have been structuring deals that de-risk investment and unlock capital at scale.
• In Tanzania, we committed over $400 million to the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, a testament to our capacity for large-scale energy infrastructure.
• In Nigeria, we have invested over $700 million in the power sector post-privatisation and participated in the landmark $10 billion syndication for the Dangote Refinery.
• In Ghana, we financed $315 million in road infrastructure, understanding that connectivity is the lifeblood of trade.
So, when we look at Chad’s targets - 60 per cent electrification, water for 11 million people, the doubling of agricultural production - we
do not see insurmountable challenges. We see a portfolio of bankable projects.
At UBA, our commitment is two-fold: we are both architects of national infrastructure and champions of grassroots financial inclusion. Here in Chad, this is not a promise; it is a proven track record. We have already committed over $102 million in direct investments in the State of Chad’s securities and have been the lead financier on critical national projects - from a $49 million domestic gas project to bring clean energy to households, to a $6.7 million wind farm in Amdjarass and essential funding for road maintenance and telecom modernization. This demonstrates a deep, vested partnership with Chad’s development agenda.
But true competitiveness requires an inclusive economy. This is why our presence extends far beyond capital cities into the very fabric of Africa.
In Mozambique, we serve clients in Beira, a 16hour drive from the capital. In Guinea Conakry, our branch in Nzerekore is 788 kilometers away, and in Uganda, we are in Gulu, 335 km from Kampala. By planting our flag in these regions, we are ensuring that the SMEs, the farmers, and the entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the economy are not left behind. We are financing competitiveness from the ground up, ensuring that every link in the value chain, from a remote farmer to a national utility, has the capital to grow.
Also, the model for success is clear. Africa’s infrastructure transformation requires partnership, and that partnership has a structure:
1. International expertise and capital, particularly from partners like the UAE - bringing worldclass technical prowess and strategic long-term investment.
2.African institutional banking and local knowledge - providing the on-the-ground intelligence, deal structuring, and capital mobilisation that makes global capital work effectively in local contexts.
3. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) like the World Bank and theAfDB - offering de-risking instruments and concessional finance that make projects viable.
When these elements align, we see meaningful results. Our recent whitepaper, ‘Banking on Africa’s Future’, launched at the World Bank-IMF
Annual Meetings, demonstrates that strategic African anchor investment can attract international capital at a ratio of 10-to-1 or even 20-to-1. For Chad’s $30 billion plan, this multiplier effect is the key that unlocks the vault.
Specifically, for the panel on Attractiveness, Industrialisation, Water and Electricity, UBA is ready to partner in:
• Structuring PPPs for solar plants and water treatment facilities, learning from the UAE’s own success with projects like the Hassyan Power Plant.
•Providingsyndicatedloansandprojectfinance to connect Chad to regional energy grids, ensuring stable, affordable power for industrial zones.
• Deploying digital payment platforms to support Chad’s E-Tax and e-registry initiatives, making the business climate more transparent and efficient for every investor in this room. Chad Connection 2030 is a bold invitation to the world. It says: “Come, build with us.”
Alawuba, Group Managing Director (GMD) of the United Bank for Africa Plc, delivered the keynote speech at the UAE-Chad Trade & Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Monday, November 10, 2025. Read full Article online - www.thisdaylive.com
According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), this is a “landmark success that demonstrate global investor confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal discipline and long term growth trajectory.”
Despite the geo-political tension around the genocide claim in Nigeria, the reform story stands out for the country.
The economic reforms which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its orthodox economic policies served as the arrowhead have no doubt paid off as regards the current level of confidence among global economic players.
A bond, with whatever nomenclature, whether Eurobond, Panda bond Yankee Band or Samurai band functions as a loan in which an investor gives a borrowing entity like corporate or government an amount of money for a specific period of timein exchange for periodic interest payments.
The resilience of Nigerian economy was again put to test in the month of November when the it shrugged off the threat from no other than America’s President Donald Trump of military action against the country and went ahead to sell and even over-subscribed $2.35 billion worth of Eurobond.
In the immediate terms, this particular offer reflected the level of investors’ confidence on the economy despite the threat orchestrated by Mr Trump few days before the Eurobond bid. This signifies a major milestone in the global capital market.
The DMO noted that this was a“landmark success that demonstrate global investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal discipline and long term growth trajectory.”
Despite the geo-political tension around the genocide claim in Nigeria, the reform story stands out for the country. The economic reforms which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its orthodox economic policies served as the arrowhead have no doubt paid off as regards the current level of confidence among global economic players.
Nigeria successfully priced $2.35 billion in Eurobonds maturing in 2036 and 2046, marking the largest-ever achieved by the country and underscoring strong investor confidence in its macroeconomic policies and fiscal management.
The 10-year tenor $1.25 billion bond, maturing in 2036, was priced at a coupon of 8.6 percent, while the 20-year tenor 1.10 billion note due in 2046, carried a coupon of 9.2 percent.
