At Inauguration of Lagos-Calabar Highway, Tinubu Canvasses Protection of National Infrastructure
Asks Nigerians to be patient with him Warns developers, landowners against
construction Akpabio to govs: Don’t hand over power to incapable successors Umahi seeks 2% of sales from Dangote, BUA Cement
CELEBRATING NEWEST COUPLE…
L-R: Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; President Bola Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, at the
L-R: Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Ibijoke; Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; newlyweds, Lanre Onanuga and Fadekemi (nee Abiru); Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Bride's parents, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru; Groom's parents, Mrs. Oluyemi Onanuga; and Prince Olabode Onanuga; and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, at the wedding reception of Lanre and Fadekemi in Lagos...yesterday
PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI
Port Concession: BUA Breached Agreements Under Buhari, Says Hadiza Bala Usman
Insists issue she had with BUA as NPA MD not politically-motivated
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, has disputed what she described as a ‘misleading narrative’ by the BUA Group, that the issue the company had with her as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authorities (NPA) was politically-motivated.
In a statement issued yesterday, Bala Usman argued that it was both unfortunate and disingenuous that the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has continued to push the false storyline intended to distract the public from his company’s “welldocumented” breaches of a binding concession agreement with the NPA.
She cited a recent article titled: “Two Years of President Tinubu: A Business Perspective,” where Rabiu attempted to portray BUA Group as the victim of an arbitrary government decision, describing the allegation as untrue.
“We no longer worry about arbitrary shutdowns or politicallymotivated disruptions... One day, we woke up to a letter stating that the concession had been revoked... There was no warning, no issue, no conflict,” part of the article by the BUA chairman read.
However, Bala Usman described the allegation as a blatant falsehood, stressing that the BUA Group received
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to treat public infrastructure as a shared national asset, emphasising that roads, bridges, and highways must be preserved and maintained through collective responsibility.
Tinubu has also warned property developers and landowners against building on federal infrastructure corridors without proper authorisation.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with his administration, adding that he knows that their expectations are very high.
The president emphasised the implication of such actions and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations.
President, Senator David Mark, which had fixed a meeting for Friday, May 30, 2025, to decide on the choice of political party to be adopted by the coalition, failed to meet as scheduled, THISDAY has learnt.
The coalition had wanted to decide either to join an existing political party – African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP), or to register a new political party.
The failure of the group to meet, it was learnt, followed the inability of the members to reach an agreement on the available options.
THISDAY gathered that the discussions between the group and the SDP, which were led by a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam
queried the current leadership structure in Nigeria, claiming that the country has been taken over by urban bandits. Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II declared that he did not know what poverty was until he became emir.
Speaking in Abuja at his 60th birthday public lecture with the theme: ‘Weaponisation of Poverty as Means of Underdevelopment: As Case Study of Nigeria,’ Amaechi said it was not about the political party as people had insinuated but about capacity.
"I met President Tinubu in Yola and I told him I will not work for you and I will not vote for you. I did not vote for Tinubu. I told him in advance before the election," Amaechi said.
multiple official notifications and warnings for failing to meet its contractual obligations—many of which were issued before she was appointed MD of the NPA.
“BUA Ports and Terminal Limited entered into a 20-year concession agreement for Rivers Port Terminal B on May 11, 2006, with the terminal handed over on August 10, 2006. A key requirement of this agreement was the commencement of full reconstruction of Berths 5–8 within 90 days of the handover. Ten years later, BUA had yet to commence any such rehabilitation.
“A notice of default was issued to BUA on February 11, 2016— well before I assumed office—referencing earlier letters from May 19, 2014, and February 3, 2016,” she stated.
According to her, the letter reminded the BUA group of deliberately and or refusing to commence improvement on the reconstruction of Berths 5-8 in line with the laid-down procedure in the approved development plan as contained in the executed agreement.
She stated that a second default notice was issued on August 17, 2016, under her own leadership, explaining that following the company’s continued neglect of the notices, a three-month termination notice followed on November 11, 2016.
Bala Usman explained that BUA
This is just as the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio urged serving governors, particularly those nearing the end of their terms, to be intentional and patriotic in seeking a successor.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi has requested President Tinubu to direct Dangote and BUA cement companies to remit two percent of their sales to the Ministry as a reward for helping them to increase their sales.
President Tinubu spoke yesterday at the official inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway landmark project.
The highway, which covers 750 kilometres, and passes through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states,
Nasir El-Rufai have reached a dead end.
It was also learnt that the League of Northern Democrats (LND), which is clamouring for the registration of new party, seems to be making concrete progress as many members of the coalition, who had preferred joining an existing political party have shifted ground.
The push for the coalition to join the ADC was being championed by former vice president, Atiku Abubukar; former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun; former governor of Sokoto State and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Tambuwal and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola.
The former governor of Rivers State added: "I am saying this because of people who feel that I do not work for PDP or APC. I had already told Tinubu in advance and why I said that was because of the issue of capacity."
According to him, "the current government and their agencies and who work with them, they are not even afraid. You see the kind of houses they are building. If they are not afraid, I am ashamed of them because they have no name. In fact, they say, 'who did name help?”
The former transportation minister, while lamenting the inconsistencies in the Tinubu-led government, asked what the administration has done with the money that accrued from subsidy removal.
subsequently secured a restraining order from the Federal High Court on January 18, 2018, stressing that the NPA complied and allowed BUA to continue operation without interference.
The record, the former NPA MD pointed out, clearly showed that due process was followed, adding that contrary to Rabiu’s claims, the decision to issue a termination notice was not arbitrary, but the culmination of years of documented default.
She noted that Rabiu boasted in the article that it was the then President Muhammadu Buhari, who weighed in on the matter.
Bala Usman, however, insisted that seeking presidential intervention rather than keeping to agreements violated the spirit of transparency.
“While boasting about his access to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Rabiu fails to mention that he used this access to misinform the former president, seeking political
intervention to override contractual accountability and institutional due process.
“This action not only undermined the rule of law but also violated the spirit of transparency and fairness that must govern public-private partnerships,” she added.
She maintained that it was disheartening that instead of acknowledging its failings, BUA Group has chosen to resort to media blackmail, casting aspersions on public
officials and institutions, insisting that no amount of name-dropping or self-victimisation can erase the clear and sustained pattern of contractual violation by the company.
“If BUA truly wishes to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development, it must begin by being a responsible corporate citizen—one that upholds agreements, invests in infrastructure, and respects the institutions of the Federal Republic,” Bala Usman added.
Direct AGF to Withdraw Criminal Charges against Natasha Akpoti, Ezekwesili Tells Tinubu
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to withdraw the criminal charges filed against suspended senator representing Kogi central senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The federal government had instituted a suit against AkpotiUduaghan, over alleged defamatory remarks made on a live television programme.
was designed as a six-lane carriageway within a 60-meter corridor.
President Tinubu declared that the era of indiscriminate development and encroachment on public infrastructure is over.
He stressed that his government will not be disposed to paying compensation for buildings or developments that violate federal right-of-way regulations, saying "If you build illegally, you bear the consequences."
The president urged developers, traditional leaders, and local authorities to respect existing urban development laws, noting that illegal construction not only threatens the integrity of national infrastructure but also endangers lives and undermines economic growth.
He further urged them as well as
However, former governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and others have thrown their weight behind the registration of a new party, Alliance for Democratic Alliance (ADA)
The position of Amaechi camp was said to have been boosted by a written submission to the National Opposition Coalition Group’s leadership, by a select member of the LND.
In the document submitted on May 29 and signed by the Convener, LND, Dr. Umar Ardo; Chairman, LND Security Committee, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd.); member, LND Strategic Planning Committee, Dr. Mohammed Tumala; among others, the group stated that
"The government said it has stopped the payment of about N5 trillion in fuel subsidy, the question is: ‘What did they do with the money?’ If you had put it back into the economy, the issue of poverty would have been reduced."
Amaechi further stated that the issue of insecurity and poverty were major problems in the country and that when he was governor of Rivers State, he noticed that the increase in crime rate was a result of a lack of money in circulation.
"When I was governor of Rivers State, I told my Commissioner of Finance; he is here. What did I tell you? I said, go and raise money, pay contractors, pay salary, pay money.
"And once you pay, insecurity will go away. So, it's about poverty. It's about
The suit marked: CR/297/25 and filed before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on May 16, 2025, has Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
The government accused the senator of “making imputation, knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person”, citing section 391 of the Penal Code, cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The offence is punishable under section 392 of the same law.
In a tweet yesterday, Ezekwesili said the criminal charges filed against
other local authorities to respect existing urban development laws, adding that illegal construction not only threatens the integrity of national infrastructure but also endangers lives and undermines economic growth.
Tinubu appealed to communities along the coastal highway corridor to guard the infrastructure from vandalism, illegal dumping, and unauthorised modifications.
“These projects belong to all of us. They are not political trophies; they are lifelines for future generations. Every citizen has a role to play in keeping them safe, clean, and functional.”
Shedding light on the early challenges his administration faced in initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the President recalled how critics
the clamour for the registration of a new party was necessitated by the need to avoid what they described as “systemic crisis and leadership crisis currently facing the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).
''After an exhaustive internal review, wide consultations and critical evaluation of the strategic pathways available to the National Opposition Coalition Group ahead of the 2027 general elections, we, select members of the LND in furtherance to our 22 May resolutions, hereby issue the following unanimous resolutions: “We conclude that it is best advantageous for the opposition to register a new party platform, presenting the most viable, principled and sustainable path
poverty. But currently, everybody wants to amass wealth and the major problem with Nigerians is that they don't know how to protest.
"It's only during elections that politicians begin to plan in the minds of Nigerians that they are either Christians or Muslims, playing ethnicity cards instead of capacity-building.
"They came up with a Muslim-Muslim ticket and where has that led us to? They should have equally come up with a Muslim-Muslim market. Hunger knows no one whether you are a Muslim or a Christian. I always say, let's put the country first in all we do," Amaechi said.
Tinubu Has Weaponised
Akpoti-Uduaghan were an “act of gross irresponsibility, illegality, and irrationality”.
She accused Tinubu’s administration of trying to collude with Akpabio to silence and repress the senator, for political gain.
“Specifically instruct the Attorney General to on the 3rd of June, withdraw that wrong-headed, frivolous and dangerous criminal charges against a woman crying out for fair hearing on her sexual harassment case. Your government must stop making a mockery of our democracy in the eyes of the world,” Ezekwesili said.
dismissed the project as a venture that was not realisable.
"Many critics dismissed it as impossible, citing the unpredictable and destructive nature of the Atlantic Ocean along the Lekki-Epe-Victoria Island axis.
“We were told it couldn’t be done.
Some said the Atlantic would devour us. But we stood firm. We rejected fear, and we embraced science, engineering, and courage.”
He said that through strategic coastal defences and the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology, his administration prevented what he described as a looming ecological disaster.
“A tsunami-like disaster would have washed away Ikoyi and Victoria Island. But today, we have not only tamed the ocean, we’ve turned a threat into
forward,” the group said.
''The ADC, SDP and similar existing parties already possess entrenched ward, local government, state and zonal structures whose leadership tenures remain legally binding and often deeply resistant to reform.
For instance, the ADC Chairman in Adamawa State publicly declared that his mandate, secured in December 2022 in the Zaria convention, remains valid until December 2026; by which time the nominations were long over. This reality exists across the country in all existing parties.
“Fusing into such parties without full and prior harmonisation of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis.
Poverty, Says Atiku
Also, speaking at the event, Atiku accused the President Tinubu-led government of deliberately using poverty as a political weapon. He said the current government was not living up to expectations but was using poverty as a weapon to hold Nigerians to ransom.
On why he is joining the coalition to unseat Tinubu, Atiku said, "You may call me a conspirator; you may call me anything, and that is why we are in this alliance to make sure we don't allow them to continue weaponising poverty.
"Of course, one of our star conspirators is Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Therefore, we are here to wish you many happy returns of the day.
“Instruct the Police IG whom you supervise as C-in-C to immediately investigate all the 12 petitions filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over the last three months on fears for her life. After due investigations, the Police must move immediately to impartially take the next appropriate actions.
“Instruct the IG of Police to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti‘s security personnel which the Senate President ordered withdrawn in a petty act of retaliation, intimidation, and gross abuse of power against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for daring to allege that he sexually harassed her.”
a treasure.”
As the project inches toward completion, President Tinubu reiterated that every Nigerian, whether developer, engineer, community member, or public servant, has a stake in its success. He said: "Let us build, not destroy. Let us protect, not abuse. And let us always remember: Progress is not handed to us; we must shape it together.”
The president appealed to Nigerians to be patient with his administration. He said, “I know at this stage, your expectation is still very high and our people are still going through difficult times. I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians that the hope is here and it is realisable.
“We note the unfortunate breakdown of the NNPP fusion arrangement involving Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which devolved into disputes over leadership and candidacy even before primaries were concluded. “Without sounding negative, the same fate may well befall any hasty fusion lacking ideological clarity or unified control.
"Contrary to certain fears, the timeframe between now and the 2027 elections is sufficient for a serious and focused coalition to register and build a credible new political party. Nigeria’s democratic space provides adequate legal and operational room to do so, as long as the process begins now,” the group added.
"And we will continue to conspire with you to make sure we minimise poverty and we don't use state machinery to weaponise poverty. I thank you very much," Atiku said.
Rufai: Nigerians Allowed Urban Bandits to Take over Leadership On his part, a former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El-Rufai has stated the country has been taken over by urban bandits. El-Rufai claimed that Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914 and, "that is why we are together working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track.
EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION…
L-R: Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori;
Banks' Deposits with CBN Rise
by 4.8% to N17.5tn in May
Nigerian commercial banks have significantly increased the value of overnight deposits placed with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the Standing Lending Facility (SDF) showed a sum of N17.5 trillion deposited in May 2025.
According to the financial data of CBN, the N17.5 trillion deposit in May 2025 is about a 4.8 per cent increase over N16.7 trillion deposited in April 2025.
SDF is a lower corridor of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at which banks and discount houses can deposit excess liquidity overnight with the CBN at an interest rate.
The reported N17.5 trillion is the highest so far this year amid CBN’s move to tighten liquidity in the financial sector.
The SDF data by the apex bank showed that banks' deposits since the beginning of the year have witnessed a steady increase as uncertainty
continued to mount on interest rates and inflation.
Between January and February 2025, the CBN data showed that N9.39 trillion and N4.65 trillion were deposited by banks, while in March, the data revealed N5.19 trillion as total deposits.
Analysts have attributed the significant increase in deposits with the CBN by banks to a growing reluctance to lend to the real economy. This caution stems from rising non-performing loan (NPL) risks, insecurity and supply chain disruptions, persistent inflation, currency instability, and declining consumer purchasing power.
Instead of pushing credit into volatile sectors, banks are opting for safe returns on overnight deposits with the CBN.
The interest rate at which these banks borrow from the CBN has not changed in 2025 amid the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), maintaining the status quo on MPR or interest rate.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger will Return to ECOWAS, Says Tuggar
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed optimism that the three Sahel countries- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would soon return to the bloc.
This is as the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, said Nigeria and the ECOWAS Parliament were working together to fast-track the Abidjan-Lagos highway project, which is expected to create jobs, grow trade, and improve lives across West Africa.
The minister gave the assurance when he received Ibrahima, who led a delegation from the parliament on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.
The visit was part of the parliament’s efforts to strengthen intergovernmental relations and democratic governance ahead of its 25th anniversary later in November.
“We will continue to work hard towards the success of ECOWAS and all member states, including the three recently withdrawn ones; we are encouraging them to come back.
“As we keep saying, we have not closed the door on their return. We are
confident that they will return because they are part and parcel of the region; it is just a matter of time,” he said.
According to him, although the three countries have exited ECOWAS, Nigeria and other member countries would continue relating with them as neighbours and work together in certain areas for mutual benefits.
The minister urged the media to de-emphasise the issues of their unfortunate exit and instead focus attention on the subregion’s economic development.
He also admonished the media and other West African stakeholders to highlight the prevailing positive developmental projects in the remaining twelve member states.
Tuggar listed such projects including the West African Power Pool, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation scheme, AbidjanLagos Corridor, and the Abidjan-Dakar Corridor, among others, that would enhance regional development.
He described the ECOWAS Parliament as an embodiment of the representation of the citizen.
Speaking earlier, Ibrahima told the minister that the delegation visited him to update him on the activities of the parliament over the last one and a half years, as well as its future activities.
In 2024, the MPC members voted to increase the interest rate from 18.75 per cent to 27.50 per cent amid its mandate to tackle the inflation rate and the unstable Naira in the foreign exchange market. However, the MPR has remained at 27.50 per cent since the beginning of 2025 as the committee continued to tackle the inflation rate.
In 2024, the CBN shifted to a single-tier remuneration structure for the SDF. Previously, deposits up to a certain threshold, for example, N3 billion, earned a higher interest rate, while amounts exceeding that threshold earned a lower rate.
Under the new policy, all SDF deposits are remunerated at the MPR minus 100 basis points. With the current MPR at 27.5 per cent, this results in an SDF rate of 26.5
per cent.
In 2024, banks' deposits to the CBN increased significantly to N38.12 trillion, about a 210.15 per cent increase when compared to N12.29 trillion in 2023.
SDF in 2024 witnessed significant patronage as banks and merchant banks' deposits reached the highest peak of about N8.12 trillion in August 2024.
The increase is coming against the backdrop of CBN's removal of the cap on the remunerative policy, among others.
The CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, had disclosed that the apex bank removed the cap on the remunerable SDF to increase activity in the SDF window and manage liquidity.
In a circular addressed to DMBs, CBN fixed the SDF at 26.5 per cent.
This represents a sharp increase from the previous 19 per cent.
The policy change was communicated through a circular issued by the Director of the Financial Markets Department, CBN, Omolara Duke.
The circular instructed all authorised financial institutions to acknowledge and implement the updated structure, which supersedes the previous framework.
CBN had maintained that the strong patronage at the SDF confirmed healthier liquidity in the banking system, stressing that banks and merchant banks were in search of better yields.
The current inflation rate in Nigeria
2025
is above the yield on Treasury bills (T-Bills), and banks are looking for risk-free investments, which SDF has provided since the MPR hike of 2024.
On borrowing, the second window, the Standing Lending Facility (SLF), showed banks in May borrowed N2.02 trillion, a decline of 55 per cent from N4.49 trillion borrowed in April 2025. SLF is an upper corridor monetary policy rate at which banks and discount houses can borrow money from the CBN at a pre-specified rate, typically the benchmark policy rate plus a margin.
Speaking with THISDAY on banks aggressively depositing with CBN, the Vice President, Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori said banks were maintaining effective risk management in a move to cut down NPL.
Air Peace Airlifts over 5,000 Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, Completes First Phase of 2025 Hajj Operations
Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, airlifting over 5,000 pilgrims, thus reinforcing its position as a key player in Nigeria’s religious pilgrimage logistics.
According to the airline, the Phase 1 airlift was concluded on May 24, 2025, with a total of 16 flights conducted and over 5,000 pilgrims airlifted.
The operations began on May 9, 2025, with the airline operating the
National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State—an event graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Air Peace operated Hajj flights for 15 Nigerian states and the Armed Forces, using strategically located airports to ensure smooth operations and accessibility for pilgrims.
A breakdown of states and their respective departure airports are: Kogi and Benue – Abuja Airport; Borno – Maiduguri Airport; Taraba –Yola Airport; Ekiti and Ondo – Ilorin Airport, Edo and Nigerian Armed
Forces – Lagos Airport, Imo – Owerri Airport, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu and Rivers –Port Harcourt Airport.
Speaking on the completion of Phase One, Air Peace’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, expressed satisfaction with the seamless coordination and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation.
“This first phase was a demonstration of our operational strength and dedication to national service. We are proud of our team’s performance and grateful for the
support from all relevant authorities.” Captain Kamano added that Phase Two of the 2025 Hajj airlift is scheduled to commence on June 13, 2025, and conclude by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.” Also commenting, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, extended deep appreciation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies, and especially the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support.
Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Says President Tackling Problems Created by Past Administrations
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has urged Nigerians to give the president credit for tackling problems that past governments, including those under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ignored, especially the issue of arbitrage in the forex market.
Onanuga, who made this statement during an interview on ARISE NEWS Channel on Friday, said many Nigerians blamed Tinubu for the country’s problems because they had “short memory” and
often forgot the situation before Tinubu took office.
He said people were too quick to blame the current administration without remembering the state of the country before the President came in.
“Let me start by saying that many of us in this country- many Nigerians, we sometimes exhibit the problem of lack of memory. We have very short memories.
“We forget where we started from and we just started blaming President Tinubu for all the problems that Nigeria is going through,” Onanuga said.
He recalled that Nigeria was already
facing a serious fuel crisis when President Tinubu took office in May 2023.
He said fuel scarcity was common during the months leading up to the general election, with long queues and supply shortages across the country.
According to him, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which was the only fuel importer at the time, had reduced imports because the federal government owed it over ₦4 trillion in unpaid subsidy claims.
He said as a result, NNPC was also unable to pay its foreign suppliers.
He said it was under these difficult conditions that Tinubu announced the
removal of fuel subsidies on his first day in office.
He noted that the move led to an immediate rise in pump prices and efforts by the government to restore fuel supply.
“I remember, for instance, in May 2023 when Tinubu took over the government, there was fuel shortage in this country.
“NNPC was saying that the federal government was owing it over N4 trillion and it was also owing its suppliers abroad. So, what the federal government did, what President Tinubu did, was to bring some life into NNPC to resume importing fuel so that fuel can be available,” he said.
his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, during a private visit to Government House, Yenagoa…yesterday
Chinedu Eze
Kayode Tokede
EVENING OF PRAISE IN EKITI...
Tinubu Directs Activation of Emergency Response as 151
Confirmed Dead, over 3,000 Displaced in Niger Flood
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre following the devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, which claimed several lives and displaced several families.
This is just as the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) yesterday said the number of corpses recovered so far from the flood that ravaged had risen to 151 with 3,018 persons displaced.
Tinubu’s directive was given early yesterday after he received distressing reports on the scale of the disaster.
In a statement issued via his
verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu expressed profound grief over the incident and promised a swift and compassionate federal response to support the affected communities.
According to the president: "Upon receiving initial reports, I immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre. I have also been briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs.”
President Tinubu confirmed that relief materials and temporary shelter assistance were being deployed to the disaster zone without delay.
Federal agencies, including NEMA,
have been mobilised in coordination with the Niger State Government to intensify rescue efforts and provide life-saving aid.
"Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the state government’s efforts. We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of”, he explained.
The president further directed security agencies to support the emergency response teams, stressing the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that lives are saved and dignity restored in the wake of the disaster.
"I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you. We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity, and accelerates recovery," Tinubu assured.
In condoling the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, the President said the entire nation shares in their pain and pledged unwavering support to the victims.
He said: "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time. In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity.”
...Boosts Maritime Security with New Ships, Helicopters
Segun James
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated three Nigerian Navy Ships – NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI, and three AW109 Trekker helicopters: 501, 502, and 503 into the Nigerian Navy fleet.
Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration yesterday in Lagos, said that the addition of the three Fast Patrol Boats and three maritime surveillance helicopters, affirmed the country’s commitment to securing its maritime domain.
The president was represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.
“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity, and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian
Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory.
“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.
“This inauguration is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” he said.
Tinubu assured the navy that his government would continue to prioritise its needs, saying, “as a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy”.
He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his leadership in ensuring that the Nigerian Navy had pursued fleet modernisation with vigour, bridging capability gaps,
and restoring pride to the force.
“Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight, and I commend you, your team, and all partners who turned this vision into reality.
“I also commend the National Assembly for its partisan commitment to funding and oversight, which are instrumental to achieving this feat.
“Let us sustain this unity of purpose, for the sea does not distinguish between political lines; it demands our collective vigilance,” the president said.
Tinubu also appreciated the international allies and technical partners for their collaboration, which underscored a shared truth that maritime security “knows no borders.”
“Together, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone but a global imperative.
“To the officers and ratings who will crew the ships and operate the helicopters, as you operate these assets, remember that the weight of Nigeria’s aspirations rests on your shoulders.
“Let us envision the future they herald: a future where our waters are impervious to criminality; where fishermen cast their nets in peace; where global trade flows unhindered through our ports,” he said.
The president said that the Nigerian Navy remained the guardian of the blue economy and urged them to sail forth with courage and know that a grateful nation stood behind them.
NAPTIP Mulls Legal Action as Speed Darlington Snubs Summon
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is considering legal action against Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, after he failed to appear at its Abuja headquarters on Friday, May 30.
The agency had summoned Okoye following his alleged shocking claim during a live Instagram session that he had engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl—a revelation that quickly went viral and sparked widespread outrage.
The summon, issued on Wednesday and signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, directed the singer to present himself at NAPTIP’s
head office in Abuja by 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
By midday, an official at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office, confirmed that Okoye had not shown up.
“As of now, we are still waiting.
If we don’t see him, we will take action based on the notice issued.
The last paragraph is very clear,” the agency official said.
Another official, speaking anonymously, noted that Okoye had offered no explanation for his absence.
The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, featured Okoye claiming he had slept with a “15-year-old virgin.”
The remark drew swift condemnation from viewers and women’s rights advocates, who labelled it a public confession of statutory rape.
Within 24 hours, the Lagos State Government escalated the matter to NAPTIP, citing jurisdictional limits. The agency acted quickly by summoning Okoye.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr Adekoye Vincent, confirmed that the agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, was closely monitoring the situation.
“We are concerned. Our DG is seriously concerned. She’s monitoring the situation by the hour. Why? It’s an issue that borders on a minor, the human rights of the minor, and sexual abuse. Anything could have happened to that girl.
“He was not under duress. It was an admission. Look at what he released yesterday: a video saying that if he had known that this 15-year-old would generate this, he would have gone for a 12-year-old.”
When asked whether the agency would apprehend Okoye or hand the case over to police, Adekoye replied: “His failure to appear will ensure that we know what to do within the law. It is clear. It may be prosecution or arrest, but whatever it is, we are very concerned.”
Amid growing backlash, Isaac Fayose—brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose—disclosed that the girl referenced in the video intended to file a formal police complaint.
In a bid to defuse the situation, Speed Darlington later claimed the video was not a true confession but rather a publicity stunt to promote his music.
“I need controversy to eat,” he stated, describing the video as “a prank.”
President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers, noting that moments of national tragedy demand collective empathy and action.
Meanwhile, NSEMA yesterday said the number of corpses recovered so far from the flood had risen to
151 with 3,018 persons displaced.
The agency made this known in a terse statement in which it said three communities were affected and two bridges washed away.
The Director General of the agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, revealed that 503 households were affected while 265 homes were washed away.
WHO Seeks Urgent Action to Ban Flavoured Tobacco, Nicotine Products
Onyebuchi Ezigbo In Abuja
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it has launched a new publication and called on governments to urgently ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products.
The global health body, in a statement at the weekend, said the products includes cigarettes, pouches, hookahs and e-cigarettes, to protect youths from addiction and disease.
The organisation noted that flavours like menthol, bubble gum and cotton candy are masking the harshness of tobacco and nicotine products, turning toxic products into youth-friendly bait.
According to the statement, flavours not only make it harder to quit, but have also been linked to serious lung diseases.
It also said that cigarettes, which still kill up to half of their users, came in flavours or can have flavours added to them.
The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said that flavours were fuelling a new wave of addiction and should be banned.
Ghebreyesus said this undermined decades of progress in tobacco control.
“Without bold action, the global
tobacco epidemic, already killing around eight million people each year, will continue to be driven by addiction dressed up with appealing flavours,” he said.
According to him, the publication of flavour accessories in tobacco products enhance attractiveness and appeal, revealing how flavours and accessories like capsule filters and click-on drops are marketed to bypass regulations and hook new users.
He said that currently, more than 50 countries had banned flavoured tobacco, more than 40 countries banned e-cigarette sales; five specifically banned disposables and seven banned e-cigarette flavours; and flavour accessories remain largely unregulated.
The health body said that countries such as Belgium, Denmark, and Lithuania are taking action, and WHO urged others to follow.
“Flavours are a leading reason why young people try tobacco and nicotine products,” he said.
