SATURDAY 28TH JUNE 2025

Chairman’s exit paves way for Kwankwaso’s imminent return to APC, as analysts see a Kano, Rivers, Lagos move Vice presidency now in play

Standing Ovation for Oramah, Nation

W'Bank: Extreme Poverty Rising Fast in Nigeria, 38 Others Hit by Conflict, Instability

Says 421 million people struggling on less than $3 per day in such economies

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The World Bank has stated that extreme poverty is growing faster and taking a devastating toll on Nigeria and 38 other economies affected by conflict and instability, intensifying acute hunger, and pushing several key development goals farther out of reach.

The bank revealed this in its first comprehensive assessment of their plight in the aftermath of COVID-19.

The multilateral institution had earlier listed Nigeria as one of the 39 economies classified as being in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS).

These situations included both active conflict and instability, and Nigeria's challenges include insecurity such as banditry and kidnappings, particularly in the Northwest, and ongoing insurgency in the Northeast.

In the World Bank's post-COVID survey, as conflicts have become more frequent and deadly since 2020s, the

39 economies were falling behind all others in key development indicators.

According to the report, since 2020, their per capita GDP has shrunk by an average of 1.8 per cent per year, while expanding by 2.9 per cent in other developing economies.

"This year, 421 million people are struggling on less than $3 a day in

STANDING OVATION FOR ORAMAH, NATION CONFERS HIM GRAND COMMANDER

Deji Elumoye and James Emejo in

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday conferred Nigeria’s second highest national honour - Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Oramah.

The president honoured the Afreximbank's boss at the 2025 Annual Meetings of Afreximbank, with the theme, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, in Abuja.

Tinubu said the award was in recognition of a “decade of transformative leadership by Prof. Oramah, who has steered Afreximbank into becoming Africa’s foremost trade and development institution".

He said Afreximbank, under Oramah's steadfast leadership, grew its assets from $5 billion to over $37 billion, adding his decade of leadership saw the bank champion Africa's pandemic response, drove industrialisation, and supported the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement as well as the continent's creative economy.

The president further rallied African nations to united in their commitment to the continent's development and prosperity amid rising protectionism and shifting trade dynamics, stressing that,"it's more important than ever that we stand together".

However, Tinubu said Oramah's

legacy remained one of generational impact.

He noted that 32 years ago, Afreximbank was born from Africa's resolve to own its development, pointing out that over $250 billion had been mobilised for trade and development—$140 billion in the last decade alone.

Tinubu said the development finance bank had become a pillar of African progress.

The president further acknowledged that Nigeria had proudly benefited from over $52 billion in support, directed into energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and creative industries.

He noted that flagship projects such as the Dangote and BUA Refineries, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre embodied confidence in Nigeria's future and Africa's potential, stressing that partnership with the bank extended beyond capital.

The president said Nigeria's collaboration with Afreximbank is expanding in both scope and ambition.

He said in conjunction with the bank, the federal government will be launching the Africa Energy Bank, headquartered in Abuja, with $5 billion in initial capital to finance Africa's energy transition—leveraging gas, renewables, and clean technologies.

Tinubu said, "We are scaling our fertiliser sector to 7.5 million tonnes

annually, supported by Afreximbank, positioning Nigeria as Africa's fertiliser hub and ensuring food security for the continent.

"Meanwhile, transformative projects such as the $3.5 billion Bakassi Deep Seaport enhance trade infrastructure and market access."

Tinubu also urged all African nations to embrace the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which was formally launched by Afreximbank, noting that the payment platform would deepen financial integration and strengthens our collective resilience.

He added that Nigeria's formal approval of PAPSS was a significant step towards financial independence.

He said PAPSS enables cross-border trade in local currencies, reducing reliance on foreign exchange and promoting economic stability.

Tinubu said, "Let us fully adopt PAPSS to reduce costs, conserve foreign reserves, and empower SMEs. Let us strengthen financial support to Afreximbank to scale its transformational impact.

"Let us treat intra-African trade not as a goal but as a strategic pathway for growth, jobs, and industrial value chains.

"Let us empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs as beneficiaries and architects of a new African century. The world will not wait for Africa; a united and purposeful Africa can define its destiny.

"In the face of rising protectionism and shifting trade dynamics, it's more

important than ever that we stand together, united in our commitment to Africa's development and prosperity."

Furthermore, Tinubu noted that since May 2023, under the Renewed Hope agenda, his administration had advanced tough but necessary reforms rooted in macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, and restored productivity.

He said, "We removed the longstanding fuel subsidy and unified our exchange rate system. These reforms, though difficult, were essential to correcting systemic distortions.

"The results of our efforts are clear and promising, providing a strong foundation for our future endeavours. We have made significant strides in various sectors, and these achievements should fill us all with optimism for what lies ahead.

"In 2024, Nigeria recorded 3.4 per cent GDP growth with broad sectoral contributions. Oil production rebounded to 1.5 million barrels per day with a 2.5 million target in view, supported by strategic investment deals like the $1.2 billion CNCEC agreement.

Continuing, he said, "Inflation is easing, the naira is stabilising, investor confidence is recovering, and debt servicing has declined from 96 per cent to below 65 per cent of revenue. Tax reform is also underway, with the passage of four tax bills by the National Assembly, which I signed into law a few days ago.

"Numbers alone do not capture our

economies afflicted by conflict or instability—more than in the rest of the world combined. That number is projected to rise to 435 million, or nearly 60 percent of the world’s extreme poor, by 2030.

“For the last three years, the world’s attention has been on the conflicts in Ukraine and the

progress. Fundamental transformation lies in empowered citizens and thriving enterprises. Over 100,000 Nigerians have accessed our new national consumer credit scheme, with 400,000 more queued for the next phase. Our landmark student loan programme ensures no child is denied higher education due to financial hardship.

"We have spent N45.9 billion in healthcare to upgrade 8,800 primary health centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in neglected communities. We are deploying thousands of fibre-optic cables for digital inclusion to bridge connectivity gaps and power innovation.

"Over 279 roads have been completed on infrastructure, with 65 under construction and 260 rural road interventions executed. Major arteries like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road are reshaping national logistics and regional integration."

The president added that through platforms like FEDA, AQAC, CANEX, and PAPSS, our "partnership with Afreximbank is not just about financing. It's about fostering African entrepreneurship, elevating quality standards, and scaling SMEs in creative and export-driven industries.

"Afreximbank is a strategic partner in co-creating the institutions, infrastructure, and innovations that will define Africa's economic future.

Middle East, and this focus has now intensified.

“Yet, more than 70 percent of people suffering from conflict and instability are Africans. Untreated, these conditions become chronic. Half of the countries facing conflict or instability today have been in such conditions for 15 years or more."

"As the world becomes increasingly fragmented—with rising protectionism and shifting trade dynamics—Africa must double down on its institutions and capabilities.

"Afreximbank, backed by committed member states, must remain agile, bold, and grounded in African realities." Speaking earlier during one of the panel sessions, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, said the path to the continent's growth was to process its mineral resources before exporting to other countries.

He said Africa must do everything to discourage dumping as well as launch an Africa First initiative to boost job creation.

Dangote also said African governments should stop looking for foreign investor but rather support local businesses by providing the enabling environment for them to thrive and succeed.

He said only the successes of local entrepreneurs will incentivise foreign investors to invest in the continent.

He said lack of electricity and inconsistent government policies were bane of industrialisation and growth in the continent.

He said Nigeria has become the largest cement exporter in Africa, adding the country will earn over $500 million annually from the commodity export when investments are completed in the sector.

GANDUJE’S PUSH, RIVERS RECONCILIATION SIGNAL TINUBU’S EMERGING STRATEGY FOR 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Political analysts believe the unfolding events are part of the President’s broader strategy to consolidate his influence in Kano, Rivers, and Lagos—three politically strategic States that hold the power to tilt national elections.

Ganduje’s exit was widely seen as a deliberate gesture to smoothen the path for the return of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the APC, potentially neutralising northern opposition and strengthening Tinubu’s 2027 base.

With Wike and Fubara seemingly sheathing their swords under Tinubu’s watch, the reconciliation also signals Tinubu’s intent to control the political narrative in the South-south. Combined with Lagos, his traditional stronghold, and a potentially united Kano front, insiders say Tinubu is stitching together a formidable tri-regional alliance that could give him a decisive edge in 2027.

Tinubu yesterday directed the APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori, to assume the position of Acting National Chairman, following Ganduje’s sudden resignation.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement, explained that Dalori would be acting pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to be summoned immediately to fill the vacancy created by the resignation. He said: “The APC wishes to announce the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of our great Party. His resignation, which is effective immediately, was offered to enable him attend to urgent and important personal matters.

“In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Dr. Ganduje expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed

Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve the Party at the highest level.

“The President has directed the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, to assume the position of Acting National Chairman, pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to be summoned immediately to fill the vacancy created by the resignation.”

Morka recalled that Ganduje assumed leadership of the party in August 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

He said throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to strengthening party unity and cohesion, expounding its democratic ideals, and enhancing the party’s electoral competitiveness.

Morka noted that the confidence placed in him by the party’s NEC and National Caucus meetings in February 2025, was a profound recognition and honour for his service.

He added that he left his position as National Chairman with great pride in collective achievements, including successful defections from opposition parties and legal affirmations of our Party leadership’s legitimacy.

Morka assured all party faithful that the party remains steadfast and unwavering in its mission to deliver transformative governance for all Nigerians, in line with President Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda.

However, there was disquiet in the party earlier yesterday, following Ganduje’s surprise resignation.

His sudden resignation threw the party into confusion as staff and party members were seen discussing the development in hushed tones.

Some party officials who pleaded to remain anonymous had told THISDAY earlier yesterday that resignation had more to do with mounting internal pressure and political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, analysts argued that the development paves the way for Kwankwaso’s imminent return to the ruling party and the re-zoning of the vice presidential ticket.

According to analysts, with the unfolding developments, the position of the vice president could either go North-west or North-east, depending on how they choose the next Chairman of the APC.

If the Chairman goes to North-central, then it puts the North-west in a position to get the vice presidency, competing directly with the North-east. However, if they decide to take the Chairmanship in the North-east, it puts North-central in a pole-position for the vice presidency, where the APC can pick a Christian, competing directly with the North-east, analyst explained yesterday.

Ganduje's unceremonious exit made him the sixth chairman of the party since its formation in 2013.

The former Governor of Osun state, Chief Bisi Akande was the first chairman, while the former Governor of Edo State, John Odige Oyegun was elected after Akande stepped down after the party defeated former President Goodluck Jonathan.

After spending four years, Oyegun was not allowed to return and was replaced by former Adams Oshiomhole. He soon ran into trouble with Governors of the party and he was also shown the way out.

In his place, a Caretaker committee, chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was set up.

After party stakeholders got tired of Buni’s sit-tight attitude, he was forced to organize a national convention which led to the emergency of Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

After Tinubu won the election, it was clear that Adamu’s days were numbered considering the role he played to thwart Tinubu's emergence as the party's candidate. Adamu was

replaced by Ganduje.

For Rivers, the President hosted the reconciliation meeting on Thursday night, at the presidential villa in Abuja, bringing together all the figures in the Rivers State political crisis in the closed-door meeting.

On March 18, this year, Tinubu had declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, following the unending political crisis in the State and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and all the State House of Assembly members.

After the meeting, Fubara expressed belief that there was a positive move for lasting peace in the state.

Fubara, who is in his third month of suspension, promised to do everything within his power to ensure that the peace is sustained.

“For me it is very important that this day has come. What we need is for the progress and peace of Rivers State. By the special grace of God, this night (Thursday), with the help of Mr President and in agreement with the leaders of the state, peace has returned to Rivers State. We will do everything within our power to maintain peace and make sure we sustain it this time around”, Fubara assured.

On his part, the FCT Minister said their differences have been settled and that all parties are ready to work together.

“We were there with the governor and he agreed to work with all of us, we are members of the same political party. Yes, we are human, we have time for disagreement and then also have time to settle the disagreement.

“We have come to report to the President that this is what we have agreed. For me, everything is over and I enjoined everybody who believed, to work with us to also work together, that there is no more acrimony. For me, it is a day to thank the Almighty God”, Wike added.

The former Governor of Rivers State also confirmed that all parties involved in the political crisis have reached a consensus to work collaboratively with Fubara.

Wike while highlighting the importance of unity within the state's political family also acknowledged that disagreements comparing them to those between normal relationships, but emphasised that now is the moment to settle these disputes.

According to him: "We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family.

"Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to also settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr. President, that is what we have agreed so for me, everything is over. And enjoy all everybody who believe to work with us, to also work together with everybody that there's no more acrimony. There's nothing to say."

Thursday night peace talks at the Villa, apart from bringing together Wike and Fubara also had in attendance suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martins Amaewhule, and Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack.

Also present were state party chairmen of both the APC and the PDP, former governorship candidate, Senator Magnus Abe, Rivers federal lawmakers and too government officials.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the reconciliation as stakeholders in Rivers State said it would bring lasting peace in the State.

In an interview with THISDAY, the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Tony Okocha, said no induced condition was made, adding that peace has finally returned in the state.

“Peace has returned to Rivers State, nobody was under duress. The President didn't invite us; we invited the president. Peace has been made before, then we felt that we should concretize issues in the presence of Mr. President and he was kind enough to receive us,” he added.

Also reacting, a Chieftain of APC in the state, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, believed that the reconciliation meeting did not include the governor’s supporters, expressing regret that the President acted out of the Constitution. He questioned the reason for declaration of state of emergency in the state and subsequent suspension of democratic government, even when the state is peaceful. He added that the decision from the meeting could not be in the interest of Rivers State.

“Whatever they may have decided cannot be for the interest of the people of Rivers State. There was no reason for anybody to declare a state of emergency in a peaceful State. So, Tinubu declared the emergency rule for his own selfish interest and not when wants any peace in Rivers State.

“From the photos we saw online after the meeting, is an indication that it was a one-sided agreement. Tinubu has been in support of whatever Wike is doing in Rivers State and he gave him every power to do what he is doing. And that is why you could see that it was only Fubara that was from his own side, Wike brought his own people to the meeting.

“It is left for Rivers State people to decide whether the type of embarrassment that Tinubu and Wike gave to them is okay by them and they have to pass that judgment by 2027.” A right activist, Mr. Enefaa Georgewill, said the reconciliation will not stand in the interest of the people in the State, stressing that it would only de-escalate the noise from the state in the media space.

Abuja

FACILITY TOUR....

ED, Aftersales/Special

Court Jails 14 Chinese Nationals for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

Wale Igbintade

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

Justice Osiagor delivered the judgement after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that the defendants had entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.

EFCC counsels, Spiff Owede and Temitope Banjo, urged the court to adopt the terms of the plea bargain and proceed to take the defendants’ guilty pleas.

The convicted individuals are: Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng.

They were part of a syndicate of 792 suspected cryptocurrency

investment and romance fraudsters arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a sting operation codenamed Eagle Flush Operation, carried out by the EFCC.

The defendants were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

One of the charges reads: "That you, Su Zong Gen, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, wilfully caused to be accessed a computer system for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024)."

Initially, they all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. However, during yesterday’s proceedings, they changed their pleas to “guilty.”

Following this, the prosecution applied for their conviction. The defence counsel, Segun Bello, did

Rise in Legal Actions by Failed Bank Staff Worry NDIC

Nume Ekeghe

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has raised concern over the rising tide of legal actions filed by former employees of failed banks, warning that such cases are increasingly obstructing its ability to liquidate distressed institutions efficiently and protect depositors.

Speaking at a sensitisation seminar for judges of the National Industrial Court (NIC) and members of the Investment and Securities Tribunal in Lagos recently, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive of NDIC, Mrs. Emily Osuji, said employment-related litigation especially those involving claims for severance, unpaid salaries, and other benefits pose a significant challenge to the Corporation’s liquidation mandate.

“Cases involving severance packages, outstanding salary arrears, and exit packages for former employees of banks undergoing liquidation warrant careful consideration. It is important for judges of the National Industrial Court to re-examine the priority of claims as stipulated under the NDIC Act, 2023 when adjudicating such matters. This approach is crucial to ensure the protection of the law on priority of claims in bank liquidation.”

She emphasised that while the Corporation respects the rights of all stakeholders, including former employees, judgments obtained without reference to the priority framework outlined in the NDIC Act could have unintended consequences on depositors and the wider financial system.

“Employment cases initiated by former staff of failed banks against the NDIC, particularly those litigated before the National Industrial Court, present a significant challenge to the NDIC’s mandate of liquidation.

“This challenge is particularly pronounced when judgements obtained by former bank employees and officers are executed against the assets of the Corporation.”

Osuji noted that while the Corporation had recorded significant milestones such as the swift and orderly closure of Heritage Bank legal actions that sidestep statutory liquidation priorities risk undermining progress and delaying depositor reimbursements.

She said NDIC continues to engage with the judiciary to deepen understanding of the legal and operational context in which the Corporation functions and to support efficient resolution of banking crises.

not oppose the application.

Consequently, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced each defendant to one-year imprisonment

with an option of a N1,000,000 (one million Naira) fine. The court also ordered the Comptroller General of the Nigeria

Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that the convicts are deported to their country of origin within seven days of completing their sentences.

In

CIPEN: To Solve Nigeria's Power Problem, FG Must Choose Competence over Politics

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) has maintained that if Nigeria's electricity deficit challenge is to be resolved, the federal government's decisions relating to the sector must be devoid of political considerations.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on the institute's second anniversary, the President and Chairman of Council, Israel Abraham, explained that the government must prioritise competence and capacity as well as tap into the vast human resources available within the CIPEN.

“Politics decide everything that goes on in the country and the government controls the politics. Now, when the government puts its foot down and

says we want to achieve this, before you know it, within a space of some years, it will begin to work because priority is placed there.

“As it stands right now, I'm not sure the government has put priority on the power problem being solved immediately. If the government does that, you will have a state of emergency declared in that area.

“Two, funds and everything will be mobilised towards that particular place. So, political will is lacking because if you have the political will, it will be impossible for you to just appoint anybody because you are looking for someone who will bail you out of this problem,” he argued.

He pointed out that if appointments and deployments are based on

competence and people are given targets to achieve, Nigeria's challenges in the sector can be surmounted.

In line with the Establishment Act, he stated that the institute is built on 19 technical societies, each specialising in a specific segment of the industry end-to-end value chain, with each led by a renowned academic of professorial status and co-chaired by an industry expert.

Abraham reiterated that all individuals and firms involved in all forms of power engineering undertakings such as consulting, contracting, construction/fabrication, installation, maintenance/repairs, marketing of power equipment/ components, among others, are expected to be registered and licensed to carry out such businesses.

“It is crucial to note that noncompliance with the Act, such as vending and working on electrical and power engineering systems without the appropriate certification and licensing of the personnel and firm as the case may be, is a total contravention of the law of the federation.

“I urge all major stakeholders in the power sector to partner with CIPEN in transforming the power engineering landscape by instilling a sense of sanctity, foster professionalism, eradicate mediocrity in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) necessary for driving sectoral performance, and ultimately give birth to a thriving power industry that will exceed the expectations of all Nigerians,” he added.

Nigeria, Gabon Move to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday played host to his Gabonese counterpart, President Brice Oligui Nguema, at the State House in Abuja, as the two leaders held talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and deepening economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Central African nation.

The closed-door meeting marked a renewed push for greater South-

South collaboration, with both nations seeking closer diplomatic and investment-driven ties.

Speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa after the meeting, President Nguema reaffirmed Gabon's commitment to working closely with Nigeria, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships for sustainable development.

He said, "We are for South-South cooperation, and we believe it will be a good thing for Nigerian companies

to come to Gabon and invest. Things are going very well in Gabon right now, and we want to leverage this momentum by inviting investment into our oil and mineral sectors."

Describing Gabon as an “oil magnate” rich in natural resources, President Nguema called on Nigerian investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Gabon's extractive industries and other sectors.

The meeting, according to sources, signals a mutual interest by both

countries to foster economic growth, enhance political cooperation, and promote stability across the Central African region. His visit to Nigeria is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate Gabon’s diplomatic outreach within Africa and attract foreign direct investment for national development. Nguema was officially sworn in as the President of Gabon earlier this year following his election victory.

Anioma People Salute APC, Tinubu Backing of Their State Creation

The Anioma people of Delta State comprising the nine predominantly Ibo speaking people of Aniocha north, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ika North-east ,Ika South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani local government areas have expressed gratitude to government for support of the state creation.

The quest for Anioma State began in the 1950s under the leadership of

Ojiba Ahaba Dennis Osadebe of blessed memory supported by late Idisi Dafe of Obiaruku, the king of Idumuje Ugboko at the time Obi Nwoko and late Sir George Orewa and late Chief Humphrey Iwerebon aka Mkpitime both from Ika.

The statement signed by Chief Osita Tonnie Oganah who is the Director of Media and Publicity of the Anioma State creation request went on to specifically

thank the APC for giving the Anioma people a state of their own eventually beginning with the senate public hearing which begins on July 4,2025.

The priority given to the Anioma State creation request has been encouraging and should help in properly balancing the federation, which is currently skewed against the Ibos.

Asaba was the first capital of Nigeria and was the theatre of genocide during the civil war, which ended in 1970. If created, the state would be viable as enough oil and gas as well as mineral resources abound in the state. Asaba, the current capital of Delta State, has a modern and functional State House, Secretariat, Commissioners Quarters, others, so no new and expensive capital project will be embarked on.

addition, Justice Osiagor ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

L-R:

Duties, Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmas Junior Maduka; President/CEO, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka; Faculty, Lagos Business School, Dr. Richmond Okafor; Executive Assistant to the President, Coscharis Group, Dr. (Mrs) Charity Macfoy; GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, during an industry/facility visit by an MBA class to Coscharis Group head office in Lagos… recently

SIGNING CEREMONY FOR PRIVATE NOTE OFFERING...

