SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2026 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Afreximbank Targets $1bn Pan African Film Fund to Transform Continent’s Creative Industry

Elombi: Africa must capture more value from its $60bn creative economy Oramah proposes dedicated facility, cooperatives to unlock funding, reduce risks

Sunday Ehigiator

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) yesterday disclosed

plan to mobilise up to $1 billion for a Pan-African film fund, as

part of efforts to expand financing, strengthen distribution networks

and position Africa as a global production hub for creative

content.

Continued on page 5

CBN Tightens Stablecoin Rules, Sets N15bn Capital Floor for Dollar Tokens...

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Saturday November 7, 2026 Vol 31. No 11535

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FG to Senate: We Can’t Fund Existing Universities, Stop Creating New Ones...

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Atiku: Nothing Will Keep Me Off 2027 Ballot, ADC Heads to Appeal Court Former VP tells Tinubu: You can’t use courts to escape Nigerians’ verdict ADC seeks stay of execution, warns INEC against pre-empting appeal

Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

As political intrigues gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, former Vice-

President Atiku Abubakar yesterday declared that nothing would stop him from contesting,

insisting that he would be on the ballot. The declaration came as the

African Democratic Congress (ADC) appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court,

Abuja, which nullified the Continued on page 5

Tinubu, Shettima Fire Salvos at Obi, Atiku, Take 2027 Re-election Battle to South-south President approves establishment of Ibom deep sea port Yilwatda, Yari: APC won’t rig elections to retain power in 2027

INAUGURATION OF VICTOR ATTAH AIRPORT TERMINAL...

Story on page 5

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; President Bola Tinubu; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Vice President Kashim Shettima, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during the official inauguration of the Victor Attah International Airport terminal in Uyo by Tinubu yesterday

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CBN Tightens Stablecoin Rules, Sets N15bn Capital Floor for Dollar Tokens Says foreign issuers must establish Nigerian entities, secure local licences P2P naira-dollar conversions subject to FX approval

Nume Ekeghe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new regulations requiring foreigncurrency stablecoin issuers to obtain local licences and establish Nigerian-incorporated entities, as it moves to tighten oversight of

dollar-backed digital tokens and other virtual asset activities. The regulations, which took effect on November 5, 2026, establish a formal framework for stablecoins, virtual asset service providers and related payment activities, including peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions,

custody, transfers and settlement. In a circular dated November 5, 2026, addressed to virtual asset service providers and stakeholders in the financial services industry, the apex bank said the framework was designed to promote responsible innovation while protecting the integrity of the

financial system. Signed by the Director, Payments System Policy Department, Musa Jimoh, the regulations establish a risk-based framework covering licensing, authorisation, capital requirements, consumer protection, technology risks, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering controls

and regulatory reporting. The rules apply to persons conducting regulated activities in or from Nigeria, targeting Nigerian users or undertaking activities that could materially affect the country's payments system, financial system, foreign exchange market or financial

TINUBU, SHETTIMA FIRE SALVOS AT OBI, ATIKU, TAKE 2027 RE-ELECTION BATTLE TO SOUTH-SOUTH Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima yesterday launched blistering attacks on the presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and that of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, taking the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) 2027 re-election campaign to the South-south and challenging the opposition figures over their leadership records and political accomplishments. The President is expected to take his campaign to Rivers State today. While Tinubu questioned Obi's capacity to provide the leadership required to tackle Nigeria's challenges, citing his record as Anambra State Governor, Shettima challenged Atiku to account for the political structures, successors and enduring institutions he had built during his decades in public life. The President, who spoke during a state visit and APC presidential rally in Akwa Ibom State, also approved the establishment of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a major catalyst for economic development and prosperity in the

state and the South-South region. Governor Umo Eno had, in his welcome address at the APC presidential rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, appealed to the President to approve the project, assuring him that the people of Akwa Ibom would remain grateful if the request was granted. “Your request for the Ibom Deep Sea Port is hereby approved. The Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring associated economic value and economic development to the people, just as the governor has said,” the President stated. Tinubu commended Eno for his strides in infrastructure development and human capital investment, noting that he had promptly approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport following the governor’s request. He acknowledged the benefits of visionary leadership and continuity in governance, saying no societal challenge was insurmountable with focused and determined leadership. He also urged those seeking elective positions to serve their people with sincerity and commitment. “There is no reason why Akwa

Ibom cannot leverage the value of its palm trees and agricultural produce. There is no reason that we cannot create skills development — skills that are enduring and everlasting. When your governor requested international status for the airport, I did not hesitate; I approved it. Now, as you do for one, you do for the other,” Tinubu added. The President urged youths at the rally to remain focused and assess the credibility, track record and determination of politicians seeking their votes in the January 2027 general election. “You, the youth—do you have your PVCs? That is the weapon with which you can defeat tyranny and reject those deceiving you. The weapon you have is the PVC. “I don't have to enumerate what I've done for you. I've committed my remaining years to struggling for democracy, freedom, authenticity, development, and progress. But you have heard details from one of our best friends—you've heard from Senator Adams Oshiomhole. “Have you seen development or not? You have seen progress. Your universities are no longer on strike. Economic value is being added to

your lives. Governor Eno, thank you for working so hard for the love of your people,” he stated. On the forthcoming election, Tinubu described the January 16, 2027 poll as consequential, saying it would determine the direction of the country. “This coming election on January 16, 2027, is consequential. It will define the direction of this country. When I took office, 27 out of 36 governors in this country were unable to meet salary obligations, let alone pensions and gratuities. Today, I stand before you to say we are out of that dark tunnel. “I can beat my chest and say we are out of the greatest despair—the dark journey of uncertainty and possible bankruptcy,” he said. The President criticised Obi, accusing the former Anambra State governor of failing to demonstrate the leadership required to confront major environmental challenges during his tenure. Drawing a comparison between erosion problems in Anambra and the threat posed by the Atlantic Ocean to Lagos, Tinubu said effective leadership required courage and the determination to tackle difficult problems.

“In Anambra State, he could not confront erosion. I, Bola Tinubu, confronted the Atlantic Ocean,” he said. He faulted Obi's record compared with Eno's efforts to tackle erosion and other infrastructure challenges in Akwa Ibom, arguing that political leadership should be measured by the willingness to confront problems rather than avoid them. Tinubu also questioned Obi's movement across political parties, asking whether the inability to manage political differences and maintain relationships demonstrated the qualities required for national leadership. “Is that a leadership trait? Is that a leadership character?” he asked. The President subsequently commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his leadership of the National Assembly, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole”. Speaking during the commissioning of the new Victor Attah International Airport terminal, Tinubu acknowledged Akpabio's management of the legislature and the support the National Assembly had given his administration. “I recognise our host governor,

stability. They may apply even where an operator has no physical presence in Nigeria. A major provision requires foreign-currency stablecoin issuers to operate through Nigerianincorporated entities and obtain CBN approval before making their tokens available to Nigerians. Pastor Umo Eno and other members of the National Assembly here present, but let me single out our very able and respected Senate President who has navigated the affairs of the parliament very effectively,” he said. Tinubu also described his visit to Akwa Ibom as a homecoming, recalling his time as a Mobil auditor in the state. “I worked here as a Mobil Auditor. We built Ibeno, developed Eket and I never knew I would be the President of Nigeria one day. We did what we needed to do,” he said. He again commended Eno for his performance, describing him as a man of conscience, commitment and vision. “Governor Eno is a great man of conscience, commitment and visionary. When your request for the upgrade of the airport got to my desk, I didn't hesitate because of your track record of performance,” the President said. Earlier, Shettima challenged Atiku to demonstrate the enduring political institutions and successors he had produced during his Continued on page 14

ATIKU: NOTHING WILL KEEP ME OFF 2027 BALLOT, ADC HEADS TO APPEAL COURT party’s congresses and sacked the National Executive Committee led by Senator David Mark. The judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, recognised an aggrieved party chieftain and former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, as the authentic leader of the party. Justice Lifu had, in the judgment delivered on Thursday, nullified all actions taken by the

Mark-led executive, declaring them unlawful, unconstitutional, illegal, null and void. The judge held that the Mark-led executive emerged through an unlawful process and should not be recognised by INEC. Furthermore, the Mark-led ADC in its appeal, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against taking any action that could pre-empt

the outcome of its appeal. While the ADC accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly trying to destabilise the opposition party, the ruling party denied involvement in its internal crisis and urged it to resolve its problems. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said heaven would not fall if Atiku did not appear on the

ballot in the 2027 general election. Equally, the National Executive Committee Chairmen Forum of the ADC loyal to Gombe, threatened to embark on a nationwide protest against INEC if it fails to comply with Thursday’s court judgment on the party’s leadership crisis. In a statement posted on his verified X account, Atiku said: “Let no one mistake the latest

court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future. We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide. “Those who boast of having thirty-two governors and claim to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties into

their fold should have no reason to fear a free and fair contest. Yet, instead of presenting their record to Nigerians, they continue to deploy every tactic available to weaken the opposition: political pressure, manufactured narratives, courtroom manoeuvres and attempts to compromise the voters’ register with AI-generated Continued on page 15

AFREXIMBANK TARGETS $1BN PAN AFRICAN FILM FUND TO TRANSFORM CONTINENT’S CREATIVE INDUSTRY

The Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, who disclosed this while delivering the opening statement at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Summit in Lagos, pointed out that the proposed fund being developed through the bank’s impact investment subsidiary, the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), in partnership with One Street Studios, was expected to finance African content, strengthen distribution networks, develop enabling technologies and build infrastructure for the continent’s film industry. This comes the President and Chairman of the Board

of Directors, Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi, called for stronger African ownership and value capture across the creative-industry supply chain, warning that increased production financing alone will not deliver optimal economic benefits to the continent. Elombi said Africa must move beyond financing music and movie productions to building a comprehensive creative ecosystem that enables the continent to retain more value from its creative output. Citing estimates from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), he said Africa’s creative economy was valued at approximately $60 billion, representing about two per cent of the global creative

industry. Equally, former President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, stressed that unlocking finance for the creative industry would require a fundamental restructuring of how financial institutions assess and support creative businesses. He argued that the challenge was not necessarily a shortage of capital but the inability of smaller creative entrepreneurs to access available funding because they often lacked the business structures and market evidence required by lenders. Speaking further, Awani said the bank’s investment strategy was designed to address structural challenges confronting Africa’s creative industries, particularly

inadequate financing, weak distribution networks, fragmented markets and poor intellectual property protection. She stressed that Africa’s challenge was no longer a shortage of creative talent but the absence of the financial and institutional infrastructure required to convert that talent into sustainable businesses and economic prosperity. According to her, much of the value generated by African music, films, fashion, literature, gastronomy and other creative products continue to be financed, distributed, owned and monetised outside the continent. “The creative economy is no longer peripheral. It is part of Africa’s development story. It

is a trade sector, an investment opportunity, and a strategic asset capable of generating jobs, foreign exchange and global influence at scale,” she said. Awani disclosed that Afreximbank, through its subsidiary, Creative Africa Investments, had approved six investments in new projects spanning film, television, music and digital content. On skills development, she disclosed that Afreximbank had trained more than 7,000 aspiring jewellers and craftspeople across Africa and the diaspora through its partnership with Egyptian jeweller, Azza Fahmy, and Trace Academia. In gastronomy and culinary arts, Awani said the bank had

connected more than 30 African and Caribbean food brands to buyers, facilitating approximately $20 million in trade deals and opening new markets across Africa, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. She also disclosed that the CANEX Book Factory had brought together emerging writers from 16 African and Caribbean countries, culminating in the publication of an anthology titled Instances of Exceptional Moments of Hunger, featuring 19 writers. Similarly, the CANEX Music Factory had brought together more than 150 musicians in collaborative recording sessions, producing 32 original songs released on global streaming platforms.

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NEWS

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

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

Bloomberg: Nigeria Draws First Tranche Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic President Tinubu Welcomes New of $5 Billion Swap With UAE Bank 2027: Tinubu Committed to Free, Fair, Credible over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect Qatar Investment Initiatives from of Budget andand Economic Planning Abuja… recently Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in aBabatunde StrategicAjayi; Alliance to Stimulate the forex market Abuja…yesterday L-R: Akarigbo Paramount RulerinOf Remoland, representative of Minister of Trade andin Investment, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Group Managing Director, Codic Pharm Ltd, Sammy

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

NIGERIAN ARMY'S REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJORS’ CONVENTION...

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) (left), who was Guest Speaker at the Second Regimental Sergeant Majors' Convention 2026 being presented with a plague by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Wahab Shaibu, at the end of the convention organised by the Nigerian Army in Benin City, Edo State…yesterday

Nume Ekeghe with agency reports

Umahi says FG investing trillions inInformation roads across Nigeria Elections, Says Minister Affirms Nigeria's readiness forconstruction strategic of partnership