“Paired with flashy packaging and social media-driven marketing, they’ve increased the appeal of nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and disposable vapes into addictive and harmful products, which aggressively target young people.”
Gov Eno: Some Youth Leaders Planning to Incite Violence in Akwa Ibom
Governor Umo Eno has raised the alarm that some leaders of youth groups in Akwa Ibom State were planning with external collaborators to incite mayhem in the state over perceived denial of benefits for 2023 electoral support for the governor.
Eno at Friday’s flag-off of a project to build homes for Akwa Ibom State judges bemoaned a culture of extreme sense of entitlement over government’s treasury in the state, affirming that he owes no support group any special benefit and would deal decisively with anyone caught stirring violence.
“I’m speaking to our young people. We’re providing jobs and aware that some of these youth leaders are planning to bring in mercenaries from outside the state.
“We know what you’re doing and we are up to the task. This state under my watch will continue to be peaceful and we’ll confront anyone or group of persons that will attempt to detail the peace God had brought here.
“Let us stop this issue of entitlement. There's so much around us. You feel entitled to everything. It must be me. They didn’t recognise me.
“It’s only in Akwa Ibom that people feel so entitled. And they look to the gates of Government House as if a bullion van is going to come out and start sharing money.
“And when you finish, the same people are the ones to petition you to the EFCC, that you took government money. It’s not me. I will defend any decision I’ve taken.”
L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, at the May edition of Evening of Praise and Worship at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti…weekend
WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF…
Tinubu, Saraki, NGF, Others Mourn as 21 Athletes Die in Road Accident
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta
President Bola Tinubu; former President of Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki; Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Kano State Government yesterday expressed sadness over the tragic accident, which claimed 21 members of the Kano State contingent returning from the just- concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash after passing through Kaduna State, claiming the lives of 21 athletes.
The accident occurred at Zaria road around 1p.m. yesterday at the Daka Tsalle bridge, about 50 kilometers from Kano city.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the families and
loved ones of those who died in the accident.
According to him: “This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages”.
On his part, a former Senate President and ex-governor of Kwara State, Dr. Saraki has described the death of the athletes as a national loss.
A statement issued yesterday by Saraki’s Local Press Officer, Mallam Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, sympathised with the government of Kano State, the Kano community and the people of the country over the incident.
On its part, the NGF expressed its condolences to the families of the athletes, the state government, and the sports community in Kano
NNPC’s Ex-HSE Chief, Bala Wunti, Hands over to Successor, Gives Account of Stewardship
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
A former Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr. Bala Wunti, has exited the national oil company, with a formal handing over ceremony to the acting Head of HSE, Akpabio Essien. Wunti was the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), before being redeployed to HSE.
Speaking during a farewell event at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, Wunti, who was one of the top officials of the NNPCL affected by the ongoing restructuring by the Bayo Ojulari-led new management team, reminisced on his decades-long service at the company, maintaining that he did his best for the oil firm.
He recalled his early days at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex, Rivers State, ‘as a young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive’, employee, stressing that it was there he learnt the fundamental lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
“It felt both daunting and exhilarating to step into an organisation that held so much
promise and carried such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy. As the years passed, my responsibilities increased, each forward step bringing new challenges and invaluable lessons,” he explained.
At some point, he noted that he headed the market research division at Brass LNG, serving as General Manager of the Efficiency Unit, and then as Senior Technical Advisor to the Group Managing Director, as well as leading a post-COVID upstream revival.
These, he recalled, took place first at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and later at NUIMS. Wunti, whose career ended with a stint at the Group HSE division, stated that all these formed chapters in the story of his commitment to the progress of the company..
“I had the opportunity of leading the operationalisation of successful breakthrough initiatives, such as the resolution of the high-impact, multibillion-dollar deepwater Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) arbitration, protracted EGTL cost dispute and ‘Operation White’ to curb the smuggling of petroleum products across borders.
State and Nigeria over the sudden death of the athletes.
A statement issued in Ilorin by the chairman of the NGF and governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also expresses deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
On his part, Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said the incident
had left him completely traumatised, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024.
“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”
Also, the Kano State government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Kwankwaso, extended its heartfelt sympathy to the affected athletes, officials, and their families. He described the incident as a moment of mourning for the entire state, adding that the government stands firmly with the affected individuals and will ensure they receive the necessary medical attention and support.
President Urges Muslims to Adhere to Quranic Teachings to Achieve Peace, End Bloodshed
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Muslims in Nigeria to draw guidance from the Holy Quran's teachings and values, to promote peace, prosperity and end violence in some parts of the country.
Speaking in Kano during the grand finale of President Tinubu's mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji Quran Recitation Competition, organised by Senator Bashir Lado, the president insisted that the Holy Book is a complete guide for humanity.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, President Tinubu, hints that," this
Quranic Recitation Competition is more than just a contest of vocal prowess, but is a spiritual journey - a testament to dedication, discipline and devotion."
"The Quran is the divine word of Allah; a complete guide for humanity; a source of light wisdom and solace, as such the need for strictly adhering to its teaching is required for all the Muslims Ummah to change the narrative.
"I urge you all to strictly adhere to the teachings of this noble book as that will for sure lead us to a peaceful coexistence where a prosperous society devoid of hatred and bloodshed will be achieved".
President Tinubu said: "As we
witness this beautiful recitation today, let us all be reminded of the Quranic message of peace, unity, justice and compassion, let us strive to continue love by its teachings to embody its principles in our daily lives."
The recitation was attended by hundreds of Quranic reciters, who held a special prayer session to honor the memory of Tinubu's mother, Abibatu Mogaji, with a special focus on praying for peace and stability in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, who convened the programme in Kano, said the gathering was not a political event, nor was it tied to any campaign or partisan agenda.
"Mr. President was not a mere administrative duty; it was a deeply personal mission that spoke to the values you embody, respect for legacy, fidelity to memory and everlasting power of maternal love.
"When a man loses a father he loses an anchor, but when a man loses a mother, he loses the sky - the shade of unconditional love, the whisper of midnight prayers the lap that comforted even the strongest Man all gone save in memory.
“Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji left behind the richness of her Spirit and legacy of her values, and that legacy stands before us today in her son," Lado stated.
AT INAUGURATION OF LAGOS-CALABAR HIGHWAY, TINUBU CANVASSES PROTECTION OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
“You would be proud of the benefits, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation is coming down, the corruption in the exchange rate is eliminated, the corruption in fuel subsidy is limited to the barest minimum.
“It is all for you the people, we are reducing the cost of manufacturing, and encouraging manufacturing locally. We give all incentives for everyone to abide by the principle. May God bless our country; may God bless Lagos State and keep our fighting soldiers safe,” Tinubu He also virtually inaugurated and flagged off several road projects across the six geo-political zones.
The projects inaugurated by President Tinubu in the South-south region are the rehabilitation of Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road, Section II (Ugep-Katsina-Ala) in Benue/Cross River States; dualisation of East-West Road Section II (Sub Section I) Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State; rehabilitation of AlesiUgep(Iyamoyung-Ugep) Section in Cross River State. Upgrading of 15km Section of the East-West Road, Port Harcourt
(Eleme Junction)-Onne Port Junction in Rivers State.
President Tinubu inaugurated the rehabilitated Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Section III, Enugu-Lokpanta, in the South-east Zone, a new bridge at Akpoha in Ebonyi State to replace the near-collapsed bridge; reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market Enugu-Port Harcourt Road in Enugu State.
Other inaugurated projects in the South-west Zone are: Rehabilitation, Construction & Expansion of LagosShagamu-Ibadan Dual Carriageway Section II in Oyo State; rehabilitation of Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos State; emergency comprehensive repair of the Eko Bridge (4.1km) in Lagos State (from Alaka, Surulere-Apongbon including all Ramps); the construction of Deep-Sea Port Access Road in Lagos State through Epe to Shagamu – Benin Expressway in Lagos and Ogun states.
In the North-central Zone, President Tinubu inaugurated the construction of the Shendam Bridge in Plateau State
and the Ilobu-Enrile road in Kwara and Osun States.
In the North-east Zone, he inaugurated the Jimeta Bridge in Yola, Adamawa State, while in the North West Zone, he inaugurated the reconstructed Yakasai Badume-Damargu-Marken Zalli Roads in Kano State and the reconstruction of Kano-Kwanar Danja Hadeja Section II: Kano-Tsalle in Kano and Jigawa State.
President Tinubu flagged off the following new projects: Ibadan-IfeIlesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo states; construction of Nembe-Brass Road; construction of a section of Enugu-Onitsha Carriageway (total length of 107km); and rehabilitation of Zaria-Hunkuyi-Kufur-Gidan Mutum Daya Road in Kaduna/Kano States.
Also, the president flagged off the dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno states (Section I: Kano-WudilShuarin), which has a total length of 105km; the construction of Kano Northern Bypass Road in Kano State; and the construction of Maiduguri Bypass Road.
Also speaking at the Lagos occasion, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio urged serving governors, particularly those nearing the end of their terms, to be intentional and patriotic in seeking a successor. Akpabio commended the president’s vision and execution, describing him as a leader blessed with both “sight and vision.”
He said: "Mr. President, I can confirm once again that with this commissioning today, you have proven that whenever the National Assembly says you are doing well, we are always right".
While advising serving state governors, particularly those in their second and final terms, Akpabio cautioned: "Do not hand over power to anyone who is not looking for it. Do not hand over power to someone who is not prepared. Governance is too important to be left in the hands of cronies or loyalists who lack capacity.”
He particularly warned the governors against choosing successors based on superficial loyalty or subservience.
L-R: Mr. Edward Akposhevire; Stephen Akposhevire; Chief David Akoro; Peter Ishaka; Matthew Akoro; and Mrs. Florence Ishaka, at the burial ceremony of Ishaka's father-in-law, Dr. Fredrick Ugbobor Thomas, at Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State …weekend
MSMES AND STARTUP SUMMIT…
L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Group, Mrs. Chizoma Okoli; Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal; Director-General/CEO, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chinyere Almona; Founder/CEO, Economic Forum Media Limited, Mr. Jude Ndu; and Project Officer, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Igbeda Olugbenga, at the fifth MSMEs and Startup Summit 2025 in Lagos…recently
FG Proposes Establishment of Malpractice Tribunal to Tackle Examination Infractions
The federal government has proposed the establishment of a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination infractions to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said this in Abuja while receiving a committee report on the improvement of quality examinations.
Affirming the recommendations of the 17-man committee, headed by the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the minister said it would improve the quality of examinations in the country.
Alausa assured the committee members that all the 12-point recommendations would be implemented, noting that the government would deploy all its machinery to fight the menace of
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has charged members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state to remain calm and have confidence in God, stressing that his political future has already been divinely settled by God, who sent him and that there is no cause for worry.
Governor Oyebanji gave the charge at the weekend during the May edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti.
The governor spoke against the background of the official announcement of the date for the 2026 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), earlier on Friday, stressing that God is in full control.
Describing himself as “God’s project” and someone “on a divine mission”, Governor Oyebanji affirmed that he has never been anxious about his future because of his unwavering
examination malpractice.
“Let me assure all the committee members that you have done so much work here and all the recommendations you have given us as a government, we will implement every single one of them.
“All the 12 recommendations that you reeled out, everyone will agree with me today that none of them will be impossible to implement.
“They are all practicable things. Those that will be implemented now, we will do that right away,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NSA) reported that the minister inaugurated the committee in January and it submitted its interim report after five months of extensive work.
NAN also reported that in one of the recommendations, the committee urged the Federal Ministry of Education to interface
trust in God, expressing confidence that the 2026 governorship election is part of the divine plan that has already been settled by God.
While emphasising that the APC government has laid a solid foundation for progress in the state and that he has served the people with utmost sincerity in the last two and a half years, dedicating himself to transforming the state through impactful policies and programmes, the Governor expressed confidence that the Almighty God and the people of Ekiti State will reward the party’s achievements at the poll.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Oyebanji who highlighted key milestones in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, and economic development, which have positively impacted the lives of the people, affirmed that these accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering dedication to the state’s progress and a clear indication that the journey of transformation will only advance to greater heights.
with the National Assembly to enact a law establishing a National Examination Malpractice Court/ Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination malpractices.
The committee also recommended that documents, including certificates, registration, and result slips, should contain the National Identification Number (NIN), photograph, and date of birth of candidates, to guard against identity theft and impersonation.
“All Invigilators and Supervisors
must register through NIN and subscribe to the examination body’s Short Code, using the same pattern of 55019/66019 of JAMB to track and have full information about the examination officials, including examiners, supervisors, and invigilators.
“Swapping of Invigilators and Supervisors should commence with effect from the 2025 private SSCE due to the strong views against student swapping expressed by the four concerned examination
bodies (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS).
“Except where absolutely impossible, Invigilators and Supervisors should always be public officials, teachers on pensionable appointments
“The standard requirements of examination halls/centres should not be waived for any school, while the recommended seating arrangement should be 1.5m by 1.2m. or 1.8 sqm per candidate,” the committee stated.
The committee also recommended that all examination halls and centres should be equipped with stationary CCTV cameras for surveillance and monitoring purposes.
The committee also recommended that examination bodies shall jointly own central control facilities for their use during examinations to save cost, and body camcorders should be deployed to examination halls and centres for effective monitoring.
Anambra Seeks Resolution to NAFDAC Market Dispute
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Anambra State Government has called for an end to the lingering dispute between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the traders inside the popular Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha over the reopening of the market.
Operatives of NAFDAC led by the Director, South-east zone, Martins Iluyomade, had shut the market on February 15, 2025,
The members of the Knights of St John International (KSJI) in commandery 920 & LAUX 796 Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) have unveiled plans to build multi-millionnaira Temple building in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the Worthy President, Sir. Bubu Busa Etta; and Chairman of Groundbreaking Committee, Sir Ohia Chibueze Michael, KSJI stated that in line with its motto: “For God and our country,” it “always looks out for opportunities to serve God through our neighbours.”
KSJI disclosed that its members “engage in projects that will benefit the church and the society at large.”
“Seeing the need for ad-
after uncovering over 10 trucks of fake products worth N1trillion.
The agency later destroyed the fake drugs at the ASWAMA dump site in Awka, the state capital after the exercise.
However, the affected traders condemned the move, describing it as “scandalous, outrageous, and reprehensible”.
They accused NAFDAC of imposing a N700,000 fine on each of them before reopening their shops, saying documented evidence showed that over 1,000
ditional halls for meetings and events in the chaplaincy to benefit individuals and societies in the church, we the members of knights of St John International in commandery 920 & LAUX 796 CIWA chaplaincy have undertaken to build a two-storey, estimated at N200,000,000 in a strategic location within the perimeter of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA).”
According to the statement, the groundbreaking and fundraising for this project will come up on Saturday, May 7, 2025, at CIWA Chaplaincy (Mass), while reception takes place at the Synod Hall.
“This temple when completed will be central to KSJI activities as it will further symbolise the manifestation of
shop owners have paid the contentious access fee.
The aggrieved traders, under the aegis of United Nigeria Group, subsequently dragged the agency before the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, praying the court to enforce their fundamental rights, including the immediate reopening of the market.
However, the agency has dismissed rumours of extortion or arbitrary sanctions in the wake of its sweeping drug market crackdown, clarifying that all
God’s presence in our lives; a place for worship and sacrifice for connection with God; and a place to foster community spirit and unity amongst brothers, sisters, cadets and juniors within and outside our commandery. The building is designed with a chapel, offices, halls, recreation and provision for indoor games.
The statement noted that the Temple Groundbreaking event is themed, “Building for God like King Solomon – 1 Kings 5:5” adding that “we are confident that God will lavish in our lives the blessings of King Solomon.”
“As a Catholic organisation that has fraternity as one of her four-point agenda, the recreation hall on the ground floor of the building was consciously provided for indoor games. This will help foster
investigative charges imposed on traders were federally gazetted and lawful.
Reacting, the Anambra State government on Saturday called for an end to the dispute, urging the traders and NAFDAC to embrace peace.
The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said officials of the state government had engaged with the NAFDAC Director in charge of South-east and South-south in a bid to broker peace.
a good spirit of brotherly love and family apostolate through games. This recreation hall will be an avenue for relaxation for knights, ladies, cadets, juniors and all members of the chaplaincy.
“The first and last floors are designed to accommodate halls, offices and a chapel. While the halls serve as meeting venues for knights and their ladies, it will be available for chaplaincy events and other social gatherings for chaplaincy members and society at large. “The chapel on its own will be for us a place of encounter with God. Since we hold spirituality so highly as one of our four-point agenda in the knights of St John International, chapel becomes indispensable to our knightly lives,” the statement concluded.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
AGRIC BUSINESS FORUM…
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems; Mr. Emmanuel Audu; Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the ministry; Mrs. Adenike Sodipo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Recipient of Lagos Agrinnovation Media Ambassador Award and a Multimedia Consultant, Mr. Taiwo Olapade; Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola; and the Programme Coordinator, Lagos Agrinnovation Club, Funmi Omoyele, at the Lagos Agrinnovation Hangout 6.0 at The Workforce, The Zone, Gbagada in Lagos…recently
Fayemi Condemns Delay in 2025 Budget Implementation
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has taken a swipe at the federal government over its failure to release funds to federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) months after the passage of the 2025 budget.
The former governor claimed that no single MDA has received one naira from the 2025 Appropriation Act, despite the country being five months into the fiscal year.
Fayemi spoke on Friday
in Abuja at a media and civil society roundtable on the relevance of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in promoting electoral transparency and accountability, organised by the International Press Centre (IPC), with support from the European Union under the EU-SDGN II programme.
The National Assembly in February passed the N54.9 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill presented by President Tinubu in December 2024.
The president signed the budget in the same month.
Ukachukwu: Tinubu, APC Not in Alliance with Soludo on Anambra Governorship Election
David-Chyddy
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, has debunked insinuations that the party and President Bola Tinubu had an alliance to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ukachukwu, who was hosted to a grand reception at the Chinua Achebe Airport, Umueri Anambra State, after his recent visit to President Tinubu, said there was no such alliance between Tinubu, Soludo and APGA.
The candidate also used the opportunity of the reception to unveil his running mate for the election, Senator Uche Ekwunife and also presented her to the party’s stakeholders.
He said: “APC is Tinubu and Tinubu is APC; so, they (Soludo/APGA) should not lie to you that they are in alliance with us. We are the APC; it is our party; we will
win and we are not partnering with anybody.
“If APC is non-existent in Anambra State, and not as powerful as they claim; if they are not afraid of APC; why are they using our name to campaign? I want to tell you all that it is over for APGA in Anambra State and we will make it happen.
“We met with the president in Abuja, and he said to us ‘Go and get me Anambra State and connect Anambra to the centre’. That is a mandate, and I want to give you the same mandate to go and gather your people for us to connect Anambra to the centre.
“I and Ekwunife are capable of the task but we need your support to do it. Take this message to the grassroots; no one should deceive you any longer.
“I’m here to introduce to you today the very qualified deputy governorship candidate, my running mate. She is a political juggernaut; someone who we all know; she is Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Fayemi, who lamented the delay in releasing funds to MDAs, described the situation as alarming and detrimental to public sector performance.
His words: “The federal budget 2025 that Mr. Rotimi
(Spokesperson of the House of Representatives) and his colleagues passed in November, not one naira of that budget has gone to any MDA as I speak to you. The Ministry of Justice is there; they have not received one
naira from the 2025 budget. And June is two days’ time, meaning five months with no allocation.
Even though on paper we have a federal budget of 2025.
“But that’s also part of the task that I think civil society
actors have to do. So, it’s not just attacking the government. How do we also come to the aid of those MDAs we expect to work if they don’t have money to work? So, we should be raising these issues.
ARCON Probes 9mobile over N1bn Advertising Debt
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has started an investigation into a N1 billion advertising debt allegedly owed by 9mobile, following the receipt of two petitions against the telecommunications company.
A statement signed by ARCON’s Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, said the petitions accused 9mobile of
refusing to pay for long-overdue advertising services while continuing to engage new agencies for its campaigns. However, the regulator did not identify the petitioners who lodged the complaints against the telco.
“ARCON has received two petitions against Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, trading as 9mobile, a member of the
Advertisers Association of Nigeria, relating to its long overdue indebtedness of N1 bn for advertising services,” it stated.
Efforts to get 9mobile’s comments on the matter were unsuccessful.
ARCON said it will investigate the movement of the advertising account from the agencies owed to the new agencies now handling 9mobile’s business.
The probe will focus on whether there was compliance with disengagement protocols and if there were any breaches of ethical procedure.
The regulator warned that advertising debts go beyond agencies and often impact media houses and third-party vendors, which are “significantly affected by the indebtedness with a multiplier effect on their cash flow and operations.”
FG Develops Unified Writing Style Manual on Public Service Communications
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has formally received the Nigerian Public Service Writing Style Manual developed by a committee headed by retired permanent secretary, Olusade Adesola.
The document, which will enhance professionalism and
uniformity in government communications, was presented to the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing reform of the Federal Civil Service.
The 148-page manual is structured into six chapters and features 55 practical templates. It provides definitive guidelines on official writing standards across
Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
It addresses long-standing challenges of inconsistency in government documents while establishing clear protocols for formatting, referencing, digital communication, and appropriate national symbols.
Receiving the document,
Walson-Jack described the manual as a cornerstone for building a more responsive and citizen-centric civil service. She noted that adopting standardised templates for official correspondence and precise guidelines on national symbols such as the Coat of Arms and National Flag would eliminate ambiguities in government communications.
Police Confirm Killing of Three Persons in Renewed Herdsmen Attack in Benue
The
State Police Command
According to a statement
issued by the Benue Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, the incident occurred at about 6p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, when armed assailants invaded the community.
She said security operatives in the area responded promptly and pursued the
attackers into the surrounding bushes.
“Tensions escalated further as irate youths attempted to set ablaze the residence of Hon. Alfred Berger, the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly.
“Police officers intervened swiftly, successfully preventing the house from being destroyed.
“At the end of the operation, three corpses were recovered and taken to General Hospital, North Bank,” Anene said. She added that investigation was ongoing to unravel the motive behind the attack and apprehend the perpetrators.
Segun James
George Okoh in Makurdi
Benue
has confirmed the death of three persons following a deadly attack on Tse Orjime in Mbalagh Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Eleke in Awka
As Cost of Living Drowns Gains of Economic Reforms
The relentless rise in the cost of living has cast a long shadow over the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, muting their impact and deepening public discontent, writes Festus Akanbi
Activities marking the second anniversary of the current administration gained momentum last week amid the presentation of scorecards by some ministers and heads of parastatals after going through the ritual of vettings by the Hadiza Bala-Usman-led Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit, which is tasked to evaluate ministerial performance.
Expectedly, most of the officials of the government who participated in the exercise painted a picture of economic revival, which they attributed to some reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu in the past two years.
To kick-start what has turned out to be a season of praise singing, President Tinubu emphatically said that his economic reform is working, and as if explaining the growing discontent with the pains caused by his programmes, he clarified that nothing good comes easy in life.
On his part, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, believed that Nigeria’s economy was witnessing a significant turnaround under President Bola Tinubu. He said this was driven by bold reforms, improved coordination, and a renewed focus on national priorities in the past two years.
“This is two years well spent,” Bagudu stated in a feature interview for a TV documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary on May 29, 2025.
“Mr President confronted Nigeria’s economic realities with bold and necessary choices—tough as they might be—and those measures are now yielding results,” the minister declared, saying the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is working and winning over investors at home and abroad.
Bagudu noted that the reform-driven economy has seen four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and a resurgence in private sector confidence.
Rising Debt Profile
However, in a dramatic twist, the chest-beating about economic reforms last week, coincided with a fresh request by the President for the approval of the National Assembly to secure a new wave of multi-currency loans amounting to approximately $23.5 billion, €2.265 billion, ¥15 billion, and N757.9 billion (totaling about N45 trillion when converted to Nigeria’s currency).
The borrowing plan spanning multiple international lenders and development institutions marks one of the most ambitious external financing proposals of his administration to date, but financial experts said the exercise will further expose Nigeria’s underbelly as a debtor nation.
Naira Devaluation
Closely linked with the Nigerian ris- ing debt profile is the issue of the sharp devaluation of the naira, which has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian economy, driving up the cost of imported goods, fuelling inflation, and severely weakening the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. For most of the year, the naira traded between N1,600 and N1,650 against the dollar.
Businesses, especially those reliant on foreign inputs, are struggling to stay afloat, while salaries remain stagnant amid rising operational costs. The ripple effect has deepened poverty, discouraged investment, and heightened economic
uncertainty, leaving millions grap- pling with shrinking livelihoods in an increasingly unstable financial climate.
Banks’ Recapitalisation
One issue that Nigerians will be monitoring is the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation initiative, which is anticipated to fortify Nigeria’s financial sector, aiming to bolster economic resilience and support the nation’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy byThe2030.new capital threshold is expected to enhance banks’ capacity to absorb economic shocks, increase lending to critical sectors, and improve financial stability. However, challenges such as high inflation and currency devaluation have raised concerns about the potential strain on smaller banks and the broader economy. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the recapitalisation process, hopeful that it will lead to a more robust banking system capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Rising Cost of Living
Interestingly, as members of President Tinubu’s team continue to flaunt their testimonials, Nigerians are saying that the real measure of success is not found in official reports but in the grim reality they endureSpeakingdaily.on the state of the economy, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre
for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the bigger issue is about the cost of living.
“That is, for me, the bigger issue of how the cost of living has been so badly impacted by the reforms because the reform has triggered very serious inflationary pressure, and inflationary pressure typically erodes purchasing power.
“It erodes real income. That is why we have so much poverty. And again, we have seen a lot of elevated levels of income inequality.
“So these are the things that we need to calibrate our fiscal and monetary policies and possibly even trade policies to address. That, for me, is a bigger issue than the issue of the GDP. We need to calibrate all the calibrators of fiscal policy.”
Yusuf, a former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), argues that our general economic policy is to improve the standard of living, reduce the cost of living, and improve the access of the majority of citizens to basic needs.
The policy, according to him, should improve access to basic needs and affordability of basic items like food, pharmaceutical products, and transportation.
Drawing attention to the growing poverty in the land, the economist said, “We had an aggravated situation of poverty as a result of spiking inflation. But the good news is that some progress has been made in terms of stabilising the economy following the reforms.”
Amidst the grand proclamations of economic reengineering by the Tinubu administration, the reality on Nigeria’s streets tells a grimmer tale, one of sagging roofs, empty pots, and children with dreams
traded for survival.
While officials tout reforms and fiscal overhauls from air-conditioned chambers, the masses wade through a daily swamp of despair, their purchasing power eroded like shoreline sand under unrelenting waves.
Unwieldy Cabinet
To have a more impactful administration going forward, there is an urgent need to trim the size of the government. This is because the current cabinet is one of the largest in Nigeria’s history, comprising 48 substantive ministers and a host of senior special advisers. This expansion has made the government unwieldy. Notably, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, despite the existence of the Ministry of Agriculture, is widely viewed as redundant and unnecessary.
Analysts also stressed the need for President Tinubu to relinquish the office of the Minister of Petroleum so that Nigeria can maximise the gains of the petroleum sector. So far, Tinubu’s most consequential decision as Minister of Petroleum was the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy on his Inauguration Day. This move triggered a dramatic rise in the price of petrol, from N185 per litre to over N1,000, even if it eliminated long-standing petrol queues.
The ripple effects have been severe. Transportation fares, food prices, and the cost of goods and services have soared, inflicting hardship on millions. While supply bottlenecks have eased, prices remain stubbornly high because fuel imports continue as local refiners struggle to meet demand.
Poor Living Wage
To tackle the pervading poverty, it was suggested that the government should consider an increase in the minimum wage. The new minimum wage of N70,000, which many states have yet to implement, is woefully inadequate. For context, Egypt’s monthly minimum wage is E£7,000 (about N209,000), and South Africa’s is R4,737.11 (over N393,000), which is five times higher than Nigeria’s minimum wage.
With inflation projected at 26.5 per cent this year, the economic outlook for ordinary Nigerians is grim.
Growing Threat to Farming
Despite the vast agricultural potential, Nigeria spends $10 billion annually on food imports, reflecting the failure to modernise agricultural production and develop robust value chains.