The transaction, according to Debt Management Office (DMO), concluded penultimate week attracted bids exceeding $13 billion, reflecting broad-based demand from investors across multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Interestingly, Nigerian investors also participated in the Eurobond offer, signaling domestic endorsement of the government’s reform agenda. Which is quite important as sign post for foreign investors’confidence on the economy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not hide
his enthusiasm over this development when he proclaimed that “we are delighted by the strong investor confidence demonstrated in our country and our reform agenda. This development reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a recognised and credible participant in the global capital market.”
On his part, the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun, noted that“this successful market access demonstrates the international community’s continued confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory and our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.”
No doubt, the successful pricing of long-tenor instruments at such competitive yields compared to what was obtainable in recent past, reflects strong investor appetite for Nigerian sovereign debt, bolstered by the government’s ongoing policy reforms and prudent fiscal management.
At the heart of these economic reforms which has taken the country to the turning point, is the Central Bank of Nigeria’s adoption of orthodox monetary policies which heralded moderation in inflation spikes, accretion to external and exchange rate stability.
The country’s debt profile now stands at $97.24 billion and N149.39 trillion for foreign and domestic debts respectively. The sustainability or otherwise of the huge debt stock has been a subject of debate in the public space. However, the general consensus has been that the purpose or mode of utilization of debts, whether domestic or foreign is what matters.
At the juncture, as we celebrate the acceptance and over subscription of $2.35 billion Eurobond to the tune of $13 billion, Nigeria should exercise caution as that might have indicated an over priced interest rate
Of particular interest, the recent oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond issuance which was widely interpreted as a sign of investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects.Yes, that could be true, in terms of our current palpable situation amidst Mr. Trump’s threat.
However, a critical dive into the operations international financial players, incentives and macroeconomic environments which Nigeria provides play important roles in investment decisions.
More so, there seemed to be much liquidity in the global market thereby making the offers attractive to investors.
Considering the developments in the international financial markets, the offer at 8.6 percent and 9.1 percent for the 10 years and 20 years respectively are quite high. The concern is that the Nigeria may burdened excessively in servicing facility and eventual repayment at maturity.
It’s now time for Nigeria’s economic planners divert attention to addressing structural deficiencies which made Bonds of whatever nomenclature as save haven for financial bailouts but rather, attract foreign direct investment (FDI) which is more enduring and rewarding now and In future.
As one analyst posited,“FDI inflows, conversely, strengthen the capital account without worsening the debt profile. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have shown how sustained FDI inflows can stabilize currencies and promote export diversification.”
The FDI delivers higher GDP, generate employment, transfer of technology technological, diversify of revenue base and general improvements in standard of living for the citizens.
However, attracting FDI is never a ‘tea party’ of sort. There are basic but very important necessary conditions investment considerations. The country is severely deficient in those basics, especially the infrastructure gaps.
According to the World Bank, “Nigeria faces a massive infrastructure deficit, with its total infrastructure stock at just 30 percent of its GDP, significantly below the 70 percent benchmark.”
The World Bank further states that,“This shortfall negatively impacts economic growth and poverty reduction, leading to high costs for businesses.”
And under the current circumstance in Nigeria, security is of the utmost importance. This is closely followed by power, motor-able road networks among others. We do hope that a good chunk of the proceeds of the bond would be channeled towards the provision of these critical infrastructure which the World Bank project at about $3 billion annually over a 30-year period to cover the huge deficit.
Abiazim Chima
In every generation, providence raises men and women whose lives transcend personal ambition and become a testament to vision, courage, and service. In our time, one such light shines from the proud banks of the blue-water heritage of Oguta—Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite— the Oguta-born daughter of grace, a paragon of excellence, a woman whose footsteps have become guideposts of inspiration and whose name has grown synonymous with competence, dignity, and purposeful leadership.
Today, with hearts filled with joy, we celebrate her official unveiling as the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East Regional Leader, and the first Female Matron of the APC Youth League in the region. This recognition is not given; it is earned. It is born from years of proven capacity, integrity of character, and results that speak across borders and institutions.
From her remarkable service as Commissioner for Finance in Imo State, where she translated the economic vision of Senator Hope Uzodimma into actionable reforms and tangible growth, to her current role as Minister of State for Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Uzoka-Anite has demonstrated a consistent truth: Excellence is not an accident. It is a discipline. A calling. A sacred responsibility.
She took the financial blueprint of Imo State and refined it with wisdom, clarity and innovation. Today, she stands on the national stage, replicating that same brilliance at the federal level—strengthening Nigeria’s global market confidence, restoring credibility in fiscal institutions, and rebuilding investor trust as evidenced in the recent $2.25 billion Eurobond issuance which drew oversubscriptions of over $13 billion from the international market.