tranche of a $5 billion derivatives press time. drawn attention from market closing at N1,380.9/$ at the inflows, despite mounting deal with United Arab Emirates' The $5 billion facility, participants because of the official market yesterday, pressure from investors chasing largest ahead captured. approved by the National stupendous limited public disclosure compared with Mr. N1,380.1/$ “In his infertile rambling,assets, Tenebe state Governor, Godwin dollar-denominated as N9 billion for the has been lender, swindledpressing by Obaseki-led Adibe emenyonu in Benin City made wild and completely off-theObaseki across all sectors of the fathom projects which only "Information at the behest of the with a transaction that has been Assembly earlier this year, is surrounding its terms. 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Thesources Ambassador knows that stability tothat thewere world. Ieven seeabout your Nigeria's taxlies system, making Nigeria's readiness to build on the- bridging end of the tunnel."You find Deji Elumoye Abuja regional divides. administration just than northern areas ofas theActing nation. East West is can't atknown 60 per unification ofgave foreign exchange rates drew about $1.5 billion in the financing and reduce cautioned while derivativeweek. 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Structured as based financing can improve Analysts attributed pressure in recent sessions as during an interview with TRT The minister said the federal creating an enabling environment Arab Emirates' largest lender, The Minister of Information fully committed to free, fair Setraco Hehave urged Nigerians, stop securing loans, noting that the design leave State inhistory. ruin, but economic opportunity,” he said. creating aand new foundation forLike inclusive who his inspection shown commitment in Weimmediate are willing to go further peace prosperity. business in observed the country. visit toto Qatar inEdo 2024, pledging to the I always follow globalpolitical issues President Bola Tinubu yesterday in Nigeria’s recent economic Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said by be true. on reawakening histo completely which the opposition in you, theto journalists approval ofFirst theinto to N9 billion loan recently approved asking for a facility of N17.5 total return swap transaction a Total Return Swap with liquidity, such arrangements the resilience strong investors reposition ahead of the World, Türkiye’s international government would continue for the electoral umpire according to a Bloomberg and National Orientation, and credible elections in 2027. actors and media practitioners “Nigeria is really retracing its steps. growth, the Zarama section of theefforts Westto their our bilateral relations." we areaccountability, sandwiched between the of all difficult bilateraldecisions agreements "We are making and your have to welcomed new initiatives by implement “These were that said thethe country was on Assembly the path towards "Injobs. reality,efforts. our debtYou stock is not comatose party, which isEast unable rejected andand orsustainable refused facility which according to house by House of was few days ago, which was broadcaster, on the sidelines support Nigeria’s democratic discharge its with First Abu Dhabi Bank Dhabi proceeds are should be transparently macroeconomic fundamentals, fundraising Mohammed Idris, assured report, marking theexplore first billion ItAbu isThe becoming anBank, important nation once development. rehabilitation State, Addressing the journalists, Umahi We willour continue toBayelsa support the dollar-denominated tosecret exercise responsibility by said the Qatari challenge terrorism and helping Road between the countries. reform tax in system. Going more inin Nigeria toare help fight had to They caused someof them Qatari investors tohas economic recovery, restating ado and fact, we ‘under to provide constructive criticisms to be partofof the responsibilities approval. isPresident said to be N9 billion needless and will plunge thefederal state said tobe bemade. N9two billion." again the comity of nations. In another development, who expressed satisfaction with the said, "We havein just inspected thewould work the World Forum 2026 institutions, particularly the managed effectively ensure that the Umahi PJSC, according to people earmarked for refinancing debt toand minimise fiscal healthy external still by Dangote Refinery and Nigerians and the agricultural international but like"It an taking reported under turbulence, government’s commitment to restoring government had demonstrated our neighbours. We areUmahi conscious HeTRT directed the Minister ofin but by experiences ofreserves the past and poverty the humanitarian democratic and ensure verifying information before opportunities in the borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe expected of aprocess viable opposition, But in its reaction, the Edo asamong event unfolded, after into financialdrawdown distress. Tenebe, said isaircraft important The respect thatforesight Nigeria used to have disclosed this yesterday while inspecting ongoing projects across Rivers, Delta of Rock Result where we have multiple off, we are now reaching stability. The investors’ confidence and deepening maturity and in working of who is our friend and those Budget and Economic Planning, the need to depart from old area. You have done well have known this if he understood he has resorted to spreading State Government stated that sector and assured that Nigeria the mammoth request by the Istanbul, Türkiye. Independent National Electoral wishes of Nigerians prevailed that President Bola familiar with the transaction, and supporting infrastructure and debt risks. on a steadily upward trajectory Petrochemicals, prompting ain acommunity facility that has attracted that the will of the Nigerian sharing it, warning that the But in a swift reaction, the to state, that it is now in public is now gradually returning. Investors the ongoing construction of federal and Bayelsa. culvertsaofover the East West World Bank has noted our return to opposition democratic values. the economics governance, fiscal in he a have desperate Edopolls. APC “obviously the(INEC), House as to the for global in peace and deserves helping us towas ameliorate the misinformation Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; ways, our reforms been concrete developing knowledge-based remains open to strategic Edo State Tinubu’s Government said it and political space that the The forum, which opened Commission while at the Ahmed administration who asked not to be identified financing. Meanwhile, the naira has at $51.2 billion and sustained rotation of capital from naira scrutiny over its structure people prevails,” said. circulation of false information have more confidence our country,” roads in by Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta He said that the tough Bodo-Bonny Road Road failure in between Rivers what and growth levels not seenState in over a the This was as his to counterpart, responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. tomade curry cheap popularity. achievements of attempt rationale for ain facility as pained commendation. problems." Minister ofisof Information and hard. decisions economy Qatar, partnerships. was perplexed learn ofMinister what budget Edo was yesterday, being held under respecting its constitutional “Let methe assure Nigerians and isWorks, committed to conducting free, fiscal because they aren't authorised This transaction has, however, remained relatively resilient, foreign portfolio investment assets dollars. and transparency. On Iconcerns about insecurity could into heighten politicalbut tensions he said. states, dismissed the claims trending construction handled by Julius Berger Bayelsa. decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa. David Umahi, has disclosed itoftermed “laughable and incredibly passed few weeks ago before the According to him, "I am proud President Tinubu also noted National Orientation, Mohammed so that we could grow. We are about Nigeria?", the President The President gave the the theme, ‘A World Without a independence. the international community fair credible general elections toHe speak to the Bloomberg reported that and its potential impact the explained. and erode public confidence in noted this media." year’s observance that theand federal is investing ridiculous tantrums attributed to Edo State House of of Assembly Idris; and that Minister Foreign of your efforts to bring peace and ongoing reforms to streamline gradually seeing the lighton at the assurance atgovernment the State House, of the Democracy Day notYusuf just trillions ofacting naira in the construction Efforts byleave THISDAY to 2027 general elections, Idris said the electoral process. Nigeria drew about $1.5 billion the newwhile chairman of the proceeded on without the Affairs, Ambassador Abuja receiving a special warranted celebration, buttogether sober and ofof roads the commencement Edo State chapter APC, Jarret of the execution independently the the federal government was On the growing influence overrehabilitation the past two weeks through Maitama Tuggar, toconfirm work envoy from the Amir of across the State reflection on the journey democratic country. Tenebe where he made baseless of the budget by theofexecutive. intensifying efforts to tackle of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reported drawdown from a Total Return Swap (TRS) to ensure the timely execution of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin and economicthat renewal. reaffirmed this yesterday in Itconsolidation andIdris spurious allegations on the isthese mostagreements. disheartening the Rescue workers from around the trapped under rubble before the buildings. Heavy machinery reported severe shortages Idris of of Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi security challenges across the journalism and governance, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of transaction with First Abu Dhabi Idris explained that funds recovered an interview with Forbes Africa to Edo fiscal management of our dear State Government now is world yesterday intensified efforts critical 72-hour "golden window" arrived in some of the hardest-hit essential supplies, saying years was told that he would not board the would clear the air on what really every passenger has a right, your Chinedu Eze He said, "To all the members of Qatar's Minister of State for country. acknowledged its potential of to Finance were unsuccessful. Bankby PJSC, people familiar requesting from the fuelfor subsidy removal were mark the Democracy Day celebration state the citing Governor Godwin a facility of N17.5 to locate survivors trapped beneath for finding survivors begins to close, areas nearly two days after the underfunding leftisthe country' flight because boarding had closed. happened, since the Senator and the right is limited tohad what within thes the delegation, Idirectly want tointo asent big Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al-Khulaifi, being reinvested critical Obaseki-led government.” and unbroken 26 years ofrequested democratic billion with corollary ofsay project He cited the recruitment of improve public communication, Calls andno text messages with the deal who lid Minerals Development, formalisation of artisanal miners also want to be part of the move d'Affairs, US Embassy, another development, the airline have available their own ICAO (International Civil Aviation Operators of Nigeria (AON) Charge collapsed buildings in Venezuela theInBBC reported. disaster tomade begin clearing massive healthcare system ill-prepared forto a thank for coming to Nigeria. conveyed Amir's strongconference interest in attached Addressing a press there to of the-Finance said facility infrastructure projects including two Airline rule in Nigeria. additional military personnel and Organisation) service delivery and access to theyou Minister and anonymity because they were Dele hasthe described into cooperatives amongst others. to reduce global emissions and put Greene, in his include office on Minister of Aviation and Aerospace videos that covered the incident. regulation and the said that byAlake, disrupting operations David We are God for expanding bilateral yesterday, Tenebe had cooperation, said state and alsograteful that thetocorridors facility iswhat not after two powerful earthquakes The worst-hit areas the piles of debris. disaster of such magnitude. expansive highway that will Dr. He defended President Bolathe Tinubu’s the procurement of equipment information. United Nigeria’s "Theindustry. miningThere sector mining sector on the global aviation Coordinating of the Alake lauded the United notalready authorised to speak publicly. Development, Festus Keyamo, has our Okonkwo stated the operators’ is noprovides amount of Air Peace States when itasdenied him Thursday, was suffering a debt contained as loanMinister to be in the we have experienced astaken partners announcing that aunder high-level killed more than people and States’ capital, Caracas, theprivate coastal state those awaiting The tragedy has also reignited ally and strategic veritable avenue for map. WeTinubu have critical minerals commitment to fostering Ahmed the900 President Bola with billions sector ordered that a in probe should be viewpoint on the anxiously incident and saidas ofa any disappointment, if atincreased all, from byAmong the administration He, however, warned boarding forsaid the Lagos-Abuja flight, Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, According to the pipeline. Emmanuel Addeh inBloomberg, Abuja profile of N135 billion and $35.6 2024 fiscal budget recently in progress. I am also just glad that the longstanding Qatari business delegation will the left thousands injured in State one ofand the cooperation of La Guaira and neighbouring rescue efforts isCentre Natacha Diaz, criticism of Venezuela's fragile forTinubu the nation’s mining trade between Nigeria andinvolved theofUnited that are in aimed commercial demand with Nigeria in diverse that conducted on the incident. passengers have their rights but any airline that gives you any right former governor of administration Edo billion. Ahmed investments already committed measures at strengthening against the misuse the AQatar cursory perusal are under scrutiny and processing," Penta M &Amp; 2, Tambuwal one of them was also in Kuni Tyessi in Abuja were responded toofasthe ofof partner "Nigeria has accessed first passed. The Executive Chairman Amir ofnot greatly remembers visit Nigeria in the the coming sector development. States, especially in thebeen area of value globally,"Alake said. of the economy, stating country' sSenator deadliest natural disasters communities, where hundreds whose two daughters are believed emergency response system, with Spokesman of AON and that theof airline operations arecapacity guided byof for self-help. We have talking representing Edo sectors He said, "While aInitiative monumen-on entire budget does&notEV reveal where Oloyede said. LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State. impersonation. had also directed the deployment to the sector. the operational technology to create deepfakes, the issues discussed during my currently weeks to exploreit isopportunities the Pi-CNG secretariat, The Presidential Speaking receiving itChairman addition, which implies processing The minister partner- about underscores significance of the ofthe Unitedshowed Nigeria and itawelcomed isshopping the responsibility behaviour. So,towhat District, Adams tal disaster that Edo State patrimony the project for the facility is ever North in than awhile century. buildings reduced tobetween piles of regulations trapped inside residents urging authorities allow “The 2025 UTME the Oloyede added 80 complex suspects Theunruly registrar also said that due to The Joint Admissions and smooth last year. inCompressed agriculture, food security, of more additional 2,000 Oshiohole, refuelling "Thisbilateral iswere almost our 106th station the Armed Forces to combat content and spread ofmanipulate extracted minerals and setting up ship with the US onthat investments in you relations Ismaeel Ahmed, who disclosed violated Natural Gasand and visit Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in a press of airlines and passengers to abide saw was a typical case of unruly aviation regulation. According to Venezuelan concrete and twisted steel. where they worked. Holding their more civilian volunteers to participate prevalence of some particular types of were being interrogated by the substandard performance, four centres Matriculation Board (JAMB) has "Let me commend the brotherly other critical sectors. factories here. We would also require the mining value chain, expanding both countries. infrastructure units in two phases to across the country in less than disinformation, stressing the need Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & this during the inauguration of the officially in Lagos yesterday called byinsecurity. those regulations. behaviour. It is not acceptable. Air Senator Oshiomhole who had conference infractions, suggests systemic police forminister their involvement in the had been delisted and blacklisted for announced of on authorities, leastthe 920release people ofwhich grief unfolded acrossI access photograph, the distraught mother in rescue operations as thousands financing from multilateral institutions to technology extracting “IScenes you for your visit. relations betweenRefuelling Qatar and 6:30a.m. President Tinubu emphasised accelerateLagostheatnationwide expansion two years. This is not beginning thethank Federal Airports Authority “AON had had theinfull brief of Peace is a respected airline. No matter The also reaffirmed for responsible application of AI. Abuja flight on Air CNGand Integrated EV) yesterday launched a new Hope” improving the livesUnit of the Fidelis David in Akure vulnerabilities or gaps in registration examination malpractices and most technical deficiencies. He listed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation for our local operators. We are providand processing minerals and met the US Assistant Secretary of have been confirmed dead, while affected communities as desperate said they were "all I have." remain displaced. Nigeria (FAAN) to bringhas outbeen the Air Peace on this incident. And as whatAddressing you think about it, they carry last facilities. Wednesday was denied ofany of“We CNG longer. The market administration’s commitment concerns the people of Ondo State. (IRU) in collaboration with Rolling Peace daughter station in Abuja, revealing among Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan the youthful population. are3,300 establishing, this State ing incentives for investments like mining areas. for Energy Resources, Geoffrey and examination administration or/ asecuring ofthe them would beas prosecuted. centres Adventure Associate, Behind Examination (UTME) results. CCTV video ofinvestors the incident, saying matter of fact, much as we 40 to 50as: percent of all the domestic boarding when he arrived atsustained 6:05a.m., more than others families waited near collapsed Another resident, Andreina Meanwhile, international “Today, wethe takegovernment yet another bold The Governor of Ondo State, He said the President ordered the proven, and are trooping to political and media freedoms, surrounding the federal Energy, stressed that total funding tax waivers for mining equipment, Throwing light on reforms Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines that Nigeria now has 106 such He said is year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade and monitoring. “The Board has identified the Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Following poor performance the numerous challenges Olawale Ajimotokan in that it is the video from FAAN that appreciate and understand that passengers in Nigeria. 25 minutes to departure time and injuries after the twin earthquakes, structures, hoping forin news of embarked Valerio, appealed to rescue assistance hasrepatriation pouring into step in our ongoing commitment to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his worried of full ofZaria. profits upon byfor thehelp govThe Director General, Money conference London provision ofSchool. 1,500 units in in February in,"“The he new said. describing freedom offederal expression government's borrowing, the that about 72 per cent Primary 1,000 each and mobilised by the for the inof trends observed were presence of extraneous fingers in policy Rimi College ofbegun Education, operational refuelling facilities candidates in the 2025 UTME, confronting theprivate country, Abuja improving the youthful welfare ofpopulation our people, state, administration will continue to of measuring magnitudes 7.2 and missing loved ones. Many survivors her one-and-a-half-year-old son, the country. Rescue teams from to home countries amongst others," ernment, the minister highlighted past year, and we had a fruitful Orientation Agency (NOA), the nation’s including FCT, Abuja. These and another 500 in August, adding According to Ahmed, about and political participation minister defended strategic in the Registration and Examination the registration details of some of On how to check the UTME results, telecommunications and digital sub-sector has reached $2.6 billion. nationwide, with another 170 in ensuring social inclusion and fulfilling prioritiseLanre socialIssa-Onilu, inclusion has and urging them to intensify 7.5, struck barely a minute apart engagement. emphasised. Community Development I didwere analyse our have also forced toallin sleep Santiago, who This remains trapped Switzerland Mallam have becomeofforeigners through going tosaid be processes andbeen they mainly the revised these raises concerns Oloyede said:and "To check the have 2025 solutions company, Globacom, that theBrigade facilitiesare were expected 170 additional stations were as candidates. fundamental pillars of Alake borrowing as the aMexico legitimate the promise Hope for Citizens’ economic empowerment In his remarks, US Ambas(CDA) guidelines issues, andcategories: fundamentally, we just Agreement prayers for Renewed President Bola The federal announced plansgovernment toof vulnerable launch the on Wednesday night. The second outdoors after their homes were alongside other family members joined local emergency responders, influence of cartoons and like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild following Identity Fraud, regarding potential strategies for UTME results, candidates should send its Examination Preparatory Service to come on stream between this undergoing development or democracy. instrument for financing critical Tinubu for the support given to the all,” he declared. Kuni Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships sador commended the renewed geared towards reducing friction in want to diversify our economy Tinubu andand histhe administration. has asserted its unwavering awith 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in movies which are foreign in of theEnumah olden and Biometric Fraud of Combined impersonation. by text message “UTMERESULT” as was specifically designed to help from quake is believed to be the strongest destroyed or declared unsafe. beneath the rubble. while the United States military is A statement posted on the anti-graft's prosecution to proceed with the trial described the May 27, 2025 bail application Alex indays. Abuja According to Aiyedatiwa, a total the federal government. interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, commission Humanitarian host communities; on-going plans year and early next year. awaiting various licences from oil. Not just for our own However, he cautioned infrastructure, stimulating primary schools across countryto . contents, He255 also expressed optimism resolve togovernment securing freedom values and across cultures. the in world, Nigerians Thumbprint of Candidate,” he lDoctors of 3,656 candidates fallspread withinzone this one to 55019 or 66019 using the Computer-Based social handle X,Midstream noted thesaid. duo prayed for accelerated hearing of theword defendants as incompetent, given of 16, beneficiaries all 18 students to“Across hit theexcel South American nation Inmedia La Guaira, residents described ingrowing thearchitecture disaster participating inthe humanitarian rescue that sector has huge Also, Aiyedatiwa hasthe forwarded for new security toof ofstressing economic survival butthat also to and Affairs Ministry. The federal yesterday According to him, the CNG the Nigerian and against the economic growth and creating He made theHouse disclosure whilea Local Other he trends said, were category. Consequently, the results of that same they had used Issa-Onilu saidAreas as a in way out are known toand beFinancial the smartest examinations. were arraigned onglobal a six-count case. natural thephone defendants neither underto that ongoing security The Economic Crimes be for Nigerians held captive potentials tonumber rivalwere the contribution the state secure resources; efforts in tuneinfractions, with for the the Ondo State of Assembly HeGovernment revealed that Nigeria said there arejournalists ongoing discussion since 1900. has widespread devastation ascharge, rescue warned that hospitals were operations despite longstanding initiative moved beyond Downstream Petroleum fake news, misinformation and opportunities future speaking with in Ibadan bordering on toWe the Responding, the defence J.J. arrest, inthe detention, norfor have appeared impersonators at laundering the Regulatory point of to the candidates have beencounsel, withheld.” register the registration process. thereceive malaise, NOA would on earth. is abriefing positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at workers aThis press in reduction of oilnortoduring nation's economy. generate big geo-data; the inmoney global warming. will N75,and 000plans each, disbursed list of 12 nominees for the position of of operations coordinated byhow bandits. has concluded to soon host people on 15,000 Nigerians stranded Emergency are racing teams, police officers and military struggling to cope with the influx tensions between Washington theManaging proof-of-concept stage, tune Authority (NMDPRA). unverified reports, development. during a working to Oyo launch of $12 with million. SAN, on on his partparticularly reminded theas before the court,will being the grounds the Director/Chief Executive registration the active involvement Usman, Speaking underage candidates, Result printing be available later." aleaders Mobile App containing but someof people Abuja yesterday, Registrar JAMB, monthly installments of N25, 000 development commissioners the visit State Executive interventions would yield global to discuss issues Secretary toinNiger, the Government in Cameroon, Chad and in against time to rescue those feared personnel searched damaged of casualties. personnel andMeanwhile, Caracas. State. The defendants according to the court of subsistingMedical bail following applications of provided by thereacting Administration of Officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, Halima for three months, directly through Council for confirmation. of few CBT centres, double registration, he explained that the to the poor indigenous cartoons through mischievously tend to portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the migration and around how it 78 affects other parts of the world would of positive results in the fight ofHe the Federation, Senator The FBIcards. seized items Buba Sunday Ehigiator with agency statement, however,ofpleaded defendants, May 27, 2025 and Criminal Justice of Act,students (ACJA) that should the bank's Executive Director/ saidgovernor 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade their debit The made this which and attempted substitution self by the Ministry of dated Education’s decision performance in the 2025 Board withheld the results 39,834 local contents, national us inand negative light. Butof this is EFCC's countries under the membership be returned to Nigeria safety. against kidnapping and other from two storage units rented by Chief George Akume, gave the values reportbe set guilty” to all the charges when they prayed that the acourt should uphold a bail application but rather Compliance Officer, He said the total amount injected commitment during the official would up in each of the candidates. to enforce minimum age theof precipitate UTME, the company explained that candidates outare of the over 1.9Innocent million “not and culture would be who we as a people. of the on not Federal Commissioner, National readOloyede to themadded following which the lead applications and admit thegranted defendants applied for bail from the comfort of their Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite criminal activities. Markle that contain “suspected assurance yesterday when into theEuro-African scheme is N1,Dialogue 219,125, 000, flag-off ceremony ofFederal the second phase promoted. 36 states and the Capital that 244 candidates 16, an exception was for the Glo Examination Preparatory applicants that sat for the exam. “To change the negative narMigration and Development. Commission for Refugees, Migrants Rotimi Oyedepo, to“exceptionally bail. officesstudents when noronaction has of the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for direct economic support of thehosted Conditional Cash Transfer child pornography,” according Tand erritory (FCT) toDisplaced promote national "Our mission Thomas Markle, the estranged he members of providing were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp gifted” underage homes Serviceortrains practical According thesetting JAMB of prosecution According to him, "These vari-to ratives, we to are upout the Popularly known ason theearth, Rabat Internally Persons SAN, announced thetoreadiness of the The prosecution counsel in his response, been taken againstinthem. alleged fraud. to thousands ofonhouseholds. disbursement to beneficiaries in Ondo values as of old, stating that the runs,” subscribing rogue groups students. ways to excel Computer-Based court documents. Items seized the figure 96 candidates' results were our goal earth is to father of Meghan, the Duchess of ous policies are geared towards Citizens’ Brigade to produce the Federation of Muslim Process, the meeting would be (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, The governor recalled thatthe in young State, held atthe theBrigade Akure South Local essence toin changing SAN, that on terrorism murder. enumah Abuja in Abuja byinhis spokesman, bordering According him, the Fagbemi, strain, exposed national promising leaked questions. The registrar saidtothatand of the 41,027 examinations suchvaluable assubmitted Joint Admissions withheld overAddeh exam malpractices, Emmanuel in Abuja the and Nigerians and createa Alex include film negatives featuring Sussex,ofthis was inwas Florida, promote, tonarratives preserve, and Women's Associations the first thematic dialogue under disclosed atarrested a mediayesterday. briefing November 2024, a total of 8,637 debit Government Secretariat the charge having been filed by Although, they pleaded not revive and rebuild the national He said their results had also been underage candidates who registered, and Matriculation Board (JAMB), decrease from 123 in the previous year. wrong impression that the outside positive models to rebuild the Adeola Adelabu, said yesterday. equipment, comprising highassets to deterioration and led adult manlife. with naked “preyesterday, over allegations he cards toanprolong not to Nigeria’s chairmanship, which Nigeria (FOMWAN), led in Abuja. were distributed toIt's beneficiaries, At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Fed- guilty the Inspector General ofdemurrage Police, was to all the charges, the judge values and create positive models withheld to set a stern example. only 467 met the high-performance Junior and Senior West African Oloyede said the Board remained world is having about the country . national values." conveyed government' s approval stakeholder participation in health the federal government’s Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The government did not say why capacity transformers, cables to accumulation of The Federal Ministry of Power has is being co-chaired by Nigeria Ahmed revealed that no pubescent” girls, and a witness possessed child sexual abuse amounting to N647,775,000, making launched the distribution of the by its National Amirah, Dr. shorten it. The government resolute in its commitment to eralInHigh Court inhe Abuja, yesterday, incompetent and askedexaminations the court to however, ordered that they some cases, said, the entire criteria, with onedefendant. disqualified duebe to and Examination Council High Court which had dismissed other witness testimonies, Igbintade atthe theequipment 5th the Ministerial Oversight sector governance. commitment to1,3,4,5,6, strengthening and the Kingdom ofa Spain, and Wale fewer thanHope six million people current phase significant was detained by and andone switchgear, was procured andunreliable other charges. Renewed Debit Hamza. Cards to the secured the release of 98 containers dismissed identified adult material, including sexually application bycentres two strike out counts and 7 of is“positively doing everything tothe secure remanded at malpractice. the Kuje Correctional Sumaye Fadimatu syndicates colluded with CBT examination as well as IELTS. eliminating any form of examination his no-case and quashed At lower court, Justice Raliatu those of PW9, PW10, theof social safety net. thousands of beneficiaries aseffort partof expansion isthe focusing on youth, education were displaced inthat Nigeria, while Committee (MOC) held in Abuja Asthe ofpending efforts to reinforce health sector governance, The federal government has Rivers Statesubmission, indigenes challenging the Customs in the first place. to expand the transmission minister noted that the theThe charge or strike strike outand Center, the hearing of including of transmission equipment man as of Markle,” according to The explicit photographs release all who are He vowed no to register usingcharge multiple fingerprints. He bail said that the Board remained Theas 2025 UTME results released addingLagos that 1,957,000 the 12-count filed against Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC PW11, well as Exhibits P59–P61. Court of Appeal, Division, the “We understand the economic malpractice, of the federalofgovernment’s National and innovation. thousands refugees are living jurisdiction of the court to try entire suit for been incompetent. their application fixed for yesterday, said that the committee state financing compliance, deepening accountability across approved N32,880,443,906.25 Tegbe 44 containers were network and relieve overloaded cost of the delay was being borne stranded at the nation’s ports for the documents. himself with minors, the(NSIP), Justice captured," he said. will be spared to the challenges regard,were has and approved your indicated that Governor Seyi that Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan to him, as aFinancial result of had committed providing necessary byThe JAMB on of May 5 had elicited candidates verified to sit for by thealleged Economic and established a prima facie case Court Appeal agreed, has discharged acquitted a himAccording that many of holds our people Social Investment Programme over complicity in the Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. February 2,toas well asthe the motion The meeting, May elsewhere across thefacilitate world. has so farthe disbursed aHouse total of the Committee directed the holding implementing institutions, under second quarter, 2026 released from the ENL Terminal substations. daily by Nigerians, including over athe decade, raising hope ofina them suspension as the Onido ofof Ido Makinde approved the suspension Markle, 82,which was Department this, 3,656 with “extraneous support for persons with disabilities widespread concerns morenot than Crimes Commission (EFCC). some of the counts and ordered that the appellant was a He lauded FOMWAN for the exam while 71,705 were absent. former Director General the safe return ofannounced. captives, while and this programme isexpected a clear implemented in collaboration with face burning ofcandidates Rivers State of on Simon Lough, SAN,asurged the of the 1st and 2nd defendants 13th to 14th, 2025, is expected to “We have 15,000 Nigerians who The Oyo State Government, yesthe area of authority of Ido Local on 1st of February, 2024. N290 under thetheir initiative. MOC to issue formal improving coordination among BHCPF disbursement memo Assembly while 54 were released from Akpobolokemi HeSecretariat that the businesses forced to spend more stronger and more dependable The billion EFCC accused andtertiary his co-defendant the VIMSAS Committee; Nigerian Maritime Administration fingerprints” have had results aspiring toexplained pursue education. 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates According to him, 2,157 candidates to make histhat initial appearance Heto State isreturn charged with one demonstration the that government the Ondo Government through complex in Port Harcourt, court toofdismiss the application challenging the jurisdiction of member its steadfast contributions reaffirming the government's feature discussions would want to the country terday, suspended Oba Investment Gbolagade stands Area ofrejections Oyo State." Thewith letteryou,” readthe ingovernor part, "I wish to Government Akpobolokemi of conspiracy, open their notresults a signatory to any of the and Safetyelectricity Agency (NIMASA), TheAPMT meeting also approved communication all2025 36 the states toof and stakeholders, andreleased accelerating added. withheld, andand some CBT He said that forto the UTME, whose scored the Sun & centres Moon to prolonged detention onlacking alternative power, households tonational sustain implementation of Rivers the National Social experienced fingerprint due grid. State. for in were merit. the court to defence. entertain suit in His the U.S. District count of possession child guide toyesterday, national development, commitment to we strengthening policy direction, shape voluntarily, and alsoofOnido have Muritala Babalola, as the Itsuspected directed Oba Babalola to hand stealing, inform you that Excellency, the Patrick and forgery in connection Akpobolokemi, through his Committee’s accounts. Akpobolokemi, of alleged He further disclosed that efforts Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Programme Agency (NSIPA). According to Lough, besides against them. implicated will face sanctions. a total of 501 candidates were below 200. A breakdown of the results to registration infractions, modalities to commence inclusion reiterate responsibilities relating to implementation of ongoing Terminals, bringing the total the cargoes stalled critical enduring incessant interruptions healthcare services nationwide. Minister of Power, Mr. Court for theefforts Middle District pornography, according to a cooperative among not lessinthan 100,000 foreigners describing association as of Ido Ido Local Government national security. all million government properties in Prince Executive Governor of Oyo of over with alleged transfers from the Collinsexamined Ogbonna and The court further held that he N754.8 fraud. Lukman Oladele, ongoing toorigin, expand theState state’s Sections and 66Monday of the Police Ezebalike andprojects, Oladele had Addressing the gathering, the are He identified the centres as lawyers successfully by Kunle JAMB released by4JAMB on showed figure, he said, wasChairman far above soillegal far to 98 out ofwere over transmission kept neither and public institutions struggling ofreleased private sector actors within the counterpart funding obligations health sector reforms under the Tegbe, announced the among The Coordinating Minister countries transit and a Joseph living in the this country asand refugees. Area of state. possession todecision the Nigeria, inof exercise the Florida in Tampa, thepowers Justice criminal complaint, thea deep NBC aofvital partner inofpromoting The SGF underscored account of the VIMSAS Committee. appealed the ruling, signed nor approved any In a unanimous delivered five persons charged with Gbolahan, Acts that empower them to bring argued that by the provisions social register to accommodate more his governor expressed joy Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) acceptable margins and currently The government, in a letter dated Ido localthe government. Incourt the terrorism conferred on him by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive All these are theof responsibilities 300 held atThe theothers ports. existing substations under heavy to maintain essential services. Ministerial Oversight Committee and fund commitments. national agenda towarddefendants, achieving in appellate Lagos, statement ofdevelopment Health and SocialaWelfare, Department said. reported. He containers wasand originally arraigned with arguing thenationwide. EFCC to withdrawal instructions internal yesterday, murder. the charge against of theequity Terrorism Act, it isfailed only the peace, advocacy, unity and the vital role faith-based households, that of sense ofFebruary, responsibility, noting that vulnerable International School, Maitama, across 11that centres scored between 160the andor199, while under investigation. 2nd of 2024 and signed meantime, the stateAli government 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger of the commission, tostep give them no framework to strengthen broader In his remarks, Pate reaffirmed Universal Health Coverage. Prof. Muhammad Pate who several others, but the charges were link him to any wrongdoing and memos related to the alleged are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga allowed Akpobolokemi’s appeal, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Attorney General of the Federation vulnerable household should be the initiative is a bold towards social progress. organisations in addressing According to Oloyede, the results 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) "A total of 39, 834 results remain Abuja, Wudil Computer Information by the Commissioner for Local

Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, US Death Toll in Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 920 Presidential CNG Initiative Launches New Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership Abuja Facility as PrivatePlaces Funding Hits $2.6bn 1,426 results under scrutiny

Total refuelling stations reach 106, 170 more inhow pipeline, says Ahmed Globacom: our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo, Akume Assures Nigerians Nominates NOA DG: FGCommissioners to Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

in Captivity of Freedom

FG to Repatriate 15,000 Nigerians Stranded Abroad Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO, Executive Meghan Markle’s Father Arrested in Florida Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse Material

Burningof98 Rivers Assembly Complex:Containers CourtDismisses Customs Releases of 300 Stranded Pate: FG Has after Disbursed N32.88bn Application Challenging Competence of Charge to Power Minister FG's Intervention

Basic for Q2Fraud 2026 Appeal CourtHealthcare Acquits Ex-NIMASA DGFund Akpobolokemi in N754.8m Case

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

INVESTMENT AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY...

L-R: Executive Producer, Adonis Production (RivExcel Group), Prince Tonye Princewill; Chief Executive Officer CANEX Creations Incorporated, Osahan Akpata, and Chairperson of the Board of CANEX Creations Incorporated (CCInc), Mrs. Kanayo Awani, during the Investment Agreement Signing ceremony on the side of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX WKND 2026) ongoing at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Iganmu, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

EFCC Recovers N1.233trn, Secures 10,872 Convictions in 34 Months Tracks down foreign nationals operating illegal refinery in South-West

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N1.233 trillion, alongside an unspecified amount of foreign currency, the Commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has said. He added that the Commission had also secured 10,872 convictions within the same period. Speaking at a joint press conference by spokespersons of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in Abuja,

Oyewale said the landmark recoveries covered a 34-month period, from October 1, 2023, to July 31, 2026, under the leadership of Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. He also confirmed the discovery of an illegal refinery in the South-west and the arrest of foreign nationals in connection with illegal lithium processing plants. He said, "I can confirm that we uncovered the facility. You will recall that on October 23, we arrested 14 Chinese nationals and a Nigerian along the same

Olam Agri Commences Development of $70m New Integrated Feed Mill Dike Onwuamaeze Olam Agri has commenced the development of its new $70 million Integrated Feed Mill facility in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. The new investment will have capacity to deliver 1,500-tonneper-day poultry feed mill, a 300-tonne-per-day aqua feed mill and 125,000-tonne silo bag storage upon completion in 2027. It will further strengthen and expand Olam’s animal feed operations in West Africa and mark another significant milestone in the company's expanding investment in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Feeds and Proteins, Olam Agri in Nigeria, Mr. Amit Agarwal, said "At Olam Agri, we believe building a resilient food system requires a sustained investment in local production, infrastructure and the partnership that connects farmers’ businesses and consumers. “The ground breaking of our new Integrated Feed Mill reflects our confidence in Nigeria's

agricultural potential and our commitment to strengthening our capabilities across food and feed. “By establishing production capacity closer to customers in the South-south and South-east, we aim to improve access to quality animal feed, support the productivity of livestock farmers and contribute to the development of a more efficient and competitive livestock sector.” He acknowledged the support of the Delta State Government, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in facilitating the project, noting that the company looks forward to working closely with the government, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the host community to ensure that the investment delivers meaningful and sustainable benefits. Highlighting the investment potential to stimulate economic and agricultural development in the state, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, said "We are delighted to witness the commencement of this important investment by Olam Agri in Delta State.

axis for allegedly operating illegal lithium processing plants. "The earlier arrests and subsequent investigations made it difficult to immediately

apprehend the operators of the illegal refinery, as the activities were taking place within the same operational area. "We subsequently returned

to the location as part of our expanded investigation to establish whether the illegal activities were still ongoing. However, when we arrived,

nobody was present at the facility. "We discovered the refinery and its equipment, but no arrests were made during that operation. Our investigations are still ongoing."

Mbah Empowers Vulnerable Residents with 520 Grinding Machines, Targets 520 Beneficiaries Inaugurates administrators for Enugu's 68 development centres, tasks them on grassroots governance

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

In a bid to promote grassroots enterprise and reduce poverty, the Enugu State Government has distributed 520 grinding machines to indigent and vulnerable residents across the state. Also, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the newly appointed 68 Administrators to take charge of the Development Centres of the state, tasking on prioritising grassroots

governance and ensuring effective communication of government policies and projects. The intervention, which forms part of Governor Mbah’s administration’s sustained efforts to expand economic inclusion, would be extended to beneficiaries drawn from all the 260 electoral wards in the state. Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the launching of the initiative in Enugu to

commemorate the International Day of the Poor 2026, said his administration would continue to expand opportunities of livelihood at the grassroots. He stated that the programme reflected his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous Enugu State where every citizen, irrespective of social or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to improve their standard of living. Mbah noted that the distribution went beyond the provision

of equipment, describing it as a practical investment in the economic independence of vulnerable households and an effort to ensure that the benefits of governance were felt directly at the grassroots. According to him, providing beneficiaries with productive assets would enable them to establish viable micro-enterprises, earn sustainable incomes, support their families and contribute to the state's broader economic development.

NAF Recovers Cockpit Voice Recorder from Crashed ATR-42, Investigation Continues in Igbokoda Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded further progress in the recovery and investigation of the ATR-42 aircraft accident in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which technical

teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have confirmed to be intact. Part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), commonly referred to as the black box, was also recovered, while efforts to locate and retrieve the remaining portion

are ongoing. According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains have also been recovered.

"Operations are ongoing in the challenging swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding components and facilitate the necessary technical examinations. The investigation is being conducted with due diligence to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based findings.

Court Convicts 10 For Illegal Dealing in Petroleum Products In Delta Sylvester Idowu inWarri The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State yesterday convicted and sentenced 10 persons for illegal dealing in petroleum products. The convicts were James Terry, Gift Ezewu Godfrey, Obidi Peter Obi, Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi

and Victor Ataria Sule. Others convicted and sentenced to jail by the court, which was presided over by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa were Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, Victor Edem and Sunday Ndem Eyere. The convicts were arraigned on a one-count charge of criminal

conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charge against Victor Edem Udo reads: That you Victor Edem Udo (m) on or about the 8th day of August 2026 at Koko, Warri North Local government Area of

Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did deal in petroleum products (Automotive Gas Oil) AGO which is not of the quality expected of the product and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(18) (a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026

NEWS

THOMAS ADEWUMI UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL FOUNDATION LAYING CEREMONY...

Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi (left) and Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi, unveiling the foundation stone and project signboard at the foundation laying ceremony of Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran, Kwara State…recently

Tinubu: Nigeria Must Stop Trading Without Producing, Build Export-driven Economy Dike Onwuamaeze President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that Nigeria’s trade and industrial policies were designed to reverse the trend whereby the country’s participation in international trade is characterised by trading without production and buying and selling other countries’ goods. President Tinubu stated this yesterday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, during the official opening ceremony of the 40th edition of Lagos International Trade Fair (LAIF) with the theme ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’. The trade fair, which will run from November 6 to November 15, 2026, is being organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Delivering the fair’s keynote address, Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister

of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Senator John Owan Enoh, explained that Nigeria’s industrial policy and its trade policy are two halves of one strategy and not two separate agendas. He said, “Trade without production is merely buying and selling other people's work. “True growth comes when we make things here, when we add value here and when we employ people here. “That is why the Federal Executive Council has approved the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP), which gives us a clear roadmap to strengthen manufacturing, to deepen local value chains and turn our raw materials into finished goods.” He added, “Our industrial policy and our trade policy are not two separate agendas. They are two halves of one strategy.

