Monitoring Situation in Nigeria, Tinubu Seeks Global Support Against Terrorism
AU to US: Respect Nigeria’s sovereignty President says security non-negotiable, meets Sultan of Sokoto Cooperate with Trump to root out killers, PFN president, Momodu tell Tinubu
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Kuni Tyessi, Linus Aleke and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Russia yesterday said it was closely watching reports that
the United States may be considering military action in Nigeria.
Likewise, the African Union (AU) Commission stressed that the US must respect the
sovereignty of Nigeria and engage in diplomatic dialogue in addressing the problem of insecurity in the West African
Burna Boy Leads as Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr Bag Grammy Nominations
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In Two-horse Race, 2.8 Million Voters to Determine Soludo, Ukachukwu, Others’ Fate Today
Adequate security arrangements have been made, Police, NSCDC assure electorates Efficiency, impartiality, others will make or mar polls, Yiaga Africa declares Observer groups preach against vote-buying
Chiemelie Ezeobi, Sunday Okobi in Lagos, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka and Michael Olugbode in Abuja
All is set for today’s Anambra governorship election, as voters across the state prepare to head to the polls to elect the next governor of their choice.
Investigations across the State reveal a mix of excitement and apprehension among residents,
while heavy security presence underscores the preparedness of security agencies. In Awka, the state capital, patrol teams were seen stationed at strategic locations and moving through major streets to ensure a peaceful election. This comes as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence
Ukachukwu Soludo Continued on page 5
L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY and ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Alake of Egbaland,Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Former President Goodluck Jonathan; Former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Publisher The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; the Author of the Books, Dr. Ruben Abati, his wife Kikelomo, and Guest Speaker/Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. during the 60th birthday celebration and books’ presentation by Abati in Lagos yesterday ABIODUN AJALA
Security Experts Harp on LGs’ Reforms to Tackle Insecurity Amid Trump’s Threats
Linus
Security experts and public policy analysts have called for the accelerated implementation of ongoing local government reforms to help tackle the growing security challenges confronting the country, following President Donald Trump’s recent threats over
alleged Christian genocide.
Last week, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and directed the US Department of Defense to prepare for possible “rapid” military action should the Nigerian government fail to curb the killing of Christians.
“The US government will
also immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and top oil producer,” Trump had announced in a post on Truth Social.
Against this backdrop, experts are urging Nigeria’s federal government to fast-track local government reforms to address some of the root causes of insecurity
nationwide.
A public policy analyst and Chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Ambrose Igboke, stated that Nigeria could begin to stem the tide of insecurity if the issues of state and community policing were given the attention they deserve.
According to him, “It is
only when we establish state police that we can begin to stem the tide of insecurity in Nigeria. Our political system is overly centralised, and the policing structure is controlled from Abuja, which is not ideal for a federation like Nigeria.
“Local government areas should take the initiative to build cottage industries that
can provide employment for their people. “They should also construct access roads to farmlands and collaborate with banks mandated to fund agricultural projects, ensuring that young people are productively engaged. Such reforms are essential to addressing and reducing insecurity across the country.
Burna Boy Leads as Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr Bag Grammy Nominations
Ferdinand Ekechukwu
The Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, yesterday announced nominees for its 68th edition, with Afrobeats artistes well represented in the annual global music awards ceremony.
Scheduled to hold on Sunday, February 1, 2026,
at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the event would celebrate recordings released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025.
Among the African artists that made a strong showing across the global and African music categories were five Nigerians and nine continental acts earning nominations.
Burna Boy received two nominations — Best African Music Performance for “Love” and Best Global Music Album for “No Sign of Weakness,” making him the highest-nominated African artist in the 2025 edition.
Other Nigerian stars on the list include Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid, alongside continental
heavyweights such as Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Tyla (South Africa), and Youssou N’Dour (Senegal).
In the Best African Music Performance category, Nigeria’s dominance was unmistakable, with “Love” by Burna Boy, “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay, and “Gimme Dat” by
Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid* all nominated.
Other contenders include “Hope & Love” by Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin, and “PUSH 2 START” by South Africa’s Tyla. Burna Boy also breaks through beyond Africafocused recognition, landing nominations in Best Global Music Album for his 2025
album No Sign of Weakness. In the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy is competing against Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour (Eclairer le Monde – Light the World), Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo (Jerusalema in the performance category), and India’s Anoushka Shankar (Chapter III: We Return to Light).
IN TWO-HORSE RACE, 2.8 MILLION VOTERS TO DETERMINE SOLUDO, UKACHUKWU, OTHERS’ FATE TODAY
Department, DIG Benjamin Okolo, who also doubles as the DIG in charge of the elections, assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ dual commitment to protecting lives and securing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) while ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Today’s governorship election is the first to be conducted under the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan. Amupitan assumed office on October 23, 2025.
A total of 16 candidates would be participating in the election, even though not all of them are very strongly rooted in the State.
Among the political parties and candidates contesting the election are: Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is the currently the Governor of the State; Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Mr. John Nwosu of African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Dr. George Moghalu of Labour Party (LP).
Others are Oti Echezona of Allied People's Movement (APM), Ms. Chioma Ifemeludike of African Action Congress (AAC), Jeff Nweke of Action Alliance (AA), Charles Onyeze of Accord, Geoff Onyejegbu of New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Jude Ezenwafor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Chukwududem Nweke of Action Peoples Party (APP).
The contestants also include Jerry Okeke of Boot Party,
Ndidi Olieh of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Martin Ugwoji of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Vincent Chukwurah of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Six of the most popular among them include Soludo, Ukachukwu, Moghalu, Nwosu, Chukwuma and Nweke.
Of the six, however, the zoning arrangement in the state, which has remained an unwritten pact, but very effective, seems to make it near impossible for two of the candidates- Chukwuma and Nweke, as they hail from the Northern and Central senatorial zones respectively.
A total of 2,802,790 registered voters would participate in the election. Some members of the public who spoke to THISDAY insisted that they are ready with their voter's card to elect a candidate of their choice. In previous elections, there were voter apathy to the level that less than 10 percent of the
entire registered voters decided the winner of the election. In 2021, just a little above 200,000 persons out of about 2.7million registered voters were able to cast their votes.
Despite the number of contestants in the event, the contest has proven to be a two-horse race between Soludo and Ukachukwu.
Beyond the fact that APGA and the APC are the most noticeable parties in the state, certain indices favour both candidates and make them the most likely winners of today's polls.
The indices include popularity of party, incumbency factor, federal might, zoning formula, religious politics, among others.
Popularity
While Soludo is expected to rely on his personal popularity and track record, the APC candidate, Ukachukwu, will be counting on the rising influence
and expanding support base of his party. APGA has ruled Anambra for about 20years with unbroken record, and has subsequently grown into a cult in the state. It is very common to see an elderly rural woman giving instructions to aides to vote for 'Igbo party', or 'Ojukwu party', but that is not the case for other parties.
There are instances when rural woman had rejected money from other parties, just to ensure they cast their votes for APGA.
On the other hand, APC has recently grown in Anambra State, especially among the elites, who have been steadily flooding the party. Its advantage as the party in power at the national level will also be an advantage for Ukachukwu. Ukachukwu will be banking on this newfound popularity to achieve victory.
Incumbency/Ruling party
While Soludo will hope to leverage his advantage as
an incumbent governor in the election, Ukachukwu would be hoping that the might of the federal government would be deployed to his advantage. These factor is likely to aid the victory of any of the two contestants.
Zoning Formula Anambra operates a silent but very potent zoning arrangement in the State, which sees a senatorial zone completing their term and handing over to a politician in the state from the next zone.
Presently, the southern senatorial zone of the State is favoured for the contest, and both Ukachukwu and Soludo are from the zone. This has proven to be one of the selling points of both men, and such campaign about zoning has silenced few contestants in the race who are not from the zone.
RUSSIA: WE’RE MONITORING SITUATION IN NIGERIA, TINUBU SEEKS GLOBAL SUPPORT IN AGAINST TERRORISM
country.
This comes as President Bola Tinubu intensifies efforts to rally international support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, was quoted by TRT World to have said this during a weekly press briefing in Moscow, urging Washington to act in line with international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova said while responding to a question about the situation in the African country.
Also, Tinubu called Nigeria’s international allies to strengthen collaboration in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He said renewed support and intelligence sharing are crucial to defeating the networks threatening peace and stability across Africa.
The President, who made the appeal via his verified X handle, @official ABAT, reaffirmed Nigeria as a reliable partner, welcoming international support to strengthen security and economic growth.
Tinubu yesterday, met with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'adu Abubakar, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting, which took place on the first-floor office of the President, was said to be part of wide consultations Tinubu was having with religious and traditional leaders in the wake of the United States President, Donald Trump, describing Nigeria as a country of religious persecution and human rights abuses.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, accompanied the Sultan to the 'crucial' meeting.
President Tinubu had earlier this week met with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.
However, yesterday, the President of the Pentecostal
Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, argued that there was no denying the fact that there was Christian genocide going on in Nigeria, calling on Tinubu to partner with Trump in tackling what he described as the scourge of killings and attacks on Christian communities in the country.
Veteran journalist and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, also urged Tinubu to mobilise Nigerians with international credibility to engage directly with Donald Trump.
But a think tank group, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), held a different opinion, saying claims of Trump
about Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), were on the basis of jaundiced, obtrusive data provided by local and international groups with ulterior motives.
AU to US: Respect Nigeria’s Sovereignty
The AU Commission, in a statement yesterday, stated that it had noted with concern recent statements by the United States of America alleging that the Government of Nigeria was complicit in the targeted killing of Christians and threatening military action.
The commission acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria
and called for enhanced regional and international cooperation to support Nigeria and other nations in strengthening their capacity to address insecurity.
But the commission rejected narratives that oversimplify the challenges by attributing violence solely to religious motives, warning that such perspectives could destabilise communities and hinder effective solutions.
It urged external partners, including the US, to prioritise diplomatic engagement, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives over unilateral military threats.
Aleke in Abuja
A PARTNERSHIP TO RENEW HOPE...
Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr.
PDP Crisis Deepens as Mao Ohuabunwa Emerges Factional BoT Chairman
Damagum group steps up preparations for national convention
Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the factional acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, has sacked the Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees, (BoT) and inaugurated a new Board led by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
This was as another factional National Chairman
of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has said that preparations for the party’s National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, are moving smoothly, describing it as a step to reinforce unity and refocus party direction.
Senator Ohuabunwa’s emergence yesterday followed an emergency meeting of the party’s stakeholders at Life Camp, Abuja, to deliberate extensively on the recent developments within the
FGC Calabar Old Girls Association Global Holds Maiden AGM December 13-16
The Federal Government Girls College Calabar Old Girls Association will host its inaugural Annual General Meeting from November 13th to November 16th, 2025, in Abuja, under the theme ‘Turning Friendships into Profitable Partnerships’.
Alumni from across the nation and worldwide have expressed significant interest in the maiden AGM, where the first executive of the Old Girls Association will be elected by eligible delegates from the alumni chapters globally.
Before now, a caretaker committee led by Mary Ann Mogalu keeps the Association running, and instituted an AGM committee headed by Elizbeth Eminue-Abasiekong, to organise the maiden AGM and put in place a global exco.
Significant dedication and passion from the ladies and
their various teams, has been the driving force of the Old Girls Association.
A meet and greet session will kick-start the 4-day event, which will also include strategic business sessions, Jumat prayers, reports, the swearing-in of the Global Exco, thanksgiving, and various fun-filled activities.
The registered participants, comprising FGGC Calabar's alumnae, are excited about the event.
Dr. Diana Mary Tiku Nsan, who serves as the President of the Calabar Chapter, emphasises the importance of alumnae anchoring on the motto of Federal Unity Colleges motto "Pro Unitate" to enhance value at multiple levels, be it personal, for the alma mater FGGC Calabar, the Old Girls Association and the nation at large.
party, particularly the implications of the landmark judgement of the Federal High Court and the forthcoming National Convention.
Isah Dansidi also replaced Senator Isah Makarfi as the Secretary in the new scheme of things.
The inauguration was attended by party stalwarts,
including founding member and former Governor Enugu State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, former Abia State Governor Okezie
Ikpeazu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The factional acting National Chairman, Mohammed, said the Wabaraled Board was dissolved for
NCDMB, Renaissance to Rehabilitate Rivers Technical College with $3m
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in collaboration with the Nigeria Content Development Board (NCDMB) has began the process of overhauling and equipping the Government Technical College, Port Harcourt.
They disclosed that the rehabilitation will cost over $3 million, including building of a new Information and Communication Technology
Centre, all four workshops and the general upgrade of facilities in the college.
General Manager, Nigerian Content at Renaissance Africa Energy, Olaruwanju Olawuyi, explained that the initiative followed a directive from the NCDMB which oversees activities of the oil and gas industry in the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on strengthening technical education for sustainable development held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Olawuyi explained that the
meeting was aimed at getting the buy-in of stakeholders on the project.
He stressed that they are kin in ensuring sustainability and protection of the facility when completed in order to achieve a shared ownership, pointing out that work including rebuilding of the perimeter fencing of the school has begun.
Olawuyi stated, “Renaissance and NCDMB are working on a project at the Government Technical College Port Harcourt. It is an upgrade project. We are doing three things.
“NCDB oversees all our activities in the oil and gas industries. So the NCDMB has directed Renaissance as part of the Human Capacity Development initiative to undertake this work. That's how we got involved."
He further said, "The first thing is that we're upgrading the facilities as you will be able to tell. We are taking out all the rundown facilities, the ICT centre, the four workshops. We're taking them out and we're building new ones. We are equipping it.”
PSN Reaffirms Commitment to Postgraduate College of Pharmacy Vision
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) says it is not giving up the dream of building a Postgraduate College of Pharmacy to further advance the development of the profession in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 98th Annual National Conference of PSN tagged ‘DABO 2025’ held in Kano, the President of the Society, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said the college which will be Nigerian-oriented would
be a major boost to the existing West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists.
According to him, PSN will intensify its demand for enabling legislation for the project, which he emphasised is an integral part of a holistic redefinition of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical workforce to meet global standards.
“The pharmacy profession must build a new workforce that must be holistic, broad based, versatile and experienced
to train pharmacists and other health workers at undergraduate and postgraduate levels,” he said.
Ibrahim reiterated PSN’s unwavering commitment to upholding international best practices by institutionalising a career stratum in the hospital system.
He cited the firm resolve of PSN on the contentious move by some stakeholders to admit Pharmacy Technologists in the hospital career strata despite a
non-existence of these players as known in international best practice, Ibrahim eulogised Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for its informed decision over the issue.
Describing the attempts to legitimise the training and absorption of Pharmacy Technologist in the hospital medical strata as an aberration, Ibrahim insisted that “Pharmacy Technologist was an unwarranted cadre in Nigerian hospitals.
Zaach Adedeji (left), with the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Abisoye Fagade, when the latter visited the former on how to explore functional partnership and boost internal revenue, in Abuja... recently
2025 MEDICAL MISSION...
Kanu Fails to Defend Terrorism Charge, as Court Fixes November 20 for Judgement
Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, forfeited his rights to defend the terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government.
Kanu for the six-time refused to enter his defence in the sevencount amended charge filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, necessitating the foreclosure of his case by the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu is standing trial on a seven-count amended charge filed against him by the federal government although, he pleaded not guilty to the charge, he has however refused to open his defense since July when the court dismissed his no-case submission.
It would be recalled that the court had on Wednesday adjourned to Friday, also giving
Kanu the last opportunity to open his defence, warning of the dangers of acting to the contrary.
However, when the matter resumed yesterday, Kanu still stood his ground that he has no defence to enter because the charge against him is allegedly invalid.
The IPOB leader who has been defending himself from the dock, informed the court at the commencement of proceedings that he has some applications to file but was unable to do so the previous day.
Responding, Omotosho stood down the case and summoned the registry to his court to enable Kanu file the motions, which he also moved without objection of the prosecution.
He informed the court that one of the applications he filed is asking the court to expunge his plea he entered in March
ICIR Unveils NativeAI to Revolutionise Newsroom Transcription and Translation
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has unveiled NativeAI, a new artificial intelligence tool designed to solve everyday newsroom challenges, particularly transcription and translation.
Speaking at a one-day sensitisation meeting with journalists and media stakeholders in Lagos, recently, ICIR Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan, described NativeAI as a technological solution developed to address practical problems faced by journalists. The Lagos meeting followed a similar engagement held in Abuja the previous week.
“Journalism today is driven by technology,” Aiyetan said, adding, “The NativeAI, built and released a few weeks ago, is an AI-driven tool that
enables journalists, newsrooms, and other users to transcribe audio-visual files and translate them. It’s not just about transcribing interviews but also about translating them.”
He explained that the ICIR developed the tool to save journalists valuable time spent on manual transcription and to improve newsroom efficiency.
“Now that we have developed the tool, we are handing it over to newsrooms, journalists, and others who will use it. We expect that beyond this room, everyone will take an interest in using this app and sharing it with colleagues,” Aiyetan added.
The NativeAI currently translates files into three major Nigerian languages - Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, with plans to expand its functionality to more Nigerian and African languages.
from the court's record on the grounds that he was deceived into taking the plea.
