THURSDAY 10TH JULY 2025

Lukman: Coalition Will Avoid Past Mistakes of Atiku, Obi to Defeat Tinubu in 2027

Discloses whoever emerges presidential candidate will get massive support, coalition won’t stand on anybody’s mandate Tinubu planning clampdown on opposition leaders, Abdullahi raises the alarm Coalition dead on arrival, declares ACF spokesman

www.thisdaylive.com

after a meeting on

Boss Mustapha: Buhari Allowed Institutions to Work, Prioritised Structure over Showmanship

Says ex-president’s constant 12m votes birthed his presidency in 2015

Tinubu: my predecessor showed humility, restraint, maturity in exercise of presidential powers

Obaigbena: 40 years ago, I was the last journalist to interview Buhari just before IBB’s coup

GARBA SHEHU’S BOOK LAUNCH, ‘ACCORDING TO THE PRESIDENT’...

Former

of

the

TRUTH & REASON

L-R:

Minister

Communication, Prof. Ali Pantami; Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Former Chief of Staff, Amb. Ibrahim Gambari; Author and former SSA to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Minister of Information, Mr. Mohammed Idris; Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; SGF, Mr. George Akume; and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, during the book launch ‘According to the President’ by former SSA on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, held at

Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, yesterday

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

One of the leaders of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Salihu Lukman, has said the

opposition coalition would avoid mistakes made in the past election by both former Vice President Atiku

Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, among others willing to contest the

ticket of the party. Lukman spoke when he appeared on a Channels TV programme. He

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos

The Nigerian Government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which

L-R: The US Ambassador, Richard M. Mills Jr. and the Interior Minister, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

the recently introduced visa procedures … yesterday

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL...

L-R: Nigeria Country Manager, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Ms. Lolade Abiola; Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Temitope Akinyemi; CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi; Chief Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi; and Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, SEforALL, Mr. Quinn Reifmesser, during a panel discussion at the High-Level Mission 300 Energy Forum held in Abuja, yesterday

Senate Moves to Salvage Nigeria’s Power

Sector with Bold Legislative Overhaul

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In what could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s ailing electricity sector, the Senate yesterday, debated the general principles of the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

It was a sweeping legislative initiative aimed at rescuing the power industry from systemic collapse.

This comes as the Senate yesterday also launched a full-scale investigation into the operations of Ponzi schemes in the country.

The development followed the catastrophic collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), a digital investment platform that allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion ($847 million), making it one of the most devastating financial scams in the nation’s history.

The bill to debate the general principles of the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), proposes 28 substantial amendments to the Electricity Act, 2023, in a bid to untangle the deep-rooted legal, operational, and financial challenges afflicting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Abaribe, who led the debate during plenary, delivered a stark warning: Nigeria’s power sector is teetering dangerously on the brink, burdened by trillions of

naira in unpaid debts, a fragmented regulatory environment, and rampant infrastructure vandalism.

“The Nigerian power sector is hanging on a cliff and requires immediate and drastic action to rescue it from total collapse,” Abaribe declared.

The proposed amendment bill draws heavily from the findings of a comprehensive diagnostic review carried out by the Senate Committee on Power.

The committee, in its report, painted a grim picture of a sector in turmoil, unable to deliver on its mandate despite successive waves of reform.

At the heart of the bill are measures designed to bring clarity, accountability, and stability to a sector long mired in controversy and inefficiency.

It seeks to strengthen coordination between the federal and state governments in regulating electricity in the aftermath of the constitutional amendment that moved power matters to the concurrent legislative list.

The amendment also introduces stricter penalties for the vandalism of electricity infrastructure, and establishes a clearer transitional framework between the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state-level regulators.

It also creates legal backing for host community engagement in

electricity projects.

Additionally, it provides a foundation for implementing targeted subsidies through the Power Consumer Assistance Fund, aimed at protecting low-income consumers from the burden of rising electricity costs.

Abaribe emphasised that the bill does not seek to place any new financial burden on the federal government.

Rather, it aims to eliminate ambi-

1% Local

guities in the existing law, enhance regulatory oversight, and introduce legal tools to combat sabotage and poor governance in the sector.

“This amendment is not about more spending—it’s about smarter laws and enforcement,” he said.

The Senate floor saw resounding support for the bill, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle describing it as “bold,” “timely,” and “transformative.”

Senator Muhammad Tahir

Monguno (Borno North) likened the bill to the groundbreaking Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said it has the potential to revolutionise the power sector in much the same way the PIA reshaped Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He recounted how prolonged vandalism had left entire communities in his constituency without electricity for over six months, expressing hope that the bill’s punitive provisions

would finally serve as a deterrent. In his contribution, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, said the amendment was a necessary evolution in the country’s reform journey.

He warned that unless the growing debts owed to generation, transmission, and distribution companies were urgently addressed, the sector could face irreversible damage.

Content Levy: NCDMB Introduces Compliance Certification amid Resistance by Indigenous Oil Firms

Amid persistent resistance by some indigenous oil and gas producers and contractors to the payment of the statutory one per cent local content levy, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has introduced the Nigeria Content Compliance Certificate System (NCCCS) to ensure adherence to the legal provision.

The certificate, according to the agency, was intended to enhance

BINL to Build $15bn 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

modern crude oil refinery.

for the international market.

transparency and boosting local participation in the oil and gas industry in line with Section 104 of the Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, which provided for the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) to fund local capacity development in the sector.

According to the NOGICD Act, one percent of every contract awarded to any operator, contractor, subcontractor, alliance partner, or any other entity involved in any project, operation, activity, or transaction in the upstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry shall be deducted at source and paid into the NCDF managed by the NCDMB for projects, programmes, and activities directed

at increasing Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

But over the years, one of the challenges in implementing this aspect of the law has been the resistance of indigenous oil mining lease (OML) holders or operators to paying that one per cent levy.

However, speaking at its 2-Day Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop for Community Contractors, held in Lagos, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, explained that the compliance certificate was a pivotal tool developed to ensure that Nigerian content requirements are fully complied with in all oil and gas projects in the country. Represented at the event by the Acting Director, Finance and Personnel Management,

Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) has concluded plans to construct and operate a 500,000 barrel per day (BPD) refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in Ogboti, Eruuna, and establish the Sunshine Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The refinery, a joint venture with the Ondo State government represented by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), would cost $15 billion, with phase one expected to be completed within 48 months.

BINL is exploring a partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to facilitate the delivery of this ultra-

According to a statement yesterday, BINL has scheduled a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on July 14, 2025.

BINL and the Ondo State Government, represented by ONDIPA, would then formally execute memoranda of understanding on July 15, 2025 to kick off the delivery of these projects.

According to BINL, a multi-sectoral infrastructure development company with offices in Abuja, London and Zug, this project will be phased commencing with a 100,000 refinery.

BINL’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Mr. Wale Adekola, said the refinery would provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products

The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.

The development framework includes a comprehensive and strict governance structure for the development of the local community in compliance with international standards and relevant laws.

According to Adekola, these projects would contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s trade deficit, conserving foreign exchange reserves, increasing government revenue, and economic development. 130

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Mr. Mubarak Zuabair, the NCDMB boss added that with the introduction of the compliance certificate, companies now have an objective standard to demonstrate conformity, while the board is better positioned to ensure regulatory oversight.

For the system to be effective, he said, stakeholders must be adequately informed, saying the sensitisation programme provided an opportunity for hands-on engagement and clarification. Ogbe explained, “This programme is more than a workshop. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to deepen Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry and improve transparency, accountability, and access to funding mechanisms that support indigenous participation.

Abaribe leads push to amend electricity act Lawmakers order full probe into N1.3trn CBEX ponzi scandal Summons regulators as lawmakers decry epidemic of financial fraud Alleged $5m Scandal: Protesters

A coalition of public interest lawyers and civil society organisations yesterday intensified their campaign against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed. They besieged the National Assembly to submit a detailed petition to the leadership of the House of Representatives over alleged corruption, abuse of office, and conflict of interest against the NMDPRA boss

suspension, investigation, and prosecution.

The petition accused Ahmed of alleged gross financial misconduct, including the diversion of over $5 million in public funds purportedly used to finance the overseas education of his four children. The legal coalition, supported by pressure groups such as the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, the Concerned Young Professionals Network, and the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA), called for his immediate

One of the lead petitioners, Samuel Ihensekhien, who addressed journalists at the National Assembly Complex, appealed to the federal lawmakers to probe the petition. Ihensekhien said, “We are here again to demand accountability and transparency from Mr. Farouk Ahmed. His actions are a clear betrayal of public trust, and its time for him to face the consequences.”

Peter Uzoho

REVENUE RECOVERY SUMMIT...

L-R: Representative of the Chief of Judge of Lagos, Hon. Justice Hakeem Oshodi; Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon.. Femi Saheed; Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju; Lagos Attorney General / commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria (office of the Vice President) and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, and Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga,. during the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Revenue Recovery Summit in Lagos...recently

NUPRC: Nigeria’s Oil Industry Rebounding, Rig

Count Now 46, Up from 8 in 2021

With project 1million barrels on course, Nigeria adds 300,000bpd in 10 months

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said yesterday that there were clear signs that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry had begun to rebound, with a significant rise in the number of active rigs in the sector, rising from eight in 2021 to 46 currently.

Besides, the upstream regulator stated that since the launch of its “Project 1 Million Barrels Per Day”, Nigeria had achieved an

additional 300,000 barrels daily crude oil production. It said these were clear signals that things were looking up again in the sector.

Generally, an increase in Nigeria’s rig count signals a positive shift in upstream oil activity, often reflecting rising investor confidence and the gradual return of capital into exploration and production. A higher rig count typically means more drilling operations are underway, either to develop new wells or re-enter dormant ones.

“Project 1 million bpd” was launched in October last year by NUPRC under President Bola Tinubu, with the aim of ramping up the country’s crude oil output by one million barrels per day over 12 months to 24 months.

It focused on reactivating idle wells, revitalising brownfield assets, modernising infrastructure, tightening security, improving regulations, and attracting fresh investment to close the gap between current output of around 1.7 million bpd and the

targeted 2.6 million bpd to 2.8 million bpd by late 2026.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of a media workshop for members of the Energy Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), led by John Ofikhenua, NUPRC’s Chief Executive (CCE), Gbenga Komolafe, stated that although the sector was not where it wanted to be, it had made significant progress in the last few years.

With less than four years since its establishment, Komolafe stated

Information Minister: FG Eyeing Food Sufficiency Through Public-Private Partnership

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the federal government is working closely with state governments and the private sector to scale up investments in agriculture and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Idris spoke this during an inspection visit to a state-of-the-art Tilapia Fish Farm operated by Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited in New Bussa, as well as the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

The minister, accompanied by Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, lauded the creation of the Federal Ministries of Marine and Blue Economy and Livestock Development by President

Bola Tinubu as initiatives that would strengthen the regulatory framework for private sector participation and reduce the importation of fish and dairy products into the country.

Idris stated, “Since the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has taken deliberate steps, including the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which oversees over 800 kilometres of coastline and inland waterways suitable for aquaculture.

“Coupled with the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, it is evident that the president recognises food security as key to national sovereignty.”

He commended the efforts of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited and Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, stating that their success demonstrates the immense potential of collaboration among the federal government,

sub-national entities, and the private sector in advancing Nigeria’s food production goals.

The minister echoed Tinubu’s recent commitment in Brazil to dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks hampering the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He praised Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited for choosing to invest in the hatching and rearing of Tilapia – one of Nigeria’s most consumed fish varieties – which was currently being imported in large quantities.

Idris said the venture will help reduce fish importation, create direct and indirect jobs, and offer sustainable solutions to youth unemployment.

“We have been informed that current production stands at 1,000 metric tonnes, with plans to double this to 2,000 metric tonnes by the end of the year, and to scale up

N’Delta Media Platform Set to Convene Oil, Gas Industry Dialogue in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

GbaramatuVoice, a foremost media platform in the Niger Delta, has announced that it is set to bring together key figures in Nigeria as part of events to commemorate its 10th anniversary, scheduled for August 27 and 28 in Abuja.

A statement from the organisation said government, oil and gas, civil society, as well as the diplomatic corps will come together for a high-level dialogue on the future of the Niger Delta and the pressing issues around

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The organisers added that the gathering will serve not only to celebrate a decade of fearless reporting and cultural advocacy but also to stimulate national conversation on unresolved challenges such as resource control, environmental justice, regional security, and media representation.

Central to the programme, it said, is a public lecture on August 27, themed: “Gaps and Silences in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security and Media Dynamics.”

The session will convene national leaders, oil and gas executives, International Oil Companies (IOCs), academics, security experts, and community leaders to engage on the lingering gaps in policy and practice affecting the Niger Delta and its people.

“Ten years of reporting from the creeks and communities of the Niger Delta has taught us that the real stories of oil, conflict, justice and survival are often buried beneath national headlines. This lecture is a chance to bring those silences to the fore”, the organisers stated.

to 5,000 metric tonnes within four years,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, lauded the promoters of the two projects, describing them as aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Enoh emphasised that expanding local production and processing will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and help conserve foreign exchange.

She he stated that Bank of Industry (BoI) was established to support such industrial efforts, hence the presence of the Bank’s representative on the visit.

that the commission hit the ground running since he took over, because the NUPRC team had clarity as to what to do and how to go about it.

Stressing that the commission had attained “high-impact achievements”, he stressed that NUPRC came around a period that oil production declined to one million barrels daily, but had now hit a high of over 1.7 million bpd.

Komolafe said, “I have worked with a very resilient team that is committed to drive, to optimise, and valorise our hydrocarbon resources. The rig count today is 46. And we’re not stopping there. But, of course, it’s a leap, very geometric, but we are moving higher. The signs are positive. The feedback in the industry has been very encouraging.”