And neither can succeed without the other. “Industry gives us something to sell. Trade gives us somewhere to sell it. A factory with no access to markets will close its gates. “A trade agreement with

nothing to export only opens our markets to other nations' goods, which is why industry, trade and investment sit together under one ministry, working towards one set of goals. “The Nigerian industrial policy

works hand in hand with the trade policy for Nigeria and the Nigerian investment policy.” He said that industrial parks and special economic zones are serving Nigeria’s export corridors so that when it negotiates under

the African Continental Free Trade Area with global partners, it “bargains for the sectors we are building at home such as textiles and garments, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals and creative industries.”

2027 Election: Situation Room Urges INEC, Judiciary, Security Agencies to be Fair, Just Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has demanded fair political competition, institutional independence, transparent election management and protection of citizens' democratic rights ahead of the 2027 general elections. While assessing preparations

for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for kick off January 16, 2027, the group said developments in the weeks preceding the polls will be as consequential to credibility as voting and collation on election day. In the statement jointly signed: by the Convener, of the Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u and Co-Conveners,

Mma Odi and Celestine Odo the coalition expressed concern over political realignments, internal party disputes, restrictions on political competition, inflammatory rhetoric, election-related violence, questions on electoral technology and the voters' register, and growing scrutiny of independence of electoral

institutions. On the shrinking political space, it cited disputes in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition platforms, and allegations of interference in opposition activities, including ADC's difficulty securing venues in Sokoto for its campaign.

Governors Forum Approves Academy, Lagos Cooperative Authorities Leadership Centre as Flagship Directorate Urge Societies to Invest More Chuks Okocha inAbuja Kunle Adewale

The Lagos State Director of Cooperatives, Dr. Adeyemi Adeyinka, has urged cooperative societies in the state to move beyond traditional thrift and credit activities and embrace well-structured investments capable of generating long-term returns for members and contributing to economic development. Adeyinka made the call during a visit by officials of the state's cooperative authorities to Louisville, a mixed-use development being undertaken by TotalEnergies Staff Housing Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd (TEHC) at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, on Monday, November 2, 2026. The delegation, which included the Deputy Director, Cooperative

Services, Mr. Omotayo Kazeem, was received by TEHC officials, who briefed them on the project's development strategy, financing arrangements, construction progress, safety practices and planned facilities. Speaking during the visit, Adeyinka described Louisville as a laudable project, noting that its scale and ambition demonstrated how cooperative societies could mobilise collective resources to undertake investments that improve members' welfare while creating sustainable income streams. He said such initiatives had the potential to generate economic activity beyond the membership of the societies undertaking them, particularly when supported by effective leadership, sound governance and financial discipline.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has approved the establishment of the NGF Academy and Leadership Centre as a flagship Directorate within its secretariat, delivering executive capacity development, applied

research, governance advisory services, digital innovation and structured peer learning within a unified, non-partisan institutional framework tailored to the governance realities of all 36 states. According to a statement by the Director General of the Governors

Forum, Dr. Abdullatif Shittu, the concept note prepared by the NGF Secretariat, the NGF Academy is designed to build competent, reform-minded and future-ready leaders able to address emerging governance and development challenges at the subnational level. Also, the leadership centre

approaches leadership capability as the route to institutional performance, rather than as a stand-alone activity, and is positioned as the subnational capacity development centre of excellence of the Forum, and as a think-tank and global interface for leadership and innovation.

NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians over Oyo Methamphetamine Laboratory Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians over their alleged involvement in the establishment and operation of a clandestine methamphetamine

laboratory in a forest in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The six defendants were arraigned before Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, establishment of an illicit drug

laboratory and the unlawful handling of chemicals for the production of methamphetamine. The defendants are Mexican nationals Jose Villa Ochoa, 56, and Carrera Loaiza Arturo, 40, alongside four Nigerians identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem

Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43. According to a statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, yesterday, Villa Ochoa and the four Nigerians were arrested on June 17, 2026, by operatives of the agency in a forested area of Tapa Village.

SaturDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026

NEWS

DISCUSSING THE CITIES WE NEED...

L-R: ARISE News Anchor/Event’s Anchor, Ayo Mairo-Ese; General Manager, PrimeTech Design & Engineering, Christian Moessmer; Guest Speaker, Retired Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis; Adeniyi Bamgbade; Dr. Ramatu Aliyu; Dr. Folayinka Dania, and Chairman of PrimeTech Board, Engr. Jafaru Damulak, at an event organised by PrimeTech in Lagos…recently

Olawepo-Hashim: Nigeria Cannot Add Political Violence to Insecurity Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has warned against the growing danger of political violence in Nigeria, declaring that a country already battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats cannot afford to add

politically motivated attacks to its national security crisis. Olawepo-Hashim gave the warning during a solidarity visit to presidential candidate of AAC and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, following an attack on him in Ekiti State. “Nigeria cannot afford to add political violence to the general

insecurity in the land,” OlawepoHashim declared, stressing that attacks on political actors threaten democratic freedoms and national stability. The Accord presidential candidate welcomed the statement by a United Nations representative expressing concern over the incident but called on other international

partners to speak out, insisting that political violence deserves clear and consistent condemnation. Olawepo-Hashim also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution members of his team against rhetoric and actions capable of provoking political confrontation. “The President should call his team to order. They should not

Oyedele Warns Against Repeating Oil Economy Mistakes in Digital Sector

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has cautioned that Nigeria should not allow a repeat of the decades-long mistakes it made in managing its oil economy in the burgeoning digital sector. He recalled that exporting crude oil and importing refined petroleum products deprived Nigeria of substantial domestic value, expertise and employment

opportunities, stressing that the country must not allow a similar pattern to emerge in the digital ecosystem. Oyedele, who gave the admonition at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while delivering the convocation lecture titled: ‘Digital Sovereignty and Ethics: Guarding the Economy for the Next Generation’, noted that Nigeria risks repeating the costly mistakes of its oil economy if it continues to rely heavily on foreign infrastructure for storing

and processing its data instead of harnessing the economic value of its expanding digital sector. The minister maintained that the scale of the opportunity was already evident, citing figures by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showing that Nigeria had more than 157 million active internet subscriptions as at May 2026. However, he pointed to an estimate by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission showing that over 90 per cent of the

country's data is hosted abroad. According to a statement issued by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, the minister observed that such dependence comes at a considerable economic cost, including foreign exchange outflows for offshore data hosting and processing, lost opportunities for local businesses and professionals, and exposure of Nigerian data to foreign laws and jurisdictions.

UK-Nigeria Trade Hits £7.3bn, Britain Seeks Deeper Strategic Partnership

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic and strategic relations with Nigeria, with bilateral trade between both countries reaching £7.3 billion, as the British

government seeks to expand cooperation in investment, education, security, innovation and development. British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pete Vowles, said the partnership was evolving beyond traditional diplomatic relations to embrace

new economic opportunities and shared priorities capable of delivering lasting benefits to both countries. Vowles spoke on Thursday at a reception hosted by the British High Commission in Abuja to celebrate the 78th birthday of King Charles III

and the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. The event, held under the theme, ‘Great Partners for the Future’, brought together Nigerian government officials, business leaders, diplomats and civil society representatives.

Six Nigerian Students Graduate with Distinctions in MSc Digital Health at Bournemouth University Six Nigerian postgraduate graduation ceremony on success to hard work, faith, the same outstanding result. students have graduated with Distinctions in MSc Digital Health from Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, recording an outstanding academic achievement at the institution’s

Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The graduates, Olalekan Oyekanmi, Jessica Morolade Fajoyomi, Emmanuella Ogbu, Deborah Daopuye, Chiamaka Udeh and Chukwuebuka Obiora, attributed their

peer support and collaborative learning. The students said their shared commitment to academic excellence helped them overcome the demands of studying abroad and achieve

According to the graduates, they agreed early in the programme to work towards achieving Distinctions, supporting one another rather than treating their studies as a competition.

provoke war because they would be the first to run away,” he said. The visit also brought to the fore the longstanding relationship between the two pro-democracy activists, dating back to the struggle against military rule. Describing Sowore as a comrade from the early days of the struggle, Olawepo-Hashim said, “Sowore is our own. We brought him into the movement in 1989/1990.” In his response, Sowore expressed gratitude for the visit, describing Olawepo-Hashim as a senior comrade who introduced him to political activism at the University of Lagos. “I am most grateful for this solidarity visit by my senior comrade and colleague, presidential candidate of the Accord Party. He was one of those who brought me into the struggle in UNILAG.

We fought against military rule together when some people ran away,” Sowore said. He declared that the incident would not intimidate him or weaken his commitment to the struggle for democracy. “We are not intimidated, and we shall continue to fight until genuine democracy is established,” he added. The visit highlighted a bond forged during Nigeria’s prodemocracy struggle and reinforced a message that political disagreements must never become a justification for violence. Olawepo-Hashim’s intervention also placed the responsibility for preserving democratic space on political leaders, urging restraint at a time when Nigeria is already grappling with multiple security challenges.

EMI Rejects $120m Fraud Allegation Against Its Co-founder The Energy and Metals Industries Limited (EMI) has rejected allegations that its Co-founder, Dr. Innocent Ozoemena Ezuma, defrauded a foreign investor of approximately $120 million in connection with mining and power development projects in Nigeria, describing media reports on the matter as misleading and lacking the necessary commercial, contractual and regulatory context. The company, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the allegations could not be properly assessed without examining the investment agreements executed by the parties, the corporate structure of their business relationship, project development activities and the judicial proceedings arising from their commercial dealings. EMI maintained that its relationship with the foreign investment partners was established through formal investment and corporate agreements designed to facilitate

mining, energy and industrial projects in Nigeria, rather than a personal financial transaction involving alleged fraud. The company said the relationship dated back to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) executed on March 23, 2008, in Kyiv, Ukraine. According to EMI, the agreement provided for the establishment and development of the company in Nigeria, with a mandate to acquire mineral exploration and extraction licences and develop facilities for mineral production and processing. It said the MoU contemplated an investment portfolio of up to $1.5 billion, with approximately 20 per cent of the proposed investment to be contributed by the investor through interest-free credits, while the balance was expected to be sourced from independent financial institutions. The agreement also provided for equal participation in the company's capital by the authorised representatives of the founders, it added.

SaturDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026

NEWS XTRA

UNVEILING CNG INTEGRATED REFUELLING STATION...

L-R: Executive Chairman/CEO, Presidential Initiative on CNG and EVs, Ismaeel Ahmed; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rolling Energy Limited, Mubarak Umar Danbatta; Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Peter Fashedemi, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Rolling Energy Ltd, Uzzy Amam, during the Ribbon Cutting Event of CNG Integrated Refueling Unit (IRU), Station, Kuru Abuja, held in New Karu Road, Saint George Akume Way, Karu, Abuja...... yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

FG to Senate: We Can’t Fund Existing Universities, Stop Creating New Ones

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, begging the National Assembly to stop creating new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for seven years. According to him, of the N1.3 trillion promised for the revitalisation of public universities between 2013 and 2018, only N250 billion which is less than 20 per cent was released between 2013 and 2021. Also, of additional N150 billion approved in 2025 for Needs Assessment Intervention, only N50 billion was released. In the memo dated November 2, 2026, marked FME/DUE/ NASS/153/Vol.1/147 and sighted in Abuja yesterday, Alausa warned that Nigeria is funding failure and spreading scarce resources across more institutions while existing ones collapse for lack of lecture halls, laboratories, hostels and lecturers. According to the minister, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had already approved the seven-

year moratorium at its meeting of August 13, 2025. The moratorium, he said, was to halt the "growing proliferation" of institutions, duplication of programmes, under-utilisation of facilities and the government's declining capacity to fund the sector, but despite the policy, bills for new institutions have continued to flood the Senate. "The immediate challenge confronting the tertiary education sector is not merely the expansion of access, but the urgent need to strengthen existing institutions," Alausa stated. The moratorium, he added, would allow the government to "consolidate existing investments and improve the quality and carrying capacity of institutions already established." Alausa listed the deficits confronting federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to include inadequate lecture halls, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient laboratories, shortages of qualified personnel, accommodation deficits and deteriorating facilities. "Spreading limited resources across more institutions without

FG, Dettol, Wellbeing Foundation Africa Champion Hand Washing Hygiene Dettol commemorated Global Handwashing Day 2026 with activities across Lagos Kano, Rivers and Abuja, equipping students and communities with practical handwashing skills and encouraging them to champion better hygiene. The activities aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Be a Handwashing Hero’, which calls on individuals to make handwashing a daily habit and inspire others to do the same. According to UNICEF, 3 in 5 Nigerians do not have basic handwashing facilities at home, highlighting the continued need for collective action to improve access to hygiene education, facilities and behaviour change

interventions. In Abuja, the commemoration took place in Kwali Area Council in collaboration with The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, bringing together government representatives, development partners and community leaders to advance efforts to improve hand hygiene and prevent infectious diseases. Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, highlighted the need for coordinated action to improve hand hygiene nationwide.

addressing the challenges confronting existing ones could further weaken the quality of tertiary education," he warned. "These funding gaps demonstrate the difficulty of meeting existing obligations and raise legitimate concerns

about the capacity to sustain additional institutions without corresponding and guaranteed budgetary provisions." The minister cited Ekiti and Imo states as proof of what happens when politics outruns funding. "The institutions established

without sustainable funding arrangements may subsequently require costly restructuring, merger or integration by successor administrations," he warned. Alausa drew attention to Australia, Finland, Japan, the United States and South

Africa which are countries that have undertaken mergers and consolidation to cut costs, eliminate duplication, improve governance and strengthen research. Nigeria, he argued, should do the same and prioritise viability and quality over numbers.

Remi Babalola: Lifelong Learning, Digital Competence, Innovation, Keys to Success The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, and former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, has charged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, digital competence, and innovation as critical pathways to success in an increasingly technologydriven global economy. Speaking at the university's 6th Convocation Ceremony, Mr.

Babalola emphasised that the future of higher education lies not merely in awarding degrees, but in preparing graduates with the skills, adaptability, and mindset required to thrive amid rapid technological and economic transformation. A statement quoted the former minister to have said Artificial Intelligence (AI) was fundamentally reshaping industries and redefining the future of work, making it

imperative for universities to equip graduates with competencies that extend beyond traditional academic qualifications. "Today's employers increasingly seek individuals who possess digital competence, creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, and the capacity for lifelong learning. While a degree remains valuable, sustained relevance in the workplace will depend on one's willingness to continuously

acquire new knowledge and skills," he said. Babalola reaffirmed KolaDaisi University's commitment to integrating AI literacy, digital readiness, ethical reasoning and critical thinking into its academic programmes, noting that the institution intends to remain at the forefront of preparing students for emerging opportunities in the twenty-first century economy.

Awogbenle to Deliver Lecture on Fuel Subsidy Debate at Unilorin Nigerian writer, development economist and founder of Policraft, Seun Awogbenle, will deliver a public lecture on the fuel subsidy debate at the National Policy Discourse of the Institute for Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin. The discourse, themed, ‘Interrogating the Political-Economic Substance of the Debate on Fuel Subsidy Removal versus Restoration: Which Should Interest Nigerians?’, will bring together staff, doctoral and master's students of the institute, undergraduates of the university and members of the general public

for a discussion on the fuel subsidy debate. According to the convener and Director of the Institute, Dr. Adebola Bakare, Awogbenle was selected in recognition of his background as a development economist and his expertise in policy design and analysis, as well as his nearly decade-long public commentary on local and international platforms, including the BBC. Bakare said, “The National Policy Discourse of the Institute of Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin, has been established as a

platform for policy conversation on issues that impact Nigerians the most. With a number of interventions on the fuel subsidy debate, Awogbenle’s background, knowledge and demonstrated expertise on the subject would enrich the discourse and leave participants with greater clarity.” Speaking on the discourse, Awogbenle said the fuel subsidy reform was one of Nigeria’s most consequential policies since the 1970s, adding that the debate surrounding the reform and its fallout had continued to generate wider conversations about the

relationship between reform and hardship, as well as the precarious nature of public policy. “More than three years into the reforms, the country is yet to build consensus around the issue, and with only days left before the election, conversations like National Policy Discourse 2.0 could help to provide a better understanding of the policy and get more people behind the broader reforms, which I believe are necessary for the jobs, direct investments, businesses, and growth we want to see in the economy.

PSC Deploys Ogarabe, Three Other New CPs to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa, Ondo

The Police Service Commission has approved the deployment of four new Commissioners of Police to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo states following interviews conducted to determine their suitability for the commands. CP Fidelis Ogarabe, who was

the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Annex, Lagos, was deployed to Enugu State. Other officers deployed are CP Sunday J.A. Okoebor, formerly Commissioner of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, who was posted

to Plateau State; CP Sheikh Mohammed Danko, formerly Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Annex, Lagos, was deployed to Nasarawa State; and CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, formerly Commissioner of Police, Special Inquiry, Force Headquarters,

Abuja, was posted to Ondo State. The PSC approved the postings on Thursday at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, PSC Headquarters, Abuja, according to a statement by the Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu.

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT 13

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Go for Goals... What a waste!

Samaila Bala Freed Bail Attacks In Praise President Buhari Stopon Ritual The Millennials and Genof Z Are Right spoke recently with Dr Abdullahi, comes this development. It commends ifty years ago, a group of London — are the very ones ocKillings the registrar of the Sharia Court of Zamfaraand authorities for reviewing

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in young cupying the oftransparency power today. Bala's case. The Advocacy for Alleged and accountability. Appeal in Zamfara. He informed many black respects. students As a result of posed many other factors including badseats of theirthat toes and at bay through the had and untold level of corruption, The government could not that After he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) state authorities Witches has campaigned with local for governance an evening photoshoot generation waskeeping giventreasury looters onme EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved curb unnecessary live up tonear its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the the Nigerian public to stop ritual decided totorelease Samailaspending Bala on and urges international organisations for London Bridge. They everything to build the nation habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part federal and state levels. attacks and killings because the notion bail. He said I should send someone Bala's freedom. AfAW sent letters to had amiable Afro cuts, sharp suits, is now presiding over a nation of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried of ritual money and wealth is completely to currency perfectbythe bail so Samaila would baseless. the governor, the Attorney General, and confident ofinthem everyone wants tofrittered leave.away billions in foreign importing goods, which can AfAW is making this call following the out was the approvalsmiles. of billionsMost of Naira bailout funds to enable state be producedhave at home. suchfreed items was rice, a major staple among him reported arrest of suspected ritualistsProsecuin Oyo State governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those our bailoutgeneration immediately. I thanked and the Director of Public were there on a Northern Nigeria So, does a One of be Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one in tions, southern Nigeria.them The local media reported funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears and contacted the state coordinator urging to review Bala's government scholarship. legitimate right to be frustrated? hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually. that members of the Western Nigeria Security of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a of the National Human Rights Comcase and release him. It was more than a photograph. Are Millennials and Gen Z really And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists ticking bomb. Zamfara, delighted that theman. prayers of rice and in the process had mission nudged thein country into selfinforming sufficiency in him with AfAW the bodyisparts of a 73-year-old and they would readily remind you of how long it It Ask wastheanaysayers statement of national lazy? He also created of jobs for young in the The who wereand apprehended took President Buhari toambitious appoint his ministers of millions the good news. Hepeople agreed torice send havesuspects, been granted Bala willinbethe pride. A young, nationand how that Wecontributed are nottolazy.food Weproduction. are tired. value chain. areafrom in Ibadan, said that a Muslim collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. someone to perfect the bail. It must Boluwaji released jail soon. AfAW is of investing innarrative its future sending Tired of paying tomost leave What is admirable about President Buhari and his government is cleric asked them to procure some human body But buying that would— amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, heavily be recalled that an Upper Sharia court the view that other Nigerians like its best and brightest world a country that once paidmanagement people of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. its frugal parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread Chimamanda Adichie, termed to “thethe danger of a single story”. Yet the whole remanded Bala oil forrevenue witchcraft Bala could be languishing Recall that since stepped in Mr the saddle, droppedand in Samaila Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to in story was that manyreturn of our citizens not know so they could and did build the howtodecrepit leavea state and return. Tired of President Buhari abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all thethis big promises he made to make money or become wealthy andcountry successful President Buhari inherited in 2015. juju in June year. jails in different parts of the country. being told to be patient by people citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background Witchcraft and Juju are offences for similar non-existent offences or their grandchildren who cooperate have never had to struggle. President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could strongly believe in blood money, known in ofToday, the fact that the departing government are did not, reportedly, full that do not exist under Nigerian law. some merely trumped-up charges. The not dream of. for local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) well with the incoming government in terms workable posting a similar photoshoot in of leavingTired ofhandover being called entitled the trains are up andBala's runningimprisonment daily from Abuja towas Kaduna. And and unjust for Alleged Witches urges or Advocacy Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they Although President Goodluck in defeat, many anotes. London restaurant. SameJonathan city, was gracious demanding the basicToday, opportunities from Lagos to Ibadan a brandillegal. new rail track become or successful through ritual of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal It is was an started abuseand ofcompleted; his fundamen- could court and rich, prison officers to be vigilant similar pose, but a completely our grandparents were handed on citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the tal rights. Local sources confirmed and report such cases for immediate different story. a platter. country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, Buhari government. to the Advocacy forPresident Alleged Witches or action and intervention. the way this government is going, before 2023 when the would reality. Home movies known as Africa Even with and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP There isthe noobvious government scholarSaifullahi Attahir, President, leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all remanded of its economicfor the magic or Nollywood films not helped appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making that Bala had been Leo Igwe directs thehave Advocacy for ship this time. National Association of Jigawa matters. These movies continue to reinforce things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair advantages. same offence in 2020 and 2024. The Alleged Witches are there paying State Medical Students (NAJIMS), Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja these mistaken notions and other superstitions. ofThey a broken country. Theafter first thing he did close was to identify all possible sources Advocacy for Alleged Witches welFamilies, churches, mosques, and other public of income to the nation directed all inflows beFederal University Dutse to N10 million inand visa fees,thatagent institutions do not encourage the interrogation paid into onesurvival single account in line the to policy of fees, and costs —with just of these traditional occult beliefs. There are Single Treasury Account (TSA). search forpolicy, a menial job.wasCare shifts, T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these The TSA interestingly, mooted by the EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE warehouse jobs, jobs. Jobs irrational andseems paranormal claims in schools,of PDP government but itssecurity penchant for imprudence here to be a shortage DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU colleges, and universities. So millions of and lack of accountability the courage T HMANAGING E SAT U RDIRECTOR DAY N EENIOLA W S PABELLO PER that barely pay thedenied bills,it but are of teachers in blindly many believing countries but a EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA Nigerians grow up that they implementing the policy. What the President literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU still more dignified than what CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN OGBU ADENIYI DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA lesson in economics might help could make money through ritual sacrifice of did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box EDITOR NATION’SDIRECTOR CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING ENIOLA BELLO awaits them at home. humansolve body parts. The belief has led many and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for the shortage. MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Nigerians to commit crimes and has perpetrate any thief they to comesee close. And it as a personal THE EDITORIAL OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE It is reported that Elon Musk donated CHAIRMAN BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed Who can blame President forwho almostcan developing triumph. Andthehonestly, EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN about $483m during the US midterm elecor are undergoing court trials due to ritualparanoia over the safeguard of the national treasury THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE blame them?andTheir and looting tions without anymurder. real success as most related attacks and with revelations reportsfriends of mind-boggling family floodin the the16comment sections, Not candidates too long ago, he the police arrested some that took place years of the PDP? With of the backed didn't get T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D young Nigerians for stealing female pants, such disclosures of how billions for fighting congratulating them formeant escaping EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA elected. If we use a salary of about $50,000, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, and for building a new life where forAfAW a younger that would pay TH I S DAY N E WNWOGWUGWU, S PA P E R S LEMMANUEL I M I T E D EFENI ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA is asking teacher, all Nigerians to desist from a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA they can at least fulfill their DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE almost 10,000 extra teachers. If he made ritual-related abuses because ritual money bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLAOJOGUN BELLO, KAYODE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR VICTORKOMOLAFE, DANBOYI beliefs baseless each superstitions. Nigerian was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back potential. the samearedonation year, but to teacher ISRAEL IWEGBU SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH media, schools, andbe colleges should help inWe national spending. now celebrate escaping the DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORSASSOCIATE salaries, he would praised by all. Other SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE educate and reorient the public. They should Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI very country their grandparents billionaires should think about that too, it's assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO SNR.PRINTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH were sponsored build. Theup to resume great Karma and some of you will need killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. remained comatose for to years, was woken ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com LeoKarma. Igwe directs thedo Advocacy formore Alleged its duties. Apart fromThe the trillions of Naira of looted CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI that Which we need of, deepest irony? beneficiaries Witches or (AfAW) funds andformer property recovered from corrupt politicians DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO teachers politicians? of that scholarship — the

Teaching Economics

classmates of those young men in

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

Dennis Fitzgerald, 28 Landale St., Box Hill, Vic., Australia

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026

NEWS XTRA

IMPACT SURVEY DISSEMINATION FORUM...