L-R: CEO, BAS Capital, Abdulateef Hussein; COO/Co-founder, Sycamore Group, Mayowa Adeosun; Co-founder, Sycamore Group, nyinye Okonji; CEO/Co-founder, Sycamore Group,Babatunde Akin-Moses and MD, Sycamore Investment and Asset Management Ltd, Oluwagbenga Magbagbeola during the Key stakeholders signing ceremony for Sycamore's oversubscribed private note offering in Lagos...recently.

Tinubu Inaugurates Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

Says Kabusa-Ketti road will improve trade, access to schools Departs Abuja today for week-long state visit to Saint Lucia, attend two-day 17th BRICS summit in Brazil from July 6

Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated indigenous electric vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in Nasarawa State, which marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Tinubu, who also inaugurated the 9.8 kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, said it will improve trade, access to schools, healthcare and ensure that rural and peri-urban communities were not left behind in the march towards progress.

The President will today also depart the nation's capital on a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil.

The inauguration of electric vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in Nasarawa, which also featured the launch of several legacy infrastructure projects, showcased the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to innovation and environmental sustainability.

The inauguration ceremony signified the formal establishment and operation of electric vehicle technology in the state-an initiative aligned with President

Tinubu’s national policy on sustainable transportation.

Governor Sule revealed plans to empower residents across Nasarawa with electric vehicles, a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Prince Mustapha Audu, expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Governor Sule for supporting local innovation and embracing the future of transportation.

Audu described EMVC as one of Nigeria’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, with branches in other states.

He commended Governor Sule for pioneering the future of mobility in Nasarawa, noting the global shift towards electric vehicles, especially as many countries move to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030.

He said, “We have SUVs that can travel 1,200km per charge, and sedan models suitable for ride-hailing services with a 400km range. We also have locally made tricycles and

Flood Kills 7-year Old Boy in Niger Community

A seven-year-old boy Mohammed Emilian has been washed away by flood caused by several hours of rainfall in Bida town of Niger State on Thursday evening.

An eyewitness told THISDAY that the boy had been sent on an errand by his father after the rain subsided but unfortunately was caught up by the flood which washed him away.

Until the time of filing this report the body of Mohammed Emilian has not been found by neighbours who mounted a search for him.

The boy’s distressed father Mohammed Usman attributed the sad incident to "an act of God" saying up till now the body of his son had not been found for it to be given a decent burial.

motorcycles—popularly known as Igwe—that are affordable and built for Nigerian roads.”

Highlighting innovation in infrastructure, Audu explained that the vehicles will be supported by solar-powered charging stations. “Our charging stations can power three vehicles simultaneously without relying on the national grid or generators. We plan to increase them to five stations shortly,” he stated.

He explained that with just N5,000, vehicle owners can fully charge their

cars depending on battery capacity.

He said the electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance clean energy usage. To support longterm adoption, EMVC is also setting up battery assembly lines, EV repair centres, and training hubs across the state.

He further said, “Each electric vehicle comes with a minimum twoyear warranty,” noting that “Unlike traditional vehicles with over 25,000 components, electric vehicles have

fewer than 300 parts-most of which are cosmetic. This greatly reduces maintenance costs and complexity.”

He emphasised that common issues will mostly be electrical, and the company already has trained technicians on the ground, with plans to train more as demand grows.

Audu acknowledged challenges such as poor road conditions and climate, but assured that the vehicles were designed with Nigerian realities in mind.

He expressed confidence in the

durability of the locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, urging Nigerians to embrace the cleaner, cheaper alternative to transportation.

The President, who was represented by the Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas at the inauguration of the 9.8 kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road noted that the stretch may appear modest in the eyes of some, but for the people of Kabusa, Ketti and the surrounding communities, it was truly transformational.

Oversight Collapse: Ex-Lawmakers Slam National Assembly

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In a pointed and passionate legislative discourse held in Abuja yesterday, former lawmakers, legal experts, senior parliamentary staff and civil society leaders sounded the alarm over what they described as a catastrophic breakdown in legislative oversight within Nigeria’s National Assembly.

They spoke at a high-level roundtable organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), aimed at strengthening legislative oversight in Nigeria.

has contributed significantly to the country’s worsening economic woes.

At the centre of the discussion was the critical role of legislative oversight and the widespread neglect of the constitutional duty by parliamentary committees.

The forum, which brought together voices from across the legal and civic spectrum, painted a troubling picture of democratic backsliding, poor accountability, and economic mismanagement.

its critical role in ensuring that public institutions operate within the law and deliver on their mandates effectively.”

Leading the charge was former presidential aide and seasoned lawmaker, Senator Ita Enang, who laid the blame for Nigeria’s economic downturn squarely at the feet of the legislature.

have done so. That’s a tragic reflection of our legislative performance.” Enang cited a case where a committee chair removed a clerk for insisting on due process.

Early this month, rainfall ravaged some communities in Bida town leading to the collapse of several buildings and destroying the bridge linking the community to other parts of the town.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Climate Change, Alhaji Mohammed Yakubu Kolo who led a high powered government delegation to the affected communities to assess the situation sympathised with the people during which he assured them of prompt attention by the government. Kolo said the government will immediately commence the reconstruction of the bridge washed off by the flood.

The Director of Information of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) , Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, when contacted confirmed the incident adding that staff of the organisation have joined in the search for the remains of the boy.

The event brought together key stakeholders including lawmakers, former presiding officers, governance experts, civil society actors, and researchers.

The institutional failure they say,

The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, setting the tone for the discussion, emphasised that legislative oversight remains a cornerstone of democratic accountability.

He described oversight as “one of the most important constitutional tools available to the legislature,” noting

According to him, had oversight committees carried out their roles, particularly in monitoring agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Nigeria could have avoided its current fiscal crisis.

Enang said, “The law we make is sacred but how many of the National Assembly committees have conducted oversight since June 13, 2023? Out of over 100 committees, only one or two

In his paper, Hon. Nicholas Osai expressed concern over the widening gap between legislation and implementation, exacerbated by a compromised oversight process. He criticised a system where institutions under scrutiny are also responsible for funding their oversight, calling it a conflict of interest that undermines legitimacy.

Osai, an activist and former member of the House of Representatives, said “Out of 105 committees in the House of Representatives, it is difficult to confirm if even 30 have conducted and submitted oversight reports.

President Appoints Ismael Ahmed Executive Chairman PCNGi

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former senior special assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Ismael Ahmed, as Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).

According to a release issued

yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Ahmed will coordinate the operations of the presidential initiative, which is designed to alleviate the effects of removing fuel subsidies by offering cheaper, more affordable, and cleaner energy options.

The PCNGi is a component of the Tinubu administration's palliative intervention programme.

Ahmed, 45, is an alumnus of the University of Abuja, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2005. He was called to the bar in 2006 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.

Thereafter, he went to Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri,

United States, receiving a master's degree in international relations, communications, and diplomacy in 2008. Ahmed served as former President Muhammadu Buhari's senior special assistant on the national social investment program between 2018 and 2022.

NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

NAPTIP disclosed this on its Instagram handle, yesterday.

“WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and

cyberstalking.

“Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, info@naptip.gov.ng,” the notice read. The controversial musician had failed

to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning over his claim of having sex with a minor. In the May 28, 2025, letter, it had asked Okoye to appear at its Abuja head office at 09:00 a.m. on May 30, 2025.

Laleye Dipo In Minna

insight

Police ‘Mobilisation’ and

Efforts to Combat Witch Hunts

Police mobilization is undermining the fight against witch persecution in the country. The police institution needs to take action. When alleged witches file complaints with the police in Nigeria, they are expected to mobilize the officers, that is pay the police to arrest and investigate suspects. Paying the police to investigate cases is illegal; it is against the law. However, in Nigeria, it is an everyday practice. The practice is hampering the fight against witch hunts and ritual attacks. Victims of witch hunts are often poor people in rural communities who cannot afford to mobilize the police. They are usually sick and aging persons, peasant farmers who barely scrape by. Assaulted and traumatized, only a few victims can afford to lodge a complaint with the police. Now police officers add salt to injury. They demand mobilization fees. The police ask victims to fuel their vehicles or provide them with some allowance for the job. And in cases where victims are unable to mobilize, the police abandon the case. Many victims resign to their fate because they cannot afford police mobilization costs.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has intervened in many cases across the country where the police refused or delayed investigating cases and complaints because petitioners did not mobilize them. For instance, someone drew the attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches to a witch-hunting incident in Ebonyi state. An advocate visited the community and sent a report. The incident happened on May 14, 2025. Someone accused the victim, Kingsley, of killing his two elder brothers for rituals. The deceased were 83 and 90 respectively. The accuser said that Kingsley was planning to kill him too.

According to Kingsley, there was a plan to sell some family land. But he opposed the plan. So, some relatives planned to kill him. On that fateful day, they had an altercation, and his accuser said that he was sleeping with his brother’s wife and also using his brothers for rituals. He went on to concoct stories to disgrace him. The accuser connived with 13 elders to execute this plan.

They gave him two options, death or being paraded naked in the community. To be killed, some of the relatives must endorse it. They waited but no relative came forward to support that he be killed. Therefore they decided to parade him naked smearing the body with feces, waste from the cassava processing mill, and cow dung. A video of Kingsley tied with a rope and paraded in public was circulated on social media.

In response to this incident, AfAW sponsored a medical checkup for the victim. AfAW also petitioned the police area command office in Afikpo, urging them to investigate the matter. Our advocate sent this report: The petition was filed on 30/5/25 and was followed up on 2/6/25. The duplicated copy was stamped by the Area Command in Afikpo and handed over to me. Mr Kingsley documented his statement and an investigative police officer was assigned to the case. The police requested funds to support their logistics for the arrest of the suspects. The police asked us to pay N200,000 and we started negotiating. I told them we could only support them with N50,000. They said we should add some money to the N50, 000 otherwise the police would not arrest the suspects or investigate the matter even though a petition had been filed.

It is public knowledge that the police are not well-funded. Many police stations look like abandoned apartments. The police lack equipment, and vehicles to carry out their duties. The vehicles that they have are few and not adequately maintained.

Between abacha and his Successors

The national Orientation Agency has warned popular Abuja car dealer known as Sarkinmoto over a viral skit he made to promote one of his automotive products. According to the NOA, the video does a great disservice to civil servants at a time Nigerians are writhing under increasing social pressure from get-rich-quick schemes.

In the vi

General Sani Abacha became Nigeria’s Head of State from November 1993 to June 8 1998. He became the Head of State after a bloodless coup that toppled the interim national government headed by late Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Since the death of Abacha, he has become the fall guy for everything negative about Nigeria. Granted that Abacha became the head of state through military coup, was his regime really the worst in Nigeria’s history?

Abacha may have stifled democracy and free speech just like his predecessors, but a second objective assessment of his regime shows that his government could be regarded as one of the best for the common masses.

For instance, in the handling of the petroleum industry which is the main revenue source of the country, Abacha remains the best Nigerian ruler till date. He was in power for barely five years. However, he only increased the price of petrol just one - on October 4, 1994 from #3.25k to #15 per litre.

In fact, when he took over power, the price was at #5 per litre but he reduced it to #3.25k to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.

When he made the only increase in the price of petrol from #3.25k to #15 per litre, the outcry was so much that he bent backwards to reduce it to #11 per litre and that was the last increase in the price of petrol till his death.

How did Abacha maintain a steady price of #11 per litre from 0ctober 4 to June 8 1998, yet there was availability of the product and development till his death? At the same time, he established the petroleum trust fund (PTF) from the extra income from his just one increase in the product to tackle the deficit infrastructure in the country.

The PTF was headed by the then former head of state who later became one of Abacha’s successors, General Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari did fairly well as the chairman of the PTF of which the late Dr Dora Akunyili was a member.

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In fact, Buhari performed far better as the chairman of the PTF than his entire eight years as president of Nigeria which was woeful and abysmal. Perhaps, the fear of Abacha gingered Buhari and his team to give their maximum performance as appointees of that regime.

Since the death of Abacha, several billions of dollars have been reportedly linked to him as stashed away stolen funds. If he actually stole that much, why was his regime better than those of his successors in many ways? Why was hunger at the time not as pervasive as it’s now? Why was general hardship more severe now than it was during the Abacha regime?

Abacha, in all respects, made some mistakes as Head of State. However, he remains a saint in comparison with the misgovernance of his successors.

Ifeanyi Maduako, Owerri

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

PROMOTING AFRICAN CUISINES...

the ‘AfroFlavour: Taste of South Africa’ event held in Lagos… recently

NAF Airstrikes Kill Scores of Terrorists, Foil Fresh Terror Attacks on Niger Communities

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma killed scores of terrorists and foiled fresh terror attacks in communities in Niger State during coordinated air interdictions. The Director of Public Relations and

Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, stressed that the air component working with Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, carried out a series of precision air strikes from 24 to 26 June 2025 in support of ground troops, targeting terrorists behind recent attacks in Niger State.

According to the statement, "On 26 June, following credible intelligence and inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, the NAF identified terrorist activities involving attacks and cattle rustling in the Kakihun and Kumbashi communities."

He stated that the air component

swiftly deployed air assets and executed multiple waves of precision strikes that neutralised scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics, and disrupted their regrouping efforts.

The operation, he said, demonstrated the NAF’s professionalism, rapid response capability and strong coordination with ground forces

CSOs Urge Wike to End Three Months Teachers, Health Workers’ Strike

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Civil society organisations and concerned citizens in the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, under the auspices of the FCT Civil Society Organisations Accountability Mechanism Network (FCT-CAM), has made an appeal to the Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to urgently do something to resolve the strike by primary school teachers and health workers serving in the primary healthcare centres in Abuja.

The workers are demanding payment of minimum wage and other outstanding welfare packages.

The CSOs also urged other leaders

including National Assembly members representing the FCT and elected officials of the six Area Councils in the capital city to join in settling the dispute that has resulted in the shutdown of primary schools and health centres in the FCT.

In a statement jointly signed by representatives of over 20 civil society organisations operating in the FCT, the group said they are demanding "urgent intervention in the ongoing strike to open the schools and PHCs to our children and health care seeking clients across the six area councils.

"For over ninety agonising days, the very foundations of our communities—our

primary and health care seeking clients across the six area councils.

"This is an unacceptable mortgage on their future and a direct threat to the long-term prosperity of the FCT and Nigeria at large," they said.

The organisations urged the minister to engage with representatives of health workers and teachers with a view to addressing their grievances and to implement sustainable solutions to prevent future disruptions.

"We further demand the following immediate interventions. We call on the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, to deploy his full authority to address

this crisis and facilitate an immediate and lasting resolution.

"The people of the FCT are suffering, and they look to you for decisive action.

"We implore the six Area Council Chairmen to demonstrate leadership and good faith that prioritises the welfare of FCT children, women, youths, and people as your utmost responsibility.

"We call on the Chair and members of the Senate Committee on FCT, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, and FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, along with our distinguished Senator Ireti Kingibe and our Honourable Representatives.”

Proton Energy Signs Project Preparatory Fund Agreement with Afreximbank

Proton Energy has reached a major milestone in the development of its 500 MW Proton Delta Sunrise project with the signing of a Term Sheet Agreement with Afreximbank.

The plant would be built in two phases with the first phase delivering 150 MW of electricity to the national grid, whilst the second phase will add a further 350 MW and expand the plant’s capacity to 500 MW.

It is expected that the first phase will reach commercial operations in 2027, delivering much needed reliable incremental power megawatts to the national grid.

The Term Sheet was commemorated in Abuja, on the sidelines of the Afreximbank’s 2025 Annual Meetings.

The funding support takes Proton Energy’s project to financial close and construction starts.

Nigeria currently scores low on major indices tracking the supply of reliable electricity to its population and the agreement is in line with the government's twin objectives of accelerating the development of a robust electricity sector and better utilising its gas endowment for the betterment of its citizens.

The successful implementation of the project, combined with other

electricity value chain initiatives that are currently underway will help to lay the foundations, in the medium term, for an era characterised by the supply of reliable and affordable electricity to the general populace.

It is expected that this will dramatically improve standards of living, catalyse economic growth and help transition Nigeria into an upper middle income economy.

Falode: Israel, Iran Ceasefire Does Not Translate End of War, Just Pause in Shooting

Following weeks of high-intensity, technologically advanced warfare between Israel and Iran, Prof. Adewumi Falode, a scholar of History and International Studies at Lagos State University (LASU), has stated that a pause in hostilities does not necessarily signal the end of the conflict.

Falode made this assertion during a symposium organised by the LASU Centre for Peace and Security Studies, themed, ‘The Israeli-Iranian War, 2025: Issues and Implications’ held at the university which saw other experts in International Relations also contributing to the discussions. His assertion is coming just a few

days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced via social media on Monday evening that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, bringing a temporary halt to nearly two weeks of escalating airstrikes by both nations. Leading the discourse, Falode, who is also the Director of the Centre, explained that the concept of victory varies between states.

He emphasised that what Iran may perceive as a victory could differ significantly from Israel's definition of the same.

According to him, “They say they are interested in stopping Iran from building a nuclear weapon. Why? If Iran acquires a nuclear bomb and America already has one, America stands to lose more compared to Iran.

and other agencies. He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains resolutely committed to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

CITN Confident Harmonising Levies on Food Transport Will Boost Supply

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has expressed optimism about the resolution by Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) to harmonise levies on transporting agricultural produce, stating it will enhance food supply and affordability.

The NGF's resolve followed briefings by the National Security Adviser and concerned ministers on the negative impacts of checkpoint proliferation and unregulated taxation.

CITN described the decision as a step in the right direction, pointing to its potential to ease pressure on food prices and restore order to Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

President/Chairman of the Council of the Institute, Innocent Ohagwa, referred to spiraling food inflation in the country, reaching 21.14 per cent in May. He noted that the trend is not unconnected to illegal levies

and multiple taxes on transporting agricultural produce across states.

"Imposition of illegal levies and multiple taxes on agricultural transportation all contribute to disrupt supply chains and worsen food affordability across the country. “This resolution, if effectively and uniformly implemented, will not only improve food availability but also reduce cost-push inflation and enhance public trust. It will also support the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and create a more efficient economic environment,” he said. Ohagwa pleaded with state governors to diligently monitor local government chairmen and state internal revenue service chairmen to ensure full compliance. He also implored the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board to liaise with the Inspector General of Police for effective enforcement of the directive.

BIC Expands Personal Care Range in Nigeria

Fred

One of the world leaders in stationery, lighters, and shavers, BIC, has introduced its Miss Soleil shaver to the Nigerian market, expanding access to its trusted personal care products.

Already a popular choice in several international markets, Miss Soleil, has also responded to the growing demand in Nigeria for high-quality razors that minimise irritation and bumps, and feature skin-friendly formulas tailored to women's grooming needs.

This latest addition to BIC’s personal care portfolio reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering high-quality, trusted and affordable products that bring simplicity and joy to everyday routines.

Marrying local grooming and personal care trends with global manufacturing excellence, the Miss Soleil shaver offers a smooth, gentle shave without sacrificing performance. Its triple-blade technology and ergonomic design deliver a blend of skin-friendly care with precision,

offering a grooming experience that feels as good as it looks.

Beyond the necessity of personal grooming, the Miss Soleil shaver is designed to provide soft, skinconscious care. It features a lubricating strip enriched with moisturising ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, offering hydration and relief for dry or sensitive skin.

Dermatologists often recommend razors with built-in moisturising elements because they help reduce friction and protect the skin barrier during shaving, particularly in humid climates or for individuals with easily irritated skin.

Equally important is the shaver's comfortable, curved flower handle, which provides a secure grip and precise control during use. A welldesigned grip can reduce hand fatigue and help prevent accidental nicks, making the shaving process both safer and more efficient. With a pivoting head that follows the body’s natural contours, Miss Soleil allows for smooth, effortless strokes that reach even the trickiest spots.

Ojeh

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Oluchi Chibuzor

L-R: President Africa Leadership Group, Ituah Ighodalo; CEO Rialtors Ltd, Ms. Ivie Idike; CEO Afroflavour, Lucky Idike; Gaise Baba; Head Women Banking Access Bank, Nene Kunle Ogunlusi; Chairman Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo, and former ICAN President, JK Randle, at

PAYING FINAL RESPECTS...

L-R: Commandant, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Commodore Paul Nimyel; Suzanne Aikhomu; CEO Astroturf,Prince Aderoju Ademoroti, and Ike Okwesa, at burial of Mrs. Diane Okwesa…recently

Stakeholders Call for Collaboration to Drive Tourism in West Africa

ECOWAS commission president, Omar Touray calls on member countries to implement signed protocols

Stakeholders in tourism within the West African region have called for collaboration among all the countries to drive development of the industry.

Also, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has blamed the non-implementation of ECOWAS Protocols by memberstates for contributing to the poor outcomes from the tourism industry in West Africa.

They asserted this at the 8th Accra Weizo West African Travel Expo organised by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Akwaaba, Mr. Ikechi Uko, held at Accra City Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

The tour operators during discussions on this year’s theme: ‘Re-Imaging The ECOWAS’ Free Movement Protocol’, said that ECOWAS member-states should come together to grow and develop the tourism industry as countries in Europe, America, Asia and East

Africa are doing through a Single Visa Entry which enables travellers to visit multiple destinations with a single visa.

Touray, who was represented by Director Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, lamented that the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement has not been fully implemented by governments of member-states, thereby making tourism not to grow and expand as expected within West African region.

