SATURDAY 31TH MAY 2025

Fagbemi: EFCC, ICPC Recovered

$105.9 Million Looted Funds in 2024

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that contrary to media reports, the federal government has only recovered the sum of $105.9 million of looted funds.

Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in a statement, said the sum of $967.5 billion reported in

some media, was false and completely at variance from his remarks at the Asset Recovery Summit held on May 27, in Abuja, titled, “Synergising Towards Effective Assets Recovery and Management.”

The AGF explained, "What I said in my speech is that, in 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753

duplexes in its asset recovery efforts.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also successfully recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has equally intensified its efforts in seizing assets linked to drug-related crimes, ensuring that illicit proceeds do not

fuel further criminal activities.

"With regards to international recovery and repatriation of assets, it is pertinent to state that from 2017 to date, the Federal Ministry of Justice working in collaboration with its counterparts and international partners (the US, UK, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, Switzerland), has facilitated the execution of various agreements, leading to the payment

of fines, recovery and repatriation of assets in the sums of $763,734,000 USD, and £6,472,610 GBP. Of these sums, a total of $102.88 million and £2, 062,000 GBP was recovered from 2024 to date."

He added: “That the media reports attributed the $967.5bn to me beggars belief and smacks of lack of due diligence.”

Fagbemi said while the ministry

AMID NEW $8BN INVESTMENTS, TINUBU ANNOUNCES FRESH INCENTIVES FOR OIL SECTOR

As a follow-up to his recent efforts to raise crude oil production and attract investment to the oil and gas sector, President Bola Tinubu has issued a new Executive Order which seeks to lower project costs, attract more investors, and enhance revenues from operations in the sector.

In the new Order, 50 per cent of incremental government gain resulting from cost savings will be returned to investors, while available tax credits have been capped at 20 per cent of a company’s annual tax liability.

The document which was made public by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, indicated that the move, while protecting government revenues, also offers strong fiscal terms to incentivise efficient operators.

This comes after recent announcement that the country had attracted over $8 billion in investments for deepwater oil and gas projects within a year, marking a significant turnaround in the sector. This was also attributed to reforms implemented under Tinubu's administration. Verheijen had announced this development at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting that the investments stemmed from Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in deepwater and gas projects, such as the Bonga North (Shell), and Ubeta

(Total Energies), among others.

Nigeria has one of the highest costs per barrel of oil worldwide, ranking significantly above many of its peers, especially within the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Africa.

Nigeria’s average cost of production per barrel ranges between $25 to $48, depending on the field, security situation, and operational efficiencies. In contrast, low-cost producers like Saudi Arabia and Iraq have production costs closer to $3 to $10 per barrel, thanks to large, shallow fields, better infrastructure, and fewer security concerns.

Aside from these, bureaucratic hurdles have been blamed as another source of high costs, with multiple agencies and frequent policy shifts that create uncertainty and delays. Added to those are procurement and contracting issues as well as local content requirements. While some of these policies aim to build long-term domestic capability, they can be expensive in the short term, some operators say. But the document titled: “The Upstream Petroleum Operations Cost Efficiency Incentives Order (2025)” now introduces performance-based tax incentives for upstream operators who deliver verifiable cost savings that meet defined industry benchmarks.

According to the new Order, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum

Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will publish these benchmarks annually according to terrain—onshore, shallow water, and deep offshore. Additionally, detailed implementation guidelines for the new Order will be issued in due course.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has implemented several significant reforms in Nigeria's oil and gas sector aimed at enhancing efficiency, attracting investment, and combating systemic challenges.

They include: The Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024 and Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024, aimed at increasing the contract approval threshold to $10 million.

Part of the Executive Order Read: “Whereas, the operating costs in the Nigerian oil and gas sector have been observed to be high compared to global average, arising mainly from prolonged project execution timelines and local content requirements.

“Whereas, the President has in response to the high operating costs, issued policy directives on the reduction of oil and gas sector operating costs, contracting timelines and local content compliance requirements.

“Whereas, the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to efficient

management of petroleum resources and reduction of costs in upstream petroleum operations to enhance competitiveness and efficiency; and whereas, it has become necessary to provide additional measures to promote fiscal discipline, reduce operating costs and maximise Nigeria's economic gains from the upstream petroleum operations through monitoring mechanisms and appropriate regime of incentives.

“Now therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section… make the following Order. The objective of this Order is to establish a Cost Efficiency Incentive Objective (CEI) framework aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness in the global oil and gas sector by:

“Reducing operating costs in the upstream petroleum operations through achievable cost reduction measures, strategies and targets; promoting cost discipline among stakeholders in the upstream petroleum operations; improving operational performance and streamlining contract cycles; maximising economic value from the oil and gas sector; and offering tax incentives to companies which achieve or surpass cost reduction targets.”

Tinubu stated that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on an annual basis, will conduct an assessment and benchmarking study to establish appropriate cost benchmarks for

INEC: EKITI, OSUN GUBER ELECTIONS HOLD JUNE, AUGUST 2026

2026, for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election, while August 8 was fixed for that of Osun State.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in Abuja, at the swearing-in of six Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

He said in line with the requirements of the law, the Commission was under legal obligation to publish the notices for major elections not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the election.

The chairman stressed that in compliance with the law, the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections.

Yakubu recalled that the last Governorship elections in the two

States were held in June and July 2022, adding that the four-year tenure of the governors would end next year.

He stated: “For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November, 2025, to enable political parties upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which automatically shuts down by 6.00pm on 22nd December 2025, that is not later than 180 days before the election.”

Yakubu noted that the final list of candidates would be published on 18th January, 2026, while campaigns in public by political parties would commence on 21st January 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.

He said: “In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday,

8th August 2026. Party primaries will start on 24th November 2025 and end on 15th December 2025.”

The chairman explained that the portal for the upload of nomination forms by political parties in Osun would close at 6.00pm on 9th February 2026 — not later than 180 days before the election.

He said the final list of candidates would be published on 9th March 2026, while campaigns in public by political parties would commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.

Yakubu stressed that the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections have been uploaded on INEC website and social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and

public information.

He explained that the commission was aware of the concern expressed by many Nigerians about the pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide.

According to him, “the number of bye-elections has now risen to 17. We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of the forthcoming Governorship election in Anambra State. We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public.”

Meanwhile the commission has sworn in six Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to fill vacancies in six States of the Federation.

Yakubu stressed that with the

upstream operational activities and unit operating costs for onshore, shallow water, and deep offshore terrains.

Besides, the President stated that companies shall receive tax credits for realised savings directly linked to their operating costs and production volume in line.

Tinubu stated that the move aims to progressively eliminate the cost premium in Nigeria's oil and gas sector and establish targets that drive year-on-year improvements in cost efficiency.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Order, the tax credit claimable in any given year shall not exceed 20 per cent of a lessee or licensee tax liability for that year,” he added.

To ensure effective implementation of the new Order, the President tasked the Special Adviser on Energy, Verheijen, to lead inter-agency coordination, ensuring alignment across key government institutions and translating policy intent into measurable outcomes.

“Nigeria must attract investment inflows, not out of charity, but because investors are convinced of real and enduring value. This Order is a signal to the world: we are building an oil and gas sector that is efficient, competitive, and works for all Nigerians. It is about securing our future, creating jobs, and making every barrel count,” Tinubu added.

In her remarks, Verheijen noted that

swearing-in of six RECs, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He told the new RECs that the conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty, saying that as RECs, they are the representatives of the commission in the various States to which they would be deployed shortly.

Yakubu noted: “Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs as well as the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations.

commended the media houses that reported the correct figure, it also appealed to those who reported the erroneous figure to do the needful by correcting the anomaly.

The statement observed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration remains resolute in its pursuit of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the management of recovered assets.

with the reform, Nigeria is rewarding efficiency and strengthening investor confidence.

“This is not a pursuit of cost reduction for its own sake. It is a deliberate strategy to position Nigeria’s upstream sector as globally competitive and fiscally resilient. With this reform, we are rewarding efficiency, strengthening investor confidence, and ultimately delivering greater value to the Nigerian people,” he stated. Meanwhile, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has commended the Nigerian government’s continued commitment to not only improving the operating climate for oil and gas firms, but strengthening the competitiveness of doing business in Nigeria.

Led by the Executive Chairman of the AEC, NJ Ayuk, the organisation described the move as an intentional strategy to transform the country, noting that with this reform, Nigeria is well-positioned to attract fresh investment across its upstream oil and gas sector – reaffirming the country’s position as one of Africa’s top producers.

“The executive order could not come at a better time for Nigeria. Targeting 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in oil production and 12 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) in gas production – up from the current 7.3 bscf/d , Nigeria requires significant levels of investment in both active fields and exploration blocks.

“It is also important to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities. Our State offices are part and parcel of the Commission. You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences.

“We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any Resident Electoral Commissioner.

“In line with the current policy, you will be deployed within your geo-political zones but none of you will serve in his/her State of origin.”

“Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office. In the best tradition of the Commission, you must engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings and must not be impervious to genuine criticisms.

MOODY'S UPGRADES NIGERIA'S RATING, STOCK MARKET GAINS N7.7 TRILLION IN 5 MONTHS

The Federal Ministry of Finance welcomed the decision by Moody’s Investors Service to upgrade Nigeria’s Issuer ratings from ‘Caa1 to B3,’ with a stable outlook, citing significant improvements in Nigeria’s external and fiscal positions.

The agency revised Nigeria's outlook to "stable" from "positive", as it expects recent progress on external and fiscal fronts to continue, though at a slower pace, if oil prices fall.

The rating agency in a statement yesterday, explained that, "The recent overhaul of Nigeria's foreign exchange management framework has markedly improved the balance of payments and bolstered the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves."

According to Moody's, inflationary risks in Nigeria, driven by policy shifts, have diminished. Inflation and domestic borrowing costs are showing nascent signs of easing, bolstering confidence in the stability of these

policy changes, it added. "The stable outlook reflects our expectations that external and fiscal improvements will decelerate but will not reverse entirely," Moody's added.

Moody’s Upgrades Nigeria’s Issuer Ratings to ‘B3’, Citing Bold Economic Reforms

Reacting to the development, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the decision reflected growing domestic and international confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and improvements in the country’s fiscal and external positions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He pointed out that it followed a similar upgrade by Fitch Ratings, which recently raised Nigeria’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook.

“This marks the second positive rating action by Moody’s since the

beginning of President Tinubu’s administration, following its previous upgrade from Caa1 Stable to Caa1 Positive in December 2023. “We are encouraged by Moody’s recognition of our reform agenda. This positive outlook reflects our administration’s determination and the tremendous work being carried out across various ministries, departments, and agencies — including our monetary policy authorities at the CBN — to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and ensure inclusive and sustainable growth for all Nigerians,” Edun added.

Since taking office, the Tinubu-led administration has implemented tough but necessary policy measures to tackle long standing economic challenges. These include enhanced revenue mobilization, improved public financial management, and strategic partnerships to unlock infrastructure financing and increase private sector participation.

“The upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign

rating is particularly timely as the government focuses on accelerating rapid, sustained, and inclusive growth, supported by both domestic and foreign private investment. In partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Finance remains committed to preserving macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and maintaining sound fiscal management. The government will continue to collaborate with both domestic and international partners to boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s global credit standing,” Edun added.

Meanwhile, buoyed by strong corporate earnings, strategic policy shifts, and renewed foreign interest, the market’s performance signals a bullish outlook and a potential turning point for the broader economy.

Data compiled by THISDAY showed that the overall market capitalisation of listed equities, which closed the

month of May 2025 at N70.46 trillion, which was a N7.7 trillion or 12.3 per cent gain, compared with the N62.763 trillion it closed for trading at the end of 2024.

Breakdown by market capitalisation revealed that the stock market in January 2025, appreciated by N1.95 trillion, attributable to cautious trading by investors in some companies quoted on the Exchange.

Also, in February 2025, the market capitalisation appreciated by N2.48 trillion to close at N67.193 trillion.

However, in March 2025, the stock market was down by N936 billion as investors shifted attention to money market instruments.

But it gained N239.03 billion in April 2025 from the N66.257 trillion it opened for trading to close at N66.496 trillion. Also, the NGX All-Share Index, which measures the performance of listed stocks, crossed the 110,000 basis points mark to close May 2025 at

111,742.01 basis points, about 8,815.61 basis points or 8.56 per cent increase when compared to 102,926.40 basis points the stock market opened for trading this year.

In the five months under review, Nigeria’s inflation showed signs of easing, currently at 23.71 per cent amid a rebasing exercise conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projections were revised upward by key stakeholders.

So far this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued its monetary tightening policy in its bid to stabilise the naira and inflation.

Under Dr. Olayemi Cardoso of the CBN, Nigeria economy has seen gradual clearance of the foreign exchange backlogs and has restored stability into the foreign exchange market as he had reassured both local and foreign investors from day he resumed duty.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ACCESS BANK COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF KENYAN BANK...

Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank Plc, Seyi Kumapayi (left), and Director of Finance, KCB Group, Lawrence Kimathi, during the signing

to Access Bank Plc in Nairobi…yesterday

Mokwa Flood Death Toll Rises to 111, FG, Atiku Commiserate with Victims

Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja with agency report

At least 111 people were confirmed dead yesterday in the market town of Mokwa in Niger State following torrential rains, officials said. Reacting to the development, the federal government expressed sorrow over the devastating flood disaster.

In a statement yesterday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condoled the bereaved families and all those affected by the tragic event.

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been fully briefed on the situation and had directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify ongoing search and rescue operations.

He said the immediate priority of the federal government was to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.

"The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed

Forces and the Niger State Government, is working round the clock to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing help to those in need.

"The Federal Government commends the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers who are risking their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts. We urge residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives that are issued," he said.

Also, former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Atiku Abubukar, commiserated with families and victims of the Mokwa flood that claims several lives and property.

In a statement, Atiku called on the federal emergency agencies for a proactive emergency response to such situations and provide relief to the victims.

The heavy rains lasted for several hours Thursday, which local government officials said a dam collapse in a nearby

A' Court Voids Judgement against Conduct of Kano LG Election

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, set aside the October 22, 2024 judgement of a Federal High Court in Kano, which stopped the conduct of last year's Local Government Area Council election over the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KASIEC).

A three-member panel of the appellate nullified the trial court's judgement on the grounds that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the composition of states’ electoral bodies and the qualification of members of such bodies.

The Kano State Attorney General (AG), the Kano State House of Assembly and KANSIEC had approached the appellate court to reverse the decision of the trial court, which delivered judgement in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

Justice Simon Ameboda of the Federal High Court in Kano, had on October 22, last year faulted the composition of the Kano State electoral umpire and restrained the body from proceeding with its planned LGA council election. He had made the order while delivering judgement in the suit filed by the APC and its Kano State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas.

The APC and Abbas had, in the suit, challenged among others, the

composition of KANSIEC, claiming that the state government nominated partisan politicians and members of the New Nigerian People's Party (NNPP) as members of the electoral body.

Dissatisfied, the Kano AG, assembly and KANSIEC, prayed the appellate court to reverse the order of the trial court because it was made without jurisdiction.

Delivering ruling in the three separate appeals, the appellate court held that the case of the appellants is meritorious and subsequently allowed the appeals.

After voiding the trial court's judgement, the appellate court went further and struck out the suits filed before the Federal High Court (from which the judgment was derived) for want of jurisdiction.

According to the appellate court, the proper court with the required jurisdiction is the High Court of Kano State.

The three appeals were: CA/ KN/233/2024 by Kano State House of Assembly and another, with Aminu Aliyu Tiga and 14 others listed as respondents; CA/KN/290/2024 by Attorney General of Kano State and six others, with All Progressives Congress (APC) and three others listed as respondents, and CA/KN/291/2024 by KANSIEC and eight others, with Kano State House of Assembly and six others as respondents.

town had worsened the situation. The flooding displaced large amounts of people.

Rescuers continued to find more bodies into the afternoon Friday.

Earlier reports said 88 people had died, but then at least 23 more bodies were found, Niger State emergency agency spokesman, IIbrahim Audu Husseinit, told The Associated Press in the afternoon.

That brought the toll to 111, but that

could go higher as the search continued.

“More bodies have just been brought and are yet to be counted, but we have at least 111 confirmed already,” Husseini told AP by telephone.

Mokwa, about 220 kilometers (140 miles) west of Abuja, is a major meeting point where traders from the South buy food from growers in the North.

In a similar occurrence last September, torrential rains and a dam collapse in Nigeria’s northeastern Maiduguri caused

severe flooding, leaving at least 30 people dead and displacing millions, worsening the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Nigeria has a food security problem as water for crops is harder to find Nigeria often faces seasonal floods, particularly impacting communities such as Mokwa along the banks of the Niger and Benue Rivers.

Communities in the far north of the country, which experience prolonged

dry spells worsened by climate change, also see excessive rainfall that leads to severe flooding during their brief wet season.

In videos and photos shared on social media platforms, floodwaters cover neighbourhoods where homes are fully or partially submerged, with rooftops barely visible above the brown currents. Residents are also seen waistdeep in water, appearing to salvage what they can carry or rescue others.

NEITI: Nigeria May Lose N3.4trn in Revenue to Gas Flaring in Five Years

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Orji Ogbonnaya, has warned that Nigeria may lose as much as N3.43 trillion in potential revenue from gas flaring in the next five years if the practice continues.

Besides, he stated that the country's pledge on climate action will remain hollow if methane pollution from the oil and gas sector is not urgently addressed. Speaking in Abuja at a policy dialogue organised by the Natural

Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Orji said the country cannot continue to project itself as climate-conscious while turning a blind eye to the severe environmental and economic dangers posed by unchecked emissions.

“From our 2023 audit, Nigeria flared 183.408 billion standard cubic feet (SCF) of gas—down slightly from 188.483 billion SCF in 2022.

While this represents a 2.7 per cent reduction, it remains deeply troubling.

“Based on prevailing market rates—$2.50 per thousand SCF (Mscf)—the economic value of

the gas flared in 2023 alone stands at approximately $458.52 million (N685.95 billion). Extrapolated over five years at current flaring levels, Nigeria would lose over $2.29 billion or N3.43 trillion in potential revenue.

“This is money that could fund hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and climate resilience programmes in host communities. The economic, environmental, and health costs remain staggering—especially for communities already burdened by pollution, underdevelopment, and systemic neglect. We must now move from reduction to elimination,” he stated.

He argued that methane has been over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its impact on global warming over a 20-year period, explaining that Nigeria cannot claim seriousness on climate commitments, if it ignores the silent crisis of methane pollution across the extractive industries.

The dialogue themed: "Strengthening Public Accountability and Compliance in Methane Emissions Management in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector", brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector.

KSDI Celebrates Kwara Governor’s Achievements in Two Years

Sunday Ehigiator

The Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI) has lauded the achievements of the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in the state over the six years spent in office.

The group, in a statement yesterday, signed by its convener, Dr. JBO Adewumi, title ‘Celebrating the

Remarkable Achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’, said that since assuming office, Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Kwara citizens through strategic initiatives and impactful policies.

The statement read: “The Government and People of Kwara

State proudly celebrate the outstanding leadership and transformative achievements of His Excellency, Governor AbduRahman AbdulRazaq, in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress across our beloved state.

“Since assuming office, Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving

the lives of Kwara citizens through strategic initiatives and impactful policies.

“Some of the notable milestones achieved under his leadership include the revitalisation of education; significant investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum reforms have led to improved literacy rates and increased access to quality education for our youth.

CASA Backs Egbetokun, Says Smear Campaign Won’t Stop Police Reforms

Sunday Ehigiator

The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has condemned what it called a coordinated campaign of calumny against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging Nigerians to disregard all unfounded attacks on his person and leadership.

In a statement released yesterday, the President of CASA, Charles Egbunike, described the attacks as part of a broader agenda to discredit

not just the IGP, but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under whose administration Egbetokun was appointed.

“These campaigns are not only malicious but deliberately designed to create instability,” Egbunike said. “Those behind them are not just attacking the IGP; they are using him as a tool to hit at the President. This is because of the IGP’s long-standing association with President Tinubu, dating back to when he served as his Chief Security Officer during Tinubu’s

tenure as Governor of Lagos State more than two decades ago.”

According to the group, the real masterminds behind the smear campaign were disgruntled elements who lost out following the IGP’s recent reforms aimed at sanitising the system, especially his decision to implement the position of the law and the Police Service Commission on retirement age and service years.

These individuals, who are angry over the unalloyed support Egbetokun enjoys from the President and the

members of the Nigeria Police Force, he said, are now collaborating with unscrupulous figures in the online media space who have been paid to do a hatchet job.