Achievements such as these do not happen in silence; they announce themselves: They announce the presence of a mind trained to think beyond borders; they announce the presence of a patriot who carries Nigeria’s advancement like oxygen within her spirit, and they announce the presence of a leader.
Uzoka-Anite
Yet, beneath the titles, the global accolades, and the boardroom triumphs, stands a woman proudly and firmly rooted in her
heritage. Oguta is proud of you, Imo State is proud of you and the entire South-East stands taller today because of you.
In your own words, you affirmed: “There is no tribal sentiment, no religious sentiment, no discrimination whatsoever. As long as you represent a creed, we are one family.” These are not mere statements; they are the architecture of unity.
To our young people, you have stretched your hand not with rhetoric but with action—pledging to empower 5,000 youths as a starting point in building a future where determination finds direction, and talent meets opportunity. Your leadership reminds us that empowerment is not charity. It is investment. It is belief. It is love translated into action. The youths of the South-East have heard you, and they have answered in loyalty and resolve.
Doris Uzoka-Anite stands as: A Financial Architect of national credibility. A Bridge-Builder across regions and cultures. A Torchbearer for women in leadership. A Daughter of Oguta whose name now echoes with honour across Nigeria.
Your journey is a message: That excellence has no gender. That leadership has no tribe. That greatness has a home—and sometimes, that home is a quiet town by a river, where dreams learn how to fly.
May your strength never diminish. May your wisdom continually increase. May the grace that lifted you never depart from you. May your leadership become a blueprint for generations yet unborn.
Abiazim Chima is theVice Chairman, Oguta LGA, wrote in from Imo State
At seventy-three, Senator Tanko Al-Makura stands as a symbol of vision-driven leadership in an era
In every generation, a few leaders rise whose impact transcends tenure, party, and circumstance. Their influence cannot be captured by statistics alone because their leadership is less about the power they wield and more about the vision they pursue. Senator Tanko Al-Makura belongs to this rare breed — a man whose life’s work has been guided by clarity of purpose and an unwavering belief that progress begins with imagination.
At seventy-three, Al-Makura’s story is no longer just about what he has achieved, but what he continues to symbolise in a country yearning for direction. His journey reminds Nigerians that leadership anchored on vision is not a product of chance, but of consistency, courage, and conviction.
Long before the titles came—Governor, Senator, and now Elder Statesman, Al-Makura, was a young man in Lafia with a teacher’s heart and a reformer’s mind. His early years as an educator revealed a lifelong belief that transformation begins with knowledge. Those who knew him then recall a young man who valued quiet diligence over noise, reflection over reaction.
That grounding in education would become the compass of his later life. To Al-Makura, governance was never about the grandeur of power, but the quiet science of building human capacity. He understood that no road, bridge, or policy endures if it does not first expand the human mind.
When he assumed office as Governor of Nasarawa State in 2011, the expectations were heavy and the realities sobering. Nasarawa, one of Nigeria’s younger states, was still finding its feet. Infrastructure was sparse, bureaucracy was sluggish, and citizens had grown weary of unfulfilled promises. Yet, Al-Makura approached the challenge not as a politician seeking applause, but as a builder determined to lay foundations.
His leadership was, and still not flamboyant, but deliberate. He redefined what it meant to govern a developing state. Schools were rebuilt, rural roads constructed, civil service reforms introduced, and a more inclusive governance model took root. Under his watch, the marginalised found voice and the neglected found visibility. His tenure became a case study in how vision, when backed by discipline, can turn limitation into momentum.
More than the physical legacy, his administration gave Nasarawa a new administrative consciousness—a sense that governance could be transparent, efficient, and people-centered. He left behind systems that outlasted his term, proof that true leadership does not end when the music of office fades.
When Al-Makura entered the Senate in 2019, he brought with him the temperament of a teacher and the insight of an administrator. In a chamber often dominated by theatrics, he remained measured, thoughtful, and focused on substance. He spoke rarely, but always with clarity. His interventions on national issues revealed a man deeply aware of Nigeria’s complexities and yet optimistic about her possibilities. His colleagues often describe him as the “quiet conscience” of the Senate—a man who prefers persuasion to confrontation, and reflection to noise. His legislative interests mirrored his lifelong priorities: education, governance reform, and inclusivity. To him, the Senate was not merely a political arena, but an institution of ideas—a place where the nation’s better instincts could still find voice.
Leadership with vision is not defined by what a leader does when conditions are ideal, but by how he acts when circumstances are difficult. Al-Makura’s political life has not been without turbulence.
Yet, through every test—political realignment, power transitions, and the inevitable misunderstandings of public life—he has displayed uncommon calm.
Even in moments when internal party dynamics seemed orchestrated to undermine his path, he never allowed bitterness to define him. Instead, he chose loyalty over resentment, fidelity over convenience. His restraint in the face of political intrigue stands as proof that true party loyalty is not transactional but principled. He has remained faithful to the founding ideals of the All-Progressives Congress, holding firmly to its vision of reform, unity, and progressive governance. For him, politics has always been a vehicle for nation-building, not personal vindication.