L-R: Deputy Director, Epidemiology and Strategic Information, US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Ibrahim Dalhatu; Chief Executive Officer, APIN, Dr. Jay Osi Samuel; Country Deputy Director, US Center for Disease Controls and Prevention, Dr. Gbolahan Cole; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Health Assistance Coordinator, Office of the Department of State US Embassy Abuja, Omoshalewa Oyelaran, and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Aids Control Agency, Dr. Folakemi Amimashaun, at the Lagos State Art Impact Survey (AIS) Dissemination forum held in Lagos recently

Dangote's Industrial Expansion Drives Brand Dominance as Nigerian Firms Outpace Multinationals Group records highest-ever brand strength score of 89.7, leads consumer trust survey

Omalabake Fasogbon Dangote Industries Limited's expanding investments in petroleum refining, cement, fertiliser and other strategic sectors have reinforced its position as Nigeria's leading corporate brand, as a new report reveals that indigenous companies have overtaken multinationals in the country's brand rankings for the first time. The 2026 Top 50 Brands Nigeria report placed Dangote at the top of the country's corporate brand league table with a record Brand Strength Measurement Index score of 89.7, ahead of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and Access Bank. The assessment also showed

that Nigerian-owned companies now occupy 27 of the 50 leading brand positions, compared with 23 multinationals, signalling a significant shift in the balance of corporate influence in Africa's most populous country. Dangote's performance was particularly notable for the strength of its consumer perception ratings, with the conglomerate emerging as Nigeria's most trusted brand, the first brand respondents spontaneously recalled and the brand they considered most indispensable. The Group attracted 30.3 per cent of spontaneous first brand mentions and 22.7 per cent in the "Can't Do Without" category, underscoring its extensive recognition across the Nigerian market. The report attributed the

Group's brand strength partly to its industrial footprint across cement, sugar, flour, fertiliser and petroleum, as well as its social investments through the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The findings provide an indication of how large-

scale industrial investments are contributing to the reputation and market standing of indigenous Nigerian businesses. Dangote's operations span several sectors central to the country's productive economy,

including construction materials, agriculture, food processing and energy. Its petroleum refining operations have also expanded its presence in a sector historically characterised by Nigeria's dependence on imported refined

Court Grants Doris Ogala N30m Bail, Warns Against Witness Intimidation

Wale Igbintade

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted Nollywood actress Doris Ogala bail in the sum of N30 million in her alleged cyberstalking case involving Pastor Chris Okafor, while imposing strict conditions barring her from harassing,

intimidating or interfering with prosecution witnesses. Justice Akintayo Aluko, in a ruling on the actress's bail application, ordered her release on two sureties in like sum, emphasising the need to balance her constitutional right to personal liberty with the protection of the

judicial process. The judge, who considered the application dated October 26, 2026, and filed on October 27, 2026, exercised his discretion under Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to admit the defendant to bail in the interest of justice.

TINUBU, SHETTIMA FIRE SALVOS AT OBI, ATIKU, TAKE 2027 RE-ELECTION BATTLE TO SOUTH-SOUTH decades in public life. He argued that political experience should be assessed by tangible accomplishments, the development of successors and the ability to sustain political structures, rather than the length of time spent occupying public offices. “The presidency is not a retirement benefit for long years in politics. It is a responsibility that must be earned through ideas, competence, organisation, public confidence and demonstrable results,” Shettima declared. He questioned Atiku's political influence in Adamawa State, challenging him to identify governors and deputy governors he had nurtured who remained committed to his current political ambition. Shettima maintained that a presidential candidate seeking to unite Nigeria should demonstrate the ability to reconcile competing interests within his immediate political constituency. “Charity, they say, begins at home. It does not end there, certainly. But what does not take root at home can hardly be expected to flourish elsewhere,” he said.

The Vice President also raised questions about businesses associated with Atiku, including Gotel Communications, Adamawa Plastics and Adama Beverages, saying their performance deserved scrutiny because the former Vice President had repeatedly presented his entrepreneurial experience as a qualification for managing Nigeria's economy. He contrasted Atiku's political record with Tinubu's leadership of Lagos State, where former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, alongside incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had continued to identify with the President's political structure. “The question is no longer how long you have been in politics; it is what your years in politics have built, whom you have raised and what has endured,” he said. Shettima also criticised Obi, accusing him of squandering the political goodwill he previously enjoyed through what he described as falsehoods and misleading statistics. “Peter Obi has clearly messed up and squandered away his

products. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, one of the Group's most significant industrial investments, featured prominently in the publication's assessment of its growing economic influence.

goodwill. He no longer excites when he speaks these days. He only draws suspicions,” he said. On his part, Akpabio commended the six South-South governors for their developmental strides and support for the APC, assuring them that the National Assembly had provided a strong foundation for Tinubu to complete the structures he had laid. He also thanked the President for approving the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture, a Federal University of Technology and a Police Academy in Akwa Ibom State, reiterating that the South-South states stood firmly with the APC. Akpabio's remarks came as he praised the President's leadership and the cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government. Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Yilwatda, maintained that the ruling party would not need electoral manipulation to secure Tinubu's re-election, citing the administration's achievements and the party's expanding political structures. “We don't need to rig. We

don't need to add one vote to Mr President. He can win squarely,” he declared. Yilwatda said Tinubu received more than 10 million votes durig the party's presidential primary, exceeding the votes he secured in the 2023 general election. He also cited the APC's numerical strength among governors, federal lawmakers, state legislators and local government chairmen as evidence of its organisational capacity. The National Chairman defended Tinubu's economic reforms, highlighting investments in infrastructure, education, consumer credit, student loans and support for small businesses. He said the administration's policies were positioning Nigeria towards the President's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Yilwatda particularly commended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Calabar-ItuIkot Ekpene road projects, saying they would improve transportation, reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade across the region. Similarly, Director-General of

the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, insisted that the ruling party would not manipulate the 2027 election, maintaining that Tinubu's achievements were sufficient to earn him another mandate. “We are not going to rig the election, but Nigerians are going to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu because he has laid the foundation for a better Nigeria,” he said. Yari set a target of at least 1.6 million votes for Tinubu in Akwa Ibom, challenging the party's leadership to mobilise eligible voters. He also challenged opposition politicians over complaints about hunger and unemployment, arguing that the government had introduced programmes to support farmers, small businesses, market women and job creation. “What programme do you have in place that is better than what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has today? “In terms of unemployment, what do you have in place that Asiwaju has not put in place that you are going to present to Nigerians?” he asked.

As part of the bail conditions, the court directed Ogala and her sureties to undertake to maintain good behaviour and refrain from attacking, harassing or intimidating prosecution witnesses or engaging in any conduct capable of undermining the integrity of the proceedings.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the South-South governors, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, applauded Tinubu for the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), among other legacy projects. He also commended Eno for the massive turnout of supporters at the stadium. “The Coastal Highway is a masterpiece. No President, living or dead, ever conceived it. All six governors of the South-South are solidly behind you. Carry go,” Diri assured the President. At a reception in his honour at the 70-hectare Arise Palm Resort, Eno told Tinubu that he felt fulfilled by the approval of the Ibom Deep Sea Port project. President-General of the Akwa Ibom Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, His Eminence Dr Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, expressed pride in identifying with the administration and prayed for the President's success in his second-term bid.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS XTRA

TOP 50 BRANDS...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, TOP50 Brands Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede; CEO, Jasek Communications Limited, Dr. Joseph Okonma; CEO Ladybird Adv, Mrs. Bunmi Oke; Group Chief Operating Officer, BUA GROUP, Mr. Chimaobi Madueke; Director of Administration, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita; and Acting Group Head of Corporate Communications BUA Group, Mr. Tim Shogbehinde, during the Brand Nigeria Leadership Forum and Awards 2026 in Lagos…recently

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION...

L-R: Application Group Manager, Nestle, Ugwulebo Ijeoma; Category Manager, Golden Morn, Omofasa Orhiunu; Factory Human Resources Manager, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Agbara, Olawunmi Adelanwa; Factory Manager, Agbara, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Talla Fall; Plant Manager, Culinary, Sami Oluwatobi; and the Category Development Manager, Healthy Cereal Solutions, Anthonia Omonay; during Golden Morn 40th anniversary in Lagos...recently

Jimoh Ibrahim Presides Over Key UN Elections, PAGE 15 Orders Ballot Boxes Opened Before Voting

Sunday Ehigiator

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has presided over elections into key committees

of the United Nations General Assembly, directing that ballot boxes be opened for inspection before voting commenced. The elections, conducted under the Fifth Committee during the 81st Session of the UN General

Assembly, covered positions in the International Civil Service Commission, Investment Committee, Independent Audit Advisory Committee, Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ),

Abia PDP Backs Tinubu's Re-election, Demands Reciprocity in Governorship Race Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying the decision is anchored on equity, fairness and mutual political cooperation. The declaration was made on Thursday in Umuahia by the

State Chairman of the party and Deputy Governorship Candidate, Elder Amah Abraham, during the inauguration of the Abia State Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC) for the President's reelection. Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, and the leadership and membership of the party in the state, Amah affirmed the chapter's commitment

to Tinubu's second-term ambition under the National Rainbow Coalition initiative championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike. He said the decision was informed by the party's commitment to political cooperation and its belief that the broader interests of Abia State should take precedence over partisan differences.

Midea Launches Space Master Refrigerator in Nigeria

Midea has introduced its Space Master Refrigerator to the Nigerian market, offering consumers increased storage capacity through its ‘More Room for Nigeria’ campaign. The product launch focuses on addressing everyday household storage challenges, particularly when families shop in bulk, prepare meals ahead or host celebrations that require additional refrigerator

space. Marketed with the slogan, ‘Same Size. More Space. More Capacity’, the Space Master refrigerator is designed to provide more usable interior storage, allowing households to accommodate groceries, fresh produce, bottled drinks, cooking ingredients and other essential items. The company said the product was developed to make food storage more convenient for households,

especially during busy working weeks, family gatherings and festive occasions when refrigerator space is often in high demand. The ‘More Room for Nigeria’ campaign highlights the importance of flexible storage in everyday Nigerian homes, while its accompanying message, ‘Every Celebration Needs More Room’, connects the product to family celebrations and social gatherings.

ATIKU: NOTHING WILL KEEP ME OFF 2027 BALLOT, ADC HEADS TO APPEAL COURT photographs, false names and fictitious identities. These are not the actions of people confident in their record. They are calculated attempts to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state. “And what record do they have to defend? This government removed the fuel subsidy overnight without a plan to protect Nigerians. It presided over the steep decline of the naira and allowed food prices to rise beyond the reach of ordinary families. Factories and small businesses have shut their doors. Our young people are leaving in search of hope, while bandits and kidnappers continue to hold communities hostage. “Look around you. Market stalls

stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country. Those in power may want you to believe that your suffering does not matter. They may want you to surrender your future before you even reach the ballot box. Do not lose heart. Do not retreat. Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back. “Let me be clear to every Nigerian who has stood with us: I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot. No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share. “We will resist with all our

strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people. Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice. If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest. “Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable and every citizen’s vote counts. “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box,” Atiku stated.

and Committee on Contributions. In one of the major contests, Mr. Sidi Mohamed of Mauritania secured 102 votes to emerge as the recommended Chair of the International Civil Service Commission, defeating Mrs. Maria of Zimbabwe, who polled 82 votes. The election recorded 187 ballot papers, with 186 declared valid and one invalid. A total of 184 members participated in the voting, while 93 votes were required to secure a majority. Following the announcement

of the result, the Fifth Committee recommended Mohamed to the General Assembly for a four-year term beginning January 2, 2027. Speaking after the exercise, Ibrahim congratulated the candidates and member states elected into the various positions, while urging them to uphold the integrity of the committees and discharge their responsibilities effectively. He said, “Let me congratulate first of all, all the colleagues that were elected and member countries

into these various positions, particularly the International Civil Service Commission, the Investment Committee, the Independent Audit Advisory Boards, the ACABQ, as well as Committee on Contribution.” CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AKINJOLA OLUWUYI SAMSON now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTOLA OLUWUYI SAMSON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Super SATURDAY Aishah Ahmad: Africa Should Help Write the Rules of Global Finance Aishah Ahmad, founder of the Bridgforte Centre for Global Impact and chair of the Graça Machel Trust’s Expert Leaders’ Group, believes the next test of digital finance is not simply access, but trust. The former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability speaks with Nume Ekeghe about Africa’s place in global financial governance, what Nigeria must do to earn public confidence in financial systems and why women’s leadership representation must come with real authority. Having recently turned 50, she also reflects on her heritage, the responsibilities of leadership and the next chapter she is building

ridgforte’s work argues that access to digital finance has expanded faster than public confidence. What are we missing? We have become much better at measuring whether people can enter the financial system. We need to pay equal attention to what happens after they do. A person can have an account and still be reluctant to leave savings in it. A merchant can accept a digital payment and immediately withdraw the proceeds. Those choices tell us something that account numbers alone cannot explain. People want to know whether their money is safe, whether a transaction will work and whether someone will put things right when it does not. A failed transfer, an unexplained charge or fraud that takes months to resolve can undo years of progress. A payment may pass through a bank, a fintech and several infrastructure providers. The customer experiences one system, even when responsibility is divided among several organisations. Our Trust Architecture framework examines five elements: infrastructure integrity, institutional accountability, technology governance, ecosystem coordination and cultural confidence. Together, they help us understand how confidence is earned through the way a system works. This is a global question. As finance becomes more interconnected, leaders everywhere must ask who takes responsibility for the outcome the customer actually experiences. Access is not the same as trust. What prompted you to establish Bridgforte, and how do you intend to turn its conversations into practical change? I kept encountering problems that fell between different parts of the financial system. Regulators, financial institutions, technology companies and consumers could each describe an important part of the problem, but their perspectives were rarely brought together in a sustained way. My experience across private financial markets, regulation and public policy made closing that gap a compelling objective. I established Bridgforte to connect practical experience with research and create room for people to examine questions beyond their own organisational boundaries. I also wanted Bridgforte to bring ideas and experience from Africa and the wider Global South into the setting of global agendas. Our markets are producing innovations and insights that should help shape which questions get asked, what gets researched and how policy develops. Our focus on trust reflects that ambition: drawing on our experience of expanding digital access to ask whether people’s confidence was keeping pace, and what that means for the future of finance. Our work on trust began at our first Dialogue during United Nations General Assembly week in 2025. An Executive Table in Lagos helped shape the Trust Architecture report, launched in July 2026 with a keynote from the South African Reserve Bank’s Deputy Governor. We returned to New York during UNGA81 in September 2026 to examine the more developed framework with leaders from industry, policy and multilateral institutions. The next step is to deepen the evidence through the research agenda we are developing in the Trust Lab. Where does confidence break down? What happens after a failed transaction? Which forms of remedy help people return to using a service? For me, the test is whether the work identifies new priorities and helps leaders make better decisions. Practical change requires the courage to identify what must be fixed, convene the right actors, assign clear ownership and follow through. Drawing on your discussions during United Nations General Assembly week and the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, what can the wider world learn from Africa’s experience of digital finance and payments? Africa’s experience belongs at the centre of global discussions about the future of finance. We have had to solve difficult problems: reaching people far from bank branches, making small transactions affordable and connecting markets with different currencies and rules. Those challenges have driven innovation. Mobile money and agent banking show what becomes possible when you design around how people actually live and transact. Nigeria’s instant payments journey also demonstrates the value of shared infrastructure that allows different providers to connect and build services on it. Through PAPSS, we are addressing the practical challenge

•Ahmad of making payments across African borders. Having chaired NIBSS and the PAPSS Oversight Committee, I have seen the work behind that transformation. It takes technical ingenuity, regulatory adaptation and cooperation between organisations that also compete. The lesson is that solving a specific local problem can produce knowledge and capabilities with much wider relevance. Other markets are also grappling with the cost of payments, reaching underserved people and connecting fragmented systems. Africa brings practical experience to those discussions, including lessons about what happens when adoption moves faster than consumer protection or public confidence. Africa should not only adopt the rules of global finance. It should help write them. Our transformation has given us knowledge to contribute, even as we continue to learn from others. That conviction is part

of why I established Bridgforte: to help shape the questions on the global agenda, drawing on experience that too often sits outside the discussions that set it. Closer to home, what would show that Nigeria’s financial system has become more trustworthy and more beneficial to ordinary Nigerians over the next five years? I would look for evidence in people’s everyday experience, not only in headline numbers. First, that when something goes wrong, it is put right quickly. Someone whose transfer fails or who loses money to fraud should know where to go, how long resolution will take and who is accountable. We should measure and publish redress times with the same seriousness we bring to inclusion figures. Second, that people use the system with confidence: keeping savings in accounts, taking up insurance and pensions, and building payment histories for small businesses that can support access to

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Super saturday Aishah Ahmad: How Nigeria Can Set Standard for Trust in Digital Finance credit. That is when access begins to change household welfare. Third, that the gains reach women, rural communities and the informal sector, who are too often counted in and then underserved. Nigeria has built remarkable payment infrastructure and some of the continent’s most valuable and dynamic fintech companies. The next achievement is a system that people trust as much as they use. If we get that right, Nigeria will be more than one of Africa’s largest digital finance markets. It will set the standard for trust. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in finance, what should leaders and boards be asking? They should begin with the decisions being made and the people affected by them. What is the system being asked to do? What information does it use? How is its performance tested? Who can challenge an outcome, and who can correct it? These questions become especially important when technology influences access to credit, fraud detection or the handling of a customer’s complaint. A model may perform well on average while producing poor outcomes for particular groups. Leaders need enough understanding to recognise that possibility and demand evidence. From an investment perspective, these questions also affect a business’s ability to grow. Capital can accelerate the use of technology, but weak governance can allow mistakes to spread just as quickly. Founders need to build accountability into the business early, while investors should examine how customer outcomes are monitored as the company scales. Boards should create the conditions for ambitious innovation while making accountability clear. They need visibility into dependence on external providers, the quality of data and the ability to respond when something fails. Technology can expand what an organisation is capable of doing. Leadership determines whether that capability is used wisely. Your work with the Financial Alliance for Women and the Graça Machel Trust addresses women’s economic power. Where do you believe the greatest change is needed? We need to look more closely at who controls resources and who shapes decisions. Women’s economic power includes the ability to earn, own assets, build businesses and exercise authority over the choices affecting their lives. Through the Financial Alliance for Women, I see how experience from different markets can improve commercial decisions and economic opportunity. At the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington this year, I moderated a roundtable on the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code, or WE Finance Code, which calls for better data on financing for womenled businesses and measurable commitments to expanding it. At the Graça Machel Trust’s Expert Leaders’ Group, which I chair, the concern is also how women’s leadership can influence the systems that allocate capital and opportunity. Representation becomes more consequential when it comes with authority over budgets, strategy and execution. We should examine the experience behind the numbers. A woman may hold an account without controlling the money in it. A capable entrepreneur may remain difficult for a lender to assess because her business does not fit conventional assumptions. Developing people is part of this work, too. WIMBIZ’s Big Sister programme and the Amfani Zhiba Foundation’s mentoring of girls in Bida reflect my belief in widening what younger women and girls can imagine for themselves. Encouragement matters most when it is accompanied by access, preparation and opportunity. You were the first woman to serve as Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability at the CBN. What did that teach you about women and leadership? Being first matters, but what women are entrusted to lead is also important. Financial System Stability is a consequential portfolio, spanning supervision, payments and the resilience of the financial system. You are making decisions that affect institutions, businesses and people’s livelihoods. I was conscious of the significance of being the first woman in that role. But my daily focus

are cultural, professional or organisational. Finding common purpose requires curiosity about those differences and respect for what others know. Public leadership can be demanding. What have you learnt about judgement at that level, and how do you preserve an inner life beyond the work? We must keep the people we are trying to serve at the centre of our decisions. I have learnt that good judgement requires preparation and a willingness to be challenged. Consequential decisions often involve incomplete information, competing needs and limited time. You have to understand the trade-offs, listen carefully and still be prepared to act. I value people who can tell me what I may be missing. A leader needs colleagues who feel able to raise difficult questions early. You also need the discipline to revisit your assumptions when the evidence changes. That experience has deepened my interest in the interior life of leadership: the questions people carry privately while appearing composed in public. There is much more uncertainty, reflection and human complexity behind consequential decisions than we often acknowledge. Moving on from public office also taught me that a title is something you hold, not something you are. Your commitment to the change you want to see continues beyond it. So does the value of the people you developed and what you built. History gives me perspective on all of this. It helps me see how people have navigated change, exercised power and lived with the consequences of their choices. Writing gives me another way to examine an experience and understand what I actually think about it. Relationships, humour and creativity matter enormously too. They keep me connected to the fullness of life. I want to do substantial work while remaining curious, engaged and available to the people who matter to me.

•Ahmad

I want to help close the distance between the promise of progress and what people actually experience. For Bridgforte, that means producing research that helps decision-makers understand where confidence breaks down and what can be done about it

was on doing the work well: asking difficult questions, exercising sound judgement and creating the conditions for capable people to contribute. Women need opportunities to lead across the full range of an organisation’s responsibilities and build the experience that prepares them for its highest office. Sponsorship is important here. Advice helps, but someone also has to entrust you with a difficult assignment, put your name forward and back your ability to deliver. I benefited from that confidence and have sought to extend it to others. It was fulfilling to support capable women within the Bank and across the financial system, making them more visible for leadership opportunities, helping build a culture that recognised their contributions and engaging male leaders as allies. During my tenure, we saw more women appointed as executive directors, bank board members and CEOs. Those appointments reflected the efforts of many people, but advancing that progress was important to me. The measure of being first is how quickly you stop being the only one. You have Nupe and Ijesha roots and hold traditional titles in both

communities. How does that inheritance shape your perspective? I am a proud Nigerian who has never had to choose between my Northern and Southern heritage. My father’s family is Nupe, while my mother’s line runs to Imesi-Ile in Ijeshalannd, Both are part of who I am. Being Soniya Asusu Nupe and Yeye Tayese of Imesi-Ile is deeply meaningful to me. These honours connect my professional life with communities whose regard I value personally. They also remind me that contribution is understood in practical terms: being present, supporting people and taking an interest in what happens beyond your own immediate world. That inheritance has shaped how I approach difference. Many disagreements are less about facts than about where people are standing. I am comfortable listening across perspectives, and I want to understand what matters to people before assuming I know. It also shapes what I care about. I see talent, enterprise and resources in the North whose potential is too often constrained by weak connections to finance, markets and opportunity. That conviction sits behind the Amfani Zhiba Foundation, which earlier this year delivered its global mentoring programme to 110 girls at my former school, Federal Government Girls’ College, Bida. It is an outlook I carry into international work. People bring their histories into the room, whether those histories

You recently turned 50. Has the milestone changed how you think about your time and what matters to you? People keep welcoming me to freedom, and I do feel it. But it has also made me wonder why we sometimes wait for a milestone to give ourselves permission: to pursue an idea, make room for joy or be more deliberate about our time. Much of that freedom was available before the birthday. Perhaps I am more willing to claim it now. I have a clearer sense of where I can contribute and what deserves my energy. Through Bridgforte and my wider work, I am bringing together experience, relationships and questions I care deeply about. There is still so much I want to learn and build. Threads, the theme of my birthday celebration, was about the people woven through my life and how much we owe to those who open doors, challenge us, stand beside us and make life more joyful. I also take real pride in seeing people I have worked with doing remarkable things and finding their own way. They are part of what legacy means to me, and those relationships continue. Alongside the work, I want more room for curiosity, creativity and the things I enjoy simply for themselves. Fifty has made me more intentional about giving all of that a place in my life. Looking ahead, what do you want your work to make possible? I want to help close the distance between the promise of progress and what people actually experience. For Bridgforte, that means producing research that helps decision-makers understand where confidence breaks down and what can be done about it. Our next phase is to deepen the evidence on trust and develop approaches that can be tested in practice. Across my wider work, I want to keep advancing women’s economic power and helping capable people move into positions where they can shape consequential decisions. These questions reach across borders. I want to help shape how financial systems are governed as technology changes them, drawing on experience across markets and building collaborations that turn evidence into better decisions about capital, trust and opportunity. There is a great deal more I want to build, and I am approaching it with energy and a clearer sense of purpose.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Ferdinand Ekechukwu- 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZ

Nathaniel Bassey: From Living Room Praise to One Billion Views Stories by Ferdinand Ekechukwu

rom a living room Instagram Live to 1 billion YouTube views, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey's Hallelujah Challenge journey was in focus during the week as he became the first African gospel artiste to cross one billion YouTube views with the virtual praise and worship session. The channel was created on March 4, 2011. The milestone coincides with the October 2026 edition of the Hallelujah

Challenge, nine years after he started the programme in June 2017 with midnight Instagram Live praise and worship sessions from his living room. The October 2026 edition spanning 26 days from 5th to 30th October, corroborated with figures from analytics platforms Social Blade and ReachRanking, data on his official channel, Nathaniel Bassey Main, showed a cumulative 1,014,544,577 views and 5.24 million subscribers drawn to the channel as of November 2, 2026. On the channel, the edition's grand finale, the Hallelujah Festival, recorded between 2 and 4.3 million views, while the opening session drew over four million, according to ReachRanking. The first

Hallelujah Challenge ran from June 1 to June 30, 2017. It followed an earlier online initiative called the #TonguesChallenge, which involved praying for one hour every month, and has since evolved into a global Christian gathering, drawing participants from various countries through live broadcasts, recorded sessions across social media. Trailed by criticism when it started, Hallelujah Challenge has since become a recurring programme, with editions held during set periods each year. The sessions start at 11:59pm, and some editions have included physical festivals, with A-list celebrities drawing more attention to it.

Nathaniel Bassey

Lagos Celebrates Africa’s Cocktail Culture

he 12th edition of Africa’s biggest cocktail celebration, Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW), brought its 2026 theme; “Africa Pours into Lagos,” to life in spectacular fashion, delivering an exciting fusion of Pan-African creativity, cross-border collaborations, spirited competitions, and immersive experiences that celebrates the continent’s vibrant and evolving cocktail culture. The week-long festival took cocktail culture beyond borders, bringing together some of the most exciting talents and bar communities from Lagos, Accra, and Abidjan, from October 16 to 23, 2026. At the heart of this year's celebration was a powerful message: Africa's cocktail industry thrives when creativity, culture, and expertise flow freely across borders. Supported by Absolut, Casamigos Tequila, Gordon’s, Tanquery, Lord’s Gin, Natterjack, Irish Whiskey, Smirnoff X1, Gold Bar Whiskey, Schweppes, Nestle Pure Life, Westcork Distillers, Orijin, Monin, Cutty Sark, Eventi Cocktails, Sip Pass, OceanC5 Rivera, Praia., LWC 2026 delivered unforgettable experience, including Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture. The celebrations took off on Sunday, October 18, as the Italian Trade Agency brought a touch of Italian sophistication to the festival with the Italian Cocktail Experience, an exclusive, invitation-only masterclass and ‘Aperitivo Italiano’ held at Mr. Panther, Victoria Island. The experience offered guests an opportunity to explore the artistry and traditions of Italian cocktail culture. Speaking at the event, Mr. Maurizio Ferri, Director of the Italian Trade Agency, highlighted

Founder Lagos Cocktail Week, Lara Rawa, with bartenders from Cote d'ivoire and Ghana at the LCW 2026 the initiative’s goal of promoting Italian wines and spirits, featuring brands such as Campari, Aperol and Martini. The cocktail spectacle began with a masterclass hosted by Ms Lara Rawa, founder of Lagos Cocktail Week, exploring five Italian classics: the Negroni, Americano, Bellini, Aperol Spritz and Garibaldi. Guests learned about the Italian aperitif tradition and how individual palates shape cocktail preferences. The evening continued with networking, Italian wine and cocktail tastings, and special guests, including Chef Gibbs and visiting bartenders from Abidjan and Ghana. The event combined cultural exchange, education and entertainment in celebration of Italian cocktail culture. One of the most exciting additions to this year's

festival was the debut of the Lagos Bar Show, a fresh take on the traditional bar hop that brought the spirit of Pan-African collaboration directly into some of Lagos' most exciting bars. On Tuesday, October 20, Sora Lagos played host to the first guest shift, welcoming the team from Bissa Abidjan and Noom Hotel Abidjan, for an exciting collaboration featuring Dodo Plantain Infused Rum. The following evening, Wednesday, October 21, the spotlight shifted to Praia Lagos, where bartenders from Accra's Front/Back Restaurant and No.19 Bar & Restaurant brought a taste of Ghana's cocktail scene to Lagos, with Audry Cognac taking centre stage. The guest bartenders took over the bar, creating a selection of signature cocktails with Audry Cognac as their base.