"These individuals prospered under a corrupt system and are now resentful because Inspector General Egbetokun has put an end to that era of impunity and unprofessional conduct. They are using faceless online platforms and questionable media outlets to spread lies and cast doubt on the IGP’s credibility.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ceremony to mark the completion of the sale of National Bank of Kenya

COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Director of Finance, ICAN, Mr. Sheu Gbadamosi; Chairman, ICAN Alimosho & District Society, Mr.

Executive

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe, and Chief Executive Officer, Grooming Centre, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, during a courtesy

Centre’s Head Office in Lagos...recently

Umahi: International Lenders Eager to Fund Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project

to inaugurate completed section, other projects today

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is delivering better value than its official price tag as it draws increasing attention and praises from international development banks.

Umahi also in a statement said he secured President Bola Tinubu’s approval to perform today’s inauguration of the completed part of Phase I, Section I (30 km of 750 km) Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway scheduled to take place at KM 8 of the project in Jakande Estate area of Lagos State.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS yesterday, Umahi said the federal government was yet to secure a loan for the massive infrastructure project after footing 30 per cent of the bill, noting that its rapid progress and cost-efficiency had started catching the attention of global financial institutions who are eager to fund the project.

Umahi quoted representatives of Deutsche Bank and the Development

Bank of Southern Africa, who toured the project a few weeks ago and were impressed by its progress.

According to them, the project is undervalued, a reflection, he said, of the project’s ability to deliver high-quality results at a lower-than-expected cost.

“As of today, we have not secured one global loan on the project,” Umahi said, adding “Hitech had invested their money and that job is about 80 per cent done.”

The minister emphasised that the prospects of getting funding are great.

“Two development banks that are also funding the loan component of the project, were with us in Abuja, and we came to Lagos to look at the project. And I know that praises resonated at the World Bank Conference in the US before the Honourable Minister of Finance, where they praised the project and they praised Mr. President for his reforms, and in particular this project. So when the Deutsche Bank people came, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, they marvelled at the rate of

reached N3.59 billion in 2024, up by 89 per cent from N1.90 billion in 2023.

NOVA Bank has released its audited financial statements for the full year ended December 31, 2024, with N11.43 billion profit before tax, about 211 per cent increase over N3.67billion declared in 2023. The 2024FY showcased exceptional performance across key financial metrics, underpinned by strong operational efficiency, prudent risk management, and continued market expansion. At the bank level, it announced N11.39 billion in 2024, representing about 215 per cent growth from N3.62 billion in 2023. This strong earnings trajectory is further reflected in the Group’s profit after tax, which increased to N8.23 billion in 2024, up by 172 per cent when compared to N3.03 billion in 2023. Also from the profit and loss figures, the bank itself recorded N8.03 billion net profit in the year under review, a growth of 169 per cent from N2.98 billion in the preceding year. The bank’s net interest income more than tripled, posting N6.02 billion in 2024, a significant increase of 233per cent compared to N1.81 billion in 2024. Similarly, net fee and commission income

These gains underline NOVA’s success in diversifying revenue streams while deepening client engagement.

Investment securities increased from N59.61 billion in 2023 to N66.06 billion in 2024, about 11 per cent, reflecting the bank’s strategic asset allocation and strengthened investment portfolio. In a display of strong asset quality, impairment charges on credit losses decreased by 72 per cent, from N417.6 million in 2023 to N118.1 million in 2024, reinforcing the robustness of the Bank’s risk framework.

From the balance sheet position, NOVA Bank announced a total asset of N373.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 14 per cent from N327.4 billion in 2023. This asset growth was driven by increased customer activity, strategic investments, and effective balance sheet management.

NOVA Bank’s shareholders’ equity closed 2024 FY at N40.8 billion (31 per cent increase), reflecting improved retained earnings and a stronger capital base. Share capital increased from N16 billion to N26 billion, further enhancing

construction, the quality of work, and the innovative ideas of Mr. President in insisting that this will be done. I quote what they said, that the project was undervalued.”

Addressing funding concerns, Umahi explained that Section One of the road, covering 47 kilometres, was awarded at N1.068 trillion, with only 30 per cent of the amount committed so far by the federal government. While Section Two, worth N1.33 trillion, has seen a similar 30 per cent commitment, with the remaining 70 per cent intended

to come from yet-to-be-secured loans.

“When you come to section two, it’s 1.33 trillion, and we have only committed 30 per cent of the cost of that project. The 70 per cent is the loan component, and that loan component has not come. That’s why the development partners came, the Deutsche Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They came, and they were very much interested. Today, a lot of others… African Development Bank, Islamic Bank, are coming knocking for us to interact with them. They’re interested, seeing what we have done.”

Despite funding gaps, the minister stressed that 30 kilometres has already been completed — well ahead of the 36-month timeline — positioning the coastal road as a high-impact, efficiently managed project likely to attract even more international investment.

“By December, I strongly believe that we would have completed Section One. Section one is supposed to be for 36 months. But this 30 kilometre we’ve completed, it’s been done within one year, 12 months.”

A statement by the minister’s Special

Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, said the President, who is also the initiator and actualiser of the historic project, is expected to virtually inaugurate other completed Renewed Hope signature projects within Southern Nigeria, including the: Construction of Lagos -Calabar Coastal Road Corridor (Phase 1 Section 1: Ahmadu Bello to Eleko Village Area in Lekki Peninsula (Ch.0+000CH47 +474; 47.474km), Contract No. 8438. (First 30Km). Contractor: Messrs. Hitech Construction Limited. Project Length: 30km.

Borno Governor Offers Scholarships to Slain Civilian JTF Members

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has promised to give scholarships to children of the eight slain civilian JTF members.

The eight members of the Force were tragically killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack along Dikwa-Marte Road on Tuesday.

The governor also announced an

immediate assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater for their basic needs.

Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to families of the fallen heroes in Fezzan ward of Maiduguri metropolis.

He said, “I want to announce an initial assistance of N5 million to be given to each of the families to take care of their immediate needs.”

He added that: “Government of Borno State will also provide full scholarships to children of the deceased members of the CJTF. For those without children, we will extend support to other family members.”

He described them as martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices in defence of their communities, assuring that their bravery would never be forgotten.

Zulum prayed for the repose of their souls and urged their families to bear the loss with strength and fortitude.

The governor was accompanied on the sympathy visit by the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Askira; APC state chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other government officials.

Lagos Deploys Biometric Card Readers in

Ayodeji Ake

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) has launched and deployed biometric card readers for the Ilera Eko Social Health Plan.

Public, Private Hospitals

The biometric card readers are integrated with the LASSRA database and designed to authenticate enrollees using their LASSRA ID, thereby enhancing enrollee verification, eliminating impersonation, and streamlining access to health services.

The move, according to LASHMA,

The unveiling took place at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, and the renowned private facility, St. Nicholas Hospital, symbolising the inclusiveness of the Ilera Eko provider network.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for remitting all the National Housing Fund (NHF) deduction arrears of the workers in the state.

The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, FMBN, Mr. Ibidapo

Odojukan, made the commendation when he led the management team of the bank on a courtesy visit to the office of the Head of Service, as part of its zonal meetings in the South-west.

According to him, the bank was appreciative of the Ogun State Government's efforts in offsetting the backlogs of the deductions, which emphasises the welfare of citizens.

marks the beginning of a pilot phase across 100 healthcare facilities in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, while speaking at the launch, described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state’s pursuit of universal health coverage.

“This launch is not just about deploying devices. It is about deepening our commitment to building a health system that is accessible, accountable, and inclusive for all residents of Lagos,” she said.

"We are appreciative of the state government's efforts, particularly in remitting all the NHF deduction arrears we have had for a while in Ogun State.

Zamba who was represented by LASHMA’s Coordinator of Regulation, Mr. Tosin Awosika, commended LASSRA for its strategic partnership, which she described as “a perfect example of what is possible when agencies align their mandates for the public good.”

"It expresses to us that Ogun State has a commitment to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the value we put on the table for all citizens nationwide. Particularly, the value that the Ogun State Government places on its citizens cannot be overemphasised," Odojukan said. He noted that the remittance indicated a robust relationship between the government and the FMBN, adding that a lot of interface and interactions are ongoing to further strengthen the already existing partnership.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Melissa Enoch

Kayode Tokede

Alli Olanrenwaju;

Director of Programmes, Grooming Centre, Mr. Alexander Enyinnah; Diamond President,

visit by the ICAN leadership to the Grooming

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S DAY...

Tinubu: Motherland 2025 Festival Will Position Nigeria as Tourism Destination

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the Motherland 2025 Festival, billed for December, aims to position Nigeria as a world-class destination for tourism, investment, and creative exchange.

He reinforced this in his address on the second anniversary of administration while also reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to cultural revival, economic advancement and global engagement.

The President said the country is preparing to welcome the world for the Motherland Festival in the spirit

of democracy and national renewal, adding the landmark gathering will spotlight Nigeria’s rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of its people.

“It will showcase Nigeria's beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.

“The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national transformation. Their expertise, investment, and global perspective are key to shaping the future we seek.

“The Motherland Festival will bring together voices from across

the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead,” Tinubu said.

The festival organised by Discover Motherland Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy will be held from December 15 to 21, 2025, across Abuja and Lagos.

In appraisal of the President’s remarks, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed delight

that the week-long experience will feature immersive exhibitions, state pavilions, and curated tracks across business, entertainment, culture, innovation, and investment designed to ensure there is something for everyone.

“Motherland 2025 is a new era for tourism. This December, we are launching the Motherland 2025 Expo and Festival, a 7-day experience spanning Lagos and Abuja. While ‘Detty December’ has been a time of celebration, Motherland 2025 takes it further—fostering meaningful connections, discovery, and investment. The event will

FG to Citizens: Your Security Our Top Priority

Linus

Aleke in Abuja

The federal government has assured operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and all citizens that their well-being and security remain a top priority of President Bola Tinubu's administration.

feature state pavilions, showcasing the culture, investment opportunities, and local tourism of each state.

Whether you are interested in entertainment, technology, real estate, or healthcare, there will be dedicated tracks and activities to bring people together,” Musawa said.

The festival is built to create

deeper connections between the global African diaspora and home. From professional networking to fashion marketplaces and emerging enterprises, Motherland 2025 will offer opportunities for collaboration, commerce, and meaningful exchange bridging Nigerians at home and abroad.

Access Bank Completes Acquisition of Kenyan Bank

KCB Group PLC (KCB Group) and Access Bank Plc yesterday announced the completion of the sale of National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK) to Access Bank, marking the conclusion of a transaction that began in March 2024.

Urge FG to be cautious in energy transition

It said that it is also committed to providing the necessary resources to support their tireless efforts in protecting Nigeria’s citizens and their property.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, said this while handing over seven Modified Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAV) to the Nigeria Police Force to bolster national security and safeguard lives and property across the nation.

Handing over the logistics enabler to the Inspector General of

Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, at the headquarters of the ministry, Abuja, the minister pointed out that the vehicles symbolise a collective effort to empower the Nigeria Police in their vital role of safeguarding lives and property across the country.

He said, “Today’s event marks a significant milestone. The security vehicles we are handing over to the Nigeria Police Force stand as a testament to the relentless commitment of our ministry to bolster national security.”

He said the ministry has worked diligently, leveraging its annual budget, to address critical needs within the Nigeria Police Force.

"It is with pride that I present to you seven state-of-the-art Modified Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles

(LTAV), procured from our 2024 operational budget. We believe these vehicles will significantly enhance operational efficiency, ensuring our officers can perform their duties more safely and effectively," Gaidam stressed.

He said one noteworthy aspect of these vehicles is their design, which incorporates local content.

He said, "This means they are tailored for ease of maintenance within Nigeria, unlike many imported security vehicles that often struggle with durability due to our unique weather conditions and terrain. This local content design ensures resilience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness."

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Ogbonaya Nlia, said the procurement and delivery

of these LTAVs are a critical part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to provide the Force with modern tools and resources necessary to confront the evolving nature of crime and insecurity in our society.

Receiving the vehicles, the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, expressed profound gratitude from the Force to the Minister of Police Affairs for the generous donation of critical assets to the Nigeria Police Force, noting that it is not the first time they were receiving such a donation.

He said, “We are receiving this critical asset at a time it is mostly needed and will surely play a significant role in enhancing our equipment capability and boosting our anti-crime efforts.”

Immigration Hands Over Fleeing

Ritualist to Lagos Police

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has handed over Obi Levi Obieze, a native doctor from Enugu State, to the Lagos State Police Command after his arrest on Wednesday at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.

Also, the Enugu State Police Command had arrested three other suspects in relation to the abduction: Uche Kingsley Agumba (33), Ilo Nweze Onyedikachi (36), and Ejike

Odinwankpa (38) before Obieze fled. This was as the Enugu State Government yesterday commended the vigilance of the men and officers of NIS who arrested fleeing suspected ritualist and kidnap kingpin, Obieze, along the Badagry-Seme Road.

The government also disclosed that the suspect’s mansions at his Umumba Ndiagu country home in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State have already been demolished by the authorities on Tuesday in line with extant laws

of Enugu State regarding property linked to kidnapping.

Obieze, also known as Obu Onyeka, Ezeani, and E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show, had been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for his alleged involvement in kidnapping and ritual killings.

The suspect was presented to Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, at the Command headquarters in Lagos.

Obieze was attempting to escape to Seme on a commercial Bajaj

motorcycle when he was apprehended by personnel of the NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command at about 2p.m.

THISDAY gathered that the commercial motorcyclist had passed the immigration checkpoint at Gbaji when an officer, recognising the suspect, ordered the rider to stop. When he attempted to flee, the NIS officers quickly apprehended him and took him to the command office, where he was detained in the NIS cell.

This followed the receipt of all regulatory approvals customary for a transaction of this nature.

As a result, NBK, where KCB Group had 100 percent ownership, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc. NBK and Access Bank Kenya will continue to operate independently, pending the completion of all integration processes.

A statement yesterday, explained that the acquisition was a pivotal step in Access Bank’s expansion strategy in East Africa.

The combined entity would significantly enhance Access Bank’s

presence in Kenya, strengthening the bank’s presence in the region. This move would allow Access Bank to offer an even more robust suite of banking services, catering to the evolving needs of individuals and businesses across Kenya. Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna said: “Finalising this acquisition marks a significant step in our drive towards unlocking the vast potential of East Africa’s financial landscape. Kenya stands at the heart of regional commerce, and with NBK now part of the Access Bank family, are better positioned to leverage our combined strengths to deliver high-impact banking solutions to individuals, businesses, and government institutions alike.

Report: E-commerce Fraud, Fake Jobs, Tech Support AI Scams Targeting Nigerians in 2025

Bennett Oghifo

Nigerians have become the target of AI generated fake e-commerce websites, job and employment fraud, as well as tech support scams, fuelling the need for them to be wary of this ugly development in 2025.

This Report is from Microsoft’s latest research which reveals a troubling trend that AI-powered fraud attacks are escalating worldwide.

“As Nigeria’s digital marketplace expands, the risk of cyber threats grows proportionally, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures to keep pace with the accelerated pace of digital growth.

“AI is lowering the technical bar for cybercriminals, making it easier and cheaper to generate believable content for attacks at an unprecedented rate.”

As Nigeria is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with internet and mobile phone usage

consistently on the rise, the country saw a sharp surge in cyber threats last year, with AI amplifying the scale and precision of cyberattacks on a scale close to ‘pandemic-like’ proportions, according to Deloitte.

“AI technology is giving cybercriminals the tools to create incredibly deceptive scams. With the ability to draw on fake product reviews, AI-generated websites, deepfakes, and voice cloning, these scammers can carry out their campaigns on a massive scale while still appearing authentic. It’s vital for businesses and individuals in Nigeria to keep abreast of developments as these AI-driven tactics become increasingly sophisticated,” said Ola Williams, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana. To help people across the country stay one step ahead, Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report offers insight into the most insidious AI scams on the rise.

L-R: Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; Director, Creative Arts Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bisi Omojare; Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, and Vice Chairmanship Candidate, Shomolu Local Government, Ojomu Taiwo, during the Children’s Day celebration in Lagos…recently

Our future...

On Ndume’s Pill for FCT Street Beggars

In Praise of President Buhari

In Praise of Madaki of Lafia

TWhe media is awash with a timely and thought-provoking account of a heated exchange between Senator Ali Ndume and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during the 2025 budget defence session before the Senate. At the heart of the matter is a proposal to establish a functional rehabilitation centre for street beggars and displaced persons in Abuja — a proposal that, while practical and humane, was summarily dismissed by the Minister.

hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

proposed reforms to make them functional.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

The article is commendable for capturing a broad spectrum of public opinion — from civil society members, residents, and youth, to elderly citizens. The dominant view among respondents is that the rejection of the proposal smacks of a leadership failure and a lack of compassion for the most vulnerable. The voices of ordinary Nigerians highlight a critical disconnect between the administration and the needs of the people, particularly in an urban centre such as the FCT where the consequences of urban poverty are stark.

On a broader governance critique, many observers believe that meritocracy has been gravely undermined under the current leadership of the FCT Minister. The recent appointments of the Acting Head of Service and Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have been cited as clear examples of where competence was sacrificed on the altar of strategic political loyalty, with no regard for established civil service traditions, succession norms, or proven capacity. This selective and often opaque method of public appointment fuels widespread disenchantment and erodes public confidence in governance.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

However, what is conspicuously absent in the minister’s defence is a constitutional understanding of citizenship. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), does not recognise any dichotomy between “indigenes” and “non-indigenes” when it comes to the right to social welfare, dignity of the human person, and equitable treatment by government authorities. Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, was conceived to be a neutral and inclusive home for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or place of origin. To argue, therefore, that certain individuals are not “indigenous” to Abuja is not only constitutionally flawed but also a dangerous rhetoric that erodes national unity.

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

Furthermore, the minister’s dismissive posture and unsubstantiated claim that “some people are not willing to stop begging” reveal a stereotypical and reductionist view of poverty. Such a stance lacks the nuance and depth expected from a leadership figure in charge of the capital of Africa’s largest democracy. Rather than generalising vulnerable populations, what is needed is policy innovation grounded in empathy, equity, and sustainability.

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

AAfter keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

More troubling, however, are the allegations of sectional bias and religious insensitivity that are becoming increasingly associated with Minister Wike’s tenure. The persistent perception that his administration is anti-North and indifferent to Islamic sensibilities—whether through policy silence, exclusionary appointments, or dismissive language—continues to polarize the capital city.

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

lh. Ishaka Dauda, Madaki of Lafia, has shown a leadership style that is worthy of emulation in Nigeria. He was born and brought up with humility. He makes peace to reign in Lafia. He has empowered jobless youths in his domain by providing the basic necessities of life for them, and made life easy for widows in Lafia by paying their children’s school fees. He also helps in providing security by giving them vigilante group to complement effort of security services, and by providing vehicles to enable them to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. He helps to ameliorate the challenge of flood in Lafia.

And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

Abigail Jacobs, Guzape, Abuja

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man.

The Madaki of Lafia is a detribalized Nigerian, and opposed to religious and ethnic violence. He single handedly sponsored many children for Quranic education because he belongs to the school of thought that says “if you train your child in the way of God he won’t depart from it.” He also sponsored hundreds of children to theological school because he doesn’t discriminate between Christians and the Muslims. He is a man who can do everything humanly possible to ensure that a child is not deprived of getting a sound education.

The Madaki of Lafia believes in one indivisible entity called Nigeria. A lover of peace, he is instrumental to many achievements of the Emir of Lafia.

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

Alh. Ishaka Dauda has also done a lot in the area of infrastructure in Lafia. He constructed many roads, built many health care centers, built schools for the people of Lafia, and recreational centers for the youth.

Anjorin Adeolu Joseph, Lafia

Up, Up and Down

Elon Musk has decreased his time in the Oval office so he can attend to his other interests and it’s probably a good idea.

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.

The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

SpaceX’s Flight 9 went up for quite a way, getting to empty outer space before yet again another boo-boo of some form happening and it returned to a very full ocean. Boo-boo isn’t probably the most detailed scientific explanation but it is accurate.

The reference to the abandoned FCT Rehabilitation Centre at Kuchiko, Bwari, further exposes institutional failure and negligence. Rather than rejecting Senator Ndume’s call for structured intervention, the minister ought to have acknowledged existing frameworks and

Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU,

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Space flights have always been dangerous and explosions have occurred before but now it seems that SpaceX seems to be making it compulsory. It’s a good thing Elon Musk is so wealthy, at present.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged

What a waste!

PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY...

L-R: Law Student, Lagos State University (LASU) and Winner of First Position at the 2025 Inter-tertiary Institutions Debate Competition, Ajeniya Abdulqudri; Deputy General Manager, Business Development/ representative of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, eTranzact, Adedayo Adejokun; Computer Science Student, LASU, Oladipupo Ramadan; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASU, Dr.

Ajayi, and another Law Student, LASU, Atere Olateju, at the LASEPA in partnership with eTranzact 2025 Inter-tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit, held in Lagos... recently

Simon Ekpa Appears in Finnish Court on Terrorism Charges

Sunday Ehigiator with agency report

Simon Ekpa, a secessionist agitator, yesterday appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court to face terrorism-related charges in a preparatory hearing.

Ekpa was accused of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

The YLE News reported that prosecutors alleged that he had been actively involved in

a separatist movement seeking independence for the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria. The prosecution argued that the activity, conducted online and coordinated from Finland, may constitute terrorism under Finnish law.

Prosecutors are demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa.

“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual's online activity and communications," said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.

New Book, ‘The Migration Paradox’ for Launch June 16

The migration debate has long been dominated by voices from the Global North, often painting African migration as a crisis to be contained rather than an opportunity to be embraced.

Owing to this, a new book, ‘The Migration Paradox: Contributions of Diaspora Remittances and Trade to Economic Growth and Development in Emerging Africa’, which will be launched on June 16, 2025, challenges this narrative by placing African voices and experiences at the centre of the global migration conversation.

Co-authored by Dr. Abel Owotemu and Ayo Ibaru, two leading African development thinkers and practitioners, ‘The Migration Paradox’ will be officially launched online at 11:00a.m.

A statement from the authors

noted that, drawing inspiration from the African proverb, "When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers," the book asserts that Africa—long sidelined in migration policymaking—is both the "grass" and the solution.

“It offers a bold and evidencebased rethinking of migration’s role in Africa’s future, arguing that migration, when properly understood and harnessed, is a driver of economic transformation. A timely, bold intervention, through rigorous analysis and compelling narratives, Owotemu and Ibaru explore the oftenoverlooked economic contributions of African migrants—highlighting how remittances, trade linkages, and transnational networks contribute to productivity, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.

Tenece Equips Students with Future-ready AI Skills

As part of its 17th anniversary, Tenece Professional Services Limited, with support from Tenece Holdings, launched a focused CSR initiative at Bethesda Secondary School, Ikota, centred on Artificial Intelligence and its impact in today’s world.

The one-day programme introduced students to the practical applications and societal impact of AI through real-world use cases, and direct engagement with professionals in the tech space.

“The goal is to build early awareness and spark interest in emerging technologies among secondary school students.

“Tenece Professional Services Limited was built on innovation and problem-solving,” said Yetunde Johnson, Head, Brand and Corporate Communications for the Tenece Group.

“This initiative is about giving the students exposure to the tools shaping the future and encouraging them to think critically about how technology can be used to solve real problems,” Johnson added.

Beyond classroom sessions, students participated in discussions about how AI is already transforming industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and agriculture—and how they can be part of that transformation.

Johnson further said “This initiative reflects Tenece’s ongoing commitment to technologydriven development and youth empowerment, especially in underserved communities.

“It’s a practical step toward narrowing the digital divide and preparing young Nigerians for a competitive future.”

The prosecution, however, acknowledged that obtaining detailed information about the alleged terrorism-related acts was difficult, as they were believed to have taken place in Africa.

During the pre-trial hearing yesterday, Ekpa's lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, also raised concerns about the reliability of information coming from Nigeria. Finnish police have investigated the case

together with Nigerian authorities. During police interviews, Ekpa denied the charges, which also included suspicions of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups.

The district court is also examining

as an athlete. He has been a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and served on Lahti's public transport board.

36 Million Child Internet Users at Risk in Nigeria, Women Groups Warn

Group pledges support for litigations in any form of child’s rights

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A coalition of female civil society organisations and other women groups in Nigeria have urged the National Assembly to pass the Online Child Protection Bill in order to protect Nigeria’s 36 million child internet users.

This was as Country Representative of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has pledged total support for any form of litigation that would protect the rights of children in West African countries.

The women were mobilised by the National Online Safety Coalition to stage a peaceful march at the gate of the National Assembly in Abuja.

The coalition specifically urged the House of Representatives to urgently pass the Child Online Protection Bill before it.

They also pleaded with the federal

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has charged students in the state to shun the urge to seek quick wealth, insisting that only hard work can guarantee success.

Soludo spoke at an event in Awka, Anambra State capital, which was put together by Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO); a government

lawmakers to take decisive action to tackle the growing crisis of online child sexual exploitation and abuse which has put millions of Nigerian children at risk.

The peaceful protest was tagged, #SaferInternetForNaijaKids campaign.

The coalition of mothers were joined by educators, technologists, gender justice advocates, and civil society leaders who demanded that the Nigerian children deserve a safe online environment.

According to them, data from the MTN and IPSOS, states that over 50 per cent of Nigerian children have experienced cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, or harassment.

Spokesperson for the coalition, Shirley Ewang, said “The legal and regulatory systems meant to protect them have not responded to these threats.

“With over 36 million Nigerian children now online, digital spaces have become an integral part of

agency, in collaboration with an NGO, E-KEEPAS Enterprise, to commemorate this year's International Day of the Boy Child.

The governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, was speaking on the backdrop of the recent crave for quick wealth in the society, and the rampancy of internet fraud.

He said, "You need to know that hard work pays. Do not be envious

childhood, but they are also becoming increasingly dangerous.

“According to recent reports, 90 per cent of children aged 4 to 16 have encountered at least one online risk, such as grooming, privacy violations, or exposure to harmful content.

“These are not numbers, they are children – your daughters, sons, nieces, and nephews.

“We fail them by continuing to let the internet remain a playground for predators.

“While children remain vulnerable, abusers continue to operate with impunity. Only one in 10 cases of online child abuse results in prosecution, according to data from NAPTIP.

“Meanwhile, 80 per cent of abusive content remains online for over 48 hours, allowing predators to repeatedly exploit victims.

“According to the Internet Watch Foundation, over 70 per cent of online child abuse materials are hosted

of people, especially the fraudsters. Don't take them as your role model. There are so much opportunities you can explore to develop yourselves in this administration. Once you are disciplined, persistent and focused, you will become better persons tomorrow.

"Today, a lot of opportunities abound, from where any seriousminded person can make genuine living. You can explore Information and Communication Technology

on social media and encrypted messaging platforms, which children use every day.”

The coalition therefore called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Child Online Protection Bill. The group said the proposed legislation would establish critical legal protections and platform accountability for online child safety. The women also urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enforce stricter content moderation and implement child-specific safety standards. They called on the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital safety education into school curricula. According to the coalition, countries around the world are already taking decisive action to protect children in digital spaces, and Nigeria cannot be an outlier.

(ICT) and other opportunities to boost your knowledge and excel in your fields of endeavour."

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Akachukwu Maduakolam, an educationist who spoke on the theme: ‘Boys Today, Great Men Tomorrow’, urged parents, community leaders, industrialists, captain of industries and other successful individuals to support education and development of the boy-child through mentorship and guidance.

Abbey Mortgage Bank to Raise N100bn Fresh Capital

Kayode Tokede

allegations of aggravated tax fraud. Born in Nigeria, Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007,

Tunde

PAYING FINAL RESPECTS...

L-R: Emmanuel Aziken; Mrs. Mary Aziken; Mrs. Gladys Aruwa (nee Aziken); Chukwuekwu

Agbor, Delta State...recently

and

Gowon, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Akinyemi, Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Former Nigerian leader and only surviving founding father of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, have predicted that the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS would usher the region into new vistas of development.

This is as Gowon and Akinyemi declared that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Member States which recently exited the ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) could still return to the fold.

They made the remarks at the Roundtable Conference, convened

under the theme: ‘ECOWAS, An African Model @ 50: Resilience and Future Prospects’, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the golden jubilee of the regional body.

Gowon chaired the event which featured Akinyemi as keynote speaker while discussants include key players in the affairs of the continent including President of ECOWAS, Dr. Alieu Touray, former President of ECOWAS, Dr. Ibn Chambas, former Prime Minister of Guinea, Lansana Kouyate, and Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi among others.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged participants to renew their commitment to the shared responsibility, and uphold the enduring principles of

unity, peace, and development which was the bedrock of their regional integration efforts.

She paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, especially Gowon, noting that the contributions of the lead speaker; Akinyemi and the discussants, had enriched their collective reflection and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the shared vision.

She said, “Over the course of our discussions, we have been afforded a unique opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of ECOWAS as a regional body. We have examined its significant contributions to peacekeeping, economic integration, harmonisation of sectoral policies and promotion of democratic governance to strengthen regional solidarity.

“Equally important, this forum granted us the opportunity to critically

examine the pressing challenges confronting the Community, from political instability and governance deficits to economic disparities. Looking ahead, this rich exchange of ideas and perspectives we have shared today has laid the groundwork for charting a more resilient, inclusive and visionary path for ECOWAS.

“As we bring this important gathering to a close, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your presence, your thoughtful contributions and insights, as well as your unwavering commitments to the vision and ideals that inspired the founding of our Regional Economic Community five decades ago,”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

Akinyemi, who listed the numerous achievements of ECOWAS particularly,

‘Police Killed My Sister Not Bandits’, Governor Kefas Opens Up On Wukari Attack

Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State has opened up on the circumstances surrounding the killing of his sister, Atsi Kefas, reportedly shot by kidnappers along Wukari-Chinkai Road last year. Kefas revealed that a police escort attached to his mother’s escorts shot and killed his sister while travelling from Jalingo to Abuja, along the Wukari-Chinkai Road in 2024.

He stated this while interacting with journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, saying investigation revealed that a police escort shot Atsi at a close range.

He further disclosed that pellets of gun were found in the victim’s body during operation before she subsequently succumbed to death.

Many in Taraba State have believed that the vehicle conveying Atsi and the governor’s mother was attacked

by bandits who wanted to kidnap the governor’s family members.

Kefas, while observing a minute of silence for Atsi, and the over 50 people who were recently killed in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state during an attack, called on the people to embrace peace and love one another.

“Life is very precious to me. You can’t just end someone’s life and think God will be happy with you. My younger

sister was shot and killed by a police escort who was inside the same bus with her.

“Investigation revealed that my sister Atsi was shot at a close range. The policeman is still under investigation so that justice should prevail,” the governor said.

He stated that a commission of enquiry would soon be set up to look into the causes of Karim-Lamido crisis to bring lasting peace to the affected area.

Aggrieved Ex-staff Demand Audit of NNPC Lagos Cooperative

Aggrieved members of the NNPC Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society, Lagos branch, yesterday lamented their inability to access the fund for years, calling for a forensic audit of the organisation.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, the group led by Ante Ante and Odey Ochicha, as well as a retired NNPC employee, Bob-Manuel Kons, accused the current leadership of the cooperative of refusal to conduct its Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as required by law.

Ante stated that for over 10 years, members had not received dividends and monies contributed, which he said

defeats the essence of a cooperative society, which is to provide assistance in times of financial emergencies.

He argued that it was inexplicable that the cooperative society which declared N96 million as surplus in 2021, recorded a loss of N806 million by 2022.

“Those who retired, who have needs, to even pull out their savings, are unable to, because the money is not there. If you go for a loan, they will tell you, wait. If you want to withdraw, you cannot get a withdrawal, no dividend is paid,” he lamented. He maintained that the current caretaker committee of the Lagos state chapter of the cooperative society was constituted illegally, without following

due process of convening a congress or Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Ante, therefore appealed to the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Lagos state government to work with the group in the interest of the cooperative members.

He added: “We want to tell the world that all is not well with this cooperative society. We want the management of NNPC, Lagos State government, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to cooperate with us.”

In his intervention, an NNPC retiree and a former President of the Lagos State Chapter of the cooperative society, Odey Ochicha, said that the group was

on a rescue mission, disclosing that the management committee was yet to hold an AGM for years.

He called for transparency, accountability, due diligence and justice to save cooperators funds, stressing that his contribution to the cooperative has been stuck for years and describing the situation as a betrayal of trust.

"You are managing the resources of NNPC staff, both serving and retired. We contribute our hard-earned money every month, and then nothing comes out of it. So, we are not happy about that. We are on a rescue mission. There has been no AGM since 2023, yet people claim to be elected. We want transparency, accountability, and justice," he stated.

Moghalu Joins New African Security Body’s Board

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the newly launched International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA). The announcement was made during the inaugural ISCA Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, recently. Moghalu currently serves as President of the African School

of Governance (ASG). With the appointment, he will join a distinguished team of continental leaders on ISCA’s Board, chaired by Clotilde Mbaranga Gasarabwe, former Assistant Secretary-General for Security Services at the United Nations.

Other board members include: Lt. General Balla Keita, former Force Commander of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA); Frederick

Golooba-Mutebi, former Executive Director of the Makerere Institute for Social Research, Uganda, Dr. Richard Sezibera, former Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lt. General Frank Kamanzi, former UN Force Commander in South Sudan and ISCA’s Executive Secretary

The establishment of ISCA represents a major step toward building African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges, and Moghalu’s inclusion signals

the organization’s intent to involve thought leaders with both continental and global policy experience.

As a panelist at the conference, Moghalu delivered a message during a session titled ‘Critical Raw Materials and Supply Chain Warfare’, where he stressed the imperative for Africa to take ownership of its vast mineral wealth and use it to strengthen its geopolitical influence.

in peacekeeping, free movement of people and goods, regional integration and peer review, urged the remaining members to be compassionate with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

He said, “When the Sahel countries realize that in pulling out of ECOWAS, they were not able to contain the Jihadists, the insecurity in the region, then they will know that pulling out was not the solution. When they see

that the energy crisis is still there and other challenges they faced, then, they will begin to consider the essence of regional integration.

“So, I share the optimism expressed this morning by our President and Gen. Gowon, that they will find their way back. And as Gen. Gowon advised, we should threat them with compassion, we shouldn't rub it on their face.”

FG, Glo, Huawei Take Digital Learning, e-Health, Coverage to Remote Abuja Village

The plan by the federal government to provide digital access to 7,000 remote communities across the country got off on Wednesday with the inauguration of the pilot project in Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2, Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Championed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in partnership with Globacom and Huawei Technologies, the project will deliver voice and data services, free public wi-fi access, digital healthcare and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the connectivity crisis affecting more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack basic telecommunication access.

“If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education,” the minister noted, adding that this also poses governance challenges as disconnected areas are difficult to administer.

“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age,” Tijani stated.

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, who spoke on the project said the company worked with the ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and also manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.

Over 100 Nominees Vie for Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards

Over 100 nominees have been listed as contenders for the prestigious Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) which will hold on 27th June, 2025 in Lagos.

As countdown to the event gathers momentum with the official commencement of the public voting underway since Monday, May 20, 2025; organisers said the event scheduled to hold at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, will be innovative in every aspect.

According to a statement by Moses Braimah, Director of Marketing, Communication and Strategy, “the nomination phase, which attracted thousands of entries from across the healthcare sector, marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 11th edition of the event, where hundreds of top-performing organisations and individuals across Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem will be recognised for their innovation, excellence, and impact over the last year.’’

Top on the list of nominees include FMC Ebute Metta, Duchess International Hospital, Cedarcrest, LifeWorth, Total Health Trust, GE Healthcare, JNCI, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Mainland FM, Nigeria Health Watch, Mobi Health,

Cerba -Lancet, Smile360 Dental, and Nisa Premier Hospital among others. “Nomination closed on May 16, 2025, with many surprises and excitement,” said Moses Braimah, NHEA Director of Marketing, Communication and Strategy. “We are now at the final stage where public voting is underway. Some shortlisted nominees are also being visited by our field team for verification, ensuring transparency and integrity in the award process.”

Amechi Oyema-Aziken; Mrs. Oluseyi Oyema-Aziken,

Mrs. Grace Ojji (nee Aziken), at the service of songs for the late Mrs. Helen Erina Aziken, at

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Angela Okorie: Every Artist Courts Controversy to Be in Limelight

Nollywood star Angela Okorie is synonymous with controversy. Earlier this year, the actress, singer had clashed with a notorious Instagram blogger over alleged false claims about her relationship and love life. Known for her blunt personality, Angela was quick to react during a chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu. The conversation had barely started when she fired up, “Don’t ask me anything about relationship, you can ask me any other thing,” she maintained. “That’s why I don’t want to talk to anybody.” A couple of weeks ago, the mother of one confirmed her split from her man, a relationship she had once flaunted on social media. Angela has continued to stoke reactions online after opening up about her breakup with her lover, with fiery rants which many attribute to heartbreak. However, it’s not all bad news for the Legit Queen who is currently working on her new movie, ‘Queens of Guns.’ Angela also hints on why she’s controversial, her love for God aside acting and singing, and more. Excepts

You appear to be working on a new movie canyoutellusaboutthat?

I’m currently working on my movie called Queen of Guns , and the movie is coming out soon. The movie is about a gangster; it has a very good storyline based on a true-life story. I’m editing right now. And will be out soon.

At some point you focused more on music; why did you decidetocomebacktoacting?

I stopped acting because I needed to focus on my music career. And then when I’m done with my music career and I see that everything is okay I can now come back to my acting, of which I am back.

Asideacting,singing,whatelseareyoupassionateabout?

I’m passionate about winning souls for God o!

You are passionate about winning souls for God, Angela, Really?

Yes o…People have seen that for several years where I will be streaming live worship. I bring a lot of women of God and men of God to preach to people on my platform. So, if you say you don’t see that, nobody is seeing that, it’s you who is not seeing that because I have millions of followers. And I come on live every Sunday to do those live worship. If you put an hashtag live worship with Angela Okorie you can see that on social media. You’vehadquitealotofmediahypesurroundingyouand yourcareer.Youcaughtpeople’sattentionsofast.Whatdoyou thinkisresponsibleforthis?

Anybody who looks at me knows that I catch anybody’s fancy

and attention. So, I mean like looking at me is there any other thing to write about me? So, when I don’t even talk or whatever I write, people know they see sense in it and that’s the reason they are carrying it and that’s what makes me controversial anyways.

Youseemtomakewavesowingtocontroversies.Somesayyou deliberatelychosecontroversies;othersbelievecontroversies chose you. What do you make of this?

But as an artist, almost everybody wants to be in the limelight. So why are they not in the limelight? Why are people not carrying them? Why are the bloggers not carrying them every day? Maybe they are not doing things that catch people’s fancy for them to post them. I guess I have an intrusive personality. I have this look that once you look at me the first time; you must turn to look the second time. So it’s not my own doing, I think its God’s doing you know so that’s it.

You talk about looking at you and to some extent you imply that creates attention and all that, what do you feel most comfortable wearing?

Me I wear everything; I wear anything that suits me. From the kind of outfits if you look at some of my outfits I have you know, like almost everything suits me; corporate suits, when I want to dress sexy, I dress sexy if it demanding. But when I want to dress corporate I can also dress corporate. If I want to go for meeting right now I’m definitely going to dress corporate.

There’s been so much buzzaroundyournewbody.Why didyoudecidetogoundertheknife?

Oh well, I went under the knife it’s over a year now…. (Stutters) I’m going to call you back.

‘My Father’s Shadow’ Continues to Captivate Audiences Worldwide

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Akinola Davies’s directorial debut feature ‘My Father’s Shadow’ made even more history at the just concluded 78th Cannes Film Festival after it received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or prize. The recognition is given to the best first feature film in the festival’s official selections.

The award also marked a historic milestone as the first Nigerian film to premiere at the annual festival. Although “My Father’s Shadow” did not win the top prize, its selection in the esteemed Un Certain Regard section and its special mention underscore its critical success.

Co-written by Akinola Davies Jr. and his brother Wale Davies, the film draws from the director’s own life experience, particularly the loss of his father at a young age. “My Father’s Shadow” continues to captivate audiences worldwide following its celebrated premiere.

“We just wanted to make something that we feel extremely proud of, that shows the Nigeria we grew up in on screen,” director Akinola Davies Jr. said before the film’s outing at Cannes,

Ayodeji Akinde’s Journey of Passion, Persistence, Purpose

Born and raised in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, Ayodeji Akinde is the last of eight siblings, the youngest in a vibrant, close-knit family. From an early age, music was more than just a background sound in his life; it was a way of being. Raised in a Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) church, where spiritual expression through music is a deeply rooted tradition, Ayodeji was constantly immersed in a rich atmosphere of rhythm and worship. He grew up singing in the choir, participating in choreographed church performances, and playing instruments like the drums. These early experiences laid a strong musical foundation and sparked a natural passion that would later define his life. In 2016, Ayodeji made a pivotal move to the United States in search of greater opportunities.

