Issuu

Rising Investor Confidence Lifts Stock Market to N165trn, Adds N65.7trn in 10 Months Kayode Tokede Riding on macroeconomic

improved conditions,

stronger investor confidence and impressive corporate earnings, the Nigerian stock market added N65.74 trillion in value in the first

10 months of 2026, with market capitalisation crossing the N165 trillion mark for the first time. The Nigerian economy has

so far in 2026 witnessed relative stability in the foreign exchange market, renewed investor confidence, impressive corporate

earnings, easing inflation, a cut in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 23 per cent by the Monetary Policy Committee

THISDAY Named Among Nigeria’s Top 50 Brands...

of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and improved liquidity Continued on page 5

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Saturday October 31, 2026 Vol 31. No 11528

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N400

FG Rolls Out N50,000 Monthly Cash Relief for Vulnerable Nigerians Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government has commenced a monthly cash relief programme offering N50,000 to

vulnerable households to cushion the impact of rising living costs. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced this

in a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday. Doro said the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) was a

presidential initiative designed to provide immediate financial assistance to millions of vulnerable Nigerians. He said the intervention was

introduced in response to global food inflation and rising costs of essential goods, which continued to put pressure on households. “Under this intervention,

eligible beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential Continued on page 5

INEC Receives 5,400 Claims, Objections toVoter Register,Targets December 15 for Clean-up Admits registration officers introduced AI-generated images, irregularities Amupitan: Commission has no preferred candidate, party for 2027 elections Atiku, ADC demand independent forensic audit, allege sabotage Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale and Erizia Rubyjeana in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday disclosed that it had received more than 4,800 claims and about 600 objections to the Preliminary Register of Voters, as it assured Nigerians that the cleaning of the register would be completed before December 15, 2026.

The development comes amid concerns over the discovery of Artificial Intelligence (AI)generated photographs and other irregularities in the preliminary register, with the Commission admitting that some registration officers were responsible for introducing suspicious entries into the database. However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Continued on page 5

Dangote Refinery Exports Surpass Domestic SEEKING GOD’S GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION FOR NIGERIA... Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; Director General, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Fuel Supply at 54.63 Million Litres Daily... Page 7 L-R: Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, President Bola Tinubu and others performing Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia…yesterday

SaturDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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Hamzat Unveils 100-point Agenda, Pledges Accountability for Campaign Promises Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians to sustain continuity

Segun James and Wale Igbintade The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday unveiled a 100-point development agenda for the State, pledging that

his administration, if elected, would be judged by measurable achievements rather than political rhetoric. Hamzat gave the assurance during the presentation of his governorship manifesto and campaign song at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative

Arts (formerly the National Theatre, Iganmu), Lagos, where he outlined proposals covering transportation, affordable housing, security, potable water, infrastructure, environmental management and youth empowerment. He urged residents to scrutinise the manifesto, identify

commitments that directly affect their families and communities, document them and demand explanations for any that remain unfulfilled. "Take the promise, read it, question it. Find the commitment that matters most to you, to your family, your street, your

community. Write it down," he said. He added: "Then, bring it back to me. Show me what I delivered. Show me what is left to do. Hold me accountable for both. That is my promise." The APC candidate said his ambition was to build a Lagos

that works for all residents, with an administration focused on development, inclusion and improved living conditions. "This is the mandate I ask of you. The opportunity to serve you as your governor. The responsibility to deliver and the duty to answer to you," he declared.

INEC RECEIVES 5,400 CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS TO VOTER REGISTER, TARGETS DECEMBER 15 FOR CLEAN-UP its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have demanded a full explanation of how the photographs entered the register, the identification of officials responsible and an independent forensic audit of the database. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the number of claims and objections while receiving the ECOWAS PreElection Fact-Finding Mission at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan, in a statement issued yesterday by INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, said the Commission was working to ensure that all claims and objections were addressed before the Final Register of Voters was certified on December 15, 2026. He said: “The objections were received from the various wards through electoral officers and Resident Electoral Commissioners. “The display of the register online is also confirming some of the complaints we had earlier received.” He said the Commission has no preferred candidate or political party in the 2027 elections. “Our sole allegiance is to the rule of law, the sovereign will

of the Nigerian electorate, and the democratic progress of our nation,” he added. The Chairman explained that given the size of the register, which now stands at over 103 million registered citizens, any discrepancies noticed during the display would be corrected ahead of the final release. He also announced that the Commission planned a nationwide mock accreditation exercise in November to test accreditation and result transmission simultaneously in all states. Amupitan said INEC had introduced a safeguard whereby results would be authenticated at the polling unit before they were transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He explained that when he assumed office, the question was whether to introduce a different technology, but that was not an option given the timeline, so the Commission focused on improving the existing system. On its preparedness for the 2027 general election, he said the Commission had visited the South-west in Lagos, the Northwest in Kaduna, the South-east in Enugu and, earlier in the week, the North-east in Gombe, with

the North-central zone scheduled for a visit the following week. He emphasised that the tours had already led to adjustments, particularly in areas requiring higher deployments because of terrain and security challenges. The chairman also said the Commission was perfecting plans for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) “to ensure inclusivity, that no one is completely excluded.” Earlier, the leader of the ECOWAS mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foh, said the mission was deployed on the strength of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, Article 53C of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, and “the authority of heads of state decision to send preelection fact-finding missions to member states holding elections.” Meanwhile, INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Lawrence Bayode, said the Commission would complete the cleaning of the preliminary register before December 15, 2026, following the discovery of AI-generated photographs and other irregularities during the public display. Bayode gave the assurance

during an interview on ARISE NEWS, saying the final register would address the anomalies identified by INEC and members of the public. Speaking on the irregularities, he said the Commission was reviewing the entries and was confident that the final register would reflect the necessary corrections. “So, we are working on that, we are cleaning up the register and we believe that the register that will be released on the 15th of December will have taken care of all this AI-generated or other irregularity pictures that we have also seen on the register,” he said. He explained that although the Commission had deployed AI-powered chatbots for public enquiries and logistics support, it had not used the technology for voter registration. “Like in logistics, we are deploying chatbots where people can ask questions and the AI will respond to them, deploy it in logistics to ease our logistics movement when it comes to moving materials from one location to the other,” he said. Bayode attributed the irregularities to the actions of some registration officers who had access to the voter registration

system. “And this thing got into the register by the registration officers, because they have access to register people,” he said. He added that the Commission's findings showed that the problem was not restricted to locations whose suspicious entries had attracted attention on social media, but involved some registration officers across the country. “What we have found out is that some of these registration officers, not only the place that we are seeing even on social media, some of them, not all of them now, some of them across the states nationwide, they have done different things to bring these irregularities onto the register,” he said. The ICT director said INEC had identified how some of the irregularities were introduced into the system, although he could not explain the motive of the officers involved. “When the ABs was run on the system, we saw these people, we know what they did, we know how they did it, but honestly, I don’t know why,” he added. Bayode maintained that INEC had not deployed AI for voter registration, despite the

appearance of AI-generated photographs on the preliminary register. He also assured Nigerians that the Commission had removed the irregularities identified by its officials and members of the public. “I can assure you that all these irregularities that we have seen and that the Nigerians have seen, we have removed them from the register,” he said. The preliminary register was displayed at registration areas between October 9 and 15 for public scrutiny. The exercise attracted concerns over suspicious photographs and other errors in the database. Bayode said the preliminary register had recorded an increase of more than nine million voters over the 93 million registered voters used for the 2023 general election.

Atiku Demands Disclosure, Independent Audit Reacting to the development, Atiku called on INEC to explain how AI-generated photographs and other questionable entries found their way into the register, Continued on page 14

FG ROLLS OUT N50,000 MONTHLY CASH RELIEF FOR VULNERABLE NIGERIANS needs and ease the burden of living costs,” he said. The minister explained that the programme would be reviewed regularly in response to changes in the cost of living, with beneficiaries notified directly before any adjustment.

He said the ministry was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure the secure, prompt and transparent delivery of the funds. According to him, beneficiaries would receive text messages from the providers requesting

their consent before payments were made directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets. Doro stressed that beneficiaries were not required to apply, pay any fee or register through agents to access the intervention. He warned Nigerians against

fraudsters, advising beneficiaries not to disclose their personal identification numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone. “If you are unsure about any message, or anyone asks you for money, call the official NERSI

helpline on 0700-022-2222,” he said. The minister said NERSI complemented existing Federal Government social protection and economic support programmes while supporting household resilience

and economic stability. He added that the intervention aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering the programme with dignity, transparency and accountability.

RISING INVESTOR CONFIDENCE LIFTS STOCK MARKET TO N165TRN, ADDS N65.7TRN IN 10 MONTHS

in the financial sector. Market capitalisation, which opened trading in 2026 at N99.376 trillion, has gained N65.74 trillion, representing a 66.15 per cent increase, to close at N165.114 trillion yesterday. Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index advanced by 98,686.46 basis points, or 63.42 per cent Year-toDate (YtD), from 155,613.03 basis points at the beginning of the year to 254,299.49 basis points. Key market sectoral indicators showed that the NGX Oil/Gas Index led other indices as the best performer, while the NGX Insurance Index emerged as the worst performer in its YtD performance. The NGX Oil/Gas Index gained 127.9 per cent YtD to

close at 6,085.42 basis points as of October 30, 2026, while the NGX Insurance Index declined by 13.6 per cent YtD to close at 1,027.06 basis points. The NGX Industrial Index, NGX Banking Index and NGX Consumer Goods Index advanced by 114.9 per cent, 60.27 per cent and 0.97 per cent YtD, respectively. Checks by THISDAY showed that Airtel Africa Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc contributed an estimated N65.48 trillion, or 39.7 per cent, of the overall N165.114 trillion market capitalisation as of October 30, 2026. The share price of Airtel Africa appreciated by 178 per cent YtD

to N6,300 per share from N2,270 per share at the close of trading in 2025, while Dangote Cement advanced by 133.2 per cent YtD to N1,420 per share from N609 per share at the beginning of 2026. In addition, the share price of MTN Nigeria Communications appreciated by 66.34 per cent YtD to close at N850 per share from N511 per share. In recent months, the Nigerian stock market has witnessed positive momentum as investors reacted to favourable developments at home and abroad. In October 2026, the market gained N2.01 trillion, crossing the N165 trillion mark for the first time amid investors' demand for highly capitalised

stocks quoted on the bourse and impressive nine-month earnings ended September 30, 2026, by listed manufacturing companies, among other factors. Following its return to FTSE Russell in September 2026, the stock market gained N5.37 trillion, or 3.4 per cent Month-on-Month (MoM), to close at N163.104 trillion from N157.739 trillion at the end of August 2026. Nigeria, on September 21, 2026, returned to Frontier Market status after a three-year absence from the global index provider's classification. Developments in the foreign exchange market and T+1 settlement, among others, have contributed to a surge in Nigeria's capital importation amid improved stability.

The market in September 2026 also saw the N2.1 trillion Initial Public Offer (IPO) of Dangote Refinery. Commenting on the stock market's performance in the first 10 months of 2026, the Managing Director of AVA Securities Ltd, Ms. Adejoke Ganiyu, said: “Monetary policy remains a key driver of market performance as investors seek higher-returning assets. The previous cycle, marked by foreign exchange management, high interest rates and elevated inflation, largely favoured banks. “The current environment signals stability: a steadier foreign exchange market, moderating inflation and a cumulative 350 basis point cut in the MPR to 23 per cent. This is already visible

in fixed income, with Nigerian Treasury Bill (NTB) yields down to about 18 per cent. “As money market yields adjust to the lower-rate environment, we expect a sector rotation. Consumer goods and consumer discretionary stocks are posting strong numbers so far, as the cycle now works in their favour. Barring names with an already high base, we expect further gains from this segment.” On the outlook, she added: “Overall, lower NTB yields and the MPR cut should continue to support the equities market over the remaining two months of 2026, as capital rotates from fixed income into equities, particularly consumer goods.”

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NEWS

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

UNVEILING REMODELLED PREMIER HOTEL IBADAN... L-R: Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Prof. Abibat Adubiaro; SSG to Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Secretary to the Government of the COURTESY VISIT... Federation, Senator George Akume; Group Director,TO Odu’a Investment Company Limited/Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. Seni Adio, SAN; Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru and SSG to the STrATeGIC ALLIANCe SANITISe FXInvestors MArKeT… L-R: Director-General of theMrs. Budget Office Salu-Hundeyin, of the Federation, Tanimu CEO, Impact Foundation, Etemore Glover; Chair ofin GSG Nigeria and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Minister of Lagos State Government, Abimbola during theYakubu; inauguration of newly remodelled and redeveloped Premier Hotel Ibadan, OyoPartner State…recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; CEO ofEconomy GSG Impact, Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen, and Market Development Manager at GSG Impact, Ms. Atieno Otonglo, at the courtesy the Federal Ministry RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATION... L-R: Minister of Finance andSenator Coordinating Minister of the ofMs. Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede andvisit thetoGovernor, Central

Bloomberg: Nigeria Draws First Tranche Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic President Tinubu Welcomes New of $5 Billion Swap With UAE Bank over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect Qatar Investment Initiatives from

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

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

AWARD WELL DESERVED...