He has never been one to trade integrity for expediency. He prefers the slow arc of truth to the fleeting comfort of convenience. That quality, often misunderstood in the noisy theatre of Nigerian politics, is what has earned him enduring respect across party lines. His loyalty has never been to factions, but to principles, and his politics has always reflected a sense of purpose larger than self.
In recent years, as he has grown into the role of mentor to many and national elder, Al-Makura’s greatest legacy may well be the bridges he continues to build between generations. He speaks often of the need for leaders to “listen forward”, to learn from the energy and innovation of the youth while grounding them in the discipline of experience.
He sees leadership as a continuum, not a contest between the old and the young. To him, generational renewal is not achieved by rebellion, but by guided succession. That belief has informed his engagements with young professionals, entrepreneurs, and politicians across Nigeria. Many of them describe him as both accessible and wise, a man who listens without judgment and counsels without condescension.
His mentorship is quiet but effective. He is the rare elder who understands that the future cannot be lectured into existence; it must be nurtured. Today, Senator Al-Makura stands as a bridge between the Nigeria that was and the Nigeria that must emerge. His philosophy of leadership is simple: build systems, not spectacles. In an age where politics often prioritises visibility over value, he has remained anchored in the belief that governance is first and foremost a service of stewardship.
That capacity to engage contemporary issues without losing the weight of history is part of what makes him distinctive. He is a leader who understands context, who sees beyond the immediacy of the present into the patterns of the future.
Those close to him often say that to understand Al-Makura, one must look beyond his public persona. Beneath the reserved demeanor lies a deeply compassionate man, one who values loyalty, friendship, and family. His composure is not detachment but discipline, the result of years of understanding that leadership is not sustained by emotion, but by equilibrium.
His personal life mirrors the same principles that guide his public service. He is methodical, reflective, and grounded in faith. He believes that destiny must be matched by duty, and that priviledge carries responsibility. Whether interacting with traditional rulers, business leaders, or students, his message is consistent: leadership is not about who speaks the loudest, but who sees the farthest.
As Nigeria navigates its next chapter, leaders like Senator Al-Makura represent a moral compass for a society often overwhelmed by transition. His generation holds lessons that the nation can ill afford to forget the value of patience in policymaking, the dignity of public service, and
Al’Makura
the discipline of continuity.
At seventy-three, he remains active, reflective, and purposeful. His speeches are less about what he has done and more about what must still be done. He speaks of unity as a duty, of education as a weapon of peace, and of governance as a moral trust. In his worldview, Nigeria’s greatness lies not in the abundance of its resources, but in the clarity of its direction.
That clarity, that insistence on vision over rhetoric, defines his political and personal identity. He sees leadership not as a sprint but as a relay, where each generation must run its part of the race with integrity and hand over the baton unbroken.
To celebrate Senator Al-Makura at seventy-three is to celebrate a philosophy of leadership that values endurance over exhibition. He is proof that in a political climate often dominated by the transient, there is still space for leaders who build, not merely perform. His legacy is not confined to Nasarawa, nor to the chambers of the Senate. It resides in the systems he reformed, the young minds he inspired, and the quiet culture of accountability he championed.
His journey reminds Nigerians that leadership with vision is not a function of charisma or coincidence. It is the disciplined art of seeing what others overlook, of imagining possibilities in places of limitation, and of staying true to one’s convictions even when the applause fades.
What once looked like a perfect marriage after joiningAtalanta in the summer of 2022,but withspatwiththeBergamosidelasttwocoaches,SuperEaglesattacker,AdemolaLookman appears to be approaching the end of his time in Italy. However, asTottenham is open to recruitingaleft-wingerinthecomingwintertransferwindow,areturntoEnglandlooksvery likelyforthe2023AFCONbronzemedallist
Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman’s time at Atalanta once appeared to be a perfect marriage.
In May 2024, the Nigerian’s remarkable Europa League final to down unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen which saw him become the first player to net a hat-trick in a major European final since 1975.
But since then, it’s been a bumpy ride in Bergamo for the 28-year-old former Charlton, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester winger.
Last week, in the closing stages of the club’s Champions League group phase clash against Marseille, Lookman was subbed by now-sacked boss Ivan Juric and the pair came to blows as the attacker left the field.
Atalanta later snatched a winner at the death through Lazar Samardzic and while the altercation was seemingly skated over because of the victory, Juric was sacked following his side’s 3-0 Serie A defeat to Sassuolo last weekend.
Lookman wanted out of Atalanta in the summer and despite long-winded transfer negotiations with Inter Milan, a deal could not be struck to bring him to San Siro and he eventually stayed put.