He also said that the court must set aside and declare as null and void, all the rulings and orders it made in the entire proceedings from March till date.
Kanu argued that based on the above fact the court should discharge and acquit him and ordered that he should go home today (yesterday).
Responding, Omotosho who asked the defendant who deceived him into taking the
plea also reminded him that when the charge was read to him, Kanu was asked if he understood the charge and he admitted that he did.
The defendant however informed the court that he later realised that the Terrorism
Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he was arraigned has since been repealed by the National Assembly in 2023 and as such there is no valid terrorism charge against him, adding that there is no valid terrorism offence in Nigeria.
UK’s FCDO to Empower 3.79 Million Nigerians by 2030
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has renewed its pledge to uplift vulnerable Nigerians, boosting incomes, strengthening climate resilience, and driving growth for 3.79 million Nigerians especially women by 2030.
The FCDO’s Country Representative, Dr. Adiya
Ode, disclosed this at the launch of the ‘Electric Vehicles for Rural AgroCargo Transportation’ project – funded by Propcom+ – in Kano yesterday.
She said the department has been working tirelessly in collaboration with Propcom+ across multiple sectors in Nigeria to achieve its objectives.
Ode hailed the department’s work with
Propcom+ across Nigeria –including a game-changing push to put women at the heart of transport and agribusiness in the North.
"Today, we celebrate the next chapter. Through Propcom+, and with continued support from the UK government, we are proud to have co-financed this agro-cargo EV initiative.
"Twenty electric vehicles, a solar-powered charging station, and a new logistics
hub—these are not just assets. They are pathways to prosperity, climate resilience, and inclusive growth,” Ode stated
The President of MataZalla Smart Agro Project, Hajiya Hauwa Ahmad, said "this moment marks another bold step in our journey to transform how women participate in the transport and agricultural value chains in Northern Nigeria.
Leadership Devt, Catalyst for Positive Change in Governance, Business, Says Cleric
A cleric and member of the Executive Council of Dominion City, Abuja, Dr. Norbert Onaga, has emphasised the vital role of leadership development as a driving force for positive transformation across governance, business, education, and culture.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja
yesterday, he noted that effective leadership training equips individuals with the vision, integrity, and strategic thinking necessary to guide institutions towards accountability and sustainable growth.
According to him, leadership is not merely about exercising authority, but about service, empathy, and the ability to inspire others to achieve
shared goals.
Onaga added that when leaders at all levels are properly developed, societies benefit through improved decision-making, transparency, and innovation.
Building on this, the cleric urged governments, religious organisations, and the private sector to invest intentionally in leadership education and mentorship programmes.
Announcing the 2025 Night of Glory Crusade, scheduled for 5 December, Onaga revealed that Dominion City’s leadership training and youth development initiatives are designed to nurture future leaders who are principled, resilient, and capable of addressing the complex challenges confronting modern governance and business environments.
Inspire Agro Centre Announces 2025 Christmas Rendezvous
Inspire Agro Centre and Resort, Nigeria’s leading eco-innovation and sustainability hub, has announced the much-anticipated Inspire Christmas Rendezvous 2025, themed ‘The Rhythm of Africa’—a vibrant celebration of family, culture, and green living, scheduled to hold from December 24–27, 2025, at the scenic Inspire Centre, Simawa,
Ogun State.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Davies Echegwisi, Founder of Inspire Agro Centre, stated: “The Inspire Christmas Rendezvous is our way of reawakening the African spirit of togetherness while showcasing sustainability as a lifestyle. It’s not just a getaway—it’s an experience of joy, culture,
and purpose.
“This year’s edition will also serve as a platform for ecopartners, sponsors, and creative brands to showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being.”
“The Inspire Christmas Rendezvous is more than a holiday event—it is a
convergence of hearts, heritage, and hope. This year’s edition brings together families, tourists, and nature lovers to experience a unique mix of African-inspired festivities, eco-conscious entertainment, and soul-nourishing retreats amid the lush greenery of Inspire Centree,” Echegwisi added.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Prosper Taiwo
L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Miss Damilola Ayinde-Marshal; Director, Administration and Human Resource, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu; Chairperson, Medical Mission 2025, Eko Club Atlanta, Hon. Adewunmi Isiotan, and Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, during the Club’s courtesy visit to the Ministry in Lagos... recently
Let the votes count...
In Praise of President Buhari
Trump’s Threats and Need to Stop Bloodlettings
WThen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.
in most cases, no arrests or prosecutions were carried out.
Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.
he recent statement by President Donald Trump of the United States, alleging that genocide against Christians in Nigeria is ongoing, continues to generate wide attention both within and outside the country. While such remarks have sparked renewed debate about Nigeria’s internal security situation, it is important to place the realities in proper perspective.
Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.
Nigeria’s security challenges are multi-faceted and deeply complex. From banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and abductions to separatist agitations, the nation’s security forces have been stretched beyond limits in recent years. These challenges, which have persisted for over a decade, have worsened in scale and sophistication, despite huge sums of money being budgeted annually to tackle them. Unfortunately, only limited success has been recorded so far.
Nigeria, as a secular state, must tread cautiously on issues that touch on religion and ethnicity. These are sensitive areas that, if not properly managed, could inflame passions and threaten national unity. It is therefore commendable that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry in all their forms. His stance reflects a renewed determination to restore peace and stability across the country.
It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.
Witch Hunts in Black Communities
Tby the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.
And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.
What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals.
However, beyond words, concrete actions are required.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State
Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).
Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.
Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings
The 2025 Seaconference is another opportunity to explore the potential and promises of non-belief in Black communities. The Black Non-Belief Project is a transnational movement with great potential and promise, offering hope and renewal to people and parts of the world blighted by blind faith, dogma, and despair. The Black Non-Belief initiative resonates with the needs and aspirations of millions of people existentially burdened by religion and superstition, those who yearn for the empowering and liberating possibilities of liberty. It provides an opportunity to correct misconceptions and misrepresentations of black people and communities. Black people have stereotypically been presented as religious. They have been identified as Baptists, Christians, muslims, or as theists when they are not. Black people have longed to live free from dogma and superstitions.
Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.
Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja
THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA
DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
To combat the prejudice and misconception that darken and destroy too many lives, it is pertinent to highlight the wave of reason, critical thinking, and freethought sweeping across black communities. In this piece, the data from the Advocacy for Alleged Witches will be used to discuss one of these initiatives, the anti-witch-hunting campaign. Are alleged witches persecuted in Nigeria and other parts of Africa?
Leo Igwe is director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches
The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.
Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.
It must also be noted that the killings in Nigeria affect both Christians and non-Christians alike, including Muslims. The violence cuts across ethnic, religious, and regional boundaries, leaving in its wake sorrow and devastation for families of all faiths. What, however, remains particularly worrisome is the persistent killing of innocent persons under the guise of blasphemy. These gruesome acts, which were more pronounced during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, often went unpunished. Security agencies, regrettably, turned a blind eye, and
Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians
Flushing Money Away
EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
She Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
otherby’s action house is selling the solid gold toilet with a starting bid of probably $10 million. As it is named “America” this could be a great Christmas present to buy for President Trump. From pictures of his Mar-a-Lago ‘bathroom/ secure secret documents storeroom’, it looks like the current toilet lacks the glamour we would expect and it isn’t even gilded gold. There were plenty of people willing to buy massive amounts of his meme coin or whatever they were in order to get to his fancy dinner and bask in his golden glory. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)
DERMATOLOGY CENTRE INAUGURATION...
L-R: Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo; Physician-Dermatologist, Prof. Adolphus Somorin (Rtd); Professor of Rheumatology, LUTH, Prof. Femi Adelowo; Emerita Professor of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Yetunde Olumide; Head of Dermatology, LUTH, Prof. Olusola Ajanlowo, and Higher Executive Officer, Corporate Services, Rotimi Olufunmilayo, at the
inauguration of the Dermatology Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, held in Lagos… yesterday
CBN: Bank Recapitalisation Central to Building Resilient, $1trn Economy
Nume Ekeghe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has restated that the ongoing recapitalisation of banks is not merely a compliance directive, but a bold, strategic move to strengthen the resilience, inclusiveness, and credibility of the country’s financial system and position it to power Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic ambition by 2030.
Speaking at the three-day retreat of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the CBN
Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, said the recapitalisation policy embodies, “a statement of resilience and ambition,” designed to equip Nigerian banks to withstand shocks, expand credit to the real sector, and play a catalytic
role in driving inclusive growth.
According to Ikeazor, the retreat’s theme, “Banks’ Recapitalisation and Beyond,”directly aligns with one of the apex bank’s most important policy priorities enhancing the soundness and competitiveness of the financial system. He stated: “This recapitalisation follows a period of global financial volatility, inflationary pressures, and exchange-rate realignment.
Groups Task FG on Accountability in NELFUND, 3MTT, NiYA, NYIF
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The federal government has called upon to institutionalise youths’ representation and accountability mechanisms within its programmes for young Nigerians.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, youth organisations who came together to put down their demands, commended the federal government’s programmesNigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), 3 Million Technical
Talent (3MTT), Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), as a well-thought out plan to better the lot of young Nigerians but insisted that they need to be part and parcel of the programmes at all levels.
The youth representatives, Haruna Godiya of LEAP Africa; Paul Oladipupo of Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative; Nafisa Atiku of NAF Foundation for Young Women; Maimuna Sani of Youth for Community
Engagement Coordination, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund; Samira Usman of S4Television and Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, Project Director with Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, said for federal government’s interventions to achieve their intended impact, they must be co-created with youths.
They said, “These initiatives represent steps toward addressing the challenges of unemployment, educational access, and digital skills development.
“NELFUND, in particular, has
the potential to widen educational opportunities for young Nigerians from low-income families.
“However, for these interventions to achieve their intended impact, they must be co-created with youth. We therefore urge the federal government to institutionalise youth representation and accountability mechanisms within these programmes — including a Youth Advisory Body for NELFUND — to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and equitable access.”
240 Bag First Class as FUTA Holds 36th Convocation
Fidelis David in Akure
Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), yesterday disclosed that a total of 3,614 students will graduate from the institution during its 36th Convocation Ceremony, with 240 of them earning First Class honours.
Oladiji stated this at a press conference heralding the week-long event scheduled for November 7–14, saying the
university remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, innovation and impactful leadership.
According to her, the graduating set comprises 2,747 undergraduates and 867 postgraduates. The undergraduate breakdown shows 240 First Class, 1,479 Second Class Upper, 912 Second Class Lower and 116 Third Class. Among postgraduates, 627 earned Master of Technology (M.Tech) degrees, 86 obtained
Postgraduate Diplomas, while 154 will be conferred with Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Oladiji said the ceremony reflects FUTA’s consistent dedication to producing highly skilled manpower relevant to Nigeria’s development and the global knowledge economy.
“When this administration assumed office, we envisioned taking FUTA to the next level in academics, research, global partnerships, and community
impact. Three years on, that vision has become a lived reality, visible in our milestones, recognitions, and the global relevance of our scholars and students,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor noted that FUTA has consolidated its standing as Nigeria’s premier University of Technology while expanding its global footprint through innovative programmes, groundbreaking research, and international collaborations.
Daramola Family Denounces ATCO’s Claims
Ayodeji Ake
“The primary objective of the CBN for the exercise is to ensure that Nigerian banks maintain sufficient buffers to absorb shocks, sustain credit flows, and remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected but more unpredictable global environment.”
Noting that 2030 was only five years away, he urged industry stakeholders to be “bold and deliberate,” calling for collective resolve and ingenuity to make the vision a reality.
On the rationale for the exercise, Ikeazor explained
that the recapitalisation follows a period marked by global financial volatility, inflationary pressures, and exchange rate realignment.
Drawing parallels with the landmark 2005 consolidation that birthed a new generation of stronger banks, Ikeazor said the current exercise seeks to build institutions that can finance ambitious infrastructure projects, support innovation, and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.
In his remarks, the President of ACAMB, Mr Bolarinwa Babalola, reiterated that the recapitalisation provides a unique opportunity for the industry to reimagine the future of Nigerian banking, emphasising trust, inclusion, and collective growth.
Five Drug Kingpins Bag 21 Years Imprisonment over Gabon, Australia-bound Cocaine, Opioids
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Five members of some international organised criminal groups (IOCG) recently arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in connection with the seizure of 68.9 kilogrammes cocaine and tramadol at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have been sentenced to combined 21 years imprisonment.
of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from Ogunbiyi’s home in Lekki and a black Range Rover SUV marked RBC 459 EJ found in Adegoke’s residence in Ikeja GRA. They were subsequently arraigned on five counts in charge number FHC/ L/925C/2025 before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos on 30th October 2025, with the accused persons later pleading guilty to the charges against each of them.
The Daramola Family of Bolorunpelu Onigbedu Village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, has denied claims by ATCO Homes, a Lagos-based real estate company, which accused their family of fraudulent activities in land transactions, describing it as misleading and defamatory.
falsely accusing the family of fraudulent activities in land transactions.
Addressing journalists in a press conference, the 75-year-old Head of the Family, Pa Ismail Daramola, said the real estate firm was
“We categorically state that these claims are false, misleading, and intended to malign the reputation of our family while concealing
the fraudulent and unlawful dealings of ATCO Homes.
“The truth of the matter is that ATCO Homes acquired just about five acres of land from the entire Daramola Family, and it was not a direct sale to ATCO.
According to statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the trio of Olasupo Oladimeji; Muaezee Ogunbiyi; and Sola Adegoke who are leaders of one of the cartels were arrested following the seizure of 17.9 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in textile materials and local charms going to Sydney, Australia at the export shed of the MMIA Lagos on 26th August 2025.
He said in the course of investigation, 20.5 kilogrammes
Delivering his judgement on 31st October, Justice Kakaki sentenced each of them to five years imprisonment without the option of fine, bringing the total number of years in jail for the three of them to 15 years. The court further ordered that the Range Rover SUV and a Toyota Venza Car seized from the convicts in the course of the investigation be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
CELEBRATING JOURNALISTS SAFETY DAY...
MEGA LIONS CLUB INVESTITURE...
At COP 30, Nigeria Seeks Boost in Global Financing to Protect Nature
Shettima says country taking steps to restore climate, nature, development balance with $3bn financing
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Nigeria has implored the international community to significantly increase global financing to protect and restore nature's economic value through predictable, equitable, and accessible funding mechanisms.
According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, since forests, landscapes, and oceans are shared resources that are outside the jurisdiction of any single nation, their protection requires
global solidarity.
Shettima stated Nigeria's position in Belem, Brazil, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at a high-level thematic session titled ‘Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans’, on the margins of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) being held in that South American country.
He regretted that while nature is probably the most critical infrastructure in the world, it has long been treated as a
ASR Africa Hands N270m Abdul Samad Rabiu Sports Complex to UNIJOS
commodity to exploit rather than an asset to invest in, even as he said Nigeria is solidly driven by this knowledge "to integrate nature-positive investments" into its climate finance architecture.
According to him, "Through our National Carbon Market
Framework and Climate Change Fund, we aim to mobilise up to three billion US dollars annually in climate finance. These resources will be reinvested in communityled reforestation, blue carbon projects, and sustainable agriculture.
"We call on our global partners to recognise the economic value of nature and to channel significant finance towards protecting and restoring it through predictable, equitable, and accessible funding mechanisms."
The Vice President contended that the Global South countries that "have contributed least to this crisis, are today paying its highest price," insisting that for climate justice to be seen as well served, nations that have benefited more "from centuries of extraction must now lead in restoration."
China Charts Course for Global Cooperation, Pledges Deeper Ties with Nigeria
Sunday Ehigiator
innovation, industrial growth, and human capital exchange.
the pillars of China’s global engagement strategy.
The Abdul Samad Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commissioned and handed over a state-of-the-art Sports Complex at the University of Jos, Naraguta Campus. This is an intervention under the Tertiary Education Grant Scheme at a cost of N270 million. The world class sports complex represents ASR Africa’s continued commitment to supporting educational institutions through sustainable and impactful infrastructural interventions.
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as IGONI JONATHAN OBINNA now wish to be known and addressed as OBICHUKWU JONATHAN OBINNA All documents remain valid. The general public and all relevant authorities should please take note
CORRECTION OF NAME
The sports complex, which was completed recently, is also set to be used during the Nigeria University Games being hosted by the University this month.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, thanked the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for citing the noble project that will be remembered for generations to come in the State.
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to deeper cooperation with Nigeria and Africa at large, pledging that the next phase of China’s development agenda will open wider doors for shared
Speaking at the ‘Global Dialogue: Jointly Drawing the Blueprint, Sharing the Development’, held in Lagos recently, Yuqing outlined the major goals of China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasising “innovation, openness, and shared development” as
The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos and the China Media Group (CMG), drawing senior government officials, media leaders, and business representatives from both countries.
Yuqing highlighted that the just-concluded 14th Five-Year
Plan marked a transformative era in China’s modernisation drive, citing growth in innovation, green energy, social welfare, and poverty eradication. She disclosed that China’s GDP had reached 140 trillion yuan (about $19.6 trillion), while its contribution to global growth remained around 30 per cent.