As an industry regulator, Komolafe stated that there were two ways to achieve improved federation revenue, either to cut the unit cost of production or embark on incremental production.

He stated, “We say that the commission is usually called the business enabler. And when we say that, we are not talking like politicians. It’s not just a statutory responsibility, it’s in the law that we should do all things necessary to promote and attract investment.”

Komolafe emphasised, “We’ve taken a number of steps, including the last programme, we launched the project, which is the one million incremental barrels. That programme

is an initiative to leverage the power of collaboration, to get all the other operators in the industry to collaborate, to leverage their capacity, to drive production. The initiative came as a result of our observation that the potential is there.

“One of the limiting factors was that everybody was confined to the existing compartment. So, as a regulator, mandated to do all things necessary to drive investment, we brought all of them together and charged that we needed to increase production by additional one million bpd.

“As of the time that programme was launched, and now, we’ve observed a positive data of about 300,000 barrels of oil per day. That is another achievement of which I think we are proud.”

At the event, which witnessed brilliant presentations from top officials of the commission, Komolafe explained that the president’s Executive Orders 40, 41, and 42, which had to do with various tax incentives, reform of local content law, and reduction of the contracting circle and the threshold, had helped the upward swing currently being experienced.

He thanked ECAN for their objective reportage of NUPRC, stating that over 200 million Nigerians look up to the commission to accelerate growth in the sector to ensure adequate revenue for the federation.

Novartis Gets Approval for First Malaria Drug for Babies

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Novartis has received approval in Switzerland for Coartem Baby, which it said was the first drug to treat malaria in babies and very young children, a process Nigeria was hugely involved in, a Reuters report said.

Eight African countries who participated in the assessment are now expected to issue quick approvals for the treatment, which is also known as Riamet Baby in some countries.

Novartis launched Coartem to treat malaria in 1999, with a new dose strength now designed for small babies.

“Together with our partners, we are proud to have gone further to develop the first clinically proven malaria treatment for newborns and young babies, ensuring even

the smallest and most vulnerable can finally receive the care they deserve,” said Novartis Chief Executive, Vas Narasimhan.

The treatment was developed with scientific and financial support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a Swiss non-profit group working to deliver medicines to treat, prevent and eliminate the disease that is spread by mosquitoes.

The new infant version of Coartem is dissolvable, including in breast milk, and has a sweet cherry flavour to make it easier to administer, the report said. Until now, there has been no approved malaria treatment for infants weighing less than 4.5 kilograms (9.9 pounds), leaving a treatment gap, Novartis said.

Currently available malaria treatments have only been tested

in children at least six months old, because the very young are usually excluded from treatment trials. Previously, infants have used formulations meant for older children, increasing the risk of overdose. Malaria vaccines are also not approved for the youngest babies, it added. The eight countries that took part in the assessment were Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Around 30 million babies are born in areas of malaria risk in Africa every year, with one survey across West Africa reporting infections ranging between 3.4 per cent and 18.4 per cent in infants younger than six months old, Novartis said. The treatment will be distributed on a largely not for profit basis, Novartis said.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ACCESS BANK’S DMD VISIT TO GHANA’S VICE PRESIDENT...

L–R: Country Operating Officer, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Ugochi Okoro; Non-Executive Director, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe; Head of Women Banking, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Roselind Akko; Head of Affluent Banking, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Priscilla Dazie; Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Chizoma Okoli; Head of Corporate Communication, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mr. Edward Nelson-Addy; Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; Executive Director, Retail and Digital Banking, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Pearl Nkrumah; and Head, Public Sector, Access Bank Plc, Ghana, Mrs. Beverlyn Quaynor, during a courtesy visit of the Access Bank management team to the Vice President of Ghana, in Accra… recently

Court Voids Union Bank’s

Alex Enumah in Abuja and Wale

Igbintade in Lagos

A Lagos State High Court has voided Union Bank’s deduction of £130,720,557.06 belonging to Nicon Investment Limited due to alleged indebtedness.

Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe voided the banks action on the grounds that the deduction was made without authorisation or approval by NICON Investment.

The court subsequently awarded £1 million as damages against Union Bank of Nigeria Plc for breaching its fiduciary duties to NICON Investment Limited, owned by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

Abike-Fadipe made the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed by NICON Investment Limited, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd, and Senator Ibrahim, on Thursday.

The claimant had dragged the bank to court to challenge the alleged unlawful deductions from its fixed deposit account with Union Bank, over N10 billion and N16 billion loan facilities for the operation of Global Fleet/ NICON investment.

Union Bank had predicated its action on the grounds of an alleged mutual agreement between it and the claimant and its sister company, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd.

Specifically, the bank argued that the fixed deposits in the accounts of

the claimant as well as that of Global Fleet were given as collateral for the loans to the claimant.

As part of efforts at recovering the loans, Union Bank had converted the sum of £130,720,557.06 in the fixed deposit account of the claimant with the bank to dollars, an act which resulted to the court case wherein judgement was delivered on Thursday.

Abike-Fadipe, who dismissed reliefs 10 and 11 of the claimant, held that “Judgement is entered for the claimant against the defendant on the claimant’s reliefs 1 to 9 and 12 to 17”.

She accordingly declared as null and void the “defendant bank’s unilateral act of converting the sum of £130,720,557.06 (one hundred and thirty million, seven hundred and twenty thousand, five hundred and fifty-seven pounds and six pence) from the claimant’s fixed deposit account to US dollars without the due authorisation and/or mandate of the claimant”.

According to the court, the pounds sterling fixed deposit account of the claimant was not tied to the indebtedness of Global Fleet Ltd and/or meant in any way or manner whatsoever to provide security for the said debt.

The court further held that the defendant bank’s unilateral use of part of the sum of £130,720,557.06 to liquidate Global Fleet Ltd debt without the mandate and/or due authorisation of the claimant was

wrongful, null and void.

The court held, “The indebtedness of Global Fleet Ltd to the Defendant (if any) is neither payable from the £130,720,557.06 fixed deposit of the claimant nor is any amount deductible therefrom in respect of Global Fleet Ltd indebtedness.

“The defendant bank cannot unilaterally deal with or make any deduction from the fixed deposit account of the claimant without the authorisation, mandate or consent of

the signatories to the fixed deposit account as on the mandate card.”

The court subsequently awarded the sum of N50 million to the claimant against the defendant as damages for unlawful deduction and illegal penalties and charges made on the account of the claimant by the defendant.

It said, “The defendant is directed to render an account of all the transactions on the claimant’s pound sterling fixed deposit account together with

all accrued interests thereon.

“An order setting aside all acts of the defendant pertaining to and/or connected with and affecting the claimant’s pounds sterling fixed deposit account vis-s-viz its conversion to US Dollars, Naira and unilateral liquidation of the indebtedness of Global Fleet Ltd and NICON Investment Limited from the said account.

“The sum of £1,000,000:00 (One Million Pounds Sterling) as damages for the defendant’s breach of its fiduciary

duties to the claimant and negligence.”

The court dismissed in its entirety the defendant’s counterclaim and awarded costs of N10 million in favour of Nicon investment and Jimoh Ibrahim who is the 3rd defendant to the counter claimant.

The court also entered judgement in part for Global Fleet because the firm did not prove that First City Monument Bank and Oceanic Bank shares were part of the collateral to secure the loan facility granted by the bank.

First Lady Canvasses Ways to Impact Real, Lasting Positive Global Change

Joins global colleagues at third annual first ladies’ academy in New York

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined her counterparts across the world to map out ways in which their leadership can ensure the changing world goes in the right direction.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Alliance Academy in New York, Mrs. Tinubu, stated that getting around the challenges that faced the vulnerable

segments of Nigeria required the adoption of innovative solutions.

Her comments were contained in a release issued on Wednesday by her Media Assistant, Busola Kukoyi.

She said that was one of the reasons, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she championed the cause of women and youth to achieve better lives for families.

According to the first lady, “This position is quite challenging. What you do will either compliment your husband or be a burden to him. So do what you can and do it right.

“Don’t be afraid to give your little. That little could be a life saver for someone. Be bold to confront

your challenges and that is what we are doing and we are beginning to see the impact gradually.”

Mrs. Tinubu’s special address at the academy in the coming days was expected to highlight her transformative interventions for children, women, and the youth in Nigeria.

Other first ladies present at the meeting included Ana Dias Lourenco of Angola, Anna Hakobyan of Armenia, Rossana Briceno of Belize, Lucrecia Peinado of Guatemala, Eliza Reid of Iceland, Monica Chakwera of Malawi, Gueta Chapo of Mozambique, Maricel de Mulino of Panama, and Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

Several other former first ladies shared their experiences and actions taken on sundry issues, including mental health and wellbeing, especially among the youth, maternal health, food security, rapid growth, among others.

The chief facilitator and founder of the alliance, Dr Cora Neumann, a Montana State Senator, pointed out to the participating first ladies that their leadership was needed not only during their time in office but throughout their life time. Neumann stated, “Your ideas, challenges and insights have shaped every element of this experience and we welcome and expect you to continue shaping it with us.

Linus Aleke

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday honoured the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, for compliance with its admission guidelines for the 2024/2025 admission exercise, validating its commitment to transparency, academic excellence, merit-based and standard-driven admissions processes. Conferring the merit award on the management of AFIT at the 5th Edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NAPTAP-M) in Abuja yesterday, JAMB urged the institute not to lower its standard of excellence and merit.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters,

Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement said the institute has once again demonstrated its rising profile as one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions.

He disclosed that AFIT secured first position among Nigerian universities for its highest level of compliance with the JAMB admission guidelines for the 2024/2025 admission exercise, validating its commitment to merit-based and standard-driven admissions processes.

This, he said, marks an advancement from the 2023/2024 admission cycle, where the institution ranked second.

Ejodame said: “In the overall combined ranking for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 admission years, AFIT secured 4th place out of 172

universities, following Ahmadu Bello University, universities, and Nile University.

“This latest milestone affirms AFIT’s unwavering commitment to transparency, merit-based admissions, and excellence in education delivery, in line with national guidelines and global best practices.”

Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, commended the institute’s leadership and staff for sustaining the momentum in academic and administrative excellence.

He described the recognition as “a validation of the Nigerian Air Force’s deliberate and strategic investment in education as a key enabler of air power and national development.”

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to ensure a reduction of the quantum of waste ending up at the landfill sites with adoption of new strategies such as “Waste to Energy Plants” in the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made this known at the Lagos Investors Summit 2.0, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, saying the plant is an innovative project designed

He stressed the aforementioned challenges contribute majorly to flooding issues during extreme weather events by blocking the drainage systems in the state. According to him, the value proposition of the Waste to Energy Plant anticipates an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 12% over a 20-year operating period, underpinned by electricity pricing and the introduction of a tipping fee.

in Abuja

IMF Hails FIRS’ Contribution to Tax Reforms

James Emejo in Abuja

International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria’s tax reforms, particularly ongoing reforms at the revenue agency.

IMF Senior Economist, Fiscal Affairs Department, Paulo Paz, gave the commendation at the opening of the IMF-supported Headquarters Mission at the FIRS Head Office in Abuja.

Paz specifically hailed the agency for recording significant progress in its core duties under its Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

He pledged the fund’s continued support for the revenue service in delivering effective tax administration for the growth and development of

the country.

Paz praised the “good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens” under Adedeji.

The IMF team was in the country to explore areas it could further support the service in addressing the challenges that might arise, particularly with the recently signed tax laws, according to a statement by Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Mr. Dare Adekanmbi.

The IMF senior economist pointed out that the new tax laws had fresh implications for the country.

He said, “We want to know how we can best support you with this new challenge. Our take on the four tax laws is, first, a recognition of the very good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens.

“You have at the same time the

recognition and new responsibilities with these very powerful laws, which will increase the relevance of the tax administration in Nigeria.

“I want to express our honour of being here and being a partner of FIRS. Thank you for your trust in our advice. We congratulate you for the good results so far. There is more to come, and we are here to help.”

Adedeji, while welcoming the visitors, applauded IMF for journeying with the tax body. He said the relationship would continue when the agency transited to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next year.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, Adedeji lauded IMF’s collaboration with FIRS in portfolio management and compliance programme.

Adedeji said, “IMF has gone on

this journey with us, and I think we are in a good place to continue the journey together.

“We are working together either in digital transformation, VAT automation, looking at even the compliance programme and ability to automate some of those things.

“I am interested in corporate plan and the nexus of data portfolio management so that we have our strategy being dissolved into those manageable tasks. It’s very important that those things are well.”

In her remarks, Coordinating Director, Corporate Services Group, FIRS, Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, explained that IMF had been a critical stakeholder in the service’s journey towards tax system reforms targeted at improving domestic revenue mobilisation.

Akintola said FIRS, with the

b o SS m u STAPHA : b u HA r I A LLo W e D In STIT u TI on S T o Work,

Olawale Ajimotokan, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Oluwaseyi Adedotun in Lagos

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, yesterday, said his then principal, former President Muhammadu Buhari, during his administration, allowed institutions of state to work and prioritised structure over flamboyance.

Mustapha said Buhari would be remembered not for political theatrics, but for a legacy defined by disciplined

leadership, institutional reform, and long-term governance frameworks.

He spoke at the public presentation of a book written by Buhari’s former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, titled, “According to the President.”

Mustapha said the 2013 merger of political parties made the Buhari presidency possible in 2015.

The legacy parties that formed All Progressives Congress (APC) included Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), a faction of All Progressives Ground

Alliance (APGA), and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Mustapha, who did a breakdown of elections’ results since 2003, concluded that the three million votes brought in by the merger boosted Buhari’s constant 12 million votes in three election cycles to get the 15.4 million votes that saw him up to the presidency in 2015.

President Bola Tinubu, at the occasion, reiterated that the reform-oriented path initiated by Buhari would be consolidated and strengthened under

this administration.