Like many young Africans chasing dreams beyond their borders, he was fueled by a desire to succeed.

Yet it wasn’t until he was far from home that he truly began to understand his calling. “Now that I’ve found myself and my passion,” he says, “I’m back in Nigeria to continue chasing my dreams.” What began in the heart of a church had matured into a deep commitment to making music that matters. Two years later, in 2018, he released his debut single. It was his first time recording in a professional studio. The experience was exhilarating and deeply affirming.

Hearing his own voice over polished instrumentals for the first time made him believe in his potential even more. “It felt amazing,” he recalls. “And I knew I could only get better from there.” That first session wasn’t just about recording a song; it was about discovering a voice within himself that he was ready to share with the world.

Ayodeji’s musical style is rooted in Afrobeats, but his creative range expands far beyond it. He effortlessly blends

adding that any special recognition will be “a massive honor.” Co-writer Wale Davies enthused. “As much as I enjoy the hype and the accolades, it’s really about the work. When it finally goes out into the world, the whole conversation changes, and hopefully some of the dialogue we intended for the film can finally kick off.”

‘My Father’s Shadow’, stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as the father (Folarin) and introduces newcomers Godwin Egbo (Akin) and Chibuike Marvellous (Remi) as his two sons.

Since its announcement as the first Nigerian film officially selected by the Cannes Film Festival, the film has been accruing rave reviews from critics and viewers alike for its emotional depth, technical brilliance, and the acting of its main trio.

Set in 1993 during one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile periods, “My Father’s Shadow” traces a single day in the lives of two young brothers as they journey with their estranged father from a quiet village to the chaotic capital, Lagos.

This year’s festival ran from May 13-24, attracting international stars such as Viola Davis, Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, Scarlet Johnson, Nicole Kidman, Taraji P. Henson, and Robert Pattinson. Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington were each honored with an Honorary Palme d’Or.

Angela Okorie

Ayodeji Akinde

A scene from ‘My Father’s Shadow’

Ferdinand ekechukwu

Anyanwu: PDP Leaders Demarketing the Party

The embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Samuel Anyanwu, speaks on the lingering crisis in the main opposition party, saying any attempt to remove him without due process is a wild goose chase. Chuks Okocha brings the excerpts:

WhyisthePDPstillin crisis over the office ofNationalSecretary?

We’vehadalotofnegative press for some time nowaboutourparty,and it’s very disheartening, and I feel very concerned about it. For me, there’s only one group that can make or mar a situation in any organisation, and that’s the press. But so far, we’ve been able to manage, to balance issues that have to do with our party’s crisis. There’s no doubt our party is in crisis. I’m a realist. We’ve had crises, we’ve had issues, and it’s a man-made thing. It’s all about ambition, and it’s very disheartening. I was elected in October 2021 as National Secretary of this party. According to the zoning, it was zoned to the South, and micro-zoned to the South-east. And just like every other State in the Southeast, it was zoned to Imo state. Every State in the South-east has a representative in the National Working Committee. For instance, the National Deputy Treasurer comes from Enugu State; the National Auditor from Anambra State; and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Abia State. So you can see that it is wickedness for anybody that wants to take something from Ebonyi State and put it in Anambra State, when positions are evenly disputed. But assuming that I am no longer the National Secretary, for instance, whoever that will replace me must come from Imo State. Besides, National Secretary of a party is for the entire south. I was not elected by only south-east. I was elected at the convention by the entire nation. I represent the nation, but it’s very disheartening that the governor of Enugu State insisted that this must go to Enugu State, when Enugu already has somebody.

What’s your view on the fact-finding report by the PDP Governors and the party’s national caucus?

(He brings out the report) This is a report of the committee set up by the Chairman, Governors Forum to interface with INEC to ascertain the status and position of the commission as regards the National Secretary. The Committee chaired by Agbu Kefas with Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal with the National Legal Adviser co-opted. Peter Mbah met with INEC official and reported to the committee the position/status of the National Secretary thus: That the commission still recognised Sen. Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment; that there’s no vacancy to be replaced until Anyanwu is removed in accordance with the constitution of the party; that notice of 21 days should be given to the commission for any of such meeting to remove and or replace an official of the party, and that the NEC meeting should comply with the provision of the party’s constitution and requirements in the Electoral Act in the case of removal/appointment of an official of the party. The committee resolved to recommend to the forum that the procedure and the processes be followedtocompletetheacceptanceoftherecommendation of the South East caucus in order to lay to rest the agitation and put the Party back on track in South East. Also, that the party in NEC shouldacknowledgetherequest/recommendation of the South-east caucus to be considered at the next meeting, amongst other things. And by the way, is there any vacancy? There’s no vacancy. In 2023, I wrote to the party that I was going to run for an election and I took leave. I wrote to INEC that while I’m on that leave, my deputy will act, and so he did.

But why is the southeast zone bent on removing you?

Before then, the National Vice Chairman of the

party Southeast, his tenure was elapsing and he wantedtoremainamemberofNationalCommittee. He went and conjured, manipulating the governor of Enugu State, making him believe that he can have the National Secretary of the party. I’m sure that the governor himself is not aware that the officesaresharedaccordingtoStates.Theyjumped into it because he knows that the next National Vice Chairman of Southeast is supposed to come from Enugu State and he knows that he will not get it back. So, he wanted to return because his tenure ended on March 3rd or so. That’s how this whole issue started. He now connived with his friend, who is Governor Makinde of Oyo State, to pressurise Enugu to bring Ude-Okoye in and they went to court.

So, I wonder how my office will endanger any of them because by December, my tenure will elapse. If of course, I choose not to come back. So why don’t you allow sleeping dog to sleep?

Each time they talk about people destroying the party. All these PDP leaders who go on national television are the ones demarketing the party. Instead of saying issues that can build the party, you are saying things that will destroy and demarket the party and accuse the Minister of FCT, because he’s my friend. I will not take it. If anybody ridicules me, I will never tolerate it for any reason. Every position everybody is having now, in the next two years, a few of them will leave and all of us will meet at the lounge of the airport. It took me time to build my reputation. I’ve been a two-time local government chairman; two times House of Assembly member, went to the Senate, ran for Governor twice and National Secretary. None of them ever said they supported me in my last election, all the governors contributed money to give to other candidates of the party, but they refused to send even a dime to me, rather, they demanded that I resign, and I ran my election without their support.

What is the position of Ali Odefa in all these crises?

So for me, I believe that I’m on the side of the law. I will give an example. Ali Odefa they are parading up and down is not a member of the party. This is

a judgement of High Court. He was expelled byhisward,affirmedbyhislocalgovernment and of course the State. They went to court and got a judgement. And this is part of the judgement.“Anorderofperpetualinjunction restrainingthefirstdefendant,HonorableDr. AliOdefafromparadinghimselfasamember of the People’s Democratic Party and or as the National Vice-Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party for the South East Zone of Nigeria and from performing the roles or exercising the powers of the position”. It goes further to say, “This court ruling not only fortified the decisions of the party structuresathisward,Localgovernmentand State levels, but also permanently banned him from presiding at or even attending any PDP-related meetings. It is thus established that any meeting conveyed or attended by Honorable Ali Odefa remains invalid and infected by the virus of fundamental illegality”. This is the judgment of the High Court. So you will not go to the Southeast and say you are convening a meeting, who was there? I am the National Secretary of the party; I am from the Southeast. What meetingwillyouconvenewhenIamnotthere? What justification do you have? Assuming today I am no longer the National Secretary, I am a member of the caucus, I am a member of the Board of Trustees, I am a member of NEC by my position. In politics, the Governor of any state is only the Governor of a State. My question is, what will Governor Makinde say that I did to him? Have I stressed him for any reason? Have I called him funny names? What’smysin?What’smyproblemwithhim? Have I done anything against him? What I’ve doneagainsthim?Iconsiderhimasmyfriend. Let me tell you, nobody can sign a document outside me. They came to find it themselves after doubting what I told them. I sent a message because I know that the Bukola Saraki committee is still meeting.

What is your relationship with the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike

The FCT Minister is my friend and my

boss and I can never for any intimidation, deny him. Nobody can make me to deny my friend because after position, there’s still life. Even you as journalists, I don’t know where I’m going to meet you tomorrow. Your job may not be as a journalist. So I cannot under-rate any of you, because this journey is still very far and nobody knows how it will end. This is what I tell my NWC members. We came here as a united family. It would be nice for us to go as a united family so that we can still meet tomorrow and say we are brothers; we served in an organisation. Let nobody try to fragment the NWC. We’ve been here for three years plus. We just have four months to go. Let us do it and go in peace. We just have a few months to go. Why would anybody want to break his head? So for me, the position of the National Secretary is very clear. I’m the Secretary of the caucus. I’m the Secretary of NEC. Some people will say Senator Anyanwu is pro-Wike. What is pro-Wike? Everybody knows his role in this party. Everybody knows that when it mattered most, he was there for the party. He is working with the APC government, and they forget the way he was appointed, he wrote a letter to his party in the State. The party gave him a go-ahead. He wrote a letter to the then Governor, the governor of the State also gave him the go-ahead; he wrote to NWC, and he was appointed. I would not stop him from going to hold that position.

What is your relationship with the PDP Governors?

I respect our Governors because I know it’s not easy to be a Governor. But, that you’re a Governor does not mean that you cannot come out and tell your colleagues the truth. They know the truth. Why are they shying away from it? They know the truth.

Is the PDP part of the coalition?

No. The PDP is not part of the coalition. The PDP cannot merge with any party. The PDP is the first party and the only party that retrieved power from the military. And at every nook and cranny of this country, you must always find a PDP. So we cannot; rather, other parties will subsume themselves into the PDP.

Anyanwu

naira’s Positive outlook raises investors’ interest in economy

The naira, though tested by global and domestic headwinds, has maintained a positive outlook and stability in recent months. The stability and reduced volatility of the local currency follow the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reforms that brought efficiency in the management and operations of the FX market. Aside drop in daily fluctuations, the exchange rate has continued to moderate significantly, signaling growing market confidence and increased transparency in FX operations.

Despite geopolitical tensions and tariff wars ravaging some economies and their currencies across the world, the naira continues to maintain measured stability

The naira’s journey in 2025 has been very interesting to watch. After beginning the year on a strong note, it later came under significant pressure, depreciating from N1,475/$ at the end of January to N1,598/$1 at the official markets. At the parallel market, the local currency exchanges around N1,605/$, indicating a narrowing gap between official and parallel market rates.

With occasional interventions, including the recent injection of $190.4 million, analysts said the naira is likely to stay stable in the short term, as global pressure remains contained amid easing trade tensions.

A broader comparison with 2024 performance shows the naira has shown relative resilience and stability in the face of global headwinds and domestic pressures.

In an emailed note to investors, the Head of Research at Commercio Partners, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, explained that in defending the naira’s performance, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso argued that Nigeria’s currency fared better than many peers during this period of uncertainty.

“Despite this, there’s a silver lining: the CBN’s foreign exchange reforms are clearly yielding results. One of the most notable successes has been the reduction in exchange rate volatility. Although the naira has depreciated, it has done so in a more orderly and predictable manner,” he said.He further stated that the gap between the official and parallel market rates remains narrow, a significant departure from the sharp discrepancies seen in previous years.

“Daily fluctuations in the exchange rate have also moderated significantly when compared to 2024, signaling growing market confidence and increased transparency in FX operations. This improved stability is not just a statistical detail, it matters deeply to investors. Exchange rate volatility is a major risk consideration for foreign investors looking to enter any emerging market,” he added.

“As Nigeria continues to rein in this volatility, it enhances its attractiveness as a destination for foreign capital. Should these reforms persist and deepen, they may lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and investment-friendly FX environment, potentially setting the stage for renewed inflows and a more stable naira in the long run,” he said further.

Already, Nigeria’s sovereign risk spread has fallen to the lowest level since January 2020, erasing the premium accumulated during the pandemic and subsequent strain on its economy.

While US President Donald Trump’s widening trade war has taken emerging markets on a wild ride, Nigeria has quietly held its own, attracting foreign capital reassured by currency reforms and other measures designed to revive the economy of Africa’s most-populous nation.

“Nigeria appears to be back in business as long-awaited economic reforms take shape,” said Emre Akcakmak, portfolio manager at East Capital. Key measures include improved currency liquidity, leeway for investors to repatriate their profit, and the stable naira.

“We feel the Central Bank of Nigeria will continue to stem any sharp appreciation of the naira to limit profit taking from the fast money community,” Akcakmak said.

“Portfolio inflows have likely been supported by improved confidence amid key structural reforms, better FX market functioning and

moderating dollar-naira volatility, as well as the still-robust nominal yield buffer,” said Samir Gadio, head of Africa strategy at Standard Chartered Plc told Bloomberg.

“Besides, Nigeria’s local market is seen as less correlated with global risk conditions than more liquid EM peers,” he said.

Yields on Nigeria’s $1.5 billion Eurobond due in 2034 have declined to 9.69 per cent, the lowest since its early December launch, and a domestic debt auction was three-times oversubscribed recently, with the Open Market Operation bills allotted at 21.45 per cent versus 22.65 per cent.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, expressed strong optimism that measures being deployed by his administration will deliver benefits that would be felt by every Nigerian in no distant time.

He said the need for reassurance on the expected outcomes from policy measures being deployed by the CBN was necessitated by the growing pains of Nigerians due to the further deterioration of key macroeconomic variables (notably, inflation and exchange rate) that are within the purview of the monetary policy authority relative to when he assumed office last year September.

Cardoso over time, prioritised stabilising the exchange rate, curbing inflation, strengthening banks’ capital buffers, and fostering an environment conducive to the success of both businesses and individuals.

Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke, said the liquidity supply boost provided by Nigeria’s successful pricing of $2.2 billion in Eurobonds recently significantly boosted the exchange rate position against the dollar. We anticipate the Naira to regain more ground against the dollar, driven by aforementioned factors,” he said.

He listed other key policies of the apex bank that supported naira rally as the clearance of the $7bn FX backlog and resumed sales of Open Market Operation (OMO) bills to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) at market reflective rates.

CBN’s policies, including the exchange rate unification, have led to significant foreign capital inflows to the economy while reducing the its intervention in the forex market. The floatation of the naira and the clearing of over $7 billion FX backlog improved the country’s outlook with foreign investors as well as multilateral organisations, like the World Bank, describing it as a bold intervention to improve the economy’s sustainability in the long run.

Foreign reserves Accretion

According to Uba, after a challenging start to the year, Nigeria’s external reserve position has begun to show signs of recovery—an encouraging development that reflects not only changing market dynamics but also the CBN’s strategic efforts to restore confidence in the economy.

“While early 2025 saw some drawdown in the reserves due to heightened demand for foreign exchange—driven by debt servicing obligations, import-related FX needs, and direct CBN interventions—the tide began to turn from late April,” he said.

As of May 16, Nigeria’s external reserves stood at approximately $38.9 billion, a level the CBN notes is sufficient to cover 7.6 months of imports for goods and services.

This turnaround in reserve accumulation coincided with a major vote of confidence from the international financial community. In April, Fitch Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, maintaining a stable outlook.

What makes this upgrade especially significant is its timing—coming at a moment of intense global uncertainty, with rising U.S. tariffs and widespread investor caution clouding emerging markets. That Fitch proceeded with an upgrade under such conditions sends a powerful message: Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are being taken seriously.

This recognition has not come from Fitch

alone; several external institutions have similarly acknowledged Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic outlook. A key pillar of this restored confidence lies in the CBN’s effort to improve transparency and credibility, particularly among foreign investors who have long harbored concerns about data opacity and policy unpredictability.

Taken together, Nigeria’s recent macroeconomic performance tells a story of a country navigating through turbulence with a clear, reform-driven compass. Inflation is easing, not by chance, but through a deliberate mix of tight monetary policy and complementary fiscal interventions.

The naira, though tested by global and domestic forces, has avoided the kind of chaos once feared thanks in large part to targeted CBN reforms that have restored a measure of stability and reduced volatility.

Meanwhile, the rebound in external reserves, improved transparency from the apex bank, and a renewed push to engage the diaspora are laying the groundwork for sustainable capital inflows and a more resilient economic structure. This is not just a moment of recovery; it is a moment of recalibration.

Nigeria is proving that with disciplined policy, institutional accountability, and strategic vision, even the most daunting economic challenges can be met with confidence. The road ahead may still be complex, but the direction is finally pointing toward progress, and the world is beginning to take notice.

eFFect oF globAl HeAdwinds

Cardoso explained that in light of these global challenges, it is imperative to sustain and enhance reforms aimed at strengthening our economic buffers to withstand external shocks. This requires a steadfast focus on curbing inflation, ensuring fiscal discipline, and advancing initiatives that promote greater economic diversification.

“Upon assuming office in October 2023, we prioritized reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience. Inflation, which had surged to 27 per cent, was one of the most pressing challenges, partly driven by excessive money supply growth. While our GDP growth had stagnated at a meagre 1.8 per cent over the previous eight years, money supply expanded rapidly, averaging about 13 per cent growth annually,”

he stated.

The CBN boss explained that this imbalance not only fueled inflation but also contributed to a significant depreciation of the naira. As we all know, inflation creates uncertainty for households and businesses, acting as a silent tax by eroding purchasing power and driving up living costs.

Positive economic ProsPects

Nigeria’s economy and businesses will have so many things to cheer in 2025 and the impact of the economic reforms in FX market, exchange and huge budge outlays begin to pay off for them.

The economy is already exiting the most painful phase of the reform adjustment process in 2025, Bismarck Rewane, managing director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, predicted. Rewane projected that the economy would begin to recover from the toughest phase of its reform adjustments this year, emphasizing the importance of strategic policy implementation and institutional reforms.

He noted that while the fundamentals of Nigeria’s exchange rate indicate that the naira should be stronger, achieving stability depends on an efficient and effectively managed FX system. He stressed that the primary challenge lies not in the reforms themselves but in their management, citing poorly sequenced policy changes and insufficient structural reforms as significant obstacles.

He underlined the critical role of investment in driving economic growth. “Revenue alone is not enough,” Rewane stated. “Investment is key, but it will be influenced by confidence, transparency, and the right policies.”

He also called attention to persistent challenges such as power supply inefficiencies and the lack of transparency in the oil and gas sector, which require immediate attention through structural reforms.

Other analysts said early signs such as the stability that characterized the forex market after the introduction of the electronic foreign exchange matching system are indicative that there is, indeed, light at the end of the tunnel for us as a country. For them, the sheer timing of the emergence of these developments has strengthened optimism about the Nigerian economy

Donatus Eleko

cardoso

The Giving Game: What’s Seyi Tinubu’s Endgame?

Chibuike John Nwosu

In a country like Nigeria where political waters swirl with cynicism and suspicion, it is natural to ask: what exactly motivates the philanthropic drive of Seyi Tinubu? Is it a sincere commitment to nation-building, or is there a deeper calculation at play? Could it be both?

These are not idle questions. They matter because young Nigerians are watching. They matter because intent shapes impact, and legacy is built not just on what is done, but why.

Let’s begin in Abuja, where Seyi Tinubu donated a state-of-the-art e-library and co-working space to the Young Parliamentarians Forum. The facility was equipped with over 500 digital resources, modern workstations, and high-speed internet. But what does this gesture really tell us? Is this simply about providing infrastructure, or is it a broader statement about digital literacy, youth empowerment, and a future-ready legislature? Then there is Borno, where disaster met compassion. In December 2023, Seyi Tinubu donated N500 million to flood-ravaged communities, helping to resettle displaced families and rebuild critical infrastructure. The gesture was described the donation as “timely and lifesaving.” But can a single intervention shift the fortunes of a region so frequently battered by tragedy, whether man-made or natural? Or is this an attempt to reach the parts of Nigeria that many elites often ignore?

In the holy month of Ramadan, he hosted iftar dinners in Kano and Kaduna, bringing together traditional rulers, youth leaders, and clerics. It was not merely photo opportunities. They were designed to foster unity, encourage dialogue, and promote understanding across Nigeria’s fault lines. But what does it mean when a private citizen steps into the gap where state actors have often failed to bridge divisions?

In Ibadan, the focus shifted from faith to health. At the University College Hospital, Seyi Tinubu funded a maternal and child health drug bank, providing life-saving medications to vulnerable women and children. The initiative was targeted at reducing maternal and infant mortality. Was this merely another high-profile donation, or a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital?

