SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2025

With 100 Days to Recapitalisation Deadline, 16 Banks Meet Capital Thresholds Others in race to beat March timeline Cardoso: Our focus is ensuring orderly completion, enthroning strong banking industry

Nume Ekeghe

With just 100 days before the March 31, 2026

recapitalisation deadline, 16 banks have already met the

required capital thresholds, signaling a major milestone

in Nigeria’s ongoing banking sector reform.

So far, the banks that Continued on page 5

President Reads Riot Act to Governors, Threatens Executive Order on LG Funds...

Page 5

Saturday December 20, 2025 Vol 30. No 11213

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INEC Intervenes as PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens Turaki, Mohammed lead factions to meet Amupitan Saraki assures peace in sight, says party won’t die

Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Segun Awofadeji in

Bauchi

The Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) yesterday met with the two warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at

its headquarters in Abuja with the aim of resolving the leadership crisis rocking the party.

This was as a former Senate President and Chairman, National reconciliation committee

of the party before the Ibadan convention, Dr. Continued on page 5

Defence Gets N5.41trn As Tinubu Presents N58.18trn 2026 Budget Proposal FG allocates N3.56trn to infrastructure, N3.5trn for education, N2.48trn for health President talks tough on budget implementation, vows to enforce fiscal discipline PDP, CUPP slam 2026 proposed spending plan

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, James Emejo, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Juliet Akoje In Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday presented a 2026 Appropriation Bill of N58.18 trillion to the National Assembly, prioritising security with a N5.41 trillion allocation to the defence and security sector in a renewed drive against rising insecurity.

This comes as the federal Continued on page 5

PRESENTING 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.... yesterday

GODWIN OMOIGUI

Senate Confirms Mohammed, Eyesan as NMDPRA, NUPRC CEOs...

Page 9

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President Reads Riot Act to Governors, Threatens Executive Order on LG Funds Deji Elumoye in Abuja

This emerged as the Presidency yesterday President Bola Tinubu announced that the yesterday told the 36 State President will today depart Governors that he would the nation's capital, Abuja not hesitate to wield the to visit Borno, Bauchi and big stick if they refuse Lagos States.

Addressing the 15th to allow the financial Executive autonomy granted the local National (NEC) government councils by the Committee Supreme Court to work. meeting of the ruling All

Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, the President expressed concern that some state governors are not ready to allow the local government autonomy.

He stated specifically that he was ready to issue Executive Order if that would guarantee the financial autonomy of

the 774 local government councils across the country in line with the recent judgment of the Supreme Court.

His words: "Now that you have elections at the local government level, you are the invigilators, you elected them and since you elected them, it means you have to

let them work. You know them but give them their money and if you don't do it I can issue the Executive Order because I have the yam and the knife. “ I am just being very respectful and if you don't start to implement it, you will see. The ultimate is our Supreme Court and

DEFENCE GETS N5.41TRN AS TINUBU PRESENTS N58.18TRN 2026 BUDGET PROPOSAL government steps up efforts to stabilise the economy, consolidate reforms and decisively confront insecurity across the country.

The proposed budget, tagged, “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” projected total revenue of N34.33 trillion and total expenditure of N58.18 trillion, including N15.52 trillion for debt service.

But the opposition parties led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the 2026 appropriation bill as budget of renewed sufferings to Nigerians.

Equally, the Coalition of United Opposition Political Parties (CUPP), said many Nigerians view the proposed budget presentation with profound skepticism.

However, the proposed budget puts recurrent (nondebt) expenditure at N15.25 trillion, capital expenditure at N26.08 trillion, and a fiscal deficit of N23.85 trillion, representing 4.28 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

Presenting the estimates, Tinubu said the figures were not mere accounting lines but a clear statement of national priorities, stressing that his administration remained committed to fiscal sustainability, debt

transparency and valuefor-money spending.

He explained that the budget assumptions were anchored on a conservative crude oil benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of N1,400 to the US dollar for the 2026 fiscal year.

Unveiling the sectoral allocations, the President said beyond defence and security, infrastructure would receive N3.56 trillion, education N3.52 trillion, and health N2.48 trillion, underscoring the administration’s focus on security, people and

productivity.

According to him, the sectors were deliberately prioritised because they were mutually reinforcing.

“Without security, investment will not thrive.

Without educated and healthy citizens, productivity will not rise. Without infrastructure, jobs and enterprise will not scale,” he said.

On national security, Tinubu announced a major policy shift, declaring that henceforth, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actor operating outside state authority would be regarded and treated as terrorists.

INEC INTERVENES AS PDP LEADERSHIP CRISIS DEEPENS Bukola Saraki, yesterday said the simmering crisis rocking the PDP would be over in the next few months, adding that the party would overcome its current internal challenges, insisting that the party will not go into extinction.

However, the Bauchi State PDP Caretaker Committee faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, yesterday, directed members of Governor Bala Mohammed’s camp, who currently occupy PDP

secretariats across the state, to remove their personal belongings and vacate the premises within 14 days.

The meeting with INEC, which held behind closeddoors had the faction led

by Tanimu Turaki and the group headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is backed by Wike in attendance.

While addressing the factions during the opening ceremony, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan said the intervention became

imperative after a series of conflicting correspondences received from the party.

He said the Commission’s actions were guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and its internal regulations, assuring the factions of its neutrality.

“As a build-up to these elections, we have issued our own schedule of activities to all the political parties. And we are on course to ensure that we have a very smooth election at the area council of FCT

and at Ekiti and Osun states.

“We have received conflicting correspondence from the PDP, and we felt that rubbing minds together would be a good opportunity for us to forge the way forward concerning the elections.

“And I’m happy that we have top officials that are present here so that we can discuss as a family and see how the issues can be resolved and we move forward.

“So, we are mindful of the

to 16.

Several other lenders, including Fidelity Bank, FCMB Group, are still at various stages of capital raising and regulatory verification and are optimistic of also beating the deadline.

This comes as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, pointed out that the focus of the regulatory body was to ensure an orderly completion, maintain strong supervisory

oversight as well as a banking sector that is more shock resistant.

In a presentation at the U.S.-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable held in Washington D.C, this week, a copy of which was obtained

by THISDAY yesterday, Cardoso, pointed out that, “Nigeria is now in the final phase of its most significant bankingsector strengthening effort in over a decade. The recapitalisation programme is designed to safeguard

financial stability, expand banks’ capacity to lend, and ensure the financial system is able to underpin Nigeria’s broader economic transformation.

“We’re making good progress. Sixteen banks have already met or exceeded the new capital thresholds, while 27 have raised capital through public offers, rights issues, private placements, and mergers.”

He pointed out that industry-wide stress tests also confirmed that the

Continued online

He said the government was resetting the national security architecture and introducing a new national counterterrorism doctrine anchored on unified command, intelligencedriven operations, community stability and counter-insurgency.

The President listed bandits, militias, armed gangs, criminal networks, violent cult groups, forestbased armed collectives and foreign-linked mercenaries as falling under the new classification, alongside their financiers, arms suppliers, informants, ransom negotiators, and political protectors.

He added that politicians, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders who facilitate or encourage violent acts would equally be treated as terrorists. The objective, he said, was to dismantle terror networks comprehensively and restore public confidence in national security.

He explained that the N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security would strengthen modernisation of the Armed Forces, intelligence-driven policing, border security, technologyenabled surveillance and community-based peacebuilding.

need for us to maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of Nigeria.”

Speaking further, the INEC Chairman said: “Actually, INEC sits on a tripod, comprising three legal regimes: the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the regulations that have been made.

“So, we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution and the regulations that we have made.”

The parley immediately went into a closed door session after the remarks and appeal by Amupitan.

Turaki attended the meeting with members of his National Working Committee, secretariat staff and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, while Mohammed was accompanied by members of his national caretaker committee, including its secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

WITH 100 DAYS TO RECAPITALISATION DEADLINE, 16 BANKS MEET CAPITAL THRESHOLDS have met the capital requirement for the licence categories they operate include Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), GTBank, Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC, Wema Bank, Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, Providus Bank, Greenwich Merchant Bank and PremiumTrust Bank.

Others include Sterling Bank, Globus Bank, Citibank Nigeria and Nova Bank, bringing the number of financial institutions that have met their recapitalisation target

you have to respect the judgement."

The President reiterated the determination of his government to see through the issue of state police as well as ending the terrorists reign in the country.

banking system remains fundamentally sound, liquid, and resilient.

“With about four months to the March 2026 deadline, our focus is on ensuring orderly completion, maintaining strong supervisory oversight, and emerging with a banking sector that is more shockresistant, more transparent, and better positioned to lend into Nigeria’s growth story.

“These efforts in the banking sector are complemented by broader

Continued online

Continued online

macroeconomic and foreign exchange reforms that have been central to Nigeria’s recovery,” Cardoso added.

Analysts who spoke with THISDAY said the exercise was entering a decisive phase that could reshape ownership structures across the industry.

Besides the successful conclusion of its public offer, FCMB confirmed that it is also on track to finalise the sale of a minority stake in one of its subsidiaries before the end of December.

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TTHH T TH SS AT UNU RTHe AY NN EPE WEW SRS PA PE JUNE T H I S D AY, TI SIHSDEDAY, S AT UTHISDAY, AY ERDW SSATurDAY PA •PA SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025 AY, HERED AT D AY PR E R• SATURDAY • SATURDAY MAY14, 10, 2025 NewSpAper •February 3,2025 2024

NEWS

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

COURTESY VISIT...COMMISSIONERS FOR FINANCE...

MEETING WITH STrATeGIC TO SANITISe FXInvestors MArKeT… L-R: Director-General of theALLIANCe Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; CEO, Impact Foundation, Etemore Glover; Chair of GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Minister of L-R: Commissioners of Finance, Imo State, Chuck Chukwuemeka; Adamawa State, Augustina Wandhamihya; Zamfara State, Muhammad Bella Auta; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris UzokaBudget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; CEO of GSG Impact, Ms. Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen, and Market Development Manager at GSG Impact, Ms. Atieno Otonglo, at the courtesy the Federal Ministry RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATION...

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic andthe Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede andvisit thetoGovernor, Central Anite; Commissioners for Finance, Gombe, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, and Kogi, Asiru Idris, after a meeting with Minister in Abuja…recently GODWIN OMOIGUI

of Budget andand Economic Planning Abuja… recently Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in aBabatunde StrategicAjayi; Alliance to Stimulate the forex market Abuja…yesterday L-R: Akarigbo Paramount RulerinOf Remoland, representative of Minister of Trade andin Investment, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Group Managing Director, Codic Pharm Ltd, Sammy

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words Catholic Bishops Lament Economic Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic President Tinubu Welcomes New Hardship, Violence, Insecurity in Nigeria over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect Investment Initiatives from Qatar

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

"They are lives has entered historyacross the path toward hope and are delayed and outcomes situation in the country, Umahi says FG investing trillions inhuman construction ofhistory, roads Nigeria Nigerians should have of immeasurable worth, is never closed. Christian renewal, adding that there is remain uncertain, hope

Onyebuchi Ezigbo inCity Adibe emenyonu in Benin

has been swindled by Obaseki-led administration with an unassailable, humongous debt profile of bold reform agenda, which included hope for aof better tomorrow.

N135 billion andsubsidies $35.6 billion, the removal fuel and the the governor istoday unyielding and Nigeria's readiness to build on the"Nigeria carries unification of foreign exchange rates unstoppable insignificant his characteristic momentum by his shifts state two of thewounds. mostgenerated policy heavy Economic design leave State in ruin, visit toto Qatar inEdo 2024, pledging to in Nigeria’s recent economic by asking for a facility of history.

N17.5 hardship, insecurity, implement all difficult bilateral agreements “These were decisions that billion few days ago, which was displacement, and persistent between the countries. had to They caused some said tobe bemade.

N9two billion." turbulence, but like"It an taking He directed the Minister of violence have left many of Tenebe, said isaircraft important off, we areand nowEconomic The Budget Planning, to state, that itreaching is nowstability. in public our people fearful, weary, World Bank has noted ourthat returnthe to Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and space and political uncertain.

Families have growth levels not seenState in over a Minister of of Information and fiscal budget Edo was decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa.the passed few weeks ago before been torn apart, livelihoods National Orientation, Mohammed HeState noted this year’s observance Edo House of Assembly Idris; and that Minister of Foreign disrupted, and lives lostthe to of the Democracy not just proceeded on leaveDay without Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf warranted celebration, but sober lawlessness. commencement of the execution Maitama Tuggar, to work together reflection on the journey ofexecutive. democratic of budget by thedeep "We recall with pain to the ensure the execution andtimely economic renewal.

Itconsolidation is most disheartening that the of these agreements. the abduction of students Idris explained that funds recovered Edo State Government now is He said, "To all the members of from the fuel subsidy removal were requesting for a facility of N17.5 and staff from St. Mary’s the delegation, Idirectly want tointo a big being reinvested critical billion with no corollary ofsay project Catholic School in Papiri, thank you for coming to Nigeria. attached there to the- including said facility infrastructure projects two Niger the anguish We are grateful tocorridors God for and alsoState, that and the facility iswhat not expansive highway that will contained as loan to be in we experienced astaken partners of have families whose loved the 2024 fiscal budget just recently in progress.

I am also glad that the ones remain in captivity, passed. cursory perusal of the Amir ofAQatar greatly remembers entire budgetdiscussed does not reveal where alongside countless others the issues during my the project for the facility living is ever visit last the year. across country "Let mesimilar commend the brotherly under threats. relations between Qatar and Hope” and improving the lives of the people Ondo State. among theof youthful population.

“Today, takegovernment yet another bold He saidwethe is step in our ongoing to worried that aboutcommitment 72 per cent improving the youthful welfarethe ofpopulation ourDelta people, represented of the nation’s ensuring social inclusion and fulfilling have become through North Senatorial the promise offoreigners RenewedDistrict, Hope for the influence of cartoons and Tinubu the support given to the all,” he for declared. describing his passing as movies which are foreign in According to Aiyedatiwa, a total commission and the Humanitarian a major loss to Delta State, contents, values and cultures. of 16, 255Ministry. beneficiaries across all 18 Affairs the and Issa-Onilu saidpeople, as a in way out Local Government Areas the state HeAnioma revealed that Nigeria of thereceive malaise, would will N75,NOA 000plans each, disbursed the nation. has concluded to soon host launch aleaders Mobile App containing in monthly installments ofSheriff N25, 000 global to discuss issues Governor for three months, directly through indigenous cartoons through of migration and how it affects saiddebit the late senator their cards. which local contents, national countries under the membership He said total amount injected values and would be was atheculture distinguished of the Euro-African Dialogue on into the scheme is N1, 219,125, 000, promoted. son of the state and Migration and Development. providing direct economic support to him, "These variPopularly known as the Rabat aAccording fearlessare advocate of to thousands of households. ous policies geared towards Process, the meeting would be The governor recalled that in Anioma interests, whose changing the narratives and the the first thematic dialogue November 2024, a total of 8,637under debit wrong impression that the outside contributions to national Nigeria’s chairmanship, which cards were distributed to beneficiaries, world is having about the is being co-chaired by country Nigeria amounting to N647,775,000, making development would not. and the Kingdom of Spain, and the current phase a significant be forgotten. expansion theyouth, social safety net. is focusingofon education “On behalfthe of the “We understand economic and innovation. indicated thatmany Governor Seyi challenges that of holds our people government and people The meeting, which May Makinde approved suspension face and this programme is a clear 13th toof14th, 2025, the is2024. expected to of Delta State, I mourn on 1st February, demonstration that the that government feature discussions would Thepassing letter readthe in part, "I wish to the of my dear stands with you,” governor added. guide policy direction, shape inform you that His Excellency, the He further disclosed thatamong efforts friend, Senator Peter cooperative efforts Executive Governor of Oyo State of are ongoing to expand the state’s countries and O n register y einlofexercise utoorigin, kaccommodate a cofhtransit u kpowers w u Nigeria, the social more conferred on him by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive Nwaoboshi. vulnerable households, that 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger no vulnerable household should be Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo andbehind. sustained dialogue that can left State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue reshape migration positively. of all other enabling powers in

captured.

"Information at the behest of the members the Edo State House of span overof1,700 kilometres - aimed bearing theactivity image Assembly is to the effect that they ateach unlocking economic and were recalled from their holiday ofleave God. Yet Christmas Nigeria.

The Ambassador knows bridging regional or

by Qatar the divides.

Speaker on the that I take very seriously.

“The aim is not just connectivity, proclaims a deeper truth: request of the state governor for but economic opportunity,” he Weimmediate are willing to go further the approval of said. thein suffering does not its mean “Nigeria is really retracing steps. our bilateral relations." said facility which according to Because God Itabandonment. isThe becoming an to important nation once saidN9 the Qatari them isPresident said be billion again the comity of nations. government had demonstrated but asamong event unfolded, after The respect thatforesight Nigeria used to have maturity and in working the mammoth request by the isfor now gradually returning.

Investors opposition in the House as to global peace and deserves have more confidence country,” the rationale for ain our facility as commendation. he According said. to him, "I am proud of your efforts to bring peace and Nume Ekeghe

stupendous as N9 billion for fathom projects which only existed in the reiterated imagination of The minister that the hope does evil, the governor, itnot was discovered ongoing reforms by deny the Tinubu that the facility was notconcede N9 but itbut refuses to stability to thewere world.

Ieven seeabout your administration not just billion a figuredevelopment, wrapped in efforts in human economic arithmetic, but about that evil is final." secrecy as much as N17.5 billion creating a new foundation for inclusive peace and prosperity.

Like you, to which the opposition in the bishops however growth, weThe areaccountability, sandwiched between the house rejected andand orsustainable refused said that Christmas opens development. challenge of terrorism and helping to be part of the approval.

In another development, who our neighbours.

We areUmahi conscious But in its reaction, the Edo disclosed this while inspecting of who is yesterday our friend and those State Government stated that the ongoing of federal the Edo APC “obviously helping usconstruction towas ameliorate the roads in by Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta pained the achievements of problems." states, dismissed the claims trending President Tinubu also noted ongoing to streamline and reforms represents the

the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki across all sectors of the state over the federal past seven years.” online that the government assurance thatprojects peace “Tenebe hasmore been on a frenzy isan concentrating incan the looking for to oftell since be built and unity restored Nigeria's taxlies system, making it South than northern areas the nation. he assumed office as Acting easier for foreign investors to do Responding to questions from in the country.

Chairman. Rather than focus journalists who his inspection business in observed the country. on reawakening his completely The bishops further said of the Zarama section of theefforts Westto "We are making comatose party, which isEast unable that, "even when answers Road rehabilitation in Bayelsa State, reform our tax system.

Going to provide constructive criticisms Umahi expressed satisfaction with and the by experiences of the past expected of a viable opposition, ongoing projects Delta thehas need to across depart from old he resorted toRivers, spreading and Bayelsa. misinformation in a have desperate ways, our reforms been He said that the tough Bodo-Bonny Road attempt curry cheap popularity. hard.

Itomade decisions construction JuliusWe Berger so that wehandled couldbygrow. are graduallyverified seeing the light atwe the clearing arrears,

Affirms Nigeria's readiness for strategic partnership

Abuja

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Edo State chapter of theHarcourt All ProBlessing Ibunge in Port gressives Congress yesterday, Deji Elumoye in(APC), Abuja Catholic bishops under the urged Governor Obaseki to Minister of Information and National auspices ofGodwin the Catholic stop securing loans, noting that the President Bola TinubuIdris, yesterday Orientation, Mohammed has said N9 billion loan recently approved Bishops Conference of welcomed new initiatives by thethe country was on Assembly the path towards by House of was Nigeria (CBCN) have Qatari investors to explore economic recovery, restating federal needless and will plunge the state government’s to restoring opportunities inconcern the agricultural expressed over into financialcommitment distress. investors’ confidence and sector thatdeepening Nigeria But and inthey aassured swift reaction, the what described as democratic values. remains to strategic Edo State open Government said it state of lawlessness in the This was as his counterpart, Minister partnerships. was perplexed to learn of what Works,“laughable David Umahi, disclosed itofcountry. termed andhas incredibly The President gave the that the federal government is investing ridiculous tantrums attributed to assurance at the State House, They said that many trillions of naira in the construction the newwhile acting chairman of the Abuja receiving a special and rehabilitation of roads across the families have been torn Edo State chapter of APC, envoy from the Amir of theJarret State country.

Tenebe where he made baseless apart, livelihoods disrupted, of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin Idris reaffirmed this yesterday in and spurious allegations on the Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi and lives to an interview withlost Forbes Africa to fiscal management of due our dear Qatar's Minister of celebration State for mark the Democracy Day state by the Governor Godwin lawlessness and criminality.

Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al-Khulaifi, Obaseki-led government.” andIn unbroken 26 years ofmessage democratic a Christmas conveyed Amir's strongconference interest in Addressing a press rule in Nigeria. signed bybilateral CBCN President expanding yesterday, Tenebe had cooperation, said the state He defended President Bola Tinubu’s was already suffering a debt announcing that aunder high-level and the Archbishop of profile N135 billion and $35.6 Qatari of business delegation will Owerri Archdiocese, billion. visit Nigeria in the coming He said, "While it isopportunities a monumenMost Rev. Lucius Iwejuru weeks to explore tal disaster that State patrimony inUgorji, agriculture, food security, and theEdo bishops said other critical sectors. the bad notwithstanding President Tinubu emphasised Fidelis David in Akure Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his The Director General, administration continue Orientation (NOA),to Delta StateAgency iswill in mourning prioritiseLanre socialIssa-Onilu, and Mallam following theinclusion deathhas of economic empowerment announced plans toof vulnerable launch Kuni Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships former National Assembly awith 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in the federal government. member, Peterto. primary schoolsSenator across country Also, Aiyedatiwa hasthe forwarded The federal government yesterday He made theHouse disclosure whilea Nwaoboshi, whose the Ondo State of Assembly said there are ongoing discussion speaking with Ibadanof list of 12 15,000 nominees for thein position passing hasjournalists drawn tributes on how Nigerians stranded during a working visit to Oyo commissioners inNiger, the State Executive in Cameroon, Chad and from family, friends and State.

Council for confirmation. other parts of the world would residents across the state.

He said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade The governor made be returned to Nigeria safety.this commitment during the official would be Commissioner, set up in each of thea Nwaoboshi was Federal National flag-off ofFederal the second phase 36 statesceremony andfor theRefugees, Capital member of the National Commission Migrants of the Conditional Cash national Transfer Tand erritory (FCT) toDisplaced promote Internally Persons Assembly from 2015 to disbursement to beneficiaries in Ondo values as of Alhaji old, stating that the (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, State, held atthe theBrigade Akure South Local 2023. essence of was to disclosed thisSecretariat at a mediayesterday. briefing Government revive and rebuild the national His demise was in Abuja.

At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa values and create positive models Ahmedthein revealed thatof by no disclosed a statement launched distribution the fewer thanHope six million people Renewed Debit Cards to the Delta State Governor’s thousands of beneficiaries part were displaced in Nigeria,aswhile Chief Press Secretary, of the federal thousands ofgovernment’s refugees areNational living Kemi Olaitan inProgramme Ibadan Social Investment (NSIP), Festus Ahon yesterday. elsewhere across the world. implemented in collaboration with “We have 15,000 Nigerians who In the statement, the Oyo State Government, yestheThe Ondo State Government through want to return to the country terday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Delta State Governor, the National Social Investment voluntarily, and we alsoOnido have Muritala Babalola, as the Programme Agency (NSIPA).

Sheriff Oborevwori, not lessinthan 100,000 foreigners of Ido Ido Local Government Addressing the gathering, the living in the this country refugees.