Praia Lagos’ bartenders also showcased their creativity as the evening drew professional bartenders, mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts, who gathered to support the guest teams and celebrate the culture of bartending and mixology. The lively event combined Ghanaian cocktail influences with Lagos’ vibrant bar scene, creating memorable moments of cultural exchange, collaboration and celebration. Beyond the cocktails and celebrations, Lagos Cocktail Week 2026 also reinforced its commitment to industry growth, knowledge-sharing, and professional development. On Thursday, October 22, the festival's industry conference took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, bringing together bartenders, hospitality entrepreneurs, brand representatives, and key industry stakeholders for conversations about the future of Africa's cocktail and hospitality landscape. The conference explored the theme “Shaping the Future of Hospitality,” bringing together hospitality professionals and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities and emerging trends across Nigeria’s beverage and hospitality sectors. Discussions covered the business behind the bar, the future of beverage service at Nigerian events, gastro mixology, wine pairings, modern cocktail techniques and the future of mixology in Nigeria. Speakers included Jeremiah George, founder of Liquids by Zen; Emem Udom, founder of Apotheca Mixology; Folakemi Alli-Balogun, founder of The Wine Club Lagos; Benedicta Ogar, CEO of Cavodah and founder of SAHA Africa; Olawuyi Babatunde Abinibi, creative director of Abinibi Events Cottage; and Captain Gibbs, chef and founder of the Nigerian Food Summit.

Blink Travel Card Offers Stress-free Detty December Guide, Lifestyle Experience

or Nigerians in the diaspora, Detty December season is no longer just a holiday packed with back-to-back concerts, pop-up experiences, and Champaign-soaked parties. It has become an annual homecoming. Form booking flights to securing event tickets, here's why smart travellers are adding Blink Travel Card to their Detty December checklist. Every year, thousands of Nigerians living in the UK, United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world return home to reconnect with family, celebrate with friends, attend weddings, explore the country's vibrant nightlife, and experience the energy that has made Detty December a global social phenomenon and an economic driver. With flights booked months in advance and social calendars filling up quickly, today's travelers are more intentional about planning their trips. But while many people carefully arrange accommodation, transportation, event tickets, and airport pickups before departure, one important part of the travel experience is often overlooked: how they will access and spend money once they arrive in Nigeria. "The days of arriving in Nigeria and figuring things out later are rapidly disappearing," Mr. Tayo Ayeni, Chief Operating Officer, 03 Capital explains. "Today's travelers typically book their accommodation before departure, research restaurants they want to visit, purchase event tickets online, arrange transportation, and even secure mobile data before landing.

"This shift towards convenience is driven by one simple reality: travelers want to maximize their time and avoid unnecessary stress. For many Nigerians abroad, a two or three week holiday can pass quickly. Every hour spent solving avoidable problem is an hour lost from enjoying the experience. "As a result, more travelers are beginning to treat payments the same way they treat flights and accommodation: something to sort out before

departure. A typical Detty December itinerary can include airport transfers, restaurant visits, concerts, shopping trips, family outings, nightlife, tourism activities, and countless spontaneous plans." Every one of those experiences requires spending. While many visitors arrive with foreign bank cards and cash, accessing and using money locally is not always as seamless as expected. Some travelers encounter delays, payment challenges, or the

inconvenience of constantly switching between payment methods. He adds; "For those visiting Nigeria for a relatively short period, convenience becomes just as valuable as cost. People want to focus on making memories, not managing payment challenges. This is where Blink Travel Card comes in, designed specifically for diaspora Nigerians, tourists, expatriates, and business travelers.

RIIDM Releases Seven Track EP

ast-rising act, Shamah Ayomikun Jacobs, fondly called RIIDM (feeltheriidm), is steadily making his mark in Nigeria’s creative industry with the release of his debut EP, ‘Obeying the Middle’, on Friday, November 6, 2026, marking another significant milestone in his musical journey. Featuring songs produced by Drummason, The Kezez, Drilly, and Switchy Beat, the seven track album contains tracks namely Closer, Darling, Blessing, I Do, Mogbe, Falling, and Lowo. Driven by originality, rhythm and creativity, he transforms emotions and everyday experiences into captivating sounds. RIIDM appears set to make waves with this new collection of songs gaining streaming numbers. His released songs, available on major digital music

platforms, include Okay, Chosen, What's Left, Hold On, and IDO, bearing his artistic identities as a recording artist, singer, and songwriter. Originally from Kogi State, RIIDM was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, grew up discovering his passion, artistic direction, and eventually finding his creative path in Lagos. Born into a Christian family with a pastor as his father, he courageously chose to pursue his musical dreams, carving his own path beyond expectations. Beyond music, his expertise in graphic design and video editing allows him to combine sound, visuals and storytelling into a distinctive artistic experience. His story reflects courage, determination and the pursuit of dreams, positioning him as an emerging creative voice in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

RIIDM

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Charles Ajunwa

• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

As African Fashion Industry Pushes for $500m Economy Stakeholders in the African fashion industry are pushing for an estimated $500 billion fashion economy at the ongoing Creative African Nexus taking place in Lagos, writes Charles Ajunwa

ince Thursday, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, has been hosting Africans from different fields of endeavour at the ongoing CANEX WKND 2026, which ends tomorrow. All the floors in the round structure which hosted FESTAC 77, were occupied by colourful stands for fashion installation, arts exhibition, creative economy technology showcase and innovation lab, music, sports, gastronomy and culinary art hub. Some of the halls were used for masterclasses where experts shared their experiences. The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy which partnered Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA), attracted visitors from different walks of life. Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, signing on behalf of the federal government. After cutting the tape declaring open the FMACTCE/CAFA stand, Musa said the “African Fashion Industry Growth Charter is important for us as Africans and extension of African Caribbean. “What many people don’t know is that CAFA has been very instrumental to me expressing myself in the last few years that I’ve been Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, and

my hope is that that will translate into something very tangible economically, jobs, and also beyond that, a unity for Africa and expression, pride, soft power, everything that we need to build on the industry. Apart from policy, the minister emphasised that, “it is very important for us to have capacity building, and that can only happen through infrastructure, and one of the things we are doing actively is to ensure that we have hubs all over Nigeria, and we are in progress, and hopefully, this will add to economic growth, job creation, and so many great things that will come out of this industry.” She added, “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.” CAFA President, Prof. Lai Labode, speaking on achieving $500 million African fashion industry, said, “Nigeria, Africa and the rest of Africa we don’t have a shortage of talents and what Africa needs is structure. Money always follow structure. You have seen the works that Afreximbank has done and many other institutions, you found that that it’s time for us to be able to unite when it comes to policy. Hence, the establishment of the Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA), which is the universal policy body for all African countries. November 5, 2026, makes it exactly one year that Nigeria signed. Of course, we’re registered in Rwanda. There’s quite a bit of work already going on and we’re building this on the charter that we’ve put

L-R: Amb. Maisie Danbar, Hannatu Musawa, Prof. Lai Labode and Aisha Adamu Augie, during opening of FMACTCE/CAFA stand at CANEX WKND 26 held at Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos together. It’s called the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter. “This charter is one that finally we believe that we unite Africa and we can push truly from a $60 billion fashion economy to $500 billion. It is built on 10 pillars. The first pillar is policy. United policy. The second is cultivation. So, you can imagine a place like Brazil exporting $5.3 billion worth of cotton and imagine a place like China where they will grow the cotton and process it and make almost $300 billion. “Africa cannot afford just to sell cotton. They will come to processing. Processing is important and it’s one of the ways to create jobs as the case may be and we must invest heavily in that. Aside from processing itself, we have to look at intellectual property. “Intellectual property is such a big deal that if

you look at the economy of Europe, they are called IP-intensive industries. They provide almost half of their GDP. Just imagine what Africa is losing with that and they will look at counterfeiting. Imagine as organised as Europe is. Europe still loses about 12 billion euros every year. Just imagine what Africa is actually losing. Then, of course, we come to logistics. Logistics, everybody talks about making big money from fashion, but there’s a lot of investments behind it.” In her remarks, the owner of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye said, “Our fashion is our heritage and we must always adore it. And the first person who is not ashamed to wear our cloth anytime, even when it’s hot, is Lai Olabode. He is our fashion king in Nigeria. We are here today, to honour him for putting Nigerian fashion into the runway for the youths to continue.

Jos Family Christmas Festival as New Face of PlateauTourism Conceived in 2023 as a strategy to convert Plateau State’s abundant tourism assets into economic value, the Jos Family Christmas Festival is rapidly evolving into a flagship destination event, writes Yemi Kosoko

or decades, Plateau State has worn the title, “Home of Peace and Tourism” with pride. The cool weather of Jos, dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and rich cultural diversity have long distinguished the state as one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed destinations. Yet for many years, much of this potential remained largely untapped. Today, however, Plateau State is pursuing a new vision: transforming its tourism assets into economic opportunities. At the heart of that strategy is an initiative that is rapidly becoming one of the state’s most recognisable tourism products, the Jos Family Christmas Festival. According to the General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Pwajok Chuwang Nyam, the festival was conceived not merely as an entertainment event but as a deliberate economic and tourism development tool. “The major reasoning behind having a Jos Family Christmas Festival was that, having recognised the fact that Plateau State is endowed naturally as a tourism destination, the question became how to move these natural endowments from potentials to real economic wealth and value for Plateau,” he explained. The festival was first introduced in December 2023, just months after Governor Caleb Mutfwang assumed office. Tourism officials recognised an opportunity in

Nyam the Christmas season, one of the world’s busiest travel periods, and sought to position Plateau State as a destination of choice for domestic tourists. The result was the Jos Family Christmas Festival, a month-long celebration designed to attract visitors from within and outside the state while simultaneously creating business opportunities

for local entrepreneurs. “We felt Plateau needed to position itself to begin to cash in on this money spinner,” Pwajok said. Unlike conventional holiday events, the festival was deliberately structured as an inclusive family experience. Activities range from Christmas markets and children’s playgrounds to music concerts, theatrical performances, gaming centres, beauty pageants, sports events, and cultural exhibitions. The organisers have also created room for private sector participation, supporting independently organised events that contribute to the festive ecosystem. One such initiative is the Graffiti Music and Basketball Festival, introduced in 2024 to attract younger audiences and expand tourism offerings beyond conventional Christmas celebrations. The Christmas Festival’s growing significance led Governor Mutfwang’s administration to institutionalise December as Plateau State’s official Tourism Month. This policy direction has effectively transformed the entire month into a calendar of tourism-focused activities. Among the flagship events is the annual Unity Carol and Praise Festival, a three-day gathering that attracts religious leaders, public officials, entertainers, and visitors from across Nigeria which had witnessed personalities like former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo while this year’s event has secured the consent of former President Goodluck Jonathan

and pioneer Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission John-Kennedy Opara as special guests at the event. Held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Ground in Du, the event serves as the ceremonial opening of Plateau’s festive tourism season. Another attraction is the state’s communityfocused New Year Crossover and Fireworks Display, which gathers residents and visitors at the Secretariat Roundabout in Jos to usher in the New Year. Together, these programmes have helped create what tourism stakeholders now describe as a complete December tourism package. While festivals provide visibility, Plateau State’s tourism authorities acknowledge that long-term growth depends on infrastructure and attractions. Consequently, government efforts have extended to the revitalisation of tourism facilities across the state. Among the most notable interventions is the ongoing upgrade of the Jos Wildlife Park, one of Nigeria’s most iconic conservation assets. According to Pwajok, the park had suffered years of neglect and increasing urban encroachment. To address those challenges, the state government has constructed over 17 kilometres of perimeter fencing and undertaken extensive renovation of existing facilities. Plans are also underway to modernise animal enclosures, redesign internal road networks, and expand visitor experiences. The state government is additionally exploring international partnerships, including ongoing engagements with the Republic of Namibia, aimed at acquiring additional wildlife species for both the Jos Wildlife Park and the Pandam Wildlife Park.

NATOP Unveils Nigeria Tourism Passport at WTM London

he Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has unveiled the Nigeria Tourism Passport at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, as part of efforts to promote the country’s tourism destinations and attract international visitors. The initiative was launched during the third Global Launch hosted by AITEC World at the

international tourism gathering. NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, who delivered a goodwill message at the event, described the Tourism Passport as a strategic initiative designed to improve access to information on Nigeria’s tourism destinations and create opportunities for industry growth and collaboration. She said the passport would serve as a practical guide and marketing resource,

introducing international visitors, tour operators and investors to the country’s diverse tourism attractions, including its culture, heritage, nature, festivals and hospitality. Mustapha commended AITEC World for providing the platform to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential, strengthen international partnerships and improve the country’s visibility in the global tourism market. She said the global gathering offered Nigeria

an opportunity to attract greater attention to its tourism offerings and position the country as a competitive destination. “We are particularly proud that NATOP is using this occasion to globally launch the Nigeria Tourism Passport. It is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism destinations, enhancing accessibility and creating new opportunities for tourism growth and collaboration,” she said.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Personal Finance • with Omolabake Fasogbon • 08155131874

Guarding Against Impulsive Spending Omolabake Fasogbon

s the push for ‘tap-to-pay’, also known as contactless payment intensifies in the Nigerian financial landscape, consumers, increasingly, must guard against impulsive spending which this innovation will likely encourage. While this payment method is still far from the mainstream, experts say adoption and prospects in the country are high, given Nigeria’s transaction volume and depth of financial inclusion. As of 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported that over 12 million contactless cashless cards were in circulation. There have been further developments around this following the CBN’s declaration, including its recently launched Payments System Vision 2028 envisaging wider deployment of contactless technologies. Just this October, Interswitch and its banking partners deepened the push toward contactless payment penetration, with moves to expand supporting infrastructure. Payment convenience comes as a unique strength of this method. Inherent in this strength, however, is also the greatest threat to household pockets, clearing the need for a mindset of discipline among both current and future users. Contactless payment is deemed a landmark progress in Nigeria’s digital payment landscape, which is still plagued by network issues, fraud risks, and erratic power supply. Evolving from cash, card, and bank transfers,

this payment method works without physical contact between a payment tool and a merchant’s machine. Users simply use their contactless card, phone, or wearable near a terminal, and payment details are sent over the air using radio waves through NFC. This allows two close devices to exchange data instantly. This innovation has been tested to reduce the friction associated with conventional bank transfers. Indeed, it is expected to broaden use of contactless transactions, including in transportation and everyday shopping. While it holds huge benefits for both consumers and businesses, experts stress that its ease of use could expose users to overspending, kind of weakening the

psychological restraints that help consumers control spending. This has been proven in early-adopter countries, where the technology is now mainstream. Researchers Marie-Claire Broekhoff and Carin van der Cruijsen in a paper titled, “Paying in a Blink of an Eye: It Hurts Less, but You Spend More,” published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organisation, examined survey data from Dutch consumers and found that electronic payments were associated with less perceived pain of paying than cash, particularly contactless payments. The study also found that consumers perceived cash as more helpful in preventing overspending, while contactless payments were

considered the least helpful in that regard. Of concern too is that consumers could lose track of their spending. While this is a general risk across digital payment methods, the speed and convenience of contactless payments are said to make users more tempted. A 2018 UK survey commissioned by GoCompare reinforced this. It found that 17 per cent of contactless payment users admitted to losing track of their spending, while 13 per cent were worried that the method encouraged them to spend more than they should. Economists argue that paying with cash often triggers a consciousness of how much is being spent, but tapping a phone may feel less noticeable. They note that when spending feels less painful, consumers may be less likely to think twice before making purchases they do not necessarily need, consequently eating into their budgets. Financial analyst, Dr. Titi Fowokan, said this is particularly of people who live flamboyantly and have no control over their lifestyle appetite. “Their spending pattern may increase due to a lack of self-control. With the state of the economy, everyone needs to adjust his or her lifestyle, and this requires self-determination,” she stated. Incidentally, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s daily contactless payment limits, set at N15,000 per transaction and N50,000 cumulatively to protect users from fraud may also be serving as a buffer against impulse spending. Consumers are thus advised not to get carried away by the ease brought by the innovation. Safeguards against this include constantly checking account balances, setting weekly spending limits, and making living within one’s means sacrosanct.

$304m IPO: OPay and the Question of Accountability Omolabake Fasogbon

n October 31, OPay withdrew its proposed $304 million initial public offering in the United States, barely a day after pricing 16 million American depositary shares at $19 each, the lower end of its proposed $19–$21 range. The offering had placed the company’s valuation at approximately $4 billion. OPay attributed the withdrawal to a regulatory inquiry in an unnamed foreign jurisdiction, describing the jurisdiction as immaterial to its core business and expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved satisfactorily. It also insisted that the development would not affect its operations, regulatory standing or customer services in Nigeria and its other markets. There is no basis for treating the withdrawal as evidence of wrongdoing by OPay. The company has not disclosed the nature of the inquiry, and the precise issues under investigation remain unknown. Nevertheless, the circumstances raise legitimate questions that Nigerian authorities cannot afford to ignore. How should a financial platform whose commercial strength rests overwhelmingly on Nigerian customers be regulated when its ownership, corporate structure and fundraising arrangements extend across several jurisdictions? More importantly, who ultimately protects Nigerian customers when developments involving a foreign regulator threaten the company’s international ambitions? OPay has become an important part of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. Millions of individuals, traders, small businesses and merchants depend on its services for transfers, payments, savings and other financial transactions. Its expansion has helped bring financial services closer to people who previously had limited access to conventional banking. That contribution deserves recognition. But the larger a financial institution becomes, the greater its obligations to the public and the regulators overseeing it. OPay’s own prospectus provides an indication of the scale of its Nigerian business. The company

reported 50.1 million monthly active users as of July 31, 2026, while its first-half 2026 revenue reached $467.1 million, representing growth of 136.5 per cent. Net income stood at $90.9 million. Its filing also disclosed that it processed 90.1 billion transactions, representing $558 billion in gross transaction value, during the 12 months ended June 30, 2026. These are remarkable figures for a financial technology business operating in emerging markets. However, impressive growth and profitability should not become substitutes for transparency and accountability. Indeed, they make the need for effective supervision more urgent. A platform handling such enormous transaction volumes and serving millions of Nigerians is no longer simply another technology company competing for customers. It is an increasingly important component of the country’s financial infrastructure. Any significant operational, technological, ownership or governance failure could have consequences extending well beyond the company itself and remains a concern for financial stability. The first issue that deserves closer attention is OPay’s corporate structure. Its US prospectus identifies OPay Limited as a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, with its

headquarters in Singapore. Its Nigerian operations are conducted through subsidiaries, including OPay Microfinance Bank Limited and OPay Digital Services Limited. The filing also describes contractual arrangements through which its Indonesian operations are conducted. There is nothing inherently improper about an international company establishing a holding company in one jurisdiction, maintaining headquarters in another and conducting business through locally incorporated subsidiaries. Such arrangements are common in international finance and investment. They can facilitate fundraising, corporate governance and cross-border expansion. But they also create regulatory complications, particularly when the most commercially significant market is not the jurisdiction in which the ultimate holding company is incorporated. Nigeria must therefore establish that the local entities serving its citizens remain fully accountable to Nigerian laws and regulatory institutions, regardless of where the parent company is domiciled or where its investors are based. Corporate complexity must not become a convenient shield against local accountability. The second issue concerns the protection of customers’ money. OPay’s prospectus disclosed that

its Nigerian savings products are offered through its CBN-licensed deposit-taking subsidiary. It further stated that customer funds associated with these products are held by the subsidiary itself, rather than third-party partner banks. As of June 30, 2026, balances in the identified savings products amounted to approximately $978.9 million. The company also disclosed that more than 42 million users had subscribed to its savings products. These disclosures underline the scale of public trust placed in the platform. Nigerians are not merely using an application to transfer small amounts of money. Many are entrusting substantial portions of their savings and business proceeds to a digital financial institution. For such customers, the most important questions are whether their money is adequately protected, whether transactions can be reversed, when necessary, whether complaints are resolved promptly and whether their deposits remain accessible during periods of operational disruption. The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation must therefore ensure that customer funds are adequately protected, prudential requirements are strictly enforced and the public understands the extent and limits of deposit insurance. The distinction between wallet balances, savings products and other financial services must be clear. Customers should never have to discover the legal status of their money only when something goes wrong. Third, OPay’s growing involvement in digital lending demands closer regulatory attention. Its prospectus disclosed that loan originations in Nigeria reached $1.56 billion during the 12 months ended June 30, 2026. It also reported 6.7 million unique quarterly borrowers in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 3.5 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025. The company said its loan volume increased significantly as its credit business expanded. The expansion of digital credit can improve access to finance for individuals and small businesses underserved by traditional banks. However, the speed and scale of digital lending also create risks that regulators must not overlook. Customers must be protected against opaque lending terms, inappropriate access to personal information, aggressive debt recovery practices and lending decisions that do not adequately consider their ability to repay.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R N O V E M B E R 7, 2026

PERSPECTIVE

Comparative Analysis of Nigeria’s Foreign Investment Dynamics Omoniyi Akinsiju

Sovereign Wealth Fund. On the surface, the savings and debt clearance policies looked good, but the economy soon unravelled. Because the ECA lacked firm constitutional backing, State Governors frequently challenged the central government’s right to withhold oil revenues. Between 2008 and 2014, regular distributions to federal, state, and local government council areas slashed the ECA from $22 billion down to under $3 billion. The money so shared was utilised primarily for recurrent expenditure (public sector salaries, administrative overheads) rather than capital investments. The then management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also used the surplus foreign exchange inflows to peg, or artificially support, the exchange rate, funding cheap dollars for non-oil consumer goods imports while rerouting billions of dollars in foreign exchange to subsidise imported Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). The trade surplus was effectively spent on imported fuel consumption rather than domestic refining.

igeria’s external trade and payment position since 2024 has shifted from years of volatile, oil-dependent deficits to a multi-year streak of robust current account and trade surpluses. Historical economic data from 2000 to 2026, sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and CEIC Data, validate the long-term structural evolution of Nigeria’s external balance. This trajectory demonstrates a shift from volatile, singlecommodity dependence into a sustained multi-year streak of robust current account and merchandise trade surpluses. Between the years 2000 and 2014, a period described as the global commodity super-cycle, Nigeria maintained large external surpluses driven almost entirely by crude oil exports. Current account surpluses routinely averaged between 5% and 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It reached a historical quarterly high of +$10.38 billion in Q2 2008 and peaked at over $29 billion annually in full year 2008. Sustained high global crude oil prices drove the surplus. We estimate that the accumulation of these surpluses between 2001 and 2008 was enough to prompt new developmental curves in a diversified Nigerian economy.

Structural Volatility and Multi-Year Deficits (2015–2021)

Beginning in the last quarter of 2014, a combination of global crude price crashes, oil production disruptions, currency overvaluation, and soaring fuel import costs plunged Nigeria’s external balance into structural deficits. The country recorded consecutive annual current account deficits between 2019 and 2021. According to CBN Balance of Payments (BoP) data, the current account fell to -$17.0 billion (~-4.0% of GDP) in 2019 and -$15.8 billion in 2020. The quarter ending December 2019 recorded an all-time-low current account deficit of -$6.12 billion.

2023 – Present: Years of Reforms, Structural Turnaround & Multi-Year Impact on the Larger Economy Streak:

Where the Surplus Funds Went

Rather than direct the entirety of the commodity windfall into long-term industrial infrastructure and enable a diversified non-oil-based economy, the surplus capital was deployed by the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umar Musa Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan (1999 to 2015) into consumption-focused foreign reserve accumulation and a sovereign debt clearance, while developmental opportunities and advantages were ignored. For context, we tracked the growth of Nigeria’s current accounts and reserves. Gross foreign reserves expanded from under $8 billion in 2000 to an all-time peak of $62 billion in September 2008; this provided short-term external shock absorption while Obasanjo’s administration, between 2005 and 2006, used approximately $12

petroleum products back into the country. Because surpluses were spent or distributed rather than converted into self-sustaining infrastructure and industrial assets, the economy remained fully exposed to global oil price volatility. Thus, when crude prices crashed in late 2014, Nigeria immediately slid into a currency crisis and, by 2016, its first major recession in decades. In summary, the windfall created short-term liquidity, but no effort was made to convert it into long-term capital assets, industrial output, or export diversification. By the end of 2014, estimates of the population living in poverty in Nigeria ranged from 45% to 53%. This put the total number of extremely poor Nigerians between 80 million and 93 million in 2014.