Tinubu said Buhari showed humility, restraint, and maturity in the exercise of presidential power.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the job of Nigeria’s vice president as the most difficult in the world.

Chairman of ARISE News Channel and Publisher of THISDAY, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on his part, recalled how he was the last journalist 40 years ago to interview Buhari as Head of State just before IBB’s coup.

Lukm A n: Co ALITI on W ILL Avo ID PAST mISTA ke S of ATI ku, o b I To Defe AT T I nubu I n 2027

flag of the coalition in 2027 election must earn it by winning at the primary election.

Lukman appealed to supporters of the various presidential aspirants to join hands with the coalition to rescue Nigeria.

Relatedly, National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned a tweet by a presidential aide, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, which alleged that the opposition was planning to overthrow the Tinubu government before 2027.

Abdullahi said the allegation was part of plans by the Tinubu government to clamp down on the opposition.

But Publicity Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, described the brewing crisis within ADC as unsurprising, warning that the coalition may risk failure if it continues to focus on personalities rather than presenting a clear ideological and policy-driven agenda.

Meanwhile, ADC had taken over the structures of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), LP, and All Progressives Congress(APC) in Benue State.

Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the ruling APC, said, “Once the opposition leaders are divided, if by 2027 we present more than one candidate, it’s as much as granting victory to APC and President Asiwaju.

“So as much as possible, we must keep the opposition together, and in keeping the opposition together, it’s not about asking anybody to step down.

“I appeal to the Obedients and other groups, to really understand that the ADC and the coalition is the home for them. And they should come and let’s build ourselves together.

“If Peter Obi emerges the presidential candidate of ADC, we will all support him and strengthen him to overcome the shortcomings of the past.

“So also, any other, if it is Atiku Abubakar that emerges, for instance, we will support him and strengthen him in such a way that he doesn’t repeat the mistake of former President Buhari.

“So, I think these are issues, which, as citizens, as Nigerians, we must be very honest and frank in engaging them if we are going to move this country forward. This is the kind of debate we want to have in ADC. Everybody will slug it out in the presidential primary, apparently.”

The Kaduna-born politician said the debate within ADC and within the coalition would factor all and ensure that the issue of equity was properly taken care of and addressed in a way that Nigerians would see there was a new party, which respected

the interests of every party member and accommodated everyone.

Lukman, however, declared that there was no discussion about presidential candidates in the coalition at the moment.

He stated, “Let me be very clear on this, there is no discussion about the question of presidential candidate in the coalition up to this moment. And our position is, basically whoever, and that is the first test of whether we’ll be different from the existing parties or not, whoever will be the candidate of the ADC must win the primary.

“It’s the first test of whether those aspiring are, in the first place, democrats or not. And this is the issue we are engaging all of them. And the other test, which we are putting to all of them is that their ambition must go beyond their personal expectation. It has to factor the reality facing the country.”

Tinubu’s Laying Foundation to Clampdown on Opposition Leaders, ADC Raises Alarm

The ADC leadership condemned a recent tweet by a presidential, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, which alleged that the opposition was planning to overthrow the Tinubu government before 2027.

The party said that was part of a grand plot to start clamping down on opposition leaders.

‘’While we consider this tweet as reckless and malicious, we also believe it is a lot more than that. If anything, it potentially lays the grounds for systematic clampdown on opposition leaders,’’ Abdullahi said. He warned that such reckless and unsubstantiated claim signalled a broader campaign of intimidation and repression against political opposition leaders by the Tinubu administration.

Abdullahi, in a statement, wrote, ‘’Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle. The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a false narrative that is designed to justify potential clampdown on dissent, and to criminalise legitimate opposition activity under the guise of national security.

‘’The ADC is not interested in truncating democracy; we are solely committed to saving the nation from the irredeemable incompetence of this government. And the only means available to us is the democratic means. We are not soldiers, we are politicians.

“We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots. When the time comes, we will only present our solutions and an alternative vision of the future to the Nigerian people and leave them to make their choice.

‘’We are left to wonder why the APC government is so jittery that it is so eager to betray its own heritage. APC is the first opposition party to come to power in Nigeria. It is therefore a great wonder that the same party now appears to find it strange that there is an opposition at all.

‘’We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly caution his aides from further baseless but dangerous allegations that have the potential to heat up the system even two years ahead of the next election. This manner of crying wolf where there is none does not make the president look good and only betrays a sense of panic.”

Abdullahi stated, “We also call on the Nigerian people to be vigilant and discerning, and to reject the underhand tactics being deployed to delegitimise the opposition and silence alternative voices. The health of our democracy depends on a free, open, and competitive political environment.

“We urge the international community, democratic governments all over the world, international observers, and human rights organisations, to closely monitor the unfolding political environment in Nigeria.

“We call on them to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that undermine democratic freedoms or violate the political rights of Nigerian citizens.

“The ADC remains committed to

building a better Nigeria, through peace, participation, and the power of the people.”

ACF Spokesman: Coalition Dead on Arrival

Publicity Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, said the crisis in ADC was expected.

Mohammed-Baba warned that the coalition risked failure if it continued to focus on personalities rather than presenting a clear ideological and policy-driven agenda.

Speaking in an interview on ARISE News, Mohammed-Baba said the turbulence rocking the coalition, as well as allegations of infiltration by the ruling APC were in line with Nigeria’s political history.

He said, “Things are still unfolding. We are not sure. This is just the beginning. There is a lot more to come, but it’s not surprising given the nature of our politics and the nature of the persons and personalities allegedly behind the coalition. This is expected.”

Mohammed-Baba stated that Nigeria’s political history had been marked by shifting alliances and fragile coalitions, citing examples from the First Republic to more recent attempts in 2011, 2015, and 2023.

According to him, “Coalitions are

vISA r e CIP ro CITY: f G u r

now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

The call was made in a statement issued by the spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, yesterday.

This was as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a surprise move yesterday, announced the introduction of stricter visa rules for Nigerian travellers, effective July 8, 2025, ostensibly to further reduce the number of Nigerian passport holders that go to their country.

The Nigerian government’s reaction to the US visa rule was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The attention of the federal government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/ B2, F and J categories, to three months with single entry.

“The federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and

support of IMF, conducted two systemic evaluation exercises using the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) between 2018 and 2023.

She said, “Each of these exercises was followed by a post-TADAT mission, where a reform roadmap was developed to address the systemic weaknesses that were uncovered by the assessment.

“The fact that the results of the 2023 TADAT showed significant improvement on those of 2018 is indicative of the commitment of the Service towards institutional excellence.

“Let me assure you that if another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be better than that of 2023 because a good number of the weak indicators from the 2023

Tinubu had in Abeokuta, ahead of the 2023 presidential convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), publicly disclosed that he made Buhari president, nominated Osinbajo as his running mate, and got Dapo Abiodun elected as Governor of Ogun State.

Tinubu, who insisted it was his turn to be president, being his “lifelong ambition”, said, “If not for me talking to you today, Buhari would not have been president. It is over 25 years that I have been serving them. This one sitting behind me, Dapo Abiodun, he could not have become the governor without me,” delivering the popular “emi lo kan” slogan.

However, Mustapha said before turning to the presidency, it was important to recognise Buhari’s role in reshaping Nigeria’s political trajectory.

He stated, “In early 2013, as the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari formally requested and supported the creation of a CPC merger committee, part of a broader coalition-building process that brought together the ACN, ANPP, APGA faction, and elements of the ruling party through the breakaway ‘new PDP’ group.

“His endorsement and participation, along with other party leaders, such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, lent credibility and direction to the merger, helping to unify disparate party factions under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“That coalition-building paved the way for the first democratic defeat of an incumbent ruling party in Nigeria’s history. President Buhari’s integrity, national stature, and disciplined messaging were central to that breakthrough.

“I do not intend to stir up any controversy. The merger in 2013, was midwifed to create a Buhari presidency. Let us look at the statistics. In the 2003 election, it was the Obasanjo-Buhari presidential contest where Buhari recorded 2.7 million.

“In the next election, he got 12.7 million votes. In 2007, it came to 6.6 million, it went back to 12.2 million

strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

“Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.”

Ebienfa further revealed that: “Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.”

Meanwhile, the UAE has introduced stricter visa rules for Nigerian travellers, effective July 8, 2025.

According to the new visa policy, Nigerian travellers between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible

to apply for tourist visas unless accompanied by a sponsor or unless they meet newly defined conditions.

In addition, transit visa applications by Nigerian nationals have been suspended entirely, effectively barring stopovers in the UAE for onward travel.

Individuals above 45 years applying for a tourist visa must now present a personal bank statement for the past six months, showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.

In addition, all travellers to the UAE are required to show proof of hotel reservations and sufficient funds (5,000 dirhams) to cover their stay.

This development is expected to significantly reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a popular destination for business and tourism.

This new round of visa restrictions for Nigerian nationals, introduced less than a year after both countries resolved a long-standing diplomatic rift over visa issuance, indicates that the UAE may have foreclosed the assumption that Nigeria is a target market for tourism.

According to updates issued to travel agents, the new rules also impose stringent financial require-

in 2011.

“When we were conceptualising the merger, what will give us a head-start and obviously, it is at the back of our consciousness that the merger with the CPC, though it has only one state, the ACN has six states, ANPP three states, and when you sum up the total votes that have us the presidency in 2015, the aggregate of the total votes was 15.4 million.

“So, basically, what we brought to the table after the merger outside the Buhari 12.5 million votes was three million.”

Mustapha, who offered an in-depth appraisal of Buhari’s leadership style, praised him for allowing institutions to work while he governed.

Held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Garba’s book launch brought together statesmen, policymakers, and political leaders who witnessed the unveiling of the book chronicling Buhari’s presidency.

Mustapha emphasised that Buhari’s model of governance reflected a deliberate choice to prioritise systemic change over populist appeal, adding that his tenure laid critical foundations for national development.

“President Buhari was not drawn to the theatre of power, but to its quiet burden of responsibility. He governed with duty over drama, conviction over applause. He will be remembered not only for performance but for principles,” he said.

Mustapha recounted Buhari’s decades of service, from his military appointments to his two-term democratic presidency, highlighting Buhari’s early role in establishing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), his leadership of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and his sustained advocacy for infrastructure-led development.

“As Head of State and later President, Buhari carried a reformist instinct that remained consistent,” Mustapha said, referencing major energy sector reforms, like the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and gas infrastructure

ments on applicants above 45 years. Individuals in this category must now submit a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) before their visa application will be considered. These changes come despite the UAE lifting a two-year visa ban on Nigerians in 2023. The Emirati authorities have instructed applicants and agents to comply with the updated guidelines, including the submission of existing supporting documents such as hotel bookings and passport biodata pages. Travel industry stakeholders say the new restrictions may significantly reduce travel between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly to Dubai, a longstanding hub for Nigerian tourists, students, and traders. Agents also fear that more restrictions may follow. When Emirates Airlines resumed operation to Nigeria after two years hiatus, with visa allegedly restricted to only travellers on the Dubai based airline, it was believed that over time UAE would relax the visa rules to make it easier for more Nigerians to travel to the Middle East nation but instead the country has applied further restrictions.

Performance Assessment Report have been addressed and some have been codified in the four tax reform laws recently signed by President Bola Tinubu.”

Zacch Adedeji

INAUGURATION OF IKOSI-ISHERI PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE...

L-R: GAC member, Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya; Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada; wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima – who represented the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; His wife, Dr. Ibijoke; Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau Jibrin; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, during the formal commissioning of the Ikosi-Isheri Primary Health Centre at Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Ketu, Lagos, yesterday

Senate Accuses NAFDAC of 20-year

Violation of Federal Character Principle

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

TThe senate has come down hard on National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), accusing the agency of over two decades of skewed recruitment practices that flout Nigeria’s Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The development came to light yesterday during an investigative hearing by Senate Committee on Federal Character and InterGovernmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East).

The hearing was part of an ongoing Senate probe into the recruitment practices of federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In a pointed exchange, the committee grilled officials of NAFDAC over what it described as an unjustifiable imbalance in the agency’s staffing pattern.

Onyesoh attributed the lop-sidedness to “years of poor leadership”, and warned that such practices undermine national cohesion.

He said, “The agency’s current recruitment structure is a clear violation of the Federal Character Principle. We cannot allow such imbalance to continue in a nation as diverse as ours.”

Responding to the committee’s concerns, NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, acknowledged the agency’s historical imbalance in recruitment. She, however, stated that no fresh employment had taken place in recent years, attributing the current state to inherited structural issues.

Education Cornerstone

of

Adeyeye assured the committee that NAFDAC was committed to redressing the imbalance and had submitted a request for a waiver to facilitate new recruitment that aligned with constitutional requirements of equity, merit, and

Kaduna’s

Devt Strategy, Says Gov Sani at Summit

John Shiklam in Kaduna Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said since assumption of office in May 2023, his administration had prioritised education as the cornerstone of its development strategy.

Speaking on Wednesday in Kaduna while declaring opened a three-day international summit on education (KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025), Sani described education as a tool for societal transformation.

He said the summit, themed, “Strategic Visioning for Educational Transformation: Developing a Kaduna State Education Model,” marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to build a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready education system in Kaduna State.

it abundantly clear that education would be the cornerstone of our administration.

“We see it not merely as a sector to be managed, but as a powerful tool for individual empowerment and societal transformation.”

The governor stated that a peaceful, prosperous, and secure society was built on the solid foundation of accessible, equitable, and high-quality education.

decades of progress.”

Sani said further that his administration believes education is both a fundamental human right and a critical driver of sustainable development, economic recovery, and social resilience.

professionalism. She stated, “We recognise the issues and are determined to correct them going forward.”

Adeyeye said the agency was suffering a critical manpower shortage that hampered its operations.

Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), emphasised the legislature’s resolve to enforce fairness and balance in all federal appointments, stressing that agencies failing to comply would be held accountable.

The committee gave NAFDAC a two-week deadline to return with a concrete plan detailing how it intended to address the staffing disparity.

“To this end, our administration has completed three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, located in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba,” Sani stated.

Sani stated, “When I assumed office as governor in May 2023, we made

The senate committee also reviewed employment records of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), led by Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, to determine its compliance with the Federal Character Principle. Findings on TCN’s case were expected in due course.

The investigation continued as the senate intensified its oversight to ensure inclusiveness and equal opportunity in federal services. Education minister, UN Deputy Secretary-General, British Deputy High Commissioner pledge support for Kaduna

he stated, “We have focused on improving access, modernising infrastructure, enhancing teacher capacity, and embracing the power of technology to deliver impactful learning experiences to every child, in every community.

“As governor of Kaduna State, I am also acutely aware that global economic downturns have deepened educational disparities, threatening

“We have, therefore, prioritised investments in foundational learning, digital infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive education policies, particularly those that serve marginalized groups, such as girls, learners with disabilities, nomadic populations, and children in conflict-affected communities.”

Sani added, “In line with United Nations recommendations, we are protecting our education budgets despite fiscal constraints.”

He said the state government was fully open to meaningful partnerships with national and international development institutions, civil society, and

FAAN Reduces Processing Time for International Passengers with Improved Airport Infrastructure at MMIA

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reduced passenger facilitation time from two hours to one hour with improved infrastructure, introduction of electronic gates and suspension of paper work at the D-Wing of the old international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

FAAN management has also deployed state-of-the-art scanning machines from the entrance of

the airport terminal to the central search, where passengers are screened; trained and deployed more Aviation Security (AVSEC) to further reduce delays and make it easier for passenger movement.

Facility tour carried out by THISDAY at the terminal yesterday revealed that FAAN has achieved zero passenger delay even at peak hours because of the new facilities put in place at the D-Wing by the agency. FAAN had also installed simi-

lar facilities at the E-Wing of the terminal and the transformation of the two wings was done in collaboration with the United Bank for Africa Plc.

Before the remodeling, the D-Wing was marked by congestion and outdated infrastructure, but it now offers streamlined processing, improved aesthetics, and smart technology integration.

It also connects directly with the new international terminal, allowing seamless transitions between wings.

the private sector to scale the impact. According to the governor, the reforms are anchored on the principles of inclusive, lifelong learning. Sani said, “We have redesigned school curricula to nurture critical thinking, digital literacy, problemsolving and global citizenship – ensuring our learners are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

He said his government had also prioritised skills acquisition and vocational education as critical pathways to youth empowerment and economic resilience.

He, however, lamented that despite Kaduna’s leading position in the North-west and northern Nigeria, in general, it still had a significant number of out-of-school children according to Sani, “This is why we launched the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project – an ambitious, multi-pronged intervention aimed at eradicating the out-of-school crisis.

HOSTCON Youth Council Applauds

Onyesoh reiterated the senate’s commitment to transparent and equitable recruitment across all federal institutions, adding that fairness in employment is vital to sustaining Nigeria’s unity and stability.

President Tinubu

over Award of Oil Block to High Chief

Henry Ojogho

The President of Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria, HOSTCON, Snr. Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, and member, Board of Trustees of the HOSTCON Youth Council, has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the award of an Oil Block to High Chief Henry Ojogho, Founder of Broron Oil & Gas Group, and a distinguished son of the Niger Delta.

The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria, in a statement issued in Abuja at the HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL SECRETARIAT in Abuja at the national EXCO meeting of the COUNCIL, commended President Tinubu for ensuring transparency

and a corrupt-free 2024 Oil Mining License (OML) bid round that saw the emergence of Chief Ojogho, a generous philanthropist and industrious Isoko son from Delta State.

According to the group, High Chief Ojogho is an experienced technocrat, seasoned industrialist, visionary entrepreneur, and a major player in the oil and gas industry.

In the statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, the National President of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON Youth Council), Ojogho is a pas- sionate advocate for local content development in the oil and gas sector, a vision that aligns with the Nigerian Content Act enacted in 2010.

“As far back as 2012, he highlighted the financing challenges of

indigenous operators and called for reforms to empower them,” it added. According to him, “Under his leadership, Broron Oil and Gas Group has maintained over 80% indigenous workforce, championing technology transfer, modular refineries, and gas-to-power initiatives to boost local capacity and national industrialization.

“Through the Henry Ojogho Foundation, he has empowered youths across Isoko land, especially in Oleh Community, via mentorship, educational support, and grassroots interventions.

“High Chief Ojogho is one of the few Niger Delta sons who contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic restoration. We recall that he was a loyal ally of President Tinubu during the pro-democracy struggle and remains committed to national unity and economic stability.

Chinedu Eze

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

2027: ADC as Threat to APC’s Power Consolidation

t he 2027 presidential poll may after all not be a smooth ride for the All Progressives c ongress as the anti-President Bola tinubu coalition last week adopted the African Democratic c ongress (AD c ) as their preferred party to realise their political goal. Adedayo Akinwale reports

For far too long, Nigerians as well as political actors have decried that the lack of a formidable opposition party that would pose a serious challenge and threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was not healthy for the country’s democracy.

But if the internal crisis that plagued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) was anything to go by, then the reasons for their concerns were nothing but genuine.

Also, the recent gale of defections by some National Assembly members, state governors, council chairmen and chieftains of opposition from the PDP and LP to APC initially killed any hope of having a strong opposition party

to challenge the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Though, while all these were going on, the opposition leaders continued strategising on how best to take the battle to the ruling party. Right from the onset, the opposition leaders agreed that adopting PDP was never an option. Nevertheless, all cards were put on the table, whether to adopt an existing party or float a new party all together. The parties considered for adoption were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

But the once docile opposition

coalition pulled a stunt last Wednesday by adopting ADC as the preferred platform by the opposition coalition to wrest power from President Bola Tinubu and the APC. It was also brought to the fore that the initial defection of the former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to SDP was part of the plan to confuse the ruling party so that the political talks with the leadership of ADC was not thwarted by APC.

Prior to the unveiling of ADC, the antiTinubu coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sold a dummy to the ruling party by submitting a letter of intent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). While that was going on,

the opposition coalition was perfecting its agreement with the leadership of ADC led by Ralph Nwosu.

However, Tinubu, being a strong member of the coalition in 2013 that later metamorphosed into APC, pressed a panic button by forcing the former National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to resign his position.

Nevertheless, the decision of the President to sacrifice Ganduje to thwart the threat posed by the Atiku-led coalition amounted to nothing with the coalition growing stronger by the day since its unveiling.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Playing Politics with Tinubu’s Recent Visit to Kaduna

John shirklam writes about President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Kaduna state noting that with visible projects and a unified party structure all indices appear bright for both leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections

Thousands of Kaduna residents on Thursday, June 19, 2025, trooped out to welcome President Bola Tinubu during his official visit to the state, where he inaugurated a series of people-oriented projects executed by the state governor, Senator Uba Sani.

The Murtala Square, Kaduna venue of the grand civic reception for the President, was overwhelmed by an enthusiastic crowd that made entry nearly impossible. Security forces struggled to manage the surging crowd that clamoured for access to catch a glimpse of the president.

Tinubu arrived in the northern city around midday and embarked on a tour of key developmental projects completed under the Sani administration.

The projects inaugurated by the president included a 300-bed specialist hospital, the 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road, the Tudun Biri Road, and the 22-kilometre road connecting Kauru Kubau Local Government Areas.

The president also inaugurated multiple vocational and skills training centres located in Rigachikun, Soba, Samarun Kataf.

Also inaugurated by the President was 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses under Kaduna State Green Transport Initiative.

Addressing the crowd, Tinubu commended Governor Sani’s leadership, describing him as “an agent of change” who has steered Kaduna from instability to peace and development.

“Governor Uba Sani is an agent of change, stability, love, unity, and progress. “

Tinubu said “Uba Sani has performed wonders and changed the environment from toxic, uncontrollable environment to a state of life, progress and development. I say thank you, my comrade”. The President said he was happy to be in Kaduna, recalling a long-standing connection with the state throughout his journey in politics, business, and pursuit of democracy and fundamental human rights.

“I had the privilege of working alongside Kaduna, many distinguished sons and daughters.

“Today, many of you are present here, many of you are not here”, he said.

Tinubu also used the occasion to correct the omission of Col. Dangiwa Umar (rtd), a former military administrator of Kaduna state from the list of those conferred with National Honours during his broadcast on democracy day on June 12.

“Let me use this opportunity to correct an

omission. Some of those people that I missed out during the June 12 broadcast at the National Assembly were Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd). Today, let me correct that by honouring him with national recognition of CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic)…” he said.

Speaking further, the President said, “Today I have seen example of people-oriented commitment development agenda in the governor who has established not only critical sector to change and develop the minds of our youths leaving schools as well as providing them with skills and opportunities to excel.

“Senator Uba Sani, the great people of Kaduna, loves you, and that extends to our commitment to democracy, justice, and dignity of life. You are a good leader, and I am very happy we have to work with you.

“I think I am a lucky person. I am overwhelmed by the warm reception by the government and the people of Kaduna state.

“I am particularly impressed with the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in this state…

“I remember when I came for campaigns, we had to go to Birnin Gwari with a battalion of security.

“I have it on good authority that you can move to Birnin Gwari today around midnight without fear of attack.

“Peace is the hallmark of development. That is why you are able to channel a system that is yielding results.

NOTE:

President Bola Tinubu (right) with Governor Uba sani of Kaduna state during the former’s one-day official visit to the state last Thursday

Tinubu

Atiku

obi

FEaturEs

How Edo State is Rejigging Diaspora Engagement to Drive Transformative Development

Tajudeen Kareem

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has launched what is the most ambitious diaspora engagement strategy by any Nigerian state, unveiling a transformative policy framework designed to tap into the remarkable $7 billion in annual remittances contributed by Edo indigenes worldwide.

The groundbreaking initiative, unveiled by Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, DirectorGeneral of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, represents a change in thinking from viewing diaspora communities merely as remittance sources to recognizing them as vital partners in sustainable development.

Recent data indicates that Edo State contributes an estimated 31% of Nigeria's total diaspora remittances, positioning it as the single largest contributor to the country's $24 billion diaspora economy. This remarkable achievement underscores the global reach and economic impact of Edo people across continents.

"By 2024, remittances had risen to $24 billion, and Edo's share is projected at $7 billion. That is a remarkable 31% of Nigeria's total diaspora remittances," explained Dr. Ogboro-Okor during recent outreach programs in Italy, highlighting the state's dominant position in Nigeria's diaspora economy.

Strategic Framework

The core strategic objectives that form the foundation of the new diaspora policy are:

Universal Inclusion Initiative

"No Edo indigene will be left behind," declared Governor Okpebholo, emphasizing that every Edo person matters regardless of their global location. This comprehensive inclusion approach moves beyond traditional transactional relationships to establish genuine partnerships with diaspora communities.

Economic Revitalization Through Strategic Investment

The governor has declared Edo State "open for investment," specifically calling on the international community and Edo diaspora to return and contribute to building a prosperous future. The administration aims to transform informal personal remittances into strategic investments through innovative financial mechanisms ensuring security, transparency, and investment readiness.

Cultural Renaissance and Narrative Control

A cornerstone of the strategy involves promoting Edo State's unique cultural identity globally. "The stories of Edo will be told by its people, boldly and with pride," Governor Okpebholo asserted, aiming to challenge outdated stereotypes and uphold cultural dignity on the international stage.

Digital Innovation: Innovative Integration Platform

The administration is developing a state-of-the-art online portal where Edo indigenes worldwide can register and receive unique community identifiers. This platform offers diaspora members access to special incentives including money transfer rebates, potential tax breaks for returning residents, and enhanced business visibility within the global Edo network.

"This platform not only enhances diaspora business visibility but also unlocks special incentives such as money transfer rebates and potential tax breaks for returning residents," the policy document states, demonstrating the administration's commitment to creating tangible benefits for diaspora engagement.

Addressing Migration Challenges Head-On

Under Dr. Ogboro-Okor's leadership, the agency plans to tackle irregular migration through innovative programs including the "Echoes from the Diaspora" series in partnership with broadcast media outlets. This comprehensive approach includes but not limited to educational outreach to universities and secondary schools, evidence-based strategies to dispel migration myths, protection programs for vulnerable youth and mental health support for irregular migrants who have endured traumatic journeys.

International Recognition and Leadership Excellence

The policy's impact has already garnered international attention, with Dr. Ogboro-Okor receiving the Woman of Excellence Award at the 2025 Africa Day Awards International in London. This recognition highlights the global significance of Edo State's diaspora engagement strategy.

Indeed, Dr. Ogboro-Okor brings exceptional credentials to her role as the agency's pioneer DirectorGeneral. The UK-trained consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist brings experience and compassion to her new role. She holds a master's degree in public health from the University of Edinburgh and has served as President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, UK. She is also a healthcare policy advocate and a Member of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

European Outreach Success Stories

The agency has already begun implementing its global engagement strategy through successful outreach programs across Europe. Recent harmonization and awareness campaigns in Rome, Verona, and Naples have demonstrated the administration's commitment to direct diaspora engagement.

No

"Dr. Ogboro-Okor and her team met with local Edo community members to build momentum from Rome, share the agency's vision, and establish sustainable partnerships," according to reports from the Italian outreach missions.

These European initiatives have specifically praised Edo citizens in Italy for their consistent financial contributions, which not only bolster the state's economy but also support community development projects across Edo State.

A central feature of the new policy emphasizes communitydriven development, where local Edo communities identify their most urgent needs, and diaspora members are mobilized to support targeted projects. This collaborative model bridges geographic divides and unites Edo people in shared purpose.