I, whose name appear on my Bank Verification Number as MADU EUNICE NKECHINYERE, with wrong date of birth of 19th November, 1963, and also wrong date of birth of 19th January, 1964, on my bank account, wish to inform the public that my correct names are: MADU NKECHI EUNICE and correct date of birth of 19th June, 1963.
I, whose name appear on my Bank Verification Number as MADU EUNICE NKECHINYERE, with wrong date of birth of 19th November, 1963, and wrong date of birth of 19th January, 1964, which to inform the public that my correct names are: MADU NKECHI EUNICE and correct date of birth of 19th June, 1963. This is to notify the general public that my name was wrongly arranged on my NIN & BVN as ROMANS UCHE WISDOM instead of ROMAN UCHE WISDOM. Henceforth, I wish to be addressed as ROMAN UCHE WISDOM. All documents remain valid. The general public and all relevant authorities should please take note
He also commended the timely completion of the project by ASR Africa and stated that the sports complex will promote sports development, recreation and holistic learning among students of the University.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, whilst delivering his address, expressed gratitude to the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu for donating the sports complex to the university as a legacy, which also aligns with the university’s vision of creating a sports hub.
At CNN’s inaugural Global Perspectives summit, Flutterwave Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, shared his vision for Africa’s digital economy, one where Flutterwave serves as the “payment superhighway”, boosting intra- and inter-
African trade by connecting the continent to the rest of the world and vice versa.
The summit, themed ‘Africa’s Role in a Changing World’, brought together public leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore how Africa’s dynamic emerging economies and vibrant younger
generation can drive a new era of inclusive and sustainable global growth.
Agboola joined Lucy Liu, Co-founder and President, Airwallex; Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Africa; and Serigne Dioum, CEO, MTN Group Fintech, in a session titled ‘Fueling
the Next-Generation Startup Ecosystem’, moderated by veteran CNN anchor Richard Quest.
Acknowledging the continent’s fragmented regulatory environment as a challenge that increases the cost of scaling, Agboola noted that progress is being made.
Abuja Mega Lions Club to Revive Library
The Abuja Mega Lions Club, District 404A2 of Lions Clubs International, has announced plans to support and enrich the Abuja City Library as part of its humanitarian initiatives for the 2025/2026 Lions year.
The newly installed fifth President of the club, Dr. Charles Bassey, disclosed this during his investiture ceremony held recently in Abuja.
Bassey said the project aligns
with the club’s commitment to promoting literacy, education, and community development, noting that access to quality reading materials remains essential for personal and national growth.
A psychologist, banker and resourcefulness coach, Bassey said his administration would focus on impactful service and legacy-driven projects that will position it as one of the leading clubs within the district.
L-R: Vice Chairman, Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness (MCPoSA), Dr. Fyneray Mbata; Borno State Government Liaison Officer in Lagos, Madam Victoria Olubiyo, receiving the award of Media Safety Ambassador on behalf of the State Governor, and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Segun Olatunji, at the Journalists Safety Day event organised by MCPoSA in…recently
Second Vice District Governor, Charlz Opusunju (right), presenting the newly elected President of Abuja Mega Lions Club, Dr. Charles Bassey, to the public at his investiture in Abuja…recently
JeGO Technologies Introduces EV, Zero Carbon, into Nigeria’s Auto Market
Anew highly intelligent AI-powered vehicle known as Zero Carbon, has been introduced into the electric vehicle market in Nigeria.
The Zero Carbon, manufactured by JeGo Industries Inc., is an all-electric 5-seater car that is fitted with AI-enhanced sensors to ensure occupants’ safety and fluid navigability, even in the most treacherous traffic.
The Ceo/Founder of JeGo Technologies Inc., mr. Frederick Apoghene took THISDAY through the fine points of this beautiful and intelligent machinery, after his masterclass on ‘AI for Autonomous vehicles’ on the second day of the 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and robotics, which held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos from November 4 to 6, 2025.
Akpoghene said the Zero Carbon is competitively priced, complete with auto-finance and rental options. Also, getting the vehicle charged is not a problem because JeGo Technologies has energy pods that the driver can either carry along with them or the company can take the pod to their location if needed.
The Zero Carbon is infused with radar sensors and drives effortlessly. It is built with this huge dose of AI because it is a precursor to the autonomous/ self driving car JeGo has developed for Nigerian roads, complete with local data about the road condition and driving habit.
A sensor in the key brings out the hidden door handles and when the doors are shut, the vehicle comes alive without push button unlike other keyless vehicles. There are no buttons but a touch screen to activate lighting, air conditioning and infortainment, among others. The soft-touch control lever/gear is attached to the steering wheel.
Zero Carbon has very good leg and head rooms, as well as insulation from outside noise/quiet cabin. A mini fridge is under the drivers right arm rest.
According to Akoghene, “The JeGo Zero Carbon has 505 kilometres range, 5-seater. basically, you can drive from here to Delta State with a single charge, and the price is also comparable to used vehicles.
This vehicle is built with technology- two touch screens, for both driver and infotainment.
“There are no buttons, similar to other electric vehicles, keyless and for safety, the door handles are also concealed, making it antitheft and also anti-car jacking. If the key is not there, they can’t start the car.
“It has regenerating breaking, meaning any time you break, the battery gets charged. It uses lithium batteries, with longer duration, more powerful, fast charge available. With DC charge, it could be in 30 minutes, with level two, three, four hours to five hours. It has a large battery.”
He explained that level charging is the one at home, level two charging, which they advise, is carried in the car.
The vehicle comes with great warranty of 100,000 kilometres. “It depends on how many years it takes the owner to get to 100,000kms.”
The car has panoramic sunroof, surround cameras, LIDAr, and radar sensors, which make it much safer for the driver. If you noticed while it was driving earlier, whenever it approached an object, the display showed everything happening
around the car. That increased visibility helps the driver.
“Now, this is not an autonomous vehicle—however, we are using it to deploy our autonomous programme because it already has cameras, sensors, and situational awareness. but awareness alone is not enough. Without the AI memory component, it cannot make decisions or reason. AI gives the vehicle memory, allowing it to understand patterns and make informed decisions.
“What we are aiming to do—like I mentioned earlier, with the sensors and radar, when you’re driving and a car suddenly appears out of nowhere (which happens often in Nigeria and even in America), the system can respond instantly.
“I shared why I started this: I’ve had car accidents, and we lost a loved one to a car accident. We wanted to ensure others don’t experience that. For us, intelligence and safety are not optional—they’re foundational. It’s not just about making a goodlooking car; it’s about saving lives.”
About the design of JeGo Zero Carbon, he said
Suzuki by CFAO Mobility Hosts Grand Open Day, Launches New Dzire, Jimny Tour Drive
Suzuki by CFAo mobility last weekend hosted a three-day celebration to showcase its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer engagement.
The festivities began on Thursday, october 30, 2025, with a Grand open Day at the Suzuki showroom in victoria Island, Lagos, giving the public and customers the opportunity to discover the brand and explore its model range through test drives, financing consultations, and interactive sessions.
Friday marked the official launch of the all-new Suzuki Dzire Sedan, a fuel-efficient compact sedan generating excitement among Nigerian car enthusiasts. The event also flagged off the Suzuki Jimny Tour Drive across major Lagos routes, showcasing the iconic off-roader’s capability on diverse Nigerian terrains.
The three-day event brought together industry leaders, customers, media representatives, and influencers, reinforcing CFAO Mobility’s vision to deliver reliable mobility solutions backed by strong aftersales support.
The New Suzuki Dzire: Where Innovation Meets Accessibility
The new Suzuki Dzire is an outstanding compact sedan designed for elegance, efficiency, and everyday convenience. Known for its sleek design, advanced fuel efficiency, and affordability, the Dzire represents Suzuki’s drive to make modern mobility accessible to more Nigerians.
According to mrs Aissatou Diouf, General manager of Suzuki by CFAo mobility, “The new Dzire reflects Suzuki’s philosophy of creating cars that combine style, performance, and fuel economy tailored to meet the realities of Nigerian roads and consumers.”
Jimny Tour Drive: Adventure Meets Reliability
The Suzuki Jimny Tour Drive offered a unique test-drive adventure showcasing the ruggedness and off-road capability of the iconic Suzuki Jimny.
The tour through designed routes within Lagos demonstrated the vehicle’s unmatched performance across diverse Nigerian terrains—from urban roads to countryside tracks—underscoring Suzuki’s reliability in all driving conditions.
“The Jimny represents freedom and adventure,” said Hakeem Sanusi, marketing manager of Suzuki by CFAO Mobility Nigeria, during the flag-off. “Through this tour, we are giving Nigerians the chance to experience what it means to drive a vehicle built for both fun and functionality.”
CFAO Mobility’s Commitment to Nigeria’s
Automotive Future.
CFAo mobility continues to play a pivotal role in deepening the penetration of affordable and durable vehicles in Nigeria. Through Suzuki, the company is building an ecosystem that promotes vehicle maintenance, aftersales support, and skilled technical training—critical elements for sustaining mobility and road safety in the country.
Suzuki by CFAo mobility is a leading automotive brand in Nigeria, offering a range of vehicles renowned for their quality, fuel efficiency, and durability. Through strategic innovation and customer-centered service, Suzuki by CFAo continues to make modern mobility accessible to Nigerian drivers and families.
it was done by their team. “our team did. We have an American team and a China team. The design was created by a member of our China team, and engineering happens between both groups. The first vehicle I personally designed is the silver one you’ve seen at the earlier session.”
According to him, “With electric vehicles, the entire powertrain sits on a skateboard platform. That’s essentially the engine: the battery, the eCU, and the computing unit—all located underneath. That’s why it’s heavily protected. on top, the remaining components are minimal: a 12v system, coolant, windshield-wiper lines, and other small elements. There’s nothing like a traditional engine block, no heavy mechanical parts.
“because of the battery design, the vehicle supports larger display screens—you saw the large touchscreen earlier. You can watch videos, play games, or work from it. It’s designed for comfort and productivity.
“We’re also introducing our van: a 14-seater model currently on the way to Nigeria, as well as an 8-seater model that can serve for cargo, logistics, or passenger movement.”
The Zero Carbon, he said, is priced at $26,000 due to Customs and current policies. “In naira, that’s about N39 million. Without these policies, we could bring the cost down to about $21,000–$23,000. Customs clearing, shipping, and other charges increase the price.
“We also have lower-cost vehicle options starting at about N18 million—comparable to buying a used car, but without fuel costs.” on charging and power options, he said, “It comes with a portable charger that you can put in your boot. That allows you to travel long distances—Lagos to Delta, Lagos to Benin—and still charge wherever you find power. We offer two charger types: A simple adapter, like a laptop or phone charger—you plug directly into power; and A charger with built-in battery storage—so if there’s no power source at all, you can still charge.” The range is 505 kilometers.
The vehicle also has intelligent headlights that dim or brighten automatically at night, improving visibility. The design was inspired partly by the mercedes S-Class and e-Class—clean lines, long light projection, and a premium feel.
“It also has cameras and sensors all around. They help with visibility—especially in Lagos traffic. When you’re reversing and a person or bike approaches, the cameras activate immediately. You may have noticed earlier that the driver struggled to operate the air-conditioning. That’s because electric vehicles don’t have physical buttons; everything is controlled through the central touchscreen.”
On financing and rentals, the JeGO CEO said, “We offer financing. And we also offer rentals. You can access our vehicles without owning them—similar to Airbnb but for cars. For example, today and this week, several people are renting vehicles like this one.
“Instead of paying N150,000–N200,000 daily to rent a Prado or similar vehicles in Abuja or Lagos, you can rent ours for about N100,000. Early members get up to 50% off, paying as low as N60,000 per day.”
The All-new IA-powered JeGo Zero Carbon on display at the university of lagos...recently
Oluwasola Obagbemi is the Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta. She oversees external communications on the continent for Meta across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. At the recently held 2025 Lagos Fashion Week, Facebook celebrated the intersection of fashion, creativity, and community. Obagbemi shares insights on Nigeria’s growing fashion ecosystem, the tools empowering creators and small brands, and its long-term commitment to helping young Africans turn creativity into opportunity. prosper Taiwo brings the excerpts:
Facebook is part of this year’s Lagos Fashion Week, one of Africa’s biggest cultural moments. Why is this space important for Facebook to show up in right now?
Facebook is a leading place for conversations around cultural moments, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. Every day, more young adults come to Facebook to explore the world around them, connect with others and navigate different stages of their lives. Additionally, fashion has become the largest category on Facebook Marketplace in Nigeria, with more young people turning to the platform for everything from clothes and shoes to jewellery. With events like Lagos Fashion Week, we wanted to highlight how our platform brings people together to celebrate creativity, culture and community in real-time.
Facebook helps build meaningful connections and community. How was this brought to life as an experience for people with Facebook communities at Lagos Fashion Week?
At Lagos Fashion Week 2025, we wanted to bring Facebook closer to the people and highlight it as a culturally relevant platform. Aligned with our theme, “Where Community Meets Culture,” we created the Facebook Lounge — a space where creators, celebrities, and young adults came together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared passions. The experience brought our community values to life and reflected our commitment to helping creators build deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences.
What trends has Facebook identified around fashion among Nigerian audiences?
We’re seeing incredible engagement around fashion in Nigeria. Fashion is the largest category on Marketplace in Nigeria. There are millions of Fashion listings on Facebook Marketplace Nigeria and those
items make up a fifth of Marketplace’s available inventory in the country. Beyond buying and selling, people are also using Groups, Reels and Pages to share style inspiration, discover trends and build communities around their love for fashion.
Paul Andrew: Africa’s Youth, Blue Economy Will Power E1 Revolution
Paul Andrew, Executive Chairman of BlackPace believes Africa stands at the forefront of a new wave of innovation driven by its vibrant youth and untapped blue-economy potential. Speaking on the continent’s growing role in the E1 powerboat revolution, Andrew emphasises that Africa’s future in this emerging sector extends far beyond racing, but represents an opportunity to build a thriving ecosystem rooted in sustainability, technology, and lifestyle experiences. He posits that with its vast waterways, creative talent, and entrepreneurial energy, Africa is uniquely positioned to shape the global E1 narrative. Oluchi Chibuzor provides the excerpts:
Whatis the significance of the collaboration between BlackPace and Champagne Carbon on the global E1 races?
BlackPace Group and Champagne Carbon emerged from a shared lifestyle philosophy rooted in Africa’s vibrant culture of celebration and sophistication. Both brands saw an opportunity to inject an ultra-luxury statement into the African and global lifestyle space — one that merges craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural expression. Our collaboration with the E1 Sea Racing Championship is a natural evolution of that vision. Just as Champagne Carbon became known as the official bottler for Formula 1 trophy champagne, we wanted to translate that same spirit of prestige and performance into the E1 Series, the world’s first electric powerboat championship. It’s more than a sponsorship — it’s a cultural alignment. We’re bringing a unique African inspired celebration aesthetic into an elite, sustainability-driven
global sport. It truly underscores that Champagne Carbon is a statement brand in the world of motorsport and luxury lifestyle.
Looking at the partnership, how will this deepen Nigeria and Africa’s participation in E1 sports?
Brilliant question! Our partnership with E1 is two-fold — first as the Official Trophy Champagne Partner through Champagne Carbon, and second as Team Carbon K’omani, an African-owned racing team making its debut in the 2026 E1 Championship.
The purpose of joining E1 is to cement Africa as a global destination for sporting entertainment and to showcase our capacity to engage in eco-friendly, technology-driven sports. By having a Nigerian-owned team on the global circuit, we’re not only participating — we’re leading a conversation about African innovation, sustainability, and culture in one of the fastest-growing international sports.
What are the socio-economic implications of the Team Carbon and BlackPace partnership for E1 sports in Nigeria and Africa?
The implications are transformative. Team Carbon Lagos and BlackPace Europe’s partnership represent a new model for integrating sports, tourism, and creative economy development in Africa. Economically, hosting and participating in E1 events creates jobs across logistics, hospitality, event management, and brand marketing. It also positions Lagos — and by extension Africa — as a hub for clean-energy maritime technology. Socially, it inspires a new generation of African youth to explore careers in engineering, electric mobility, and environmental innovation. The project merges lifestyle and sustainability — turning E1 into a platform for both cultural diplomacy and economic empowerment. Lagos recently hosted an E1 global sports event. From your perspective,
What tools or features can creators and small fashion brands use on Facebook to reach new audiences?
Creators and small fashion brands are using a range of Facebook tools to reach and grow their audiences in meaningful ways. Marketplace has become a key space for showcasing products and driving discovery, especially as fashion is now the largest category on Facebook Marketplace in Nigeria. Reels help them bring their stories to life through short, engaging videos. At the same time, Groups create opportunities to build communities around shared interests and styles. Together, these tools make it easier for creators and businesses to connect with people who love what they do and turn that passion into real opportunities.