Uko, who has been recognised locally and internationally for promoting tourism, called for more cooperation and collaboration among ECOWAS member-states and tour operators.

Apart from exhibitions, a certificate of Balafon Travel Award was presented to ECOWAS Commission for promoting seamless travel in West Africa, Best Tourism Marketing Agency in West Africa to The Gambia, while Royal Senchi

Kenya Court Declares Kanu’s Extraordinary Rendition Illegal

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

It has emerged that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has successfully challenged his extraordinary rendition in Kenya with the country's high court declaring it as "unconstitutional and illegal".

In the certified true copy of the judgement delivered on June 24, 2025 in case No. HCCHRPET/E359/2021, made available to our correspondent, the Nairobi Milimani Law Courts (Constitutional and Human Rights Division), presided over by Justice

E.C. Mwati, also awarded 10 million Kenya Shillings (N121.9 million) in general damages to Kanu. The Attorney General was further ordered to pay the cost of petition and interest. The case was instituted on behalf of the IPOB leader by his brother Kingsley against the office of Kenya Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary Interior and Coordination of National Government challenging the legality of the IPOB leader's extraordinary rendition in June 2021.

Other respondents in the case include Director of Immigration, Director of Criminal Investigations, Officer Commanding Police Division, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Attorney General.

Relying on the laws and Constitution of Kenya 2010, the court declared that

"the abduction of Kanu, holding him in incommunicado confinement, torturing him and denying him food, water, medication and other basic necessities was a violation of his rights and fundamental freedoms."

It also declared that Kanu’s "abduction and subsequent forcible removal from Kenya to Nigeria was in violation of the laws of Kenya; his rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement and security of the person guaranteed by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010" were unconstitutional

The respondents had argued in their defence that "the petition is premised on hearsay because there is no evidence to show that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu was declared a prohibited immigrant under section 33 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011, or that a deportation order was issued under section 43 of the Act."

They also stated that the petitioner had failed to demonstrate that it was (Kenyan) police officers who arrested Nnamdi Kanu or that he was in custody of the Kenya authority thus, the petition does not raise a cause of action against the respondents. However, Justice Mwati was not convinced as he insisted that "the government of Kenya violated the Constitution and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu’s rights and fundamental freedoms."

Resort emerged the Best Resort in West Africa.

Others are Erad Tourism Senegal, GOTA Voyage Benin Republic,

Jessica Travels, Kaya Tours, Doddy Travels, Adansi Travels, Goge Africa, and Accra City Hotel. One of the major highlights of this

year’s event was awards given for the first-time to travel and tourism champions, transport companies that have for years connected

people across the region. They include Cross Country Transport Company, ABC Transport, Gambia Transport Service, among others.

FG Launches Tools for Early Cancer Detections

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Concerned by complications associated with late detection of cancer, the federal government yesterday launched a blood-based test that can be used for early detection of nine high mortality cancers.

The blood-based test tool known as Oncoseek, according to the federal government, was capable of detecting early, high-mortality cancer types, including breast, colorectal,

esophageal, liver, lung, lymphoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and stomach cancer.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, launched the test in Abeokuta. Ogun State capital, at the opening of a maiden National Workshop of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group.

According to the minister, the Technical Working Group, which consists of key and diverse professionals in the space, is to work out how Nigeria can

begin to deploy nuclear medicine services and technologies to improve the health of Nigerians.

The group, he added, was inaugurated in February 2025 expressing delight that the group had started working vigorously in line with its mandate.

Salako said, "The increasing burden of cancer in our country demands that we deploy all solutions and all management possibilities to tackle the challenge.

"We are therefore implementing

programs cutting across prevention, treatment and control, including the ongoing construction of six cancer centres of excellence across the six geopolitical zones.

"The second phase in the agenda to provide state of the art cancer treatment infrastructure is set to commence under the 2025 budget and I am happy to announce that in this second phase, FMC, Abeokuta has been selected to be a recipient of a cancer centre of excellence under the 2025 budget.

Eze Anaba Re-elected NGE President

The Editor of Vanguard newspaper,

Mr. Eze Anaba, has been re-elected as the National President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Guild’s ongoing Biennial National Convention in Enugu.

Anaba was returned unopposed, yesterday, while the Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers,

Mr. Onuoha Ukoh, was elected General Secretary. Also elected were Deputy President, Sabastine Abu; Vice President (West), Kabir Alabi of The Guardian, who was also returned unopposed; and Vice Presidents, Hamza Idris and Sheddy Ozoene. THISDAY’s Nation Capital Editor, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, was elected

Treasurer.

The position of Assistant Secretary went to Gabriel Akinadewo, while Charles Kanu was elected Publicity Secretary.

Those elected into the Standing Committee from various zones include: Rose Moses, Ejiro Umukoro, Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Juliet Bumah,

NDLEA, NGO Take Campaign Against Drug Abuse to Katsina School Girls

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

A Katsina-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Queen Dijah Women and Children Awareness Initiative has taken a campaign against drug abuse to secondary schoolgirls to combat the growing cases of drug abuse among youths in the state.

The campaign, which was carried out by the NGO in collaboration with the Katsina state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of drug use among youths by providing accurate information about drug use and its risks.

In commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the campaign saw the presentation of free exercise books to the students by the Queen Dijah Women and Children Awareness Initiative.

Addressing the female students at the defunct Women Teachers College in Katsina, the Founder

and Chief Executive Officer of Queen Dijah Women and Children Awareness Initiative, Ambassador Khadijah Suleiman-Saulawa, decried the prevailing cases of drug abuse among youths in the state.

She explained that the consumption of prohibited substances by teenagers and adults had become a serious challenge to the growth and development of the society and advocated the need for critical stakeholders to join forces against its consumption.

“The consumption of various types of illicit drugs among teenagers and adolescents has made them irresponsible to society. We believe that by educating them early, we can prevent them from falling victim to this devastating epidemic,” she said.

She called on the state government, traditional and religious leaders, parents, teachers, and community members, to play an active role in supporting youths and preventing them from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Presenting a paper titled: ‘The Consequences of Drug Abuse’, Assistant State Commander of the NDLEA, Mustapha Maikudi, said drug abuse and illicit trafficking has affected families, educational institutions and many other areas of life in the society.

He identified memory lost, cancer, kidney damage, suicide, impaired judgement, aggressiveness and violence, sexual and child abuse, among others as consequences of drug abuse that have militated against the development of the society.

He, therefore, urged students to shun drug abuse, illicit trafficking and other acts capable of truncating their future and livelihoods while carrying out their academic activities and remain resolute in achieving their set goals in the society.

Maikudi, however, said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has adopted revolving strategies and a massive campaign to effectively eradicate the drug scourge in all its ramifications.

Umoru Ibrahim, Paulyn Ugbodaga, Chinedu Max Egere, and Ikpong Essien-Udoh.

Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, who served as Convention Chairman, urged the media not only to report conflict, but also to highlight solutions.

“Let’s promote understanding. Let’s be bridge-builders. We in the media must reflect the full picture of Nigeria — not just a narrow slice. So, here is the challenge for all of us in this room: let’s raise the standard of our work. Let’s be fearless, but fair. Let’s pursue truth, not clicks. Let’s nurture the next generation of journalists with integrity and courage.

“Let’s remind ourselves that we are not just gatekeepers — we are builders of national conscience. As we begin this convention, here in this remarkable city, let us take a moment to reflect not just on the problems — but on the possibilities. Nigeria is a work in progress, but it is also a land of promise. If we come together, speak honestly, and commit to inclusion and justice — there’s no limit to what this nation can achieve,” he added. Over 400 editors from across the country are attending the convention.

Charles Ajunwa in Accra, Ghana

I Didn’t Look for Fame, It Found Me, I’ll Gladly Wear that Mantle Till I Die Farooq Oreagba:

You would need to be in his company to better appreciate the charm, charisma, and the candour he bears. Simple, suave, and stylish in every sense, Farooq Oreagba the Ojude Oba sensation is unmistakably down-to-earth. With a sharp sense of humour, every moment spent around him refreshes the space and the occupants reeling in laughter owing to his wits. Just like this recent Wednesday somewhere in Lekki, during a session, Farooq offered a nuance of what made him a viral sensation and social media favourite. Since his breakout last year during the annual Ojude Oba Festival, Oreagba has become a household name, with a growing fan base. Many called him “King of Steeze,” praising his ability to carry tradition with a modern twist. But Oreagba is more than just a style icon. In this interview with Ferdinand Ekechukwu and Azuka Ogujiuba, Farooq, the investment banker, unveils layers of his personality, style, and cultural intrigues. He reflects on the potential as well as the import of the festival. Excerpts

Farooq Oreagba: we Have to preserve Our Culture, export it or It Dies

How would you describe your style in three words?

I would describe it as unconventional, individual, street...

Is style something you were born with, or something you’ve had to cultivate over time?

I have not changed; anyone that’s known me for the last 20 years would tell you I have not changed. this has always been me; the way I dress, the way I appear, sometimes the things I do, what has happened in the last year is that my style, as you call it, has now been brought to the attention of people globally via social media. For those that have known me they will be like, ‘what’s changed? Nothing has changed, this is me. I always say this; I am what I am, what I’m not, I can never be. this is me.

Who are your fashion influences — both locally and internationally?

Locally I would say I take bits from a variety of people. I used three main designers – rhobes Official, King Hakbal, and Mai atafoo. and they are all different in what they do. But I also just try and do stuff that I’m comfortable with. Many years ago when I started wearing native trousers with t-shirts people thought I was mad. Now people everybody does it. I go with what makes me feel comfortable even though sometimes it may not be the norm. Internationally, obviously I sort of dress a lot like the Basket players. My idol when it comes to fashion is the basketball player called allen Iverson. allen Iverson turned the dress code for basketball players. He started wearing street clothes for basketball games. He had the tattoo; he had the earnings before that it was not allowed, unconventionally. so if anything internationally, I would say allen Iverson has always been somebody I have always. He is the bad boy of basketball and I’m the bad boy of finance.

Do you believe style should make a statement or just reflect comfort and confidence?

those two are linked. My style makes a statement. and it makes a statement about what makes me feel comfortable. so, when I come out like this, it’s a statement this is what makes me feel comfortable. It’s an individual. two individuals can wear the same clothes and carry it in a different way. I wear what I feel like, what you see on that day is me. that’s the way I feel, that’s what I’m comfortable in, I don’t like wearing stuff that makes me uncomfortable. so, my style as you see me is a reflection of how I’m feeling at that particular moment in time.

What does your wardrobe say about your personality?

Crazy. I got some of the best suits. I have some crazy suits. If you saw the black ties I was wearing today, the trousers, very unconventional. But you know, it just shows that. some people look at my wardrobe and think I’m confused (laughing).

Your outfits at last year’s and this year’s Ojude Oba festival have become a sensation. What inspires your look?

Well, the reality of the matter is we don’t get to choose the material that we wear. this year, both outfits that I wore were made by rogues Official, and I would be totally honest with you, I had no input. they look at me and said this is what I think you should do. this is how we are going to sew it. Because, like I said, I only use three main designers. so, they know me and they looked at me and thought for what you doing this year, they took the material. I didn’t see the stuff; I didn’t see my clothes until like a couple of days before. But those guys know me so well and they know the kind of personality I am. and they design the clothes you know. so I’m not going to take the credit to say that I designed anything. But the guys who styled me and designed me know me that well that they can pull up

Oreagba

time and time again and as you saw, two years back to back we rocked it.

What does the Ojude Oba festival mean to you, personally and culturally?

For me it’s very, very important. It’s me getting back to my roots. It’s one of the times when the whole family gets to come together irrespective of economic standards. We roll together, we eat together, we wear the same clothes, whether my cousin who’s a mechanic or my cousin who’s an ambassador, we wear the same clothes. It brings family together; it takes a lot back to our roots. Culturally, it’s the pride of Ijebu land. and this is one of the things we are trying to do now. We are trying to take Ijebu culture, yoruba culture, and Nigeria culture, take it to the world. Nigeria culture, Nigerian music is global. Why can Nigerian culture and fashion not be global? I would rep Nigeria anywhere if I’m privileged. I was at the Headies awards not too long ago I pulled up in an aso Oke suit. so, for me, Ojude Oba is a means for us to showcase the kind of culture and traditions we have in Ijebu land, yoruba land, and ultimately in Nigeria. If we can make it into a commodity, it is something that Nigeria can take to the world.

was brought up in the uK. although I studied in Nigeria, I’ve spent over 30 years in the uK, and there’s so much culture and history behind it. and a lot of that is coming out as a result of the Ojude Oba festival. people are checking to find out what the history behind it is and so on and so forth. It’s very, very important. It’s the only way you can pass tradition down from generation to generation to make sure it doesn’t die. so it’s very, very important.

Do you think the younger generation appreciates Yoruba culture enough? they don’t but we are bringing them back. perfect example, my eldest son hardly comes back home. He came home for detty december, and he had a great time. this year, he said ‘dad, I want to ride with you.’ Now he’s like ‘I want to come back to Ijebu.’ so we are bringing them back. We’ve got to give them something to look forward to, bring them in gently and hopefully that’s the only way; otherwise the tradition dies. you know we can’t afford to let that die. so getting the younger generation involved is extremely key to preserving our culture and heritage.

A little more on the Yoruba heritage, how would you like to see the Yoruba heritage evolve in the next decade? I would like to see the yoruba culture evolve. I mean, we have the yorubas in Brazil. We have them all over south america. I would like to see a situation… Nigeria just signed a cultural deal with Brazil in the last 48 hours. I would like to see a big yoruba festival being celebrated in Brazil. I would like to take Ojude Oba to Brazil. I would like some of those guys to come back here to see what we are doing. We’ve seen what’s happening in Ghana. so, it’s a process, it’s happening, and we got a long way to go. But the journey of a thousand mile starts with a single step. We have taken that step. We’ve built on last year; we are going to build on this year for Ojude Oba next year is going to be bigger and better.

and if I can be involved in that, it will be a pleasure, and it would be an honour and a privilege.

Many see you as a bridge between the old and the new. Do you agree with that? I agree 100 percent. It’s called the godfather syndrome. the godfather syndrome is I bridge generation. I’m going to be 60 next year. But a lot of people might find that hard to believe. I have my health issues that are well known to most people, and I just decided that you know we have a finite time on this earth, right? If you cannot add time to the life you have, let’s add life to the time you have. I’m adding life to the time I have. If I can inspire the young people, then so be it. It’s a privilege that they look at me and call me uncle, but they also look at me as a style icon and they listen to me, and hopefully, even in my professional work if I can be used as a bridge to bring my work in financial services. If I can get the financials, if I can be a bridge to bring more youths into financial services, into capital markets, to encourage them to save and invest, so be it. but I’m a bridge, I didn’t ask for it, they see me as a bridge, it’s something that I take and I wear with pride. and hopefully I can put it to good use.

How important is cultural storytelling in how you present yourself?

Cultural storytelling is very, very important, and it’s something that I’m still beginning to get into now. I go to see my uncles and they tell me stories because I

How can Ojude Oba be leveraged as a global cultural export? we’ve got a lot of work to do in Ojude Oba as a cultural export. We need to in terms of organisation, crowd control, health and safety. But if we get it right, it will be something. In this age of social media, once people start coming over and seeing what’s going on they would get involved. Ojude Oba is there. It’s what we have, we got to use it, portray it in the right light, use the avenues possible; media, social media, tV and so on and so forth to get it out there. Make people welcome and make sure we can accommodate them and show them a good time. We’ve got so much history here. It can be a major revenue and for any government, federal, or state. we just have to put the effort and make sure we do it right.

Do you feel a personal responsibility to preserve and promote the festival? absolutely! I didn’t go looking for it. this is my 16th year now. I didn’t look for the fame, but I have got it. and I have been blessed with it. I’m glad I have got it and I will gladly wear that mantle until the day I die.

What part of the festival brings you the most joy?

When I ride into the arena, and I walk up there to go pay homage to my King, I’m a very, very proud Ijebu boy.

When you are not busy how do you spend your time?

When I’m not busy, my primary home is on the beach. When I’m not busy I ride horses or I ride jet skis. If I’m not on a horse on a weekend, I’m on a jet ski.

On a final note, what legacy would you like to leave — through culture, fashion, or lifestyle?

My legacy: Farouq came, and he did it his way. He came, he rode, and he did it his way.

Dapo Abiodun: Resistance to Change in Public Service, One of My Biggest Challenges

For Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, governance has been as much about vision as it has been about breaking long-standing barriers. He reflects on his journey steering the affairs of a fast-developing state, highlighting the uphill battle of introducing reforms in a system resistant to change, among others. James Sowole provides the excerpts:

Ogun State shares border with Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center. How has this geographical positioning influenced your vision for Ogun State?

Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos is not just a geographical coincidence—it is a strategic asset that we have deliberately leveraged. Being the immediate neighbor to Lagos places us in a unique position to benefit from spillover economic activities, urban migration, and industrial expansion. We often describe ourselves as what New Jersey is to New York: a place of economic significance, serenity, and opportunity. Ogun is about four times the landmass of Lagos, offering vast untapped space for development, investment, and habitation. Our vision has been to harness this advantage and position Ogun as the natural expansion zone for Lagos, a role we have begun to play effectively by improving infrastructure, promoting ease of doing business, and expanding our industrial and logistics capacities.

Since taking office in 2019, how have you turned this strategic location into tangible economic opportunities for the people of Ogun State?

From the moment we assumed office on May 28, 2019, our approach has been proactive and structured. We developed and began implementing our administration’s ISEYA development agenda—Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment, and Agriculture. Recognizing that our location is a prime economic magnet, we prioritised infrastructure to connect Ogun’s towns and cities to Lagos and neighboring states. We improved major arterial roads, rehabilitated rural roads to ease access to farmlands, and initiated urban renewal projects. Moreover, we created an environment conducive for investors—reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, facilitating land acquisition, and ensuring security. As a result, Ogun now hosts some of Nigeria’s largest industrial estates and continues to attract multinational corporations, logistics operators, and real estate developers.

Ogun State is now known for major infrastructure projects. Can you highlight key projects and how they fit into your broader development plan?

Absolutely. Infrastructure is the backbone of any serious economy. We have undertaken a comprehensive infrastructure renewal across all zones of Ogun State—Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West. One of our flagship projects is the Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, which leads into one of West Africa’s largest industrial hubs. This road had been neglected for years, but we took it on because it directly affects manufacturing, logistics, and employment. We’ve also worked on intra-city roads like Kuto Bridge in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway, and Sagamu Interchange. However, infrastructure is not just about roads. Our vision includes a multi-modal transport system that integrates road, rail, air, and waterways. This approach ensures that Ogun State is not only accessible but competitive in attracting investment.

You mentioned multi-modal transport. Ogun is said to be the only state in Nigeria accessible by all four modes of transportation. How did you achieve this?

This is one of the highlights of our tenure that I am particularly proud of. Accessibility is key to economic development, and we set out with a clear plan to make Ogun State the most connected sub-national entity in Nigeria. Road access was foundational, but we moved

beyond that. On rail, we collaborated with the federal government to ensure Ogun towns are integrated into the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line. Our people can now board a train in Lagos and stop at stations within Ogun—this supports commuters and goods movement. We also invested in reviving water transport on inland waterways, connecting riverine communities. The crowning jewel is our airport—the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport—which brings air connectivity to our doorstep. Together, these make Ogun the only state you can enter through road, rail, air, or water.

The new airport has attracted significant attention. What makes the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport unique?

The Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport is not just an infrastructure project—it is a transformative economic engine. It is the best constructed and most well-equipped airport in Nigeria, built to international standards. We envisioned this airport as a logistics and export hub, particularly for agro-based produce and light manufacturing. It has state-of-the-art facilities including Category 1 landing equipment, a long runway to accommodate large cargo planes, and customs clearance infrastructure. It is located strategically in Iperu-Remo, between Lagos and Ogun industrial belts, providing a quicker and more efficient alternative to the congested Murtala Muhammed International Airport. What sets it apart is that it was conceptualized, financed, and delivered by a state government within one administration. It is a bold statement of what sub-national governments can achieve with vision and discipline.

How does this airport translate to job creation and economic impact for Ogun State residents?

The economic potential is massive. First, the construction phase alone created thousands of jobs for engineers, artisans, and suppliers. Now, in operation, it opens up several layers of employment—aviation, logistics, customs, warehousing, ground services, hospitality, and more. The airport will also catalyze agro-processing zones and special economic clusters. For example, farmers can now export perishables directly from Ogun without going through Lagos. This boosts earnings and encourages more youth participation in agriculture. We also foresee the growth of a new aerotropolis around the airport—a city within a city—bringing in investors, developers, and tourists. Our goal is not just to fly planes but to create a value chain that stimulates the entire economy.

Agriculture appears to be a major focus of your administration. What specific steps have you taken to revamp the sector?

Agriculture is at the core of our development strategy—not just for food security, but also for jobs, revenue, and industrial linkages. We launched several flagship initiatives such as the Ogun State Anchor Borrowers Programme, which supports smallholder farmers with inputs and financing. We’ve distributed over one million seedlings, fertilizers, and trained youths through our Agripreneurship Scheme. More importantly, we’ve built strategic partnerships with private sector players and foreign investors. Our farmers’ associations are now better organized, and we’ve established agro-processing centers to reduce post-harvest losses. We also identified livestock, aquaculture, cassava, and rice as priority value chains, and we

are facilitating access to land and markets for interested players.

Nigeria still imports a large percentage of its dairy. What is Ogun’s plan to bridge this gap?

