In Easter Messages, Tinubu, Jonathan, Governors, Others Preach Peace, Unity
Niger, Alhaji
Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike joining religious leaders yesterday, in urging citizens to embrace harmony and national cohesion. Tinubu, pledged to deliver a better, more just and prosperous nation for
Nigerians. In his Easter message, the
on page 5
Wike: Tinubu Saved Fubara by Declaring State of Emergency, I Wanted Him Out
Says PDP not ready for 2027, tips president to remain till 2031 Fayose: I will work against Atiku again
Chuks Okocha and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday, said he wanted Siminalayi Fubara to be removed as Governor of Rivers State but President Bola Tinubu saved him by declaring a State of Emergency in the State.
Also yesterday, former Governor of Ekiti State and Wike’s ally, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, declared that he would once more work against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar if he decides to join the presidential race in 2027. Fayose, said this in an interview on a national television.
Tinubu had declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18, suspending the Governor and the House of Assembly members. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed a Sole Administrator for the State.
Wike, who spoke during a media chat in Abuja, yesterday, also declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was unprepared for the 2027
TOWNHALL MEETING ON PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION FUND ...
L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh; Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, and Cross River State Commissioner Fo r Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom; during the Townhall Meeting on the N200 Billion Presidential Intervention Fund held in Calabar…recently
Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja, Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos, Laleye Dipo in Minna and Segun Awofadeji in
China Calls for Global Unity against US’ Reciprocal Tariffs
Says
trade war
to
Michael Olugbode and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
China has called on the international community to unite against the United States' deployment of unorthodox measures to address its perceived trade deficits, especially the recently introduced tariffs.
The call came same day the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) agency warned that the global economy was on a recessionary trajectory, with growth expected to slow to 2.3 per cent in 2025,
strengthen its relations
driven by escalating trade tensions and persistent uncertainty.
In a new report titled “Trade and Development Foresights 2025 – Under Pressure: Uncertainty Reshapes Global Economic Prospects,” global growth was projected to slow to 2.3 per cent in 2025, below the 2.5 per cent threshold, which is often associated with a global recessionary phase.
However, addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, described the hike in tariffs imposed on all trading partners
with
Nigeria UNCTAD: Global economy in recessionary trajectory, may slow to 2.3%
as a step backward and should be resisted.
The envoy, while noting that China would always defend itself against such a retrogressive policy, lamented that the impact would be devastating on African economies.
He insisted that the issue should not be seen as a trade war between the U.S. and China, but instead as a war against other members of the international community.
United States President Donald Trump had slammed global tariff on all trading partners, claiming that
the U.S. had suffered from unfair trading relations with most of its partners.
The action had generated shock waves across the globe, leading to turmoil in financial markets across the world.
Yu, while explaining that China does not like war either trade, tariff or conventional, said the country would however not be intimidated by the U.S President’s latest bullying act.
He therefore said his country was ever ready for negotiation with the U.S. based on the principle of equality
and under an enabling environment.
He added: “The U.S. tariff policies are particularly devastating for African nations. Using the absurd logic that ‘trade surpluses equate to cheating,’ the U.S. has launched indiscriminate attacks on African countries, violating WTO principles of special treatment for developing nations.
“This has already caused ‘collateral damage’ such as currency devaluation and stock market volatility in Africa.
The growth momentum of major African economies will inevitably
WIKE: TINUBU SAVED FUBARA BY DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY, I WANTED HIM OUT
general elections, citing internal strife, impunity, and a lack of genuine commitment to opposition politics as key factors contributing to the party’s current state.
The former Rivers State governor insisted that President Tinubu did the right thing by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers.
“As a politician, I am not happy about the state of emergency in Rivers State,” Wike said.
“I wanted the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The President, by declaring a state of emergency, saved Fubara.
“However, people must tell the truth. The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the President did this, I say they should be praising him. Every morning, they should go to the President and ask, ‘can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
Wike also questioned why Fubara had not reached out to him since his suspension.
“Has anybody taken it upon himself or herself to say, ‘this is where we are?’ he asked.
“If I am the cause of the problem…
Has he ever called me as an elder to say what the problem is? Let us sit down and talk,” Wike stated.
He added that Tinubu’s intervention saved the state from plunging into further crisis.
Wike also chastised Atiku for spearheading the coalition talks to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He warned that the former VP is about to repeat the same mistakes that led to the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
“You made the mistake yesterday, you want to repeat the same mistake today, tomorrow you make the same mistake, and then you come out to say you were rigged out, who rigged you out? You have already rigged yourself by causing crisis,” Wike said. Wike, who is a member of the PDP, insisted the opposition party was not ready for the 2027 general election, citing internal strife, impunity, and a lack of genuine commitment to opposition politics as key factors contributing to the party’s current state. He stated: “It is very obvious. For instance, I have an examination and
I am going to class to read. Indeed, am I reading? Am I studying? You don’t need to deceive anybody that you are reading. You are only trying to read so that people will see that you have carried your bag to class.
“That is the situation of the PDP. So, they cannot say for sure that they are ready for 2027. Power struggle cannot help the party.”
He declared the coalition as one borne out of selfishness while asserting that President Tinubu will remain in power till 2031.
"Everybody wants to become president of the country. Nobody wants to say, ‘Look, let me build our party so that at the end of the day our party will be in a formidable position as an opposition party to take over power,’" Wike said.
He berated the PDP Governors Forum for destabilising the party, adding the organ is insincere and lacks the authority to make proclamations on zoning or alter the functions of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Wike also decried the forum for lacking the capacity to hold the ruling party accountable. He described the
Governors’ Forum as only a pressure group, but not an organ of the party that can not make public decisions.
"The governors forum is a pressure group that can put influence on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. You cannot take the functions of the NWC and say because you are governor, you now superintend.
“You are repeating the same thing. What happened in 2023 may likely happen in 2027. If you don't stop this impunity, it will affect the party. How will it affect the party? Very clear. The governors’ forum is not an organ of the party," he said.
He itemised genuine sacrifice and strong leadership as the main requirement for any party aspiring to lead the opposition.
According to Wike, this quality is currently absent within the PDP.
“For you to say I want to lead the opposition party is not by mouth. You have to sacrifice a lot of things”.
“Now you don’t have the power to say that somebody should be acting National Secretary when a National Secretary has not resigned. You cannot
do that.
“You don't have the power to say we have formed a committee on zoning, it is not within your prerogative to form a zoning committee, and these are things people can challenge any day, any time, and when that happens, people now say, oh! Why are they always making a problem?
"Now the issue is who is setting, laying the foundation for the crisis in the party? I have told people that the best way to go about this is you go under, put your influence, get the results and then you move on. But to come out openly to say, look, we, the governors forum, have met with the organs of the party, we have met with the National Working Committee, who? Who are you to say that a National Secretary of the party who was elected was not appointed? Yes, he was assigned to a particular area, and he was elected by the delegates at the National Convention” Wike also threatened to withhold his support from the PDP in the FCT council election if the party fails to put its house in order.
IN EASTER MESSAGES, TINUBU, JONATHAN, GOVERNORS, OTHERS PREACH PEACE, UNITY
President while commenting on security skirmishes in certain parts of the country expressed his government's resolve to restore peace and security in the troubled areas.
He also disclosed that his administration was working towards stabilising the sectors towards building an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all.
Tinubu therefore charged Nigerians to keep hope alive, remain united and resolute in pursuing national progress.
The 10-paragrah Easter message personally signed by the President read: "I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
"The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.
"As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my
also improved its trade surplus to $2.20 billion, from $1.06 billion in December.
The report posted on the apex bank’s website also revealed that portfolio investment inflow increased to $1.85 billion, from $1.23 billion mainly to higher purchases of money market instruments.
The IMF’s assessment was contained in a statement issued at the end of its 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, which took place from April 2 to 15.
The fund noted that the team, led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, engaged with key stakeholders including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso; other senior government officials; as well as representatives from the private
commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.
"The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration's resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.”
He added: "We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
sector, academia, and civil society.
IMF in its Article IV consultation report stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.
“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty.
Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.
“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”
Schimmelpfennig in the statement noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange
"During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis's recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.
"I earnestly pray that Easter's spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.
"I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.”
For his part, Jonathan urged Christians and other Nigerians to leverage the lessons of Christ’s resurrection and imbibe the message of hope and victory over the nation’s current challenges.
In his 2025 Easter message, Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to remain positive and draw strength
market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.
He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.
“Gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high.
“The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy. The reforms since 2023, have put the Nigerian economy in a better position to navigate this external environment. “Looking ahead, macroeconomic
from Christ’s love and sacrificial death for humanity and his gift of salvation.
He reminded leaders to be selfless and embrace the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The former President stated: “I join millions of Christians around the world to commemorate Good Friday. This day reminds us all of the sacrificial death of Christ for humanity and His gift of salvation and redemption to all believers.
“This moment reminds Christians of servanthood and passion of service, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who died to save humanity from sin and reconcile all to God.
“At Easter, we reflect on the power of Christ's love, the gift of righteousness and the triumph of hope over despair and every challenge in life. The death and resurrection of Christ on the Cross awakens us to the boundless love of God towards us; a reminder of the possibilities faith in God offers to us on earth.
“I urge all citizens to be encouraged by the story of the resurrection of Christ and the lessons of hope and
policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, while creating enabling conditions for private sectorled growth.”
The report added: “The authorities communicated to the mission that they will implement the 2025 budget in a manner that is responsive to the decline in international oil prices. A neutral fiscal stance would support monetary policy to bring down inflation.
“To safeguard key spending priorities, it is imperative that fiscal savings from the fuel subsidy removal are channeled to the budget. In particular, adjustments should protect critical, growth-enhancing investment, while accelerating and broadening the delivery of cash transfers under the World Bank-supported program to
be affected, with some structurally vulnerable economies possibly suffering severe blows, undermining Africa's industrialisation and poverty reduction efforts.
“No country can stay immune in the face of bullying and coercion. Appeasement will only invite further aggression. The international community must unite and fight back to defend our shared interests.
“Today, opposing U.S. tariff abuse and bullying means upholding multilateralism and fairness and justice.”
He said: “If PDP goes the way they are going, I will not support them.
“This crisis will consume this party until the right thing is being done. I have never recommended anybody to these governors but that does not mean that I don’t play any role.
“Like the governor of Bayelsa, I played a fundamental role, he can’t deny it.
“I have said it in 2023 and I’m saying it again that until 2031, when the position should go to the North, there is nothing anybody will say to me now.
“It’s not anti-party, it’s harmonious living together, you can’t tell me that it’s your own prerogative to be producing president; let’s all live.
“Whether APC liked it or not, it was very turbulent for Tinubu to have scaled through that election. You could see that he could have failed the election woefully. The fuel crisis, the naira issue was terrible.
“No party in government would at that time bring such a policy when you know you are running an election, but everything was done and he survived it.
victory that are contained in it. Let us be reminded about the purpose of salvation and the essence of mercy and the triumphing power of faith and hope over all circumstances.
Addressing leaders in the country, Jonathan stated: “This moment points us to the virtues of servanthood, sacrifice and passion for service. Let us recommit to pursuing peace and justice for all.”
He said further: “As a people, let this season renew our faith, strengthen our hope and guarantee us peace. Let us continue to imbibe and pursue these virtues and work towards building a nation of peace, unity and love.”
Similarly, Governor Radda also extended warm wishes to the Christian faithful across his State.
In his message, Radda noted the significance of Easter as a season of renewal, hope, and reflection on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
"Easter reminds us of the power of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption-principles that can guide us all as we work together to build a more prosperous and harmonious Katsina," a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed,
provide relief to those experiencing food insecurity.”
In response to these risks, the IMF urged policymakers to sustain the current policy trajectory and adopt a tighter monetary stance to curb inflation.
“A tight monetary policy stance is required to firmly guide inflation down. The Monetary Policy Committee’s data-dependent approach has served Nigeria well and will help navigate elevated macroeconomic uncertainty. Announcing a disinflation path to serve as an intermediate target can help anchor inflation expectations,” it added.
Meanwhile, the CBN Economic Report also showed that the country’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) declined to 0.07 billion from $0.12 billion in December.
quoted him to have said. The Governor recognised the invaluable contributions of the Christian community to the peace, unity, and development of Katsina State.
Radda also urged all residents to use the Easter period as an opportunity to pray for Katsina and Nigeria, strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation across religious lines.
In the same vein, Governor Bago tasked Christians across the country to pray for the nation’s political leaders. Bago in his Easter message said fervent prayers would ensure the leaders succeed in the tasks of administering the country and delivery of dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
In the statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor said, "the people should pray that God will guide government officials at all levels and give them wisdom to serve humanity better."
He reassured that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the New Niger agenda is achieved for the benefit of all.
Other investments, mainly loans, also decreased to $0.14 billion, from $0.22 billion in the preceding month, the report stated.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accounted for the highest share of capital importation with 62.88 per cent, displacing Lagos State to the second position with 36.59 per cent, for the first time.
Others include Ogun (0.04 per cent) and Kano (0.01 per cent). Other destinations accounted for the balance. However, the federal government’s fiscal deficit expanded in the review period compared to December due to lower revenue receipts. Export receipts grew by 29.09 per cent to $5.37 billion, from $4.16 billion in the preceding month, reflecting increase in the export of both oil and non-oil products.
Omokri Replies El-Rufai, Insists Nigeria More Secure Under Tinubu
President paying back legacy debts from multiple administrations without default, says Ogra, presidential aide
James Emejo in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos
Author, public commentator and former Presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has countered the assertion made by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is Nigeria's worst president in terms of security.
This was as the Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the President, Mr. O'tega Ogra, yesterday, said the administration of President Tinubu, is clearing the country's legacy debts from previous administrations amid continuing accretion to the nation's foreign reserves.
He noted that the President has continued to pay back the loans without default and unnecessary resort
to borrowings. Omokri in a series of tweets presented a series of security incidents that occurred during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, juxtaposing it against Tinubu’s administration, thereby highlighting several security concerns, including the invasion of Kuje Prisons, the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Kaduna International Airport by terrorists.
In a statement, Omokri noted that, “A total of over 600 schoolchildren were abducted under Buhari with many killed, including the February 19, 2018, Dapchi School Girls abduction in Yobe State; December 11, 2020, Kankara Boys, Katsina State; February 17, 2021 abduction of another 41 schoolchildren in Kagara, Niger State; February 26, 2021, 317
Trump Warns US May Ditch Ukraine Talks if No Progress
United States President Donald Trump has said Washington could quit talks to end the Ukraine war within days unless there is rapid progress from Moscow and Kyiv.
The warning confirmed a sudden change of US messaging, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier saying in Paris that the United States would "move on" if peace was not "doable."
Trump has been pressing both sides for a truce, but has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin despite an ice-breaking call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and repeated negotiations with Moscow.
"Yeah very shortly," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked to confirm what Rubio had said about abandoning talks. "No specific number of days, but quickly. We want to get it done," the AFP quoted him to have said.
Trump refused to cast blame on either Putin, who ordered the February 2022 full-scale invasion of pro-Western Ukraine, or Kyiv's President Volodymyr Zelensky. But he insisted both sides had to make progress.
"Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say: 'You're foolish. You're fools. You're horrible people' -- and we're going to just take a pass," Trump said.
"But hopefully we won't have to do that."
Moscow has kept up strikes on Ukraine, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more in attacks on the northeastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy, Ukrainian officials said.
One of the few commitments Trump had wrangled from Russia -a temporary moratorium on striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure -- "expired" on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to an AFP question.
After meeting European officials in Paris to discuss a ceasefire, Rubio said Washington needed to figure out soon whether a ceasefire was "doable in the short term."
"Because if it's not, then I think we're just going to move on," he told reporters.
But speaking on a trip to Italy, US Vice President JD Vance still insisted he was "optimistic" about ending the three-year war.
Trump promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office but has little to show for his efforts so far.
He has embarked on a rapprochement quest with the Kremlin that has alarmed Kyiv and driven a wedge between the United States and its European allies.
He and Vance also had a blazing Oval Office row in February with Zelensky, whom he still accuses of bearing responsibility for Moscow's invasion.
Female students abducted in Zamfara State; March 11, 2021, College of Forestry, Afaka abduction of 39 students in Kaduna State; April 20, 2021, Greenfield University Kidnap; and May 30, 2021, Niger State Muslim school abduction.
“On Monday, March 28, 2022, an Abuja-Kaduna train was bombed by terrorists, and many Nigerians were killed. At the same time, about a hundred were abducted, and some are still with the terrorists today.
“On Tuesday, May 2, 2019, bandits abducted Buhari's in-law. On Sunday, November 20, 2016, bandits kidnapped Nigeria's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bagudu Hirse, in Kaduna.
“Nothing as serious as these has occurred under President Bola Tinubu. We have improved in the Global Terror Index. The country is more secure today, such that as you read this, road construction is ongoing in 74 roads across 24 states of the federation, including the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and Abuja-Lokpja-Benin Road.
“Also ongoing are the East-West Road, even as the federal government has commenced the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge. Then, the Akwanga-Jos-BauchiGombe Road is being reconstructed.
“And the reason various large-scale infrastructure projects are ongoing peacefully in Northern Nigeria is because the most notorious bandits and Boko Haram terrorists have been killed under
the Tinubu administration.
“Whereas not one bandit leader was killed under Buhari, the following have been neutralised since 2023; Kachalla Ali Kawaje, Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Damina, Kachalla Dangote, Kachalla Jafaru, Kachalla Barume, Kachalla Shehu, Tsoho, Kachalla Yellow Mai Buhu, Yellow Sirajo. Kachalla Dan Muhammadu, Kachalla Makasko, Yellow Hassan, Boderi, Kachalla Dan Ba Birki, and Auta Dan Mai Jan Kai,
“In Borno, these Boko Haram ring leaders were killed during the last Ramadan; Munzir Arika; Sani Dilla (a.k.a Dan Hausawan Jubillaram); Ameer Modu; Dan Fulani Fari Fari; and Bakoura Arina Chiki. So, Nigerians, I ask you: Who will you believe, the facts or Nasir el-Rufai?”
President Paying Back Legacy Debts From Multiple Administrations Without Default, Says Ogra, Presidential Aide
Ogra in a statement further noted that the country's total debt stock is down to $94.2 billion as of December 31, 2024 from $108.2 billion.
He stressed that Tinubu has cleared all verified FX backlog of about $7 billion through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He said despite dutifully paying off the backlog and reducing total debt stock through consistent payments to creditors, Nigeria’s gross external reserves still grew to about $40.9 billion at the end of 2024,
significantly higher than $33.0 billion recorded in 2023.
Ogra said net external reserves amounted to $23.3 billion, a 482.5 per cent improvement from about $4.0 billion in 2023, noting that President Tinubu had not sought tens of billion dollars in debt bailout and neither has he sacked of 70 per cent of the workforce as done in other climes.
The statement titled: ‘Where is Nigeria Today Under President Bola Tinubu’ further highlighted some of the landmark achievements of the President.
Ogra said the country is currently exporting more than it imports with a trade and payments surplus.
He pointed out that the federating states are receiving more FAAC allocations under Tinubu's administration.
The presidential aide said foreign investors have continued to show renewed confidence in the economy, particularly investors who had fled the oil and gas sector, agribusiness, solid minerals, aviation, and industry, among others.
He said local investors including Dangote, BUA, Breweries and banks, among others -are hauling their biggest profits in years.
He also pointed to the 74 road constructions happening simultaneously across 24 states of the federation as well as the "marquee Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry super highways" which will open up industry, agriculture, and productivity along those routes.
Ogra also noted that approvals have been given for the completion of AbujaKaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, adding that the East-West road remained on track. He said the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road is also being reconstructed as well as the commencement of the 2nd Niger Bridge Phase 2B (access roads).
"The list is almost endless," he said.
He said Nigeria achieved a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus of $6.83 billion in 2024, a significant turnaround from deficits of $3.34 billion in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022, reflecting stronger trade performance and increased investor confidence.
According to him, non-oil exports also increased by 24.6 per cent to $7.46 billion while gas exports surged by 48.3 per cent to $8.66 billion, boosting overall trade surplus.
He also noted that portfolio investment inflows, a sign of rising investor confidence in a country, more than doubled, increasing by 106.5 per cent to $13.35 billion in 2024.
He reiterated the renewed investor confidence in the country which is driven by Tinubu’s bold macroeconomic reforms. Ogra, while commending Nigerians in diaspora for their remittances, said personal remittances from Nigerians abroad grew by 8.9 per cent to reach $20.93 billion, complemented by a 43.5 per cent rise in inflows via International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to $4.73 billion, demonstrating increased trust from the diaspora in our economy.
First Lady to Youth: Get Tested for HIV/AIDS as Often as Possible
Flags off free to shine triple elimination campaign for South-west
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged Nigerian youth to get tested as often as possible for HIV/AIDS disease.
This move, she said, is necessary for the youth who are the most vulnerable in society to know their status.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital while flagging off the Free To Shine Triple elimination campaign in the South west zone, the First Lady noted that the campaign which aims to ensure that the global Triple Elimination target of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis is achieved by 2030 must be championed basically by the youth themselves who are
the most affected by new infections.
Her words, “To our dear children and youth, this campaign cannot succeed without your involvement. You represent our future generation; however, your age group is one of the most vulnerable. Please take care and protect yourselves. We have increased our advocacy in the media across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and we hope it resonates.
“We must deepen engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours, especially those engaging in birthing services, by expanding access to HIV testing services with comprehensive
counselling, treatment and care for all individuals who test positive.”
Emphasising the need to deepen engagement with all stakeholders, the First Lady highlighted the imperative of rolling back the culture of stigmatisation against sufferers and survivors of the disease
She said, "I want to commend the members of the Association of people living with HIV/AIDS for their testimonies. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS to seek the support and treatment they deserve with courage and confidence.
“I thank all our health workers, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), National Aids and
STDs Control Programme (NASCP), as well as research and public health institutions for their efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis through the years, as well as global partners helping us in this fight. I specially recognise WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, PEPFAR and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF) amongst others.”