For creators, visibility is everything. How is Facebook helping them meaningfully connect and go deeper with their audience? It’s a great time to be a creator. On Facebook, you’re not restricted to connecting with your audience in one way. You can creatively express yourself through a range of content formats, including photos, text, videos and long-form video, as well as Live and Reels, in either the Feed or Stories.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Facebook in connecting Africa’s young adults, creators and businesses to global opportunities? We’ll continue to invest in programs that empower young Africans to tell their stories and grow their ideas. Whether through creative tools like Reels, business features like Marketplace or new steps aimed at reducing spammy content to improve the Facebook Feed experience and support creators who share original, engaging content, our focus remains the same: helping people explore their interests and connect with the world beyond their close friends.
Andrew what is the outlook for the sport in Nigeria and Africa?
The outlook is incredibly promising. Lagos proved it has the infrastructure, energy, and audience appetite for global-standard marine sports. The city’s coastline, tourism appeal, and dynamic culture make it an ideal host destination for the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, which will attract international spectators and investment. In broader terms, Africa’s blue-economy potential and youth demographics create the perfect environment for E1’s growth. The future of E1 in Africa is not just about racing — it’s about building an ecosystem of innovation, sustainability, and lifestyle experiences.
Champagne Carbon is making its debut in the Miami edition of E1. How will this enhance the convergence between luxury, performance, and sustainability?
Miami represents the perfect global stage for Champagne Carbon’s E1 debut — a convergence point of luxury lifestyle, entertainment, and electric innovation. Champagne Carbon’s involvement amplifies the prestige and glamour of E1 while maintaining the championship’s focus on sustainability and electric mobility. The carbon fiber bottles themselves symbolize that convergence — they are crafted from advanced materials used in Formula 1 and aerospace, embodying performance and eco-conscious design. Together, BlackPace, Champagne Carbon, and E1 are defining a new luxury narrative — one that is clean, modern, and deeply aspirational. It’s where luxury meets purpose and where performance meets sustainability.
Obagbemi
US/Nigeria Diplomatic Crisis: Engaging Trump with Tact
Iyobosa uwugiaren writes that while the current efforts by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-led communication team in managing information related to the US/Nigeria diplomatic crisis is commendable, the federal government needs to engage with President Donald Trump with tact
Perhaps, one of the best choices that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made in appointing his cabinet members is the appointment of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. Those very close to him says, he carries out his assignments with a sense of responsibility.
According to them, his ability to clearly articulate government policies and decisions in a way that resonates with diverse audiences through various channels is splendid.
Indeed, Idris is an effective communication strategist who develops and implements effective communication strategies that bring into line with his principles and government objectives, anticipating prospective issues and opportunities.
The current crisis actually exposes his ability to handle crisis situations effectively, providing timely and accurate information to the public, and moderating the impact of negative publicity. His ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including the media, to work collaboratively with others to achieve collective goals is also evident.
The minister’s ability to analyse complex information, identify key messages, and develop effective communication strategies to address challenges and opportunities, to many experts, is excellent.
Perhaps, because of his integrity and transparent way of carrying out his responsibility, the spokesman for the federal government immediately arrests his audience’s attention when he starts speaking. The minister, by all standards, exemplifies integrity and honesty; he is a good communication strategist.
Dr. Hamid Bello, a communication expert, said after listening to the minister at a press conference on Wednesday: “He is a good communication strategist.”
The minister had called a press conference to officially respond to the United States Government’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘’Country of Particular Concern’’, at Radio House, Abuja.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the minister was honest about the prevailing situation in the country.
“The government is well appraised with the level of anxiety created by the designation of our country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the US Government and threats of military invasion by President Donald Trump, following a wrong perception and misrepresentation of the security challenges in our country,” he said.
’The federal government has always recognised the security
challenges that had beset our country since 2009 with the advent of Boko Haram terrorists.’’
Mohammed admitted that from the beginning, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have taken note of the position of the Government of the United States of America on Nigeria over alleged violations of religious freedom.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life—knowing that even a single loss of life is one too many,” he added.
He explained that his boss, President Bola Tinubu, was more than determined to confront and end these security challenges.
He added that since May 2023, when he assumed office, Nigeria’s security agencies have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations and arrested over 17,000 suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation or prosecution for various offences.
“Also, more than 9,800 victims abducted by terrorist elements, including women and children, have been rescued and reintegrated,” he added. He argues that the menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group, saying as in many parts of the world, extremism is mindless, blind to religion, tribe, or class.
‘’It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians and against the unity and progress of our great nation,” the minister stated emotionally. Countering the argument by some commentators, he said that any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.
He based his submission on the fact that several leading personnel of the very dedicated Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country’s intelligence agencies are Christians, working and succeeding alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight against extremists and criminals waging war against the country and values.
Explaining the complexities of the current security situation in the country, he said the recent change in Service Chiefs and the subsequent realignment within the Armed Forces and security agencies reflect the President’s determination to reinvigorate Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the strategic overhaul is designed to infuse fresh energy, innovation, and accountability into the national defence and intelligence systems.
He explained further that in the past two years, significant
Seeds of Reform, Fruits of Renewal
Every farmer knows that harvest does not come the same day you plant. You must first till the land, sow the seeds, and wait for rain. That is what the administration has been doing in our nation over the past two years, sowing the seeds of reform so that the harvest of prosperity may reach every family, every farm, and every school.
Fiscal and Economic Reforms: “Clearing the Ground for Growth”
The fuel and foreign exchange subsidies were like weeds that drained our soil, consuming trillions that could have built schools, roads, and clinics. By removing them, President Tinubu cleared the field so that new crops can grow.
These reforms have increased allocations to states, giving the Southwest more resources to invest in our communities, our infrastructure, and our people.
Power Sector Reforms: “No Harvest Grows Without Rain”
Electricity is the water that nourishes our economy. Through the Presidential Metering Initiative, Millions of meters are being deployed across the country, ending estimated billing, promoting fairness, *helping measured consumption *and improving liquidity to attract fresh investment.
Targeted electricity subsidies ensure that the poorest households continue to access affordable power, while wealthier consumers pay their true share.
New investments through the Power Sector Debt Reduction and Distribution Reform Programmes (PPSDRP, DISREP, PPI) are expanding generation and transmission infrastructure.
Soon, our farmers and small businesses and industries will enjoy more reliable power to preserve produce, process cassava, and power small shops and factories. That is what harvest feels like.
Gas for Growth: “Fertilizing the Soil”
Our land cannot produce well without fertilizer, just as our economy cannot grow well without energy. The government is expanding pipelines such as the Escravos–Lagos System, delivering gas to industries in Sagamu, Ibadan, and Ilorin, with Ondo State directly benefiting as the network spreads across the Southwest. Over $8 billion in new upstream gas investments have already been unlocked, with another $20 billion expected by 2029.
Gas is not just for electricity. It is the raw material for fertilizers, methanol, and petrochemicals. These are the nutrients that make our farmlands more productive, our factories busier, and our exports more competitive.
New gas projects will feed fertilizer and petrochemical plants that support farmers in Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo, reducing fertilizer costs, boosting crop yields, and powering local agro-processing industries.
These value chains from gas to fertilizer, and farm to factory will deliver:
•Cheaper food at home as local production expands and transport costs fall.
•Exportable agro-products such as cassava starch, cocoa butter, and ethanol that can compete globally.
This is how we turn gas beneath our soil into food on our
Idris
progress has been made in the war against terrorism across the North-West, North-East, South-East, North-Central, and other parts of the country.
‘’Within this period, the number of terrorism-related attacks has plummeted. In March, a report by the Global Terrorism Index indicated that terrorist attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria.
“In the past eight months, the Nigerian military neutralised over 592 terrorists in Borno State alone. Over 13,500 terrorists and armed criminals have been neutralised. More than 17,000 arrests made. Over 11,200 hostages freed. More importantly, over 124,000 insurgents and their families surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons.
“In the North-West, especially Zamfara and Kaduna, 11,250 hostages have been freed, and some of the terror leaders —Ali Kachala, Boderi, Halilu Sububu -- have been neutralized. In August, the military intercepted and killed, in one fell swoop, over 400 armed bandits who had converged to attack a village in Zamfara,’’ he stated.
tables, and jobs in our communities.
Energy Independence – “Growing What We Consume”
A wise farmer does not keep buying from others what he can grow himself. For too long, Nigeria exported crude oil only to import refined petrol at higher cost. Those days are ending.
Through bold fiscal reforms, specifically the deregulation private sector-led investments in refineries, Nigeria is now achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products. This transformation means that the fuel powering our cars and tractors is increasingly refined at home for Nigerians, by Nigerians creating and keeping the jobs here.
The recent announcement that the Dangote refinery will scale up operations marks a turning point. We are moving from being an import-dependent nation to a regional energy supplier.
This shift reduces foreign-exchange pressure, stabilizes fuel prices, and opens new export revenue streams that strengthen the naira and the national budget. For our farmers, available and more reliable fuel means lower logistics costs from farm to market.
For our civil servants, it means a more stable economy that protects purchasing power. For our universities and polytechnics, it means new opportunities for research and innovation in refining technology, supply chain management, and energy systems.
We have planted reforms in our oil and gas fields, and the fruit is energy independence, new jobs, and pride in what we make with our own hands. “The Harvest Is Near”
We acknowledge the hardships that come with reform. The yam does not sprout the same day it is planted. But when it does, the farmer smiles because he remembers the sweat that made it grow is fruitful. We have planted reforms that are already sprouting in energy, in jobs, in stability.
The rains are gathering: more investments, more local industries, more power. The harvest will be rich, not just in Abuja and Lagos, but in every village and town across the Southwest and the nation. From the farms of Ose to the classrooms of Ogbomoso, every Nigerian will soon feel the yield of the seeds we have sown. Our planting season is ending. The harvest is near and this time, everyone will eat from the bounty.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hope is Renewed. This Hope is built on Action.
Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy made this presentation at the South-West Citizen-Government Dialogue organised by Afenifere and DAWN Commission in Akure
Verheijen
Olu Verheijen
Primate Theophilus Olabayo: Nigeria Sitting On Keg of Gunpowder
Primate Theophilus Olabayo, a cleric and founder of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh, has sounded a warning about hunger, insecurity and corruption in the country, saying that the country is currently sitting on a keg of gun powder and requires urgent policy and attitudinal change. The prophet, renowned for his predictions, declared that the country’s mounting anger and hardship could spiral into chaos unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leads a national sacrifice, confronts corruption, and seeks divine direction. Sunday Ehigiator brings the excerpts:
You are known for prophecies. Let’s begin with the current situation in Nigeria, especially concerning insecurity and the recent involvement of the United States of America. How do you envision things unfolding?
Whatever will happen, will happen; before this government came into power, leaders from different parties, Labour, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all of them, came to me. God revealed to me that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the election. It wasn’t because he was the best, but because God chose him for this time. About 40 years ago, I met him in America, and I prophesied that he would one day become president, but that it would be a difficult period for the nation until he truly seeks God’s face. Everything I said then has come to pass. Today, the major problems facing Nigeria are hunger, anger, and corruption. My plea to the president is to rise and take decisive action. He is God’s chosen instrument, just like Donald Trump was used by God as an instrument of peace. However, there are powerful people, even within his party, sponsoring instability ahead of 2027. The president must act quickly because between now and January, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. If we are not careful, hunger and anger will destroy this country.
The U.S. has raised concerns about an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria. Do you believe this is true?
It has been happening for a long time. People have been killed while studying the Bible. But now, it is not only Christians; everyone is affected. It’s more of a general insecurity problem. Armed robbers and other criminal elements have worsened the situation. Nigeria is in a hopeless condition.
From a spiritual standpoint, how should President Tinubu respond to Donald Trump and the U.S.?
First, there must be a national sacrifice and restitution. Those who have ruled before should come together and make amends. The President himself must lead by example and give up some of the excesses. If we don’t, there will be unrest, even war, between the rich and the poor. Our lawmakers, too, must make sacrifices. But instead, they are flaunting wealth; building mansions, buying cars, and acquiring property at home and abroad. It will get to a point where people will sell their children just to survive. Poverty is only beginning.
There is also a strange sickness coming that will shake the whole world. Before COVID-19, God told me it would come, and it did. The world must change.
So, you believe dialogue should be the first step in Nigeria’s response to the U.S.? Yes, dialogue. Our ambassadors must act wisely, not as politicians but as true representatives of the people. All our embassies should work in unity, not just the U.S. embassy.
What message do you have for the Nigerian government regarding terrorism and banditry?
We must be our brothers’ keepers and be honest with ourselves. Corruption must end, and we must fear God. Some of the people behind these atrocities are within the security
system, using it to enrich themselves. There must be total cleansing.
What are the global implications of Nigeria’s current insecurity situation?
If Nigeria doesn’t behave well, we could face international sanctions, leading to more poverty and sickness. Elections have become about the highest bidder. We must correct these excesses.
What advice do you have for the Christian community in these trying times?
The church must come together and pray. We should not compromise. God can still use faithful men and women to help the president, but they must be given a chance. Many with good intentions are ignored because they have no godfather.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket and issues of Sharia law in the North have also raised tensions. What’s your view?
The President should not be afraid to stop the Sharia agenda. If it continues, Nigeria will be divided into three. A
parliamentary system may emerge. He must ensure that bad leaders don’t take over this government and destroy the country.
Can he change his vice president then?
If it is God’s will, He can remove anyone by force. Those standing against God’s plan will not prevail.
Let’s talk about you personally. You’ve been in ministry for over four decades. What pivotal moment marked your call into the prophetic?
I was called from the womb. My mother was told that the child she carried would be great, a prophet. I was raised in a disciplined, humble home. My father was a farmer and tailor; my mother was a petty trader. I’ll be 80 in February and have been in ministry for over 50 years.
I had an encounter with Jesus when I was young, before I travelled abroad. That experience changed my life.
Many know you as a prophet, but who are you outside the pulpit?
I’m a simple man, though often misunderstood. I love children and used to play football. I still follow the game, that’s one of the few ways I relax.
How do you balance your private life with ministry?
I have time for my family. I sleep at home, eat at home, and only come to church when necessary. My wife and children join me during programs.
What has been your biggest personal sacrifice in serving God?
Fasting and prayer; I once embarked on a 100-day fast. During one of my assignments in Kaduna, I suffered a stroke that lasted 29 years. God told me beforehand it would happen, but that I would recover, and I did. I have sacrificed much for this country and for God’s work.
How did the Evangelical Church of Yahweh begin? It started in 1973 with just four of us. God told me to name it ‘Evangelical Church of Yahweh’. I had never heard the word ‘Yahweh’ before. The Spirit of God revealed it to me. From Ilorin, we moved to Lagos, and today, we have branches in England and America. Some founding members are still alive; a few have passed on.
Over the decades, the Nigerian church has evolved, from revival times to megachurches. Has this affected the essence of the gospel?
Yes, it has. Many have compromised and become materialistic. If we truly served God, Nigeria would not be in this state. We must humble ourselves and pray.
Many are part of the corrupt system, so they can’t speak. But no one can silence me. Even in government, corruption is everywhere; pastors, governors, senators, all of them. Only a few are sincere.
What kind of leadership does Nigeria need for true transformation?
Leadership that fears God and is led by the Spirit of God; a true leader must not be materialistic. He must be a servant and a brother’s keeper.
Many say modern prophecy has become commercialised. How do you maintain purity in your ministry?
Most so-called prophets today were never called by God. They are driven by money and fame. They don’t fast or seek the Spirit. Some even flaunt blood money and call it an offering.
I still go to the mountain to pray. I fast and train younger prophets to stay focused. We pray daily, morning, afternoon, and night.
Finally, what message of hope do you have for Nigerians?
A: Our leaders must sacrifice for the good of the nation. They know those behind terrorism and killings; they should arrest them and cleanse the system. If they take bold action, Nigeria will rise again.
And when you’re not working, how do you rest?
I rest by sleeping and watching football. That’s my only relaxation.
Any final thoughts?
Journalists must also stand for the truth. Many are compromised. If not for your integrity, I wouldn’t have granted this interview. The government must allow criticism; it helps democracy grow.
Olabayo
Building Bridges for Local Creatives
Nigeria’s creative industry holds enormous prospects for the local economy. experts say its diverse subsectors -from music, film, and television to visual arts, publishing, and fashion, amongst others, represent a vast goldmine capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Although valued at approximately $6.4 billion as of 2021, industry observers reckon that the sector’s performance lags behind its potential. Among its many segments, the fashion subsector continues to attract the most optimism, buoyed by growing e-commerce adoption, international export prospects, and rising local appetite for luxury and indigenous designs.
According to reports, fashion and textile industry remains the second largest industry in Africa, valued at $31 billion, with Nigeria accounting for around 15 per cent of this economy. Locally, the spotlight is on this subsector to raise its revenue by over $2 billion by end of 2025, reduce unemployment and drive diversification efforts. but the Founder and Chief executive officer of Ananse Center for Design, Samuel mensah, expressed concern that lingering sector constraints may be frustrating these prospects
While speaking at the grand launch of the center in Lagos recently, mensah attested to the ingenuity of African creatives, noting how the center is further leveraging right partnerships to address lapses limiting full expression of talent and players.
The one-stop centre prides itself as Africa’s first fully integrated creative hub, packing essential resources for African budding and established creatives to hone their skills and access global markets.