Area of state. expressed griefjoyas over the governor expressed and adated deep The government, in a letter All these are the responsibilities death of the senator who sense responsibility, noting that 2nd ofof February, 2024 and signed of commission, give them thethe initiative is a boldtostep towards by the Commissioner for Local support,” hepromise said. of “Renewed fulfilling the Government andPresident Chieftaincy Ahmed thanked Bola Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

Verheijen Commends FG on N590bn Power Sector Bond

Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, US Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Chinedu Eze Olu Arowolo Verheijen, has commended the federal lid Operators Minerals ofDevelopment, Airline Nigeria (AON) Dr. Dele hastheissuance described said that byAlake, disrupting operations government’s the United States as Nigeria’s of Air Peace when it denied him of the for N590 billion Series longstanding and strategic boarding theally Lagos-Abuja flight, partner forinthe nation’s mining 1 Power Sector Bond, former governor of Edo State and Kuni Tyessi Abuja sector development. currently Senator representing Edo describing the transaction Speaking while receiving North District, Oshiohole, The Joint Adams Admissions and as a critical step towards violated aviation regulation.

Matriculation Board (JAMB) has Senator Oshiomhole who had restoring financial stability officiallyLagosannounced the release of 6:30a.m.

Abuja flight on Air and investor confidence in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Peace last Wednesday was denied “We when areelectricity establishing, this Examination (UTME) results.

Nigeria’s boarding he arrived atmarket.

6:05a.m., year, 37,000 Brigade poor issued performance 25 Following minutes to Citizens’ departure time and The bond, by inofPrimary School. each candidates in the1,000 2025inUTME, NBET Finance Company state, including FCT, Abuja. telecommunications and These digital Citizens’ are going tosaid be Plc, aBrigade special purpose solutions company, Globacom, like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild its Examination Service vehicle of Preparatory the Nigerian of theEnumah oldenindays. was specifically designed to help Alex Abuja Bulk Electricity Trading “Across the in world, Nigerians students excel Computer-Based (NBET) Plc, is backed by are known to be the smartest examinations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes people on earth. iscredit abriefing positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at aThis press the full faith and ofin the Managing Director/Chief Executive development but someof people Abuja yesterday, Registrar JAMB, the federal government Officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, Halima

inaugural tranche under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction was told that he would not board the Programme.

CardinalStone flight because boarding had closed.

Partners Limited as Charge d'Affairs, USserved Embassy, In another development, the David Greene, inAdviser his Aerospace officeand on Minister of Aviation and Lead Financial Thursday, Alake lauded the United Development, Festus Keyamo, has Leadcommitment Issuing House.

States’ toshould fostering ordered that a probe be cooperation with Nigeria in diverse a statement, conducted on the incident. areIn under scrutiny andVerheijen processing," sectors of the economy, stating that Spokesman AON and the Oloyede said.theof was quoted tosignificance have spoken itChairman underscores of the of UTME Unitedshowed Nigeria “The 2025investor the at an forum smooth bilateral relations between Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in a pressof prevalence of some particular types both countries. conference in Lagos yesterday called held in Lagos to formally infractions, which suggests systemic “Ithethank youAirports for your visit. I on Federal Authority present the issuance vulnerabilities orbond gaps in registration met the US(FAAN) Assistant Secretary of of Nigeria to bring out the State forvideo Energy Resources, Geoffrey and examination administration or/ programme to domestic CCTV of the incident, saying Pyatt, on thevideo sidelines the Mines and that itmonitoring. is the fromof FAAN that institutional investors, and Money in London “The newconference trends observed were noting that the intervention past year, and we had a fruitful in the Registration and Examination engagement.

I didwere analyse allinour was and designed to tackle processes and they mainly the issues, fundamentally, we just following categories: Identity Fraud, the sector’s longstanding want to diversify our economy and Biometric Fraud oftheCombined A statement posted anti-graft's from oil. Not just on for our own liquidity constraints without Thumbprint of Candidate,” he social media handle X, noted thesaid. duo economic survival butthatalso to resorting to ad-hoc bailouts.

Other infractions, he said, were were onglobal a six-count charge, be inarraigned tune with trends for bordering toWe the impersonators at laundering the point of “Thisoninmoney isglobal not a bailout; reduction warming. tune million. registration with the activereset. involvement itThe isof $12 adefendants strategic By according to the

are restoring liquidity and to generation companies giving power generation and gas suppliers. Overall, companies the footing the programme authorises would clear the air on what really every passenger has a right, your they require to operate theisissuance of up to N4 happened, since the Senator and the right limited to what is within the andwant invest with trillion in ofgovernmentformalisation artisanal miners also to be partconfidence. of the airline have made available theirmove own ICAO (International Civil Aviation into cooperatives amongst others. to reduce emissions andwill put Organisation) videos thatglobal covered the incident. regulation and the Clearing the debt backed bonds to address "Theindustry. miningThere sector our mining sector on the global aviation Okonkwo stated the operators’ is noprovides amount create breathing room legacy debts that have a veritable avenue for increased map.

We have critical minerals viewpoint on the incident and said of any disappointment, if at all, from trade between andinvolved the United that are in commercial demand forpassengers operators to 2,stabilise weakened utility balance that have their rights but any airline thatNigeria gives you any rightin Penta M &Amp; Centre Tambuwal one of them was also States, especially in thebeen area of value globally,"Alake said. airline operations areplan guided by for self-help.

We have talking LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State. impersonation. operations and new sheets and constrained new addition, which implies processing The minister welcomed partnerregulations and it is the responsibility about unruly behaviour.

So, what Oloyede added that 80 suspects The registrar also said dueup to investments that will help investment. extracted andthat setting ship with the on investments in of of airlines andUS passengers toby abide saw wasminerals a typical case of unruly were being interrogated the you substandard performance, four centres factories here. would also require the mining value chain, expanding by those regulations. behaviour.

It isWe not acceptable.

Air deliver more power to More than 600 police fortechnology theirhad involvement in the had been delisted and blacklisted for financing from multilateral institutions access to extracting “AON had theinfull brief of Peace is a respected airline.

No matter Nigerians.” participants from banks, examination and technical deficiencies. listed the for our local operators. are providand processing minerals and Air Peace on malpractices this incident.

Andmost as what you think aboutWe it,He they carry ing for investments like mining areas. ofmatter them prosecuted. centres Adventure Associate, Behind Thewould Series 1much issuance pension funds, insurance asecuring of fact,beas as we 40 toincentives 50as: percent of all the domestic tax waivers mining equipment, Throwing light on reforms “The Board has identified the passengers Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu appreciate and understand that infor Nigeria. marks the commencement companies, asset managers, of full repatriation ofZaria. profits embarked upon by the federal govpresence of extraneous fingers in policy Rimi College of Education, of registration the thefirst phase of aof toissuing houses, trustees, and home countries ernment, minister highlighted the details of some On how to checkamongst the UTMEothers," results, emphasised. revised Community broader multi-instrument family offices attended these candidates.

ThisDevelopment raises concerns Alake Oloyede said: "To check the 2025 In his remarks, the US AmbasAgreement (CDA) strategies guidelines regarding potential for UTME results, candidates send programme targeted the commended inaugural forum, theshould renewed geared towards reducing frictionat in sador impersonation. by text message “UTMERESULT” as prosecution to proceed with theplans trial described theNigeria May 27, 2025 bailappetite application interest of in solid minerals, host communities; on-going raising N1.23 trillion by highlighting strong of 3,656 candidates fall hearing within this one to 55019 or 66019has using the and prayed for accelerated of theword defendants as incompetent, given that the sector huge forl new security architecture to ofstressing thecase.first quarter ofresults 2026, from long-term investors category.

Consequently, the of that same they had used the thephone defendants neither underto potentials tonumber rivalwere the contribution secure natural resources; efforts Responding, the defence J.J. arrest, inthe detention, nor have appeared the candidates have beencounsel, withheld.” register the registration process. of nation's economy. with proceeds to the be foroilnortoduring government-backed to generate big geo-data; Usman, SAN,toon onthe his part reminded the the court,will being the grounds Speaking underage candidates, Result printing be available later." applied settlement of before infrastructure-linked assets. court of subsisting bail applications of provided by the Administration of

Places 1,426 results under scrutiny Globacom: how our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams

Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo, Nominates NOA DG: FGCommissioners to Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

DeltatoMourns Senator15,000 Nwaoboshi FG Repatriate Nigerians Stranded Abroad

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe made wild and completely off-thesuggesting that ismark aboutcomments 85 per cent complete projects assures us thatalong no life is Edo State is owing $35 Ahoada billion. handled by Rock Result Even ifofthat was what was written forgotten and that every end of the tunnel."You can't find section East West Road is at 60 per for him, he shouldthan haveNigeria. known a better cent completion, that effort topartner protect and that the figure isadding wronglife andRCC, can't Setraco have shown commitment in I always follow global issues be true. dignity participates restore their jobs. and your efforts.

You have to "In reality, our debt stock is not God’s work.

Addressing the journalists, Umahi do more insaving Nigeria help fight ain secret and in fact, weto are ‘under said, "We havein just inspected thewould work poverty the humanitarian borrowed’.

Emperor Tenebe ofhave Rockknown Result have multiple area.

You where have done well in this ifwe he understood concrete culvertsaofover the East West the economics governance, fiscal developing knowledge-based Road failure in between Rivers and responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. economy Qatar, but what Bayelsa. about Nigeria?", the President explained. verified obligations owed

Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO, Executive

mischievously tend to portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the Buba the bank's Executive Director/ Board withheld the results 39,834 us inand negative light.

Butof this is Chief Compliance Officer, candidates outare of the over 1.9Innocent million not who we as a people.

Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite applicants that the sat for the exam.

“To change negative narof the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for According thesetting JAMB of ratives, we to are upout the alleged fraud.

Ademide Adebayo the figure 96 candidates' were Citizens’ Brigade to results produce withheldNigerians over exam malpractices, young and createa decrease from 123 inCompetition therebuild previous the year. positive models to The Federal Oloyede said the Board remained national values." and Consumer Protection resolute in its commitment to Wale Igbintade Commission (FCCPC) has eliminating any form of examination malpractice, adding that 1,957,000 unsealed the headquarters The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, that regard,were has and approved your candidates verified to after sit for has discharged acquitted a of Ikeja Electric Plcof suspension as the Onido Idothe in the examDirector while 71,705 were absent. former General of the electricity distribution the area of authority of Ido Local Nigerian Maritime According to him,Administration 2,157 candidates Government Area ofrejections Oyoto State." and Safetyfingerprint Agency (NIMASA), company agreed a experienced due It directed Oba Babalola to hand Patrick Akpobolokemi, of alleged to suspected registration infractions, binding undertaking to over all government properties in N754.8 fraud. aaddress figure,million he said, wasconsumer far above his todecision the Chairman identified Inpossession a unanimous acceptable margins and delivered currently of Ido local government.

Incourt the yesterday, the appellate rights violations. under investigation. meantime, the state government allowed Akpobolokemi’s appeal, "Avowed total ofto39, 834 results remain has hard atthe anyone, set aside the hit Ikeja unreleased.

Ofruling these, of 1,426 results no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

of few CBT centres, double registration,

he explained that following the

Meanwhile, reacting to the poor

BurningofRiversAssemblyComplex:CourtDismisses FCCPC UnsealsApplication Ikeja Electric Office After Compliance Pledge Challenging of Charge The development was to complyCompetence with a directive Ikeja Electric has now EFCC's statement, however,ofpleaded and attempted substitution self by “not guilty” to all the charges when they candidates. readOloyede to themadded following the lead thatwhich 244 candidates prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo, were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp SAN, thetoreadiness of the runs,”announced subscribing rogue groups

announced yesterday, Alex enumah in Abuja promising leaked questions.

He said theirIkeja results had also been following Electric’s Justice Bolaji of a Fedwithheld to setOlajuwon a stern example. commitment to comply eralInHigh Court inhe Abuja, yesterday, cases, said,dismissed the entire High some Courtthe which had dismissed application bycentres two with a colluded remedial process syndicates withchallenging CBT his no-case quashed Rivers Statesubmission, indigenesand to register using multiple fingerprints. outlined bycharge the Commission the 12-count filed against the jurisdiction of the court to try According to him, as aFinancial result of him by thealleged Economic and them over complicity in the after enforcement action was this, 3,656Commission candidates with “extraneous Crimes (EFCC). burning of the Rivers State House of taken against the company.

The EFCC accused fingerprints” have in had their results Assembly complex Port Harcourt, Akpobolokemi conspiracy, According tooftheCBT FCCPC, withheld, and some centres Rivers State. stealing, and forgery in connection Chime Eguma and implicated will faceEzebalike sanctions. the headquarters was sealed with illegal transfers from the Prince Lukman Oladele, were Healleged identified the11, centres as on December 2025, account of thepersons VIMSAS Committee. among five charged with Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon He was originally arraigned with terrorism and murder.

The others after Ikeja Electric failed International School, Maitama, several others, but the charges were are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. later amended to include only him Technology.

Kano State and They wereWudil, last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

the defendants, May 27, 2025 and Ministry of dated Education’s decision prayed that the acourt should uphold to enforce minimum age theof applications and admit thegranted defendants 16, an exception was for to“exceptionally bail. gifted” underage The prosecution counsel in his response, students. bordering on murder. issued byterrorism thethatand Nigerian The registrar said of the 41,027 Although, they Regulatory pleaded not underage candidates who registered, Electricity guilty to all the judge only 467 metthe thecharges, high-performance Commission (NERC) however, ordered that they be criteria, onedefendant. disqualified dueto to and onewith other remanded at malpractice. theaKuje Correctional unbundle Maximum examination At the lower court, Justice Raliatu Center, pending the hearing of He bail said that the Board remained Demand account into Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC their application fixed for committed providing necessary had a prima facie case February 2,toas well asthe the motion 20 established individual accounts support for persons with disabilities on of the counts and ordered of thea 1st and 2nd defendants forsome customer who had Akpobolokemi andtertiary his co-defendant aspiring to pursue education. challenging the jurisdiction of to open their reportedly been without He said that for the 2025 UTME, the court to defence. entertain the suit Akpobolokemi, through his against aelectricity total them. of 501forcandidates were over two lawyers Collinsexamined Ogbonna and Ezebalike and Oladele had successfully

by Kunle JAMB and a half years.

Gbolahan, appealed the ruling, argued that by the provisions Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) arguing thenationwide.

EFCC to of the Terrorism Act, it isfailed only the The Commission said across 11that centres link him to any wrongdoing and Attorney General of the Federation According to Oloyede, the results relied onfileinadmissible evidence that any released charge ofbut terrorism are can also being sadly, against them.

Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

Criminal Justice of Act,students (ACJA) that should performance in the 2025 precipitate a bail application but rather UTME, the company explained that applied for bail from the comfort of their the Glo Examination Preparatory homes officesstudents when noronaction has Serviceortrains practical been againstinthem. waystaken to excel Computer-Based Fagbemi, SAN, that undertaken to resolve examinations such assubmitted Joint Admissions the charge having Board been filed by and Matriculation (JAMB), all consumer complaints the Inspector of Police, was Junior and General Senior West African referred to it by the FCCPC incompetent and askedexaminations the court to Examination Council and unreliable witness testimonies, strike counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of within agreed timelines, as wellout asthose IELTS. including of PW9, PW10, the charge or strike strike outand the Theas 2025 UTME results released warning that any violation PW11, well as Exhibits P59–P61. entire suit for been incompetent. by JAMB on of May 5 had elicited Court Appeal agreed, Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. ofThe the undertaking would widespread concerns morenot than holding that the appellant was a Simon Lough, SAN,asurged the attract renewed and member theof VIMSAS 1.5 million out 1.9 million candidates court toofdismiss the Committee; application and notresults a signatory to any of the escalated enforcement whose released scored for lacking in were merit.

Committee’s accounts.

According to Lough, besides below 200.under A breakdown ofFederal the results action the The court further held he Sections and 66Monday of thethat Police released by4JAMB on showed Competition and Consumer neither signed nor approved any Acts that empower them that 983,187 candidates (50.29to perbring cent) withdrawal instructions or199, internal the charge against Protection Act. scored between 160the anddefendants, while memos related theTerrorism alleged Section and 99 to of(24.97 the 488,197 5candidates per cent) fraudulent transfers.

Act, shows that the police have scored between and 159. powers to also 140 initiate terrorism charges against the defendant.

Appeal Court Acquits Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi in N754.8m Fraud Case

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

saturDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025

NEWS

MATRICULATION CEREMONY...

R-L: Vice Chancellor of Shanahan University, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Josephat Oguejiofor; Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Valerian Ezeokeke; businessman and benefactor of the institution, Chief Cletus Ibeto, and Presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, during the second matriculation ceremony of Shanahan University at Holy Basilica, Onitsha... yesterday

FG Approves Fresh Disbursement of N32.9bn to PHCs NCDC: lassa fever claimed 195 lives so far in 2025

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Federal government said it has approved the sum of N32.9 billion for Quarter Four (2025) under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) disbursement initiative.

This was as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 195 deaths in Nigeria resulting from Lassa Fever disease.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate who announced the approval at a meeting in Abuja yesterday, said the disbursement of funds will commence in January 2026, in line with the implementation plan.

He said that the federal government has also

approved the expansion of MOC membership to include; Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) as part of efforts aimed at strengthening local government participation and ownership in BHCPF implementation.

A statement by BHCPF office said: "The MOC approved the disbursement of N32.9 billion for Quarter Four (Q4) 2025 under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), in line with the BHCPF 2.0 Guidelines.

"The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has approved the establishment of a Citizens’ Response Centre (CRC) to strengthen accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement in the health

ASHA Microfinance Bank Undertakes CSR Initiatives ASHA Microfinance Bank has successfully concluded a three-day bursary and client empowerment programme across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable community development.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, held from December 16 to 18, a statement explained, was designed to support education and empower small business owners within the bank’s operating communities. The programme commenced at

Ikotun Market in Lagos State, continued in Sango Ota, Ogun State, and culminated in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As part of the initiative, 100 students were awarded educational bursaries, recognising them as outstanding children of ASHA Microfinance Bank clients. The bursaries aim to ease the financial burden of education on families while encouraging academic excellence.

In addition, 150 clients received eco-friendly deep freezers as part of the client reward and business support scheme.

sector.

"The funds are scheduled for disbursement in January 2026 to support the delivery of essential primary healthcare services nationwide.

It said that one of the major highlights of the meeting include the approval for the establishment of a Citizens’ Response Centre (CRC) to strengthen accountability,

transparency, and citizen engagement in the health sector.

"The approval, communicated in the context of the 13th MOC meeting, aligns

with ongoing health sector reforms and reinforces government’s commitment to demandside accountability and people-centred healthcare delivery.

Exodus of Teachers, Clinicians in Medical Education, Worries Odili

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has expressed worry at the exodus of medical professionals, who travel abroad for greener pastures, saying it is posing serious challenges to Nigeria's health sector.

Dr. Odili commended the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara for aligning with the federal government, a move he said will attract development and other benefits to the state.

Speaking at the 8th Founders’ Day and 5th Convocation Ceremony of PAMO University of

Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, yesterday, Odili advocated for an upward review of the retirement age and salary of medical professionals in the country .

Odili, who is the founder and Pro-Chancellor of the university, called on the federal government to address the exit of medical

experts, describing the issue as a national crisis.

"Your Excellency, at this point, permit me to draw attention to what I consider a silent national crisis. The exodus of teachers and clinicians in medical education across the country, no state is spared. It's a silent crisis.

Mutfwang: I Joined APC in Overall Interest of Plateau Party vows to win Osun

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said that he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the overall interest of the state, revealing that President Bola Tinubu personally invited him to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

This was as the National Chairman of APC, Prof.

Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ruling party would win the Osun State governorship election convincingly in

2026.

Mutfwang reiterated that after months of consultations and personal introspection, he had to make the move in the interest of the state.

The governor said he did not make the move for personal gain but as a form of respect to Tinubu, who has shown a special interest in Plateau State and its challenges.

He added that though the President had extended the invitation to him to join the APC on several occasions, he had politely declined until it became very obvious that the PDP is enmeshed in

serious chaos at the national level.

“I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that,” he said.

He noted that there had also been the beckoning of highly placed personalities, including fellow governors from the APC too, but the whole time, he stood by his decision.

He however, stated that what finally changed his mind was the challenges and chaos in the PDP at the national level.

“Until recently, when it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted. We have zero challenges at the state level but all our efforts are vain without a solid structure at the national level.

“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

SCORECARD PRESENTATION...

L-R: Acting Company Secretary, Conoil Plc, Mr. Bolaji Owolabi; Non-Executive Director, Dr. Ebi Omatshola; Ag. Managing Director, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, and Finance Director, Mr. Ismail Salam, at the Annual General Meeting of the company held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State…yesterday

Senate Confirms Mohammed, Eyesan as NMDPRA, NUPRC CEOs PANDEF seeks Niger Delta inclusion

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday confirmed the appointments of new chief executives for Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory agencies, drawing commendation from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which described the development as a positive step in ongoing reforms of the oil and gas sector while renewing calls for deeper Niger Delta inclusion and urgent environmental action.

Those confirmed are Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engr. Saidu Mohammed as Authority

Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), completing a leadership reset in the petroleum regulatory architecture after the exit of their predecessors.

The confirmations followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the joint Senate committees that screened the nominees.

The report was presented at plenary by the committee chairman, Senator Kawu Sumaila, at a session presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

Presenting the report, Sumaila recalled that the Senate, at its sitting of

Ebhodaghe: Nigeria Remains Most Attractive Energy Investment Destination in Africa Peter Uzoho

The Lead Strategic Consultant at ACEPONTIS Limited, Mr. Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, has declared that the Nigerian energy sector remains the most attractive investment destination in Africa.

Ebhodaghe, who disclosed this while interacting with journalists in Lagos, however, stated that unlocking its full potential requires a strategic overhaul of maritime logistics.

He noted that while Nigeria is perceived as a high-risk zone, it remains a high-reward environment for investors who understand the terrain.

He emphasised the need for policy stability, contract predictability, and robust safety infrastructure to secure long-term capital.

"Nigeria is a high-risk, high-reward environment.

For the upstream sector, stability is key. To improve the business environment, we need continuity in fiscal policies and better security infrastructure in the Niger Delta," he stated.

"If we can guarantee the safety of assets and the predictability of contracts, Nigeria remains the undisputed energy investment destination in Africa."

December 18, 2025, received a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking legislative confirmation of the nominees in line with

the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The request was subsequently referred to the relevant joint committees on

petroleum for screening.

He explained that Sections 4 and 29 of the PIA establish the NUPRC and NMDPRA respectively, while Sections

11(3) and 34(3) empower the President to appoint their chief executives, subject to Senate confirmation, for a renewable five-year term.

Obi Pays NECO Fees for 148 Prison Inmates in Anambra Donates N15m to college of nursing sciences, Onitsha

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, has paid the examination fees of 148 inmates of correctional centres in Anambra State, all of whom sat for the November/December 2025 NECO GCE examinations.

He also donated N15 million to the management of School of Nursing Sciences, Borromeo in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Also, the former governor of Anambra State, Obi and the Senator representing Abia North Zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe have charged students on the need for hard work and to maintain integrity.

The Anambra State Coordinator of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Mrs. Emilia Njoku who received Obi during the unscheduled visit expressed surprise, saying she wasn't expecting the presidential hopeful.

Obi said he was in the office to present a cheque to the management of the council for the payment of examination fees of the inmates who had approached him through a delegate recently, saying that the council was threatening to stop them from taking the exams.

Obi said, "When the delegation approached me, I felt bad that the candidates were going to be stopped from further participating in the examination.

"I promptly told them

I would pay the fees, but shortly after that, I was reached by some of my friends in the diaspora who donated money for the payment and even made a pledge to pay in subsequent years."

Explaining his visit to the staff of the council in their Awka office, he further stated that the representatives of the inmates who visited his home were from the Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguata (Ekwulobia) correctional centres.

Dangote Cement Distributes Laptops, Grinding Machines to Host Communities Sunday Ehigiator

Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth with the distribution of laptops and grinding machines to youths and women in its host communities in Ogun State.

The gesture formed part of the company’s 2025 Host Community Day celebration held at Ibese, themed ‘Sustaining Growth, Strengthening Bonds’.

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, and showcased cultural unity and partnership between the cement manufacturer and its host communities.

Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, said, “The Annual Community Day celebration provides a vital platform for strengthening relationships with host communities and key

partners.”