You are right. Nigeria consumes about 1.6 billion litres of milk annually, and shockingly, 60 to 70 percent of that is imported, mostly in powdered form. This is a huge economic leakage and a lost opportunity. Our administration is determined to reverse this. We are deliberately targeting genuine dairy investors—not just those seeking import waivers—but those ready to invest in large-scale milk production, animal husbandry, and cold chain logistics. Ogun has vast pastureland, water resources, and proximity to markets. We are working to create dairy clusters where investors can build integrated operations from breeding to processing. This will not only reduce imports but also boost nutrition, create jobs, and develop local expertise in dairy management.

Can Nigeria truly become selfsufficient in milk production? What gives you that confidence?

I strongly believe Nigeria can become self-sufficient in milk production, and Ogun will be at the forefront of that movement. The international price of milk is around $4,000 per ton, making it more valuable than crude oil. If we take it seriously, the dairy industry can become a major foreign exchange earner. I draw inspiration from countries like Qatar. Despite being a desert nation, Qatar achieved milk sufficiency within six months through the intervention of a company called Baladna. If they could do it in a harsh environment, why can’t we in Nigeria, where we have arable land, water, and manpower? All we need is the right vision, infrastructure, and policies—and that is exactly what we are putting in place in Ogun State.

Ogun State has long been an industrial hub. What are you doing to retain that status and ensure sustainability of industrial growth?

Ogun State is proudly the industrial capital of Nigeria. Over 75 percent of Nigeria’s manufacturing companies with factories outside Lagos are located here. But we knew from the beginning that retaining this status would not happen by accident. It requires deliberate planning and forward-thinking policies. We established the Ogun State

Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OGUNINVEST) to act as a one-stop shop for investors. We created an industrial-friendly tax regime, prioritized security, and aggressively rehabilitated roads leading to industrial estates. Importantly, we’ve introduced power intervention schemes to support industrial zones, and we are working on dedicated industrial feeders for reliable electricity. We’ve also aligned our education policies to produce skilled labor for these industries. Sustainability comes from planning, and we are planning 30 years ahead, not just for the next election.

With all the infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial plans, how are you ensuring youth inclusion and empowerment? Youth are the bedrock of our development strategy. Our administration created the Ogun State Job Portal, one of the first of its kind in Nigeria, which connects employers and job seekers in real time. Over 150,000 youths have registered and many have found gainful employment through it. In agriculture, we introduced the Youth in Agribusiness Project, training and financing thousands of young agripreneurs. Our TechHubs across the state are grooming a new generation of digital innovators. Through our Ogun Digital Economy Infrastructure Project, we are laying fiber optic cables across the state to create a digital economy that will support startups and remote work. The youth are not just beneficiaries—they are partners in progress.

You’ve emphasised private sector partnerships. How do you ensure transparency and accountability in these relationships?

We operate on the principle of PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) with purpose. Every agreement we sign is subjected to rigorous due diligence, legal vetting, and value-for-money analysis. We’ve set up a PPP Office to coordinate these partnerships and ensure compliance with global best practices. Transparency is our watchword. We publish contract information, and we insist on local content in project execution. Moreover, we monitor and evaluate every project from inception to delivery. Our people deserve nothing less than full accountability, and I have made it clear to every commissioner and partner: no shady dealings will be tolerated. This has earned us trust and credibility in the business community.

Abiodun

Adebukola Oyewunmi: We Must Transform Classrooms in Nigeria into Empowerment, Accountability Spaces

Author, academic and development consultant, Dr. Adebukola Oyewunmi, who is passionate about transforming Nigeria’s leadership trajectory, tackling ethical issues and advocating for the bright side of leadership speaks on leadership development and challenges in Nigeria. Ferdinand Ekechukwu brings the excerpts:

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I’m a leadership development consultant with a PhD in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management.

My academic journey has been shaped by a deep interest in leadership, organisational psychology, and human behaviour in the workplace. Over the past decade, I’ve built a global research network spanning Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with a focus on understanding and improving how people function within organisations. My work bridges theory and practice, offering both scholarly insights and actionable strategies. I’ve published peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited more than 700 times, and I serve as Associate Editor for two ABS-listed management journals, as well as on the editorial board of a leading social psychology journal. Teaching is another passion of mine. I embrace a ‘students as creators’ philosophy, encouraging learners to move beyond passive learning and become active contributors to knowledge and innovation. I currently lecture at the Teesside University International Business School, UK. I’m also an author and editor. My edited book, The Dark Side of Leadership: A Cross-Cultural Compendium is published by Routledge, and I’m currently working on another title. I’m proud to be an Academic Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and I continue to explore new frontiers in research, including a current project on whistleblowing behaviour in Africa with colleagues in the United States.

What inspires your work in leadership and organisational development, and how do you hope it impacts the next generation?

My inspiration comes from a deep belief that leadership is not just about occupying a position—it’s about influence, responsibility, and legacy. I’ve seen firsthand how poor leadership can derail potential, and how transformative leadership can uplift entire communities and institutions. This fuels my commitment to research, teaching, and consulting in this space. Through my work, I aim to challenge prevailing narratives and encourage a shift to transformational leadership, especially in contexts where the stakes are high. I want the next generation to see leadership as a service, not a status symbol—to be equipped with the tools, values, and global perspective needed to lead ethically and effectively. Ultimately, I hope my work contributes to building a culture where leadership is intentional, inclusive, and impactful—where young people are not just prepared to lead but inspired to lead well.

What are the major leadership problems in Nigeria?

The problems are multi-faceted. Nigeria faces several complex leadership challenges that are deeply rooted in historical, socio-political, and institutional factors. One of the most pressing issues is a lack of accountability and

transparency in both the public and private sectors. This often leads to mismanagement of resources and erodes public trust in leadership. Another major concern is the dominance of transactional leadership, where loyalty is often valued over competence. This creates an environment where mediocrity thrives. It brings to mind Coleridge’s famous line: “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” We have leaders in abundance, yet often without the depth or impact needed to drive meaningful change. This is why I’m so passionate about leadership development—because presence alone is not enough; substance matters. Ethno-religious divisions also play a role, as leadership appointments and decisions are sometimes influenced more by identity politics than by strategic national interest. This can lead to exclusion and a lack of a cohesive national vision. There’s also short-termism in policy implementation, where leaders focus on immediate gains rather than long-term development, which hampers sustainable progress. This is often compounded by fragile institutions that struggle to enforce checks and balances. There is a leadership development gap. While Nigeria has a vibrant and youthful population, there are limited structured pathways for grooming future leaders with the right values, skills, and global outlook. Addressing these challenges requires more than critique—it demands a commitment to cultivating ethical, visionary, and inclusive leadership at every level.

Why is leadership development critical for Nigeria at this point in its history?

Nigeria is at a defining moment. With a population exceeding 220 million, most of whom are under 30, we are rich in human potential. However, potential alone is not enough. We need leaders who can translate vision into action, who understand governance, and who are committed to inclusive development. Leadership development is the engine that can drive this transformation, ensuring that our future leaders are equipped with the skills, values, and mindset to lead ethically and effectively in a rapidly changing world.

Your recent work, The Dark Side of Leadership: A Cross-Cultural Compendium, how does this apply to Nigeria?

Yes, I am the lead editor of the book. It is a transdisciplinary venture that draws on the experience and scholarly apparatus of practitioners and researchers whose backgrounds cut across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The book is available on Amazon and at major bookstores worldwide. It sheds light on how leadership, when unchecked, can become toxic. In Nigeria, we’ve seen how power can be misused—whether through corruption, tribalism, or

Back in the day micro and small businesses preferred cash transactions over digital payment transactions.

Some of the reasons small businesses prefer cash payments from their customers are possible delays in receiving payments, the trust deficit that is prevalent in our clime, network failure between sender and receiver banks, and the inability for businesses to increase their rates of turn over within their own timelines.

With the increasing number of fintechs in Nigeria and Nigerians getting more tech savvy than we have ever been, there is now a clear shift in the adoption of the various forms of digital payments.

Consumers are increasingly using bank apps, online bank payments, and debit cards for transactions.

Mobile money and e-wallets are also gaining traction, particularly for relatively low value and high value transactions.

An average millennial or Gen Z prefers to make their payment transactions swiping their cards, doing online transfers via their #USSD channels, or via virtual accounts.

The growing youthful population in Nigeria also drives the increasing levels of smartphone penetration and a growing digital payments culture across board. Small business that are willing to thrive have to incorporate digital payments and collection methods to serve their customers and run their businesses in the most efficient ways.

According to PWC MSMEs 2024 Survey, Micro and Small Businesses in Nigeria account for a large percentage of businesses and employment and contribute substantially to the GDP.

However, they also face challenges such as limited access to finance, infrastructure deficits, and regulatory hurdles.

The report further highlights the urgent need for digital transformation among other needs. Some of the core areas of

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Bank9ja Merchant Collect, the 9PSB cardless payment gateway for business owners is developed to offer seamless, cost- effective instant settlement to merchants to drive payment collections throughout the country irrespective of location or business size.

9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB) was founded in 2020, becoming Nigeria’s first payment service bank to provide unique banking services to the unbanked and underbanked. Operating as a fully digital bank, 9PSB provides innovative financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and a broad range of digital payment solutions to fintech and other financial institutions.

Since 2020, relevant regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria have continued the regulatory drive to increase financial inclusion and cashless payments in the country. And digital payment service banks have been primarily obligated to ensure the financial inclusion of individuals and businesses alike. Every business owner or merchant now more than ever before needs seamless access to reasonable and sustainable financial services that they can afford them without putting their businesses at risk.

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authoritarian tendencies. These are not just personal flaws; they are systemic issues that thrive in environments lacking transparency and accountability. The “dark side” is not always obvious—it can be masked by charisma or populism. I like to say that Charisma is not Character. That’s why leadership development must include ethical training and psychological insight, so leaders can recognise and resist these destructive patterns.

What are some warning signs of “dark side” leadership in Nigerian institutions?

There are several indicators. When leaders discourage dissent, centralise decision-making, or surround themselves with sycophants, it’s a sign of trouble. The book discusses how traits like narcissism and Machiavellianism can erode institutional integrity. In Nigeria, we often see this in the form of patronage networks, lack of meritocracy, and a culture of silence. These behaviours not only stifle innovation but also breed cynicism among citizens and employees.

How can leadership development programs address these dark tendencies?

By going beyond technical skills and focusing on character development. Programs must include modules on emotional intelligence, ethical dilemmas, and cultural competence. The book emphasises the importance of feedback loops and reflective practice—tools that help leaders stay grounded. In Nigeria, we must also contextualise training to address our unique socio-political realities, such as ethnic diversity, historical grievances, and institutional fragility.

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access to its self-onboarding platform and instant settlement feature.

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Bank9ja Merchant Collect is not only making life easier for the customers of these businesses, but also, making life easier and more efficient for business owners with its robust dashboard services that help merchants monitor in real time payment inflows and outflows.

In 2025, business owners should no longer have to deal with an inefficient payment collection system. The Nigerian businesses have so much potential to increase the GDP year on year and business owners must learn to choose efficient ways to do business.

The Bank9ja Merchant Collect helps reduce payment collection challenges for retailers along with operational inefficiencies, and increased risks of fraud and errors which can ultimately impact their bottom line and overall business health.

Oyewunmi

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Anieti Udofia:

Why We Are Making Tourism Attractive in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia,

about deliberate plans to reposition the state as a tourism hub, among

What’s your ministry’s strategic master plan to stimulate growth in the tourism sector in Akwa Ibom?

First, I have to say that I am in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where Governor Umo Eno, is passionate about. The Governor is interested in whatever happens in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. That’s why sometimes I say that the Governor is making my job less cumbersome. The master plan for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is embedded in the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda of the Governor.

The A.R.I.S.E. Agenda as you know, is the development plan of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in Akwa Ibom State. The acronym stands for Agriculture, Roads, Infrastructure, Society, and Education, which focuses on grassroots development.

If you have the A.R.I.S.E pamphlet, you will discover that a section has been devoted to whatever the Governor intends or plans for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which has to do with making Akwa Ibom a destination of choice, which he has put up some structures. Two weeks ago, we flagged off the International Convention Centre, which has a capacity of 5,000. The hotel is also flagged off, which is a 200-bed space hotel, to complement the Ibom Hotel that is under renovation.

If you now want to look at the sector specifics because our ministry, you can say, cuts across virtually all that other ministries do. You talk about what we share in common with the Ministry of Agriculture. There is currently the construction of the Ibom Model Farm at Nsit-Ubium, which will take care of the food security of our state in particular and country at large.

You talk of the health sector. The Governor is so passionate about the health and well-being of Akwa Ibom people. That is why currently, virtually all the local governments have at least one primary health care facility that is of international standard. The Governor, at the last meeting we had with him, promised to resuscitate Ikot Abasi Tourism Hub to complement the ARISE Park that is under construction.

On the ARISE Park, I think you should visit the park, if you have not, you need to see the wonder of Umo Eno, what the Governor has done. A once-forgotten site, an erosion-prone area, an area that was a den of thieves, has now been turned into a world-class resort. So, the Governor has done a lot that cuts across virtually all sectors of the economy.

And the end product is what? Employment, development, and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the state.

Shortly after the Governor came on board, he embarked on a tour of some tourist sites. After that particular visit, he set up a special committee headed by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism to assess, identify and harness the state of tourism potential and make Akwa Ibom the desired tourism destination. What was the outcome of your committee?

I know that governance is a continuum. But I can tell you that when I was appointed as a commissioner, Ministry of Culture and Tourism within the first one week, we decided to go round virtually all the tourism sites that we have in the state. It took us about two weeks to do about 10 of them. And we still have some others to touch. Aside from that, there was a kind of pseudo-committee that the Governor set up. Myself, the Delivery Advisor, and the HSA on tourism to go and give to him on-the-spot assessment

FG

report on the current state of those facilities so that he can take action. I can tell you that we did a robust report to him. And the last delivery meeting we had some weeks ago, he promised that he will visit Ikot Abasi. After the visit, I believe something will be done to bring that place back to life in order to give the state the necessary resources and employment that will come out after that place has been put to proper use.

Akwa Ibom has a lot of potential in terms of domestic tourism, how have you been able to harness the opportunities in Ibom Air so that it can translate to job creation and bring in desired domestic and international tourists to the state?

First, as a government, we want to make these tourism sites in the state attractive. Because it’s only when you appreciate what you have, make what you have sellable, that people can come in. That is why we are embarking on the digital marketing campaign, to let people know about the things that we have in Akwa Ibom. This morning, I returned from Abuja, where we had a UN regional conference for Africa. At that conference, it was a kind of a cultural reawakening and an opportunity to connect nationally and internationally. At the conference, states, nations within Africa came together to brainstorm on the way forward because tourism, culture are gold mines. It’s something that people

Partners Filmhouse on Economic, Cultural Exchange with Brazil

The federal government, in partnership with Filmhouse Group, has initiated an economic and cultural exchange with Brazil.

A high-powered delegation from the country has visited Nigeria as part of a cultural and economic mission aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The delegation, which recently visited Filmhouse Cinemas-IMAX Lekki, Lagos, comprising senior policymakers and leaders from Brazil’s cultural and entertainment sectors, engaged with key Nigerian stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation in film production, music, and the arts.

The mission familiar with the cultural affinity between Brazil and the people of South West, Nigeria, placed special emphasis on Yoruba cultural heritage, which shares deep historical and ancestral

connections with Brazil in many ways.

As part of their Lagos tour, the Brazilian representatives - hosted and sponsored by Filmhouse Group participated in curated cultural experiences, including visits to Filmhouse Cinemas - IMAX, Lekki (West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitors), the Oba of Oniru’s Palace, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market.

“This visit is more than symbolic, it’s a catalyst,” said Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, and FilmOne Studios).

According to him, “Nigeria and Brazil are cultural siblings with shared roots and creative energies.

At The Filmhouse Group, we believe storytelling is a bridge - one that can unite nations, spark economic growth, and shift global perceptions. We are committed to building enduring partnerships that elevate African stories and open doors for co-production, distribution, and investments across the Atlantic.”

in other climes such as Rwanda, South Africa, USA, others are making so much money from.

So Nigeria is also trying to key in, in order to gain a lot from tourism, aside from oil. What we are doing as a state, in order to drive domestic tourism, is to sell what we have to the world. Thank God we have Ibom Air, which can take you from Lagos to Akwa Ibom, Akwa Ibom to Abuja, and other locations, and can still take you back that same day if you desire. If you want to spend more time in Akwa Ibom, you’re welcome. You see, Akwa Ibom is peaceful, Akwa Ibom is welcoming, and Akwa Ibom is one of the safest places to stay. And I can tell you that, aside from Lagos, Akwa Ibom is the next destination for tourism in Nigeria. Going by the Governor’s vision which my ministry is pursuing vigorously, we will soon overtake tourism.

You talked about destinations. What are those tourism sites that can attract tourists to Akwa Ibom?

First of all, when you have an airline that is so reliable, people will be interested to visit because they will be comfortable when they arrive, that they can go back anytime. The ARISE Park is one of such tourist destinations that we have, which is under construction. We have Ikot Abasi, which has a slave trade route, the popular Bridge of No Return. We have the Oron Museum. We have the Mary Slessor Cairns at the Itu/Ibiono where Mary Slessor lived. It will interest you to know that Mary Slessor lived in Akwa Ibom, died in Akwa Ibom, and was buried in Scotland.

We are trying to promote these places. Maybe, if you return here next time, or when we are done with a documentary we are trying to put together, a compilation of all the tourism sites in Akwa Ibom, so that we can let the world know what we have. The government of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, is interested in investing in these places, and also interested in having partnerships with private sector, like the PPP arrangement. The government will not be able to do all these things alone. We need partnership and collaboration.

Then, one of the most important places, I nearly forgot to mention to you, is Ibiono Beach - The longest beachfront in Africa. The government is interested in it and investors are already coming. One of them is the Landmark. Many others have shown interest to come and develop the beachfront.

In Akwa Ibom, we also have the Green and the Blue Rivers. The Green River is located at Ukanafun, and the Green River at Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

Are you in partnership with the federal government or other entities to promote tourism in Akwa Ibom?

Recently, FTAN (Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria) came to the state and we took them around the tourism sites. The most important aspect of that journey was to show to them what we have so that they can sell the destination to the federal government, to the private sector. Such partnership is a healthy one.

Also, when RAMFAC, that is the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, came for their yearly seminar and retreat, they visited the ARISE Park. And one of the requests the governor made on them was that there’s what we call ecological funds. That place was an erosion site that would have led to the destruction of property and lives.

How Adenuga’s Belief in Culture Positioned Ojude-Oba for Global Relevance

In a modern world where technological trends in entertainment and sports disrupt every facet of human life at the speed of light, indigenous cultural festivals are crucial for preserving traditional heritage, passing down customs, beliefs, and values from generation to generation.

Despite the rich history and knowledge of many African cultural practices, the pressures of modernisation have led to the disappearance of many traditional cultural values with their custodians swept into oblivion.

Interestingly, a single individual’s belief in indigenous culture has significantly elevated a cultural practice to global relevance by fostering authenticity, attracting wider audiences, and promoting sustainable economic and social impact.

In no corporate personality have this belief and commitment been made more manifest like the leadership example of Chief Mike Adenuga Jr,

a Nigerian telecom and oil mogul, and the fifth richest person in Africa, according to Forbes.

His belief in the Yoruba and African cultural heritage has ensured that the Ojude Oba festival, which began hitherto as a small gathering of Muslim faithfuls in Ijebu-Ode over 100 years ago, remains a genuine representation of the community and a global event to reckon with.

In addition to the Ojude-Oba, Chief Adenuga’s belief in African indigenous culture has propelled Glo to sponsor the Ofala festival, which is a major cultural event for the Igbo people, particularly the Onitsha people, including the Lisabi Festival celebrated in Egbaland, Greater Lagos Fiesta, Festival of Joy in Warri, and Eyo Festival in Lagos.

In all, Glo’s strategic marketing and promotion of these cultural festivals has proven that an individual’s belief, such as Chief Adenuga’s, can raise the bar of indigenous cultural practice and heritage on a global scale, reaching international audiences and attracting tourists from all corners of the world.

udofia

Bennett Oghifo

Chinedu eze

Nwosu Comes With Fresh Impetus as ADC Coalition Fever Grips Anambra

Sunny Igboanugo

One of the often-asked questions regarding the mess critics accuse Charles Chukwuma Soludo of making in and of Anambra, is what is the alternative? It is a response that comes from the mindset of seeing the current political trajectory in the State.

Well, that question may not be necessary anymore because a tsunami is in the offing. The tempest about to sweep through the streets is already rumbling at the bottom of the sea, preparatory to unleashing its full strength with an echo that would reverberate far beyond the state to the national level and even beyond in tow.

Many people had concluded that in their political choices, they had sold the dog to buy the monkey in the State, by electing Soludo Governor in 2021 as replacement for Willie Obiano, his predecessor, whose underwhelming performance could only be captured in that symbolic picture of the obviously-rattled and confused lone man sitting in the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with eyes darting in different directions like a frightened rat captured by a trap.

No doubt, many had thought that Soludo would bring the breath of fresh air from the preceding eight years of binges, revellings and sheer debauchery in the State. They had believed in the flowery tales of instant transformation of that enclave in the manner never seen before in Nigeria and even in black Africa.

They could not wait to see the Anambra version of the Burj Khalifa, or something even more remarkable than the world’s tallest building, which today, symbolises Dubai as the biggest thing to happen to the world since the days of Egyptian pyramids.

How would anyone blame them? This was their son, who had hitherto crossed the proverbial seven wildernesses and seven seas. They saw him once play at the big stage, hobnobbing with the high and mighty and they believed as one in that crowd the anointing of mega tales associated to them would reach the state.