The colourful launch drew stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government representatives, private sector partners, investors, industry stakeholders and fashion/ arts enthusiasts which included Founder of Nike Art Gallery, Dr. Nike okundaye, who also serves as the center’s patron.
A guided tour of the 1,200-square-meter facility in Lekki, revealed a complete fashion value chain, featuring dedicated spaces for mentorship and master classes, content studio for brand amplification, photography and computer-aided design labs for product development, and specialized studios for leatherwork, clothing, footwear, and accessories.
The center also houses a private showroom for
OTH er Bu SIN e SS STO r I e S
design showcases, a co-working space for peer work, and an e-commerce platform connecting local designers to global audience and markets.
mensah, emphasised that the centre is but a solution put forward to resolve the aggregate challenges constraining creative talent, such as limited access to tools, funding, markets and skills gap, amongst others.
He credited strategic collaboration as key in driving the industry’s real potential, noting how key partners across both the public & private sectors had been instrumental in fulfilling goals of the initiative which targets over 5000 fashion creatives in the continent.
He noted that partners, including the ministry of Art, Culture and Creative economy, African Union, mastercard Foundation, National board for Technical education (NbTe), CLo, and ecobank, among others, have been on-boarded to bring their expertise, resources, and institutional strength to drive the center’s vision forward.
“This is more than a space, it’s a catalyst for change. by combining training, infrastructure and global market access, we are giving thousands of young creatives, especially women, the chance to turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods.
“The centre will help us fulfil our goals of creating access to 50,000 jobs and more as well advance. It would address critical gaps in the industry and serve as a hub for creativity, skills development, and entrepreneurship to further drive innovation and inclusion within the sector. Participants in our program will benefit from 22 courses across five modules, including business skills, business development, e-commerce, marketing and product development, delivered both physically at the center’s fashion hub and virtually through interactive live sessions”, he said.
earlier, minister of Art, Culture and Creative economy, Hannatu musa musawa expressed support for the initiative which is further backed by a five-year memorandum of understanding
with the center to scale the model nationwide.
“The center aligns with our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy. by investing in skills, facilities and global visibility for our designers, we are creating jobs, supporting women and youth, while ensuring Nigerian creativity is recognized on the world stage. our collaboration with Ananse will help scale this model across the country and secure lasting impact for the sector,” she said.
Also commenting, mastercard Foundation’s Country Director, rosy Fynn reiterated the foundation’s commitment to creative sector’s growth and opportunities for talent.
“ by bringing together training, infrastructure, and access to markets, the center creates pathways for young people, especially young women to thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth”, she stated.
Similarly, the Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Pan-African Programs at the foundation, Liz Ntonijira described the collaboration with Ananse as a key milestone in advancing the foundation’s ‘Young Africa Work’ strategy.
“Already, we have been working hard to implement the ‘Young Africa Work’ strategy which we’re looking to enable 30 million young people to get jobs. This partnership is thus a great pathway for us to do this through the creative economy”, she added.
The launch climaxed with models taking multiple runway turns, displaying a diverse range of customized pieces and designs from the center.
Training and Curriculum manager at Anansi, Temi owoduni seized the occasion to solicit support for start-ups struggling to scale, revealing that the center, with backing from partners, had so far empowered over 3500 creatives within its first year of operations.
Firm Announces New Solutions, Taps Partners to Deepen Energy Access
As Nigeria grapples with surge in energy demand, coupled with rising electricity cost and subsidy cut that have left over 80 million Nigerians without access to power, indigenous renewable energy company, Arnergy is stepping in to champion energy independence across communities nationwide.
The firm noted of particular concern the weak democratisation and lack of inclusion in energy supply to be fuelling energy poverty and access deficit in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of Arnergy’s new solar range and partner engagement in Lagos recently, Chief executive officer, Femi Adeyemo, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment
to extend energy independence beyond major cities, through innovative and affordable solutions.
Adeyemo explained that this vision underpins the firm’s latest renewable solutions, including 10kWh and 15kWh lithium batteries, portable Inaeko power stations of 1.2kvA and 2.2kvA, and solar generators -all designed to expand options for individuals and businesses across sectors, while boosting market share.
He added that the firm was equally rallying partners across the country, including distributors, dealers and installers to fuel its goal of deepening access and sustainability, and to reverse the narrative of Nigeria topping global lists for
Turkish Airlines Secures
$412m
Facility from Bank of China
Turkish Airlines has secured a landmark rmb 2.9 billion ($412 million) financing facility from the bank of China to support its global expansion and infrastructureThedevelopment. five-year facility was arranged by bank of China Turkey A.Ş. and dedicated to advancing the airline’s growth agenda, including fleet expansion, business growth, construction of new facilities and infrastructure projects at Istanbul Airport.
The transaction highlights the airline’s ongoing move to diversify its financing sources in line with its commitment to sustainable and globally inclusive growth.
Coordinated by bank of China Turkey and boC macau branch
as the lender of the facility, the financing further deepens economic and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and China.
Commenting on the deal, Turkish Airlines Chief Financial officer and member of board of Directors and executive Committee, Assoc. Prof. murat Şeker expressed excitement at the transaction, believed to enhance the firm’s pursuit for sustainable growth.
“We highly value the trust and partnership established with leading international institutions such as bank of China. This cooperation not only strengthens our flag carrier’s financial posi- tion but also contributes to the broader economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and China.
lack of electricity access.
He informed that transformation in local energy ecosystem, evidenced by Nigeria ranking as the continent’s fifth-largest solar installer in 2024, makes sustainable and inclusive solutions non-negotiable.
“The market is no longer for the elite. everyone in Nigeria needs power. our mission is to make clean and reliable energy a daily reality for all.
“our new range are designed for availability and accessibility to everyone, especially for small businesses such as barbers, tailors, and market shop owners struggling with rising fuel costs to help them save and make profit,” he stated.
Dufil Scales Up Investment in Tutors, Drives Innovative Skills
Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie noodles has deepened its investment in human capital development with a focus to position the nation’s learning environment to be at par with global standard.
This was as the firm recently hosted the ‘Annual Teachers’ Seminar’ in Lagos recently, to boost capacity of educators with modern 21st century skills.
Participants were also upskilled with practical tools and techniques in areas of communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, to match with evolving classroom demands and Nigeria’s curriculum reform goals.
Dufil described the initiative as a crucial part of its Corporate Social responsibilities (CSr) that reflects its commitment to empowering teachers shaping national productivity and future workforce readiness.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor of Science education and Curriculum Studies, University of Lagos, Sunday Adeyemo, underscored the need for innovation in teaching practice.
“Teaching has evolved, and our teachers must evolve with it. To achieve genuine progress in our education system, educators must adopt 21st-century skills and embrace
digital tools that drive learning outcomes,” he said.
Group Corporate Communications and events manager of Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju reiterated teachers’ role as custodians of knowledge that needs to be empowered to remain globally competitive.
“our goal is to support them as the govern- ment drives curriculum revitalization. This seminar reflects our deep belief in nurturing those who shape the future”, he added.
In her remark, olori Temitope oloko of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom also praised the programme and participants’ enthusiasm, describing the initiative as a meaningful effort to empower teachers.
Also commenting, National manager, Indomie Fan Club, mrs. ogechukwu Faith Joshua said, “For over 16 years, we’ve witnessed significant improvement in teacher engagement and classroom delivery. empowering educators remains one of our most rewarding invest- ments, as they directly influence the learning experiences of Nigerian children.”
The event served as a knowledge-exchange platform, with teachers networking, sharing challenges, and exploring creative learning methods.
Omolabake Fasogbon and Sunday ehighator
Musawa
The Dasuki Example
tokunbo Adedoja
In an era when political office in Nigeria is often seen as a lifetime entitlement rather than a platform for service, Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki’s recent decision not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027 stands out as a refreshing and historic act of leadership.
Dasuki, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency and currently serves as interim chairman of the Future Is Now Movement, has chosen principle over position, conviction over comfort, and the public good over personal gain. By announcing his decision to step aside voluntarily in 2027 to allow younger Nigerians - particularly those under 40 - to take their place in the House of Representatives, he has demonstrated the kind of moral courage that is desperately needed in Nigerian politics today.
At a few years above 40, Rep Dasuki could easily have justified another term in the house. With his experience in both legislative and executive roles, and a record of effective representation in his Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, he remains one of the most respected young lawmakers in the country. Yet, his decision to make what he described as a “personal sacrifice” shows a rare understanding of what true leadership means - knowing not only how to lead, but when to step aside for others to lead. This is not just a personal gesture. It is a powerful political statement. It is not just a political decision, it is a moral statement, a call to conscience and a bold reaffirmation that leadership is ultimately about service, not self-preservation.
His words: “The Nigeria we yearn for is only possible through sacrifice”, capture a truth that has too often been missing in our politics. As the interim chair of the Future Is Now Movement, Dasuki has been at the forefront of the call for 70 percent of seats in the House of Representatives to be held by Nigerians under 40 by 2027. In choosing to live by the same standard he advocates, he has given meaning to his message and credibility to his cause.
Too often in our political space, leaders preach renewal but cling to power; Dasuki, on the other hand, is practicing what he preaches. If more leaders could act with such selflessness, Nigeria’s democratic evolution would be faster, fairer and far more inclusive.
The significance of this decision goes far beyond his constituency. It speaks to the soul of our democracy - the urgent need for generational transition, the inclusion of fresh voices and the recognition that the future belongs to those who will live in it. By making way for younger Nigerians to go into the House of Representatives in 2027, Rep Dasuki is not walking away from the House of Representatives; he is walking into history.
Other politicians, both at the local, state and national levels, should take a cue from the Dasuki Example. Leadership is not about how long one occupies office, but about what legacy one leaves behind. Enduring legacies are built not only through policies and projects but also through symbolic actions that redefine values. Nigeria needs more leaders who can make sacrifices for the ideals they believe in. It needs leaders who are ready to put principle above power and posterity above politics.
However, while resolving not to contest election into the House of Representatives is commendable, with his wealth of experience and vision, Rep Dasuki must not retreat from the larger sphere of governance. Nigeria needs principled, pragmatic and forward-looking voices like his at all levels of government. It needs leadership that sacrifices for belief, for principle and for the public good.
The Dasuki Example is, therefore, more than a story of one man’s choice; it is a challenge to a nation’s conscience. It calls on our leaders to rethink power as service, not status, and to remember that the highest test of leadership is the willingness to step aside so that others may rise.
Dasuki’s action should be seen as an investment, a deposit into the nation’s democratic future. He has set a precedent that future generations will cite when defining what it means to lead with integrity.
If Nigeria is to experience true political renewal, we need many more Dasukis - leaders with courage to act, humility to yield and
vision to build a future larger than themselves.
Christopher Kolade: The Man Who Sought Eternity
Olusegun Fafore
On Monday, October 27, 2025, people of influence, power, and conscience from across the globe gathered at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, in Lagos, to bid Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade the final farewell. Everyone at the wake-keep looked heavenward and prayed that God should return Kolade’s soul to the fold of mankind and allow him to continue his great and good deeds, because he was a type of man that should not die, even at the ripe age of 92.
In their entreaties, many recounted their experiences and dealings with Kolade, just to let God know how valuable and impactful his life was to mankind. They persuaded that divine harvest of his exceptionally beautiful soul was a great loss to humanity.
Perhaps, God would have sniggered at man’s desire to keep an angel on earth, and pleasingly nodded at Kolade’s exhibition of virtues that enthralled mankind so much that they sought eternity for him amongst them.
Without them knowing, the totality of their opinions, which said “Iru eniyan bi Alagba Christopher Olusola Kolade so won lo ri le aye nitoripe akanda eyan ni won” is a telling sign of his being. He was not ordinary even though he hid his uniqueness in simplicity.
Humans failed in their appeal to God. Christopher Kolade could not inhabit the earth eternally. God wanted mankind to have a sense of loss that would cause self-reflection. Among Nigerians of various ethnic and age groups, Kolade’s life has become a mirror we stand before to see a reflection of ourselves.
Christopher Kolade did not get eternity on earth, but he got immortality. His life, and values have become the standards, to which every decent human would want to hold themselves. Unarguably, he has become the mascot of personal integrity and values on the African continent.
God adorned his life with so much grace that everything about him was exemplary and inspiring. His ascension was magnificent. A pair of large wings flapped vigorously to propel him heavenwardly on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The sight was a beauty to behold. As one of the best of men returned home, humans had the privilege of witnessing earthly testimonies to a life of integrity. Christopher Olusola Kolade completed his mission on earth and returned to his creator.
With Christopher Kolade’s life, the notion that angels live amongst men stopped being a myth. He was an unusual experience, so surreal and cherubic in his interactions. His ways and words were not only unusual, but desired by everyone. Only that the discipline, selflessness, and restraints that sustained him were too much of a sacrifice for most people, who would have loved to be like him.
The struggle against self and hedonism was
more than a battle. It’s a war Christopher Kolade gallantly won. He lived for a purpose that was more than materialism, which was clearly deific. Simple, impactful, and inspiring were some of the epithets that described his life because he contributed the quality of humankind with his knowledge and talent.
In describing encounters with the great man of character – Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade, people from different walks of life and across continents glowingly told a story of empathetic leadership, uncommon brilliance, human decency, and candour. Even though the underlining theme of the various accounts of people’s encounters and interactions with Christopher Kolade was good-naturedness, there was an evident complexity in the attempts to weave the life of a colossus into a single narrative. Every fine thread, colourful and refined, creatively knitted to create an attire that gave a sense of Kolade’s life, returned with the same complication as a blind man’s attempt at describing an elephant. While every word and sentence captured individual’s experience of Kolade, the wholeness of the life and times of one of Africa’s most decent and exemplary human beings is limited to individual experience of him, which is like a blind man’s description of an elephant – the tusks, the ears, the legs, and the trunk – as big!
Let’s contemplate what would have been his description if he had seen the elephant in its completeness? That exactly will be our depiction of Christopher Kolade’s life, which he started as a human before transforming into a seraph.
In human manifestation, Christopher Kolade, who was born on December 28, 1932, in Erin Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican priest father, started his career, which spanned education, broadcasting, diplomacy, and the academia in 1955.
MamaLink: Bridging Gaps in Emergency Obstetric Care
The Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRH Collective) recently launched MamaLink, a project testing the effectiveness of a technology-driven, community-led emergency care system for the people of Lagos State. This system aims to improve access to life-saving emergency obstetric and newborn care for women in underserved communities across the state, while strengthening collaboration between General Hospitals, transport providers, and community stakeholders.
In order to achieve this, MRH Collective convened two high-level stakeholder meetings, first in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) on October 14, and second in Ikorodu on October 21, to introduce the project and build broad-based support.
Participants were key partners and decision-makers from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, general hospitals, local government authorities, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and community representatives who came together to build collaboration and collective ownership of the project. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 79,500 Nigerian women died from childbirth-related causes in 2023, representing nearly 29 percent of global maternal deaths.
In response, MRH Collective developed the M.I.L.E.S. approach — Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, and Supporting — a datadriven framework that underpins the MamaLink initiative and helps identify and support pregnant women in need of urgent care.
The pilot project in Alimosho LGA, one of Lagos’s most populous areas, will be implemented in partnership with Emergency Response Africa (ERA). The
project will connect pregnant women in emergencies with transport providers, skilled health workers, and referral facilities through a coordinated triage system. At the Alimosho stakeholders meeting, Executive Director of MRH, Dr. Olajumoke Oke, emphasised the urgency of coordinated, data-driven interventions to tackle the maternal mortality crisis and save lives.
In her words: “Maternal mortality in Nigeria remains alarmingly high, accounting for nearly 29 percent of global maternal deaths. Through MamaLink, we aim to change that by ensuring pregnant women in emergencies are promptly transported and linked to the right care at the right time.”
Co-Principal Investigator on the MamaLink Project, Prof. Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, highlighted the initiative’s core focus on improving health outcomes for mothers and babies.
“MamaLink is really about the pregnant woman and her baby, and this meeting with stakeholders is the
first step toward ensuring accountability, ownership, and long-term system integration,” he said.
Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Faith Oniyire, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the initiative, noting its alignment with the state’s broader maternal health strategies. “We will incorporate the research findings from this study into policy. If this works in Alimosho, we can scale up the efforts across the state,” she said. Hospital representatives also welcomed the initiative as a timely and much-needed effort.
Director of Clinical Services at Orile-Agege General Hospital, Dr. Odukomaiya Adesegun, described MamaLink as, “a laudable intervention” which will address one of the most critical gaps in maternal care — the delay between referral and hospital arrival. “Whether we like it or not, the time between when a patient is referred and when she gets to the hospital is crucial, as the outcome for
both mother and baby often depends on that window. I fully embrace this project, and as a hospital, we are ready to support it in every possible way,” he said.
Dr. Adeshina, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Alimosho General Hospital and the Medical Director’s representative, noted that the initiative could significantly boost the inflow of emergency clients.
“I will discuss this with my subordinates and fellow consultants to get everyone on board. As this is a new initiative, we should brace up for more patients,” he stated.