tranche of aCommunications $5 billion derivatives pressOkonmah; time. Editor, THISDAY On Saturday, drawn attention market closing at N1,380.9/$ atOke, theduring inflows, despite mounting Nume EkegheDirector with agency L-R: Managing and Principal Partner Jasek Limited, Joseph Obinna Chima,from and CEO of Lady Bird Advertising Limited, Bunmi the recognition of THISDAY among with United Arab Emirates' The billion facility, participants because of the official market yesterday, pressure from investors chasing Nigeria’s Top 50 Brands for 2026 by thedeal Brand Nigeria Leadership Forum and Awards, held in$5Lagos…yesterday reports largest ahead captured. approved by the National stupendous limited public disclosure compared with Mr. N1,380.1/$ “In his infertile rambling,assets, Tenebe state Governor, Godwin dollar-denominated as N9 billion for the has been lender, swindledpressing by Obaseki-led Adibe emenyonu in Benin City made wild and completely off-theObaseki across all sectors of the fathom projects which only "Information at the behest of the with a transaction that has been Assembly earlier this year, is surrounding its terms. 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Sunday Ehigiator THISDAY’s important contribution fashion and corporate events. with First Abu Dhabi Dhabi proceeds are should be macroeconomic fundamentals, dollar-denominated fundraising report, marking first billion ItAbu isThe becoming anBank, important nation once development. rehabilitation Bayelsa State, Addressing the journalists, Umahi said the Qatari challenge terrorism and helping Road between the two countries. reform our tax in system. Going more inin Nigeria toare help fight had to be made. They caused some Qatari investors tothe explore economic recovery, restating federal ado secret and fact, we ‘under to provide constructive criticisms to be partofof the transparently approval. them isPresident said to be N9 billion needless and will plunge the state said to be N9 billion." again the comity of nations. InEditor, another development, Umahi who Umahi expressed satisfaction withstill the said, "We havein just inspected theswould work than decades contribution Leadership Forum and Awards held managed THISDAY on Saturday, to national He noted that the group' media PJSC, according to people earmarked for refinancing debt toreaction, minimise fiscal healthy external by Dangote Refinery and but anisof aircraft taking reported under turbulence, government’s commitment to restoring government had demonstrated our neighbours. We are conscious He three directed the Minister of but by experiences ofreserves the past and poverty the humanitarian opportunities in the agricultural borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe expected of adevelopment. viable opposition, But in its the Edo asamong event unfolded, after into financialdrawdown distress. Tenebe, saidlike"It important The respect that Nigeria used toleading have disclosed this yesterday while inspecting ongoing projects across Rivers, Delta ofPetrochemicals, Rockknown Result where we have multiple off, we are now reaching stability. The investors’ confidence and deepening to journalism, media development in Lagos, yesterday, where Obinna Chima, who represented the Newspaper has been maturity and foresight in working of who is our friend and those Budget and Economic Planning, the need to depart from old area. You have done well in have this if he understood he has resorted to spreading State Government stated that sector and assured that Nigeria the mammoth request by the He stressed that at THISDAY, portfolio expanded in 2013 familiar with the transaction, and supporting infrastructure and debt risks. on a steadily upward trajectory prompting ato aTHISDAY facility that has attracted But in a swift reaction, the to state, that it is now in public is now gradually returning. Investors the ongoing construction of federal and Bayelsa. concrete culvertsaofover the East West World Bank has noted our returnthe to opposition democratic values. the economics governance, fiscal misinformation in amore desperate Edo APC “obviously in the and House as to the for globaland peace deserves helping us towas ameliorate the Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; ways, our reforms have been developing knowledge-based remains open to structure strategic andpolitical the country's corporate and Nigerian multinational brands Managing Director of THISDAY, Mr. named Nigeria’s Topit50 and Edo Stateamong Government said space that journalism was than include ARISE News, a 24-hour who asked not to be identified financing. Meanwhile, the naira has at $51.2 billion and sustained rotation of capital from naira scrutiny over its have more confidence country,” roads in by Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta He said that the tough Bodo-Bonny Road Road failure in between Rivers and growth levels not seenState in over a the This wasfor as his2026 counterpart, responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. curry cheap popularity. theatachievements of attempt rationale for for ain our facility as pained commendation. problems." Minister of of Information and hard. Itomade decisions economy Qatar, but what partnerships. was perplexed to learn ofMinister what budget Edo was public life. were celebrated their market Eniola Bello, theclaims event, thanked Brands byhasthe Brand fiscal the reporting of byevents, but a Bayelsa. international news channel with because they aren't authorised This transaction has, however, remained relatively resilient, foreign portfolio investment assets into dollars. and transparency. he said. states, dismissed the trending construction handled Julius Berger decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa. Works, David Umahi, disclosed itoftermed “laughable and incredibly passed few weeks ago before the According to him, "I am proud President Tinubu also noted National Orientation, Mohammed so that we could grow. 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Tenebe where he made baseless of the budget by theofexecutive. contribute to building a better broadcasts through major platforms, reported drawdown from a Total Return Swap (TRS) to ensure the timely execution of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin and economicthat renewal. reaffirmed this yesterday in Itconsolidation andIdris spurious allegations on the isthese mostagreements. disheartening the Heavy severe shortages of society, pledging that themachinery THISDAY reported including Sky and DStv, extending of Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Rescue workers from around the trapped under rubble before the buildings. transaction with Dhabi Idris explained that funds recovered an interview withFirst Forbes Africa to Edo fiscal management ofAbu our dear State Government now is world yesterday intensified efforts critical 72-hour "golden window" arrived in some of the hardest-hit essential supplies, saying years of was told that he would not board the would clear the air on what really every passenger has a right, your Chinedu Eze He said, "To all the members of Qatar's Minister of State for Media Group would continue to the group's reach beyond Nigeria Finance were unsuccessful. Bankby PJSC, people familiar requesting from the fuelfor subsidy removal were mark the Democracy Day celebration state the citing Governor Godwin a facility of N17.5 to locate survivors trapped beneath for finding survivors begins to close, areas nearly two days after the underfunding had left the country' flight because boarding had closed. happened, since the Senator and the right is limited to what is within the the delegation, Idirectly want tointo asent big Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al-Khulaifi, be innovative. to audiences across Africa and thes being reinvested critical Obaseki-led government.” and unbroken 26 years ofrequested democratic billion with corollary ofsay project Calls andno text messages with the deal who lid Operators Minerals formalisation of artisanal miners also want tobegin be available part of the move d'Affairs, US Embassy, InBBC another development, the airline have made their own ICAO (International Civil Aviation Airline ofDevelopment, Nigeria (AON) Charge collapsed buildings in Venezuela the reported. disaster to clearing massive healthcare system ill-prepared for a thank you for coming to Nigeria. conveyed Amir's strong interest in Addressing a press conference attached there to the said facility infrastructure projects including two rule in Nigeria. In that hisglobal welcome remarks, the Organisation) global diaspora. to the Minister of Finance and anonymity because they were Dr. Dele Alake, has described into cooperatives amongst others. to reduce emissions and put David Greene, in his office on Minister of Aviation and Aerospace videos covered the incident. regulation and the said that by disrupting the operations We are grateful to God for what expanding bilateral yesterday, Tenebe had cooperation, said state and also highway that thecorridors facility that is not after two powerful earthquakes The worst-hit areas include the piles of debris. disaster of such magnitude. expansive will He defended President Bolathe Tinubu’s Chief Executive Officer of Brand He further noted that the United Nigeria’s "Theindustry. miningThere sector mining sector on the global aviation Coordinating of the Alake lauded the United notalready authorised to speak publicly. Development, Festus Keyamo, has our Okonkwo stated the operators’ is noprovides amount of Air Peace States when itasdenied him Thursday, was suffering a debt contained as loanMinister to be in the we have experienced astaken partners announcing that aunder high-level killed more than 900 people and capital, Caracas, the coastal state Among those anxiously awaiting The tragedy has also reignited longstanding ally and strategic of candidates has strengthened the a veritable avenue for increased map. We have critical minerals States’ commitment to fostering Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano Nigeria Leadership Forum and combined audience of THISDAY with all the necessary electoral and Gwarzo's name had reinforced its boarding for the Lagos-Abuja flight, ordered that a probe should be viewpoint on the incident and said of any disappointment, if at all, from Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, According to Bloomberg, profile of N135 billion and $35.6 2024 fiscal budget recently in progress. I am also just glad that the partner Qatari business delegation will the left thousands injured in State one ofand the cooperation of La Guaira and neighbouring rescue isCentre Natacha Diaz, criticism of News Venezuela's fragile forinthe nation’s mining trade between Nigeria andinvolved the United that are in commercial demand with Nigeria in diverse conducted on incident. passengers have their but any that gives you any rightin former governor of Edo party’s popularity and Awards, Taiwo Olugboyede, andairline ARISE was estimated billion. nomination requirements. confidence inthe the electoral process. that AQatar cursory perusal ofasthe are under scrutiny and processing," Penta Mefforts &Amp; 2, rights Tambuwal one of them was also Kuni Tyessi Abuja were responded toattracted of sector "Nigeria has accessed first passed. Amir ofnot greatly remembers visit Nigeria in the the coming development. States, especially in the area of value globally,"Alake said. sectors of the economy, stating that country' s deadliest natural disasters communities, where hundreds of whose two daughters are believed emergency response system, with Spokesman of AON and the airline operations are guided by for self-help. We have been talking currently Senator representing Edo He said, "While it is a monumenbudget does not reveal where more supporters ahead of the 2027 Speaking The Kano Stateopportunities Governorship entire described THISDAY Media Group by the company at approximately said. LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State. impersonation. Shuaibu saidwhile the partyreceiving was never itOloyede “We were never frightened or the issues discussed during my weeks to explore addition, which implies processing The minister partner- about underscores significance of the Chairman ofthe Unitedshowed Nigeria regulations and itawelcomed isshopping the responsibility unruly behaviour. So,to what North District, Adams Oshiohole, tal disaster that Edo State patrimony the project for the facility is ever in more than a century. buildings were reduced to piles of trapped inside complex residents urging authorities allow “The 2025 UTME the Oloyede added that 80 suspects The registrar also said that due to The Joint Admissions and governorship election. candidate of the Nigeria as one of Nigeria's best-known 100 million readers and viewers in agriculture, food security, and visit last year. intimidated by the initial omission, smooth discouraged by the development and of setting up ship with the US on investments in of extracted bilateral relations between Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in a pressof of airlines and passengers toby abide saw wasminerals avolunteers typical case unruly violated aviation regulation. According to (JAMB) Venezuelan concrete and twisted steel. where they worked. Holding their more civilian to participate prevalence of some particular types were being interrogated the you substandard performance, four centres Board has both commend Ibrahim the brotherly Hisme spokesperson, Garba Matriculation other critical sectors. Democratic Congress (NDC), "Let media organisations, highlighting in Nigeria and another 50 million factories here. We would also require the mining value chain, expanding countries. insisting that it remained confident because we knew that we had in Lagos yesterday called by those regulations. behaviour. It is not acceptable. Air Senator Oshiomhole who had conference infractions, suggests systemic police fortechnology their involvement in the had been delisted and blacklisted for announced of on authorities, at Abuja leastthe 920release people ofwhich grief unfolded acrossI access photograph, the distraught mother in rescue operations as thousands financing from multilateral institutions to extracting “IScenes you for your visit. relations between Qatarreacting and officially President Tinubu emphasised Shuaibu, stated this while Aminu Abdussalam its“AON publishing heritage, multimedia across diaspora. throughout the controversy because followed all the laid-down thethank Federal Airports Authority had had theinfull brief of Peace is athe respected airline. No matter Lagosflight on Air Fidelis David in AkureGwarzo, has Hope” and improving the lives of 6:30a.m. vulnerabilities or gaps in registration examination malpractices and most technical deficiencies. He listed the the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation for our local operators. We are providand processing minerals and met the US Assistant Secretary of have been confirmed dead, while affected communities as desperate said they were "all I have." remain displaced. Nigeria (FAAN) to bring out the Air Peace onand thisinternational incident. And as whatThe youassessment think about it, they carry lastfollowed Wednesdayallwas denied ofprocedures. topeople thetherestoration of Gwarzo’s Peace saidOlaitan the controversy surrounding among operations reach. also highlighted it“We had stipulated Our membership the of Ondo State. Kemi in Ibadan youthful population. boarding are3,300 establishing, this State ing incentives for investments like mining areas. forvideo Energy Resources, Geoffrey and examination administration or/ asecuring ofmatter them would beas prosecuted. centres as: Adventure Associate, Behind Examination (UTME) results. CCTV ofparty the incident, saying of fact, much as we 40 to 50 percent of all the domestic when he arrived atsustained 6:05a.m., more than others families waited near collapsed Another resident, Andreina Meanwhile, international bywethe INEC, the year, the initial omission of hisState, name name In the organisation's assessment the group's contribution to the “Today, takegovernment yetdescribing another bold The Governor of Ondo procedures, from membership registration, primary and tax waivers for mining equipment, Throwing light on reforms Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines He said is 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade and monitoring. “The Board has identified the Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Following poor performance the numerous challenges Olawale Ajimotokan in that it is the video from FAAN that appreciate and understand that passengers in Nigeria. 25 minutes to departure time and injuries after the twin earthquakes, structures, hoping for news of Valerio, appealed for help to rescue assistance has begun pouring into step in our ongoing commitment to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his worried development as a vindication of the fromDirector the Independent National of THISDAY, Olugboyede said the creative and events industries policy of full repatriation of profits embarked upon by the federal govThe General, and Money conference in London registration to the party's primary submission of our candidate's that about 72 per cent inofPrimary School. each “The new trends observed were presence of extraneous fingers in Rimi College of Education, Zaria. candidates in the1,000 2025inUTME, confronting theitof country, Abuja the youthful welfare our people, state, administration will continue measuring magnitudes 7.2 and missing loved Many her one-and-a-half-year-old son, the Rescue teams from home countries amongst others," the minister highlighted past year, andones. weand hadExamination asurvivors fruitful Orientation Agency (NOA),to party’s position that had complied Electoral Commission (INEC) list ofimproving media group was built around through thetolong-running THISDAY the nation’s population including FCT, Abuja. These election and submission of the details were conducted in line ernment, in the Registration the registration details of some of to Oncountry. how check the UTME results, telecommunications and digital ensuring social inclusion and fulfilling prioritiseLanre socialIssa-Onilu, inclusion has and urging them to intensify 7.5, struck barely a minute apart engagement. emphasised. revised Community Development I didwere analyse our have also been forced toallin sleep Santiago, who remains trappedin Alake Switzerland and Mexico have Mallam have become foreigners through Citizens’ Brigade are going to be THISDAY Newspaper, founded Awards and ARISE Fashion Week, processes and they mainly the these candidates. This raises concerns Oloyede said: "To check the 2025 solutions company, Globacom, said candidate's particulars. with the relevant requirements. the promisefor of Renewed Hope for economic empowerment In his remarks, the US Ambas(CDA) guidelines issues, andcategories: fundamentally, we just Agreement prayers President Bola The federal announced plansgovernment toof vulnerable launch the on Wednesday night. The second outdoors after their homes were alongside other family members joined local emergency responders, influence of cartoons and like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild following Identity Fraud, regarding potential strategies for UTME results, candidates should send its Examination Preparatory Service 1995 by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, which has become a prominent According to him, the party “We were confident that the Tinubu for the support given to the all,” he declared. Kuni Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships sador commended the renewed geared towards reducing friction in want to diversify our economy Tinubu andand histhe administration. has asserted its unwavering awith 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in movies which are foreign in of theEnumah olden and Biometric Fraud of Combined impersonation. by text message “UTMERESULT” as was specifically designed to help quake is believed tothat be thethere strongest destroyed or declared unsafe. beneath the rubble. while the United States military is A statement posted on the anti-graft's prosecution to proceed with the trial described the May 27, 2025 bail application Alex indays. Abuja and had evolved over three decades platform for African fashion According to Aiyedatiwa, a total the federal government. interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, commission Humanitarian host communities; on-going plans had maintained was truth would prevail, and the from oil. Not just for our own primary schools across countryto . contents, He255 also expressed optimism resolve togovernment securing freedom values and across cultures. “Across theprocedural world, Nigerians Thumbprint ofofCandidate,” he lDoctors ofa3,656 candidates fallmedia withinzone this one to 55019 or 66019has using the in Computer-Based social handle X,our noted that thesaid. duo prayed for hearing of theword defendants as incompetent, given of 16, beneficiaries all 18 students to hitlegal theexcel South American nation Inmedia La Guaira, residents described inaccelerated thearchitecture disaster participating inthe humanitarian rescue that sector huge Also, Aiyedatiwa hasthe forwarded for new security to ofstressing economic survival but also to and Affairs Ministry. The federal yesterday into multi-platform and designers and creative talents, no or basis for restoration candidate's He made theHouse disclosure whilea Local Other infractions, he trends said, were category. Consequently, the aresults of that same number they had used Issa-Onilu saidAreas as a in way out are known toand beFinancial the smartest examinations. were arraigned onglobal a six-count case. natural thephone defendants neither underto that ongoing security The Economic Crimes be for Nigerians held captive potentials tointernational rivalwere the contribution the state secure efforts in tune with for the the Ondo State of Assembly HeGovernment revealed that Nigeria said there arejournalists ongoing discussion since 1900. its widespread devastation ascharge, rescue warned that resources; hospitals were operations despite longstanding events business with strong attracting attention excluding candidate, adding name has further strengthened speaking with in Ibadan bordering on toWe the defence J.J. arrest, inthe detention, nor have appeared impersonators at laundering the point of to theResponding, candidatesthe have beencounsel, withheld.” register the registration process. thereceive malaise, NOA would on earth. is abriefing positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at workers aThis press in reduction of oilnortoduring nation's economy. generate big geo-data; the inmoney global warming. will N75,and 000plans each, disbursed list of 12 nominees for the position of of operations coordinated byhow bandits. has concluded to soon host people on 15,000 Nigerians stranded Emergency are racing teams, police officers and military struggling to cope with the influx tensions between Washington presence across print, television, to Nigeria's fashion industry. that the eventual restoration of tune ourofresolve,” heactive said.involvement Usman, during a working visit to Oyo $12 with million. SAN, on on underage his part reminded the before court,will being the grounds the Managing Director/Chief Executive registration the Speaking candidates, Resultthe printing be available later." aleaders Mobile App but some people Abuja yesterday, Registrar of JAMB, in monthly installments of 000 development commissioners the State Executive Following the Abuja High Court travesty of justice. Itcontaining is N25, a political interventions would yield global to discuss issues Secretary toinNiger, the Government in Cameroon, Chad and launch against time to rescue those feared personnel searched damaged of casualties. personnel andMeanwhile, Caracas. State. The defendants according to the court of subsistingMedical bail following applications of provided by thereacting Administration of Officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, Halima for three months, directly through Council for confirmation. of few CBT centres, double registration, he explained that the to the poor indigenous cartoons through mischievously tend to portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the of migration andinhow itrobes, affects other parts ofthat the world would judgement nullified Hope robbery clothed legal the Buba and the bank's Executive Director/ EFCC's statement, however, pleaded the defendants, dated May 27, 2025 and Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) that should positive results in the fight ofHe the Federation, Senator saidgovernor 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade their debit cards. The made this which and attempted substitution of self by Ministry of Education’s decision performance of students in the 2025 Board withheld the results ofthis 39,834 local contents, national us in negative light. But is countries under the membership be returned to Nigeria safety. Uzodimma’s candidacy, the All values latest instalment a satanic scheme against kidnapping andinjected other George Akume, gave the guilty” to all the charges when they prayed that the acourt should uphold a bail application but rather Chief Compliance Officer, He said theculture totalofamount commitment during the official would be Commissioner, set up in each of the candidates. to enforce minimum age theof precipitate UTME, the company explained that candidates outare of the over 1.9Innocent million “not and would be who we as a people. of the Dialogue on not Federal National Progressives Congress (APC) promoted. hatched byactivities. Abuja politicians readOloyede to themadded following which the lead applications and admit thegranted defendants applied for bail from the comfort of their Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite criminal assurance yesterday when into theEuro-African scheme is N1, 219,125,against 000, flag-off ceremony ofFederal the second phase 36 states and the Capital that 244 candidates 16, an exception was for the Glo Examination Preparatory applicants that sat for the exam. “To change the negative narMigration and Development. Commission for Refugees, Migrants Rotimi Oyedepo, to“exceptionally bail. officesstudents when noronaction has of the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for direct economic support of thehosted Conditional Cashgovernment Transfer in to thepromote 12 local the South-east, " they declared Tand erritory (FCT) national "Our mission heChairmen members of providing were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp gifted” underage homes Serviceortrains practical According thesetting JAMB of prosecution According to him, "These vari- ratives, we to are upout the Popularly known asontheearth, Rabat Internally Displaced Persons SAN, announced thetoreadiness of the The prosecution counsel in his response, been taken againstinthem. alleged fraud. to thousands ofonhouseholds. disbursement toWest beneficiaries in Ondo values as of old, stating that the areas in Imo Senatorial District Addressing a world press runs,” subscribing rogue groups students. ways to excel Computer-Based the figure 96 candidates' results were our goal earth is to ous policies are geared towards Citizens’ Brigade to produce the Federation of Muslim Process, the meeting would be (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, The governor recalled thatthe in young State, held atthe theBrigade Akure South Local essence ofthis was toin changing that bordering on terrorism murder. enumah in Abuja promising leaked questions. The registrar said thatand of the 41,027 Fagbemi, examinationsSAN, such assubmitted Joint Admissions withheldNigerians over exam malpractices, yesterday reaffirmed their support conference ina preserve, Owerri, the APC the and and createa Alex promote, tonarratives and Women's Associations the first thematic dialogue under disclosed at a media briefing November 2024, total of 8,637 debit Government Secretariat yesterday. the charge having been filed by Although, they pleaded not revive and rebuild the national He said their results had also been underage candidates who registered, and Matriculation Board (JAMB), decrease from 123 in the previous year. wrong impression that the outside positive models to rebuild the for the governor, insisting that their chairmen were quoted in a to prolong life. toIt's not to Nigeria’s chairmanship, which Nigeria (FOMWAN), led cards in Abuja. were distributed beneficiaries, At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Fed- guilty the Inspector General of Police, was to all the charges, the judge values and create positive models and misleading. responded promptly after State Police Command has Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti withheld to set a stern example. only 467 met the high-performance Junior and Senior West African Oloyede said the Board remained world is having about the country . national values." conveyed government' s approval stakeholder participation in health the federal government’s Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja position on his candidacy remained statement to have disclosed that is being co-chaired by Nigeria Ahmed revealed that no amounting to N647,775,000, making launched the distribution of the by its National Amirah, Dr. shorten it. The government resolute in its commitment to eralInHigh Court inhe Abuja, yesterday, incompetent and asked the court to however, ordered that they some cases, said,Oversight the entire and criteria, with one disqualified duebe to commitment Examination Council examinations The clarified receiving adefendant. distress report been drawn tostrengthening atestimonies, message High Court which had dismissed onegovernance. other unreliable witness at the 5th Command Ministerial sector to1,3,4,5,6, and the Kingdom ofa Spain, fewer thanHope six million people current phase significant Renewed Debit Hamza. Cards to the unchanged. people who were inand the Wale Igbintade dismissed the application bycentres two remanded strike out counts and 7 of isasdoing everything to secure at malpractice. the Kuje Correctional and Sumaye Fadimatu syndicates colluded with CBT examination as well as IELTS. eliminating any form of examination his no-case and quashed At lower court, Justice Raliatu those of PW9, PW10, and that thesubmission, incident was not a Center, from the scene and rescued circulating on social media The federal Ekiti Stategovernment Police Command theof social safety thousands of beneficiaries aseffort part isthe focusing on youth, education were displaced in Nigeria, while Committee (MOC) held in Abuja Astheof efforts to reinforce health sector governance, The has Rivers State indigenes challenging the charge or strike strike out the pending hearing of including They also rejected court expansion field on ofMay 18th, 2026 net. when release all who are The He vowed that nothe tokidnapping register usingcharge multiple fingerprints. Hepolitician. said that the the Board remained The 2025 UTME results released malpractice, adding thatcirculating 1,957,000 the 12-count filed against Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC PW11, as well as Exhibits P59–P61. Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, the “We understand the economic ofruling, the federal but an altercation the alleging that Mr. Omoyele innovation. has dismissed reports thousands ofgovernment’s refugees areNational livingto and jurisdiction of the court to try entire suit for been incompetent. their bail application fixed for yesterday, said that the committee state financing compliance, deepening accountability across approved N32,880,443,906.25 which ordered INEC the APC primaries for Imo West captured," he said. will be spared to facilitate the that regard, has approved your indicated that Governor Seyi Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan According to him, as a result of committed to providing the necessary by JAMB on May 5 had elicited candidates were verified to sit for him by the Economic and Financial had established a prima facie case The Court of Appeal agreed, has discharged and acquitted a that many of holds our people Social Investment Programme (NSIP), challenges them over alleged complicity in the Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. February 2, as well directed assustained the motion The meeting, which May under elsewhere across the world. involving Sowore and some He said Sowore Sowore was kidnapped by on social media alleging the has so farthe disbursed aHouse total of the Committee thea holding implementing institutions, the second quarter, 2026 publish thein name of Senator Senatorial zone was held, as the Onido ofthat Ido in burning Makinde approved the suspension this, 3,656 with “extraneous support for persons with disabilities widespread concerns asurged morenot than Crimes Commission (EFCC). some of the counts and ordered that the appellant was a He lauded FOMWAN for the exam while 71,705 were absent. former Director General of the safe return ofcollaboration captives, and this programme isOkorocha a clear implemented with face ofcandidates Rivers State ofin on Simon Lough, SAN, the of the 1st and 2nd defendants 13th toof 14th, 2025, is2024. expected to suspension “We haveState 15,000 Nigerianswhile who individuals at a restaurant minor injury during the incident armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti. African Action Congress (AAC) The Oyo Government, yesthe area of authority of Ido Local on 1st February, N290 under thetheir initiative. MOC to issue formal improving coordination among BHCPF disbursement memo Assembly Rochas Okorocha in thecountry place of demonstration scored only 1,098 votes aswould against Nigerian The billion EFCC accused andtertiary his co-defendant the VIMSAS Maritime fingerprints” have had results Akpobolokemi aspiringSecretariat to pursue education. 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates According to him,Administration 2,157 candidates thatcontributions the government the Ondo State Government through complex in Port Harcourt, court toofdismiss the Committee; application challenging the jurisdiction of member its steadfast reaffirming the government's feature discussions that want to return to the terday, suspended Obathe Gbolagade Area ofrejections Oyo State." Thewith letter read ingovernor part, "I wish to Government the Dalimore area Ado-Ekiti. and istheir currently The wishes candidate, Omoyele Akpobolokemi of conspiracy, open defence. notCommand a signatory to any of theto and Safetyfingerprint Agency (NIMASA), The meeting alsoofCBT approved communication all2025 36receiving states to and stakeholders, andreleased accelerating you,” the added. withheld, and some centres to He said that fortothe UTME, whose results scored topresidential sustain implementation of Rivers the National Social Investment experienced due State. Uzodimma, saying governor's votes scored by Uzodimma for lacking in were merit. the court to entertain the suit to230,000 national development, commitment to we strengthening guide policy direction, shape voluntarily, and also have stands Muritala Babalola, as the Onido Itsuspected directed Oba Babalola hand inform you that His Excellency, the Patrick stealing, and forgery inPolice connection Akpobolokemi, through his Committee’s accounts. According to the Public medical attention at the Police categorically clarify that Mr. Akpobolokemi, of to alleged Sowore, was kidnapped by He further disclosed that efforts Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Programme Agency (NSIPA). According to Lough, besides against them. implicated will face sanctions. a total of 501 candidates were below 200. A breakdown of the results to registration infractions, modalities to commence inclusion reiterate responsibilities relating to implementation of ongoing healthcare services nationwide. mandate remains sacrosanct. who was declared the winner in efforts among not lessinthan 100,000 foreigners cooperative describing the association as of Ido Ido Local Government national security. all million government properties in Prince Executive Governor of Oyo State of over with alleged illegal transfers from the lawyers Collins Ogbonna and Kunle The court further held that he N754.8 fraud. Lukman Oladele, were are ongoing to expand the state’s Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Ezebalike and Oladele had Addressing the gathering, the Relations Officer, SP Sunday Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. Sowore was not kidnapped," armed thugs in Ado-Ekiti, He identified the centres as successfully examined by JAMB released by JAMB on Monday showed a figure, he said, was far above of private sector actors withinwith the Gbolahan, counterpart funding obligations health sector reforms under the The Coordinating Minister "We reject this underscored judgement in its countries presence of in INEC who In origin, transit and living in the this country as refugees. Area of state. possession todecision the Chairman Nigeria, inof exercise ofpromoting thestaff powers athe vital partner The SGF account of the VIMSAS Committee. appealed the ruling, neither signed norsaid. approved any a unanimous delivered among five persons charged Acts that empower them to bring argued that by the provisions register to accommodate more his governor expressed joya and adated deep social Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) acceptable margins and currently Abutu, police operatives "The attention of the Ekiti the statement describing the claim as false The government, in letter localthe government. Incourt the terrorism conferred onthe him by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive All these are theof Ministerial Oversight Committee and fund commitments. national agenda towarddefendants, achieving entirety because itresponsibilities isfaith-based annoting undisguised monitored exercise. of Ido Health and Social Welfare, He wasand originally arraigned with arguing thenationwide. EFCC to withdrawal instructions internal yesterday, appellate murder. The others the charge against of theequity Terrorism Act, it isfailed only the peace, advocacy, unity and the vital role households, that of sense ofFebruary, responsibility, that vulnerable International School, Maitama, across 11that centres scored between 160the andor199, while under investigation. 2nd of 2024 and signed meantime, the stateAli government 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger of the commission, tostep give them no framework to strengthen broader In his remarks, Pate reaffirmed Universal Health Coverage. Prof. Muhammad Pate who several others, but the charges were link him to any wrongdoing and memos related to the alleged are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga allowed Akpobolokemi’s appeal, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Attorney General of the Federation vulnerable household should be the initiative is a bold towards social progress. organisations in addressing According to Oloyede, the results 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) "A total of 39, 834 results remain Abuja, Wudil Computer Information by the Commissioner for Local

Umahi says FG investing trillions in construction of roads across Nigeria Affirms Nigeria's readinessAmong for strategicNigeria’s partnershipTop 50 Brands THISDAY Named Recognised for over three decades of journalism, national influence, multimedia presence

Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, US Death Toll in Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 920 Gwarzo: INEC Controversy Boosted NDC’s Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership Popularity, Attracted More Followers in Kano Places 1,426 results under scrutiny

Calm returns to state Globacom: how our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo, Akume Assures Nigerians Nominates NOA DG: FGCommissioners to Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

in Captivity of Freedom

FG to Repatriate 15,000 Nigerians Stranded Abroad Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO, Executive Uzodimma Remains Our Candidate, Say Imo West APC Chairmen

Burning ofRiversAssembly Complex:Court Dismisses Ekiti Police Debunk Sowore's Alleged Pate: FG Application Has Disbursed N32.88bn Challenging Competence of Charge Kidnap, Launch Probe into Altercation Basic Healthcare Fund for Q2 2026

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

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

ZAMFARA CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY...

Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede (left) and Governor, Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, at the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State, held in Gusau…yesterday

Dangote Refinery Exports Surpass Domestic Fuel Supply at 54.63 Million Litres Daily Exports rise 37.3% to 54.63m litres daily as domestic receipts fall 22.08% Petrol production exceeds national consumption

Peter Uzoho

Exports of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery rose to 54.63 million litres per day in September 2026, exceeding the combined domestic receipts of the three products, which stood at 39.98 million litres per day. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (NMDPRA) September 2026 Fact Sheet showed that the refinery’s combined exports increased by 14.85 million litres per day from 39.78 million litres per day in August 2026, representing a month-on-month increase of 37.33 per cent. In contrast, the refinery’s combined domestic receipts declined by 22.08 per cent to 39.98 million litres per day from

51.31 million litres per day in August. This means exports exceeded domestic receipts by about 14.65 million litres per day in September, reversing the position in August, when domestic receipts were 11.53 million litres per day higher than exports. In the fact sheet, the refinery’s output was split into three uses: domestic receipts, which are volumes received into the Nigerian market; exports; and changes in refinery stock. Domestic receipts and exports together make up the refinery’s evacuation. The shift occurred even as the refinery increased output. Combined production of diesel and aviation fuel rose by 15.68 per cent to 97.67 million litres per day in September from 84.43 million litres per day in August.

Defence Minister Urges African Leaders to Become Influential Actors in Shaping Global Security Decisions

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has urged African leaders to transition from being a theatre of external geopolitical competition to becoming self-reliant and influential actors in shaping global security decisions. According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa also called for a decisive shift in Africa's approach to global security. Delivering Nigeria’s resolve in a strategic engagement with visiting African Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Staff at the just-concluded African Defence Exhibition and Conference (AFRIDEX 2026) in Lagos, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to continental

solidarity, collective security, and the rapid development of indigenous defence capabilities. Emphasising the need for a unified continental posture, General Musa stated that growing global geopolitical competition and external interference make it imperative for Africa to champion a common position rooted in national sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Defence partnerships, the minister noted, must henceforth align strictly with Africandefined priorities rather than perpetuate strategic dependence or undermine state sovereignty. The minister highlighted the centrality of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (AU-PSA) and called for stronger African representation in global security decision-making, alongside greater coherence across continental, regional, and national defence frameworks.

Average capacity utilisation edged up to 105.98 per cent of the refinery’s 650,000 barrels-per-day installed capacity, from 105.21 per cent in August. Exports accounted for about 57.74 per cent of the refinery’s combined evacuation of the three products, compared with about 43.67 per cent in August. The 105.98 per cent utilisation rate was partly supported by

crude inventory. According to NMDPRA, the September utilisation rate implies a crude run of about 689,000 barrels per day, against 618,000 barrels per day of crude received. The regulator said the 71,000 barrels-per-day difference was drawn from refinery inventory. A breakdown of the data showed how the shift played

out across each product. Petrol production rose by 12.59 per cent to 47.22 million litres per day from 41.94 million litres per day. Exports increased by 58.99 per cent to 15.47 million litres per day from 9.73 million litres per day, while domestic receipts declined by 20.55 per cent to 28.50 million litres per day from 35.87 million litres per day.

Diesel production increased by 35.04 per cent to 24.32 million litres per day from 18.01 million litres per day. Exports rose by 81.83 per cent to 15.91 million litres per day from 8.75 million litres per day, while domestic receipts declined by 34.20 per cent to 8.14 million litres per day from 12.37 million litres per day, making exports 1.95 times domestic receipts.

Utomi: Obi Will Strengthen Naira to N500/$1 If Elected President Faridah Abdulkadiri

Political economist and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will strengthen the naira to N500 per dollar if elected president in 2027.

Utomi said the proposed exchange rate target forms part of Obi’s economic agenda for the 2027 presidential campaign. In a post on X, the political economist said strengthening the naira from N1,350 to N500 per dollar would help curb inflation, reduce poverty and improve the purchasing power

of Nigerians. He said the proposed exchange rate adjustment would be complemented by investments in security, electricity and road infrastructure, alongside structural reforms to improve market competitiveness. Utomi projected that the

measures could significantly reduce the prices of essential commodities, easing the financial burden on households. According to his projections, a loaf of sliced bread currently selling for N1,750 could drop to N800, while a 50kg bag of imported rice could decline from N55,000 to N27,500.

Tinubu Seeks Confirmation of Six Executive Directors for NMDPRA Okays appointment of Jumoke Gafar as board secretary/legal adviser

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has nominated six executive directors for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued yesterday, disclosed that

the President has forwarded a letter to the Senate for the confirmation of the six executive director-nominees. Three nominees are being reappointed, while three are new and once the Senate approves them, all nominees will serve a five-year term. The renominated executive

directors are Mr. Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Mr. Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community. The new executive directors

are: Mr. Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; Ms Ogechukwu Modie, Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning; and Mr. Said Abutalib, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.

Nigeria Becomes 34th AU Member State to Ratify African Medicine Treaty, NAFDAC DG Reveals Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria has deposited its instrument of ratification of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty as the 34th Member State of the African Union, in what has been described as a historic

milestone for medicines regulation and public health in Africa. The development was announced at the ongoing inaugural African Medicines Agency Week taking place in Kigali, Rwanda by Commissioner of Health, Humanitarian Affairs

and Social Development of African Union, Amb. A. TwumAmoah. The AMA Week conference chaired by Director General, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Governing Board, representative of Conference of State Parties

and AU Special Envoy, is being attended by medicines regulatory agencies across continent, Regional Economic Communities representatives, and dignitaries within global health ecosystem including WHO and European Union.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Coordinator, PBAT Door-Door Movement; Sunday Asuku; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; MD Tantita security and Director of Mobilization and Strategy, PBAT, Chief Keston Pondi, and Alhaji Yakubu Muri Ajaka, during the visit of the PBAT Door- Door Movement to the Ogun State Governor…yesterday

WHO: Estimated 24.6 Million Adults Living With Diabetes in Africa

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

An estimated 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 years are living with diabetes in the African Region in 2024, a figure projected to reach 59.5 million by 2050, World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this in a message to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2026 themed ‘Early Action on Diabetes’. Janabi said diabetes is increasingly affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions across Africa, yet many remain unaware they have the condition until serious complications develop. According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly three out of four adults living with diabetes in Africa remain undiagnosed, the highest proportion globally, putting many at risk of kidney failure, blindness,

cardiovascular disease and lowerlimb amputations. "Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent complications, reduce suffering and save lives," Janabi said. He called on individuals, communities, governments, health workers and partners across WHO African Region to strengthen awareness, promote early diagnosis and ensure access to quality, affordable diabetes care. He urged the public to know symptoms and act early, listing increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness and blurred vision as warning signs, and advised people to seek testing and medical advice promptly. "I encourage communities to raise awareness, share accurate information and challenge stigma and discrimination. To people living with diabetes, your experiences matter," he said.