Represented by the Chief General Manager, Maintenance, Mr. Hemant Dave, Subbaraidu said the company’s focus goes beyond cement production to fostering care, inclusion and shared progress.

“This celebration is not just about our achievements in cement production, but about reflecting on our journey of partnership, care and inclusion,” he said, adding that the strong turnout and cultural

performances underscored the collaborative spirit between Dangote Cement and its stakeholders.

He expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its consistent support and acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, and chairmen of host local governments.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025

NEWS XTRA

40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION...

L-R: Chairman, College of Medical Alumni Association, Prof. Udoka Chris Okafor; Class President, 80/85 set of College of Medicine University of Lagos, Alumni, Prof. Kofo Ogunyankin;Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Provost, College of Medicine University of Lagos, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, and Dean Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences Unilag, Prof. Fatimoh Abdulksreem, during the inauguration of Solar power system and refurbished female Hostel, Alliakilu Hall at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, University of Lagos as part of the activities marking the 40th anniversary reunion of the 85 set of the Institution held in Lagos… recently

HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM...

Michael Olugbode and Linus Aleke in Abuja

stop in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Earlier yesterday, there were worries over the fate of the 11 Air Force personnel as despite

L-R: Founder of Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze; Executive Director, Initiative for Equal Rights, Afolabi Aiyela, and Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu; during the 11th Annual Human Rights, sexuality and the law symposium held in Abuja… recently KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

NAF Announces Departure of Detained Aircraft from Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday confirmed the safe departure and

onward movement of its C-130 aircraft from Burkina Faso, after an emergency landing in the West African country that saw 11 Air Force personnel detained

for more than a week.

The aircraft had been on a routine ferry mission to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance when it made an unscheduled

Army Deals Blow to Bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Neutralises Armed Criminals Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Nigerian Army's 8 Division Garrison in Sokoto has scored a major victory in the fight against banditry, neutralising five armed criminals and recovering weapons and motorcycles

in coordinated operations across Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Also, the Sokoto State Police Command has arrested the leader of the notorious "Sai Malam" cult group, Muhammed Muktar, also known as "Sai Malam", and a serial rapist, Anas

Sani, who preyed on young girls in the state.

According to a credible source, the victory against bandits followed a meticulously planned operation kicked off at first light on Thursday targeting notorious hideouts spanning Sokoto and

Zamfara states.

The coordinated assaults hit known bandits' enclaves in Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu villages within Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and Batamna village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

the announcement by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, on Wednesday, that the crew members had been released by the government of Burkina Faso, a reliable source told THISDAY that they were still being held in the country.

Speaking in a chat with THISDAY, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, had earlier confirmed that the officers were yet to arrive in the country, but that they were expected to depart yesterday.

FG Intensifies Sugar Sector Reform as Minister Inspects LASUCO

TETFund Boss Hails FG’s Funding of Nigerian Universities Sunday Ehigiator Daji SaniinYola The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its swift approval and generous funding of tertiary education projects across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 management retreat in

Yola, Adamawa State capital, Echono highlighted that the 2026 intervention guidelines had already received presidential clearance, positioning the agency to launch projects without delay.

At the retreat themed: ‘Advancing TETFund Mandate For Efficient Service Delivery In Beneficiary Institutions’, Echono emphasised that Tinubu’s

leadership has created a conducive environment for rapid disbursement of funds.

“As I am speaking, even the 2026 intervention guidelines have been approved by Mr. President, so we are ready to hit the ground running,” he declared, urging stakeholders to devise robust implementation strategies.

During the retreat, Echono

officially inaugurated several newly completed projects at Modibbo Adama University.

The inaugurated facilities include the main building of the College of Medical Sciences, two lecture theatres, laboratories and animal houses, a medical‑sciences library, the main building of the Faculty of Law, and a renovated university veterinary clinic.

Elder Ukachi Nnorom, 101, To Be Buried Today Elder Sampson Ukachi Nnorom, who died at the age of 101 will be buried today at his country home in Umukabia Okpuala, Nkwoegwu Automonous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

A statement by the

eldest son, Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, said after the funeral service at St. John’s Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala, the deceased's remains will be buried at his country home, and followed by a reception.

There will be

thanksgiving and outing service in honour of the deceased on Sunday at John’s Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala.

Late Elder Nnorom is survived by wife, children amongst whom is insurance expert, Mr. Dennis Nnorom.

The NAF had explained that the landing in Burkina Faso was purely precautionary and in line with international aviation safety standards.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, clarified that shortly after departure from Lagos on 8 December 2025, the crew detected a technical concern and opted to land at the nearest suitable airfield to ensure safety.

The federal government has intensified efforts to reform Nigeria’s sugar sector, as Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, commenced a series of strategic inspections of sugar projects across the country, starting with the Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO) in Kwara State.

The inspection exercise, according to the minister, is in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fast-track Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production through the effective implementation of the Backwards Integration Programme (BIP).

During the visit, Enoh conducted a comprehensive tour of

LASUCO’s integrated sugar complex, inspecting key facilities including the sugar mill, ethanol plant, power infrastructure, irrigation systems and over 700 hectares of existing sugarcane plantations.

The LASUCO project, owned by BUA Group, is designed as a 10,000-tonne cane-per-day sugar mill with the capacity to produce up to 220,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar annually when fully operational.

The minister commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, for what he described as effective leadership in motivating and monitoring operators under the BIP framework.

saturDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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DECEMBER 20, 2025 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

Is Russia Afraid Of A Free Press In Africa?

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The media will continue to ensure that journalists and analysts ask hard questions, argues OUMAROU SANOU

he recent reaction by the Russian Embassy in Abuja to opinion articles published in various media, even though it singled out THISDAY and The Sun, raises a question that should concern every African and especially Nigerians who value democracy: when confronted with uncomfortable facts and legitimate scrutiny, does Russia engage with evidence, or does it attack the messenger?

Rather than addressing the substance of the arguments raised about insecurity in the Sahel and the conduct of Russian-linked mercenaries, the Embassy chose a familiar authoritarian playbook: dismiss the writers as “paid,” question their legitimacy, and attempt to intimidate independent media platforms for publishing alternative views. This response says far more about Russia’s discomfort with free media than it does about the articles themselves.

Let us be clear. The articles in question were not an attack on Russia as a nation or its people. They were a critical examination of documented events in Mali and the wider Sahel—events reported not only by African journalists but also by international organisations, people, conflict monitors, and, ironically, by the mercenaries themselves on their own digital channels. To conflate scrutiny of actions with hostility toward a state is a tactic often used by regimes that fear accountability.

If Russia believes the facts are wrong, the burden is simple: present counter-evidence. Journalism is not theology; it is not immune to correction.

Any responsible journalist, academic or analyst will acknowledge an error when credible proof is provided. What is unacceptable is to replace evidence with insults, or to imply that African media, researchers and intellectuals must seek approval before publishing views that do not flatter foreign powers.

The Embassy’s statement also raises an uncomfortable implication: is Russia now openly assuming ownership or responsibility for mercenary operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger? If not, why rush to defend them so aggressively?

Mercenaries—by definition—are not instruments of sustainable security anywhere in Africa. From Sierra Leone in the 1990s to Libya and now the Sahel, the record is consistent: they deepen violence,

FROM SIERRA LEONE IN THE 1990S TO LIBYA AND NOW THE SAHEL, THE RECORD IS CONSISTENT: MERCENARIES DEEPEN VIOLENCE, WEAKEN NATIONAL FORCES, AND LEAVE SOCIETIES MORE FRACTURED THAN THEY FOUND THEM

weaken national forces, and leave societies more fractured than they found them.

The Embassy insists that reports of abuses are “fake news.” Yet many of the most disturbing confirmations of violence have come from the fighters themselves, shared on verified Telegram channels long before journalists or rights groups referenced them. Are those messages also Western fabrications? Or are we now expected to believe that mercenaries boasting online suddenly become victims of misinformation when their actions attract scrutiny?

More troubling is the attempt to recast legitimate African criticism as foreign manipulation. This is intellectually dishonest. Africans do not need Western scripts to recognise insecurity, repression, or failure when they see it. The worsening security situation in the Sahel is not a theory; it is a lived reality measured in displaced communities, expanding extremist influence, and shrinking civic space.

These outcomes deserve examination, not denial.

Nigeria, in particular, must resist any attempt to import external geopolitical quarrels into its public space. This country is sovereign. The media, I must attest, is independent. Nigeria and independent African media: journalists, academics, researchers, and other activists do not exist to please Moscow today or London tomorrow. Their duty is to inform the Nigerian public—especially when developments in neighbouring countries pose security implications.

What happens in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso does not stay confined to those countries. Arms flows, extremist movements, and displacement cross borders. Silence would be irresponsible.

Equally important is the question of civic space.

In countries now governed by military juntas aligned with Moscow, opposition voices are muted, journalists are harassed, and civil society operates under threat. It secretly disseminates some of these articles that irk Moscow. Independent debate is treated as subversion.

It is therefore ironic—if not revealing—that Russian officials appear unsettled that Nigerian media still allows dissenting views to be published. That is not a flaw of democracy; it is its strength.

Sanou is a social critic, Pan-African observer and researcher focusing on governance, security, and political transitions in the Sahel

Monuments To Waste

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Many model schools in Ogun State have become hideouts for miscreants, writes KAYODE AWOJOBI

uality education is the foundation of a quality future. This must have been the guiding vision of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the former Governor of Ogun State, when he initiated the Ogun Model School project in 2012 during his first tenure under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria. The initiative, which was greeted with widespread excitement and hope by citizens, promised a new era of educational excellence in the state.

Sadly, more than a decade later, that promise has failed to materialize, and what remains is a painful reminder of abandoned ambition and wasted public resources.

At inception, the cost of each model school was reportedly pegged at ₦750 million by the Amosun administration, while the then Commissioner for Education, Late Mr. John Odubela, stated that the fully completed and equipped cost of each school stood at ₦1.3 billion. These figures reflected the seriousness of the project and the magnitude of public investment involved. Yet, despite the enormous sums expended, the schools have never lived up to their purpose.

Instead of becoming models of excellence, they have become monuments of neglect.

Since their completion, most of the model schools either completed or not spread across the state has not functioned as intended. They have neither served students nor inspired educational reform. Rather, they have remained largely unused, abandoned, and left to decay. This neglect represents not just infrastructural failure but a profound disservice to the people whose taxes funded these projects.

One of the 26 model schools, named after a distinguished son of Ago-Iwoye and renowned biologist, Professor Sanya Onabamiro, exemplifies this tragedy.

Located near the Ago-Iwoye Stadium and facilitated by Hon Adekoya Adesegun, the multi million-naira facility now lies deserted. What was once envisioned as a center of academic excellence has been overtaken by weeds, reptiles, and decay.

Equipment that was once installed has either been vandalized or completely carted away, further underscoring the waste of public funds.

Ironically, Senator Amosun had assured citizens that these schools would boast exceptional facilities in science, technical education, agriculture, humanities, enterprise, and sports, complete with full boarding facilities

to serve students from across the state.

Today, those promises ring hollow when weighed against the reality on ground.

Although the Ago-Iwoye model school was reportedly completed in record time, years of abandonment have stripped it of its beauty and purpose.

From a distance, the structure still hints at the thoughtful planning and substantial investment that went into its construction. Inside, however, chairs and desks are scattered haphazardly, while two adjoining structures believed to be hostels remain unused. The entire environment has been reclaimed by thick vegetation, making access difficult and turning the premises into a haven for criminals and miscreants. This situation now poses a serious security threat to residents living in the surrounding community.

What was once a symbol of hope has become an eyesore. Paint has peeled off the walls, original colors have faded, and visible cracks now threaten the structural integrity of the buildings.

The glory of the model school has been lost to neglect, and its continued abandonment sends a troubling message about governance, accountability, and priorities.

While it is unfortunate that the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun failed to operationalize the model schools, it is even more disheartening that the current administration under Prince Dapo Abiodun has openly stated that the project is not a priority even though attention was given to a few of them. Regardless of political differences, it must be remembered that public funds were used to execute these projects. Allowing them to rot away is an affront to the citizens of Ogun State and a stain on successive administrations.

The present government still has an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. These model schools can be revived and repurposed into functional educational institutions or transformed into vocational and technical centers that equip young people with practical skills. At a time when unemployment and youth restiveness are major challenges, such facilities could provide meaningful solutions and restore hope to countless families.

Awojobi, a multiple award-winning Broadcast Journalist, Social and Political Commentator, writes from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

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INSIGHT

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

A protest against insecurity...

What a waste!

In Praise of President Buhari Time to Revisit Nigeria’s Health Insurance

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In Praise of Isa Mohammed Sani Stop Ritual Attacks

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and Killings

by This the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to hatever is used as measurement of success hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of patients. igeria’s National Health Insurance pharmacy reportedly hardly the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level would see the executive power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in Authority (NHIA) was established boasts of any essential drugs or medicines. of transparency and accountability. many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad chairman of Obi Local Government with a clear mandate: to drive the couldPatients are asked their Afterroutinely keeping treasury lootersto onsource their toes and at bay through the governance and untold level of corruption, government not he Advocacy Alleged Witches (AfAW) Nasarawa State, Hon.forIsa Mohammed Sani, country toward Universal from outside the EFCC,medications particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service Health providers at both prescribed the urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual qualified as excellent.

His achievements have been habits of the nation on what call of articles of ostentation. Part federal and state levels. by 2030. With a stated attacks and killings because the notion Coverage (UHC) hospital, defeating the veryeconomists purpose and analyzedof with statistical data. is completely of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how theobserved country Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried ritual money and wealth vision of becoming a leading agency cominsured care and placing additional financial frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can performed baseless.

AfAW the is making this call following out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state He has beyond expectations of the the mitted access toGranting quality onof already vulnerable be producedburdens at home. One such items was rice, a major staple among reported arrest oflittle suspected ritualistsininhis Oyocare State governorsto payachieving something as financial basic as workers’ salaries. those and bailoutemotional masses.

He has managed the resources healthcare forboost all to Nigerians, thebecause scheme was of arrears individuals.

Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one in southern Nigeria. The local media reported funds was a huge national security the pressure effectively by providing the ofbasic necessity of life for hand haddistressing saved the nationisbillions in foreign currency annually. that members the Western Nigeria Security of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerouslyand all over the country wasEven a designed to remove cost barriers protect more the harrowing the people of Obi Local Govt., and given hope to the And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists ticking bomb. citizens from catastrophic health spending. processofofricestatus confirmation by Health and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in by donating with the body parts of a 73-year-old man.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it hopeless books, mathematical sets and Yet, nearly Buhari two to decades its and conception Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).

NHIA food production.

He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice The suspects, who were apprehended in the took President appoint hisafter ministers how that contributed to other essential items to students of the council.

Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim collapse of the economy if, without ministers, governance was frozen. in different forms,asthat vision appears patientsvalue arechain. often made to wait for hours, Many roads in Obi Localthem Govtto were not motorable What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is cleric asked procure some human body But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, increasingly distant from reality. and in some cases days, before approval its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. before Hon. Isa Sani office as executive parts assumed for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole For many Nigerians enrolled under the codes are issued.

During this time, treatment Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue droppedbut heinput Nigeria.

Irrational of how to story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state chairman, smiles on theconceptions faces of commuters NHIA, the reality care is marked by is delayed, regardless of the abysmally as if to sabotage him severity knowing all of the the big promises he made to make money or become wealthy and successful President Buhari inheritedof in 2015. by constructing roads, building schools equipped with citizens during his In campaigns.

But with the little resources that trickle in, the undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians It was therefore necessary and for him to take stockinefficiency. against the background frustration, neglect, systemic patient’s condition. a healthcare system computers in furtherance of the realitymoney, that the world President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could strongly believe in blood known in of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full Across the country, patient experiences where time can mean the difference between not dream of. some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover is a global village.

He also built health care centres suggest a scheme exists more paper life and death, delays indefensible.

Today, thesuch trains are up andare running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. or Ogwu ego (Igbo). and They free thinkuniforms that they notes. Although President that Goodluck Jonathan wason gracious in defeat, many for theAnd masses, recreation centres than in practice.

While tothey healthcare Jimo Obi,a Obosi Anambra from Lagos to Ibadan brand new rail track wasState started and completed; could become rich, or successful through ritual of his appointees were still sulkingaccess over what saw as their personal Tochukwu for students in the area.

In the area of security, is citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not thehe case. and therefore all the stops the to make things difficult for the islosses meant to be pulled guaranteed, lived experiproviding the people with a new lease country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, of Buhari government. ences of insured patients tell a difthe way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would or after reality.years Homeof movies as Africa Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP life livingknown in fear. ferent story—one that raises serioushell-bent on making leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic magic or Nollywood films have not helped appointees and their supporters still in government Anjorin Adeolu, Lafia, Nasarawa State questions thethecredibility and matters. These movies continue to reinforce things difficultabout for Buhari, President moved on with his methodical repair advantages. these mistaken notions and other superstitions. of a broken country. firstsystem. thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja effectiveness ofThe the T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R Families, churches, mosques, and other public of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA The situation is particularly institutions do not encourage the interrogation paid into one single account in line with the policy of DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU troubling inAccount many(TSA). private hospiof these traditional occult beliefs. There are Single Treasury MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO lthough wetohope thator nobody H E S AT UDIRECTOR R DAY NISRAEL E W S IWEGBU PA P E R tals, NHIA patients are often no robust efforts criticize dispel becomes these Thewhere TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the DEPUTYTMANAGING EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI ill, there is an advantage when they irrational and paranormal claims in schools, PDP government but its penchant for imprudence treated as second-class citizens.

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN colleges, and universities. So millions of and lack of accountability denied it the courage of are a celebrity.

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Reports abound of healthcare THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Nigerians grow up blindly implementing the policy. What the President literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU The words of Kingbelieving Charles,that thatthey he providers paying little or no into at-one box CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI could make money through ritual sacrifice of did was to gather all the nation’s money EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN is managing his cancer well with appropriate human body parts. The belief has led many and lockedto it up with a bigsimply padlock and watched for tention patients because MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI support, is good to hearcrimes but the imporNigerians to commit andmost perpetrate any thief come close. under the insurthey areto enrolled THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE atrocities.

Many Nigerians haveothers been jailed Who can blame the President for almost developing T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D tant thing is that it encourages to get ance scheme. Instead of benefiting or areregularly. undergoing court trials due to ritualparanoia over the safeguard of the national treasury EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA checked Although the exact nature from the protections GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, related attacks and murder. with revelations and reports ofpromised mind-bogglingby looting of his Not cancer notago, publicly known, Prostrate ISRAEL IWEGBU too is long the police arrested some that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With the NHIA, patients are frequently T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE cancer is one of the more likely possibilities, young Nigerians for stealing female pants, such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA subjected to long delays, limited DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTORENIOLA OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI whichwith they which intended to use for ritual sacrifice. insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, a cancer I am familiar.

For me a services, andwhile outright neglect.

SNR. ASSOCIATE ERIC OJEH ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMADIRECTOR NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI AfAW is asking allpromoted Nigerians toearly desistchecks, from a few individuals our gallant soldiers fought with family history of it ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETEREIMIUHI IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE A hands striking example can President be found ritual-related abuses because ritual money bare and on empty stomach, Buhari CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO,DIRECTOR UCHENNAOJOGUN DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL VICTOR DANBOYI its detection subsequent treatment beliefs are and baseless superstitions.

Nigerian but wasaduty bound tohospital bring sanitylocated and accountability back in popular in SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO sometimes these conditions arise unexpectedly media, schools, and colleges should help in national spending.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI Garki, Abuja, where a separate TO SEND EMAIL: first TAIWO, name.surname@thisdaylive.com educatechecking and reorient the public. They should Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and so regular is important.

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI pharmacy exists solely for NHIA assist in reasoning Nigerians out Australia of this Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted Witches (AfAW) funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

Celebrity Illnesses

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025

NEWS XTRA

NASFAT 8TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE...

L-R: NASFAT BOT Chairman, Dr. Wale Olasupo; Chief Missioner, Sheikh AbdulAzeez Maaruf Onike; AGF& Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; NASFAT President, Abdulwahid Abdulrauf; National Women Secretary, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola and Youth Leader, Tajudeen Olasupo, at the opening of the 8th Biennial Conference of NASFAT which took place in Abuja…recently

ECOBA 2025 AWARDS CEREMONY...

L-R: Dinner Chairman, Major General Julius Ehioze Osifo; Past Chairman, Edo College Old Boys dECEMBER 20, 2025 • Association (ECOBA), Lagos Branch Mr. Aigbe Olotu ; Chairman, Mr.SATURdAy, Charles Isa ; Principal Partner, Joe Akhigbe and Associates and the Distinguished Old Boy of the year awardee, Mr. Joseph Oriabure Akhigbe, and Managing Partner, ARLEX, Mr. Adedapo Tunde - Olowu, SAN, during ECOBA Lagos Branch 2025 Dinner Awards Ceremony held in Lagos ...recently

China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22bn, Envoy Reveals Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, revealed that ChinaNigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion.

Speaking at the 1st Annual China-Nigeria

Government Exchange Programme Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, Yu also disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians have benefitted from opportunities for the exchange provided by China.

Yu, while noting that

2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year, said that China's direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130 per cent, while Nigeria's export increased by over 200 per cent.

He said, “I think this

bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it's actually more about people-to-people relations. And I'm very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.

“That's already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China's direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130 per cent. And another good news is Nigeria's export increased by over 200 per cent.”

The envoy also said

Institute, LBS Launch Fighting Corruption Like Taking On Drug Inaugural Corporate Family Cartels, Says Ex-Kano Anti-graft Tzar Responsibility Index Awards Oluchi Chibuzor was partly linked to the at the public presentation The Institute for Work and Family Integration (IWFI), in collaboration with the Lagos Business School, has awarded winners in the maiden edition of its Corporate Family Responsibility Index Awards.

The award was launched to celebrate organisations with outstanding familyfriendly workplace policies and a clear commitment to work–family integration and ethical practice.

In a statement, the IWFI congratulated winners, which included: Multinationals Category - Standard Chartered Bank; financial institutions Sterling Financial Holdings; Large corporate - Eko Distribution Company; SMEs - Chamsaccess Limited, and insurance and microfinance - Davodani Microfinance - for their demonstrated commitment to family-supportive policies.

The fight against corruption in Nigeria is as dangerous as fighting armed Colombian drug cartels, a former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has said.

Gado, also warned that the increase in violence and banditry in the North

naked abuse and stealing of public funds by corrupt officials whose self-serving policies, according to him, create a stagnant pool of poverty and misery from which criminals find many potential recruits.

He spoke as a keynote speaker on the topic, ‘Youth as Catalyst of Integrity: Building a CorruptionFree Future for Nigeria,’

of the 19th edition of the Compendium on 100 Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria held in Lagos, recently.

The event was organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in partnership with local and international groups to mark this year’s International AntiCorruption Day celebration.

2027: LP Woos Ex-Atiku's Aide Foundation to Support Education, for Ogun Governorship Ticket Health, Community Development An engineer, Kolawole Adepoju, has formally launched the Kolawole Adepoju Dream Foundation.

Its goal is to improve the lives of the needy through initiatives in education, health, and community development.

The Foundation, which was recently unveiled in Lagos, attracted friends,

supporters and professionals who pledged to partner with the Foundation in its mission to assist disadvantaged groups.

Adepoju said the Foundation was established to bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, noting that genuine impact does not require great wealth.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

In a search for a credible candidate, the Labour Party (LP) yesterday asked Otunba Segun Showunmi, the former aide to the Vice President Abubakar Atiku, to come and contest as Governorship candidate of the party for Ogun State in 2027.

The party offered Showunmi the ticket when

the LP Executive in the state visited him in his Ibara, Abeokuta GRA residence.

Speaking at the brief event, the LP Chairman in Ogun State, Hon. Olubukola Soyoye, said members and supporters of the party have confidence that Showunmi would govern the state better if he becomes the governor of the state.

According to Soyoye,

there is need for a new era of governance in Ogun State, pointing out that Showunmi fit into the political ideology of the Labour Party.