In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State assured that the state will review its budget to tackle the realities of healthcare funding as it affects the three diseases as the world grapple with US President Donald Trump administration's cut to funding in that area.
PASSION OF CHRIST DRAMA...
Good Friday procession and staging of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by members of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Ogba, Lagos…yesterday
KNOWLEDGE-SHARING SESSION...
FG Moves to Crash High Maternal, Neonatal Deaths in Katsina State
The federal government has initiated a move to tackle the high rate of maternal and neonatal deaths bedevilling 15 out of the 34 local government areas of Katsina State.
To this end, the federal government in collaboration with the state government yesterday activated the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
At the ceremonial activation of the MAMII, the National Coordinator, Sector Wide Coordination Office, Abuja, Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq Umar, said Katsina State has 15 local governments with
the highest number of maternal and neonatal deaths.
Represented by Mr. Omoruyi Iyahen, Umar explained that the launching and activation of the MAMII programme in the state would significantly crash the alarming cases of maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.
He said: “In Nigeria, we have 172 local governments that have very serious issues of maternal and neonatal deaths. But in it, Katsina has 15 local governments out of the 34 local governments with such serious health issues.
“That is why the minister said Katsina should also be given priority in activating the MAMII because he
Air Peace Suspends Flight Operations to Enugu Airport over Safety Concerns
Airline celebrates Gold Chinyere Ike, first woman to travel by air in her community
Chinedu Eze
Air Peace, has announced the suspension of flight service to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport over safety concerns.
In a notification to passengers signed by its spokesman, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, and made available to THISDAY yesterday, the airline stated that it was temporarily suspending flight service to the airport due to the poor condition of the runway, which did not meet the airline’s standard operating procedure (SOP).
“We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns of the Enugu airport runway. The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruption to Air Peace flights, hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.
“To this end, please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba airport. We regret any inconvenience this change might have caused,” the airline said.
Meanwhile, in a deliberate attempt to humanise air travel and demonstrate the power of aviation to transform lives, Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, has brought to limelight the inspiring story of Gold Chinyere Ike, the first woman in Umuerim Umukparo in Mbala, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State to board an aeroplane.
Her maiden flight with Air Peace has since captivated hearts across social
media, becoming a symbol of how access to air travel can inspire dreams and open doors.
A graduate of Nursing from Abia State University and an entrepreneurial farmer, Chinyere captured hearts across Nigeria when she took to social media in late March 2025 to chronicle her very first flight experience. Her heartfelt post, brimming with wonder and unfiltered awe, quickly went viral, drawing attention to her humble background and the profound significance of a moment many take for granted.
“When we were on air, I could see the sky differently,” she recalled, eyes still wide with the memory. “Down here, we look up to the sky. But when you’re flying, it’s almost like the sky is beneath you. I couldn’t stop thinking about how such a heavy plane could stay up there.”
This moment, years in the making, had its roots in childhood whimsy. Chinyere fondly remembered walking with her father and seeing aircraft streak the sky above their community. “I used to say they were throwing down gifts like in Christmas stories,” she laughed. It was a fantasy that bloomed into reality—one that earned a celebration not just for her, but for an entire community.
Touched by her story, a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, stated that the Air Peace Corporate Communications team journeyed to Mbala to meet her in person. The team was met with a jubilant welcome—drums beating, the Egede dance troupe in full display, and townspeople flooding the dusty roads in awe and gratitude.
For Chinyere, it was surreal. For her family, it was history. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she said with emotion. “That you people came to my village just because of me... I’m grateful. The community is so happy.”
wants to see that before the end of 2027 the story would be different.”
In her remarks, the Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, lamented the spate of maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.
“I am personally touched by the statistics and realities of maternal and neonatal deaths in the state. These are not just numbers, they are lives of women with dreams, families
and futures which are lost due to preventable causes,” she added.
She said her non-governmental organisation, Save Space Humanitarian Initiative, has engaged and trained 50 passionate and committed women volunteers who are currently working in communities across the state to eradicate maternal and neonatal mortality.
She explained that the trained volunteers were helping the government in mobilising pregnant women in rural
communities to attend antenatal services and ensure that they deliver at health facilities where healthcare is available.
She called on government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, health workers and development partners to tackle the ignorance, poverty and poor access to health that continue to claim the lives of women and children in the state.
The First Lady said when women are given the right information and
supported with compassionate care, they can significantly reduce the prevailing maternal and neonatal deaths.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, said the state recorded 77,185 live births between December 2023 to November 2024, with 50,490 at home and 26,695 live births in hospitals across the state.
Davido Releases Fifth Studio Album
Tosin Clegg
Davido’s much-anticipated album, 5ive was released yesterday.
Right from when it was announced, many have sought to engage the work of art eagerly anticipating the quality of songs, lyrical delivery, beats, complements and collaborations.
From Cubana ChiefPriest to Boxing Champ, Anthony Joshua, Only1Kesh to King Comcord and a host of others, the showing off of the five fingers made more awareness for the 5ive Album like never before.
An unexpected collaboration emerged just hours before the album
release, featuring Davido and one of the world’s leading gaming companies, PlayStation.
In a video post, Davido appeared alongside another act in a playful conversation centred around the number “Five” a clever nod to both his new album and the PlayStation 5 console.
The ad weaves mentions of “Five” throughout the dialogue, as Davido enjoys gaming on the console, accompanied by the featured character in the campaign. The ad campaign met a huge warm reception among fans which indeed led the way to ushering the hearts and ears of millions to 5ive.
After a successful show in Paris, Davido had another few hours until the scheduled release in London, where for the first time the whole album was performed. And with the support of his fans present at the show, there was a five-countdown down to the stroke of midnight as the album was officially released. It was indeed a beautiful moment between Davido and his fans as the much-anticipated body of work was now out for public engagement.
Davido frames 2025's 5ive as something of a victory lap, not just for his own pursuits, but for the entire contemporary African soundscape.
“This is definitely about celebrating longevity and how far we've come,” he tells Apple Music. “It's been a long, long journey. Afrobeats is in an amazing place. Everybody's doing well, all the way from South Africa to Ghana to Nigeria. For us to have risen and taken this culture and the music to such heightswe have our own categories at the Grammys, at the Billboard Awards; we have our own festivals selling out more than the festivals in America. It's crazy. Because of the nature of the whole genre, everybody's messing with the culture. So, every album is to push Afrobeats further.”
Anambra APC Guber Primary: Ozigbo Drags Ukachukwu to Court,
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
One of the aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the legitimacy of the APC governorship primary conducted on April 5, 2025, in the state.
The suit, which names the APC, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants, seeks to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination and compel the party to recognise Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.
Insists Election was Flawed
According to the court document made available to journalists yesterday, the suit was filed on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
It would be recalled that in the primary conducted at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, on April 5, Ukachukwu emerged as the candidate of the APC, scoring 1,455 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ozigbo, who scored 67 votes, Johnbosco Onunkwo scored 26 votes, and Edozie Madu scored eight votes, while invalid votes were 26.
Filed through his legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, the suit includes supporting documentation from the party’s
constitution, internal communications, and delegate registers.
Ozigbo’s legal action comes amid turmoil within the Anambra APC, which has seen a wave of resignations of members from LGAs and ward chairmen, ward executives, and several defections in the aftermath of the disputed primary.
The originating summons asked the court to determine whether the APC violated its rules by allowing Ukachukwu’s candidacy.
In an accompanying personal statement titled, ‘For a future worth fighting for’, Ozigbo criticised the April 5 primary, describing it as a “well-scripted illusion.”
He said, “When institutions falter, it is the duty of conscience to rise. I have taken that stand—not for self, but for truth, for justice, and for Ndi Anambra.
“On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, I took a consequential step in fighting for truth and justice. I filed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the deeply flawed process that purportedly produced Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu as the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, for the November 2025 Anambra governorship election.
“Let us be clear: the April 5, 2025 exercise was not a primary election—it was a well-scripted illusion.
Three NDLEA Officers Sustain Gunshot Injuries, Hospitalised After Abuja Raid
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Three officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been hospitalised for gunshot injuries sustained after they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday night.
According to a statement yesterday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the incident
occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 litres of codeine syrup, 48 grammes of tramadol 225mg and 4.9 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered. He said as the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack, disclosing that three of the NDLEA personnel involved in
the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg. He said the wounded officers were initially stabilised at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention. Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support. He also
thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital who was personally reached by him for overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers. Babafemi said the NDLEA boss who was in Kano on official engagements also spoke on phone with the injured officers to wish them quick recovery, even as he assured them that the agency will deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attack on them.
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
L-R: Minority Leader, Hon. Alhagie S. Darbo; INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Majority Leader, Hon. Billy G. Tunkara, after a meeting at the National Assembly in Banjul, Gambia…recently
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES...
Security Experts Want Rising Insecurity Quelled to Avert Looming Food Shortage
Security experts are calling for urgent and decisive action to quell the escalating wave of insecurity and tension threatening to cause food shortage in the country.
The call was directly linked to the resurgence of insecurity in some parts of the country, with the North Central Zone and North East accounting for the highest percentage of recent spike.
Just last week, suspected armed herders invaded the Otobi community in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, burning down houses and engaging in a killing spree.
Eleven villagers were reportedly killed during the violent invasion of the community.
This bloodbath followed the brutal killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and some other parts of the region.
The Senator representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, recently told Nigerians and military authorities that three local government areas in Borno State are currently under the control of Boko Haram. He had identified the LGAs as including Gudumbali, Marte, and Abadam, stressing that his words on the subject matter were honest truths. In the North-west, the story isn't too different, with reported abductions and killings in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, respectively. The South-east isn't spared either, as the senator representing Abia North, Orji
Kalu, recently called on the federal government to urgently address the growing insecurity in many parts of the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had acknowledged that there was a notable increase in the tempo of attacks but noted that it would not diminish the military's efforts in combating the scourge. He, however, tasked troops to remain focused, forge ahead, and always be committed in the fight against terrorism and other emerging security threats.
Proposing an immediate solution to the spike in security threats, a retired diplomat, Amb. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, told THISDAY that the government must, as a matter of urgency, deploy more troops to the crisis-prone areas to forestall further attacks and guarantee food security.
He stated that Nigeria was already witnessing food shortages and that attacks on communities during this farming season would further worsen the food crisis and hunger in the country.
He also advocated for the liberalisation of gun ownership in the country to enable individuals with licensed arms to defend themselves from marauding criminals.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, however, opposed the idea of state policing in Nigeria.
Amedu-Ode, stated that his experience in Mexico, where state policing was in operation, showed that criminal cartels could easily
Police Begin Investigation into Attack on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Family House
The Kogi State Police Command said an investigation had commenced into the attack on the family home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Obeiba-Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A statement yesterday from the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, said the investigation followed Thursday’s reports that some unknown hoodlums had attacked the embattled lawmaker’s family home.
The statement read: “Consequent upon the distress call received from one Yakubu Ovanja, Aide to Senator Natasha on 16/04/2025 at about 0330hrs made to the Divisional Police Officer, attached to Okehi Division, stating that on the same date at about 0100hrs, some hoodlums numbering about three (3) armed with cutlasses invaded the family house of the
said Senator and damaged some front window glasses.
“Immediately the information was received by the DPO; he mobilised his men for on-the-spot assessment where he met a young man named Michael Akpoti in the house who narrated how the hoodlums used cutlasses to damage the said building while trying to gain access into the house before he raised alarm which made the hoodlums flee.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police has directed the deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department to commence immediate and discrete investigation into the alleged attack to ascertain its cause with the view to apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.”
infiltrate state police and use the platform to advance their nefarious activities. He also expressed fears that the state governors could hijack the system to intimidate and hunt down political opponents.
A retired former Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Lawrence Alobi, said the government must go the extra mile to ensure that this situation was contained so that Nigerians can sleep peacefully.
He stressed that governments at all levels must rise to the occasion, adding that security agencies must also be mobilised and equipped to
stop this chaos.
According to him, "It's not healthy for us, and it's not good for our international image. How can Boko Haram still take control of any part of Nigeria? Our sovereignty is under threat, and that's unacceptable.
'No group' of persons has a monopoly on violence; the government has what it takes to deal decisively with them, and I know that the government can do it. It's time for the government to say no to this violence and these killings. Something must be put in place to checkmate the situation and restore
law and order in the country so that Nigerians will have confidence in the government."
Alobi, also urged communities to organise themselves and stand up against attackers. The state and local governments, he said, should organise effective vigilante groups to defend their areas.
"Look at what's happening in the South-West; the Amotekun Corps has helped States in the zone minimise attacks in their areas. The authorities should also take a step further to arm them, with the approval of the relevant government institutions.
“The arms would deter attackers from attacking. The police should train them on the rules of engagement and monitor them closely to avoid abuse of such privilege. They shouldn't be permitted to carry out extrajudicial killings or torture of arrested suspects; they should hand them over to the police.
“Intelligence agencies should also synergise with other security agencies by sharing timely and actionable intelligence, so that this crisis will be nipped in the bud once and for all. The country belongs to us; we can't just sit and mope."
Death Penalty Awaits Kidnappers in Edo, Okpebholo Declares
Vigilante members to be recruited into state civil service
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that kidnappers caught in Edo State will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging, expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts.
Okpebholo disclosed this at a stakeholders' session at the Uromi Town Hall, where he had an interactive session with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.
The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).
The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.
‘Dear
Okpebholo said his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore in the state as he will deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the state.
"I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in the state permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands.
"We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it," he declared.
The governor called on all to collaborate with his administration to secure the state, "saying security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.
"The kind of security we want to have in the state is one where
security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries and stop people from just putting on their uniforms.
"These people will work with security agencies and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start to address the problems facing our people in the market, and everywhere.
"It is time to start profiling people from other states who claim to be from the North and ensure they don't spoil your name. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State."
Okpebholo said President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu loves the North and has been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn't lead to more destructions.
"Those destroying the land, causing problems are not even from Nigeria. They are foreigners but the President has vowed to bring peace to Nigeria," he revealed.
Alhaji Bawa Umar, Chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, thanked the governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the peace that has been restored. He noted that the governor is doing well in terms of security in the state and the Arewa community will support his administration to ensure it succeeds.
Chairman of Uromi Cattle market, Alhaji Isah Muhammad, thanked the governor for the way he handled the Uromi incident which he said helped to bring down the tension in the area.
Kaffy’ Returns to Lagos This Easter
Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions has announced the return of its hit stage play, Dear Kaffy – Diary of a Single Woman, to Lagos for a special Easter showing.
The play, directed by AustenPeters, would be live at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, from April 18–21st and April 26th to 27th, 2025, with two shows daily at 3p.m. and 7p.m.
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday, which explained: “Dear Kaffy – Kike’s Story is a heartfelt and relatable narrative that follows Kikelomo Olota, a brilliant 35-year-old Lagos woman navigating the complex terrain of love, identity, family
pressure, and societal expectations.
“From her teenage years, Kike was celebrated for her academic excellence, yet felt out of place among her peers due to her inexperience with love and relationships. Eager to fit in, she chose popularity over authenticity, plunging herself into a series of complicated relationships.
“There’s Femi, the smooth-talking charmer with a hidden agenda. Then Emeka, seemingly perfect until it’s revealed he’s already married. Through each heartbreak, Kike learns valuable lessons about herself and the kind of love she truly desires.
“As pressure mounts from her parents especially her father, Kike is
introduced to Debo, a potential suitor who offers hope and something new.
Just as she starts to open her heart again, her ex, Tamuno, resurfaces, igniting emotional chaos and forcing her to confront her past.
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Dear Kaffy explores the emotional complexities of a modern African woman. Through humour, music, and sharp social commentary, the play challenges cultural norms and celebrates the courage it takes to choose authenticity over conformity.”
The play features, “Uzo Osimkpa, who plays the lead role of Kike; Yewande Osamein (Tolani), Abiola Lepe (Bidemi), Sharon Onyegbula
(Shalewa) and Ralph Okoro (Tamuno), Hector Amiwero (Debo), Obiora Maduegbuna (Debo), Floyd Igbo (Femi), Bimbo Manuel who plays the role of Father, and Bukola Ogunnote who plays the role of Mother.
“Some of the best hands in the industry are also on the crew list, with Stage Manager being Ikenna Jude Okpala while Kehinde Oretimehin and Deji Aremu directed the music for this beautiful production.”
“The quality of storytelling and performance in Dear Kaffy is excellent, it sells itself,” AustenPeters, founder of BAP Productions said.
Alex Enumah and Linus Aleke in Abuja
L - R: Special Advisor on Strategic Matters to the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Onoriode Okpogoro; Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank, Njideka Esomeju; MD/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu; Executive Director, Risk Management, Access Bank, Greg Jobome;, and Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, during a collaborative meeting focused on advancing sustainable initiatives, with emphasis on clean energy and inclusive development, held in Lagos…yesterday
The agony of a people...
In the past couple of months, I have done some back and forth with some legal practitioners over the issue of witchcraft, especially the reality and legality of harmful magic under Nigerian law. What provoked the latest exchange was
empower alleged witches and get victims of witchcraft accusations and persecution to use the law against their accusers and persecutors, I replied, calling the CJ to order and drawing her in synch with the law and could confuse people and reinforce witch beliefs and imputations. It was not a response based on sentiments and ignorance. I observed that CJ’s statement gave some credence and legitimacy to witch hunting, mythical belief in witchcraft, and the mistaken notion of witch confession. More importantly, I noted that Nigerian law does not recognize witchcraft as real, and as an offense. It outlaws witchcraft accusations and identification. I also stated that witch confession was an exercise in criminality, and the CJ should not encourage or enable such illegality in any way. I argued that witch confessions were often extracted through torture, coercion, and trial by ordeal, practices prohibited under the law. So I suggested that it was not a matter of witchcraft cases posing a jurisprudential challenge, rather witchcraft had no place in the Nigerian legal jurisprudence. I believe this statement was a fair clarification that everyone could understand or relate to whether one is a legal practitioner, or not. Incidentally, this comment did not go down well with some legal practitioners, I believe, some witch-believing and witch-hunting legal counsels. And a Bauchi-based legal practitioner, Alkassim Mohammed, was one of them. In his response, Alkassim claims that the Nigerian law recognizes witchcraft. Mohammed stated that I was arguing from a position of ignorance. He alluded to
Is Witchcraft Justiciable Under Nigerian Law?
Section 404 (a) of the Sharia Penal Code Laws of Bauchi that ‘provides for the offenses relating to witchcraft and sorcery’. According to him, “The section provides thus: ‘Whoever- by his statements or actions represents himself to be a witch or to have the power of witchcraft; or engages in the practice of sorcery or witchcraft’. He went further to using flimsy and anecdotal accounts of an incident at a Sharia court, and some references in the Bible, 1 Samuel and Exodus 22 18, to buttress his point that witchcraft was real and recognized by law. I expected a robust and well-sourced rejoinder from this legal practitioner. But I saw some marginal and fringe comments lacking substance. Nigeria’s ‘Witchcraft Act’ has a long history going back to colonial times and to Britain, which I believe Alkassim Mohammed did not know or had no access to. So I wonder who between us was arguing from a position of ignorance.
Whatever the case, my question to Mohammed and other legal practitioners in his school of thought is: Is witchcraft justiciable under Nigerian law? I need a clear and categorical answer. When I stated that the Nigerian law did not recognize witchcraft, I meant that witchcraft was not justiciable under the law. I meant, no one could bring a witchcraft case to court in Nigeria for adjudication. Now, if witchcraft were to be a crime, or if a witch were to be tried in court, what would the evidence be? How would a case of using harmful magic against a person be proved beyond reasonable doubt in court? At least by now, there should be some legal precedents that could be cited or used. Why have there not been cases in the past, since independence, where alleged witches have successfully been tried or convicted? Section 210 of the Criminal Code and relevant sections in the
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penal code for Northern Nigeria criminalize witchcraft accusation and identification, not witchcraft. The law does not consider witchcraft to be real or an offense. Instead, these sections codify penalties for those who accuse or threaten to accuse, those who make witchcraft claims, or self-identify as witches. Based on these provisions, no one can lawfully be prosecuted for witchcraft because witchcraft is a make-believe, a form of superstition. The idea that some people are described or identified as witches that is persons who can use magic to harm others is imaginary, a mere fantasy.
Such a case cannot be litigated because it lacks evidence. Provisions in criminal/penal codes do not translate into a criminalization of witchcraft or a recognition of witchcraft as real. The relevant sections were meant to deter witchcraft claimants, accusers, identifiers, and other indulgers in this fraudulent and pretentious activity.
Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches
Exchange, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and
my shares have proved abortive.This is bad because this can discourage Nigerians from investing in shares.
Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu
The Greatest Gymnast
Sgymnast ever but a latecomer might be challenging her title. President Trump has performed more backflips than anyone else to date. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
COURTESY VISIT…
Damagum: PDP An Established Brand, Will Maintain Its Identity
Party’s governors fighting ego, proxy war, Anyanwu declares Edo state chapter disowns Dan Orbih
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, has said the party is already an established brand and therefore not ready to lose its identity.
This was as the party's embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has accused the party's governors of fighting ego and proxy war, maintaining that the intervention of the PDP governors in the squabble for the office of national secretary of the party have not yielded any positive result.
Also, both the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Edo State chapter have said that the state PDP is under the leadership of Hon. Tony Aziegbemi-led Caretaker Committee, and urged members to disregard the antics of the former South-south Zonal Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, whose tenure officially ended on March 9, 2025.
from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) into the PDP on Thursday in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, said the party has remained united under the current leadership and a single secretariat.
political force in Nigeria,” he said.
On the political coalition, he said
“The PDP is already a well-established brand. We will maintain our identity while keeping our doors open for returnees and new entrants ready to build a stronger party together.”
Damagum, who disclosed that PDP was not ready to lose its identity when he welcomed a group of defectors
“All stakeholders are committed to working together to ensure that the PDP remains the most formidable
NOA Partners NBS to Sensitise Nigerians on GDP Rebasing Exercise
Oluchi Chibuzor
economy.