The framework adopted by the agency creates pathways for formal diaspora investment channels, business development support, economic partnership opportunities, sustainable development financing, healthcare initiatives and educational support and Infrastructure development projects.

Welfare and Mental Health Priority

Recognizing the multifaceted challenges facing diaspora members, particularly irregular migrants, the Okpebholo administration is determined to provide economic support mechanisms, mental health assistance, compassionate care affirming the value of every Edo life and specialized support for those who have endured dangerous and traumatic migration journeys.

"Governor Okpebholo's government is determined to provide not only economic support but also compassionate assistance that affirms the value of every Edo life," the policy framework emphasizes.

Edo indigene will be left behind… every Edo person matters regardless of their global location. This comprehensive inclusion approach moves beyond traditional transactional relationships to establish genuine partnerships with diaspora communities

Long-Term Vision: A Legacy Framework Governor Okpebholo's vision extends beyond current political boundaries. Dr. Ogboro-Okor describes the initiative as "a work in progress that will outlive our children's children." This sustainable approach aims to establish the diaspora agency as a permanent pillar of Edo's growth trajectory.

"Governor Okpebholo's vision for the Edo State Diaspora Agency is not merely an administrative initiative but a transformative movement designed to reposition diaspora remittances from fragmented, informal support into a wellstructured investment engine that drives Edo's socio-economic development," said Dr. Ogboro-Okor.

Investment and Partnership Opportunities

The administration has created multiple avenues for diaspora investment and partnership namely a Unique identifier system for community validation, Business incentives and investment opportunities, Money transfer rebate programs, Potential tax advantages for returning residents, Enhanced visibility for diaspora businesses and Access to government partnership programs.

Setting the Standard for Nigeria

Edo State’s comprehensive diaspora strategy positions it as a pioneer in systematic diaspora engagement for sustainable development. The initiative's success could serve as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to harness their diaspora potential for economic transformation.

The Edo State Government has opened its doors to all Edo indigenes worldwide to actively engage with this historic initiative and partner in the shared mission to build a prosperous, secure, and globally respected Edo State.

With purposeful leadership from Governor Okpebholo, supported by comprehensive policies and the mobilization of diaspora goodwill, Edo State's economy is poised for an unprecedented upward trajectory fuelled by homegrown innovation and global collaboration.

The policy framework demonstrates Governor Okpebholo's commitment to inclusive governance and strategic economic planning, with the potential to transform Edo State into a global hub for diaspora-driven development and cultural renaissance.

•Kareem is a public policy analyst

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Capital Development Fund, Chief Tajudeen Kareem; Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor; Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on International Development Partners, Mr. Collins Edomaruse; and Project Manager, NCDF, Mr. Lanre Olatunji at a partnership meeting in Benin…recently

www.thisdaylive.com

Thursday July 10, 2025 Vol 30.

opinion@thisdaylive.com

It is a fragile gamble ahead of 2027, contends CHETA NWANZE

THE LAGOS COUNCIL ELECTIONS

TAYO OGUNBIYI urges the electorate to exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming election

ANIGERIA’S OPPOSITION COALITION

s Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is already alive with strategic manoeuvres. At the forefront is a nascent opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Central to this effort is Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, who recently reaffirmed his intention to run again, pledging to serve only a single term in adherence to the SouthNorth power rotation principle. Obi had initially dismissed any alliance with Atiku Abubakar on a Twitter Spaces event, emphasising that any coalition must prioritise governance over power grabs.

THE YOUTHS CHARTER OF DEMANDS

ADAMU RABIU argues for inclusion and accountable governance

EDITORIAL

TACKLING THE DIPHTHERIA THREAT

An Alliance of Uneasy Bedfellows: Despite Obi’s reservations, the following week, a coalition emerged under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), comprising Obi himself, Atiku Abubakar, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. This followed delays in registering their preferred platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The coalition has attracted defectors from the APC, such as former Rivers State Governor and Federal Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, who criticised Nigeria’s current state.

However, the coalition’s viability is immediately challenged by the presence of multiple presidential hopefuls, particularly Atiku and Obi. Unlike the APC’s formation in 2015, where Tinubu stepped aside for Muhammadu Buhari, neither Atiku nor Obi is likely to yield willingly. This egodriven dynamic threatens the coalition’s cohesion, raising doubts about its ability to present a united front.

Navigating North-South Power Dynamics: A deeper challenge lies in Nigeria’s entrenched North-South power divide. Southerners argue that the North has held the presidency for roughly 70% of Nigeria’s post-independence years (46 out of 65). If Tinubu serves only one term, they contend his successor should also be Southern. Northerners, however, would likely reject this, viewing it as an unfair exclusion, potentially excluding the North for 12 consecutive years.

The coalition must craft a nuanced power-sharing agreement to address this grievance. Failure to do so risks fracturing its unity, as regional loyalties often trump ideological alignment in Nigerian politics. Internal Divisions and Ideological Contradictions: Cracks are already appearing. Dumebi Kachikwu, a former ADC presidential candidate, has rejected the coalition’s adoption of the ADC, citing a lack of due process. Such internal dissent is predictable in a fragile alliance,

where disputes over leadership, zoning, and control are inevitable.

The inclusion of polarising figures like El-Rufai further complicates matters. Many in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, who strongly supported Obi in 2023, view ElRufai with suspicion due to allegations that he enabled sectarian violence during his tenure as Kaduna governor. If Obi leads the ticket, he must find a way to navigate such associations or risk alienating his base.

Similarly, the presence of former Buhari administration figures like Abubakar Malami risks painting the opposition as a gathering of disgruntled elites rather than reformers. The coalition must articulate a clear, policy-driven vision to counter this perception.

The Igbo Question and Resource Challenges: Obi’s Igbo identity adds another layer of complexity. Many Igbo feel systematically marginalised since the Civil War, and Obi’s candidacy represents a long-awaited opportunity for representation. If he is not the coalition’s flagbearer, the alliance must offer significant concessions to the South-East to gain their support.

Resource mobilisation is another hurdle. Nigerian elections rely heavily on state resources, often controlled by governors. With many Southern governors defecting to the APC, the coalition may struggle to match the ruling party’s financial muscle. Grassroots fundraising could be a vital alternative, but in a very low-trust environment, will they be able to push it through? Will the coalition also be able to navigate the transparency required for a broad-based grassroots financing option?

Lessons from 2023 and the Path Forward: The 2023 elections offer critical lessons.

Obi’s search for a party with minimal internal opposition ultimately backfired, as factions within the Labour Party still challenged his candidacy. For 2027, the ADC must ensure a transparent primary process to foster unity.

Another lesson was the poor vetting of down-ballot candidates under Obi’s Labour Party, which led to disappointing performances. The coalition must prioritise rigorous candidate selection at all levels, not just the presidency, to build a credible alternative to the APC.

The Atiku Factor and Tinubu’s Counterplay: Atiku Abubakar’s continued presidential ambitions pose a dilemma. At his age, he lacks the appeal to energise the bulk of young voters. A statesman role, mentoring a new generation, could cement his legacy better than another divisive bid. Meanwhile, Tinubu, a seasoned political strategist, will exploit any opposition weaknesses. The coalition’s internal contradictions provide ample ammunition, and Tinubu’s camp is likely to amplify these divisions as the election nears.

A Country in Crisis Awaits Leadership: Nigeria faces its worst economic crisis in decades: soaring inflation, a plummeting naira, and non-existent public trust. Against this backdrop, Obi’s single-term pledge may seem idealistic. Four years is scarcely enough to address systemic issues, and history suggests reformers rarely step down voluntarily, especially if progress is underway.

Obi’s participation in this coalition also highlights contradictions. Once opposed to power-centric alliances, he now shares a platform with figures like El-Rufai and Atiku, who embody the establishment he claims to challenge. This risks alienating his youth-driven base, who see him as a break from the past.

A Coalition at a Crossroads: The opposition’s formation is a necessary step toward challenging the APC, but its longterm success is far from assured. Internal rivalries, regional tensions, and ideological incoherence threaten its stability. While the coalition may unsettle the APC, it must transcend mere power arithmetic to offer a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future. As 2027 approaches, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The opposition’s ability to unite and inspire will determine whether it can break the APC’s dominance—or if Nigeria’s political drama will once again leave citizens as spectators rather than participants in their own destiny.

•Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence, an advisory that works out of Lagos, Accra and London

TAYO OGUNBIYI urges the electorate to exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming election

THE LAGOS COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Universally, democracy is referred to as the government of the people by the people and for the people to emphasise that it is the people who give impetus to democracy.

In essence, democracy cannot exist without the people. It is the people who set democracy in motion. It is the people who act as the oil that galvanise the wheel of democracy. Therefore, democracy cannot thrive where people display an indifferent attitude towards the political process.

The revelation that there are about 1.4 million unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Lagos State should undoubtedly get every enthusiast of democratic governance in the state and, indeed, the country concerned. According to reports, Lagos State has the highest number of unclaimed permanent voter cards in the country.

According to unconfirmed data, Lagos has 1,401,390 unclaimed PVCs, followed by Oyo with 647,586, and Edo, which had 449,001, while Kano has 195,941. A further breakdown shows that Bauchi State has the least number of uncollected PVCs, with 15,542, followed by Bayelsa and Plateau, which have 28,533 and 25,300 PVCs, respectively.

A 2012 INEC data aptly captures the sad trend in the nation’s political process.

According to the statistics, only about 35% of the over 70 million who registered to vote in the 2011 general elections participated in voting. This implies that over 65% of registered voters did not partake in the process.

It is a sacred task that must be performed with utmost diligence and patriotism. This is because any slipshod choice that is made in the coming polls could portend great danger to the lives of generations yet unborn. It could jeopardize the future of the people at the grassroots.

The destiny of grassroots democracy in the State lies in the hands of the electorate. Whichever path grassroots governance follows in Lagos State will be a clear manifestation and disposition of the electorate toward the upcoming election.

For our hues and cries over bad governance and poor leadership, we won’t be able to absolve ourselves of complicity if we disregard our civic duties.

Unlike other forms of government, the beauty of democracy lies in the ability of the people to have a say in the choice of those who preside over the apparatus of governance. This is the rationale behind the popular affirmation of democracy as the government of the people, for the people, and

by the people.

In the 2019 Governorship election in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu won by 739,445 votes. Whereas a total number of 6,570,291 voters registered for the election, the overall number of voters that took part in the poll was not up to a million. This is not good enough, as it has grievous implications for the prospect of democracy in the country.

For one, it ensures that leaders who attain political power via the votes of the minority rule over the majority. Second, it casts a serious aspersion on the kind of democracy we practice.

Also, it makes it hypocritical for those who did not turn out to vote to criticize those who were elected through the same process that they shunned. As it is often said, ‘you cannot eat your cake and have it’.

A lot of arguments have been put forward in defence of those who shun the political process. One of such is that votes don’t usually count in our country. This is anchored on the notion that the outcome of elections is often pre-determined. There is, thus, a conviction that the electoral process is a sham. Similarly, many consider the political class undeserving of their votes because of their perceived insincerity in electoral promises. Another factor is what has been termed as the failure of political parties to embrace internal democracy, as evidenced in the alleged imposition of candidates and other such undemocratic tendencies.

However, irrespective of the genuineness of the argument, it is not enough for anyone to ignore the electoral process. In any case, when the majority refuses to participate in voting, that does not in any way invalidate the outcome of elections.

Sadly, we all suffer the consequences of staying aloof when the wrong people get into power. Active involvement in the political process signifies that everyone is a critical stakeholder, having the best interests of the country at heart. It is a practical demonstration of being a responsible citizen.

It is, therefore, important that Lagosians come out en masse to participate in the July 12 Local Government elections. It is an enormous responsibility that must be carried out with every sense of honour, dignity, and patriotism.

However, for the people to maximize the benefits of democracy, they need to appropriately play their role in selecting leaders of their choice.

Public security, infrastructure development, the economy, and much more are tied to the thumbs of the electorate. If we bungle things again, it would take us another four years or much more to get it right. This is, therefore, not the time for Lagosians to indulge in undue political apathy.

If democracy is to truly be the government of the people and for the people, the people must own the process from the beginning to the end. Active involvement in the political process signifies that everyone is a critical stakeholder, having the best interests of the State at heart.

It is important to stress that the worst illiterate is the political illiterate who takes no part in the political process. Sadly, he doesn’t understand that everything depends on political decisions. Ironically, he even prides himself on his political ignorance by openly sticking out his chest that he hates politics.

He doesn’t know that from his political apathy comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber, and worst of all, corrupt and incompetent public officials. At the slightest chance, he blames the government for every woe in society but never really sees anything wrong in his apolitical posture.

On a final note, democracy is best defended by those it is meant for: the people. But for democracy to really serve the interests of the people, they must respect all democratic norms and principles. Today, we all look at some of the advanced democracies of the world with envy.

The truth, however, is that they have achieved greatness through the strengthening of grassroots democracy. Of course, there is no other way through which democracy could be strengthened other than the involvement of the majority in the democratic process.

For Lagosians, July 12 offers yet another opportunity to deepen democracy. Hopefully, the chance will not be misused.

•Ogunbiyi is Director, Features, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

ADAMU RABIU argues for inclusion and accountable governance

THE YOUTHS CHARTER OF DEMANDS

AsNigerian youth converge at the National Youth Conference in Abuja, one question will dominate the theme of "Governance and Political Participation". How do we stop our haemorrhaging politics, and rescue our dying democracy?

As a presenter submitting this policy framework to the Conference Planning Committee, I offer more than diagnosis, I propose an actionable rescue plan to rescue Nigeria’s political exclusion crisis, where money bags hijack parties, delegates sell their conscience for peanuts, all other parties including the ruling party are uncoordinated and are basking in selfish interest, the political terrain is uneven and full of potholes, the elections are winner-takes-all-scam, the IDPs and PWDs are disenfranchised lacking any relevance, and state electoral commissions mock accountability, these issues demand immediate intervention and hence the need for a Youth-Led road map!