He also urged healthcare workers to recognise symptoms early, provide timely testing and deliver compassionate, personcentred care, noting every patient encounter is an opportunity to promote prevention and prevent

complications. Janabi said there is reason for hope, noting WHO and partners are supporting countries through WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Diseases (WHO PEN), technical packages

HEARTS and HEARTS-D for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes management, and regional strategy PEN-Plus to address severe NCDs at first-level referral facilities. He commended Rwanda for

achieving nationwide district-level coverage of PEN-Plus, alongside other countries advancing implementation, but said significant gaps remain in access to trained health workers, diagnostics, essential medicines and continuous care.

OPay Raises $304m in US IPO, Rings NYSE Opening Bell Fintech valued at $4bn after selling 16m shares at $19 apiece

Nume Ekeghe

SoftBank-backed Nigerian fintech company, OPay, has raised $304 million through its initial public offering (IPO) in the United States, marking a major milestone in its growth ambitions and its push to deepen its presence in the global digital financial services market. The company marked the occasion yesterday by ringing

the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with its Co-Chief Executive Officer, Lars Rahbaek Boilesen, and Shamsuddeen Usman representing fintech at the ceremony. Reuters reports that the listing, which values OPay at approximately $4 billion, comes as the company seeks to leverage growing demand for digital financial services across emerging markets, particularly economies

where gaps in traditional banking infrastructure continue to create opportunities for fintech operators. According to a Reuters report, OPay sold 16 million American depositary shares at $19 each, raising $304 million in the offering. The offer price was at the lower end of its targeted range of $19 to $21 per share. It states, “The Nigeria-focused firm sold 16 million American depositary shares at $19 apiece

in the IPO, compared with its targeted range of $19 to $21, giving it a valuation of about $4 billion. “This comes at a time when stubborn inflation and a selloff in AI-related stocks have weighed on investor sentiment, prompting several companies to delay their listing plans as market volatility and concerns over valuations make it harder for issuers to attract demand and secure favourable pricing.”

Atiku's Son Abandons Father, Declares Support for Tinubu's Re-election NCC Licenses Kano Phone Dealers 2027: Speaking at a press conference that his political decision might opinions, just as I expect my own Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the licensing of device dealers in Kano State as part of its implementation of the Device Checker platform, while assuring Nigerians that the initiative is not a surveillance tool. The team leader support services of the commission, Engr. Ibrahim Ma'azu, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kano yesterday. Ma'azu said the Device Checker platform was designed to strengthen type approval compliance, protect consumers and enhance the integrity of communication devices used on Nigerian networks. He explained that as Nigeria's digital economy expands, there

is a need to ensure that devices connected to networks comply with technical and regulatory standards. According to him, the platform supports verification of the type approval status of SIM-enabled devices and will help address circulation of noncompliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices in the market. "The commission has made significant progress. Recently, we streamlined the licensing and regularisation process, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences," he said. He added that the commission has also carried out stakeholder sensitisation in Lagos and other parts of the country to raise awareness among importers and industry players on type approval requirements.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubbakar has abandoned his father’s presidential ambition after he declared support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

yesterday in Abuja, Abubakar also unveiled the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO) — a national political mobilisation platform for Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. He explained that his decision to lead the pro-Tinubu movement was a personal conviction taken in his personal capacity. Abubakar acknowledged

attract attention given his family background, but stressed that democracy thrives on freedom of choice. He stated, “Political conviction is a matter of personal judgement, conscience and the freedom of every individual to make independent choices. I hold no reservations about the right of others to their differing political

convictions to be respected," he said. "HBTO was established to build a structured, inclusive and nationally coordinated movement to mobilise support for the President and the APC, take government policies beyond political gatherings into communities, and engage ordinary Nigerians.”

Nestle Nigeria Appoints Egbebi Corporate Communications, Sustainability Manager

Charles Ajunwa

Nestle Nigeria has announced Toritseju (Toju) Egbebi as the new Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, effective November 1, 2026, following the retirement of Victoria Uwadoka after 10 years with the company. A statement said Egbebi,

currently Corporate Affairs Manager, brings 18 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications across the technology, financial services and consumer goods sectors. “Since joining Nestle Nigeria, she has played a key role in strengthening the company’s corporate reputation, public affairs

and stakeholder engagement. Through the Nestle for Good platform, she has helped deepen visibility and understanding of Nestle’s investments in healthier nutrition, thriving communities and environmental sustainability, while strengthening strategic media and stakeholder partnerships. “During her decade with Nestle Nigeria, Victoria

Uwadoka played a central role in strengthening the company’s reputation, stakeholder relationships and Creating Shared Value agenda. Her leadership advanced communications and sustainability priorities across nutrition, youth empowerment, agriculture, water stewardship, environmental responsibility and community development.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT...

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf; Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase, Dapo Olagunju; President, US-Africa Business Centre, US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither; Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa and Keynote Speaker, Jim Swartz, and President, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, after a plenary session at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja… recently

At Umrah, Tinubu Prays for Peace, Unity, Harmony, Stability in Nigeria Tasks citizens to harness diversity for development

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday morning performed Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah and seeking His continued guidance

and protection for Nigeria. During the spiritual exercise, the President circled the Holy Ka'abah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in worship, devotion, and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah for His blessings on Nigeria and her people.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said, "I believe this Umrah is very significant for the love of our people, commitment to the job and our country, Nigeria; commitment to the will of Allah

that His words must prevail, and that there's no other God but Him and He's the only one that makes a human being what he can be and what he would be in life.” He prayed for sustainable peace, national unity, harmony

Barau: New Army Battalion, Artillery Regiment to Crush Banditry in Kano Hails Tinubu, army chief, Gov Yusuf over strategic military build-up

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has hailed the Nigerian Army for deploying a new battalion and an artillery regiment to Kano State, describing the development as a major boost to efforts to crush banditry and other security threats in the North-west. The new military formations comprise the 24 Battalion, established in Tudun Wada, and the 311 Artillery Regiment, located in Dambatta.

Barau said the deployment demonstrated President Bola Tinubu's determination to confront banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent criminality threatening lives and property across the country. The Deputy Senate President, who spoke through a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for what he described as visionary leadership and proactive efforts to reposition

the military to address emerging security challenges. He said the establishment of the two formations was a significant step towards strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army and improving its response to security threats in Kano and neighbouring states. Barau stated, "This strategic deployment is highly commendable. It underscores the commitment of the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola

Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to decisively deal with insecurity and secure the lives and property of all Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on security." He also praised Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that sustained cooperation between the state government and the military would be critical to ensuring that the newly established formations achieved their operational objectives.

2027 Elections: Goje, Dankwambo Absent As Gombe APC Inaugurates Campaign Councils

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Former Gombe State Governors Danjuma Goje and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo were absent as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Advisory and Campaign Councils

ahead of the 2027 general elections. The two former governors were listed among the patrons and members of the councils, which have a combined membership of 666. According to the lists released by the party, Dankwambo’s name appeared at number seven on the

campaign council and number six on the advisory council. While Goje was listed at number six on the campaign council and number five on the advisory council. THISDAY checks however, revealed that their absence from the inauguration attracted attention, particularly because of their political

standing in the state. In a report by Periscope Nigeria, Dankwambo, who represents Gombe North Senatorial District in the Senate and remains a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, reportedly said he was unaware of his inclusion when contacted by the publication.

Jonathan Vatsa, 200 Others Join SDP in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna

After quitting the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa and 200 former supporters

of the party have joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The former APC chieftain and his supporters declared for the SDP at Anguwa-Gulu Vatsa Ward in the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State on Wednesday.

He was issued with SDP membership card N10120100001 by the ward Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Baba. Vatsas' supporters at the brief ceremony were also issued with SDP membership cards after they

submitted their former APC cards. Chairman of the party while presenting the membership card to the man he described as a "big fish" maintained that his contributions to the development of the area remained unequalled.

and stability in Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to guide the country's leaders with wisdom, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Nigerians, and grant the nation lasting relief from insecurity and other challenges. "I am grateful to Allah for being able to perform this Umrah. We have just prayed for our nation, for everyone to live in peace and harmony, happiness and faith in God Almighty," the President said. He expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to make progress toward economic prosperity, social development, and a more secure future for all its citizens. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to building a peaceful, united,

and prosperous nation where every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background, can live in safety, dignity, and harmony. The President also called for sustained commitment and collective efforts towards nation-building, emphasising the need for Nigerians to harness the country's diversity as a source of strength in advancing national development, peace and security. He stressed the importance of drawing on the nation's collective strengths and shared aspirations to build a more secure and prosperous country. “Our strength is our diversity, and we continue to build on that for the prospect and security of the country,” the President stated.

NDLEA: No Payment Required for Drug Integrity Test by Interior Ministry Recruits Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned applicants undergoing recruitment into four agencies under the Ministry of Interior against making payments for the mandatory Drug Integrity Test (DIT). The agency said the Ministry of Interior had already made bulk payment to cover the testing of new intakes into the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. NDLEA, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stressed that no candidate or personnel would be required to pay for the exercise. It consequently advised all participating agencies and their personnel not to make payments to NDLEA officials, testing centres or through any other payment channel in connection with the

exercise. According to the agency, arrangements have been concluded for the conduct of the mandatory test as part of the recruitment process. It explained that candidates would be required to access the NDLEA Drug Integrity Test portal through designated links or access points to be provided on the respective institutional portals. The candidates would then complete the necessary registration and documentation on the NDLEA platform before proceeding for the test. The agency said the arrangement was designed to ensure a seamless and orderly testing process without additional financial obligations for applicants. NDLEA appreciated the cooperation of the Ministry of Interior and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient implementation of the exercise.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026

NEWS XTRA

50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION...

L-R: Executive Producer, The Duke of Shomolu Productions, Joseph Edgar; Founder and Executive Chairman, Bluebird Communications, Kunle Ogunmefun; former Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru; Founder/CEO, AT3 Resources, Tosin Adefeko; Co-founding Partners, Banwo & Ighodalo, Femi Banwo and Asue Ighodalo; and Partner, DNIL, Seun Onabanjo, at Adefeko’s 50th birthday celebration held in Lagos…recently

Debt Worse Than Leprosy, Destroys Generations, Says Obasanjo Warns AI may be another booby trap of the West against developing countries

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday declared that debt was worse than leprosy because while leprosy destroyed only one person, debt destroyed generations. He made the remark while questioning how Nigeria accumulated its debt and the impact of the country's economic decisions over the years. "And for anybody to say that debt is no leprosy is absolute nonsense. Debt is worse than leprosy because leprosy destroys only one person, whereas debt destroys generations," he said. "How did we get ourselves into this trap? Can AI help us?" Obasanjo also warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be another booby trap of the West against developing countries. The former president stated this while speaking at the Ajibosin 3.0 Symposium, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The symposium, with the theme, "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Solve Grassroots Problems and Accelerate National Development", drew speakers from academics, policymakers, politicians and other stakeholders, and featured discussants who warned Nigerians against uncontrolled exposure to AI applications. Obasanjo, who specifically picked on the lead presentation of the Convener and Founder of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which dwelt on historical perspectives of AI, admitted that he did not know too much technically about the subject. He said, "I don't know too much technically about AI, but I know that anything that is not under your control can be abused against you. You can therefore understand why, in his statement, Dr. Umar Addo approached the subject from a historical perspective." Quoting Ardo, Obasanjo said, "Look, these things they call AI, I am looking at them from a historical point of view.

FIRST E&P Rallies Vendors to Boost Nigeria’s Oil Production, Energy Security FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), one of Nigeria’s leading independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, hosted its 2026 Vendors’ Day in Lagos, bringing together its leadership, business teams, vendors and service providers to strengthen the partnerships and capabilities required to support safe, efficient and sustainable growth. Held under the theme, ‘Partnering for Sustainable Growth: Driving Innovation, Value and Energy Security Together’, the event underscored the critical role of a highperforming vendor ecosystem

in supporting FIRST E&P’s operations and contributing to Nigeria’s broader energy security and production ambitions. This year’s engagement focused on optimising performance, reinforcing safety standards and ensuring efficient delivery, while preparing FIRST E&P and its delivery partners for increased operational activity in 2027. Vendors were aligned with the company’s growth ambitions and expectations around innovation, Nigerian content, compliance, cost competitiveness, technological advancement and shared value, as well as the behaviours and partnerships required to protect people and assets as operations grow.

Everything that has been packaged and nicely presented to us from the West has always turned out to be a booby trap. "He was not discussing what AI is or what it is not. Others had spoken about that. His

point was that we have seen this pattern before. We have been packaged as commodities. "First, there was the slave trade. Then they came back and introduced what they called legitimate trade. That

was colonialism. After that came foreign direct investment, accompanied by the requirement that we pay for technology transfer. But what exactly is technology transfer? Who transferred technology to them,

and what did they pay for it? "Then came globalisation, which, in practical terms, meant that we opened our doors, they took everything in our houses, and then closed their own doors.

APC Factions United Behind Tinubu’s Re-election, Oshiomhole Insists Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Deputy Director General (Mobilisation) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed concerns over internal disagreements within the ruling party, insisting that all factions and political interests are united behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, described disagreements over campaign appointments, youth leadership positions and the involvement of different political tendencies in the emerging coalition arrangement as distractions, maintaining that the commitment of APC members and allied political groups to Tinubu’s second-term ambition was not in doubt.

The former Edo State governor, who spoke yesterday morning during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, said the real test of political commitment was not the possession of campaign titles but the ability of party members to mobilise voters at the grassroots. Addressing concerns over reported disagreements surrounding the APC’s youth leadership and the relationship between the party’s

campaign structures and various political groups, Oshiomhole said every committed party member had a responsibility to contribute to Tinubu’s electoral success. He particularly dismissed the controversy surrounding the party’s youth leadership, arguing that occupying a national position did not automatically confer the responsibility of controlling youth mobilisation across the country.

Zamfara Evidence of Transformational Leadership Under Lawal, Says EFCC Chairman Oluchi Chibuzor

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, has affirmed the presence of transformational leadership in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal. Olukoyede stated this while delivering the keynote address at the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State, held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.

In a statement signed by Sulaiman Bala Idris, Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, other notable speakers at the anniversary lecture included Prof. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Prof. Sulaiman Kura, Prof. Murtala Rufai and Prof. Taofik Aminu, among others. The EFCC chairman said he conducted due diligence on Zamfara State and its governor before accepting the invitation to serve as a keynote speaker.

He added, “By virtue of the ethical demands of my office, I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation, something told me to accept and see what was going on there. “I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went

to meet my boss, Mr President, and he said, go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is doing in this state. “I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first, my professional engagements rarely bring me to this vibrant part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.”

Kimono Kollection Marks 16 Years with Debut Fashion Show, ‘Threads of Time’

Bennett Oghifo

Nigerian menswear brand, Kimono Kollection, has marked 16 years in fashion, with its first-ever fashion show, tagged ‘Threads of Time’, held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The showcase brought together fashion, culture and storytelling

to reflect on the journey that has shaped the brand and introduce its next chapter. Rooted in the language of tailoring, Threads of Time explored the idea that a single thread gains meaning when woven into something greater. The concept served as a reflection of Kimono Kollection’s evolution

of over 16 years, shaped by craftsmanship, creative expression and the people whose contributions have become part of its story. More than an anniversary celebration, the show presented the brand’s journey as a continuous narrative, connecting its beginnings to its evolving place within contemporary African menswear.

Founded by Hakeem Balogun, Kimono Kollection was born from a vision to redefine contemporary Nigerian Menswear. After two years of design, training and styling experience in London, Hakeem Balogun returned to Nigeria in 2009, recognizing an approach to traditional dressing through impeccable tailoring.

SaturDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY

OCTOBER 31, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

Sultan Muhammad Maccido: 20 Years On

HALILU MACCIDO pays tribute to his father Muhammad Maccido, former Sultan of Sokoto who died in the ill-fated ADC Airlines crash of 2006

wenty years have passed since the tragic day we lost a remarkable father, a revered traditional ruler, a distinguished statesman and a guiding light. Yet two decades on, the memory of His Eminence Sultan Muhammad Maccido remains as vivid in our hearts as ever. Time has moved on, but the love, admiration and respect we hold for him have not diminished. To us, his children and family, he was a loving and devoted father whose wisdom, guidance and prayers remain an enduring source of strength. To the Sultanate, he was a custodian of tradition and a symbol of dignity. To the nation, he was a father figure whose life was defined by humility, faith, service and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity and the well-being of others. Baba lived a life of purpose. He led with wisdom, carried his responsibilities with humility, and touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity and sense of duty. His leadership went beyond the throne. It showed in his character, in his devotion to his people, and in his belief in peace, justice and mutual understanding. Though his time with us was cut short, the legacy he left continues to speak long after his passing. His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the position one holds, but by the lives one touches, the values one upholds and the difference one makes in the world.

HIS LIFE REMINDS US THAT TRUE GREATNESS IS MEASURED NOT BY THE POSITION ONE HOLDS, BUT BY THE LIVES ONE TOUCHES, THE VALUES ONE UPHOLDS AND THE DIFFERENCE ONE MAKES IN THE WORLD

Baba, 20 years without you have taught us that while a father may depart this world, his influence never dies. We miss your presence, cherish your counsel and hold dear the lessons you instilled in us. We wish you were here to see the years pass, to offer your wisdom and to guide us with the quiet strength and dignity that were uniquely yours. Today we remember you not only with tears and longing, but with immense gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of being your children. Your life was a blessing, your guidance a gift, and your legacy is a responsibility we must continue to honour. As we mark 20 years since your return to your Creator, we pray that Allah (SWT) envelop you in His infinite mercy, forgive your shortcomings, illuminate your grave, reward your good deeds abundantly and grant you Jannatul Firdaus alA’la. May He accept your service to humanity as Sadaqatul Jariyah and reunite us with you in Jannah. Ameen, Ya Rabbal Alameen. May your noble legacy continue to live through us and through all whose lives you touched. Your memory remains a blessing, your legacy an inspiration, and your place in our hearts irreplaceable. Rest in eternal peace, Baba. Halilu Maccido is the son of the late 19th Sultan of Sokoto

Comedy As Catalyst For Renaissance

Amid problems and tensions in society, comedians use their skills so that we can laugh at ourselves, writes BOBSON GBINIJE

he National Bureau of Statistics has redefined employment to mean any persons who performed any work for pay or profit for at least one hour in the last seven days. Previously, the minimum threshold was 20 hours per week. The last official data reported unemployment in Nigeria in single digits. Even in this scenario, the rate of informal employment, a euphemism for unemployment in Nigeria, remains high, being 93% in Quarter 2, 2024 when the last report was issued. This development makes the labour data not so relevant for government to plan job creation initiatives. In this season of politics and elections, political parties and candidates need to contextualise employment creation and poverty reduction as key issues for the engagement of the electorate. It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said, “Believe, every man has his secret sorrows, which the world knows not. And often times we call a man cold when he is only sad”. Man’s quest for joy, bliss and happiness takes protean forms and can be likened to the sphygmic temperaments of men standing before inquisitors. Hence, the comedian tries to create balance through hilarity. A comedy, within the context of usage, is any literary work – including but not limited to drama, play, motion picture, television, radio, oratorical dexterity, verbal phosphorescence and entertainment – characterized by a humorous treatment of characters and situations, and having a happy ending. A comedian is, therefore, anyone who applies these aforementioned tools to create humour, joy and laughter. Comedy is as old as man and comedians have always been with us. In our world, suffused and impregnated by Neanderthal

bellicosity, scorching poverty, sanguinary proclivities, tribal jingoism, religious extremism, mind-boggling hatred, sabrerattling, genocide, psychotic corruption, horrendous rapes, ritual murders, ludicrous cluelessness, we can water down our anxieties through comic relief. Comedians use satire, sarcasm, allegory, lampoonery, pantomime, onomatopoeia and recondite gesticulations with religious, political, tribal and socio-economic connotations to make us laugh at ourselves. The great literary masterpieces and mythologies – from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey; Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, A Man of the People and The Trouble with Nigeria; Soyinka’s The Interpreters, The Bacchae of Euripides and The Man Died; Dickens’ Great Expectations, Martin Chuzzlewit, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield; Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Merchant of Venice, The Tempest; Chaucer and John Milton; to Sheridan’s The Rivals had a tincture of comedy that didactically said something about ourselves and society, precipitating laughter. We are in a world cocooned in cerebral dwarfishness and spiritual darkness because of our lost values and inability to speak truth to power. We use comedy to humourise our situation, to ameliorate our emotional Erebus and political topsyturvydom. However, comedians must heed the admonition of Abraham Lincoln: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.” The comedian and his jokes are tools for societal change, political and socioeconomic renaissance, cultural revolution, psychological therapy, attitudinal reorientation, propagandistic elan and religious rebirth, because he can hide

real happenings to galvanize leadership and citizenry into action. A comedian once said that President Kwame Nkrumah once visited Nigeria and as he drove in a convoy with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, he saw a man urinating by the roadside. He castigated Nigerians for being dirty. Balewa felt chagrined, despondent and crestfallen. He quickly organised a reciprocal visit to Ghana. As he drove in a convoy with President Nkrumah, he sighted a man defecating by the roadside. He quickly called Nkrumah’s attention to it. President Nkrumah, breaking protocol, asked the convoy to stop. He called for the arrest of the scoundrel and asked him: “Where are you from?” The man quickly retorted: “I am from Nigeria.” He immediately recalled the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “I can retain neither respect nor affection for a government which has been moving from wrong to wrong in order to defend its immorality.” What a shame! And whither goeth Nigeria? The audience laughed. But the silent and salient point is to admonish our leaders and Nigerians on social courtesies, responsible waste disposal, provision of public toilets and efficient waste management. It is also a truism that the comedian gave a joke which looked harmless, but if a critic or journalist had written an article on “Nigeria, waste management and leadership inertia,” it would have attracted detention or verbal or physical flagellation. Comedy is a way of laughing at our all-embracing inadequacies. We must draw a clear-cut dichotomy between comperes, masters of ceremonies and comedians. The popular mistake is the desire of comedians to function as all of these. The popular compere, Collins Adeyemi, in his book Director of Ceremony, adumbrated on the need for differentiation to make professionalism

the watchword. The Comedy Guild in Nigeria has become a fertile ground for youths, graduates and those with creative talents. They have become professional in their own right and a regular feature at private and public occasions. The field is robustly enriched with Warri (Wafi) and Sapele (Safa) boys and girls. Indeed, the SouthSouth, South-East and South-West are overwhelmingly represented. Some of the notable comedians are Basket Mouth, I Go Die, Akpororo, Ali Baba, Gandoki, Rocky Feller, etc. Nigerian comedians have worked hard from the 1980s through the 1990s to the 2000s to lift comedy from gutter-snipe to professional level. They have become indispensable in the socio-economic and public calculus in Nigeria. We want to see more women comedians (comediennes). Henry Longfellow posited in ‘The Ladder of St. Augustine’ that “the heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” Finally, Nigerian comedians have toiled all night and they deserve a place in the pantheon of great builders of Comedy/ Drama/Theatre like Hubert Ogunde, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala), Alawada, etc. They have to be more critical, spontaneous, authentic, creative and revolutionary in their drive to make Nigeria a better place. In trying to create happiness they must note the admonition of François de La Rochefoucauld that “we are more interested in making others believe we are happy than in trying to be happy ourselves” and “the happiness or unhappiness of one depends no less upon their disposition than on their fortunes.” God bless our comedians. Chief Gbinije, Mandate Against Poverty (Map), Sapele-Warri

OCTOBER 31, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT 13

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Yet another waste... What a waste!

and Persecution Praise President Buhari Witchcraft RumorsStop Ritual Attacks WhenInAge is Notof Sage he recent incident of witchresume activities.