Tininu

billion of its accumulated reserves to clear a total of $30 billion in external debt owed to Paris Club creditors. This significantly lowered the sovereign debt burden. To take advantage of the increased federation revenue, the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was established in 2004. The account peaked at $22 billion in 2008. In 2011, $1 billion was transferred from the ECA to set up the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Fund, Future Generations Fund, and Stabilisation Fund, all components of the Nigeria

While the windfall generated temporary GDP expansion, which averaged 6% to 8% growth annually, and expanded the country’s urban service sector like banking, telecommunications, and trade, it failed to alter Nigeria’s fundamental economic structure. Oil and gas continued to account for over 90% of export receipts and over 70% of government revenue throughout the super-cycle. During that same period, crucial economic enablers such as national grid power, intermodal freight rail, critical roads and deep-sea ports remained severely underfunded. This drove up operational costs and constrained domestic manufacturing. Domestic refineries were left in disrepair. As a result, Nigeria spent a massive portion of its oil receipts importing refined

Beginning in 2022 and accelerating through 2024 to 2026, FX market realignments, domestic refiner integration, and aggressive non-oil export expansion converted the external position into a multi-year surplus streak. Our analysis found that the near four years of the Federal administration mark a record of consistent current account surpluses, underpinned by an aggressive strategy to not only drive FDI but also link it to domestic macroeconomic stability with a medium- to long-term microeconomic impact. This structural pivot stems from bold, yet painful market corrections initiated in 2023. The corrections were driven primarily by the unification of the foreign exchange market and the elimination of the costly petrol subsidy. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Inside Obakoya’s Outreach to Lagos Residents The Bunmi Obakoya Foundation has reached out to more than 1,500 Lagos residents with essential food items, offering a helping hand to vulnerable households amid rising living cost, writes Ayodeji Ake

or many low-income households in Lagos, putting food on the table has become an increasingly difficult task as the rising cost of essential commodities continues to stretch family budgets. From rice and beans to cooking oil and other everyday food items, the cost of feeding has forced many families to make difficult choices about household spending. Against this backdrop, more than 1,500 residents of Lagos State recently benefited from a food distribution exercise organised by the Bunmi Obakoya Foundation in the Ilupeju area of the state. The beneficiaries received essential food items, including bags of rice, beans, vegetable oil, spaghetti and noodles, in an intervention aimed at providing some relief to vulnerable households. For the foundation’s founder, Bunmi Obakoya, the exercise represented another opportunity to extend support to people within her community, particularly those facing economic difficulties. Speaking during the distribution, Obakoya said the initiative reflected her belief that individuals should complement government efforts by supporting people in need. “We can’t wait for the government to do everything for us. So, I decided to support my people in my constituency. “My foundation and I have been doing this every year, and this year,

I decided to reach out to about 1,500 people,” she said. The former Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant explained that the outreach formed part of activities marking her birthday, adding that she had sustained the humanitarian initiative for about 10 years. She described giving as a personal commitment that predates her involvement in politics and public affairs. Recounting an experience from her primary school days, Obakoya said she once encountered a struggling plantain seller while in Primary Six and decided to buy all the plantains the woman had available. According to her, the experience reflected a passion for helping others that has remained with her over the years. “I have been a giver all my life. My advice is not only for politicians. You must have the heart to give before you can do this. “It is not everyone that has the heart to give, but I have been doing this since I was in Primary Six, and I am happy doing it. It is my joy,” she said.

A decade of community support

The latest food distribution adds to a series of humanitarian interventions undertaken by the Bunmi Obakoya Foundation, particularly within Ilupeju and surrounding communities. Over the years, the foundation

has reportedly extended support to vulnerable households, elderly residents, students and young people through food distribution, financial assistance, scholarships, healthcare support and vocational initiatives. Media reports had documented an earlier Christmas intervention during which more than 300 residents received financial assistance of N20,000 each. Obakoya with some of the beneficiaries The exercise, held on December 24, 2025, was organised to provide For many families, particularly including reducing meal portions, financial relief to beneficiaries during those in the low-income category, skipping meals, borrowing money the festive period, when household the difficulty is not necessarily the and using savings to meet food expenditure typically increases. availability of food in markets but needs. These findings underline the In October 2024, another interven- the ability to purchase enough to importance of targeted interventions tion under the initiative tagged ‘Let meet their nutritional needs. for households struggling to meet Love Lead’ saw the foundation The National Bureau of Statistics’ their basic nutritional requirements. distribute food items and provide September 2026 inflation report While food donations and financial assistance to elderly memshowed that Nigeria’s food inflation charitable initiatives cannot indebers of the community. rate stood at 19.59 per cent year-on- pendently address the structural A recent publication highlighted year, while Lagos recorded 34.40 causes of food insecurity, they can Obakoya’s involvement in entrepreper cent. provide immediate assistance to neurship and philanthropy, noting Although the national figures families experiencing financial that proceeds from her business indicated some moderation in difficulties. For beneficiaries of the activities had supported some of the inflationary pressures, the situation Obakoya Foundation’s outreach, foundation’s humanitarian commitin Lagos highlighted the continuing the food items received could ments. These interventions suggest financial burden on households. help reduce household expenses that the foundation’s activities have Similarly, the Lagos Food Bank and provide some relief from the extended beyond occasional food Initiative’s 2025 Hunger Report pressure of daily feeding. distribution to include education, examined food insecurity among financial assistance and other forms Giving beyond food low-income households in the of community support. Obakoya expressed satisfaction state, identifying limited income, with the turnout at the distribution household size and dependence Food affordability and exercise, noting that some residents on purchased food as important the Lagos experience arrived at the venue as early contributing factors. The latest outreach also draws as 10 a.m. in anticipation of the The report documented coping attention to the continuing food strategies adopted by some families, programme. affordability challenges confronting Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com households in Lagos.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R N O V E M B E R 7, 2026

THEFRONTLINES

THE FRONTILINES

APC and The Ides of January 2027

he concept of democracy, even with its obvious limitations is one of the best system of government if well managed and implemented. The freedom it bestows on an individual represented by his vote to chose who govern him and to remove same individual when he messes up is sheer bliss. This is especially in circumstances and situations where you have the institutional structures that guarantee that exercising your right will not be taken for granted. In other words, your vote counts. So voters wait patiently for their representatives for an election year to roll by usually every four years. If a representative is standing for election, he presents a manifesto telling them how much he knows about where it hurts them and how an incumbent has failed them. If he is an incumbent seeking reelection he will present his score card to convince the people how well he has represented them by the dividends of democracy he has attracted for their comfort and welfare. The day for stocktaking in America was last Tuesday when Americans held their midterm elections. The Americans were quite unequivocal in expressing their disapproval over how their country was been run by administration. It was a referendum on tariff regime, wars in Iran and Ukraine, immigration policy and necessity for ICE, relations with other countries of the world, the economy and the cost Obama did in their first terms. With the democrats securing control of both chambers of living in the homes of every average American. of Congress in a major political upset in the just concluded It was a big gamble by the Republicans and it cost them midterm elections, politics in Washington would head in a an arm and leg most especially control of Congress where new trajectory. the Democrats’ tremendous push back flipped sizable and I’ve taken time to go this length because our election is historically red leaning states to blue. barely 90 days away but it seems there is more confusion The last time Democrats controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate was from 2021 to 2023 under than certainly. Can you imagine a US Judge nullifying the candidacy of a frontliner at the 11th? President Joe Biden. Before him Bill Clinton and Barack

JOSEPH USHIGIALE jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

It’s even more curious when the while the campaign council of the ruling party is being pelted with stones in some parts of the north a mammoth crowd of supporters poured out en masse to receive the presumptive opposition leader in Sokoto. We have a lot to learn from democracy as it is practices in America. We must put the people first in any policy being formulated. This is because ultimately it’s the people who wear the shoes that know where it pinch. It’s not the leaders because they feel nothing. For instance, take Obama and Clinton for example who were on campaign trail. None of them was on the ballot but they were concerned about their party, people and country. They were concerned bringing people back together, black, whites, Hispanics to unify a broken country. Both of them have been there, especially Barack Obama a person of colour with roots in Kenya who surmounted all hurdles to emerge the President of the US and he secured an unprecedented second term. Both of them had pedigrees and were in a position to speak candidly to the American people. They didn’t ask that anyone should be disqualified or an opposition party opponent be shot dead as a Senator in Osun did. They addressed issues that were fundamental to their country, people and government. They referred to their legacies US vs Iran deal, Obamacare etc that were abandoned setting off the trend of conflicts over the Suez of Homutz which is the source of higher oil prices today. The American people listened attentively and waited for last Tuesday to deliver their verdict. There is a big lesson there for the APC to learn if they choose to and it’s the voice of the silent majority who decided in speaking last. There were permutations and predictions from pollsters who polled voters from different backgrounds, spoke to different sets of respondents all in the hope of gauging where the election pendulum would swing. Regrettably, it sent them on a wrong direction handing the least favoured party, the Democrats a handsome win. We have seen almost all the governors empty into the ruling party but no one asked Democrats Governors to decamp to Republican party and providing security to protect campaign billboard is an absurdity and a first in Nigeria. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

VIEW POINT

A Logistics Lesson for INEC from America’s Midterm Elections

saw the FEDECO elections firsthand, and what I remember most is the endless waiting by voters at the polling stations. Voters waited. Officials waited. Whole communities waited for election materials that were always on their way and never seemed to arrive. The frustration was real, and it had little to do with politics. It was about logistics. More than four decades later, Nigeria has repeatedly rebranded its electoral management institution – from FEC to FEDECO, NEC, NECON and eventually INEC. Yet, despite the changes in names, structures and administrations, the underlying problems of electoral credibility, transparency and integrity remain stubbornly persistent. The name has changed; the problem has not. Today, Nigeria is a far larger country. It has more than 176,000 polling units, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to deploy about 1.4 million ad hoc staff for the next general election. Yet the old complaint has outlived the old commission. Election materials still arrive late in too many places, and every late arrival raises the same uncomfortable question: whose vote was lost to the clock? To his credit, the INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has said as much. In October, he inaugurated an Electoral Logistics Committee for the 2027 elections and declared that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because materials came late. He has also argued that an election is only as strong as its logistics. With the polls less than three months away, the commission has time to answer one more serious question. It is the one I want to put this week.

Amupitan

How can an election management body guarantee that every vote is collected, protected, transported and counted on time, regardless of how remote or difficult the community is to reach? That is the burning question on my mind for this edition. Riverine communities in the Niger Delta, island settlements, rural roads that fail in the rains, insecurity and sheer distance all complicate the movement of people and materials. An answer, or at least the outline of one, came

from an unlikely place on November 3, during the American midterm elections. In Los Angeles County, the Sheriff’s Department deployed eight helicopters, landing at seven helipads, to collect sealed ballot containers from places such as Lancaster, Palmdale and Van Nuys and fly them to the county’s central processing facility in the City of Industry. LAist, a news organization in Los Angeles reported that officials wanted to cut transport delays and to avoid giving communities closer to the centre an advantage in the timing of early results. The helicopters are the visible part of a partnership between the RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk, which runs elections, and the Sheriff’s Department, which supplies transport and security. The relationship itself is an old partnership. A 2012 report by electionline Weekly quoted a Registrar’s official saying the Sheriff’s Department had supported ballot transport from Catalina Island for more than 30 years, by boat or by aircraft depending on the weather. The election office chose the method. The Sheriff confirmed it three weeks before polling day. The custody rules matter as much as the aircraft. Ballot containers are sealed and their contents recorded before they move. Departure times and container numbers are communicated ahead to the processing centre, and the numbers are checked again on arrival. No one is left alone with ballots or equipment. Two things stand out. First, the election

authority never surrendered its authority. The Sheriff provides a capability; the Registrar keeps the ballots, the process and the count. Second, the system does not depend on one mode of transport. Fog has diverted ballot helicopters in past Los Angeles elections, and ground routes carried on. Redundancy is part of the design. I found no evidence of a single countywide agreement governing all of this. What is documented is a long-running operational partnership with clearly defined roles, which is a more useful thing to copy than a document. Los Angeles is not an outlier. In Hawaii, Maui County arranged charter flights with Kamaka Air to bring ballots from Molokai and Lnai, with sealed containers, signed handovers and election officials on board. The flights are procured in advance, not improvised on election night. In Arizona, Coconino County moved ballots out of Supai, the Havasupai village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, by mule train, with riders from both major parties. In Ohio, the Erie County elections board, the Sheriff’s Office and the US Coast Guard share the job of bringing ballots back from Kelleys Island on Lake Erie, with seals checked and each transfer recorded in the presence of representatives of both parties. Adeola Akinremi is a public poºlicy advisor and strategic communications expert with extensive multilateral experience advising on economic and policy reforms across global markets. As Founder and CEO of Hintells, he leads an AI-powered intelligence platform that connects businesses and African diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. He can be reached via email: adeola@hintells.com

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Politics

Sokoto 2027: APC, ADC in High-stakes Battle for Seat of the Caliphate As Sokoto prepares for the 2027 governorship election, the battle for the seat of the Caliphate is shaping up as a fierce contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition African Democratic Congress, writes Onuminya Innocent

lthough 19 candidates are contesting the governorship election in Sokoto State, the contest has effectively narrowed to a fierce two-horse race between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Both parties boast formidable structures, influential leaders, deep grassroots networks and loyal followership across the state’s 23 local government areas. The stage is therefore set for one of the most keenly contested, emotionally charged and consequential governorship elections in the political history of Sokoto State. Sokoto is not just another state. It is the seat of the Caliphate, a centre of Islamic scholarship, tradition and moral authority. It is also a state where politics is deeply personal, loyalty is generational, and a single political figure can shape the destiny of an entire election. The 2027 contest is, therefore, not merely about parties and manifestos. It is about structures, personalities, legacies, grievances and the future direction of the state. As campaigns gather momentum, two dominant narratives are emerging. On one side is the APC, armed with the power of incumbency, the machinery of government and the towering influence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. On the other side is the ADC, buoyed by a resurgent opposition, the unifying influence of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the growing appeal of its governorship candidate, Muhammad Manir Dan’iya.

The APC Political Advantages As the party in power, the APC enjoys the enormous advantage of incumbency. It controls the state executive council, comprising about 26 commissioners, all 23 local government chairmen, and a vast network of political appointees, special advisers, senior special assistants and grassroots mobilisers spread across the state. This structure gives the ruling party an unmatched presence in every ward, polling unit and community. From the state capital to the remotest villages in Isa, Sabon Birni, Gada and Tureta, the APC has foot soldiers who can mobilise, sensitise and deliver votes on election day. The party also enjoys the backing of the federal government and possesses the financial muscle required to prosecute a statewide campaign. In Nigerian politics, where logistics, mobilisation and visibility matter, this financial strength cannot be underestimated. Beyond money and structure, the APC controls the levers of governance. It can point to projects, appointments and interventions as evidence of performance. It can also deploy the goodwill that comes with being in government, a factor that often influences undecided voters, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders who prefer to align with power. Also, at the heart of the APC’s strength is the Wamakko factor. Senator Wamakko remains the biggest name in Sokoto politics. His residence at Gawon Nama attracts mammoth crowds like Mecca whenever he is around, and many describe him as the political demagogue of Sokoto politics. Wamakko is not just a politician; he is an institution. For over two decades, he has dominated Sokoto politics through a rare combination of generosity, accessibility, grassroots connections and strategic political intelligence. His doors are open to the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. His legendary love for the Talakawa and Almajiris has endeared him to a massive support base across the state, cutting across age, class and geography. To many ordinary people, Wamakko is not just a leader; he is a benefactor, a father figure and a source of hope. In Sokoto, elections are often won not only on policy but also on trust, affection and personal loyalty. Wamakko commands all three in abun-

Dan’iya

dance. His political machine, built over years of careful cultivation, remains intact and active. His loyalists occupy key positions in government, the party and communities. His endorsement carries enormous weight, while his presence at a campaign rally can transform the mood of an entire town. Equally, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, though from the same senatorial district as Wamakko, has also built his own political base through his appointees and loyalists across the state. Since assuming office, he has gradually developed a network of supporters whose political relevance is tied to his administration. His supporters argue that his administration has made efforts to address infrastructure, education and security challenges, and believe his performance will speak for the party in 2027. Other APC heavyweights include Alhaji Umaru Kwabo, the Jarman Sokoto, who commands supporters across all 23 local government areas. Kwabo is a veteran politician with deep roots and a large following, particularly among the business and political elite. However, some APC members are apprehensive about the manner in which he was sidelined in party affairs and his close relationship with the ADC governorship candidate, whom many describe as his adopted son. This relationship has become a subject of quiet discussion within the APC, with some fearing that it could affect the party’s cohesion at a critical moment. Isah Saddiq Achida, former APC State Chairman and now the party’s North-West Zonal Secretary, holds sway in Wurno and Rabah local government areas, while Deputy Governor Muhammad Idris Gobir, a grassroots politician with a history of winning local elections, adds further strength to the ruling party. Together, these figures give the APC a broad and diverse leadership base, combining experience, youth, grassroots appeal and elite influence.

For many voters, the question is simple: If so much money comes into the state, why is life still so hard? This perception, whether fair or not, is a potent weapon in the hands of the opposition. The Tinubu factor is also a major concern. Anti-Tinubu sentiments are openly expressed by many voters in the state, and analysts warn that this could affect the outcome of the governorship election. In some communities, the chant of “Tinubu must go” has become a common refrain, reflecting dissatisfaction with the economic policies of the federal government. Although governorship and presidential elections are different, voters often link the two. The APC in Sokoto will have to work hard to separate the state contest from national discontent and convince voters that a vote for the APC in Sokoto is not necessarily an endorsement of hardship at the centre. Internal grievances within the party, including feelings of marginalisation among some stakeholders, also pose a threat. If not properly managed, such grievances could lead to silent sabotage, defections or voter apathy among disgruntled members.

The APC’S Weaknesses Despite the strengths highlighted above, the APC faces serious challenges that could undermine its chances. Many residents believe that, despite the huge monthly allocations from the Federation Account, the government has not done enough to alleviate poverty in the state. Sokoto remains one of the states with high poverty indices, while the hardship confronting ordinary people, including rising food prices, unemployment and insecurity in some areas, has created widespread frustration.

Gov. Aliyu

The ADC: From PDP Crisis to Formidable Opposition The ADC, on the other hand, draws much of its strength from former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who left after the party was engulfed in crisis. What began as a fallout from internal PDP wrangling has grown into a formidable political movement. The ADC has absorbed experienced politicians, former office holders, grassroots mobilisers and aggrieved PDP members who felt sidelined or cheated in the old party. This influx has given the ADC instant structure, experience and visibility. It is not starting from scratch; rather, it is building on the foundation of the PDP’s former dominance in Sokoto. The party’s message of change, inclusion and a fresh start is resonating with many voters, particularly young people and those who feel left behind by the current administration. At the centre of the ADC’s mobilisation is the Tambuwal factor. Senator Tambuwal, gentle yet highly influential, is widely credited with the maturity with which he managed pre-primary disagreements, a move that kept the party’s bigwigs together and earned him accolades. Tambuwal is a different kind of politician from Wamakko. Where Wamakko is fiery and populist,

Tambuwal is calm, calculated and diplomatic. His strength lies in his ability to build consensus, manage egos and keep a coalition together, a skill that proved invaluable in holding the ADC together during its formative stage. Mutawallen Sokoto, as his supporters fondly call him, has political structures in all 23 local government areas. His home local government, Tambuwal, alone boasts a large chunk of votes, while his influence extends far beyond his immediate constituency. As a former governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tambuwal brings national exposure, administrative experience and a reputation for tolerance and inclusivity. His supporters see him as a bridge-builder capable of uniting Sokoto across ethnic, sectional and political lines. Similarly, the ADC governorship candidate, Muhammad Manir Dan’iya, is a grassroots mobiliser of repute. His supporters call him Wali Sokoto, a name that resonates across the state. Dan’iya is known for his humility, accessibility and deep connection with ordinary people. He speaks the language of the streets, understands the pains of the common man and has built a loyal following through years of consistent engagement. Some analysts attribute the PDP’s loss of Sokoto to the APC in 2023 to Dan’iya’s failure to secure the PDP ticket at the time. They argue that, had Dan’iya been the candidate, the outcome might have been different. Whether true or not, this narrative has strengthened his candidacy and given his supporters a sense of unfinished business. His emergence as the ADC candidate has energised the opposition. Many see him as a candidate who can match the APC’s grassroots appeal and challenge the ruling party in its strongholds. Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing Sokoto South, is another strong pillar of the ADC. A native of Isa Local Government Area, he has performed well and maintains a strong connection with his constituents. His presence gives the ADC strength in the southern senatorial district, a zone that is crucial to winning the state. Also, the Atiku factor looms large. Many voters in the state are aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whose name resonates in every nook and cranny of Sokoto. Though not an indigene of the state, his influence is expected to shape the outcome of the 2027 election.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Politics

Kefas

Tutare

Bwacha

Taraba 2027: Can Bwacha, Tutare, Others Dislodge Kefas? The race for Taraba State’s governorship is gathering momentum ahead of the February 6, 2027 election, with incumbent Governor Agbu Kefas facing a major political test from Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and Senator Abubakar Tutare. Although 19 candidates are seeking the coveted seat, the contest is increasingly revolving around the three leading contenders, writes Wole Ayodele

ith the February 6, 2027 governorship election approaching, Taraba State is witnessing an increasingly competitive political contest, with incumbent Governor Agbu Kefas, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and Senator Abubakar Tutare emerging as the leading contenders for the state’s coveted governorship seat. Besides the three leading candidates, two others, Prof. Jerome Nyame of Accord and Hon. Danjuma Shiddi of APGA, are also likely to make an impact in the election. Although 19 candidates are in the race for the coveted seat, other candidates and their parties are either strong but face considerable odds or are relatively unknown political featherweights contesting largely to make up the numbers. As it stands, Governor Kefas and Bwacha are the most visible candidates and have dominated political discussions across the state. However, Hon. Shiddi and Prof. Nyame are also making significant inroads in the media space. Realistically, and without prejudice to the other candidates, the election is likely to be keenly contested between Kefas and Bwacha, who, incidentally, was the APC candidate in 2023, while Kefas contested on the platform of the PDP. This time, the political roles have been reversed. AGB KEFAS The incumbent Governor, Kefas, will go into the election as the favourite. He was elected in 2023 on the platform of the PDP before defecting to the APC earlier this year. Besides enjoying the benefits of incumbency and federal backing, some of his key policies have resonated positively with sections of the state’s population. Notable among the policies and projects of the Kefas administration are the free education policy for primary and secondary schools and the 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees at state-owned tertiary institutions. In addition to providing free and compulsory education for primary and secondary school students, the administration also provides pupils and students with free uniforms, school bags, sandals, books and other instructional materials. Similarly, the Kefas administration has been dubbed ‘Youth O’Clock’ because of the number of young people appointed as commissioners and special advisers. Arguably, no administration since the creation of the state has given more appointments to young people than Kefas, providing him with a strong support base going into the election. Another factor that could work in Kefas’s favour is incumbency. Since 1999, every governor who has ruled the state has served two terms, unless the people of the state decide otherwise. Meanwhile, Kefas’s defection to the APC is arguably his greatest advantage going into the election. The move brought the structure of a faction of the PDP into the APC, creating a larger and broader political platform. Although a section of the PDP refused to follow the governor to the APC, what remained of the party after the

defection was largely a carcass until Senator Bwacha returned to pursue his governorship ambition. Not a few people believe that even the remnants of the PDP were left in place by the governor to retain control of the political structure. Therefore, with the APC having become a political behemoth in the state, defeating the party in an election would be a herculean task. However, as the saying goes, nothing is impossible in politics, and only time will tell. On the other hand, the major weakness that may work against Governor Kefas’ re-election is the array of candidates from his Senatorial zone especially from Wukari and Ibi local government areas. As at the last count, there are seven gubernatorial candidates from Southern Senatorial district jostling for the governorship seat apart from the governor himself. Though some of the candidates are not really a threat to him, however, Bwacha, Shiddi and Ishaka Bawa of APM may decimate his ‘home advantage’ Shiddi has been winning Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency which is Kefas’ constituency while Ishaka Bawa, another homeboy from Ibi who also represented the constituency twice may be an albatross. Besides, the rumoured strain relationship between the governor and his political godfather, General T.Y. Danjuma, is a serious challenge to the governor though there have been several refutals of any strain relationship between the governor and Danjuma by the governor’s handlers. However, the governor has been able to rally round the major political stakeholders across the three Senatorial districts in the state to himself and may be able to weather the storm. SENATOR EMMANUEL BWACHA (PDP) Senator Bwacha is a household name in Taraba politics. In fact, he is among the most prominent and experienced politicians currently contesting for elective positions in the state. A deeply rooted grassroots politician, he was the APC governorship candidate in 2023 but lost to Kefas of the PDP. Before then, he served three terms as a senator and was a principal officer of the Senate for eight years. He was also a member of the State House of Assembly, a commissioner and a member of the House of Representatives. Apart from the ruling party and the incumbent administration, none of the other candidates has a political structure comparable to Bwacha’s. He has flagged off his campaign and inaugurated a 281-member campaign council headed by Ambassador Ardo Jika. In recent times, he has also been challenging the incumbent administration on various issues in a bid to win support for his ambition.