She stressed further that the current All Progressive Congress (APC) administration in the state had mismanaged the state resources and misplaced its potential as the economic hub of the country.

his country is working closely with Nigerian authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025, which is meant to expand Nigeria's export to China while also enhancing Nigeria's position on the international global trading system.

He said, “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June.

That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100 per cent of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China.

“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria's export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria's position on the international global system, the trading system.”

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZIEFULE BRIDGET ONYINYECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUEKWE BRIDGET ONYINYECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALAOFIN TOLULOPE BIMPE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALAOFIN SHAKIRAT TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

saturDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

super saturday

Konyinsola Ajayi: Excellence is Product of Discipline, Endurance, Meticulous Labour

Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal luminaries, with a career spanning over four decades across litigation, arbitration and high-value transactional practice. Trained at the University of Ife, the Nigerian Law School, Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, he has built a reputation as a trusted adviser and advocate in some of the most complex disputes and commercial transactions in the oil and gas, energy, banking and infrastructure sectors. He speaks with Wale Igbintade, about his professional journey, the evolution of legal practice, and the ideas shaping law, policy and economic development in Nigeria and beyond. Excerpts

Y

ou’ve had a distinguished career spanning over four decades. When you look back, what defining moment set you firmly on the path of law?

Therewasnosingledefiningmoment—nosudden Pauline encounter—that set me on the path of law. Rather, when I look back through the long mirror of memory, I recognise that I was quietly and patiently formed. I suspect that I was quietly shaped by my late father.

As a child, I watched my father leave home each morning, composed and deliberate, elegantly dressed with care and purpose, with dignity that preceded him. He embodied discipline, order, and seriousness of intent. His grandfather bore the sobriquet Abugansoro — one who, from an abundance of fine wares, adorns himself resplendently. I did not then understand that I was absorbing a philosophy of life: that vocation is not merely what one does, but how one carries oneself in the world. In retrospect, those early impressions were my first lessons in what the law demands — clarity of thought, restraint of emotion, and respect for process. Law, for me, emerged less as a choice than

as a calling revealed over time What was life like during your time at Harvard and Cambridge?

Any memorable experiences that shaped your worldview or approach to legal practice?

My years at Harvard and Cambridge were formative in the deepest sense, yet they stand upon my years in Igbobi College, a place of true character formation, and the University of Ife, which first opened my eyes to what remarkable means. They were intellectually exhilarating, socially expansive, and morally instructive. I encountered ideas that unsettled assumptions, challenged inherited certainties, and demanded intellectual honesty. More importantly, those environments impressed upon me that excellence is not accidental. It is cultivated through discipline, curiosity, and humility before complexity. At both institutions, I learned that law is not merely a technical craft but a civilisational instrument: it shapes markets, restrains power, protects dignity, and mediates competing visions of justice. Those years taught me that one’s worldview is not confined to personal success. Ideas, when

responsibly held, ripple outward—shaping institutions, economies, and nations. In many ways, those experiences enlarged the scale at which I aspired to make an impact.

Being a Harvard and Cambridge scholar is no small feat. What habits or disciplines did you develop during those years that you still maintain today?

My experience at Harvard Law School and Selwyn College, University of Cambridge are notable milestones that have contributed to the warp and weft of my life’s work. From Harvard, I learnt the inviolable discipline of time management and unflinching preparation. I adopted a practice of planning ahead, of mapping out reading schedules, essay deadlines, revision sessions, and even moments of rest. Every hour was accounted for, every duty anticipated. Cambridge taught me a complementary discipline of depth and reflection over haste. I learnt that knowledge must be engaged, questioned, and internalised. Perhaps a more enduring third habit would be ambition tempered by humility; the response to a consciousness that there would always be more to

17

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

super saturday

Konyinsola Ajayi: Law for Me Was Not Choice, But a Calling but to truth as revealed through law. That discipline is demanding. It requires patience, restraint, and sometimes the courage to say no—both to clients and to power. At the same time, law does not exist in abstraction. It must serve society. A legal system that does not enable enterprise, protect the vulnerable, or promote stability ultimately fails its purpose. My career has therefore sought to balance doctrinal excellence with public consequence. These values are forged in one’s mind and are sustained by one’s convictions and aspirations.

learn, more to do and more to become.

You are known for handling complex, highstakes arbitrations across oil and gas, energy, and infrastructure. How do you mentally prepare before going into such major cases?

I have come to understand that excellence is rarely the child of inspiration; it is the product of discipline, endurance, and meticulous labour. True mental readiness is built through the physical fortitude to sit, to read, to analyse, and to labour over the details until clarity emerges. The mind becomes sharp because the body has endured the long hours; understanding deepens because one has submitted to the painstaking, even back-breaking work that complex disputes demand. Capacity is often forged in the quiet room, the long nights, the difficult page, the stubborn facts. Whether the matter is modest or monumental, the discipline is the same: to give the work the reverence of effort. That is the preparation that steadies me before I undertake any high-stakes mandate.

What is your favorite Nigerian meal? And do you have any culinary guilty pleasures?

That is a difficult question to answer, given the sheer feast that Nigerian cuisine offers the eyes and the richness it brings to the palate. In truth, our meals are a celebration in themselves. However, with a growing commitment to healthier eating, the field of that joy has somewhat narrowed. What might once have been a favourite, perhaps a simple plate of beans and dodo, now appears more as an occasional indulgence than a frequent delight. As for guilty pleasures, there are many. But the life of a pilgrim, or perhaps an ordinand, often demands closing one’s eyes to those temptations.

Outside the courtroom and boardroom, how would you describe your lifestyle? What does a typical ‘day-in-the-life’ look like for you?

Life is brief answers to big questions in sharing and becoming. Becoming, in the sense of allowing others experience your friendship and radiation of affection and care. A typical day for me begins with prayer and reflection. From there, I embrace every opportunity to do good, to uplift someone, to engage meaningfully with the young, and to be an expression of love in the spaces I occupy.

With your busy schedule, how do you balance work with family, rest, and personal interests?

I begin with a simple conviction that family is an anchor of a man’s existence. Work may build legacy, but family builds the man. So, no matter how exacting my schedule becomes, I carve out sacred pockets of time for those I love. These moments may be brief, but they are intentional; conversations that restore, laughter that steadies, presence that rebalances. Rest, too, is a form of wisdom. I have come to understand that the human mind, like a well-used instrument, must be tuned. There are seasons when the most productive act is to step away, breathe, and return with the clarity that only rest can produce. I rest not because I am weak, but because I want my strength to last. As for personal interests, I follow the adage that a river that forgets to flow soon becomes a swamp. I read widely, far beyond the law.

I engage the arts, I seek out ideas and conversations that remind me that there is life beyond briefs, tribunals, and deadlines. These pursuits keep the mind supple and the spirit awake. In all of this, what guides me is not perfection but priority. One must hold firmly to the things that truly matter and allow everything else to arrange itself around them. The truth is that balance is not achieved by having equal time for everything, but by giving the right weight to each thing. Work with intensity, love with tenderness, rest with intention, and live with curiosity. That, for me, is balance.

What does relaxation look like for Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi? Books, travel, sports, music—what helps you unwind?

My relaxation is found in playfulness, in the simple joy of laughing, joking and light-hearted engagement. I unwindbycreatingmomentsofease,whetherthrough humor, warm conversations, or playful exchanges with those around me. Those small, joyful interactions offer a balance to the rigours of professional life and help me stay grounded and refreshed.

You sit on the boards of major companies like Dangote Fertiliser and Leadway Holdings.

What personal values guide your approach to leadership and governance?

I am guided by integrity; it is the quiet force that steadies judgment. Without it, leadership becomes guesswork; with it, leadership becomes stewardship.

I am also guided by clarity of mind. Complex institutions often present problems wrapped in layers of urgency. My task is to peel back the noise until the real issue reveals itself. Clarity is the consciousness that prevents leaders from mistaking motion for progress. Another value that I hold dear is fairness.

Oftentimes, the wellbeing of many rises and falls on the decisions of leaders, hence the importance of fairness; the ability to be firm without being unjust.

And ultimately, I lean on responsibility. Leadership is a weight. When you sit on a board, you are holding the trust of shareholders, employees, and society.

That awareness forces you to think long-term and

Ajayi act deliberately.

As someone who advises on banking, capital markets, infrastructure, and energy, what sector excites you the most today, and why?

While I engage deeply with banking, capital markets, infrastructure, and energy, what excites me most today is the intersection of technology and transformation, particularly AI, digital platforms, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and govern. AIandemergingtechnologiesarearchitectsof possibility. They challenge our assumptions, redefine efficiency, and open new avenues for economic and social progress. In energy, infrastructure, and finance, technology accelerates solutions that were once slow, expensive, or even impossible. It allows us to reimagine systems, anticipate risks, and craft interventions with unprecedented precision. What fascinates me is that this is still the early chapter.

The decisions we take now, in policy, law, governance, and investment, will determine whether technology becomes a force for inclusive growth or an instrument of disparity. For someone who thrives at the nexus of law, economics, and public impact, this is where ideas meet consequence, and that is endlessly energising. So, yes, while I enjoy the intellectual breadth of banking and capital markets, and the nation-building character of infrastructure, it is AI and emerging technology that challenge imagination and make the future feel tangible today.

In your quiet moments, what kind of books do you enjoy reading—law, theology, politics, or something completely different?

While I read governance, politics, and economics for what I do, my personal reading leans toward theology, philosophy, Africa and Yoruba culture: the kinds of books that slow the mind down and stretch it at the same time. I like to know more about my land, and my people knowing in this way that Africa’s challenge is not a deficit of talent, intelligence, or aspiration. It is, rather, a deficit of structure—of systems that convert potential into productivity and ambition into value. I am interrogating this more these days. I am also drawn to writings that explore the human condition: why people believe what they believe, choose what they choose, and become what they become. Good literature has a way of revealing truth without argument, theology offers depth without noise, and philosophy sharpens questions more than it supplies answers. Every now and then, I wander into science and technology, not for the technical detail, but for the sheer wonder of how knowledge keeps expanding. So, although I read widely, in my quieter hours, I reach for the books that steady the soul, sharpen the mind, and remind one of the larger story we all inhabit.

Many people know you as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds. Tell us about the ‘Konyin’ most people don’t get to see.

My life is deeply anchored in reverence for God. Many know this, but they may not fully appreciate the extent to which my relationship with Him guides my decisions and my understanding of purpose. It shapes how I view success and failure, how I treat others, and how I measure the weight of responsibility.

The pressures of work and public life are inevitable, but I am steadied by a constant reminder that life is lived under His gaze and by His principles. So, beyond the accolades and public perception, there is a version of me that is measured, contemplative and quietly devoted to aligning action with character and ambition with calling.

Your scholarship spans law, politics, and theology. How do these disciplines intersect in your personal philosophy and daily life?

For me, law, politics, and theology are not separate towers of knowledge, they are three lenses through which I interpret responsibility, justice, and human purpose. Law sharpens the mind to discern structure, consequences, and fairness. Politics teaches the necessity of strategy, persuasion, and navigating human complexity. Theology, meanwhile, reminds me of the moral and existential framework within which all human action occurs. In my life, this intersection shapes both how I act and how I think. Decisions are never purely technical, they are guided by ethics, long-term consequences, and the human realities they affect. These lenses constantly check and balance one another: law provides rigor, politics provides perspective, and theology provides conscience. The result is a philosophy grounded in being right to your fellow man, as both my faith and father taught me.

What life lessons have your travels—both academic and professional- taught you about people and cultures?

In all of my travels, I have observed the universality of human character. I have seen how diverse cultures reflect shared aspirations: the desire for dignity, justice, opportunity, and connection. Everywhere in the world, people long to be treated fairly, to be respected, and to be loved. These human patterns remain constant, although expressed in remarkably different ways.

This observation reinforces my convictions in the singularity of man’s origin and likeness, and in the existence and rulership of a superior, unilateral, and indispensable Creator. Man desires to pursue good, be right, but more importantly to be treated right, which grounds my life outlook. What that is is a subject of its own.

From your days as a young lawyer to becoming a SAN and professor, what has remained constant in your personality or work ethic?

I have always believed that the practice of law must rest on three pillars: intellectual rigour, ethical clarity, and institutional loyalty. The lawyer’s first duty is not to convenience, popularity, or expediency,

You lead many reform initiatives, including the Capital Market Master Plan Implementation Committee. How do you stay grounded while navigating national-level responsibilities?

I try to remind myself that influence is transient, and what endures are the systems we build, the fairness we uphold, and the lives positively affected by our work. Regardless of scale, I return to the fundamentals that shaped my early practice: careful study, attention to detail, principled decision-making, and humility. These practices anchor me amid the pressures and pace of reform. But beyond that, let me say this - nations rise or fall not merely on personalities, but on whether institutions outlive individuals. Reforms are essential to institutions that matter in nation-building. From my earliest years in practice, I was drawn not only to transactions or cases, but to the architecture that sustains professional excellence—governance frameworks, ethical standards, mentorship cultures, and succession planning. A firm, like a nation, must be designed to endure. This belief has shaped my approach to leadership: build platforms, not pedestals; invest in people, not just outcomes; and always prepare the institution for a future in which you may no longer be present.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy that people might find surprising?

I’m not sure what would surprise anyone in the pursuit of happiness by anyone.

You’ve represented clients in arbitrations worth tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. How do you handle pressure and maintain clarity during such critical moments?

I prepare by doing what can be done: studying deeply, anticipating arguments, understanding every nuance of fact and law. That preparation builds confidence, not arrogance, and allows the mind to remain clear when stakes are high. By focusing on what is within my control (thought, analysis, and conduct), the noise of stakes, expectations, and emotion recedes. Although the pressure does not disappear, clarity and purpose endure when they are anchored in preparation.

What advice would you give young lawyers who aspire to combine academia, corporate advisory, and high-stakes litigation as successfully as you have?

My advice is simple: master the craft first.

Technical competence is non-negotiable; it is the foundation on which credibility and influence are built. Second, be curious across disciplines. Exposure to business, finance, policy, et al, will allow you to operate comfortably in different contexts and to see the connections that others might miss.

Third, choose mentorship wisely. Learn from those who have walked the paths you hope to follow and observe how they balance competing demands. Finally, be deliberate with your time.

Combining academia, advisory, and litigation requires discipline in managing priorities and the patience to grow expertise gradually rather than rushing for visibility or accolades. Life is one of choices and discipline, and sacrifice. It is possible to be successful in multiple spheres, but it won’t be accidental; it will be done strategically and intentionally.

Read full Interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

3

THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper • april 24, 2011

Taiwo Oyedele:

New Law Eases Tax Pressure for Small Businesses, Informal Sector Operators As Nigeria prepares to implement its landmark tax reforms starting January 1, 2026, the message from the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele is that the new law was designed to ease the financial pressure on ordinary citizens and businesses alike. Speaking on the anticipated impact, Oyedele emphasises that small businesses and operators in the informal sector, often the backbone of the economy, stand to benefit the most from a system that reduces unnecessary taxation while promoting fairness and growth. For workers, he said the reform brings a progressive structure aimed at ensuring that low- and middle-income earners pay less, while high-income earners contribute a fairer share. Sunday Ehigiator brings the excerpts

W

Can you explain the N100 million turnover threshold and what it means for over 90 percent of Nigerian businesses?

If a company’s annual turnover is N100 million or below (and meets the fixed-asset condition of not more than N250 million), the law treats it as a small company, granting major reliefs. This means over 90 percent of micro and small businesses will be out of the “tax-paying” bracket for major taxes - Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Withholding Tax, VAT and Development Levy, leading to lighter compliance expectations.

hat is the core objective of Nigeria’s new tax laws, and why was this reform considered necessary?

The core objective is to make the Nigerian tax system fairer, simpler, and more growth-friendly. Revenue generation by the government should not result in hardship for the citizens or come in the way of long term development. This reform became necessary because the nation’s tax laws and administration had become fragmented, outdated, and highly inefficient, resulting in sub-optimal revenue generation and an unconducive fiscal environment for growth.

What reliefs or incentives are built into the new tax laws to encourage business growth and job creation?

The reform’s pro-growth design focuses on wider exemptions for small companies to free up capital for reinvestment and hiring, modern input VAT credit rules that reduce production and service costs by allowing recovery, thereby encouraging formal supply chains, and a coordinated administration architecture to reduce duplication and disputes, enabling businesses to focus more on production. Businesses that hired more people in the past two years will enjoy extra tax deductions for the salaries paid.

Many Nigerians are anxious about the word“tax.” What assurances can you give citizens that these reforms will not worsen their cost of living?

Most people understandably associate “tax reform” with paying more because of the word “tax”. However, this reform is actually designed to reduce the current tax burden of workers, small and large businesses. VAT is removed from essential consumptions such as food, healthcare and education to shield low-income households.

The VAT rate remains at 7.5 percent, and the reforms now allow businesses to claim input VAT more broadly on assets and overheads, which is expected to reduce the “hidden VAT” that was previously embedded in final consumer prices.

Who stands to benefit the most from the new tax laws - ordinary citizens, small businesses, or government?

The biggest win is for the economy as a whole.

While ordinary citizens benefit from fairness and less pass-through costs, workers benefit from higher disposable income, and small businesses gain from higher exemption thresholds and simpler compliance, the overarching result is more trust, fewer leakages, and less friction to do business.

You have said the new laws will end the collection of taxes from the poor. How exactly will this work in practice?

It works by raising the income tax band taxable at zero percent with automatic exemption for national minimum wage earners, shifting the focus of income tax to high-income earners, not

For the first time, Nigerians can claim input VAT on many purchases. How will this system work, and what records will citizens need to keep?

Input VAT will be claimed by VAT-registered taxpayers (businesses) translating to lower prices for consumers. Nigeria now adopts a more globally acceptable standard VAT credit rules, allowing businesses to recover input VAT on many purchases (including services and fixed assets) when linked to taxable supplies.

Records typically required include VAT invoices or receipts and evidence that the purchase relates to a taxable business activity.

Oyedele survival income or poverty. For individuals, gross salaries of about N100,000 per month will now be tax-exempt, that is N800,000 taxable incomes per annum at zero percent plus statutory deductions and rent relief allowance.

What changes should small businesses and informal operators expect from January 1, 2026?

Small businesses and informal operators

should expect less tax pressure while they are small and more structure as they grow. Key changes include expansion of small-company exemptions threshold to N100 million annual turnover, exemption from VAT collection obligations, capital gains tax and withholding tax in addition to protection from harassment and exploitation through harmonisation of taxes and the introduction of the Office of Tax Ombud.

What does the new tax law mean for employees and individuals earning regular salaries?

The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system becomes more clearly progressive. Lower-income earners are exempted, middle-income earners pay less while higher earners will see graduated rates up to a 25% top marginal rate for high networth individuals. Therefore, the structure ensures that about 98% of workers pay either no tax

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20 2025

19

PLUS

Taiwo Oyedele :

Reform Designed to Reduce Workers’ Tax Burden will feel like they are paying more. While some higher-income individuals would pay more in personal income tax, most of such individuals will earn more than corresponding increases in their business incomes through tax cuts including the planned reduction of the corporate tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent or higher executive bonus as a result of increased profitability for their businesses.

or less tax.

There are concerns that banks will freeze accounts without TINs. Can you clarify who actually needs a Tax Identification Number under the new law?

Banks are only required to request a Tax ID from “taxable persons,” not from everyone.

No authority will take money from anyone’s bank account or arbitrarily order a freeze. The law requires a taxable person to make selfdeclaration. If you earn taxable income (salary, business, trade, investment income etc.), you should have a Tax ID. Students, dependents, and individuals with no income can operate their bank accounts without a Tax ID. How does the new tax framework address the long-standing problem of multiple and double taxation across federal and state levels?

The reforms establish and strengthen institutional coordination across tiers of government, especially with the establishment of Joint Revenue Board (JRB) and harmonised tax laws by states. This is aimed at harmonising administration, reducing overlap, improving dispute resolution, and protecting taxpayer rights against double taxation.

Some nuisance taxes are entrenched in the constitution.What steps is government taking to remove or neutralise these burdens on citizens?

Where a tax or levy is constitutionally anchored, it requires a constitutional amendment to remove. A harmonised model tax law for states is progressing, and proposals to address nuisance taxes are part of an ongoing constitutional amendment process.

How will technology be used to improve transparency, reduce harassment, and make tax compliance easier?

Technology is central to shifting from “roadside enforcement” to systems-based compliance. This involves better taxpayer identification, e-filing, e-payment, data matching, and risk-based enforcement. The direction is also toward reporting for high-value flows (e.g., banks reporting accounts above specific turnover thresholds) so enforcement targets

Oyedele real taxable capacity rather than hustling or petty trade.

What protections are in place to prevent tax officials or state agents from extorting small businesses that are legally exempt?

The practical protections are clear statutory exemptions, backed by formal dispute resolution and taxpayer-rights safeguards. Institutions such as the Office of the Tax Ombud have been created to protect taxpayer rights, facilitate dispute resolution, giving a business the legal shield and a formal place to report and appeal rather than unethical negotiation with an official.

There has been misinformation about higher tax rates for everyone.Who actually pays more under this new law?

Generally, only high-income earners and large businesses that previously evaded taxes

How does Nigeria’s new tax regime compare with those of peer African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa?

Nigeria’s tax rates for major taxes will be more competitive than most peer African countries.

For instance, Nigeria’s VAT rate remains 7.5 percent compared to 15 percent in Ghana, 16 percent in Kenya and 15 percent in South Africa.

The planned cut in corporate income tax rate to 25 percent compares favourably to 30 percent in Kenya, 27 percent in SouthAfrica, and 25 percent in Ghana. The five percent excise tax on airtime in Nigeria has been reversed compared to 15 percent in Kenya, and five percent in Ghana. The top marginal tax rate for high income earners is 25 percent in Nigeria, much lower than the 35 percent in Ghana and Kenya or 45 percent in South Africa. A small company in Nigeria pays zero percent corporate tax rate compared to about three percent of turnover in Kenya and Ghana. Nigeria’s VAT design is now similar to Kenya and South Africa by widening input VAT recovery to assets and overhead while tax administration and compliance will become more digital compliance relying more on tax intelligence and adopting risk-based audit.

What should investors and participants in the capital market understand about capital gains tax under the new law?

All investors in the capital market are eligible for capital gains tax exemption with over 99 percent exempted unconditionally based on a threshold of N150 million proceeds and N10 million gains in any 12 months’ period. Pension funds, small companies and real estate investment trusts are also unconditionally exempt. The remaining less than one percent of investors are eligible for exemption by way of reinvestment relief, which is designed to protect genuine longterm investment and support market depth. In

addition, other reforms to make investment in shares more attractive include exemption of withholding tax on bonus shares and stamp duties waiver on documents for the transfer of shares.

How will the new tax laws improve government revenue without hurting productivity and economic growth?

The growth-friendly path is to widen the net at the top while reducing friction at the bottom.

Revenue improves through better compliance, fewer leakages, and smarter, data-driven enforcement. Productivity improves when small businesses face fewer taxes and less duplication, and when the VAT system stops unnecessarily adding to cost structures. Also, by rationalising wasteful incentives, the government earns more revenue while addressing the distortionary effect of highly discretionary waivers.

What role will public education and stakeholder engagement play between now and January 2026 to ensure smooth implementation?

Public education is critical. Implementation will only succeed if Nigerians clearly understand who is exempt, what records to keep, how VAT credits work, and what banks or tax authorities can and cannot do. Continuous, structured education through social and traditional media, trade associations, organised private sector, and engagements in local languages will be crucial to counter the high volume of misinformation which may derail a smooth transition.

Finally, what would you say to Nigerians who remain skeptical that tax reforms can truly work in their interest?

Trust is earned, but unfortunately, there is a huge deficit due to a history of unfriendly tax systems, poor accountability, and low benefits for taxes paid. The true test of these reforms will be whether the poor are allowed to breathe, small businesses stop being harassed, and all taxpayers get clear rules and quick dispute resolution. The government must be more transparent about what it collects and how it is used. The new tax laws create stronger mechanisms for accountability, and citizens must hold the government to measurable outcomes going forward.