and Killings

the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of f categorization remains ingly little to showby for it in terms of craft accusation in Malawi A closure of the school may be the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in consistent, then Nigeria ismany by other factors realincluding fruits.bad underscores the danger of a stop gap measure, a temporary of transparency and accountability. many respects. As a result of After however. keeping treasury and at bay through the the governance untoldcitizen. level of corruption, government notsurprise, he Advocacy for Alleged Witchesin (AfAW) all accounts a and senior It Is nocould real A looters on their toes superstitions but also solution. It could be effective the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessarycritical spending live up to its financial obligations citizens and service providers at both the is often urges the in Nigerian public to stop ritual Serendipitously, theto country’s country that found wanting imperative of fostering short term curbing violence and habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part federal and state levels. attacks and killings because the notion 66th independence anniversary in honoring its commitment to thinking andwas philosophical abuses linked toand witchcraft At of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking how the countryinquiry Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried of ritual money wealth is beliefs. completely coincided with the International Dayfunds older persons, many of away whom have schools. This instance of allegation least AfAW the school authorities wouldthe use frittered billions in foreignin currency by importing goods, which can baseless. is making this call following out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout to enable state be all produced home. One items waspupils rice, a major among their reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State governors somethingopening as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those served bailout it of Olderpay Persons, a pivotal lived and theiratlives, is of such involved whostaple accused the opportunity to reflect and explore Nigerians. By banning intoofthe country, the President on oneat in southern Nigeria. The local media reportedin funds was ainto huge boost to national because thecertainly pressure of arrears window profound yetsecurity poignant not the best country for rice importation teacher practicing 'witchcraft' measures to avoid such incidents had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually. that members of the Western Nigeria Security of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a and questions about what it older individuals. hand Mpamba School in Nkhata Network, the future. And, on the other hand, the President has Primary boosted domestic production Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists tickingpointed bomb. means grow and oldthey in would Nigeria. disturbing number ofprocess olderhad nudged Bay. Local media sources stated Butbody all efforts stem accusations of rice and in the the country into self sufficiency in with the parts of ato73-year-old man. Ask theto naysayers readily remind you With of how a long it food millions of jobslinked for young in the to rice"a The were apprehended in the took President Buhari appoint his ministers and howindividuals that contributed found to It is surely onetoof Nigeria’s most on production. the side He of also createdthat pupils thepeople teacher andsuspects, relatedwho violence would amount value chain. Boluwaji area inifIbadan, said that a not Muslim collapseand of thesorest economysecrets as if, without ministers, governance was frozen.what hope open that Africa’s dereliction, is there for blood-stained fork allegedly dancing to nothing authorities do introWhat is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is cleric asked them to procure some human body But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, largest economy and democracy Nigeria’s young people, many of of scarcein a toilet andtoaattain coffin containing duce the subject critical thinking its frugal management national resources optimum goals. parts for rituals. Ritual of attacks are widespread Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of ahas single story”. Yet the whole all but older sorely triedPresident by Buharitwo children allegedly seendropped rolling in Nigeria. or philosophy childrenofinhow schools. that since stepped in the saddle, oil revenue Irrationalfor conceptions to story wasabandoned that many of ourits citizens didcitizens, not know how whom decrepit a are state alreadyRecall abysmally to sabotage himaround knowing all the bigapromises made to make money or become wealthy and successful Buhari inherited in 2015. aPresident negligence that has grown the the difficulties of living inasaif deficient inside schoolhepit latrine Witch persecution is a mindset issue. duringWith his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background nettles pricking the country. and dysfunctionalcitizens country? ". The rumour stirred up a mob Witchcraft fears are rooted in dogma President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could strongly believe in blood money, known in of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full Nigeria’s handsgovernment may be in full with fraud andnotinsecurity that attacked and burnt down the and blind faith, as in Ogun irrational and dream of. on the some local languages Owo (Yoruba) well with the incoming terms of leavinginternet workable handover her whomJonathan she was gracious rampage, is no exaggeration Today, the trainsto are up and running dailyhouse. from Abuja to Kaduna. And are teacher's Some suspects superstitious cosmologies. The recent or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they notes.young, Althoughmany Presidentof Goodluck in defeat, it many from Lagos toyoung Ibadan a brand new rail trackcustody. was startedAuthorities and completed; found could becomeisrich, successfulAccusations through ritual of his appointees still sulking whatbut they saw say as their personal doesn’t knowwere what to doover with, that many of Nigeria’s in police incident notorisolated. citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the Unfortunately, this is not the case. losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the turning away from her old people is people deprived of moral exemplars no evidence to support the accusa- sacrifice. and attacks related to witchcraft country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, Buhari government. yielding catastrophic consequences. to look up to are taking the easier tion and ordered the school closed. anxieties are rampant in as schools the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would or reality. Home movies known Africa Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP These days the news still is awash pathontomaking perdition. leave, the entire country would Education be linked by rail with all of its economic or Nollywood appointees and their supporters in government hell-bent officers asked the parents magic across Malawi. films have not helped continue to reinforce things difficult Buhari, the who President methodical repair advantages. with older for Nigerians aremoved on with hisIke Willie-Nwobu is a social and traditional rulers to compensate matters. LeoThese Igwemovies directs Advocacy for these mistaken notions and other superstitions. of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja getting involved in all manner of thinker and policy practitioner. the teacher before the school could Alleged Witches Families, churches, mosques, and other public of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be criminal activities. From as of ikewilly9@gmail.com. institutions do not encourage the interrogation paid into one single account in lineserving with the policy of these traditional beliefs. There are Treasury (TSA). aSingle courier toAccount drug runners and acting Don'toccult Bother T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the as The active drivers of internet fraud, a EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE irrational paranormal claims in people schools,to PDP government but its penchant for imprudence he and suggestion of requiring DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU crucial sheen of morality is ebbing. colleges, and universities. So millions of and lack of accountability denied it the courage of T HMANAGING E SAT U RDIRECTOR DAY N EENIOLA W S PABELLO PER usegrow photo to prove theirthat age,they as Recently, made literally EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA Nigerians upID blindly believing implementingan theoctogenarian policy. What the President DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN OGBU ADENIYI DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA is now being discussed the UK, could make money through ritual in sacrifice of did was to all the nation’s money into a one box waves ingather Adamawa for striking EDITOR NATION’SDIRECTOR CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING ENIOLA BELLO humanisbody parts. Thebut belief has many and locked it upawith a big padlock and watched for a good idea will it led work? We judge with matchete. MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Nigerians to have committried crimes and perpetrate any thief to come close. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE in Australia to keep U16s on CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI A society is the in President dangerforwhen atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed Who can blame almost developing EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN the straight and narrow but the blighters those should beofits or are undergoing court trials due to ritualparanoiawho over the safeguard the sentinels national treasury THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE have bypassed themurder. restrictions by various related attacks and with revelations become and reportsthe of mind-boggling looting of morality degenerates Not too long thenot police arrested some that took to place indestruction. the 16 years of the PDP? With methods that it'sago, best to mention here. T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D sworn its young Nigerians for stealing female pants, such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Most people have no interest in the dubiWhen older Nigerians who should which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ous material that all canNigerians be found It can TH I S DAY N E WNWOGWUGWU, S PA P E R S LEMMANUEL I M I T E D EFENI ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA be the beatingwhile heart of rectitude andwith AfAW is asking to online. desist from a few individuals our gallant soldiers fought EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE be less of a matter of children coming ritual-related abuses because ritual moneyinto bare hands and empty stomach, President Buhari certitude in on Nigeria give themselves GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLAOJOGUN BELLO, KAYODE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR VICTORKOMOLAFE, DANBOYI beliefs with are baseless superstitions. was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back contact bad influences butNigerian rather the over to all manner of vices, the ISRAEL IWEGBU SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH media, schools, and colleges those should children. help in national spending. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS 'evil' that looks to contact SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE country should beBuhari, rightly educate and reorient the public. They should Thus, under President the alarmed. Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI The recent trendNigerians of photoout manipulation WhileCrimes thereCommission can be no justification assist in reasoning of this Financial (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO SNR.PRINTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH could also make it difficult given there is killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. remained comatose for years, woken up to resume ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI for crime, Nigeria haswas long failed TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Leo difference Igwe directs Advocacy for Alleged its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI little inthe appearance from 15 to its senior citizens. Plainly put, it is a Witches (AfAW) funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 16 and IDs can be created. situation where there is a plenitude TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Dennis Fitzgerald, 28 Landale St., Box of legislation but with embarrassHill, Vic., Australia

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026

NEWS XTRA

MEDIA BRIEFING...

L-R: Public Relation Manager, Jumia, Mr. Henry Enyinnaya; Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Oluwafemi Ajulo; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Temidayo Ojo; Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Lere Awokoya, and Chief Operations Officer, Marilyn Oruwari, at the Jumia Black Friday's Press Conference held in Lagos…recently

Troops Kill 48 Terrorists in Northeast, Bandits Abduct Four in Kwara

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-east, Operation Hadin Kai, have killed 48 Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) fighters and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during operations in Borno and Yobe States. This emerged as suspected bandits abducted four members of a family in Abangbe Dilu community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. The military said the terrorists were killed when troops foiled attacks on military positions in Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, and the North-east Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, between October 29 and 30, 2026. In Bitta, troops reportedly disorganised an attempted terrorist assault on the night of October 29, with the combined response of ground troops and air support overwhelming the attackers and inflicting heavy casualties. In a related operation, troops launched a counter-attack against a large concentration of ISWAP fighters who attacked NETTS, Buni Yadi, on October 29 and into the

early hours of October 30. In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-east, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the approximately fivehour engagement was coordinated by the Theatre Command, with effective integration of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, alongside air and ground assets. Goni said the counter-offensive resulted in the killing of 48 terrorists and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. The recovered items included 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), one 60mm mortar, 105 AK-47 magazines and two video cameras. Others were 30 rounds of 12.7mm armour-piercing incendiary ammunition, 2,738 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 2,054 rounds of PKT ammunition. The military, however, said one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while two others sustained minor injuries and were responding to treatment. Goni said the morale of troops remained high as they sustained operations against terrorist elements

across the theatre. He added that the latest operational successes demonstrated the troops' combat effectiveness, operational coordination and determination to deny terrorists freedom of action. "The heavy losses suffered by the insurgents and the recovery of their weapons and ammunition constitute another significant setback to their operational capabilities," the statement said. Meanwhile, suspected bandits numbering more than 10 have

abducted four members of a family in Abangbe Dilu community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victims were identified as Hajia Mansurat Musa, her son, Ramadan Musa, Semiu Ahmed and Sofia Ahmed. The incident reportedly occurred while residents were asleep, with the abductors yet to contact the victims' families to demand ransom. The abduction has raised concerns among relatives and other residents, who are appealing to the

federal government and security agencies to intervene and secure the victims' release. A senior police officer at the Ilorin East Divisional Police Headquarters, Oke-Oyi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident to journalists in Ilorin. "We have been working round the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims," the officer said. In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Magaji of Abangbe Dilu, Alhaji Jamiu Akanni, appealed to the

Mbah, Tinubu Get 2027 Re-election Endorsement from Non-Indigenes, Support Group Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu A political support group, Nwanne Di Na Mba Grand Assembly, yesterday endorsed Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, pledging to mobilise support for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections. Governor Mbah in another event, assured the church that

the Smart Green Schools initiative of his administration was never meant to displace the church from playing its well established role in the state’s basic education system. Also, in a landmark deal the Enugu State Government and Humatrix Limited have signed a partnership agreement to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub in the state. The agreement, signed at Government House, Enugu, marks the implementation phase of the initiative, whose long-term target

is to create over 100,000 jobs for young people and position Enugu as a leading destination for digital services in Nigeria and Africa. The Nwanne Di Na Mba Grand Assembly, which has Anambraborn billionaire businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, as its Grand Patron, made the declaration during a rally held at Okpara Square, Enugu, attended by supporters drawn from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Speaking at the event, Governor Mbah described the massive

INEC RECEIVES 5,400 CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS TO VOTER REGISTER, TARGETS DECEMBER 15 FOR CLEAN-UP identify those who submitted them and disclose the verification procedures they underwent. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the former vice-president said the Commission's description of the register as preliminary did not adequately address the circumstances that allowed the suspicious records into its database. “With more than 103 million registered voters, Nigerians deserve precise answers: how many records are affected, what percentage of the register do they represent, and where are they concentrated?” he asked. Atiku said public scrutiny of the preliminary register was important but could not replace effective verification by the electoral commission. “But describing the register as ‘preliminary’ does not answer how those records entered the system

in the first place. Public scrutiny is a safeguard; it cannot substitute for effective verification by the electoral umpire,” he said. He warned that the discovery of suspicious photographs could raise questions about other possible anomalies, including duplicate identities, underage registrations and fictitious entries. According to him, the Commission must demonstrate that the vulnerabilities in its database had been addressed before the 2027 elections. Atiku therefore urged INEC to publish the number and geographical distribution of flagged records, explain how they entered the register, preserve the audit trail and allow an independent forensic audit involving political parties and credible civil society organisations. He also called for the publication of the audit findings and corrective

government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the victims and ensure their safe return. The community also called for improved security measures, effective surveillance and sustained security operations to protect lives and property in the area. It urged the Kwara State Government to work closely with relevant federal security agencies, local authorities and community leaders to coordinate efforts towards the safe recovery of the abducted persons.

measures, while ensuring that voters' personal information remained protected. The ADC presidential candidate insisted that any official found to have deliberately compromised the register should face sanctions, while eligible voters must be protected against wrongful deletion during the cleanup. In a separate statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described the discovery of AI-generated images as a serious challenge to INEC's credibility. He faulted the Commission for acknowledging that some registration officers had introduced irregularities into the register without disclosing their identities or explaining the steps taken to hold them accountable. “If INEC knows how the

register was compromised, it must disclose the evidence, identify every officer involved and explain why they have not been suspended and prosecuted,” he noted. Atiku also demanded an independent forensic audit, particularly in view of the allegation that more than 20 million AI-generated images might be involved. He called for the preservation of voter records, image files, access logs and audit trails to enable independent experts, political parties, civil society groups and credible international observers to examine the evidence. The former vice-president further accused INEC of failing to address opposition parties' demands for disclosure of companies contracted to produce sensitive election materials.

ADC Alleges Sabotage, Cites Electoral Act

Also expressing concern, the ADC accused INEC of deliberately undermining its credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the discovery of AI-generated photographs and fictitious entries had exposed serious weaknesses in the Commission's processes. In a statement, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned why no arrests had been made despite INEC's admission that some registration officers were responsible for introducing irregularities into the register. “If INEC knows that its own officials compromised the voters' register with AI-generated photographs, why has nobody been arrested? Why have these

turnout as an expression of democracy in action, thanking the group for what he called an open demonstration of love, solidarity and confidence in his administration and the Federal Government. He said the gathering reflected the willingness of people from different parts of the country to unite in support of President Tinubu's re-election and the continuation of his administration's development programmes in Enugu State. individuals not been handed over for prosecution? What exactly is INEC waiting for?” the party asked. The ADC also accused the Commission of failing to publish the preliminary voters' register online within the timeframe stipulated by Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the register to be made available for public scrutiny not later than 90 days before the general elections. The party drew attention to Section 19(5), which it said makes failure by an INEC official to comply with the publication requirement a criminal offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both. It questioned whether the Commission's repeated difficulties in preparing the register reflected incompetence or a deliberate attempt to undermine the electoral process.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS XTRA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

L-R: Executive Secretary, Chemical and Non Metallic Products Employers' Federation{ CANMPEF }, Olorunfemi Oke; Managing Director, IPWA Plc, Mr. Ibikunle Tela; President, CANMPEF, Chief DVG Edwin; 1st Vice President, Rotimi Aluko and Guest Speaker/MD Duraju Industries Ltd, Oscar Marcaulay, during the 47th Annual General Meeting of CANMPEF held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Wike: Why I Refused to Go to Senate After Two Terms as Rivers Governor

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that he rejected the prospect of moving to the National Assembly after completing his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers State. Wike, who gave this insight yesterday during the inauguration of a pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel

Centre in Abuja, where he also delivered a strong message on leadership, accountability and service to humanity, said he was unwilling to surrender his freedom to speak his mind for the privilege of becoming a senator. Wike said he deliberately chose not to pursue a Senate seat because he believed the position could limit his ability to express his opinions freely, particularly

Binance Says $6.3bn Stolen in Biggest Crypto Heist in History Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has said about $6.3 billion in funds have been stolen in a “security incident” that looks to be the biggest crypto heist in history. Owing to this, the world’s largest crypto exchange has suspended all deposits and withdrawals and that about $3 billion in funds had been frozen following the apparent hacking. Binance said an initial investigation suggested that a hacker had been able to make unauthorised transactions after gaining access to an engineer’s compromised laptop. The company said it would cover all losses, adding that user funds were “safe”. “Our teams are working around the clock to resolve this issue safely and thoroughly,” Binance said in a statement to

Al Jazeera. “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to confirm the identity of these criminals and bring them to justice.” The company added that it would share a “detailed” technical post-mortem once investigations were complete. Changpeng Zhao, Binance’s founder and largest shareholder, said earlier that the exchange appeared to have been hacked. TRM, a blockchain intelligence firm, said in a report that it assessed with “high confidence” that the attack was carried out by North Korea’s hacking unit TraderTraitor, which investigators have linked to the Lazarus Group. Ari Redbord, TRM’s global head of policy, described the attack as “unprecedented” and a “watershed”.

Medipool Inaugurates Ninemember Board, Begins New Phase of Pharmaceutical Operations

Medipool Nigeria Limited, the federal governmentapproved Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO), has inaugurated a nine-member Board of Directors to provide strategic oversight and strengthen its governance structure as it moves into its next phase of development. The board, chaired by Dr. Oluwaseun Abiola, was inaugurated on October 14, 2026, in Abuja.

Established as a publicprivate partnership with the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Medipool is mandated to aggregate the procurement needs of Nigeria’s public health system to reduce the cost of medicines and other healthcare commodities, strengthen supply reliability, guarantee quality and stimulate local pharmaceutical production.

on issues concerning the state of the nation. The minister took a swipe at the growing tendency among former governors to seek legislative positions after leaving office, declaring he was never attracted to the National Assembly because of the restrictions he believed would come with the position. “Many governors today, when they are done, they want to go to the National Assembly, but I said that I won't go. They asked me why, and I said I would be prevented from speaking my mind. Since I won't be able to speak my mind, there is no need for me

to go there,” he said. The former Rivers governor insisted that he preferred to occupy positions where he could freely express his views, adding that he had consistently spoken about national issues wherever he found himself. “That is true. Everybody has forgotten what this country was before now,” he added. Wike used the occasion to commend the Senior Pastor of the church, Dr. Paul Enenche, and his wife, Becky, for demonstrating what he described as practical leadership through an investment that benefits people beyond the congregation.

“Watching the documentary and seeing what you have done, touching lives, not only with your soul, but talking about the welfare of other people, that is leadership,” the minister said. He argued that leadership should not be measured by titles, political positions or public declarations but by concrete achievements and the willingness to deploy available resources to improve people's lives. According to him, individuals entrusted with authority must be prepared to account for their stewardship, insisting that public office holders should be able to point to tangible contributions

made during their time in office. Wike also urged Nigerians to look beyond social media narratives when assessing leaders, stressing the need to evaluate their performance through verifiable accomplishments. He encouraged religious institutions, corporate organisations and individuals to complement government efforts by investing in projects that address pressing community needs. Earlier, Enenche said the church's commitment to humanity required practical demonstrations of love through giving, sacrifice and service to society.

Fani-Kayode Assumes Diplomatic Duties Sunday Ehigiator

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, Amb. Femi Fani-Kayode, yesterday formally presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Mr. Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director General, Public Diplomacy, and Acting

Chief of State Protocol, at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The presentation marked an important diplomatic milestone, signifying the formal commencement of FaniKayode’s diplomatic functions and his assumption of duties as

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa with effect from October 30, 2026. A statement yesterday revealed that following the presentation, the former minister also met with Amb. Seboga, Deputy Director General of DIRCO, in his office, as part of his initial diplomatic

engagements with senior South African government officials. The presentation of copies of his Letters of Credence preceded the ceremonial presentation of the letters to President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, which will take place in a few days.

Three Persons Burnt to Death After Bus, Truck Collide in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Three persons were burnt to death yesterday when a passenger bus and a truck collided together along Okolowo Expressway in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. THISDAY checks revealed that the bus was said to be conveying day-old chicks while the truck was loaded with sack bags

suspected to be sawdust. The development, it was gathered was said to have reportedly ignited a fire in the bus carrying three persons where all burnt to death. The accident was said to have occurred when the truck which was coming from the Shao direction, attempted to make a U-turn towards Okolowo and

rammed into by a passenger bus travelling from Lagos towards the northern part of the country. An eyewitness told THISDAY that the impact triggered a fire that engulfed the vehicles, leaving three persons burnt beyond recognition. The eyewitness said officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived at the scene to

evacuate the remains of the victims. The Kwara State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, confirmed the accident when contacted by THISDAY yesterday. He promised to provide further details before the filing of this report. All calls seeking updates on the incident proved futile.

Public School Students Develop App to Combat Banditry, Kidnapping Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Students of Aramoko District Commercial Secondary School, Aramoko Ekiti, have designed a mobile application that provides users with a quick and accessible means of seeking assistance when faced with threats such as kidnapping, banditry and other security emergencies.

The App also enables victims to share their locations with trusted contacts. The team lead of the students, Johnny Pius, while presenting the mobile application in Ibadan, yesterday, at the 2nd Byte Busters Coding Club Showcase 2026, organised under the Digital Education for Innovation and Economic

Development (DEFINED) Project of the Odu’a Investment Foundation, said it was created to checkmate kidnapping, banditry and other heinous acts in the country. According to him, as part of its functions the app will assist the users to establish communication links with trusted contacts as well as obtain assistance when

in danger. “The Safe Guardian App is a personal safety companion that allows users to make quick responses when they find themselves in emergency situations. It is designed to enable users to share their live locations with their trusted contacts whenever they are in danger," he said.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 31, 2026

SHOWBIZ

Ferdinand Ekechukwu- 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Maria Chike Benjamin: I’m Not Chasing Fame, I Want to Be Known for My Acting

Maria Chike Benjamin is not chasing fame; she wants to be recognised for her craft as an actress. From leaving a career as an Emirates air hostess to becoming a reality TV personality and now pursuing her place in Nollywood, her journey has been one of reinvention, self-discovery and resilience. Although reality TV opened doors to new opportunities, Maria says she wants audiences to look beyond the fame and appreciate her talent, hard work and commitment to storytelling. In this interview with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, she reflects on the difficult decisions that shaped her career, her father’s influence on her values, the transformative experience of motherhood, and her determination to build a lasting legacy in acting. Excerpts:

ou transitioned from an air hostess to a reality TV star, and now an actress. How has the journey been? I would say every transition did come with its own challenge because I was stepping into completely different worlds. Leaving aviation meant walking away from stable career to pursue opportunities where nothing was guaranteed, you are just famous. I would say I didn’t do my research properly in terms of jumping into the world of reality TV. I wasn’t very much aware what the fame and I wasn’t chasing fame. Truly the most secret or rather sacred thing about me is I’m a very private person. So being famous and being private just don’t go together. So, I would say the transition has been good and bad; the biggest lesson through the journey has been believing in myself having moved back to Nigeria since 2021 as an airhostess with Emirates Airlines to being a reality TV star and now an actress. If any reality TV opportunity came, I would turn it down like 100 percent. It’s too much of an exposure. I see reality TV as an open door to the path to everything that I’m doing today. It shaped so many more opportunities that I’m evolving into. Can you share with us your first set experience as an actor, any surprises stepping onto the set? I would say stepping onto a movie set for the first time it was both exciting and intimidating. I studied performance which was strictly acting and script writing. I have been in front of the cameras. Even some journey in my life after I finished university, you know l lived in Los Angeles in America for three months and I was going for acting auditions and stuff like that. The high cost of living in LA chased me away from LA and I moved back to the UK. I just went for a little short period to get acting jobs and stuff like that and it never really happened for me. I have been in front of the cameras, in front of so many auditions. So as much as my first ever time being on an actual real movie set that was going to feature, it was exciting but it was also intimidating. Abroad or when I was in acting school, they would give you weeks, months, they would give you script ahead of time. But Nigerians we do things completely different. They give you a script today and they expect you to be on set tomorrow morning. Or you are on set for the first time and that is when you will see your script, all you are doing is to quickly learn the script not even going into character. So, it’s very intimidating because it wasn’t what I studied, it wasn’t how I perceived acting and it was quite challenging to just come on set and have to quickly just read script and then they expect you to just be in character straight away. I’m like wait, I’m supposed to read this script right now? And you are supposed to film me? I wish I was given my script weeks in advance to submerge into this character, to own my character, to be that character, to come on set and give a different type of standard acting. I haven’t been in a lot of movies in this industry in any industry. I have just been in few. But I do hope that someday the film industry in Nigeria or Africa would actually change. What are your expectations coming into mainstream acting and what should viewers expect from you soon? Stepping into mainstream acting I do expect myself to keep growing because I do believe we keep growing. I’m not chasing quick success or simply trying to be recognized. I’m focused on building a career that is rooted in hard work, consistency, and great storytelling. I want people to look beyond my reality TV journey and see me as an actress who is committed to her craft I’m excited as well to take on challenging

roles that would push me outside of my comfort zone; things that I would never imagine that myself or personality would be able to achieve. Whether its drama, romance, action or something completely unexpected. I want every character that I play to leave an impact and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. As for what viewers can expect, I do believe this is just the beginning. And if this is my path in life, God’s willing; I would definitely let him take control of where this acting takes me. ‘Properties of the Gods’, which is the latest movie that I featured, I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the film that tells such an important story. But there’s so much more to come. What is one thing about your creative prowess that your fans and industry haven’t seen yet? I think people have only seen a small part of me because I haven’t done much. So, they’ve seen a very small part of what I’m capable of doing. I love challenging myself emotionally and I can’t wait for audiences to see the depth and range I know that I have when it comes to acting. Beyond acting as well, I’m also passionate storyteller. In the future I would also love to be creating projects from ground, not just to be an actress. I do pray in the future to divert into being a producer; producing a lot more series and movies of my own and eventually help bring authentic African stories to life. I’m still at the beginning of this journey like I said I haven’t been in much movies and that’s what excites me the most. And I know there are so many layers of me that audiences haven’t met yet and I believe the best version of Maria, creatively, is still ahead of us. Can you walk us through your background – your family, early years, and childhood memory that stands out? I was born to a Nigerian father, an Igbo man, and an Austrian mum. I’m one of three sisters, and two brothers, from a family of five. I’m the second to the last. And I have two step siblings as well. I grew up most of my early years partly in Nigeria and partly in the UK. But we did visit Austria quite often every other summer in my early years. We were always moving around a lot. My dad, a very cultural and traditional Igbo man, is late now. I do remember my mum would be in the kitchen with the helps and I would also have my own pot in the kitchen next to her. Whatever she puts in the pot I would put in my pot. That was practically how I learnt how to even cook traditional meals at a very young age as well. My dad was very strict, I wasn’t allowed to party. We were only allowed to go out with our parent and that was practically almost every weekend, some Saturdays, Sundays. But during the week, it was all school, and then back at home. I think growing up from a very young age, that sort of restriction stayed with me that when I became an adult, living by myself I became such a loner, I didn’t like to go out. You speak fondly of your dad, what was it about him you cherish and so much remember? My dad instilled a lot of hard work. Every weekend we would all have chores and if your chores are not done prior to breakfast, you are not going to eat breakfast. That was how disciplined my dad was. I remember during the festive periods when all the village dancers would come to our house, I would dance with them. My dad instilled a lot of my Igbo culture. He was a very loving father and a great husband. And when you even ask who I am, I would say ‘I’m my father’s daughter’. That’s very true of me. I know at a very young age you couldn’t just ask for anything, I had to work for anything that I wanted to get from my dad, be it anything you don’t ask, you have

Comedian AY Explains UK Show Disruption, Promises Return Under Right Conditions

Ferdinand Ekechukwu and Tosin Clegg

opular comedian and actor, Ayo Makun recently revealed the huge fees some Nigerian artistes currently demand for guest appearances at comedy shows. He said some Nigerian artistes charge as much as N200 million to appear at such shows. Fondly called AY, Makun also explains why booking top musicians have become a major expense for comedy show organisers. AY made this known in a video where he appealed to fans to look beyond the musical performances and focus on the comedy that brings them to the shows. He stressed that his comments were not intended as a criticism of Nigerian musicians or the music industry. He pointed out that booking artistes is only one part of the expenses involved in putting together a comedy show. AY obviously wouldn’t anticipate or imagined the backlash that greeted him days later on Sunday,

AY October 25, following disruption of his show in Cardiff, United Kingdom, blaming unresolved payment commitments for the failure to deliver the scheduled performances at Valegate Retail Park in Cardiff, where AY was billed to perform as part

Maria to bargain. We were very well to do I would say that. But he didn’t let that influence our mentality. How would you describe your background influence your values and outlook on life? Looking back, I think my upbringing gave me the confidence to adapt to different environment and to be able to chase opportunities without losing sight of who I am whether as a cabin crew or reality TV personality or even an actress. I feel like if I was fully Nigerian, and didn’t have the opportunity to live abroad, I probably, at 17, would be in my father’s house waiting on his monthly allowance and all of that. I have worked two jobs whilst going to university just because I needed to make payments to whatever my life’s stage at the time was. It has shaped me to be hard working but been very resilient. I would give that honour to my dad. I mean he always wanted me to be a lawyer back in college days in Manchester, in the United Kingdom. But I didn’t like law and kind of failed some years and went to do what I actually loved. . I went to a performance school in Salford University. And he was quite upset but we squashed things afterwards.

of his “AY Live: Single and Not Searching” UK tour. The incident sparked criticism from fans who sacrificed their time and paid for tickets, expecting to get their monies’ worth. While some angry attendees took to social media to condemn the experience, saying they wasted hours waiting for a performance that never materialised. Some fans said music played at the venue while they received repeated assurances that AY was around. However, the wait continued, confusion mounted, and heated arguments broke out, leaving some attendees to return home without seeing the comedian they paid to watch. In a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, AY said he and other comedians travelled to the venue and gained entry but could not perform before most of the audience left. The comedian apologised to attendees, and acknowledged that they deserved better organisation and timely communication about the event. A video showing AY, Akpororo, and MC Monica had surfaced earlier, showing them at the venue after attendees have left, which AY urged fans to watch before drawing conclusions about what happened. The comedian also expressed appreciation to supporters for helping build his brand over more than two decades, saying he remained committed to maintaining their trust. AY said he would gladly return to Cardiff under the right conditions, provided he worked with a reliable local partner who could help deliver the memorable evening fans expected.