Added to this is the fact that the unabated threats to farmers are turning agricultural practices into suicide as terrorist groups raid communities and farms, especially in the food-producing regions of Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Bornu states, leaving Nigerians with the alternative of spending hard-earned foreign currencies on food importation.
Two weeks ago, the Bornu State Governor, Babagana Zulum, sounded an alarm that only one of the over 300 towns and villages in his Marte Local Government Area (LGA) remains under government control.
He pointed out that several other of the 27 LGAs of the state have also been attacked this year, especially since March. The attackers? A resurgent Boko Haram and its splinter, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It is hoped that as the current administration marches ahead, the President and his team will alleviate the growing poverty in the land and indeed restore the hope promised when Nigerians voted him to power two years ago.
Tinubu
Despite Repeated Tariff Hikes, Adequate Power Supply Still a Mirage in Nigeria
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the problem of power deficit and its attendant drain on the economy, Festus Akanbi captures the pain of Nigerians who feel abandoned in the face of the poor power supply which cannot justify the repeated tariff hike in the power sector
In the sweltering heat of Nigeria’s cities, where the sun blazes like an unforgiving torch, millions of citizens sit in the choking darkness, their homes and businesses starved of power. The silence of blackouts becomes a haunting lullaby. Frustration boils over as Nigerians grapple with flickering bulbs and stalled machines.
Yet, far away in the serene corridors of Aso Villa, plans are laid for solar panels, a special arrangement for a privileged few. To the weary masses, this feels like carving out a paradise from Nigeria, while the rest of Nigerians drown in darkness, their cries lost in the buzzing hum of well-lit halls far above.
Power is the lifeblood of industrialisation, the unseen force that keeps factories humming, machines running, and businesses thriving, yet in Nigeria, it has become a cruel mirage, promised but never delivered.
Companies that once provided jobs and boosted the economy are shutting down in droves, crippled by the unbearable cost of fueling generators to stay afloat in the face of an erratic power supply. Artisans like barbers, radio repairers, and hairdressers, who once added vibrancy to the local economy, now stare at rusting tools and empty chairs, unable to afford the soaring cost of petrol for their generators.
The grid, still run by the government, is dilapidated and prone to collapse. That limits the amount of power it will agree to buy from generator companies. These, in turn, have problems beyond the lack of demand from the grid. Gas plants, which produce most grid power, are badly maintained and often fail to pay their suppliers.
Government initiatives have not got off the ground.Apartnership between Nigeria, Germany and Siemens, a German firm, is supposed to add 12GW to the grid’s ability to handle throughput. But the project has completed only a pilot phase since it was signed in 2019. Privatisation, which helped improve telecoms and banking in the 1990s, has failed to revamp the power sector.
Stripped of their means of livelihood, they become disillusioned, their creative energy fading into hopelessness, leaving many to wander aimlessly, turning into a frustrated, restless population—a ticking time bomb for the nation.
Nigerians endure the bitter sting of disappointment with power distribution companies. These firms, once heralded as the saviours of the nation’s electricity woes, have instead become symbols of inefficiency, failing to deliver steady power while relentlessly hiking tariffs.
Like merchants of darkness, they collect rising fees for fading light, leaving households to navigate nights of stifling heat and businesses to bleed under the weight of fuel costs.
Meanwhile, the regulators, entrusted with protecting consumers, appear like timid watchmen before a raging inferno, overwhelmed and seemingly powerless, issuing directives that vanish like whispers in a storm.
Adelabu: It’s Time for Cost-Reflective Tariffs
The frustration was coming at a period when the federal government last week told Nigerians to brace up for cost-reflective tariffs, with the Minister of Power, Mr, Adebayo Adelabu, saying the nation’s economy can no longer sustain electricity subsidies.
“We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely,” Adelabu pointed out at a meeting with the Chairmen of Generating Companies of Nigeria (GenCos) in Abuja, last week.
He, however, reaffirmed the government’s interest in providing targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians.’’
He did not explain the category of Nigerians in the ‘’economically disadvantaged’’ category.
The federal government currently owes Generating Companies (Gencos) over N4trillion in backlog subsidy payments.
In its February DisCos Performance report, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the average actual tariff is N116.18kwh while consumers pay N88.2kwh.
The difference between the actual tariff and average collection, which is N27.97 kWh, was the cost of subsidy per kilowatt hour in February.
All Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) customers, except 15 per cent, which constitutes Band A, enjoy a subsidy.
Analysts said urgent measures should be made to remedy the problem, saying if the electricity problem is not fixed, the economy will also continue to operate below capacity. Nigeria cannot beAfrica’s economic powerhouse until it can power its houses.
Harvests of Complaints
Confirming the rising complaints, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country received 275,681 customer complaints in the first quarter (Q4) of 2024, as the figures for the first quarter of 2025 are still being awaited.
NERC, in its quarterly report, said the figure represents a 16.13 per cent decrease compared to the 328,696 complaints recorded in Q3 2024. Among the DisCos, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) received the highest number of complaints, totalling 54,683 cases, while Eko DisCo received 47,911 cases, followed by Ibadan DisCo with 47,510 cases.
Also, Abuja DisCo recorded 23,963 complaints, IKEDC received 23,236, Jos DisCo got 19,882, Kano DisCo had 17,328, Enugu DisCo
recorded 15,617, Benin DisCo got 13,953, Aba DisCo received 5,513, and Kaduna DisCo had 4,168. The report added that Yola DisCo had the lowest, with 1,917 cases.
“Nine DisCos recorded a decline in the number of customer complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2024,” the commission said.
N10bn Solar Power Structure in Aso Villa
The complaints over the poor power delivery were further fuelled by the report that the federal government is installing a N10 billion solar power structure at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A cross-section of Nigerians described the government’s action as an abdication of its role and a sign that it has left ordinary Nigerians at the mercy of the power sector operators.
Critics say it is an irony that the government’s surrender to the high cost of electricity, (which it gave as a reason,) which has left Nigerian electricity users stranded. They wonder what happens to the poor Nigerians who cannot afford solar power.
According to them, the installation of solar panels inAso Villa, which the presidency struggles to convince Nigerians that we are copying from the White House came as a shock. The government forgot that when the American president embarked on the solar panel initiative, it was tied to its effort to convince its citizens to go green. It was not for lack of a steady power supply, which is the Nigerian reality, or the high cost of energy.
Last week, for instance, one of the trending photos on social media was that of a nurse carrying
a placard with a comment that reads, “National Hospital, no solar panel. LUTH Lagos, no solar panel. UCH Ibadan, no solar panel. ABUTH, no solar panel. Aso Rock, N10bn solar panel.”
However, a critic said the news about the solar panel installation at the villa came with a poser: “Are we thinking in this country? In my mind, the citizens view the Aso Villa occupants as drenched in escapism, imaginably, like irresponsible parents.”
Capturing the rising level of frustration in the land, the President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group,AkinwumiAdesina, said Nigeria will need more rapid economic growth to lift its people out of poverty.
In a speech he delivered on the 20th anniversary dinner of Chapel Hill Denham, titled: ‘Reimagining Nigeria by 2050’, the erstwhile Minister of Agriculture, said though “Africa as a continent is proud of Nigeria, but one common issue that never fails to come up is when will Nigeria wake up and take its place in leading Africa.”
According to him, “The day Nigeria develops, it will lift all of Africa with it.” He said the kind of development the country needed requires that it raise the bar on its economic growth and development.
Adesina lamented that Nigeria, unfortunately, today, has the highest number of extremely poor people in the world. His words: “Nigeria’s GDP per capita is extremely low ($1,596) putting the nation in the bottom rung of African countries, compared to Ghana ($2,260), Cote d’Ivoire ($2,530), Namibia ($4,168), South Africa ($6,022), Egypt ($3,457), Morocco ($3,771) and Botswana ($7,820).” He added that Nigeria’s economic growth is anaemic.
As expected, the Presidency has strongly rebuffed Adesina’s remarks. The presidency says Nigerians are not in a worse economic situation than they were 64 years ago, faulting the claims of Adesina on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.
The presidency, through a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, challenged both the data and conclusions presented by the AfDB chief.
Describing Adesina’s figures as “inaccurate,” Onanuga argued that they are inconsistent with verifiable historical records.
The presidency pointed to tangible improvements in key sectors since independence, including widespread access to digital technology, a dramatic expansion in road networks, and exponential growth in schools and healthcare facilities.
File picture of members of organised labour protesting frequent electricity tariff increase without a corresponding improvement in power supply
Power transformer
www.thisdaylive.com
TINUBUNOMICS AND DAN-SOKOTO’S TESTAMENT
The fruits of tough smart decisions are now being reaped, reckons ABDULAZIZ ABDULAZIZ
THE
US
AFRICOM COMMANDER
FEMI FANI-KAYODE criticising the Africom Commander, General Michael E. Langely, for calling for the removal and elimination of the Head of State of Burkina Faso, Capt. Ibrahim Traore
See Page 18
opinion@thisdaylive.com
President Tinubu has restored stability, fairness and confidence in the economy, argues ABDUL SAMAD RABIU
TWO YEARS OF TINUBU’S PRESIDENCY
As Nigeria marks two years under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I believe it is important to reflect, not from the lens of politics, but from the perspective of business, of industry, and of the economy. I speak not only as the Chairman of BUA Group - one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, but also as someone who has lived through the complexity of Nigeria’s reforms. I have seen the cost of dysfunction, the burden of inefficiency, but more importantly, the promise of a level playing field and the dividends of decisive governance.
The removal of the fuel subsidy is one of the most important decisions taken by this administration. Before that, Nigeria was selling PMS at 200 or 250 Naira per litre, which was about 25 or 30 cents. I doubt there was any country in the world where fuel was being sold at that price. During my trip to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj in February this year, I checked the pump price at one of the petrol stations as we drove from Jeddah to Mecca. When I converted the price to Naira, it was almost 1,500 Naira per litre. That was Saudi Arabia.
We could simply not afford the subsidy. It was not just Nigerians who were benefiting from it. We were subsidising the entire region. I remember visiting Niger Republic a few years ago when President Bazoum honoured us. During dinner, he joked and said, “Thank you for the subsidy.” He said 100 percent of all PMS consumed in Niger was coming from Nigeria because it would cost them three times more to import. There was no incentive for them to bring in their own fuel or refine crude at their own refinery. This was the situation across the region.
Today,Iunderstandthatourfuelconsumption has dropped by almost 40 to 50 percent. It is not because Nigerians are consuming less, but because neighbouring countries have stopped tapping into our subsidised fuel. The PMS is still cheaper in Nigeria, even at 800 or 900 Naira per litre, but the logistics no longer support easy access. Countries like Niger and Benin Republic still take fuel from Nigeria, but others have stopped.
The removal of subsidies was needed not only to save the economy but to ensure that Nigerians alone benefit from what is imported. Even if there must be subsidy, it should be for Nigerians only. The money saved is now being channelled to infrastructure, to better support for states, and to other developmental priorities. All the states are receiving more money now, and that has made a real difference.
I am of firm opinion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the right decision, and he made it boldly. On the first day he took office, he did what everyone knew had to be done but no one dared to do. He acted immediately. Many criticised him, but he did the right thing, and it saved the country. Had we continued under that burden, only God knows where we would be today. I always say, Mr President is probably the only one who had the courage to take such hard and necessary decisions.
The unification of the foreign exchange market is another critical reform. Before this, many of us in the business community spent most of our time chasing foreign exchange. I personally spent half of my time trying to get FX from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The CBN was the only source of official exchange, offering FX at around 500 Naira when the parallel market
was 800 or 900. No business could survive outside the CBN structure.
Every two weeks, we would go to Abuja to seek allocations. It was exhausting and inefficient. You had to camp there for three or four days before Allocation Monday, waiting for the CBN to allocate dollars. Today, I have met the new CBN Governor, Mr Cardoso, only once in two years. The reason is simple: I do not need to go to Abuja now to get foreign exchange. The system is open. It is working.
This was also a bold move by President Tinubu. It was necessary, and he took that decision as well. We are very glad because today we can focus on our businesses. These reforms are saving the economy.
Under this administration, we have seen a return to fairness and stability in business. We no longer worry about arbitrary shutdowns or politically motivated disruptions. Let me give a real example. We started a new business in Port Harcourt four or five years ago under BUA Foods, operating at the Rivers Ports under a concession with the Nigerian Ports Authority. It was going very well. One day, we woke up to a letter stating that the concession had been revoked, the terminal shut down, and the lease agreement terminated. There was no prior warning, no issue, no conflict.
Later, we discovered that the Managing Director of NPA at the time decided to close the business simply because our operations were competing with those of her friend. She wanted to impress her friend. That was the only reason. Today, that kind of thing cannot happen. Nobody would dare take such an action under President Tinubu.
You can wake up now without fear that your business has been shut down by an agency or politician.
That stability is critical. That Port Harcourt plant alone has seen over 500 million dollars in investment and has employed over 4,000 people. The confidence this government has
brought is real, and it is helping us plan better. I must also personally acknowledge former President Muhammadu Buhari. When our Port Harcourt plant was unfairly shut down, it was his intervention that saved it. I had the privilege of explaining the situation to him. He agreed it was wrong and acted. He said he would not permit injustice under his watch. That decision saved the business. But the reality is, I had access. What if I did not? That is the difference today. Now, nobody needs access to the President to be treated fairly. Everyone knows that if you do something wrong under President Tinubu, you may lose your job or even face prosecution and go to jail. That is why I can now spend more time focusing on the business and relaxing.
The President Tinubu reforms are creating a level playing field. Like I said previously, every business had to lobby the CBN for FX. If you did not, your business would collapse. Now, you do not need to go to Abuja. You just focus on your operations.
In infrastructure, the difference is also clear. Look at the Lagos-Calabar highway. Look at the Sokoto-Badagry road. Look at the Kwara projects we are executing under the tax credit scheme. Look at Kano-Kongolam. Look at the Okpella to Kogi State corridor. These projects are progressing because of the savings from subsidy removal and FX unification. With more revenue, Nigeria is building.
These roads and others being built are critical because logistics have become a major challenge. Transporting goods from Lagos to the North is very expensive due to bad roads. Now, the President is addressing this. With better infrastructure, logistics will improve, and businesses will grow. These reforms have enabled long-term planning and serious investment.
Since President Tinubu took office, BUA Group has invested over one billion dollars in the Nigerian economy. We are expanding our food business, doubling our flour and pasta facilities in Port Harcourt and building another in Lagos. Demand is increasing. People are earning more. Confidence is returning. We have also completed the first POP plaster manufacturing plant in Nigeria which is now operating and are soon starting construction of a 30MW solar energy project in Sokoto State. In the oil and gas sector, we are completing our LNG project in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. These investments are possible because of stability that has been brought about by President Tinubu’s reforms. We can plan now. The exchange rate has been fairly stable for almost a year. FX is accessible. Money is coming in from different sources, and investors are responding. If you want 200 million dollars a week for trade, you can get it without lobbying anyone at the Central Bank. These are the results of good policies.
When I met President Tinubu recently, he raised concerns about food prices. He wanted to know what BUA Foods was doing. I explained that his six-month tariff waiver had worked. It disrupted hoarding in the rice market. In Nigeria, the rice harvest is short and runs for about three months. Middlemen were buying paddy rice, hoarding it, and raising prices post-harvest. This artificial scarcity drove prices to as high as 110,000 Naira per bag.
Rabiu is the Founder and Chairman, BUA
The fruits of tough smart decisions are now being reaped, reckons ABDULAZIZ ABDULAZIZ
TinUBUnomicS And dAn-SoKoTo’S TeSTAmenT
Surfing through my WhatsApp messages two days ago, a message popped in from Umar Dan-Sokoto, a contact based in Kaduna’s Birnin Gwari town. It was a short voice note and despite my aversion about the messaging format I didn’t hesitate clicking to listen. The voice message, he said, was a response to my interview he had listened to over the radio on the milestones recorded by the Tinubu administration. “But you have forgotten some significant achievements,” he remarked. “Just before this government came in, a measure of maize flour sold for N4,000; now it’s N2,000. At a point a bag of maize sold for up to N100,000. How much is it now?!” He asked rhetorically. But the pleasant answer is one that Dan-Sokoto and other Nigerians who patronise that staple food very much know.
Dan-Sokoto, who had previously narrated how life has changed in the hitherto embattled Birnin Gwari and its environs, further reiterated the continuous successes in stabilising his part of Nigeria. To the names I reeled out of high-profile bandits silenced for good, he added one Dogo MaiRasha, who, he said, was notorious around Birnin Gwari but was recently killed in combat somewhere in Niger State. I was jolted by these revelations because they represented genuine testament from down the ladder. It also vindicates that no matter what nay-sayers say, ordinary Nigerians follow and count their blessings.
No one denies that we had gone through tough times. But it amounts to dishonesty and even betrayal of God’s mercies if we do not acknowledge that we are witnessing a calm, after the storms. This administration came at a tough time but as the saying goes, when it gets tough only the tough gets going. And, indeed, unusual moments demand unusual actions.
On arriving on May 29, 2023 President Bola Tinubu wasted no time in grabbing the long-avoided bull by the horns. For decades everyone tried to side-stepped the difficult route to our surest path to growth. No one wanted to unsettle the status quo, especially one that had the elite feeding part on the national cake and had built for the poor a Potemkin’s village of sort; a fool’s paradise. As I noted elsewhere, President Tinubu showed a clear difference between politics and governance. He had the option to remain politically correct by windowdressing the walking corpse and remaining popular. But as the true leader that he is, he took the commendable decision of doing the right thing for the country even if it would make him unpopular in the short-term.
It was akin to a choice to fly into a gathering storm or endlessly wait in uncertainty. He chose the first option. The ride hadn’t been easy. The storm was huge. But, like a well-trained pilot, President Tinubu stayed on the course with absolute trust in the correctitude of his decision and belief in the ability of the steps taken to deliver the plane out of the storms.
The eureka moment is now here. We have turned the corner on most indices and ordinary Nigerians, who patiently went through the storms are now beginning to have the full glare of the light at the end of the tunnel. When this administration came, what it met was a dry well. In fact, though no one penned a stark note like what former British secretary of Treasury, Liam Byrne, left for his successor, in 2008 (“I’m afraid, there is no money!”), the fiscal indices show exactly that. Many states were struggling to pay salaries. Debt servicing had stopped. Our
debt-to-GDP ratio was hitting the ceiling. Oil production had dipped to lower than a million barrel. The state was gasping. But even during the campaign, President Tinubu had sensed the situation of the well and had said he was ready to–and indeed stated that he knew how to–draw water from the dry well. However for the well to recharge and bring out the needed watet it’s imperative to block leakages and stop wasteful spending. This was what he did. Now, everyone now and then, some cynics ask, rather cheekily: where is the subsidy money the government said it has saved? A cursory look reveals so much being done at both the federal and sub-national indicative of prosperity. Civil servants in states who used to go months without salary have forgotten that era. Those who were paid in bits and pieces now get paid in full, despite the new minimum wage implemented. Pensioners no longer stage protest. ASUU had had no reason to close the classrooms again.
Meanwhile this government has waved off the burden of school fees from hundreds of thousands families. President Tinubu has literally put entire Nigerian students in tertiary institutions on scholarships. The loan scheme administered by the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND) is so easy to access, and very soft on repayment. By now, over 300,000 Nigerians benefit from it with tuition fees and pocket allowance being paid. It’s a huge relief to their teeming parents.
Then comes massive investment in infrastructure. In Economies, the idea of investment in public infrastructure serve multiple purposes. First, it serves as a means to pump money into the economy through the productive sector, not fraud-prone subsidies or handouts. Two, it’s meant to generate jobs and take youthful members of the population away from crimes and idleness. Third, and perhaps what everyone sees is the economic growth such infrastructure eventually spur directly or indirectly. In the aftermath of economic downturns like the Great Depression, governments put out money to infrastructure projects to drive these benefits.
The Tinubu administration is massively investing in infrastructure to yield all these benefits. Nigeria is today one big construction site with investments in roads, railways, housing, schools and hospitals. Let’s start from the latter.
In the last two years, over 1,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been rebuilt. At the moment, over 5,000 others are in the works as part of government’s ambitious plan to revitalise 17,000 PHCs nationwide by 2027.
femi fAni-KAyode criticising the Africom Commander, General Michael E. Langely, for calling for the removal and elimination of the Head of State of Burkina Faso, Capt. Ibrahim Traore
The US Africom commAnder
The name of the man in the picture is General Michael E. Langely. He is an American. He is a General in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the Commander of AFRICOM (@ USAfricaCommand). He is an enemy of all Pan Africanists and African nationalists. He is an enemy of all people of colour & all true progressives.
He is a tool of the western imperialists that seek to continue to subjugate & enslave Africa, milk us dry, suppress our people and undermine, discredit, eliminate & destroy every progressive leader & force that rises on our continent.
He has called for the removal and elimination of Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the Head of State of Burkina Faso, accusing him of stealing the gold belonging to his people. He has criticised numerous other African leaders and sought to rubbish their efforts.
He is only comfortable with African leaders that work for the CIA or that tremble and bow before the west.
When the history of Africa is written the malodorous name of this mendacious Yankee will be clothed with scorn and opprobrium.
He will be remembered as one of the most shameless and notorious house Negros that ever lived and his name will be synonymous with that of the pitiful and grovelling Norwegian World War 11 Minister of Defence and Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling, the self-hating and self-denigrating Aunty Jemimah leader of the British Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch and the servile black American lickspittle and fictional character known as Uncle Tom.
As obnoxious as his earlier interventions on Africa have been the man just keeps spewing rubbish. His latest outing took place on May 27th during a television interview on Kenya’s Citizen TV. With all the arrogance he could muster he said,
“I have talked to a number of Ministers of Defence and Presidents and told them we were assessing. If we are that important to you, you need to communicate that and we will see.”
After getting his nose-bloodied by millions of Africans for attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of a number of African countries and making the most outrageous and asinine claims about their leaders this creature now comes up with this.
Such unadulterated arrogance and pristine insolence coming from the conflicted and confused commander of a western imperialist army turns the stomach!
Can someone tell me who the hell he thinks he is, who invited him to Africa in the first place and who and what he is assessing?
He must really think that all Africans are fools and that we do not know his real mission and purpose. What a nerve! Did we invite you here in the first place? Has your nefarious and sinister presence in any way bettered our lives?
In the case of Nigeria despite all our appeals and attempts at collaboration you and your superiors in Washington have refused to help us in our war against insurgency and terrorism for the last 15 years! Instead you have sought to castrate, weaken, shame and silence us. You have left us to fight Boko Haram, Al Qaeda and ISWAP, three of the most deadly terrorist organisations in the world, all alone. You have refused to give us the intel that we need. You have refused to sell us the arms and equipment that we asked for.
You have refused to either give us access to your satellite intel or share it with us. You have done NOTHING for us in Africa except make empty promises, give us lessons about how to run our nation and live our lives and disparage and undermine our leaders.
Worse of all you have sought to introduce regime change and destabilise many African Governments through the clandestine and nefarious activities of your CIA and its sister agencies.
You have covertly encouraged and
empowered the terrorists because their activities suit your purpose and the only way you can justify your unconciable neo-colonialist disposition and imperialist presence is by arming them and telling us that you are here to help us to fight them & to protect your so-called strategic national interests. This is a classic case of what is known as a Hegelian dialectic. You create the problem, you wait for the reaction and then you offer the solution. This is how the Western hegemons have always behaved.
The Englishman David Icke rightly describes your behaviour as the “PROBLEM/ REACTION/SOLUTION formula” which successive western governments have used to control and ultimately destroy many nations in the Middle East, Africa and indeed the global south.
The truth is that YOU are the source of ALL our problems. We need you like we need poison! We need you like we need ebola! We need you like we need P. Diddy’s “freak offs”!
We need you like we need aids, Covid and cancer all rolled into one! We need you like we need a garbage dump. We need you like we need rats and cockroaches. Let me be clear. The tide has turned. Africa has come of age! Africa is no longer your football that you can kick up and down the field for pleasure. Africa is no longer your little slave girl who you rape, plunder and pillage at will. We can and will solve her own problems, fight our own battles, choose our own leaders and forge our own destiny.
My advice to you is to carry your invading force, get the hell out of our continent and NEVER come back! We remember what you did to Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Silvano Olympio, Kwame Nkrumah, Muammar Ghadaffi, Gamal Nasser, Laurant Gbagbo, Murtala Muhammed, Jerry Rawlings, Ahmed Ben Bella, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela and so many other great and powerful men and visionary leaders of our great and beautiful continent.
We remember how you undermined ECOMOG and brought it to its knees. We remember how you destroyed North Africa and the Sahel, how you shattered East Africa and established Al Shabab and how you destabilised southern Africa and supported the Boers. You and those that sent you to our shores are cruel, cold-hearted and insincere and you have nothing to offer but death, misery and destruction. In the name of God leave and allow us to become that which God has ordained us to be.
Fani-Kayode is the
Chief
Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, a lawyer, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism of Nigeria and a former Minister of Aviation of Nigeria
Abdulaziz is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
SOUTHEAST AND SIT-AT-HOME ORDER
By August this year, it would be four years since the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) first imposed its sit-at-home order in the Southeast region of Nigeria. On Friday, Umuahia and Owerri, capital cities of Abia and Imo States respectively, witnessed empty streets as residents stayed back in their homes in compliance with IPOB directive. The roads were virtually deserted in both cities and across major towns in the two states. Meanwhile, a sobering May 2025 report by geopolitical risk analysis firm, SBM Intelligence, titled ‘Four Years of Disruption: Unmasking the Impact of IPOB’s sit-at-home order in Southeast Nigeria,’ has documented how this weekly act of protest has morphed into a recurring cycle of fear, economic paralysis, and tragic violence. During the lockdowns, businesses, offices, markets, and other essential services are compelled to remain closed. Urban streets, interstate highways and sometimes schools are usually deserted.
Initially conceived as a display of civil disobedience to demand the release of IPOB’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, these Monday shutdowns, as detailed by SBM Intelligence, highlights how what began as a symbolic gesture of solidarity quickly descended into a far more complex and coercive reality. The analysis also underscores the sinister role of heavily armed elements—often referred to in hushed tones as ‘unknown gunmen’—in enforcing compliance. The report details numerous incidents where these groups— whose allegiances and motives, according to the SBM report, remain dangerously opaque—have been responsible for brutal enforcement, dishing out violence, and destroying the property of those who dare to defy the Monday lockdown.
In the last four years, the economic ramifications for the historically industrious Southeast have been nothing short of catastrophic—a central finding of the SBM Intelligence investigation. Commercial nerve centres like Onitsha, with its sprawling main market, and Aba’s Ariaria International Market, a hub for manufacturing and trade, effectively become ghost towns every Monday. Due to these enforced shutdowns, the SBM report estimates regional losses to have exceeded N7.6 trillion within the first two years alone. The transport sector, a lifeblood for inter and intra-state commerce, has bled profusely. The report also touches upon how agricultural products often rot due to transportation blockades and how investor confidence, both local and international, has plummeted based on their risk assessments.
Shutting down the economic space and closing schools in the entire zone has become counterproductive to whatever point IPOB may be making
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The extensive economic hemorrhage is multiplied by the fact that most people in the Southeast operate in the informal sector as traders, shop owners, artisans, craftsmen, transporters, industrialists, wholesalers, and retailers of motley merchandise. Shutting down the economic space and closing schools in the entire zone has become counterproductive to whatever point IPOB may be making. But the sit-at-home order is also indicative of a larger erosion of political authority and serial failure of the State to restore law, order, and security.
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Beyond the quantifiable economic devastation, SBM Intelligence dedicates significant analysis to the equally alarming erosion of human capital. The education sector has borne a heavy brunt. The report documents how students across the five Southeastern states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—have lost countless schooling days. This creates a significant educational disadvantage for an entire generation, jeopardising their future and the long-term development of the region, a critical concern raised in the report. Access to healthcare and other essential services also becomes perilous on these enforced lockdown days, a recurring theme in the anecdotal evidence collected by SBM Intelligence.
The guerrilla-style attacks on security installations and personnel have escalated the cycle of violence, leading to increased militarisation. The SBM Intelligence report also presents the human cost of this protracted unrest. Between 2021 and early 2025, according to the report, more than 700 lives have been lost in IPOB-related violence. This figure encompasses clashes between security forces and alleged ESN operatives, attacks by ‘unknown gunmen,’ and alleged extrajudicial killings.