The sporting arena has not been left untouched either. In Jos, the Seyi Tinubu Basketball Championship attracted over 1,200 young players from across the North Central region. In Lagos, his Table Tennis Challenge offered a platform for hidden talent to shine, especially among youth from underserved communities. Are these just games with good intentions, or could they represent the first steps in creating a structured ecosystem for youth development?

Consider also the broader push for employment. On International Youth Day 2024, the Noella Foundation, his philanthropic vehicle co-founded with his wife, Layal Tinubu, pledged to create over ten thousand jobs through skill acquisition programmes, startup incubation, and strategic partnerships. This initiative was to empower digital entrepreneurs, artisans, and creatives. Could this be the blueprint for tackling

youth unemployment from the ground up?

These interventions are not unfolding in isolation. They mirror the larger drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places poverty reduction, job creation, and inclusive growth at its core. From youthfocused employment initiatives to healthcare access and digital empowerment, Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic footprint clearly complements the Federal Government’s development priorities. In many ways, his efforts serve as community-level expressions of the President’s national aspirations, converting policy into tangible progress for ordinary Nigerians.

For instance, consider the Seyi Tinubu Grassroots Support Initiative. According to its official website, the initiative offers scholarships for indigent students, free healthcare for rural dwellers, and business grants for micro-entrepreneurs. Is this simply good optics, or is it something more deliberate? Could it be a structured effort to reach the Nigeria that lives far beyond the camera lens?

The reactions have been as varied as the initiatives themselves. The Alliance for Better Nigeria described him as a “special gift to the nation.” Youth advocate Comrade Musa Ibrahim praised his use of private rather than public funds. Rt. Hon. Ukkasha Hamza Rahama of the APC Youths Progressive Forum called him “a genuine youth advocate.” But what weight do these accolades carry in a country where praise is often currency, and sincerity is hard to prove?

Of course, the sceptics have not stayed silent. Some say his generosity is a branding exercise, a carefully curated image designed to pave the way for future political ambitions. Others dismiss it as elite philanthropy, insufficient to confront Nigeria’s entrenched structural problems. These are not baseless concerns. Nigerians have been disappointed too many times. We have seen charisma mask corruption. We have watched empty promises dressed as policy.

But perhaps we ought to ask a different set of questions. When a child in Kano eats a hot meal at an iftar he would not otherwise have had, does he wonder about the donor’s motive? When a young mother in Ibadan receives medication that saves her baby’s life, is she calculating the political implications? When a student in Abuja logs onto a free e-library to complete her thesis, is she thinking about 2027?

To be clear, the truth is, whatever one believes about Seyi Tinubu’s motives, the outcomes are real. The projects are visible. The beneficiaries are not imaginary. The reach is national. From Borno to Oyo. From Abuja to Jos. Across zones, sectors, and demographics, his efforts are touching lives. Call it politics if you wish, but what is clear is that this is not the work of a young man merely seeking applause. It is the footprint of one building bridges, often without fanfare, across a divided nation.

And as that same parlance often dares, if it’s easy, you too, run it. Will Seyi Tinubu one day enter politics? Perhaps. If he wants to, like every other Nigerian he is free to do so. But that is not the most important question today. What matters now is the fact that he is present. He is purposeful. He is, in his own way, responding to the question every young Nigerian silently asks when they see privilege at work: Will you use your access to make a difference? Or will you flaunt gaudy wealth on Instagram and shout in juvenile lingo?

It is worth reiterating that Seyi Tinubu’s actions echo a larger national effort. As it is well known, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has rolled out several bold policies aimed at addressing the same challenges his son is tackling at the grassroots level. Some of these include the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), aimed at generating over one million in-demand jobs by positioning Nigeria as a top global hub for talent outsourcing; the $620 million investment in the iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) initiative, aimed at supporting tech startups and creative entrepreneurs; the the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the National Agricultural Development Fund. These policies underscore a clear government agenda: to uplift the poor, empower the youth, and close inequality gaps.

In an era when the loudest voices often belong to the least effective, Seyi Tinubu’s approach offers a different rhythm. He is not waiting for office to act. He is acting now. He is not talking about potential. He is demonstrating it. He is not relying on pedigree. He is creating proof of work. To borrow from a popular pidgin English expression, he is running it. Read full article online -

Nwosu, an economist and public commentator wrote in from Umuahia,Abia State

L-R: Chief of Staff to Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Uche Okafor; Head, Environment and Green Manufacturing Unit, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Victoria Onuoha; Head, National Metrology Institute (SON), Samuel Ayuba; and the Director General/Chief Executive (SON), Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke during the World Metrology Day event organised by SON in Lagos…weekend...PHOTO SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Rotary International District 9141 Governor, Chinedu Ikegwuani; presenting Rotary International awards in Club Service, International Service, Youth Service and Vocational Service to Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie a past assistant district governor of the Rotary Club of Benin and the President of the Rotary Club of Benin, Phillip Ogbole at the just concluded Joint District Conference that held in port Harcourt, Rivers State…. recently

L-R; Head, Strategy and Business Development, Layer3 Limited. David Ita; Head, Procurement, Layer3 Limited, Morenike Ayeni; CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria Ike Nnamani at the 16th edition of Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership awards held in Lagos…. recently

L-R: The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of The Alternative Bank, Mr. Hassan Yusuf; and the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit by the bank’s leadership to strengthen collaboration and discuss key economic initiatives held in Lagos... recently.

Tinubu

As National Orientation Agency Shines Light on Green Revolutionists

As part of its push for civic responsibility and environmental consciousness, the National Orientation Agency celebrates four eco-activists to catalyse a national conversation around sustainability, writes Julius Adegoke

Can you give us an overview of what attendees can expect from this year’s editions of WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos?

In a country where environmental degradation and climate change are often viewed as distant problems, a new generation of Nigerian change makers is proving that sustainability can be local, practical and even stylish.

These individuals are not only reimagining waste as a resource but transforming it into symbols of ingenuity, identity, and community power. In a compelling video series now trending on the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) official Instagram page, the agency seeks to invite greater public attention to the quartet of Jumoke Olowokere, Ifedolapo Runsewe, Mary Abosede Ibilolu, and Franuel Oboro, each a beacon of what it means to be an ecopreneur in a rapidly changing world.

Together, they represent a bold new wave of environmental stewardship that is rooted in local knowledge, powered by innovation, and aimed at a greener, more inclusive Nigeria.

Jumoke Olowokere’s art of upcycling manifests in her Waste Museum located in Ibadan. The facility features vibrant installations made entirely from plastic bottles, sachet bags, used tyres, and tin cans. She is fondly called “Olowo Waste”, a name reflective of her core belief that waste is not a waste until one wastes it.

Olowookere

Olowookere’s journey began in her kitchen while on maternity leave. She became acutely aware of the waste her household was generating. Instead of discarding it, she began to collect and catalogue everything from egg shells, snail shells, tin cans to cardboard boxes and other things in between. “It started as curiosity,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what to do with the waste, but I knew it didn’t belong in a dump,” she said. That spark led her to a 2011 summer camp where she taught children how to turn waste into art. Since then, through her Waste Museum and Waste is Wealth Academy, she has trained over one million young Nigerians on upcycling and sustainability.

Her mantra, the 5Rs and U: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair and Upcycle guides her mission to make waste a source of empowerment rather than pollution.

“Our goal isn’t just managing waste,” she said. “It’s to raise a generation that no longer produces it.”

Also in Ibadan, Ifedolapo Runsewe, an Economics graduate with a background in banking and telecommunications, is redefining what it means to tread lightly on the Earth. Her company, Freee Recycle, turns old vehicle tyres into fashion-forward, eco-friendly footwear and durable infrastructure products.

Runsewe

The idea was born when Runsewe drove past a landfill and was choked by fumes from burning tyres. She pivoted into waste management, researching, experimenting, and eventually launching Nigeria’s first tyre upcycling factory in 2020. “It wasn’t just about the environment; it was about opportunity,” she said.

Today, Freee Recycle employs over 160 people and has processed more than 250,000 tyres. Its flagship product, TyreLite, a biodegradable rubber composite, is a hit among eco-conscious consumers globally. From flip-flops to paving tiles, Runsewe’s creations are durable, ethical, and affordable. Her Green Queens Fellowship supports women entrepreneurs in circular manufacturing, while her extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative ensures businesses dispose of old tyres sustainably.

“In waste, I saw worth,” she says. “And now, I see women rewriting their futures through it.” In Lagos, where fast fashion reigns, Mary Abosede Ibilolu is weaving a quiet rebellion. At her House of Mayrie atelier, sustainability is not just stitched into her designs, it is the very fabric of her brand.

Ibilolu

A graduate of Industrial Design from Yaba College of Technology, Mary began questioning the ethics of mass-produced fashion early in her career.

“I didn’t want to just make clothes,” she says. “I wanted to tell stories. To preserve culture. And to honour the Earth.” Her breakthrough collection, Àjàlá Earth, made from secondhand textiles and natural dyes, debuted at Sustainable Fashion Week Paris to global acclaim. But her mission extends far beyond the runway.

Mary has launched Nigeria’s first mobile tailoring studio—the Eco-Stitch Lab—a solarpowered van that travels to rural communities, training women in zero-waste garment production. Her Surulere studio is a haven for

young designers seeking to blend heritage with innovation.

She’s also breaking new ground with Digital Adire, an NFT project that preserves indigenous patterns in virtual form, making Yoruba textile art part of the global digital archive. “What we wear says who we are,” Mary says. “So why not wear our values?”

For Franuel Oboro, sustainability is personal. Born in the oil-polluted creeks of the Niger Delta, she has seen the cost of environmental negligence first-hand.

With a law degree from the University of Benin, Frances combines legal precision and artistic flair to create sustainable and stunning products through her company, Franuel Eco Furniture Limited.

Oboro

As the CEO and Creative Director of the Lagos-based firm that transforms eco-friendly materials into artistic furniture masterpieces, her core belief revolves around the principle of zero

Okpanachi: Africa Must Mobilise Internal Capital to Drive Development

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, on the sidelines of the just-concluded African Development Bank annual meetings in Abidjan, emphasised the critical need for the continent to mobilise internal capital to finance its progress. He noted the growing role of national development financial institutions in catalysing local investments. Nume e keghe presents the excerpts:

Can you tell us your experiences and the outcome of the meetings you’ve been attending?

As you are aware, this is going to be the last annual meetings for Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the President, who is exiting. So, it was an opportunity to also review what has been done in the last 10 years. We had the opening ceremony where he told us his achievements over the past decade and some of the challenges encountered. So, I think it’s an opportunity for Africa to reset. We see the conversations around how to mobilise capital across Africa to ensure that the continent mobilises internal capital to provide for and develop Africa. That’s very important, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) is at the forefront of that effort. But we also have several other national development financial institutions that will play a role in mobilising capital within their economies, so Africa as a whole can achieve the impact-driven development we envision. Now, part of what we see is also working with the private sector—how we collaborate with them to mobilise capital and make the desired impact. Another point coming out clearly, is identifying the sectors that will create the most impact in Africa.

So, we know that if we want to talk about food security, then agriculture is very important. We have to talk about infrastructure—how do you link Africa? How do we ensure that infrastructure works? We need to ensure that people can move freely across Africa. We must improve trade between African countries. Those are important things we all need to work on at different levels, across different sectors, and through various interventions. It is quite important that African institutions work

with international organisations and multilateral Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to collaborate and move the agenda forward.

What role can the capital market play in unlocking longterm private sector financing?

Yes, we see that the capital market is deep and rich. Its potential has not been fully explored in Africa. Different countries on the continent are at different stages in the development of their capital markets. That’s one point, and it’s a transparent way of mobilising capital. Given that trend, are you aware that most African countries have pension funds that hold significant long-term capital? Most of those funds can only be accessed through the capital market, which, as I mentioned earlier, provides a transparent mechanism for capital mobilisation. So, it’s a good way to go, especially for long-term investments like infrastructure and broader development. But there is also capital to be mobilised through financial institutions. This includes commercial banks that can provide syndicated loans and similar instruments. So, they too can provide much-needed funding.

And like I said, the capital market can also support smaller enterprises. Even micro and small businesses can tap into the capital market to raise funds. So it’s definitely a viable and inclusive pathway.

As commercial banks move toward higher capitalisation, do you see this strengthening their ability to support economic development and increase financing for key sectors?

waste. Off-cuts from one design are reused in another. Packaging is compostable. Varnishes are handcrafted from local oils and beeswax. This approach minimises the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing.

Her furniture has benefits to both the environment and consumers. By using sustainable materials, eco-friendly furniture helps reduce national resources depletion. Her products come from coconut husk, bamboo, and sawdust, with some of them including a built-in air purifier using activated charcoal and lemongrass pods to reduce indoor toxins.

Now exporting to Berlin, Nairobi, and São Paulo, Oboro still begins each design with a walk through a local wood scrap yard or a conversation with craftsmen.

Indeed, in a world facing climate catastrophe, these ecopreneurs offer more than solutions; they offer hope.

And from tyres to textiles, from fashion to furniture, the hope of that green future is already taking shape.

Yes. Let me give you an example from what we do at DBN. The Development Bank of Nigeria provides wholesale funds to commercial banks, microfinance banks, and other financial institutions. These funds are longer-term, so they act as a catalyst for these institutions to also mobilise and deploy their funds for developmental purposes.

We see that happening. While their regular deposits tend to be short-term in nature, funding from institutions like DBN and multilateral development agencies provides long-term capital. Blending that with their short-term funds give them deeper liquidity.

Now, consider commercial banks in Nigeria. With their growing size and increased capitalisation, their balance sheets are becoming very large. So, the question becomes: where do they deploy those resources? They must channel them into ventures and sectors that not only offer commercial returns but also support developmental goals. And both objectives, developmental and commercial, can align. They’re not mutually exclusive; they can work together.

Okpanachi

Runsewe

Oboro

Olowookere

Runsewe

Championing New Dawn for Nigerian Youth

Abidex Samuel

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration marks two years in office, one of the most compelling success stories to emerge from the Renewed Hope Agenda is that of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ayodele Olawande.

A tireless advocate for young people, Olawande has redefined what youth empowerment means in Nigeria—not through slogans or symbolism, but through bold policy interventions, strategic partnerships, and a results-driven approach that puts young Nigerians at the center of national development.

From his first day in office, Olawande approached youth development not as an abstract idea but as a concrete mission. He understood that the aspirations of Nigerian youth are diverse—ranging from entrepreneurship to digital skills, political engagement, and national service. His tenure has been marked by a comprehensive vision: one that sees young people not just as beneficiaries of policy but as active agents of change.

A cornerstone of this vision is the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), an ambitious initiative designed to reach over seven million youths within two years. Through a vibrant digital platform and physical programming, NiYA delivers practical education, start-up incubation, job fairs, and mentorship. Young people now have access to online and live training sessions in key industries—from tech to agriculture—alongside resources to build lifelong careers. NiYA has become more than an initiative; it is a movement, embodying a new era of youth empowerment.

Beyond digital access, Olawande has rooted his work in physical infrastructure. He has successfully overseen the establishment of 20 vocational training centers across the country. These centers are not just buildings—they are launching pads for over 10,000 young Nigerians who are now equipped with marketable skills in tailoring, carpentry, ICT, and renewable energy, among others. These skills have translated into tangible livelihoods, nurturing a generation of skilled entrepreneurs and artisans.

Crucially, the Minister’s approach is anchored in economic inclusion. His launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Fund and the National Youth Mentorship Initiative reflects a two-pronged strategy: funding and guidance. Over 5,000 young entrepreneurs have already accessed capital support, while thousands more have been matched with industry leaders who serve as mentors—offering a roadmap through the often-difficult journey of business development. This dual support system has led to the rise of sustainable small

businesses and widened the pipeline of investable youth-led ventures.

Olawande has also shown an acute awareness of the role of strategic alliances. Through innovative partnerships with the private sector, his Ministry has facilitated the creation of over 10,000 new job opportunities. In his landmark collaboration with Niger State Government and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), he recently signed an agreement that will engage 100,000 youths in agriculture. The initiative is not merely about food production—it’s about economic transformation, enabling young Nigerians to earn and build generational wealth in one of the country’s most vital sectors.

Underpinning all these programs is Olawande’s

Nigeria’s Lithium Rush: Balancing Multibillion-dollar Boom with Priceless Capital

Nigeria stands on the cusp of a profound economic transformation, as its burgeoning lithium sector—fuelled by over $820 million in initial Chinese-backed and state joint-venture investments—is set to reshape its national landscape.The commissioning of the first $20 million, 1,500 metric tonnes/ day processing plant in Kaduna State (a joint venture with Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd.), the imminent launch of a $600 million facility near the Kaduna-Niger border this quarter (Q2 2025), and a $200 million refinery near Abuja nearing completion, all signal a decisive shift from raw ore export to domestic value creation.

With two additional plants anticipated in Nasarawa State by the third quarter of 2025, the nation is rapidly advancing towards a projected annual output of 1.6 million tons of lithium ore.

This surge in development, largely underwritten by firms like Jiuling Lithium Mining Company and Canmax Technologies for major federal projects, highlights a strategic pivot: to convert Nigeria’s mineral wealth into tangible jobs, technological advancement, and robust industrial growth, thereby charting a promising course for its economy and role in the global green energy transition.

This policy-driven ambition to add value domestically, formalise artisanal mining, and secure long-term resource management is commendable. However, this lithium “gold rush” presents a classic double-edged sword for Nigeria’s natural capital.

On one side lies immense economic potential—diversification from oil dependency, an enhanced GDP, and a strategic foothold in the worldwide shift to green energy. Yet, this prospective boom carries substantial environmental and social risks that, if unmanaged, could critically undermine the anticipated benefits.

The primary concern is the intensified strain on natural resources. Lithium extraction and processing are notoriously

water-intensive, a pressing issue in a nation already contending with water scarcity in many regions.

The sheer scale of planned operations also poses a significant threat to land degradation, habitat loss, and biodiversity, as well as chemical pollution from mining byproducts, which could devastate local agriculture and vital water sources without meticulous management.

To navigate this complex terrain and ensure the lithium boom catalyses sustainable prosperity rather than becoming an ecological curse, Nigeria must embed sustainability at the very core of its strategy. This transcends mere compliance; it is about future-proofing its development.

The nation must urgently adopt a multi-faceted approach.

First, mandate and rigorously monitor globally recognised Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards across all mining and processing operations, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices are non-negotiable.

Simultaneously, it is crucial to incentivise and invest in water-efficient technologies and the integration of renewable energy sources for plant operations, thereby minimising the carbon footprint and resource depletion.

True progress also demands moving beyond token gestures to implement transparent and impactful revenue-sharing models and community development agreements, guaranteeing that local populations are primary beneficiaries and active stakeholders in this growth.

Building on its foresight in establishing the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024, Nigeria should now aggressively champion a full-fledged circular economy within its lithium value chain.

This involves designing systems from the outset for extensive battery recycling and innovative waste management, effectively “closing the loop” to transform potential environmental liabilities into new economic opportunities and ensure the continual, responsible use of precious resources.

Underpinning all these efforts must be strengthened governance and data-driven oversight, establishing robust, independent monitoring systems to track economic, environmental, and social impacts in real-time, thereby enabling

empathetic leadership. In Borno State, his visit to wounded young soldiers at Maimalari Barracks was a powerful reminder of the Ministry’s duty of care to all Nigerian youth, especially those who have sacrificed for national unity. His outreach to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where he delivered educational materials and support, further cements his belief that every child—regardless of circumstance—deserves access to knowledge and hope.

Olawande’s style of leadership is grassroots and participatory. In places like Delta and Cross River states, his listening tours with young people have led to immediate interventions. When digital literacy emerged as a top concern, he didn’t issue empty promises—he delivered training. This responsiveness has strengthened trust between government and youth, fostering a culture of engagement and accountability.

His flagship Corpreneur Support Scheme, aimed at NYSC members, exemplifies his commitment to turning training into opportunity. By providing financial and mentorship support to corps members who complete the SAED program, the scheme is facilitating a smooth transition from service to entrepreneurship. Already operational in six states, there are concrete plans for nationwide expansion—ensuring that national service is not just patriotic, but economically empowering.

The Grassroots Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (G-YESS) reflects Olawande’s understanding of the informal economy. By extending microgrants and support services to small business owners, artisans, and hustlers in local communities, the Ministry is breaking down financial barriers and nurturing home-grown enterprise at the lowest rung of the economic ladder.

All of these achievements sit within the broader architecture of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—a national strategy that prioritises youth as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s socio-economic resurgence. With policies like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL), the Three Million Technical Talent initiative (3MTT), and the National Youth Internship Program, the Tinubu administration has provided the framework, while Olawande has brought it to life.