Four-part Documentary Series, 'Redeeming the Story' Premieres Esther Oluku

faith-based documentary chronicling the evolution of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, 'Redeeming the Story', is set to premiere on Youtube, November 1, 2026, with episodes two, three and four on November eighth, 15th and 22nd respectively. The four-part documentary series compiled by renowned historian and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olasupo Shasore, tells the story of faith, hope and a journey in divine purpose. According to the Continent Administrator, Redeemed Christian Church of God (Americas-1), Lanre Sobo, the premier represents the commitment of the church to preserve a memory which would otherwise remain with people and their families for the younger generation. “Redeeming the Story is not a film about buildings, dates or the record of an institution. It's about a people, about transformation and about resilience, about families who held on and about a purpose passed down from one generation to the next across continent," he said.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 31, 2026

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Charles Ajunwa

• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

Anabs Sara-Igbe: Tourism Key to Rivers’ Development Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

ormer spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has called on the Rivers State government to prioritise tourism development, describing the sector as a major driver of economic growth, employment generation, investment and internally generated revenue. Sara-Igbe said the state could unlock its vast tourism potential by developing its Atlantic coastline, improving access roads to coastal communities and implementing policies capable of attracting investors and visitors. He identified Kula community, the Andoni area, Bonny, among others as locations with significant tourism potential, noting that Rivers State’s extensive shoreline could become a major attraction for domestic and international visitors. Speaking on the economic benefits of tourism, Sara-Igbe said Rivers State could replicate the success of renowned beach destinations around the world by developing its coastal assets. “Why is it Miami Beach? People travel all over the world to Miami to swim at the beach. The Caribbean islands attract people because of their beaches. We can develop all these within Nigeria, within Rivers State, and people will

come,” he said. He stressed that the development of tourism infrastructure, particularly roads linking coastal communities to major urban centres, would be critical to realising the sector’s potential. “What we need is to build roads to these areas so people can go in and come out freely. As soon as we have that, there will be security, and other economies will grow,” he said. According to him, improved access to tourist destinations would stimulate complementary economic activities, including fishing, agriculture, oil and gas-related services, and agro-allied industries. He explained that tourism development could attract businesses, create jobs, expand commercial activities and increase government revenue through taxation. Sara-Igbe also argued that developing the sector would help reduce the concentration of economic activities in Port Harcourt by encouraging the emergence of new urban and industrial centres across the state. “We will not think of Port Harcourt as the only city. We should think of expanding into more cities and establishing more industries, so Rivers State can become a gloryland,” he said. The former PANDEF spokesperson said tourism could provide significant employment opportunities for the state’s youthful population, while creating new income streams for local communities and small businesses. He argued that attracting visitors from other

parts of Nigeria and the wider South-south region would stimulate demand for accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment, handicrafts and other services. Beyond employment generation, he said, the resulting expansion of business activities would increase the state’s revenue base and create opportunities for residents who had relocated to other commercial centres, particularly Lagos, to return and invest in Rivers State. Sara-Igbe, however, emphasised that realising these benefits would require political will, effective governance and consistent policies to support tourism development. “We need the government’s will and policy to push tourism, because through tourism, we can better our economy,” he said. He described tourism as an important component of a broader economic restructuring agenda for Rivers State, alongside agriculture and industrial development. “If you build the road to Kula and develop tourism, the land is there. Fishery will grow, tourism will grow, agriculture will grow, and so many things will happen. More people will come, businesses will grow, and the economy will grow,” he said. He maintained that a coordinated investment in tourism infrastructure and coastal development could help Rivers State diversify its economy, strengthen community livelihoods and establish new engines of sustainable growth.

Sara-Igbe

Germany-Nigeria FilmWeek Returns in October 2027 with Expanded Programme, Global Partnerships Stories by Charles Ajunwa

he Germany-Nigeria Film Week will return for its second edition from October 4 to 9, 2027, with plans to expand its programme, deepen industry participation and strengthen international partnerships following the inaugural edition held across four German cities in 2026. The six-day festival is expected to build on the momentum of its maiden edition, which brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from Nigeria and Germany to promote cinematic collaboration and strengthen cultural relations between the two countries. Established as a platform for Nigerian and German filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore business opportunities, the festival also seeks to promote Nigerian cinema to wider European audiences and create opportunities for international distribution and film co-production. The inaugural edition, which lasted 10 days, featured film screenings, cultural exchanges, industry engagements and awards across Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg. It showcased Nigerian productions while creating opportunities for dialogue between filmmakers and representatives of both countries’ creative industries. The festival opened at the Arsenal Film Institut

Participants at Germany-Nigeria Film Week 2026

in Berlin with a screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli. The opening programme also featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini. Their discussion examined the growth of the Nigerian film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers. Among the dignitaries at the event were

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders from both countries. A major highlight of the Berlin opening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema. Schlöndorff, whose career spans several decades, has also filmed documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria. A Special Recognition Award was also presented to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Han-

natu Musawa, for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Husseini. The festival subsequently moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives. A Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in recognition of his contributions to the promotion and preservation of African culture and heritage. The Hannover programme featured screenings of Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Fiberesima, as well as Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia. Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing Evi, while Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Festival activities extended to Bremen and Hamburg, where Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities. On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was also screened in Bremen. The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of the PanAfrican Film Development and Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF), Nigeria, and Michael Davies of SONNENKINDFILM e.V., Germany, to promote film collaboration, cultural exchange, international distribution and co-production opportunities between the two countries.

Lilian Managwu: AI, Digital Technologies Reshaping How Hospitality, Tourism Businesses Operate

resident of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Dr. Lilian Managwu, has said Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, data analytics, robotics and intelligent service systems are reshaping how hospitality and tourism businesses operate, engage customers, develop human capital, and compete globally. Managwu also stressed that AI and other emerging technologies deployed into hospitality and tourism sector are only serving supportive roles and not taking the jobs of humans. She also called on the Nigerian government, operators, academia and others to urgently devise practical strategies for the implementation of

digital transformation. Managwu who disclosed this at the just concluded 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of HATMAN held in Awka, Anambra State, with theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism,’ emphasised that the new technologies would be of immense benefits to operators in the hospitality and tourism sector. ‘‘Our theme, Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism; is both timely and strategic as we are meeting at a defining moment in our industry when Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies, data analytics, robotics and intelligent service

systems are reshaping how hospitality and tourism businesses operate, engage customers, develop human capital, and compete globally,’’ she disclosed. ‘‘For hospitality and tourism sector in Nigeria, this transformation presents enormous opportunities to improve service delivery, strengthen tourism destination management, enhance hospitality education, create employment, stimulate entrepreneurship, and position our country more competitively in global tourism economy,’’ she added. ‘‘However, embracing these opportunities requires more than adopting technology. It demands digital competency, ethical leadership, responsible innovation, supportive policies and deliberate investment in people,’’ Managwu said.

Managwu

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

PERSPECTIVE Accountants in Politics: Strengthening Governance, Public Accountability Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

here is a familiar proposition that politics is too important to be left to politicians alone. In a constitutional democracy, that proposition is not an attack on politicians; it is a reminder that public leadership must draw on the knowledge, experience and ethical discipline of the wider society. Accountants have a particular contribution to make because nearly every public promise eventually becomes a question of money, priorities, controls and results. A government may announce a capital project or a social protection programme. The public-interest questions are practical: Was the project properly costed? Was the money appropriated and released? Was procurement competitive? Was the contract delivered to specification? Did the intervention improve people’s lives? Were deviations explained and corrected? These are not merely bookkeeping questions. They go to the heart of political choice, public trust and the legitimacy of the state. Accounting is therefore relevant to politics because sound public decisions require reliable evidence, disciplined resource allocation and an honest account of results. Accountants understand budgets, revenue systems, risk, internal controls, audit trails, financial reporting and value for money. Those skills can improve legislation, executive management and the scrutiny of public institutions. However, a professional qualification alone does not guarantee an opportunity to influence public decisions. Accountants should make themselves available in the public space, whether through political appointments or elective positions. This presentation reiterates that public accountability and good governance are necessary, though not sufficient, conditions for economic growth. It also highlights the important roles accountants can play in strengthening governance and promoting accountability in the public space.

Isiaka

Governance: The System That Turns Public Power into Public Value

Governance is the way public authority is exercised: how priorities are set, decisions are made, resources are allocated, institutions are supervised and results are evaluated. Good governance is not synonymous with a government’s popularity or the number of policies it announces. It depends on the quality of

institutions and the consistency with which they apply the law, use evidence, disclose decisions and respond to citizens. Its core elements include the rule of law, participation, transparency, accountability, responsiveness, effectiveness, equity and control of corruption. These elements reinforce one another. A budget cannot be credible where procurement is opaque; an audit has limited value if its findings are ignored; and a public project cannot be called successful merely because the money was spent. Governance requires a complete chain, from policy design and appropriation to procurement, implementation, audit, public explanation and corrective action. Governance also encompasses the traditions and institutions through which authority in a country is exercised. It plays a crucial role in shaping development outcomes. A large body of research supports the view that inclusive and accountable institutions promote economic growth and expand opportunities. Where governance systems struggle to perform these functions, development outcomes are often harder to sustain. Attempts have been made to establish global initiatives for measuring governance. One such initiative is the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), first published in 1999. It measures governance across six dimensions: 1. Voice and Accountability: Measures the extent to which citizens can participate in choosing their government, alongside freedom of expression, freedom of association and a free media. These principles are reflected in electoral participation and public engagement, including recent elections such as those held in Osun State. 2. Political Stability and Absence of Violence: Assesses the likelihood of political instability and politically motivated violence, including threats to the continuity of constitutional government. 3. Government Effectiveness: Examines the quality of public services, the competence of the civil service and the independence of public

administration from undue political interference. 4. Regulatory Quality: Measures the ability of government to formulate and implement sound policies and regulations that support development and private-sector activity. 5. Rule of Law: Assesses the extent to which citizens and institutions have confidence in, and abide by, the rules of society. 6. Control of Corruption: Examines the extent to which public power is exercised for private gain and the effectiveness of institutions in preventing and addressing corruption.

Good governance requires government to be assessed through practical questions:

- Are capital projects selected according to public need and expected economic returns? - Are debt proceeds used for their stated purposes? - Do ministries publish reliable implementation reports? - Are procurement rules applied consistently? audit recommendations lead to recovery of public funds, institutional reform or lawful sanctions? - Can citizens understand what government promised, what it spent and what it delivered? These questions help establish whether public authority is being exercised responsibly and whether government activities produce meaningful results.

Public Accountability: From Disclosure to Consequences

Public accountability is the obligation of public officials and institutions to explain and justify the exercise of authority and the use of public resources, submit their decisions to scrutiny and accept appropriate consequences where standards have been breached.

It has at least three interconnected dimensions:

1. Answerability: The obligation to provide a clear and credible account of decisions and actions. 2. Enforceability: Independent scrutiny and the application of lawful consequences where wrongdoing or serious breaches occur. 3. Learning: Correcting institutional weaknesses to prevent the recurrence of failures. The various dimensions of public accountability include: - Financial Accountability: Requires institutions to track, audit and report public spending transparently, with appropriate independent oversight. Akinyemi, a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, writes from Lagos Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Nigeria’s Power Recovery, a Shared Responsibility Vincent Ozoude

very Nigerian household and business know the cost of unreliable power: blackouts at homes, idle industrial machines in production factories, rising diesel bills, and failing businesses and industries. Those of us who generate, transmit, distribute and regulate electricity feel that weight personally and owe the public candour about the challenge and, more importantly, clarity on the way forward. Moments like this tempt a sector into finger-pointing. I would rather we treat them as a mirror. Nigeria’s electricity supply is a chain that runs from the gas well for a gas-fired plant to the meter: gas production and transport, generation, transmission, distribution and, finally, payment. When any link is strained, the whole system feels it. When power plants go quiet, it is rarely for lack of Generation from the gas turbines or skilled engineers. More often, they are constrained by gas unavailability, evacuation limitations in the electricity market, where market liquidity is still being restored. That diagnosis is good news, because it tells us exactly where the solutions lie, and many are already in motion. The government has taken bold steps that deserve recognition. The Electricity Act 2023 has opened the market and empowered states. The regulator continues to move the industry forward with some orders. The federal government’s commitment to settle verified legacy debts owed to generation companies and gas suppliers is a significant signal of intent, and the Nigerian Indepen-

dent System Operator now manages the grid with greater transparency. The Honourable Minister of Power has set a clear bar: Nigerians must feel the improvement. We share that goal, and our duty as private operators is to meet government halfway with discipline, investment and innovation. At Transafam Power Limited, that conviction has defined our journey. When Transcorp Group acquired the Power Generation assets located in Afam-Okoloma, Rivers State, a 966MW installed capacity plant that was delivering less than 10% of this installed capacity, only a fraction of its capability. Many had written the plant off as one more stranded asset. We saw something different: national infrastructure that could be restored by Nigerian capital and Nigerian expertise. With patient investment, we rehabilitated dormant units and steadily grew our available capacity. When gas constraints at one location threatened output, we did not accept idle capacity; we relocated turbines closer to available gas. That is our instinct in every disruption: find a way to keep generating. Today, Transafam Power stands among the top generation assets in the country. Together with our sister company, Transcorp Power Plc, Ughelli, we account for about 20% of Nigeria’s installed capacity, making the Transcorp Group one of the most important private contributors to the national grid. That position is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. When our units are available, millions of Nigerians feel the difference, and we hold ourselves accountable to that standard every single day. Innovation has been central to how we run the plant. We are deepening condition-based and predictive

maintenance so that our units are ready the moment gas flows, strengthening real-time monitoring of plant performance, and tightening the discipline of our operations so that every available megawatt is protected. We treat reliability as an engineering culture, not a slogan: rigorous safety standards, careful stewardship of our equipment, and decisions grounded in data. Our greatest investment, however, is in people. The engineers and technicians who run our plants in Transafam today and at Ughelli are Nigerians, many of them young professionals whose skills we are deliberately building for the long term. We are also committed to our host communities in Rivers and Delta States, because a power plant thrives only when the people around it share in its progress. Three practical priorities would accelerate the recovery of electricity. First, let us manage gas-to-power as one value chain. Making adequate dedicated gas available with firm gas supply agreements backed by credible payment assurance, alongside closer coordination of upstream investment and maintenance within the gas sector, would curtail gas unavailability. Continued investment in gas processing and transport pipeline infrastructure to gas-fired power plants will ensure that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves translate into electricity for homes and industries. Second, let us sustain market liquidity. Consistent implementation of the debt settlement programme, together with prompt payment of monthly invoices across the value chain, will allow generating companies to pay gas suppliers, maintain their machines and attract fresh capital. A market that settles its obligations

Ozoude

predictably is a market investor will fund. Third, evacuation limitations should be tackled head-on. Weak transmission and distribution infrastructure should be upgraded, revamped and new infrastructure built to cater for the growing population and demand. Let us deepen collaboration. A standing platform where generation companies, gas suppliers, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the system operator and the regulator review supply risks ahead of time would help the industry anticipate shocks rather than react to them.

Transafam is ready to contribute its operational experience to such an effort. Power is where the private sector’s commitment to Nigeria is tested most, and where its rewards are most visible. Every megawatt restored is a hospital or clinic that keeps its equipment and lights on, a student who reads after dark, a small- to medium-scale business and industrial company that improves production and hires more hands through job creation, a country growing in GDP and a community with fast growth in urban and rural development.

Engr Ozoude writes from Afam, Rivers State. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transafam Power Limited, one of the power subsidiaries of Transnational Corporation Plc, Africa’s leading listed conglomerate with strategic investments in power, hospitality and energy. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

VIEW POINT

Why Government Funding Alone Won’t Fix Nigeria’s Education Crisis

country’s investment in research and development (R&D) is one of the clearest indicators of how seriously it takes its future. Scientific discoveries do not happen by accident. They require sustained funding, functioning research institutions, skilled people, technological infrastructure and governments willing to invest in knowledge before its economic benefits become visible. The United States spent an estimated $993 billion on R&D in 2024, approximately 3.4 per cent of its GDP. Nigeria’s internationally reported R&D expenditure data, by comparison, remain remarkably outdated. The UNESCO series available through the World Bank records expenditure of just 0.22 per cent of GDP in 2007, with no sufficiently recent comparable observation. This is not merely a statistical inconvenience. It raises questions about how seriously Nigeria measures and prioritises the scientific capacity required for development. In March, I visited the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where my daughter is currently a pre-med student. The university, often described as one of America’s Public Ivies because of its academic reputation and standing among leading public universities, has Professor Omolade Adunbi, a Nigerian, as its Director of the African Studies Center. I have maintained a relationship with Professor Adunbi for nearly two decades, and he joined my daughter in welcoming me to campus. During our conversation, I asked him about innovative ways American universities finance their programmes and what Nigeria and other African economies could learn. He introduced me to what I would call the Michigan template. One of the things he drew my attention to was the commercial value of university research as a source of funding. The University of Michigan has an extensive research-commercialisation ecosystem, connecting faculty research with corporations, foundations, investors and entrepreneurs through its Innovation Partnerships office. At Michigan, research output creates opportunities for corporations to sponsor research, enter partnerships with academics, license intellectual property and commercialise discoveries. Professor Adubi mentioned Google co-founder Larry Page as an illustration of the relationship between university education, research and entrepreneurship.

Udeh

Page graduated from Michigan before proceeding to Stanford, where he and Sergey Brin developed PageRank, the technology that became foundational to Google. The research that produced Google was conducted at Stanford, but the example illustrates the wider value of university education and innovation. Our conversation moved effortlessly from the political economy of Nigerian academic institutions to the politics of their governing bodies. Professor Adubi outlined four pathways through which universities can generate value from research: corporate-sponsored research, in which companies finance research addressing technological or commercial challenges; intellectual property licensing, through which universities protect and license commercially valuable discoveries; university spinouts, which allow researchers to establish businesses around campus innovations; and strategic research partnerships, through which corporations support

longer-term research programmes relevant to their industries. As Nigeria continues to approve licences for more universities, the value of these institutions must extend beyond the degrees they award. It should also be measured by their capacity to produce people, ideas and discoveries that create economic value. In fiscal year 2025, Michigan recorded $2.16 billion in research expenditures, attracted $170.6 million in corporate-sponsored research awards and supported the creation of 31 startups. Its experience demonstrates what becomes possible when academic research, government investment and private-sector participation reinforce one another. For Nigeria, this raises a fundamental policy question. Why should universities remain so heavily dependent on government allocations and tuition when their research capabilities could also attract corporate investment, generate intellectual property and support new businesses? This requires more than asking companies to fund universities. It requires institutions capable of producing credible research, protecting intellectual property and negotiating commercial partnerships. It is against this background that I find the latest findings of the Wellcome Global Monitor particularly troubling. Published on October 10, 2026, Trust in Science Under Pressure draws on interviews with more than 140,000 people across 140 countries. Its findings show that public trust in science has declined globally since the COVID-19 pandemic and fallen below its 2018 level. Nigeria’s experience reflects this worrying trend. In 2018, 26 per cent of Nigerians said they trusted science a lot. By 2020, that figure had fallen to 13 per cent. It recovered modestly to 15 per cent in 2025. Although the recovery is welcome, Nigeria remains 11 percentage points below its pre-pandemic level. Overall, 57 per cent of Nigerians reported at least some trust in science. The survey’s findings on vaccination make

the challenge more concrete. Asked whether they would take a vaccine recommended by a doctor or nurse, 35 per cent of Nigerian respondents said they would take it immediately. Another 36 per cent preferred time to think about it, while 24 per cent said they did not take vaccines at all. Someone who wants time to consider a vaccine is not necessarily opposed to vaccination. Such concerns should not automatically be dismissed as ignorance. The more important question is whether people can obtain clear, credible answers that allow them to make informed decisions. The pandemic provides an important context. Scientific recommendations sometimes changed because the evidence changed. That is not a weakness of science; it is how science works. But when authorities communicate uncertainty poorly, subsequent changes can be interpreted as evidence of incompetence or dishonesty. Nigeria must nevertheless resist the temptation to explain its figures entirely through COVID-19. For many Nigerians, the most immediate encounter with science is not a laboratory or research institution, but a hospital, clinic, pharmacy or conversation with a health professional. The Wellcome report identifies an important relationship between confidence in healthcare institutions and trust in science. Globally, 43 per cent of people expressing a lot of confidence in their country’s hospitals and clinics also reported a lot of trust in science, compared with 26 per cent across the survey population. Economic insecurity adds another dimension. Globally, 39 per cent of people living comfortably reported a lot of trust in science in 2025, compared with 20 per cent of those finding it difficult to get by financially. Families preoccupied with food, rent, school fees and medical bills may have fewer resources to seek reliable information or act on professional advice. When institutions appear disconnected from those struggles, their pronouncements may carry less weight. Adeola Akinremi is a public poºlicy advisor and strategic communications expert with extensive multilateral experience advising on economic and policy reforms across global markets. As Founder and CEO of Hintells, he leads an AI-powered intelligence platform that connects businesses and African diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. He can be reached via email: adeola@hintells.com

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ndigbo and PDP: Blast of Truth from 1999 and 2023 Ernie Onwumere

t is commonly asserted in elite public discourse that opinion is free, but facts are sacred. This piece is the expression of an opinion anchored on the sanctity of truth. There is the truth about Jos ‘99, the lie told against Jim Nwobodo, and the road Ndigbo refused to walk in 2023. I was in the room where the truth began to unravel. In 1998, I served as Media Strategy Manager for Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s presidential campaign, working under the Director of Media and Publicity of ALEPCO, Prince Tony Momoh. I was at the PDP National Convention in Jos on the 14th and 15th of February, 1999. I speak, read and write Hausa. I say this at the outset because what follows here is not hearsay, and because a half-truth has been allowed to grow legs and walk among Ndigbo for far too long. Let us begin with the context that the storytellers always leave out. By the time the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Jos, the military had already made up its mind. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had just been released from prison, granted a state pardon, and had held private meetings with President Abdulsalami Abubakar and General Ibrahim Babangida. He was the man the soldiers had chosen to succeed them. Jos was not really an election; it was a formality dressed in the robes of

democracy. The statistics told its own story at the primary. Chief Obasanjo polled 1,658 votes. Dr. Ekwueme took 521. Alhaji Abubakar Rimi managed 195. Chief Jim Nwobodo scored 47. Mr. Francis Ellah had 16, Chief Don Etiebet 11, and Dr. Olabode Olajumoke 5. Read those numbers again. Even if Ekwueme and Nwobodo had stood aside and pooled every vote they commanded behind a single challenger, the outcome would not have shifted by a single delegate. The race was decided before the ballots were counted, and it was decided somewhere far from the campaign podium. But how did the military’s preference prove itself? Openly, in the general election that followed. President Obasanjo lost his polling booth. He lost his ward. He lost his local government. He lost his state, both at the governorship and at the presidential level, to the Alliance for Democracy. And yet he was elected President of Nigeria. Why? It is because the military men who had ruled us for fifteen years saw in him the leader they could trust with the keys. What played out in 1999 was captured perfectly by Barr. J.S.P. Nwokolo in his now famous ‘Ekechago nku Ukwa’, meaning the breadfruit has already been shared behind closed doors before the villagers arrive. By the time the crowd filed in, the portions had been apportioned and

wishes to test this claim may go and watch it. What Jim Nwobodo did was speak in Hausa, but not for any candidate and not against any candidate. He spoke in Hausa to canvas for his own votes. He did not attack Dr. Ekwueme. He did not de-market anybody. He promoted himself, which is precisely what every politician who mounts a podium at a convention is there to do. To convert that into a charge of betrayal is not history; it is sheer mischief, and it is the kind of mischief that costs a people their clarity at the very moment they need it most.