Is it every day that the land sprouts out the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria? How many of their neighbours have been so privileged? So, they believed him when he said he would install air-conditioners in the streets of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi and line the lands of Ekwulobia, Ihiala and Nteje with pure gold.

They heard him say that these towns under him would mimic and replicate Silicon Valley, the United States hub housing all manner of global industrial icons and that everywhere would become a galaxy of glittering stars with breathtaking modern edifices dotting every part of Anambra landscape. They heard all these and shouted in unison –voila! – the Dubai-Taiwan of Africa is here.

But it is more than three years hence and counting and what did the people see? Like the proverbial shell of the

snail asked where the mother is – nowhere to be found.

No Burj Khalifa! No Silicon Valley! No glittering skies. The Anambra Government House, he is showcasing - where the commonwealth of the people is supposedly sunk, is not even his idea.

It was a project conceived as far back as the days of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian governor of the state. It was that government that did the design and ancillary spade-works, before it was awarded by his successors. In fact, it is said that the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju had even done more than 40 per cent of the construction work in the complex, before he was kicked out of office.

He not only did the adjourning environment, which he named the Ekwueme Square, after Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria and his former boss, but the dual carriageway to the complex. While Peter Obi, characteristically did not look in that direction, Chris Ngige and Obiano, could also have added one brick here and rod there.

Yet Soludo carries on and prances about as if it is his exclusive. Daily, he rolls out the drums to celebrate it. Indeed, Soludo’s exclusive idea might not go beyond the Ekwulobia flyover. But that project is not even up to the standard of the Agege Bridge in Lagos. There are also a sprinkle of other local roads here and there.

The question on most lips remains, is this the limit of all his tall idea? Is this all the people would get from showcasing a former CBN governor after spending four years at the helm of affairs in a state like Anambra? Where is the record of the state maintaining the first position in Education in Nigeria? How come that record has now sunk to the extent

that the state is struggling at the bottom ladder? Even the Uga-Amawbia road, the most ambitious of them all, count for nothing in terms of his promises and expectations. In four years?

But had he stopped at that dismal outing in terms of not meeting the terms of agreement with his employers, had he stopped at scoring zero on the Dubai-Taiwan delivery, there might be some leg-room to negotiate the obvious catastrophe. But the monumental failure has since been accentuated with bad politics. As governor, Soludo ought to naturally assume the political leadership of the state. In other words, it ought to be his remit to point the political direction to the people.

Now, that is where the disaster has become more evident. Out of sheer selfishness and personal survival, the governor has delved into a most dangerous political hara-kiri. His gambit to drag the state into the APC – a political Golgotha akin to handing the people over to be crucified permanently on the cross by their sworn enemies.

The highpoint of that posturing was the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office in 2027 – a unilateral decision taken by himself and perhaps the coterie of hangers-on within his circle – with neither consultation now approval with the people. Not only that APC from the days of Muhammadu Buhari, its first President was an anathema to Anambra people, who had rejected it from the outset but that Tinubu’s twin actions of handing the South East the short end of the stick in national affairs and his disastrous performance in office, made matters all the worse.

Indeed, not a few found Soludo’s fawning and grovelling around Tinubu during his official visit to Anambra in May, not only completely distasteful but the endorsement offer, utterly gutting and nauseating. What is more? The governor’s gesture is seen as not out of conviction, but totally personal, propelled out of fear of losing the second term in office.

The meaning is that he simply offered the people on a slaughter slab to clearly demonstrable sworn enemies just to preserve himself and his political future, exclusive of their collective interest. This not only amounts to a cowardly act, but a new low. Anambra political trajectory is known for resistance. His predecessors had displayed uncommon bravery and courage while facing similar threats with Chris Ngige and Obi as demonstrable examples.

This obvious betrayal at the political front is not the final blow but the major push! Now ndi-Anambra have risen. The swords are out, unsheathed from the scabbards for what pundits say is going to be a never-seen-before political battle. The battle-cries are becoming louder by the day. Stop him now! Soludo must go! Down APC! Down Soludo! Two sides of the same coin! They not only ring in the heart of the people, but in the streets, the markets and the homes.

Monarch Dragged to Court for Allegedly Flouting Constitution

There is uneasy calm threatening peaceful co-existence in Obokwu-Obizi, a sleepy autonomous community in Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Imo State.

One of the kindreds in this community is concerned about an emerging autocratic leadership allegedly by their monarch that seeks to dictate; a Monarch that resents inalienable rights of freedom of association as enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (As amended); and abhors inclusiveness and collaborative environment.

This kindred called Umugwu feels aggrieved by the alleged high-handedness of its traditional ruler, Eze Canice Osuagwu, but most importantly for insisting on foisting one Emeka Odibo on the kindred, as Nze, against the democratically expressed vote-of-no-confidence by the majority of the kindred’s sons.

As a last resort, the kindred has approached Imo State High Court for a “declaration that by the interpretation of the ‘Constitution of Umugwu Kindred Obokwu Forum 2024’ and the ‘2005 Eze-Obokwu Constitution’, the position of an Nze is not lifetime or permanent, and empowers the kindreds that make up Obokwu autonomous community to recall, withdraw and derecognize an Nze representing their kindred in the Eze-in-council of obokwu autonomous community.”

In the suit filed on their behalf by Okwuteonu Chambers, the kindred also seeks a declaration that by a community reading of article 12(a) (b) and (c) of the Constitution of Umugwu kindred Obokwu forum 2024 and section 15(3) of Eze-Obokwu 2005 constitution, Umugwu kindred has unfettered discretion to select and as well to derecognize, reject, withdraw and/or recall the 1st defendant (Emeka Odibo) as Nze representing Umugwu kindred and substituting him as permitted by the constitution of Umugwu kindred Obokwu forum 2024.

The kindred further requested the High Court for a “declaration that defendants’ (Eze Canice Osuagwu, Palace

Secretary) actions of neglecting, refusing and desisting from honoring the unanimous decisions of the plaintiffs’ recalling and/or derecognizing the 1st defendant as Nze of Umugwu kindred through written correspondences to him and substituting him with 2nd plaintiff to henceforth represent them in Obokwu Eze in Council meeting ultra vires their powers and therefore illegal and of no legal effect whatsoever.”

In an affidavit in support of the originating summons, the leadership of the kindred outlined the genesis of the collective decision of the kindred to de-recognise their Nze and replace him accordingly.

In the affidavit, they affirmed that the 1st Defendant (Emeka Odibo) was unanimously appointed to represent the interest of Umugwu Kindred and people in Obokwu Eze-in-Council meetings in line with native law and customs of Obokwu Autonomous Community and Umugwu Kindred people, noting that every Kindred in Obokwu-Obizi Autonomous Community has their own laws written or unwritten that govern their internal activities which includes the appointment and recall of an Nze whom they selected to represent them at Eze-in-Council of Obokwu Autonomous Community.

In the Affidavit sworn to on June 3, 2025, it stated that Umugwu Kindred has its own Law known as the “Constitution of Umugwu Kindred, Obokwu Forum 2024” which governs its internal activities which includes the qualification to be appointed an Nze, procedures of appointing an Nze, recall of an Nze, stating that this constitution is binding on all members of Umugwu Kindred including the 1st Defendant (Emeka Odibo). According to the Affidavit, Umugwu Kindred is duly registered and fully incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The plaintiffs further deposed that the presentation of an Nze to Eze obokwu for coronation as Nze representing her Kindred is by election; that Nze position in Umugwu Kindred is rotational and not hereditary or lifetime; that by the Constitution of Umugwu Kindred, an Nze representing her in the Eze-in-Council of Obokwu Autonomous Community is answerable and accountable to the Kindred; and that the duty of an Nze of the Umugwu Kindred while representing

Osuagwu

Umugwu Kindred in the Eze-in-Council of Obokwu Autonomous Community is clearly spelt out in Umugwu kindred constitution.

Recounting the genesis and the due process followed in recalling Emeka Odibo as their Nze, the Affidavit stated that upon various complaints expressed by Umugwu people, the leadership of the kindred wrote a letter to the larger body called “Umugwu Home and Abroad Association” wherein they complained bitterly about the lackadaisical attitude and absconding of official duties by Emeka Odibo.

The expanded body of Umugwu Kindred Association consequently wrote a letter to Emeka Odibo and demanded that he replies same and defend some of the allegations therein. Unfortunately, Emeka Odibo not only ignored the letter but refused to respond to same as clearly requested.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Nwosu

Oluchi Chibuzor

Is Solid Minerals Next Resource Curse for Nigeria?

As Nigeria turns to solid minerals in search of economic diversification, a critical question looms: could this promising sector become the country’s next resource curse? With haunting echoes of the oil industry’s legacy—marked by corruption, mismanagement, and environmental damage Sunday ehigiator writes on whether the same patterns are beginning to emerge. In this report, he explores the risks, warning signs, and what must be done to avoid repeating history.

Nigeria, a country richly endowed with natural resources, has long been plagued by the paradox of plenty. Despite its vast oil reserves, the country has struggled to translate this wealth into sustainable economic growth and development. Instead, the oil industry has been marred by corruption, mismanagement, and environmental degradation.

The Risk of Resource Curse

As Nigeria seeks to develop its solid minerals sector, there is a growing risk that the country may fall victim to the resource curse again. The resource curse refers to the phenom- enon where countries with an abundance of natural resources experience poor economic growth, corruption, and conflict. Nigeria’s experience with oil has shown that an over- reliance on natural resources can lead to corruption, mis- management, and environmental degradation. The country’s oil industry has been marred by corruption, with billions of dollars in revenue lost to graft and mismanagement.

As the country develops its solid minerals sector, there is a risk that the same mistakes will be repeated. The sector is already linked to corruption and mismanagement, and there are concerns that the government is not doing enough to address these issues.

The Promise of Solid Minerals

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is vast and diverse, with deposits of limestone, iron ore, coal, tin, and gold scattered across the country. The sector has the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, create jobs, and stimulate economicAccordinggrowth. to the Nigerian Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the solid minerals sector has the potential to generate over $20 billion in annual revenue, create 10 million jobs, and contribute up to 10 per cent to the country’s GDP. However, Nigeria must learn from the mistakes of the ‘oil boom era’, which left many host communities impoverished and uninhabitable due to the reckless practices of oil companies.

Concerns

The recent condemnation of the illegal operations by min- ing companies, particularly the Chinese-owned ones in the country, by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has re-echoed the alarm that civil society groups have been raising on the growing disregard for Nigerian laws by mining Inundatedcompanies. by petitions from a host of communities where mining operations are ongoing, the Committee, led by Hon. Jonathan Gaza, Chairman House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, had in May decided to probe illegal and unregulated mining practices.

But disturbingly, managing directors of many of the said companies failed to turn up, and many were found to be outside the country.

Hon. Gaza, who criticised the absence of the companies at the meeting, said recent site inspections revealed troubling environmental practices and a general disregard for the well-being of host communities.

But the failure of the firms to turn up for the Parliamentary meeting reveals a disturbing choreographed pattern of impunity by mining firms owned by Chinese nationals. Antecedents of Impunity

A similar scenario played out in December 2024 when the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on the Environment summoned a Chinese mining firm for a meeting following petitions by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and other civil society groups over alleged mining pollution and other unsound practices in the Awe Local Government Area of the state. It took nearly two months to get the company’s head to honour their summons.

Some of the companies listed by the Gaza‘s committee include Arab Contractors, Selsing Stone Limited, Homerset, Kaji Investments, Zeyin Jinja Investment Limited, Hasba Group of Companies, Viva Mines, Venus Mining Company, Tim Cornerstone, and Inorganic Earth (Saigon’s Investment Limited).

The widespread failure of mining companies to meet regulato- ry benchmarks, including valid environmental and social impact assessments, community development agreements (CDAs), and environmental protection plans, has become a recurring theme in mining host communities.

Reports on Human Rights Violations

A report by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) last week exposed the same egregious human rights violations and environmental degradation of host communities by Chinese and indigenous mining companies in Ebonyi State.

The report, which concerns Ezillo and Ikwo Communities, described the situation as “an environmental time bomb” and showed that Chinese firms operating in the identified communi- ties did not carry out environmental audits or proper ESIA before mining activities.

In the communities, there was massive land degradation, pollution, and destruction of livelihoods; Discriminatory compensation schemes benefiting local elites; Use of military/police to suppress dissent; and Loss of youth and skilled population due to economic collapse.

While it is not a disputable fact that Nigeria is blessed with huge mineral deposits, local communities will not benefit from their natural endowment if nothing is done

to check the menace of mostly Chinese mining firms. Reports continue to expose illegal activities perpetrated by their nationals, including the export of rare earth minerals like lithium and gold without due process. In their quest for these minerals, they flout the nation’s laws, ransack communities with impunity and leave them in ruins.

Other Challenges

One of the major challenges facing the sector is the lack of effective regulation and oversight. The sector is currently governed by a patchwork of laws and regulations, which has created confusion and uncertainty among investors.

Furthermore, there have been troubling accusations of the government granting mining licenses to companies without proper due diligence, leading to environmental degradation and the displacement of local communities.

Another major challenge facing the sector is the lack of infrastructure. Many of the country’s mineral deposits are located in remote areas, making it difficult and expensive to transport the minerals to markets.

Way Forward

As host communities across the country wake up to the realisation that their lives and economic fate are at stake, the relevant government ministries and agencies must be alive to their duties of checking the invasion of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to avoid another oil curse in the sector.

The House Committee, led by Hon. Gaza, must go beyond talk by coordinating with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police to expedite action against errant firms.

The companies must be asked to produce detailed environ- mental and social documentation as explicitly recommended in Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

They must show their Environmental Protection and Rehabili- tation Programme (EPRP) and annual reclamation statements, which are documents that must have been in place before commencing operations.

How Not to Fall Prey to Fake Bank Alerts

Scammers are constantly upgrading and refining their tactics, making tracking them difficult even for the smartest individuals. More recently, they have found a niche in fraudulent bank alerts, and not a few unsuspecting individuals in their different calibres have been ensnared in this web.

Described as a deceptive text message or email that mimics a legitimate bank notification, often claiming a deposit or transfer has been made, this evolving threat is forcing many to rethink their trust in digital transactions Like technology that is enabling it, so also are criminal elements navigating around innovation on the scheme.

This notorious crime enabled by alert spoofing apps and malicious websites further rides on the progress of the cashless drive that seems to have sat well with Nigerians. On the flip side, Nigerians, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are bleeding from the evil exploits this policy has engendered. Indeed, banks and the nation at large are also counting their losses.

Although, majority of these losses go unreported where victims tend to succumb to fate, a

report by the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) in second quarter (Q2) of 2024 revealed that Nigerian banks lost up to N42.6 billion to fraudsters, perpetrated mainly through fake alerts, stolen cards and ransom cash out, amongst others.

Mrs. Dolapo Adeyemi, a POS operator in Lagos, was one among many who have learnt a lesson in a bad way. In pursuit of a N1000 profit, Adeyemi sadly lost both her capital and profit after paying N50,000 to a fraudster.

“This man often comes in exotic cars virtually every Sunday to patronise me. At times, he takes N5000 or N10,000 cash, but this day, he came as usual and requested for N50, 000 cash. Since he has been a regular customer, I obliged even before he made a transfer. By the time he initiated the transfer, he confirmed it to me with an SMS that popped up on his phone, although, I didn’t get any message from my bank.

“He waited for about five minutes acting calm and confident as if to reassure me. Still, the alert didn’t come. But because of our previous dealings, and seeing the supposed debit notification on his phone, I assumed it was a temporary network issue and allowed him go.

“The alert never came, which my bank also

confirmed. I realised i had been scammed when this regular customer never returned to my shop again,” she narrated.

While Adeyemi may have learnt her lesson, it is likely that she or several others who had been burned will not fall prey next time, given the dynamics and adaptiveness of criminal operations.

Chairman, Mobile Software Nigeria, Dr. Chris Uwaje, linked the exponential surge in this scheme to information overload, causing national and global data-chaos.

He expressed concern however, that present experience could just be a tip of the iceberg, especially now that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics have assumed centre stage.

In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Hamgad Security Services Limited, Hammed Ibrahim, cautioned on the need for all to strengthen their guard, noting that the threat will remain as long as businesses operate and transact online.

The security expert who has uncovered numerous fake alert schemes warned that perpetrators often prey on the looseness of vendors to scale, noting that clubs, lounges and restaurants are becoming the worst hit.

He added, “Many vendors rely on receipts

sent by buyers to confirm payment, but those receipts are increasingly being manipulated to carry out fraud.

“Demonstrating a simple verification method, Ibrahim said, “If my account name is ‘Hamgad Security Services Limited’ and payment receipt says ‘Hamgad Security Services,’ without the ‘Limited’, I already know it’s a fake receipt/alert.

“Moreover, when it comes to personal bank transfers, the official name on an account usually includes the first name, middle name, and last name. If I’m sending you money and my name is Hamgad O. Ibrahim, you may not know what the ‘O’ stands for, but my account must carry the full name. He enlightened further that fake bank alerts often come in all caps or lowercase to mimic real notifications, noting that real alerts use capitalisation consistently.

Omolabake Fasogbon

AfroFlavour: A Taste of Unity Between South Africa and Nigeria

Obinna Chima

In a city known for its vibrant palate and unapologetic love for bold flavours, the ‘AfroFlavour: Taste of South Africa’ event held in Lagos recently did more than just serve food — it served culture, connection, and a shared sense of identity. The evening was a delicious reminder that food is far more than sustenance; it is a language that speaks to memory, history, and belonging.

As Chef Atara and Chef Dee plated up fragrant South African dishes for an eager Nigerian audience, what unfolded was not merely a culinary showcase, but a cultural exchange layered with nuance. From bobotie to chakalaka, guests were introduced to the warmth of the South African table — not as outsiders looking in, but as kindred spirits finding familiarity in difference.

The evening also saw Gaise Baba performing his powerful anthem of determination and faith - No Turning Back – to the delight of the audience.

AfroFlavour was a quiet but powerful statement: that two countries with distinct yet intertwined pasts can build bridges through shared experiences — and few things build bridges like food. In every bite, guests found echoes of their own traditions, stories that felt close to home even when the spices came from far away.

In his remarks, South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Bobby Moroe, commended the organisers for coming up with the concept, just as he pledged to support the initiative.

“I want to recognise the efforts that Lucky has made to recognise food in general and in particular, that South Africa should headline this event. I also want to extend a big thank you to Chef Atara from South Africa for always promoting South African cuisine, and I do not doubt that she would deliver. This is a beautiful evening of love, laughter, and new friendship.

“We must understand the power of food in friendship, the power of food in culture, the power of food in love, the power of food in heritage, and in exchange of ideas. I am sure many of us will who are married will attest to the fact that when they first met the love of their lives, he probably took them out on a date, and that was where they popped the big question. They will also attest to the fact that whenever there is conflict in the house, they will go to a fine restaurant to dine. That is how powerful food is. Tonight, the fact that we are gathered here is another testimony to the power of food,” Moroe said.

He added: “I was trying to read about the benefits of food before I came here this evening. Food transcends cultures. Those who play golf would always argue that it is the source of friendship, and that soccer is the source of friendship as well. But I cannot think of anything else that brings humanity together like food.

“This evening we will have an opportunity to reunite with all kinds, make friendships, discuss business and even to conceive new business ideas and with propositions to host this event, which I believe will not only be an annual event, but also lead

to the proposition I want to make to Lucky that we host this event with South African week next April.

“Also, I am proposing that in one of the subsequent events, we can host this event in South Africa to create social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians. We are brothers and sisters and we need to unlock that relationship through food. Africa is a continent of the future and this is an event that brings all of us together and to realise the common vision that we have. “

In his opening remarks, Lucky Idike Jr., the founder of Afro Flavour, said the vision of AfroFlavour was simply to promote Africa.

“Every day, hundreds and thousands of Africans eat English meals for breakfast, the Chinese for launch for lunch or dinner. And together, we contribute more than $6 billion to that amount. So, we see a future for African cuisines. What we try to do is to create a TV series on African food so that the world will know what we have in Africa. This would be promoted on YouTube. A lot of us do not understand the power that the media plays in driving food and travel decisions,” he added.

Co-founder of Didi Museum, the first private museum in Nigeria, Chief Elizabeth Jibunoh, pointed out that food is not just for nourishment for the South Africans, but a ritual, “and

we can say that most Africans as well. Cooking in South Africa isn’t rushed. Slow cooking allows the nutrients and ingredients to really come to life.”

“When a man meets a woman, most of the connection is done through food. He will invite her to a restaurant and in that, a lot of commitments are shared. South African meals are emotional and also bring about peace, comfort, and not sort.

“I am also a wellness coach, and when I make my presentation, the question I ask is Who are you? In this context, you are what you eat. So, when you eat, do you know why you are eating what you are eating? What is the reason for eating that Amala? Why are you eating that Ewedu? Why is this chakalaka very important? It is very important that you know what you are eating, because even the animals understand why they are eating what they are eating.

“So, it is important that you take stock of what you are eating. As chronic illnesses rise and fast food dominate, there is a return to the healing knowledge of our grandmothers and the likes. Indigenous foods are healing and they remind us that food is medicine, not metaphorically, but literally.”

L-R: Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote; Independent Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Dorothy Udeme Ufot, SAN; Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Abdu Dantata; Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Olakunle Alake; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, at the 16th Annual General Meeting of Dangote Cement Plc in Lagos on Monday, June 23, 2025.... SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos Command, DSP Adedayo Abu Sadiq; Director, Passenger Transport Commuter Services (PTCS), Engineer Adebayo Olusoji; Country Representative, inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji; Country Public Policy and Government Affairs Manager, inDrive Nigeria, Mary-Anne Momoh-Ige, and Superintendent Route Commander, Lagos Sector Training Officer, FRSC, Lagos Command, Mr. Ayodele Ologun during the panel session titled”Strengthening Driver and Passenger Trust” at the inDrive Safety Education Summit 2.0 held in Lagos on Friday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. (MAPOLY, Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso, FNIA, during the 15th combined convocation ceremonies of Moshood Abiola Poly, Abeokuta, held in Ogun state….on Tuesday.