As Nigeria looks toward the future, the importance of continuity in leadership and vision cannot be overstated. Ayodele Olawande represents a new kind of public servant—youthful, passionate, pragmatic, and relentlessly focused on impact. His record over the last two years speaks for itself. But more than that, it speaks for millions of Nigerian youths whose lives are being transformed, one initiative at a time.

*Samuel wrote in from Lagos.

Olawande

Eugene Itua

Alake

Preventing Identity Theft

With the rise in digital banking and online transactions comes an increased threat of electronic-related financial crime. Safeguarding one’s personal and financial information is thus non-negotiable. In this case, even the smartest and circumspect person is not immune to being defrauded.

Identity theft, which occurs when someone illegally obtains and uses another person’s personal information, including name, bank account, credit card details, or other sensitive data without permission, is typically intended for financial gain or to commit fraud. With evolving artificial intelligence too, cyber criminals are getting more empowered, leveraging tools as deepfake technology and AI-powered password cracking to up their game, leaving many to be more vulnerable.

So far, individuals, corporates and even most sophisticated nations have had a share of identity theft resulting in major loss to economies.

In their recent data, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa) and Data Service Provider Scam Adviser reported that scammers stole an estimated $1.02 trillion between August 2022 and August 2023. According to them, this loss suffered from deceptive schemes, including identity theft, was way higher than the $55.3 billion lost for the whole of 2021 and the $47.8 billion lost in 2020.

Locally, a popular case involving payment unicorn, Flutterwave, which reportedly lost N11 billion to a security breach in 2024, still remains fresh.

Recently, too, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), traced a whooping N400 million to accounts opened with stolen identities.

The NIBSS had earlier reported that financial institutions, including commercial banks, point-of-

sale operators, and others, lost about N17.67bn to fraudsters in 2023.

From trust deficit to credit score damage, financial loss, and economic instability, the implications of identity fraud are grave.

The experience is thus best avoided than paying the price. THISDAY shared some security tips below, as sourced from experts, including former US- based cybercriminal turned cybersecurity expert, Brett Shannon Johnson.

Stay Alert Online

Just like you stay cautious in public places like markets or motor parks, the same vigilance must be extended to the digital space. Whether you are browsing a job site, chatting on WhatsApp, or shopping on an e-commerce site, always be conscious that cybercriminals operate there too. If something feels off, like a suspicious message

or request, it probably is. Trust your instincts.

Lock credit profile and family’s

Blocking access to credit accounts remains the best tool to stop new account fraud. This stops all new account fraud, preventing a criminal from penetrating. It is also a good idea to freeze the credit of every single person in the family, including kids, because kids are often targeted for identity theft. Most adults have existing accounts. It doesn’t stop fraud on those.

Secure Card Information

Keep your card details private. Only enter them on trusted websites and always proceed with caution.

Place alerts on accounts where you can You must also be aware of your email, retail,

social media, bank, and credit card accounts. Every account has value to an attacker. Make sure you have alerts on those accounts that communicate whenever they are accessed or used.

Protect your OTP

Never disclose your One-Time Password to anyone, no matter who they claim to be. It’s vital for your security.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Many Nigerians use the same password across all social media platforms, including Facebook, bank apps, and even work emails. This is risky. Cybercriminals use a method called “credential stuffing” to test your leaked password across hundreds of websites. Use different passwords for different platforms. Free tools like Google chrome’s password manager can help generate and store strong, unique passwords for you.

Be wary of links

Don’t click on unknown or suspicious links; they could lead to phishing scams or harmful software

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) Activating 2FA on your bank apps, email, and social media accounts adds an extra layer of protection. This means even if someone gets your password, they will need a second code, usually sent to your phone or email to gain access.

Be mindful of social media post

Avoid sharing too much personal information online. Posts about birthday, vacation plans, children’s schools, or mother’s maiden name can be gold for cybercriminals. Remember, those hundreds or thousands of Facebook or Instagram followers aren’t necessarily your friends. Always assume that fraudsters are watching.

Dangote: Cementing Nigeria’s Path to Energy Independence

After decades of heavy reliance on imported fuel, Nigeria — Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest oil producers — has finally rewritten its energy story. The era of being the continent’s largest importer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is over. At the heart of this monumental shift is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a $20 billion behemoth that has roared into life, promising to transform not only Nigeria’s fuel landscape but also the future of African energy.

This landmark moment echoes a previous turning point in Nigeria’s industrial journey. When Dangote Cement ramped up local production, the country’s dependence on imported cement drastically declined. Within a few years, Nigeria transitioned from a major importer to a net exporter of cement, stemming capital flight and boosting domestic employment. That same blueprint — ambitious investment, local value addition, and strategic vision — is now unfolding in the oil and gas sector.

Nigeria’s construction sector was once highly vulnerable to foreign supply shocks and foreign exchange drain. Despite abundant raw materials and a burgeoning construction industry, insufficient local production capacity left Nigeria heavily reliant on imported cement. At one point, the country’s import volumes rivalled those of the United States. In fact, as of 2022, Nigeria ranked third among the world’s largest importers of cement, behind the United States and Spain. Between 2008 and 2011, Nigeria imported over 24.59 million metric tonnes of cement, imposing a huge burden on its balance of payments.

Every bag of cement used to build Nigeria’s roads, buildings and bridges came with a foreign price tag — literally. Importers dominated the market, and the country’s infrastructure ambitions were often constrained by erratic supply and soaring costs. While demand hovered below 8 million metric tonnes, domestic production between 1999 and 2002 was only around 1.7 million metric tonnes.

However, with the advent of Dangote Cement and the expansion of its local production capacity in the early 2010s, Nigeria’s industrial landscape was rewritten. Within a few years, the nation shifted from being a net importer to a net exporter of cement, supplying neighbouring countries and strengthening local supply chains.

Dangote Cement Plc is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest

cement producer, with an installed capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum across ten African countries. The company operates a fully integrated ‘quarry-to-customer’ business model, encompassing manufacturing, sales and distribution. In its home market of Nigeria alone, it boasts a production capacity of 35.3 million tonnes per annum.

Nigeria’s infrastructure boom over the past decade owes much to a reliable and affordable supply of cement, courtesy of Dangote Cement’s strategic investments. Starting with its Obajana plant — now one of the largest cement plants in the world — Dangote scaled up production dramatically. This investment significantly reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imports, saved billions in foreign exchange, created thousands of jobs, and catalysed growth in ancillary sectors such as logistics and construction.

The impact has reverberated beyond Nigeria’s borders. Today, the country exports cement across West Africa, repositioning itself from a dependent market to a regional industrial powerhouse. This transformation is a testament to visionary private-sector leadership combined with supportive government policies — a lesson now being mirrored in Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Nigeria’s PMS

import volumes have sharply declined since early 2025.

Once firmly atop the import charts, Nigeria has ceded that position to South Africa, where operational refining capacity has diminished. Executive Director at energy consultancy CITAC, Elitsa Georgieva, observed said that that Nigerian imports are dropping due to Dangote’s continued operation. Meanwhile, Nigeria imported 3.1 million tonnes of refined fuel in Q1 2025, a figure expected to fall further as more marketers turn to the Dangote refinery instead of importing.

For a country that exports crude but historically lacked the capacity to refine it domestically, this turnaround is profound. The implications are both economic and geopolitical. With local refining capacity increasing, Nigeria is not merely reducing its reliance on imported fuel, it is reclaiming a measure of economic sovereignty. Pressure on foreign exchange reserves eases as fewer dollars are needed for imports. Jobs are created, value chains are localised, and for the average Nigerian, this has translated into more stable pump prices and fuel availability. The journey to this moment was not without its challenges. The Dangote Refinery project — hailed as Africa’s largest of its kind — went significantly over budget and

beyond its original timeline. Initially projected to cost $12 billion, the final outlay reportedly reached $20 billion. Yet, in the end, vision triumphed over adversity, with Aliko Dangote deserving credit for his steadfast commitment amid ongoing hurdles.

This vision extends beyond Nigeria. Countries like Uganda and Mozambique are eyeing similar ambitions, hoping to replicate Nigeria’s refining resurgence. However, as Bloomberg rightly notes, this is no easy feat, even for a conglomerate of Dangote’s scale. Refineries are capitalintensive, technically complex, and politically sensitive. Yet Nigeria’s experience demonstrates that with strategic alignment between public and private sectors, success is possible.

Further cementing this transformation, Nigeria introduced the “naira-for-crude” deal in October 2024. Under this policy, Dangote sells refined petroleum products in naira to its local partners, creating a closed-loop system that strengthens the local currency and shields the downstream sector from foreign exchange volatility. It is a bold step in redefining how oil wealth is managed and circulated within the economy.

As Nigeria retreats from the import market, South Africa has emerged as sub-Saharan Africa’s largest importer of refined fuel, bringing in 4.2 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Traders such as Glencore and Vitol are reportedly capitalising on this opportunity, with firms like Gunvor competing for strategic retail assets such as Shell’s stations.

Yet Nigeria’s story is not about which country imports the most fuel. It is about choosing to invest in long-term solutions over short-term fixes. It is about the courage to build domestically rather than send dollars abroad. It is about a private-sector giant stepping in where public institutions faltered, rewriting the narrative. It is about ensuring Nigeria no longer exports jobs while importing poverty.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is more than just a refinery — it is a symbol. A symbol of what is possible when ambition meets action. A symbol of how Africa’s largest economy can rise above old dependencies. From cement to fuel, the Dangote Group has once again positioned itself as a transformative force in Nigeria’s industrialisation story.

With refined products now flowing from Lekki instead of foreign ports, and with the naira playing a new role in oil transactions, Nigeria has turned the corner — not just economically, but symbolically. And this time, the fuel powering the change is homegrown.

Abiodun,acommunicationsstrategistwritesfromLagos.

Abiodun Alade

Dangote

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

As UBA Promotes Africa’s Culture

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, last Friday, May 23, joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s Africa Day. The event is celebrated every 25th May.

From its headquarters in Marina, Lagos Island, the celebration went concurrently across all of its 20 subsidiaries in Africa as well as in the United Kingdom, France, United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.

This year’s Africa Day theme: ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation’, was celebrated within the context of the African Union (AU) theme for 2025.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in his address to mark Africa Dat honoured the memory of those who suffered under slavery and colonialism, asserting the right of Africa and its diaspora to truth, justice, and restoration.

“While justice and reparations remain long overdue, Africa will not be held hostage by the pain of its past.

“Africa continues to sacrifice and strive towards freedom from conflict, underdevelopment, and war. The continent is steadily building a future of peace, prosperity, and integration,” Youssouf stated.

AUC Chairperson also highlighted Africa’s strategic assets: a youthful and growing population, vast arable land, rich mineral wealth, and abundant renewable energy potential. With its population expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa is not only the continent of the future—it is the engine of global transformation.

UBA celebrates Africa Day annually in line with the official celebration by African nations, reiterating its long-held belief that the future belongs to the continent.

Africa Day is an annual event, commemorating the birth of the African Union on May 25, 1963. It is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the African continent, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent.

The bank leverages the occasion to rekindle the African spirit that drives the UBA group’s vision to be a dominant financial services provider on the continent and its emergence as a recognisable economic power.

The UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees groupwide and serving over 45 million customers globally. UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, in a statement preceding the event said, “As we count down to Africa Day, we are spotlighting powerful voices shaping the future of our continent.

“The transformation of Africa is not one man’s job. It is a

Old Hymn, New Fire: ‘No

‘No Turning Back 2’ by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor has undeniably become a huge musical anthem across the Nigerian landscape. What started as a musical collaboration for the gospel artistes have now evolved into one of the most played songs in Nigeria as of today. Without major PR or extensive publicity, the song has become an embodiment of publicity, with many keying into the viral state.

job for all of us, and by empowering these entrepreneurs, we are helping to create more jobs and wealth on the continent.

“Africa’s progress is being driven by its people- visionaries, doers, and builders. This is Africa told by Africans.”

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/ CEO), UBA, Oliver Alawuba, said that “If we want to see Africa flourish, if we want to create industries that compete on the global stage, and if we want to develop leaders who inspire transformation, then education must be our strongest currency.”

A statement from the bank also said: “Africa Day is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of our shared strength, collective dreams and the limitless potential that lives in every corner of this land we call home.

“At UBA, we are honoured to be part of Africa’s journey, connecting people, powering businesses, and driving progress from Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Dakar, and beyond.

“Africa’s story is still being written, and together, we are shaping its future.”

The UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said last year that “We at UBA celebrate Africa Day with the rest of Africa. We are Africa, United by one bank. Today is a day to remind ourselves that we have all it takes in Africa, be it fashion, talent, and creativity. The message is about being African and being proud of our heritage. We want to showcase who we are and what we have.

“For us at UBA, identifying with Africa and indeed Africa Day is synonymous with who we are as a bank. It presents us the opportunity to remind ourselves, the world and indeed Africa that we owe ourselves the duty of making Africa the

Turning Back 2’

continent of our dreams.”

The festivities also took place at UBA Head Office on Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda.

Speaking during the event, UBA Uganda’s Managing Director/CEO Kenneth Kisambira, described Africa Day as a moment to reflect on continent’s growth in socio-economic development, reforms, and cultural transformation.

“Our slogan, Africa’s Global Bank, reflects our presence across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.

“UBA was established to empower African enterprises. Through initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we support entrepreneurs with seed capital and business growth tools. Celebrating Africa Day is part of honouring our roots.

“We are proud to be an African bank serving Africans. As we work together to uplift our communities and economies, we continue to focus on supporting SMEs with tailored financing solutions,” he added.

Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Uganda, Hoziana Niyonsaba, said the Africa Day celebration is about unity, progress, and pride.

“This day reminds us of our roots and the strides we’ve made as Africans. Whether within the continent or in the diaspora, Africans are making a difference. As a bank with African DNA, we take this opportunity to celebrate our culture, our people, and our progress,” she said.

One unique feature of the event was all staff members dressed in colourful African attire displaying the cultural diversity of the employees of the UBA.

The staff, clients and the public were entertained with African drums and cultural dancers and choice of African cuisines.

Becomes Cross-Generational Hit

But in a beautiful turn of events, Gaise Baba teamed up with Lawrence Oyor and birthed “No Turning Back 2” which was released officially on the 16th of May 2025 on both audio and video platforms. This one singular move got the attention of many as différents cuts of the song was induced into skits and contents.

Known as a prophetic worship leader for his deep, spontaneous, and Spirit-filled

Prolific gospel artiste, Gaise Baba, released the first version of ‘No Turning Back’ in 2024 and with a catchy phases on the song such as “I have decided to follow Jesus” and “no turning back” which many of us grew up singing to at different times it gave the song its much needed familiarity. The song seemed to resonates with a lot of people both young and old in such a way that transcends time and seasons.

chants and worship songs, Lawrence Oyor gave the song a unique flavour and approach which was the perfect spark for this production. Lawrence is popular among young Christians for his unique style of worship that blends music with intense spiritual fervor and his ministry that is centered on leading many into a Christian faith filled with impact.

In just two weeks, the music video has garnered about 6 Million views on YouTube and surprisingly earned its spot on the Naija Top 100 chart on iTunes ranking at Number 12, which is an impressive feat for a gospel song. Lately the gospel music ministry have been earning its ground on the local and global music scene as this collaboration serves as an attestation to this fact.

Sanmi Michael and the Rockers Set to Ignite 2025 Festival of Culture

Centered more on purpose, Sanmi Michael and the Rockers Band have continued to stand out for more than just their sound and performances. Over the years they have evolved the highlife and performance music landscape, merging rhythm with reverence and groove with grace. His music is predominantly rooted in Yoruba language weaving contemporary highlife and global influences into their performances. From the delicious sounds of the talking drums to the serenading back up voices intwined with the beats of the drums the entire landscape of his performance is just an attestation of their musical excellence.

As the 2025/2026 Festival of Culture, USA approaches, Sanmi and his band are geared up to perform like never before. On how he gets set for his shows, he discloses that, “Every event comes with its nature and course. But when I get briefed on what the flow of the event is it gives my team and I an idea of what to do. So during our performances we read their eyes, their posture and their first reactions. Are they vibing or do they need to be drawn in? Sometimes we swap songs mid-set or slow it down to create intimacy. The best shows feel like conversations, not monologues.”

Their innovative sound resonates with a broad audience within Nigeria and Africa down to a global scale. More than concerts, their shows are immersive cultural experiences, taking audiences on a profound journey through rhythmic melodies and vocal excellence. Sanmi and the Rockers have promised that at the Festival of Culture event they would be offering a curated cultural showcase that celebrates the richness of the Nigerian heritage that highlights the enduring relevance of Yoruba language in the modern world. As their performances would also serve as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge cultural divides and foster shared connections.

Smartmark, Levi’s Bring Iconic Brand to Lekki

In conjunction with Levi’s, SMARTMARK the premier fashion and lifestyle retailer in West Africa and Nigeria has officially launched the legendary American clothing brand, Levi’s at Purple Mall, Lekki Lagos, Nigeria. The grand unveiling took place over the weekend and drew a vibrant mix of fashion enthusiasts, influencers, media personalities, and industry insiders. This flagship Store marks a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion strategy, solidifying its presence in the region.

Speaking at the launch event, the CEO of Smartmark, John Onyeoguzoro, emphasised the importance of adapting to evolving fashion sensibilities, “For some of us that are familiar with the brand for about 10 to 15 years we have actually evolved.

“Those days it was just white and blue but now you get into our stores to see all

types of colours and designs. So I think we have evolved to carrying along the Gen Zs and when we did our profiling we discovered most of the Gen Zs visits our stores more than the adults.”

The launch event saw appearances by notable personalities including Denrele Edun, Uriel Oputa, Princess Ekeinde among others all of whom represent style, resilience, and brand integrity which are qualities Levi’s aligns itself with. Onyeguzoro highlighted why their presence was important stating, “Uriel has been popular and consistent over the years with no ugly stories about her and for us that matters. Same also with Denrele and these are influencers that resonated with the kind of market we are growing with the young ones. And one thing is that they are consistent with our brand ideals.”

With an extensive network of over 60 stores across West Africa, Smartmark has established itself as a leading retailer of esteemed brands, including Charles Tyrwhitt, Dune London, Clarks, Swatch, Aldo, Tommy Hilfiger, Mothercare among other brands. It is also important to note that the Levi’s brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention the brand has become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the brand’s portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry.

Stories by Tosin Clegg

Staff of uBA displaying Africa’s rich culture

Charles Ajunwa

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

INCREASING GLOBAL CONCERNS OVER MICROPLASTICS EXPOSURE

in the amount of microplastics everywhere, with likely negative long-term effects on the ecosystem and on human life. These are all combinations of chemicals, amounting to agglomerations of radiations with definite effects on the living and non-living environments.

On the matter of radiations, let us go back to what was said on this page on June 5, 2020, Under the caption, “5G Controversy Needs Honest Science”; wherein it was said; “It is a fact of science that everything on earth gives out a definite radiation. It is also a fact of science that what we call “matter”, like a table, or even our bodies, is just pure energy vibrating at a specific frequency. It is the frequency and rate of vibration that creates what we call shape, size, texture, etc.”

That article further said: “These particles also generate small electrical impulses, creating some sort of “field” around objects, even if only at a microscopic/atomic level for some of them. The human aura, for instance, is the result of electrical impulses, which continue from the subatomic level until they emerge as our electromagnetic field. What we eat, how we live and where we live can alter our aura significantly. So, using the term loosely if you like, electromagnetic fields are inevitable for all existents”.

For the record, as mentioned here back then, the most readily available material in the placental tissue used for the aforementioned experiment was polyethylene. This material, which is used for the manufacturing of plastic bags and plastic bottles made up 54% of the total plastics detected in the sample human placenta used for the experiment. You also had PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and nylon, at about 10% of the total, with the balance was made up of nine other related materials.

The double trouble today is that many research findings are identifying the substantial presence of microplastics in almost everything we eat today: meat, fruits, bottled water and many otherwise natural food items. Now, the things we also store our food with, such as Ziplock and similar packaging facilities are confirmed culprits. Millions of metric tons of plastic waste have been spewed into the environment over the last seventy years or thereabouts. It is both a general environmental hazard, a known threat to natural waterways, and

also an emerging menace to plant and animal life; and the global ecosystem.

Since many plastic products take between 50 and 300 years to fully degrade into simple elements and original compounds, the question today is how long it would take the microplastics everywhere today to fully degrade and what would be happening to us and our environment while this degrading lasts.