Addressing concerns about internal party disputes, Damagum urged the media to avoid sensationalism and refrain from manufacturing crises where none existed.
“The PDP has remained united under the current leadership and a single secretariat.
members to stay steadfast in their convictions and beliefs in the PDP’s vision, encouraging others who are interested in positive change to join the party.
“We are confident in our ability to reclaim Yobe State and expand our influence nationally,” he said.
Reaffirming the PDP’s strength, Damagum declared, “The PDP remains the party to beat. Our stakeholders are working tirelessly to preserve the peace within and make the platform the most attractive for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Urge FG to be cautious in energy transition
In a renewed effort to promote transparency and citizen engagement in economic decision-making, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have jointly unveiled the critical components of the ongoing rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The collaborative initiative was designed to foster public understanding and inclusivity in the rebasing process, which aims to provide a more accurate and up-to-date picture of the Nigerian
A statement yesterday explained that by shedding light on the revised methodology, updated indicators, and the inclusion of emerging sectors, the agencies are working to ensure that Nigerians not only grasp the nature of the changes but also appreciate their broader economic implications.
Speaking at the sensitisation event, NOA Director-General, Mallam Isa Lanre Onilu, emphasised the importance of involving citizens in conversations around national data and planning.
"The rebasing of our GDP is not just a statistical adjustment; it is a
national exercise that reflects our evolving economy. It is important that Nigerians understand what this means for policy, development, and everyday life," he said.
The NOA’s involvement in the process underscores its mandate to bridge the gap between government policies and public awareness. Through nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaigns, the agency aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding GDP rebasing and promote informed dialogue across all sectors of society.
The GDP rebasing exercise, last conducted in 2014, is essential for aligning national data with global
standards and reflecting the true size and structure of the economy. With the inclusion of new industries such as tech, digital services, and the creative economy, the revised GDP figures are expected to capture current market realities more accurately.
Both NOA and NBS reaffirmed their commitment to data-driven governance and inclusive economic planning, especially in today’s fastpaced global economy. Citizens are encouraged to engage with the process, ask questions, and remain informed as Nigeria charts a course toward a more transparent and dynamic economic future.
Flutterwave Launches Accelerate Workshop to Equip Africans with Tech Skills
Flutterwave, one of Africa's leading payments technology companies, recently unveiled the Flutterwave Accelerate Workshop, a two-day virtual coaching programme designed to equip young Africans with practical skills for success in the tech industry. The workshop targets university students, recent graduates, and earlycareer professionals, providing direct access to industry expertise in four highdemand career paths: Data privacy and
Cybersecurity, Design, Marketing, and Product Management. Sessions will be led by accomplished tech professionals from within and beyond Flutterwave, including Ted Oladele, CEO of Mira and former VP of Design & Product at Flutterwave; Noel Ozoemena, Senior Manager of Branding and Storytelling; Nujinim Egwegbete-Odukwu, Head of Infrastructure Security; Abisola Epoyun, Data Privacy Manager; and Oluwatobiloba Animashaun, Product
Manager at Flutterwave.
This initiative stems from Flutterwave's belief that providing youth access, and opportunity can unlock Africa's potential. The company recognises that the continent's greatest asset is its young, dynamic population and remains committed to enabling innovation through both financial solutions and talent development programs.
"At Flutterwave, we are passionate
about unlocking Africa's full potential by investing in the next generation of innovators and builders. The Accelerate Workshop serves as both a knowledge hub and springboard for ambitious young Africans poised to transform the continent's technological landscape,” said Yewande Akomolafe-Kalu, AVP, Branding and Storytelling at Flutterwave. "We're giving them the tools, access, and confidence to step boldly into the digital economy."
Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Announces 56th Mount Horeb Ascension Pilgrimage
Chinedu Eze
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide has officially announced plans for the 56th Mount Horeb Ascension Pilgrimage, a spiritual gathering scheduled to take place from May 4th to May 11th, 2025, at Galilee Land, Orile Igbon in Oyo State, Nigeria.
“All stakeholders are committed to working together to ensure that the PDP remains the most formidable political force in Nigeria," Damagum said.
He acknowledged that political disagreements are not uncommon but emphasised that what truly matters is the party’s capacity to overcome them.
“By God’s grace, the PDP has the midas touch to navigate and triumph over any political challenge,” he added.
In a pointed comparison, Damagum highlighted the APC’s failure to convene its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for over two years.
He said, “It is the APC that is grappling with internal crisis, not the PDP,” he noted.
Damagum urged the new
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State has suspended Senator Chuka Utazi for alleged anti-party activities.
Utazi, a two-time Senator (20152023), who represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), decamped from his party and joined APC in 2024.
The carnival-like rally was graced by energetic PDP stakeholders, youth groups, and women's organisations from across Yobe State. They pledged continued support and active mobilisation efforts to ensure the PDP's success and a smooth transition of power in 2027.
The event concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing their unwavering commitment to the leadership of Damagum and his ongoing mission to revitalise the party.
The new members, visibly elated, expressed gratitude to Damagum for his steadfast leadership, which they say has brought stability and unity to the party. They praised his efforts in positioning the PDP as an inclusive and forward-looking political platform.
and endorsement of the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mba for a second term in the coming 2027 election.
They also accused the senator of granting interviews and engaging in open blackmail and de-marketing of APC Enugu State chapter in public, among other infractions.
"These allegations were backed up by online video evidence as the case may be," the party officials stated in the notification letter, which was also copied to the leader of the party in the state, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie).
The announcement was made during a World Press Conference held in Lagos, addressed by His Grace, Dr. Prophet Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, the Spiritual Head and Chairman of the Church, alongside Special Apostle Prophet Dr. Joel Olayinka Adeniran, the Conference Supervising Prophet.
The week-long event, themed ‘Double Glory’, is expected to draw thousands of congregants from across the globe for what church
leaders describe as a transformative spiritual retreat aimed at fostering divine encounters, communal worship, and spiritual rejuvenation. The 56th edition of this annual pilgrimage holds additional significance as it coincides with the first anniversary of Prophet Alogbo's leadership as Spiritual Father and Spiritual Head of the church.
In his address, Prophet Alogbo
highlighted the dual importance of this year's Mount Horeb pilgrimage, stating, "By the special grace of the Almighty God, this Mount Horeb pilgrimage of this year, bears double significance: not only does it mark yet another sacred ascent in our spiritual journey as a people, but it also coincides with the first anniversary of my stewardship as the Spiritual Father and Spiritual Head of this glorious movement church."
However, in a letter of notification addressed to the State Chairman of APC, Ugochukwu Agballah and signed by the Chairman of APC Uzo-Uwani LGA, Chief Chris Ajodo; the Secretary, Hon. Pius Diara, and APC Chairman, Nkpologu Ward, Hon. Albert Aniebonam yesterday in Enugu, the party stated that Utazi's suspension was sequel to and consequent upon a complaint/ petition from the Senator's Nkpologu ward, alleging anti-party activities.
The Ward accused Utazi of having participated in the PDP Enugu North Zonal Chapter meetings
The party officials further clarified that on receipt of the said complaint, the local government on 8/4/2025 setup a three-man disciplinary committee which notified the Senator of the petition and duly invited him to appear before the disciplinary body. "The invitation was however ignored by the respondent. The above notwithstanding, the committee carried out a thorough investigation of the allegations and came out with a verdict of “guilt”.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: Assistant General Secretary, University of Lagos, Faculty of Arts Students Association, Miss. Adeosun Itunuoluwa Benedicta; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe: and President, University of Lagos, Faculty of Arts Students Association, Mr. Adekanye Oluwasegun Ibukunoluwa, during a courtesy visit of executive members of the association to the office of the Special Adviser... recently
CELEBRATING CORONA SCHOOL AT 70...
AMCE: Nigeria, African Countries Losing
$6bn to US Annually on Medical Tourism
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), the medical institution developed by African Export-Import Bank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, has put the amount that countries in Africa collectively lose annually to the United States due to medical tourism at $6 billion.
While delivering a paper on AMCE’s groundbreaking role in transforming healthcare across Africa at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Mzuzah/APHN Convergence, in the United States, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, said the hospital is working on a model to create a sustainable, self-reliant healthcare city that can stem the tide of brain drain and medical tourism in Africa.
A statement by the hospital
management said that Deaver shared the institution’s mission, cutting-edge facilities, and specialised services in oncology, haematology, and cardiovascular care.
Speaking on the forum’s theme:
‘Come Back Home: Redefining Diasporans’ Role in Africa’s Healthcare Future’, Deaver said there are exciting opportunities for diaspora professionals to help bring AMCE’s vision of worldclass, accessible healthcare to life.
"Africa has long struggled with the outflow of talent and medical tourism. Today, over six billion United States dollars leaves Africa annually through medical tourism.
"This trend not only drains resources but exacerbates the healthcare gap on the continent. Deaver's vision for AMCE addresses both the physical infrastructure needs and the retention of
Urban Challenge: Studies Propose Green Solutions to Tackle Building Collapse, Flood
Omolabake Fasogbon
The need to embrace green solutions to address pressing urban challenges has been reiterated in two newly-released scientific studies titled: 'Innovative Solutions for Urban Challenges' and 'Green Roofs and Self-Healing Concrete'.
Authored by Nigerian researcher, Oluwaseun Samson Olaboye, the effort was inspired by pressing pressures of rapid urbanisation and consequences on the climate.
The groundbreaking studies proposed a significant shift towards green infrastructure, such as widespread adoption of green roofs, vertical gardens, and implementation of self-healing concrete.
skilled healthcare professionals. AMCE's model creates a sustainable, self-reliant healthcare city that can stem the tide of brain drain and medical tourism,
providing African citizens with access to world-class care on their home soil.
"We have the opportunity to reverse the brain drain in healthcare and build
a continent where innovation, expertise, and top-tier medical care are accessible to all," Deaver stated. "Our goal is not just to treat patients,
but to make Africa a global hub for healthcare excellence, attracting professionals, talent, and investment," he added.
Military Retrieves Over 117,000 Litres of Stolen Crude, Dismantles 42 Illegal Refineries in Week-Long Operation
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The military high command yesterday said that troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered no fewer than 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,000 litres of DPK, and 8,060 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboats, 56 storage tanks, 164 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites.
A statement by Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that other items recovered include
pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles.
General Kangye said 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, and assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered within the week under review.
He said, "Between 10 and 14 April 2025, troops, while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South LGAs of Bayelsa and Delta states respectively. During the operations, troops arrested criminals and recovered arms and ammunition
as well as a large quantity of natural resources. Similarly, on 11 and 13 April 2025, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnappers in Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers State as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta State.
"They also effected the arrest of five criminals in Ikom LGA of Cross River State and Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. Also, on 10 and 16 April 2025, scores of terrorists, comprising adult males, adult females and some children, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai, following the ongoing
onslaught on them by gallant troops."
According to General Kangye, troops, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, conducted offensive operations, including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance operations in Konduga, Kukawa, Abadam, and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State, as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. The director added that during the operations, some terrorists were neutralised and others apprehended. He stated that troops also intercepted seven terrorists' logistics suppliers and recovered logistics supplies from them, as well as a vehicle and some motorcycles.
Moreover, Olaboye studies crumbling urban infrastructure, evident in the efficacy of self-healing concrete to mitigate the challenge.
According to him, traditional concrete, prone to cracking, requires constant maintenance. He thus proposed selfhealing concrete which he claimed uses bacteria like Bacillus subtilis or polymerfilled microcapsules to autonomously repair cracks when exposed to water.
"85 per cent of urban stakeholders sampled endorse green roofs for cooling, while 72 per cent recognise their rainfall retention benefits to about 80 per cent. The greenery also improves air quality and supports urban biodiversity," he stated on discovery of rooftop designs."
Findings in the research which sampled the opinion of 300 urban planners showed how innovations like living rooftops and vertical plant systems have proven beneficial to lowering urban temperatures by 3–5°C, retain rainfall by 80 per cent, and ultimately reduce pressure on city drainage systems.
NAN Editor, Isaac Aregbesola Loses Wife
Alex Enumah in Abuja
A senior Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Isaac Aregbesola, has announced the death of his wife, Favour Aregbesola.
Aregbesola in a statement said his wife passed away at the age of 52 on Friday, April 11, 2025, after illness.
The editor described his late wife as a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Insecurity: Matawalle Urges Northern Leaders to Support Tinubu
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has made a passionate appeal to Northern political leaders to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging them not to lose hope in his administration.
In a statement by his Senior Assistant on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Danmaliki, Matawalle emphasised President Tinubu's commitment to addressing the region's numerous challenges
before the end of his first tenure in 2027.
He dismissed criticisms of the President, attributing them to "propaganda and falsehoods" spread by individuals seeking political relevance.
Matawalle expressed confidence in President Tinubu's ability to deliver on his promises and improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the fight against insecurity.
He also praised Tinubu's administration for its significant
strides in restoring peace and security in Northern Nigeria.
The minister highlighted the successes of Operation Fansan Yamma, citing the elimination of over 65 notorious bandit leaders, hundreds of their foot soldiers, and the destruction of 200 camps.
He also commended the improved security situation during the recent Ramadan and Sallah celebrations, noting a significant reduction in bandit attacks and kidnappings.
Matawalle pointed to progress in
infrastructure development, including the ongoing construction of the Zaria-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto expressway and the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway. Matawalle's remarks came as rebuke to critics of the federal government, whom he accused of "political hypocrisy" and shedding "crocodile tears" to gain popularity. The minister reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains committed to ensuring peace, development, and a secure future for all citizens.
Kano APC Set for Kwankwaso’s Return, NNPP Disputes Defection Claims
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
"Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to humanity service," the statement read in part.
He further described her as a God-fearing woman, a great manager of resources, and a devoted wife, adding that her life was a testament to humility, kindness, and enduring service.
According to Mr. Aregbesola, Favour was a seasoned accountant and entrepreneur who positively impacted the lives of everyone who came across her.
“Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that arrangements have been put in place to welcome the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into APC.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano yesterday, the party’s state Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, explained that the APC has put all its party leaders on notice to welcome back the entire structure of NNPP including Kwankwaso and the state Governor
Abba Yusuf.
This was as the state Chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, described the report as baseless and motivated by desperation.
According to Abbas, “The party has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties, of recent, the attention of the party has been drawn to speculations of the impending decamping of the leader of the expelled faction of the NNPP, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the party.
"We are fully aware that some
people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.
"We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in government and party administration, and seeking for refuge in the APC to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. However, joining APC as a political party is
not a panacea for escaping from their past sins."
The APC chairman warned that the party would not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings in its fold.
"We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy Senator Kashim Shettima to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships."
Onuminya Innocent
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
L-R: Head Pastoral, Corona Day Secondary School, Mr. Viyon Amusu; Head Junior School, Mrs. Temitope Oluseun-Davids; General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Head of School, Corona School, Lekki, Mrs. Grace Omo-Egbekuse; Sales Manager, Geely, Coscharis Motors, Mr. Anthony Emuoborowho; Principal, Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, Mr. Gbemileke Amoo; PTA Chairman, Mr. Solomon Kadiri; and Communications Officer, Coscharis Group, Mr. Segun Sobogun, at the Corona School 70 Fun Day supported by the Geely brand powered by Coscharis Motors… recently
Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394
Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com
Funmi Ogidan-Bello: Audiences Worldwide Are Embracing Our Own Stories with Enthusiasm
Ekechukwu
Canyoutakeusabitthrough youractingandfilmmaking journey?
My journey into acting and filmmaking has been one of passion, persistence, and purpose. I started as an actress, drawn to the art of storytelling and the magic of becoming different people through the characters I portrayed. Each role gave me a new perspective, a new emotion to explore, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. But as I spent more time on set, I became increasingly curious about what happens behind the camera, the decisions that shape a story, the creative power behind every frame, and the process that brings a vision to life. That curiosity soon evolved into a deep calling. I realised I didn’t just want to interpret stories, I wanted to create them. I wanted to be part of shaping narratives that matter. That’s when I stepped into producing. I found that through those roles, I could have a stronger influence on the kinds of stories we tell, especially stories that reflect our truths, our struggles, our hopes, and the strength within our society, particularly among women. It’s been a challenging yet fulfilling journey, and I’ve embraced every step of it. A project like ‘Adunni Ogidan Bírin’, my upcoming project, feels like the culmination of everything I’ve learned and believed in. It reflects not just my growth as a filmmaker, but also my conviction that our stories, especially those centered on justice, power, and the rising voice of women, deserve to be told with boldness and integrity. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And looking forward, I’m even more inspired by how much more there is to do.
Speaktouson‘AdunniOgidanBírin’andthe cast.Whatinspiredthestory?
‘Adunni Ogidan Bírin’ was inspired by the strength and resilience of African women; women who rise against all odds and become symbols of hope and resistance in their communities. It’s an epic drama. The story is deeply rooted in history and power dynamics, and the director Yemi Amodu
Rising diva songstress, Nira Bakar, has erupted the scene with two spanking new songs, “Do To Me” and “Ijo (Dance)” in a two-pack release. It announces her return to the African music scene with a more deliberate and penetrative energy.
Originally named Muneerah Onini, the ever-radiant singer, songwriter grew up listening to Western pop and was heavily influenced by the culture thereof, with Beyoncé being a prominent feature in that phase of her life.
However, her Nigerian roots make it more convenient for the songster to blend these western influences with African sounds, birthing a refreshing strain of afro fusion that sets her apart from the super-saturated industry.
“Music has always been a part of me,” she said. “Every day, I’m thinking about what else to create and how else I can move the boundaries while experimenting with music. I believe music is such a powerful tool that can be used to mend hearts and
and I wanted to capture that with a fictional story that honours our heritage. Through orature, we encounter stories of strong women who fought for the liberation of their people; figures like Moremi, Igogo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Oya, and many others. As an African, I felt compelled that if I were to make a film, it must reflect the struggles and triumphs of our past heroines. That was how ‘Adunni, Ogidan Bìnrín’ was conceptualized. A woman can be courageous enough to kill a snake where a cowardly man would retreat. That is the essence of courage often underestimated in women. With Adunni, that underestimation is challenged, revealing the true strength and power of womanhood. As for the cast, we were intentional about choosing the best, people who not only have the star power but can also bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Each actor, from Nancy Isime to Odunlade Adekola, Keppy Ekpeyong, Muyiwa Ademola, Patrick Doyle, Iyabo Ojo, Jide Kosoko, Sola Kosoko, Kamo State and others, brought something uniquely powerful to the table.
Thecastismadeupofthefinestintheindustry. Whatwastheexperiencelikeworkingwiththis ensemble?
It was an absolute honour. Working with such a talented and professional cast elevated the entire project. The energy on set was electric, a perfect blend of creativity, mutual respect, and commitment to excellence. Everyone came prepared and ready to give their best, and that made directing and producing the film such a joy. Watching these incredible actors embody their characters so fully was inspiring.
Asidefrombeingtheproducer,youalsoplayed thetitularcharacter.Tellusaboutyourrole.
Yes, I played Adunni, the lead character. Adunni is a strong-willed, intelligent, and fearless woman who defies societal expectations to fight for justice. She’s a warrior at heart, but also deeply human. Playing her was both emotionally and physically demanding, but it was a role I connected with on a very personal level. She represents every woman
Werethereencounters,challengeswhileshooting themovie?
Every production comes with its share of hurdles. We faced several logistical challenges, especially because the film was shot across multiple locations in our search for old-school or period-accurate settings, props, and costumes. Coordinating such a large cast and crew was also no small feat. However, with a dedicated team, strong leadership, and the passion we all had for the project, we overcame every obstacle. One particularly frightening moment on set involved one of our lead actors, Lateef Adedimeji. He was injured in an accident involving a gun prop—blood was gushing out, and it was truly terrifying. Yet, after a brief moment of rest and recovery, he insisted that we continue filming. His resilience was inspiring, and we pushed forward. In the end, the challenges
only made the final outcome more rewarding.
Whatsortofmoviewouldyouliketoworkon buthavenothadtheopportunityyet?
I’m deeply interested in exploring psychological thrillers and futuristic African sci-fi. I believe there’s immense potential to expand the narrative of African cinema beyond traditional and contemporary drama into imagined worlds, emerging technologies, and redefined African identities. Our stories deserve to be told through these bold, speculative lenses. I also intend to delve into TV serial drama, long-form, intense storytelling that captivates and connects deeply with audiences. Entertainment goes beyond cinema; it’s a bridge. I want to connect with African audiences across the continent and the diaspora, and showcase our rich cultures and experiences to the world through innovative drama serials. That’s firmly on my vision board.
Nigerianfilmsarenowsoughtafterinthediaspora communitiesandacrosstheglobe.Whatdoyou thinkisresponsibleforthat?
It’s largely due to our authenticity. Nigerian films tell stories that are rich, emotionally resonant, and deeply rooted in real human experiences. We don’t shy away from showing life as it is our joys, our struggles, our culture, our humour, and our spirituality. That truthfulness connects with people, whether they are in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles. Add to that the raw creativity and sheer talent of our actors, writers, and directors—alongside noticeable improvements in production quality, and it’s no surprise that the world is taking notice. There’s a growing global hunger for diverse, culturally grounded narratives, and Nollywood is uniquely positioned to feed that appetite. We’re now telling our stories on our terms, and audiences across the world are embracing that with pride and enthusiasm. Nollywood is no longer just a local industry; it’s a global voice for African identity, resilience, and imagination.
As ‘Tell Your Papa’ Rebounds Eedris Abdulkareem’s Career
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Eedris Abdulkareem’s trending song ‘Tell Your Papa’ appears to mark a career rebound for the hip-hop artist. Despite being barred from airing on radio and television, the protest song has continued to garner positive reactions from various quarters. With a record increase in views and streams online, the song, which criticises the current administration, has gained popularity and received attention from several Nigerians.
Released recently, the song has gained momentum across social media platforms
heal the world, one note at a time.”