Overall, the conclusion of SBM Intelligence report aligns with our own position: All critical stakeholders must join the efforts to end the bizarre militancy that has become a thriving industry for some unscrupulous people in the Southeast. There is also an urgent need by the federal government to work towards healing the old wounds being nursed by most people in the Southeast.
Letters in response to specific publications in THiSDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. we also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer
AGAIN,
SOUTHEAST
For a region that was still trying to come to terms with the JAMB’s bungling of the tertiary institutions’ entrance exams in the zone, a fresh mistreatment, just a month after, is a jolt too many. The JAMB’s refusal to disclose the actor(s) behind the ruinous human error on southeast candidates’ scripts has been interpreted by some, as hints of a plot. Not surprisingly, the expose of the southeast’s exclusion from federal government’s N3.2tn irrigation plan, left many asking, what is all this? The ignominy echoed by the revelation was shocking, beyond words, for others. And yet for some others, it was a painful moan of not again; not again. How could this happen? And six days after the alert on such a major contention, there has been no word on the subject by the federal ministry of water resources and or any other agency saddled with the responsibility. Where is the sensitivity to inclusive governance?
The plight of the southeast was brought up in
LETTERS
EXCLUDED FROM NATIONAL PROJECTS
the Senate by Senators Kenneth Eze, Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Ngwu. In a motion that was stepped down at the last minute to pave way for engagement with concerned authorities, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi State) cited the omission of the southeast in N38bn irrigation projects in the 2025 budget as inequitable. He faulted the non inclusion of Anambra - Imo River Basin Development Authority as inconsistent with a nationwide irrigation initiative. In the course of contributions to the motion, the Ivo Dam, Ebonyi State, Uzuakoli, Igbere, and Abba dams, Abia State, were identified as other irrigation projects in the zone qualifying for the N38bn fund. THISDAY, May 23, 2025, reported that Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele advised that the matter be brought back to plenary for appropriate legislative action after Senate leadership interface with the Minister of Water Resources.” The publication stated that “in an attempt to calm the angry lawmakers, Deputy
Senate President Barau Jibrin, described the situation as likely an administrative omission.”
We cannot fail to commend the action of the referenced southeast senators as well as Senate officers. Their expressed concern and responsiveness speak to a sense of responsibility. While it is hoped that the needful will be done at the shortest possible time, it’s even more important to look at the climate that has shaped the controversy. Yes, there is a possibility, that the sidelining of the southeast was an “administrative omission” as the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin suggested. The likelihood would stand if the incident was an isolated one. In such accidental circumstances, the urge to issue unreserved apologies would be strong; so strong that a prompt pacification would have followed the embarrassing disclosure. But no dice; no clarifications, no pledge of investigations from the concerned institutions. Alas, marginalisation of the southeast is not an
occasional occurrence in Nigerian government and politics. It goes back to 1970, beginning with post war, restrictive measures which reduced the Igbo to minority in every sphere of public life in Nigeria. The trend reached nauseating levels under general Sani Abacha’s rule and retired general Mohammadu Buhari’s presidency. The systemic disadvantages faced by the southeast in power and resource allocations are persisting under the Bola Tinubu government. While not traveling the disdainful road of Buhari’s a dot in a circle, the current administration has still not been fair to the southeast. In it’s 49-man cabinet, the southeast has five ministers in a make up of six zones. Out of 33 substantive ministers distributed across six geo - political zones, the southeast has only two full fledged ministers.
IfeanyiChukwu Afuba, Awka
Two Years of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy under PBAT: The Challenge of ECOWAS-AES Mésentente
Foreign policy is variously defined in international relations. Some scholars see it as a continuum, in which case they argue that it is an extension of domestic policy. In this regard, several scholars argue that there is not much that can be meaningfully and externally achieved if the domestic base is not first of all made developmentally vibrant. They talk about strong economy, strong institutions, well-articulated focus, and peaceable environment. By implication, foreign policy focus must address the domestic challenges that have the potential to impede foreign policy endeavours in the international scene.
On the contrary another school of thought observes that, even if the domestic setting is not good enough, the international environment can still be taken advantage of to address whatever domestic problems there may be. Professor Akinwande Bolaji Akinyemi, the ‘Baba’ of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy’ as he is now being referred to, is the champion of this school in Nigeria. It was on the basis of this reasoning that he came up with the idea of Concert of Medium Powers, the foundational principle of which is that intellectual and human resources can be justifiably used to attract international attention and make Nigeria to be relevant. In other words, the domestic environment should be made conducive and the international environment, be it good or bad, should be taken advantage for foreign policy calculations.
In the context of Nigeria’s foreign policy under PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), what does foreign policy mean? Does the PBAT administration belong to the domestic school of thought that wants emphasis, first of all, placed on making the environment conducive? What is Nigeria’s policy attitude and what is the foreign policy behaviour?
Foreign Policy Attitude and Behaviour
Nigeria’s foreign policy under PBAT can be explained at the level of policy attitude and policy behaviour. Policy attitude generally deals with values, beliefs, feelings towards a thing or an issue, or towards an idea. For instance, what does the administration of PBAT think of the perception of Nigeria as a ‘big brother’ or as the giant of Africa? How does PBAT himself feel about his being the ECOWAS Chairman and under his chairmanship, three Member States of the regional organisation opted to withdraw their membership of the organisation? This is what an attitudinal disposition is all about. Essentially, attitude is about individual thinking or ideas, which can be positive or negative, friendly or hostile.
On the contrary, behaviour goes beyond an attitude to including actions, and reactions taken in response to attitudinal dispositions. It is about visible and measurable activities. Explained differently, an attitude is generally intrinsic or internal, it is not directly observable. It is a feeling. Behaviour is about observable actions. It is not a feeling but an action and reaction. It is not only observable, but also measurable. Consequently, in explaining and understanding Nigeria’s foreign policy under PBAT, there is the need to explicate it in terms of both the policy attitudes and behaviours. But in doing so, let us first of all understand what foreign policy means to PBAT.
In the eyes of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, foreign policy ‘is the strategy or approach chosen by the National Government to achieve its goal in its relations with external entities. Or at least that’s how international relations theorist, Steve Smith, and his fellow travellers define it.’ In other words, Ambassador Tuggar subscribes to the Steve Smith school of thought. As good and tenable as this definition may be, there is no disputing the fact that the definition only accounts for foreign policy as a technique or a tactic. It does not adequately address the aspect of foreign policy as strategy. If we consider a tactic and a strategy as possible objectives, then the definition of Steve Smith can be tenable but foreign policy observers cannot but find it difficult to differentiate between tactical foreign policy and strategic foreign policy. But true enough, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister is much interested in tactical foreign policy by adopting the definition of Steve Smith.As we shall show hereinafter, the Foreign Minister is currently emphasising the pursuit of strategic foreign
policy with his definition of, and quest for, strategic autonomy for Nigeria. More interestingly, Nigeria’s foreign policy under PBAT is largely predicated on a tripod of Hope, Doctrine of 4-Ds, and Quest for Strategic Autonomy. Hope and doctrine of 4-Ds fall under foreign policy attitudes as discussed above, while the quest for, and manifestations of, strategic autonomy fall under the categorisation of foreign policy behaviours.
At the level of ‘Hope’, Foreign Minister Tuggar delivered the 2023 Annual Lecture of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN). In the lecture, entitled “The Nigerian Foreign Policy Agenda under the President Tinubu Administration,” Ambassador Tuggar made it clear that he was in agreement with Robert Dahl’s ‘explanation that a policy is an attempt to cope with the future, not simply to account for the past.’ More concernedly, he said ‘to be concerned with policy is to focus on the attempt to produce intended effects. Hence policy is and must be causality thinking. Suffice it to say that the President Tinubu Administration is committed to producing intended effects and is focused on causality thinking.’ Causality is essentially about understanding how some things influence some other things, how one event causes another event, and how to identify causal dynamics and dealing with the complex relationships between them.
Two points are noteworthy in the foregoing references: emphasis on the future and emphasis on causality thinking. Without necessarily disagreeing with the usefulness of the past, the Foreign
And true enough behaviourally, two years of Nigeria’s foreign policy under PBAT underscored economic diplomacy aimed at attraction of foreign direct investments and promotion of trade and expansion of economic partnerships. PBAT’s foreign trips were more than 40 as they included unofficial and officious visits to more than 28 countries including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, United States, United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia, India, Qatar, etc. The opposition elements say PBAT is more of a globetrotter than a leader but the visits which also fall under foreign policy behaviour, have reportedly yielded a commitment of foreign direct investments of not less than US $50.8bn as of March 2025 according to Mrs Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry. However, attendance at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary in Lagos was not encouraging. How do we explain why attendance at the presidential level was limited to only four countries out of 12? Another challenge is how to understand why it was the Francophone leaders that were represented with the exception of Togo, a co-founding nation with Nigeria. Representations at the Ambassadorial and Foreign Ministers levels was not befitting enough for an ECOWAS that is fraught with threats of regional insecurity and disintegration. The commemoration ought to have been designed to be a show of unprecedented solidarity. This was not the case,
Minister wants emphasis to be placed on the future: what should Nigeria’s foreign policy look like in the future? What and where should Nigeria be placed in international politics in the foreseeable future? Should Nigeria pursue a foreign policy of greater Nigeria? The Minister’s message is clear: ‘better days are coming’ to borrow the words of Jimmy Cliff in one of his records. He believes that better days are in the making and will soon come.
And perhaps more importantly about hope, the Foreign Minister discussed the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He explained the three main objectives of the Agenda as follows: ‘to protect against all forms of external aggression, promote the best possible outcomes for Nigeria in all engagements with other nations, improve Nigeria’s standing and dignity among the comity of Nations.’ Thus, hope is about expectations. There is nothing wrong in expecting. The only disturbing concern about hoping is the determination of how long should the expectation be? Expectations that are not visible to have the potential to come at the time of need cannot but generate frustration.
As regards the doctrine of ‘4-Ds’, as we noted earlier, it has a behavioural character. The 4-Ds are, in order of presentation by the Foreign Minister, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. As presented, democracy is the most important even if all the Ds are intertwined in terms of their implications. In the eyes and words of the Foreign Minister, democracy is simply a pathway to enhanced peace and stability, because ‘mature liberal democracies are less prone to conflict with each other and more likely to promote human rights… The threat to peace from terrorism and irredentism in the Sahel can only be countered with a solid foundational basis of constitutional governance, strong democratic institutions and alliance of democratic countries in the region.’ Ambassador Tuggar sees democracy as a qualification for joining some influential international groups like the G-20, which can also serve the purposes of Nigeria’s quest for Permanent Membership of the UN Security Council. In a nutshell, Ambassador Tuggar says ‘it is therefore incumbent on Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy and serendipitous Chair of ECOWAS to pull its weight and ally with other democracies and constitutional governments to reverse this deadly trend’ in the AES countries. As regards ‘Development’, it has the purpose of achieving a double-digit growth for Nigeria by combining agriculture, infrastructure, and industrialisation. Agriculture is to ensure food security. Infrastructure investment is to create jobs and enable between 10 and 12% growth rate. In fact the Foreign Minister put it bluntly: ‘no electricity, no development. For this, 4-Ds seeks to use diplomacy to improve Nigeria’s energy mix… Sitting on some 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, we have no alternative but to use our comparative advantage to industrialise as well as to export energy.’
On ‘Demography’, Ambassador Tuggar presents it as an asset and not as a liability. If Nigeria is believed to have a current population of about 220 million people and is expected to become third largest country in the world by 2050, there is not only the need to prepare for the D-Day, but also for Nigeria to work ‘with other demographically large nations to not only learn from them but also gain from each other.’
Finally on Nigerians in the ‘Diaspora’, they give impressions that define Nigeria’s external image. The Minister wants to promote them and expand the scope of the Technical Aid Corps scheme which he describes as ‘the unsung hero of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy where Nigeria continues to support southern hemisphere countries with skilled workers.’ What is noteworthy here is that Ambassador Tuggars also said that ‘the kernel of the 4-Ds is strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarised global setting…’ What is the implication of this for ECOWAS, the AES, and particularly for the ECOWAS-AES relationship?
The Challenge of ECOWAS-AES
Mésentente
In his statement given at the recent inaugural session of the Agora Policy Forum in Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar identified four strategic pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy in reaction to the increasing uncertainties in global politics. As noted in the statement, the world is challenged by many conflicts: the war in Ukraine which has reshaped the energy markets; the Sudanese and Sahel conflicts, which have shown disregard for the old rules-based order and how ‘non-state actors flex influence in areas of chronic instability; the persistent inflation by which the global economy is currently characterised; debt crises that have become recidivist; the existential threat posed by climate change, etc.
In reaction to these global questions, Ambassador Tuggar says ‘Nigeria’s foreign policy must be dynamic. It must ensure that our national interests are protected while we remain a responsible and engaged member of the international community.’ Additionally, the current world of critical challenges, in the eyes of Ambassador Tuggar, does ‘not present a level playing field for Nigeria and Africa in terms of access to financing and markets and the tools to facilitate peace, prospects, and opportunity.’ This situation is not acceptable to Nigeria. Consequently, Nigeria is believed, as a regional power, to have responsibility ‘to be a voice for Africa, to play our part in helping create a modern and dynamic order that reflects our national and shared interests.’
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•Tinubu
Olumilua: A Legacy Etched in Dignity and Service
Sufuyan Ojeifo
There are men who roar through history like thunder. And there are others, quieter, steadier, whose light endures not because they sought fame, but because they lived by values too enduring to be forgotten. Evangelist Bamidele Isola Olumilua was such a man. A statesman in an age of strongmen. A diplomat without guile. A governor without hubris. A servantleader whose story was never about grabbing the headlines, but about holding the line of principle when others fled the trenches.
This is a tribute not just to the man he was, but to the life he led, and the path he cleared for a generation of believers in purposeful, ethical leadership.
Born in 1940 in the ancient town of Ikere-Ekiti, Bamidele Olumilua came into the world not with a silver spoon, but with a spirit forged in the crucible of faith and service. His early education at Christ Apostolic Church Primary School offered him more than literacy. It cultivated the discipline of a faith-filled life. He went on to further his education both in Nigeria and abroad, earning degrees in economics and law, and eventually joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service.
But titles were never his measure of worth. Even as a diplomat, his real currency was character. Stationed in Canada, he became known not just as a representative of the Nigerian state, but as a moral compass, engaging communities, resolving conflicts, and upholding the nation’s honour with quiet dignity.
Olumilua’s entry into politics was, by his own account, accidental. He was, by training and by temperament, a diplomat and a preacher. Yet history found him, and in answering its call, he shaped a generation of governance in the old Ondo State.
It is easy to forget that his time as governor, though brief from 1992 to 1993, remains a case study in how public service can be a noble calling when exercised with vision, restraint and a deep respect for the people.
He came into office at a time when Nigeria’s politics was in flux. Democracy was still fledgling. And expectations weighed heavily on elected officials.
Olumilua never flinched. He embraced the moment with calmness and tenacity. Within the constraints of the era, he governed with uncommon prudence and foresight, laying the groundwork for institutions and policies that would outlive his time in office.
Among his most notable achievements was securing recognition for Ondo State as an oil-producing region, which opened the door to its first-ever derivation payments. It was a milestone that many had considered beyond reach. Yet Olumilua’s approach was not to posture or to boast. He simply got the job done, often out of the spotlight, always for the greater good.
His establishment of the Ondo State Road Materials Company and the Environmental Protection Agency was equally indicative of his governing philosophy. He saw
governance as problem-solving, less about grand visions and more about practical solutions to everyday challenges. His administration, limited in duration, nevertheless exuded a long-sightedness that is rarely seen in politics.
Yet perhaps what most distinguished Olumilua was not his policy acumen, but his personal integrity. In an era when the perks of office were seen as personal spoils, he remained above the fray. The story of his daughter being denied admission to study law due to a technical error, and his refusal to intervene, has become the stuff of moral legend. “I will not bend the rules for my own,” he said. How many leaders today would hold the line so firmly?
Before politics, Olumilua had already served Nigeria with distinction as a diplomat, representing the country in Addis Ababa, Netherlands, Canada, and USA. He carried himself with the decorum befitting such postings, yet never with airs. Colleagues recall a man who combined international polish with local humility. When he returned home, it was not to luxuriate in prestige but to sow into the soil of his people’s aspirations.
Faith was the compass by which he navigated life. As an evangelist, he was
not performative. He lived his faith in quiet conviction. He prayed earnestly, believed deeply, and acted with spiritual purpose. One notable instance saw him rally prayer warriors for Chief Olu Falae’s presidential bid, not out of political self-interest, but out of belief in the cause. He blended the worlds of governance and spirituality without confusing their roles.
At home, he was both a disciplinarian and a nurturer. His children speak of “angle 90” punishments and strict moral codes, including double penalties for lying. Yet the love was never in doubt. In a polygamous household that defied the dysfunction of stereotype, he fostered unity, not rivalry. Family, for him, was both a mission and a ministry.
Olumilua’s political career was bookended by moments of deep national tension. He was removed from office following the Abacha coup of 1993, a disruption that halted many of his initiatives. Still, he carried no bitterness. Politics, for him, was a vehicle, not a destination. In the turbulent aftermath of the June 12 annulment, he advocated legal routes to justice. While others fanned the flames of chaos, Olumilua stood firm in his belief that legality and legitimacy were not mutually exclusive. Time vindicated his stance.
Throughout his life, Olumilua remained consistent in his values, even as others zigzagged for convenience and relevance. He was the rare leader who understood that compromise should never come at the cost of character. It is telling that years after his passing, his name still opens doors. Not because of wealth or influence, but because of what it represents: Integrity. Service. Principle.
He did not leave behind sprawling estates or tales of opulence. What he bequeathed was more profound: a name unsullied by scandal, a life unmarred by excesses. As his son Muyiwa has testified, the Olumilua name continues to inspire trust and admiration in circles high and low. It is a legacy rooted not in rhetoric but in the lived example of decency and discipline.
The upgrading of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, to Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, BOUEST, Ikere-Ekiti, in his honour was more than a symbolic gesture. It was a recognition of a life that educated by example. A reminder to future generations that there is dignity in quiet excellence and honour in public service. His story is not merely one of what he achieved, but of how he carried himself while doing so.
Olumilua did not see leadership as an opportunity for dominance but as a platform for stewardship. He believed that the truest measure of power is how it is used in the service of others. In a time when governance is often transactional, his life offers a refreshing counter-narrative: that values are not a weakness in politics but a source of enduring strength.
His memory lives not only in physical landmarks but in the hearts of those who encountered his grace. Those who sat under his leadership, those who broke bread with him, those who observed the harmony between his public life and private values; they all testify to a man who walked his talk. He was not perfect, but he was principled. Not infallible, but always intentional.
Even in the twilight of his years, Olumilua remained intellectually engaged and spiritually alert. He did not retire from purpose. His advice was sought, his presence welcomed, his counsel heeded. He became, in the best sense, an elder statesman; measured, wise, and generous with insight.
On 4 June 2020, his earthly journey ended. But death could not erase what he stood for. His life, lived with clarity and conscience, continues to speak. In an age that often prizes noise over nuance, his quiet strength resonates louder than ever.
Bamidele Ishola Olumilua was not just a governor, an evangelist, or a diplomat. He was a man who carried himself with dignity in all things. He left behind not only a good name but also a template for how leadership, faith, and service can intersect meaningfully. His footsteps were gentle, but their imprint remains indelible.
May his memory inspire us to lead with honour, to serve with humility, and to walk our paths with the same quiet strength that defined his days.
Ojeifo, Publisher/Editor-inChief of THE CONCLAVE, was Champion newspaper’s Ondo State Correspondent between 1992 and 1993 when the late Evangelist Olumilua was governor of old Ondo State.
Olumilua
As Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Aisha Augie, a visual storyteller and public servant, is on a relentless mission to reconnect Africa with its cultural identity, from reviving FESTAC’s legacy to building a modern African Heritage Centre. She tells Vanessa Obioha how she is pushing past bureaucracy to spotlight the value of African culture
Ambassador of African Cultural Memory
It was well past 8 p.m., but Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, the DirectorGeneral of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), was still deep in the day’s affairs. Despite moving our meeting online to fit her packed schedule, she apologised and asked for more time.
Later, during a visit to the CBAAC office in Lagos, I saw firsthand the whirlwind that is her daily routine: back-to-back meetings and endless to-do lists. I was lucky to catch her in between engagements. Her typical day starts at 7:20 a.m. and often stretches into midnight.
Though Augie has spent the past nine years in public service, first as Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, and then as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi State on Digital Communications and New Media, her role at CBAAC comes with a new level of intensity. The agency has a continental mandate: to promote African culture and heritage and to revive the spirit of the iconic Festival of Arts and Culture ‘77 (FESTAC77).
With that mission comes weighty responsibility, and Augie has hit the ground running. In just her first year, she’s initiated several ambitious projects. Among them is her vision for an African Heritage Centre, a space that encourages research, and connects young people to their roots using audiovisual tools and virtual reality. There are also plans to incorporate architecture as a form of cultural storytelling. This is part of the forthcoming Pan-African Indigenous Skills Development Programme.
CBAAC also marks cultural milestones like Black History Month and the Day of the African Child. A Pan-African Intercultural Dialogue, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled for June 3 in Abuja, and the agency’s annual international conference typically culminates in the publication of a book.
“Since I commenced, we’ve had two books published. One is on cultural renaissance, and the other is on cultural diversity, integration and nation-building in Africa.” As head of a cultural agency, Augie explained clearly that culture goes beyond entertainment.
“People often see culture from the narrow lens of a tribe or religion,” she said. “I don’t think we have explored what we can do with traditional culture. Culture changes depending on which segment of society. For example, we are busy copying everybody’s architecture. You see roofs that are meant for snow in Abuja, where there’s no snow. So why are you copying a design that is meant for cold weather?”
To her, this speaks to a deeper issue: the lasting impact of colonialism.
“We’ve been trained to not believe in ourselves, to see what we have as second class, to look down on ourselves. This has trickled into everything else because someone speaks our language, say Yoruba or Igbo more fluently than the English language does not mean they are stupid or illiterate.”
She pointed to the everyday loss of cultural value, from the disappearance of traditional artefacts to the replacement of natural materials with environmentally harmful ones.
“We use plastics, which obviously destroy this earth, but we had calabashes and earthen pots which added minerals to our food, so we’re losing a lot of things, and it pains me because there is still value in ours. We cannot go anywhere without knowing our past.”
Ironically, while many Nigerians look down on their cultural heritage, the rest of the continent sees Nigeria as a cultural giant.
“We are the first to downgrade ourselves but globally, we’re seen as a first-class cultural country. Everybody knows that especially with our music, film and art. People are collecting Nigerian art because they know that
in the near future, it’s going to be of immense value.”
Augie lamented the loss of language in our culture, and by language, she meant designs that convey more than aesthetics. She picked up her handbag and pointed to the motifs on it.
“These are motifs from the babariga that men wear. And back then, these motifs meant something, but we’ve lost that language. Same with adire. All those signs and symbols that you see on the older versions, not the contemporary ones, all have a meaning, but we are losing that language. The daughter of Aunty Nike of Nike Gallery has a book called Adire Patterns, which teaches one how to put together a story on fabric. In the olden days, a king may send his people to another kingdom to learn the language of the motifs. We need to revive that culture.”
However, reviving these traditions requires a mindset shift, and that’s one of the hardest tasks in public service, especially when people distrust the government.
“Even when you come with ideas that make sense, because it’s coming from the perspective of a government, people don’t take it as seriously as when it comes from someone in the private sector. I found that very frustrating,” she said.
a couple of years doing art for art’s sake until I understood I could actually make money from it.”
One of the high points of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is that he appointed creatives to spearhead the culture and creative sector, an industry which in the past has been helmed by people from other professions. This, Augie said, has helped ease up the frustration.
“We now have a group of individuals who understand the problems from all perspectives; not just the perspective of the government or the private sector. I now have a family that helps level up that frustration where you don’t feel like you’re the only one moving through it. And so far, we have a minister that is doing the rounds and raising awareness.”
Still, the agency remains underfunded. Augie hopes for greater support from both government and private investors.
“We are more than just entertainment. We are job creators. The creative and cultural sector is a very low-hanging fruit because it allows us to create something from nothing, and it allows us to make you happy. I have lived off it since I was 20. We should really support our young people when they want to do stuff within the creative and cultural sector.”
Dressed in a vibrant kaftan and headwrap, seated behind her desk at CBAAC, Augie’s determination radiates. It’s a trait she credits to her parents: her late father, Senator Adamu Augie, and her mother, retired Justice Amina Adamu Augie. She described her mother as a very hardworking woman who selflessly served the country for 45 years.
“Although she lost her father when she was 21, she remains a Daddy’s girl. One of her most formative memories is tied to her father’s encouragement during the 1992 election campaign that had the late Umaru Shinkafi and Bashir Tofa as running mates.”
“He said to me, ‘You see this man (pointing to Shinkafi), he was a child like you. People may be in awe, but all of us were children. So you can be anything you choose to be. Everybody started somewhere.’ I always remember that. I was between 10 and 11 years old, and it taught me never to be in awe of anyone.”
FESTAC77 also holds personal resonance.
“My dad worked with NTA and was part of the media team. He always talked about the festival. My mom even said she learned the word colloquium from it. The memories made a deep impression on me.”
That same nostalgia came rushing back during the recent renovation of the National Theatre, where she once performed as a child.
“Taking it back to where it used to be, is something very inspiring to me. And being at CBAAC, we are directly connected to the National Theater.”
As the 50th anniversary of FESTAC ‘77 approaches, Augie has high hopes.
“Our hope is to have a sort of reenactment of that, but not just about the event, but that spirit of Pan Africanism to also remind Africans of how we all united globally, both those on the continent and in the diaspora.”
She warned that letting outsiders shape policy creates more problems.
“We need more people who have been involved in the sectors that need to get themselves involved in policy-making because if we don’t grow the policy section with individuals who have either studied these things or have experienced these things at the end of the day, we can’t expect people from other sectors to save us.”
This conviction is what drew Augie, a multifaceted creative best known for her audio/visual storytelling, into public service in the first place.
“The reason I got into government in the first place was to promote stories through photography, and when I started seeing these huge gaps and hearing others express the same frustrations, I wondered who was going to fix the sector. And it’s not a sector I want to give up on because I’ve lived and thrived off it.”
Her art, she said, not only nurtured her soul but also paid her bills.
“My art kept me going most of my adult life, and I know and I see the potential. That’s why I do a lot of training because you have people who have the talent but don’t have the entrepreneurial mindset. I wasted
Already, she’s been having conversations with ambassadors of francophone and Lusophone countries who have expressed willingness to work towards the upcoming celebration.
As we rounded up the interview, Augie’s juvenile tendencies came into focus, from her laughter to her playful antics.
“I’m very childish at heart,” she said.
And a precocious one too.
“I love plants, flowers and pearls. I’m the type of person who can research why fleas exist, or why certain plants are yellow and others greener. I just love information, probably why I ended up with mass communications,” said the graduate of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
She also has an MBA from Hult International Business School, London and certifications in Digital Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy; and a ‘Curating Contemporary Art Exhibitions’ certification from the Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts, London.
Even though she has multiple talents in creativity, from photography, to sculpting, Augie said she is yet to conquer the world.
“I’m a big dreamer. I’m also solutionsfocused. So wherever solutions lead me to, I go. I have no limits,” she said heartily.
Aisha
Aisha at work
...Amazing
The Mystique of
Abdulkabir Aliu
Nobody indeed forgets the first time they meet Abdulkabir Aliu. Not because he’s loud—he isn’t. Not because he insists on being remembered—he doesn’t. But because in a world that often rewards flash over function, Aliu is the kind of leader whose quiet charisma feels like a discovery.
As Chairman of Matrix Energy Group, he has shaped more than an oil and gas empire. He has shaped a philosophy. The first time people truly meet Aliu is not always in a boardroom or ribbon-cutting ceremony—it is in the moment he unlocks something within them. A sharpened sense of clarity. A realignment toward purpose. A sudden belief that excellence doesn’t have to shout—it can simply persist.