Twenty-two years after shaking off military rule, Nigeria’s democracy remains critically ill. The symptoms are undeniable, including delegate buyout, obscene monetization of politics fuelled by plundered public funds, monstrous INEC electoral subvention, abysmal voter turnout, rampant votebuying, brazen electoral violence, and a pervasive sense of disillusionment, particularly among our youth. Our political space is systematically skewed, barring the door to equitable participation for young people, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the vast majority of political parties operating on the fringes. This is not just unfair; it is a constitutional betrayal and a ticking time bomb for our nation’s stability and future prosperity.

Look around. Our democracy is captured by money bags and entrenched elite’s stranglehold party structures, shutting out fresh, credible voices, especially the youth who constitute our demographic majority. Internal party democracy is a cruel joke, decided in naira-filled rooms, not open primaries. Politics has become a prohibitively expensive auction, fuelled by a dangerous monetization that sidelines principle and elevates corruption. The supposed umpire often lacks the independence or will to enforce its own rules.

The exclusion is systemic and scandalous. Internally displaced Nigerians, victims of conflict and instability, are routinely disenfranchised, denied their fundamental right to participate in shaping their own future. Minority groups are sidelined. Even at the grassroots, the charade of local government elections conducted by compromised state electoral commissions, like the travesties we have witnessed recently in local government council polls in Bauchi, Kaduna States and elsewhere, mocks the very idea of representative governance. This violates Section 14(2)(a), Section 15(1), Section 40, Section 153(1)(f), Section 221, Section 318(1), Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and also Article 11, Article 17, Article 19, Article 27 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and Article 7, Article 21 of the UN Charter on Human Rights.

This status quo is unsustainable. Agitation from the sidelines is not enough. We need a concrete, actionable road map for inclusive political participation and accountable governance.

Here is how our Youth-led prescription will stop the haemorrhage and lead to democratic renewal: One, a national charter for Inclusion. We urgently need a national multi-stakeholder political participation charter (NSPPC). To be developed collaboratively by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), INEC, Civil Society, and the Nigerian Youth Parliament. This Charter must establish minimum, enforceable standards. It should mandate and ensure genuine internal party democracy, guarantee equitable access and participation for all parties, and crucially, recognize, enfranchise, and provide free access to political platforms for youths, women, IDPs and other marginalized populations. Importantly, multi-party participation in governance must be institutionalized, moving beyond the winner-takes-all mentality. Two, Root and Branch Party & Electoral Reform. We need legislation compelling all political office holders to publicly submit "Project Plans" before assumption of office and detailed "End-of-Term Reports", real accountability, not empty promises. All parties must adopt and enforce "Letters of Credence" for candidates and not be misled by bank balances. Critically, the obscene monetization fuelled by arbitrary, prohibitive nomination fees charged by state electoral bodies (like KAD-SIECOM’s

infamous example) must be outlawed. Compliance with Section 7 of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 regarding free and fair LG elections is non-negotiable and requires immediate enforcement mechanisms.

Three, A Digital Democracy Revolution. Leverage technology for transparency. Establish a "National Digital Democracy Hub (NDDH) ". This platform would monitor and publicly report electoral activities in realtime, track campaign finances (exposing illicit flows), and audit internal party processes. Crucially, it could host gamified civic education modules, making political literacy engaging and accessible, especially for young voters, combating apathy and empowering informed participation.

Four, Empowering IPAC Youth and Grassroots Mobilization. The IPAC Youth Directorate, at national and state levels, must be formally institutionalized, funded, and mandated as vital civic intermediaries. Their role will be driving nationwide media literacy, political education, and democratic sensitization campaigns, particularly targeting excluded groups. They are the bridge between formal institutions and the disillusioned populace. What Is the expected cure? It is a democracy that works, that will witness increased participation from youth, women, PWDs, and IDPs. A stronger internal party democracy, reduced electoral violence, reduced votebuying, and impunity. With a better-informed electorate and transparent party structures. Ultimately leading to better governance and accountability.

The implementation road map is clear and actionable: Phase 1 - Draft the NSPPC in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Phase 2 - Develop and implement INECIPAC-CSO party audit guidelines.

Phase 3 - Launch the National Digital Democracy Hub and civic tools.

Phase 4 - Amend the Electoral Act to codify the youth, IDP, and marginalized populace and all other policies formulated through this Youth-Confab process.

In conclusion, the future of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance. We cannot afford another cycle of exclusion and disillusionment. The energy, innovation, and demand for accountability embodied by Nigeria’s youth are not a threat, they are the most potent medicine for our ailing democracy. This proposal, born from frontline experience with IPAC, grassroots mobilization through the platform, Bakondare Speaks, various researched articles published in major media outlets such as Premium Times, Daily Trust, Guardian, Punch, THISDAY, Vanguard and Leadership Newspapers. And engagement with democratic principles, offers a practical path forward. It is time to move youth voices from the fringes of protest to the centre of policy design and implementation and build a Nigeria where democracy truly works for All Nigerians. Before the submission of the Final Report to the President come August 12th, 2025 which is the International Youth Day, I wish the best for all Nigerians and call on all delegates at the National Youth Conference to Embrace and Endorse this road map, and policymakers to implement it. Our democracy cannot wait and Nigeria’s survival depends on turning the 2025 National Youth Conference gathering into more than a talk- shop but a genuine democratic Reset!

•Hon Rabiu (Bakondare) is a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist on Policy, Finance, Risk, Politics, Good Governance, and writes from Kaduna

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

TACKLING THE DIPHTHERIA THREAT

All stakeholders should do more to contain the disease

Even when it is 100 per cent preventable, Diphtheria has become another public health emergency in Nigeria. Yet, until about 15 years ago, this serious and highly contagious bacterial infection was known to be endemic only in the Caribbean and Spanish countries. It affects the throat and nose and can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, lungs, kidney issues, and ultimately death. Like many other African countries that do not take pre-emptive measures against looming diseases, Nigeria’s poor vaccination for Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT) has become the finger-bed for the incessant outbreaks of the disease in the country since 2011.

In 2022, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) issued a national diphtheria surveillance guidelines with specific measures on how to prevent, detect and respond to the disease. A few months later, hundreds of people were killed following an outbreak of diphtheria in the country which suggested that no lessons were learnt. While it remains a shame that Nigerians are burdened with these preventable diseases, especially at this period, we hope that the NCDC will work with health authorities in Kaduna State where diphtheria has reportedly recorded some fatalities, to avert another epidemic.

and laboratory surveillance. Poor response system, and the citizens’ low awareness on vaccination against diphtheria are other factors putting the entire country at risk. The greater danger is that health authorities in many of the 36 states are not doing enough to tackle the problem. Meanwhile, evidence has shown that the disease has the potential to snowball into a widespread outbreak with the capacity to kill thousands of people within a short period.

There must be collaboration between education and health authorities to ensure that vaccination against DPT becomes requirement for primary and school admissions

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

The challenge is obvious. A renowned epidemiologist and Professor of Virology, Oyewale Tomori once revealed that only about 60 per cent of Nigerians have been vaccinated against diphtheria, going by official figures. He added that the statistics cannot be relied upon. Conservatively, according to Tomori, the number of unvaccinated people in the country could be as high as 87 million. Unfortunately, most of those susceptible to the disease are children below five years. These are victims whose immunity cannot withstand the associated illnesses for diphtheria.

As experts have warned, the chief factors for the diphtheria scourge are low vaccine coverage, insufficient storage and transportation, as well as inadequate disease

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

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

Letters to the Editor

To deal with the challenge posed by diphtheria, government at all levels must take urgent coordinated steps, including mass vaccination of Nigerians. Relevant authorities must also prioritise treatment for infected persons, as well as set up mass awareness programmes on the need for Nigerians to embrace the vaccines and immunisation process. Infected persons should be hospitalised as against the current situation where most persons are given medications while they remain in their homes. Health facilities, especially primary health centres, should be equipped enough to manage cases where secondary and tertiary health facilities are not available. In the immediate, health authorities in Kaduna State seem to be handling the issue on their own. That is not a helpful approach for a contagious disease like diphtheria. It requires the collaboration of the federal government and other critical stakeholders. For long-term planning, there must be collaboration between education and health authorities to ensure that vaccination against DPT becomes requirement for primary and school admissions or for continuous learning. They should also borrow a leaf from countries free from diphtheria that require people already vaccinated against the disease to take booster shots after being vaccinated for a considerable number of years.

As late in the day as it may seem, government at all levels should isolate infected persons and commence mass vaccination. Another outbreak of diphtheria outbreak will not augur well for Nigeria’s health security.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 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 (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

A COALITION AND POLITICS OF THE PRESIDENCY

As the politics of the 2027 presidential election heats up, the new coalition is expected to navigate a complex and sensitive terrain shaped by regional expectations, historical precedents, and strategic ambitions. At the heart of these calculations lies the unwritten gentleman’s agreement on rotational presidency , an informal yet powerful force that continues to shape political expectations across the country. By this informal accord, the South is expected to complete its eight-year tenure in power, with four more years to go. However, political realities suggest that the North will ultimately determine who wins the 2027 presidential election. This is not mere conjecture, but a reflection of current electoral dynamics and demographic weight.

This presents a deep dilemma for the adopted party of the coalition , the African Democratic Congress (ADC): If the ADC zones its presidential ticket to the North, the South will feel betrayed. If it zones the ticket to the South, it risks alienating northern voters, a demographic no serious contender can afford to ignore.Despite this dilemma, an opportunity for breakthrough lies in coalition-building. If the ADC can form a strategic alliance with the PDP(though unlikely), backed by a deliberate ef-

fort to sideline the‘old guard’ and support a relatively young, politically grounded, and fresh face , the political calculus could shift entirely. In such a scenario, the game could very well be over for the APC.

Furthermore, a southern candidate could agree to serve only one term, thereby completing the region’s rotational slot. Similarly, a northern candidate might be required to make the same commitment, in the spirit of fairness and balance.

Yet, a lingering question persists: who would truly honor such a promise?

As it stands, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would likely prefer not to face a formidable northern challenger in 2027, a reality not lost on key players in the emerging political landscape.

The truth is, the ADC is becoming an increasingly influential actor in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential politics. Though it currently holds no governorships, it is steadily positioning itself to erode both APC and PDP support bases in strategic regions by deploying tactical, opportunistic strategies where possible.

Notable names are already being floated in discussions around the ADC’s efforts to dislodge the APC: Former vice Atiku Abubakar wants it. Former Governor Peter Obi wants it too. An Atiku/Obi ticket might secure reasonable votes in the North

and dominate the Southeast, but a repeat of the 2015-style success appears unlikely under today’s dynamics.

A combination such as Peter Obi/ Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, or Abubakar Malami may still appeal to the Obidient movement but lacks the spark needed to recreate the 2023 momentum.

A ticket like Rotimi Amaechi/El-Rufai or Amaechi/Tambuwal could inject new ideas into the discourse but lacks the energy and base to drive widespread excitement.

Similarly, pairings like Rauf Aregbesola/El-Rufai or Malami/ Tambuwal are unlikely to ignite significant national enthusiasm. Despite these limitations, the ADC is fast becoming a growing long-term threat to the APC, particularly in the presidential race. While the party’s lack of sitting governor in its fold, is a clear structural disadvantage, its emerging strategies suggest it intends to play smart, opportunistic politics to remain relevant. The road to 2027 is fraught with uncertainty. The South seeks to finish its turn. The North holds the numbers. The ADC sees an opening. The coalition dynamics are shifting.

• Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

As Strategic Digital Infrastructure, NiRA Intensifies Campaign for Top Premium .ng Domain Name

Emma Okonji

Having designated .ng domain name as Nigeria’s strategic digital infrastructure, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), has ntensified campaign for top premium .ng domain name at affordable price for all Nigerians and businesses operating in Nigeria.

President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, in his recent monthly message to Nigerians, with the theme: ‘Advancing Trust, Governance, and Global Engagement for the .ng Domain’, called on Nigerians to take advantage the .ng domain name to grow their businesses.

According to him, “In this digital age, if your business is not online, you are leaving serious money on the table. But just being online isn’t enough. You need a name people will remember, trust, and find easily and a premium .ng domain gives you exactly that.”

“We’ve curated the most powerful .ng domains across Nigeria’s hottest sectors, and this is a chance for businesses to get the name they have always wanted at a very affordable price,” Akinsanya further said.

He listed some of the sectors that could benefit from the top premium .ng domain name, to include: Tech and Digital; Finance and FinTech; Agriculture; Healthcare; Real Estate; Consumer and Lifestyle Market; Retail and e-Commerce; Education;

Entertainment and Media; Travel and Tourism, as well as Professionals, among others.

For Tech and Digital, he said businesses could get names like broadband.ng, security.ng, or software.ng.

For the Finance and FinTech sector, he said businesses could get names like cash.ng, investment.ng, or banks. ng that could give businesses the instant credibility for a market built on trust.

For Agriculture, he said businesses could connect directly with Nigeria’s economic backbone, when such business has domain names like agro.ng, farm.ng, or chicken.ng.

For the Healthcare sector, Akinsanya advised healthcare practitioners to build immediate

trust with patients and partners and to secure essential domains like health.ng, doctor.ng, or hospital.ng, that are available at affordable price.

For the Real Estate sector, he said investors in Real Estate business could have the go-to name in property and own the market with house.ng, construction.ng or the locally brilliant naijahomes.ng.

The consumer and lifestyle, including entertainment and tourism sectors are not left out in the price campaign, as Akinsanya said the Retail and e-Commerce sector could always stand out in the crowded online marketplace with a sharp, memorable name like clothing.ng, gift.ng, or cosmetics.ng.