Both songs were produced by Citiboi, with creative direction from Spare Keys Inc. “‘Do To Me’ is not your typical love song. Regardless of its pop bounce, the record has sprinkles of afrobeats and vocal dexterity that draws every passing ear to itself. It is impossible to hear this song and not bump your head, or stump your feet.”
On the other hand, ‘Ijo (Dance)’ is Nira’s way of letting the world know that she’s not your everyday Nigerian artiste. The song wears an EDM outlook and sees the artiste display mastery of sync and rhythm, considering the balance of her lyrics on the heavy bass of the beat. Nira shows versatility, mastery and vocal prowess on this track and is a perfect introduction of her growing audience, through her music.
and has sparked debate, generating several backlashes against the regulatory body as it continues to trend.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had declared the track Not-to-Be Broadcast (NTBB). But the likes, comments, and reposts online indicate a surge amid the controversy, showing Nigerians are pretty much on the song despite the ban.
In the controversial song, Eedris speaks to the president’s son, “Seyi, Tell Your Papa country hard. Tell Your Papa people dey die. Tell Your Papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
According to NBC, its lyrical content failed to meet the standards of responsible broadcasting.
But Eedris, known for his socially conscious and politically charged music, has long used
his platform to address bad governance, corruption, and social injustice. However, many are of the opinion that being a social
Eedris Abdulkareem would be banned for speaking against the government. In 2004, his song ‘Jaga Jaga’ was proscribed for criticising former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Despite the ban, the trend of Nigerian artistes using music to critique societal issues and challenge authority continues to grow as other songs and artistes were also banned, the songs criticising the government became underground anthem.
Nigerians don’t play with ‘Owambe’. Beyond the ‘Aso ebi’, the jollof rice, and the chilled small chops, music remains one of the strongest emotional currencies at any wedding. It is the pulse of the party and the soundtrack of memories. So when a song starts showing up — not just once, but at back-to-back ceremonies — it becomes worth noticing.
Last weekend, in a well-decorated hall in Lagos, through the speakers just as the bride began her entrance. It wasn’t the usual playlist regular, but it drew instant recognition. Guests smiled. Some mouthed the lyrics. And by the second chorus, it was clear: a new wedding classic might be unfolding before us.
In the last few months, Kadara
among lovers and music enthusiasts alike, both in Nigeria and across diaspora communities. Its strength lies in its simplicity. There’s no attempt to overdo the emotions; instead, the song leans into cultural nuance, clean production, and the universal feeling of country that has given the world evergreen wedding songs like Simi’s Duduke and Chike’s Roju, Neo Phlames’ Kadara is positioning itself in a similar category — not by trend-chasing, but by tapping into the emotional needs of couples looking for something personal and sincere to mark their big day.
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
— meaning destiny in Yoruba — has been quietly growing in popularity
Ferdinand
Funmi Ogidan-Bello who has ever had to rise above silence and take her place in the world.
Nira Bakar
Neo Phlames
Eedris Abdulkareem
Nkeiruka Ifeonu: Leading New Era of Product Design Through Purpose, Innovation
Tosin Clegg
Idigital tools and on-demand skills, some people chase trends while others build for meaning.
Nkeiruka Ifeonu is unmistakably the latter. A product designer with a clear mission, her work lives at the bridge of everyday problems and practical technology. Whether she’s improving access to healthcare, transforming how people shop online and physically, or mentoring the next wave of design talent, Nkeiruka focuses on one thing: making digital products that work for people.
From the outset, she has pursued design as a tool for creating tangible change, not just smoother improve how people live, access care, manage time, and make decisions.
At OnehealthNG, she led the design of Onewellness, a healthcare app that has grown into one of the most trusted digital platforms in Nigeria. Today, it serves over 100,000 users, many of whom rely on it for up to 60 percent of their day-to-day healthcare needs.
OnehealthNG’s growth within the healthcare space and also securing funds and grants from Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation, Google black Founders, GIZ(Developpp) and Chuey Ventures Funds.
Nkeiruka designed and led the development of critical features like the pharmacy marketplace, which allows users to easily compare and order
medications, the subscribe and save feature which makes recurring treatments more which enables patients to consult healthcare professionals without leaving their homes and a detailed hospital directory that helps users locate accredited healthcare facilities with ease.
She brought the same discipline and insight to Jump n Pass, a self-checkout app that has reshaped the in-person shopping experience across Nigeria.
a critical feature that allows users to scan and check out products without standing in line. Her design process prioritised speed, ease, and security. Through live testing, feedback loops, and smart design choices, she helped create a product that users trust and adopted quickly.
That single feature was instrumental in driving the app’s early adoption, contributing directly to Jump n Pass securing N25 million in funding at the Zenith Bank Hackathon and continuing to drive revenue into 2025. Her work isn’t just about interface design; it is about providing strategic solutions to user problems. She helps identify user pain points in retail environments and transforms them into a seamless digital experience that retailers and customers alike can rally behind. She is deeply involved in usability testing, interaction design, and and performs reliably under pressure.
Another key aspect of her career is her
support for women in STEM through mentorship, providing guidance, structure, and encouragement for those navigating male-dominated spaces. Her mentorship isn’t about checking boxes.
It’s about helping people recognise their value and take meaningful steps forward. Many of her mentees now work in product design across their journeys. Her approach to mentorship is grounded, hands-on, and personal. She meets people where they are, providing honest feedback and actionable advice. Her sessions are equal parts inspiration and instruction, a rare blend that leaves a lasting impact.
She’s also a generous contributor to the design community. Her open source resources on Figma have reached over 3,000 designers, UX research templates. Her UX audit toolkit has helped design teams rethink how they identify and solve problems. By sharing her work openly, she’s creating space for collective learning and pushing the industry forward in quiet but powerful ways. What truly sets Nkeiruka apart is her unwavering focus on impact. Her projects are not driven by hype or the latest trends, but by listening, learning, and iterating based on real-life user needs.
She sees design not just as a creative discipline but as a powerful form of advocacy, a way to shift power into the hands of everyday people. She doesn’t just deliver innovative solutions, but impactful results. Her design systems are consistent, scalable, and thoughtful. Her leadership style is calm, clear, and rooted in empathy. Her commitment to growth, both hers and the digital technology sector, shows in every product launch, mentorship
session, and team collaboration she leads.
Nkeiruka Ifeonu is building carefully, intentionally, and with others in mind. Her work echoes, through the products she’s built, the people she’s mentored, and the systems she’s improved. In a time when the digital world moves fast and often without focus, she remains grounded in what matters, building things that actually help. That is the real power of design. And Nkeiruka is using as it was meant to be used.
Brazilian Consulate, Lagos State Endorse Fanti Carnival
Tosin Clegg
The Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in Nigeria, with a rich history dating back over 130 years. Rooted in the blending of Afro-Brazilian traditions, the carnival has long served as a platform for celebrating African heritage, identity, and unity.
Today, the event continues to evolve, serving as a dynamic fusion of past and present, while celebrating the creativity and spirit of Lagos and its people.
Earlier this week, a press conference was held in Lagos, and in attendance were Amb. Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr. (Consul General of Brazil in Lagos); Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Hon. Kola Peregrino, President of Brazilian Descendants Association, among other distinguished guests.
The Consul General spoke expressively about the Nigeria and Brazil relationship, decades ago. He also shed light on the carnival and its cultural as well as historical
The Commissioner added: “The carnival is a living expression of history and dates back to the late 19th century. This carnival started astion of survival and for decades, but as time passed and the tides of modernity swept through Lagos, the carnival experienced decline.
“Today I’m happy however to witness the remarkable resurgence thank to the unwavering commitment of the Brazilian Descendants Association and the visionary engine of the Lagos State Young Creatives the Lagos Fanti Carnival is been revived.”
anticipated Lagos Fanti Carnival Parade.
a dynamic display of cultural pride and artistic expressions of the Lagos community. From samba-inspired beats to bold fashion statements, the carnival promises to be a feast for the senses. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 in-person guests, more than 50,000 livestream viewers, and generate over two million digital impressions across media platforms promising an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival stands as a vibrant expression of youth-driven creativity in Lagos. Young artists, dancers, musicians, and designers that are reshaping cultural traditions, breathing new life into them through fresh perspectives highlights the dynamic fusion of heritage and innovation—honoring Afro-Brazilian roots while embracing the evolving cultural landscape of Lagos Tourism.
The festivities unfold across three signature experiences: the Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and the highly
Rooted in rich Afro-Brazilian traditions and reimagined through the lens of contemporary Lagos, the celebration brings together music, dance, fashion, and performance in
In the lead-up to the big day, The Lagos behind-the-scenes look at the preparations, with special coverage of the local communities as they gear up for the grand event. Expect intimate glimpses of rehearsals, costumemaking, and vibrant community gatherings, a rare opportunity to experience the carnival’s magic before it even hits the streets.
With Fusion of Afrojazz, Folks, World Music, Salako Drops New Single
Nigerian Afrojazz artist, Salako has unveiled his latest single, Wande, a stirring and melodic exploration of personal growth and accountability.
Describing it as, “a powerful narrative wrapped in melody,” Salako says the song was born from a haunting tune that lingered in his mind for weeks, eventually evolving into a full-bodied musical journey. Wande draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, weaving themes of responsibility and self-examination into a sonic tapestry rich with Yoruba lyrics and an energetic big-band sound.
The track’s dynamic interplay of tension and release challenges listeners to face their decisions while immersing them in a genre-blending soundscape of jazz, funk, African rhythms,
and cinematic storytelling.
The new single is unpredictable, dynamic, and deeply expressive. Salako highlights and adds
that, “Like a rainbow of emotions and genres converging into one is this new song. From the layered instrumentation to the dramatic energy that begs to be experienced more than once.”
He is widely recognised for bridging traditional and contemporary styles. His music pays homage to Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern Afrojazz. His compositions are marked by complex rhythms, soulful horn sections, and thoughtful lyrics that delve into identity, resilience, and hope.
Beyond the studio, Salako considers himself a cultural ambassador. He often collaborates with traditional drummers, griots, and modern jazz artists to create a dialogue between generations and musical lineages.
His live performances known for their electrifying energy and spontaneous improvisations have earned him a growing audience across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Salako’s journey began on modest stages: community festivals, jazz lounges, and cultural gatherings. Early on, he embraced Nigeria’s musical roots, but it was his fearless approach to experimentation that distinguished him. By blending indigenous instruments like the talking drum and shekere with classic jazz staples saxophones, trumpets, and pianos he created a sound that feels both deeply African and universally relatable.
His debut album, Echoes of Eko, marked a turning point in his career.
A heartfelt tribute to Lagos, the album featured standout tracks like “Midnight in Makoko” and “Eyo Dance,” which vividly captured the spirit of urban life. Critics praised the work for its originality, technical skill, and emotional resonance. listeners music that is not only sonically rich but deeply meaningful a true fusion of artistry, heritage, and innovation.
Nkeiruka Ifeonu
Salako
Tosin Clegg
Fanti
Ifeanyi Anosike: My family is My Anchor, Source of Strength
The dynamic and volatile oil and gas industry is one known as where fortunes rise and fall in a heartbeat. Still, the name Ifeanyi Anosike stands as a steady, unwavering lighthouse. A Nigerian plutocrat, businessman, visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and born-again Christian. Anosike’s life story is one of immense success and profound purpose. From his humble beginnings in the coal city of Enugu to becoming a pivotal force in Africa’s oil and gas sector, his journey is marked by resilience, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to service. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anosyke Group of Companies Limited stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, writes Adedayo Adejobi
A HUMBLE BEGINNING: THE GENESIS OF A VISION
Born on October 1, in Enugu, the coal city of southeastern Nigeria, Anosike’s life story defies the typical expectations of someone born into modest circumstances. Raised in a family where hard work, perseverance, and community spirit were paramount, he quickly internalised these values, seeing them not as obstacles but as stepping stones to greater ambitions, especially after losing his mother at a tender age.
In his own words, “The sky is too big to accommodate all of us,” a phrase that encapsulated his worldview early on— wealth was not a goal but a tool, a means to foster opportunity and uplift others. Growing up in a small household, the young Ifeanyi had the remarkable foresight to understand that success could not be measured by the accumulation of riches alone. “I must have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility,” he recalls, reflecting on his younger years. “While my peers were focused on securing personal wealth, I understood that true success lies in creating opportunities for others.”
Anosike’s pursuit of this vision led him to oil-rich Warri, Delta state, where he started business, and then Lagos, Nigeria’s sprawling commercial hub, where he embarked on his journey to transform his dreams into reality. The road to success was fraught with challenges—yet, with relentless determination, the young entrepreneur laid the foundations for the Anosyke Group of Companies Ltd in 1995. Specialising in engineering, procurement, construction, marine, and infrastructural development, his company soon became a trusted name in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, earning the respect of industry giants and international oil companies (IOC’s).
“I started with engineering, procurement, installation, construction, and commissioning (EPICC) contracts,” Anosike recalled.
“The company’s growth was organic, but it was built on a commitment to excellence and an unwavering belief in the power of integrity and hard work.”, he echoed.
A BUSINESS EMPIRE BUILT ON SERVICE
While Anosike’s business acumen is undeniable, it is his commitment to charity that truly distinguishes him. He is not a man content to amass wealth for personal gain; instead, he channels his success into improving the lives of others.
“True wealth lies in the ability to make a difference,” he often says, and it is this ethos that permeates every aspect of his life and work. His philanthropic endeavours are as wide-ranging as they are impactful. From funding medical treatments for the underprivileged to offering scholarships for young students, Anosike has consistently demonstrated a devotion to service.
But perhaps his most touching annual tradition occurs on his birthday. On his birthday, rather than reveling in his own success, Anosike takes the opportunity to bring gifts, laughter, encouragement, and joy to others. He spends the day visiting orphanages, motherless homes, and communities in need. “I offer love, support, and financial aid. It’s my way of giving back,” he shares with a quiet humility that underscores his commitment to uplifting others.
Anosike’s dedication to community development is evident in the numerous projects he has funded across Nigeria. In his hometown in Anambra State, he has overseen the construction of roads, community town halls, hospitals, recreational centres, lawn tennis courts, houses for less-privildeged, the provision of potable water, churches with the priest houses, and the establishment of educational initiatives that are helping shape the future of countless young Nigerians. His business, Anosyke Group, has played an instrumental role in these efforts, not only fueling corporate success but also supporting the growth of Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
FAITH AS THE FOUNDATION
Central to Anosike’s life is his deep Christian faith as a Catholic devotee, one who religiously attends daily mass- anywhere in the world, the Catholic Church has a branch. It is a force that guides every decision he makes, whether in business or philanthropic. “My faith is the cornerstone of everything I do. My wealth and success are gifts from God. My unwavering belief in the divine is the wellspring from which generousity flows. I have made it my mission to serve others in every way I can.’’
Ruminating on why he is so passionate about charity, he
said, “It’s not a competition for me,” Anosike reflects. “It’s a collaborative world, one where we help each other rise. I focus on the collective good, on empowering others, and on using my resources to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. For me, business is not simply about profitability; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and making the world a better place for all.’’
Speaking on the impact of his works, he said, “It is not limited to my community or even Nigeria. We work tirelessly to build relationships with international partners and to bring global attention to the potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
Yet, despite his international reach, Anosike remains deeply committed to his roots, always finding ways to give back to the people who helped shape him.
A HUMBLE GIANT
Despite his vast wealth and accomplishments, Anosike remains humble. “I never see myself as better than anyone else, but rather as a vessel through which God’s love can flow. My faith is the cornerstone of everything I do. My belief in the power of prayer, service, and selfless-
ness is evident in both my business practices and my personal life. My faith is not just a private matter; it is central to my identity as a businessman and philanthropist.
“I believe my wealth and success are gifts from God and that I must use them for the greater good. This philosophy is evident in the way I run my business.’’
His company’s success and his philanthropic contributions have earned him the admiration of many. But for Anosike, the true measure of success is not in the size of his bank account but in the lives he has touched.
“I’m not interested in accolades or recognition,” he says. “My legacy will be the difference I make in the lives of others.”
This mindset is evident in the way he leads his business empire. As Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Anosyke Group, he has revolutionised the Nigerian oil and gas industry, building a company that is trusted by international and local industry leaders. Under his stewardship, Anosyke Group has become a leader in engineering and procurement services, with key clients across the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
A LEGACY OF LOVE AND SERVICE
The sexagenarian Ifeanyi Anosike shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for both business and service remains as strong as ever. “I’m not done yet. My vision for the future is focused on expanding my philanthropic efforts and continuing to invest in the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and its people,” he says, with a gleam of determination in his eyes.
His marriage to a loving and supportive wife, with whom he shares a deep bond, further exemplifies the values of loyalty, love, and faith that anchor his life.
In his words, ‘‘Together, we have built a family that shares in my passion for giving back to others, creating a ripple effect of kindness that extends well beyond our immediate circle. My family is my anchor and source of strength, joy, and inspiration.”
A SHINING EXAMPLE OF TRUE SUCCESS
Despite his tremendous success and wealth, Ifeanyi remains a man of deep humility, never seeking accolades or recognition for his good deeds. Those who know him best describe him as a man of integrity, a father figure to many, and a friend who will go above and beyond to help those in need.
His nickname, “Ebubechukwu,” meaning “Light of God,” is a reflection of the grace, warmth, and kindness he spreads wherever he goes.
His legacy is not defined by his resources, but by the countless lives he has touched with his generosity, faith, and service.
As he continues to expand his business empire and philanthropic efforts, one thing is certain: Ifeanyi Anosike is not just a successful businessman—he is a beacon of hope, a man who uses his success as a platform to spread love, light, and faith in a world that desperately needs it.
And in the end, it is this legacy—of faith, love, and selflessness—that will define Ifeanyi Ndidiamaka Anosike, a shining light in a world too often overshadowed by darkness.
Nigeria, China Partnership to Accelerate Digital Economy Growth
Labake Fasogbon
Nigeria and China are deepening their relationship with a renewed focus on accelerating the growth of the company’s digital economy.
This commitment was underscored during a recent visit by a high-level delegation from Chinese technology and innovation hub, Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, to the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).
The delegation, led by Executive Secretary-General of the association, Mr. Shi Qilin, engaged in discussions with Director-General of the NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
Notably, the talks centered on leverag-
ing China’s advancements in science and technology to significantly scale up Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and overall digital economy.
The move is expected to harness Chinese scientific and technological achievements to provide localized industrial and agricultural solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs.
Moreso, it was projected to stimulate job creation, skills of the local workforce through integrated industry-education programs, and ultimately boost economic prosperity across the country. Shi, highlighted the industrial and technological advancements within the Zhongguancun Infovalley Science and Technology Park, noting the group’s 25-year track record of establishing 50 successful parks across China, and plans
to replicate the model in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria.
“The goal is to provide localized industrial and agricultural solutions, create jobs, and empower local talent through industry-education integration. Our focus is not just on investment, but also on building lasting systems that strengthen local economies”, he said.
Tegbe, reiterated Nigerian government’s readiness for collaboration, highlighting the opportunities for Chinese investors in critical infrastructure sectors, including renewable energy and electric vehicles.
“As discussions progress, we are optimistic that this partnership will not only accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy but also open new chapters in economic diplomacy and sustainable development”, he said.
Anosike
ANALYSIS
As CBN Unlocks Opportunities for Higher FX Inflows from Exports
Sunday Ehigiator
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is taking strategic measures to support Nigerian businesses in enhancing their competitiveness through capacity building, investment in technology, encouraging collaboration among financial institutions, business leaders, regulators, and policymakers to identify and dismantle barriers to growth and increase Nigerian products exports.
The apex bank is advocating standard upgrade for Nigerian products to meet international requirements and inspire confidence in locally produced goods.
These measures are expected to boost export proceeds and support moves to attract more forex to the domestic economy.
Higher forex inflows to the domestic economy comes with great benefits and supports Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) drive for price and exchange rate stability.
The CBN under its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso puts enough efforts in ensuring that more forex flows into the economy and that such inflows remain accessible to businesses.
Among several measures, one quick win to attract more forex to the economy is by raising the global competitiveness of Nigeria products meant for export.
Other moves include boosting diaspora remittances through new product development, the granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller FX model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs, the apex bank has simplified dollar-inflow channels for FX dealers to boost business and economic growth.
Diaspora remittances to Nigeria, estimated at $23 billion annually remain a reliable source of forex to the domestic economy. There are also other sources and policies that are being explored by the apex bank to keep dollar inflows coming. The CBN’s initiatives have supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institution’s objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year.
The remittances in the economy is expected to increase based on CBN’s ongoing efforts to bolster public confidence in the foreign exchange market, strengthen a robust and inclusive banking system, and promote price stability, which is essential for sustained economic growth.
Director of Trading at Verto, Charlie Bird, said dollar liquidity dynamic is now more balanced, with foreign investors and airlines able to repatriate funds.
Speaking during Cordros Asset Management seminar titled: “The Naira Playbook”, he said Nigeria is now darling of foreign investors because of improved dollar liquidity in the economy due to positive CBN’s reforms.
For instance, the CBN under Cardoso, recently announced the introduction of two new financial products designed to serve Nigerians living abroad and attract more diaspora remittances. These and other measures, including the granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).
Enhancing Product Quality for Export
The CBN and Bankers’ Committee are championing initiatives to improve the quality of Nigeria products for export to global markets.
According to the CBN, Nigerian manufacturers can only stand a chance in the global market if their products can compete favourably with their counterparts abroad.
Although Nigerian products often lack the quality and packaging standards required to compete in global markets, but the banking sector is expected to play a crucial role in supporting businesses in enhancing their competitiveness. Locally made goods and services need better branding to increase their visibility and appeal in global markets and businesses require support to prepare for global market competition.
Speaking during Bankers’ Committee meeting in Lagos, Director, Consumer Protection and Financial Department, CBN, Dr. Aisha Olatinwo said that with the ongoing support from the apex bank and commercial banks, local businesses will improve their potential to thrive in the global markets, which will trasl, however admitted that there are a number of constraints militating against the growth of Nigerian-made goods.