The stakeholder engagement in Ikorodu focused on the research component of the MamaLink Project. While no intervention activities will take place there, MRH Collective will conduct data collection in General Hospitals within the area to assess emergency response gaps. The findings will be essential for evaluating the project’s effectiveness and inform system improvements across Lagos State.
Both stakeholder meetings concluded with renewed commitment from partners and stakeholders to strengthen the framework necessary to improve maternal and newborn outcomes in Lagos.
Azubuike writes from Lagos
The Rep Dasuki Example should inspire a new wave of political responsibility, one in which leaders serve with dignity and leave with honour. In stepping aside from the House in 2027, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki has stepped up, and in doing so, he has made history.
Uche Azubuike
Dasuki
Kolade
Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road:
Fubara’s Bold Pathway to Blue Economy
Nelson Chukwudi
In Andoni, a new road is emerging from the swamps, cutting through mangroves and waterways, stretching steadily toward the Atlantic Ocean. The 13.52-kilometer Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road is far more than an engineering project; it is a bold declaration of purpose. It tells the story of a people long isolated by geography, and a government now determined to connect them to opportunity.
This road is not just a physical link between communities. It is a symbol of resilience, vision, and leadership that refuses to be defined by obstacles. Where others saw impenetrable swamps, creeks and restless tides, Governor Siminalayi Fubara saw a canvas for renewal and growth.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Governor led from the front, personally inspecting the Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road project site. His boots sank slightly into the freshly graded earth before stepping onto sandy patches closer to the Atlantic shoreline. He walked quietly but with purpose, embodying his conviction that leadership is about action, not rhetoric.
Journalists, residents, and construction workers followed closely as he surveyed the site. Standing beneath the open evening sky with the salty Atlantic breeze sweeping across the wetlands, Governor Fubara declared, “This is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometers of a new pathway to the blue economy.” His words carried the weight of commitment, echoing a vision already taking physical form. he terrain here is harsh and unyielding. Thick mangrove forests, deep swamps, and shifting tidal channels have long discouraged development. Yet, under Governor Fubara’s leadership, this difficult landscape is being conquered through engineering innovation, steady funding, and unwavering political will.
Originally, the Ngo–Oyorokoto Road was conceived as a single access route to the famous Oyorokoto Beach, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated coastal destinations. But destiny had other plans. During preliminary works, Governor Fubara drew the attention of engineers and surveyors to a newly discovered, untouched Atlantic-facing beachfront, a pristine expanse of white sand and deep blue waters that revealed enormous potential for tourism, trade, and marine exploration.
Recognising the significance of this discovery, the Governor immediately approved an expanded project scope to open up this new frontier for development. “We will not limit progress to a single beach,” he said. “This new Atlantic-facing front will
be developed as part of our blue economy vision.” That decision transformed the project from a local access road into a state-defining infrastructure initiative.
Every meter of the Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road now tells a story of determination and transformation. The mangroves, the swampy creeks, and the ever-shifting Atlantic tides are being subdued by vision, planning, and relentless execution. Beyond asphalt and concrete, the road represents hope, a gateway to a more prosperous coastal future.
Andoni’s coastal identity runs deep. It is home to a proud fishing tradition, the vast Ikuru Atlantic Beach, and the legendary Oyorokoto settlement, often described as West Africa’s largest fishing community. For generations, fishing has sustained the people here, but development has been slow. High costs of fishing gear, poor access routes, and the lack of modern facilities, among others, have long limited their full economic potential.
Now, that story is beginning to change. When completed, the Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road will usher in a new era for the region’s fishing industry, aquaculture ventures, and marine tourism. Improved access will reduce costs, expand markets, and attract new investors. The Atlantic coastline holds vast opportunities for eco-tourism, recreation, and maritime trade. With strategic port and shipping development, Andoni could emerge as another vital node in Rivers State’s expanding logistics and trade network.
Oyorokoto, the fishing capital of the region, stands to benefit the most. A 2016 study estimated 2,572 active fishermen in the settlement, engaged mainly in artisanal fishing. They harvest a rich variety of seafood, from fish and crabs to shrimps, oysters, and sea snails, sustaining both local consumption and commercial trade.
Scientific data reinforces this productivity. A 2016 study on Black Tiger Shrimp recruitment in the Andoni estuaries recorded about 350 artisanal shrimp fishers, with peak catch rates reaching 78.11 kilograms per person per hour in September. Another study conducted in 2019 near the Bonny Estuary found that 57.7 per cent of fin fish were caught during the dry season, and 42.3 per cent in the wet season, totalling 4,800 individual fish.
Between 1999 and 2000, researchers identified 63 species of fish caught by artisanal fishers in the Andoni River system, with Tilapia guinensis accounting for four per cent of the total. A 2022 study revealed that fish marketing in Andoni was profitable, with vendors earning an average monthly profit of 623,386.67. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported over 250 canoes operating in Oyorokoto by 2016, while a 2023 survey found that most male
Africa’s Reckoning and Renewal: A Diplomatic Meditation on the Continent’s Youth Crisis
In ‘Africa: Vengeance of the Abandoned,’ Steve Okey
Onwuka, a distinguished diplomat and Chief of Protocol at the ECOWAS Commission, delivers a profound and poetic meditation on Africa’s most urgent challenge: the marginalization of its youth. This is not merely a book̶ it is a strategic blueprint, a cultural reckoning, and a literary act of diplomacy.
The Premise: A Continent at a Crossroads
Africa’s demographic reality is staggering. Over 70 percent of its 1.4 billion people are under 30. This youth bulge, Onwuka argues, is either a demographic dividend or a ticking time bomb. The book’s title -Vengeance of the Abandoned, is not rhetorical flourish but a stark warning: societies that exclude their youth from meaningful participation will face consequences that transcend borders.
Structure and Flow
The book unfolds in three interconnected parts:
1. The Genesis of Abandonment A philosophical and historical excavation of Africa’s leadership traditions, colonial disruptions, and the erosion of indigenous governance systems.
2. The Manifestation of Crisis A case-based analysis of youth-led protests, generational shifts, and the failures of modern governance and absence of skill to engage Africa’s young.
3. The Architecture of Transformation A strategic framework rooted in Pan-African values, proposing a return to Ubuntu, Ibuanyidanda, and other indigenous philosophies as tools for solving “wicked problems.”
multi-layered, and resistant to conventional solutions. Drawing on the work of theorists like Grint, Rittel & Webber, and Booker, he argues that such problems require messy, collaborative, and culturally grounded approaches. Western models, he contends, are insufficient. Africa must return to its communal philosophies, where leadership is shared, wisdom is inherited, and youth are integrated, not abandoned.
Literary and Cultural Depth
residents aged 41 to 50 were engaged in artisanal fishing, earning a gross margin of about N112,092 per month.
Despite this strong foundation, challenges have persisted. Inadequate infrastructure, limited access to capital, and poor storage facilities have long constrained the potential of Andoni’s fisheries. For years, community leaders lamented government neglect, calling for investment in roads, jetties, and cold storage facilities. Governor Fubara’s administration has listened, and acted.
The Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road is not just a response to years of neglect; it is a deliberate strategy to open Andoni to the wider world. By linking fishing settlements directly to markets and ports, the road will reduce post-harvest losses, lower transportation costs, and create a more efficient value chain for the fishing industry. It will also stimulate tourism and hospitality opportunities, including cruises, water sports, and coastal resorts. Supporting sectors such as accommodation, transport, logistics, recreation, and local cuisine are expected to flourish as the area opens up to visitors and smart businesses.
One remarkable trait of Governor Fubara’s administration is its refusal to be deterred by difficult terrain. What many once described as impossible has become achievable under his leadership. The
Chukwudi is the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, and writes from Government House, Port Harcourt.
Diplomatic Relevance
Intellectual Core: Wicked Problems and Indigenous Wisdom
Onwuka’s most compelling contribution is his framing of the African youth crisis as a “wicked problem” complex,
repository of African wisdom, serves as a recurring symbol of what has been lost and what must be reclaimed. Onwuka’s prose is lyrical yet grounded.
For diplomats and global leaders, this book offers more than cultural insight. It provides a strategic lens for engagement. It challenges international actors to rethink development paradigms, support youth-led innovation, and respect indigenous governance models. The book also critiques the neo-colonial grip on African leadership, calling out autocracy, resource wars, and the failure of external interventions. Yet, it does not surrender to despair. It offers hope rooted in Africa’s own traditions.
Conclusion: A Call to Leadership and Collective Action
The final chapters of Africa: Vengeance of the Abandoned are not just reflective, they are prescriptive. Onwuka proposes a continental framework for youth engagement, rooted in Ubuntu, Ibuanyidanda, and other indigenous philosophies. He calls for the creation of national substructures and a continental superstructure to unify efforts from governments, NGOs, international organizations, and philanthropists.
Six Strategic Recommendations
1. Reimagine educational systems to emphasize practical skills, entrepreneurship, and cultural grounding.
2. Develop financial systems that support indigenous economic activities and innovations.
3. Create governance structures with meaningful youth participation at all levels.
4. Establish mentorship networks connecting traditional wisdom with modern challenges.
5. Develop Pan-African frameworks for youth mobility, skills exchange, and collaboration.
6. Involve local and rural authorities who hold the genuine statistics of those to be targeted.
Recommendation
Africa: Vengeance of the Abandoned is essential reading for diplomats, policymakers, Pan-African advocates, youth leaders, and global thinkers. This is not just a book, it is a blueprint for Africa’s renewal, a literary act of diplomacy, and a visionary call to action. BOOK reVIew
The book is rich in African idioms, proverbs, and storytelling traditions. Chapter One, Africa: A Timeless Phenomenon, reads like a hymn to the continent’s spiritual and cultural resilience. The metaphor of the “sacred tablet” a mythical
Idris Tofa
Fubara
Features
Aig-Imoukhuede’s Blueprint for Thriving Society
When the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, took to the stage at the Création Africa 2025 Forum in Lagos, his message went beyond the familiar talk of finance and growth. He redefined the idea of national prosperity, pointing out that the size of its economy does not measure a nation’s true wealth, but by the harmony between its financial strength, intellectual capital, and cultural values. Sunday Ehigiator reports
For decades, Nigeria’s measure of success has been largely numeric: oil revenues, GDP growth, foreign reserves, and investor confidence. These figures dominate policy debates and national discourse, as though prosperity were a balance-sheet affair.
But wealth, in its truest sense, transcends numbers. A country can be flush with cash yet starved of opportunity. It can boast a thriving stock market and still fail to uplift its citizens. In contrast, nations that have achieved sustainable development, from Singapore to South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, have done so by deliberately intertwining money, intellect, and cultural values into a coherent national fabric.
The argument of the Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, during an industry talk titled, ‘From Idea to Business: How to Put Creativity at the Heart of the Game’, presents a clear blueprint for national progress: long-term prosperity depends on aligning resources, intellect, and values, rather than just finance.
Financial Capital: The Power of Means
Financial capital provides the tools of development: funds for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and enterprise. It is the fuel that powers economic engines. However, as Aig-Imoukhuede implies, money in itself has no intelligence; it is the people behind it who determine whether it creates value or waste.
Nigeria’s financial system has grown in sophistication over the past two decades, with stronger institutions and rising innovation in fintech and capital markets. Yet, the question remains: are we channelling our financial capital into the right sectors: those that build knowledge and strengthen national values?
Financial capital focusing on consumption rather than capacity-building leads to fleeting wealth. But when it funds education, research, innovation, and cultural industries, it multiplies.
Knowledge Capital: The Power of Ideas
Knowledge capital, the collective intelligence, creativity, and skill of a people, determines whether financial capital expands or depletes. The world’s richest nations today are knowledge-driven economies, where intellectual property, research, and innovation create more value than natural resources ever could.
Nigeria’s young population, vibrant tech ecosystem, and creative industries already demonstrate the power of ideas. Start-ups are redefining banking, education, agriculture, and entertainment. But this momentum needs a structured foundation, one built on quality education, functional institutions, and consistent policy support.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s argument calls for a deliberate strategy: to invest not just in physical infrastructure, but in mental infrastructure. Universities, vocational centres, and research institutes must be retooled as engines of innovation.
of Identity
is the third and often forgotten pillar. It is the invisible thread that weaves through a nation’s character, shaping how people think, work, and relate to one another.
Culture defines productivity as much as policy does. The punctuality of the Japanese, the discipline of the Germans, or the creativity of the Americans are not genetic traits; they are products of culture, deeply ingrained values that guide national behaviour.
Nigeria’s culture, rich and diverse, holds immense potential as a tool for soft power and economic growth. The global success of Afrobeats, Nollywood, and our fashion industry is proof that cultural expression can be a major export. But beyond entertainment, culture influences ethics: the integrity of governance, respect for the rule of law, and the sense of collective responsibility.
When a nation’s culture rewards diligence and merit, other forms of capital flourish. When it normalises shortcuts and impunity, progress
collapses under the weight of contradiction.
The Wealth Trinity: Interconnected and Indivisible Aig-Imoukhuede’s central thesis, the intertwining of financial, knowledge, and cultural capital, is both diagnostic and prescriptive. It reveals why some societies thrive while others struggle.
Financial capital without knowledge leads to inefficiency. Knowledge without cultural grounding results in alienation or brain drain. Culture without financial support remains a beautiful sentiment without structure.
The true power lies in their integration: money funding learning, learning inspiring innovation, and culture providing the ethical compass that sustains progress.
Nigeria’s Path Forward Nigeria stands at a unique intersection of potential and paradox. We possess vast financial flows, a youthful and intellectually vibrant population, and a culture that resonates across the world. Yet, these assets operate in silos.
To convert them into real wealth, we must pursue policies and partnerships that create synergy; banks and financial institutions must see knowledge creation and culture as viable investment frontiers; government and academia must link education to national economic priorities, and the creative sector must be treated not as entertainment, but as a strategic industry that embodies both knowledge and culture.
When these systems align, Nigeria will not merely grow; it will evolve. The nation’s prosperity will no longer depend on commodities or external aid, but on the strength of its collective intelligence and identity.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s reflection reminds us that the wealth of nations is not stored in vaults but cultivated in minds and hearts. The balance of money, knowledge, and culture determines whether a nation builds monuments or legacies. In the end, true wealth is not about what a nation owns, but about what it knows, believes, and becomes when all its forms of capital work together in harmony.
Temi Kayode-Ojo On Mission to Empower Women
For Temitope Kayode-Ojo, the Creative Director behind the contemporary fashion house LAVISH, fashion is more than fabric and form; it’s a language of empowerment. Through her distinctive blend of bridal couture and ready-to-wear elegance, Kayode-Ojo is redefining what it means to be a modern Nigerian woman, writes Sunday Ehigiator
When Temi Kayode-Ojo began her journey in fashion, she wasn’t chasing trends; she was chasing meaning. In 2017, she founded LAVISH as Nigeria’s first dedicated bridal styling brand, born from a passion to help women look and feel beautiful on their most significant day.
What started as a niche service for brides seeking personality-driven elegance has grown into one of the country’s most exciting fashion houses, merging bespoke craftsmanship with modern versatility.
Today, LAVISH stands as a bridge between worlds, the intimacy of couture and the accessibility of readyto-wear. Under Temi’s leadership, the brand has expanded beyond the aisle, creating timeless pieces for the confident woman who wants to express her story through style.
For Temi, fashion has always been about more than aesthetics; it’s about identity.“Our mission is to empower women,”she says.“We want them to feel seen, confident, and unforgettable.”
Building a Brand with Foresight
Unlike many brands that stumble into expansion, LAVISH’s evolution was intentional. Temi reveals that even in the early days, her vision extended beyond the bridal aisle.
“From the back end, we were always preparing to be a full fashion house,”she explains.“Bridal styling was our entry point, a way to learn the market, earn
trust, and perfect our craft.
That foresight paid off.Today, LAVISH Ready-to-Wear fuses the intricacy and emotional depth of bridal couture with the ease and efficiency of modern fashion.
“We’ve brought the intentionality and personalisation of bridal design into ready-to-wear. Our collections are slow fashion; meaningful, detailed, and timeless.”
Designing for the Modern Nigerian Woman
Temi’s creative process is rooted in empathy and understanding.“With bridal fashion, you have to be a mind reader,”she says with a smile.“We take time to understand our brides, their motivations, backgrounds, and what truly matters to them.”
That same sensitivity defines her ready-to-wear designs.
“We think about the modern woman who’s always on the move; juggling work, family, and ambition, yet still wants to look powerful and put-together. She doesn’t have time to design from scratch, but she knows LAVISH will have something that reflects her story. Whether it’s a gown or a blazer, our goal is the same: to help women feel seen, confident, and unforgettable.”
Empowerment in Every Stitch
At its heart, LAVISH is more than a fashion brand; it’s a statement about womanhood. Every collection, every silhouette, every stitch is guided by a clear mission: to empower women through fashion.
“We want our pieces to tell stories,” Temi says.
“Fashion should mean something. We don’t believe in trends; we believe in timelessness. We want women
to look at their pictures 25 years later and still see elegance, not just a trend that passed. This ethos has shaped not just design, but our production.