L-R: Board Chairman Nigerian institute of electrical electronic engineers, Issac Adekanye; Guest Speaker, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye; president Nigerian institute of electrical electronic engineer, engineer Felix Olu; during the 18th fellowship conferment ceremony Nigerian institute of electrical electronic engineers in Abuja..recently

Chef Dee attending to the audience

‘Fire Outbreak’ Wrong

“D

EFICIT hits N2.8trn, as Works and Housing, Transportation, others get lion’s share” Three or more ministries cannot simultaneously get the Lion’s share of something (budget)! If there is parity in the allocation, there should be other ways to express the various revenue receipts. ‘Lion’s share’ simply refers to ‘the largest part (of something)’ which is contextually symbolic.

A meaningless centre-spread headline: “Residents seek urgent help as pupils evacuated”

Another juvenile misunderstanding: “Group seeks govt’s attention on (to) dilapidated roads in Anambra”

“…Bank set to resume operation (operations)”

“In the aftermath of its suspension of business, several deposit (depositors) and staff of the bank….” (Source: as above)

“Erosion swallow (swallows) 200 buildings in Anambra”

“LG stakeholders pass vote of confidence on (in) Mbah”

“Fire outbreak on (at) NNPC’s OML 20 oil asset” Delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of its redundancy

Access this grammatical inexactitude from my bank: “Call…to report an incidence (incident) of fraud or any suspicious activity on your account” (Full-page advertorial by Access Bank) Certainly, writing is more than banking and transcends figures!

“…that a football rivalry between the two (sic) countries was truely born” What type of computers do some journalists use that they do not experience automatic spell-check, which is inbuilt? ‘Truly’ does not accommodate ‘e’!

“That is why Sunday’s encounter between the Selecao and the Super Eagles will be more than a friendly and the roll call (roll-call) of players billed for the match attest (attests) to that.”

“Stakeholders gear-up (gear up) for…”

“Sultan advocates stiff penalty for out of school (out-of-school) children’s parents” Guardians, too, should be penalized.

“It is simply not possible because cost of meters have (has) already been fixed by NERC.”

“BEDC to rollout (roll out) 572,392 prepaid meters in 2 years” (Source: as above)

“How corruption among govt agencies cripple (cripples) ports’ revenue”

“Barca swoops for (on) Nigerian whiz-kid”

“Organizers assure on 2025 Lagos Women Run” (Source: as above) Who did they assure?

Some media professionals ignorantly use the phrase “armed bandits”: “The Zamfara State Government’s effort towards finding lasting solution to armed banditry and cattle rustlings suffered a setback as...” The dictionary defines a bandit as “a member of an armed gang that robs people”. It means a bandit is usually armed; therefore the word “armed” to qualify him is out of place. On the contrary, a robber is someone who “takes property from a person or place illegally”. A robber may or may not bear arms. If he does, he is an armed robber liable to the death penalty upon conviction. As we can see, the distinction between a robber (armed or unarmed) and a bandit is clear.

The nation’s premier independent radio station, RayPower, reported yesterday that the country “SLIDED into recession...” Its editors and correspondents, and indeed media professionals, should note that SLID is both the past tense and past participle of SLIDE. It is not in the same word class as GLIDE and GLIDED.

“Among the controversial recommendations was the creation of more

states at a time many states are (were) having difficulties meeting their recurrent expenditures, including monthly salaries.”

“…as heads of MDAs most times ignore the summons (summonses) of the parliament and treat its resolution (resolutions) with levity, while the lawmakers watch helplessly (haplessly).”

“He said the salvation of the country cannot (could not) be found in any of the existing political parties.”

From the preceding diseased headline to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, Ebonyi” Even the computer underscored this strike carelessness from the same page as above! Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round?

“The facility will result in improved security profile of the Internet traffic and save the nation of the embarrassment of….” Info-tech: save the nation the embarrassment of….

“Renowned filmmakers will converge in (on) Nigeria next week for….”

“Politically, experts in IT advocated for the use of e-voting system….” Once again, ‘advocate’ when used as a verb does not admit ‘for’.

“There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2026 through mobile money….” ICT development: experience in 2026.

“PDP in make or mar meeting” (Special Report Bold Front Page and Cover Headline) Get it right: make-or-mar meeting. The hyphenation confers class. No standard publication dispenses with it. The same tragedy trailed the accompanying rider, too: “State by state analysis (sic) of how delegates may vote” As above: State-by-state analyses….

“…today’s presidential primary for 2027 may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.” What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’? “In doing so (a coma) some of the

Wike and the Kingmaker Complex

It helps, always, to begin with a small but weighty caution: let him who struts about today in the flamboyance of power take heed, lest he become the footnote in tomorrow’s foot-washing ceremony of public ridicule. In Nigeria, where the past often returns in agbada to laugh at the present, nothing is as permanent as the consequences of temporary power mishandled. There was a day not so long ago - January 2020 to be precise - when the then governor of Rivers State, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, offered the nation a vivid illustration of what happens when hubris goes on a microphone binge. It was the kind of performance that provokes equal parts amusement, pity and indignation. A viral video did the rounds - three minutes long, tightly edited but damning enough - that showed Governor Wike in full verbal combat with an audience of traditional rulers. The royal fathers, dressed in their full ceremonial regalia, were reduced to furniture under the governor’s barrage. You could almost see their crowns shrinking with each syllable.

The supposed subject of the meeting was a routine administrative concern: the proliferation of self-declared chiefs and the misuse of traditional insignia. But Wike, never one to squander a stage, transformed the moment into a personal theatre of disdain and domination. With arms gesturing wildly and voice raised high on official impunity, he scolded, scorned and shredded. “It is not for you to take staff of office and go and keep it in your bedroom or shrine,” he spat. “It is for when you are coming out for official function.”

A fair point, if it had stopped there. But Wike didn’t just serve the medicine - he flogged the patient and insulted his ancestors. He proposed a new law to restrict the title of “Royal Highness” to only government-recognised monarchs, and as a few chiefs dared to clap (perhaps in reluctant approval, perhaps to

encourage him to descend from his high horse), the governor turned on them: “Stop clapping. You are being selfish. Stop shaking your head, that’s sycophancy.” In other words, breathe at your own peril.

Then came the climax - an unfortunate man, decked in elaborate attire and seated in the front row, caught the governor’s attention for simply nodding. Maybe it was agreement, maybe exhaustion, or maybe just an involuntary neck twitch from years of carrying ceremonial beads. Whatever the cause, Wike pounced: “You... stop shaking your head. You are one of those causing problems. They gave you chieftaincy... you are a young boy... you don’t even know what to do with it. And then when I’m speaking you are shaking your head like this... All fake! Fake!! You just go and wear something that is bigger than you.” At that moment, the state camera crew decided to play Nollywood apprentice, zooming in on the man’s face - a tragic portrait of restrained fury, public embarrassment and traditional helplessness.

It wasn’t the first time Wike had treated elders like schoolchildren caught smoking behind the shrine, and many suspected it wouldn’t be the last. This style - part attack dog, part megaphone - has trailed him from his days as Chief of Staff under Rotimi Amaechi, and grown more potent with the paraphernalia of gubernatorial power. (Fast forward to his current status as the Minister for the Federal Capital Authority - and his courtly serenade of regular media parleys, and vituperations against opponents within his own political circuit, echoes his unrelenting propensity for the grandiose). Predictably,

government’s supporters may certainly have overstepped the bound of propriety….” From the other side: the bounds of propriety.

“Reactions to this position have been pouring in, and it’s highly elating that most share same position.” This way: most share the same position.

“Majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.” A/the majority of Nigerians….

“The PDP has expressed serious concern at the fire outbreak, describing it as suspicious.” Just delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of redundancy.

“Nigeria in search for (of) an enduring political structure…”

“NGO sensitises (sensitizes, preferably) girls on (to) engineering, STEM-related activities”

“…or through these number….” EFCC please take note: this number or these numbers

“We urge that that it will (should) be sustained.”

“For instance, NLC would (should) have opposed land border closure by the immediate past government when it was clear that in Nigeria….”

“Zamfara, C’River, Adamawa, Ogun top cholera cases (case) list”

“Imo agog as APC Flags (sic) off mother of all campaign” Get it right: mother of all campaigns

“Chief Whip stages walk out (walkout) to protest Senate president’s out-of-order ruling”

“The management of the radio station, in a statement (how else?), said his body has (had) been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre….”

“The trustees of Royal Sports Club International, Abuja (another comma) felicitate with (felicitate) you as you mark the Golden (sic) age of 50.” Write right: ‘of 50’ is an overkill! “13 teams battle for glory as activities build-up (build up)”

reactions flooded in. Dakuku Peterside, his former opponent and then head of NIMASA, called the episode “irresponsible and shameful,” reminding Nigerians of other times Wike had threatened or derided royal fathers, including King Theophilus Princewill, the Amayanabo of Kalabari.

In response, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information tried to spin the volcanic eruption into a “frank and honest conversation.”

That, in Nigerian political grammar, is what we call washing pepper with kerosene. When those close to power begin to normalise contempt, call insult honesty and rebrand humiliation as candour, the rot has moved from the edges to the bone marrow. There are many ways to enforce protocol, but very few of them require detonating the dignity of elders like expired fireworks.

And yet, this is not new terrain for Rivers State. The annals of that region, and its sister Bayelsa, bear the muddy footprints of earlier emperors in khaki. One must go back to 1973, when the state was barely five years old, and its governor, Lieutenant Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff, was yet to turn 25. As a young military ruler, full of hormones and hubris, he marked his 31st birthday by exacting crude vengeance on a journalist from the Nigerian Observer who had the temerity to report on a teachers’ strike. The journalist, Minere Amakiri, had his head publicly shaved with a broken bottle - by order of the governor’s aide, Ralph Iwowari. Of course, no apology followed. No consequence either. That was the era when youthful indiscretion wore medals.

Today, that same Diete-Spiff sits as a traditional ruler - the Amanayabo of Twon-Brass. Just imagine, if the cosmic drama had played differently, and Diete-Spiff, now a royal father himself, had been in that room in January 2020, nodding respectfully while Governor Wike blazed through his fiery homily. What a glorious circle of karmic comedy that would

have been. But alas, fate has a more measured sense of humour. Still, the lesson remains: power has a way of turning its wielders into historical parodies if they are not careful. And time, like a patient griot, records every whisper, every insult, every nod denied. Wike may have intended to sanitise the institution of traditional rulership. Fair enough. But when the message is delivered with venom, the medicine is rejected by even the willing. There’s a reason why leaders of true stature wield authority like a staff - not a machete. The ability to correct without desecrating, to discipline without humiliating, separates statesmen from strongmen. Sadly, Nigeria has too few of the former, and far too many of the latter.

So this is not really about Wike. It is about every public official who wakes each morning assuming his office confers immortality. It is about those who believe public service is a licence to belittle. It is for those who believe that history is too forgetful or the people too docile. The truth, however, is starker. Power expires. Office ends. Regalia is packed away. What remains is memory - and memory, especially in Nigeria, is increasingly digitised, documented, and damning.

Let today’s swaggering overlords take note. Their words will outlive their tenure. Their attitude will trail their legacy like a shadow. No statesman is ever fondly remembered for being loud, vindictive or imperious. If they cannot lead with grace, let them at least fall silent with dignity. Because the day will come when their names are spoken not with reverence, but with a sigh. And by then, there will be no audience left to clap, or nod.

The ChUMMIeS

A

Coscharis Launches Geely’s Ultra-modern Service Workshop, Aftersales

Coscharis Motors has officially performed the launched of Geely’s automobile service workshop and its aftersales takeover.

Present at the launch, was the Country Manager, Middle East/Africa Business Unit, Geely Auto International Corporation, Paladin Yao and his team from China.

The expansive ultra-modern workshop, located in PWD axis in Ikeja GRA, is equipped with state-of-the art diagnostic equipment, manual and automated tools, six lifts, as well as auto parts, and technicians that are given regular training by Geely. Outside the workshop is a drive-course to test the undercarriage of the cars.

The launch’s theme is ‘Geely’s Found a New Home’, and according to the Executive Director, Aftersales and Special Duties, Coscharis Group, Cosmas Junior Maduka, “It is truly a defining moment for us at Coscharis.

“Today, we are not just launching a new workshop, we are launching a new promise. A promise to deliver excellence. A promise to offer real value. A promise to serve you with integrity, innovation, and intentional care.”

Maduka said the launch was important because “Geely is not just a car brand. It is a global symbol of progress—built on precision engineering, advanced technology, and customer-focused design.

“And now, that very symbol has found a new and trusted home with Coscharis. We are proud

l-r: General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; executive Director, Aftersales & Special Duties, Coscharis Group, Cosmas Junior Maduka; and Country Manager, Middle east/Africa Business unit, Geely Auto International Corporation, paladin Yao, at the media briefing and tour of the Coscharis-Geely Ikeja workshop facility… recently

to extend our legacy of excellence, a legacy that already spans top-tier brands like BMW, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Renault—to now include Geely.

“But more than just carrying the name, we carry the responsibility.

And that responsibility is captured in our mission:

“To deliver excellent products and services, providing customers with the best value for their money, while contributing to societal development through technological innovation.”

Adding, “This is the lens through which we welcome Geely today. This is the standard we

intend to uphold.”

Explaining what “Home” means, he said, “When we say Geely has found a new home, we mean it in three key ways: One, this is a home of service excellence. We have launched a dedicated Geely workshop, equipped to global standards, staffed by brand-trained technicians, and supported with genuine spare parts and best-in-class diagnostics. It is built to serve efficiently, professionally, and promptly.

“Two, this is a home of customer value. Our mission puts the customer at the heart of everything. We are here to ensure that every Geely customer gets more than a product-they get experience, support, and value for their money.

“Three, this is a home for innovation and growth. We are not simply replicating what others have done — we are setting a new benchmark. By investing in people, technology, and continuous improvement, we align with Geely’s future-forward vision and our own goal of driving societal development through technological innovation.

“This launch is not just an event — it is a declaration. Coscharis is here to lead, not just participate.” On “The Road Ahead, he said, “We’re not here for the moment —

We’re here to build a movement. A movement where trust and reliability are non-negotiable. A movement where customers are proud to stay with us — from their first visit to their final service. Together with Geely, we will expand access, enhance customer experiences, and deliver on the full promise of aftersales excellence.

New Jetour X90 Plus Dazzles Nigerian SUV Enthusiasts with

Feature-Rich Interior, Others

Jetour Nigeria has revealed the new X90 Plus, a mid-size sport utility vehicle that infuses modern design with versatile functionality, which it says is suitable for families and individuals seeking comfort and performance.

The new SUV available in Nigeria, according to the automaker, has a featurerich interior and showcases a contemporary aesthetics with a prominent hexagonal grille and sleek LED headlights, contributing to its confident road presence.

Engine performance

The SUV offers multiple engine options of 1.6L and 2.0 L, to suit diverse driving preferences.

The 1.6 litre turbocharged engine delivers 197 horsepower, and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

While the 2.0 litre turbocharged engine produces 254 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque, also mated to a 7-speed DCT, ensuring robust performance for various driving conditions.

Both configurations feature front-wheel drive and achieve a top speed of approximately 185 km/h and 254km/h.

The other features are listed as four cylinder & 16-Valve Double Over Head Camshaft (DOHC), 145kW & 187kW output and dimension of

L:4858 W:1925 H:1780.

Inside, the X90 Plus offers a spacious cabin with seating for seven passengers.

and advanced infotainment systems

has driver and passenger

Its other safety features are Vehicle Stability Control System, Advanced Emergency Braking System, Hill-Start & Hill-Decent Assist Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Auto Hold System and High Mount Stop Lamp.

It is equipped with 360° Surrounding Camera (2D/3D Panoramic Parking), Radar Monitoring/ Forward Collision Warning Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning System, Auto Lockout System, Automatic Door Lock, Power Window and an alarm system.

For comfort and convenience, the vehicle also comes with Electronic Gear Shifting System, Smart Entry & Push Start, Drive Modes Selector (Eco, Sport & Normal), Cruise Control and Transmission Gear.

As part of its advanced technology features, there are LCD touchscreen 12.3-inch, phone mirroring, Bluetooth, voice command, wireless charger, digital touchscreen air conditioner with auto rear and roof vent.

It also has air purification function, auto fold, electric & heating outside rear view mirror, power driver & passenger seat, seat heater & ventilation, seat memory & lumber support.

It boasts soft/wood finish interior design.

The vehicle has 8 Sony speakers, LED headlamps, auto headlamp leveling, Led fog lamp with auto opening and closing of the rear trunk.

LUPAN Opposes Import Permits For Lubricants, Says Policy Will Cripple Domestic Plants

The umbrella body of lube makers – Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN) – has decried the federal government’s plan to commence issuance of licences for the importation of lubricants into the country, warning that it is capable of scaring fresh investors.

The association argued that the policy announced recently by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), contradicts the Renewed Hope mantra of the present administration, and could stifle the domestic lubricant industry, if implemented.

Making a presentation on the vexed issue at the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of LUPAN, Emeka C. Obidike, warned that the planned issuance of permits for lubricant importation, is capable of erasing the huge gains of the huge investments by indigenous plants in the lube manufacturing sector over the years.

The lubricant producers, therefore, warned that

one of the direct consequences of implementing the policy is that many companies in the local industry might slip into bankruptcy and insolvency because of the huge losses to be experienced.

At the forum held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Obidike also registered LUPAN members’ worries that the planned import permit requirement could dissuade fresh investments at home at a time the Federal Government is promoting a backward integration agenda.

According to the association, issuance of import licences is also at variance with the Federal Government’s lubricant industry policy currently being reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The LUPAN Executive Secretary further argued in the presentation, “It (the proposed policy) will kill the growth recorded in the last few years in the sector, and set back the lubricant policy of the Federal Government, which is currently being perfected by the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment in the lubricant Industry.”

New Jetour X90 plus

l-r: lupAN Chairman and Ceo, Ammasco international Dr. (Alhaji) Mustapha Ado Mohammed; executive Secretary, lupAN, emeka C. obidike; Customs representative, Deputy Controller umar Aliyu; and the executive Chairman, Climax lubricants Industry, Mr emmanuel Iheaqwazi, at their meeting… recently

sunroof

contribute to

enjoyable

YOUR WAY, MY WAY, OR ‘THE WAY’ BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

debate or controversy was always laced with common sense, inclusiveness thinking, urbane and non-violent language, conciliatory inferences, enlightened disagreements, consensus building and team spirit.

He left at a time many of us were sure that he was just about to walk into his own in life.

The first unmistakable proof that Ferdinand was no more occurred when more than one WhatsApp platform was created and deployed by some of his well-meaning friends, to manage the logistics and other details of his burial. Both platforms had over 70% of the same members. But they refused to collapse into one platform. Some of us intervened without success on the matter and had to look on in dismay and consternation. Everything eventually went well, of course; but…..

You see, the Ferdinand everyone in that hall knew would not have approved such a thing, if he was consulted, or was involved in handling such a matter for another demised friend. He would have been the one to quietly consult with the principal actors behind the scenes. He would have found a way to get as many people as possible together and tell them, quietly but firmly: “My dear friends, let us consider whether the current approach to what we are trying to do is the only way to do it, or the best way to do it”.

He would have said also: “Let us work for synergy and group cohesion, so that we can get the results we want with the minimum expenditure of time, energy and resources; and without having winners or losers”. That is what Ferdinand would have done, because he never believed that final and inclusive solutions could be found in extreme positions. Yet he was an extremist of sorts. That sounds like a contradiction, does it not; to say that a man who shunned extreme positions was an extremist?

The truth is that Ferdinand was an extremist in the sense that he would not tolerate partisan extremism. He always urged against rigid viewpoints, as he pushed for balanced and integrative perspectives that transcended ego, parochial interests, irrationality and partiality.

Which was why I titles my speech on that day: “Your Way, My Way. How About “The Way”.

The man always looked for “The way” forward in all his endeavours. He would not insist on one person’s idea of a way forward, except it is first tested and confirmed to be fit for purpose. He would always call for a middle ground, but not in the name of foolish compromise or fear of disagreement, no! He would not accept the dilution of pristine principles and values the name of peace.

The late Ferdinand always sought a higher synthesis of all viewpoints, which absorbed the strengths of competing perspectives. His goal was always a holistic standpoint under which all contending partes would find accommodation. His major strength in this regard was rooted in his ability to listen patiently to the most diverse and even ridiculous positions, his empathy as he tried to guide and nurture the misguided without being patronizing, his emotional intelligence in managing big egos, and in his native wisdom that combined sophisticated modern thinking with down-to-earth realism.

He would not be one to argue that we should have it your way, or my way, no! He would rather invite everyone’s attention to another way of looking at the same thing which throws new light on the competing perspectives. Rather than compare your way and his way, he would urge that you see how possible it is to find a way out of the dichotomy of perspectives and follow the way.

Many people do not realize, at least not always on time, that to move from your way and my way to the

way is not the same thing as losing winning or losing anything. It is simply the path to deeper insights, truth sometimes and righteousness quite often. It is also a call to the harnessing of differences as ingredients for a more inclusive, more sustainable and forward-looking path that leads to a new and common goal.