Although he is a formidable politician who cannot be dismissed lightly, defeating an incumbent governor is a herculean task in Taraba. He will, therefore, have to work extra hard and cover considerable ground to displace Kefas. SENATOR ABUBAKAR TUTARE Senator Tutare was a former Commissioner for Finance and Secretary to the State Government before his election to the Senate in 2011. Since leaving the Senate in 2015, he has not held any elective political office. Going into the forthcoming election, Tutare’s strongest support base is the Muslim Ummah. There are speculations that the Muslim Ummah in the state has decided to throw its support behind him, as it did in 2023 for Prof. Sani Yahaya of the NNPP, who eventually came second in the election. Although Prof. Yahaya is also contesting the forthcoming election on the platform of the NDC, there are indications that he may not enjoy the full support of the bloc he had in the last election. Therefore, with the support of the Muslim Ummah, Tutare has emerged as a major force in the contest. However, whether he can win the election with the support of the bloc alone remains to be seen. In the same vein, Tutare will be hoping to leverage the political structure of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the state to coast to victory. Atiku is the presidential candidate of the ADC and has maintained a strong political base in Taraba over the years. However, whether his political machinery remains as potent as it once was will be determined by the election. JEROME NYAME - ACCORD Prof. Nyame contested for the PDP governorship ticket in 2022, but the process eventually produced Agbu Kefas as the party’s flag bearer. Although he has not previously held any elective political office in the state, he is a household name, having served as a principal assistant to former Governor Jolly Nyame. He is also a professor of business at Taraba State University, Jalingo. Although he does not have deep pockets, he enjoys a strong following among young people and considerable support from his Mumuye ethnic group, which is arguably regarded as the most populous tribe in the state. DANJUMA SHIDDI - APGA Hon. Danjuma Shiddi of APGA made a name for himself in the state when he was elected into the House of Representatives in 2015 on the platform of APGA, a relatively unpopular political party in the state. He went on to win a second term in 2019 on the platform of the party, despite fierce challenges from the PDP and APC. In 2023, he contested for the Senate on the platform of the APC and won before the court ruled that he was not the rightful candidate of the party. There are insinuations that he is being backed by Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, although that assertion has not been independently verified.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

POLITICS

Gov. Nwifuru

Ereke

Odii

Ebonyi 2027:

Nwagu

Governorship Race Intensifies as Nwifuru, Opposition Court Voters The 2027 Ebonyi governorship election is shaping up as a keen contest, with Governor Francis Nwifuru seeking re-election against three major challengers. While the debate over zoning and power rotation continues to divide stakeholders, questions surrounding the governor’s performance, political structures and the opposition’s capacity are expected to shape the race for Government House, writes Benjamin Nworie

he battle for Ebonyi Government House is taking shape ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with incumbency, political structures, zoning considerations and the performance of the present administration featuring prominently in the contest. Four major contenders are currently jostling for the position. They are the incumbent Governor, Francis Nwifuru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking re-election; Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); Chief Chukwuma Ifeanyi Odii of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and the candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Prof. Ernest Ereke. Like previous elections in the state, the contestants have argued that there is no rotation or zoning agreement for the exalted seat. However, members of the APC government believe it is the turn of Nwifuru’s Ebonyi North Senatorial District to complete its eight years, just like other districts whose candidates previously governed the state. This sentiment that former Governors served two terms has led many people, including those across other political divides, to suggest that there is no justification for scuttling Governor Nwifuru’s second-term bid. However, beyond these sentiments, some people believe that Governor Nwifuru has not performed creditably well in his first three years in office, and opposition parties are using this as a strong campaign tool. Ebonyi stakeholders are also divided over the zoning controversy. Some stakeholders loyal to Nwifuru have convened meetings at which they adopted a zoning arrangement. In the same vein, other stakeholders have also met, insisting that competence and capacity cannot be sacrificed on the basis of any flimsy rotation arrangements. Several factors will shape the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State. The uncertainty may also explain the uneasy political climate in the state, which has snowballed into pockets of political violence and threats across the state. Each of the contenders has expressed optimism that they will win the election. FRANCIS OGBONNA NWIFURU (APC) He is the current governor of Ebonyi State and is seeking reelection under the APC. Nwifuru, a builder by profession, has been criticised for his style of administration. His critics argue that the present administration has little to show for its three years in office, particularly as no project has been completed and commissioned since he assumed office. Undoubtedly, Nwifuru has performed in some areas, especially the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants dating back to 1996 and the provision of overseas scholarships to more than 350 Ebonyi indigenes. His government has initiated several projects which, if completed, would project his administration in a good

light. Regrettably, most of the projects are either abandoned or poorly executed. The reason for the criticism of Nwifuru’s administration is that he has no capable cabinet members who can drive his policies and programmes. The cabinet comprises individuals recommended by stakeholders and deployed to ministries without corresponding expertise or experience. However, Nwifuru’s only hope for re-election lies in the strength of the state’s stakeholders and political actors, who have maintained that the governor must complete his second term, like his predecessors. Some of them, including those across political divides, have noted that they can never support any plot to circumvent the existing status quo. Astakeholder who spoke to THISDAYon condition of anonymity said: “How can I explain to my children that I was part of the plot to scuttle the second-term bid of Governor Nwifuru? It amounts to laying a dangerous precedent for future generations. If we destroy the process, our children will suffer for it,” the source noted. To further strengthen Nwifuru’s support base, Ebonyi APC stakeholders met and resolved to win all elective positions in 2027. The state chairman of the party, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, said they would continue to explore options to further strengthen the party’s structures across the state ahead of the coming elections. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII (PDP) Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii was born on April 17, 1975. He is a businessman, philanthropist and politician. He is the founder and chairman of Orient Global Group. Odii, who is popularly known as Anyichuks, made his first appearance on the political scene in 2023 when he contested the governorship election. He challenged Nwifuru’s victory up to the Supreme Court. In his official declaration, the PDP governorship candidate noted that his campaign would be based on issues and devoid of violence and the spilling of the blood of any Ebonyi citizen. Since this declaration, the APC government appears to have become jittery over speculations that Odii’s ambition has the endorsement of the rainbow coalition of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. With his affluence, Odii has been able to consolidate his outreach, galvanising support from young people. He further announced the empowerment of 3,420 Ebonyi indigenes across the state’s 171 political wards. According to Odii: “We have called this stakeholders’ meeting to prepare the ground for a formal commencement of our campaign for the governorship of the state. In doing this, we have resolved to empower 20 people per ward across the state. This will be followed by more empowerment at the polling unit level. The leaders of each ward will be directed on the procedure for the selection of the beneficiaries of this first batch. “We are running this election together to rescue our state; there-

fore, there will be no room for the politics of hate, intimidation, harassment, or any form of assault. We will not throw a stone into a crowded market, as it may hit one of our own. However, we will never tolerate any form of state-sponsored hostility. We shall keep our eyes firmly on the ball, anchored by an absolute commitment to the rules of engagement.” However, the PDP candidate faces several challenges that could affect his chances. These include his style of politics, characterised by resurfacing during election seasons and disappearing afterwards. He is also not deeply rooted in the state’s politics. Beyond what money can achieve in an election, Odii lacks grassroots integration and structures across the 171 wards that can stand and defend his votes. SENATOR PAULINUS IGWE NWAGU (NDC) Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu is the governorship candidate of the NDC. He is a notable grassroots politician. He was a councilor, local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives and two-term senator representing Ebonyi Central. In 2023, he was the Deputy Governorship candidate to Odii of the PDP. He left the PDP and joined the NDC, where he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate. During his declaration, Nwagu said he has what it takes to defeat his opponents, including the incumbent, who is seeking a second term. He is also banking on the possibility that the presidential candidate of his party, Peter Obi, would defeat President Bola Tinubu, which he believes would give his ambition an added advantage. Nwagu is a notable and courageous political actor in his populous Ezza clan. Banking on its numerical strength, he said that power is not handed to the people of the Ezza clan, who are relying on the promise that Nwifuru would hand over to the clan in 2031. PROFESSOR ERNEST EREKE (ADC) TheEbonyiStategovernorshipcandidateoftheAfricanDemocratic Congress (ADC), Prof. Ernest Uchenna Ereke, emerged through a replacement primary conducted on September 16. The replacement primary followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier governorship candidate, Mba Ude Collins. Ereke has expressed confidence that the ADC would win the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, describing the party as a credible platform with the capacity to build formidable unity and alliances. He said his emergence would strengthen the party’s preparations for the election and expressed optimism that the ADC would secure the support of the people to take over Government House. However, Ereke’s chances are weakened by the absence of a clearly established political structure and broad grassroots support across the state. His emergence through a disputed replacement primary may negatively affect his performance.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R N O V E M B E R 7, 2026

INTERVIEW

Danielle Adewusi: 35 Years On, I Am Stepping into My Mother’s Legacy

Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, Danielle Adewusi, is following in her mother’s footsteps 35 years after she won the same title. Ahead of the 75th Miss Universe, she speaks with Tosin Clegg about legacy, empowerment and her ambitions. How did this journey start out for you?

hirty-five years ago, my mother held the same title, having been Miss Universe Nigeria in 1991, and I would like to say that I am stepping into a legacy. I am competing at Miss Universe International at the end of this week, as I resume camp on Sunday, and I am doing something that has never been seen in pageantry before. It is called the Legacy Reign, and nobody has ever done anything like it in pageantry. It honours three legacies. The first, which I have already spoken about, is my mother’s achievement 35 years ago. The second is that Nigeria won the Miss World pageant 25 years ago, while the third is the 75th edition of the Miss Universe competition. The convergence of these timelines is very significant to me and speaks strongly of legacy. When I compete, I want to represent Nigeria well and honour the different tribes and legacies of the country. You will see this reflected in the wardrobe I will be bringing to camp. These are outfits I designed myself, which have been brought to life by my amazing stylists.

What has your pageantry journey been like up to this point?

I was always aware of pageantry because of my mum, and the thought that I would compete one day had always been at the back of my mind. In my fifth year of medical school, I was already doing a lot, as I am someone who multitasks, although I am doing even more now than I was doing then. At some point, people started telling me that once I qualified as a doctor, I would have to give up all these other interests because I could only be a doctor. That did not sit

right with me. I do not believe we have to diminish one aspect of our mission for another to be celebrated. So, one day, I sat down and decided how I wanted things to be. I listed all the things I enjoyed and was good at, then took a step back to work out how to achieve them. I eventually decided that 2026 would be the year, and that was how the journey began.

What makes this global showcase so special to you? I believe we have a chance of winning, and I have seen how Nigerians have rallied behind and supported me. Many Nigerians did not know who I was before this competition. I had about 2,000 followers on Instagram, but that number has now grown to tens of thousands. I have seen the love and support, and I know that people genuinely believe we can make it happen this year. I worked hard behind the scenes even before competing at Miss Universe Nigeria, becoming a finalist or applying for the competition. I had already travelled to Thailand to receive training from one of the best runway coaches because I genuinely believe we can win. Winning would make history for several reasons. On a personal level, I would become the seventh Black Miss Universe in the competition’s 75-year history. I would also be the first Nigerian to win the crown, as Nigeria has never won the competition. In recent years, Miss Universe has changed some of its requirements, allowing women of any age to compete. Previously, the age limit was 28, and I am now 29. So, I would be the first queen to compete beyond the previous

Adewusi age restriction.

Tell us about your aspirations and resolve ahead of the competition.

I am deeply prayerful, and I am a believer. Only God has brought me this far, and only God can bring the crown. As a country competing in pageantry, we face many challenges because we are up against queens who are pageant veterans and have built significant followings through their successful participation in competitions. I trust in God and in the preparation that has brought me this far.

With so much on your plate, what has kept you going?

I keep going because I understand my purpose, which is to advocate for and empower women and girls. Perhaps this comes from my mum, who is a strong woman and has spent her life caring for others. It may also have come from my sisters, but I believe I have a strong sense of sisterhood and connection with women and girls. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Shiloh Godson Gives Netflix’s ‘Ordinary People’ Its Eerie Pulse hold that contradiction. The Godson’s score gives ‘Ordinary People’ more than toreligious elements needed to feel different from what audiences expect. We wanted the a soundtrack, creating atmosphere, deepening might music to be able to move in directions while the characterisation and heightening suspense, revelation, unexpected choral voices still carried that sense of spirituality.” tension, action and loss. Sunday Okobi writes The choral passages did not immediately sound the way

here are sounds. There are movie sounds. And there are tension-building soundtracks that grip viewers and keep them on their seats from beginning to end with unwavering focus. They can shift from drama to chaos, from serenity to suspense, just to prepare movie enthusiasts for danger before it unfolds on screen. This is the feeling that lingers when you watch ‘Ordinary People’, the 2026 Nollywood whodunit series on Netflix. Directed by Moses Inwang, the adrenaline-fuelled thriller features a

stellar ensemble cast, which includes Ramsey Nouah, Adunni Ade, Jackie Appiah, Uche Montana, Sharon Ooja, Lasisi Elenu, among others. Yet one of the series’ most distinctive contributions comes from behind the scenes: a score that gives its unsettling world an eerie, unpredictable pulse. That is where Shiloh Godson comes in. As a music composer, Godson created the series’ original score, using a blend of modern electronic and traditional elements across its eight episodes. From confrontations to shocking

revelations, the music shifts seamlessly, preparing viewers for the danger and suspense ahead. Rather than relying on piercing sounds, he balances symphonic arrangements, slow strings, high-energy chaos, and carefully placed sound effects to build anxiety and suspense. For Godson, the musical direction emerged from conversations with Inwang about the contradiction at the heart of Tornado, an upright, principled man by day and a cold-blooded murderer by night. In his briefing, Godson enthusiastically said: “We wanted the score

they do in the finished series. Godson added: “We recorded the choristers wailing. It sounded rather strange and somewhat uncomfortable, and we reshaped them in the studio until we got the refined unsettling tone that suits the production.” The score also gives Tornado, known as Jonas and played by Nouah, a distinct sonic identity. When he reveals himself to Ofege, the first victim viewers see him attack, a low, swelling bass motif begins to gather momentum. It suggests control and calculation, while the surrounding voices hint at the layers concealed beneath his composed exterior. “Jonas is meticulous and strategic. He plans everything,” Godson said, adding: “He’s like an onion: you keep peeling back layers before you understand who he really is. We wanted the music to reflect that gradual reveal, with the sound building as those layers come off.” Another carefully measured buildup occurs when Tornado finally reveals himself to his boys at the creek. The reworked version of Sound Sultan’s ‘Motherland (Area Oh)’ is followed swiftly by a symphonic arrangement that evokes Africa and stirs a sense of homecoming. The transition is both familiar and chilling, giving the moment a

recognisable musical signature. “That was the right feeling. We wanted viewers to reminisce about the importance of home and how it feels to be home. Moses Iwang and his team also contributed a lot to the soundtrack,” Godson disclosed to this journalist during a virtual coffee meeting. In contrast, Emilia, played by Sharon Ooja, is associated with a different musical energy. Her impulsive nature comes through in sharp, forceful hits that give her scenes a distinct texture, evoking danger, hysteria, and the possibility of complete breakdown. The contrast extends to the action sequences. During the school shootout and escape in Episode 8, electric guitars cut through the score, used sparingly but with considerable impact. Godson describes the music as a collaborative effort, crediting Inwang with playing a substantial role in shaping it during the editing process. The result is a score built less around a single signature tune than around distinct sonic identities: choral voices that unsettle, bass that gathers like a threat, and guitars that drive the action forward. It is also the work of a wider team, including HS Choir PH, Sharon Imoukhuede, Miriam Shongotola, Olaonipekun Oluwafem, and Sneezemankind. In a crime drama shrouded in secrets, the music does more than accompany the action. It gives viewers another way to sense what is coming and what remains concealed. Read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r •Novermber 7, 2026

Expression

‘Flurry of Activities’ Wrong

“P

A Ukoha was a selfless community leader, (otiose comma) who committed his personal resources to the upliftment (uplift) of Igbere community.” “Otti handsover (hands over) 65 security vehicles to police” “Here are the personalities that grace (graced) the occasion.” “Two of England’s most successful clubs will on tomorrow (delete ‘on’) go head-to-head in the Premier League as Manchester United take on Liverpool.” “Incessant fuel tanker fire (fires) worries (worry) Obi of Onitsha” “…so that our people will live a prosperous, safe and secure lives (life) in their environment (environments)….” “…as cost of raw materials skyrocket (skyrockets)” “RUGA: Why farmers, herders (herders’) crisis (crises) persist—Don” “Even a child in this nation knows that the police derives (derive) its (their) enabling and operational authority from the dictates of the Centre….” The paper’s Metro Section institutionalized this same lexical bondage in one of its headlines: “In Kano, Police allegedly shoots (sic) tanker driver over bribe” Its Editorial was equally not left out in this particular police howler: “Nigerians would no doubt be happier to hear from the Nigerian Police what it is (they are) doing to enhance its (their) capacity….” “The ban on tinted glasses is even more reprehensible because the security benefits it can deliver is (are) far from certain.” “Gov, Reps demand his arrest over (for) inciting comments on 2027” “A week’s trail on the heels of pirates reveal (reveals) how Nigerians lose billions of Naira to the kingpin….” “Court remands Edo lawmaker in prison over unlawful possession of firearm” The lawmaker was

remanded in custody—not in prison! “That is why the Presidency must show more leadership and tact before jumping into a battle just because it thinks it has the power to crush the enemy—real or imagined.” Get it right: the enemy—real or imaginary. “Nigerian scientists have failed woefully.” THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW: …have failed abysmally (not woefully) “Let me also make this point that our scientists have not done creditably well over the years.” No overkill: either creditably or well. The final entry from last week’s edition of this medium: “Insurgents await ransom, assure on ex-minister’s safety” ‘Assure’ is a transitive verb. It must take an object. “Restoring sanity on (to) the road should be the first tangible step if he is serious about….” “The result was that what was supposed to be a consensus agreement willingly entered into by….” ‘Consensus agreement’? Next time, just choose one. “It was flurry of activities in Abuja last week.…” A flurry or a hive of activity…. “The minister said government’s desire to licence (sic) a second carrier is born out of the…” General view: borne out. “Knowing fully well that Abacha was a key factor in the Babangida regime.…” Intelligent commentary: knowing full well. “What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.” Fixed expression: what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. “Some blind beggars on a street in Lagos Island” Beggars in a street on (not in) Lagos Island. “…Catholic cardinals who converged at (on) the Vatican for a three-day meeting….” “Manhunt begins for killers of award winning (award-winning) police chief.” “…writes (writes to) the president to intimate him of (to) the hardship ravaging the land.” “The civil servants have got pay rise, yet their purchasing power have (has) been decimated.” “The ITSC equipment was damaged early this

week by a heavy rainstorm....” In the interest of telecoms, delete ‘heavy’-–which is contextually otiose, just like ‘heavy downpour’! “Every moneybag (moneybags) wants you to know when he is celebrating….” ‘Moneybag’ is the sac used in putting money, while the owner is a moneybags. “A professional must update his knowledge in his chosen career otherwise he becomes a mediocre.” The way we write: otherwise he becomes a mediocrity or mediocrist. ‘Mediocre’ is an adjective that cannot function as a noun except in a collective manner (the mediocre). “The emergence of vigilante (vigilance) groups to combat the activities of men of the underworld is only symptomatic of lack of faith in the ability of the police to guarantee….” “NLC suspends siege on (to) First Bank, as NUJ lays siege to Daily Champion over non-payment of six-month salary” “The assurance from the IGP is therefore supposed to act as a soothing balm.” Is a balm not supposed to soothe? Does it do the opposite? “…it will be much more so with one involving a police personnel.” ‘Personnel’ is a collective term. Use ‘policeman’, ‘officer’ or ‘cop’. “But how do we prevent hunger next year when politicians will engage themselves (one another) in a do or die (do-or-die) battle for re-election.” “VP condemns do or die politics” This way: do-or-die politics. “The race to Government House in Kano has began in earnest as….” Without any effort: The race has begun…. “…those who would have uttered (what?) them reduced everyone to spectators while they reached for each other’s throats.” Get it right: each other’s throat or one another’s throat (depending on context). “After all, as they say, ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’ ’’. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. “Knowing what to wear and how to compliment

(complement) it goes a long way….” “The state, therefore, does not deserve the treatment being currently meted to it”. Classical expression: being meted out to it. “Chief of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrialization” When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’. Let us avoid verbiage in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity. “For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have….” A common mistake: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. “…rather than investigating and finding out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond recurrence, can an event yet to take place happen in the past? “…the university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.” True idiom: point a/the finger. No inclusion of ‘accusing’ or inflection of ‘finger’. “It is our belief that we members of the alumni association of our Alma Mata (Alma Mater) have unique roles to play in the restoration of sanity on our university campus.” It is…restoration of sanity to (not on) our campus. “Isn’t it funny that it is the beak with which a bird builds it’s (sic) nest that it uses to scatter it.” Possessive: its “…the AU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in (on) the continent.” “Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the breakdown of series of negotiations…” An agendum: a series of negotiations. “According to investigations, the deceased was said to be resting alone in his room at about 9.p.m….” Every reporter should be decisive based on timing which description to use: either at or about 9 p.m.

2027: Stop The Violence Before It Consumes The Election

here is something deeply disturbing about a political environment in which a candidate cannot travel to meet supporters, a party cannot organise a gathering, or citizens cannot attend a campaign event without the possibility of being attacked. Nigeria is still some distance from the 2027 general election, yet the atmosphere surrounding political activities is already acquiring an unsettling character. Violence, intimidation, disruption of meetings and physical attacks are becoming recurring features of political engagement. We should be concerned, not merely because politicians and their supporters are at risk, but because the freedom to participate in democracy is being threatened. The incidents are no longer easy to dismiss as isolated disagreements between overenthusiastic supporters. In Katsina, supporters All Progressives Congress travelling towards a campaign flag-off in Funtua were reportedly attacked along the Yashi-Funtua route in late October. A female passenger was injured, vehicles were damaged, and the police subsequently announced 14 arrests. In Cross River, the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, came under attack in Calabar on 4 November. Police confirmed damage to vehicles and announced the arrest of a suspect, while investigations continued. The suspect, it should be emphasised, remains entitled to the presumption of innocence. These incidents follow other reported confrontations and disruptions of political activities in different parts of the country. The National Peace Committee has reportedly recorded 60 election-related incidents within one month, including violence, intimidation and threats. That is a sobering indication of the climate developing around the next electoral cycle. We should not wait for a more frightening statistic before appreciating the danger. Political competition is not supposed to be a contact sport in which supporters demonstrate loyalty by breaking heads, smashing windscreens or chasing opponents out of neighbourhoods. Campaigns are opportunities to persuade, debate, canvass and present alternatives. They are not territorial conquests. No political party owns

a street, a community or a public space. No candidate has an exclusive right to campaign in a particular part of the country. And no citizen should need a security convoy to exercise the basic freedom of political association. Unfortunately, Nigeria has a long and uncomfortable history of politicians cultivating the services of young men who are recruited, equipped or encouraged to intimidate opponents. Some are described as supporters, mobilisers or loyalists when their activities serve political interests, but conveniently become unknown hoodlums when violence attracts public condemnation. This convenient disowning must end. Those who recruit, finance, encourage or deploy violent enforcers cannot escape responsibility simply because the violence has become embarrassing. Of course, allegations must be investigated and responsibility established on evidence. It would be irresponsible to attribute every attack to a particular party or political sponsor merely because an opposing camp makes the accusation. But it would be equally irresponsible for political leaders to hide behind the absence of immediate proof while refusing to condemn violence or cooperate with investigations. The standard must apply equally, whether the victims belong to the ruling party or the opposition. The security agencies have an especially important responsibility. The police must protect the right of every lawful political gathering to take place without intimidation. Their duty is not to preserve the comfort of incumbents, frustrate opposition mobilisation or display greater enthusiasm for one political colour than another. Security deployment should be guided by credible intelligence and assessed risks, not political convenience. Those who attack campaign convoys, disrupt meetings, threaten candidates or assault supporters must be identified, investigated and prosecuted. It is encouraging that police authorities have issued warnings and made arrests in some cases. The Inspector-General of Police has also spoken against the recruitment and mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence. But warnings, however emphatic, cannot substitute for prevention and enforcement. The public must see investigations pursued to their logical conclusion, sponsors exposed

where evidence establishes their involvement, and prosecutions conducted without selective application of the law. Otherwise, the familiar cycle of outrage, arrest announcements and eventual silence will continue. The Independent National Electoral Commission also has a role beyond preparing ballot papers and organising polling arrangements. Its responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process must include sustained engagement with security agencies and political parties on the safety of campaigns and voters. The National Peace Committee, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and religious leaders can help promote restraint, but moral appeals must be matched by institutional action. The danger is that violence at this stage could become a rehearsal for something worse as the election approaches. Political hostility can escalate. An attack on one group may provoke retaliation against another; a disrupted meeting may become an excuse for revenge; inflammatory statements may turn suspicion into collective hostility. Before long, ordinary supporters who have little or nothing to gain from political office may become casualties of battles fought on behalf of those seeking it. And what happens to the undecided citizen in such an environment? The trader who wants to listen to competing candidates, the student curious about policy proposals, the elderly voter who wishes to attend a rally, or the resident who simply wants to observe the political process may decide that staying away is safer. Violence therefore does more than injure its immediate victims. It narrows democratic participation, silences public discussion and allows intimidation to determine who can be heard. Political leaders must understand that democracy does not belong to the people who can assemble the largest crowds, hire the loudest musicians or deploy the most intimidating entourages. It belongs to citizens whose rights remain intact regardless of the party they support. A candidate’s popularity cannot be measured by the fear generated around a campaign, just as political strength cannot be established by the number of opponents prevented from speaking. President Bola Tinubu, state governors, party chairmen, presidential aspirants and

other political leaders must speak clearly and consistently against violence, including when the perpetrators appear to be associated with their own political interests. The temptation to condemn attacks only when one’s own camp is affected is part of the problem. Political restraint cannot be selective, and neither can accountability. The coming election should be an opportunity for Nigerians to interrogate competing ideas, assess records and make choices without intimidation. That requires political parties to discipline their supporters, candidates to moderate their language, security agencies to demonstrate impartiality, and the justice system to ensure that offences do not disappear into the familiar fog of political influence. Nigeria has enough insecurity to contend with without adding politically sponsored violence to the national burden. We should not allow the pursuit of political power to turn our streets into battlegrounds or make physical intimidation an accepted instrument of electoral competition. The warning signs are already visible. We must not pretend otherwise, nor should we wait until campaign violence becomes election violence before treating it as a national emergency. The people who throw stones today may be carrying more dangerous weapons tomorrow; the political rival chased away from a meeting today may become the target of a more organised assault later. Prevention is not an act of pessimism. It is an obligation of responsible leadership. The 2027 election must be decided by the votes of Nigerians, not by the fists, knives, guns or threats of political enforcers. Those seeking public office must understand that the mandate they desire can only be legitimate when citizens are free to choose without fear. Stop the violence before it consumes the election. And, more importantly, before it consumes the very democratic freedoms the election is supposed to protect.