Olatinwo, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Consumer Protection and Financial Department, CBN, Nelson Amuwa hinted that the bank is working to address these constraints in quality, packaging, branding, and global market readiness that hinder the growth of locally made goods and services.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Ayodele Subair acknowledged that the financial sector has a role to play in ensuring the continuous survival of businesses.
He said: “The Bankers’ Committee plays a vital role in facilitating financial inclusion and driving Made-in-Nigeria products. By working together, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s financial system and promote export diversification and support local businesses.”
While delivering his keynote address, Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo said manufacturers need to adopt the product quality, packaging and product branding.
These measures, he emphasised, would ensure the competitiveness of Nigerian products in both regional and global markets.
Raising some posers, Ayemibo said, “From manufacturing to fashion, to technology, and to the industry, our ability to compete depends on how well we can align to embrace productivity and deliver consistent, high-quality products that command respect in global markets.
“By deepening these partnerships, we can identify and dismantle barriers to growth, encourage innovation, and scale up the support structures that enable enterprises to thrive in competitive environments. The Nigerian banking sector remains a critical industrial foundation to build Nigerian products, opportunity-building initiatives, and investment technology. Banks are well-positioned to support businesses in enhancing their competitive opportunities,” he stressed. .
Nigerian manufacturers, he said, “should ensure that the products are attractive and suitable for specific markets. And utilise packaging as a branding tool. Packaging can serve as a critical component of branding. Nigeria should design packaging that not only protects the product but also tells the story and resonates with the consumer.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Otunba Francis Meshioye, who described the town hall meeting as timely, lamented that the operating climate for the manufacturing subsector has been anything but friendly.
According to him, manufacturers spent a whopping N1.3 trillion on the cost of funds in 2024 alone even as he lamented that the soaring interest rate which oscillates between 35-37 % was a disincentive to business.
He would rather the CBN and the Bankers Committee come up with long-term financing options for manufacturers at favourable terms that would drive and not strangulate business concerns.
“It is critical at this point for the CBN and the Bankers Committee to fund production at cheaper rates, and also fund backward integration, amongst others. That’s only to cut down the excess amount expended on cost of funds which is adversely affecting production in the country.”
Understanding Revised IMTO Guidelines
The CBN recently released the reviewed guidelines of International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria. These Guidelines mark a significant shift in how IMTOS conduct their operations, reflecting the CBN’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in foreign exchange transactions and to bolster diaspora remittances into Nigeria.
Further circular titled “New Measures to Enhance Local Currency Liquidity for Settlement of Diaspora Remittances” highlighted the apex bank’s commitment to improving the Nigerian foreign exchange market infrastructure by increasing the flow of remittances through formal channels.
It introduces measures aimed at providing licensed IMTOs with access to Naira liquidity from the CBN, facilitating the disbursement of remittances to beneficiaries.
In a report analysing the circular, analysts at Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, a specialised law firm with leading experts in its core areas of practice, explained that the guidelines permit IMTOs to conduct payout foreign remittances through agents, who are designated as Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs). They require IMTOs to enter into formal contracts with ADBs outlining the terms and conditions of their engagement. Additionally, IMTOs are required to notify the CBN of the appointment of each ADB.
Furthermore, IMTOs are to receive foreign remittances in a designated account maintained with ADBs.
They explained that the account must be separate from other accounts held by the IMTO. The guideline mandates ADBs and IMTOs to disburse proceeds of foreign remittances to beneficiaries in Naira.
According to them, payments can be made either through a bank account with the ADB or in cash, provided the cash withdrawal does not exceed $200. If a beneficiary does not have an account with the IMTO’s ADB, the ADB will credit the beneficiary’s account with another bank. Notably, under the Guidelines, IMTOs are prohibited from purchasing foreign exchange from the domestic market to settle funds for their customers.
The major significance of the circular is the introduction
of measures to enhance the access of IMTOS to Naira liquidity, thereby facilitating the timely settlement of diaspora remittances. Here, eligible IMTOs can now directly access the CBN window or use their ADB to execute transactions involving the sale of foreign exchange in the Nigerian market.
All eyes on Diaspora Remittances
As part of its efforts to boost diaspora remittances and support naira stability, the CBN recently announced the introduction of two new financial products designed to serve Nigerians living abroad.
The Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account and the NonResident Nigerian Investment Account was created to streamline remittances, encourage investments, and foster financial inclusion among Nigerians in the diaspora. It said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria is pleased to inform the general public of the introduction of the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account targeted at Nigerians in diaspora.”
The initiative is also expected to provide a secure and efficient platform for managing funds and investing in Nigeria’s financial markets. President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, explained that diaspora remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, supplementing both foreign direct investment and portfolio investments.
He CBN’s initiatives have supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institution’s objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year.
Gwadabe remittances in the economy is expected to increase based on CBN’s ongoing efforts to bolster public confidence in the foreign exchange market, strengthen a robust and inclusive banking system, and promote price stability, which is essential for sustained economic growth.
In a report: “Diaspora remittances: The power behind Africa’s sustainable growth”, Regional Vice President of Africa at Western Union, Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, said remittances may be measured through the movement of money, but their real impact is measured in lives changed.
He disclosed that in 2023 alone, $90 billion flowed into Africa from its global diaspora, an amount that rivals the Gross Domestic Product of entire nations.
He said that remittances symbolize deep ties that keep communities connected across borders. “Families with a breadwinner working abroad depend on these funds to provide vital support for day-to-day needs. They also build the foundation for broader financial stability,” he said.
“Beyond their immediate impact, remittances are powerful drivers of economic change. They fuel infrastructure development, spur entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion – all essential for long-term economic development. Ghana’s National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy (NFIDS) is simplifying access to remittances, while countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria are tapping into diaspora bonds to fund infrastructure and other national projects,” he added.
For remittances to be truly transformational, it begins with understanding and meeting people’s aspirations. Ensuring individuals who strive for more can send and receive funds, regardless of their financial status, is crucial. We must cater to diverse needs.
Cardoso
PHOTONEWS
When Ms. Eniola Bello, a senior manager at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), recently marked her 50th birthday, family, friends and old school mates turned up for the soiree. Guests, elegantly turned out in English Old Skool dresses, joined the celebrant at the Sheba Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, to dance to music of 70s over good food and drinks.
Ms. Dewunmi Odesanya and Ms. Monisola Oyeyemi
L-R: Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Celebrant, Oyeronke Ajide and Mrs Durojaiye Solademi
Oyewole Fasawe with the celebrant and her family
Ms. Eniola Bello
L-R: Ola Sesan, Kamil Sadiq and Olumide Sadiq
Pastor Tunde Onakoya Temitope Fash
Nollywood actors, Damilola Ogunsi (l) and Rotimi Adelegan
Celebrant’s children from left: `Fiyin, Oreoluwa and Oluwalonimi
MCirok and Kunle Johnson
The Celebrant and her namesake Mr. Eniola Bello
L-R: Luqmon Ganiu, Doyin, Emmanuel Adegboro and Bamidele Lamidi
L-R: Yinka Bolarin, Shola Shittu, Bimpe Oyedele, Bimbo Olakitan, Vivien Orhiere and Folake Ojo-Ferreira
L-R: Mrs Durojaiye Solademi, Mr. Akin Kolade and Mrs Taiwo Kolade
L-R: Bimkpe Oyedele, Dudu and Temitope Dikko
Ms. Kemi Dunmoye and Ms. Toyin Fashoyin
Idowu Olokun Mr. Danladi Ebbah
L-R: Mrs Bidemi Harry-Erin, Ms naomi Soloademi and Mrs Iyabo Ayeni
L-R: Mr.Sanya, Mr. and Mrs Tunde Lawson
L-R: Ayinke Martins, Doris and Kiki Ohanugo
The Rebirth Code: How Bold Steps, Young Talent, Digital Vision Reinvented Wema Bank
Kayode Tokede posits that Wema Bank Plc has redefined what relevance means in Nigerian banking, proving that longevity and innovation can coexist.
In a world of constant change and disruption is the norm, reaching 80 years is no small feat. But Wema Bank has done more than simply endure; it has evolved, adapted, and led. With each passing decade, it has redefined what relevance means in Nigerian banking, proving that longevity and innovation can coexist. Today, Wema Bank is a rare breed: a heritage institution that feels young, energetic, and deeply attuned to the future.
Its transformation wasn’t a moment. It was a series of bold, visionary decisions made by leaders who understood that the bank’s best days could still lie ahead. Decisions grounded in culture, powered by technology, and driven by people willing to do the hard, unglamorous work of building something better. One of those people is Oluwole Ajimisinmi, now Deputy Managing Director of Wema Bank, and one of the few still standing from the original team that began reshaping the bank in 2009.
Before his title carried the weight of national business directorates, compliance oversight, and recovery portfolios, Ajimisinmi was a legal practitioner navigating a bold transition from Skye Bank. “I joined as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser,” he recalled. “Wema was in a complicated situation. So, a group of new investors took over, and I was part of that team. We resumed in June 2009.”
He met a system weighed down by inertia and neglect, a far cry from the vibrant, dynamic institution Wema Bank is today. The office environment was bleak, with outdated facilities and a workforce that had grown tired, both in spirit and in age. “My first day was quite eventful. The office had purple cubicles and poor lighting. It didn’t feel like a bank that was ready for the future. And then I saw someone making noodles with boiling rings in one of the offices. Coming from another bank, it was a shock.”
Yet, within that crumbling infrastructure lay the DNA of something worth saving. Despite the turbulence, some of the bank’s most loyal clients stayed on. Their continued faith served as a quiet but powerful endorsement. It signaled that the brand still carried weight, even in its lowest moments. It was proof that beneath the surface, Wema Bank still had trust, goodwill, and a legacy that could be rebuilt. “We had major clients like Toyota that stayed with us,” he said. “That was important. It meant people still believed in the brand.”
The bank’s new management team, which included Ajimisinmi, Segun Oloketuyi (who was MD/CEO from 2009 to 2018), Ademola Adebise (then Executive Director and later MD from 2018 to 2023), and Taiwo Adeniji (formerly Executive Director), knew there was no shortcut to renewal. The first step was to overhaul not just what the bank looked like, but what it stood for. That meant shedding its legacy image and reengineering everything from staff composition to customer perception.
“Wema had to stop being your grandfather’s bank. It had to start being your go-to bank,” Ajimisinmi said. The key to that rebirth was a generational shift in the workforce. In 2009, the average age of Wema Bank staff was over 48. Many were skilled but risk-averse, accustomed to analog processes in a rapidly digitizing world. The leadership made the difficult decision to rejuvenate the workforce; transitioning out older staff, attracting younger talent, and betting big on youth potential. “The average age of Wema’s staff in 2009 was 48 years. It was clear that we couldn’t drive change if we had an aging workforce,” Ajimisinmi said. “We went through a process with management and HR who helped us go through it. We started infusing younger staff into the bank. And as time went on, we also had a way of weeding people out. It was a very painful process.” That call paid off. The average staff age is now under 30, and that youth-driven culture fuels Wema’s forward momentum.
But youth alone wasn’t enough. To match the mindset shift, the bank needed an operational revolution. Ajimisinmi shared, “We had to do a lot of work, starting with the core banking application. The policies and processes were very archaic. So, we had to do a re-engineering process. That helped us define new processes and policies that Wema is running on today.” The re-engineering sparked a full-scale process overhaul, from compliance to service delivery. The leadership established a Program Management Office (PMO) that became instrumental, serving as the coordination hub for modernizing policies, processes, and infrastructure across the bank. Archaic legacy systems gave way to streamlined operations and scalable platforms that could support the bank’s ambitions.
The turning point came with the launch of ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank, in 2017. ALAT didn’t just introduce a new product. It changed the perception
“Wema’s financial trajectory tells the rest of the story. In 2009, when Ajimisinmi joined, the bank had a N66 billion negative capital and a N37 billion overdrawn account with the Central Bank of Nigeria. By 2024, the bank had grown to the point where it recorded N102 billion profit before tax, a 133.84 per cent increase on the previous year. This was not a spike, but a steady, strategic climb built over years of discipline and daring.”
Indomie Honours Mothers in New Initiative
Popular noodles brand, Indomie has launched a special Mother’s Day campaign, ‘Show Some Love to Mum’, in commemoration of Mother’s day celebration. The campaign executed in Lagos, recently, combined both technology and on-ground engagement to honor mothers nationwide.
It highlights the resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love of Nigerian mothers, using AI technology,
which enabled users to generate personalized video messages for their mothers.
Through an interactive online platform, mothers were able to receive AI-generated video greetings from notable celebrities, including Shaffy Bello, Bimbo Ademoye, and Akinyemi Omotayo.
Regional Brand Manager of Indomie, Ibrahim Isa stated that the company’s goal transcends the traditional approach to Mother’s Day celebrations, by offering an experience both emotional and
memorable.
of the entire institution. “Nobody believed that we could revolutionize the banking industry through the introduction of digital,” Ajimisinmi recalled with a smile. “ALAT changed the bank’s profile. The introduction of ALAT wiped away all the old narratives about Wema being old, aged, or archaic.” ALAT marked Wema’s coming-of-age in digital banking, but more importantly, it symbolized the bank’s capacity for reinvention. Not just once, but consistently.
That spirit of reinvention continues. As the bank marks 80 years, it’s preparing to launch for an experience built on everything they’ve learned so far, with a promise to “wow the industry” once again. Wema also recently introduced ALAT Xplore, a platform for teenagers and young adults to begin their financial journeys early. These moves aren’t just about new markets, they’re about future-proofing the institution, one digital step at a time.
Still, all the innovation in the world means little without a culture to support it. That’s why the leadership invested heavily in cultural transformation. In 2020, Wema Bank established its Corporate University, Purple Academy, and strengthened its Learning and Development team to focus on training and empowering its staff. They ensured that KPIs, scorecards, and clear accountability were built into the process. Over the years, the academy has helped to raise performance across the board and was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Global CCU Awards. “We made performance a language,” Ajimisinmi said. “Everybody began to understand that we’re here to deliver results, not just show up.” That shared purpose created a new rhythm inside the bank - a rhythm built around excellence, ownership, and impact. Looking back, Ajimisinmi doesn’t talk about personal accolades. He talks about pride; pride in what the bank has become, pride in being part of something bigger. “There’s a sense of fulfillment knowing that Wema didn’t die on our heads,” he said. “What we met was tough. But what we’ve built is resilient, dynamic, and ready for the next 80 years.”
Wema’s financial trajectory tells the rest of the story. In 2009, when Ajimisinmi joined, the bank had a N66 billion negative capital and a N37 billion overdrawn account with the Central Bank of Nigeria. By 2024, the bank had grown to the point where it recorded N102 billion profit before tax, a 133.84 per cent increase on the previous year. This was not a spike, but a steady, strategic climb built over years of discipline and daring. That kind of growth doesn’t happen because of luck or even ambition. It happens because of leadership that sees further than today.
And for all their bold decisions, the biggest one might have been this: to believe. To believe that a legacy brand could change its story. To believe that young people could lead. To believe that innovation could live inside an 80-year-old institution. “It was never just about the money,” Ajimisinmi said. “It was about the legacy. Wema was midwifed from the Southwest. Generations have sacrificed for this bank. So when you’re called to serve it, you don’t just show up. You give it everything.”
That’s the rebirth code. Quiet resilience. Loud results. And a future that’s already unfolding from the inside out.
“The use of AI allowed us to deliver deeply personal messages that resonated with mothers, making them feel uniquely seen and appreciated”, he stated.
Additionally, the on-site celebration saw mothers treated to curated goody bags and warm recognition from the Indomie team.
Isa remarked further that the initiative reinforced the company’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and emotional connection with consumers.
“This campaign was our way of giving back to them, and the reception we received affirms the importance of celebrating these remarkable women,” he said.
Osidi
Labake Fasogbon
Trailblazer at Harvard: Olanrewaju- Smart’s Silent Rise in Policy Impact
In 2022, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, was named youngest Chief of Staff in the history of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, working with former Speaker of the 9th House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. He is presently a Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Intergovernmental Affairs. The young and amiable egghead currently thrives at Harvard, where he is preparing for global challenges, writes Shola Oyeyipo
Just as prominent sports personalities won’t do so well without their unseen technical crews, who work at the background to bring out the best in many known stars, there are so many talented brains working tirelessly behind the scenes to help many Nigerian politicians develop ideas thatevolve into many of the government policies that impact lives. Most of these persons are hardly mentioned or known.
One of such eggheads is an unassuming personality, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, who worked in the legislature before joining the executive arm. He would probably have gone unnoticed were it not that he worked very closely with the media during Hon. Gbajabiamila’s days as a member representing Surulere I federal constituency and throughout the period he served as the speaker, House of Representatives.
Olanrewaju Smart started with the House of Representatives committee on Education in 2011 and adhoc committee on fuel subsidy in 2012. He rose to prominence in 2022 as the youngest Chief of Staff in the history of Nigeria’s House of Representatives at 36, having started his career as an unpaid intern before advancing through various legislative positions.
His career included serving as Research and Media Assistant, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff to the Speaker in both Nigeria’s 9th and 10th House of Representatives.
As Chief of Staff, many legislations passed through the scrutiny of this official who also managed diverse interests of legislators from the 360 federal constituencies in the country.
Curiously, Olanrewaju-Smart is the first chief of staff to serve two Speakers - Femi Gbajabiamila and Abbas Tajudeen.
Smart’s expertise spans public relations, political engagement, legislative relations, educational management, civic tech and public policy. Smart, as he is better known in the political and policy circles, now holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Lead City University and a master’s degree in public administration, specialising in public policy, social impact and civic tech from Harvard University in 2025, Edward Mason Fellowship in Public Policy Management and Certificate in Management, Leadership and Decision Sciences at Harvard Kennedy School.
He is also presently a Harvard Cross-Registrant at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Artificial Intelligence -MIT 15. 622 - Law of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Social Media and MIT 8.397 - Leadership -LEAPS.
He obtained a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations and was a recipient of the United States of America - Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Exchange (IVLP) fellowship Programme in 2014.
At Harvard where he is presently studying, as a mark of his commitment to leadership skills, he has been named Sector Chairman on Social Justice of the Student-led Business and Government Professional Interest Council (B&G PIC) at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Something very remarkable about this very enigmatic young man has been his silent but salient contributions to policy design in Nigeria.
Notable among such was his contribution to the development and legislative drafting of the country’s interest-free student loan system under the sponsorship of Gbajabiamila. The idea was simply to increase access to higher education in Africa’s most populous nation.
His passion for improving the Nigerian educational system went as far back as his undergraduate days when in 2009, he invented a grade point simulator that enabled students to digitally calculate their GPAs and set academic targets, addressing transparency concerns in manual calculation methods.
With his supervision, several landmark projects were implemented in Lagos State, particularly Surulere I federal constituency, where Gbajabiamila represented. These projects included infrastructure development, education initiatives, healthcare improvements, tech education, and social welfare programmes, in reflection of the former speaker’s commitment to grassroots governance.
As a reliable mentee to the former speaker and the Nigerian President, Olanrewaju-Smart helped to oversee the successful execution of numerous notable projects such as road rehabilitations, school renovations, provision of renewable energy solutions, hospitals, ICT centers, education and
health grants.
Also included were strategic empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering youth and women development, thereby solidifying the federal government’s presence in the constituency and ensuring that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remained the dominant and acceptable party in the constituency and the state at large.
Asked what he considers his greatest public service achievement, Olanrewaju-Smart said: “One of my proudest achievements was contributing to the initiation process and passage of the interest-free Student Loan Act, making higher education more accessible to Nigerian students.”
According to him, “From 2013, when it was first sponsored by Rt.Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and repeated legislation in the 8th and 9th assemblies, the drive to see indigent students pull through their education without financial hindrances has been topmost on my mind.
brand new car
L-R: Head of Aurora Tech Award; inDrive; Isabella Ghassemi-Smith; winner; Aurora Tech Award 2025 and founder; Hervest Fintech; Solape Akinpelu; and Senior Director of Operations Excellence and Sustainability; inDrive; Asya Vildt; during the presentation of the $30; 000 grand prize to the winner at the grand finale event held in Cairo; Egypt...recently
L-R: Senior Brand and Customer Service Manager, Fatgbems Group, Azeez Adeosun, The Paramount Ruler of Ancient Owu Kingdom, HRM, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola V11, Chief Operating Officer, Fatgbems Group, Ayodele Odulaja and The Principal Manager, Admin and Facility, Gbenga Solaja during the distribution of Food Palliative to over 5000 beneficiaries in Ogun State...recently
L-R: Managing Director/CEO, House of Dorcas Integrated Services (HDI), Ms. Ololade Adeneye; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde; Vice President 3, National Cotton Traders Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), Alhaji Muinzeli Dayyab and Minister of State for Industry, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, during a stakeholders meeting on the cotton investment, textile and Garment Industry in Abuja....recently
L-R; Head Corporate Affairs Department, FCCPC, Ukason Henry; Chief Information Officer, Coronation Insurance Plc, Nelson Madu; Executive Director, Technical, Coronation Insurance Plc, Adewale Adeneye; MD /CEO, Coronation Life Assurance Limited. Adebowale Adesona; Grand Prize Winner, Gold Imo Njy; Zonal Coordinator, South West Zone, FCCPC, Margaret Aboluwade; Head of Operations, Coronation Insurance Plc, Nneka Nath-Ude; at the official presentation of a
to the raffle draw winner of insure and win promo in Lagos. … recently
with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874
How Food Vendors Can Navigate Rising Cost
Agriculture stakeholders in the country recently, projected a new wave of food price increase by mid-2025, following increased food imports in 2024.
The implication of this development can be best imagined on not just consumers, but restaurant operators across all tiers, who are yet to rebound from the effects of overarching economic policies that that have made edibles a luxury.
Already, across the country, there have been reports of low patronage of ready to eat food both in local streets buka and established food brands.