If we are to talk about all of the foregoing with a sense of history, Ferdinand’s perspective and approach to life issues, politics and interpersonal relationships often embodied elements of the philosophical orientation of many ancient and contemporary thinkers. It remains a path to progress that embodies humility, openness, a readiness to learn and a willingness to bow to the superior point of view even today.

Just think about it. Is everyday disagreement, whether at home, at work, online, not about whether you should follow the way you indicated, or the one indicated by the another? It is all very familiar, is it not? Two people, with Two opinions. Two roads that seem to lead in opposite directions. And everyone is claiming to be right.

His way or your way, right? Yet there is THE way!

The late Ferdinand will not ask you to give up and walk away, but will choose wisdom, clarity and connection, instead of blind stubbornness. He will ask, instead: “What do we really need in this situation? What solution lifts everyone up, and not just one side?

That is “the way”, in the sense in which the late Ferdinand Agu always tried to get things done. There was no “It’s got to be my way” with him. And that is because he knows that genuine partnerships do not thrive on ultimatums. All parties must drop their egos and ask: “What can we build together? Because The Way demands the willingness to learn and not always the desire to emerge victorious in every trivial fight. It is not the path of weakness, or indecision, but one

of strength. It is the way of creativity and true leadership. Ancient philosophers of the Taoists Taoist tradition saw “The Way” as a force of balance and harmony in the universe. Ferdinand showed how to walk that path by simply choosing synergy and the love of harmony and progress over pride and love of win-lose solutions. This means choosing higher values and a higher purpose over ego. It means choosing unity over division and non-inclusive ways. It means creating a world wherein more people stopped fighting for their individual ways, and sought, instead, for the way that would benefit all. Not his way or your way. Not two people and two opinions. Not two roads that seem to lead in opposite directions. It is something deeper. It is a higher path. It is the path of wisdom. It is clarity. It can be brought into everyday life, into politics and much more. It is all about what people truly need: solutions that lift everyone up.

So, in remembering on that occasion, I asked the audience not to forget that he would ask people to drop our egos and ask, instead: “What can we build together”. He would ask: “Do we have the maturity to listen, the courage to bow and the decency to accept a superior point of view?

Imagine what our world could be like if more people stopped fighting and started searching—together—for the way. Imagine what the world would be like if, finding ourselves in situations of conflict or pulled between two extremes, you paused, took a deep breath and asked:

“How about a way the all parties agreeing that they are wrong and working together to find, and follow, another way?” That is the path that goes beyond personal pride or dogma and leads to mutual understanding, progress, and truth.

“Should we not move from your way, my way, to THE WAY?

ROOTED IN RESILIENCE, READY FOR THE FUTURE: AFRICA’S JOURNEY AHEAD

What’s required now is not reinvention, but reinvestment — in our people, our institutions, and our capacity to execute.

Two former Presidents of the Afreximbank - Mr. Christopher Edordu and Mr. Jean Louis Ekra - reflected on the journey so far for the pan-African multilateral institution, noting that it has not only lived up to its founding vision, but has also become a critical catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation, resilience, and integration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

This year’s conversations made it clear: the continent’s future won’t be imported, it will be homegrown. Whether through platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) redefining cross-border payments or investments in value-added manufacturing, the tools are within reach.

Development and finance experts, who spoke during some of the sessions, called for a shift from externally driven models to homegrown solutions as the most sustainable pathway for Africa’s transformation.

According to them, Africa possesses the resources, institutions, and talent to drive its growth, noting that what’s missing is the collective will to implement practical, locally anchored strategies rather than rely on foreign prescriptions that often fail to align with the continent’s realities.

In her contribution, Institutional Effectiveness and Strategy, University of the West Indies, Prof. Marlene Attzs, Advisor, pointed out that there is a need for home-grown solutions and home-grown institutions to withstand economic shocks and a number of domestic

challenges on the continent.

“We need to find domestic solutions for our financing, and we need to have appropriate institutions to carry out and implement these. Because the financing comes from external sources and it is not aligned with what is required domestically, you tend to find that it leads to implementation deficits,” she added.

Also, Chairman Lilium Capital Group & Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtoré, noted that Africa has both the human resources and finance to address its challenges.

“We need to promote our national development plans in Africa. We have many African champions in Africa that can implement our national development plans, and we as an African bank can provide the African solution. We do have African capital; we don’t need to go abroad. We have African banks like Afreximbank, and all of them can come together to fund projects,” he said.

Chairman of BCA and Former Group Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank, Mr. Arnold Ekpe, stressed that “there is domestic capital in Africa.”

“FDIs help development, but is not the only way to go. But the challenge comes with the mindset. We have a major mindset problem, and we all have to step back from that,” he argued.

President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation and Chairman of the Alliance of African Financial institutions, Mr. Samaila Zubairu, also argued that the continent does not have financing constraints.

“We just launched a report a few weeks ago that

says that Africa has over $4 trillion of domestic capital. Out of that, there is $1.1 trillion in non-banking assets.

Non-banking funds represent pension funds, insurance funds, and sovereign wealth funds. What is important is how we can structure or create regulatory reforms to ensure asset allocation to industries around Africa.

So, these capitals are there, but not well channeled.

“We need African solutions, and these African solutions come from engaging with the government, defining the regulatory reforms, and going after execution. We must have implementable plans, and implementation means talking together with each to move from concepts to actual development,” he said.

Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, urged African nations to prepare for a rapidly changing global landscape marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, and technological disruption.

According to him, we are entering into a cruel world, and policymakers in Africa have to be ready for the cruelty, “because you could get damaged, you could get hurt.”

“So, it is important for us not to have illusions or delusions. Trust me, with so much growth coming, especially from Asia, there are also magnificent opportunities coming our way.

“And what we have to do is to learn to be very shrewd and calculative, figuring out where the dangers are and avoiding them, but to see the opportunities and to seize them,” he added.

Group Chief Economist, Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi

RE: HOW FESTUS KEYAMO STUMBLED AT A CRITICAL AVIATION JUNCTION

This pattern has repeated itself across sectors, from the chronically dysfunctional NEPA (now PHCN) to the corruption plagued NNPC. The recent Nigeria Air debacle- that embarrassing episode featuring a hastily repainted Ethiopian Airlines plane with no actual operating licence, and allegations of $8.8 million in mismanaged funds - should have served as the final indictment of this failed model. Yet remarkably, some commentators continue advocating for Nigeria to double down on this approach. As aviation analyst Sindy Foster bluntly observed, “Nigeria doesn’t have a national carrier problem, it has a policy environment problem. Fix the ecosystem first.” This what the Minister is doing. The global aviation landscape has undergone seismic shifts that render the traditional state carrier model increasingly anachronistic. According to 2025 data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a staggering 78% of global airline capacity now operates under private ownership. This is not ideological happenstance but pragmatic adaptation to industry realities. With profit margins averaging just 3.2% in the post-pandemic era, the capital-intensive airline business has become brutally hostile to state ownership models. Across Europe, 32 national carriers have been fully or partially privatised since 1991, including former flag carriers like British Airways (1987), Lufthansa (1997), and Air France (2004). Even in Africa, where state involvement remains more common, the most successful operators like Ethiopian Airlines function as quasi-private entities with considerable operational autonomy, while basket cases like South African Airways required a R30 billion bailout before its partial privatisation in 2021.

The case of Air India proves particularly instructive. Long held up as a symbol of post-colonial national pride, the airline accumulated $12 billion in debt under state ownership before being returned to its original founders, Tata Group, in 2022. This transition came only after decades of chronic inefficiency, including the absurdity of employing 210 staff per aircraft when the industry average was 150. The lesson couldn’t be clearer: in an industry where efficiency and flexibility determine

survival, state ownership typically becomes an albatross rather than an advantage.

Nigeria’s current fiscal reality makes the National Carrier proposition even more untenable. With debt-servicing consuming 92% of government revenue, there is simply no room for vanity projects. The estimated $1 billion startup cost required to launch a viable national carrier represents resources that could be far better deployed addressing the country’s actual aviation priorities. That same capital could modernise every major airport in the country with CAT III instrument landing systems, immediately reducing the 40% of flights currently cancelled due to poor weather visibility. It could establish worldclass aviation training academies to address Nigeria’s critical shortage of pilots and aircraft engineers. Most importantly, it could provide targeted subsidies and tax incentives to help existing private operators like Air Peace expand their fleets and route networks, an approach that has already proven successful when Air Peace’s entry onto the Lagos-London route forced foreign carriers to slash fares by 60% overnight.

The jobs argument frequently deployed by national carrier advocates similarly collapses under scrutiny. While Ethiopia Airlines employs an impressive 25,000 staff, this came at the cost of $10 billion in state support over two decades, a staggering $400,000 subsidy per job created. For Nigeria, currently battling 33.3% unemployment and a worsening cost of living crisis, this represents an indefensible misallocation of scarce resources. The private sector has demonstrated far better job creation potential, with Air Peace alone employing 2,300 Nigerians despite operating in, what CEO Allen Onyema describes as “an environment of 37 different levies and chronic foreign exchange shortages.”

Nigeria already possesses homegrown models that point toward a more sustainable aviation future. Akwa Ibom State’s Ibom Air has demonstrated how limited State involvement can succeed when combined with private-sector operational discipline. The airline’s unusual ownership structure, 94% state owned yet run by aviation professionals insulated from political interference—has

allowed it to maintain impeccable service standards while expanding its route network. Similarly, Air Peace’s remarkable growth despite Nigeria’s business environment proves that indigenous carriers can compete internationally when given half a chance. The airline’s strategic decision to deploy its Boeing 777s on the Lagos-London and most recently Lagos-Abuja-Heathrow routes didn’t just provide Nigerians with more options; it exposed the predatory pricing long practiced by foreign carriers on the route, with fares immediately dropping from $2,500 roundtrip to $900. This market-driven achievement did more for Nigerian travellers in three months than decades of national carrier nostalgia.

Minister Keyamo’s emphasis on public-private partnerships rather than full state ownership reflects this reality. His May 2025 clarification that the government has not abandoned the National Carrier concept but insists on private sector leadership represents the only viable path forward. The proposed concession of Lagos and Abuja airports, provides another template for how strategic state involvement can catalyse private investment without recreating the failures of full state ownership.

The real bottlenecks crippling Nigerian aviation have little to do with the absence of a flag carrier. As Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury noted during his 2024 visit to Abuja, “Africa’s aviation challenge isn’t airlines, it’s runways, control towers and maintenance bays.” Nigeria’s priorities should reflect this reality. Accelerating the airport concession process to bring in world class operators remains urgent. Completing the long delved Lagos MRO facility would finally allow Nigerian airlines to conduct heavy maintenance locally rather than spending $500 million annually overseas.

The emotional appeal of a national carrier, that iconic green-and-white liveried plane symbolising Nigeria’s arrival on the global stage, is understandable. But national pride cannot compensate for operational realities. Justice Lewis-Allagoa’s 2024 ruling against the Nigeria Air project wasn’t mere legal technicality; it was a judicial repudiation of the same flawed thinking that doomed Nigeria Airways. The court’s finding

Kale, in his presentation during the launch of two reports on trade and economy, which provide roadmap for growth and portray Africa’s resilience in a changing world, noted that, “our continent holds development prospects even as Africa is contending with compounding vulnerabilities such as high, sometimes unsustainable debt burdens, escalating trade tension, climate change, and significant infrastructure gaps, and so on, which are converging to constrain the continent’s growth.”

Therefore, as the curtain falls on AAM2025, and the tenure of its President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, who received wide commendations and was conferred Nigeria’s second highest honour, the GCON by President Bola Tinubu, comes to an end, the truth that echoes louder than ever is that Africa’s future is not a distant dream, it is an unfolding reality powered by resilience, driven by vision, and anchored in self-belief.

From the voices of seasoned leaders to the urgency of youthful innovation, the message is clear—Africa is not waiting for a miracle; it is becoming its miracle. With trillions in untapped domestic capital, a dynamic young population, and homegrown institutions like Afreximbank leading the charge, the continent stands at a powerful inflection point.

If resilience was our inheritance, then reinvention must be our legacy. Africa must stop knocking on locked doors, it must build its gates because the continent’s next chapter won’t be written in foreign ink, but with African hands, African minds, and African solutions.

of procedural irregularities and wrongful exclusion of domestic airlines in the bidding process perfectly encapsulated why state-led aviation projects fail in Nigeria’s governance environment. This is one of the issues Lawson Omokhodion is not aware of.

Minister Keyamo’s apparent “stumble” at this aviation junction is in fact the first signs of progress. By resisting the siren call of statist solutions and focusing instead on enabling private operators, fixing broken infrastructure, and creating smarter policies, he offers Nigeria its first realistic chance at aviation success in decades. The choice is not between national pride and global relevance, but between clinging to nostalgic symbols and building real capacity. The world has moved on from the era of state flag carriers. For Nigeria’s aviation sector to truly take flight, it must do the same.

What we need as a country is the courage to break from outdated models. Designating viable private airlines through PPP as Nigeria’s de facto flag carrier through targeted route subsidies would yield immediate benefits without creating another state liability. Expanding the successful Ibom Air hybrid model to other regions could create a network of efficient, professionally managed airlines. Most importantly, fixing the policy environment, streamlining regulations and fixing infrastructure is all Nigeria needs now.

Nigeria’s aviation future won’t be found in resurrecting the ghosts of Nigeria Airways, but in embracing the dynamism of its private sector. The national carrier debate has always been about more than airplanes, it reflects Nigeria’s struggle to reconcile ambition with capability, symbolism with substance. Festus Keyamo’s approach may lack the emotional resonance of a grand flag carrier announcement, but it offers something far more valuable: a realistic path to building an aviation sector that serves Nigerians rather than political egos. For now, that is what truly matters.

•Emameh Gabriel is the Special Assistance on Media and Research to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

As Rising FX Inflows, Dip in Money Supply Sustain Price Stability

Price and exchange rate stability are primary roles played by central banks across the world. The drop in Nigeria’s inflation rate in May has been attributed to changes in macroeconomic dynamics as well as monetaryfiscal policies alliance. Analysts view the moderation in May’s headline inflation at 22.97 per cent as a positive outcome of improved FX stability, easing energy prices, and a slowdown in money supply growth.

The drop in May inflation figures did not just happen. It was a fallout of key policy reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It was the outcome of stability in the FX market, appreciation of the naira and significant drop in money supply.

Expectedly, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate eased to 22.97 per cent in May from 23.71 per cent in April 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

Besides, broad money (M2) growth tempered to an average of 1.3 per cent monthon-month and 20.3 per cent year-on-year in 2025, against 5.6 per cent month-on-month and 75.5 per cent year-on-year in 2024.

Nigeria Records Strong FX Inflow in fourth quarter of 2024, Net Inflows up 99 per cent year-on-year to $61.2 billion. The CBN’s latest quarterly economic report for fourth quarter 2024 shows that the overall FX inflow into the Nigerian economy increased by plus 21 per cent quarter-on-quarter to $27.8 billion. Similarly, the value of FX outflow grew by plus 31 per cent quarter-on-quarter to $10.4 billion.

Aside the CBN, other central banks the worlds over are obsessed about inflation and, therefore, devote a significant amount of resources at their disposal to fight inflation.

The CBN’s planned inflation targeting framework and raising Monetary Policy Rate by 875 basis points to 27.5 per cent in 2024—an essential move to contain inflation and restore stability.

The financial sector regulator has also been controlling the growth of money supply to achieve price stability.

Specifically, the naira appreciated by 0.7 per cent month-on-month, closing at N1,586.15/$1.00.

Additionally, prices in the energy sector declined by 0.4 per cent month-on-month in May. The monthly energy deflation was likely supported by reductions in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices by Dangote Petroleum Refinery (and select independent marketers) which brought ex-depot prices down to a range of N875.00 to N905.00/litre across states and regions.

In emailed report to investors, Managing Director, Afrinvest Nigeria Limited, Ike Chioke, stated that while the positive strides in consumer price dynamics (especially core inflation) could set the stage for a potential rate cut by the MPC in second half of this year, persistent risks in the food sector – stemming from agrarian and structural factors – are potent headwinds ahead.

According to the report, sustained currency appreciation and the lagged impact of PMS price cuts in late May are likely to counteract the impact of holiday-induced price hikes in some core items and keep the sub-component inflation modest.

Inflation is one of the most frequently used terms in economic discussions, yet the concept is variously misconstrued. There are various schools of thought on inflation, but there is a consensus among economists that inflation is a continuous rise in the prices.

Simply put, inflation depicts an economic situation where there is a general rise in the prices of goods and services, continuously. It could be defined as ‘a continuing rise in prices as measured by an index such as the consumer price index (CPI) or by the implicit price deflator for Gross National Product (GNP). Inflation is frequently described as a state where “too much money is chasing too few goods”. When there is inflation, the currency loses purchasing power. The purchasing power of a given amount of naira will be smaller over time when there is inflation in the economy.

An economist, and CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane said a stronger oil sector could mean more stable fuel prices and a boost in government revenue.

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) projects a 4% rebound in retail sales in 2025, with consumer spending expected to recover modestly to $127 billion. There was also significant input by the monetary authorities in bringing inflation down.

Director of Trading at Verto, Charlie Bird, said a number of factors, including rising crude oil prices portend positive signal for the economy.

He said oil price stability or appreciation, strong dollar liquidity in NAFEM alongside a tight spread to parallel market, stable or increasing foreign reserve data and any form of FX appreciation with low volatility portend positive signals for the economy, and will impact positively on inflation data.

Speaking during Cordros Asset Management seminar titled: “The Naira Playbook”, he said positive impact of CBN’s reforms has continued affect the market and economic indicators positively.

Also, inflation targeting framework, which replaces the exchange rate targeting framework, aligns with the apex bank’s determination to bring inflation upsurge under control in line with its price stability mandate.

Analysts said the various oil price shocks, Covid-19 pandemic, and most recently, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Iran have resulted in various shocks to the global economy, requiring changing responses to subdue the monetary and fiscal authorities in the advanced and emerging market economies.

The Comercio Partners, in its 2025 macroeconomic outlook, highlighted that the rebasing of Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2024 would also create statistical effects that could lower inflation figures

From the stabilisation of exchange rates, the normalisation of energy prices following the subsidy removal to improved liquidity in the forex market, the economy has what it takes to achieve price stability within the year.

The report emphasised the importance of local refining capacity expansion, particularly with the launch of the Dangote Refinery. This development is expected to reduce the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on energy prices. By relying more on domestically refined petroleum, Nigeria is likely to see a reduction in energy price volatility.

This, combined with a more stable exchange rate, is expected to lower production and transportation costs, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.

According to Ifeanyi Ubah, head of investment research and global macro strategist, “We expect headline inflation to decrease to around 15 percent in the first half of 2025, indicating a gradual return to economic stability.”

The report also emphasised the importance of local refining capacity expansion, particularly with the launch of the Dangote Refinery. This development is expected to reduce the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on energy prices. By relying more on domestically refined petroleum, Nigeria is likely to see a reduction in energy price volatility. This, combined with a more stable exchange rate, is expected to lower production and transportation costs, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.

In its efforts to tame inflation, the CBN recently hosted the Monetary Policy Forum 2025, featuring fiscal authorities, legislative, private sector, development partners, subjectmatter experts, and scholars with the theme: “Managing the Disinflation Process”.

The forum is a major push to improve monetary policy communication, foster dialogue, and collaborate on critical issues shaping monetary policy.

During the event, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso explained that the apex bank’s focus is to sustain price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship.

He said the apex bank is continuing its

disciplined approach to monetary policy, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy.

“These actions have yielded measurable progress: relative stability in the FX market, narrowing exchange rate disparities, and a rise in external reserves to over $40 billion as of December 2024.”

Cardoso reiterated that the goal of the CBN is to ensure that monetary policy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and resilient.

In addressing our economic challenges, collaboration is key: “Managing disinflation amidst persistent shocks requires not only robust policies but also coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to anchor expectations and maintain investor confidence,” Cardoso said.

“Our focus must remain on price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship,” he added.

The CBN also focused on strengthening the banking sector, introducing new minimum capital requirements for banks (effective March 2026) to ensure resilience and position Nigeria’s banking industry for a $1 trillion economy.

These reforms and developments reflect the Bank’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic development. However, achieving macroeconomic stability requires sustained vigilance and a proactive monetary policy stance.

“As we shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy, the CBN remains committed to restoring confidence, strengthening policy credibility, and staying focused on its core mandate of price stability,” Cardoso stated.

He said moving from the exchange rate targeting framework to the inflation targeting framework aligned with the apex bank’s determination to bring inflation upsurge under control in line with its price stability mandate.

Inflation uptick has remained a major concern to the CBN and is the time to use monetary policy tools to control it.

Already, the data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Inflation Rate in Nigeria increased to 34.80 percent in December from 34.60 percent in November

of 2024. Inflation Rate in Nigeria is expected to be 32.00 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations.

Market data showed that the various oil price shocks, Covid-19 pandemic, and most recently, the war between Russia and Ukraine, have resulted in various shocks to the global economy, requiring changing responses to subdue the monetary and fiscal authorities in the advanced and emerging market economies.

To address these shocks, the CBN plans to migrate from an exchange rate targeting framework to phased migration and now inflation targeting framework.

The CBN has been controlling the growth of money supply to achieve price stability, but is seeking a change of strategy to achieve better results.

The World Bank recently gave a positive verdict on Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting three-year unbroken growth for the country.

In the bank’s Global Economic Prospects for June, the bank posited that Nigeria will have three-year unbroken growth records- growing at 3.6 per cent in 2025, 3.7 per cent in 2026 and 3.8 per cent in 2027.

The World Bank however, slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4 percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.