Atletico Madrid were also attentive to his situation but with Lookman now swiftly approaching the final 18 months of his contract in Bergamo, there’s a lingering sense that his future is likely to be resolved soon as his value is rapidly decreasing.
At 28, he does not fit Tottenham’s usual transfer criteria, but nobody can dispute he remains one of the best left-winger options currently available on the market. He may also personally feel as if he has unfinished business in the Premier League after taking his game to the next level in Italy.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s General Secretary, Eray Yazgan, is not ruling out Lookman joining his compatriot, Victor Osimhen in the upcoming transfer window, after the Turkish giants had previously made an approach for the Nigerian during the summer transfer window but were forced to suspend negotiations after Atalanta’s hefty €60m transfer fee demand for the 28-year-old. While attending an award ceremony, Yazgan was asked about the ‘Lookman transfer’ and he said, “We have a great squad right now, it is quite enough. As I said, we are building on it. We will definitely continue to build on it as our coach desires and needs.”
Lookman went on strike in the summer over a failed transfer to Inter Milan and was later reintegrated into the squad but fell out with former coach, Ival Juric during last week’s Champions League win at Marseille. Juric grabbed Lookman by the arm after substituting him and both had to be separated on the touchline.
The coach was later sacked and replaced by Raffaele Palladino, but Lookman’s future remains uncertain.
The 28-year-old forward, initially gained recognition in England when he joined Everton at the age of 19, after attracting interest from several clubs at Charlton Athletic.
Despite showing glimpses of his talent,
most notably with his goal against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to secure a 4-0 win in 2017, the Nigerian forward struggled with consistency, which has led to brief stints with other clubs, including Fulham, Leicester City, and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. However, it was at Atalanta that he enjoyed his most prolific form, particularly penultimate season, when he netted 20 goals, including a hat-trick in
the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, earning the CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
However, after expressing his desire to leave in the summer, Lookman now appears to be out of favour with the under-fire head coach, Ivan Juri, and the pair were involved in a touchline bust-up at the weekend.
Therefore, a departure from the Bergamo-based outfit looks likely, and
acccording to Tuttojuve, Tottenham are ‘ready’ to swoop for Lookman, who is reluctant to extend his stay at the New Balance Arena beyond 2027.
The report adds that the North London club are gearing up for an ambitious transfer window to bolster their attack and are now set to submit a ‘concrete offer’ to Atalanta to sign the Nigerian international as early as the January transfer window.
Lookman’s record with Atalanta has been impressive, as the attacker has registered 53 goals alongside 25 assists in 118 appearances for the Serie A outfit.
Although he has frequently been deployed in a more central advanced position for Atalanta, the arrival of Xavi Simons, who has struggled since his arrival, could likely see him operating out wide, were he to complete a move to north London. Spurs seem in need of greater attacking quality, and with Dominic Solanke struggling for fitness, Manager Thomas Frank would likely prioritise a versatile forward capable of contributing both goals and creativity, making Lookman an ideal option.
With reports indicating Spurs’ readiness to table an offer in January, it remains to be seen whether Atalanta will accept a reduced fee, given his fallout with the manager and refusal to RENEW his contract.
Aheadoftomorrow’s2026FIFAWorldCupPlay-offfinalencounter between Nigeria and DR Congo,one fact the Super Eagles players mustbeconsciousofisthattherewillbezeromagicforerror
Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will go to battle tomorrow night for the lone ticket from Africa to the six-team 2026 FIFAWorld Cup Intercontinental Playoff Finals in March, from where two teams will bag tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.
The potentially-explosive encounter inside the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan will see the Leopards, who last attended football’s biggest houseparty in 1974, try to halt the strong march of the Super Eagles to a seventh finals since 1994.
Nigeria may have powered into tomorrow’sAfrican playoff final with a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, but anyone who watchedthetwo-hourmarathon in Rabat will know the scoreline was a bit flattering. It was thrilling, dramatic and ultimately emphatic, yet there was also a warning tucked somewhere inside. The Super Eagles are far from the finished product, and with the Democratic Republic of Congo waiting, there is plenty of work to be done.
The victory extended Nigeria’s scoring streak to eight goals in two matches after the 4-0 demolition of Benin in Uyo last month. On paper, this is an attack humming at the right time. On the pitch, however, the Super Eagles are still struggling with consistency, structure and concentration; the kind of details that decide who goes to a World Cup and who watches it on television. Eric Chelle’s men deserved their win, no doubt. They created a host of openings in the first half, moved the ball with
2026 FIFA world Cup p lay-off Final
purpose and showed the sort of attacking swagger expected from a team now just two matches away from the 2026 Mundial. But the warning signs were blinking. Preparation for the Gabon clash was hardly ideal. The Super Eagles refused to train onTuesdayoverunpaidbonuses, meaning the squad had just one full training session before the semi-final.