So, if Jim Nwobodo is not the culprit, who is? Mbata the plates cleared.

Which brings me to the lie.

It is being said, quietly in some places and loudly in others, that Chief Jim Nwobodo spoke in Hausa at the Jos convention against Dr. Ekwueme, or against the Igbo interest. That is not true, and I can say so with authority because I understood every word he uttered. The video of the convention speeches still exists; anyone who

Of course, it is not the man who spoke Hausa to ask for votes in 1999. The men to blame are our own brothers in the PDP who, 25 years later, sold the future of the South East for a plate of porridge. They are the ones who should carry this burden, and they know it. Let’s ponder what was placed in their hands. After eight years of Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, the expectation across the length and breadth of Nigeria was that the presidency would return to the South. Within the South, the South East had waited the longest and had

given the most to the PDP without ever being rewarded with the ticket. The party’s constitution and its unwritten conventions recognised zoning between North and South as the glue that held it together. In 2022, the party set up a thirtyseven-man zoning committee under Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, ostensibly to formalise what everybody already knew. Instead, the committee recommended that the ticket be thrown open, pleading the exigency of time and the virtue of merit. In plain language, the PDP told the South East that its turn did not matter. NEC ratified it. Zoning died at the source, and with zoning dead, the field was flooded with northern aspirants who had the structure and the money to dominate a primary. Atiku Abubakar, a man of means who had run several times before, walked through the open gate. But here is the part our people dislike hearing. An injustice is not the same thing as a defeat, and the South East was not only wronged; it was careless. Going into that contest, the PDP’s strongest hold in the entire country was the South East: three governors, thirteen senators, more than thirty members of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a mass of party members. Read full article online - www. thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

POLITY On The Extract Of Unaudited IFRS Results For The Quarter Ended 30 September, 2026

L-R: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ESG Consultancy, Francine Carron; Community Development and Stakeholder Manager, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda; Manager, PwC Nigeria, Kayode Ashamu; and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Ziva Community Initiative, Maureen Mato, during the panel session titled “From Consent to Social License Community Relations Across the Mine Life Cycle” at Nigerian Mining Week 2026, held in Abuja, recently.

L-R: General Manager, Globus Training and Advisory Ltd, Mr. Desmond Nnebue; Director, Administration, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; A Facilitator/Executive Director, Atlantis Pediatric and Multi-specialist Hospital, Dr. Diya Ololade Oluwadamilola; Executive Secretary/ CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan and Training Facilitator, Dr. Wale Adeagbo during the opening ceremony of the October edition of LSSTF’s 2-Day Statewide Inter-Agency Training for Security Operatives in Lagos.

L–R: Divisional Head of Payments Business, Wema Bank, Damla Bolodeoku; Chief Sales Officer, Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi; Managing Director, Payment Scheme and Network, Interswitch, Vincent Ogbunude; Vice President, Business Operations, Interswitch Group, Titilola Shogaolu; and Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, Dr Cherry Eromosele at the TechConnect 6.0 grand finale held in Lagos…. recently

The Board of Directors is conﬁdent that barring unforeseen circumstances, this performance would be improved upon considerably in the 4th quarter of the ﬁnancial year. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON 29TH OF OCTOBER 2026.

L–R: Divisional Head of Payments Business, Wema Bank, Damọla Bolodeoku; Chief Sales Officer, Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi; Managing Director, Payment Scheme and Network, Interswitch, Vincent Ogbunude; Vice President, Business Operations, Interswitch Group, Titilola Shogaolu; and Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, Dr Cherry Eromosele at the TechConnect 6.0 grand finale held in Lagos…. recently

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 31, 2026

AUTOWORLD

Bennett Oghifo

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

Sinotrucks Unveils Electric Brand, Sitrak in Nigeria, Targets Lower Haulage Costs

igerian Sinotrucks Limited, one of the Federal Government-recognised vehicle assemblers in Nigeria and a distributor of China’s Sinotruk brand, has introduced Sitrak electric commercial trucks into the Nigerian market, positioning the vehicles as a cost-saving alternative for businesses grappling with high fuel prices and rising logistics expenses. The introduction marks another step in the company’s drive to expand alternative-energy transportation solutions in Nigeria, following its involvement in the compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle market. Speaking on the launch, the company’s founder and Managing Director, Alfred Okugbeni, said the move was driven by the need to reduce the cost of transporting goods, improve business competitiveness and support the transition to cleaner energy. “The need to crack this has become imperative. And one of the major ways to crack this is to bring in low-cost operating vehicles. The electric truck fits very well into that,” Okugbeni said. He noted that transportation costs remain a major component of business expenditure and contribute to the prices consumers pay for food and other essential goods. “We are looking at tackling major issues like inflation,” he said. “Transportation cost is a major cost driver for businesses.” According to him, electric trucks offer manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators an opportunity to reduce energy expenditure, particularly where vehicles operate on predictable routes and can be charged at company facilities. A major selling point of the Sitrak electric trucks is their potential to reduce fleet operating expenses, especially energy costs, which have become a significant concern for Nigerian

Sinotrucks’ Sitrak, electric commercial truck transport operators Okugbeni said the company had recorded growing interest in alternative-energy vehicles following the adoption of CNG trucks, which he said had delivered fuel-cost savings of between 30 and 35 per cent for customers. Building on that experience, he said the company expects electric vehicles to offer further cost advantages. “Moving to electric vehicles, there is further cost saving of nothing less than 40–50 per cent,” he said, referring to the potential operating savings compared with conventional alternatives. Actual savings, however, will depend

on electricity costs, vehicle utilisation, charging infrastructure, financing and maintenance requirements. Okugbeni added that electric trucks could also help operators improve fleet planning and reduce exposure to some of the fuel-related challenges associated with conventional haulage. He identified fuel theft, the use of inferior fuel and vehicle damage as persistent concerns for operators, noting that electric mobility could help address some of these operational risks. The company expects the trucks to appeal particularly to businesses seeking to improve the efficiency of their distribution networks

while managing operating costs. Nigerian Sinotrucks Limited is initially targeting fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and distributors, whose operations often involve regular deliveries between factories, warehouses, retail outlets and distribution centres. Okugbeni said these businesses could benefit from overnight charging, particularly where manufacturing facilities have spare energy capacity outside peak production hours. “Our target are the fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing people because they have excess energy through the night. So, they can easily charge up,” he said. Under this model, trucks can be charged at company facilities overnight and deployed for deliveries during the day, reducing dependence on public charging stations for routine operations. The company believes this approach provides a practical entry point for electric commercial vehicles in Nigeria, where inconsistent grid electricity and limited public charging infrastructure remain significant challenges. Okugbeni also pointed to emerging investments in charging facilities and initiatives by energy-sector players, expressing optimism that infrastructure development would support the expansion of electric mobility. “Charging stations are being built. But for commercial vehicles, the trucks, it is even a lot easier because they are working with factories that have excess energy,” he said. The company's initial rollout focuses on light electric trucks designed for intra-city distribution, with plans to expand into medium-duty vehicles for regional operations as the market develops. According to Okugbeni, the light trucks can cover up to 200 kilometres in a day, making them suitable for selected urban delivery routes. “We are starting with the light truck, the entry-level first, because those ones are for intra-city distribution,” he said.

AutoFast by CFAO Recommits to After-sales Support for Former Moove Drivers in Nigeria

utoFast by CFAO has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable vehicle maintenance and after-sales support to former Moove drivers in Nigeria, assuring them of continued access to professional servicing, quality lubricants, and affordable spare parts. Following Moove’s exit from Nigeria, AutoFast by CFAO says it recognises the concerns drivers may have about servicing, maintenance, and repair. According to the company, "having supported and serviced these vehicles for over four years, the company is reassuring drivers that its commitment to their vehicle maintenance needs remains unchanged." AutoFast by CFAO added that it remains available to help drivers maintain their vehicles, minimise avoidable downtime, and keep their vehicles in good operating condition. AutoFast by CFAO also said it is focused on

making servicing more convenient, accessible, and affordable, "recognising that these vehicles are essential to many drivers' daily operations and livelihoods. "As part of this renewed commitment, AutoFast by CFAO is prioritising former Moove drivers through dedicated service support, free vehicle diagnostics, access to quality Motul lubricants, and a loyalty programme designed to reward returning customers on their third service with exclusive discounts. "This initiative will enable drivers to access timely maintenance and get back on the road with no delay on approvals." Speaking on the company’s commitment, General Manager of Winpart by CFAO and AutoFast by CFAO, Mr. Eric Fantodji said: “Our relationship with these drivers spans more than four years, and we understand how important their vehicles are to their livelihoods. Our priority is to ensure they continue to have access to dependable after-sales support, professional servicing, and affordable maintenance solutions.

AutoFast by CFAO “From the beginning of our partnership, we have used Motul lubricants to service these vehicles. Maintaining consistency with the manufacturer-recommended lubricant specification

is particularly important for the 0.8 or 1-litre sensitive engines, so changing to less oil brands will have terrible repercussions on the vehicle and increase repair costs."

NAJA Awards: Race for Car of the Year, Top Auto Honours Begins

he battle for Nigeria’s top automotive honours has begun, with leading vehicle manufacturers, distributors and emerging mobility brands set to compete for the prestigious Car of the Year award and other major categories at the 19th Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards. The opening of nominations has set the stage for what promises to be a keen contest among industry players, with the winners expected to emerge at the grand finale scheduled for December 3, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The awards, which recognise excellence across Nigeria’s automotive industry, will spotlight outstanding performances in vehicle manufacturing and assembly, commercial transportation, alternativeenergy mobility, after-sales services, automotive distribution and individual contributions to sector

development. The Car of the Year category is expected to attract particular attention as automobile brands intensify competition for market share in an industry increasingly shaped by changing consumer preferences, technological innovation and demand for more affordable and efficient vehicles. Chairman of the 2026 NAJA Awards Planning Committee, Frank Kintum, said the committee was committed to delivering an event that reflected the growing significance of Nigeria's automotive industry. He described the awards as an important platform for recognising individuals, brands and organisations whose contributions had advanced the sector. Kintum said the 19th edition was being organised to surpass previous ceremonies in scale and presentation while maintaining the credibility and professional standards associated with the awards. According to the organisers, competing products,

brands and personalities will be evaluated under relevant categories, with winners determined in accordance with the association's approved award modalities. NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the awards were not designed solely to celebrate dominant market players but also to recognise organisations and individuals that had demonstrated measurable excellence and made meaningful contributions to the automotive ecosystem. He said the credibility of the evaluation process had strengthened the awards' relevance as a reference point for stakeholders across the industry. The 2026 edition comes at a critical period for Nigeria's automotive sector, as manufacturers and distributors contend with the growing adoption of alternative-energy vehicles, efforts to expand local assembly, evolving government policies and increasing demand for improved after-sales services. These developments are expected to influence

this year's competition, particularly in categories covering electric vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) mobility, commercial vehicles and local manufacturing. The outcome of the 2025 edition provides an indication of the intensity of competition expected this year. At the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards, held on December 16, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Jetour Dashing emerged Nigeria's Car of the Year, beating the Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo to claim the top honour. Mikano Motors also recorded a major success, emerging Auto Company of the Year, while its Changan CS55 won the Midsize SUV of the Year category. Toyota Nigeria's Isolo facility was named Workshop of the Year, while the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hiace won Pick-Up of the Year and Minibus of the Year awards, respectively.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

FEATURES

Excise Stamp Burden: Why Consumers Should Not Pay for Regulatory Duplication Oluchi Chibuzor

or Nigerian households, the consequences of economic policy are rarely abstract. They are felt in the prices displayed in shops, the cost of everyday purchases and the difficult decisions families make when income fails to keep pace with expenses. That is why any new regulatory requirement with the potential to raise production costs deserves careful scrutiny before its burden reaches consumers. The Nigeria Customs Service’s Excise Stamp Regulations, 2026, establish a hybrid physical and digital system for tracking and authenticating excisable products, including alcohol, tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages. The objectives of improving traceability, curbing counterfeit goods and protecting government revenue are understandable. The difficulty lies in determining whether the new arrangement will achieve those objectives efficiently or simply add costs to legitimate production. MAN had warned that stamp-related compliance expenses could be passed through the supply chain, increasing prices and placing further pressure on consumers. Its concerns formed part of its broader objection to the proposed system in September 2025. This is not proof that every affected product will become more expensive by a specific amount. Prices depend on multiple factors, including energy, transport, financing, exchange rates, taxes and competition. But the possibility of additional costs being passed to consumers is sufficiently credible to require an independent impact assessment. When government introduces a compulsory compliance requirement, someone must pay for it. Manufacturers may need to acquire equipment, integrate software, train employees, adjust production processes and devote additional resources to documentation and verification. A company may absorb some of these expenses to protect its market share. Another may recover them through higher prices. A third may reduce investment, cut other costs or reconsider expansion plans. The distribution of the burden will vary across firms and products, but the underlying expense remains part of the economy’s cost of doing business. The consumer is therefore central to the debate. It is not enough for the government to say that the stamp is not a tax collected directly from shoppers. The economic incidence of a regulation depends on what businesses and consumers ultimately bear, not merely on the formal name of the charge.

Oyedele

Why affordability matters

For households with limited disposable income, even relatively modest price increases can force adjustments elsewhere in the budget. For businesses, lower consumer purchasing power may translate into weaker demand and lower sales volumes. The effects could extend beyond the products directly affected. When households devote more of their budgets to particular goods, they have less available for other purchases. When manufacturers experience higher operating costs, they may have less capital for expansion, new equipment or employment. The overall effect depends on the scale of the

Chimaobi: When Grief Finds Voice and Soul Begins to Heal Chinedu Anosike

eath has a peculiar cruelty: it takes away the person but leaves behind everything that reminds us of their presence. The chair once occupied, the voice once heard, the familiar footsteps, the laughter that animated a room, the telephone call that came without ceremony, and the comforting assumption that there would always be another tomorrow suddenly acquire an unbearable significance. Then comes the silence, not the ordinary silence of a room after conversation, but the profound silence of an absence that refuses to be filled. It is in this silence that the bereaved begin to understand the terrible arithmetic of loss: one life has ended, but countless lives have been altered. Or how does a family learn to live with the absence that cannot be reversed? How does a wife reconcile the permanence of a vow with the sudden reality of separation? How do children begin to understand the departure of a father whose love should have accompanied them through the unfolding chapters of their lives? And how does a family mourn without allowing grief to eclipse the gratitude owed to a life that mattered? There are losses for which words seems inadequate, moments when the heart carries a burden too heavy

for words, and silences in which the absence of a loved one becomes more eloquent than any expression of sorrow. Death has a cruel way of interrupting the ordinary rhythms of life, leaving behind questions that may never find satisfactory answers, conversations that will never be completed, and a vacancy that neither time nor the comforting presence of others can entirely fill. The death of my younger brother, Late Chima Ifeanyichukwu Anosike fits to this difficult territory where love encounters the bewildering finality of loss. His departure is not merely the end of a life that began in Zaria, Kaduna State, on June 5, 1978. It is also the beginning of a different kind of existence for the entire family and those who loved him: an existence in which his physical presence has become memory, his familiar voice an echo, and the ordinary moments once taken for granted precious fragments of a life that can no longer be lived in the same way. Chima was born as the fifth and youngest of five children of my parents Pa Simon E. Anosike and my late mother Mama Helen Udodirim Anosike. Altogether we were three sons and two daughters. His arrival completed the family circle, bringing with it the distinctive place often occupied by the last child: cherished, watched over and surrounded by the accumulated affection of older siblings.

costs and how widely they are distributed. The government must also consider whether a new requirement could alter the competitive balance between regulated and illicit products. If compliant goods become relatively more expensive, some consumers may be tempted by cheaper alternatives. That is a risk rather than an inevitable outcome, but it is relevant to a policy intended to reduce the circulation of unrecorded and counterfeit goods. If illegal operators avoid the costs of compliance, they could gain a price advantage over businesses that obey the rules. Legitimate manufacturers would then face the double burden of financing compliance and competing with operators who may evade it. That would be a perverse result: the policy intended to improve compliance could inadvertently make lawful products less competitive. The Nigeria Customs Service had already developed an Automated Excise Register System, which it began operating at selected facilities in 2025. The system was designed to record production, calculate excise duties and generate reports. The government must therefore show precisely where the existing tools fall short and why a new layer is the most cost-effective response. A proper assessment should compare the cost of stamps, equipment, labour and production adjustments with the additional revenue or enforcement benefits the system is expected to generate. It should also examine potential effects on retail prices, demand, employment and formal-market activity. The government should publish the assumptions behind its estimates and establish a baseline against which the regime’s performance can be measured. Without that information, it will be difficult to know whether the system is delivering value or merely transferring costs from public administration to private businesses and households.

Protecting consumers and revenue

Government can strengthen border enforcement, improve intelligence-sharing, conduct risk-based inspections and integrate existing databases. Digital verification tools can be deployed where they provide clear advantages, while physical marks can be retained for specific applications if evidence demonstrates their necessity. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

But to describe Chima merely as the youngest child would be to overlook the qualities that distinguished him. Those who knew him remember a warm-hearted, sociable and responsible person whose maturity was not diminished by his position in the family. He was loving and hardworking, comfortable in the company of others, and deeply attached to the people whose lives were intertwined with his own. There is something especially poignant about revisiting childhood memories after a loved one’s death. The past, which once appeared ordinary, acquires a new emotional Anosike significance. Familiar stories become precious; small gestures take on experiences and building the ly undertook industrial training extraordinary meaning; and the foundations of his future. at Golden Guinea Breweries person we remember seems to exist His journey reminds us that a Limited, gaining practical work simultaneously in two places: in the life is rarely shaped by one place experience as an ad hoc staff life we shared and in the memories or a single defining moment. member. through which we now preserve that Rather, it emerges through the He later attended Abia life. cumulative influence of famState Polytechnic, now His early education began at ily, education, work, faith and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Command Children’s School, Zaria, human relationships. Each stage Aba, where he obtained a before he proceeded to Army Day contributes something to the Higher National Diploma Secondary School, Chindit Barracks, person we eventually come to in Business Administration Zaria. When the family relocated to know and love. between 2004 and 2006. FolUmuahia, Abia State, his educational Chima proceeded to Osisatech lowing his studies, he particijourney continued at Holy Ghost Polytechnic, Enugu, where he pated in the National Youth Service Technical College, Afara, in Umuahia obtained his Ordinary National Corps programme in Akure, Ondo North Local Government Area. Diploma (OND). He subsequent- State, in 2007. These transitions formed part Mr. Chinedu Anosike is the elder brother of the deceased and of the unfolding geography of his husband of Mrs. Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, Executive Direclife. From Zaria to Umuahia, and tor, Business Development & Portfolio Management, Federal subsequently to Enugu and Aba, Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). Chima moved through different environments, encountering new Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

FEATURES

NDDC’s Kaa-Ataba Bridge: Ending Decades of Isolation, Opening New Economic Frontiers After decades of dependence on hazardous boat journeys, the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State which reconnect isolated communities, unlock agricultural and fishing economies, and redefine infrastructure delivery in the Niger Delta has come alive, writes Blessing Ibunge

Introduction... After decades of dependence on hazardous boat journeys, the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State which reconnectS isolated communities, unlock agricultural and fishing economies, and redefine infrastructure delivery in the Niger Delta has come alive, writes (Blessing Ibunge) BOLDEN

or generations, the people of Kaa and Ataba communities in Rivers State have lived with a geographical paradox: separated by water, yet bound by the same aspirations for economic prosperity, better healthcare, quality education and improved livelihoods. For residents of Ataba in Andoni Local Government Area, crossing to Kaa in Khana Local Government Area, or travelling towards mainland markets and essential services has often meant depending on boats navigating unpredictable waterways. Missing a boat could disrupt an entire day’s plans, while emergencies involving pregnant women, sick children or other vulnerable residents could become frightening races against time. The consequences have extended beyond inconvenience.

Farmers have watched perishable produce lose value while awaiting transportation, fish sellers have struggled to preserve their catch, and families have endured the risks and costs associated with waterborne travel. But this longstanding reality is approaching a turning point. Rising across the waterways is the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge, a landmark infrastructure project being executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Described by the Commission as the longest bridge in the Niger Delta, the project is designed to reconnect communities that have endured decades of difficult access to one another and the wider economy. With construction completed during a recent inspection, expectations are building that the bridge will soon open to traffic, subject to commissioning arrangements.

For the people of Kaa and Ataba, its significance goes far beyond its impressive engineering dimensions. It represents the prospect of reclaiming time, improving safety, expanding commercial opportunities and connecting communities to services that should never have been so difficult to reach.

A Bridge Beyond Concrete and Steel

The federal government presented the project as part of its broader commitment to infrastructure development in the Niger Delta under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. During an inspection of the project, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, accompanied by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; and Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, expressed optimism about its imminent completion. Momoh commended the NDDC Board and Management for responding to the President’s directive to deliver impactful projects across the region, describing the bridge as an important demonstration of the administration’s development priorities. “I have good news to transmit to Mr President. I am hopeful that Mr President will commission the project in November,” he said during the inspection. The minister’s remarks underscored the federal government’s expectation that the project would move beyond years of waiting to deliver tangible benefits to its intended beneficiaries. For the NDDC, however, the challenge extends beyond completing the structure. It is also about demonstrating that public infrastructure can translate into measurable improvements in the daily lives of communities that have long felt excluded from development. Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s commitment to the presidential mandate to complete legacy projects across the Niger Delta, assuring that everything necessary would be done to enable the contractor to deliver the bridge. He acknowledged that adverse weather conditions had affected the movement of construction materials and contributed to delays, but maintained that the Commission remained focused on completing the project. “For residents, it is more than concrete and steel. It is access to schools, hospitals, and markets that were previously cut off for half the year,” Ogbuku said. That statement captures the human significance of the bridge. For communities surrounded by waterways, connectivity is not simply about reducing travel time; it is about making essential services accessible, supporting livelihoods and improving the quality of life.

The Engineering Behind the Promise

According to Antai, the Kaa-Ataba project comprises approximately two kilometres of dual-lane road infrastructure and two bridges, including the main 1.2-kilometre crossing linking Kaa and Ataba. Providing details during the inspection, he explained that the first bridge has 57 piers, while the second, measuring 250 metres, has 15 piers. The scale of the undertaking reflects the engineering challenges associated with constructing durable transport infrastructure across the Niger Delta’s complex riverine terrain. Antai said the project’s importance was not limited to its physical dimensions but also reflected a change in the Commission’s approach to development.

Globacom and Ofala: A Royal Heritage, Cultural Partnership of Enduring Significance

Louis Ibe

n Onitsha, history is not a sepia-toned relic, embalmed in the amber of antiquity, nor a fading whisper consigned to the recollections of elders. It is a living, breathing inheritance, perpetually renewed in the consciousness of a people whose ancestral memory constitutes both the compass of their identity and the cornerstone of their collective destiny. Each year, as Ofala unfurls its magnificent tapestry of royal pageantry, sacred rites, rhythmic pageantry and communal celebration, the ancient kingdom becomes a theatre of cultural transcendence, where the past rises in splendour to converse with the present and illuminate the possibilities of the future. The royal drums reverberate as the heartbeat of a civilisation; the palace courtyard becomes a living chronicle; and the colourful procession of royalty, chiefs, age grades and cultural associations transforms the landscape into an eloquent tableau of history, heritage and humanity. In this grand orchestration of ancestral memory, Ofala emerges as more than a festival. It is the ceremonial affirmation of a people’s enduring covenant with their past and their resolute determination to preserve its wisdom without forfeiting the promise of tomorrow. At the heart of this magnificent cultural inheritance stands the throne of Ezechima, an institution whose historical roots extend beyond five centuries. Through the twin ceremonial observances of Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala, Onitsha re-enacts the grandeur of its royal tradition, reaffirming the intricate architecture of authority, allegiance and communal belonging upon which its identity rests. The Obi’s emergence, the stately procession of the Ndichie, the exuberant displays of cultural associations and the homage of subjects constitute a sophisticated grammar of continuity, through which successive generations rediscover the meaning of belonging and renew their commitment to the collective enterprise of advancement. Under the enlightened reign of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, Ofala has acquired an increasingly expansive intellectual and developmental dimension. Beyond its ceremonial magnificence, the festival has become a platform for reflection, reconciliation, youth empowerment, cultural regeneration and social advancement.