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From Dream Investment to Property Nightmare Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu|

eal estate business is presently booming in Enugu. But it can as well be a burst for an investor if things go awry. A Lagos-based businessman cum investor, Dr Basil Kenechukwu Ogbuanu was made to taste the bitter side of things recently. Ogbuanu inadvertently burnt his fingers after a land transaction with a private firm allegedly linked to former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and his wife Patricia. The businessman said his desire to invest in real estate development in Enugu State was intended as an investment “to support my retirement.” But Ogbuanu needed funds to actualise his dream. To overcome the financial hurdle, he sought help. “I took steps and applied to the Board and Management of the firm where I am a shareholder (and got) an investment loan of N1 billion in 2019,” he said. Having secured the funds to finance his planned project, Ogbuanu also needed land for the project. Land was made available for sale by Nwobodo and his wife through their company Linkana Hotels. The plot allegedly measuring about 5, 485 hectares was allocated to Nwobodo by the then Anambra State government in 1979. Its parcellation later yielded 22 plots of varying sizes with the largest having a price tag of N85 million. The investor negotiated and paid for two plots of land marked R/18 and R/19 carved out from Plot S/10 Independence Layout Enugu. But before he paid for the plots, Ogbuanu said that he had carried out his own investigation at the State Ministry of Lands Registry. According to him, his findings “confirmed that property Plot S/10 Independence Layout Enugu with Building Certificate of Occupancy Registration No. 27/27/1038 dated 1979 - 07 - 06 was allocated from Government of (then) Anambra State, to Linkana Hotels Limited”. After the purchase of the first two plots, Ogbuanu apparently felt he still needed more to accommodate the size of his planned project. Since more plots of land were still available for sale, he went ahead and paid for two additional plots, namely R/20 and R/21. He was issued with Linkana Hotels receipt for the purchase of the additional plots like in the previous transactions. Ogbuanu said he paid a total of N235 million for the four plots he bought. That was as far as the land transaction between him and the Nwobodos ran smoothly, he further alleged. By the time Ogbuanu commenced project development on the plots of lands, the language of what was supposed to be a mutual business transaction turned to animosity. Trouble erupted when Mrs. Nwobodo visited the estate on

January 16, 2026, according to her, with some horticulturists for the purpose of tree planting.” She claimed that she had discovered that the gateman we employed at the estate had been hijacked and keys to the estate taken away from him by Ogbuanu and his cousin lawyer. Mrs. Nwobodo was said to have caused a scene and made phone calls to her husband claiming she had been kidnapped by people working for Ogbuanu at the project site in the estate. Things spinned out of control following what appeared to be distress calls by Mrs. Nwobodo. The police arrived and arrested the three building artisans working for Ogbuanu and clamped them into detention. Though he was not at the project site at the time Mrs. Nwobodo claimed she was kidnapped, Ogbuanu was later arrested at the Enugu Airport on his way back to Lagos. The police eventually arraigned him along with the three building artisans working for him. The four-count charge preferred against them included that the defendants, “did unlawfully confine the movement and detain Mrs. Patricia M. Nwobodo ‘f’ against her will from 1100 hours to 1300 hours,” on the fateful day. However, the suit was later struck out on April 21, 2026 by a Chief Magistrate Court in Enugu South and Mrs. Nwobodo

was allegedly slammed N1 million fine. Meanwhile, while the disputation was going on, buildings being erected by Ogbuanu, which were already at the stages of completion were pulled down with earthmoving equipment, which according to him, was brought by Mrs. Nwobodo. He alleged that the police were “procured” to supervise the demolition of the buildings. Following the huge losses he incurred, including the alleged carting away of stored building materials and fittings, Ogbuanu is now fighting on different fronts to get justice. He has filed a suit at an Enugu High Court demanding a N5 billion compensation from Nwobodo and his wife over the alleged destruction of his nearly completed buildings and stored building materials. In the suit marked No. E/238/2026, the plaintiff also joined seven other defendants, including three companies owned by the Nwobodos - Linkana Hotels Limited, Millennium Construction and Estate Developers Limited, and Moss Island Limited. According to court documents, both Linkana Hotels and Moss Island are listed as presently inactive by the Corporate Affairs Commission. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Principal, Chrisland High School, Lekki, Kolawole Cole Bewaji; Head Girl, Chrisland High School, Lekki/Captain, Division C, Oluwanifemi Okungbure; student of Chrisland High School, Lekki/Captain, Division B, Rachael Faka; and Chairperson, Chrisland High School, Lekki PTA, Joy Kosowe, during the presentation of awards to the students of Chrisland High School Lekki who emerged the winners of Division B and C of Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at the school hall in Lekki…recently Operatin

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 24, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

7.11.2026

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PAGE. 29

FLA MIN GOS

FROM SHAKY START TO STARDOM

Anation waits with bated breath as Nigeria’s impressive U17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, stand on the edge of absolute sporting immortality. Driven by pure, unyielding grit and an unbreakable sisterhood, this golden generation has shattered barriers to become the firstAfrican team ever to reach the FIFAU-17 Women’s World Cup final. Today in Rabat, their tears of past heartbreaks will transform into a roaring hunger for glory. Standing just 90 minutes away from lifetime destiny against Japan, these young queens are ready to pour their hearts onto the pitch and rewrite history forever, writes KUNLE ADEWALE

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FLAMINGOS

From Shaky Start to Stardom

igeria’s U17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, are on the cusp of an unprecedented footballing milestone. Following a clinical second-half display that blew past South American giants, Brazil with a 3-1 victory, head coach Akeem Busari’s relentless squad has become the first African nation ever to reach the grand finale of the FIFAU-17 Women’s World Cup. Today, all eyes will turn to Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, where this golden generation of Nigerian talent stands just 90 minutes away from lifting their maiden global title against Japan. From Heartbreak to History: The Path to Rabat The journey of this 2026 squad is a masterclass in resilience. After a narrow 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening Group B match, few could have anticipated the sheer dominance that followed. The Flamingos didn’t just bounce back; they caught fire. They shut down Puerto Rico 2-0, stunned defending champions North Korea 3-1 in the group stage, outclassed Mexico in the Round of 16, and forced their way past Venezuela in a grueling quarter-final. Their semi-final clash with Brazil showcased exactly why this team is special.After a cagey, goalless first half, Nigeria unleashed an offensive storm. Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a lethal finish, setting the tempo for midfield dynamoAwawu Bashiru to step up and slide home a magnificent brace. By the time Brazil managed a late consolation goal through Greise Kelly, the West African heavyweights had already booked their tickets to the final. Nigeria fundamentally dominated the pitch, racking up an astonishing 30 attempts at goal. A Unit of Individual Excellence What makes this specific iteration of the Flamingos so dangerous is their depth. For the first time at a FIFA tournament, five different Nigerian players have secured the Player of the Match award across six matches: •Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (vs Puerto Rico) •Kanyinsola Yusuf (vs Korea DPR) • Oluebube Umejiaku (vs Mexico) • Favour Nkwocha (vs Venezuela) • Awawu Bashiru (vs Brazil) Under Busari’s tactical supervision, Nigeria has blended raw, physical power with fluid counterattacking football that has left opposition managers scrambling. Led by captainAzeezat Oduntan, the team has cast aside the ghosts of their 2022 campaign—where they settled for a historic bronze medal in India—and elevated their game to the absolute pinnacle. The Ultimate Test: Decoupling the Japanese Machine Standing between Nigeria and the history books is a highly technical, disciplined Japanese side. Japan booked their final slot via cold efficiency, neutralising North Korea 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in their semi-final. Where Japan wins through tactical possession and geometric passing networks, Nigeria counters with terrifying athletic pace, high pressing, and explosive wing play. Fans across Nigeria and Africa are already counting down the hours. The narrative has shifted from can they do it, to how they will do it. If the Flamingos maintain the fierce, uncompromising momentum that dismantled Brazil, Tonight will not just mark another match in Rabat—it will mark the dawn of a new era for African women’s football. Drawing Inspiration from Argentina ForCoachAkeemBusari,reachingthefinalrepresents a significant achievement not only for the players but also for Nigerian and African football. Speaking after the encounter with Brazil, the Nigerian coach expressed his delight at the result while acknowledging the technical quality of the

Nigeria’s Rodiat Yusuf fences off Brazilian attacker during the semi final duel of the 2026 women’s under 17 World Cup in Morocco

Brazilian side. “It’s an awesome thing, it’s a great achievement,” Busari said. “Reaching the final is a plus for our country, it’s a plus for our football. We are happy, the class are happy. “It was a keen contest and it wasn’t an easy one. Brazil really showed the stuff they have technically, but we tried to really block the view of their passing line, so we had to show character. We played really, really bravely. We appreciate the class because they are young, we could only encourage them and tell them what they need to do to make the final.” The Flamingos’ journey to the final has also carried a familiar World Cup storyline, with Nigeria drawing inspiration from Argentina’s remarkable comeback at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Queen Joseph, who opened the scoring against Brazil, revealed that Argentina’s triumph had provided the team with the belief that an early setback did not have to define their campaign. “We took the Argentina spirit from the 2022 World Cup after losing our first game,” an overjoyed Joseph told FIFA. “They came back and won the trophy, so we are hoping to God Almighty that we are going to win the trophy. “I feel very happy. Playing in the final is a big privilege, representing my country in the final is a big privilege for me. I’m super proud of myself and my team because we made history. We are not here just representing Nigeria; we are here representing Africa as a whole.” While the entire squad deserves credit for Nigeria’s impressive campaign, Awawu Bashiru emerged as one of the biggest talking points against Brazil. The forward had not started any of the Flamingos’ previous six matches and had accumulated just 73 minutes of playing time before Wednesday’s semi-final. However, handed her first start of the tournament, she repaid Busari’s faith in spectacular fashion by scoring twice to help Nigeria secure their place in the final. Her performance also earned her the Player of the Match award, with the youngster visibly delighted as she reflected on a memorable night. “Today was my first start, so I’m so happy, I’m so excited,” Bashiru said, clutching her award. “I’m so proud of myself, my team-mates, my coach and the teamwork. We did it, and it was not an easy task. I thank God. I’m grateful.” Presidential Charge

President Bola Tinubu has however charged the Flamingos to go for the gold as they meet Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco today. The President, in a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told the young female footballers “Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos.” Tinubu urged the players to remain focused, confident, and determined, assuring them of the prayers, goodwill, and unflinching support of the Nigerian nation. “I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title. “I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited.” Meanwhile, the President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Dr. Patrice Motsepe has congratulated Nigeria Women’s U-17 National Team after they qualified for the Final of the FIFAU-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. Dr Motsepe said Nigeria’s Flamingos have madeAfrica and CAF proud by achieving this historic milestone.

Fixture: Japan U17 vs Nigeria U17 (Morocco 2026 Final) Date: November 7 Time: 7:30 pm Nigeria Time Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat, Morocco Nigeria’s Road to Final Group Stages Poland 2-1 Nigeria Nigeria 2-0 Puerto Rico Nigeria 3-1 Korea DPR Nigeria 2-1 Mexico

Quarter Final

Nigeria 1-0 Venezuela

Semi-Final

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L-R: Oladiji Wusu, Chief Project Manager; Ehima Uwumarogie, Chief Operations Officer; Ayo Ogunkanmi, Head of Compliance; Mrs Hunpe Esther, Area Officer, Eti-Osa; Onowe Ajulo, Head of Legal; Dr Adeyemi Adeyinka, Director, Cooperative Services; Adebukola Oyeneyin, Partner, Wigwe & Partners; Mr Omotayo Kazeem, Deputy Director, Cooperative Services; Oluwakemi Balogun, Chief Commercial Officer; David Agboola, Associate, Wigwe & Partners; and Isaac Mills, Chief Investment Officer, during the official visit to Louisville at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos by representatives of the Lagos State Directorate of Cooperative Services and TotalEnergies Staff Housing Cooperative (TEHC) on 2 November 2026

Runsewe Hosts AACT Dinner to Showcase Nigerian Hospitality

resident of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has hosted participating countries and officials in the ongoing 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) to a dinner celebrating Nigerian music, entertainment and hospitality. The dinner, held on Thursday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja brought together golfers, officials, AACT Trustees and representatives of participating countries for an evening of entertainment, networking and celebration of African unity through sports.

More than 20 African countries are participating in the championship, which has further strengthened the platform for promoting women’s golf across the continent. A major highlight of the dinner was the presentation of gifts and awards of appreciation by Runsewe to all participating countries. The NGF President also honoured theAACT President, Madame Cécile Poncet, as well as the Trustees representing Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Africa for their contributions to the growth and development of the championship.

Runsewe described Nigeria’s hosting of the continental championship as an opportunity to strengthen African solidarity, promote cultural exchange and deepen relationships among golf stakeholders. He said the dinner was organised to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant entertainment industry and renowned hospitality to visitors from across Africa. According to him, golf remains an important platform for bringing people together, promoting friendship and fostering cooperation among African countries.

Umuahia North Emerges Champions of KAF Abia Champions League Umuahia North Local GovernmentArea has emerged champions of the KAF Abia Champions League after defeating Aba South LGA 2-0 in a pulsating final played before a mammoth crowd. The final, which brought down the curtain on the competition sponsored by the PDP governorship candidate for Abia State, Dr. KelechiAnosike, also saw Isiala Ngwa North LGA clinch third place.

UmuahiaNorth,whoshowed consistency throughout the tournament, were rewarded with the star prize of a trophy, gold medals and a cash prize of N1,000,000, while runnersup Aba South received silver medals and N600,000. Isiala Ngwa North got bronze medals and N400,000 for finishing third. Speaking after the presentation of medals and cash prizes, Dr.Anosike said the tournament

Dr. Matthew Oriakhi was last Saturday declared overall best after returning an impressive 73 net in the keenly contested men’s handicap 0-14 category, Osazee Iyare emerged the best gross winner with convincing scores of 78 gross. Adesoji Benson (handicap 10) finished as first runner-up with 74 net, while Victor Oriasotie (handicap 7) emerged second runner-up after edging Tony West (handicap 11)

on count-back, following a tie on 75 net. West settled for third runner-up. In the ladies’ handicap 1-28 category, Princess Nkeiruka Awiaka (handicap 17) produced a brilliant performance to win with 69 net, just as fmr. LGAN South-South Zonal Vice President, Sandra Emina, claimed the best gross prize with 86 gross. BCGS Lady Vice Captain, Edith Edeki (handicap 22), was first runner-up with 76

would be hosted yearly as a platform to identify, harness and export talented players to top football leagues across the world. He described the victory of UmuahiaNorthasdivine,noting that it was not a mere coincidence that his home local government won the maiden edition, adding that it was evident God was at work and would see him to victory in the current political contest.

` 9th Oba of Benin Golf Tournament Ends in Style as Dr. Oriakhi Emerges Overall Winner

net, while Rita Izoje (handicap 13) placed second runner-up with 78 net. In the men’s handicap 15-28 category, Jerry Ayegbeni (handicap 28) defeated Vincent Igbinosa (handicap 18) on count-back after both returned 71 net, while Hon. Osazuwa Ehiorobo (handicap 17) finished third with 73 net. Dr. Adesuwa Aigbokhaode won the ladies’ handicap 29-36 category, with Paula Oghuma and Nora Ucheagwu finishing second and third respectively.

NDC Urges Flamingos to Crown Historic Run with World Cup Victory Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the national Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan in Saturday’s final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and make history by bringing the trophy to Nigeria. The party also commended the team for becoming the first African side to reach the final of the competition, describing its achievement as a source of national pride and inspiration

amid the country’s economic challenges. The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, in a statement yesterday, praised the players for their resilience, determination and remarkable recovery after losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland. The party said the team’s impressive performances had provided Nigerians with moments of joy despite what it described as the hunger, poverty and hardship arising from

the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the statement, the Flamingos demonstrated exceptional fighting spirit by defeating two-time champions, North Korea, 3-1, in the group stage, ending the Asian side’s eight-year unbeaten run in the competition. The team subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, overcame Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals and secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.

L-R: Bimbola Reis, President of Eko Club, Razaak Amodu; Founder, Reis Table Tennis Tournament, Engr. Olaseni Reis, and Segun Awojebe at the unveiling of the second edition of the championship in 2023,at the Oba of Lagos Sports Hall, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos

Building Legacies, Lifting Communities: Why Olaseni Reis Gives Back Olaseni Reis

am frequently asked why I devote so much time, energy and resources to Agbolé Legacy Projects and the Reis Table Tennis Tournament.Thequestiondeserves a considered answer, because both initiatives spring from a single conviction: success has little meaning if it ends with the individual.

Sport as a School for Life

The Reis Table Tennis Tournament grew from the same belief, expressed in a different arena. Sport teaches what the classroom alone cannot- discipline, patience, humility in defeat and grace in victory. Table tennis in particular rewards focus, quick thinking The Meaning of Agbolé and perseverance-qualities that In Yoruba tradition, the serve a young person well in agbolé is the family compound, school, in work and in life. The tournament gives young a shared space where generations live side by side, support Nigerians a platform to discover one another and hand down their talent, compete fairly and values along with property. It be recognised for it. If it opens is a living symbol of belonging, a single door for a single child, the effort has been justified. security and continuity. That is the spirit behind Agbolé Legacy projects, Giving Back as Responredevelopment that can uplift sibility families while honouring their I do not regard giving back past, Agbole helps owners as charity. Charity suggests a convert ancestral land into favour, what I feel is a duty. durable, income generating Whatever I have achieved assets that preserve their was made possible by othheritage. We aim to make ers, family who sacrificed, decent, dependable housing teachers who guided, colattainable for ordinary people. leagues who trusted and A home is more than a roof. communities that supported. It gives a family a foundation The most meaningful way to on which to plan, grow and honour that debt is to create build wealth that outlasts a opportunities for those who single generation. Legacy, in come after. my view, should not be a Housing and sport may seem privilege reserved for a few. unrelated, yet both are about

Reis

the same thing, giving people a stable footing from which to rise. One provides a place to belong, the other a place to grow.

A Call to Others

My hope is that this work inspires others to ask what they, too, can build for their community. Every contribution matters, whether it is a home, a tournament, a scholarship or simply time given to mentor a young person. A society is strengthened not by what a few accumulate, but by what many are willing to share.

Super Eagles AFCON Qualifiers Suffers Blow as Osimhen Goes Under the Knife Galatasaray have confirmed that Victor Osimhen will undergo knee surgery today following an injury that could become a major concern for Nigeria ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Turkish champions disclosed the development on their official website on Friday evening, revealing that the Nigerian striker sustained an injury to his left knee during their UEFA Champions League encounter against VfB Stuttgart. According to the club’s medical update, an MRI examination detected a loose fragment in Osimhen’s knee, prompting

plans for arthroscopic surgery at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital. The procedure will be conducted by Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce. The 27-year-old has consequently been withdrawn from Galatasaray’s squad for Saturday’s meeting with Amed Sportif Faaliyetler as he prepares for the operation. Osimhen’s latest setback comes at an unfortunate time for the Super Eagles, with head coach Éric Chelle preparing his squad for Nigeria’s crucial November international assignments. Nigeria are scheduled to face Tanzania twice in their 2027 Afcon

qualifying campaign, hosting the East African side on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17. Super Eagles currently have three points from their opening two matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau. Osimhen missed both encounters due to injury. With qualification pressure mounting, the striker’s latest setback could represent another significant concern for Chelle, who will be hoping to have his leading forward available for the upcoming fixtures.

Man Utd vs Aston Villa Headline Premier League Weekend on DStv, GOtv The Premier League returns with another weekend of top fixtures,headlinedbyManchester United’smeetingwithAston Villa at Old Trafford tomorrow, as both sides look to respond to contrasting midweek results. The Red Devils will be looking to revive their league campaign after a difficult run of results. The match kicks off at 5:30 pm on Sunday and will be available

on SS Kickoff (DStv Ch. 207)to subscribers from the Select package upwards . Today’s action begins with Tottenham’s fixture against Leeds United at 1:30 pm, as Spurs chase a fourth consecutive league win after turning around their difficult start. League leaders Arsenal host Hull City at 4 pm, looking to maintain their three-point ad-

vantage over Manchester City after narrow wins in the Premier League and Champions League. ManchesterCityfaceNottingham Forest at 6:30 pm after consecutive defeatsleftthemthreepointsbehind Arsenal. Tomorrow’s 3 pm fixtures see ChelseafaceSunderland . Also at 3 pm, Liverpool face Crystal Palace as they seek to end consecutive defeats toArsenal and Fenerbahce.

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BRAINSTORMING ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY...

L-R: Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh; Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, and Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Enugu State, Dr. Patrick Ubru, during the opening of the 48th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security in Enugu…yesterday

OBINNACHIMA EDGY OPTIMIST obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria’s Troubling First Quarter Budget Performance

igeria’s economic recovery is confronting a fundamental contradiction. While some key macroeconomic indicators appear to be moving in a favourable direction, the federal government’s finances are under considerable strain. The first quarter 2026 Budget Implementation Report obtained during the week presents a sobering picture of a traumatised economy in which revenue mobilisation remains weak, debt obligations are growing increasingly and capital investment lagging. The figures point to structural weaknesses that threaten the sustainability of the country’s economic recovery and raise serious questions about the government’s capacity to translate macroeconomic gains into improved living conditions, which has been a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections. The report showed that in the first quarter, the 2026 Budget which was titled, “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” failed to strengthen macroeconomic resilience, promote sustainable economic growth and improve the welfare of citizens, judging from its performance. According to the report, in the 2026 Fiscal Framework, gross federally collectible revenue was projected at N70.56 trillion, comprising N37.40 trillion (53 percent) Oil Revenue and N33.16 trillion (47 percent) other revenues. The amount translated to a prorated quarterly gross federally collectible revenue projection of N17.65 trillion for 2026. Nevertheless, actual gross oil revenue stood at N2.97 trillion in the review period, translating to N6.36 trillion (68.20 percent) shortfall, when compared with the 2026 quarterly prorate budget estimate of N9.33 trillion. The performance was N1.58 trillion below the N4.55 trillion generated in the fourth and first quarters of 2025 respectively. Equally, a breakdown of the oil revenue performance in the first quarter of 2026 showed that only Miscellaneous (Pipeline fees etc.) exceeded the quarterly budget estimates, while all other oil revenue items performed below their quarterly budget projections. The actual net oil revenue that accrued into the federation account in the period under review was N2.53 trillion, depicting a decrease of N5.46 trillion from the prorated quarterly budget estimate of N8 trillion.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu

The poor net oil revenue performance was attributed to the lower than projected crude oil revenue outturn, fall in production and lifting, as well as poor industry investments in the past. In the same vein, a total of N4.91 trillion gross federally collected non-oil revenue was generated, indicating a decrease of N2.35 trillion percent from the quarterly estimate of N7.26 trillion. Clearly, the poor revenue collection is the foundation of Nigeria’s fiscal problem. A government that is falling short of its revenue projections cannot sustainably meet its obligations and have the financial capability to address other needs. This means borrowing more to meet its obligation, which is a reflection of the country’s strong appetite for debt. More troubling is the proportion of the federal government’s revenue that goes into servicing its debt. The government spent N4.63 trillion on debt service during the quarter, exceeding its prorated budget provision by N747.62 billion. This expenditure was equivalent to approximately 91.2 per cent of actual revenue generated within the period. The implication is that nearly every naira collected in revenue by the country is being committed to servicing existing debt. With this, the federal government will struggle to make the investments required to expand its productive capacity when an overwhelming

proportion of its income is deployed to meeting past borrowing obligations. Investment in roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, security and other development priorities compete for the limited resources would certainly suffer. This is not a sustainable fiscal arrangement. The report also put the country’s total public debt stock as at 31st March, 2026, at N159.35 trillion (US$114.95 billion). The breakdown comprised N87.40 trillion (US$63.05 billion) or 54.85 percent for domestic debt stock while the balance of N71.95 trillion (US$51.90 billion) or 45.15 percent was for external debt stock. Equally disturbing is the near-standstill in the implementation of the 2026 capital budget by ministries, departments and agencies. Against a prorated first-quarter capital expenditure target of N8.07 trillion, actual capital expenditure was N1.69 trillion, a shortfall of 79.06 per cent. The report specifically records zero implementation of the 2026 capital budget by MDAs as at March 31, attributing this to the extension of the utilisation period for 2025 capital releases. Credit to the private sector fell from N94.21 trillion in December 2025 to N80.16 trillion in March 2026, a contraction of 14.91 per cent. At the same time, the average maximum lending rate rose to 35.17 per cent from 29.32 per cent. Reacting to the report, Lagos-based financial advisory firm, CFG Advisory, noted that while releasing the report was, a positive development towards compliance with FRA 2007, it reiterated its calls for Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA 2007) Compliance Audit especially in light of the Q1 2006 budget performance results and the sustainability of the proposed fresh borrowing request by the federal government and its impact on the FGN Capital Structure. “The debt servicing numbers and deficits have reached critical levels, putting fiscal management under severe pressure and threatening reform gains,” it noted, pointing out that the Budget Implementation Reports for fourth quarter 2025, second quarter 2026 and third quarter 2026, were still outstanding and in non-compliance of FRA 2007. Indeed, the first-quarter report exposes three interconnected policy challenges in the country. Nigeria must improve revenue mobilisation, reduce its excessive dependence on crude oil

receipts and strengthen the discipline with which public expenditure is planned and implemented. Tax reforms must translate into better compliance, a broader revenue base and improved collection efficiency, rather than merely higher fiscal expectations. Oil production must rise and the country must take decisive steps to ensure that leakages are blocked and non-oil exports must become a more substantial source of national income. Nigeria cannot borrow its way to prosperity. That is why the recent move by the government to use part of its proposed debt to further shore up the external reserves sounds awkward. This is because external reserves accumulated through borrowing are not the same as those generated through exports, investment inflows or other sustainable sources of foreign exchange. Borrowing increases the country's external liabilities even as it increases its reserve assets. It also exposes the country to greater foreign exchange risk. Since the facilities are denominated in foreign currencies, they will increase Nigeria’s exposure to exchange-rate movements. Any significant depreciation of the naira could raise the domestic-currency cost of servicing and repaying the loans, putting further pressure on government finances. Borrowing also increases the country’s refinancing and repayment risks, particularly given its existing debt redemption profile. Nigeria faces substantial commercial debt repayments in 2027 and 2028, including obligations that require the principal to be repaid in lump sums. Unfortunately, the country does not appear to have a sinking fund to cushion the pressure of these bullet repayments. A sinking fund allows the government to set aside money periodically towards the repayment of debt as it falls due, rather than having to mobilise the entire amount at once. Therefore, Nigeria’s borrowing should be guided by demonstrable economic returns, AND not simply BY the need to bridge recurring revenue gaps. Also, we need to see increased synergy between the fiscal and monetary policymakers. Finally, economic growth, positive economic indicators and economic stability that the government has continued must generate jobs, improve household welfare and bring about improved government revenue.

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