Sanwo-Olu: Help Stop Destruction of Oworonshoki Toni Kan

M

r. Governor, in a few days, my siblings will be homeless without a roof over their heads.

My daughter will lose the inheritance I had willed to her, and I will no longer be a landlord in Oworonshoki.

Except you come to our aid in Oworonshoki where forces beyond our control are on rampage, bulldozing houses with impunity, without explanation or hope of compensation.

This has been going on for months now.

When it started, the story was that it would be limited to a specific swathe of land filled with illegal shanties and that only properties without papers would be affected.

I bought the property in 2007. I remember that morning. Mike, a young man who was renting my boys’ quarters in Gbagada had told me there was a piece of land for sale in Oworo.

I went to check it out. I didn’t like it. I said no.

The street was flooded and the property I was being offered was submerged in water.

“Mr. Toni, buy it. It can become Waterfront GRA tomorrow,” his father whom I would end up calling Baba Mike told me.

Convinced by the old man who had a salesman’s gift of the garb, I bought it. It was surveyed. The deed of assignment and transfer was done and we set to work but as soon as we began draining the property and started stacking up blocks, Lagos state government officials showed up.

So my builder went to get a permit, and I have paid my land use charge every year on that property ever since in line with my

undertaking in the deed to “pay all government levies, inclusive of all charges that may be imposed hereafter and from time to time by the Lagos state government or any lawful authority.

This year’s land use charge notice was signed

by Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, Honourable Commissioner of Finance. I have my bank payment code, payer ID and notice code.

For context: the land was bought originally on 31 December 1977 and I have my Plan Number issued by the Lagos State government.

Yet, I am about to lose that house because someone somewhere with power and fuelled with greed is land-grabbing and planning to build an oceanfront GRA. The promise I was sold 18 years ago is about to translate into pain, and there seems to be nothing any of us landlords can do.

Mr. Governor, I debated and agonised whether to write this open letter but an early morning call from my distraught siblings drove me to action as I listened to the sound of marauding bulldozers in the next street.

Why did I hesitate? Because of the fear that crying out might incense those grabbing our lands and put my siblings in danger.

The truth dear, sir, is that Oworo is under siege. Area boys working in cahoots with the land grabbers prowl the streets like militiamen.

People are beaten silly for taking pictures and making videos of bulldozers at work?

Last week, I read your comments about your commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, investments and the future of Lagos at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) with the theme “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships” held

Site of demolished buildings at Oworonshoki at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mr. Governor this is an opportunity to put words to action. Please help stop the wanton, unjustified and indiscriminate destruction of houses in Oworonshoki.

Please help us find out why those who present papers showing ownership and proof that they pay land use charges are being ignored and their houses not spared. How can our houses be illegal if we have been paying land use charges to the state?

Mr. Governor, there is something emasculating and patently evil about watching someone destroy your property without the ability to make them stop.

They say only a sheep goes to the slaughter without reaction. The people whose faces are being ground into the dust rising from the rubbles of their own homes are not sheep.

They are citizens of the state you govern.

Please help us.

The truth is, some of us can afford to walk away from the rubbles after the bulldozers have done their evil deed, but for many, it is akin to a death sentence; losing houses they slaved to build and which they have called homes for many years.

Baba Mike died three years ago after a long battle with prostate cancer. He will be rolling in his grave at his family’s imminent homelessness.

Mr. Governor, the end of the year is here and as I wish you and your family Merry Christmas, I hope you will spare a thought for all those families in Oworonshoki whose Christmas and New Year will neither be merry nor happy if the bulldozers keep roaring.

With respect and high regard.

20

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20 2025

People

Grand Celebration as Ngozi Eke Turns 50

Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, Ngozi Eke, a US-based medical practitioner, recently celebrated her 50th birthday, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

T

he evening unfolded in an atmosphere of warmth and elegance at CityRange Steakhouse Grill, Haywood Road, Greenville, South Carolina, United States of America, where soft lighting, refined décor, and the gentle hum of conversation set the tone for a memorable milestone.

Friends, family, and well-wishers gathered over an intimate dinner to honour Mrs. Ngozi Ogechi Eke as she marked her 50th birthday, sharing laughter, stories, and heartfelt toasts in a setting that perfectly reflected the celebrant’s grace and poise.

As the night deepened, the celebration shifted to a more relaxed and vibrant mood at 140 Club Drive, Simpsonville, South Carolina, where the after-party carried the joy well into the evening.

Music, dancing, and renewed camaraderie transformed the space into a lively extension of the earlier dinner, underscoring not just a birthday, but a life richly lived and deeply cherished.

Born into the family of Chief Jude Onyirioha and Mrs. Beatrice Onyirioha on December 17, 1975, Ngozi Eke is a Nigerian-American citizen. The medical practitioner hails from Ngor-Okpala in Imo State and is married to Engr. Charles Eke, also from Ngor-Okpala.

She is a Biz News South Carolina 2023 Healthcare Providers award recipient and was nominated for the 2025 Greenville Healthcare Champions Award.

For Ngozi, being a nurse is not just a career choice, but a calling shaped by empathy, discipline, and a deep belief in the power of compassionate care.

Today, as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in Greenville, South Carolina, she stands at the intersection of science and humanity, offering patients more than treatment. She offers understanding, reassurance, and partnership in their health journey.

Walking into her practice at Proactive MD in Mauldin, patients quickly sense that this is not a rushed, impersonal clinic experience. Ngozi’s approach is deliberate and family-centered, rooted in the conviction that good healthcare begins with listening.

Whether she is managing chronic conditions, providing preventive care, or guiding families through complex health decisions, her focus remains to treat the person, not just the symptoms.

Ngozi’s journey into advanced practice nursing is one defined by dedication and steady growth. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, where she laid the clinical and ethical foundation for her profession. Driven by a desire to do more for her patients and community, she went on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing from Clemson University, one of South Carolina’s most respected institutions.

That transition marked a pivotal step— from bedside care to a broader, more autonomous role in primary healthcare delivery.

With close to 10 years of hands-on experience, Ngozi has developed a reputation for thoroughness and calm professionalism.

Colleagues describe her as meticulous yet warm, confident without losing humility.

Patients often describe something else entirely: trust.

In an era where healthcare can feel fragmented and overwhelming, her consistency and clarity provide comfort, especially for families navigating long-term care needs.

As a licenced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in South Carolina, Ngozi operates within a demanding healthcare environment that requires both clinical excellence and emotional resilience. Yet she remains grounded, drawing motivation from small victories — improved outcomes, relieved anxieties, and the quiet gratitude of patients who feel seen and heard. These

Ngozi

Ngozi (5th from left), Ndidi (2nd from right) with friends moments, she believes, are the true rewards of the profession.

Beyond the clinic walls, her work reflects a broader philosophy about healthcare access and prevention.

Family-centered primary care to Ngozi recognises the interconnectedness of health, lifestyle, education, and community support. It is this holistic view that shapes her daily practice and long-term vision.

In Greenville’s evolving healthcare landscape, Ngozi represents a new generation of practitioners who are highly trained, deeply compassionate, and firmly committed to service.

It was this same amiable spirit that drew close to 100 friends, colleagues, and loved ones to set aside their busy schedules, traveling near and far to celebrate a life defined by warmth, generosity, and genuine connection.

Some of the guests at her birthday celebration included her husband,

Ngozi with her family

Charles; their children, Amaka and Arianna; her sister, Ndidi Onyirioha; Ijose Ehimen, Oluchi Agbomi, Uche Onyebueke, Zim Ezealah, Chioma Kanu, Janet FosterWhitley, Amy Austin, Jasmine Harris, Trish Byrd, Sandra Luyindula, Jessica Lloyd, Jaeyla Johnson, and Jane Hassan.

Some others were Denise Martin, Idara Ekanem, Anyanime, Ekere Ikpeikpe, Kim Norman, Misty Seaborn, Nnena Igwe, Ronande, Suzanne McGee and Yolanda Worthy.

Speaking on his wife’s milestone 50th birthday, Charles Eke said: “The very first time we met, I knew instinctively that she was going to be my life partner.

That was over 24 years ago, and look at where we are now.

“She’s the rock in our family. She’s fearless, and she always believed that we could do anything. She’s the cheerleader of our family, but today, I want to cheer her on.”

Responding to a question about ways his wife contributed to shaping the man he is today, Charles said: “Many times when I hit obstacles and felt like giving up, she’s been like an adrenaline shot up my arms. After she talks to me, I have the renewed feeling that I can conquer the world. She’s been a steady influence in every little step that I’ve taken. I cannot imagine a life without her.”

On his wishes for her in the decades ahead, he said: “I wish for her to continue to shine and continue to be who she’s always been. With her, every day is a new experience, and I can’t wait to see and celebrate with her the joys the next decades will bring.”

Sharing moments from their growingup years that best capture who Ngozi is and the role she played in her life, Ndidi Onyirioha, the celebrant’s only biological sister, said: “We left home and our parents at a pretty young age. We relocated to the US, and our parents went back to Nigeria. So at the age of 16, Ngozi took up a parental role and had to take care of both of us.

“She taught me how to drive, she showed me how to write a cheque/ manage my finances, and as we got older through undergraduate and graduate school, she was a pillar to fall back on when life threw challenges. She was always there to help me navigate.”

Speaking further, Ndidi, in response to a question on Ngozi’s influence on her family and community over the years, said: “My sister is the rock in our family. One thing she will always say is ‘It’s already Ok, ‘ no matter what it is you are facing. Her attitude is always optimistic and her level of confidence is pretty solid.

“So in situations where you had any doubts, she will quickly make you snap out of it, and 99 percent of the time, the things we worry about don’t happen.

Last year, my father was sick in Nigeria, and I was nervous and couldn’t hold it together to think, Ngozi packed her bags, went to Nigeria, brought our dad back, and rehabbed him.

“In a nutshell, my sister’s strength in times of adversity is something I will always admire. I pray that God will give her excellent health, peace of mind in all that she does, and growth in her walk with God. I also wish her more growth in her professional life, and the grace and strength to continue to be a great mom and wife.”

Indeed, Ngozi Eke’s 50th birthday celebration stood not just as a marker of years, but as a reflection of a life rich in purpose, service, and meaningful relationships. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues whose presence spoke volumes, the milestone became a testament to the impact of her compassion, professionalism, and warmth, which are qualities that continue to define her journey and inspire all who know her.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Charles Ajunwa • 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

Art Lovers Applaud Uncle Sam’s Dazzling Debut Exhibition Charles Ajunwa

T

he Uncle Sam Art Exhibition held recently at the Alexis Galleries in Victoria Island, Lagos, drew dignitaries from all walks of life to celebrate Nigerian art under the Tourists Club International’s organisation.

Curated by Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, the event was to honour Grand Patron, Sam Amuka, who is the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, blending tourism promotion with cultural heritage.

Tourists Club International launched this annual USA Exhibition—standing for Uncle Sam Art Exhibition—to showcase Amuka’s private collection alongside works by artists like Prof. Dele Jegede, Fidelis Atumah, and Greg Onyeka.

Mbonu-Amadi, President of Tourists Club International and curator, emphasised its narrative depth: “While the exhibition dazzles with breathtaking colours and masterful techniques, its essence transcends mere aesthetics. It narrates a journey—from imperfection to ever-elevating creative standards.”

The display features about 35 pieces, including Vanguard’s first edition juxtaposed with its December 16 issue, symbolising perseverance, plus paintings

by Kenny Adamson from Amuka’s holdings.

Mbonu-Amadi noted the international appeal: “The international scope is already represented in this maiden edition. We have two accomplished US-based artists participating.”

He praised emerging talents, saying, “The world is yet to see what I see in Greg Onyeka. One day,

Amuka the world will see what I see in Greg Onyeka and Fidelis Atumah.

“This setup invites tourists to Alexis Galleries for an immersive taste of African creativity through December 20,” he added.

Amuka’s legacy as Grand Patron inspired Tourists Club International to make this exhibition a yearly draw, blending Victoria Island’s luxury with accessible African masterpieces.

Mbonu-Amadi enthused, “Christmas comes early at Alexis Galleries on account of the Uncle Sam Art Exhibition,” urging collectors and tourists to experience works evoking Nigeria’s artistic evolution. “Visitors can pair it with Lagos tours, turning art appreciation into a gateway for cultural exploration,” he noted.

Speakers highlighted Amuka’s legacy, positioning the exhibition as a must-visit for art tourists exploring

Lagos’s vibrant scene.

Prominent attendees, including former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni, Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya, Jahman Anikulapo, Muyiwa Adetiba, and Jimi Disu, graced the event, reinforcing Tourists Club International’s role in cultural tourism.

Ogunbiyi lauded Amuka as “a committed collector of artworks,” underscoring his influence in media and art patronage. The presence of these dignitaries at the exhibition elevated it as a beacon for art-loving visitors to Lagos.

On Thursday, December 18, the Uncle Sam Art Exhibition at Alexis Galleries drew a fresh surge of visitors. Ecobank Plc, led by its Corporate Affairs Head, Austen Osokpor, the Kayvee Microfinance Bank team, Evelyn Onyeibe, the Group Advertising Manager of Sun Newspapers, and many others gathered to experience firsthand what they’ve seen and heard buzzing across media reports since the exhibition opened on Tuesday, December 16.

Onyeibe raved, “In terms of aesthetic quality, concept, theme, and message, the Uncle Sam Art Exhibition has surpassed every other show in Lagos this year.”

Onyeibe wasn’t alone in this assessment of the show; other visitors who came in to see the paintings and the curated only surviving copy of First Published edition of Vanguard Newspaper have similar opinion.

The USA Art Exhibition will run till December 20, 2025. According to the Curator, Christmas has since begun at Alexis Galleries through Uncle Sam Art Exhibition.

Gabe Onah: We’re Targeting Detty December That Will Expand Cross Rivers’ Creative Economy’s Offerings The Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Chief Gabe Onah, speaks on efforts to expand Carnival Calabar as a one-spot global tourism festival, among other salient issues. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

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hat makes Carnival Calabar 2025 different?

Remember, in 2019 carnival Calabar was at its height until COVID-19 came and shut down the whole world and the creative arts and tourism sector suffered the most.

The 2025 Carnival Calabar, with theme ‘Traces of Time’ reestablishes its former firm position and we are restrategising to maintain its role as a socioeconomic penetrator of the state fabrics.

What should we expect at this year’s Carnival Calabar?

The unstrained December Carnival Calabar fun and the economic ripples have placed Cross River State on the international tourists’ beaten tracks. Similarly, the unstrained fun and the economic penetration of the state’s social fabric strata would also call for unstrained input on the part of the public and private sectors as Carnival Calabar promotes the uniqueness of the state’s creative economic offerings beyond bounds. It’s going to be a Detty December

never to be forgotten in a hurry.

What’s being done to rebuild the carnival spirit?

With the reawakening being introduced by the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, and his people’s first mantra, atmospheric euphoria is back, and the community has been reinvigorated. Come and visit.

I look back at the Millennium Park on the night of the Christmas Tree lighting on 30th November and even now. We are experiencing a population explosion and this is welcoming. Furthermore, there is a reawakening and strengthening of the spirit of carnival Calabar amongst the Bands and the people in the realisation that tourism, culture and creative arts are significant tools for the socioeconomic development of the state.

Can you tell us the uniqueness of Carnival Calabar?

The uniqueness of Carnival Calabar has always been in its role as an instrument for unification. For the 2025 edition which also marks the 20th anniversary, the current governor’s ability to aggregate with all former state governors has repositioned Carnival

Calabar as a movement for unity, understanding, growth and effective progress of the state. The totality of the content of the 2025 theme ‘Traces of Time’ is for peace, a very expensive item on national and international scenes.

The sustainability of Carnival Calabar was made possible by our tourism-friendly governors. Starting with Governor Clement Ebri, he was a curator of arts who renovated the cultural centre complex with state of the art lighting systems. Then came Governor Donald Duke who identified the creative, culture and tourism sectors as viable options for development and has been described by many as a meteor. To Governor Liyel Imoke who institutionalised the carnival product with thematic scripted content and made it an enviable brand with emphasis on training and deliberate building blocks.And Governor Ben Ayade who globalised the carnival with exciting products like the international carnival, Ms Africa pageant, international food festival, the Bikers carnival and now to the Joseph of our time, Governor Bassey Otu who is leading the narrative and celebrations of the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar 2025 like no other.

Onah

Eyo: Why Lagos is Sitting on Global Cultural Asset Adeniyi Funsho

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agos Island, I Remember. I remember Lagos Island in 1973. We would sit on the cement floor of 53 Olushi Street at dawn, waking to the sound of panegyrics drifting through the streets. Eyos from different Iga houses were already on parade, white-robed figures moving in disciplined joy, accompanied by talking drums, horns, and chants that carried both celebration and history.

At some point, I remember one of my aunties pointing me toward a particular group of Eyos and saying,“Iga Aiyeomosan, Eyo ile Funsho niyen,”Those are the Eyos representing your father’s family Iga. As they moved, they serenaded us, staging what felt to me then like something magical. The voices of the men behind the masks were different, layered, unfamiliar, and they offered ancestral prayers as they passed, prayers that carried history, duty, and belonging

through the street.

It was more than a spectacle. It was a memory being rehearsed in public. The splendor stayed with me — the dancing, the food, the laughter that spilled across the length and breadth of the city. Long after the music faded, the feeling remained. It still does.

That is the power of the Eyo Festival.

And yet, even as anticipation builds again, diasporas booking flights and the world watching, Lagos has still not fully reckoned with what Eyo truly is: not just a cultural event, but a world-class destination asset hiding in plain sight.

What Makes Eyo Different — and Why It Matters The Eyo Festival, first recorded in Lagos on February 20, 1854, is not an annual carnival. It is convened only for moments of deep communal and historical significance, to honor distinguished Lagosians and state personalities who shaped the city and its people.

Participants, dressed in flowing white agbada and hats, emerge from recognized Iga houses, parading the

streets in ritual procession, music and dance, chanting ancestral praise poetry that affirms lineage, duty and belonging.

According to historical documentation by A. Ajayi, R.O. Ajetunmobi and S.A. Akindele in A History of the Awori of Lagos State (1998), the Eyo tradition is inseparable from the evolution of Lagos itself, from precolonial times through colonial administration, Nigeria’s independence and Lagos’role as the former federal capital.

Few festivals anywhere in the world are so deeply tied to the political, cultural and civic formation of a modern city. That uniqueness is Eyo’s advantage, and its missed opportunity.

Lagos, Culture and the Economics of Place Lagos has always been more than a city. It is an idea.

As a former federal capital, Lagos naturally became a stage for national milestones. The Eyo Festival was performed to commemorate historic moments and to honor figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and other nationalist leaders. It was even staged during the visit

of the British monarch.

The Oba of Lagos, as custodian of the tradition, alongside the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and relevant local government institutions, deserves recognition for sustaining this heritage, often under tight timelines and limited resources. But stewardship alone is no longer enough.

At a moment when the Lagos State Government is explicitly prioritizing tourism, the creative economy and global visibility, the Eyo Festival remains underleveraged, especially when compared to how other cities treat their cultural assets.

Lessons from Elsewhere Consider Lubbock, Texas, known primarily for Texas Tech University and college football, Lubbock also happens to be the birthplace of rock-and-roll legend Buddy Holly. Rather than letting that history fade, the city invested in it, anchoring redevelopment around the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

22

auto World

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

NAJA Award: JéGO EVs, JIM-ISUZU, Nord A9, New Era New Entrants in Nigeria’s Auto Market

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éGO EV, JIM-ISUZU Pick-Up, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles have clinched the New Entrants of the Year Award at the 2025 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards. This justifies the growing depth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive market, particularly that of electric vehicles.

The awards were presented at the 18th edition of the annual event on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the week.

The MD/CEO of JéGO Technologies Inc, Mr. Frederick Akpoghene, who personally received the award, described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s automotive industry, stating that “a lot needs to be done in 2026.”

Akpoghene, whose company manufactures JeGO electric vehicles, in China is already setting up an assembly plant in Lekki, Lagos.

He said there is dominance of Chinese EVs in Nigeria because of their “Aggressive EV & Battery Capacity”.

He said, “at JéGO, we build the ecosystem — Energy + EVs + Infrastructure + AI — rather than just cars.”

JIM-ISUZU pickup also emerged as a winner in this category, with its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Anselm Ilekuba, receiving the award on behalf of Cedric Autos Limited. Ilekuba, who also serves as National Coordinator of the Automotive Local Content Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (ALCMAN), thanked NAJA for

Jego Ev

the recognition, saying it would spur the company to deepen its commitment to quality and local industry growth.

The recognition of JéGO EV, Nord A9 and New Era Automobiles also reflects their successful entry into the Nigerian market, rising consumer acceptance and the promise

they hold for the sector, particularly in the areas of innovation and alternative mobility solutions.

Other major winners on the night included Jetour Dashing, which clinched Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year, defeating strong contenders such as Changan CS55 and

Chery Tiggo.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class won Luxury Car of the Year, Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) took Luxury SUV of the Year, while Toyota Hiace emerged Minibus of the Year.

On the corporate front, Mikano was named Auto Company of the Year, Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility won Workshop of the Year, and Dangote Sinotruk emerged Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year.

Iron Products Industries (IPI) Limited clinched Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year, while Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was recognised as Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.

Speaking at the ceremony, the DirectorGeneral of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Osanipin, commended NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes professionalism, innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.

NAJA Chairman, Mr Theodore Opara, said the awards have remained one of the sector’s most respected benchmarks, noting that the initiative continues to evolve in line with rapid changes in vehicle technology, alternative energy solutions and consumer expectations.

The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again reinforced its role as a key barometer for automotive excellence in Nigeria, with the emergence of JIM-ISUZU and other new brands signalling a vibrant and increasingly competitive market.

Carloha Nigeria Secures Double Honours At 2025 Naja International Automobile Awards

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Wins most outstanding Aftersales Car Company of The Year and Pre-owned Auto

arloha Nigeria, the assembler and franchise holder of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, has recorded a major milestone with a double win at the 2025 Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Automobile Awards. The company was honoured with the prestigious titles of Most Outstanding Aftersales Car Company of the Year and Pre-Owned Auto Company of the Year, underscoring its growing influence and commitment to excellence within Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The awards ceremony, held recently at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, attracted leading figures from across the automotive ecosystem, including government officials, industry captains, and key stakeholders, who gathered to celebrate innovation, performance, and service excellence in the sector.

Distinguished guests at the event included Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development

Council (NADDC); Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry, represented by Otunba Joseph Osanipin; and Mr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among other prominent industry leaders.

In his address, Otunba Joseph Osanipin commended the award recipients for their significant contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry and urged industry players to sustain investments in quality service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Reacting to the recognition, the Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, expressed appreciation to NAJA for the honour, describing the awards as a strong validation of the company’s customer-focused strategy and service excellence across both new and pre-owned vehicle segments.

“This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, superior after-sales support, and quality service delivery. It also reflects our resolve to continually raise the bar in both the new and pre-owned vehicle markets,” Adigun stated.

L-R: Mathew Aje; Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Otunba Joseph Osanipin; and General Manager, Marketing, Carloha Nigeria, Felix Mahan, at 2025 NAJA Award in Lagos... recently He further highlighted Carloha Nigeria’s innovative CarlohaCare 6-6-7 after-sales programme, which offers six years of free scheduled servicing, L - R: Communications Officer, Coscharis Group Segun Sobogun; Chairman, Nigeria Auto Journalist Association, Theodore Opara; DG, National Design and Development Council, Otunba Joseph Osanipin; GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Hamzat Kehinde, when Coscharis Motors won the Multiple Brand Auto Company of the Year and Luxury SUV of the Year (Range Rover Autobiography) at the NAJA awards event in Lagos...recently

a six-year warranty, and a seven-day repair promise. According to him, the package significantly reduces ownership costs and vehicle downtime, positioning it as one of the most comprehensive and customer-centric after-sales offerings in the Nigerian automotive market.

Mr. Adigun concluded by reaffirming the company’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations, noting that the double honours serve as a strong motivation to deliver even greater value.

“Encouraged by this recognition, we remain more determined than ever to consistently exceed the expectations of our customers and prospects.”