“LAVISH is also committed to sustainability, from using renewable energy in our factories to producing in small batches to minimise waste. Authenticity and consciousness have been with us from the start,” she affirms. “Even when everyone wore the same lace, we wanted our brides and clients to stand out with meaning.”
A Stylist’s Advantage
Temi’s foundation as a stylist sets her apart from traditional designers. “We didn’t start as a design brand; we started as stylists,” she says proudly.“We spent years dressing real women, understanding their bodies, insecurities, and aspirations. That experience gave us insight that many brands don’t have.”
It’s this unique vantage point that fuels LAVISH’s storytelling, where fashion becomes both an art and an act of empathy.“We’ve spent a decade personalising fashion. Now we’re pouring that knowledge into creating ready-to-wear pieces that carry the same depth and meaning.”
What makes LAVISH’s ready-to-wear line stand out is how it merges the craftsmanship of couture with the ease of everyday fashion.“Traditionally, readyto-wear is known for its fast-paced nature and mass production. But we’ve brought the intentionality of bridal fashion; the detail, the personalisation, into our ready-to-wear collections,” she notes.
Beyond the Aisle
Temi Kayode-Ojo
With a growing international presence and an expanding product line, LAVISH is setting its sights on the global stage.“Expect bolder looks, more collections, and more visibility,”Temi teases.“We’re taking Nigeria’s secret sauce, our creativity and storytelling to the world.”
From Lagos to London, Dubai to NewYork, LAVISH is positioning itself as a global brand with distinctly Nigerian roots. “Wherever we go, you can expect excellence, authenticity, and detail, the same things that define who we are.
“Expect to see more collections, more daring looks, and more international collaborations. We will continue to empower women to make them feel beautiful, confident, and unforgettable, whether on the aisle or beyond it.”
Cultural Capital: The Power
Culture capital
Aig-Imoukhuede
BACKPAGE CONTINUATION
DONALD TRUMP’S PECULIAR TRAJECTORY
any argument. He saw it as his duty, rightly or wrongly, to dismantle the values being promoted by his predecessors.
While he objected to the values and tendencies being diligently promoted by the Obama/Biden government, while he sought to counter their attempts to universalize those values, he was also as determined to universalize alternative values that conduced to traditional American norms.
Thus, trump’ current presidency therefore came with a strong wave of politico-spiritual currents. He
raved against the Obama/Biden presidency for diminishing the significance of Christmas, demanding that Merry Christmas be replaced with “Season’s Greetings”, etc. he saw no reason in Obama/Biden’s America carrying on as if they were appointed the duty of re-creating the world and redefining the goals of humanity.
Just as Obama and Biden were not interested in installmental gains and small victories, but wanted a wholesale conversion of all humanity, Trump prefers to swallow his victims whole, and preferably without a whimper. Tell him about minority rights, and he will quickly remind you that there are minorities in the human ecosystem, such as cannibals, that everyone must do his best to help eliminate from the face of the earth. Push human rights too far before him and he would make a swing back, by telling you that you must make sure that some people are truly human, before you begin to push for their rights.
That is Donald Trump!
He roundly rejected a point of view that reached its peak in the US under Obama and Biden, namely the view that everyone had the right to whatever pleased him, provided he did not disturb anyone else while at it. Trump consciously fought against the deliberate, and well-funded, campaign in defense of Lesbians and gays. He cried ‘foul’ when the campaign became so multi-flagellated that it not only moved form move form LGBT to LGBTQ, but added “Q” and the plus sign, to show that any new stray tendency was welcome to declare itself legitimate and entitled.
Trump must have been listening and
chuckling cynically to himself when Biden said, after being sworn: “America is back”. He must have been asking, possibly derisively: “Which America, and whose America, is back? A Donald trump must have been saying to himself: “An America that is encapsulated in an earlier Presidential Memorandum, wherein countries which were still reluctant to make laws to promote, accommodate and perhaps even expand the rights and privileges of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people were threatened with sanctions cannot be my America”.
In warming up for a mortal combat with a Presidential Memorandum seeking a worldwide plan to strengthen the protection of LGBTQI+ rights and make humanity to collectively follow a new global priority under this umbrella of rights, Trump must have seen himself as fighting for truth, for the Almighty and for Godliness. He refused to accept the trending claim that everyone on earth should tremulously fall in line with what somebody says, just because he was temporarily living in the White House.
He was known to have responded with irritation, not concealed of course, when it was announced that the US would roll out sanctions against countries which did not subscribe to the preferred values of the Obama/Biden government in matters of intimate relations between genders.
Trump queried the presumption, arguing that no one had the right to inflict his preferences on others, or pass himself off as defender of humanity and protector of the best ideals of human existence. He refused to believe that there were any sane criteria by which the Obama/Biden presidency justified their stigmatization of some countries as “homophobic”, just because of their country’s anti-gay laws.
When Biden said: “The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle –speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values”, Trump must have muttered to himself: “The most dearly held values of many nations, including Nigeria that was threatened with sanctions for its anti-gay laws, are not American value”. When Biden spoke of “…enforcing freedoms
BEYOND THE EUROBOND SUCCESS
means investors see opportunity, not risk, in Nigeria’s story. The $13 billion orderbook highlights a reassessment of Nigeria’s creditworthiness, following recent fiscal and structural reforms.
But the fact remains that the main attraction to debt instruments issued by Nigeria and others in the frontier market category is the high-interest rate. The obvious is that returns in frontier markets have continued to outpace debts in developed economies. In addition to their absolute performance, frontier markets also offer significant diversification benefits to a global fixed income or multi-asset portfolio.
The federal government has already indicated that proceeds from the Eurobond will be used to help finance the 2025 fiscal deficit and improve foreign exchange liquidity. The fresh forex inflow is also expected to strengthen the naira exchange rate against the dollar and improve forex liquidity in the economy. Additionally, it is expected to boost Nigeria’s forex reserves’ accretion.
Nevertheless, the success of this Eurobond issuance must not become an excuse for complacency because Nigeria continues to struggle under the weight of insecurity and other macroeconomic challenges.
The real test lies in ensuring that borrowed funds are efficiently deployed
toward productive investments that can stimulate growth, create jobs, and generate sustainable revenue. If the inflows are used judiciously, they could help fund infrastructure projects that improve competitiveness and boost export potential.
The government must rationalise expenditure by ensuring that every
and promoting tolerance,” Trump must have felt that the former did not consider that he was President of the US, and not president of the entire earth. He must have felt that Biden did not consider the likely overall negative impact of the US on “rights” with regards to cultural and religious values globally.
Going back to the current threat of military invasion of Nigeria by the US, under Trump, one sees an aspect of the same concern for Christianity and humanity from Trump’s point. The problem here, however, is that the narrative is couched in similarly extreme terms as the presumptions of those Trump’s earlier barbs were often directed at. His intervention is the result of protestations made by interested parties and also partly derived from Nigerian media reports.
We cannot deny some measure of limited insights into the full dynamics of the situation in Nigeria, but it would be absurd to say or think that the solution is military action. Against whom, and how?
Donald Trump has never hidden his appetite for big and open fights. He declared his preparedness to fight new-fangled values and promote the custodian role of the conservative American State. He was all for the restoration of traditional religious practices, war against Big Pharma and all big bad boys and girls damaging America.
But his new-found focus on Nigeria needs a recalibration, for better results. No one can deny the realities of insurgency, kidnapping, farmer/herder clashes, displacement of some communities and the existence of banditry in Nigeria today. The “religious flavour” of some of these issues is, more often than not, seen in terms of the geographical location of the victims and the ethnic and religious leanings of those affected. No one can also deny the fact that collaboration and an intelligence-guided support will yield more meaningful results than military action.
Above all, a sovereign state is a sovereign state; warts and all. Let the US and Donald Trump dig deeper for collaboration, genuine human-interest, impact and lasting results. That would give greater meaning and value to Donald Trump's current peculiar trajectory.
fund realised from this debt instrument is expended directly to productivity and growth. Wasteful spending on constituency projects and non-essential items, as we have seen in recent times, must give way to investments in human capital, infrastructure, and innovation.
This fresh borrowing should be tied strictly to projects that generate economic returns capable of repaying those debts. Borrowing to finance recurrent expenditure must also be avoided.
Beyond the Eurobond success, the spate of killings and displacement in some parts of the country has pivoted the world’s attention to the risk and fragility of Nigeria. There is therefore the need for the country’s security agencies to ensure that peace and stability are restored to troubled communities and for people to live without fear. The Nigeria we all want would be a mirage if good governance is not accorded its rightful place in addressing insecurity. Governance must focus on addressing the growing dissatisfaction, discomfort, and distress within the larger society, just as efforts must be made to abate corruption, tackle the country’s high unemployment rate, poverty and fix the country’s decaying infrastructure.
The federal government must also create a conducive environment to attract
AS SEGUN ADENIYI TURNS 60
Segun is a media man that grew through the ranks, until he now grew to the age of sixty. Easygoing, committed to truth and always dedicated to what he knows to be right at any particular point in time, Olusegun Adeniyi cannot but be highly regarded by anyone who truly understands his nature.
While I wait for him to bring a ram, the egg of a confused chicken, the left ear of an Australian tree monkey, three Igbo kolanuts and some other ingredients that cannot be mentioned here, to Okey Ikechukwu the Elder, I wish him the very best now and always.
His days “in government” were characterized by the same basic simplicity and down to earth approach he was always known for. No airs. To pretensions, either in dressing, carriage or attitude. No indecent displays. No interest in contracts and less that zero interest in celebrating his presumed association with ‘big men’. From government he went back to his desk as a journalist. Just like that. And his books embody experience-driven narratives, with strong leanings towards imparting lessons he has encountered in the line of duty for others to benefit from. He is one of the not so many columnists that you will always find at his “duty post” every week.
It is to the eternal credit of Chief Nduka Ubaigbena that he has established a rarely replicated tradition among newspaper owners and senior executives in Nigeria, and globally. He is one of the very few people in his line of business who has built an “empire of gifted mentees and friends” in a professional relationship of mutual love and respect.
Supportive and free, Obaigbena is worthy of emulation in this respect. He must be happy seeing his “son” with whom he is well pleased climbing to the sixth floor; as he progresses in his personal and professional growth. Happy birthday, as I await the offerings! An elder has spoken.
foreign direct investments, which are crucial to job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth. Nigeria’s unfriendly business environment has been largely identified as one of the factors that discourages foreign investments. Without resolving the power sector crisis and guaranteeing that Nigerians have access to reasonably priced energy, the country cannot attract the much-needed FDIs, as businesses are forced to produce a sizable amount of their electricity due to challenges in the sector.
Additionally, the country’s business environment needs to be improved to encourage domestic businesses.
Therefore, beyond the fiscal implications, the successful Eurobond marks a psychological turning point. It shows that the international community still regards Nigeria as an important player among the frontier markets. It sends a message that, despite the noise of politics and security concerns, the fundamentals of Nigeria’s economy remain attractive.
The government must seize this moment to deepen reforms. That means ensuring transparency in fiscal operations, strengthening institutions, improving the business environment, and building investor confidence through consistency and accountability.
Tinubu
Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Gap
In the restless skyline of Lagos, cranes rise beside clusters of unfinished homes — symbols of both progress and paradox in a nation grappling with a housing deficit of over 28 million units. Amidst this complex landscape, Olatunji Homes, led by Adekunle Olatunji, is reimagining what affordable, modern housing can look like in Nigeria, writes Adedayo Adejobi
In the soft morning light, the Lagos skyline rises like a promise — cranes perched above half-finished towers, luxury estates fenced off from sprawling informal settlements. The rhythm of construction echoes against the city’s hum, yet beneath the buzz lies an uncomfortable truth: millions of Nigerians still lack decent housing.
In a country where the estimated housing deficit exceeds 28 million units, the dream of owning a home remains distant for many. Amid this reality, Olatunji Homes, led by its Managing Director and CEO, Adekunle Olatunji, is building more than just houses — it’s constructing a new philosophy of accessibility, innovation, and integrity in Nigerian real estate.
“We see the housing deficit not just as a crisis,” Olatunji says, leaning forward as if weighing each word, “but as an opportunity to create impact at scale. Every project we deliver must make housing more attainable for ordinary Nigerians — not just the priviledged few.”
For Olatunji, addressing the housing deficit begins with rethinking the fundamentals of real estate itself. Olatunji Homes’ model is built on a simple but radical principle — affordability without compromise. The company focuses on compact, smartly designed units for young professionals and middle-income families rather than oversized luxury homes that dominate the market.
“Our approach goes beyond profitability,” he explains. “We’re building for real people — teachers, civil servants, small business owners — and we’re doing it with efficiency in mind. That means embracing modular construction, prefabricated components, and community-driven financing models that bring Nigerians at home and in the diaspora into the process.”
The idea is as practical as it is visionary. By using modular systems and prefabricated panels, Olatunji Homes reduces delivery time and costs, while its community-based financing allows Nigerians abroad to co-invest in local housing developments.
“It’s not just about selling units,” Olatunji adds. “It’s about enabling collective ownership and participation in nation-building.”
The real estate sector has not been immune to Nigeria’s inflationary pressures and rising material costs. Cement, steel, and finishing materials fluctuate wildly, threatening project viability.
Yet Olatunji Homes has managed to maintain affordability through a combination of foresight and strategic sourcing.
“We tackle inflation through long-term relationships with manufacturers and bulk procurement,” Olatunji notes. “By partnering with local fabricators, we’re also reducing dependence on imports. You’d be surprised how much cost you save when you empower
local innovation.”
He points to the company’s experimentation with alternative materials — interlocking blocks, stabilised earth bricks, and valueengineered designs that retain strength while cutting waste.
“We apply what I call intelligent frugality,” he says with a smile. “You don’t compromise quality — you rethink efficiency.”
If there’s one area that consistently haunts Nigerian property development, it’s land titling. Olatunji calls it “the invisible crisis” — a labyrinth of bureaucracy, duplicate claims, and fraud. Olatunji Homes takes no chances.“Every land we acquire goes through rigorous due diligence — survey verification, legal searches, physical boundary confirmation,” he explains. “We only work with registered surveyors and certified consultants. Our clients must never have to worry about authenticity.”
Looking to the future, he sees hope in digitised registries and blockchain-backed verification systems. “We’re already archiving all our land documents digitally,” he says.
“One day, a buyer will be able to verify title history on their phone — and that’s when real transparency will begin.”
For most Nigerians, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t just the house — it’s the finance. Mortgage systems remain rigid, interest rates steep, and repayment terms unrealistic for average earners. Olatunji Homes is trying to change that equation.
“We’re in active discussions with mortgage institutions, fintech platforms, and cooperatives,” Olatunji reveals. “Our goal is to create flexible payment structures — micro-mortgages and digital financing models that meet people where they are.”
He describes a joint-venture approach where landowners contribute land while Olatunji Homes handles development — a model that reduces upfront capital while ensuring value sharing. “We want to democratise access,” he says. “Technology-driven finance is the next frontier for housing in Nigeria.”
Infrastructure — roads, water, power — can make or break any development. Olatunji Homes integrates feasibility studies into every project phase, ensuring that each site is viable for long-term habitation.
“In some cases, we invest in infrastructure ourselves — internal roads, boreholes, mini power solutions,” Olatunji says. “That not only supports residents but also enhances property value. Developers must understand that you’re not just selling a home; you’re shaping a community.”
He strongly advocates for more public-private partnerships (PPPs) where developers collaborate with local authorities to share infrastructure responsibilities. “If the public sector brings access, and the private sector brings innovation, the results will be transformative.”
Nigeria’s demographic reality is shifting fast. The average first-time homebuyer is now under 35, tech-savvy, and mobile. Olatunji Homes has adapted accordingly.
“The Nigerian homebuyer today is younger, more digital, and more flexible in lifestyle,” Olatunji observes. “We’re designing smaller, energy-efficient spaces — one-bedroom apartments, studios, and co-living units that fit their needs.”
These homes feature smart locks, solar backup systems, and open-plan living designs that support remote work and sustainability. “Modern buyers value function, flexibility, and community,” he adds. “We’re creating spaces that reflect who they are — ambitious, connected, and forward-looking.”
While many developers treat sustainability as a buzzword, Olatunji insists it is part of the company’s DNA. “ESG isn’t a checkbox for us,” he says firmly. “It’s our way of doing business.”
L-R: Chairman, Media Tiger Communications, Mazi Nwachukwu Sidney; Talent Spaw Talent Quest, Winner, Symphony Praise worship, Spaw Talent Quest 2025, Praise Moses; and Convener, Dr. Ajoke Ogunsan; during the presentation of cheque to the Winner, Spaw Talent Quest 2025 in Lagos recently
Mrs. Dada Taiwo Adewumi during her 60th birthday and Riterment celebration as Deputy Director of Education, Goverment Junior College Agege Lagos State, flanked by her husband Engineer Dada Aderemi and the Principal of Government Junior College Agege, Mrs. Modupe Olarewaju
Cross Section of Jurors at the Lagos Agrithon Grand Finale Competition held in Lagos on Friday
L-R: Head of Production, African International Film Festival Film and Content Market (AFCM), Jean Fall; General Manager, Japan Foundation, Masakazu Takahashi; Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki; and Market Head, AFCM, Themba Sibeko during the Japan Day, at the ongoing 14th AFRIFF, in Lagos, recently
Olatunji
eDNA Im AD e LoYALTY To FATH er LAND
V S SpANISH A LL ure
AfterwinningtheWAFCONforthe10thtimeearlierthisyear,theSuperFalconsofNigeria nodoubtarethetruegiants,whenitcomestofemalefootballinAfrica.Makingappreciable impact at the world stage is therefore the target of the country’s football ruling body, the NigeriaFootballFederation,NFF,whichisoneofthereasonstheteamisdesperatelycraving fortheinclusionof‘newkidonthebloc’-EdnaImade,withSpainreadytogiveNigeriaarun fortheirmoneyovertheBayernMunichstarinternationalallegiance.