Its evolving character demonstrates that tradition is neither a prisoner of time nor an obstacle to progress; rather, it is a reservoir of wisdom whose relevance deepens when its enduring values are imaginatively applied to contemporary realities. It is within this unfolding narrative of cultural renewal that Globacom’s partnership with Ofala assumes particular significance. In 2011, the indigenous Nigerian telecommunications company entered into its inaugural three-year sponsorship agreement with the Onitsha Traditional Council, establishing a corporate-cultural relationship that has endured through successive editions of the festival. Renewals in 2014 and 2017, continued support through subsequent celebrations, and another three-year renewal in 2025 have carried the association into its sixteenth year. Such continuity distinguishes the relationship from episodic corporate patronage, establishing it instead as a sustained commitment to the preservation, presentation and progressive projection of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished royal traditions. The significance of this partnership becomes more tangible when examined against the expanding constellation of activities that has enriched Ofala’s cultural landscape. The 2017 celebrations incorporated youth-oriented programmes, an international arts exhibition, a music concert, the Miss Ofala contest and a royal banquet. These initiatives broadened the festival’s appeal, creating additional avenues for artistic expression, youthful participation, entertainment and social interaction while preserving the sacred foundations upon which the celebration rests. In 2018, the Oraeze International Arts Exhibition brought together more than 100 artists from Nigeria and the diaspora, transforming Onitsha into a vibrant confluence of creative traditions, artistic sensibilities and cultural perspectives. Through such initiatives, the kingdom’s indigenous inheritance found fresh avenues of interpretation and international expression, with Globacom’s sustained sponsorship forming part of the wider framework supporting the festival’s continuing expansion. Yet the deeper significance of this relationship transcends the multiplication of events or the magnificence of ceremonial spectacle. Its enduring promise lies in the possibility of transforming cultural visibility into sustainable opportunities for tourism, creative enterprise and community development. Since 2019, Ofala’s organisers have pursued greater national,

Adenuga West African and international recognition, alongside enhanced economic viability, under the compelling aspiration of bringing the world to Onitsha. Globacom’s telecommunications reach and digital capabilities provide an important bridge towards this ambition, helping to connect the festival’s distinctively local identity with audiences beyond the immediate boundaries of the kingdom. In this encounter between heritage and modernity, communication becomes more than the conveyance of information; it becomes the carriage of identity across distance, carrying the cadences of an ancient civilisation into the consciousness of a wider world. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 31, 2026

Politics

Battle for Kano Govt House: Yusuf, Gwarzo, Little in Three-way Showdown Gov. Abba Yusuf banks on incumbency and federal backing, Aminu Gwarzo leans on Kwankwasiyya loyalty, while Ibrahim Little seeks to emerge as the third force in a state where political allegiances are constantly shifting, writes Ahmad Sorondinki

s the 2027 general election approaches, the battle for Kano State’s Government House is gathering momentum, with political alignments and realignments setting the stage for what could become one of the most fiercely contested governorship elections in the state since 1999. Although 17 political parties are expected to participate in the race, three major contenders have emerged at the centre of the political conversation: Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his former deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), and grassroots politician, Ibrahim Little of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The contest promises to test incumbency against political loyalty, federal influence against opposition tradition, and established political structures against emerging coalitions. The three candidates have become prominent subjects of political discussion across Kano’s 44 local government areas, reflecting the intensity of the contest and the competing interests shaping the state’s political landscape. Beyond the individual candidates, the election is increasingly being viewed as a proxy battle involving some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. Yusuf is banking on the support of President Bola Tinubu and the APC establishment, while Gwarzo is relying on his relationship with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and the enduring influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Little, on his part, is positioning himself within the ADC coalition and is associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Kano, the commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria and home of the late political icon, Mallam Aminu Kano, has a long history of political alignments and realignments. Its politics have traditionally been shaped by competing ideological tendencies, particularly the divide between the political establishment and movements that draw their strength from the masses. This history makes the 2027 contest particularly interesting. It is not simply a battle between an incumbent governor and two challengers. It is also a struggle over the political legacy of Kwankwaso, the influence of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the future of the political structures they have built over the years. The relationship between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, once political allies, deteriorated after they went their separate ways in 2015. Their rivalry has since become one of the defining features of Kano politics. Yusuf’s emergence in the APC, after years of association with Kwankwaso and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has further complicated the political equation.

Abba Kabir Yusuf – APC

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf enters the race with the most obvious advantage as the incumbent. As Governor, he has access to the structures and influence that come with occupying the state’s highest political office. His membership of the APC, which controls the federal government, also gives him access to the party’s national machinery and the support of influential political figures. His political strength is reinforced by the backing of three former Governors: the immediate past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya. The three senators representing Kano State are also said to be supporting him, including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin. Several federal appointees from the State are also aligned with the Governor. Members of the National Assembly and the Kano State House of Assembly are similarly positioned within his political camp. This formidable political backing could provide Yusuf with an extensive campaign structure, access to influential networks and the financial and organisational resources required to prosecute

Gov. Yusuf

Gwarzo

Little

a statewide election. His control of the state government and its political structures, including the influence of local government administrations, may further strengthen his position. Yusuf also has the advantage of being from Kano Central, which accounts for a significant proportion of the State’s voters. His Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, comes from Kano North, the same senatorial zone as Gwarzo, and is regarded as a politician with considerable grassroots appeal and mobilisation capacity. His political relationships and reputation for generosity could help the governor consolidate support across the zone. The governor’s personal political history also gives him an established connection with the Kwankwasiyya political structure. A former commissioner and engineer who spent decades in the state civil service, Yusuf was appointed personal assistant to Kwankwaso in 1999. His rise through the movement eventually culminated in his election as governor in 2023. However, his greatest political liability may be his defection from the NNPP to the APC and his separation from his long-time political benefactor, Kwankwaso. To many core Kwankwasiyya supporters, the move represents a betrayal of the movement that brought him to power. In a state where political loyalty and personal relationships carry considerable weight, this perception could undermine his support among voters who remain committed to Kwankwaso. There is also the question of Kano’s historical opposition tradition. Since the days of the late Aminu Kano, a significant section of the electorate has often identified with opposition movements as a means of challenging the political establishment. By joining the ruling party at the centre, Yusuf may find himself confronting a political sentiment that has historically favoured resistance to the federal establishment. Another potential weakness is the dissatisfaction among some old APC members who may feel inadequately accommodated in his administration, particularly in appointments and the distribution of political opportunities. If not addressed, such grievances could create divisions within the party and affect the cohesion of his campaign.

network of political associates across the state. His decision to remain with Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement, rather than follow Yusuf into the APC, is central to his political appeal. For supporters who consider the Governor’s defection a betrayal, Gwarzo represents continuity with the political movement that produced the current administration. His resignation as Deputy Governor, following threats by members of the Kano State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him, may also generate sympathy among sections of the electorate. Some voters could interpret his decision to leave office rather than engage in a prolonged political confrontation as a demonstration of composure and political principle. Gwarzo’s reputation for humility, loyalty and comradeship could further strengthen his appeal, particularly among grassroots supporters. He also has a considerable network of friends and political associates in Kano Central, where his long-standing relationships dating back to the 1990s have earned him recognition beyond his home local government. Another important pillar of his campaign could be the Kwankwasiyya network, including scholars and supporters within educational institutions in Kano and neighbouring states. The movement’s established organisational structures could provide a mobilisation platform, particularly among young people and voters who remain loyal to Kwankwaso. His running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former commissioner for youth development and industrialist, is also expected to contribute to the campaign’s youth mobilisation efforts. His business and political networks across the 44 local government areas could strengthen Gwarzo’s outreach. The former Deputy Governor may also benefit from the political appeal of the opposition coalition and the support of voters who identify with Peter Obi’s political movement. If the NDC’s national coalition attracts a significant proportion of such voters, Gwarzo could benefit from additional support beyond the traditional Kwankwasiyya base. His perceived neutrality in the Kano Emirate crisis may also be an advantage, particularly among voters who would prefer a candidate less entangled in the dispute. Similarly, his emphasis on insecurity, poverty and the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians could resonate with voters in northern Kano and other communities affected by these challenges. However, Gwarzo faces considerable structural disadvantages. Unlike Yusuf, he does not have the support of a large number of serving political office holders and elected representatives in the state and at the federal level. Many influential

politicians, commissioners, federal appointees, senators and members of the House of Representatives from Kano are aligned with the governor. This leaves his campaign heavily dependent on loyalists, volunteers and the existing Kwankwasiyya structure. While grassroots support can be powerful, converting it into an effective statewide electoral machine requires funding, coordination and access to logistics.

Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo – NDC

For Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to convert his political experience, grassroots network and association with Kwankwaso into a formidable challenge to the incumbent. Gwarzo is no political newcomer. He has served three times as chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area, worked as a labour leader, served as a federal commissioner and held commissioner portfolios three times in Kano State. His years in public service and grassroots politics have helped him build a

Ibrahim Little – ADC

Ibrahim Little represents a different political proposition in the Kano governorship contest. While Yusuf and Gwarzo are closely associated with the long-running political rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, Little is seeking to position himself as an alternative for voters weary of the state’s entrenched political divisions. A grassroots politician with an extensive network of business and political associates within and outside Kano, Little is regarded by supporters as a humble and generous figure who has maintained relationships across different political camps. His political history dates back more than two decades. He is remembered for defeating former Governor Shekarau during a party primary election in 2002, although Shekarau subsequently secured victory through the courts. The episode remains part of Little’s political credentials and reinforces his claim to a long-standing presence in Kano’s political landscape.Over the years, he has cultivated relationships with grassroots politicians across the 44 local government areas, as well as youth and football groups. These networks could provide an important mobilisation advantage, particularly among young voters and communities that feel disconnected from the established political elite. His emergence on the ADC platform also places him within a wider national coalition attracting politicians from different political parties, including former members of the PDP and APC. The involvement of prominent national figures, including Atiku Abubakar, could give his candidacy additional visibility and political relevance. Little’s strongest selling point may be his attempt to present himself as a candidate outside the traditional Kwankwasiyya-Gandujiyya rivalry. For voters tired of the prolonged political feud, he could offer an alternative that places greater emphasis on grassroots representation, political inclusion and a different style of leadership. His long-standing participation in governorship politics may also appeal to supporters who regard his persistence as evidence of commitment. Unlike candidates whose political relevance is closely tied to powerful godfathers, Little could market himself as a politician who has maintained his ambition and grassroots relationships over the years.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •OCtober 31, 2026

POLITICS

Adekambi

All

Adegoke

2027:

Hamzat

Major Contenders in Oyo’s Governorship Election Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

he race to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde as the next occupant of the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, on May 29, 2027, has become increasingly fierce in the Pacesetter State, with no fewer than 16 political parties presenting candidates for the governorship poll scheduled for February 6, 2027, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The gubernatorial candidates include Senator SharafadeenAlli of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi of theAllied People’s Movement (APM); OlooyeAdegboyega Taofeek AdegokeoftheAfricanDemocraticCongress(ADC);YinusaAyandare of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP); Olasupo Abdulsemiu of the Action Alliance Congress (AAC); Salami Gbolagade of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Oriyomi Hamzat of Accord. Others are Hassan Olanrewaju (ZLP); Kunle Olatunji (ADP); Kareem Sola (Labour Party); TijaniAkinbode (APP); YusufAdebola (NDC);AdebiyiAdedapo (NNPP); TaofeekAdedamola (NRM); and Taiwo Ibiyemi Otegbeye (NDP). With the governorship election less than 100 days away, political observers in the state believe that the race will be among four candidates: Hamzat, Adekanmbi, Alli and Adegoke. Oriyomi Hamzat (Accord) OneofHamzat’sgreatestidentifiablepoliticalassetsishispopularity as a broadcaster and founder ofAgidigbo 88.7 FM. While his Kokoro Alate programme has given him a recognisable public identity, his broadcasting has focused on social injustice, hardship, community grievances and the problems of ordinary people. He has also developed a public profile beyond conventional party politics, with his influence extending from Ibadan into other parts of Oyo State, giving him an existing relationship with sections of the electorate that many conventional politicians have to spend years cultivating. Another strength of Hamzat is his media and communication experience. Indeed, his broadcasting experience provides an established platform for communicating political messages, as he is familiar with public persuasion and storytelling, explaining community grievances, generating public attention, maintaining relationships with local audiences and responding to controversies. Hamzat has positioned himself as someone who speaks for ordinary citizens rather than established political elites, and this creates opportunities to appeal to groups that include traders and artisans, commercial transport workers, young people, low-income households, people dissatisfied with conventional political leadership and communities that feel neglected by government. However, his weaknesses include limited experience in government administration, as running a radio station, mobilising public opinion and providing humanitarian assistance are different from managing a state government. Also, popularity may not translate into statewide votes. Indeed, there is an important difference between having a popular radio programme and securing votes across all 33 local government areas of the state, as his public recognition is particularly associated with Ibadan and his broadcasting activities.

One other major weakness he may contend with is his exposure to political confrontation, as his public and political activities have sometimes attracted controversy. Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (ADC) Adegoke is a business executive, accountant, philanthropist and Ibadan traditional chief. One of his strengths is his strong professional and financial management background.As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, with a professional career spanning Deloitte, Schlumberger and Oando, where he served in senior financial and executive positions, he has a credible basis for discussing public financial management and could appeal to voters concerned about government expenditure, accountability and revenue management. His philanthropic activities, which he has publicly discussed, include providing assistance to widows, offering educational awards, constructing classrooms in Iseyin and donating N20 million to the Faculty of Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University. These initiatives, which predate his governorship ambition, have helped establish his record of community engagement and involvement in education and social intervention. Adegoke also has the advantage of being able to present himself as an alternative to established politicians, with his corporate and philanthropic background providing an opportunity to develop a political identity that is not exclusively based on conventional career politics. Indeed, this could appeal to voters seeking a different approach to economic management and governance. Similarly, his business ownership and economic networks could be a plus for the Ibadan-born traditional chief, as his business interests span oil and gas, real estate, hospitality, broadcasting and other commercial activities. He is the owner of Solutions 93.9 FM in Ibadan. However, for political observers, his weaknesses include limited evidence of statewide political structures. While he has a visible Ibadan profile, a governorship election requires political organisation across all 33 local government areas, and his public profile does not, by itself, establish the strength of his ward-level political structures, relationships with influential political leaders outside Ibadan, grassroots mobilisation networks and support among established political blocs in Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa. Adegoke also lacks an extensive elected public office record, as there is a distinction between managing a commercial organisation and governing a state with 33 local government areas, public-sector employees, educational institutions, hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, security responsibilities and multiple competing social and economic interests. His political party movement and consistency may be a minus for him, given his political journey, which has included the PDP, Accord,APC, a return to the PDPand now theADC. This movement raises questions about his ideological consistency, party loyalty and long-term political commitments. Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC) The strengths of the incumbent senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, the largest district in terms of voter population, include extensive experience in government, APC institutional backing, experience in political negotiation and strong political roots in Ibadan. His pedigree in government includes serving as a former Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government,

Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief of Staff to Governor Rasidi Ladoja and Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company. There is no doubt that this experience gives him familiarity with government administration, political negotiations, public institutions and legislative processes. In terms of his strong political roots in Ibadan, his background in Ibadan North and political networks across the entire Ibadanland provide an established platform for political mobilisation. He also has traditional and community connections that can facilitate engagement with influential local stakeholders. His emergence as the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate gave him access to the party’s formal structure. Indeed, there have also been public endorsements from prominent APC figures, including South-West party leaders. Also, his victory in the 2023 senatorial election could be a plus for him. He won the 2023 Oyo South senatorial election with 111,513 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, Joseph Tegbe, the present Minister of Power, who received 92,481 votes. In terms of experience in political negotiation, his political career has seen him work with different political interests and participate in alliances. In a politically diverse state such as Oyo, negotiation with traditional leaders, party elders, former officeholders and community organisations is an important aspect of gubernatorial politics. However, managing the APC’s internal divisions could prove a major challenge forAlli. His emergence as the party’s candidate did not end the internal contest, as some aspirants, including former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, rejected the outcome of the May 2026 governorship primary, alleging irregularities. While various measures have been put in place to reconcile the aggrieved within the party, it remains to be seen whether Alli can turn his primary victory into genuine unity across the party. For political observers, one of the weaknesses that may trailAlli is the burden of the APC’s national political image. As the face of the party in the state, Alli will also be associated with the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration, with issues such as inflation, unemployment, fuel prices, electricity costs and the general economic situation expected to be campaign issues in the state. The challenge of expanding beyond Ibadan could also work against him. While Ibadan, the state capital, is politically important, Oyo State has other significant political blocs, such as Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo town and its surrounding communities, and Ibarapa. There is no doubt that Alli will need a political structure that commands meaningful support across these areas. Bimbo Adekanmbi (APM) Adekanmbi, theAllied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, is entering the political contest with a combination of technocratic credentials, experience in government and backing from Governor Seyi Makinde. His strengths include strong professional and technocratic credentials, Governor Makinde’s political backing and connections with theAjimobi political establishment.Adekanmbi’s credentials, which include being a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and holding an MBAin Strategy and Finance from Liverpool John Moores University, are his most identifiable assets, alongside professional experience involving international organisations and corporate management. See concluded part on www. thisdaylive.com

SaturDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION NIGERIA AND THE DEBT SUSTAINABILITY QUESTION Washington-based multilateral institution projected that Nigeria’s public gross debt would rise to 36.7 per cent of GDP in 2027, while foreign exchange-denominated debt would increase from 16.9 per cent of GDP in 2025 to 17.2 per cent in 2026 and 19.1 per cent in 2027, indicating growing exposure to exchange-rate risks. The IMF also warned that weak revenue mobilisation, rising financing needs, contingent liabilities and large future repayment obligations could increase sovereign risks. The implication for debt sustainability is that Nigeria is already facing considerable debt-service pressure, and additional borrowing will increase the interest obligations that must be met from future government revenue. With more than half of federal government revenue already projected to go towards interest payments, further borrowing will leave the government with even less fiscal space to fund essential services and development priorities. Additionally, the proposed borrowing exposes the country to greater foreign

exchange risk. Since the facilities are denominated in foreign currencies, they will increase Nigeria’s exposure to exchange-rate movements. Any significant depreciation of the naira could raise the domestic-currency cost of servicing and repaying the loans, putting further pressure on government finances. The borrowing also increases the country’s refinancing and repayment risks, particularly given its existing debt redemption profile. Nigeria faces substantial commercial debt repayments in 2027 and 2028, including obligations that require the principal to be repaid in lump sums. Unfortunately, the country does not appear to have a sinking fund to cushion the pressure of these bullet repayments. A sinking fund allows the government to set aside money periodically towards the repayment of debt as it falls due, rather than having to mobilise the entire amount at once. While Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains within a range that may appear

manageable, GDP is not the revenue available to government for debt repayment. A significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP is driven by consumption rather than productive activities that generate sufficient government revenue. Consequently, a relatively low debt-to-GDP ratio does not necessarily provide a complete picture of the country’s fiscal stress. The debtservice-to-revenue ratio is a more revealing indicator of the government’s capacity to meet its obligations because it shows how much of the revenue actually available to government is being committed to debt servicing. Similarly, while the government has said the fresh borrowing request is intended to finance infrastructure, the development impact of such investments will depend largely on the quality, viability and execution of the projects. This is because even infrastructure projects with strong economic returns do not automatically translate into immediate government cash flow.

CHIEF C.O. ADEBAYO: REMEMBERING A TRUE HERO ONE YEAR AFTER

by the then President, Muhammadu Buhari as Ambassadors-designate. He promised to visit me in Bangkok, Thailand. Even then, I suspected he might not visit on account of age and the rigours associated with such a long trip. He was a visionary who gave his all to several organisations to which he belonged, including NADECO, MNR, Afenifere and the Middle Belt Forum. In fact, Chief Adebayo was a thought leader, a progressive compass, and a calming presence in turbulent times. Apart from being a towering figure in NADECO’s battle for the restoration of late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s electoral mandate, C.O. was a pivot in Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, and the MNR, respectively. An inimitable hero, a voice of reason and courage, late C.O. Adebayo exemplified exceptional integrity, uncommon moral force, and an extraordinary sense of both courage and compassion. His depth of thought, choice of words, and unique storytelling style set him apart. He demonstrated a peculiar way of communicating his views with ease and poise. Throughout my association with him, beginning in the early 1990s, he always evinced great wisdom, logic, strength of character and conviction. Chief Adebayo’s insights were always pertinent, especially his vehement opposition to military rule and the need for the restructuring of Nigeria. His decency, affable disposition and his inclination to counsel (freely) younger professionals like myself, naturally drew us very close. Thus emerged a sustained relationship that lasted for more than three decades. He was a go-to person on happenings in the defunct Social Democratic party (SDP). On account of our closeness, he wrote me a letter from Calabar prison, where he was being detained in 1994 by the regime of late General Sani Abacha following his frontline role in NADECO. The Calabar prison letter was more than a personal account of his experience. It is on record that C.O. Adebayo declined a ministerial offer from the regime of late General Sani Abacha. As a journalist covering politics, C.O. Adebayo drew me close, and I became one of the media foot soldiers in the battle for June 12 and democracy. He was one of the preeminent progressive voices who helped me greatly in my early days in journalism as a reservoir of information. And his media friendly disposition during those turbulent years of Babangida and Abacha regimes, was helpful to those of us who yearned for the news behind the news! Chief Adebayo was congenial, and, to boot, exceptionally media savvy. His profundity of thoughts, rich sense of intellectual wit, openness drew some of us to him, and his Lagos home was like a meeting place for thoughtful political engagement.

Chief C.O. Adebayo

We remember him today as a statesman who had a positive impact on many. He was deeply genial, with an astute, quickwitted intellect. He was an Iroko whose unwavering commitment, courage, and intellectual acuteness, inspired admiration and hope. He was straightforward, pragmatic and bold. His personality sprawled across the broad spectrum of politics, leadership, public service, community service, the Middle Belt Forum, the Yoruba nation, Kwara and Kogi States, etc. His accomplishments were remarkable. A scholar who was a Senator, governor at a young age! He was minister of transportation, and communications, at different times. A lecturer at the University of Ife, head of English department at Kwara State College of Technology, and Commissioner for Education in the old Kwara State, respectively, at an early stage. There is no doubt that C.O. Adebayo was one of our nation’s most consequential statesmen, and illustrious reformists who stood on the side of the people during the tempestuous years of military dictatorship. His voice on pressing national issues was unequivocal. At the core of his political philosophy was the call for restructuring of Nigeria. In an interview in 2016, he was

quoted as saying: “There are nations, and I am talking about conventional sense of the word nation, in the sense that Yorubaland is a nation. There are smaller and there are bigger. Who wants to be together? My people in Kwara want to be part of the Yoruba nation within a federation. And so long as they have such desires, they must be addressed. And if they are not addressed, the people are not happy. They are not getting what they believe they need to be able to stay happily within the federation…Power is too heavy in the hands of the Federal Government in Nigeria. There must be devolution. Before devolution, there must be restructuring so that the oppression of the minority within a unit can be stemmed. My position remains what you’ll expect it to be.” He added: “With all modesty, I was one of the leaders of the Middle Belt Forum, and I remain one of the leaders of the forum. I was at one point chairman of the political forum of Afenifere; I remain a very strong believer in Afenifere and of course, the Yoruba nation. I believe Kwara wants and deserves the best share of whatever this country has to offer. So, beginning at home, we were talking restructuring.…I was secretary of the National Reformation Movement. And what the NADECO was about is restructuring of

Therefore, the Patience Oniha-led Debt Management Office (DMO) should be compelled to provide regular disclosures of the country’s debt redemption profile, particularly principal repayments on commercial borrowings, many of which are structured as bullet repayments. Also, the DMO should be encouraged to publish an updated debt sustainability analysis that provides a clear picture of Nigeria’s debt redemption profile, gross financing needs, projected debt-service obligations and exposure to foreign exchange and refinancing risks. Such transparency would help the National Assembly and the public TO assess the country’s actual borrowing capacity before further commitments are made. Nigeria’s public debt debate must move beyond the size of the borrowing to the capacity to repay as borrowing without stronger revenue mobilisation, prudent debt management and clear repayment plans can become a heavy burden on future generations. Nigeria…” He was a quintessential leader, an iconic statesman whose deeds and reputation transcended many jurisdictions. He was also a man of incredible resilience and strength, confronting various challenges with grace and courage. Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, in present-day Kwara State, Adebayo attended Oke-Onigbin Provincial Secondary School before progressing to Barewa College. He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in 1967, and proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon where he obtained his Master’s degree. He was a versatile personality whose rich service records traversed the intersection of the academia, governance, parliament, community service and pro-democracy movement. Chief Adebayo was a colossus, a torchbearer, a shining star from Oke-Onigbin, Isin local government in Igbomina land, Kwara State that shone brilliantly throughout his 84 years. His accomplishments and enduring influence remain a legacy for generations to come. One year after, as we remember the iconic and heroic Chief Adebayo, widely known as C.O., I find solace in the comforting words of Clare Harner, the American poet, whose poem in 1934 entitled “Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep,” remains soothing: “Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain when you awaken in the morning hush. I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at Night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die.” In the blueness of our beautiful skies and oceans, and in the warmth and brightness of our tropical weather, we remember C.O. Adebayo as a patriot, a forthright public-spirited leader who was deeply committed to the restructuring of Nigeria, democracy, rule of law, and a new nation built on federalism that recognises the diversity of its peoples. His exemplary accomplishments will continue to serve as a guiding light in an era of vanishing dedication to noble ideals. •Ambassador Oma Djebah, a frontline diplomat-journalist, and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, is former Delta State Commissioner for Information, and erstwhile Nigeria’s Ambassador to Thailand with concurrent accreditation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Myanmar.

ANALYSIS

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

Rabiu Olowo: Three Years of Transforming Nigeria’s Financial Reporting Landscape

From regulatory reforms and digitalisation to professional development and global engagement, Rabiu Olowo is repositioning the Financial Reporting Council as a stronger institution supporting transparency, accountability and investor confidence, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

hen Dr. Rabiu Olowo assumed office as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) in October 2023, he inherited an institution with a critical responsibility: strengthening the integrity of financial reporting, promoting sound corporate governance and improving confidence in the information businesses provide to investors, lenders and other stakeholders. These responsibilities rarely attract the public attention generated by new infrastructure or major investment announcements. Yet, without reliable financial information, credible audits and effective governance, the foundations of a modern economy remain fragile. Three years into Olowo’s tenure, the FRC’s transformation presents a positive case study in institutional reform. The changes reported by the Council span regulatory standards, sustainability reporting, audit quality, digital infrastructure, professional development and international cooperation. The commissioning of its permanent headquarters in Lagos in September 2026 provides a visible symbol of this institutional evolution. At the centre of the transformation is Olowo’s DOSE agenda: Digitisation, Operational Excellence, Stakeholder Engagement and Enforcement. Together, these priorities reflect an understanding that effective regulation requires more than issuing rules. It demands modern systems, capable professionals, constructive relation- Olowo ships with stakeholders and the willingness to ensure compliance.