As Nigeria’s automotive industry continues to evolve, Carloha Nigeria remains poised to play a leading role by setting new standards in automotive sales and after-sales service delivery.

The company expressed gratitude to its customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering enhanced value and service excellence in the years ahead.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Lara Rawa: Women Need Platforms to Grow, Policies That Protect Them

The CEO of Eventi Cocktails, Lara Rawa has beaten odds to become a key player in a field dominated by males.

A certified mixologist, Rawa has created visibility in the cocktail and beverage industry, opened up training opportunities, and inspired the next generation of bartenders and young entrepreneurs alike through her annual Lagos Cocktail Week. A law graduate of the University of Lagos and a Master’s Degree holder in International Business Law from Queen Mary University, London, Rawa, shares with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, how her love for cocktails turned into a hobby, then to a calling, and eventually, a profession. Excerpts:

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an you walk us through your background - your family, early years, and a childhood memory that stands out?

I come from a close-knit, value-driven family. Growing up, discipline, love, and faith were strong pillars in my home. One childhood memory that always stays with me is watching my mother host guests effortlessly, her warmth, her attention to detail, and how she made people feel at home. I didn’t know it then, but that memory planted a seed for hospitality in me.

eventually, a business.

What were some of the challenges you faced transitioning from lawyer to mixologist?

People underestimated the profession. Many didn’t take it seriously at first. There were also financial constraints, training gaps, and the challenge of building a brand in an industry that was still emerging. But every challenge strengthened me.

How do you stay creative and up to date with industry trends?

I travel, I research, I learn from global bartenders, and I stay curious. Nigerian ingredients also inspire me deeply; our spices, herbs, and fruits give me a unique palette to work with.

How has your upbringing shaped your values and outlook on life?

My upbringing taught me integrity, hard work, and gratitude. I learned not to cut corners and to always give my best by watching my mum raise seven children. This shaped my strong faith, which now guides every decision I make.

You founded Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW).

How did the idea originate?

I wanted a platform that would promote cocktail culture, celebrate our bartenders, and create an ecosystem for brands and consumers. There was a gap in the market, and LCW became a bridge. This year at the eleventh edition recently, professionalism stood out, better quality cocktails, stronger brand participation, and more international recognition. Over the past decade, LCW has grown from a small gathering to a globally recognized platform with industry impact.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life and career?

God has been my greatest influence. Beyond that, my parents and the women I’ve encountered on my journey who break boundaries and build things from scratch. They remind me that purpose evolves, and passion can lead you to unexpected places.

Was there any defining moment that influenced your decision to study law?

There wasn’t really a defining moment. Initially, I was captivated by the wig and gown; there was something powerful and elegant about it. Later, I found myself drawn to law series and fascinated by seeing justice served. I knew immediately that I wanted to fight for the rights of anyone who is oppressed.

You’re also the MD/CEO of Eventi Verdi.

How has it been running the business, and how do both worlds complement each other?

Eventi Cocktails was born out of a desire to redefine the drinking culture in Nigeria. Running the business is both exciting and challenging.

My legal background complements it perfectly, research, negotiations, structure, and governance are critical in the hospitality industry, and law

Rawa gives me that strength.

What inspired your transition from the legal profession into mixology and entrepreneurship?

Mixology found me. I loved drinking cocktails but never imagined myself behind the bar mixing one, not to talk of selling it. When I was out of a job and looking for direction, I took my passion for drinking cocktails into experimenting with them, researching flavors, and curating experiences. It grew from a hobby into a calling, and

How has LCW shaped cocktail culture in Nigeria, and what long-term impact do you envision?

It has created visibility for bartenders, attracted brand investments, encouraged trainings, competitions, and influenced the rise of cocktail bars. The future will see more local ingredients, sustainable practices, and tech-driven consumer experiences. Funding, logistics, brand alignment, and sometimes skepticism have been some of the challenges over the years. But perseverance, partnerships, and a clear vision have kept us going. Each year teaches me something new.

How has LCW contributed to the sector’s growth, and what trends do you foresee?

It has created visibility, pushed standards upward, opened up training opportunities, and inspired the next generation of bartenders. The

future holds more creativity, better structures, and stronger global collaborations.

What milestone in your career holds a special place in your heart?

Being recognised on global platforms like Tales of the Cocktail and the Ada Coleman Project.

Also, every time a bartender says LCW helped their career, it means the world to me.

How do you achieve work-life balance as a business leader, entrepreneur, and mother?

God’s grace... I also prioritise, plan, and lean on my support system. My daughter motivates me, and I try to be intentional about spending quality time with her.

What change would you influence to address women’s underrepresentation in leadership roles?

Access to funding, mentorship, and training.

Women need platforms to grow, and policies that protect and empower them. Representation truly matters. It is for this reason that we will be launching the BartendHer Initiative next year.

What advice would you give aspiring women who want to follow a similar path?

Start. Don’t let fear cripple you. Be consistent, stay curious, invest in learning, and never compromise your values. The journey is not linear, but it’s rewarding.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside work?

And your favourite Nigerian dish?

I love travelling, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. My favourite Nigerian dish has to be amala with gbegiri and ewedu, pure comfort food.

Which would you settle for, Nollywood or Hollywood, and why?

Both because Hollywood for production quality, and Nollywood for storytelling and culture. Nollywood has grown tremendously and I’m proud of how far it’s come.

And for music, what genre appeals to you most? Are there any favourite artists?

I love soulful and inspirational music. Artists like Abbey Ojomu, Dunsin Oyekan, and Lawrence Oyor.

Remi Kabaka: Nigeria’s Unsung Rock Music Hero Goes Home at 80

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Tony Amadi

ock music percussionist of international repute and Nigeria’s unsung hero Remi Kabaka has passed on at 80 with details of his death still shrouded in uncertainty. He died in Los Angeles where he lived his final days on earth on December 8, 2025.

He was the most influential rock musician in Nigeria history but he never flaunted the roles he played to make Nigerian music great.

Lagos banker and close friend, Tony Nnacheta first alerted me on WhatsApp early on December 11 2025 at my London Christmas hideaway in the East End before former BLO drummer Laolu Akins confirmed the story before I could write this piece.

My last contact with Remi Kabaka was in 1970, shortly after the Nigeria civil war when the foundations of Afrorock were taking place in Lagos. Fela Ransome Kuti long before he transformed to Fela Anikulapo Kuti was in America and Osibisa was scheduled to barnstorm Lagos for their celebrated African debut at Onikan stadium in Lagos.

So you can actually say that Remi was the first Nigerian musician to be involved with rock music exactly at its formative stages when pop was the in thing. Remi Kabaka opened the way for the talking drum into rock when the likes of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, Ginger Baker, the drummer of the rock trio, Cream which included Eric Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce were excited to fuse the talking drum into music.

Remi Kabaka played a role in Ginger Baker’s interest in Africa drumming and visited Nigeria to join Ginger’s Lagos expedition in the early seventies when the Cream drummer drove across the Sahara desert from London to Lagos in a lone desert crossing on a Range Rover, the first ever Range to enter Nigeria. Ginger Baker thus became the first ever man to drive a Range Rover across the desert to Nigeria, a feat yet to be matched.

The late British drummer was told to contact a music journalist (myself) in Lagos called Tony Amadi and he will fix everything on arrival.

Ginger also became the first major British rock musician to visit Lagos followed by the Beatles Paul McCartney and both corroborated in a studio project in Ikeja, Lagos in the early seventies.

I lodged Ginger at Ikoyi Hotel which was the top Lagos hotel at the time and hooked him up

with musicians he knew such as Fela Ransome Kuti, Remi Kabaka with whom he jammed in music sessions in Lagos clubs with Fela and BLO (Berkley Jones, Laolu Akins and Mike Odumosu) who blew the mind of Lagos pop fans at the Osibisa concert debut.

Kabaka was central figure at the AfroSpot in Yaba, Bobby Benson’s Caban Bamboo and the trendy new joint on the Island near the UTC. The joint was first known as Martini-ago-go and later became Batakoto when the influences of Remi Kabaka and Ginger Baker became overwhelming, coupled with the funk-influenced music that was pouring out of the venue.

The then record executive of TYC Ltd, Dean Disi who produced juju King Sunny Ade for the label told me how Remi Kabaka influenced African drumming in those early days of rock music in Nigeria. Little is known of Remi Kabaka’s discography in Nigeria but on the course of the research for this story I gathered some fascinating stuff which gave me some joy and even moved my feet amid the pulsating and fabulous African tribal drumming for which Aderemi Kabaka was a master.

For instance, there was the ‘THE THIRD WORLD label Aiye-Keta’ 1973 UK 5-track vinyl

LP on the black Island label with pink ‘i’ logo, featuring Steve Winwood, Remi Kabaka & Abdul Lasisi Amao. Kabaka did a lot of collaborations with Steve Winwood who is an English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in bands like The Spencer Davis Group and Traffic.

The Aiye Keta single is probably the strongest single in Africa terms but there were probably seven albums that should be credited to the Ghanaian born Nigerian musician, Remi Kabaka.

A source confirmed that “Remi Kabaka is a Ghanaian-born Nigerian drummer, percussionist, and keyboardist renowned for pioneering Afro-rock and blended African rhythms with Western musical styles during the 1960s and 1970s.

“Born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, Kabaka relocated to London in the early 1960s, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant expat music scene, performing at venues like Club Afrique in Soho and established himself as a master of talking drums. His early career featured high-profile collaborations, including work with Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Steve Winwood, and Paul McCartney and Wings on the track “Bluebird” from the 1973 album ‘Band on the Run’.

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EMPOWERMENT

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

Abdul Samad Rabiu: Rewarding Loyalty, Celebrating Excellence At a time when employee retention defines corporate strength, the BUA Group comes into sharp focus as it places people at the heart of long-term business success, writes Oluchi Chibuzor

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or many of the employees gathered under the lights at the recently held BUA Group’s 2025 Night of Excellence, the evening was more than a corporate ceremony, but a deeply personal moment of validation. Years of quiet dedication, long hours, and unwavering commitment were brought into the spotlight as loyalty and hard work took center stage in an atmosphere filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration.

In a powerful statement about the value of people in corporate success, BUA Group honoured 510 employees with an extraordinary N30 billion in cash awards.

The gesture went beyond numbers, sending a clear message that excellence is not only recognised but richly rewarded, and that the company’s growth is inseparable from the dedication of those who drive it daily.

As applause echoed through the hall, the Night of Excellence became a reminder that behind every thriving enterprise are individuals whose perseverance sustains progress.

For the award recipients, the recognition marked a renewed sense of belonging, motivation, and belief in a workplace that truly values its people.

The ceremony recognised long service, loyalty, and exceptional contribution by employees whose commitment spans from five years to over four decades.

It reflected a belief that has guided the Group since inception: enduring businesses are built by people.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, described the evening as a moment to acknowledge loyalty, resilience, and shared ownership of the BUA journey.

He recalled that from modest beginnings 36 years ago, BUA has grown into one of Nigeria’s most valuable listed enterprises, with a combined market capitalisation now in the trillions of naira. He noted, however, that the journey was never the achievement of one man, one board, or capital alone.

According to Rabiu, “every factory built, every system strengthened, every challenge overcome, and every milestone reached carries the imprint of employees who believed in the vision long before the results were visible.”

He reaffirmed that BUA has always regarded its workforce as partners in a shared legacy rather than merely staff, adding that loyalty and professionalism are values that must be recognised in tangible ways.

As part of the 2025 awards, N30 billion was disbursed to 510 recipients across multiple long-service and excellence categories.

Due to time constraints at the event, only 41 recipients received their awards in person from the Chairman during the ceremony.

These represented the highest award categories, ranging from N100 million to N1 billion.

The on-stage recipients comprised 16 recipients of N100 million each, nine recipients of N200 million each, seven recipients of N250 million each, three recipients of N500 million each, five recipients of N1 billion each, and one special award recipient whose cash

Rabiu award was not announced at the event.

The special award was presented to Kabiru Rabiu in recognition of his exceptional loyalty, leadership, and long-standing contribution to the growth and stability of the BUA Group.

All other awardees had received their plaques and cheques ahead of the ceremony or will receive theirs at their respective plants and operational locations across the country.

Rabiu described the cash awards as a token of appreciation, noting that no amount of money could fully account for decades of dedication, personal sacrifice, and belief in the company’s mission.

Looking ahead, he said BUA would continue to expand capacity, invest in advanced technologies, and strengthen its footprint across cement, food, sugar, and infrastructure, adding that the people who built the Group would continue to grow with it.

The BUA Night of Excellence and Long Service Awards was part of BUA Group’s cultural backbone, reflecting an organisation built on shared prosperity, long-term thinking, and respect for its people.

Established in 1988, BUA Group is one of Africa’s largest diversified groups operating out of Nigeria with its key interests in food, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Its vision is to unlock opportunities that will drive sustainable development whilst providing value to all stakeholders and the African continent.

The Group’s investments span the following sectors: cement, sugar, flour, pasta, steel, Rice, real estate, logistics, ports and terminals, construction, and energy, with a core focus on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, provide high-quality products, and develop the African continent.

In an era where industrialisation remains critical to Africa’s economic

sovereignty, Rabiu’s investments speak louder than promises. Yet, what makes Rabiu truly stand out is not just the billions he has made or the industries he has transformed. It is the quiet dignity with which he leads. In an age where flamboyance is often mistaken for success, Rabiu remains a study in understated brilliance — a man who allows his work to speak for him, his factories to echo his ideals, and his philanthropy to express his values.

His companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) – BUA Foods and BUA Cement – have continued to post positive earnings, delivering superior returns to investors, a testament to his strategic foresight, disciplined execution, and commitment to value creation. This consistent performance has not only boosted shareholder confidence but also reinforced the credibility of indigenous conglomerates in Nigeria’s capital market, positioning their enterprises as models of resilience and growth in a challenging economic environment.

For instance, BUA Foods Plc on the NGX announced a profit after tax of N405.27 billion in the nine months ended September 2025, representing a 101 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

The company, in its nine-month results and accounts, reported outstanding revenue growth. Increased volume and improved product mix were largely responsible for the continued solid financial performance across the company’s core business segments. BUA Foods achieved a gross profit of N520.65 billion, up 55.97per cent. Its revenue reached N1.42 trillion for the first time, reflecting sustained momentum across business segments in contrast to the previous year (N1.07 trillion).

Overall revenue increased by 33 per cent with Flour and Rice growing significantly. Revenue from the Sugar and Flour divisions each contributed 42per cent to total revenue in nine months of 2025 driven largely by increased sales volume. The Pasta division contributed 10per cent to revenue in nine months of 2025 (nine months of 2024: 13per cent).

Accelerated by increased market demand, Pasta revenue grew by 12 per cent to N150.5 billion in nine months of 2025 (nine months of 2024: N134.8 billion).

Its rice division contributed six per cent to revenue in nine months of 2025, with revenue increasing to N79.5 billion in nine months of 2025. These underscored the company’s continued commitment to scaling operations, strengthening productivity, and delivering consistent value to stakeholders.

Commenting on the nine months financials, the Managing Director, BUA Foods, Mr. Ayodele Abioye had said: “BUA Foods has once again demonstrated resilience and strategic agility.

“Our nine months of 2025 performance, highlighted by double-digit revenue growth and a 101per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to N405 billion, underscores a sustained growth trajectory supported by ongoing economic reforms and a progressively more stable business environment.”

Read full Article online - www.thisdaylive.com

DJ Bellami: I Believe DJs Should Guide Journeys, Not Just Chase Trends Sunday Salami, known as DJ Bellami stands as one of the most electrifying forces redefining contemporary African nightlife. A true titan of the turntables and a master of music mixology, DJ Bellami transforms every performance into a sonic journey. He speaks to Tosin Clegg about his upcoming projects, his belief system, among other things

C

an you walk us through any upcoming projects you’re currently developing?

I’m finishing up a new EP that explores a deeper, more melodic side of my sound. I’ve been experimenting with textures, global percussion, and more emotional chord progressions. It’s definitely a step forward for me creatively, and I think listeners will feel the evolution. But for my fans, a new single is coming up this December. I have a couple of collaborations lined up with vocalists and producers I’ve admired for a long time. These tracks push me outside my usual lane in the best way by blending afro-house, Amapiano, and alternative elements into something fresh. I’m also working on a live performance concept, integrating visual art and lighting that sync directly with the music. The goal is to make my sets more immersive and storytelling-driven, not just a series of drops And lastly, there’s a secret project I can’t reveal too much about yet but let’s just say it involves a major international feature and a sound people might not expect from me. That one will surprise a lot of listeners.

What personal belief system or philosophy

DJ Bellami guides the way you create and perform your craft?

At the core of everything I create is the belief that music should feel like truth. For me, the best tracks and the best performances come from a place of honesty not trends, not pressure, just raw emotion translated into sound. If it doesn’t feel

real, I don’t release it. I also follow a philosophy of energy over perfection. I believe people connect more deeply with the feeling behind the music than with technical perfection. So whether I’m producing or performing, I focus on capturing a moment such as he vibe, the story, the emotion even if that means embracing imperfections Finally, I live by the idea that creativity thrives in freedom. I don’t box myself into a single genre or formula. I let curiosity lead me with new cultures, new rhythms and new experiences. That openness keeps my sound evolving and keeps me excited about what I do.

set for yourself in 2026, and what steps are you already taking toward achieving it?

I’m deepening my skill set from live mixing techniques to stage-craft making sure I can deliver a show that stands out in a world where technology and artistry move fast. I’m focused on finishing a wave of tracks that truly define my evolving sound. This music will become the backbone of the tour, shaping the mood and direction of each set. Everything from visuals to storytelling is becoming more cohesive so that by the time the tour launches, it feels like a natural evolution of who Bellami is becoming.

How are you positioning yourself to stay ahead creatively and professionally with the new wave of technology emerging?

Technology evolves fast, so I invest time in learning new tools, plugins, and performance techniques. I treat it like a second craft so the more I understand the tech, the more freedom I have to innovate. Even with all the new tech, my philosophy remains the same: the emotion leads, the technology follows.

I think that’s what will keep me ahead using tech to amplify creativity, not replace it.

If you could redefine or influence one aspect of DJ culture in 2026, what would it be, and why does it matter to you?

Not every set needs to be optimised or predicted.

There’s beauty in taking risks, surprising the crowd, and playing something that comes from instinct, not data. I believe DJs should guide a journey, not just chase trends. I want to inspire more intentional curation and sets that tell stories and leave emotional fingerprints The culture sometimes gets lost in numbers: streams, followers, headliners. I want to shift attention back to the craft itself pushing boundaries, blending genres, expressing identity.

Looking ahead, what’s one major goal you’ve

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T H I S D AY, T h e sat u r day N e w s pa p e r deceMBER 20, 2025

PERSPECTIVE

How America’s New Travel Restrictions Will Punish Ordinary Nigerians Olufemi Soneye

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y any measure, the latest expansion of U.S. travel restrictions marks a significant turning point in America’s engagement with Africa, and Nigeria sits uncomfortably at its center.

On December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation tightening entry restrictions on nationals from countries deemed to have persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information sharing. While some countries now face outright bans, Nigeria has been placed under partial restrictions, a technical term that in practice carries profound human, economic, and diplomatic consequences.

From January 1, 2026, Nigerians seeking business, tourism, student, and exchange visas will face new limitations, higher scrutiny, and far fewer approvals. The proclamation insists this is about security, but for millions of Nigerians, the policy will feel less like protection and more like collective punishment.

Crucially, the proclamation makes clear that no immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before January 1, 2026 will be revoked. Nigerians who currently hold valid U.S. visas may continue to travel, study, work, or conduct business in the United States for the duration of their visa validity. In the immediate term, life continues for those already inside the system.

The real disruption begins at the point of renewal or fresh application. Once a current visa expires, Nigerian applicants will face significant limitations on the issuance of new visas in affected categories. Business and tourist visas, student visas, vocational visas, and exchange visitor visas will all be subject to tighter controls, longer processing times, and a far higher likelihood of refusal unless a rare case by case waiver is granted. For many Nigerians, a previously routine renewal process will now become an uncertain and often insurmountable hurdle.

This uncertainty has practical consequences. Students nearing graduation may find themselves unable to renew visas for postgraduate studies or exchange programmes.

Professionals on short term assignments may be forced to cut projects short or relocate to third countries. Families that once planned periodic visits will face prolonged separation, not because of individual conduct, but because of nationality.

Nigeria is not a fringe state in global affairs. It is Africa’s most populous country, its largest economy, and one of the United States’ most significant partners on the continent, supplying talent to Silicon Valley, students to Ivy League campuses, doctors to U.S. hospitals, and entrepreneurs to

Trump global markets.

Yet under this proclamation, a Nigerian undergraduate admitted to a U.S. university now carries the stigma of systemic corruption in national school systems. A mid career professional invited to a conference in Washington is treated as a potential risk before being seen as a contributor. A family attending a wedding, graduation, or funeral must now overcome hurdles that have little to do with their personal history or intentions.

This is not merely a visa policy. It is a reputational downgrade.

Few sectors will feel the impact more sharply than education. For decades, Nigerian students have formed one of the largest African student populations in the United States, contributing billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy while strengthening people to people ties.

By restricting student and exchange visas, the proclamation threatens to choke an entire talent pipeline, future doctors, engineers, researchers, and innovators who often return home with skills, networks, and values shaped by American institutions. Universities will lose not just tuition revenue, but intellectual capital. Research collaborations will stall. Diversity

in classrooms and laboratories will quietly shrink.

Ironically, this undermines the very soft power the United States has long relied upon to maintain global influence.

For Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals, the message is equally stark. Business travel to the United States for investor meetings, trade fairs, board engagements, or corporate assignments now comes with uncertainty and delay.

Multinational firms employing Nigerians will rethink mobility plans, slow promotions, or redirect opportunities elsewhere.

In a global economy built on speed, trust, and access, restricted movement is restricted opportunity.

Travel bans are never just administrative tools. They are diplomatic statements. By grouping Nigeria alongside countries cited for inadequate vetting and governance failures, Washington sends a signal, intended or not, about confidence in Nigerian institutions.

This will ripple beyond visas. It will influence investor perception, bilateral negotiations, and Nigeria’s broader international standing. While the Supreme Court has affirmed the president’s authority to impose such measures, legality does not equal wisdom.

No serious observer disputes a nation’s right to protect its borders. Effective security policy, however, distinguishes between states and citizens, between systemic risk and individual merit. Blanket restrictions often miss that nuance.

The proclamation itself acknowledges that restrictions can be reviewed, modified, or lifted based on improved cooperation, just as Turkmenistan recently benefited from better engagement. That pathway must now become Nigeria’s priority.

This moment demands more than outrage. It calls for strategic diplomacy, institutional reform, and sustained engagement. Nigeria must aggressively address documentation integrity, data sharing, and identity management systems.

Just as importantly, it must communicate these reforms clearly and credibly to U.S. authorities and lawmakers. Back channel diplomacy, structured lobbying, and diaspora advocacy, especially in Washington, are no longer optional. They are essential.

At its core, this issue is not just about who gets on a plane.

It is about fairness, partnership, and the danger of reducing complex societies to security checklists.

Soneye is a seasoned media executive and strategic communications expert, who previously served as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd and also served in the United States Air Force.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Tinubu Restoring Faith in Nigeria’s Future Otega Ogra

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et me begin with a simple truth. Power does not live in Abuja. Power does not live on Twitter. Power does not live on television. Power lives where people gather.

At the junction, at the market, at the motor park and at the bus stop. In the WhatsApp group that decides what people believe before any headline reaches them.

Let me hear you say it with me. Power lives where people gather. Let me hear it again. Louder. I’ll repeat it… Power lives where people gather. And that is why you are here.

I did not come to speak at you. I came to speak with you because every reform we push, every policy we explain, every hope we are trying to protect.

Will either live or die in your hands. I am Otega Ogra.

I serve as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media. But more importantly, I am a student of leadership. And I am a disciple of a man who taught me something that has shaped my entire public life.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, taught us that politics is not noise. Politics is structure. Politics is patience.