A trained Metallurgical and Materials Engineer, Aliu marries technical brilliance with a business instinct that borders on clairvoyance. From founding Matrix Energy to launching Nigeria’s first LPG terminal in the South-south to his latest triumph—a 6,000 MT LPG facility in Tema, Ghana—his trajectory reads like a strategic sonnet to West Africa’s energy evolution.
But it’s not just his credentials—decades with top-tier oil firms and banks, or the Group’s 2014 inclusion in Nigeria’s Top 100 businesses. It’s that rare gift he has: to make infrastructure feel intimate. To turn a gas terminal into a national milestone. To make an LPG vessel feel like a symbol of sovereignty.
Aliu leads with a kind of gentle exactness. Resilient, humane, contagiously optimistic. He is more conductor than commander—guiding people, ideas, even entire industries, into orchestrated progress.
The mystique of Aliu is not in what he builds, but in what he inspires. He gives others permission to lean inward, unearth their individual rhythm, and— like the Matrix brand he steers—flow with cheerfulness, clarity, and quiet confidence.
Everyone remembers the first time they met him. But it’s the second time—the moment they find themselves changed—that lingers.
Time to End Terrorism is Now
Abuja has never really been a stranger to diplomacy. Its corridors often echo with promises of reform, security, and progress. But this time, the United Nations isn’t just offering support—it’s seeking a seat at the table. A permanent one.
In a decisive shift, the UN CounterTerrorism Centre (UNCCT) has opened discussions with Nigeria’s Interior Ministry to establish a standing office in Abuja. The goal? To confront terrorism and transnational threats with the urgency— and proximity—they demand.
For years, Nigeria has remained on the frontlines of violent extremism. Boko Haram and ISWAP have turned the nation’s northeastern states into battlegrounds. Their reach, however, is no longer limited to remote regions. With recent attacks encroaching on the capital, including the high-profile Kuje prison break just miles from the international airport, Abuja’s security calculus has changed.
This is where the UN’s “Abuja Process” walks in. More than a policy framework, it’s a blueprint for deepening regional cooperation, sharing intelligence, and deploying resources swiftly where they’re needed most. A permanent UN presence would elevate Nigeria’s response beyond its national capacity, embedding it within a wider West African— and global—network of security coordination.
Some critics believe that the move risks entrenching foreign influence in domestic affairs. Others see it as overdue. The truth is that Nigeria ranks among the countries most affected by terrorism globally. The humanitarian cost is staggering: displaced families, devastated economies, and the haunting use of children as instruments of war.
But this initiative is not about optics or symbolism. It is about ending the slow bleed of terror that has defined too much of Nigeria’s recent history. By making Abuja a nerve centre for international counter-terrorism efforts, the UN is not offering charity—it is forging a
partnership rooted in mutual interest and regional stability. If Nigeria is to reclaim peace, it must do so with a coalition that matches the scale of the threat. The time to end terrorism is not in the next summit or policy draft. The time is now—and this move may finally signal that Nigeria, and the world, are ready. Musa
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe: Smiling to the Bank
In a world where boardroom bets are whispered, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe makes hers with a flourish—loud, proud, and unapologetically public.
On May 19, 2025, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank pulled off her latest power move: the purchase of 18 million additional shares, worth a cool 366 million. In less than six months, this smart boss lady has acquired over 43 million shares of the bank she leads, sinking more than 763 million of her own money into its future.
Critics see theatre. After all, many things have stirred a toxic cloud regarding Fidelity Bank. There is the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against the bank. There are also the rumblings of insider trading allegations. Yet, amid the storm, Fidelity’s stock merely flutters. It reached 21.00 in mid-May, slipping just 3.8% to 20.00. Hardly the behaviour of a bank in freefall.
“She’s signalling,” says the market. And it’s hard to miss. While some retreat behind press releases and legalese, Onyeali-Ikpe doubles down, placing her capital—and her credibility—on the line, an audacious move. This is the woman who, since taking the reins in 2021, has multiplied the bank’s pretax profit nearly fivefold, from 25.2 billion to 122 billion. Her record includes expanding Fidelity’s footprint abroad and rolling out fintech innovations that read more Silicon Valley than Marina, Lagos. She’s part Oxford, part Owerri; King’s College London trained, Harvard sharpened. But she leads with a distinctly Nigerian pragmatism—less fanfare, more figures. And still, the smile. Whether in quiet defiance of detractors or quiet faith in the bank’s fundamentals, Onyeali-Ikpe continues to climb with elegance, tenacity, and a cheque book that speaks volumes.
Why Wike Should Save Us the Drama and Move to APC
The thoughts of a critic can be harsh. Upon putting together such thoughts about Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the following pop out as to why some of these critics hold very harsh views about the man.
The first of these views is that Nigerians can rest secure in the knowledge that Wike is many things but loyalist isn’t one of them. He was PDP to the bone until he wasn’t. Now, he’s straddling two horses like a man late to the party, trying to stay relevant in a drama he keeps scripting and starring in.
Secondly, Wike has been in a long, messy entanglement with the PDP. He fought for the soul of the party, lost it, turned vengeful, and then rented his talents to the highest bidder. That bidder, of course, was the APC, specifically President Bola Tinubu, who handed him the FCT portfolio, a plum seat with plenty of perks. In return, Wike’s been acting less like a guest in APC’s house and more like a landlord doing renovations with
PDP’s broken tools.
And what a performance it’s been: sealing off PDP’s national headquarters over unpaid ground rent (while still calling himself a member), trashing old G5 comrades, issuing threats like a party warlord, and calling the shots like a general in a war he helped start.
Thirdly, the man, as someone said recently, is a political octopus—slippery, adaptable, and calculating. One minute he’s dining with Atiku, the next he’s kneecapping PDP’s future from inside the Cabinet. It is as if everybody is in on the joke, still pretending this is normal politics. It isn’t. It’s sabotage with a smirk.
Something else that is obvious to sharp minds is that Wike’s refusal to resign from PDP isn’t a strategy, it’s ego. He seems to want the party to crawl back and beg. But what he really wants is dominion.
He’s playing both sides, but the truth is, he’s already home in APC. Wouldn’t it be easier to just end the masquerade? Shouldn’t Wike stop
Rotimi Amaechi at 60: The Road, the Rails, and the Riddle of Power
By all accounts, Rotimi Amaechi should have been a political footnote—a bright-eyed English graduate from the humid crescents of Port Harcourt, one of many swept into Nigeria’s treacherous post-military democratic tide. But politics, as Amaechi’s 60-year journey affirms, favours not just the bold, but the stubbornly persistent.
From speaker to governor to two-time minister of transportation, Amaechi’s public life has been an intricate dance. Sometimes a waltz, often a war cry. He didn’t merely enter the political arena; he stormed through its centre, forged
alliances, broke a few, and emerged, again and again, improbably relevant.
His tenure as governor of oil-rich Rivers State (2007–2015) unfolded like a modern epic: a Supreme Court resurrection after being wrongfully sidelined by his party, then a whirlwind of infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals, and the famed Port Harcourt monorail project, now as symbolic as it is incomplete. His critics whispered of hubris; his supporters saw a vision.
But it was in Abuja, as transportation czar under President Muhammadu Buhari, that Amaechi’s legacy found steel and speed. Think trains: Lagos to Ibadan, Abuja to Kaduna,
Warri to Itakpe. Rail revival became both his calling card and campaign pitch, culminating in a bold (if unsuccessful) run for the APC’s presidential ticket in 2022. He placed second, close enough to matter, not enough to win.
Yet, controversy clings. From accusations by his successor to lingering whispers of misappropriated billions, Amaechi’s story is a Nigerian paradox: accused but unindicted, praised but polarizing, a reformer who admits the system remains unreformed.
Still, at 60, he endures—flawed, fascinating, and unrepentantly political. He is, perhaps, less a man shaped by office and more one who shapes office around himself. Amaechi remains, as ever, a riddle riding the rails he once built—forwardfacing, sometimes off-track, but always in motion.
onyeali-Ikpe
Amaechi
Aliu
dancing on the fence, seeing as the audience is tired and the lights are dimming?
wike
Where’s Ondo First Lady, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa?
In a country where First Ladies often arrive with flourish—handbags, headlines, and health initiatives—it is Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa’s silence that has spoken the loudest. Since her husband, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, took the reins as Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa has become something of a ghost in the gallery: barely seen, never heard, and still without a pet project to her name.
For months, speculation swirled like Harmattan dust—had she left? Was it personal strife? Political exile? Domestic rumour mills churned out tales of everything from marital discord to calculated invisibility. Yet no definitive answers came. Only the echo of a woman choosing discretion over duty, privacy over performance.
Her return to the government house in Akure—just before her husband’s official swearing-in—was equal parts theatre and revelation. Guests reportedly gasped. Some clapped. Others whispered. But one thing became clear: Lady Seun had not disappeared. She had paused.
It is possible she resisted the pull of
As Yahaya Bello Recoils into His Anonymous Cocoon
Once the youngest governor in Nigeria and a self-declared enfant terrible of the political class, Yahaya Bello now finds himself in a curious kind of exile—off the campaign trail, off the ballot, and most notably, off the grid.
Bello’s retreat is not the meditative withdrawal of a statesman. It is a legal and reputational recoil as he faces a 19-count charge of laundering N80.2 billion, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Where the spotlight once followed Bello’s bravado—be it his defiant anti-vaccine rhetoric or his signature “ta-ta-ta-ta” chant (a mimicry of gunfire that critics say incited violence)— there is now mostly silence. And courtrooms.
At a recent hearing, Bello’s counsel and EFCC prosecutors tangled over technicalities of cross-examining a witness from the American International School Abuja, where records of school fee payments linked to the former governor’s family had become evidence. It’s a
There’s an elegance to Adaora Umeoji that precedes her résumé—though that, too, is dazzling. When she steps into a room, it is with the kind of finesse that blends tailored authority with a whisper
legal chess match but with stakes beyond mere points.
Bello’s political ascent was unconventional. In 2015, he rose not through the ballot, but by posthumous replacement—Abubakar Audu had died mid-victory. What followed was a tenure punctuated by controversy: accusations of democratic subversion, a U.S. visa ban, and his flamboyant opposition to COVID-19 protocols, even as the virus claimed prominent lives around him.
In a particularly surreal twist, he rejected World Bank pandemic support on grounds that COVID was “glorified malaria,” only to later admit his state had quietly pocketed 1 billion in federal aid.
Now, with his successor Usman Ododo in place, Bello’s once thunderous political persona has dissipated into a strategic murk. He did not show up for his initial arraignment. There were whispers of evasion, speculations of shielding by political allies, and a pointed absence from
Adaora Umeoji:
performance politics. That, unlike her predecessors, she declined to trade authenticity for ceremonial smiles and photo-ops. No “Lady Seun Foundation.” No branded empowerment drives. Just the quiet steel of a woman navigating complex terrain—marital, political, perhaps even moral.
In a state where Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu once championed breast cancer awareness and women’s rights, the First Lady’s absence has left a silence in gender advocacy. Mrs. Aiyedatiwa’s return could mark a shift—from symbol to actor, from observer to advocate.
Still, the questions remain. Now that she is back, is she here out of love or political necessity? Will she claim her space or retreat once more into the wings?
In a nation that reads women’s choices like tea leaves, Lady Seun’s next act—if any— will matter. For now, she remains the most enigmatic First Lady in the country: a woman who walked away from the spotlight, and perhaps, walked back in on her own terms.
public life. His recent court appearances have done little to clarify his trajectory—only that the legal process is trudging forward, with adjournments stacked well into July.
The question now isn’t whether Bello can return to politics. It’s whether he can escape the shadow of his tenure. For now, Nigeria watches a man once allergic to quiet, suddenly—and suspiciously—wrapped in it.
New Queen of Modern Banking
of grace. Her fashion sense? Impeccable. Boardroom ready, yet red-carpet worthy. But don’t be distracted—her mind is sharper than her stilettos.
At 49, Umeoji ascended to the zenith of Zenith—literally. As the Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, she wears the crown of one of Nigeria’s most formidable financial institutions. Yet she does so with the poise of a symphony conductor, not a warrior. She doesn’t merely lead; she redefines what leadership looks like when wrapped in intellect, discipline, and couture.
Her credentials span continents and disciplines: sociology, accounting, law, business—culled from Harvard, Columbia, Wharton, MIT. Not a paper trail of degrees, but a deliberate, strategic march toward mastery. She is the kind of banker who sees the global market as both a challenge and a canvas.
And she delivers. Under her stewardship, Zenith Bank raised over350 billion in a bold hybrid rights issue—one of the largest capital raises in Nigerian banking history. Investors didn’t just buy into Zenith; they bought into her.
Still, Umeoji is more than numbers. She’s a United Nations peace advocate, a recipient of Nigeria’s Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and a humanitarian whose reach extends far beyond the vault. Where others pursue power, she channels purpose.
Perhaps that is why her mystique endures. In an industry often defined by sharp edges, she is silk and steel. The banking sector didn’t just gain a CEO—it crowned a queen. And not the ceremonial kind, but the kind whose reign inspires young women to lean in, dress up, and lead with intellect and intention.
The Quiet Thunder of Ogun: Governor Dapo Abiodun at 65
He turns 65 but the casual observer wouldn’t know it. Not from his pace. Not from his pulse. Not from the sheer velocity of vision that has come to define his tenure. In a country where age often arrives wearing the cloak of fatigue, Dapo Abiodun wears his like tailored resilience—crisp, steady, and unflinching.
To celebrate Governor Abiodun is to hail not just a man, but a method. He is that rare breed of public servant who listens before leading, builds before boasting, and governs not for headlines but for heritage. At 65, he stands not at the end of achievement, but at the midpoint of momentum.
Born in Iperu Remo, he has spent a lifetime folding himself into the dreams of others—first as an entrepreneur who took on the oil sector with little more than grit and gumption, then as the steward of Ogun State’s future. His résumé is carved in both boardrooms and byways, but it is his record in governance that now sings loudest. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t grandstand.
And yet, the evidence of his labour is everywhere: in the resurgent roads connecting markets to memory, in classrooms humming again with purpose, and in hospitals where hope is no longer on life support. This, after all, is a governor who prizes symmetry—between policy and people, between infrastructure and empathy.
His style? Subtle. His impact? Substantial. His legacy? Still unfolding.
For many, power is a performance. For Abiodun, it’s a posture—humble, sure-footed, almost pastoral. He walks with the cadence of someone who knows that public service is not theatre but trust. His voice is calm, yet carries weight; his laughter is gentle, yet unmistakably present in every handshake, every scholarship, and every freshly tarred road.
He leads a state, but more than that, he inspires a state of mind: one where quiet leadership can be profound, where good governance doesn’t need a drumroll, just diligence.
So, on this milestone of 65, Ogun rises— not just to say happy birthday but thank you. For Abiodun’s grace. For Abiodun’s grit. For the music of Abiodun’s modesty in a country deafened by noise. Long may the melody last.
Can These Men Stop Chasing Tinubu?
It begins like a chorus, a familiar rhythm swelling once more in the halls of Nigerian politics. The 2027 election is still two years away, but the anti-Tinubu overture has already hit full pitch. One by one, the political soloists are tuning up—some harmonising, others out of key—all hoping to rewrite the second stanza of Bola Tinubu’s presidency.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s soft-spoken disruptor, is back for a second act. His message: reform, not reward. But this time, he’s not alone. Obi is reportedly courting a coalition with old rival Atiku Abubakar, the perennial presidential contender, who now pitches a one-term presidency—with Obi, perhaps, as his vice-presidential understudy. Their duet may raise eyebrows, but in a system where alliances are made less on ideology and more on expediency, anything is possible.
Then there’s Nasir El-Rufai, wielding words like thunderbolts. He insists Tinubu’s re-election is a fantasy. His logic: inflation, insecurity, and disillusionment. He’s betting that even a fragmented opposition can bring down a ruling party mired in public fatigue. A bold claim—though boldness, not modesty, has always been ElRufai’s tune.
Seyi Makinde hums a quieter melody. The Oyo State governor says he’ll only run if Nigerians demand it, but campaign posters in Kano suggest the call may already be echoing. Babachir Lawal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Liyel Imoke are less visible, but busy backstage— structuring alliances, drafting platforms, and whispering strategy.
And Ralph Nwosu, ever the outsider, plays the role of truthteller. His refrain is starker: “Nigerians are united by hunger.” He believes that in a country where insecurity and inflation sing louder than politics, no one—Tinubu included—is untouchable.
But here’s the catch: coalitions, like choirs, require harmony. And Nigeria’s political maestros have never been famous for singing in unison.
So, can these men stop chasing Tinubu? Perhaps the better question is: can they first stop chasing their shadows?
Aiyedatiwa
Bello
Abiodun
Umeoji
Tinubu
A Different Kind of Train wreck in p D p
Otunba is a gentleman o. Not prone to controversy and is very diplomatic in his utterances. But this one interview that I have just watched, it’s as if Otunba “don vex.”
The interviewer was asking him something about tax and Otunba “set” his cravat, cleared his throat and unleashed at the governors oooooo.
Aghhhhh, what are the governors doing? Why are people shouting Tinubu? What exactly are the governors doing with the increased FAAC allocation that they get? He asked with eyes daring anybody to come and beat him.
My people, I don’t know what Otunba ate that morning o or if LASTMA towed his car just before the interview because Otunba scatter ground o and much more because that position really hit the mark.
Some of us have been thinking in this direction for some time now. Apart from, maybe Lagos State, what exactly are these “people” doing apart from running around the place with sirens and disturbing the peace?
It is no wonder that Otunba ended this interview with the remark that we should consider removing the
I watched Chief Bode George, the PDP elder statesman on TV the other day trying to really understand what had gone wrong with his “son.” In futility, he delved into African folklore, telling viewers that Nyesom Wike’s move against the PDP secretariat was like a child going after the family house after being nurtured by the same family.
You see this matter between Wike and his party PDP is something we should honestly not even be interested in if not for the fact that we are facing another kind of monster with the seeming movement of the country towards a one party state.
The PDP continues to show weakness, cowardice and “fear” when it comes to dealing with Mr. Wike. As my father used to say, how many times will something do you before you sit up?
Anybody who sees Mr. Wike as a PDP man
immunity so that just maybe they will sit up.
All I can say at this juncture is, I am not there oooooo. Kai, Otunba finish work on this one.
orjI KAlU: A rAINBow collAge of IrrelevANce
Anytime I see or hear about this gentleman, what comes to mind are bed bugs. May heaven help you if your bed is besotted with them. They will just be biting you and you cannot see them. They remain very difficult to destroy and you will have to do a very robust fumigation to get them out of your sheets. Na wetin this oga represent to me in this our country. Since we had the misfortune of having him in our national life, like his cousins that I just mentioned, it has been virtually impossible to get him off our national sheets.
Like a collage of rainbow colours, he will be morphing and metamorphosing into different caricatures to maintain relevance. Well, it is working for him, making him go and sew cloth with 2027 all over.
Well, pest control people are around the corner and it is just a matter of time for us to get our sheets clean and sweet again.
today is either blind or plain stupid. The man has plans and ambitions that have nothing to do with the Party and why he has not even been expelled continues to beat the imagination of Nigerians.
Me o, I see the PDP with their Bode George, their BOT, their body of governors, their NWC and their Saraki as a bunch of lily-livered people who do not have any spine. For them to continue to allow this train wreck without doing anything. Even if it is juju, it surely has come to a point where they should stand up and say, “oya come and beat all of us because we will no longer stomach all of these insults.” What rubbish.
If the only thing that the PDP will achieve in this 2027 election season is the expulsion of Wike, so be it.
I support Sule Lamido who has said that he would not attend any PDP meeting until Wike has been expelled. This is the manly thing to do. Make me PDP chairman and if I don’t sack him within 24 hours, come and castrate me. Crap.
SpeeD DArlINgToN: oUTrAge
If I say what is on my mind about this gentleman, Editor will shout again o. Me, I don’t know why Editor used to be “shaking,” “Edgar, I dey read your column six times, I will come and give two other people to read make you no go put us for trouble,” he would say to me.
But Editor, please permit me for this one. This Speed Darlington or whatever it is he calls himself is a speedy “fool.” What do you call a full-grown man who comes out on social media to say that he slept with a 15-year-old after giving her N2,000 and when the outrage was unbearable, he came out to recant and say he was doing it for content?
Who jokes about statutory rape? Who describes with such aplomb statutory rape? Does he even know the influence he carries with the zombies who follow him on the IG? Why use that kind of talk for content assuming that it is even true that it is just for content?
I think very seriously that he should be taken in and drilled because I am very sure that if we look very closely, we will see something that can get him out of circulation for a bit so that a strong
example can be set. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.
Umo eNo: eNoUgH of THe procrASTINATIoN
Bro has been pre-announcing this his decamping now for months that “we don dey tire”. Mbok, if you are going, go na, so that we know how to move. You see, it is not easy like that for him because even his “mentor” Akpabio tried it and it didn’t work.
Akpabio, a far more experienced operative and far more popular politician decamped and only his village followed him, so is it this one that is still in political diapers that will easily go and expect the whole state to fall down for him.
Akwa Ibom is not Delta o. Let me say that one and annoy my Delta brothers. But even at that, the movement in Delta has thrown up a lot of challenges that are giving APC sleepless nights.
See, Akwa Ibom is a natural rightof-centre state. Its natural inclination is PDP and to just jump like that especially when you have run a “na me, na me” kind of government so far may just be political suicide.
The other day, a security man in my children’s school here in Lagos, called me aside and asked, “Oga this Umo Eno want to finish his career
BImBo ASHIrU: A BolT oUT of THe BlUe
IN THe BAcKYArD
Ashiru Koyede Kalu eno
george
oo. Do you think he is serious about decamping?” I replied, “Mbok, if he wants to go, he should go. Akwa Ibom will remain and we will rebuild the state.”
So, all these “threats”, I will go ooo, I will soon go ooo, I may be going ooo, I have almost gone ooo, all these are things we don’t need. Mbok, just go. Thank you.
OlANIpekUN kOYeDe: BlAme IT ON THe ‘rAIN’
To say that I do not envy this oga is an understatement. Me I sha knew that this fight against currency mutilation will always go one way for the simple reason that it is their people that are the biggest offenders.
Abi, is it the average Nigerian who can no longer drink garri that will now have naira to mutilate? See, the naira is a scarce commodity that we no longer see anyhow, so when we see it, we spend. No time to mutilate.
See all the people that have entered this trouble since the fight started – Bobrisky, Cubana Chief Priest, Okoya Boys, E-money and now the biggest fish of them all, General Tompolo. What do they all have in common? They are all either “their” people or have very strong sentimental attachment to “them”. So how will Tinubu sit down and see his “nephews,” the Okoya Boys being thrown into jail because they used naira to sing?
This Tompolo’s own even brings another dimension. Me as EFCC chairman would rather resign than enter that matter. Do you guys see the “juju” that surrounds the man? All the videos of the man that I have seen used to scare me o. Either he is walking on top of water, or he is flying on a broom. The other day, he was eating a lion with his bare teeth and used giraffe blood to soak it down. It is that one that I will now carry an ordinary pistol and red jacket and go into his forest and shout “Tinubu send me.”
Mbok, this is not Sowore o or any of those irritants who call themselves activists. This is the massive Tompolo, a man who calls himself government because he is a government to himself. Mbok, quickly the video turns to AI, so we cannot be sure until we do forensic investigations and after that, we will call a combined team of the armed forces to discuss the possibility- please I said possibility o, not arrest o. By the way, even if we arrest, which cell will hold a man that can change into an eagle and just fly away?
Me, I think that this one is not even a job for EFCC, it is the Commander-in-Chief himself that should lead in this mission. It is not only to be driving in a 100-car motorcade and be causing “go slow” in Lagos that is Commanderin-Chief abeg.
This is time to really show who truly is the Commander-in-Chief and supreme commander of the armed forces. Mbok, do this and see me walk naked from Shomolu to Abuja to give you flowers. Stark naked o.
EFCC chairman, mbok go and drink tea, this one pass you.
AkINwUmI ADeSINA: A wONDerfUl SUcceSS?
I am sorry o, but I never really got carried away with all of that media bites. His PR team should win serious accolades with the way they
sold this baba in the last 10 years. Thankfully it has all come to an end with the expiration of his tenure at the AfDB and we will finally rest. The PR machine was second
to none, no week passed without seeing the bowtie champion at one international forum or the other, or winning an award somewhere on the continent.
ONArI DUke: A fAvOUrITe
kIND Of perSON
If I am to choose between Donald and Onari Duke, I will take Onari any day. Not that I have anything against Donald but how do you choose someone else over another who has given you afang to eat? Not just any kind of afang but the one that comes with periwinkle, snail and “okporoko,” and then served with the smoothest pounded yam. Since that day, Onari has entered the halls of immortality in my eyes o. She can do no wrong, I tell you. If she like, let her go and join APC, I will forgive her.
She remains so eternally beautiful, quiet and elegant. The only time we differ is when I yab her “father”
Pastor Adeboye, she would send me a chat: “Edgar, don’t go there,” and I would forget that she is on my broadcast list, I would fire again, especially after Baba had come out to say he either just finished drinking tea with Jehovah or that it is his prayers that is saving the Naira. Mummy would just go cold and I will not hear from her for months. Well, so as not to risk the possibility of losing the opportunity to eat very well made afang, I have to block my ears anytime Baba Adeboye talks again about playing snooker with Jehovah.
Her Excellency is truly a model of class. Very urbane, caring and genuinely kind. She once went to visit my late mother at the hospital, showing her massively caring side
and making me feel mushy towards her.
Well, I am sure some people will be wondering why all these hailings of Madam this morning. They will be saying, “Hmmmm, Edgar is looking for something, na why he dey do all these hailings.”
My people, I cannot lie, the afang is hungering me. I am shameless when it comes to freshly made afang, especially the one that comes in rich clumps of vegetables with no oil showing and garnished with little dumplings of “pomo,” and then you will now be seeing bluish periwinkles already pulled out, just lying lazily in various places on the soup and waiting for you to scoop and chew. Kai, if you have not eaten Mrs. Duke’s Afang, you have not started. This is why that day I went there, as I was eating, I counted the mounds of pounded yam and saw six, and by the time I was on the second, His Excellency Donald came. I quickly greeted him and pushed him away before he sits down and takes one wrap and come and be pretending to talk politics so he can eat more of the afang wey no concern am.
So mummy, please, when can I come for the afang? It will be only me and maybe Editor. He has eaten afang only once in his life. Help me help this Edo man, na for him, not only me. Thank you, ma.
I used to ask myself, mbok, wetin this man they do sef? Agric champion with possibly no farm? All these things are just fluff. We sha like to throw people up and celebrate them without really looking at what’s on “ground” Baba spoke very eloquently, made all the right moves and supported in one or two places but the noise was just too much kai. They even started trying to push the magic towards the Nigerian Presidency. Our politics wey the Jagabans and the Wikes of this world rule, you will now come and wear a bowtie and be doing ajebutter all over the place because some media strategy has pumped your ego to what height.
Well done my big brother. According to your media, you have done well and as such deserve all the accolades that you are getting. Oya come down from the clouds and come and set up something –employ people, put all the good talk into action and then we will truly see the real you because for now, what we see is show boy.
emmANUel mAcrON: A SlAp AND A reSeT
I don’t want to talk too much about this episode because me and the beautiful Kate Henshaw are billed to join my big sister Ruth Osime on her wonderful programme Perspective to discuss the matter. Let me just state this though – if I were the President of France and was slapped by my 100-year-old First Lady, let us just say that there would be a change of government that day because France would either be presented with a First Lady with red face seeking their apology or they will see a naked president that day doing what he really has to do to reclaim his dignity as a Man.
Let me keep quiet for now. Thank you.
mAYeN eTIm: A mOTHer, mY mOTHer, OUr mOTHer
Please let me crave your indulgence to use this page and announce to the world the miracle that has been fostered in my family.
Mrs. Mayen Etim is my only sister and she is married to the very powerful and influential Mr. Etim of Ikot Uruan in Akwa Ibom State, near the airport.
For 19 years, my sister has been looking for a child. This journey has taken her through countless procedures, heart-wrenching treatments, humiliations, heartbrokenness and tears. I used to feel her pain from afar and she would not tell me because – Joe talks too much. So, she kept me away from her journey. But from my position, I could see her pain. I felt it very closely because I could see the sadness in her eyes.