From a low-profile regulator to a stronger institution

At the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s annual general meeting in 2023, shortly after his appointment, Olowo pledged to reposition the FRC as a robust and independent regulator of corporate governance, accounting and auditing standards, acting in the public interest. The commitment was significant because the credibility of a regulator depends on its ability to translate its statutory mandate into practical results. Standards must be developed, professionals must understand them, organisations must comply, and shortcomings must be addressed fairly and consistently. For ordinary Nigerians, this work may seem distant from everyday economic concerns. But consider a pensioner whose retirement savings are invested in a company, a young person buying shares for the first time, or a business owner seeking a loan. Each needs dependable information about the financial position and governance of the organisation involved. Where financial disclosures are unreliable, investors may misjudge risks, lenders may make poor decisions and confidence in the market may weaken. Credible reporting, by contrast, provides a stronger basis for evaluating opportunities and risks. This makes the FRC’s work more than a technical concern for accountants and auditors. It is part of the infrastructure of economic trust.

The DOSE Agenda: Turning Vision into Institutional Change

Olowo’s DOSE framework provides a structure for the Council’s transformation. Digitisation seeks to reduce reliance on manual processes, improve access to information and strengthen the integrity of regulatory data. Operational Excellence focuses on building the internal systems, skills and structures required to deliver the Council’s mandate. Stakeholder Engagement recognises that effective regulation depends on cooperation with businesses, professional bodies and government institutions. Enforcement ensures that standards are not merely documents that organisations can choose to ignore. These priorities are interconnected. Digital platforms cannot deliver their full value without trained personnel. Professional education alone cannot guarantee compliance without

For Nigeria, where businesses need capital to expand and investors must assess risks carefully, the economic importance of reliable reporting cannot be overstated. Strong standards do not eliminate commercial risks, but they help make those risks more visible and easier to evaluate.

Sustainability Reporting and the Changing Global Marketplace

credible oversight. Enforcement, in turn, is more likely to command confidence when the regulatory process is transparent, consistent and informed by engagement with stakeholders. The FRC has reported the development of a Document Management System and Learning Management System, alongside the integration of its database with the National Identification Number verification system. It has also reported work on a National Repository Portal for audited financial statements. The ultimate value of these systems will be measured by their practical impact: more accessible records, more efficient processes, improved data integrity and stronger regulatory oversight. Their sustainability will depend on consistent use, technical reliability and appropriate data protection.

Strengthening Audit Quality and Investor Confidence One of the most consequential aspects of Olowo’s tenure is the FRC’s reported work to improve audit quality and financial reporting. Financial statements help investors and lenders assess an organisation’s earnings, assets, liabilities, cash flows and exposure to risk. Their usefulness, however, depends on the quality of the underlying accounting and the competence and independence of those responsible for auditing them. The Council’s transformation report states that it conducted practice reviews across 16 audit firms, including the Big Four, covering 143 audit engagements. It also highlighted a framework addressing auditors’ responsibilities when they encounter non-compliance with laws and regulations, alongside efforts to strengthen internal controls over financial reporting. These initiatives matter because an audit is not simply an annual administrative exercise. It is part of the mechanism through which shareholders, creditors, regulators and other stakeholders obtain assurance about the credibility of financial information. Improved audit practices can help identify weaknesses in reporting, reinforce professional accountability and encourage companies to pay closer attention to internal controls. Over time, consistent standards and credible enforcement can help create a business environment in which investors have stronger reasons to trust disclosed information. This does not mean that new regulations automatically eliminate misconduct. Their effectiveness depends on implementation, follow-up and the willingness to address breaches. Nonetheless, a technically capable and more active regulator creates a stronger foundation for accountability.

Corporate reporting is evolving. Investors increasingly want to understand not only whether a company is profitable today but also whether its business model can withstand environmental, social and governance-related risks over time. Climate exposure, energy transition, resource use and supply-chain resilience can affect long-term business performance. Sustainability reporting has consequently become an important part of the information investors use to evaluate companies. The FRC’s work on the International Financial Reporting Standards Sustainability Disclosure Standards, particularly IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, is therefore a significant element of its transformation. IFRS S1 addresses general requirements for disclosing sustainability-related financial information, while IFRS S2 focuses on climaterelated disclosures. Both seek to improve the consistency and usefulness of information about sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could affect an organisation’s prospects. According to the Council’s transformation report, Nigeria developed a roadmap for adopting the standards in collaboration with the International Sustainability Standards Board. The FRC also reported an increase in Nigerian entities applying IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, from four in 2024 to 35 by October 2025. More than 202 entities and 1,705 professionals reportedly received training through sector-specific engagements and regulatory roundtables. These figures suggest growing engagement, although training and adoption should not be confused with universal compliance. The continuing task is to help businesses understand the standards, develop appropriate data systems and incorporate sustainability-related risks into their governance and reporting processes. For Nigerian companies seeking international investment, the transition is increasingly relevant. Credible and comparable disclosures may help businesses respond to investor expectations and participate more effectively in international capital markets.

Developing Professionals Who Will Sustain Reform

Regulation is only as strong as the professional capacity supporting it. Standards may be carefully designed, but their impact will remain limited if organisations lack qualified people to interpret and implement them. This makes the FRC’s work on actuarial standards, valuation, auditing and professional development particularly important. Actuarial expertise supports the assessment of uncertain future obligations and risks in areas such as insurance and pensions. Valuation standards can improve consistency and credibility in assessing assets and businesses. Both fields require specialist knowledge and professional discipline. The Council has reported the establishment of the Nigerian Actuarial Development Programme, efforts to align local actuarial practice with international standards and the development of a regulatory framework for the profession. Its initiatives have also included introducing students to actuarial education and supporting candidates pursuing professional qualifications. A country cannot build such a system simply by importing rules. It must develop the accountants, auditors, actuaries, valuers, governance specialists and sustainability professionals who can apply them effectively to local realities. The Council has also reported the expansion of its professional registration base, including 31,799 professionals, 715 firms and 14,657 companies registered within two years. Registration figures alone do not establish the quality of professional practice, but they indicate the scale of the community the FRC is seeking to bring within its regulatory and developmental reach. The long-term test is whether these efforts translate into stronger competence, better professional conduct and more reliable reporting across the economy. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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NEWSPAPER

NEWS

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 24, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

31.10.2026

NEWS

CAF’S U-TURN

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O W I A T IYI N O W A LY

B A G T I N I R L A S O H C TO ENT L A T The bright lights of London’s highsociety ballrooms are a world away from the dusty, sunbaked pitches of Ilorin, Kwara State. Yet, for Nigerian international striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, the two worlds have never been more profoundly connected

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

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TAIWO AWONIYI

Scoring Humanitarian Goals

tthe 2026 Best of Africa Awards in London, Coventry and Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, stood before an elite audience of sports, entertainment, and social impact leaders to accept the prestigious ‘Beyond the Pitch’ Award. Supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the accolade is not given for the spectacular goals scored in the English Premier League or the tactical brilliance displayed in international colours. Instead, it honours a deeper, more permanent legacy: the deliberate use of a global platform to drive tangible social change and uplift home communities. For Awoniyi, the award is a validation of a philosophy he holds dear. Taking to Instagram to reflect on the honour, he shared a poignant message with his followers: “Life can give you so much, but what truly matters is what you choose to do with what you’ve been given. Grateful to receive the PFA Beyond the Pitch Award at the Best of Africa Awards 2026.” While the applause echoed in London, the true impact of Awoniyi’s recognition was being felt thousands of miles away in Nigeria, where his philanthropic commitments are actively reshaping the landscape of grassroots sports. Redefining Grassroots Football: The Kwara Kiddies League To understand why Awoniyi was standing on that London stage, one must look at his foundational work as the Chairman of the Kwara Kiddies League. The initiative provides structured, sustainable grassroots football opportunities for young talents across Kwara State, creating a protective and empowering ecosystem for over 500 aspiring players. Far too often, African football talent is discovered by chance rather than design. Awoniyi’s mission is to change that narrative by fully funding the annual Kwara Kiddies League tournament. His foundation provides: Complete playing kits and modern training equipment to level the playing field for underprivileged teams. Nutritional support by providing meals for participants during match days. Substantial cash prizes and rewards worth millions of naira for outstanding individual and team performances. By formalising the tournament, Awoniyi has given young footballers in Ilorin and surrounding areas a highly disciplined environment to build sustainable career pathways, keeping them engaged, inspired, and away from social vices. Changing Lives, One Pair of Boots at a Time The London award coincided with yet another major intervention back home. Through the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation, the striker recently donated brand-new football boots to 350 young players par-

pating in the Kwara Kiddies For a young footballer ing of European stardom, proper boots is not a luxis a fundamental necesProper footwear preinjuries, improves technidevelopment, and instils a of dignity. The donation is aimed to provide these youngsters with the basic tools needed to hone their skills and confidently pursue their athletic ambitions. T h e distribution ceremon y, held just

ticiLeague. dreama pair of ury—it s i t y. vents c a l sense drive

days before h i s award recognition, d r e w w i d e spread praise f r o m l o c a l sports authorities. Bolakale Mogaji, the Executive Chairm a n of the Kwara S t a t e Sports Commission, attended the event to assist in distributing the boots. Mogaji lauded Awoniyi as an invaluable partner in state sports development, emphasising that the government cannot do it alone. He noted: “Initiatives like Ta i w o Awoniyi’s are essential to building a sustainable football development system in the state. I hope his contributions inspire other sports personalities to look back and support the young talents waiting for an opportunity in their own communities.”

Bridging the Gap to Global Visibility What sets Awoniyi’s philanthropy apart is its forward-thinking, systemic approach. He is not merely handing out charity; he is building a bridge to the global market. During the distribution ceremony, Kwara Kiddies League Chief Operating Officer, Ibrahim Jatto, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the league’s over 500 players. Jatto highlighted how the foundation’s consistent backing has transformed the league’s operations over the years. Crucially, he revealed that the league is leveraging technology to export this raw talent to the world. Through strategic funding, the Kwara Kiddies League has secured subscriptions to Wyscout and Eyeball, the world’s leading digital scouting and football analysis platforms. These platforms allow European scouts, data analysts, and club directors to view match footage, track player metrics, and analyse performance data remotely. “With increased visibility through our league’s subscriptions on Wyscout and Eyeball, your continued support is helping create greater opportunities for these young talents,” Jatto stated, addressing the foundation’s impact. A young striker playing in Ilorin today no longer needs to wait for a physical scout to travel to Kwara State; his data, movement, and goals are visible to clubs worldwide at the click of a button. The Striker ’s Ultimate Goal Taiwo Awoniyi’s rise to the pinnacle of world football is a testament to resilience, power, and clinical execution. Yet, his work through his foundation proves that he measures his ultimate success by the number of doors he opens for the generation behind him. The ‘Beyond the Pitch’ Award recognises that the true measure of an icon is not the wealth accumulated, but the community transformed. By providing kits, food, cash incentives, high-tech scouting access, and hundreds of pairs of boots, Awoniyi is ensuring that the next Super Eagles star has a clear, well-supported pathway to follow. He remains a powerful reminder that while football is played on a pitch, its greatest victories are won in the lives of the people who look up to its stars.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R O C T O B E R 31, 2026

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Sadio Mane’s Senegal won Afcon 2025 but the result was later overturned in favour of Morocco

CAF Makes U-turn, Returns AFCON to Two-year Cycle

he Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will return to its traditional two-year cycle after a U-turn from the Confederation of African Football (Caf). In December, Caf announced that the tournament would be held every four years instead, but that decision has been reversed after a review. Under the new order, the governing body was planning an African Nations League to replace Afcon as its biennial tournament, but acknowledged that it would take several years to generate the revenue required to become

self-sufficient. “The decision by the Executive Committee to reinstate the organisation of the Afcon every two years aims to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football and the 54 Caf Member Associations, as well as those of African players playing for clubs outside the continent,” Caf president Patrice Motsepe said in a statement. The biennial hosting of Afcon has long caused issues with the football calendar, with the vast majority of recent tournaments held midway through the European club season. Fifa’s expanded 32-team Club

World Cup was held in June and July last year, which also forced Caf to opt for mid-season dates. The next Afcon will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament, followed by editions in 2028, 2031 and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030 because of the World Cup. The dramatic 2025 Afcon final saw Senegal crowned champions before they were stripped of their title three months later in favour of Morocco.

R-L: Amara Ifeanyichukwu-Njoku , Lead Partnership, ProvidusUnity Bank, Director of Sports Facilities, Lagos State - Mr Deji Aladegbemi Yoyin Akpose - Founder Teetumblers Gymnastics Club Remi Jemitola - Chief OpSociety for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) Director of School Sports, Lagos State Dr Mrs Oluyomi Oluwasanmi Dr . Yetty Ogunnubi - Founder , YD Company Lasisi Oluwakemi - Event & Experiential , Leadway Assurance

Over 270 Gymnasts Set for Third Edition of Lagos Gymfest

afa Corporation, the company behind the rapidlygrowingRafa Detergents brand, has signed a three-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Kano Pillars Football Club. The third edition of the GYMFEST Championship will take place in Lagos on November 7, featuring 278 young gymnasts. According to the organisers during a media parley at the SPAN headquarters in Ikoyi,

the event is aim to develop grassroots talent and boost Nigeria’sinternationalstanding in the sport, is organised by the TeeTumblers Gymnastics Club (TTGC) in partnership with the Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). The championship will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Dome, located at 1 Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1. Participation has grown from fewer than 100 children at the inaugural event to 278

registered athletes this year. Yoyin Akpose, co-convener of the championship and founder of TTGC, noted that capacity limits forced organisers to turn away some interested schools. “It’s encouraging to see that parents are interested now and the community keeps growing,” Akpose stated. She added that her commitmenttograssrootsdevelopment was reinforced after seeing limitedWestAfricanrepresentation at an international competition the previous week.

2.5m Prize Pool, Free Flights Up for The team from Lagos Island Grabs as 1000 Participants Slug it Out Former Watford and Man- 1xCup 2026 final at 14:00pm as chester United player, Odion Young Strikers FC tackle Tonic has taken part in all four seasons

Ighalo Expected at 1XCUP 2026 Final in Lagos Ighalo will be one of the leading guests as the final of 1xCup 2026, Nigeria’s premier grassroots football tournament holds today at the Inspire SportArena in Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos with a total prize purse of N20million at stake. According to former Nigerian international, WaidiAkanni, the third-place match will kick off at 11:00am, followed by the

FC for the ultimate crown. The Future Builders as the Young Strikers are fondly called have won over the hearts of fans with their attacking style of football. Their matches are always major events and a real goal fest. Young Strikers FC have scored 21 goals in 8 games, which is one of the best records among all teams participating in the 1xCup 2026.

of the tournament so far from and reached the semi-finals in 2023. Today,Young Strikers want to go a step further to earn. The Waheed Kosoko’s team comfortably beat Peace FC and Africano FC in the qualifiers, topped their group, and in the knockout stage, they eliminated Dynamic FC, Emiloju, and Collins Edwin SC – one of the main favorites of the fourth season.

Former Ajax Amsterdam forward, Tijani Babangida has shed light on the selection controversy surrounding Nigeria’s squad for the 1994 Fifa World Cup in the United States. TheformerSuperEagleswinger revealed that manager Clemens Westerhof considered dropping defender, Michael Emenalo to accommodate him, but unnamed Nigeria Football Federation officials rejected the proposal. 1994 Africa Cup of Nations

winners Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba were ahead of Babangida in Westerhof’s pecking order for the right wing position. Nigeria’s decision to include Emenalo in the World Cup squad proved justified as the former RWD Molenbeek defender provided cover for first choice left-back Benedict Iroha. Iroha suffered a groin injury during Nigeria’s historic 3-0 victory over Bulgaria and

missed the remainder of the tournament. Despite not being officially registered for the 1994 World Cup, Babangida remained with the squad, training and living alongside his teammates throughout the tournament. “Clemens Westerhof had no option but I came in at the last minute and Nigerians felt I had to go to the World Cup,” Babangida said on the Home Turf Podcast.

Also featuring today are ladies hcp 1-28, men’s hcp 1-14, and special guests from sponsors, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Seplat Energy Plc, before the prize presentation and royal dinner at 6pm. The ancient city has been agog as the serene greens of BCGS turned into a battleground for five days. The tournament teed-off on Tuesday with a thrilling Caddies showdown, setting the tone for what became a war on the fairways. Forty six professional golfers, the largest field in the history of the tournament, invaded Benin City for the whopping N15 million prize purse. They displayed class and grit in a fierce

36-hole battle on Wednesday and Thursday. It was no friendship on the tee, as birdies and bogeys flew under the Benin sun on the glassy, championship conditioned greens of BCGS. But at the end, Mike Ubi (Python) emerged winner while Kanayor Chukwu (BCGS) placed second just as four others tie on third position. Top pros like Francis Epe (Ikoyi Club 1938), Kingsley Okparaku (IBB Abuja), Idris Garba (IBB), Solomon Ideriah (Port Harcourt), and Benin-based stars Tony Udumoh, Donatus Isuku, Chukwudi Okoro, and Monday Ighodaro played.

Ẁesterhof Mooted Dropping Emenalo to Accommodate Me, Says Babangida

Oba Ewuare to Perform Ceremonial Tee-off at Grand Finale of 9th Oba of Benin Golf

It will be royalty on the fairways as His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, UkuAkpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, performs the ceremonial tee-off at the grand finale of the 9th Oba of Benin Golf Tournament today at the Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS), GRA, Benin City. The ceremonial tee-off holding in the presence of Palace Chiefs, BCGS Management and members, top government functionaries and captains of industry, will officially close a week-long celebration of golf and royalty held in honour of the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the revered monarch.

Tickets for Ricky Hatton’s victory over Kostya Tszyu at Manchester’s MEN Arena in 2005 began at about 02:00 local time, allowing US broadcaster Showtime to show the fight on Saturday evening. 2.5m Prize Pool, Free Flights Up for Grabs as 1000 Participants Slug it Out at Last Woman Standing Naija Awhopping2.5milliontotalprizepot and free flight tickets to any destination in Nigeria are up for grabs this holiday season. The organisers of the highly anticipated maiden edition of Last Woman Standing Naija have officially opened registration for the mega event, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja. Serving as the definitive daytime curtain-raiser for the famous Lagos Detty December itinerary, this unique

one-day outdoor gathering is designed strictly as a high-energy fun sports games challenge for women. Diverging completely from standard, punishing fitness drills or technical athletic bootcamps, the festival focuses purely on nostalgia, sisterhood, and healthy play. The arena will see 1,000 women go head-to-head in classic, crowd-pleasing yard games that guarantee heavy entertainment value for players and spectators alike. Contestants will match wits and willpower across a vibrant lineup of activities, including the Sack Race, Jump Rope Challenge, Hula Hoop Challenge, and the ultimate test of pure focus—the gruelling Deephold Challenge. The rewards match the grand scale of the festive season. The ultimate champion who outlasts the field will claim the coveted ₦1 Million Star Prize

The 6th edition of the prestigious Amanyanabo Football Tournament has officially been announced, featuring a revamped Under-18 format and an expanded 20-team lineup. This milestone coincides with the historic 30th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty, the King of Bonny Kingdom, Amanyanabo of Bonny. To be held in Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State, theAmanyanabo Football Tournament is an initiative borne out of the King’s vision. Having played

football as a youth, His Majesty created the annual tournament as a vehicle to empower, develop, and expose young athletic talent across Bonny Kingdom. The event is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), organised by Grafton Entertainment, and supported by the Bonny Local Government Council. To foster talent development, the new Under-18 format features 20 teams. Eight teams will compete in playoffs on November 14th and 15th,

2026, for the four remaining main tournament slots. Those four qualifiers will join 12 seeded teams when the main competition begins on November 28, with the final to be played on December 13, 2026. With both local and international football scouts confirmed to attend, the 6th edition offers an unprecedented platform for aspiring players from Bonny Kingdom to showcase their skills on a global stage and pursue professional sports careers.

The Premier League serves up two major clashes this weekend, with Chelsea facing Manchester United and Liverpool hosting Arsenal. Manchester City’s meetingwiththird-placedBrightonand the Milan derby in Italy add to a packed schedule of European football. ChelseafaceManUnitedtoday

at 1:30pm, with both sides looking to respond to disappointing results. The match, Ωalongside all Premier League fixtures, will air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65). Later on, league leadersManCity faceBrightonat4pm. Today’sotherfixtureswillseeSpurs host Crystal Palace at 6:30pm before

AstonVillafaceFulhamat9pm. LiverpoolhostArsenaltomorrow at5:30pminanothermajortest. In Serie A, AC Milan face Inter Milan today at 8:45ptom. Juventus host Napoli tomorrow at the same timeinanotherheavyweightItalian clash. Both Serie A fixtures air live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61).

along with the bragging rights of being the first-ever Last Woman Standing. In the true spirit of holiday-giving, the remaining chunk of the ₦2.5 million prize pool is distributed across over 140 consolation prizes for standout participants. Furthermore, you do not even need to compete to win big; audience members and spectators stand a chance to walk away with free flight tickets to any part of Nigeria this festive season, alongside premium branded giveaways just for being in the stands to cheer. Detailing the economic and social design of the event, Tony Obot, Managing Director of Kandaval Communications, the media company powering the project, noted that the initiative reimagines how festive rewards are distributed.

6th Amanyanabo Football Tournament Set to Mark Bonny Kings’ 30th Anniversary

EPL Double Header, Milan Derby Lead Weekend Football on DStv, GOtv

Price: N400

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

BACK PAGE LEAD PHOTOGRAPH

HAMZAT UNVEILS 100-POINT DEVELOPMENT AGENDA FOR LAGOS...

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left) and his Deputy and Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at the presentation of Hamzat’s manifesto at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos… yesterday

OBINNACHIMA EDGY OPTIMIST

obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria and the Debt Sustainability Question

oes Nigeria have sufficient fiscal space to take on more debt, or is the country edging towards a debt trap? These questions have once again come to the fore following President Bola Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly to approve a supplementary external borrowing plan of $20.52 billion and €1.045 billion to finance projects and programmes across critical sectors of the economy. The proposal has sparked a fresh debate over Nigeria’s debt sustainability with the opposition raising concerns about the implications of further borrowing for the country’s already stretched public finances. The President said the proposed facilities Tinubu would address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, accelerate economic growth, living conditions of Nigerians. In a letter generate employment and improve the read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

OMA DJEBAH

Tinubu urged the National Assembly to approve the supplementary external borrowing plan for 2026–2027 to enable the federal government to implement its projects and programmes without delay. Defending the rationale for the request, the President, in an explanation further reinforced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy the following day, stressed that the need to sustain economic growth following the implementation of his administration’s reforms had made additional external financing necessary. If the entire proposed borrowing plan is approved and the facilities fully drawn, it could significantly increase Nigeria’s total debt stock to about N200 trillion and further raise the country’s debt-service obligations in the coming years. However, the Presidency did not provide

sufficient details of the proposed facilities to enable Nigerians understand their composition, particularly the proportion expected to come from commercial lenders and multilateral development institutions. This is because commercial loans generally attract higher interest rates, which could be around eight per cent or more, depending on the terms, in addition to associated charges and fees. In its 2026 Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that interest payments would absorb 53.2 per cent of federal government revenue in 2025 and rise to 53.7 per cent in 2026. This underscores the persistent pressure of debt servicing on government finances, despite the projected moderation in the debt-to-GDP ratio. The Continued on page 27

GUEST COLUMNIST

Chief C.O. Adebayo: Remembering a True Hero OneYear After

here are people who leave lasting marks, memories and imprints on our lives. The late Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former university lecturer, Second Republic governor of Kwara State, Senator, former minister of communications, and later transportation, a formidable figure of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a leading voice for Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Movement for National Reformation (MNR), amongst others, was one such person. He lived a life of purpose, defined by principles of integrity, humility and commitment to lofty ideals. He walked tall, carrying himself with grace, dignity and

quiet self-confidence. One year after, I’m still trying to come to terms with the reality of his passing. Chief Adebayo, popularly known as C.O., left a huge legacy far into the future. A year after his interment, we remember an elder statesman who meant so much to many people. If you were an itinerant journalist covering politics in the early 1990s, you might well have encountered Chief Adebayo. I first met him 34 years ago at his Ilorin GRA home. I had gone to interview him as a member of the editorial team at the Lagos-based Classique magazine. I was excited to interview him. His handshake was firm, and he radiated warmth. His smile was infectious. He was not someone who shied away from expressing

his progressive views. During the interview, he spoke with clarity, precision, eloquence and coherence, so much so that I was at home with him. He was a consummate communicator, and a great repository of knowledge. So, what began 34 years back as a journalistic encounter evolved into an enduring, lifelong bond until his passing last year. I have many fond memories of him. He had great oratorical skills- always delivering his points with clarity, excellent diction and rhythm. His simplicity was disarming. He was entirely without airs. There was never a time you visited Adebayo that he wouldn’t see you off, extend his customary friendly parting handshake! I vividly remember the last time I saw

him: in 2021, four years before his passing, when I visited him in his Abuja home. I had gone to check on him upon learning that he hadn’t been quite well. I met him in the company of one of his daughters that afternoon. He was his usual selfstraightforward, attentive and jovial. As I sat with him that day, my mind went back to decades past when he was very active politically-with a commanding personality. We spent so much time together reminiscing on certain political developments and the state of the nation. He said he was very delighted, and proud to see my name among those nominated Continued on page 27

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