According to Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, the NFF has made repeated efforts to convince Edna Imade to play for Nigeria but without posi- tive response from her camp, as Spain intensify their push for the 25-year- old.
Imade, who is currently on loan at Real Socie- dad from Bayern Munich, has been one of the standout performers in Liga F this season. Her performance has attracted a strong interest from the Spanish national team.
However, despite holding a Nigerian passport, she is yet to make a decision on the country she intends to Speakingrepresent. after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin inAbeokuta in the WAFCON qualifiers, Madugu confirmed that he has pursued the forward since her time at Granada, but no response from her representatives.
“I made approaches to Edna. We want her to come and play for Nigeria,” Madugu said. “I tried to reach out two or three times to get feedback on her feelings about playing for Nigeria because I was aware some people from her family want her to play for Nigeria. But the agents around her, and the team she plays for, are really trying to see how they can get her to play for Spain.”
The Falcons coach explained that attempts were made through Nigerian players based in Spain and later through her agent, yet no contact was established.
“I used some of our players in Spain to speak with her. When I got noq1feedback from them, I tried to reach out to her agent, to try and connect us with her through the family. We told them our intention — that we want her to come and play for Nigeria. We didn’t get a response.”
With Spain reportedly pushing aggressively to secure the forward, Madugu stressed that the final decision rests solely with Imade.
“It’s not something that we can impose. She has to take a decision for herself. Does she want to play for Nigeria or Spain? … I’m aware she has a Nigerian passport, but the Spanish authorities are doing everything possible to get her to play for them.” Imade’s decision is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched football stories in the coming months, as the Super Falcons continue rebuilding ahead of major international tournaments.
Just last weekend, Imade inspired Sociedad to a 1-0 defeat of high-flying Barcelona side, as she converted a penalty to end the Spanish champions unbeaten league run. The defeat was Barcelona’s first of the season and their first away league loss since May 2023, while also marking the first time they have failed to score in a league match since January 2020.
Imade made her debut for Real Sociedad in a Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino in a 3-0 defeat of Sevilla.
Following this result, Imade took to social media to celebrate with photos on her social mediaAlongplatforms. with the post was a message that said, “Debut with @realsociedadfem and first +3 in Zubieta.
“Very happy to get back on the field and get to play the first few minutes of @ligaf this season.
“Let’s go TEAM! We want maaass!
Her standout 2024/25 season with Granada saw her score an impressive 16 goals just behind Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor with 25 goals in Spain.
Following a strong campaign, she caught the attention of FC Bayern Munich, who signed her in July 2025.
However, to further her development, Bayern loaned her to Real Sociedad to start the season. Born in Morocco to Nigerian parents, the 25
year old striker has spent most of her life in Spain and recently enjoyed a breakout season in the Spanish Liga F, netting16 goals in 29 appear- ances. Her remarkable performances placed her second on the league’s scoring chart, only behind Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, who scored 25 goals.
Imade’s impressive form drew attention from top clubs in the United States, England, France, Italy, China, and Spain, but she has chosen to continue her career with Bayern Munich. The deal is expected to be a four-year contract, with the possibility of being loaned back to a Spanish top-flight team next season.
Both Nigeria and Spain are reportedly eager to secure her international commitment, with the Nigeria Football Federation already reaching out to encourage her to represent the Super Falcons. Her current contract with Granada runs until June 30, 2026.
From a Nigerian perspective, Imade’s potential commitment to the Super Falcons would be a massive boost. Her skills in front of goal and her physical presence could provide Nigeria with a new attacking dimension. The NFF’s quick approach is a smart move.
Securing her before Spain locks her into their national team setup would be a strategic win for Nigerian Meanwhile,football. there are strong indications that Imade is on the cusp of committing her senior national team future to Spain.
The switch was confirmed by Spanish head
“We’re
coach, Sonia Bermudez, who stated that the process to formalise Imade’s eligibility is nearly complete, bringing a significant new weapon to the World Champions’ attack.
Imade’s lone goal for Sociedad inflicted Barcelona women their first defeat
in the process of getting her to join us; we just need to finalise some paperwork,” Bermúdez confirmed, adding that Imade is a player “we want to be with Spain.”
Imade tries to get past a Barca woman
Nnadozie Joins Salah, Hakimi in FIFA 2025 World Footballer Shortlist
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Malawi’s Temwa Chainga and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie have led the African nominees for this year’s FIFA The Best Football Awards 2025.
Salah who has instrumental for Liverpool was shotlisted for the FIFA Men’s Player award. His competition includes Kylian Mbappé
(France/Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City), and Vinícius Júnior (Brazil/Real Madrid). Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco right back Achraf Hakimi is the other African in the running for the Men’s Player award.
On the women’s side, Chainga made history as the first Malawian player nominated for The Best FIFA
Women’s Player award.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is shortlisted for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, following an outstanding year with Paris FC and the Women’s national team.
French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has the most nominated players, with Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha, proving the club’s dominance this season.
CANAL+, SuperSport Bring AFCON 2025 in Style
CANAL+ will become the first global broadcaster to bring viewers the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, the massive African football showpiece, in French, English, Portuguese and indigenous languages, following SuperSport’s deal for English-speaking broadcast rights of the 35th edition of the tournament.
CANAL+ is proud to announce that its MultiChoice subsidiary, SuperSport, has secured broadcast rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco
2025.
When the 35th edition of the tournament kicks off in Morocco on 21 December 2025, CANAL+ will become the first global broadcaster to bring viewers the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025™, the massive African football showpiece, in French, English, Portuguese and local indigenous languages.
The group made the announcement on 06 November 2025, confirming that SuperSport has concluded a broadcast rights deal with the Confederation of African
Football (CAF) for the right to broadcast the tournament.
CANAL+ Africa CEO, David Mignot, said: “Our newly formed merger with the MultiChoice Group has already unlocked opportunities and benefits for our customers. And this year’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is a great demonstration of the power and potential of this common ambition: bringing together our expertise to offer unprecedented coverage. Our subscribers will be part of the most spectacular celebration of African football.”
Return of Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament Excites Golfers
Excitementravedhighamong the golfers at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State as the Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament finally teed off yesterday after making its return since the COVID 19.
The invitational tournament attracted well over 20 creme de la creme professional golfers from across the country to have a taste of that enduring golf course at Smokin Hills Golf Resort.
Among the golfers who shared their exciting experiences
include Head of Professional at IlorinGolfClub,KabiruMohammed, Segun Alaba Ojo of Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos and Aminu Abdulkadiri from Ilorin Golf Club.
Thegolfersgavethumbsupto Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, the organisersoftheElizabethWuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament for bringing back the tourney after Five years break. They confessed that the Smokin Hills Golf Course has no rival even in the West African sub region nor in the country saying, it’s
one of the best in Africa because of its well constructed course.
According to Kabiru Mohammed, “Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament making its return is a very welcome development.
“The professionals have been looking forward to this day the golf course will come back to life.When it went on break, we were not happy, but when we got invitations to come and play here, we were so happy. I am looking forward to playing here again next year. If you’re not fit, you cannot play here. It gives me great pleasure anytime I am playing here.
150 Players from 11 Countries for Ikoyi Club Ladies 50th Anniversary Open
150 Golfers from 11 countries including USA, Italy and several other African nations are scheduled to participate in the Ikoyi Club Ladies 50th Anniversary Golf Open scheduled to take place between November 11 to 13, 2025.
Speaking at the media briefing to herald the anniversary Open yesterday, Lady Captain, Peggy Onwu, hinted that the star-studded amateur tournament will attract golfers from within and outside the country as part of the activities lined up by the leadership of the club to celebrate its 50th Founder’s Day anniversary. According to Onwu, over 150 golfers have already registered for the open tournament which willattractmouth-wateringprizes, including a trophy, a premium
ticket to the
(USA)
One of the highlights of the celebrations will be the ‘Twilight eve-
will see the participants play golf in a relaxed atmosphere with cocktails, networking and good music in the evening preceding the opening day.
The Lady Captain thanked the various sponsors of the anniversary
Open such as PWC, Delta Airline, Western Star, First EGP, among others,foridentifyingandkeyingintothe Club’sgoalsandaspirationsaspartof their corporate social responsibilities. She added that the event was not only a celebration of resilience, commitment, dedication and sacrifice, but a rare display of exemplary team spirit by all members of the Ladies Golf Section.
Lagos State Unveils Nigeria’s First Grassroots Football Partnership with UK Community Club, Abbey Rangers
The Lagos State Sports Commission has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership between the Lagos State Government and Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, setting a new benchmark for grassroots football development in Nigeria.
This collaboration marks Nigeria’s inaugural link with UK community clubs at the grassroots level, offering budding young athletes and technical officials an unparalleled pathway to international training and global exposure, fundamentally redefining how local talent is nurtured. Under this strategic collaboration, Abbey Rangers FC will work with the Lagos State Sports Commission to deliver a comprehensive grassroots development framework spanning seven key pillars. The partnership encompasses talent development, coaching capacity enhancement, sports science integration, community engagement, policy advisory support, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure optimisation.
This multifaceted approach ensures that the collaboration extends beyond traditional football training to establish a sustainable sports ecosystem that addresses every dimension of athlete development, from facility access and technical education to performance analytics and career progression pathways.
The collaboration will implement state-wide scouting programmes in schools and communities, offering technical training, scholarships, and holistic athlete support.An inno-
vative athlete mentorship scheme will connect professional coaches and players with emerging talent, providing guidance on discipline, skilldevelopment,andcareernavigation, ensuring that discovery leads togenuinedevelopmentalsupport. Central to the partnership is the prioritisation of athlete and human capacity development, which will strengthen coaching and technical growththroughaccreditedcertificationcourses, regular workshops, and international exchange opportunities for Lagos-based athletes, coaches and administrators.
Talents Shine as Para Soccer Marks World Polio Dayn
Para soccer teams thrilled spectators at the Fashola Train Station ground in Agege, Lagos, during a one-day tournament held to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day. Despite physical challenges, the athletes showcased remarkable skill and determination, captivating the audience with their performance.
Organised by the Polio Rescue Association, the event embraced thetheme:“EndPolio:EveryChild, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the theme highlights the global commitment to eradicating polio by ensuring that every child, regardless of their location, receives the life-saving vaccine.
The match featured impressive
displays of football artistry, with Polio Rescue Team A clinching victory over Team B in a thrilling five-goal encounter.
Watched by an enthusiastic crowd, the event served as a platform for advocacy—raising awareness about polio and promoting rehabilitation efforts for people living with disabilities.
Players praised the Polio Rescue
Association for organising the tournament, emphasising the need for increased support from government and corporate organisations for polio survivors and others
Speaking at the event, Convener Olugbenga Kuye called on the governmenttoprovidefinancialassistance to people with disabilities.
Kuye, a former Chairman of the Lagos State Para Soccer Associa-
2nd Capital City Race Gets November 22 Date
The second edition of the Capital City Race Ikeja will hold on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with organisers expecting another impressive turnout following last year’s successful maiden event.
The 10km race, which is free but requires compulsory registration via www.capitalcityrace.com/ register, will start from Ikeja City Mall and conclude at theAVMCC Field, GRA, Ikeja.
Theeventhasreceivedendorsement from the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission, underlining
the government’s commitment to promoting fitness and healthy living amongst residents.
Last year’s inaugural edition attracted over 1,000 runners who participated in the race that commenced from City Mall Alausa and concluded at the AVMCC Field, Ikeja GRA.
The maiden event, held in 2024, offered substantial cash prizes with winners in both male and female categories receiving N500,000, whilst the first runnersup got N300,000 and the second runners-up N200,000.
Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General,LekanFatodu,had described the initiative as brilliant, aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle amongst residents.
“The Lagos State Sports Commission is ready to welcome any initiative that helps our community to be more productive and more active to impact our socio-economic endeavour,” Fatodu stated during the maiden edition. Race convener, Dapo Ajayi emphasised that the event is fundamentally about fitness and inspiring the youth.
2026
Nnadozie
Director-General (D-G) of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, receives an invitation to GOtv Boxing Night 34 and a pair of boxing gloves from Flykite productions’ Business Development
United States ofAmerica
amongst others.
ning’ which
L-r: Mr. Akinwumi Akintola, Chairman Ikoyi Club 1938; Bali Lawal, Golfer and Fashion Icon; Mrs. peggy Onwu, Lady Captain Ikoyi Ladies’ Golf Section; and Mr Femi Osinubi of pwC at the Ikoyi Ladies’ Golf Club 50th anniversary press conference in Lagos ...yesterday
tion, performances host five engage Sports
Donald Trump’s Peculiar Trajectory
Consider the following: (1) Barrack Obama signed less than 300 Executive Orders in his eight years as president. (2) Biden signed 162 Executive Orders during his single term presidency. (3) By January 22, 2025, Donald trump, who took over from Biden, had revoked 67 (that is 41%) of those others. (4) This year alone, over 200 Executive Orders have come from Donald trump; and we are still counting. Check how many decisions the American Parliament has made within this year and compare that with how many Executive Orders have been made by Trump. Take it further and ask how many of Trump’s Executive Orders are not operating with the force of law today. Also ask how many of his Executive Orders are not overriding the Parliament – and perhaps
the spirit of the American constitution.
That is Donald Trump. A historical inevitability for a nation that is caught in
the self-assigned role of Senior Prefect of our 21st Century world.
Before we go int the prevailing Trump versus Nigeria saga, let us backtrack to some past events that have affected relationships between the US and Nigeria before Trump turned up in the White House.
The Obama/Biden presidency’s patently unfair treatment of Nigeria at one of the high points of the Boko Haram insurgency cannot be so easily forgotten. In an Exclusive Commentary of December 5, 2020, in the Houston-based USAfrica, titled “Will Biden Impose Alternative Lifestyles on Africans?” I said that all non-enthusiasts of gay marriage and anti-gay advocates should be wary of the then nascent Biden Presidency. The reason, as stated in the article, was that “…upon being sworn in as president of the United States, Joe Biden will begin to reconnect with many
CHIMA
“globally significant” individuals towards the globalization of new (alternative) “lifestyles” he promised “The Return of all the freedoms enjoyed under Barrack Obama”. It was in the same spirit of “World leader” now being exhibited by Donald trump that the Obama administration threatened Nigeria with sanctions for passing a law against same-sex marriage. That presidency diligently promoted the same sex agenda and Gay relationships with the LGBTQ+ movement and created a new world for the exercise of those rights.
When Donald trump later barged, in bared teeth and all, the dynamics changed forever. But he also brought a new set of dynamics, all bred on the same diet of presumption of American Superiority and Right of Way in
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Beyond the Eurobond Success
This week has been a very busy one for Nigeria’s government officials and security agencies as they move to douse the tension created by United States President Donald Trump’s comment on the security situation in the West African country.
The development has seen top government officials engage stakeholders in the country, while also adopting back-channel negotiations in engaging the US government.
Trump, who last week designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged widespread killings of Christians, rising religious intolerance, followed up this week with further threats of military action if the
government fails to curb the violence.
However, President Bola Tinubu, in his response, had said Nigeria remains resolute in its fight against terrorism, despite diplomatic and political challenges.
“We will defeat terrorism in our country,” Tinubu added, signalling his commitment to national security and stability.
“The task ahead is immense, but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by renewed hope, an agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he added.
But despite the political tension, the country’s return to the international capital market during the week was well received as its $2.35 billion Eurobond
issuance attracted orders worth $13 billion, representing an oversubscription by 453 percent or $10.65 billion. Nigeria successfully priced $2.35 billion Eurobonds maturing in 2036 (Long 10-year) and 2046 (Long 20-year) in the international capital markets, with US$1.25 billion and US$ 1.10 billion placed in the 2036 and 2046 maturities, respectively. The Long 10-year bond and the Long 20-year Notes were priced at Coupons/Yields of 8.625 per cent and 9.125 per cent, respectively, the statement added. The debt instrument attracted a wide range of investors from multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and participation from Nigerian investors, which it viewed as an expression of continued investor
confidence in the country's sound macro-economic policy framework and prudent fiscal and monetary management. The transaction attracted a peak orderbook of over US$13 billion, marking the largest ever orderbook achieved by the Republic. This significant milestone underscores the strong support for the transaction across geography and investor class. With respect to investor class, demand came from a combination of Fund Managers, Insurance and Pension Funds, Hedge Funds, Banks and other Financial Institutions. In financial markets, an oversubscription of this magnitude