For the Entertainment and Media, he said from Nollywood

to Afrobeats, entertainers could lead the creative change with domains like entertainment.ng, movie.ng, or africanmusic.ng, while the Travel and Tourism sector could be the first click for travelers with powerful names like flights.ng, airline.ng, and tourismnigeria.ng that are still available.

For the education sector, he explained that investors in education could tap into Nigeria’s massive youth market with authoritative domains like education.ng, and college.ng.

For Professionals, Communities and Big Ideas, Akinsanya said they could grow their businesses instantly with marketing.ng, consulting.ng, or lawyer.ng.

“Another important initiative

launched in the month of June, is the .ng Monthly Webinar Series, powered by the .ng Academy. The monthly webinar series themed: ‘Putting Nigeria First in the Digital Age: Why .ng Matters’, is apt as it provided opportunity for engaging discourse on the role of .ng in driving the Nigeria-First Policy agenda of the federal government. It also addresses key insights on the role of .ng in driving sectors of the Nigerian economy and contributing to the GDP growth,” Akinsanya added.

According to the statistics released by NiRA, the total registration, renewal and restoration for .ng domain name, is 229,250, as at April 2025, which is an increase from the 222,820 recorded in April 2024.

Report: Digital Innovation Can Close Africa’s Education Gap RATES AS AT July 9,2025

Emma Okonji

A new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), titled: “Boosting Education Technology in Africa: Scaling Innovation for the Future of Education,” explores how digital solutions can address the main challenges faced by the African school system, which has become a pressing issue to deal with, as over one billion children have been projected to live on the continent by 2055.

The report, which was released recently, came at a time when Africa’s population is put at 1.5 billion as at today, 70 per cent of which, is under 30 years old, making it the world’s youngest. Yet, in the sub-Saharan region only, 98 million children are said to be out-of-school, not to mention another 72 million young people, aged from 15 to 24, who are neither trained nor employed and two thirds of them are women.

The report however said technology could strengthen education at all levels, starting from early childhood to adult training, by fast-tracking education change with digital solutions.

The BCG analysis indicates, through multiple examples, the different ways in which digital solutions can be more inclusive, as they deliver scalable, cost-effective means to reach all populations.

Analysing the report, Education, Employment, and Welfare Lead/ Managing Director and Partner at BCG Casablanca, Badr Choufari, said: “These statistics could grow, should Africa’s digitalisation expand. Projections are encouraging. Mobile penetration is expected to reach 51 per cent in 2025, which is quite impressive, as it was only three per cent in 2010.”

According to the report, technology seems to be Africa’s most powerful tool for promoting

education. However, three different challenges are looming.

First, even though more than four hundred EdTech start-ups have developed throughout the continent, half of them are located in only three countries (Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya).

“Moreover, some segments need reinforcement. Around 64 per cent of EdTech startups in Africa serve K-12 levels, while fewer address higher education and professional skills. In contrast, North American EdTech startups emphasise workforce training and higher education more heavily, with only about 25 per cent focusing on K-12, about 50 per cent targeting vocational and workforce learning, and the remaining 25 per cent serving higher education.

Finally, funding is still a major issue, as EdTech accounts for only four per cent of African-tech fundraising. Startup development is impaired. Between 2010 and

2021, the gap in the creation of new EdTech startups widened by a factor of seven relative to FinTech and doubled compared to AgTech.

“Not to mention that, despite the sector’s potential, more than 70 per cent of EdTech companies are founded by men, highlighting a significant gender gap in leadership,” Choufari added.

The BCG report also highlights the fact that the slow progression is further compounded by the dominance of very early-stage start-ups, as more than half of African EdTech startups are at the pre-seed stage. Only 13 per cent reach the seed stage. The landscape is very different in countries like India or the USA that benefit from a more balanced distribution across funding stages.

Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG Nairobi, Mills Schenck, said: “Scaling EdTech in

Africa will take bold collaboration— between governments, investors, and local innovators. This is not just a technology challenge; it is a systems challenge. What is at stake is how we prepare the next generation for the future of work.”

Proffering solutions to address the identified issues, the report said Africa’s EdTech sector has the capacity to improve its scaling results, should it rely on sufficient funding, and also on efficient policies and collaborative networks.

The report emphasises several key levers to unlock Africa’s EdTech potential to include: Government vision and policy; Business and users’ alignment; Increased funding; and Pan-African accelerators.

For Government vision and policy, the report said domestic strategies, such as active sourcing, technology grants and subsidies, could generate a hospitable environment encouraging EdTech’s

Market data a s at Wednesday, JuL y 9, 2025

expansion.

For Business and users’ alignment, the report suggested tha both organisations and users should understand their mutual requirements for EdTech solutions to be tailored to meet needs on both ends. To that extent, developers and entrepreneurs can get inspiration from a platform like Skills Future Singapore that matches workforce demands with education outputs.

In the area of increased funding, the report said Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have supported African FinTech startups. It however said similar initiatives could foster the rise of EdTech companies, as well as public-private partnerships, donor programmes or venture capital, adding that all of these could in turn create professional openings.

SHOWCASING PROSPER C ON f ERENCE …

L-R: Head of Brand, Storytelling, and Communications at Vesti, Zainab Amoo; CEO and Co-founder at Vesti, Olusola Amusan; COO and Co-founder at Vesti, Abimbola Amusan; CEO and Founder of Red Lantern, Deji Onadeko; and Head of Partnerships at Vesti, Hadiza Adegindin, at a press briefing in Lagos… recently

Lagos Startup Week 2025 Previews

Africa’s Next Decade of Innovation

Lagos Startup Week 2025 kicked off with an exclusive, high-impact preview event, setting the stage for what is expected to be the year’s

biggest and most transformative innovation summit. Themed: “Disrupting the Next Decade,” this year’s event shifts focus from retrospective celebration to future-facing strategy, spotlighting

the evolving role of Lagos as the engine room for African innovation.

The preview session brought together key players from Nigeria’s tech and startup ecosystem founders, funders, regulators, policymakers,

and corporate partners, all aligned on one goal defining how technology, talent, and collaboration will shape the next ten years of Africa’s innovation story.

Senior Product Consultant at

Vesti to Showcase Human Mobility, Innovation at Prosper Conference 2025

Stories by Emma Okonji

Vesti Technologies, a global Financial Technology (FinTech) company, building secure and compliant infrastructure for migration, has announced its flagship annual conference - Prosper Conference 2025, a two-day event that will bring together, government personnel and business owners to showcase culture, business and intellect about human mobility.

It is a platform built to honour Africa’s historical excellence while equipping the next generation of builders, leaders and visionaries for global relevance.

Scheduled to hold October 23rd and 24th 2025 at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the event is designed to spotlight African excellence that will change the

narrative in human mobility.

The event is expected to host over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, policymakers and diaspora leaders from across Africa and around the world.

This year’s experience will feature thought-led keynote conversations, a curated innovation exhibition and an awards ceremony recognising individuals and institutions that have shaped and sustained African progress across sectors.

Announcing the event at a press conference recently, Co-founder and CEO of Vesti, Olusola Amusan, said: “The Prosper Conference is about recognition with intention. Prosper Conference is our way of saying thank you to those who paved the way for others, and here is to the future we are building next. It is

where heritage meets innovation, where the past is honoured and the future is funded.”

Speaking about the impact of the conference on the Nigerian economy, he said for decades and centuries, human beings have been moving all around the world to share their ideas, to trade, and to bring their potential to bear. So as a migration infrastructure company, we strongly believe that telling the stories of people who have done fantastic, who are trailblazers on this global journey, will go a long way to inspire younger people, inspire the industry, to support and facilitate the easy movement of humans and goods around the world.

Also speaking on the significance of the conference, Co-founder and Chief Operations

Officer at Vesti, Abimbola Amusan, said: “Our most outstanding greatness often comes when we dare to move into new territories, embrace leadership, and invest back home. At Vesti, that’s the story we champion—equipping migrants and founders to see relocation not just as escape, but as a strategy for impact.”

The conference is an attempt to celebrate excellence across different industries, people who have gone ahead of us to do amazing stuff, people who have shown their ideas to the world, people who are trailblazers in their fields. The concept of mobility and migration is beyond the human body. Most people also migrate their ideas, their brands, and all of that will be showcased at the conference, he further said.

LG Electronics Unveils MoodUP Refrigerator in Nigeria

LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics and home appliances, has launched the revolutionary MoodUP Refrigerator with Wi-Fi connectivity into the Nigerian market, transforming the modern kitchen with an innovative blend of cutting-edge technology, customizable features, and bold, vibrant design.

The MoodUP Refrigerator isn’t just an appliance, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Featuring dazzling

color-changing LED door panels, built-in bluetooth speakers, and smart Wi-Fi connectivity, it lets homeowners instantly set the vibe of their kitchen. Whether you’re matching your mood, highlighting your décor, or turning up the energy at a home party, MoodUP brings music and color together in perfect harmony with just a tap. With over 174,000 color combinations, the MoodUP Refrigerator lets families completely

reinvent their kitchen’s vibe whenever inspiration strikes. Seamlessly control dazzling color themes and sync them to your favorite tunes through the LG ThinQ app, while the built-in bluetooth speaker pumps out rich, immersive sound, turning every meal prep into a celebration of light, music, and joy.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos recently, Marketing Manager, Kitchen Solutions, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa, Mr.

Dae Hwa Jung, said: “Nigeria is renowned for its vibrant spirit, boundless creativity, and love for celebrating life’s moments. The MoodUP Refrigerator embodies this same energy giving families the freedom to express themselves through color and music, right in the heart of the home. With the launch, LG reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovation that truly resonates with the dynamic Nigerian lifestyle.”

New Horizons Nigeria Gets Global Recognition at AFRIBIS Summit

New Horizons Nigeria, the largest training organisation in technology education and capacity building, has been honored with the ‘Most Innovative IT Training and Certification Solution Brand of the Year’ award at the African Brand Innovators Summit (AFRIBIS) 2025. This recognition celebrates 20 years of New Horizons Nigeria’s outstanding commitment to developing globally competitive digital talents across the country. With a mission deeply rooted

in digital empowerment, New Horizons Nigeria has consistently pioneered innovative IT training and certification solutions tailored for students, graduates, institutions, and professionals.

AFRIBIS in her citation commended New Horizons Nigeria for the robustness of her content, the hands-on methodology in training, and the company’s focus on linking their trainees with Job opportunities through free internships work. New Horizons Nigeria is the country’s foremost

ICT training and certification company that offers cutting-edge skills development in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, Full Stack software development, Digital Marketing, Project Management and more. With partnerships across global IT certification bodies, New Horizons is committed to raising a new generation of tech-savvy leaders for Africa.

Pleased with the award, the

Managing Director, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, stated that the institute aimed to equip the next generation of African leaders with globally relevant digital skills that drive innovation, boost competitiveness, and foster transformation.

“New Horizons Nigeria remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide, transforming education through technology, and creating opportunities for young Africans to become key players in the global innovation ecosystem.

Prime Startups, Olumide Olayinka, one of the community’s long-standing ecosystem builders, opened the session by reflecting on how far the Lagos startup scene has come.

“A decade ago, many of the names we now celebrate didn’t exist. Lagos Startup Week was born out of a need to build community and spotlight local innovation. Today, we’re not just building products, we’re shaping culture, policy, and economic growth,” Olayinka said.

Rather than marking an anniversary, this year’s edition was designed as a strategic outlook, an invitation to stakeholders to participate in shaping the next decade of progress. Olayinka emphasised that Lagos, while a city, represents a nationwide movement of innovation.

“Lagos is the heart of it, but we’re building momentum that reaches every state. We’ve moved from startup events to ecosystem strategy.”

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Graphic Member Board of Trustees, Sinari Daranijo, reiterated its commitment to supporting innovation through access to funding, mentorship, and capacity-building.

“Our partnership with Lagos Startup Week isn’t symbolic, it’s strategic. We’ve supported over 240 startups through our Idea Hub, awarded hundreds of workspace vouchers, and trained thousands of Lagosians in future-of-work skills. Our presence here signals that government can be a facilitator not a barrier to innovation,” Daranijo said. Daranijo also announced upcoming AI training programs aimed at equipping youths for globally competitive jobs, while reaffirming its inclusive mission to support underrepresented founders, especially women and those in rural communities.

Global mobility platform inDrive, brought a unique perspective, focusing on fairness and impact.

“Mobility is a matter of justice,” Country Representative at inDrive, Oladimeji Timothy said: “Our pricing model is based on fairness, and we’re pushing the same values through gender equality initiatives like the Aurora Tech Award. Nigeria continues to lead in female founder participation, which proves the ecosystem is maturing in the right direction.”

Expert Set to Lead Nigeria’ National Data Transformation

Following the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that “data is Nigeria’s new oil,” signaling a national shift toward a digital and data-driven economy, a technology expert, Dr. Adetokunbo Ajibola has stressed the need for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in building a unified national data strategy.

According to him, he is ready to enhance such collaboration that will turn the vision into reality.

“As the Nigerian government formalises the role data in national development, I am ready to collaborate with ministries, departments, and agencies to build a unified national data strategy — one that unlocks innovation across financial services, oil and gas, healthcare, agriculture, and telecommunications. Data is more than a byproduct of operations. It is a strategic asset. With proper governance, Nigeria can lead Africa in building a data-driven public sector — underpinned by a private sector defined by trust, transparency, and transformation,” Ajibola said in a statement.