Politics is presence. You do not win a country by shouting louder. You win a country by showing up consistently.

Let me tell you a personal story. Years ago, long before government, I worked in the private sector. I sat in boardrooms where Nigeria was not discussed as a people or a possibility.

Nigeria was mostly discussed as a risk.

Every time our country came up, you could sense the fear in the room. Fear of insecurity. Fear of inconsistency. Fear of leadership failure. And I realised something that day.

Nigeria was being analysed by people who had never waited at our bus stops, never bargained in our markets, never seen how our people adapt, survive and rebuild after every setback. That moment taught me a lesson I carried into government.

A nation loses its future the moment it allows others to define its meaning. That gap between perception and reality is where you come in. Grassroots media is not about trends. It is about trust.

Now let us talk about leadership. President Bola Tinubu did not arrive at this moment by accident. He spent decades building ideas, institutions, people and political structure.

He taught us that leadership is not about avoiding pain.

It is about choosing the right pain. That is what this administration represents. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is a governing framework.

Eight priorities that guide every decision.

Economic reform and growth.

Food security and agriculture.

Energy security.

Infrastructure and transport.

Human capital development.

Social investment and poverty reduction.

Security and national cohesion.

Governance reform and institutional strength.

These are not promises for applause.

They are priorities for work.

Let us start with insecurity.

Foryears, Nigerians felt the state had stepped back.

Bandits became bold. Criminals felt untouchable.

This administration took a clear position. The state must return.

And it must return firmly. Security coordination has improved. Tens of Thousands of terrorists have been eliminated or captured. Many of our fellow citizens who were kidnapped have been freed. Over 24 terrorists have been convicted or undergoing trial in the last one year.

Intelligence sharing is tighter. Air surveillance has expanded.

Forests are being flushed. Kidnapping networks are being dismantled. Is the work finished. No. But the direction is no longer confused. Your role as grassroots media champions is not to deny pain. Your role is to explain progress without arrogance.

Let me ask you something.

When change is easy, does it change anything? no When change is hard, does it matter? Yes Exactly.

Now, on the economy. Let us be honest with ourselves.

Subsidy removal was painful. Foreign exchange reform was uncomfortable. But what was the alternative.

Borrow endlessly. Lie consistently.

Push the burden to our children.

President Tinubu chose truth over convenience. Today, states are receiving more revenue. Investors are returning.

Confidence is rising in manufacturing and energy. The economy is being reset on realistic foundations. Regulators have been given more independence to work without executive overreach. Pain without direction is failure. Pain with purpose is reform. On youth employment.

Government cannot hire every young Nigerian.

But government can create the environment where work is possible.

Roads create jobs. Ports create jobs. Power creates jobs.

Digital infrastructure creates jobs.

Youth employment is not one programme. It is an ecosystem.

Ogra That is why this administration is investing heavily in infrastructure, energy transition, digital skills and enterprise.

The renewed Hope ward programme will provide opportunities for millions of youth to be part of governance while also being accountability partners to us as a government. We are here because you are.

On human capital.

A nation that ignores education and skills is digging its own grave. This government understands that Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil. It is people.

That is why education reform, skills training, digital inclusion and healthcare are not side conversations.

They are central to the Tinubu adminstration.

Now listen to me carefully.

You are not cheerleaders – and are not expected to be.

You are translators. Your job is to take policy and turn it into meaning. To take reform and turn it into understanding.

Do not insult the intelligence of your community. Respect them. Explain to them. Walk with them.

Credibility is your currency.

Once you lose it, you lose everything.

This movement is not about defending government blindly.

Ogra, President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital & New Media/Engagement delivered the keynote address at the National Grassroots Media Summit NGMS 1.0 in Abuja Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T h e sat u r day N e w s pa p e r deceMBER 20, 2025

26

PERSPECTIVE How Innovation, Collaboration, Compliance Are Powering Africa’s Financial Sector Akeem Lawal

of growth. By fostering dialogue and shared problem-solving, we are not just connecting ideas; we are connecting frontiers.

T

oday, Africa stands at a defining moment in its digital evolution. Across the continent, technology continues to reshape how individuals transact, how businesses grow, and how governments deliver essential services, even as digital transformation is creating new pathways for inclusion and prosperity. Yet, as the continent’s digital economy expands, with projections to exceed $712 billion by 2050 (according to the International Finance Corporation), its growth will depend not only on innovation, but equally on collaboration and compliance.

These three pillars form the foundation of Africa’s united digital frontier.

Compliance: The Bedrock of Sustainable Growth

Innovation without structure can be chaotic, while collaboration without trust can be fragile. This is where compliance becomes indispensable. A thriving digital economy must rest on a foundation of robust governance, data protection, cybersecurity, and regulatory alignment.

Africa’s financial regulators have made significant strides in providing enabling frameworks for innovation—sandbox models, open banking guidelines, and digital identification systems are key examples. These initiatives are helping to create the clarity and confidence that both innovators and investors need to scale responsibly.

For players like Interswitch, compliance is not a box-ticking exercise, it is a strategic imperative. Our commitment to global security standards such as PCI DSS and ISO certifications reflects our belief that trust, and transparency are the currency of the digital age. By embedding compliance into innovation, we create systems that are not only scalable, but also sustainable.

Innovation: The Engine of Africa’s Digital Economy

Over the past decade, Africa has witnessed a remarkable acceleration in technological advancement. Fintechs have democratised access to financial services for millions who were once excluded from formal systems. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Africa accounts for nearly 70 percent of the world’s $1.3 trillion mobile money value, underscoring the continent’s capacity to leapfrog traditional barriers through innovation.

Interswitch, as a pioneer in the African payments ecosystem, has been privileged to play a pivotal role in this transformation, building the infrastructure that enables seamless, secure, and interoperable digital transactions. Yet, innovation must now go beyond solving access problems; it must create sustainable ecosystems that power scale, interoperability, and cross-border efficiency.

Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics are no longer futuristic tools, they are the next growth drivers that are defining how African economies compete globally.

But for these innovations to reach their full potential, they must be anchored in collaborative frameworks that amplify their impact across sectors and geographies.

Collaboration: The New Competitive Advantage

In today’s economy, no single player, no matter how innovative, can succeed in isolation. Collaboration has become the new competitive advantage. The intersection of banks, fintechs, and other financial institutions represents an opportunity to build an inclusive, scalable, and resilient ecosystem that benefits everyone.

A United Frontier for Inclusive Growth

Lawal Across the continent, partnerships between traditional financial institutions and technology innovators are already delivering tangible value expanding financial access, enhancing efficiency, and improving user experience. However, true collaboration goes beyond partnerships of convenience; it requires shared purpose, mutual trust, and aligned vision.

This is precisely the spirit driving initiatives such as Interswitch’s TechConnect series, a platform that brings together stakeholders across the financial ecosystem to explore how technology, innovation, and strategic collaboration can unlock Africa’s next phase

Africa’s digital future cannot be built in silos. It requires the collective effort of governments, private sector players, development institutions, and innovators working in unison.

As we push toward regional integration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the importance of interoperable payment systems and regulatory harmonization becomes even more critical.

Imagine a continent where a merchant in Kigali seamlessly receives payments from a customer in Lagos; where data flows securely across borders; and where regulatory environments enable innovation rather than constrain it. This is the united frontier we must build, a frontier defined not by borders, but by bridges.

At Interswitch, we believe Africa’s next growth phase will be powered by innovation that includes, collaboration that empowers, and compliance that sustains. The path forward demands not competition, but convergence. And as we unite these frontiers, we unlock not just the next chapter of Africa’s digital story but its destiny as a global leader in technologydriven growth.

Lawal is the Managing Director, Payment Processing & Switching, Interswitch Purepay

Olayinka Latinwo: Every Woman Should Run for Office, Mentor Next Generation

Mrs.OlayinkaLatinwo,isachampionofsocialjusticeandaphilanthropistdedicated to empowering the vulnerable. As Iya Oba of Isin Kingdom in Kwara State, she was recently honoured with the title Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II. Speaking to newsmen, she addressed national issues, women in politics, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, among others. Bennett Oghifo brings the excerpts: Tell us about yourself

M

y name is Mrs. Olayinka Latinwo. I am Iya Oba of Isin Kingdom in Kwara State and now, by God’s grace, Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua. I am a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to a wonderful girl.

Born on Lagos Island in a family that value education and service, I attended Ebire Nursery and Primary School, St Anne’s School in Molete, and Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa. I later built a 25year career in U.S. healthcare, founding companies offering rehabilitation and end-of-life care to thousands.

How did receiving the Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua title feel and what does it mean to you?

When Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II conferred the title, I felt overwhelmed with humility and gratitude—like a warm embrace from my ancestors, affirming my work’s impact. It’s not a personal trophy but a call to greater service. As Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua, I bridge the palace and Yoruba land’s women, embodying strategic leadership, diplomacy, and cultural custodianship. My duties now

focus on uplifting women and children across the Oodua Nation.

What shaped your journey?

My path blends education, healthcare experience, and commitment to service.

From Lagos Island’s streets to U.S. boardrooms, I’ve learned resilience, humility, and community power. Losing my parents, Chief Adegboyega Alade and Mrs. Atinuke Alade, taught sacrifice.

My husband, Engineer Olanrewaju Latinwo, has been my anchor. I’ve lived a life of discipline, integrity, and hard work.

What contributions earned this recognition?

Through my companies, I’ve created jobs, improved healthcare access, and supported families. The Shamrock Foundation funds scholarships, vocational training for widows and orphans, and Yoruba cultural programmes—efforts aligning with this honor.

Have you considered politics and would you encourage women to engage?

I’ve catalysed change from the private sector, but policy matters. I’m open to serving Nigeria in any capacity

that advances welfare. Absolutely, I encourage every woman to pursue public service, run for office, and mentor the next female generation.

Women bring empathy, integrity, and collaboration.

How do you view Nigeria’s state and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda?

Nigeria stands at a crossroads—our youth are an asset, but we need better infrastructure, education, and security.

Tinubu’s agenda promises job creation, agriculture, and anti-corruption; success Latinwo hinges on swift, inclusive implementa- abuse and align with communities. tion for ordinary citizens.

Your advice for youth chasing What is your take on U.S. claims “get-rich-quick”? of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria?

Hard work, perseverance, and I respect global concerns, but this learning build sustainable wealth. narrative overlooks our complex reality Invest in skills, seek mentors, and of faiths coexisting. We need dialogue, shun shortcuts leading to exploitajustice, and equal protection for all. tion.

Will state police curb South-west What legacy do you hope for insecurity? as Yeye Bobagunwa? How do Yes, it could enable localized intel- loved ones feel? ligence and faster responses, building I want to be remembered as on governors’ coordination. Robust nurturing Yoruba families, lifting accountability is essential to prevent

spirits through service, and preserving our culture. My husband, children, and grandchild see it as validation of our values—integrity, service, humility.

They’re proud, reminding me true honour is in lives touched.

Your lifelong guiding principle: How do you wish to be remembered?

Serve before you are served.” I hope as a bridge for people, cultures, and opportunities; a heritage steward; and a mother shaping a compassionate, prosperous Nigeria.

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T H I S D AY, T h e sat u r day N e w s pa p e r deceMBER 20, 2025

POLITY

EnuguUnderWatch:Drones,Dataand EndofInvisibleCrime

Jeff Ukachukwu

T

here was a time, not too long ago, when Monday in Enugu State felt like a weekly rehearsal for despair. Streets that once throbbed with keke horns and market chatter went silent.

Ogui Road, that restless artery of the Coal City, could look like a film set after the crew had packed up: shops shuttered, banks dark, schools empty. A criminal order, issued from nowhere and enforced by fear, had more authority over people’s lives than any law.

It is against that memory that today’s security story in Enugu must be read. Because when Governor Peter Mbah says “Tomorrow is here,” and his team posts aerial shots of patrol vehicles, AI-embedded surveillance cameras watching over the state from many strategic points, and security drones criss-crossing the skyline, they are not just showing off gadgets; they are trying to tell citizens that yesterday, including its broken order is gone.

What has emerged in Enugu over the last two and half years is not a perfect security system, but it is unmistakably very different. You see it first in the hardware: long lines of white Distress Response Squad (DRS) cars parked at strategic points front of the new Command and Control Centre, each fitted with AI-enabled cameras and manned by police officers wearing body cameras instead of just faded name tags; and now, the headline grabbers – high-impact security drones designed to look where human patrols cannot go.

Supporters describe these drones in almost cinematic language: powerful enough to monitor Enugu and beyond, to pick out heat signatures in the forest, to trace kidnappers and bandits, who once vanished into thick bush after attacking highways. In the state’s political storytelling, they are portrayed as “first of their kind in Nigeria,” a visual proof that Enugu is not just complaining about insecurity, but trying to outthink it. Whether or not the “first ever” claim stands up to national comparison, the symbolism is evident: for a region traumatised by abductions, seeing your government put eyes in the sky matters.

But the more interesting story is how all this equipment connects.

The Command-and-Control Centre is the nervous system. From this building, feeds from cameras mounted across the state — on streets, in markets, on DRS vehicles — are streamed into a single room glowing with screens. Security chiefs who toured the facility called it “wonder-evoking,” not just because of the fancy hardware, but because from that one space, they could zoom into streets and junctions that used to be blind spots. “We will appear to them like ghosts,” the former Commissioner of Police, CP Anayo Uzuegbu, said of criminals who thought Enugu was still the old playground.

The DRS is the muscle attached to that nervous system. Over 150 patrol vehicles, each tagged, tracked and camera-fitted, are deployed as a special police unit focused on rapid response. Instead of waiting for crime reports to drip into a station logbook, the state is moving toward live alerts: a suspicious gathering here, a vehicle flagged there, an emergency call relayed instantly from a control console.

Then, above all this, the drones. In a country where abductions are often planned and executed from forests, valleys and abandoned farmlands, the ground has always had the advantage. Drones invert that logic. A farmer who hears gunshots no longer has to choose between silence and suicide; in theory, he can call a number, and somewhere in the Command Centre, a team can send an eye overhead without risking lives. Even if reality lags behind that ideal, the architecture now exists for Enugu to fight forest-based crime as a coordinated intelligence problem, not a guesswork patrol.

None of this comes cheap, and Enugu has not pretended otherwise.

In February 2024, Mbah finally activated the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF), a law that had been sleeping since 2020. He amended it, appointed a Board of Trustees led by investment banker Ike Chioke, and set an ambitious goal: 20 billion for security, roughly 5 billion a year.

The Trust Fund’s own literature is revealing. It talks less about buying more guns and more about the five pillars: fundraising, capacity building, technological advancement, advisory support, and community engagement. The money is meant to underwrite exactly what citizens cannot do on their own — the cameras, the communication systems, the training, the forensic tools, the drones — and to create a standing platform where businesses, diaspora professionals, and wealthy individuals can put their money where their security concerns are.

There is a philosophical shift buried inside that institutional design.

Security is no longer framed as “what Abuja sends us” or “what the police can manage,” but as a shared, long-term investment. In a state chasing a $30 billion GDP target, the message is straightforward: without sustained security, the numbers will never materialise.

Has it worked? The answer depends on where you stand and what you remember. Governor Mbah says violent crimes have reduced in the state by 80 per cent.

If you remember those ghostly Mondays of enforced sit-at-home, you cannot deny that something has changed. The government not only outlawed the order; it threatened sanctions for schools and

markets that obeyed faceless directives, insisted that “we no longer take orders from non-state actors,” and backed those words with visible policing.

If, however, your reference point is a kidnapping in Udenu or a robbery on the outskirts of town, the story feels less tidy. Crime has not vanished, and no serious analyst will claim that. The fact that these isolated events are no longer a norm, but news, underscores the difference the Mbah Administration has made. What has changed is the state’s posture: from denial and helplessness to a visible, sometimes aggressive presence — patrols at odd hours, cameras where none existed, aircraft buzzing overhead. The security chiefs themselves warn criminals to “steer clear” and urge parents and traditional rulers to preach peace, a subtle acknowledgement that technology cannot replace community vigilance.

A reflective assessment of Enugu’s strategy has to wrestle with three big questions.

The first is sustainability. Drones, AI cameras and command centres do not maintain themselves. They require steady power, skilled technicians, updated software, spare parts and training refreshers. The Trust Fund model offers a way to finance this, but Nigerians have seen too many “white elephant” systems decay after the ribbon-cutting.

Dr. Ukachukwu is a public affairs analyst and writes from Enugu Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Corporate Affairs and Community Partnership Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company (Ltd), Usman Abbas; Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, NBC Ltd, Lydia Ebene; Chairman, Borno State Property Agency and Land Owner Association (BOSPALA), Maina Mustapha; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Borno State, Modu Abba Sanda during the commissioning of a solarpowered borehole by the Nigerian Bottling Company at the Pompomari community in Maiduguri, recently.

President BolaTinubu welcoming Senator Ibikunle Amosun to the APC caucus meeting in Abuja…recently

L-R: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Bello Saddiq, Head of Logistics, Mohammed Alikoko, PA to Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Tina Nwama, Head Internal Control, Oludare Ogunmoroti, Group Managing Director/CEO, Thabo Mabe, Finance Officer, Rachel Ojo, and Lukman Shitu, Human Resources all of Dangote Sugar cutting the Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 25th Year Anniversary Cake during the Grande finale of the anniversary events held at the Dangote Sugar Facility at Apapa Lagos ...recently

L–R: Marketing Manager, BIC Nigeria, Foluke Femi-Sanda; Operations Manager, Raising Star Africa Foundation, Mr. Oyinkansola Babatunde; Head Teacher, Sari-Iganmu Inclusive School and the first recipient of BIC’s ₦1,000,000 Educator Reward, Oladeji Aishat Modupe; General Manager, BIC Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Amahwe; Education Secretary, Apapa Local Government Education Authority, Alhaja Olawepo Fausat; and Human Resources Manager, BIC Nigeria,Mr.Oladimeji Sodunke, at the inauguration of newly renovated solar-powered classrooms at Sari-Iganmu Inclusive School, Lagos, delivered under BIC’s 2025 Global Education Week initiative in Lagos recently

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •December 20, 2025

PERSONAL FINANCE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

How Sustainable Festive Gifts Can Ease Pressure on Wallets

I

Omolabake Fasogbon

t is that time of the year when Nigerians go on a spending spree. Across households, regardless of economic class, the Christmas season is widely anticipated as a period of merriment, giving and receiving.

Data from cross-border payments company, World Remit, shows that Nigerians spend as much as 196 per cent of their monthly income on Christmas, with about one-fifth (16 per cent) of their annual income devoted to the festive period.

While expenditure is typically channeled to food, clothing, decorations, beauty and travel, gift exchange remains one of the biggest cost drivers for both corporates and individuals during the season.

A 2023 WorldRemit survey across several countries found that gift purchases accounted for the largest share of festive spending in more than half of the countries surveyed, with 54 per cent spending heavily on presents, often exceeding half of their monthly income.

The practice of exchanging gifts at Christmas draws from religious symbolism and cultural tradition, rooted in the biblical account of the Magi presenting gifts to the infant Jesus. Over time, this act evolved into a widely observed gesture to mark the birth of Christ.

In recent years, however, economic pressures have begun to reshape consumer behaviour. A recent consumer outlook report by McKinsey & Company noted that rising inflation, tariffs and tighter household budgets are eroding financial confidence, forcing consumers to adjust their Christmas spending patterns.

Against this backdrop, eco-friendly gifting is emerging as a practical way to preserve the tradition of giving without placing undue strain on finances. Beyond cost considerations, sustainable gifting also delivers environmental benefits, reduces waste, promotes smarter consumption, and shifts focus from quantity to value.

Corporate climate-action solutions provider, ClimatePartner reported that gifts alone account for 93 per cent of Christmas Day emissions, with the average adult purchasing about 20 items, generating an estimated 479kg of CO₂e.

Electronics, including laptops and game consoles, were identified as the most carbon-intensive

gifts, accounting for nearly half of emissions linked to gifting.

Speaking on the broader implications, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School, Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, said sustainability should be viewed not only as an environmental concern but also as a matter of economic efficiency.

Similarly, sustainability author at Tilted Map, Ketti Wilhelm noted that sustainable gifts often offer greater longevity and utility than conventional alternatives.

“High-quality, useful and ethical gifts do not have to be expensive. They support responsible businesses and help reduce the cycle of waste,” she said.

For Nigerians who are financially minded and climate-conscious, choosing local, sustainable, reusable or handmade gifts, as outlined below, is thus advisable during festive period.

Choose Locally Crafted, Long-Lasting Gifts Artisan-made gifts support Nigerian creatives while relying on natural, biodegradable materials. Items such as wooden bowls and décor,

handcrafted clay pots and vases, and woven Aso-Oke textiles combine cultural value with durability. Unlike mass-produced imports, these gifts last longer, retain usefulness, and reduce waste over time, offering better value for money and a lighter environmental footprint.

Buy Practical Eco-Friendly Items Made in Nigeria Everyday items designed with sustainability in mind make smart, affordable gifts. Bamboo gift sets, reusable baskets, and personalised Made-in-Nigeria products are produced from renewable or natural materials and often come at accessible price points. These options allow consumers to support local businesses while avoiding plastic-heavy, short-lived gift items.

Opt for Do-it- Yourself, Zero-Waste Gifts Handmade gifts offer a personal touch without heavy spending. Tea or coffee blends stored in reused glass jars, homemade candles made with natural wax, or simple food hampers assembled in reusable baskets are thoughtful, low-cost alternatives. These gifts prioritise

Other Business Stories Stanbic IBTC Drives Youth Creativity, Innovation Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of the Standard Bank Group has reinforced its commitment to nurturing young Nigerian talent at the just concluded FUZE Talent Show 4.0 in Lagos.

The initiative aimed to promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among Nigeria’s youth.

Grand finale of the programme, which was held recently, showcased a diverse range of talent in fashion, technology, dance, and music, highlighting growing influence of creative

industries in Nigeria’s economy.

This year, the bank awarded a record N90 million in prizes to recognise outstanding talent, with 12 finalists competing for top honours.

Category winners included Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music), each receiving N10 million, mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative ventures.

In addition, a newly introduced Fan Favourite Feature allowed viewers nationwide to vote for

the contestant who inspired them most, deepening community engagement and reinforcing the link between creativity and audience participation.

Commenting, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Chuma Nwokocha, reiterated the importance of the initiative.

“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as ‘The Ultimate Show’, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation. Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.

FuelTree Digitises Carbon Assets for Traceable, Tradeable Emissions Clean-energy and carbon-finance company, FuelTree Limited, has launched in the country to improve access to clean cooking, carbon markets, and green finance across Africa.

The organisation disclosed its priority as making carbon assets measurable, traceable, and profitable, while delivering socio-economic benefits to communities.

Established as a special-purpose vehicle of SMEFUNDS, CSR-in-Action Consulting, and Carbon Credit Network Africa (CCNA), the

company builds on more than a decade of sustainability leadership and carbon-project development experience.

Its CTO and renewable-energy pioneer, Femi Oye, noted that organisation’s flagship digital platform, ‘Virtual Cylinder Recirculation Model (vCRM)’ would enable households to access clean cooking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and nutritious food while generating carbon credits under international standards such as Verra and Gold Standard.

“Through FuelTree’s vCRM, we are digitizing every tonne of avoided emissions; ensuring Africa’s carbon assets are traceable, tradable, and beneficial to local communities,” he stated.

Defending the innovation, Oye noted that households switching from firewood or kerosene avoid approximately 2–3 tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually, while contributing directly to Nigeria’s Decade of Gas, Energy Transition Plan (ETP), and the National Carbon Market Framework.

Whatadeal Drives Brand-Consumer Engagement at Trade Fair Online storefront division of Whatadeal Africa, Whatadeal eCommerce has reaffirmed support to brands’ growth and visibility at its just concluded inaugural trade fair in Lagos.

The two-day fair brought together over 100 vendors and local brands, including MTN, MoMo, Honeywell and Amstel, where consumers directly connected and engaged with businesses from across

different sectors like fashion, beauty, food, technology.

Reiterating the goal of the fair, Managing Director of Whatadeal Africa, Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh said it aimed to drive business scalability and redesign retail experience.