Operators blame this trend on skyrocketing food inflation that followed the economic policies of present administration which impacted prices of raw staples, consequently, a raised price in final menu.
rose by 97 percent year-on-year from November 2023 to 2024.
This development has forced many Nigerians to adjust to cooking their meals, once they found out that eating satisfactorily in a restaurant has become a utopian quest, unless they will be spending a fortune.
For instance, Mr. Segun Audu works with one of the new generation banks in Victoria Island, Lagos. quick-service restaurants for brunch and lunch. Later on as prices rose, he and his colleagues scouted and located a local restaurant operator, better known as ‘mama put’ whose menu items relatively sold cheaper.
to the office, citing how even mama put food was no longer sustaining, except he spends far above his budget.
“I could not cope with buying food again after mama put’ started selling in portions, where a tiny spoon costs N300. To feel satisfied, I need at least 7 portions, along with other items to balance the meal.
This means I’d be spending like N5,000 at a sitting, and if I eat twice a day, that’s N10,000. Doing this daily will tell on my take home, and certainly affect other household expenses”, he said.
Audu’s decision like many others, on the other hand, translates to profit stagnation for operators, and in extreme cases, business exit.
This has been the frustration of a number of food vendors, amid fluctuations and uncertainty that define the economy. A local buka operator at Agege, Lagos, Mrs Funmi Ogunyemi, who used to cook a half bag of rice in a day, now struggles to retail a quarter bag within same period without grappling unsold stock.
She said, “It’s been really tough lately as we battle pepper, oil, even workers and rent, amongst others,
OTHER BUSINESS STORIES
it’s not possible we retain old prices except we are merely operating as charity. Our customers are priced out, and it’s heartbreaking seeing fewer people walk in everyday. I no longer cook the usual quantity I used to. The battle for survival has been real, I am seriously considering selling other items, alongside food to gain some financial stability”.
Amid challenges, some players are thriving, which the DMD of Chicken Republic, owned by Food Concept, Ibikunle Oriola, credited to innovation and sacrifice.
He affirmed the challenge of drop in sales cut across, affecting both the underdog and the incumbent, while he highlighted some strategies to break even.
These tactics listed below, according to him have kept his employer, Chicken Republic on track so far:
Give Back to Customers
In times of rising food inflation, one effective strategy for food vendors is to give back to customers and show empathy by sharing in their struggles. This can take the form of loyalty discounts, occasional free add-ons, or community support initiatives. Such gestures build customer loyalty and trust which can drive repeat business even when times are tough. This can also be a free powerful marketing tool.
Share Burden with Customers
Rather than passing the full brunt of economic situation onto customers through sharp price increases, vendors can absorb part of the cost themselves to keep their offerings accessible. While this might tighten margins in the short term, maintaining customer volume and goodwill can ensure long-term profitability. This balancing act reflects a deeper financial strategy where short-term sacrifices help preserve a stable customer base, thereby reducing the risk of business downturn due to customer attrition.
Prepay Suppliers to Hedge Price Hikes
Adjusting working capital strategies is another critical move. Vendors can opt to pay ahead for supplies when prices are stable or expected to rise, locking in lower costs and safeguarding themselves from future spikes. This proactive approach to managing supplier relationships and payments ensures that sudden inflation does not disrupt their ability to deliver consistent quality or pricing. It’s a strategic deployment of capital that
Manage Input Cost
Food vendors can actively manage the cost of their inputs. This involves renegotiating with suppliers,
ensure that rising costs are dealt with intelligently customers.
21st Century Technologies, Sweden Forge Partnership to advance Green Technology
In an expansion drive, Nigerian tech and infrastructure giant, 21st Century Technologies, has inked a new deal with Epicenter Sweden to drive innovation in sustainable energy, technology, open innovation and eco-friendly infrastructure in the country.
This collaboration is expected to birth the establishment of a world-class Epicentre in 21st Century facility in Lagos, positioned to become a hub for research, renewable energy deployment, and smart infrastructure development.
The partnership was sealed in 21st Century headquarters in Lagos, recently by the duo of Crown Princess of Sweden, Technologies Limited, Wale Ajisebutu during Sweden-Nigeria in Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Impact’.
Nigeria, representing government, industry, and academia who came together to explore opportunities in digital infrastructure, sustainability, and renewable energy.
The partnership will be leveraging Sweden’s expertise and innovation in clean technology, combined with 21st Century’s robust infrastructure, extensive network, and deep understanding of the Nigerian market to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transfer, technology exchange, and capacity building.
partnership to include power generation through renewable energy, wind turbines, green technology incubation, and digital innovation, amongst others.
He stated that the development marked an extraordinary moment in the company’s journey to forging robust infrastructure for the future.
“This partnership aligns with our objective to build digital and customers, with sustainabilty at the heart of our activities.
Also commenting, Sweden’s Désiré highlighted urgent need to accelerate green transition, stating that the success of this drive will require bold action, innovation, as well as cooperation.
“It is truly inspiring to see Nigerian and Swedish companies joining forces – co-developing solutions, sharing expertise and through business partnerships alone. That is why I am pleased to see our industries working closely with academia and civil society. Sustainable solutions are already emerging in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, and transport and thanks to this collaboration, I look forward to seeing even more in the near future”, she stated.
Nigeria, China Partnership to Accelerate Digital Economy Growth
Nigeria and China are deepening their relationship with a renewed focus on accelerating the growth of the company’s digital economy.
This commitment was underscored during a recent visit by a high-level delegation from Chinese technology and innovation hub, Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, to the Nigeria-China Strategic
The delegation, led by Executive Secretary-General of the association, Mr. Shi Qilin, engaged in discussions with Director-General of the NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
Notably, the talks centered on leveraging China’s
scale up Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and overall digital economy.
technological achievements to provide localized industrial needs.
Moreso, it was projected to stimulate job creation, skills of the local workforce through integrated industry-education programs, and ultimately boost economic prosperity across the country.
Shi, highlighted the industrial and technological advancements within the Zhongguancun Infovalley Science and Technology Park, noting the group’s 25-year track record of establishing 50 successful parks across China, and plans
to replicate the model in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria.
“The goal is to provide localized industrial and agricultural solutions, create jobs, and empower local talent through industry-education integration. Our focus is not just on investment, but also on building lasting systems that strengthen local economies”, he said.
Tegbe, reiterated Nigerian government’s readiness for collaboration, highlighting the opportunities for Chinese investors in critical infrastructure sectors, including renewable energy and electric vehicles.
“As discussions progress, we are optimistic that this partnership will not only accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy but also open new chapters in economic diplomacy and sustainable development”, he said.
Indomie Honours Mothers in New Initiative
Popular noodles brand, Indomie has launched a special Mother’s Day campaign, ‘Show Some Love to Mum’, in commemoration of Mother’s day celebration.
The campaign executed in Lagos, recently, combined both technology and on-ground engagement to honor mothers nationwide.
love of Nigerian mothers, using AI technology, which enabled users to generate personalized video messages for their mothers.
Through an interactive online platform, mothers were able to receive AI-generated video greetings from notable Akinyemi Omotayo.
stated that the company’s goal transcends the traditional experience both emotional and memorable.
“The use of AI allowed us to deliver deeply personal messages that resonated with mothers, making them
feel uniquely seen and appreciated”, he stated.
Additionally, the on-site celebration saw mothers treated to curated goody bags and warm recognition from the Indomie team.
Isa remarked further that the initiative reinforced the company’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and emotional connection with consumers.
“This campaign was our way of giving back to them, of celebrating these remarkable women,” he said.
Lucky Idike: African Food Festival Will Catalyse Trade, Enhance Unity
What inspired you to create the AfroFlavour Food Festival?
Every day in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, millions of Africans eat an English Breakfast, Chinese lunch and Thai dinner. The question that this realisation inspired, was how many Americans, British or Chinese eat African for breakfast, lunch or dinner? Not anywhere enough. And this is what we want to change. A desire to buy a restaurant abroad, helped me to understand this fact. And that the market for Nigerian and indeed African cuisine is not as wide or deep as say Chinese or Italian cuisine. I realised that an intervention to optimise this was possible and that’s how the AfroFlavour Food Festival was born. The Festival’s objective is Gastrodiplomacy: to present African cuisine to African and non- African audiences in a fun filled, family friendly Festival atmosphere and let culinary curiosity do the rest. Our very first event was a collaboration with our partner, the Nigerian Center DC to curate the Nigerian experience at #PassportDc 2024 in Washington DC. It was an amazing experience. A global festival of culture with several countries putting on a display of food, fashion, drinks, dance, drama and even cars.
How has this African food festival evolved since its inception?
Well for one, we have slimmed it down. Our first Food Festival proper held in Manchester in July 2024 and we hosted the then Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Hon Lola Ade John, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Lord Lieutenant of Manchester and other dignitaries. It was a 4-day extravaganza that had so many activities packed into it. We have optimised the number of activities subsequently. Other significant changes include more clarity for the journey.
With enhanced clarity, we see now that our platforms will catalyse trade in African food, enhance unity amongst African nations on one hand and African and the world on the other. We have become champions for African Gastrodiplomacy and seek to contribute to shaping Africa’s Gastrodiplomatic policies as we grow. The success of our Food Festivals has encouraged us to activate our other platforms like ‘A Taste of Africa,’ our upcoming Cocktail Reception, in Washington DC on the 23rd of April, 2025, on the sidelines of the World Bank/ IMF Spring Meetings and Flavours of Africa: The South African Edition, holding in Lagos on May 31, 2025. Attendees at Flavours of Africa will enjoy a culinary journey to South Africa without leaving Lagos.
What are the core objectives and mission of the AfroFlavour?
Our core objective at AfroFlavour is to catalyse trade in African cuisine on various levels. For example, we would like to see an African Cuisine Restaurant market size of $10bn by 2035. We would also like to see African spices, seasoning and herbs leading in the seasoning and spices market space globally. We will do this using events (Afroflavour food festivals, Afro Food Business Conferences and exclusive high-level cocktails like A Taste of Africa). We will also use Advocacy (African Cuisine Accords), Media (Flavours of Africa) and Trade (African Export Pavillion) to mobilise public and private sector resources to achieve our objective. For more information, visit our website or our instagram page.
In what ways does this programme benefit local African food vendors, chefs, and entrepreneurs?
Our Gastrodiplomacy is growing consumption of African cuisine by nonAfricans: and inspiring new entrepreneurs to enter the space and drive innovation.
This yields great benefits to all players in the African food value chain. Farmers, traders, food processors, chefs and food vendors (from street food to fine dining) benefit. Imagine what increased consumption of African cuisine in Asia, America, Europe and the UK would do for all the players along the value chain. Massive growth. Improved access to global markets. Increased play in global markets. We are also working to improve visibilty for African chefs and their creations with our upcoming African Cuisine Awards which will put global spotlight on the African cuisine and celebrate Individuals, Corporations and Institutions that have worked to promote African Cuisine. Stay tuned for more on this in Q4 2025.
Why hosting an African food festival in Washington? Washington is the capital of the world for diplomacy, government amongst others. In April this year, it will host the World Bank Spring Meetings. Afroflavour and our partners Swahili Village and Zend Capital will be
putting on A Taste of Africa. An exclusive, hihg-level Cocktail Reception that will showcase cuisine fron North, South, East and West Africa to a multi-cultural audience. The Mauritanian Embassy in DC are laying on a full Mauritanian buffet in support of our vision for African cuisine. Many thanks to HE Cisse Boide, Mauritanian Ambassador to the US.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of this initiative?
An African proverb says if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We are building a global community that we call “AfroLovers”. Lovers of all things African. The future of this initiative is a global AfroLovers community, numbering in the hundreds of millions connected by a love for African cuisine, fashion, art, dance, film, music, drama and other cultural expressions out of Africa. Trade running into hundreds of billions as AfroLovers buy and sell all these cultural elements underpinned by a huge global acceptance of African food with AfroFlavour Food Festivals franchises running in many major cities across the world.
Funmi Osineye: Nestle Products Promote Nigeria’s Food, Beverage Tourism
Can you tell us about the Operators and Attendants’ engagement put together by Nestle?
This initiative, we call it MYCWBU, which is simply my own business. It’s an initiative that Nestle does to empower young people and to make them financially independent. We started this programme more than 15, 20 years ago, but it keeps expanding. As you can see, these are really very young youths and what we just do is to empower them. When you see some Nescafe pushcarts on the road, these are the people that are behind it. Wake up very early in the morning, get about the day, get all the things together and go sell in very high traffic bus terminals. And these are people that, a lot of times are rushing out in the morning so you don’t have time to prepare that cup of coffee. It might even be very cold in the morning. These are the people that would serve you on that journey and give you a hot cup of coffee. So this is like an empowerment programme by Nestle just to empower and make them more financially independent. I tell you, a lot of people have been in this business for a very long time.
We will see some people that have been here more than 15, 20 years doing this business and they’re not just doing it, they’re happy doing it because they’re economically active. They’re able to provide and fend for their families. Some of them are sending their children and their families
relative to school. Some have even built houses. So it’s just a way of empowering people generally and taking people off the streets and making them active.
Lookingattherateofunemploymentinthe country, especiallyamongtheyouths,howis Nestlebridgingthisgapwiththisprogramme. How many people do you have?
In Lagos, for example, we have more than 400 of those people. I mean, every corner of Lagos, you see them. And it’s not just in Lagos, we have them pan-Nigeria. You go to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, everywhere you see them. In total, we have more than 1,500 attendants that does this every day. It’s not just the push cart, there are some of the ladies that are not able to push the cart that use what we call shoulder kits. They just put it on
their chest and move around. It’s easier to move around highly crowded places to serve people. So a total of more than 1,500 that does this every day, every day of the week.
Lookingattheexpansion,what’sthefigure you intend to reach?
As many as possible. It keeps expanding. A lot of times it’s season dependent. Sometimes when it is rainy season, some of them go for farming and they come back again. It’s something that keeps improving and expanding every time that we go into it.
Looking at the figure of unemployment, to what extent does Nestle want to help to bridge this gap?
I think this is the little we can do as an organisation that food and beverage tourism in Nigeria. We can’t do it all. But the little we can do in terms of empowering people, this is why we are doing it. Not just only in Nescafe, we also have the food series that we do where we get food vendors, caterers, more locals and all those people together, and we empower them. We get resource people to talk to them about getting their business better and giving them the resources, they need to become better. It’s not just on the beverage side, also on the food side, which is the Maggi side as well, we empower people. This is all done for people that sell out of the home. So caterers, event planners, people that have, even if you have an umbrella and a cooler just by the roadside, we also ensure that we carry them along.
Sowhat’stheadvicetopeoplethatarestill waitingforwhite-collarjobs?
It’s not everybody that works in an office. So the little you have, make the best use of it. And those jobs behind you, it starts little. Every step of the way, you become better at what you do. I’m enjoining everybody out there, not to wait until they get that white-collar job. What is your passion?
What is something that you desire to achieve or that you love doing? You can start there. Start small and in no time, it becomes big.
Oneoftheattendantssaidyoudon’tneed money to start this. Yes.
So how does it work?
For this initiative, you don’t need anything at all. What you just need to do is identify an operator, which is a kitchen. Go to them, tell them that you are willing, and medically fit to be able to do the work. And what they do is they give you those push cart or shoulder kits and they give you the product and the one that will boil the water, they give you all the things, the flask and everything that you need.
What you just do is remit the money at the end of the day. So you’re expected to sell between 60 to 70 cups daily and there’s a profit margin on every cup they sell. So that profit margin is what comes to their own pocket.
What’s the nutritional value of the Nescafe? It keeps you awake. It’s like a sensory thing that gets you awake, activated. Some people, if they don’t take a cup of coffee in the morning, they are not fully at alert to do whatever they want to do.
Intermsofsustainability,howdoyouhandle thingslikecupsandothermaterialstheyuse. You would notice that most of the people that came here today, came in with wrappers. This is the first of its kind that we’re doing. And it’s really more about cleaning up, not littering wherever. You know, they sell in public places, we say that rather than litter where you are selling, pick those things up and bring it to us. We have a partnership with WeCyclers, where we’ll give it to them for recycling purposes. It’s our own little way of cleaning up in the environment in this climate change discussion that we’re all having, and it’s impacting everyone one way or the other.
Osineye
Idike
Shettima’s Drive for Human Capital Development
Donatus Eleko
Vice President Kashim Shettima has consistently placed human capital development at the forefront of his public pronouncements.
From addressing economic summits to engaging with educational stakeholders, his comments are saturated with the urgent need to invest in the nation’s most valuable resource: its people.
Indeed, in an increasingly interconnected and knowledgedriven world, the true wealth of any nation lies not just in its natural resources or physical infrastructure, but more profoundly in the capabilities of its people.
Human capital development, encompassing investments in education, health, skills, and overall well-being, is not merely a social good; it is the indispensable engine that drives sustainable economic growth, fosters innovation, and builds resilient and inclusive societies. For any country aspiring to progress in the 21st century, prioritising the development of its human capital is not an option – it is an imperative.
At its core, human capital development directly fuels economic expansion. A well-educated and skilled workforce is more productive, innovative, and adaptable to the demands of a dynamic global market.
Individuals equipped with relevant knowledge and competencies can contribute more effectively to the production of goods and services, leading to higher output and increased national income. For instance, countries that have heavily invested in technical and vocational training often witness a surge in their manufacturing and technology sectors, as a skilled labor pool attracts investment and drives innovation. Moreover, a healthy population experiences fewer lost workdays due to illness, contributing to consistent productivity and economic stability.
Beyond direct economic benefits, human capital development fosters a culture of innovation and technological advancement. A population with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is better equipped to generate new ideas, develop cutting-edge technologies, and adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. This capacity for innovation provides a crucial competitive edge in the global economy, allowing nations to create high-value industries and attract talent and investment. Think of the technological powerhouses around the world; their success is inextricably linked to their commitment to nurturing a highly educated and skilled populace capable of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and invention.
No doubt, Shettima continues to emphasise that Nigeria’s demographic dividend, its youthful population brimming with potential, needs to be properly nurtured.
He emphasises that without nurturing this potential, the nation risks transforming its demographic dividend into a demographic disaster. He calls for a paradigm shift, advocating for investments in education, healthcare, and vocational training as the bedrock for sustainable economic growth and social stability.
Furthermore, he has continued to articulate a clear vision: a Nigeria where its citizens are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the 21st-century global economy.
He continuously speaks of fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for human capital to flourish. This vision, if realised, could indeed unlock Nigeria’s vast potential and propel it towards
a brighter future.
This Shettima reiterated during the week in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when he launched the state’s National Human Capital Development (HCD) Accelerator Project and the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategy.
He reiterated the country’s resolve to be positioned among the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by the year 2030.
This, according to the vice president can be achieved by enhancing the nation’s workforce capabilities and improving socio-economic outcomes.
Following the launch ceremony, the Vice President inspected ongoing work at several ARISE HCD projects, including model primary schools and the ARISE Park, an innovative environmental reclamation project.
Shettima, commended the state government for becoming the first to implement the national blueprint across all local government areas, noting that successful policies must be rooted in grassroots implementation.
“Every policy or programme that intervenes in the life of our people can only succeed if it’s rooted in the grassroots. The true wealth of any nation lies in the certainty of its human capital: the education of its children, the health of its citizens, and the productivity of its workforce,” Shettima said. The Vice President explained that the federal government has already introduced a second phase of the National Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0), which builds on previous efforts with a greater focus on integration.
“At its core, HCD 2.0 is about integration and impact. It is built on the foundation of HCD 1.0 but goes further to incorporate cross-cutting themes. What Akwa Ibom State has shown us here isn’t just progress. It’s leadership,” he said.
Shettima emphasised the importance of data-driven
Nigeria’s Oil Sector and the Very Bad People
Ihave read a number of compelling accounts that depict the unfortunate state of Nigeria’s oil sector, but none does so with as much piercing clarity as ‘Very Bad People’ by Patrick Alley.
This non-fiction work explores how powerful individuals and corporations have systematically exploited vulnerable nations for profit, often with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities. Is there a more fitting example than Nigeria - a country endowed with immense oil wealth, yet mired in mass poverty, with only a select few reaping the rewards?
In Nigeria, proximity to power or a fortuitous appointment to public office can turn individuals into instant billionaires, complete with private jets and opulent lifestyles - all while doing little or nothing of substance.
We witness a system where billions of dollars are allocated for the so-called “turn-around maintenance” of oil facilities, yet no tangible outcome is achieved. Where people serve as Group CEOs of dormant, moribund companies, drawing enormous salaries from recurrent expenditure without delivering any value. Even more baffling is the case of a state corporation, built to refine petroleum products, now functioning primarily as an importer - despite the billions spent to revive our state-owned refineries. In a country that consumes an average of 30 million litres of petrol daily, we somehow manage to import over 600 million litres, with subsidies paid on every litre.
Even with an insufficient storage capacity, documents have surfaced alleging imports of over four billion litres - a figure that defies both logic and logistics.
This is a system where regulators lack basic testing infrastructure, or worse still, blatantly ignore their own rules. Where the laws of the land are deliberately bent to favour importers, while environmental and health standards are consistently compromised. Various investigations - both domestic and international - have repeatedly laid bare the extensive corruption entrenched in Nigeria’s oil sector. Government-led probes have done the same. Yet, those implicated remain undeterred, continuing their deceit with impunity. No sectoral investigation in Nigeria has ever been as sordid as those linked to oil; the revelations are too grim to believe, yet tragically accurate.
It is a national shame that despite possessing the much-coveted Bonny Light crude -highly prized for its low sulphur content and high yield - Nigeria remains a dumping ground for carcinogenic, low-quality petroleum products. The environmental and human cost has been catastrophic. We still recall the notorious ‘foul fuel’ scandal of 1997 that wrecked countless vehicle engines. Similar incidents followed in 2008 and again in 2022, when off-spec petrol wreaked havoc on homes and vehicles nationwide. Ironically, the regulators - the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) - alongside the main importer, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), stood
policy implementation, announcing the launch of an HCD Dashboard to monitor key indicators with precision.