Then one day, God struck. Ohhh my God, He did not only strike, He struck in a massive way – twins. After 19 years, God said it was enough. The tears are enough, take –and he gave us one set of extremely beautiful babies.
One boy and one girl – oh my God. He brought joy and happiness to our home and our family.
Our perfect family of seven - my father, mother and five of us - have now grown to over 20 people with the addition of these two.
Everybody please say Hallelujah for me and get ready for the party. All will be invited except bonafide cardcarrying members of APC. Thank you.
How Nasir Ali went to Jail for Subsidy Fraud
In his halcyon days as a top player in the nation’s oil and gas sector, Nasir Ali, son of former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Ali, commanded a lot of respect. While he was envied by many in the industry, he would aptly fit the description of King of Groove, if there was anything like that.
Apart from being the owner of Nasman Oil and Services Limited, his other credentials in the social circle were that he drove posh cars, wore expensive designer watches and was a VIP card-carrying member of many A-list night clubs in Lagos and Abuja.
Society Watch gathered that club owners could afford to shut any other person out of their clubs as long as the man was around. He had so many things at his beck and call in his days of glory.
But for some inexplicable reasons, he poked the law in the eyes sometime in 2011. That was when he, in connivance with his cohorts, dug their hands into the cookie jar and was involved in a subsidy scam to the tune of N2.2 billion.
At the outset of the trial, he had wrongfully thought that he could escape justice owing to his father’s influence in society.
However, last Tuesday, the law eventually prevailed and he was convicted and sent to jail by Justice Mojisola Dada of Lagos High Court in Ikeja alongside his Sierra Leoneborn friend.
The oil marketer, alongside his friend, had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.
Delivering her judgment, Justice Dada found the evidence presented by the prosecution compelling and held that the actions of the defendants not only defrauded the government, but also undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s oil subsidy programme. The judge sentenced the defendants to 14 years imprisonment each and also ordered the forfeiture of identified assets and accounts linked to the fraud.
Justice Dada also issued a warrant for the arrest of both Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, two other suspects still at large.
Tinubu vs Aregbesola: A Love Story Turn Sour
The breakup was long anticipated, thus it was not surprising when news broke last week that Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State, would be working with the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Aregbesola led his Omoluabi Progressives in January, a political group said to have large followership in Lagos and Osun states out of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC). A few years back, such stories would have seemed like a mere fairy tale.
While the real reason for the sudden breakup between the godfather and godson is still shrouded in secrecy, the genesis of their relationship which started in 1999, and how it hugely benefited the godson have been told countlessly.
Aregbesola was Tinubu’s commissioner for works and infrastructure when he was governor of Lagos State. He spent eight years as commissioner. Even after Tinubu handed over to Babatunde Fashola in 2007, the works ministry was reportedly reserved for Aregbesola, who at the time was battling to reclaim his Osun State governorship mandate at the tribunal.
Such was the solid and seeming impregnable relationship between the two that it became almost unthinkable when the story of their fight first broke. At the time, it was discussed in hushed tones across
Upon taking the oath of office in 2023, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State outlined an ambitious agenda that was focused on developing the state’s infrastructure, economy, and public services. His goals included breaking down existing stereotypes and reshaping the narrative surrounding Zamfara. Faced with formidable obstacles, which include insecurity and economic decline, he displayed an unwavering determination and a battle-ready spirit by embarking on an extensive campaign to revitalize the state’s fortunes.
Beyond these, Governor Lawal recognised the fact that the educational sector had been severely impacted by the non-payment of WAEC and NECO fees for over five years, a situation that had hindered countless students from progressing in their studies. He acted decisively to clear the backlog of unpaid fees, ensuring that students could take their examinations and pursue further educational opportunities.
Understanding that security is the cornerstone of any economic development, he took bold steps to combat rampant banditry and insecurity, both major obstacles to investment.
He inaugurated the Zamfara Security Trust Fund, headed by former Inspector General of Police, M.D. Abubakar. This initiative aims to eradicate insecurity by identifying and removing elements within the state that exacerbate the
political platforms, but it became obvious that the godfather and his godson had indeed parted ways shortly before the 2023 presidential election.
But the cold war had become an all-out battle ahead of the 2022 governorship election in Osun. Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu’s nephew who succeeded Aregbesola was running for a second term on the platform of the APC, the same political party on whose platform Aregbesola was minister at the time. Aregbesola’s Omoluabi group did not support the candidate of their party, and Oyetola lost to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Before the election, Aregbesola, at the time a Minister of Interior, launched a scathing attack on Tinubu. While addressing his supporters in Ijebu-Jesa, Aregbesola said he agreed to Tinubu’s handpicked candidate as his successor in 2018 because it was agreed that he would continue the legacies he laid. He said Oyetola failed to keep the agreement.
Aregbesola said the same treatment Tinubu and his group meted out to former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, would be given to Oyetola because “he had derailed from the master plan too.”
Those remarks, according to several political analysts, were an open declaration of war against Tinubu and a sure sign that the former allies may
Dauda Lawal r ewrites Zamfara’s Story
insecurity problem. Lawal issued a stern warning to traditional leaders including emirs and district heads, urging them to take a stand against banditry
Friends, Associates Mourn Polo ‘Professor,’ Baba Dawule
While he was an undergraduate at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, his classmates and friends, who knew he was blue-blooded, fondly teased him by calling him “Obalola” (literally meaning “King-in-waiting”).
However, the youthful Akanni Ogungbayi, in his customary humility, was said to always respond to such complimentary remarks with a wry smile. He was obviously not in a hurry to embrace what fate had thrust upon him, given his privileged background.
Upon graduation, he pursued his passion: teaching. He had found the allure of the classroom irresistible and was more interested in moulding young minds, whom he regarded as today’s treasure and tomorrow’s gold. So, he poured his heart into nurturing them intellectually, while also instilling in them the need for rectitude. He did this with great relish, earning the admiration
never get to work together again, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Some have also attributed the loss of Lagos by President Tinubu to the Labour Party’s candidate, Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election to the fight between the godfather and godson. That fear is now being extended to 2027, given the coalition drive involving Aregbesola, Atiku and Obi among others.
or face severe repercussions for failing to uphold public safety.
Thanks to these efforts, Zamfara has seen a substantial reduction in insecurity, facilitated by collaboration with the federal government. As a result, the state is beginning to experience a notable resurgence in economic activities. In just two years in office, his administration has empowered farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment, contributing to agricultural productivity.
As Governor Lawal celebrates his second anniversary in office, he continues to emphasize a vision of progress and development. His accomplishments include commissioning newly remodelled health centres and public schools equipped with modern learning resources, distributing operational vehicles to security forces, and initiating conditional cash transfers through debit cards for 400,000 households. Additionally, he has partnered with Oracle London to enhance digital skills development in the state, paving the way for a more informed and capable workforce. Governor Lawal remains focused on ensuring that the people of Zamfara experience a bright and prosperous future, positioning them to stand tall alongside other states in Nigeria.
well as on social media, showering him with tributes.
Baba Dawule, until his death weeks ago, was to the Polo game what Maradona and Pele were to football. The man ate, drank and lived for the game until he breathed his last.
During his time as a Polo player, he was one of the most-watched polo players for his great display of natural talent. He was described as the greatest Polo player that our country had ever known, with his magical and electrifying display on the field.
Known and addressed as Polo Professor, Dawule was not only a legendary pillar of Nigerian Polo, but a towering personality and a source of inspiration, mentorship, and pride for the entire Polo community in Nigeria and beyond.
It was, therefore, shocking when the news of his sudden death was announced. Since then his friends, colleagues as well as business associates have continued to mourn him, in newspapers as
of his students, colleagues, parents, and even his employer.
After several years of dedicated service in various classrooms, his services were transferred to the Lagos State Ministry of Education. However, little did he know that fate was leading him by the hand to a more exalted and coveted position.
In 2001, he was conferred as the Baale of Owode-Ota by Alayeluwa Oba Samuel Ojugbele. To those who had been particularly interested in his inspiring journey, it did not come as a surprise. Though he was still in active service, he considered it a clarion call to serve his people; hence, he accepted it wholeheartedly.
Quite impressively, he shocked everyone with his deliverables in such a short time, as he literally transformed the town with several developmental initiatives, thereby positioning it more conspicuously on the State’s map.
Indeed, Dawule has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. His contributions to the game have left an indelible mark on the history of Polo in Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that is impactful and can never be erased.
The Katsina-born started his professional polo career in 1982. The game, known to the riches, nobles as well as aristocrats, took him far and wide as he played for top polo clubs in Nigeria and abroad, during which he rubbed shoulders with top and professional polo players from Argentina and Malaysia among several other countries.
Society Watch gathered from a source that he once received accolades from King Charles of England, for his mesmerizing showcase of talent.
It was evident that his people, in appreciation of his clear vision for the community, had resolved to entrust their fate into his hands. They loved him so much that they wanted to honour him with a more befitting position, which would ultimately grant him more power to change the narrative about the ancient community.
Tinubu and Aregbesola
Lwaal
Dawule
Ogungbayi
ARTS & REVIEW ARTS &
A publicAtion
Reliving the Magic of Majek Fashek
a n online symposium and the relaunch of “Trailblazer,” a book on Majek Fashek, take place today, June 1, marking the fifth anniversary of his passing. o kechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
In a remarkable convergence of tribute and reflection, the inaugural Majek Fashek: TRAILBLAZER! Annual Symposium – holding today (June 1) – coincides with the fifth anniversary of the trailblazing artist’s passing. Hosted by Nostalgiamedia & The WaZoBia+ Centre Canada, this groundbreaking gathering promises to deconstruct the complexities of stardom through the lens of Majek Fashek’s remarkable life and career. With the apt theme “Majek Fashek & The Challenges of Stardom,” the symposium is a fitting homage to an artist who shattered norms and pushed boundaries. The relaunched second edition of Trailblazer, a captivating chronicle of Majek’s formative years and artistic journey, adds depth to this celebration. This dual commemoration of the artist’s legacy underscores his lasting influence on the music world.
Majek Fashek’s story is a timeless tale of artistic triumph and enduring legacy. This captivating 154-page volume, originally published in 1989, whisks readers away on a journey through the artist’s formative years, his meteoric rise to fame, and the music that continues to inspire generations. With vivid storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights, the book offers a riveting glimpse into the experiences that forged Majek’s artistic brilliance. As the symposium and book relaunch converge, fans and scholars are invited to come together and reignite conversations about the musician’s profound impact on the music world, celebrating a legacy that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago.
That this online event, which shines a spotlight on one of Nigeria’s most brilliant stars, is impossible to ignore shouldn’t surprise any cultural cognoscenti. This explains why it boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Tony Onyima, the distinguished writer who penned the book’s foreword. The veteran journalist aptly describes the book as “a call to arms for arts journalists and cultural commentators,” underscoring its purpose to fill a long-standing documentation gap and shed new light on Majek’s enduring legacy. In a compelling argument, he writes, “We must go beyond surface-level reporting and begin producing biographies, anthologies, and serious works on the arts. The terrain is vast, and the need is urgent.”
As a fitting tribute to one of Nigeria’s iconic musicians, this online event shines a spotlight on Majek Fashek’s enduring legacy, making it a must-attend for anyone with a pulse on the cultural scene. Featuring an all-star lineup of speakers, including the inimitable musician Dede Mabiaku and distinguished former journalist Tony Onyima, the event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the book that Onyima aptly describes as “a call to arms for arts journalists and cultural commentators.” His assertion that “we must go beyond surface-level reporting and begin producing biographies, anthologies, and serious works on the arts” is a compelling argument that underscores the book’s mission to fill a glaring documentation gap and shed new light on Majek’s impact. With the terrain vast and the need urgent, this event is a timely and necessary conversation starter.
This book, as an invaluable resource material, sets the record straight on sev-
eral notable inaccuracies that have long surrounded Majek Fashek’s life. With painstaking attention to detail, the author confirms Majek’s birthday as February 7, laying to rest the oft-quoted March 7, 1963. The book also corrects a longstanding misconception about Fela Anikulapo-Kuti gifting Majek his first guitar, revealing instead that it was Dr. Iyamu, Fela’s uncle, who presented the instrument to a young Majek. This fact is corroborated by Majek’s mother, Madam Grace Ighodan, collaborator Amos McRoy Osifo, and Majek himself, buttressing the importance of thorough research. As the author – in a poignant reminder of the power of authentic storytelling – astutely notes, “Now, you see why I started the campaign about 40 years ago for having people tell their own stories themselves, or have those trained to do so, help them tell their stories?”
When Adewusi first mulled the idea of writing about Majek Fashek, some of his friends and acquaintances deemed the endeavour premature, given the fact that the artist had only released one LP, Prisoner of Conscience, at the time. The proposed book – which, according to his account, was alluded to as an “autobiography”, although it might more accurately be described as a biography – was rather driven by the seismic impact of Majek Fashek’s music and electrifying stage presence on the Nigerian music scene. Hence , he sought to capture the essence of the artist’s influence.
Nonetheless, the book interweaves the threads of Majek Fashek’s remarkable life, despite rejecting the traditional biography label. Readers learn that his father, Emmanuel Fasheke, a devoted educationist, journeyed from the rolling hills of Oke-Iyin in Ilesha, Osun State, to the vibrant city of Benin, where he met his mother, the indomitable Grace Ighodan. But it is Majek’s own story that is truly captivating: born with a wild tangle of dreadlocks, a symbol of spiritual significance in many Nigerian cultures. His mother shares a fascinating anecdote: at just five months old, Majek’s head would sway rhythmically, as if keeping time to an unheard melody – a sign, she believed, that her child was destined for a musical calling. This conviction was reinforced by Majek’s elder brother, Joe Fabro Iwobi, who cautioned against shaving off the dreadlocks, seeing them as a badge of honour, a sign that the young musician was chosen for a higher purpose. The parallels with biblical figures like Samson and John the Baptist are striking, underscoring the notion that Majek’s dreadlocks were more than just a hairstyle – they were a symbol of his divine calling. Beyond the spotlight, Majek Fashek’s life story is a kaleidoscope of multifaceted talents and experiences. As a schoolboy, he excelled in sports, excelling in judo and karate. However, his life was not without challenges, and at just 11 years old, Majek lost his father, a pivotal figure in his life. Despite this, music remained his true north. From his
early days with RAMS, which later evolved into JAHSTIX, a name reflecting their spiritual roots, to his role as artiste manager at Tabansi Records, Majek’s journey was marked by creativity and perseverance. His association with Aib Igiehon played a significant
role in shaping his career. On stage, Majek was a force to be reckoned with, delivering performances that left audiences spellbound. What’s remarkable is that in a relatively short span, he performed more times than many of his contemporaries and even some veterans in the industry. Majek’s secret lies not just in his talent, but in his devotion to the message he conveys through his music. As he notes, “Religion is a group thing, but everyone has a conscience, free or bound. My music appeals to people’s conscience…” For Majek, it wasn’t just about the music; it was about tapping into the deeper human experience, and it was this authenticity that has resonated with his audience. This captivating book is a must-read for music enthusiasts, reggae aficionados, and anyone drawn to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and Africa, whatever may be its flaws. With its easy-to-read narrative style, it is a treasure trove for students of history, aspiring artists, and fans of authentic storytelling. It also offers a glimpse into the heart of a musical revolution, chronicling Majek Fashek’s extraordinary journey where faith, artistry, and fame intersect in powerful ways. With unflinching honesty and bold storytelling, it captures the unbridled energy and creativity of a true legend. The story should resonate deeply with lifelong fans and proselytes alike.
Majek Fashek
Reimagining Homecoming through Memories
Yinka Olatunbosun
After a brief but enlightening conversation in english with the Cameroonian artist, it becomes clear that Salomon Moneyang’s art is a reflection of his deep roots and connections. This is evident in his ongoing solo exhibition at Rele Gallery, Lagos, titled ètô y’a nda-bot: Intimate Interiors, which opened on May 3. The show features delicate paintings that articulate the themes of bonding, family and kindred spirit, memory, ancestral roots, and communal living.
Born in 1994 in Yaoundé, Salomon Moneyang nurtured a passion for drawing from early childhood. He further honed his skills at the Fine Arts Institute of the university of Douala, where he earned a degree in plastic arts.
While his artwork intimately captures everyday scenes and portraits, his true sensitivity emerges in depictions of subjects like love, family, and Afrolove culture. Through his art, he delicately narrates the story of his life—his frustrations, desires, and joys. Working predominantly in acrylic, he often
EXHIBITION
draws inspiration from his memories, dreams, and photographs.
In his first solo show in Lagos, Moneyang explores home not as a physical location, but as a living, emotional interior: a terrain shaped by memory, inheritance, and return. Drawing upon his journey back to his ancestral village in Cameroon, the artist interrogates the concept of homecoming not just as a physical incursion but emotional and spiritual travel connecting generations.
using watercolour and acrylic, Moneyang weaves together two visual modes. His delicate watercolours act as memory maps: translucent, soft, and intimate scenes rendered in bleeds and washes. They depict fleeting moments: a reclining figure, a person beside a basin, capturing the fragility of memory and the subtleties of kinship. In contrast, his acrylic works are bold and emotionally charged, rendered in rich, saturated hues. Domestic spaces, whether quiet or animated, hold emotional complexity: glances linger, silences echo, and everyday objects become symbolic witnesses to unspoken histories.
Influenced by the work of Wilfried Mbida and
projects like Kédé ndap, this exhibition aligns with broader conversations around emotional interiors, identity, and the architecture of belonging.
Fresh out of school in 2020, he began practicing art and has since carefully documented his experience of reconnecting with the familiar. “I can’t explain why it is very important,” he says. “It was something that I wanted to share, because I felt it at the moment and I wanted to relive it.”
The portrait showing a family watching the television together evokes nostalgia. Today, social media have imposed boundaries in many homes as many youths have cultivated virtual friendships and connections which threaten the organic structure of African communal life. “I think the really important thing with my work is I want people to relate with my work,” he adds. “You can recognise yourself in my work.”
His pieces in “Intimate Interiors” are enthralling, telling a singular yet deeply emotional story from wall to wall. His audiences are invited into this visual journey to celebrate bonding moments and familial intimacy.
More importantly, he explores painting as a therapeutic outlet, healing the wounds of his childhood through his practice.
Somiari-Stewart and the Art of Reviving African Storytelling
Folalumi Alaran
For generations, storytelling has served as the heartbeat of African culture—a way to pass on values, preserve history, and shape identity. But in today’s fast-changing world, this tradition is under threat. Linda Somiari-Stewart, a veteran journalist turned modernday griot, is working to reverse that trend. Through her powerful books Woyingi: God Is a Woman and The Legend of Tari-ere: The Picky Virgin, she not only breathes new life into African folklore but also challenges long-held ideas about spirituality, gender, and the Divine.
In Woyingi, Somiari-Stewart explores the oftenoverlooked sacred feminine, drawing from the spiritual traditions of the Ijaw people of nigeria’s niger Delta and ancient Kemetic philosophies. At the heart of the book is Woyingi—a female deity credited with creating the earth. For the author, this isn’t just a story, but a personal journey.
“Woyingi represents the life-giving force that nurtures and sustains existence,” Somiari-Stewart explains. “This book is about restoring the balance between masculine and feminine energies, both in our spirituality and in our lives.”
The book opens with Ayoba, a young woman influenced by the stories of her grandmother, Opu-
Ayo, who taught her to revere the divine feminine. In a vivid dream sequence, Ayoba encounters a powerful, unseen presence in a forest shrine—a symbolic awakening to her spiritual heritage. This sets the tone for a narrative that blends mythology, spirituality, and cultural critique. By highlighting forgotten goddesses and sacred
feminine figures, the author reframes the idea of divinity as inclusive rather than patriarchal. She argues that society suffers from an imbalance—one that favours control, structure, and aggression over nurturing, intuition, and emotional wisdom.
“Our society is skewed toward masculine principles,” she says. “Reclaiming the feminine isn’t about competition, but about restoring harmony.”
Woyingi does more than tell a story; it invites readers to reimagine the Divine as something greater than gender, doctrine, or dogma. Through philosophical reflections and cultural insights, the book traces sacred feminine symbols across time and civilisations—from the niger Delta to ancient egypt and beyond.
The message is clear: the sacred feminine has always existed. It has simply been overlooked.
Somiari-Stewart uses the book to urge readers to recognise the Divine in everyday life, and to embrace compassion, balance, and ancestral wisdom. In doing so, Woyingi becomes both a spiritual guide and a cultural statement.
Somiari-Stewart’s path to publication was not without struggle.Adapting oral tales into written form required creative innovation, and her exploration of feminine divinity met with scepticism—even concern.
“During the writing process, I fell critically ill several times,” she recalls. “Friends and family feared I was treading dangerous ground. But I felt a calling I couldn’t ignore.”
A Quartet's Unified Vision on Cultural Heritage
Yinka Olatunbosun
Four artists recently took Lagos by storm with a group exhibition that hinges on the theme of nationhood, unity, and an exploration of existing cultural heritage.
Breaking down long-held assumptions about communal identity and cultural cohesion of daily nigerian life, the exhibition hosted by Happ Circle Gallery at the national Museum, Onikan in Lagos featured Moses Oghagbon, Klaranze Okhide, Kunle Ogunfuyi and Abdulrazaq Ahmed.
Titled Deconstructing unity, each artist captured aspects of the Argungu Fishing Festival using varying mediums with a shared sense of purpose.
The curator of the exhibition, Moses Ohiomokhare, said the event, which is showcasing 40 artworks, 10 each from all the artists, took about six months to curate.
Conceived by one of the artists, Oghagbon, the exhibition was driven by his inspiration to infuse a novel perspective into the Argungu Festival series, which he had showcased over the past 21 years.
“The artists are adeptly guiding us through the fissures of our quotidian existence, urging us to scrutinise the very framework of our
EXHIBITION
constructed realities,” he explained. “The goal here isn’t to celebrate unity as a fixed ideal. It’s to examine the fractures, the overlooked routines and symbols that hold or fail to hold us together.”
Oghagbon’s acrylic painting, “Man and Time”, shows the preparation that takes place the day before the festival, which he said was one of the mysteries of the event.
According to him, working with other artists was also symbolic in showcasing the essence of the exhibition and spreading the message of unity faster.
Another artist whose works were showcased, Abdulrazaq Ahmed, said the exhibition was about bringing different segments that come together to form unity. Ahmed, who is a multifunctional artist, said apart from fishing, there were other activities including wrestling, dance and horse riding, coming together to form the unity in the Argungu Festival.
One of his works, “The Gourd of Life” is a harmonious fusion of natural fibres and a resplendent gourd, delves into the intricate beauty of belonging.It nudges viewers to contemplate the complex nature of their own connections and affiliations.
For Kunle Ogunfuyi, situating the women at
focus of his lens was necessary to change the patriarchal perspective from which many view the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival.
The award-winning photojournalist and artist who had been covering the festival since 2004 hopes to use his photography to reangle the cultural story with a spotlight on the value that women add to the cultural staple beyond aesthetic appeal.
“People have a lot of misconceptions about it,” he said. “Women are often forgotten in public discourse. One of the pieces is titled ‘Voice yet to be heard.’ Instead of just showcasing the men who participate in the fishing expedition, we have women in the society that people talk less about.
“The culture of the people is not something to sweep under the carpet. When this cultural festival is taking place, there’s no breakdown of law and order. It enables the government to know that they must promote the festivals because during these festivals, the general mood is festive. We need to encourage unity not division. I have been covering the festival since 2004.”
Klaranze Okhide, an environmental artist with passion for cultural preservation said it is important to have a sense of identity in spite of western education.
using materials sourced from her environment and cultural symbols, she pays homage to
Great soul, that opened to the universe to see differently, symbolically. Great hands, that unfolded to the universe to write differently, to change our world. Great mind, that unfurled to the world to interpret life beautifully with his pen. ngugi Wa Thiong'o... Sail on in the rivers of ink, in the land of Africa's ancestors. And your maker... ngugi Wa Thiong'o Tell them we are no longer children. Tell them Africa is no longer weeping. Tell our ancestors that we are now crying... Dying, for we have no more grain of wheat. All our gardens are filled with petals of blood. Our people are colonizing our minds yet again, And the devil has seized the Cross of our lives. Wizard of the Crow spreads his ominous wings still.
ngugi Wa Thiong'o... Sail on in the rivers of ink, in the land of Africa's ancestors.
And your maker...
© Mazi Obiorah Momife 28.05.2025
her African experience split over periods spent in different parts of Nigeria from childhood to adulthood. In the piece titled “Heritage”, a lot of articles of history had been assembled, invoking nostalgia.
One of the works at the exhibition
One of the paintings at the exhibition
IN THE ARENA
Eno and the Dilemma of Defection
Recent comments credited to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, that he would have preferred to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party suggests that undue pressure is being mounted on him to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Davidson Iriekpen writes
Recent lamentations by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, suggests that he is under immense pressure to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), contrary to the impression by the Presidency that the defections of politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (APC) to the APC were of their free will and not coercion.
The Presidency through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and the APC had consistently denied accusations of foisting a one-party state by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that democracy is not under threat or undermined “simply because politicians exercise their rights of association.”
“Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation. The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs,” Onanuga argued.
The PDP, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) are currently grappling with internal crises compounded by defections to the APC, which has left their parties in disarray. This has made some politicians to insinuate that the crises are being sponsored to weaken the opposition ahead of 2027.
But following the mass defections of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa; deputy governor, Monday Onyeme; and many others from the PDP to the APC, a few leading civil society activists and political figures had expressed concerns over what they described as a calculated and systematic effort by the Tinubu’s administration to dismantle democratic foundations and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.
They expressed worry over the weaponization of state institutions for partisan gain, adding that it undermines the “integrity of our democracy.”
Their views received tractions when the spokesperson to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Paul Ibe, during a television interview, alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairperson,
Ola Olukoyede and the Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, met with a former and incumbent governor from a Southsouth state 48 hours before their defection.
Though the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the anti-corruption agency vehemently refuted the allegation, and described it as unfounded and outrageous, it just refused to go away.
They stated that they never at any time coerced or held secret meetings with an opposition party governor to influence their defection to the ruling APC.
However, Governor Eno, while speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in Uyo penultimate weekend, said although he loves President Tinubu, he still loves the PDP and would have loved to stay in the party in spite of the crisis rocking it.
Despite his love for the PDP, he insisted on leaving the party, claiming that he does not have a roadmap that would guarantee a smooth sail in the 2027 election.
While boasting that even if he contested on the platform of a zero party, he would win the 2027 election due to his excellent performance, the governor expressed the fear that he was no longer sure the way things were going.
While he also alluded to the crisis in the PDP as part of the reasons why he is leaving the party, the governor said he would not allow someone’s mistake to ruin his reelection opportunity based on what he called the inconsistencies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said: “For me, it is no longer news that I am leaving the party (PDP). If you don’t know that by now I don’t know what else you know. I am a PDP person, I love the PDP and I want to stay in the PDP but clearly, I don’t have a roadmap to be able to guarantee that I will be able to have a smooth sail during the election, not because I won’t win the election.
“In this state today, with what we have done even if we contest on a zero party we will win the election. There is no doubt about it. We have worked very hard but you know that at the national level our party is not coming together. I am not going to be stupid staying to do that. I love my party. In any case, in this state, we are running as if there is no party. The only agenda we run in this state is the ARISE Agenda,” the governor said.
Indications that Governor Eno would find his 2027 reelection bid on the PDP platform difficult had emerged when the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, declared authori-
p OLITICAL
NOT e S
tatively in January 2024, that the APC would produce the next governor of the state.
Speaking at a meeting of the APC leaders in Uyo, Akpabio said it would be an aberration for him as the number three citizen of Nigeria not to have a governor from his party at the end of next elections.
“You know, wherever the Senate president is, that is where the party is. Is it possible that Nigeria will give Akwa Ibom the number three citizen and at the end of the election, it will not produce an APC governor?” he asked.
Akpabio’s earlier declaration and Eno’s current lamentations suggest that pressure is mounting on the governor from certain quarters to defect or lose his reelection bid.
Apart from the governors, the National Assembly is not spared of the defections with several lawmakers shifting their allegiance to the ruling APC. It is believed that many of the opposition lawmakers are assured of their return to the two legislative chambers if they defected to the ruling party.