That lack of rhythm became painfully clear as soon as the second half kicked off. Legs grewheavy,thepressevaporated, and Gabon began to dictate the tempo. Even the opening goal came more from Gabon’s charity than Nigeria’s craft; Akor Adams pouncing on a misplaced backpass before rounding the goalkeeper. Up to that point, Gabon had enjoyed the upper hand.And it was no shock when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga and company finally found joy through Mario Lemina’s 89th-minute equaliser, a goal rooted in lapses of concentration rather than Gabonese brilliance. Defensive discipline still a major concern Chelle has admitted that his side must step up their game to conquer DR Congo, and nowhere is that truer than in defence.
This was a new backline –Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi playing together for the first time and it showed. Defensive chemistry does not materialise overnight, and the Super Eagles were caught nap-
ping a few times, with the fullbacks guilty on more than one occasion. Osayi-Samuel endured an especially erratic evening. He conceded what looked like a legitimate penalty after a shirt-pull, only to be bailed out when VAR’s review was overruled. Minutes later, he was left exposed again after Chidera Ejuke failed to track back, sparking the move that led to Gabon’s equaliser. These are not isolated errors; they are structural issues that must be fixed before tomorrow or DR Congo will gladly cash in. To Chelle’s credit, he refused to throw his defenders under the bus. “The defensive discipline? This is football,” he said. “If there’s no little mistake about the position, there’s no goal… Bright, Benjamin, Calvin and Zaidu, they played well. The team was strong in defence, but we can improve every time.” He is right about improvement. Against DR Congo, improvement is not optional; it is non-negotiable.
The Leopards’ 1-0 win over Cameroon was no fluke. This is one of the most organised and physically imposing teams on the continent, a side that reached the AFCON semifinals like Nigeria and openly believes it is destined for a historic return to the World Cup after their only appearance in 1974. Against Cameroon, DR Congo were compact, disciplined, and ruthless when it mattered. They are well coached. They do not give free gifts. They do not switch off. And they certainly will not forgive the sort of lapses that nearly haunted Nigeria on Thursday night. A shambolic performance will not survive against a team this sharp.
Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, will next week lead top dignitaries, including the Ughelli North Local Govt Chairman, Jaro Egbo, to the seventh edition of theAnnual Government College Ughelli, GCU Relays, confirmed for Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the school’s tartan tracks.
Among the array of eminent Nigerians expected at the Grand Finale will be the Chief Host and newly crowned King of Ancient Olomu Kingdom, HRMAlbertAkpomudje, SAN.
Interestingly, the seventh edition of the GCU Relays will be the first public engagement for the President General Worldwide, PGWW, GCUOBA, after the coronation ceremony, preceding the Annual Athletics Competition, which pulls together track potentials from over thirty schools across Nigeria.
Other top dignitaries expected at the GCU Relays grand finale include the State Commissioner for Basic Education, as well as the SUBEB Chairman. Instructively, massive support for the GCU Relays has always been given by the authorities in Asaba, especially with the timely
On a dusty patch of ground behind Iwerekun Community Senior High School in Lakowe, the echo of a bouncing ball cuts through the afternoon heat. There is no proper basketball court—just chalk lines, uneven soil, and a handful of determined teenag- ers. Yet it is here that Ebele John, gripping a worn-out ball, discovered the dream she now chases every day.
“I didn’t even know how to play at first,” she said, smiling shyly. “But we just created our own space and keptForpracticing.” her schoolmate, Femi Oyegbile, football was the escape that blossomed into purpose. Today, both students proudly represent their school—an opportunity that seemed impossible until help arrived in 2024.
That help came through the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF), whose sup- port, channelled through the Education District, opened doors for students like Ebele and Femi. Their school was among 644 public secondary schools and 1,020 public primary schools across the state equipped by the agency in the past eight years. Five state technical colleges and five state tertiary institutions have also benefited, creating a statewide ripple effect in youth sports development. Since its establishment in 2017, LSSTF has worked tirelessly to raise funds for sports development, using a Public- Private Partnership (PPP) model. Corporate bodies and philanthropists—including Chief Kessington Adebutu, Sterling Bank, LASACO, Guinness, and others—have backed the agency’s mission to revive grassroots sports. Their support is visible in the excitement buzzing across Lagos schools.
At Mende Junior High School, 13-year-old Inioluwa Agbaje proudly points to the new table tennis board that changed everything for him.
“Before, I never even thought of playing table ten-
nis,” he said. “But after the donation, I started falling in love with it. My friends and our games master helped me learn. Now, many of us spend break time playing. It makes school more fun.”
He hopes for more—bas- ketball and volleyball courts that would bring even bigger dreams to life.
A similar wave of enthusiasm runs through State Primary School, Agege, where a simple collection of indoor games has become the centre of daily excitement. During a recent visit, pupils crowded around scrabble boards, ludo tables, and chess sets, shouting instructions, celebrating wins, and laughing loudly— all under the watchful eyes of their games mistress, Mrs. Olasimbo Idris.