Now that microplastics can be found in practically every part of the human body, and now that we also know that microplastic exposure is a clear and ever-present reality, we should perhaps begin to consider alternatives that portend less danger. Natural materials, like wood and wood derivatives like paper, come to mind here. They break down into the soil and get converted into minerals more easily, to become organic natural nutrients and substances that are readily reintegrated into the many cycles of every ecosystem.

Exposed plastic breaks down into nano and microscopic particles. Some of these sink into the soil. Some get taken up by the wind, to be dispersed and for us to inhale without knowing it. If a recent report from the organization PlastChem shows that there are not less than 16,000 chemicals in the different types of plastic we use regularly all over the world, and that over 4,200 of these chemicals are dangerous to human health and the environment, it may most likely follow that the questions being raised about Ziplock should be taken a little more seriously by everyone.

If deep underground water tables, the Arctic permafrost, the flesh and internal organs of marine and terrestrial animals, the vegetables and forest plants all now have microplastics, it follows that there is almost nothing that we can pick up and eat without getting some microplastics into our system. Microplastics are now in every organ, including arterial plaque, the human bloodstreams, and the placenta of babies. As we use plastic wraps and containers for storage and all sorts of things the bits of these materials that “disengage” due to oxidation or other causes end up in our body. This means limiting, or minimizing, the number and type of plastic products we use. Since it is now officially estimated, based on current research findings, including the submissions of researchers at the University of New Mexico, that

MOUNTING DEBT, SHRINKING PUBLIC TRUST

totally erroneous and misleading. He explained that the actual borrowing plan for 2025 is $1.2 billion through the DMO and up to $2 billion via the multilateral borrowing programme. These, he said, are tied to specific projects and would be disbursed over time, not in a lump sum.

“The actual borrowing for each year is contained in the annual budget. In 2025, the external borrowing component is $1.23 billion, and it has not yet been drawn. This is planned for the second half of 2025. Also, the plan is for both the federal and several state governments across numerous geopolitical zones, including Abia, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Yobe States.

“Importantly, it should be noted that the borrowing rolling plan does not equate to an automatic increase in the nation’s debt burden. The nature of the rolling plan means that borrowings are split over the period of the projects. For example, a large proportion of projects in the 2024 – 2026 rolling plan have multi-year draw downs of between five to seven years, which

are project-tied loans,” the minister stated.

Despite Edun’s clarification, the general concern is that Nigeria’s debt profile has been rising at an alarming pace. While borrowing is not inherently bad, as many nations leverage debt to fund growth, what distinguishes Nigeria’s case is the absence of a clear, measurable impact over the years, which has heightened distrust between the citizens and public office holders.

Public trust is the currency of governance. When leaders borrow in the name of national development, the people expect transparency, accountability, and results. This erosion of public trust is multifaceted, stemming from a combination of perceived corruption, lack of transparency in governance, inconsistent policy implementation, and a general feeling among citizens that their welfare is not the primary focus of leadership.

When citizens witness vast sums being borrowed with little to show for it in terms of improved public services or economic opportunities, skepticism naturally takes root. The opaqueness

plastic particles accumulating in human brains has increased by 50% in the last eight years, no one needs to be further warned. Since also some budding research has confirmed the negative health impacts of microplastics, especially with regard to some chemicals added during plastic production that are linked to such conditions as endocrine system disruption and heart disease, there is even more cause for alarm.

Because microplastics can leach through the skin, our lotions, shampoos and much more are all now suspect to some extent; depending on the materials used for making them; especially those with petroleum-derived ingredients. So, to avoid eating or using anything that is remotely traceable to plastic contact and contamination is one way to go. Hey, consider your toothbrush, makeup accessories, face powder and makeup applicators. Ditto for plastics-based cooking utensils, like plastic cutting boards; which deposit microplastics on meat, vegetables and whatever food we are cutting up.

Non-stick pans are not exempt; especially the older cooking accessories, with worn or pealing coatings. They introduce unhealthy and arguably toxic substances to our food – and into our bodies. It is back to the good old cast iron utensils, metal, or ceramic cookware, wooden accessories, silicone, or other metal-based wares then. Glass, or metal, would be ideal as replacement when thinking of food storage facilities.

Chewing stick, bamboo toothbrush and silk floss may be considered for the teeth. Since clothing materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex are all plastic-based fabrics, it is easy to understand that bits of the plastic would penetrate the human body through the skin. Since, also, such particles do not subsequently break down and get thrown off, washing the materials introduces some of the plastic into the water systems when they are washed. What are we to expect in the next few years?

Which brings us to the role of dishwashers in microplastic pollution. Yes! A new study from the University of Queensland shows that household dishwashers are fantastic sources of microplastic pollution. The discovery shows to what extent our domestic enablers contribute in no small way to global microplastic pollution. The connection

surrounding how loans are secured, how funds are disbursed, and the accountability mechanisms in place further fuels this distrust.

For instance, a recent revelation by civic tech organisation, BudgIT Nigeria, that it uncovered over 11,000 projects worth N6.93 trillion inserted by the National Assembly in the 2025 budget underscores growing concerns about transparency and fiscal discipline.

BudgIT had described the development as a deeply entrenched culture of exploitation and abuse, led by top-ranking members of the National Assembly, which is another means of frittering borrowed public funds meant to support national development.

This lack of transparency creates a chasm between the government and the governed, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to garner public support for necessary, albeit sometimes painful, economic reforms.

Indeed, Nigeria is not the first nation to borrow, and won’t be the last. But what distinguishes successful economies is not the size of their debt,

here is between plastic use, plastic handling, cleaning habits, wastewater contamination and environmental pollution.

For Dr. Elvis Okoffo and his team from the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, a study of how plastic containers behave under typical dishwashing conditions shows that it is possible to load a dishwasher of common household plastic items and determine the approximate value of microplastics arising therefrom.

The unexpected negative side effect of this convenient mechanical dishwashing is that it makes plastics degrade under exposure to high heat, water pressure, and cleaning chemicals. With this, both visible and invisible fragments of plastic wares break off and ultimately flow down the drain as wastewater. This makes the kitchen a strong culprit in the supply of sundry plastic pollutants in the environment.

When we consider the average operating temperature of dishwashers and that any plastic material under such heat reacts chemically and physically to abrasion, it is easy to understand that repeated exposure weakens the structural integrity of plastic items. Add the friction of scrubbing and rinsing to the pressure of water jets and detergents and it would b easy to see how the ensuing breakdown releases nano and microplastic particles. These plastic debris enter the environment and, because they are not easy to remove, end up accumulating in aquatic environments and marine life and even underground water tables. Being so small, they are able to travel far, become part of food chains and the overall ecosystem. When you consider that each dishwasher cycle potentially releases about 920,000 plastic particles, including microplastics and nano plastics, it must follow that this is a little-considered source of phenomenal amounts of microplastic pollution. So, watch out! Your Ziplock now seems to be a health hazard. And, strange and almost reprehensible as it may sound, everyone who owns a dishwasher is on the row of accused persons for microplastic pollution. The global concern is really serious - and justified. Please make the necessary changes at personal level, while keeping an eye on what Lagos is planning on doing about regarding disposable nylon materials.

but the clarity of their vision and the trust of their people.

This, however, is the time for other civil society groups, just like BudgIT, and indeed the citizens, to wake up, stay vigilant, and demand full accountability from those in power. We must ask the right questions about public finance, scrutinise every line of the budget, and track every amount borrowed to support governance. If we fail to act now, these massive loans meant to improve lives as had been reported in the past, could quietly vanish into private pockets, fueling corruption instead of development.

By prioritising fiscal discipline, fostering transparency, and actively working to restore the faith of its citizens, Nigeria can unlock its immense potential and build a more prosperous and equitable future for its citizens.

In the absence of trust, even the most wellintentioned policies will be met with suspicion. Therefore, as the government considers another round of massive borrowing, it must also begin the hard work of rebuilding its trust deficit.

ENUGU: TWO YEARS OF MBAH’S OBSESSION WITH BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE

first full year budget (2024 Appropriation Law), which was a record N521.5bn, he devoted N414.3bn to Capital Expenditure (representing 79 per cent of the budget) and N107.2 billion (representing 21 per cent of the budget) to Recurrent Expenditure. This gained several editorial comments by leading national dailies.

Yet again, he took it a notch higher in another record-breaking N971bn 2025 Appropriation Law. The budget has N837.9bn (86 per cent of the budget) earmarked for Capital Expenditure, while Recurrent Expenditure got N133.1bn (just 14 per cent of the entire budget). This radical departure is unprecedented here in Nigeria. The result is that today, Enugu has become a huge construction site with over 800km of roads already in the bag. Apart from the already completed aforementioned 71 urban roads and other additions that brought them to 90, the initial 10 rural and inter local government/state roads are progressing greatly. He equally flagged off the construction of additional 141 urban and 20 gateway roads in October 2024. These roads are equally strategic. For instance, with the 40km Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Ikem Road, people travelling from Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, and some parts of Enugu do not need to travel all the way to 9th Mile Corner to get to Obollo Afor, as it would serve as a gateway to the Northern region. The 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights will reduce travel time, address whatever is left of insecurity on that road, and help grow the economy. The ongoing dualisation of the 22km Enugu-Abakaliki federal road will

solve the agony of gridlock and travel time to Abakaliki and reduce travel time between both capital cities.

In the education sector, the administration is constructing 260 Smart Green Schools, 30 of which were already completed by December 2024 and commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during his official visit to the state in January. Because Mbah believes that “a nation cannot develop beyond the quality of its educational system and human capital,” the Smart Green Schools represent a quotum leap that places emphasis on Experiential Learning, a hands-on learning approach where individuals gain knowledge and skills through direct experience and reflection. The administration is also constructing a Science, Technical and Vocational Schools, STVCS, in each of the eight Federal Constituencies. The one situated at Government Technical College, Enugu is virtually ready.

According to the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anih-Osheku, the administration inherited a total of 557 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) out of which 457 (85 per cent) needed a total reconstruction or major renovation. Consequently, the administration is constructing a Type 2 PHC in each of the 260 wards. Every PHC is furnished with modern equipment, powered by renewable energy, and has quarters for health workers to 24-hour service.

Understanding that security is at the heart of any progress, the Mbah Administration constructed what has been adjudged the biggest and most sophisticated Command and Control

Centre in the part of Africa. The hi-tech security infrastructure is greatly responsible for the well attested improvement of security in the state. It is linked by fibre optic cables to AI-enabled, thermal cameras that are capable of facial and plate number recognition.These cameras were installed across the metropolis and in the state for full surveillance. There are also over 150 vehicles equipped with the same quality of cameras. They are manned by the Distress Response Squad (DRS), a specialised police unit.

In the tourism sector, he has already completed the 5,000-seater International Conference Centre, ICC, which was abandoned in its skeletal form and stripped since the initiator, former governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, left office in 2007. Mbah wants to bring 3 million visitors to the state each year and also reposition Enugu as the conferencing capital of Africa. So, he understood the need to quickly complete it. It was commissioned by President Tinubu in January.

Again, he understands the connection between making Enugu an aviation hub (he has already procured three aircraft for a start) and making Enugu a conference capital. Consequently, he is building a 350-room 5-star hotel at the ICC that will be ready in a few months. The long-abandoned Hotel Presidential, which became a grazing field for cows and rendezvous for criminals, is about 90 per cent completed.

He has also constructed five modern transport terminals at Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Gariki, and Abakpa Nike, ready for commissioning. Furthermore, he has equally procured 200 CNG buses and 2,000 city taxis that will be launched

very shortly.

At the same time, work is ongoing, fast, at the nearly 10,000-hectre New Enugu City, which construction he flagged off in October 2024. A smart city, it will host some of the tallest skyscrapers in Africa.

An elderly woman was travelling to the township in a lorry (Gwongwolo) in those good old days. Older people would recall that passengers usually sat in rows of thick planks facing the rear. She saw a Volkswagen Beetle speeding up to the lorry and wondered how the little “motor” thought it could overtake the big lorry. But the Beetle did. She then screamed in wonderment that if this little ‘motor’ could overtake the big lorry at this age, then it would probably be flying when it grows up.

With nearly 2,000 ongoing and completed projects across the 260 political wards of Enugu State, Ndi Enugu see and discuss Mbah as a project freak, who is obsessed with building infrastructure. So, if Ndi Enugu danced in frenzy at Okpara Square on May 29th when they trouped out to felicitate the governor during his second anniversary, it is because they know that if Mbah could do this much in just two years, then the sky would be the state’s starting point in the next six years. It would rival Dubai, and its economy would rank among the top economies in Africa. That is the power of vision!

Happy second anniversary, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, our own Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

•Anichukwu is Governor Peter Mbah’s media aide

Auto Assembly Plants Can Revive Economy, Create Jobs, Says LSM MD

The Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Mr. Taiwo Shittu, tells journalists auto assembly plants can contribute to reviving Nigeria’s economy and create jobs. He also discusses the high cost of new vehicles, available options, the national auto policy, and challenges facing automobile assemblers, among others. Bennett Oghifo reports

Whatisyourassessment ofthetrucksegment of the automobile business in Nigeria? And why the shiftfromWestern brandstoChinese?

The first thing you consider in this automotive business is the value to the customer and the return on investment – both for the customer and the distributor. Those trying to sell trucks should put themselves in the users’ shoes. Everything is give and take. The cost of a truck from a Western country can buy almost four units in China. And the truth is that Chinese brands are already here, running shoulder to shoulder with the Western ones. Gone are the days when people used to say Chinese brands were “upcoming.” They are no longer upcoming; they are here now and doing wonders on the roads. They are pulling their weight and making their way into the United States, doing very well. They are now global products with a high rate of return on investment. We have trucks we sold to customers 11 years ago, and they are still on the road, performing excellently – from Lagos to Bauchi, Gombe, and other places.

Are Chinese vehicle brands not cheaper becausetheyareperceivedasinferiortotheir Westerncounterparts?

They entered the market with lower prices to gain acceptance. That was a deliberate strategy. Now, they’ve achieved that goal and are penetrating markets globally. At Lanre Shittu Motors, we saw the opportunity years ago. We knew Chinese brands would take over the truck business in Nigeria and beyond. Now, they are the fastest-selling and have the highest sales numbers, looking at last year’s records. Everything is about vision. To succeed in any business, you must be visionary. You must have an idea of what will happen in the next 10 years in your sector. It was obvious what would happen in the auto sector, considering inflation, the devaluation of the Naira, and the general state of the economy both in Nigeria and globally. For instance, a house sold for about £300,000 in London 10 years ago is now worth about £1.4 million. During inflation and economic downturn, people naturally gravitate towards more viable options. And in the truck business in Nigeria, that viable option is the Chinese brand.

Whatdoyouconsideronemajorthingthe governmentcandotoimprovetheautoindustry?

I know some people are relocating due to economic challenges, but many Nigerians and companies, including LSM, still believe in this country. The best way the government can support those of us in the auto sector is to fully return to the auto policy. The govern-

ment should incentivise investors to keep us in business. Without proper incentives, the sector cannot grow or contribute meaningfully to the national economy. We need better incentives for players in the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) and SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) categories.

InKigali,Rwanda,aGhanaianwasshowcased asVicePresidentofAAAM(AfricaAssociation ofAutomotiveManufacturers),notaNigerian. WhatcanNigeriadotoregaintheconfidence ofOriginalEquipmentManufacturers(OEMs)?

To attract investors, you must guarantee their investments – and you can only do this with a clear, well-articulated policy backed by law. One of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promises was to improve the automotive sector. He has already started by introducing CNG-powered vehicles to reduce transportation costs. We are part of the PI-CNG team and have converted many high-capacity buses for the NURTW and other users. These buses are already running, including as airport shuttles. More CNG and electric vehicles from us will be introduced next year. To get OEMs interested, Nigeria must have a robust auto policy supported by legislation signed by the President. Nigeria’s auto sector can serve all of West Africa – we have the capacity to become the region’s automotive hub.

Do you think the National Assembly is doingenoughinthisregard?

Industrialisation is one of the current administration’s key agendas. The auto industry is central to any country’s industrialisation effort. To fully develop Nigeria’s auto industry, the auto

policy must be revived and supported by strong legislation. I believe this government will act, especially as it’s part of their manifesto. That’s why we are positioning our new assembly/ manufacturing plant in alignment with the new auto policy law, which has passed second reading in the National Assembly. Competition in the industry shouldn’t be with “briefcase businessmen” who come in with nothing but to sell fully built vehicles. Government should encourage real investors – those who invest in the country, not just to import, stock in warehouses, and sell. Empowering local industries is critical to economic growth, and this applies beyond the auto industry. But you can’t talk about industrialisation without prioritising the auto sector. I believe President Tinubu’s administration is on the right path, and we are positioning ourselves to take full advantage.

Whatcanbedonetoreducethecostofnew cars?

The auto policy provides special waivers for SKD and CKD assemblers to make their vehicles more affordable. Similar waivers granted to CNG and electric vehicle assemblers should be extended to other manufacturing/assembly plants. Doing this will lead to an immediate 17.5% reduction in the prices of locally manufactured vehicles. This policy extension will reactivate dormant assembly plants and create significant job opportunities for Nigerians.

Whatchallengesdoyoufaceasautomanufacturers/assemblersanddistributors? Automobile investment is capital-intensive.

Success requires a strong infrastructure to support operations. Selling a vehicle is easy; retaining customer trust is harder – especially without strong after-sales support. Unfortunately, Nigeria often fails to provide adequate incentives to structured businesses. Meanwhile, we have to compete with unstructured dealers – people with no showroom or workshop, who bring in fully built trucks and offer no after-sales service. That’s unhealthy competition.

IstherehopeforNigeria’sautoindustry?

Yes, there is hope. As I’ve said, President Tinubu’s agenda is to industrialise Nigeria, and the auto sector must play a key role in that effort. The government must focus on the auto sector and create a level playing field with special incentives for serious investors. We’re not asking for free money. We want policy stability – the assurance that our investments won’t be jeopardized by sudden policy reversals.

Howcantheexcessesofinsincereoperators be curbed?

Government must strictly follow existing standards and templates. Agencies like the NADDC know the real players with actual capacity. Some may build plants, but without proper incentives, they can’t operate them effectively.

Howdoyoucopewiththecurrenttaxregime?

We pay multiple taxes – VAT, duty, levy, and others. These charges are burdensome. I urge the government to extend the same waiver enjoyed by CNG and EV assemblers to the broader auto industry. That will attract OEMs to invest directly or through partnerships with capable Nigerian firms. All they want is a level playing field and investment protection.

Whyarebanksreluctanttoofferautofinance loans?

Many banks previously regretted offering auto loans. Some customers defaulted, and the banks lost money. This led to their reduced interest in auto finance. Some of us still run such schemes, but not at the scale we used to.

Tell us about the new LSM brand name. The name LSM was coined to immortalise our father’s legacy. I credit my late father, Alhaji Rasaki Olanrewaju Shittu, for laying the foundation. He had a strong team and raised us to prioritise integrity over money. He believed that a good name and character would always speak for you – even in your absence. We also have a supportive family that is committed to preserving his legacy. Even my 19 siblings who aren’t in the business support its continued success. I thank them for allowing me to lead.

Read full Article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Toyota Nigeria to Introduce New Fuel-efficient, Hybrid Models

Toyota Nigeria Limited has re-affirmed its commitment to diverse model offerings and good customer service.

The Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo made the commitment during a press conference at The Podium, venue of the second edition of the exclusive Toyota Motor Show (TMS), which opened in Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday, May 27, and will end tomorrow, Sunday, June 1, 2025. He stated that the show offers Toyota customers an opportunity to buy some models at discounted rates, as well as showcase the after-sales capability of the company.

Different models of Toyota, such as Land Cruiser, Hilux, Fortuner, Granvia, Prado, among others are on display. Also on display are Toyota genuine parts, Toyota Genuine Motor Oil as well as body and paint shop.

The Managing Director said, “In terms of products introduction, later on this year, we have some models coming up, the Starlet Cross, the SUV version, new model Corolla Cross, new

RAV 4 will be coming towards the end of the year or early next year.”

He added that in support of the federal government’s Green Initiative, the company will soon introduce some hybrid/electric vehicles.

He said, “For hybrid/electric introductions, we will be introducing the Urban Cruiser and Corolla Cross, hence, supporting the federal government Green Initiative. We are going to be introducing more fuel efficient vehicles with hybrid, having extra battery packs to allow your vehicle to go extra mileage.

“Another very key model is the mini Land Cruiser, which will come in later this year or early next year. It is slightly smaller than the RAV 4, but it is a Four Wheel Drive with 2.4 litre engine.”