The National Assembly is made up of 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives. At the beginning of the 10th Assembly in June 2023 under the leadership of Akpabio, the APC secured control of 59 seats in the Senate and 175 in the House. The opposition parties, on the other hand, controlled 50 Senate and 182 House seats.
In the Senate, the PDP had 36 seats, LP eight, and other minor parties held the remaining six.
In the House of Representatives, the PDP had 118 members, LP 35, NNPP 19, and others held the remaining seats, with two seats vacant. Since July 2023, the wave of defections has weakened the opposition, with at least 38 lawmakers - eight senators and 30 House members - switching to the ruling APC, further strengthening its grip on both chambers.
Several sources from the opposition and the ruling APC confirmed former governors were promised ministerial positions, while current governors were assured of return tickets, as well as the opportunity to choose their successors and nominate National Assembly members.
However, as the APC is rejoicing for the defection of members and leaders of the opposition parties to its fold, the opposition political parties have taken consolation in the fact that despite the massive support given to Tinubu by 25 governors in 2023, he defeated his opponents in only 12 out of the 36 states.
Abbas’ Legislative Capitulation
It was good that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, listened to the voice of reason and withdrew the vexatious bill he introduced in parliamenttomakevotingmandatoryforadultNigerians.
The bill, which he co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, wastoprovide,amongotherthings,thateligibleNigerians who fail to vote during elections could face a penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine not exceeding N100,000.
In his curious argument, Abbas had claimed that the objective was to address low voter turnout, promote civicresponsibility,andtransformvotingfromapersonal choice into a legal obligation.
He cited countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, ArgentinaandSingaporethatarepractisingcompulsory
voting.
However, he failed to add that unlike in Nigeria where leadersemergethroughmanipulationofelectionresults and fraudulent judgments by compromised judges, the people’s votes really count in those countries he mentioned.
It wasn’t a surprise that Nigerians rejected the bill and condemned its potential impact on democratic freedom and human rights.
Many believe that the bill was an attempt by the political class to force Nigerians to turn out massively on election day and give credibility to elections whose resultswillsurelybemanipulatedagainstthepeople’swill. Abbasshouldaddresstherootcausesofvoterapathy, instead of seeking to criminalise the public’s justified indifference to a system that continues to fail them.
He has again confirmed the general belief among Nigerians that the country’s leaders are disconnected from the masses.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Abbas would withdraw embarrassing bills he proposed in the parliament. In August 2024, he withdrew a bill that would have allowed the jailing of Nigerians who “embarrass” or disrespect government officials.
The federal lawmakers should stop plotting to send innocent Nigerians to jail for demanding good governance.
They should pass laws to jail political thieves masqueradingas leaders;theyshouldpasslawsthatprotect the sanctity of the electoral process so that Nigerians will see voting as a worthwhile obligation and turn out massively and willingly during elections.
Abbas
BRIEFING NOTES
Fighting Killers in Benue with Kid’s Gloves
With the shocking revelation by the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, that no suspect has been arrested for the killings in the state despite the massive deployment of security agents, it has become imperative for President Bola Tinubu and the service chiefs to probe the alleged complicity of some of the heads of security agencies in the state in the ethnic cleansing, ejiofor Alike reports
Arecent shocking claim by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State that security agents have failed to apprehend even a single suspect in the mindless killings in the state has again validated the allegation by a former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma that the military was colluding with the killers.
The mass murder of Benue State residents by suspected herdsmen, who are on alleged mission of ethnic cleansing, has escalated despite the heavy presence of several military and police formations in the state, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Tactical Air Command (TAC); the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE; and the 401 Special Forces Brigade.
In the most recent attack, 42 personsincluding a police officer- were murdered by armed herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
This came less than 24 hours after a priest was shot in the area and the occupants of his house whisked away by the invaders.
The latest attack, which started at the Aondona community, where 20 persons were killed, spilt over to Ahumbe, Tyolaha and Tse Orbiam, where about 22 persons were murdered by the marauders very close to a military checkpoint.
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr. Victor Ormin had reportedly described the attack as a genocide.
“Aondona community is the home of the former First Lady of this state, Mrs Eunice Ortom; this is the village of the Tor Gwer; this is the village of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe. This is too much for me to condone,” Ormin added.
In an apparent confirmation of the suspicion that some soldiers in the state are allegedly shielding the killers, Ormin was quoted in media reports as saying: “The soldiers stationed in the area will tell you straight that they do not have the mandate to act on this; they can only engage these people (killers) when they fire at them (soldiers). They told me practically that even the governor does not have the powers to order them on this. It is only the president of the country, and that is very clear.”
According to him, “the soldiers are waiting for the orders and the mandate to do what they have to do, which have not been given.”
The question agitating the minds of Nigerians are: Why are the soldiers not given
the mandate to attack the foreign herdsmen who are killing residents and taking over their ancestral lands? Were the soldiers deployed to watch the extermination of the people and shield the killers?
The angry chairman, who in a viral video, threatened to quit his position, disclosed that “a mobile policeman, identified as Magaji, was killed yesterday. He had dedicated his whole life to service; he was always at that junction along Naka Road, whether he had bullets or not.
“Yesterday, when they came, they said he had finished his ammunition and was scouting for people to leave, and Magaji was killed yesterday. This is genocide.”
Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Kula Tersoo, recently cried out that not a single terrorist had been apprehended despite the deployment of more security personnel to the state.
The governor was reacting to criticisms by a faction of the All Progres-
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, last Monday sacked the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Cyprian Akaolisa. Though a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, did not disclose the reasons for the AG’s sack, he later said the action was part of moves to rejig the cabinet.
He denied speculations that his removal was sequel to the controversies that followed the appointment of a chief judge for the state.
Recall that Governor Uzodimma was recently embroiled in controversy with the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the appointment of Justice Theophilus
sives Congress (APC), loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The APC faction, while referring to the attacks, which claimed 42 lives, accused Alia of being helpless and confused, and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Reacting to the criticisms, the governor’s media aide queried: “What more do they expect from the governor?”
According to him, the governor has worked tirelessly to address the security crisis.
“More security personnel have been deployed, yet, sadly, no terrorist has been arrested. The governor has supported these operations by providing 300 motorcycles to ease the mobility of the security forces.”
According to him, the current crisis is worse than the attacks witnessed during former Governor Samuel Ortom’s administration or the crisis during Akume’s tenure when people from Taraba and Nasarawa states invaded Benue State.
With the failure of the military to confront the armed herders, it was not surprising that Danjuma, whose state was an epicentre of the killings had repeatedly voiced out his
Lesson from Imo AG’s Sack
Nzeukwu who is the fourth in the state’s High Court’s hierarchy as the state’s acting Chief Judge.
The governor later bowed to the council’s pressure and reversed himself.
Emelumba had claimed that the governor initially appointed Justice Nzeukwu as acting chief judge based on credible reports available to him, which had indicated that the judge was the “most senior judicial officer not encumbered by unresolved issues.”
He, however, said the state government later reviewed the NJC’s directive on the appointment of the acting chief judge and saw that it made a mistake.
Many felt that the saga had seriously embarrassed Governor Uzodimma.
The sacked attorney general cannot say that he was not aware of the constitutional
frustrations by the alleged partisan role played by the military.
Danjuma had accused the military of colluding with the killers and asked his people to defend themselves against the attackers.
Following the perceived failure of the military to confront the killers, the Tiv and Idoma ethnic nationalities who are the most affected in the ethnic cleansing, have ordered herdsmen to vacate their lands.
The Tiv Area Traditional Council ordered all herders to vacate Tiv lands by the end of May 2025.
The resolution followed an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko, presided over by His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse.
In a communiqué signed by the council’s secretary, Shinyi Tyozua, the traditional leaders expressed grave concern over the killings by armed herders, particularly in Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Gwer-East and Buruku LGAs.
Also, following the wanton killings in the southern Senatorial District of the state by armed herders, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC), ordered the herders to vacate the zone to enable farmers to commence cultivation of crops.
The IATC issued the order in a resolution signed by the Council Secretary, Uloko Adegbe, at the end of its emergency meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen in Idoma land, presided over by the Och’Idoma, HRM Dr. John Odogbo, in Otukpo.
Reacting to the recent killing of 42 people, Governor Alia, through Tersoo, threw his weight behind the resolution of the Tiv and Idoma traditional rulers.
If the reported claim by the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr. Ormin that the soldiers told him that they did not have the mandate to engage the armed herdsmen unless the herdsmen open fire on them is true, then the allegation that some security agents in the state were supervising the killings may be true.
With these revelations, President Tinubu; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede; the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, and other service chiefs should probe military and police operations in the state and bring to book the military commanders shielding and aiding the killers.
provision and the fact that the NJC had been consistent in ensuring that this constitutional provision was not violated.
It was sad that in his capacity as the chief law officer of the state, he could not summon the courage to tell the governor that what he was doing was unconstitutional or even aided him.
Or did the sacked commissioner advise Uzodimma appropriately but the governor ignored his legal advice and brought the embarrassing upon himself?
Many had called on the NJC to refer any attorney general who does not properly guide their governors to the appropriate lawyers’ disciplinary committee for sanctions.
The travail of Akaolisa is a lesson to the aides and officials of political leaders to always stand by the truth at all times.
Tinubu
Uzodimma
Al-Makura: APC Must Return to Its Founding Principles of Justice, Equity, Internal Democracy
In this interview with Adedayo Adejobi, a former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko AlMakura, reflects on the journey of the All Progressives Congress from the historic merger to the present challenges. As 2027 increasingly dominates the political horizon, his message is both reflective and resolute - APC must return to its founding vision or risk losing the soul that first bound it together
Your name has repeatedly surfaced as a possible consensus figure in the APC’s leadership realignment. How do you respond to this mounting interest?
I am genuinely humbled by the expressions of goodwill and confidence. The mention of my name in discussions about party leadership is not something I take lightly. It reflects a broader appreciation for the values and commitment many of us have upheld since the founding of the APC.
However, I must clarify that I am not currently involved—formally or informally—in any pursuit of the national chairmanship or any leadership ambition within the party at this time. The recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting conveyed satisfaction with the current direction of both the party and the administration. As such, there is no immediate leadership change on the agenda. While I do not engage in speculative discussions, I remain open to contributing constructively to conversations that safeguard the integrity of our party and national progress. Leadership is not always about holding office; often, it is about providing clarity, moral guidance, and upholding principles, especially in moments prone to misinformation or misunderstanding.
You were central to APC’s formation. How do you assess its present direction, and what do you think remains urgently to be addressed?
The APC was not simply a merger of political interests—it was, in essence, a national pact. The coming together of the CPC, ACN, ANPP, and parts of APGA was a bold commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress. It transcended ethnic or regional boundaries and was grounded in a shared belief in the country’s potential.
The journey has not been without its challenges, but our foundation remains solid. The party continues to serve as a national platform that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and aspirations. However, as with any evolving institution, there are areas that require renewed focus: Internal democracy, inclusiveness, and a return to the spirit of collective purpose that guided our formation.
We must also be mindful of the expectations placed upon us—not only by our supporters but by the Nigerian people at large. These expectations should remind us of our obligation to remain accountable, transparent, and responsive.
Some say the APC is suffering from a quiet leadership vacuum. What, in your view, is at stake?
Leadership in a democratic context must always be measured, not only in visibility but in effectiveness. The APC has been fortunate to have individuals who played critical roles in its emergence and consolidation, including President Bola Tinubu. His contributions to democratic development in Nigeria are well known. From the June 12 struggle to the negotiations that shaped the APC, he has demonstrated a consistent commitment. It is important that we afford the current leadership the space and time to govern and unify, especially given the complex socio-economic challenges before us.
While it’s natural for questions to arise in any political organisation, we must be cautious not to mistake transition or internal debate for a vacuum. Constructive criticism is vital, but it must aim to strengthen, not destabilise, our collective efforts.
As the current chairman’s tenure draws to a close, what kind of leadership should the APC now seek?
The leadership that lies ahead must reflect both the spirit of our founding vision and the demands of a new political era. It should be someone who understands not only the internal dynamics of party organisation, but who also possesses the temperament and integrity to unite diverse interests.
We need a chairperson who can bridge gaps—geographical, ideological, and generational—and strengthen institutional processes. This is not merely about managing electoral cycles; it’s about fortifying the party as a stable, principled vehicle for national development.
While I will refrain from making personal endorsements, I believe the emphasis should be on continuity, stability, and inclusiveness. Our next phase demands stewardship over showmanship—an individual who can serve, not dominate.
There are rumours of consultations regarding the chairmanship. Have you been approached, formally or otherwise?
No, I have not received any formal or informal invitation or commitment in that regard. My support for this administration—and the broader goals of the APC—is grounded in conviction, not
personal ambition.
Alongside other committed individuals like former Governor Aminu Masari, Adamu Adamu, Chief Obla, Osita Okechukwu, Hon Datti , Ife Oyedele, Almajiri Gaidam, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and Architect Bulama—who share this vision, my focus has been on reinforcing the party’s original ideals. Many of us have remained actively engaged, not in pursuit of office, but in defense of what the APC represents.
Our interventions are intended to guide and protect, not to position ourselves. The national interest must always override individual considerations.
Critics argue that President Tinubu’s administration has yet to deliver relief to struggling Nigerians. How do you respond?
It is important to acknowledge the legitimate concerns many Nigerians have about the economic climate. Their voices must be heard, and their experiences understood.
However, we must also recognise that many of the structural challenges confronting the nation today did not begin with this administration. President Tinubu inherited a complex situation—fiscally, economically, and globally. Addressing such entrenched issues requires time, courage, and sustained policy action.
One notable example is the fuel subsidy. The president made a difficult but necessary decision—one rooted in fiscal realism. The 2023 budget contained no provisions for subsidies beyond May, and transparency demanded clarity on that issue from the outset. This honesty, though painful in the short term, sets a foundation for more sustainable governance.
Patience and constructive engagement are essential. We must hold leadership accountable, yes—but we must also give room for reforms to mature.
If the APC is to thrive ahead of 2027, what should be the incoming leadership’s top priorities?
The foremost priority must be a return to our founding principles—justice, equity, internal democracy, and national cohesion. Our strength lies in our inclusivity;
our credibility is anchored in fairness.
The new leadership must commit to resolving internal divisions, managing primaries with transparency, and ensuring that all regions and factions feel a genuine sense of belonging. The APC must continue to be a broad-based platform—one that reflects every segment of our society.
Furthermore, outreach and communication must be enhanced. In a time of rapid digital misinformation, the party must proactively tell its story, correct falsehoods, and build trust with citizens.
What message should Northern leaders be sending at this time?
The North, like every region in Nigeria, has a vital role to play in our collective future. Our message must be one of moderation, unity, and national responsibility.
It is important that northern leaders emphasise the bigger picture—Nigeria’s long-term peace and prosperity. This is not the time for parochial sentiments or regional grievances to dominate the discourse. Rather, we must promote mutual understanding and support the administration as it navigates difficult but necessary reforms.
Leadership must transcend locality. It must reflect the vision of a united Nigeria—equitable, inclusive, and forward-looking.
And finally, if you could speak directly to APC stakeholders, President Tinubu, and Nigerians—what would you say?
To my fellow APC members and stakeholders, I would emphasise the need for collective discipline and unity of purpose. Let us renew our commitment to internal democracy and the ideals that gave birth to this party.
To President Tinubu, I extend appreciation for his leadership thus far, and a word of encouragement: ‘History has called upon you once again—lead with wisdom, govern with empathy, and anchor your decisions in justice. You carry not just a mandate but a generational responsibility.’
And to Nigerians, I say: ‘Your voices matter. Your resilience and hope have always defined this country’s spirit. Let us work together to hold leaders accountable, but let us also do so with fairness, with perspective, and with belief in the possibilities ahead.’
Al-Makura
A View of Uba Sani’s Two Years in Kaduna
Mansur Umar
When Senator Uba Sani took the oath of office on May 29, 2023, as the Governor of Kaduna State, few anticipated the seismic changes his leadership would usher in within just two years. Kaduna, once a symbol of Nigeria’s promise, had become an archetype of decline — bedeviled by insecurity, disunity, infrastructural decay, and financial distress. But under Uba Sani’s stewardship, the tide has turned. Today, Kaduna is rising — not just as the political and industrial heartland of Northern Nigeria — but as a beacon of inclusive governance, sustainable development, and economic revival.
Governor Sani’s most urgent challenge was Kaduna’s frightening descent into a security quagmire. In his characteristically pragmatic fashion, he addressed the crisis head-on.Adopting a comprehensive security strategy that blended kinetic and non-kinetic measures, he worked in close coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, and paramilitary forces to regain control across all 23 local government areas.
Yet, it wasn’t just boots on the ground that changed the narrative. Uba Sani’s deep investment in inclusive governance, community engagement, and conflict resolution proved the game-changer. He brought local leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and faith-based actors into the fold, weaving a web of collaboration that disarmed tensions and restored trust. It was not brute force, but unity, empathy, and openness that made the real difference.
Governor Sani understood that meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. And so, from the very beginning, he took the battle to the root causes of Kaduna’s security woes — poverty, illiteracy, exclusion, and lack of trust between government and communities.
Kaduna State’s peace model, championed by Governor Sani, is a groundbreaking blend of security collaboration and grassroots engagement. Recognizing that lasting peace requires community trust, the model prioritizes inclusive dialogue, traditional leadership involvement, and economic empowerment. By combining kinetic force with non-kinetic strategies — including trust-building meetings with religious and traditional leaders — the state has reduced insecurity significantly. Markets have reopened, displaced communities are returning, and trade routes are thriving again. Kaduna’s approach shows that peace is not imposed; it is cultivated through equity, trust, and responsive governance driven by community participation and transparent leadership.
“I sat down with traditional rulers, religious leaders... it was the community themselves who owned the initiative,” Governor Uba Sani said of the Kaduna Peace Model.
Thanks to this model, economic activities have returned to previously volatile areas like Birnin Gwari, where estimated 25 to 30 trailers now leave daily for Lagos with cattle, and markets once shuttered due to violence have reopened.
Governor Sani has redefined leadership in Kaduna through a governance model rooted in inclusivity, accountability, and participatory democracy. He actively engages with citizens across the political, ethnic, and religious spectrum. Regular town hall meetings, stakeholders’ fora, and grassroots consultations have ensured that government policies and projects are informed by local needs and community feedback.
This citizen-centric model has healed old wounds. The sense of ownership and belonging among Kaduna’s diverse peoples has never been more profound. Political opponents and apolitical citizens alike acknowledge the governor’s unifying influence.
One of Governor Sani’s most striking leadership philosophies is his steadfast refusal to politicize governance. He governs Kaduna with the clear understanding that leadership is a sacred trust — one that transcends party
lines or voting history.
“Given my background as a civil rights activist, I made it clear to everyone (from Day One) that we must relegate politics and focus on governance. I know it’s difficult, but I believe it’s the best approach — and we’ve seen the results,” he explained in an interview.
Indeed, Governor Sani’s inclusive approach has unified the state’s often fragmented constituencies. He insists,
“When I assumed office, I made it clear that I wasn’t going to focus only on those who voted for me... governance is for everyone.”
This resolve has seen him bridge political divides with astonishing results — including mass defections from opposition lawmakers to the ruling APC, owing largely to the confidence and trust he has built across the board.
Kaduna under GovernornSani has become a vast construction zone. Recognizing infrastructure as the bedrock of socio-economic advancement, the Governor embarked on an ambitious programme to rebuild, rehabilitate, and reimagine the state’s physical assets.
From the rejuvenation of road networks to the completion of long-abandoned projects, Kaduna is being stitched back together — community by community, kilometre by kilometre.
Previously isolated rural areas are now linked to urban centres, opening access to markets, schools, and hospitals. Urban renewal projects have also taken root, especially in neglected inner-city areas. The transformation of Kaduna North, Zaria, Kafanchan, and other key urban nodes underscores the Governor’s resolve to ensure that no segment of the population is left behind.
Governor Sani’s mission has always been clear: connect every corner of Kaduna — rural and urban — through first-class roads, bridges, and transport infrastructure. One of his most ambitious undertakings is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Kaduna — only the second of its kind in Nigeria after Lagos.
One of Governor Uba Sani’s most visionary initiatives has been his push to make Kaduna Nigeria’s agro-industrial
long-standing economic divides. The Kaduna Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) has expanded access to grants, low-interest loans, and skills acquisition, thus energizing Kaduna’s economic base.
In the same regard, Governor Sani has tackled education with the urgency it deserves. Beyond infrastructure renewal and teacher training, his most impactful reform has been the slashing of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions. This bold step has removed financial barriers for thousands of students and repositioned Kaduna as a centre of academic excellence in the North.
Additionally, massive investments have gone into upgrading public primary and secondary schools, ensuring that every child — regardless of background — has a shot at a better future.
“Kaduna State was number 12 in WAEC rankings. Today, we’re number 7. And at this rate, we could be number 1 or 2 soon,” he said with pride.
The story in healthcare is equally transformative. Under Uba Sani, Kaduna has upgraded 250 primary health centres to level two — “the highest by any state in Nigeria,” the Governor said. Maternal health services have improved drastically, with pregnant women now able to access fully equipped and staffed facilities across the state.
“We’ve also recruited 2,000 additional personnel for our primary healthcare centres,” the Governor added. Meanwhile, the Kafanchan General Hospital has been approved for conversion to a Federal Medical Centre, showing federal recognition of the state’s health sector gains.
capital. With fertile lands and a rich agricultural heritage, Kaduna had long been sleeping on a goldmine. Not anymore.
Through investments in agro-processing zones, support for mechanized farming, and facilitation of partnerships between local farmers and global agribusinesses, Kaduna is now on a trajectory to becoming a major exporter of value-added agricultural products. This has translated into jobs, higher incomes, and improved food security — with ripple effects across the economy.
Adeeply overlooked constituency in Kaduna — the unbanked and financially excluded — has found an unlikely champion in Governor Uba Sani. In July 2023, he signed an Executive Order aimed at integrating approximately 2.1 million underserved citizens into the formal financial system. This initiative focuses on rural areas, where financial exclusion is most prevalent.
The Executive Order mandates the creation of a comprehensive State Register for the poor, underserved, and vulnerable populations, subject to integrity tests. Collaborating with banks, fintech companies, and regulatory agencies, the government has opened bank accounts for these individuals and conducted financial literacy workshops to enhance their financial decision-making skills. Key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community organizations, are actively involved in the sensitization process to ensure widespread participation.
As of April 2025, over 2.5 million bank accounts had been opened, and nearly seven million citizens had registered for National Identification Numbers (NINs), facilitating their access to financial services such as banking services, credit, insurance, and digital payment platforms. Governor Sani emphasizes that true financial inclusion empowers individuals to participate meaningfully in the economy, break the cycle of poverty, and improve their quality of life. The state’s financial inclusion strategy is significantly reducing poverty and enhance economic opportunities for its citizens.
“As at 2023, over 85% of the people in the Northwest were either not educated or financially excluded,” Governor Uba Sani lamented. But under his watch, Kaduna State has rolled out extensive financial inclusion programmes, especially targeting rural women, youth, and MSMEs. These programmes have empowered entrepreneurs, created jobs, and bridged
Kaduna’s healthcare system is undergoing a revolution. From equipping primary health centres in rural areas to rehabilitating general hospitals in urban zones, the government is bringing healthcare closer to the people. Maternal and child health programmes have expanded. Immunization campaigns have been scaled up. Health insurance coverage is on the rise. In record time, healthcare has become more accessible and effective.
A hallmark of Governor Sani’s leadership is his commitment to transparency. Public procurement has been digitized. Contracting processes are now open and competitive. Financial disclosures are regularly published. Kaduna’s Budget Office has become a model of fiscal discipline and citizen engagement. The result? Increased investor confidence and reduced corruption.
As security improved and infrastructure rebounded, Kaduna began to attract attention from investors. Through investment promotion drives, public-private partnerships, and business-friendly policies, the state has welcomed billions of naira in domestic and foreign investment — particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
The Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) has become a one-stop shop for investors seeking clarity, convenience, and credibility. Uba Sani’s reformist image and track record of delivery have made Kaduna an investment destination of choice.
Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is transformational not because it is loud, but because it is intentional, inclusive, and rooted in service. In two years, he has stabilized Kaduna, energized its economy, united its people, and shown that governance without politics is not only possible — it is superior.
The new Kaduna is not just a vision. It is happening. It is measurable. It is inspirational. And it is driven by a man who understands that leadership is not about self, but about lifting others. Senator Uba Sani may not speak often about legacy — but his work is writing it daily, across the length and breadth of Kaduna State.
In just two years, Sani has restored the people’s faith in governance and rekindled Kaduna’s identity as a pacesetter in Northern Nigeria. The progress so far is not just impressive; it is profound. And if the past two years are any indication, the next two promise nothing short of transformation. Kaduna has found in Uba Sani not just a Governor, but a statesman, a visionary, and above all, a servant-leader.
• Umar resides in Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna.
• Sani
BACKPAGE CONTINUATION
TWO OPPOSING VIEWS ON TINUBU’S TWO YEARS
companies. Individuals and firms took the hit and some are still taking the hit. However, recent data indicates that the effects of the shocks are beginning to wear off and that the reforms have been good to Nigeria’s public finance and to some domestic and foreign investors.
The economy grew by 3.4% in 2024, Tinubu’s first full year in charge. According to the World Bank, the 2024 GDP figure was the highest since 2015, save for the expected post-COVID bump in 2021 and 2022. Even after accounting for the recent rebasing, headline and food inflation figures have started to track down. The official and parallel exchange rates have almost converged. Stability and supply have improved in the forex markets, even when USD at >N1500 is still adjudged undervalued. The net external reserves increased from about $4 billion in 2023 to $23 billion in 2024, and this was after CBN cleared FX backlog of about $10 billion. Gross external reserves at a point notched above $40 billion, leaving the country healthy cover for many months of imports.
Government’s financial position appears the biggest beneficiary. According to the World Bank’s May 2025 Nigeria Development Update (‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’), Nigeria’s consolidated fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP reduced from 5.4% in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. With significant across-the-board increases from revenue sources (except from NNPCL), gross government revenues soared from N20.7 trillion in 2023 to N37.1 trillion in 2024, an increase of 79.2%. World Bank data also shows that Nigeria’s gross revenue as a portion of GDP jumped from 8.8% in 2023 to 13.3% in 2024. The bulk of the revenue bump went to the states whose total revenue increased from N7.2 trillion in 2023 to N13.9 trillion in 2024, mostly as a result of the refunds to states (43% of the total refunds and deductions from
FAAC in 2024 went to the states).
The fact of the matter is that the two reforms (alongside other monetary and fiscal policies) have been good to the three tiers of government (especially the states). A major part of the revenue boost though was exchange gain—the exchange rate in the 2024 budget was N800/$1 while the average exchange rate for the year was N1535/$1. The substantial increase in revenue year-on-year clearly was not exclusively from improved efficiency in revenue collection. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the role of exchange gain in 2024 needs to be acknowledged. This doesn’t detract from the fact that governments across the board now have a better fiscal headspace. This is a good thing, if the extra money is well spent.
The reforms are also good for portfolio investors, as they get good returns on their investments and do not have to worry too much about taking their money out when needed. So, it is not surprising that endorsements have been pouring in for the Tinubu administration. Moody’s on Friday upgraded Nigeria’s outlook from positive to stable. The Financial Times earlier wrote a gushing editorial on Tinubu’s reforms and urged the president to stay the course. The FT editorial seems to align with the sentiments of most investors and foreign observers of Nigeria. They are very bullish on Nigeria at the moment.
These observers and the even officials of the administration might be surprised that most Nigerians do not share their rosy outlook. The reason for this divergence is simple. The improvement in macroeconomic outlook and public finances and in the opportunities for investors is hardly rubbing off yet on most Nigerians, and may not trickle down. It is possible to acknowledge the results from the reforms at the macro level and also recognise the continuing immiseration at the micro level. Two things can be true at the same time.
(As a quick aside, I don’t think it is useful denying official data simply because it doesn’t align with one’s sentiments. Of course, data can be interrogated, especially when there is evidence that the data or the methodology is dodgy. But dismissing positive data offhand, without basis, and gleefully citing negative data from the same sources, without question, suggests something else is at play.)