“Since the equipment came, the children are more eager to participate in sports,” she said. “Some had never seen a standard table tennis board before. Now they’re forming groups and learn- ing new skills. We just hope the agency can help us with a basketball court so their interest can continue to grow.”
For Olaposi Agunbiade, the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, these stories are proof that the agency’s efforts are working. He credits the unwavering backing of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the commitment of private supporters for making the progress possible.
“We are grateful to our number-one supporter, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and our partners like Chief Adebutu, Sterling Bank, Guinness, LASACO, and LIRS,” Agunbiade said. “We want to do more, especially in 2026, because many schools still lack standard basketball, volleyball, and handball courts.”
He pointed to Lagos State’s landmark performance at the last National Youth Games in Delta, where Lagos topped the medal table—beating perennial champions Delta State for the first time.
“This is the result of focus-
ing on discovering and devel- oping athletes. It motivates us to keep sourcing support and strengthening school sports,” he added.
Among the equipment donated by LSSTF to schools across the state are: table tennis boards, Basketball hoops with stands, Running vests and pants, Spikes (for jumps and throws), Volleyballs, Relay batons, Chess boards, Scrabble boards and dictionaries, First aid kits, Dart boards with arrows, Boxing headgear, Judo mats, Taekwondo kicking pads, Cricket helmets and Swimming caps and Beyondgoggles.equipment distribu- tion, LSSTF recently completed the renovation of the Olympic- size 50-metre swimming pool at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre in Yaba, now handed over to the Lagos State Sports Commission. In its inclusiveness drive, the agency has also supported para soccer activities for the past three years, further broadening access and opportunities for all. From dusty patches of ground in Lakowe to crowded classrooms in Agege, LSSTF’s impact is clear: it is transform- ing dreams into reality for thousands of Lagos students. With continued support from government and private partners, the agency is not just equipping schools—it is building futures, one ball, one board, and one child at a time. Back at Iwerekun Community Senior High School, the sun is beginning to set, but Ebele and her teammates are still on the improvised court, practising footwork and passing drills. Their dreams are bigger than their environment—but now, for the first time, they feel within reach.
“Our school may not have everything,” Ebele said, bounc- ing the ball confidently. “But at least now, we have a chance.” And across Lagos, thousands of students like her are discovering that chance—one racket, one ball, one improvised court at a time—thanks to a growing movement determined to rewrite the story of school sports.
release of the Time Tronics photo finish equipment, which has ensured proper and accurate timings for the event.
Also, Old Boys, both Ancient and Young Mariners, operating through their companies, have sustained the GCU Relays over the years. Notably, the Gamiliel and Susan Onosode Foundation, GAMSU, Bograte, Benkline and Capitol Hill Hospital, among others, have provided the necessary oxygen that has driven the GCU Relays up to this point.
The annual GCU Relays is aimed primarily at reviving the old inter-school athletics rivalry amongst budding talents and
The Chairman and founder of the most magnificent golf course in the WestAfrican subregion, the Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo and Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Kunle Ade.Ojo have promisedthatthenexteditionofElizabeth WuraolaOjoToyotaGolfTournament wouldgivegolfersanenduringexperience to cherish for a long time. Speaking recently at a gala night climaxing this year’s edition of the tournament, Chief Ade.Ojo an avid golf lover appreciated all that graced the tournament . “I want to thank everyone that
has come here to honour this year’s tournament and by the special grace of God, golferscomingherenextyear will marvel at the lasting experience they will have “, he said.
Earlierinhisremarks,theTNLboss, KunleAde.Ojo was happy that they were able to get golfers back to the course after a five- year break.
He said, “I am happy to see the large turn out of golfers and persons in this year’s tournament. I am also happythatthegolfcourse’sFairwayis revivedagain,veryniceandtheGreen, a delight to see. So, I am very happy that we are here and to also continue with the tournament again in
memoryofmylatemotherElizabeth Wuraola Ojo. We have started this year and, God willing, there won’t be any global disaster and so far as we’re alive and in good healthand thecountryiseconomicallysoundand everythingisokay,wearealsothinking ofhowwecanmakeitbetternextyear.So thesearethethings thatweareputting inplacetocontinuetorememberher.” Kunle also disclosed their plans of makingthetournamentacontinental event where the best of golfers from across the continent can come here and play, adding that they’re trying to put in place the necessary things on ground.
obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com
In the last few weeks, Innocent Ujah Idibia, has been on a tour of some major cities in the world in celebration of his 25 years on the musical stage.
Idibia, the Festac boy who became 2Face and later evolved into 2Baba, has over the last 25 years, reshaped the rhythm and reputation of African music with a consistency few can rival. From redefining contemporary Afrobeats before it had a name to exporting Nigerian storytelling to global stages, he has proven that talent, authenticity, and reinvention can coexist in one enduring icon. 2Baba’s journey is a testament to how one artist’s voice, courage, and evolution can alter the trajectory of an entire continent’s musical narrative.