“We are deploying data not for reports, but for results. Because behind every number is a story: a child not vaccinated, a mother lost to childbirth, a youth with promise but no pathway.
“These are not mere statistics. They are realities. And we must confront them with urgency and compassion,” he stated. “With an under-five mortality rate of 80, compared to the national average of 110, and with only 3.5 percent of primary-age children out of school—far below the national average of 25.6 percent—your state is not merely compliant with our national vision. You are ahead of the curve,” he added.
As part of the national strategy, the federal government also unveiled Project Fuuku, a clean cookstove initiative that expands on a successful pilot in Nasarawa State.
“This intervention is more than a public health measure. It is a gender-sensitive, climate-conscious strategy that saves lives, preserves forests, and uplifts rural women burdened by indoor pollution and fuel scarcity,” Shettima explained.
To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives beyond political terms, the Vice President announced plans to institutionalise an HCD Fund.
According to him: “We are working to institutionalise the HCD Fund—to ensure that, no matter who occupies these offices tomorrow, the investments we make in people today will endure.
“If we must meet our target of reaching a Human Capital Index score of 0.6 and becoming a top-80 nation globally by 2030, we must act with boldness. Implementation must be swift. Data must guide us.
“Financing must be innovative. There’s no legacy that surpasses that of building our people. There’s no monument that would outlive the legacies of health, education, and opportunity.”
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State said human capital development was the bedrock of sustainable development, assuring that the state would continue to invest and collaborate with the National Coordinator of Human Capital Development in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the state government would send an Executive Bill to the state House of Assembly to domesticate the human capital development programme and assured that the state would continue to work with the Office of the Vice President to ensure that the programme scales down to local government councils.
Eno, commended the Vice President for putting together the building blocks of the initiative and leading its implementation and delivery frontally.
“We are thrilled that our state was selected as the first for the launch of this programme. This has further reinforced the fact that the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu doesn’t play politics with development, and this we deeply appreciate,” the Governor added. Also speaking, National Coordinator of Human Capital Development in Nigeria and Special Adviser to the President on NEC, Rukaiya El-Rufai, said Nigeria ranked 168 out of 174 countries in the human capital development index.
On that basis, she recalled that an emergency National Economic Council (NEC) was held in 2018, with some key donors in attendance, where the Council members, including all the state governors, made a firm commitment to the development of a human capital programme.
idle. It was only when the Netherlands and Belgium, appalled by the consequences, banned their ports from exporting such substandard products to Nigeria and the West African region, that a marginal shift occurred, as the cabals found solace in Malta. Should it then come as a surprise when former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, brazenly described Nigerian crude as “Lamborghini crude”, only to assert that it was not economically viable for Nigerians to enjoy such quality because “Nigerians are driving Keke-NAPEP”?
That statement, made before an international audience at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ conference in Lagos - ironically themed “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” -epitomised the tragic absurdity of Nigeria’s oil sector.
This is what a nation of over 220 million people - the so-called Giant of Africa - has been reduced to: a “Keke economy”. A country blessed with Lamborghini-level crude oil, yet condemned to survive on tricycle-grade petrol, thanks to the greed of the “very bad people”.
Thankfully, with the advent of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Nigerians are now gaining access to premium refined products, which have also garnered international demand. Left to some persons, Nigerians would have continued to receive only the most inferior of fuels, despite sitting on a vast pool of high-quality crude. Kyari’s notorious “Keke-NAPEP” remark showcased disdain for the plight of everyday Nigerians - people forced to bear the brunt of systemic failure and elite avarice.
Abiodun, a communications specialist writes from Lagos
Shettima
Abiodun Alade
BACKPAGE CONTINUATION
BEFORE ZULUM GETS TOO EXCITED
or another. And that it what have now turned out to be, three and a half years down the road.
Here is the caption of a BBC story arising from Governor Zulum’s recent outcry about the resurrection of unmanageable criminality and disruptive kidnapping industry: “Nigerian Governor warns of Boko Haram Comeback”. The question not raised, and therefore not reported upon, is “Are there actions by the state government, besides the challenges facing military and security authorities, that led to the comeback?”
Those who may be quick to ask: “How could any actions, or inactions, of the state government have helped create any of the problems on the ground at the moment?”
Should consider the following. At the time governor Zulum was receiving repentant Boko Haram insurgents a few years ago, some of us were warning the state about the possible future challenges that might arise therefrom. At the time the Borno State, in collaboration with some agencies of government, was announcing successful deradicalization programmes, some of us were crying ‘foul’ and pointing out that it would all eventually lead to an unsustainable living environment in Borno State.
Today, the chickens are all coming home to roost.
When, as member of a team from the Centre for Crisis Communication, we organized a programme on for all military, security and paramilitary personnel in Borno State about ten years ago, the Shehu of Borno raised serious issues about what he called “the pretense that a confirmed serial murderer who even killed his neighbour’s parents will suddenly change after spending two weeks half-listening to some people in an overcrowded hall”. This was during our courtesy visit to his palace, where he received us with all the members of his traditional council.
He noted with dismay the undue attention being given to the perpetrators of heinous crimes, while their victims who need rehabilitation are neglected. “Who told you they have changed in any way?”, he quipped at some point during the visit. For him, the actions of government needed some input from the traditional institutions that could be the link for lasting peace
Regarding Zulum’s recent utterances, local regular and digital media had several disconcerting titles and reports, just like that of the BBC. The reports were all in reaction to two developments, namely (1) Zulum’s justified outcry about increasing insecurity in his state and (2) Zulum’s reaction to a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation on the matter of security challenges in Borno State. All things considered; Governor Zulum may well have been in the news in recent times in the way some of us would have loved for him not to be.
Matters were not helped by the fact that the governor’s own personal utterances including, especially insinuations about the capacity of some principal officers of state at the federal level, were taken up by a few other people around him. These have been mostly strategically unhelpful media interventions, from the angle of effective problem management. As things stand now, Governor Zulum needs to review his understanding of some aspects of the security problems of his state. He should also recalibrate his utterances, especially in connection with the Boko Haram resurgence. The emerging events about which he was raising both hell and dust took a long time in brewing. He can also be calmly described as having inadvertently contributed to the problems he is complaining about. It is true that insurgents who put down their guns deserve both consideration and forgiveness; especially where they are seen to be truly repentant. But, and this is where the problem begins, who is the seer that was consulted to confirm the genuine repentance of those who surrendered? How was it possible that Borno state received repentant
Insurgents by the thousands and yet no one in government got any information about the whereabouts of their leaders, and their strongholds, from these repentants?
The aforementioned article said: “Acceptance, forgiveness and reintegration must be part of a holistic, well-choreographed intervention template”. Concerning the expected benefits of pandering to surrendering insurgents, the article went on to ask: “But what if all we are likely to get out of this is organized Capital Consumption and the opening up of supply lines for relief materials? An unhealthy increase in expenditure and consumption, and the fanning of public ceremonies will not give Borno State any lasting results, or promote Wealth Creation. So, no one should open up massive and unsustainable expenditure headings and leave a mess for Zulum to deal with.
Can we say for sure, today, that anyone really knew why thousands of insurgents suddenly “repented”. Can we say why the rare epidemic of droves of repentants later declined?
The earlier referenced article also observed: “Did the same Boko Haram not once call for a ceasefire, during the tenure of Badeh as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), only to use the period to re-arm and re-group before resuming its attacks? Can Borno State speak of peace when sections of a group that has been living for too long outside the bounds of civility and rationality surrender (possibly) because of hunger, death of munitions, loss of leadership, or leadership acrimony, or all of the above? Are law abiding citizens wrong if they express reservations about having their former feared predators in their midst? Are Nigerians wrong in
As things stand now, Governor Zulum needs to review his understanding of some aspects of the security problems of his state. He should also recalibrate his utterances, especially in connection with the Boko Haram resurgence
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE IN NIGERIA?
disputes, violent clashes between commercial motorcyclists and police officers; killed in the hands of kidnappers, terrorist attacks, deaths due to tanker explosions and fire accidents, communal wars over land and boundary disputes, clashes between farmers, herders, cultists, among several other violent killings. These statistics are alarming. Boko Haram's insurgency has claimed and continues to claim thousands of lives, while banditry and kidnappings have become routine in other parts of the country. As a result of the ongoing incessant killings and communal clashes in various regions of the country, one is forced to ask: What is the actual value of human life in Nigeria? What is driving this disregard for human life? The spate of killings has converted a large number of Nigerians, even within their nation, into refugees and internally displaced persons.
Insecurity has undoubtedly emerged as the biggest problem confronting Nigeria, and its leaders cannot continue to pretend that all is well. Whatever the government seems to be doing to contain this menace is not working, as lives are cut short senselessly daily.
The pervasive insecurity breeds a climate of fear and distrust. It stifles economic growth and hinders social cohesion. How can we build a prosperous and united Nigeria when the lives of the citizens are treated with such apparent disregard? The sheer scale of these atrocities, the brazenness of
the perpetrators, and the often inadequate response from security agencies raise serious questions about the state's capacity and commitment to protecting its citizens.
The underlying socio-economic factors causing the massacre in Plateau, Benue, and other(s)REMOVE states, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, exacerbate conflicts in Nigeria as they keep the economy stuck in a conflict trap. Therefore, investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development is crucial. Reports show that prosperity in the country does not trickle down to a large percentage of the citizens, but remains at the top, where exceptional wealth is growing ever more rapidly. This remains a challenge, and failure to address it is both economically and socially damaging. To reverse this trend, Nigeria’s policymakers need to foster and sustain pro-poor growth and help raise people out of poverty. The country needs to seize its demographic dividend and channel it to positive use. There is also a need for policies to help diversify the economy and create good, productive jobs that offer the best pathways out of poverty.
President Bola Tinubu, on the day of his inauguration in 2023, promised to make security his "top priority." In his inaugural speech, he also promised, among other things, to provide security personnel with better training, equipment, pay, and firepower. This is why he must act beyond
wondering aloud what such persons still really believe and want in the depths of their hearts? It all raises questions about how even the genuinely repentant ones among them are to be properly integrated into civil society”.
Some of the allegedly deradicalized insurgents do not want to return to their former communities, because of the types of heinous crimes they committed before fleeing. Has Zulum ever asked himself what sort of integration could have possibly taken place such that a man who wiped out an entire family, or even several families in a community, returns to the same community? How was Zulum able to confirm the successful deradicalization of those he reintegrated into society? How was the success endeavour measured, and by which team of trauma psychology experts? Is it possible to create a fundamental mind shift for thousands of religiously, politically, culturally and socially disoriented people in a matter of days, or weeks?
How was it possible to quickly find resources to rehabilitate the New Brides, even as some of them were seen almost immediately returning to the forest after a few days, or weeks, of good feeding? So, were they now actually sent to infiltrate the society, towards executing a final onslaught, for a complete takeover?
It is true that the governor was being realistic when he called on all to see the need to “… choose between an endless war or to cautiously accept the surrendered terrorists which is really painful and difficult for anyone that has lost loved ones, difficult for all of us and even for the military whose colleagues have died and for volunteers.” What was his follow-through action, though. Besides the fact that Borno State has been a refugee/insurgents funds absorption basket, the resource going into managing security can be better deployed. So, let Governo Zulum not get too excited, so that he does not end up shooting himself in the foot. Let him use his own records to trace the insurgents he has reintegrated over time, find out their current means of livelihood and what they do with their free time; including taking part in some form of worship. That would be a good way to begin to get a sense of the success or failure of his leadership in this particular regard.
press releases and take concrete action to protect lives and property.
The Tinubu-led administration must also wake up to its responsibility and address the breakdown of law and order in Plateau, Benue, and some other States. Security agencies need to win the confidence of the people by responding to distress calls in a timely manner, to discourage people from resorting to self-help.
State Governors, local government heads, and traditional rulers must also do more to de-escalate tension in their domains and keep talking to those they are leading to always seek redress from appropriate authorities rather than picking up arms.
The mechanism for inter-group dialogue and reconciliation must be restored to help build trust, clarify misunderstandings, and remove negative perceptions and stereotypes.
Another factor responsible for the killings is a lack of political will. Political leaders should be bold enough to address social injustices in the land. Perpetrators of violence should be brought to justice.
The unrestricted and uncontrolled possession and use of arms in the country is also worrisome. A situation whereby herdsmen and other non-state actors move freely with AK-47 is a joke taken too far, as a gun in the wrong hands is only a few seconds away from killing.
The federal government must do all
within its reach to immediately address the arms race going on in the country. The call for the creation of State Police must also be speedily considered.
To significantly reduce avoidable deaths from road accidents and tanker explosions, a multifaceted approach is needed, including improved infrastructure, better training and safety regulations, and public awareness campaigns. This includes focusing on good roads, dedicated fuel tanker routes, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Additionally, investing in railway systems and fuel depots can reduce reliance on road transportation of fuel. Strengthening primary healthcare, addressing social determinants of health, investing in research and innovation, and promoting public awareness campaigns are also very important.
Finally, the incessant killings and communal clashes point to a profound crisis of governance and accountability. The inability of state actors to effectively prevent violence, protect vulnerable communities, and bring perpetrators to justice fosters a climate of lawlessness and emboldens further bloodshed. This failure to uphold the rule of law and ensure the security of citizens directly diminishes the perceived value of human life, signaling a critical need for systemic reforms in security apparatuses, justice systems, and conflict resolution mechanisms to restore faith in the state's capacity to safeguard its populace.
Welcome Event, Not ‘Welcomed’
YOU are welcome: “Lagos commercial bus drivers protest lock up (lock-up) of garage”
“…organizes bully prevention (bully-prevention) training programme”
“…nurtured up to world standard is a testament of (to) your value not only in Ebonyi State but in Nigeria.”
“There is nothing in this country that can give hope to an ordinary man on (in) the street that one day….” The man in the street is inevitably ordinary and, therefore, does not require any worsening embellishment (ordinary) on his unfortunate circumstances!
“State Police: To be or not to be (be?)”
“Tinubu’s wife (First Lady) decries alarming rate of school dropouts among girls in Nigeria” There is only one First Lady in Nigeria—governors’ wives should desist from calling themselves first ladies!
“…which he and his kinsmen (fellow Igbos) (fellow Igbo) initiated by….”
“…willing to fight for the realization of their ideal Sharia ruled (Sharia-ruled) Islamic state.”
Daily Trust front and inside pages of April 3 welcome us this week with this kindergartener goof: “…the first set of casualities was recorded yesterday.” Spell-check: casualties
From the front page to views: “…why did he not use his immense power against few (a few) individuals that want him out….”
“These nouveau riche (nouveaux riches) could channel their resources to insurgency cause if it suits them.”
“This is a welcomed (welcome) development….”
“Dumpsites takeover (take over) Lagos communities”
“Group raises alarm (the alarm) on drug abuse” Incredible! Most Nigerian journalists, particularly reporters and copy editors, do not read hence the recurrence of blunders in the media use of language. It
is indeed a tragedy of gargantuan implications!
“Youth Ministry inaugurates anti corruption (anti-corruption) unit”
Finally from one of the inside pages of Daily Trust under review: “In October 2002, tens of heavily armed members of Islamist militant separatist movement from Chechnya laid siege on (to) the crowded….”
Daily Independent online edition of March 30 posted advertorial and editorial faulty lines: “This is one game we have all been impatiently waiting for and the pride and honour of the nation will be upheld as the Super Eagles knockout (knock out) Ghana.”
Drink (and write) responsibly if you are 18 or above: “To leave your good will (goodwill) messages for the Super Eagles….”
Next is Leadership of April 2 which circulated four blunders: “Altogether, the apex bank said it has (had) observed that….”
“…as some BDCs (BDC) operators are reportedly using foreign exchange purchased from its window to fund unauthorized transactions.”
“For instance, the foreign reserve which early this year was $40bn have (had) fallen to $35bn last month….”
“Beyond this, there is strong indication (a strong indication) that the operation of BDCs has encouraged the dollarisation (dollarization—no spelling variation in this particular etymological circumstance) of the economy and money laundering.”
“MTNF/MUSON Music Scholars (Scholars’) Programme: Applicants who possess the above practical or theory (theoretical) certificates must also satisfy the GCE (O/L) or SSCE requirements.”
(Full-page advertisement by MTN… Everywhere you go!)
“Poor electricity: PENGASSAN calls
for revocation of new DISCOs licenses (DISCO licences)”
“AGF blames N’Assembly over (for/on) delay in implementation of audited Federation Accounts”
“We most sincerely thank God on (for) your aptly deserved recognition….”
“Fondly (Fond) regards from us all.” (Hanging sign-off sentence…!)
Corrigendum: A critical and eagle-eyed reader intervened last week, after some scholasticism, and professorially declared that the phrase ‘nooks and crannies’ exists. This columnist agrees with him based on the revelations of Oxford Learner’s Dictionary (International Student’s Edition) with Compass CD-ROM.
THE NATION of April 2 smuggled in ‘lexical contraband’: “Inhabitants of Totowu Village, Igbesa in Ogun State (another comma) may not be fishermen but they cannot do without canoes as their daily activities revolve around it (them)….”
“Why Ogoni is at logger heads (loggerheads) with Shell”
“…he gives fresh insights on (into) the lingering crisis between Shell and its host community in Ogoni land.”
THE NATION of April 2 offered readers many slip-ups: “Don’t get me wrong, the fashion of yesteryears (yesteryear) was also very interesting, filled with sartorial splendour.”
“…the JNC report would most likely end up in the waste paper basket but the point would have been well made.” An illumination: wastebasket (American English) or wastepaper basket (British English)
Daily Trust of April 9 slipped several times:
“NDLEA arrests food vendor over (for) cocaine in private part”
“…the minister said no fewer than 5.3 million youths are (were) jobless in the country, while 1.8 million graduates enter (entered) the labour market every year.”
“…top shots spill the bean (beans)”
When Nigeria Eats Its Own
It is a sickening script that keeps rewriting itself - more grotesque, more vicious with each iteration. A group of people, angry or afraid or simply bored, descend on one or more persons accused of theft or witchcraft or kidnapping or, recently, dog theft. In the blink of an eye, fists fly, tyres land, petrol splashes, and flames rise. Another life - mostly innocent, often misunderstood - reduced to smoke. Jungle justice is back. Or perhaps, it never truly left.
Take the chilling events of recent weeks. In Uromi, Edo State, several men from the North, reportedly hunters, were brutally lynched by an irate mob. Their offence? Suspicion. Alleged dane guns. Not proof. No exhibits, no confessions - just the scent of “strangers” and the stale perfume of mass hysteria. The mob acted swiftly - burning, stabbing, killing - until the streets were washed in the blood of justice miscarried. In Bauchi, two young men were accused of trying to steal a dog. One never made it out alive; the other clings to life, limping between surgeries and nightmares. Who knew that in this same Nigeria where theft of billions is laughed off in flowing agbadas, an alleged dog thief could be clubbed to death by barefoot patriots?
These are only recent flashpoints. From Ibadan to Jos, from Aba to Zaria, countless stories lie buried - not just under the weight of ash and silence, but beneath the government’s terrifying inertia. The return of jungle justice is not only a damning indictment of our institutions but a brutal x-ray of a society fraying at the seams.
Of course, we have been here before. The ‘80s and ‘90s were infested with tales of necklacing - burning tyres shoved over heads like macabre medals. Suspected armed robbers - sometimes petty thieves, other times petty rivals - were dispatched by neighbourhood committees of fire and brimstone. Few remember that during those years, local vigilantes, backed by
silent police nods, became law. No courtrooms. No second chances. Just petrol, machetes, and mob chants. By 2012, we had the now-iconic tragedy of the Aluu Four - four undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, falsely accused of theft, stripped, beaten and burnt to death in broad daylight while adults looked on, some filming with enthusiasm. A decade later, no one has been able to explain how a university town became a butchery without interruption. What drives a man to burn another? What mental and societal decay transforms regular citizens into executioners without remorse? It’s not just lack of education - many of these mobs are led by those who
Vanguard of April 10 fumbled so many times: “Bravo, Our God-sent Governor…” Get it right: our godsend governor
“Why Fulani, farmers clash may continue—Northern Christian youths” National News: farmers’ clash “FG okays 6 months (months’) imprisonment for smoking in public”
“Marketing Edge holds stakeholders (stakeholders’) summit”
“Atiku’s friend, Gado (another comma) who told the heart rendering story said….” Crime Watch: heart-rending story
‘Deworming’ (sometimes known as worming or drenching) is a medical/animal science terminology. It is a procedure for expelling worms from the intestines etcetera of humans and animals. Hence the familiar drugs known as ‘worm expellers’ or ‘dewormers’ which scientists call anti-helminthic. The Global Charity Evidence Action Initiative is well known for its ‘Deworm the World Program’. Merriam Webster Dictionary and online dictionaries like The Free Dictionary and English language portals like Google, Wikipedia, Ask.com, Dictionary.com and Grammarly.com approve the word. (Sunny Agbontaen/Benin City/08055162531), with additional information by this columnist
THE next five blunders are from THE NATION of April 14 and Vanguard Allure of April 7: “A majority of the youths having not attended primary schools….” Get it right: youths or the youth
“And for the medical school to be at per (par or on a par) with others….”
“When somebody is in a dire straight (in dire straits)….”
“Indeed, people seat (sit) in their comfort zone and blame….”
“…on a daily basis to irk (eke) out a living for themselves.”
attended school, some even quoting verses and constitutions. It’s not just poverty - after all, the truly hungry hardly have the strength to hoist tyres or hunt scapegoats. It is a noxious mix of systemic rot, social alienation, suppressed trauma, poor law enforcement, and communal bloodlust. It is the fear that the police won’t come, that the judge is bought, that the system favours criminals in starched buba over the average citizen in slippers. So, the people act - stupidly, savagely, and shamefully.
Which is why we must assign blame and responsibility where it belongs. Today’s government - at all levels - must stop issuing press releases and start prosecuting. Jungle justice must not be allowed to fester as a side show of insecurity. The same energy pumped into combating cybercrime and regulating social media should be deployed to end mob killings. Where is the law? Where is the leadership?