“At Whatadeal, everything starts with our customers. As an e-commerce platform, our primary goal is to ensure that anyone who runs

a business on our platform is supported every step of the way. This trade fair was designed to do exactly that by giving our online sellers a physical space to meet customers, and by helping offline vendors take their businesses online. What we are ultimately building is a community, an ecosystem that helps you grow from where you are to where you want to be.

creativity over cost and minimize waste while feeling more intentional and personal.

Wrap Gifts Sustainably Sustainable gifting extends beyond the present itself. Reusable fabrics, recycled paper, or everyday materials such as Ankara cloth can replace conventional wrapping paper, much of which is non-recyclable. Cloth wrapping not only reduces waste but can also be reused, turning the packaging into part of the gift.

Give Experiences Instead of Things Experiences often cost less and leave a deeper impression than physical gifts. Paying for a shared outing, offering a skill-sharing session, or creating a personalised “gift of time” voucher can reduce pressure to overspend while strengthening relationships.

As Associate Dean at the Columbia Climate School, Sandra Goldmark noted, Sustainable gifting flips the script and asks: ‘what can I give that’s meaningful, even if it looks different or unexpected?’.

Africa’s Extractive Sector Eyes Emissions as New Revenue Stream

Stakeholders in Africa’s extractive industry are positioning carbon markets as a viable new revenue stream and exploring how emissions reduction can be converted into economic value under regulated, high-integrity frameworks.

The stakeholders which recently gathered at the 14th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, convened virtually by CSR-in-Action Group, examined the continent’s emerging role in the global carbon economy.

They equally explored how extractive companies can monetize emissions reductions through credible carbon accounting, trading and offsetting mechanisms, while delivering measurable social benefits.

Speaking at the conference, Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action and SITEI Convener, Dr Bekeme Olowola said Africa must take greater control of its carbon market architecture, as global demand for high-quality credits grows.

“Africa is no longer a peripheral player in the climate economy. Our natural capital and emerging carbon market ecosystem place the continent at the centre of global attention. The task before us is to define our own standards, shape the rules and ensure that carbon markets work for communities as well as investors,” she said.

Also, Co-Founder of Kike AI, Femi Oye identified that reliable carbon accounting remained paramount to unlocking value in the sector.

“Global demand for carbon credits is projected to reach about 300 million tonnes by 2030, representing a potential annual revenue of up to six billion dollars for Africa. But this opportunity depends entirely on accurate measurement. For extractive industries, carbon accounting is the bedrock of credible credits and a pathway to generate value from environmental responsibility,” she added.

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THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper • april 24, 2011

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weekly pull-out

20.12.2025

news

unwanted record

2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON...

Super Eagles on the March Again

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2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON...

Super Eagles on the March Again Though the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which is the 35th edition, kicks off tomorrow, when host country, Morocco takes on Comoros at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat However, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will not be taking to the turf untilTuesday when they take on theTaifa Stars ofTanzania.For the three-time African champions, this edition of AFCON is not only a quest at winning the biennial tournament for the fourth time,but an attempt to assuage the pain of soccer loving Nigerians for their failure to book a place for the 2026World Cup,writes Kunle Adewale

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fter failing to pick the 2026 World Cup ticket in what many observers expected to be a walk in the park for Nigeria, considering the quality of opposition, many soccer-loving Nigerians seem to have lost faith in the Super Eagles, in spite of the team boasting some quality players that are making waves in their various European clubs.

However, the three-time African champions are determined to win back the hearts and support of their teeming fans with a fourth AFCON triumph in Morocco come January 18.

As part of their final preparations towards a fourth title chase, which has been tagged ‘NAIJA 4 THE WIN’ after previously winning the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013, Nigeria played a tune up match against seven-time champions, Egypt on December 16 which they lost 2-1, but Coach Eric Chelle used it as an opportunity to test some of the new players that have been injected into the team and also try different tactical ideas.

Nigeria went behind after a goal from Mahmoud Saber, but Chidozie Awaziem equalised just before half-time. Egypt then took the lead again early in the second half through Mostafa Mohamed,endinganine-yearwinlessrunagainst Nigeria.

After the encounter with Egypt on Thursday, the Super Eagles departed Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés ahead of their opening game on Tuesday in a chartered flight.

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu has played down concerns after Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt, saying the Super Eagles are still confident, as they continue their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking after the match, the former Southampton forward said confidence remains high within the team.

“I felt good playing against them, especially knowing that I had scored against Egypt in the past,” Onuachu said. “I had a good feeling during the game, and you could see that in my performance.

“I played with a lot of confidence and focused on playing my game. Unfortunately, we lost and the goal didn’t come this time, but I still felt good on the pitch.”

He added: “I think both the team and I had a good game.”

Indeed, Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka says Chelle has “changed everything” in the team, offering a strong personal endorsement of Nigeria’s head coach. The Brentford midfielder praised the Malian tactician’s philosophy, manmanagement and tactical identity, insisting Chelle has brought renewed clarity and stability to a national team that endured months of uncertainty before his appointment. “I think he came in and changed everything – the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,” Onyeka told the BBC. “He’s a loving coach. The way he speaks to the players, he makes fun of the players. It’s just different compared to what we had before.” Onyeka credits Chelle for reshaping both the Super Eagles’ playing identity and the atmosphere within the squad, suggesting the coach’s man-management has been as influential as his tactical work.

Interestingly, former Chelsea Star and Ivory Coast international, Salomon Kalou has named Super Eagles among the leading contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, while also tipping Victor Osimhen to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Duelbits.com, the former Chelsea and Lille forward highlighted Nigeria’s attacking strength as a major factor behind their title credentials.

Kalou pointed to Osimhen’s clinical finishing as a decisive advantage, complemented by the pace and creativity of Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.

“Nigeria look very strong this year,” Kalou

Super Eagles against Pharaoh of Egypt in Cairo for their final preparation match for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco

L-R: Ryan Alebiosu, Alex Iwobi, Simi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey

Victor Osimhen... arriving in Fez, Morocco

said. “They have one of the most dangerous strikers in world football in Victor Osimhen leading the line.”

Kalou also praised the balance in the Super Eagles’ midfield, singling out Raphael Onyedika for his physical presence and defensive awareness.According to the Ivorian, Onyedika provides “extra steel” and could grow into a leadership role as the tournament progresses.

The formerAfrican champion added that the Africa Cup of Nations often provides a platform for emerging talents to establish themselves on the continental stage, noting that the Chelleled side, possesses several players capable of making a significant impact.

When asked to predict the winner of the Golden Boot, Kalou was unequivocal.

“If I had to pick one player to score the most

goals at this tournament, it would be Victor Osimhen.

“The Super Eagles striker is the headline act of the AFCON. His goal-scoring abilities speak for itself and he has the mentality of carrying Nigeria into the next stages of the tournament.

“The Galatasaray forward is in incredible form, and the Super Eagles group gives him the chance to start fast.

“For the matches against Tanzania and Uganda, Victor Osimhen could score a few early goals, and once a striker like Osimhen builds momentum, he’s very hard to stop. He has the hunger, the quality, and the mentality to finish as top scorer,” he said.

However, former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has cast doubt on the list of players called up to the Moroccan party, saying there was no way Chelle could have made his selections without being influenced by external forces.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel said the selection did not reflect sporting merit.

“I don’t think the right players are being selected from what I hear,” the former Chelsea midfielder said.

“I think the manager doesn’t have the full authority to select who he wants. I think there’s

a lot of influence on his selection,” he added.

Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, December 23, with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won.

The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on December 27, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.

Super Eagles Roll Call

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali Francis, Uzoho Amas Obasogie Defenders Calvin Bassey Zaidu Sanusi Semi Ajayi Bruno Onyemaechi Igoh Ogbu Chidozie Awaziem Bright Osayi Samuel Ryan Alebiosu Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi Frank Onyeka

Fisayo Dele Bashiru Muhammed Usman Alex Iwobi Ebenezer Akinsanmiro Raphael Onyedika Tochukwu Nnadi

Forwards Ademola Lookman Victor Osimhen Akor Adams Samuel Chukwueze Cyriel Dessers Salim Fago Moses Simon Chidera Ejuke Paul Onuachu

T H I S D AY, T h e sat u r day N e w s pa p e r deceMBER 20, 2025

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Algeria vs Nigeria at 1990 AFCON where they mauled Super Eagles 5-1

Morocco, Comoros AFCON Opener Could Wipe Nigeria’s Unwanted Record from History Books

Morocco will open the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tomorrow with a chance to erase Nigeria’s long-standing record for the heaviest opening-day defeat in tournament history.

CAF has highlighted historic AFCON opening results ahead of this weekend’s kick-off, with Nigeria’s 5-1 loss to hostsAlgeria in 1990 still standing as the worst defeat suffered in a tournament opener.Thatrecordcouldnowfall whenhostsMoroccofaceComoros inRabat.Moroccoareranked11th in the world, the highest-ranked Africannation,whileComorossit

L-R Immediate past Super Eagles Captain, Troost-Ekong and current captain, Wilfred Ndidi

Super Eagles coaching crew and officials

108th, creating expectations of a heavily one-sided contest. The two sides meet at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium tomorrow evening in the opening fixture of CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco2025,theirsecondmeeting at the continental finals. In 1990, Algeria, inspired by the elegance and authority of Rabah Mustapha Madjer, played with fearless confidence inside a raucous Stade 5 Juillet 1962.

Madjer struck twice either side of half-time, setting the tone for a relentless display. Remarkably, that bruising defeat did not

define Nigeria’s tournament.

The Green Eagles regrouped, beat Egypt, Ivory Coast and Zambia, and returned to face Algeria in the final; this time losing narrowly by a single goal in a far more competitive contest.

The lesson was well learned.

Two years later, Nigeria opened AFCON1992bydefeatinghosts Senegal 2-1 in Dakar, a symbolic reversal of fortunes. Still, no team has suffered a heavier opening-day loss than that Nigerian side in 1990. Morocco now have the opportunity to erase that statistic altogether.

Hull City Bemoans AFCON Timing Following Ajayi’s Exit

Hull City head coach, Sergej season, and are 6th in the Championship. They represent Jakirovic has revealed that EFL Championship. their own country, and they are Semi Ajayi’s Super Eagles Given Hull’s progress in very proud. “We are very proud call-up for the AFCON 2025 the second tier of English because we have a national team tournament has left a big football this season and Ajayi player and we wish him all the hole in the club’s defence. being a rock at the back, the very best. “We have Charlie The 32-year-old initially club’s coach is wary of what Hughes, John Egan and Akin struggled with hamstring will happen after the former Famewo. We have Cathal Mcproblems after signing for Arsenal defender jetted out Carthy there, so there will be a the Tigers, playing just to Morocco for the AFCON lot of chances for them as well,” one game in the first three 2025 tournament with the the 48-year-old concluded. Hull months. However, since Super Eagles. “It’s a big City are just one point behind then, he’s gone on to start headache for us, yes, and all third-placed Preston North End. eight games, playing 90 the clubs that have players Should they keep their form on minutes for six straight from Africa, but what can we till the end of the season, the games in the build-up to the do? This is the Africa Cup Tigers could be in the English AFCON tournament. Hull of Nations,” the Bosnian Premier League next season.

City survived relegation manager told Hull Live in Hull have not returned to the to Sky Bet League One by quotes revealed by Express English top-flight since suffering goal difference last season, and Star. “For those play- relegation in the 2016/2017 Engbut look rejuvenated this ers, this is like the European lish Premier League campaign.

Forest Coach Says Ola Aina Still Way Off to Full Fitness Nottingham Forest head coach, Sean Dyche has revealed the fitness status of Super Eagles defender Ola Aina as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old limped and had to be taken off inside 10 minutes at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein as the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against South Africa, as Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hit the rocks.

The ex-Chelsea man then had to undergo surgery and

was ruled out for three months. of the injury situation in quotes Although he returned to training revealed by Nottingham Post. with Forest, Aina was omitted “Ola Aina is halfway through from Eric Chelle’s final 28-man his progress in fitness. He is trainAFCON squad list. ing more regularly with the team Four days after the full squad now, which is good, but it has been was announced, Aina resumed a long-term injury, so we have action for Nottingham Forest’s U- had to be careful with that one.

21s in their 2-1 win over Millwall “He is still a bit of a way off U-21s, playing 53 minutes. with his true fitness. He has been Ahead of the Reds’ clash out for a long time, and it takes against Fulham on Monday, even longer to reach that deep Sean Dyche revealed the injury level of fitness, but he is making status of some of the players in good progress forward. his squad.

“Pretty much everyone else is “It’s looking better,” Dyche said back on the grass. They still have

Premier League Matchday 17 raises the stakes across the title race, with leaders Arsenal facing a difficult trip to Everton, Man City continuing their pursuit from second, while in-form Aston Villa host Man United. All fixtures will be broadcast live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

Today’s action begins at 1:30 p.m. as Newcastle host Chelsea at St James’ Park.

At 4:00 p.m., Man City welcome West Ham

United. City have won four straight league games to move within two points of the summit and remain firmly in the title hunt. West Ham, now in the relegation zone and winless in five, face a daunting task against a rampant City side.

Tottenham face Liverpool at 6:30 p.m. in a clash of two sides searching for consistency.

The headline fixture tonight sees Everton host leaders Arsenal at 9:00 p.m.

Everton, ninth, have been

Captaining Super Eagles Comes with Huge Responsibility, Says Ndidi Besiktas midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has expressed gratitude for being named the official Super Eagles captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. E ​ arlier this month, Troost-Ekong, who had been serving as captain of the Super Eagles in the absence ofAhmed Musa, retired. T ​hat cast a shadow of uncertainty over the captaincy going into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ndidi had been the assistant captain and had worn the armband a few times in Troost-Ekong’s absence, but there was no official confirmation that he would automatically take over as the permanent skipper. H ​ owever, yesterday it was confirmed that the former Leicester City man has been named Super Eagles captain. As such, he will lead the team on the pitch as they strive for a fourth continental

title in Morocco. ​In his first Another day, another opportunity interview as captain, Ndidi to correct the wrongs, put smiles spoke about the weight of the on faces of Nigerians, and make new responsibility and asked country proud once again. “It’s forthesupportofhisteammates not going to be an easy task, but and backroom staff. He also we’re really up for it.” Ndidi also noted that the team is on a spoke spoke about his predecesmission to right their wrongs sor William Troost-Ekong. The after failing to qualify for the 29-year-old midfielder acknowl2026 FIFA World Cup. “It’s a edged Troost-Ekong’s impact as huge responsibility and with Nigeria’s skipper and praised the help of the players, I think him for his admirable qualities. everything will go smoothly,” “Troost-Ekong is a great leader, Ndidi said. “I’ve had conversa- he speaks a lot for team stands tions with a couple of players, with the team, and tries to take just some of the older players, everything in,” Ndidi said. “I to try to make them understand admire him a lot for how outthat reason why were here. “We spoken he is. I think one person also need support from also everyone looks up to. He’s a guy staff. We’re all in this together that actually stands for the team. so we’ve had this conversation He encourages everyone, and he of the task ahead and it is very is an amazing guy. I’ve learnt a important that you all be on lot from him. We spoke a couple same page. “It was a sad one of weeks ago, and he chipped in missing out on the World Cup, some advice for me. but this is another opportunity.

Genoa head coach, Daniele De Rossi has admitted that Atalanta will miss Ademola Lookman when the sides meet in Serie A this weekend, describing the Nigerian winger as a decisive presence capable of changing games on his own. Genoa host AtalantaonSundayinamatchday 16 encounter that carries growing importance for both teams, with thepressuremountingatopposite ends of the table.Atalanta sit 12th with19points,wellbelowexpectations, while Genoa are 16th on 14

points, uncomfortably close to the were to coach Lookman, I’d always relegation zone. Despite Atalanta want him on the pitch because in being slight favourites, they will Serie A he can make the difference travel without Lookman, who has andshiftthebalance.We’vealsoseen departed to represent Nigeria at the howdangeroustheotherplayerson Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the bench are, but having him or not a loss De Rossi believes could certainly changes things.” Though significantly alter the balance of Lookman has not hit peak form this the contest. Lookman’s absence is season, his threat from the left flank asourceofreliefforGenoamanager, remainsconstant.Defendersarestill who openly admitted theAtalanta forcedtodoubleuponhim,whilehis winger is the kind of player every direct running continues to stretch coach wants available, regardless opposition backlines, attributes that of form. helped Atalanta conquer Europe De Rossi said, “I confess that if I last year.

De Rossi Relief AFCON-bound Lookman Won’t be Available Against Genoa

NBA Family, Global Community to Engage Youths in Celebration of World B’ball Day support the YMCA and the six The NBA family and the of millions of youth and million youth it serves in the global basketball commufans in the U.S. and around U.S. annually. nity, including the Internathe world through clinics, The collaboration will also tional Basketball Federation social media campaigns, (FIBA), USA Basketball, the in-arena activities and more. feature renovations of some YMCA facilities across the National Collegiate Athletic In conjunction with World Association (NCAA), the Basketball Day and the 175th country.

In celebration of World Naismith Basketball Hall of anniversary of the YMCA Basketball Day, the NBA’s Fame, the National Basket– where Dr James Naismith global and localised social ball Coaches Association first introduced the game of and digital media channels, (NBCA) and the National basketball in 1891 – the NBA Federation of State High and YMCA are announcing an which reach hundreds of School Associations (NFHS), extension of their longstanding millions of fans globally, will will celebrate the third relationship by collaborating feature sound bites from NBA annual World Basketball on year-long youth basketball players about what World Basketball Day means to Day tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. and community-focused them.

21 by engaging hundreds programming that will

Daniel Ford Elite Youth Table Tennis Championships Today as Over 80 Players Battle for Honours Arsenal, City, Villa Title Tests Live on SuperSport Climaxes The Daniel Ford Elite competitions for Under 15 Vice President, International formidable at Goodison Park, winning four of their last six, and will test Arsenal’s title credentials.

Tomorrow’s standout match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. as Aston Villa host Man United. Villa have won six straight matches to cement third place and continue their charge toward the summit.

United, sixth, come off a dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth and will need a disciplined display to contain the league’s most potent attack.

Youth Table Tennis Championships served off in Lagos yesterday with 80 players drawn from different part of the country participating in the third edition of the annual tournament.

The Molade OkoyaThomas indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium was lit by the brighting future table tennis stars who converged on the center of excellence for the national tournament which featured

and 19 as well as the newly introduced Under 12.

Sponsored by the United Kingdom based property firm, Daniel Ford International, the tournament organised by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, serves as a platform to showcase the country’s young players, some of who are already representing the country at international tournaments.

Impressed with the quality of play on the opening day of the tournament ,

Table Tennis Federation, Wahid Oshodi believes the future of the sport is bright, noting that the tournament will help the country to nurture players that will compete at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Oshodi who is also the President, African Table Tennis Federation commended the sponsor for identifying with the sport and keeping faith with tournament which started three years ago.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2025 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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AMBO RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF RETURN...

L-R: APC Chairman, Osun State, Mr. Tajudeen Sooko; Governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji; National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, during the presentation of certificate of return by the Chairman to the governorship candidate of the party in Osun State…recently

OBINNACHIMA Cooling Inflation and NBS Credibility Crisis READING THE TEA LEAVES

obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

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s Nigeria’s headline tuber, periwinkle, ground pepper, eggs, such as digital services, energy, and inflation figures crayfish, melon, unshelled oxtail, onions, imported foods, among others, now continue to simmer among others. captured. The exercise also led to the down, public confidence The “All items less farm produces and adjustment of the CPI weights, with in the country’s official energy” or core inflation, which excludes the food index allocated less weight, statistics is being tested the prices of volatile agricultural while service sectors such as hospitality like never before. The focus of the produce and energy, stood at 18.04 were allocated more. This contributed debate is the National Bureau of per cent year-on-year in November significantly to the drop in headline Statistics (NBS), whose numbers are 2025, compared to 28.75 per cent in inflation. But many observers remain now facing growing scrutiny over November 2024. On a month-on-month sceptical, questioning whether the whether they accurately reflect lived basis, the core index stood at 1.28 per numbers truly reflect the everyday economic realities or merely represent cent from 1.42 per cent in October. price pressures Nigerians face. paper progress.

Month-on-month, urban inflation was In an age where data drives decisionPrice level is a crucial macroeconomic 0.95 per cent, compared to 1.14 per cent making, the integrity of that data variable that influences households, in October. Similarly, rural inflation becomes paramount. Lack of credible firms, and government objectives. Its stood at 15.15 per cent, year-on-year, data for proper problem definition, change also affects economic agents, compared to 32.27 per cent in November fact-based diagnoses, and practical economic growth, employment, trade 2024. However, month-on-month, the solutions with measurable outcomes and balance, and other macroeconomic Adeniran rural index inflation was 1.88 per cent, meaningful impacts, pushes the country variables. Equally, statistics are compared to 0.45 per cent in October. further away from its developmental essential in policymaking, as they feedback reflected a widespread lack At the state level, headline inflation, aspirations. In addition, in a world enable policymakers to identify existing of confidence in the NBS numbers. year-on-year was highest in Rivers (17.78 where misinformation spreads rapidly economic, social, or environmental issues Besides the CPI figures, in recent times, per cent), Ogun (17.65 per cent), and and data manipulation is easier than that need to be addressed and guide there have been reasons to also doubt Ekiti (16.77 per cent), while Plateau ever, the integrity of official statistics certain data released by the bureau. (9.13 per cent), Kebbi (10.32 per cent) is indispensable. them in fixing them.

The latest NBS figures show that the and Katsina (10.60 per cent) recorded They are also important for From the foregoing, the Adeyemi developing a better understanding CPI, which measures the rate of change the lowest rise in prices.

Adeniran-led NBS has to do a lot in of issues by analysing socio-economic in prices of goods and commodities, While the NBS attributed the regaining public confidence through trends over time. That is why the NBS further dropped to 14.45 per cent in significant decline in inflation to the continuous interpretation and must ensure that its numbers are reliable November, compared to 16.05 per cent change in the base year, many data enlightenment of the recalibration and in the preceding month, thereby falling users have taken the explanation with change in methodology. Indeed, the at all times.

But the NBS, which used to be in line with the 15 percent target set a pinch of salt, viewing the figures consequences of compromised data viewed as a model of transparency by President Bola Tinubu for 2025. as less a reflection of lived economic can be severe. This is because decisions Year-on-year, however, the headline realities and more of an attempt by the based on inaccurate or incomplete and reliability, due to the credibility built by its successive leaders, is today inflation rate stood at 20.15 per cent, agency to align its data with targets data can lead to ineffective or even faced with a credibility crisis, as a lot compared to 34.60 per cent in November set by the government. harmful policies, resulting in wasted of data users now doubt its numbers. 2024. According to the CPI Report for No doubt, the easing inflation resources, misguided strategies, and At the core of the growing scepticism November, month-on-month, headline numbers to a large extent are a a loss of public trust. about the statistical body’s credibility are inflation rate rose to 1.22 per cent, reflection of the recent rebasing. The On the other hand, accurate data its CPI figures, which many Nigerians compared to 0.93 per cent in October. rebased CPI replaced the reference enables policymakers to understand increasingly view as disconnected from Food inflation stood at 11.08 per cent, periods of 2009 with 2024 as the the problems they are addressing, year-on-year, in November 2025, from current Base Year, which, according forecast future trends, and measure everyday price pressures.

When the latest inflation numbers 39.93 per cent in November 2024. to the statistical body, aligns the price the impact of their policies. That is However, month-on-month, the food and weight reference periods with the why the Adeniran-led NBS must strive were released on Monday, I deliberately forwarded the news report to six index stood at 1.13 per cent, compared current economic environment and to preserve the integrity of the NBS prominent economists in the country to -0.37 per cent in October. The increase ensures methodological accuracy. It and embark on more enlightenment and to a WhatsApp group of journalists was attributed to the rate of increase in had also expanded the inflation basket initiatives to regain the confidence of covering the financial sector. The the average prices of tomatoes, cassava from 740 to 960 items, with sectors data users.

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