On after-sales services, Mr. Ade-Ojo said, “We ensure that we continue to take good care of our customers. We have different offerings such as maintenance packages for those who want to pay ahead for a year or two; we also have after-sales service promotions. Our body and paint offerings are open to all brands, not only Toyota.

Taiwo Shittu

Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-ojo appreciating the Toyota land Cruiser on display at The podium, lekki, lagos... recently

GLOBAL SOCCER GLOBAL SOCCER

Felix Agu Connecting w ith r oots Or Joining The Bandwagon?

AccordingtoNigeriaFootballFederation’slatestSuperEaglesrecruit,FelixAgu,hisdesire toconnecttohisrootswaswhatinspiredhisresolvetodonthegreenandwhitecoloursof NigeriainspiteofhavingstarredforGermanyatUnder21level.KunleAdewale,however, askswhetherconnectingtohisrootsorfailuretogetaseniorGermannationalteamcallupwaswhatreallyinformedthe26-year-old’sdecisiontoplayforNigeria

With the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, players seen as not good enough to play for the country’s senior national team, at least in continental and international competitions, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, largely depends on players of Nigerian descent, most of whom have played for the country of their birth at various age-grade levels, but considered not good enough to play at the senior level. These players now see the Super Eagles as a last option to continue their international football. They come in with various reasons for ‘dumping’ their country of birth for Nigeria.

The latest addition to the Super Eagles fold is another former German junior international of Nigerian heritage, Felix Agu. After starring for his country of birth at the U21 level but did not have the requisite to progress to play for the four-time World Cup winner, and with age (26 years) catching up on him, now sees his fatherland as a last option to carry on with his international career. He is coming with the mantra ‘connect with his roots’ as his reason for wanting to play for the three-time African champion.

“It’s nice to represent the biggest African country. To connect more to my roots and to be able to play with such good players. It’s an honour to just represent such a big, big country. I see the quality of players we have here in this team, and what we can achieve, so it was my plan to be able to contribute and represent my country,” the former VfL Osnabrück defender said.

There is no proper football development programe in place by the country’s football federation, and the NPFL, which ordinarily should serve as a conveyor belt from which a good number of players could be selected from for the senior national team -like what the Premier League does for England’s Three Lions, LaLiga for Spain’s La Roja, Bundesliga for Germany’s Die Mannschaft, to mention a few. Unfortunately, because NPFL is not developed and equipped enough to serve as recruitment grounds for the Super Eagles, the NFF not only gladly welcomed Agu to the senior national football team’s fold but celebrated him for ‘dumping’ his land of birth for fatherland.

As if attesting to the fact that NPFLplayers are not good enough for the Super Eagles, erstwhile NFF President, Amaju Pinnick never hid his resolve to ensurethatyoungstersofNigeriandescentswhoare doing well in England and other leagues in Europe wore the Nigerian colours at the appropriate time.

In an interview with THISDAY during his reign as NFF President, he said, “What we are trying to do is what we call VIP scouting – talking to these young players that are playing abroad to play for their fatherland. No Nigerian, even if they have four or five passports, they are always excited being Nigerians. I can assure you that we shall get them to play for us at appropriate time,” Pinnick had said.

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, recently named a blend of homegrown and foreign-based players to participate in the Unity Cup mini tournament.

Agu was officially invited to the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup, which marks his first senior call-up just days after pledging

his international allegiance to Nigeria, having initially been invited only to train with the team.

Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, the 26-year-old previously represented Germany at U21 level, but he has now committed to wearing the green and white of Nigeria.

In the just-concluded 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Agu won more penalties than any other player. With three penalties won, Agu topped a list that includes some of the most dangerous attacking players in Germany, such as Nathan Tella, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Serhou Guirassy—all of whom managed only two each.

On the pitch, the Werder Bremen star often forces opponents into poor challenges with his clever movement.

What makes Agu even more valuable is his hunger to represent Nigeria. After months of speculation, he made it clear that his heart lies with the Super Eagles.

In interviews earlier this year, Agu described a call-up to Nigeria as a dream come true, and it seems to be better timing with Chelle offering him that chance.

“To play on the national level was always a dream of mine, and I had to make half of the decision already because I played for the German under 21 team,” Agu earlier said to Oma TV.

“I did this to kind of keep this open, but I’ve talked a lot to Justin Njimah about playing for the national team and we think it would be like a dream come true to play for Nigeria.

“Also, it would put a smile on our fathers’ faces if we represent Nigeria,”

With the 2025 AFCON tournament and quali-

fiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup happening soon, this mini-tournament is a perfect place for him to prove that his Bundesliga form can translate to the international level.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen, manager, Ole Werner has indeed hailed Agu’s development, following the defender’s international recognition, claiming that playing international football will aid the full-back’s development.

“All experiences that players can have in their careers that go beyond club football are fantastic,” said Werner, as per Deichstube.

“Felix has developed well and had a brilliant season. After a short injury break, he came back strongly and was a key part of our final spurt because he was in top form.”

The 26-year-old expressed excitement about finally connecting with his roots.

“I had the first contact with the federation. I right away wanted to speak to the coach (Eric Chelle) and I had good talks with the coaching staff,” Agu told the Super Eagles media team in London. “Once we had the call, it was a pretty easy decision for me to come here because it’s a good way also to connect with my Nigerian side, with my roots. So, it was a pretty easy decision.”

Agu, who recently joined the Super Eagles camp, praised the reception he received from the players and staff.

“Yeah, it’s been one and a half days with all the guys. It’s been very good. Everyone accepted me pretty well.

“We spent one training session already and yeah, it’s nice being here. I’m happy to be called up and I’m enjoying my time.”

The defender, who has followed Nigerian football closely in recent years, noted the

magnitude of representing Africa’s most populous country.

“I’ve been following especially the qualification games recently and the last African Cup of Nations. These were the most recent games.

“It’s the biggest African nation. Everywhere you go, you meet Nigerians. To represent a country like this is the biggest honour, so I’m very, very happy.”

Away from football, Agu also celebrated Nigerian cuisine and his efforts to keep it part of his daily life in Germany.

“I like to eat fufu with the egusi soup. I love jollof rice with plantain. So, I try to get it as much as possible. We have like one or two shops where you can get it,” he said. “I’m not a good cook myself, but once my dad prepares some sauces or soups, then I freeze them. I take them back to my place and then once in a while I always try to prepare myself.”

Reflecting on his journey with Werder Bremen, Agu said: “I went to Bremen five years ago. It was a time of ups and downs. We got relegated once but got promoted right away.

“Last season, we almost made it to Europe. All in all, it’s been a pretty good season for me and the club.”

No matter the value Agu and other players of Nigerian descent could add to the national team, developing local football and a standard, well equipped and well organized NPFL that would serve as a conveyor belt to the Super Eagles would be more profitable in the long run rather than depending on ‘foreign’ Nigerian players, who only see playing for their fatherland as a last resort after not making it to the senior national teams of the country of their birth.

Felix Agu

Super Eagles Seek to Defend Unity Cup Against Reggae Boyz in London

Nigeria, winner of the only previous edition in the year 2004, will seek to retain their title against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in a potentially-explosive Unity Cup Invitational Tournament final match at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in west London this evening.

This year’s tournament has delivered handsomely on the sporting, cultural and friendship platforms, fulfilling most of the objectives of the organisers for different races in the United Kingdom to bond better and experience cutting-edge entertainment in an atmosphere of sheer euphoria and no-stringsattached camaraderie.

Neither the Reggae Boyz nor the Super Eagles had it easy making it into the final, as they were stretched to the limit by

the Soca Warriors and the Black Stars respectively. The Boyz led 2-0 against the Warriors, only to see their opponents draw level, and had to wait for a fortuitous added-time penalty to emerge victorious.

The Eagles also led 2-0, after only 19 minutes, and looked to be coasting to a resounding win, onlytotaketheirfeetoffthepedal.

Ghana’s youthful ensemble, led by the veteran Jordan Ayew, had the momentum for much of the second half, and after a well-taken goal by Brandon Thomas Asante, came very close to netting the equalizer in added time, only for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to rise to the occasion.

The stands at Gtech this evening will be a sea of green-andwhite and yellow-and-black,

but more than that, a festival of dancing, drumming, high decibel-singing and competitive spirit in an exhilarating atmosphere are guaranteed. Off the pitch, a lot of wrist-pumping and chest-bumping will be in motion.

Nigeria’s victory over bitter regional rivals Ghana on Wednesday was identical to their win over the same opponents in a friendly matchintheMoroccancityofMarrakechinMarchlastyear,andeven sawCyrielDessers,whoscoredthe first against the Stars 10 months ago,doingthesameonWednesday with greater poise.

Today, Chelle will not only be looking for a third win in four matches for three-time African champions Nigeria. The prospect of holding a trophy after only four matches in charge makes it more appealing.

Basketball Star, Erhunmwunse, Makes Donations to Alma-Mater, Gets Royal Commendation

Sunday Ehigiator

In an inspiring display of gratitude and generosity, American college basketball star Oswin Erhunmwunse recently returned to his alma mater, University Preparatory Secondary School (UPSS), Benin City, donating N1 million to support the school’s developmental projects.

This was just as he was specially commended and praised by the Crowned Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness (HRH) Ezelekhae Ewuare, also known as the Edaiken of Uselu, who also presented a ‘Royal Bronze Head’ as a symbol of honour to the young athlete.

Erhunmwunse, who plays for Providence College in the United States, was welcomed back to UPSS with a colourful procession, musical perfor-

mances, and heartfelt cheers from students and staff. The event was well attended by his family members, including his father, Pastor Peter, mother, Jennifer, and brother, Theodore Erhunmwunse, alongside his uncles and aunts.

Speaking with journalists, Oswin recounted his journey from the corridors of UPSS to the competitive courts of America, emphasising the role of hard work, prayer, and strongmentorship.Heexpressed profound gratitude to the school forthefoundation it laid in his life.

“My reason for visiting UPSS is threefold. Firstly, I’ve always wanted to return and see how the school has evolved, taking a walk down memory lane and reminiscingaboutthegoodtimes I shared with friends.

“Secondly,Ihopetobe a source of encouragement to the stu-

dents. I know many of them have big dreams for their future, including aspirations to play professional basketball like me. I want to show them that their dreams are achievable, drawing from my own experiences as a former student.

“By sharing my story, I aim to inspire and motivate them to keep chasing their dreams, just as I did.”

In a gesture of generosity, OswinErhunmwunsedonatedN1 million to support the school’s developmental projects. Additionally, he presented the school’s basketball team with new basketballs and jerseys.

The highlight of the event was Erhunmwunse’s presentation of an Honorary Plaque to the school’s proprietress, Juliet Urevbu, in recognition of her unwavering support during his formative years.

African Knockout Championship Returns with Epic Showdown in Lagos

The African Knockout (AKO) Championship is gearing up for an unforgettable experience with AKO9, to take place on June 13, 2025, at The Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, starting at 6 PM. As Africa’s biggest MMA championship, AKO9 promises world-class production, electrifying action, and a fight experience like no other.

AKO is not just the biggest. It is the beating heart of African MMA. The only pan-African championship that brings together the continent’s finest fighters under one roof, delivering events of unmatched class and intensity.Witheveryknockoutand everyvictory,AKOinvestsdeeplyin

Inter Milan Stands Between PSG and First Champion League Title

TheconclusionoftheEuropeanclubfootballseasonisuponus,asParisSaint-Germainand InterMilanwillgohead-to-headintheChampionsLeaguefinalinMunichtonight.PSG havebeenthecompetition’snearly-menoverthepastdecadeandareseekingafirstevertitle, whileInterareseasonedveterans,hopingtoaddafourthChampionsLeaguecrowntotheir glitteringtrophycabinetattheAllianzArena

It may not have been the final some neutrals wanted, but it is one of most fascinating for many years, simply because it is so tough to call which style of play will reign supreme in Bavaria tonight.

Both clubs are well worth their spot in the final, and they have gotten this far by very different means, with PSG’s free-flowing, expansive football catching the eye of many, while Inter’s stylish and stubborn tactical masterclasses have frustrated both Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

There is so much on the line for both, as PSG are looking to complete the treble and become the first French club ever to do so, while Inter are hoping not to end the season trophyless,

after still being in the hunt for the treble just a month ago.

Back in November, it was not beyond the realm of possibility that PSG would have missed out on the knockout stage entirely by finishing outside the top 24 in the league phase, with manager Luis Enrique’s job in some jeopardy.

However, the club’s transformation in 2025 has been scarcely believable, and they have been far and away the most impressive team in Europe since the turn of the year.

The Parisians won Ligue 1 again at a canter, and swept Reims aside in the Coupe de France final last week, so they are now just one game away from completing the perfect season, and one that their Qatari owners have waited

over 14 years for.

Enrique’s men would be wholly deserving of the crown too, after all the noise that has been made about their pedigree at this level, and the letdowns they have suffered in recent years, because they have gone to Anfield and the Emirates and won on their journey through the knockouts, while also showing resilience to hold off Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. French football has been starved of continental success, because Marseille are the only club previously to have won this competition, but the spooky omen that could work in PSG’s favour is that success came in Munich against a club from Milan, as OM beat AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium back in 1993.

CitySports Africa Champions Nigerian Youths to Tournaments in Germany, uAe, Spain

Leading sports development institution, CitySports Africa has announced the 2025 edition of its Global Sports Programme (GSP), an international youth sports development initiative that has championed global sports competitions abroad for young African athletes to

compete in various sports.

The first phase of the 2025 edition is set to happen in June (Global June), while another phase would take place in November (Global November) 2025 across different sports.

This ‘Global June’, young athletes from Nigeria will

be flying the nation’s flag in Stuttgart Germany, Dubai UAE, and Barcelona Spain for football, swimming and basketball sports, respectively, as part of CitySports Africa’s, initiative to spotlight talent, resilience, and the future of youth sports on a global stage. The institution is on a mission to impact 10 million youths by 2035, with an annual goal of reaching one million youths each year. This global programme is one of the many development programmes CitySports has lined up across the different sports it currently offers for children between the ages of 4 and 22.

Ikpeba Football Challenge 2025 Holds in

Honour of Late Sotuminu

The coordinators of the Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge have confirmed that the final of the 2025 edition which is the fifth in the series, will hold on the usual June 12 date.

This highly anticipated event will bring together 18 fighters from across Africa, including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana and Egypt, each determined to stake their claim in the highly competitive AKO Cage.

Action during one of the African Knockout Championship show offs thefutureofsportsacrossAfrica, drivinggrowth,consistency,and lasting impact. Nigeriaisrisingrapidlyonthe African MMAstage, claiming its rightful place as a dominant powerhouse. AKO leads the charge, shaping the sport’s present and future with relentless passion and unparalleled prestige.

This football competition is held to commemorate the birthday of the former the African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba. The kick off of the competition, though, will take place on May 31, at the Obele Odan Community Centre, Fujah

Street, Surulere, Lagos. It was also announced in Lagos on Monday that the 2025 edition is special as it is being held in honour late Dapo Sotuminu who served as the director and coordinator of the competition. The journalist was also the CDA chairman.

Ikepba had told close associates he would not continue with the event in 2025 if the pitch at the community centre was not upgraded. The ground is still in very poor condition despite several reach out efforts to the elected politicians representing the area.

The former Super Eagles attacker said over the weekend in Lagos, “Truly, I had taken the painful decision to stop the competition until we lost our friend, Dapo Sotuminu. It is for that reason that I decided to hold this 2025 and hoping that the venue be fixed before the end of this year.” Eight teams will vie for the coveted trophy reserved for the best within the community. The qualifiers and knockout stages will be concluded on June 7th. There will be prize money for first to fourth positions.

Dessers and Black Stars’ defender razak Simpson in gritty battle

r-L: williams Saliba tries to stop pSG striker, Bradley Barcola

CitySports Africa Champions

PAYING HOMAGE TO PRESIDENT TINUBU…

Increasing Global Concerns Over Microplastics Exposure

Remember Ziplock? The smart plastic packaging bags that you can zip up nicely by just sliding top smoothly and effortlessly? The bags and containers have been a strong presence in the lives of Americans, and the rest of us, for a long time now. Well, the manufacturers are facing lawsuits because the product is now very much in the news as a health hazard. The submission is that the science behind plastics and microplastics suggests that Ziploc bags and containers have undisclosed microplastics that are harmful to the human body.

While the spokesperson for the manufacturers has said: “Ziploc products are safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit,” the lawsuit filed on April 25 by California resident,

Dr. Elvis Okoffo

Linda Cheslow, is saying that Ziploc bags and containers are being falsely marketed as “microwave

safe” and suitable for “freezer” when they are not.

The further submission is that they are made from “materials that scientific and medical evidence show release microplastics when microwaved and frozen.”

With the manufacturer’s claims being described as “unfair, unlawful, deceptive, and misleading”, the stage is set for a legal showdown with strong scientific undertones that would ripple across all the continents.

The first time the issue of microplastics came up on this column was on February 22, 2024., under the heading “Beware, Microplastics on the Prowl”. Tremble, Microplastics on the Prowl”. The submission, then, was that “...danger looms for all humanity, because of the wide and continuous penetration of microplastics into our environment,

our food and, wait for it, the placenta of unborn babies”.

A friend had called me after reading the article at time then, with this opening statement: “Okey, what is it? O’ gini? Microplastics kwa? What won’t you write about and who knows what you would write next? Biko, leave all these scientific things and stop frightening us”. I simply replied him thus: “E kere oru eke” (Everyone with his own task, according to his abilities and inclinations). That article of 2024 spoke of a study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences by a team led by Matthew Campen, which found microplastics in all 62 donated baby placenta samples tested. The world has clear evidence today of a steady rise

Continued on page 27

PreSSrld.

Obinna Chima

This week, President Bola Tinubu set tongues wagging when he formally requested the approval of the National Assembly to secure a new wave of multi-currency loans amounting to approximately $23.5 billion, €2.265 billion, ¥15 billion, and N757.9 billion, as part of the country’s 2025-2026 external borrowing plan. Already, a lot of citizens have expressed concerns that the country may be heading towards a debt

trap, a situation in which its debt is difficult or impossible to repay, almost two decades after it achieved debt forgiveness from the Paris Club.

More worrying with this development is the fact that, at a time when the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso and his team are aggressively pursuing a tight monetary policy regime aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the naira, the federal government’s push for fresh borrowing appears to contradict this policy direction. Such a move risks undermining the effectiveness of monetary tightening by injecting

more liquidity into the economy through increased public spending, potentially fueling inflationary pressures, distorting market signals, and eroding investor confidence in the government’s fiscal discipline.

Precisely, the fresh proposed borrowing plan, spanning multiple international lenders and development institutions, marks one of the most ambitious external financing proposals of this administration to date and will certainly elevate the country’s existing debt stock.

As at December 31, 2024, Nigeria’s total public

However, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has dismissed widespread claims suggesting that the country plans to borrow $25 billion within one to two years, calling such impressions as

Enugu: Two Years of Mbah’s Obsession with Building Infrastructure

When Dr. Peter Mbah unveiled his manifesto at the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium of the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on October 13, 2022, many were quick to point out what they felt were typographical errors in the document.

Among the assumed typos were his promise to construct 10,000km of roads in four to eight years, restore public water to Enugu city in 180 days, move the state from 58 per cent poverty

index to zero per cent poverty headcount, and grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30bn GDP also in four to eight years. Frankly, even among his campaign team were his genuine supporters, who often wondered if their candidate was not overpromising, given the economic crunch plummeted oil proceeds that had also whittled down receipts from Federation Account.

Two years after he was sworn in as governor, pessimism and anguish have been overcome by joy and hope. The conversation has shifted from

“He is promising too much,” to “He is doing too much at a time.” When he rejigged the 2023 Appropriation Law (Budget) upon assumption of office, providing for the construction and reconstruction of 71 urban roads in the state capital and 10 interstate roads, people thought it was what is called “Initial gra-gra” (initial show of muscle/seriousness) in local parlance, which Nigerians have become used to. But to their surprise, by his first anniversary, he had completed and commissioned all the 71

urban roads. Before they could digest it, Governor Mbah had presented the 2024 budget estimates where he not only showed a radical devotion to capital projects but also redefined budgeting in Nigeria. Before his administration, Enugu State’s total budget hovered around N100bn and N120bn with capital expenditure of about N30bn, representing a capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35 per cent. But in his

Continued on page 27

L-R: Nigeria’s attacker and Best African International Footballer at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra, Ademola Lookman (left) with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during Lookman’s visit to the President at his Lagos resident…yesterday