In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the bank lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies - including the United States, China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions - from the levels it projected just six months ago before U.S. President Donald Trump took office.

The bank stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be its weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s. The bank said global inflation was expected to reach 2.9 per cent in 2025, remaining above pre-COVID levels, given tariff increases and tight labor markets.

Donatus Eleko

Cardoso

GLOBAL SOCCER GLOBAL SOCCER

2005 MA r ACANA CHILD re N F e ST

w ilfred Ndidi Ignites Maracana with S’ e agles Stars

TheMaracanaStadium,Ajegunle,Lagos,hashostedmanyinternationalfootballstarssinceits renovation,with19pitchesandmodernhostelfacilities,butwhatthecommunitywitnessedlast SaturdaywasunprecedentedasSuperEaglesandLeicesterCitymidfielder,WilfredNdidiwas joinedbyseveralofhisinternationalteammatesinwhatwastagged‘2025MaracanaChildren’sFest allinanattempttoputsmilesonthefacesofschoolchildrenandtoenlightenthemonwhatsports candototheirlivesalongsidegoingabouttheireducation.KunleAdewalewitnessedtheoccasion

The roll call of Super Eagles stars at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos, included Wilfred Ndidi, captain of the three-time African champions, William Troost-Ekong, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Falconets defender, Asiata Isiaka.

Ndidi, in partnership with the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, whose Chairman, ChiefYemi Idowu, is the brain behind the new Maracana Sports Complex, that hosted more than 3,000 young football talents, last Saturday.

The grassroots football event, which is in its third edition, is part of Ndidi’s initiative to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of football talents.

The Maracana Children’s Fest usually takes place twice a year-during the off season in Europe and December.

Ndidi said his humble beginning is the inspiration and motivation to keep inspiring the next generation.

“I’m excited about this project and the smiles on the faces of the children amazes me. This is something that they are looking forward to. For me, as a child, when you see the stars you watch on television, it’s a different feeling when you see them live. That is why we invited some of our colleagues to come see the project,” the former Nath Boys of Lagos player said.

The children were indeed thrilled to see their football heroes live in action, and the atmosphere was electric with unforgettable memories.

The midfielder said his plan for the children fest is getting to fruition, adding, “I feel very excited that we are here again and we are improving on it. It is very exciting to me seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids. It amazes me. Coming here in June and December for two consecutive years now and seeing the kids returning and brimming with excitement makes me happy.

“For me as a child, when you see the guys that you see on TV in real life, the feeling is different, out of this world. I have invited some of our colleagues to also come and see the kids and you could see their excitement walking and talking with the stars they watch on TV. Our

focus is on the kids and I believe that we should not miss out on them. It is something for them to look forward to every year and something to talk about when they go to school. It is also something to give them hope.”

Ndidi also spoke about the importance of grassroots football development and how facilities like Maracana can nurture young talents.

For Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong, he reiterated the importance of collaboration among the players in giving back to the society.

“It’s my first time here in Ajegunle and it’s amazing the work that has been done here. I’ve come with my kids to come see this part of Lagos as well. It’s encouraging for us to come here and continue the work. I am amazed with what I’m seeing here. It is amazing,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Yemi Idowu, said, “It was a good cause and all of them took time out of their busy schedule to come. I think this is the first time we have been able to get seven Super Eagles players in one place.

“There are many ways the football players can give back, especially with these kinds of social events. You see them mixing with the children, and you can imagine the number of children that are inspired by them.

“It’s awesome. There are very few places you can come without people harassing you so much, but here the young and old were just greeting them. That’s the lesson I’m taking away that you can have a multi-pitch facility and you can also have orderliness. We have discussed with them and they are eager to support what Ndidi, who is one of them, is doing here. They are doing well supporting each other. For me, we are happy to continue in the legacy of our father. We’ve been doing this for 40 years, and we are happy to put smiles on the faces of these children.”

However, it was the arrival of Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker that really threw the over 3,000 children at the Maracana stadium

into frenzy, as a number of children hugged him as he walked from the entrance gate to the pitch. The chant of Osimhen, Osimhen, Osimhen, rented the air as they were seeing the player live for the first time, crowding him without any inhibition.

Osimhen noted that it was not his first time of visiting Ajegunle. “This is not my first time here. Ajegunle has been one of the places that produce great players in the country. It has produced some of the best talents in the game who have played in the Super Eagles and still playing. When Wilfred told me about the initiative, I said I would be available and here I am. I give special thanks to Mr. Idowu for what he has done because Ajegunle has amazing talents in sports and music and for me to be part of this is an honour. I’m happy to be here.”

Also speaking, Ndidi observed that, “When these kids see a player like Osimhen, just like they have done today, it gives them hope and make them to dream to be like him. They are the future and we should not forget that.”

Over the years, football has been a tool to change the lives of many young people for the better, and some past and present Super Eagles stars are in that category, and it is very encouraging that some of these players often come to give back and help people in the communities they grew up. Aside from seeing some of the stars they’ve come to idolise live, the kids were also showered with gifts at the end of the day.

Ndidi poses with kids at the Maracana Children Fest last Saturday

L-r: wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Chief Yemi Idowu during the Maracana Children Fest at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos, last Saturday

Egypt Sweeps Individual Gold medals at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Egypt continued its dominance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, claiming five of the six individual gold medals on offer at the event held at Charterhouse, Lagos, Nigeria.

The only interruption to Egypt’s clean sweep came from Kenya’sAlexandra Ndolo, who delivered a commanding performance to defeat Egypt’s Shirwit Gaber 15-8 in the final of the women’s épée.

Yesterday, Egypt added two more titles to its tally, with Abdelrahman Tolba and Alanoud Hegazy capturing gold in the

men’s foil and women’s sabre events, respectively. These victories followed three earlier gold medals secured by the Egyptian team on the first two days of the championships.

Tolba, who had previously won bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024, completed his ascent to the top of the podium with a 15-10 win over defending champion Mohamed Hamza in the men’s foil final. He had earlier cruised past Cape Verde’s Victor Alvares 15-4 in the semifinal.

Oweh, NFL Stars Mentor Kids in American Football at Lagos Camp

Ravens’ linebacker, Odafe Oweh has reaffirmed his commitment to organise more programmes to enhance the growth of American Football in Nigeria.

Oweh acknowledged the impact of his football camp, held in Lagos over the weekend, noting that the camp will create pathway for upcoming talents to take their development to the next level.

Connecting with his Nigeria root through the initiative, the football camp in Lagos was suc-

cessfully concluded with Oweh and his Baltimore Ravens teammates inspiring over 100 young participants at the Elegbata Sports Complex, Lagos Island.

Organised by Oweh’s Foundation for Opportunity, the two days event provided participants expert guidance through drills designed to hone their skills and deepen understanding of American football fundamentals.

Oweh commended the enthusiasm shown by the

Reflecting on his journey, Tolba said: “It feels great to finally win gold. This shows that hard work pays off—starting with bronze in 2023, then silver in 2024, and now gold. I’m so happy, though it wasn’t easy facing my teammate in the final.”

In the women’s sabre, Hegazy claimed her first continental title with a 15-8 victory over 2024 bronze medallist Nada Hafez. Her path to the final included a 15-10 quarterfinal win over defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon and a 15-9 semifinal triumph against Algeria’s Chaima Benadouda.

participants, stating that the football camp was designed to stimulate their interest in American Football and encourage the boys and girls to embrace the sport.

Oweh expressed excitement with the success of the developmental programme, noting that the second edition of the camp, which was hosted in Lagos for the first time, will serve as a springboard for greater things to come.

David Ojabo and Nnamdi Madubuike, both playing for Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League of the United States, were impressed by the participants’ eagerness to learn during the camp.

1XBET Cup Organisers Pay Courtesy Calls on GOC 81 Div, 9th Brigade Commander

Ahead of the 2025 1XBET Cup, the Organising Committee of the foremost grassroots football tournament in the country paid a courtesy call on the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa at his Victoria Island, Lagos office.

During the visit, the 2025 1XBET Cup was presented to the GOC.

The team led by former Super Eagles player and CEO of Match International Limited, Waidi Akanni, who is the consultant to the tournament, used the

occasion of the visit to explain the vision behind the grassroots football competition.

Akanni stressed that it was meant to discover and nurture talents from communities in Lagos.

The competition now in its third season, has thrown up football talents from some of the least quarters and so Engr Akanni pleaded with the GOC to allow talents from his domain to also benefit from it.

Major General Mijinyawa appreciated the tournament organisers for the courtesy

call and recall how the military and paramilitary in the past contributed the large percentage of national team players in the past.

Launching PayGym - A Unified Gym Access App in Nigeria

Pay Gym solutions announces the launch of PayGym – a mobile application that grants users access to multiple gyms and fitness centers through a single subscription. In 2018, WHO established that 31% of adults remain physically inactive even though regular physical activity aids a healthy lifestyle and is a strong protective factor against non-communicable diseases.

For this reason, the organisation launched a global action plan, emphasising the need for new technologies and innovative approaches to increase physical activities.

PayGym is a unified gym access platform that aims to tackle the challenges that come with managing multiple gym memberships, simplify the subscription process and provide cheaper and easily accessible gym memberships.

The software aligns with WHO’s action goals for physical activity and finds an easy way for fitness lovers to access diverse fitness experience, convenience and cost effectiveness by giving them access to a network of gyms/ fitness centers who are listed on the app.

According to Obum Ezechukwu, the founder of

PayGym solutions, “Fitness should not be limited by a single location or contract, we built PayGym to unlock access, variety and freedom for fitness lovers while helping Gyms fill their empty spots as well.” PayGym solves the problem of restricted gym memberships by making it possible toaccessmultiplegymlocationswith just a single subscription. Also, gyms owners are usually struggling with getting retainers as most members often get bored of recycling activities and not being able to access different workouts, trainers or environment. The platform makes it possible for gym owners who are registered to organize and manage membership subscription and payment processes.

Where Is NFF? Mikel Obi, Siasia Remind Us of 2016 Olympics Logistic Failures

The sporting world is again captivated by the never-ending drama surrounding Nigeria’s tumultuous last-minute arrival at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. A competition where, against all odds, Ni- geria attained a hard-earned men’s football bronze medal. However, the history must be properly curated to reflect the fact that Nigeria won bronze in Rio despite the system, not because of it. This feat must be credited to the brave Nigerian Players, led by their much- accomplished captain, John Obi-Mikel, or Mikel Obi, as he is sometimes called, and their equally accomplished coach/ manager, the indefatigable Mr. Samson SiaSia, who is also a former Africa Nations Cup winner in 1994. Both Mikel and SiaSia are currently embroiled in an unfortunate online social media spat, which could have been avoided if the Nigerian Football Federation and its long-standing Secretary Gen- eral, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, had done a better job post-Rio. His tenure is a case study on how to destroy a national sport.

Synopsis of a Tale: Rio or Bust

The six main characters in this story are the above-mentioned John Obi-Mikel, Samson Sia Sia, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Mr Amaju Pinnick (Former NFF president), Mr Yemi Idowu (a sports philanthropist), and Solomon Dalung ( Former Sports Minister). There are also many patriotic Nigerians and

concerned citizens who contributed directly and indirectly to ensure that Nigeria avoided a major sporting embarrassment. Samson Siasia and John ObiMikelshouldholdtheirheadsup high and avoid falling into the trapsetbytheNFFmanagement, led by Dr Mohammed Sanusi. ThesilenceoftheNFFhasrubbed rock salt into sore wounds. I can truly believe that John Obi-Mikel was made to believe his funds were applied towards procuring anaircrafttoconveythestranded Rio-bound players fromAtlanta. The real question is, “Why did Mikelhavetovolunteertorescue the situation?” After all, he was already persuaded to part with fundstopayforfoodandaccom- modation in Atlanta. This has not been denied or refunded by the shameless NFF management.Likewise,Samson Siasiaisstillowedallowancesand funds obtained from his friends during the crisis. Until officials like Dr. Sanusi are held accountable — not praised for surviving scandals — our football will remain a cautionary tale told in taverns and classrooms. During his interview, Siasia also revealed that Mr.Yemi Idowu funded the Previous Silver medal-winning U20 Men’s football team and other football matches with hundreds of thousands of dollars. A feat that has never been acknowledged by the Nigerian Football Federation to date.

The recently departed NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, is an interesting character. You either like him or detest him. I prefer to remember his successes in launching

a much-loved and successful Nigeria 2018 World Cup jersey, which is still breaking records many years later. Pinnick was also able to bring much private sector innovation and funding to support his tenure. All these can be weighed to balance his other shortcomings. Unfortunately, we cannot ascribe any such accolades to the red beret-wearing Solomon Dalung, the Nigerian sports min- ister at that time. The less we talk about him, the better. A man who likes hearing his voice, despite obviously punch- ing much above his limited knowledge and understanding of the task given to him. I have only one question about his recent unsolicited comments or statements attributed to him in a recent interview on a national television. Where Dalung allegedly claimed that the government had made arrangements for the team’s travel and that no player was authorised to “pay for the team’s transport,” Dalung stated. “We had arranged a 35-seater aircraft, which Mikel rejected, claiming it was too small for the 42-man delegation.”

This great bombshell, unfortu- nately, was designed to embarrass John Mikel Obi. Dalung would have gotten away with this false- hood if Samson Siasia had not clarified that the small aircraft was paid for and provided by his friend, Mr Yemi Idowu. Idowu also paid for ferrying the empty aircraft to Atlanta, paying for a new aircraft crew to fly the plane to Rio and the empty plane back to America. Idowu also secured landing permits, charter clear- ances, and overflight charges to ensure the chartered flight arrived on time for the match in Rio.

Kwara u td, Abakaliki FC Chase History

Two clubs-Kwara United and Abakaliki FC, that have hitherto never had a taste of the President Federation Cup would be gunning for history as the stage is set for the 2025 President Federation Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos to the best of football spectacle.

Ifeanyi Onyedika tutoured Abakaliki FC have surmounted great opposition including Yobe Desert Stars, Enyimba

of Aba, Nasarawa United amongst several seasoned opponents en route today’s final.

Onyedika has indeed warned that underating his side today would be to his opponent’sMeanwhile,peril.Kwara United winger, Wasiu Alalade has promised the club’s fans that he and his colleagues will return

home with the trophy.

“I’m using this opportunity to promise our fans that they should be rest assured that we are here to make history. We are here to make them happy, and we will return home with the trophy, by the grace of God, ” Alalade said.

However, before the Men’s President Federation Cup final, the Women’s will slug it out too with Rivers Angels versus Nasarawa Amazons in line to contest for the title.

CitySports Africa C e O Celebrates 50th with SO’s Cup

Last Sunday was another milestone for CitySports Africa with the celebration of the 50th birthday of its vi- sionary CEO, Shola Opaleye. The group played host to an assemblage of vibrant youth to a tournament titled “SO’s Cup” at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos.

The celebratory event brought together football talents, sports academies, and well-wishers for a day of sports, joy, and community impact. The tournament featured U15 and U18 teams drawn from football academies across Lagos. The event was charged with energy, skill, and a shared

love for youth development through sports. Spectators were treated to thrilling matches, as well as an atmosphere filled with food, music, and community bonding. Speaking on the significance of the event, Opaleye said, “Turning 50 is a humbling milestone, and I couldn’t imagine celebrating it any other way than with the young athletes who represent everything CitySports Africa stands for. The SO’sCupwasn’tjustaboutmarking my birthday, it was about giving backtothefutureofNigeriansports. In the next few years, our vision is to scale even further across Africa, deepen our youthprogramsmes, and provide global opportunities for talented youths who often go unseen. This is just the beginning.”

Action during the mentoring of kids in American Football programme by Oweh

Samson Siasia and Obi Mikel

president Federation cup

CeO of CitySorts Africa, Shola Opaleye, (Center) celebrated his 50th birthday with the participants of the mini football tournament in Lagos on Sunday

L-r: Mr. Abiodun Babalola; consultant and exSuper eagles, waidi Akanni, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, representative of 1XBeT, Ms, Geraldine and Mr Nnana

COURTESY VISIT…

Your Way, My Way, or ‘The Way’

At the instance Mrs. Vivian Agu, wife of the late Ferdinand Agu, and family, the Canada-based Victor Anliefo who is a severely understated literary icon, and several others conspired to inflict on me the task of giving the only speech allowed for the one-year commemoration of the passing of Ferdinand Agu. I was also not given the option of refusal. The venue was Yar’Adua Cenre in Abuja, and mentees friends and admirers of a man who bestrode many intellectual, academic, political and other divides without airs, without any pretensions and without an iota of self-inflation or egocentric self-presentation gathered in memory of him. For the occasion, I chose not to talk about the fact that he was conferred with the national award of Member of

the Federal republic (MFR), that he played a major role in the housing sector in Abuja during his stint at Aso Savings and Loans and about his reputation as the most dependable pillar of loyalty, resourcefulness, selflessness and dedication in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during the tenure of Senator Anyim as SGF among other things. I simply focused on the man and his goodness as a person. I reflected on his capacity for unbiased interventions in our increasingly polarized world, his large heartedness, his ever-present desire to seek, find and deliver the winning point of view on any issue, rather trying to personally win in any argument. He was a simple man who, nevertheless, always exuded a considerable personal dignity. He was a intelligent man

who would make his points and easily outshone his sometimes-mendacious interlocutors, but without a tinge of arrogance and without making them lose face. He was always calm, but forever ready with refined expressions of righteous indignation when necessary. And that is when he is faced with debauchery, small mindedness and every display of uninhibited philistinism. I pointed out that our late friend was as learned, as he was also educated and enlightened. That he stood out as a literary icon of sorts, all in a world where many people like to prance about and Project their half-baked learning and paltry knowledge because they have read a few books and talked a lot. Yet he never displayed the arid, hollow and often pretended intellectual superiority of some academically learned people who take great pride in

OBINNA CHIMA

At the heart of the 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which commenced on Wednesday and ended yesterday in Abuja, was a truth Africa knows all too well: resilience is not a buzzword, it is our lived reality.

From navigating colonial legacies and economic headwinds to confronting pandemics, debt crises, geopolitical tensions, and climate shocks, the continent has endured more than its fair share of trials. Yet, in that endurance lies its power.

The three-day conference, with the theme, ‘Building the Future of Africa on Decades of Resilience,’ which

brought together an influential coalition of global, African and CARICOM leaders, focused on advancing trade, investment, and innovation across the continent, with Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top business executives, academics and acclaimed academics in attendance and more than 6,000 delegates, was not just a hopeful slogan; it was a rallying cry for a new kind of progress — one built on self-reliance, regional integration, and strategic innovation.

Economic experts and development leaders lauded Afreximbank for its pivotal role in transforming the continent’s trade landscape, strengthening economic resilience, and promoting regional integration.

According to them, from supporting businesses

calling themselves academics, academicians and scholars.

Yes, he was an architect by training but he was also one of the very the few people with whom I could comfortably discuss every strand of science and philosophy: From classical German idealism, to the unresolves debates about the nature of elementary particles; from Marxism, ancient Greek philosophy, Nietzsche’s Nihilism, Christianity and reincarnation to the metaphyseal postulations of Hegel Schopenhauer and many others.

For an architect and student of science, his familiarity with all manner of literature and schools of thought puts many presumed students of the various arts and sciences to shame. And his interventions in any group discussion,

Continued on page 27

during financial crises to driving strategic investments in infrastructure and industrialisation, the pan-African bank’s impact over the past three decades has positioned it as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic evolution. The various speakers took turns to emphasise that Africa is no longer content with being the world’s raw material supplier or passive recipient of development aid. The next frontier lies in leveraging what we already have: a $4 trillion pool of domestic capital, a burgeoning youth population, a maturing fintech ecosystem, and a bold vision in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The discourse regarding the call for a Governmentfunded National Carrier was reignited by Lawnson Omokhodion’s THISDAY column of 25th June 2025, “How Festus Keyamo Stumbled at a Critical Aviation Junction. Whilst noble in its intent to restore Nigeria’s aviation pride, the article fundamentally misunderstands the current global aviation economics and Nigeria’s own fiscal realities. In his piece, Omokhodion took issue with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s alleged outright rejection of a state backed national

carrier. He made some cases, pointing to models across the world where government involvement has driven growth in aviation, created jobs and boosted tourism. Let us dissect this carefully. The truth is more complex and less comforting. Beneath the stirring rhetoric of national pride lurk several dangerous misconceptions: that state ownership guarantees operational efficiency, that Nigeria’s current fiscal reality could sustain such an ambitious venture, and that the global aviation landscape has not fundamentally transformed in ways that make traditional flag carriers increasingly obsolete. These assumptions

require rigorous examination, particularly when Nigeria’s recent history with state owned enterprises offers such sobering lessons.

The nostalgia for a national carrier invariably invokes the ghost of Nigeria Airways, once the undisputed pride of African aviation. During its 1980s heyday, the airline boasted 32 aircraft serving routes across four continents. By the time of its liquidation in 2003, it had been reduced to just two operational planes while drowning under $60 million of debt, a staggering decline that reveals more than mere financial mismanagement. The rot was

systemic and multidimensional. Routes were determined by political patronage rather than profitability. Maintenance contracts went to connected insiders rather than qualified technical partners. Salaries went unpaid for months while management indulged in brazen graft. The suggestion that “restructuring” could have saved Nigeria Airways ignores the more fundamental truth about Nigeria’s governance ecosystem: state-owned enterprises inevitably become patronage networks first and functional businesses second.

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L-R: Governor, Central Bank of Egypt, Mr. Hassan Abdalla; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, and Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Philip Ikeazor, during a courtesy visit by Abdalla to the CBN for high-level bilateral discussions aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening central banking ties between Nigeria and Egypt in Abuja…recently

Oramah