The multiple award-winning artist has continued to use his talent to promote unity, love, and social change.
Born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, the African Queen crooner hails from the Idoma ethnic group of Benue State. His passion for music began in his teenage years, and he began his path to fame while attending the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.
At the IMT, where he had a stint, he played at neighborhood gatherings and bars, gradually gaining recognition for his silky voice and lyrics. He thereafter dropped out to fully pursue a music career in 1997. He teamed up with his childhood friend, Ahmedu Augustine (Blackface), both of whom went to the same secondary school, lived in the same town in Benue State and attended IMT, to form Plantashun Boyz, which was later joined by Chibuzor Orji (Faze). The group became a symbol of the then growing Nigerian pop movement, producing hits that resonated across the country, with Nelson Brown as their producer.
After achieving success with the band, 2Face left Plantashun Boyz in 2004 to embark on a successful solo career which has produced several studio albums and
several local and international awards.
Though released in 2004, under Kennis Music, his debut solo album, Face2Face, remains a masterpiece and continues to thrill and inform. His timeless classic African Queen, which combined soulful melody with African rhythms and universal appeal, continues to be a defining song in the Afrobeat and Afropop genres. Despite its massive success, the track was dogged by controversy as Blackface has repeatedly accused his former bandmate of song theft, an allegation 2Baba has consistently shrugged off, insisting it was a joint creation from their days of humble beginnings.
From I’m coming out straight out, where he assured admirers who were then worried about his movement that Nfana Ibaga, to the timeless messages of love, hustle, and hope woven through the project, the album still stands as a defining blueprint of modern Nigerian music and a reminder of 2Baba’s unmatched storytelling genius.
Also, 2Baba’s sophomore album, Grass 2 Grace, released in 2006, was a powerful statement of growth, vulnerability, and cultural pride. With tracks such as
True Love and See Me So, the album helped the musician secure international recognitions, including a MOBO Award for Best African Act in 2007. This was followed by other albums which included ‘Unstoppable, Away and Beyond, The Ascension, Rewind, Select, Update, and Warriors’
In recognition of his impact, a biography titled, ‘A Very Good Bad Guy: The Story of Innocent 2Face Idibia,’ was published in his honour by Adekunle Ayeni, in 2015. The book chronicled the singer’s musical journey, personal struggles, and triumphs, cementing his status as a living legend in African music history.
Clearly, what makes this 25-year milestone even more remarkable is that 2Baba has never been defined solely by the music. He is also a well-known businessman, philanthropist, and activist. He founded the 2Baba Foundation, which prioritises good government, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding. Because he continues to promote social reform and national togetherness, his influence goes beyond entertainment.
For 2Baba, music is not a competition, “it's something you do for the love of it, for people to have fun, for people to enjoy, for people to have something that speaks for them,” he had said in an interview. “When people can't sing, they play the song you've done, to interpret how they're feeling to somebody, or whatever music makes you feel. For me music is forever, there's nothing, except I lose my voice or I die before the music will stop for me, so I'm going to keep bringing out music.
“I'm gonna continue performing until I don't have the energy to do so anymore. But apart from all that, I'm just gonna continue doing any business that I find myself interested in, minding my business and minding my family and that's it. But the music is definitely going to continue,” he added.
Yes, just like every human, he has
his shortcomings and may not have measured up in certain areas, but his impact, resilience, and artistic legacy remain far greater than his flaws.
In celebration of his 25 years in the music industry, the singer recently expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and industry veterans who shaped his career.
Reflecting on his career and the people who shaped his success story, the he noted defining moments, platforms, thanked and praised key figures like Nelson Brown, Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye (D1), and a couple of others who were instrumental at different stages of his career. He acknowledged his erstwhile members, Faze and Blackfaze as well.
Noteworthy on the list included Edi Lawani, DJ Jimmy Jatt, and Efe Omorogbe, his ex-manager. He described the latter as a “brother, backbone, and soldier” who guided him with truth, sometimes hard truth, but always with love. He said his journey in music had been filled with gratitude, memories, lessons, and love.
According to him, he owes his success to everyone who believed in him even when he did not fully understand where destiny was leading.
“To my wife, family, friends, colleagues, clients and fans, as I stand on the threshold of 25 years in this incredible journey called music, my heart is full of gratitude, memories, lessons, and love,” he wrote.
In an era when fame is fleeting and loyalty even more so, 2Baba’s staying power stands as a rebuke to the disposable nature of modern celebrity. Longevity of this scale doesn’t happen by accident. It is forged through reinvention, discipline, and a deep understanding of one’s place in the cultural ecosystem.
2Baba has adapted without losing his essence, embraced the future without discarding the past, and welcomed new generations of fans without alienating the old. His journey is not just a celebration of music, but a masterclass in resilience that is encouraging.