Parents and guardians must wake up.
The home, long abdicated to TikTok and street hawkers, must return as the cradle of conscience. A child who sees human life as disposable will one day become either a killer or an indifferent spectator. Schools must embed civic education and value systems that teach patience, tolerance, and justice - not just examination success and motivational quotes.
Religious institutions, whose voices still ring louder than sirens, must use their influence to campaign against mob culture. Not just prayers and tithes - but serious re-education of followers that vengeance is not a fruit of the spirit. Law enforcement agencies must overhaul their credibility. When citizens believe the police can’t be trusted to investigate crimes, jungle justice becomes a desperate shortcut.
The Nigerian judiciary must act as the final bulwark against barbarism. Cases of mob action must not be buried under technicalities or adjourned into oblivion. There must be convictions, harsh and
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memorable. The Nigerian Bar Association must step out of its silk comfort and provide legal redress for families of victims. Why has there been no class action against state governments where such crimes occur with impunity?
Human rights groups must do more than tweet condemnation. Let them document, follow up, litigate, and name-and-shame those who facilitate these lynchings. International agencies concerned with rule of law and human rights must begin to treat jungle justice as a serious crisis of civilisation - not just a developing-world oddity.
And what of the victims? Few, if any, have been vindicated posthumously. No national apologies. No state-sponsored compensation. No wreaths from Aso Rock. Most are buried in unmarked graves, while their killers fade into the crowd. Justice delayed, we say, is justice denied. But what do we call justice never even attempted? It is time to rip the veil off this national shame. We cannot bequeath to our children a country where a missed wallet or bark of a dog could lead to a lynching. We cannot build roads, bridges, and stadiums while our streets remain crime scenes of mob lunacy. The irony is that jungle justice makes us all less safe. Today, it’s the suspected thief. Tomorrow, it’s the dissenter, the protester, the stranger. We must all speak up - loudly, angrily, unrelentingly - against this culture of death. Let no state government sleep easy when another citizen is burnt in broad daylight. Let no community leader boast of peace where mob violence is the unofficial justice system. Let no journalist file it away as a minor item. This is murder. It is madness. It must end.
Badaru, Minister of Defence
GLOBAL SOCCER GLOBAL SOCCER
GLOBAL SOCCER
Raphael Onyedika No More Hiding Place
AfterhisimpressivedisplayintheUEFAChampionsLeague,oneofwhichheinspiredClubBruggetobeat SerieAgiants,Atalantahomeandaway,SuperEaglesdefensivemidfielder,RaphaelOnyedikahasseen hisprofilerise,withseveralEuropeanbigwigsnowscramblingforhissignature.Littlewonderhismarket valuerosefrom€16mto€20minamatterofdays.ThoughACMilanisseenastheleadingsuitor,ParisSaintGermain,PortoandBayernMunichareallkeepingtabsonthe23-year-old
From an enduring challenging upbringing in Onitsha, where he had to struggle with five other brothers to survive, Raphael Onyedika, who was discovered by FC Ebedei - a Nigerian academy linked with FC Midtjylland become the toast of European giants.
Former Gent Coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck has tipped Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika for a big move in the summer transfer window, after putting himself in the show window following his impressive displays in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Onyedika was a key member of the Club Brugge side that caused an upset when they beat Europa League winners, Atalanta home and away in the Champions League back in February.
The Nigerian national team member played in 11 Champions League games and notably scored against Premier League champions Manchester City. Club Brugge turned down a bid from Galatasaray last summer, hoping Onyedika’s Champions League performances would increase his value and the plan is paying off as his strong displays have attracted top European clubs.
The FC Ebedei product, who recently changed agents, is aiming for a top transfer this summer, with the original €20 million asking price now looking like just a starting point. Onyedika’s performance in the Champions League was so convincing that Hein Vanhaezebrouck described him as ‘outstanding and great’.
In quotes relayed by Voetbalnieuws, Vanhaezebrouck added: “They won’t be able to keep him after this season. He was very strong, and all of Europe saw that.”
Onyedika is now represented by CAA Stellar, a renowned agency that also manages Premier League stars Omar Marmoush (Man City), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town).
The Super Eagles star has a contract with Club Brugge until June 30, 2027 and has appeared in 134 games for the Belgian giants, registering 10 goal involvements.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have expressed their interest in signing Onyedika from Club Brugge ahead of the summer after having had a previous bid rejected, a report claims.
According to Africafoot sources, Milan have opened talks with Brugge and Onyedika himself over a move during the summer transfer window, as they look to add a more defensive-minded midfielder to the department.
Milan initially expressed interest in the 23-year-old last summer but they were met with a €24m asking price which they did not pay. Milan Technical director, Geoffrey Moncada “is a big fan of the player”, as per the report.
The Nigeria international has a contract until 2027 with the Belgian side, and the Rossoneri submitted an initial offer of €18m.Asource within CAAStellar, the player’s agency, confirmed that has come back in.
“He (Onyedika) is high onAC Milan’s shortlist, and they have expressed their interest in both the player and his team,” the source said.
“They initially offered €18m, which will likely be rejected, as Club Bruges value him much more than that. Raphael is interested in the transfer, but it will depend on the clubs’ ability to reach an agreement.”
However, it seems as though there will be strong competition to land the player. Africafoot report that Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Bayern Munich are all keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who was sent off at San Siro in the Champions League meeting with Milan this season.
The Rossoneri were linked with the thenMidtjylland star in the 2022 summer window,
before Brugge won the race by meeting their asking price. Interestingly, Onyedika’s market value has soared to €20m amid interest from European giants.
Onyedika has seen his market value jump to €20m in Transfermarkt’s first update of 2025, up from €16m in their previous 2024 assessment, following a stellar season with Belgian champions Club Brugge.
The 23-year-old midfielder’s consistent displays
have drawn the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City reportedly among those closely monitoring his progress.
Onyedika’s commanding presence in midfield has been a key factor in Club Brugge’s remarkable 20-game unbeaten run this season. He has tallied two goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. His standout
End of An Era
ChristenedChairmanbythelaterenownedsportscommentator, ErnestOkonkwo,ChristianChukwupassedawaylastSaturdayin Enugu,aged74.AsidebeingtheCaptainoftheGreenEaglesthat wonthefirstAfricanCupofNationsforNigeriain1980,hewasthe defensiverockoftheteam.Littlewonder,PresidentBolaTinubu describedhimasa‘symbolofexcellenceandpatriotism.Hishumility andpatriotismhasalsobeenpraisedtohighheavensbyformer compatriots.BelowiswhatChristianChukwutoldKunleAdewalein 2016onthedwindlingfortuneoffootballinNigeriainrecentyears,the heightbeingtheSuperEaglesfailingtohoistthecountry’sflagatthe 2015and2017editionsofAFCON
The former captain and coach of the national team, Christian Chukwu, blamed successive football administrations for lack of planning and development of the game.
“Each time the tenure of an administration ends there are always controversies as to who becomes the president and members of the board, which in most cases end in long court cases and at the end of the day there is little or no time to take off. So, we don’t come in with any tangible programme, rather we just enter for competitions without proper planning. I have never seen any of the administrations that shoots off with any developmental
programme. We don’t have a sustainable programme, all we are after is just to participate in competitions.
Chukwu is also of the opinion that until we go back to the basicsschool sports, the country will continue to be confronted with the same problem.
“It was from school sports and grassroots football that some of us emerged,” he noted.
The former Super Eagles coach also faulted the idea of heavily depending on foreign-based players, saying attention should be focused on the development of the local league, whereby the nucleus of the national team should be home-based.
“You don’t build a national team in a foreign land. You don’t build a national team with entirely foreign players. It cannot work, even if they are all Peles. We have lot of talented players in Nigeria to form a formidable national team. We just need to inject three to five foreign players into the team.
“That is how to b uild a national team. I don’t see why we cannot have a 19-year-old player in our national team? It took a lot of pressure to inject Kelechi Iheanacho into our national team. It is the young players that would provide longevity and that is how to build a team. It is not all about winning all the time,” Chukwu had opined.
Raphael Onyedika celebrates one of his goals for Club Brugge
showing against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League — including scoring the opening goal at the Etihad Stadium, has only strengthened his reputation.
Manchester City are said to be especially keen on signing the Super Eagles player as a potential backup for Rodri, who has faced injury issues this season.
Club Brugge, who had previously set a €20m asking price for Onyedika, are expected to raise
Iwobi tries to Christian Chukwu raised up the African Cup of Nations trophy, to the admiration of former Nigerian President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari
Nigeria Ex Tennis Star, Da-Silva, Puts Smile on Faces of Less Privileged in Lagos
For many Nigerians living with disabilities and the less privileged in the society, Christmas could not have come earlier for them as the Destiny Ford Da-Silva Foundation, propelled by Nigeria’s former tennis international, Destiny Da-Silva, put smiles on their faces by showering them with various goodies at the National Stadium, Tennis Court Complex, Surulere, Lagos, yesterday.
According to Da-Silva, he has been supporting humanity in his small way long before now.
“Destiny Ford Da-Silva
Foundation is a give-back foundation. I grew up to be like one of these people that you’re seeing todayand struggled from pain to gain. So, I felt led by God to do something for the less privileged. That is how I drew the inspiration because I have to give back from what I got from the society,” Da-Silva told THISDAY.
The former number one rated tennis player in the country noted that this was not the first time he is involved in such charitable quest.
“This is not the first time I’ll
be doing this. I have been doing it silently through the help of God and my mentor, Walter Akpani, who inspired me to be somebody in life, which inspired me to be involved in humanitarian endeavour silently. But when the Holy Spirt ministered to me early this year, that I have to take it to another level, so I felt this festive period being a Good Friday, I decided to put smiles on the faces of 300 people, but along the line I felt I could do more with what God has blessed me with and decided to take the number
Flamingos Target High-margin Win to assure World Cup Ticket
Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere said yesterday that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will aspire to win big in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, in order to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa.
“We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and
we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere toldthenff.com.
“I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round. We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is
to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.”
Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year.
Badoo: The Law Student Billed to Fight at GOtv Boxing Night 33
Raheem Animashaun, popularly known as “Badoo”, has gained admission to study Law at the University of Lagos, just months after becoming the youngest-ever West African Boxing Union (WABU) champion at age 17.
Animashaun won the WABU Super Flyweight title at GOtv Boxing Night 32 and also walked away with 1 million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, awarded to the best boxer.
He is scheduled to face Beninois opponent, Jean
Coffi, in the headline bout of GOtv Boxing Night 33, which takes place in Lagos on 26 April at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
While his boxing career continues to rise, Animashaun is also making moves outside the ring. He recently shared that studying Law is part of his long-term plan to build a stable future beyond sports, and to better understand how systems work. For the teenager, education is not
KingMakers, Ifako Ijaiye LG Unveil Sports Complex, Target Grassroots, Youth Development
In a move towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, leading sports and digital entertainment platform, KingMakers, in partnership with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government have commissioned‘KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex’ in Lagos.
The project being a major Corporate SocialResponsibility (CSR) effort is designed to benefit over 200,000 residents within and beyond the Ifako Ijaiye community.
The initiative reiterates KingMakers’ ongoing commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces, as well as empowering young talents, and communities to thrive
through sport. The facility boasts a 150-capacity sports arena for grassroots tournaments, standard football pitch with lighting for evening use, green relaxation area, male and female restrooms and administrative office spaces, amongst others. Speaking at the commissioning of the facilities, graced by state officials and community members, Chief Executive Officer of KingMakers (BetKing), Ossy Ukanwoke stated that the complex is much more than CSR project, but designed to identify and nurture local talents who will one day represent Nigeria on the inter-
an afterthought — it’s an active part of the journey.
Born and raised in a modest Lagos household, Raheem was introduced to boxing by his father, Jamiu Animashaun. who saw it as a potential path out of their financial challenges. Jamiu Animashaun, who also serves as his trainer, was also a boxer who fought in two editions of GOtv Boxing Night. That effort is beginning to pay off, not just in belts but in broader opportunities. His 12-year-old sister has also taken up boxing, inspired by his success.
Officials of KingMakers and Ifako Iyaye Local Government pose for a group photograph
national scene.
“This project embodies our core belief that sports is more than just competition. It is a vehicle for social transformation, unity, and empowerment. We are intentional about investing in initiatives that have long-term impact, this sports complexisoneofsuch commitments to supporting the communities we operate in.
Grace Towobola: I Look Forward to the Day a Female Would Coach Super Eagles
Grace Towobola has become a quintessential role model adored and courted by all and sundry because of her impact in the field of football where she is gradually breaking the glass ceiling and putting the gender bias against women coaches at bay. Her determination aside, Towobola’s top-notch education has further equipped her with the skills, knowledge, and technique to make a difference in a male dominated terrain, therefore becoming independent and resilient.
Petite and soft spoken. Obviously, her appearance contradicts her intellectual prowess. And it may not be wrong if she is simply addressed as a smallish one with a giant intellectual acumen. She is focused, no doubt, but her consistency and unrelenting zeal to excel and conquer new heights is a proof that she is one of Nigeria’s shining lights to watch in the field of football.
Towobola is an Agric-Economics trained turned football coach, but how she is changing her career trajectory, is thrilling, an ambition nurtured at 12, which she later re-awakened after her first degree.
Grace, as she is fondly called, is a CAF and UEFA licensed football coach. She serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the French Development Agency (AFD), and Paris 2024 through Sport Impact, where she contributes to identifying and funding groundbreakingsportsinitiatives.
As a 2022/2023 Chevening Scholar, Grace earned her MSc in Sport Coaching from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, United Kingdom. She currently serves as the 2023–2026 IOCYoung Leader for Nigeria, delivering the Women’s
Football Development Initiative (WFDI) – an innovative programme designed to bridge the gender gap in coaching and leadership roles in football. Through WFDI, she provides free football coaching education for women aged 18–35 via the Coaches Leadership Training (CLT), while also empowering young girls in secondary schools to pursue professional football careers through the ASPIRE Project. The WFDI has already trained85coaches,engaged2,000 girls across 20 schools, and establishedtheWFDIAcademy,which providesstructuredpathwaysfor player and coach development. Currently, six CLT graduates are employedwithinWFDI,threeas instructorsinthe2025CLTcohort and three as academy coaches, while 20 female players benefit fromscholarship-backedtraining and free football gear.
Alongside leading the WFDI, Graceiscommittedtoimproving thestandardsoffootballcoaching inOyoStateinherroleasTraining Officer (TO) of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association – Oyo StateChapter.AsTrainingOfficer (TO),shehaslaunchedtheNFCA OyoEducationdepartment,and shechairsa7-mantechnicalcommittee working on the NFCA Oyo DNA which is a 10-year development plan to elevate football coaching standards in Oyo state.
Grace began her coaching journey in 2017 as a volunteer at theUniversityofIlorin,whereshe obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. In 2019, she reached the semi-finals of the WorldRemitArsenal Coaching Programme, a globally recognised competition for emerging coaches. During her National Youth Service (NYSC) in Abia State, she worked under Imama Amapakabo at Abia Warriors FC and served as an opposition analyst for Coach Fatai Osho at Enyimba FC, analyzing ES Sétif in the
Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Ends Today
The Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Championships, which started yesterday at the University of Ibadan’s swimming pool section, ends today.
The annual event, which enters its 2nd edition this year, has about 150 swimmers on parade in this festive Easter season. Breaststroke, Backstroke, freestyle, individual medley, and relays are some of the events in which swimmers
aged six and up will be vying for honours.
The convener of the event, 15-year-old Oluwatimilehin Olaiya, is optimistic that there willbemorediscoveriesofhidden talents at the end of the event today. “We have good coaches monitoring the swimmers and we expect that there will be some talents we can spot and develop to be national, continental and world champions in future,” he said.
2020/2021 CAF Confederation Cup. She thereafter pursued a masters’ degree in Sport Management at the University of Ibadan where she completed an internship at Remo Stars Football Club. Her stay at Remo Stars was remarkably remembered with her involvement as an assistant coach for the U15 team during the NPFL LaLiga U15 competition where Remo U15 team emerged winners of the competition. Determined to pursue her goals, her Chevening Scholarship experience broadened her exposure to elite football structures, as she worked with Preston North End Women’s Football Team, served as a Foundation Coach at Manchester United Foundation, and managed UCLan Women’s Football Team B in the 2022/23 BUCS League while also representing international students at UCLan. She has participated in global sports leadership programmes with the City Football Group, Manchester United, Women in Football (WIF), Downtown in Business, and UCLan, among others.
Grace’s exceptional contributions to women’s football development were recognised in 2023, when she received the Gold Award from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Chevening Scholarship scheme for her outstanding voluntary efforts. Grace has worked in several coaching capacities with male and female football teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), British University and College Sports (BUCS) league, and with elite English clubs. Grace remains a passionate sport for development enthusiast.
She remains passionate about harnessing the power of sport for socialchangeanddevelopmentand isdedicatedtotransformingfemale football in Nigeria and beyond. Gracehasbeendoingthisandthat teaching aspiring female coaches, butfeelsthetimeisripetoraisepublic awarenessandvisibilityofthechallenges limiting girls’ participation in playing football and women representationinfootballcoaching roles. Not only that, to bring attention to the WFDI, its projects (CLT, ASPIRE, Academy), and how the initiative is helping to solve these challenges highlighting the importance of WFDI to the football ecosystem/landscape.
Destiny Da-Silva presenting a food pack and cloth to one of the beneficiaries
Towobola
GraceTowobola is a CAF and UEFA licensed football coach who remains passionate about harnessing the power of sport for social change and development. She is a thoughtful leader in football matters,an advocate for gender equity in football,competent football coach,education instructor,and an astute sport manager.A Chevening Scholar with an MSc in Sport Coaching from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan),Preston,United Kingdom. As a female coach,Towobola is already breaking those barriers and empowering women to become football coaches in Nigeria through a dedicated leadership programme. In this encounter with journalists,the Oyo State-based coach raises public awareness about the challenges limiting girls and women football coaching roles,and how public/ private sector’s funding in terms of support can help women coaches achieve their potential. Bennett Oghifo reports
AND JOB FAIR…
OKEY IKECHUKWU
Before Zulum Gets Too Excited
Is it possible that some of the actions, and inactions, of the Governor of Borno State have helped within the last three years to breed some of the problems that led to his recent outburst and sense of alarm over the return of serious security challenges in the state? Was his approach to making the problems public the best, in the circumstances? Was his characterization of the comments of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, in reaction to the latter’s characterization of the issues a bit out of context. Should he have still gone further on the matter, after the Minister’s office gave further clarification on the actual intents of the message?
But that all the forgoing is not our main concern today.
On September 10, 2021, this column had an article titled, “Why Zulum Needs Help
and Support”, wherein it was said: “Several media platforms have called out the Nigerian state on the negative security implications,
and likely disruptive impact, of the ongoing surrendering and reintegration of repentant insurgents. The subsisting perception, and fear, is that we may be making a grievous mistake. I share this perception and fear”.
Reacting to the clear of possible questionable backlash from the strange carrying on at the time, I also said in that article that “I almost have no doubt that there may yet be a catastrophic fallout from what we a seeing today. But is it not also true that the Borno State governor once expressed optimism while receiving the repentant returnee. But it is also true that the possibility of a cataclysmic threat to social stability to Borno State, and the nation, may be embedded in this development”?
That article was written mainly in order to draw the attention of Governor Zulum to the type of good he was ordering from Ariaria Market. The idea was to warn him
that the neat invoice paper will not show the colour and smell of the goods being penciled down for procurement. But he was apparently not paying attention, I suppose. Instead he doubled down on providing relief for refugees, projecting very elaborate efforts at bringing normalcy to trouble communities and settlements by spending on rehabilitation, provision of food and comfort, etc. He was cheerfully running massive expenditure headings on a demographic group that would, to all intents and purposes, produce nothing and contribute nothing to the economy of the state.
For good measure, the demographic group in question also possessed very poor social skills, whether religious or communal. They would become a burden, one way
Continued on page 27
What is the Value of Human Life in Nigeria?
Is Nigeria under siege? This is the question sensible close watchers of events in the country will be asking after going through disturbing reports on the massive killings in Plateau State in the past few days. These horrible incidents paint a grim picture that underscores the urgent need for peace, security, and justice in the country. Unfortunately, judging by the way we react to such news these days, it appears Nigerians are now numb to the daily slaughter of their fellow human beings, as the situation is hardly greeted with outrage. If it happens in the north, those in the south hardly discuss it, and when they do, it is not with the level of seriousness such atrocities require. When it occurs in the south, it is hardly a major topic at workplaces or on the streets. That is what we have become as a nation. Killings
have now become a constant companion for many Nigerians.
For instance, how will you describe a
situation where newspaper headlines are screaming that at least 51 people were killed by gunmen in the early hours of Monday in Plateau State, and we all move about as if things are normal? Fifty-one persons! Just last week, a different set of 52 persons were also reported killed and nearly 2,000 others displaced after several days of attacks in the same Plateau, which has a history of violence between farmers and cattle herders.
According to Amnesty International, in Plateau State, from December 2023 to February 2024, at least 1,336 people were killed, and out of those killed, 533 were women, 263 were children, and 540 were men, while over 29,554 people were displaced.
While Nigerians were yet to come to terms with what is happening in Plateau State, news reports emerged that the death toll from Tuesday evening’s deadly attack on Otobi community in Akpa district of Otukpo
Local Government Area in Benue State has risen to 11, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. Ethno-religious and communal conflicts have been identified as significant drivers of these killings in both states, as these conflicts often involve competing claims over resources, political power, and land. Regrettably, beyond Plateau and Benue, hardly does any day pass without news headlines featuring stories of gory mass murders and senseless killings. Available data compiled from media reports by the HumAngle Tracker, showed that no fewer than 1,420 people were killed and 537 others kidnapped in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. The number ranged from those who were burnt to death in road accidents, beaten to death during domestic
Tinubu
Zulum