As stated earlier, the dim view is not always oppositional politics. Those who hold the dim view gather and process data from their lived realities, and do not need the national statistics agency, the CBN, the World Bank, FT and others to tell them what is going on in their lives. Factually, and sadly so, the surge in government revenue has not been complemented with material improvement in citizens’ welfare or a reduction in the hardship in the land. True, food prices have stabilised and are falling in some instances. But people still remember how much they paid for a cup of rice or a tuber of yam two years ago and how much they are paying now. They have the same memory of the costs of a pack of paracetamol, a bar of soap, a bike or bus ride etc. then and now.
The administration had promised to provide reliefs to cushion the negative impact of the reforms on the poorest. But most of the promised reliefs have either been too minute or too poorly delivered. There is no proper public record of the promised distribution of grains from the reserves. The well-applauded presidential decision to pause duties on imported rice and other items became a shameful drama.
Two years after, the N25,000 in three tranches promised as palliatives to 15 million poorest households has been abysmally delivered. The government makes a song and a dance of CNG buses and free conversion of cars from petrol to CNG. It is doubtful how much difference
TWO YEARS AFTER, THE INDICATORS ARE POSITIVE
of what the President ultimately wanted. He kept the pace still.
For a nation surviving largely on consumption, the naira had seen the worst of days but had marched on regardless, with the hope that something would give, and indeed, it did. Thanks to our foresighted President.
While the naira is evidently not there yet, the spiral slide has been halted, and it is definitely going to come around with a rebound, more so that the dollar has also maintained reasonable stability. The indicators are positive. No doubt.
The overall economic overview is an encouraging one. The massive and bold infrastructure renewal is too evident for even the President’s worst enemy to ignore or downplay. From the South to the East, West and North, the balance is not omitted, and work has continued, in spite of deliberate sabotage by some enemies of progress.
For instance, some of the ongoing major projects, such as bridges, railways, power, oil and gas developments, as well as crucial road construction, notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, are the real positive indicators for investment purposes.
Launched exactly a year ago, the first phase of the coastal highway, for example, has totally shocked the naysayers, who saw nothing good in the project other than their insinuation that it was going to end up a white elephant. How wrong they have been proven!
In addition to this are the Tax Reform Bills, which a section of the media initially tagged “controversial”, just because some people were opposed to change. The good behind the idea is too much for any progressive mind to reduce it to mere politics or ethnic fisticuffs. Interestingly, the bills have survived their deadliest traps. Also noteworthy is the fact that external reserve has continued to swell amid the multi-faceted challenges that the administration of our President and his party, All Progressives Congress (APC)
had faced from inception.
Trade surplus has been reported time and time again, while some of the hitherto moribund refineries have started working, with the Dangote Refinery championing the idea that change is indeed possible.
What’s more? There has been a steady increase in government revenues, whose aggregate has more than doubled, increasing by over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024, compared to the first half of 2023. These indicators are really very positive.
Seeking financial autonomy for the local government administration is not a decision by the President to further orchestrate personal interests or needs, but grow the nation and her choice of democratic system.
While the Constitution places the soul of the local governments in the hands of the state governments through their state legislatures, it is not at the detriment of development closest to the people. We have successfully experimented this in Lagos and can boldly say that nothing compares to a truly autonomous council system.
This is why the financial autonomy of the closest tier of government to the people has become a matter of necessity, if development must cut across and trickle down. After all, much of the decisions that directly impact the lives of the people are not taken at the state or federal level, but the local government.
From the look of things, I can say boastfully that the glorious years of council administration are back in full swing – thanks to the moves made by our dear President. The indicators are positive and, with this, Mr. President deserves eternal gratitude.
The idea of the Student Loan Scheme, under which over N95.6bn has been made available to students, cannot be underplayed. The Consumer Credit Corporation was also established with over N200 billion “to help Nigerians acquire essential products without the need for immediate cash payments,
this can make and whether this should be the central plank of moderating the devastating impact of petrol subsidy removal on individuals. Increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 is a good idea. Assuming all tiers of government pay the new minimum wage, how much dent will this make in a country where the informal sector accounts for 93% of the labour force? And what is the plan for those outside the formal sector and whose options are sadly limited to accepting whatever wage is available or being jobless? Without a doubt, it is good that the country has a more stable macro-economic outlook and that the government has more money. But what government is spending the extra revenues on is more important. We need to spend smarter and better, especially in areas that directly impact the welfare and the productive capacities of our people. There is little indication that the states, currently flush with extra cash, get this. But the states are not alone. The 2025 federal budget, and parallel budgets that preceded it, make dismal reading in this respect, littered with wasteful and bogus items that neither reflect the tough times we are living in nor align with the priorities of a majority of our people.
As stated over and over here, both the rosy view and the dim view of Tinubu’s two years in office are valid and factual. The emerging macro gains do not invalidate the continuing micro pains. While enjoying plaudits from those with the rosy view and hoping the adulation will endure, the president will do well to pay more attention to the legitimate concerns of those with the dim view. We need macro-economic stability and we need to consolidate on the gains. But we also need significant improvements in the welfare of the majority of our people who have borne the brunt of the overwhelming shocks of the last two years. Having the first without the second is pointless.
making life easier for millions of households”. Still, these are humongous positive indicators.
Shall we forget, also, the Digital and Creative Enterprises designed for the empowerment of young people and creating millions of IT and technical jobs? The Skill-Up Artisans Programme, which introduced the Nigerian Youth Academy and the National Youth Talent Export Programme, is another positive indicator.
In livelihood support, the government has released over N570 billion to the 36 states to support their citizens while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from the administration’s nano-grants. These are novel ideas with positive projections.
The initial reduction in revenue to debt service ratio, which came down from 97% to 68% in just 13 months, speaks to a progressive mindset and purposeful leadership. The creation of 240,000 jobs through 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is equally a point to note.
The signing into law of the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 (Lagos, the President’s home state, pays way more than that), and payment of N1 billion each to large manufacturers is all the more too positive to sidestep.
Yanking off tariffs and import duties on certain food items, such as rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for six months was borne out of compassion, stimulated by emotional intelligence, as much as the incentives to farmers, geared towards increasing food production and reducing prices.
The President Tinubu-led government has procured mechanised farming equipment, such as tractors and planters, worth billions of naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil, to further aid food production and get the nation out of the woods. This, too, is a huge positive indicator.
Taken together, while it is arguable that
the nation is still some distance away from the promised land, what cannot be denied is the fact that the train has since May 29, 2023 left the station, and is moving at a reasonable and promising pace to a better destination.
To those who may say why celebrate two years of the President Bola Tinubu administration, I say take a look around and get your facts right before diving into this conversation. After all, “comment is free; facts are sacred”.
Needless to say, it is not yet uhuru as there are still some challenges – there will always be; that is the nature of life. For example, in security, the remnants of the heavily decimated anti-social elements have been battling to create anarchy and divide us, but the capacity of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the resolve of his security team to get a hang of this, are quite evident. It is a matter of time. The last of these criminals will be cleared off the surface of the earth.
It is on the strength of these and more that true patriots and progressive elements alike cannot but congratulate our dear President Bola Ahmed Akanbi Tinubu GCFR, and also urge him not to drop the ball on account of fleeting distractions.
What is more – we have begun to see results in the gale of defections of key personalities from pivotal states into the APC. These are not defections coerced by anyone but out of the freewill of the individuals who have chosen to identify with a team that is determined and means well for the ultimate good of the country.
Overall, the truth of the matter is that with these positive indicators capped with the “Nigerian First” policy, the ship of state is definitely berthing safe, with a decorated captain and political war general – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – who has been tested and trusted in times of crises and challenges.
•Mr. Sanwo-Olu is the governor of Lagos State
Ben Kalu vs South-east Governors: The Real Points
Even in politics, a writer or a public analyst must never forget his role as the conscience of his society. Such a public commentator earns this great status only when he becomes humble enough to admit wrongs instead of making ridiculous claims that tend to dismiss the generality of the people as mere fools just because he is under pressure from his political paymasters to lie about them and their achievements.
Ours is a digital era where almost all things are in the open. So, in our global village, when a public commentator chooses to behave as if he is the only one that knows the truth, he only succeeds in making mockery of himself.
This is the impression one James Nwachukwu leaves when he laboured so miserably to convince his readers that his political paymaster, Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, is not currently engaged in any political battle with Southeast governors and other true political leaders of the zone.
Reacting to an article, “Ben Kalu’s Needless Battles With South-east Governors,” written earlier by this author, Uche Ezewudo, and published in Thisday newspaper, the said James Nwachukwu, in an opinion article, “2025: Alex Otti Vs Abia APC, Needles Involvement Of Ben Kalu, South East Govs” published in Thisday on May 27, 2025, literally assaulted the sensibility of informed observers of the politics of Southeast Nigeria when he deliberately twisted obvious truths about the politics of the region ahead of 2027 elections, just to please his master.
Yes, we know ambitious politicians do engage publicists to write good things about them and their achievements, but we must never loss sight of the fact that when such writers address the society, which we know are today well informed, to defend the indefensible, their ignoble boasts translate to gross disservice to humanity.
This is even more so when the issues in question concern public governance, grassroots politics and social engineering. In these critical areas, the writer or public commentator is expected to guide the people and not to play blind politics with the truth. When a writer, because of base pecuniary benefits, chooses to lie to the people that depend on him for truth, he shamelessly sacrifices his dignity and recklessly exposes the society he is supposed to educate and protect.
This aptly describes the case in the referred unfortunate article written by one James Nwachukwu.
In the article, Nwachukwu denied that his master, Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, is currently involved in a political battle with serving state governors of the South-east region, following his seeming desperate ambition of emerging the current political leader of the zone.
While Nwachukwu may be said to have the right to market Kalu in line with the size of mobilisation provided, it is worrisome that in so doing, he woefully failed to acknowledge that stakeholders and some of the concerned readers of his so-called ‘Right of Reply’ live in the Southeast region and are witnesses of and participants in the ongoing maneuvering aimed at capturing power in the South-east in 2027.
Any informed reader will easily note that Nwachukwu may be from Abia State, but he certainly does not live in Umuahia as he claims in the said article. It is more likely he currently lives in Abuja, where he serves Kalu. Is it therefore not laughable to hear him claim he is “an objective observer” of Abia State politics like this author, Uche Ezewudo when in the same article, he clearly betrays his identity as Ben Kalu’s aide in Abuja, unashamedly defending every action of his master, without admission of any wrong, including obvious wrongs. He claims all is well between Benjamin Kalu and all Southeast Governors and that he is not currently involved in any political battle with any of them. Yet he writes in the same article: “Kalu cannot afford to leave Tinubu’s
message in the hands of those who have refused to publicly acknowledge that the APC government has made more money available to them to work for the people. They would rather usurp the glory (to giving it to whom it is due), all in self edification... APC cannot be left in the hands of a man who leads a coalition of people that are anti-Tinubu led government, yet, pretends to love the President. Rt. Hon Kalu is fully in charge of the party and would lead it to victory in 2027.”
What is even of more concern is Nwachukwu’s chosen style, his deliberate decision to deride a perceived political opponent instead of discussing issues of greater consequence.
Leaving the critical issue raised about the likely consequences of Kalu’s battles with political leaders in the South-east zone and on President Tinubu’s political fate in 2027, Nwachukwu decided to attack Governor Alex Otti’s family and late father. This is really petty and unfortunate.
Except he is doing this to cover up some inadequacies (a grand deceit), I find it difficult to believe that any serious writer, political commentator, or even a paid publicist defending Hon Ben Kalu, will believe it is enough for him to gloss over the critical issue of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral fate in the Southeast region by merely making derogatory remarks about the remains of a great Abian.
If you ask me, I will suggest that Hon Benjamin Kalu should be wise enough to work only with aides and official praise singers, who are professional enough to advise him to accept areas of weaknesses whenever they are pointed out. It is only in so doing that Hon Benjamin Kalu or anybody in his shoes will stand a chance of growing even higher.
Already, Hon Kalu has attained great political height but that does not detract from the fact that his chosen path of daring Southeast governors, senators and other entrenched political leaders, including his former mentors, will help his electoral fortunes and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu he seems so desperate to market. Or is he also just playing a game of deceit?
Take his long description of Kalu’s alleged great relationship with Southeast governors, one wonders if this writer, Nwachukwu, actually knows anything about politics in Nigeria or is it the case of knowing the truth but dismissing his readers, the people, as foolish enough to consider whatever he puts down as evidence of good relationship between the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives with the state governors from his region?
For example, talking about alleged good relationship between Hon Kalu and his State
Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Nwachukwu wrote:
“The Deputy Speaker and the Governor share a deep-seated friendship that has withstood the test of time. Their familiarity and affection are evident in Kalu’s fond reference to Otti as ‘De Ally’, a term of endearment that speaks to the familial bonds, trust and brotherly love that defines their relationship.
“It was the same Gov Otti who gathered the entire traditional rulers of the state to welcome the Deputy Speaker after his election in 2023 to Abia and conferred on him the highest chieftaincy title in the entire Abia state, which only one person holds for a life time; ENYI ABIA (the Great Elephant of Abia State).
“In the course of their service to the people and the nation, Kalu has consistently demonstrated his commitment to mutual collaborations, frequently attending state functions in Abia at Governor Otti’s invitation as well as attracting projects beyond his immediate Bende Federal Constituency of the State he represents at the National Assembly.”
For the other governors, Nwachukwu also wrote about Kalu’s magnanimous acceptance to attend their official events. Haba!
Besides the empty words he used to describe Hon Kalu’s alleged relationship with the five State governors in the Southeast, the way he contradicted himself in the so-called ‘Right of Reply’ betrayed Nwachukwu’s insincerity both to his readers and to his paymaster, Hon Benjamin Kalu.
Recalling that Kalu claims he will give Tinubu and his APC over 75 percent of Southeast votes in 2027, Nwachukwu made attempt to justify this claim.
This Benjamin Kalu’s aide, masquerading as an objective observer, spoke of the Deputy Speaker’s 22 years old political structure in Bende Federal Constituency as evidence of his political strength.
This is laughable. Of what impact can that local political influence be to Tinubu’s reelection in 2027? We all know that this great grassroots political structure of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu was there in 2023 elections when Tinubu failed to get 25 percent in Kalu’s Federal Constituency not to talk about the Abia North Senatorial District before talking of Abia State and the Southeast.
It should be of great concern to Kalu, Tinubu and APC that Tinubu failed to get up to 5 percent votes in the whole of Abia State and not up to 2 percent votes in Hon Benjamin Kalu’s Bende Federal Constituency, even though Hon Kalu was then already in the House of Representatives with his alleged great grassroots political structure.
What a good political aide should advice Kalu, APC and Tinubu at a time like this is on what can be done to strengthen the local platform and not to carry on so recklessly with the ongoing
deception game against Mr President. It is cruel to lead Jagaban on into believing he has credible politicians actually working towards his achievement of 75 percent votes in Southeast during the forthcoming 2027 Elections.
My sincere advice: instead of bragging over a little local political structure, no longer certain to win even Bende Federal Constituency, what Benjamin Kalu’s aides should be telling him today is how to expand the influence of his platform so as to get reelected into the lower chamber and help his master, Tinubu, to make significant inroad into the Southeast.
Also, Hon Benjamin Kalu should concern himself today with how to mend the broken fences in the Abia State chapter of his party. APC in Abia is deeply factionalized, so it sounds ridiculous to hear any one boasting that it will secure 75 percent votes for Tinubu. How will that be achieved under the claimed leadership of Hon Benjamin Kalu, since the ruling political party, All Progressive Congress (APC), is deeply factionalized in Kalu’s Abia State?
When Kalu wants to speak to Nigerians through his aides, it is this kind of issues that he should pay attention to, not this Nwachukwu’s infantile decision to anchor his criticism of an article challenging the political style of his master by lazily attacking the nativity of the byline (writer) of the article in question.
Does this show depth, seriousness and understanding? No! The point is even if the writer is from Arochukwu, it does not then follow that he must have been sponsored by Gov Alex Otti?
Would it not have been more productive for Nwachukwu to respond to more important issues raised in the article - issues like why Hon Kalu tampered with the nominations of some of the Southeast governors in the South East Development Commission (SEDC), etc. Curiously, Nwachukwu does not seem to be conscious of examples that will help launder the image of his patron. This explains why he made references to wrong actions of Hon Benjamin Kalu and employs wrong analogies to drive home his perceived point. Of course, the result is that instead of marketing Hon Kalu as he obviously set out to do in the right of reply, he ironically succeeds in exposing his weaknesses. There is also the issue of his appointment of Sam Hart, a PDP member currently linked to a notorious fraud case with Abia State Government as his Chief of Staff. Even Ben Kalu’s admirers are stunned that since the scandal was blown open by Abia State Government and Ben Kalu’s Chief of Staff, he ignored calls on him to tell his supporters if he is aware of the shoe manufacturing investment deal. Instead of doing this, Nwachukwu chose to tell hungry Southeast citizens how lavishly their representative can spend tax payer’s money. Is not unfortunate that in a country where Tinubu’s Government is preaching to Nigerians to be prudent so as to survive his tough economic policies, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives’ praise singer actually brags about how his principal flew in 20 top personalities from Abuja to Lagos, lodged them in expensive hotels and suits and fed them and their hangers-on just to attend a media award event organised for the Imo state Governor Even his account of the Peace initiative in the Southeast leaves much to be desired.
Should he not state the impact of his Peace in South East Project apart from the gala night in Abuja?
Is it not scandalous that Kalu, under his socalled South East Project (PISE-P), has been unable to at least organize a security summit in any Local Government Area in the Southeast region up till now?
If you ask me, advising Hon Benjamin Kalu to pay attention to more serious issues should be the right thing to do at a time like this.
For example, on how to bring about peace in the South-east, he can begin by calling a meeting where South-east governors and other top political leaders can hold talks with him and his Peace Project. This should be a more tangible approach than engaging writers to make unreasonable arguments.
• Ezewudo wrote in from Arochukwu
Uche Ezewudo
tinubu
Kalu
Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe
email:duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com
PSG Pummel Inter Milan to Win Historic First Champions League Trophy
Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the first time in rampant style, producing the biggest margin of victory in the final of the competition after beating Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.
Luis enrique’s side, who beat Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal on their way to the final, had the weight of trying to make history on their shoulders, but it never affected them.
The French side’s press was relentless and they knocked the ball around with authority right from the first whistle as they went on to become only the second French side to win the trophy after Marseille in 1993.
PSG cut through their defence with ease as early as the 12th minute, Vitinha’s pass releasing Desire Doue inside the box. The 19-year-old could have taken a shot on but showed composure beyond his years, rolling the ball across to Achraf Hakimi for a tap-in.
PSG were rampant and they had their second eight minutes later. There was fortune in the strike from Doue but there was nothing fortunate about the move before he found the net.
It started with Willian Pacho, who did brilliantly to keep the ball from going out for an Inter corner. It set PSG away. Ousmane Dembele charged into acres of space before picking out Doue, whose shot took a nick off Federico Dimarco before beating a helpless Yann Sommer.
The PSG dominance continued after the break with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wasting two good opportunities before Doue added his second of the night. Dembele’s sublime nolook flick released Vitinha, who slid the ball through for Doue to finish into the bottom corner. It was relentless from PSG and they showed no signs of stopping. Dembele sent the ball beyond a tired Inter defence and Kvaratskhelia scampered away and rolled the ball past Sommer. Inter looked out on their feet and there was more misery to
NSF 2024: Oborevwori Congratulates Team Delta on Fifth ConsecutiveVictory
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant Team Delta for emerging overall winners at the 22nd edition of the national Sports Festival, held in Ogun State.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. ejiro etacheruro, at the festival’s closing ceremony held at the MoshoodAbiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Thursday, lauded the team for their outstanding performance and for successfully defending their title.
Team Delta clinched the top position with an impressive total of 337 medals—126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze.
In a statement released on Friday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir FestusAhon, the Governor commended the Delta State Sports Commission, the entire team, coaching staff, and all supporters for their unwavering commitment,
hard work, and dedication, which culminated in yet another historic victory for the state.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing sports development across the State.
He emphasized that the successes recorded in recent years continue to inspire increased investment in sports infrastructure, training, and youth development.
“Our administration remains steadfast in promoting sports development, inspired not only by the achievements of our predecessors, but also by the legendary strides made by General Samuel Ogbemudia during his tenure as Governor of the defunct Bendel State,” Oborevwori said.
He further described the fifth consecutive victory as a testament to the spirit of excellence, resilience, and unity that defines Team Delta, assuring that his government would continue to provide the necessary support to maintain and surpass the current standards in sports.
come for the Italians. Senny Mayulu’s strike crashed in off
the post to round off an historic night for the Ligue 1 side, who also completed a treble and claimed the biggest margin of victory in a Champions League final.
Super Eagles Defend Unity Cup Title, Beat Jamaica 5-4 in Penalty Shootout
Super eagles hold nerve in penalty shootout to win Unity Cup final after twice surrendered the lead in normal time but got the job done from the spot.
Christantus uche converted the winning penalty as nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 in a shootout to win the unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago.
The friendly tournament was hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy.
The shootout began with six perfect penalties, Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over.
Amari’i Bell made no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but uche had the decisive moment as he calmly slotted home to start the nigerian celebrations.
It had been an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting both teams
were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly.
Moses Simon put nigeria in front inside 10 minutes, finishing from close range after Cyriel Dessers had put a dangerous ball into the middle, but Jamaica were level almost immediately.
Renaldo Cephas was a constant threat throughout the match and he created the equaliser, charging down the left wing and producing a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon
to provide the finishing touch. It remained level heading into the break, before nigeria again made a quick start to a half.
Samuel Chukwueze initially appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan winger worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner.
Jamaica equalised for a second
time just after the hour mark and in familiar fashion. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again perfect, with Jonathan Russell firing beyond Stanley nwabali. nigeria looked the more likely to find a late winner as they won a succession of late corners, before Wilfred ndidi then sent an effort whistling past the post in stoppage-time.
African Knockout Championship Returns with Epic Showdown in
he African Knockout
T(AKO) Championship is gearing up for an unforgettable experience with AKO9, to take place on June 13, 2025, at The Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, starting at 6 PM. As Africa’s biggest MMA championship, AKO9 promises world-class production, electrifying action, and a fight experience like no other. AKO is not just the biggest. It is the beating heart of African MMA. The
only pan-African championship that brings together the continent’s finest fighters under one roof, delivering events of unmatched class and intensity. With every knockout and every victory, AKO invests deeply in the future of sports across Africa, driving growth, consistency, and lasting impact. n igeria is rising rapidly on the African MMA stage, claiming its rightful place as a dominant powerhouse. AKO leads the charge, shaping the sport’s present and future with
Lagos
relentless passion and unparalleled prestige. This highly anticipated event will bring together 18 fighters from across Africa, including n igeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana and e gypt, each determined to stake their claim in the highly competitive AKO Cage. With a highenergy atmosphere, top-tier matchups, and immersive entertainment, AKO9 is more than just a fight night—it’s a spectacle you can’t afford to miss.
PSG celebrating their first Champions League title
BOOK PRESENTATION...
L-R: Senior lawyers, Mr. Oyetola Atoyebi, SAN; Mr. Sam Ologunorisa, SAN; Principal Partner, Synergy Attornies, Lagos, Chief Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN; Chairman, House Committee on Banking Regulations, Hon. Mohammed El-Rufai; General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara; Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN; and Immediate-past Director of Legal Services, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Kofo Salam-Alada, at the book presentation in honour of Mr. Salam-Alada who retired from CBN…recently
Two Opposing Views on Tinubu’s Two Years WAZIRI ADIO
President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office have evoked two divergent views: the rosy view and the dim view. The rosy view paints the picture of a bold reformer who moved swiftly to implement consequential and necessary policy shifts that, within a short while, are already yielding macro-economic dividends. The dim view sees a president whose signature policies have unleashed concentrated and unceasing pains on most Nigerians, especially the poorest of the poor.
The two views are valid and factual, another reminder that two different things can be true at the same time. As he commences the second half of his tenure, President Tinubu should not get too excited about the rosy view or be dismissive of the dim view. He needs a tempered view himself, especially in his quiet moments. He needs to take this to heart: the next generation of reforms, and
the really consequential ones, should be about how to quickly improve the welfare of the generality of Nigerians.
Let’s refresh our memories with a quick background to the two major reforms that are principally the basis of the opposing views on Tinubu’s stewardship so far. The case for the removal of petrol subsidy and for the reform of the foreign exchange regime was very compelling. But it was not evident to most Nigerians. The country was practically spending the money it didn’t have and living a bogus and dangerous lie.
In 2022, we burned $10 billion on petrol subsidy alone; debt service at some point gulped 97% of government revenue; and multiple exchange rates not only created opportunities for arbitrage and corruption for a few but was also a drag on foreign investments and our external reserves. On account of dwindling but disguised reserves, rationing of forex for imports and other needs had not only commenced but the rationing of essential items seemed only a matter of time. The country was right at the edge of a cliff, just inches away from a devastating crash. But a probable crash
and an actual crash are not experienced the same way. One is conceptual; the other is concrete.
To those in the rosy corner, Tinubu did not wait for the conceptual crash to become concrete. He acted swiftly, within two weeks of taking charge, in removing both distortions. There is a lot to pick issues with in his approach, especially in terms of sequencing of the reforms, the apparent lack of second order thinking and the absence of a well-thought-out strategy for dealing with the fallout. But what cannot be denied is that Tinubu showed the will to act and he acted on time.
The reforms, as expected, introduced significant shocks to the country and to Nigerians. The combined effect of the two reforms translated to rapid and major increases in prices of food, transportation, energy, rent, and medication for individuals and in the prices of critical inputs for
Continued on page 37
Two Years After, the Indicators are Positive
It was just a harmless one-liner, but it became the most memorable part of that historic speech. “Subsidy is gone and gone for good.” That was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his inauguration at the iconic Eagle Square, Abuja on May 29, 2023.
Besides being the most memorable part of the speech, the phrase became a vivid metaphor for all the bold reforms that followed. President Tinubu was merely sending a signal about his strong conviction and resolve to make hard choices.
From the get-go, President Tinubu left no one in doubt that he meant business as far as tending to the seemingly intractable problems of Nigeria was concerned. He came on board with all the gravitas needed to change the Nigerian story and fix her concerns for our collective good.
With requisite but rare confidence and
the willpower to make crucial but difficult choices, he gave a clear inkling of what serious leadership means right from his inauguration at the Eagle Square.
That one-liner – subsidy is gone and gone for good – was to later set the stage for several other revolutionary game-changing decisions that are fast altering the narrative of our dear nation, dipped in a truly genuine Renewed Hope Agenda.
Critics are quick to remind the nation, nay the world, that the President once opposed fuel subsidy removal. Truth is, such individuals are too short-sighted to understand the place of time in decision-making. Only a leader in the cast of Asiwaju does.
Subsidy removal was an idea whose time had not come, when it was first mooted. That was why to even muster the political will at the time was in itself herculean. Besides, it was all obscured by other environmental elements.
When the time eventually came, Tinubu who, as a realist, would not miss such an opportunity, embraced the idea, not just as a Nigerian, but now as the President. Of course, the consequences of this tough choice have hit the masses so hard. It was so because subsidy removal was sudden – and shocking. Understandably so!
But with compassion and magnanimity of leadership, the President has so far managed the fallout very well, with the otherwise scathing effects now gradually thawing, giving meaning and clarity to the decision.
He has not only invested in Compressed Natural Gas buses to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, Asiwaju Tnubu has also provided palliatives for us, the subnationals, as development partners, just so we could collectively attack the consequences from all sides and give reprieve to our people.
The CNG initiative, launched to
power the transportation sector and reduce costs, has saved the nation over N1 trillion a month, hitherto used to import PMS and AGO. Added to this is the fact that while oil production has increased, agreements for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) of well over $500 million have been signed. These indicators are positive.
From subsidy removal, our President hopped on the next assignment. He floated the naira against other currencies. This was done to enable the naira find its level against stronger currencies, especially the dollar.
By terminating multiple foreign exchange systems, which, like the President once noted, had “constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our nation and impeded our economic development and progress”, there was a projected relief, albeit not in the region
Tinubu