Ajibola, who is an expert in enterprise data governance and

quality, has over 20 years of experience spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Beyond his technical prowess, he holds the position of ECOWAS Council Ambassador, where he advocates for innovation, excellence, and inclusivity through data empowerment. His most profound impact lies in his mission to equip Africans, especially Nigerians in the diaspora, with the skills needed to thrive in the global data economy. Through his consultancy with Berkeley Data Strategists, Ajibola has mentored and trained nearly 5,000 professionals in data governance, metadata management, data quality, and analytics, helping them launch successful international careers. One of his landmark contributions was the building of First Bank Nigeria’s Data Governance and Data Quality teams. By delivering internationally recognised Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) programme, Ajibola ensured the bank’s data capabilities aligned with global standards, thus empowering the organisation to manage and deliver trusted data at scale.

Stories by Agnes Ekebuike

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 08 Jujy-2025, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Keystone Bank Donates ICT Centre to College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri

Nume Ekeghe

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to education and digital literacy, Keystone Bank Limited has donated a fully equipped ICT Centre to the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to the retail lender, the project was delivered under the Keystone Bank Educational Support Initiative.

The state-of-the-art ICT Centre is furnished with 55 computers, 54 workstations, solar and inverter, 55 chairs, a librarian’s reception desk, and a lounge area for the ICT reception area creating an enabling environment for digital learning, research, and innovation.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony Executive Director, North & Public Sector, Keystone Bank, Mr. Abubakar

Usman Bello, expressed pride in the bank’s role in advancing Nigeria’s educational sector through improved infrastructure and access to digital resources.

According to him: “Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. It shapes young minds, opens doors to opportunity, and builds the leaders of tomorrow. At Keystone Bank, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to drive national development.”

“This ICT Centre represents what is possible when the private and public sectors come together to empower future generations. We hope the facility will foster a culture of creativity, digital literacy, and lifelong learning.”

In his remarks, Acting Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Borno State, Dr. Mustapha Babagana

Mallumbe, lauded Keystone Bank for the impactful donation, describing the ICT Centre as a “milestone in rebuilding Borno’s educational infrastructure.”

He called on other private sector organizations to emulate the bank’s example in supporting education and national development.

The handover ceremony was also graced by top government officials, including the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe; Permanent Secretaries from the State Ministries of Health and Education; the Provost of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Hadiza Yahaya; as well as members of the Borno State Executive Council and House of Assembly. Also in attendance was the Regional Head, North-East, John chabri, Keystone Bank Limited.

Obasa: Lagos’ Economic Growth Driven by Diversity, Inclusivity

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has credited the state’s rapid economic growth to its inclusive and accommodating posture towards expatriates and foreign investment.

He stressed that Lagos’ rise as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse is not solely the result of local entrepreneurship.

He asserted this during The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) held in Lagos, where noted individuals and organisations were recognised for their notable contributions towards the country.

Speaking on Lagos’ economic transformation, the speaker emphasized the city’s long-standing openness to foreign expertise, which has significantly contributed to its accelerated urbanisation, industrial development, and global relevance.

He said that without a doubt, Lagos does not reach this point by just the entrepreneurial ingenuity of its people. Lagos has benefited immensely from being accommodating and receptive to foreigners.

According to him, “Over the centuries, the infusion of expertise into the Lagos economy ensured that it enjoyed a more rapid growth driven by

urbanization and industrial development.

On her part, the Director of Awards, TEBA, Odunola Abayomi, said with the event the country is open to business as collaboration between nations, industries and people would always produce brilliance.

According to her, “TEBA’s long-term vision includes mentorship programmes, sector-specific round-tables, and an annual Expatriate Enterprise Index that will track foreign-led economic impact across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. With the event we know that Nigeria is open to business as collaboration excellence knows no border.”

ACT Deepens Efforts on Innovative, Digitalised Trusteeship

The Association of Corporate Trustees (ACT) has reaffirmed its deliberate strides to ensure that professional Trustees embrace the adoption of modern technological innovations to uphold market integrity in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

This was the crux of the conversation of industry experts at the association’s Annual Business Luncheon (ABL) which was held in Lagos.

This year’s theme: “Innovating Trust: The Role of Corporate Trustees in a Digital Financial Ecosystem,” aimed at widening the scope of Trusteeship to adopt more innovative digital solutions to challenges in the financial sector.

Speaking at the event, the President of ACT, Mrs. Omolola

Iyinolakan noted that the business luncheon was organized for the purpose of exploring technological solutions to tackle key challenges delimiting the growth of Nigeria’s economy and possibly set the right tone for the Nigerian financial sector in the future.

“As Trustees in the Nigerian capital market, we operate with the firm understanding that we are gatekeepers in the capital market, assiduously working with our regulators to continually uphold the integrity of the market and boost the economy at large.”

She noted that the recent digital revolution; presently the emergence of financial technology, has shown that it is no more business as usual for Corporate Trustees and the Nigerian capital market, being a crucial part of the financial services infrastructure.

“The recent amendments to the Investment and Security Act (ISA) 2025 have proven that steps are being taken in the right direction for a digitalized financial ecosystem,” she noted.

During the event, the Director General, Security Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama commended the consistent efforts of the association in convening critical dialogues on fiduciary responsibility, market integrity, and financial innovation.

He noted that the focused topic speaks to the shifting paradigm in Nigeria’s financial market, hence, he advised: “We encourage the association to prioritize digitization training, in digital finance, risk management and data governance to ensure its members remain in the forefront of market intelligence”.

ACAMB: Stakeholders’ Conference to Redefine Banking in Digital-first Era

The Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Banks in Nigeria (ACAMB) has announced its 4th National Stakeholders’ Conference, themed, “AI & the Future of Trust: Reimagining Banking and Financial Services in a Digital-First Era.” The event will take place today at the CIBN Bankers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s conference is convening amid a global shift toward artificial intelligence and

its profound impact on trust, transparency, and customer engagement in financial services. ACAMB’s 4th Stakeholders’ Conference will bring together senior bankers, fintech disruptors, regulatory authorities, and AI pioneers to examine how technology can be responsibly harnessed to drive innovation while safeguarding consumer confidence.

ACAMB President Rasheed Bolarinwa emphasised the significance of this year’s conference

in light of evolving technological and regulatory demands. “As AI revolutionizes banking, the question is not just about adoption, it is about how we harness it to rebuild trust in an increasingly skeptical digital landscape. This conference is a clarion call for collaboration. We must ensure that AI serves as a bridge, not a barrier, to financial inclusion and integrity. Together, we will redefine what it means to be a trusted financial institution in 2025 and beyond,” he said.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo),

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L–R: Regional Head, North East, Keystone Bank, John Chabri; Acting Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Borno State, Dr. Mustapha Babagana Mallumbe; Executive Director, North & PSG, Keystone Bank, Mr. Abubakar Usman Bello and Commissioner for Education, Borno State, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, during the official handover of the fully equipped ICT Centre by Keystone Bank to the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri, for the Borno State Government…recently

Oluchi Chibuzor

Kayode Tokede

Stock Market Sustains Bullish Run, Gains N211.84bn on Demand for GTCO

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market extended its positive momentum at midweek, as the overall capitalisation advanced by N211.84 billion on investors’ demand for Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), and 59 others.

The N211.84 billion market capitlisation increase was influenced by the stock price of GTCO that gained

2.39per cent or N2.05 per share to close at N88.00 per share, while Zenith Bank’s stock price appreciated by 2.97 per cent or N1.70 per share to close at N59.00 per share.

GTCO has maintained a positive momentum this week following the management plans to raise $105million new ordinary shares and cancel its Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

However, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 335.74 basis points or.28 per cent to close at 121,989.67 basis points from 121,653.93 basis points the stock market closed for trading the previous day. Consequently, the NGX Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at +1.7per cent and +18.5per cent, respectively. Also, market capitalisation gained N211.84 billion to close

at N76.970 trillion from N76.758 trillion it opened for trading. Analysing by sectors, the NGX Insurance advanced by 2.5per cent, NGX Industrial Goods appreciated by one per cent and NGX Banking increased by0.5 per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods depreciated by 0.1per cent and NGX Oil & Gas down by 0.1per cent.

Market breadth was strongly positive, with 59 gainers signifi-

cantly outpacing 21 decliners, indicating widespread buying interest across sectors.

Omatek Ventures, RT Briscoe (Nigeria), Red Star Express, C&I Leasing, Chams Holding Company, Ellah Lakes and Nigerian Enamelware recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N1.21, N3.85, N11.11, N7.26, N10.45 and N20.35 respectively, per share.

Thomas Wyatt Nigeria fol-

lowed with a gain of 9.96 per cent to close at N2.98, while AXA Mansard Insurance and Sunu Assurance up by 9.95 per cent each to close at N12.16 and N4.64 respectively, per share. On the other hand, Legend Internet led the losers’ chart by 8.05 per cent to close at N8.00, per share. Guinea Insurance followed with a decline of 7.14 per cent to close at N1.04, while Eterna declined by 4.65 per cent to close at N41.00, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JULY/09/25

Benjamin Kalu and the Rise of Progressive Technocracy in Nigeria

By ernest Mbaka, MBA, ceMs, ciBs

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, exemplifies a new breed of dynamic and progressive African leadership, rooted in technocratic competence, institutional foresight, and civic inclusion. In a political landscape often marred by inertia, his emergence signals the rise of a statesman whose political identity is shaped as much by ideas and reform as by representation and consensus-building.

Kalu’s leadership is a study in progressive technocracy: ideologically forward-thinking, economically pragmatic, and institutionally visionary. At the heart of his politics lies the progressive conviction that political, economic, and social equity not only reflects justice but also serves as engines of national development. His rise is, therefore, not merely a testament to personal acumen but also a reflection of a broader shift in the character of Nigerian leadership toward data-driven governance, participatory federalism, and fiscal transparency.

Political Vision and Institutional Reform

Rt. Hon. Kalu’s political philosophy reflects a keen awareness of the historical and structural bottlenecks that have hindered Nigeria’s development. Overcentralization, ethno-regional exclusion, and weak intergovernmental cooperation have long frustrated national cohesion and economic dynamism. Kalu’s agenda directly confronts these challenges through constitutional amendment efforts, digital governance legislation, and youth-focused reforms.

As Deputy Speaker, he has emerged as a strategic architect of institutional reform. He has championed bills aimed at fiscal accountability, enhanced federalism, and inclusive representation. Among his notable legislative achievements is the sponsorship and advocacy for the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), an initiative designed to address developmental inequities and post-conflict reconstruction in the Southeast. Additionally, his flagship Peace in the Southeast Project (PISE-P), a nonpartisan peacebuilding initiative, addresses the socio-economic roots of regional agitation by promoting civic reintegration, intergovernmental cooperation, and regional economic revitalization.

The official launch of The Renewed Hope

Partners initiative further demonstrates Kalu’s commitment to translating the achievements of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, into tangible, people centered dividends for the Southeast and beyond. This initiative serves as a vital bridge between national priorities and the unique aspirations of the region.

This initiative responds to the call for collective

BenjaminO.Kalu

effort toward inclusive growth under the current administration. It is designed to empower communities, provide hope to the vulnerable, foster sustainable development, and ultimately strengthen public confidence and support for its continuity.

Kalu’s reformist style is pragmatic yet aspirational. He combines institutional literacy with political dexterity, enabling him to broker consensus across Nigeria’s fragmented political blocs. In a legislature often shaped by sectionalism and partisanship, he has distinguished himself as a rare bridge-builder, valued not only for his oratory but for his capacity to advance national cohesion through dialogue and shared purpose.

Economic Pragmatism and Financial Stewardship

Economically, Kalu advances a modern developmentalist model. He advocates for fiscal federalism, public-private partnerships, and economic decentralization while ensuring pro-poor and proinvestment safeguards. His policy stance is grounded in a belief that sustainable development must be inclusive, innovation-driven, and regionally sensitive.

He has consistently emphasized the importance of expanding Nigeria’s tax base through the formalization of the informal sector and improved digital revenue collection. His legislative priorities have supported MSME growth, digital economy integration, and labor productivity reforms. This places him at the

nexus of inclusive capitalism and strategic governance, advocating not merely for economic growth but for equitable prosperity.

Kalu’s international engagements further demonstrate his fluency in development economics and global governance. His participation in parliamentary diplomacy, support for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols, and engagement with global development institutions reflect a statesman aware of the interdependencies shaping 21st-century African economies. His fiscal nationalism, anchored in protecting domestic economic sovereignty, is balanced by a constructive openness to multilateralism and international norms.

Intellectual Orientation and Policy Depth

Perhaps the most distinguishing hallmark of Kalu’s leadership is his intellectual approach to public policy. He brings a rare combination of doctrinal clarity, comparative analysis, and normative vision to legislative debate. His interventions on matters such as power sector reform, climate resilience, youth unemployment, and constitutional restructuring are consistently grounded in evidence and strategic foresight.

Kalu treats legislation not as a performative ritual but as a technocratic instrument for longterm structural change. His emphasis on institutional durability, rather than short-term expediency, positions him among a

new cohort of policy-focused lawmakers who are redefining the role of the National Assembly from a reactive body to a co-equal branch of governance.

A Future Beyond Legislature

As Nigeria enters a pivotal phase of democratic consolidation and economic recalibration, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu emerges as a credible agent for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola A. Tinubu’s administration. His trajectory, marked by disciplined policymaking, fiscal sensibility, and a deep commitment to institutional reform, positions him not merely as a legislative tactician but as a transformative statesman. Whether ascending further within the legislative hierarchy or assuming responsibilities at the subnational level as state chief executive, Kalu’s governance orientation reflects a rare blend of technocratic competence and political adaptability. His intergenerational appeal, grounded in developmental pragmatism and democratic inclusion, signals his potential to help reimagine governance, anchoring it in accountability, innovation, and sustainable economic stewardship. In a polity where the average age of leadership remains stubbornly high and civic trust in institutions continues to erode, Rt. Hon. Kalu’s reformist style represents a generational pivot. He resonates with a rising demographic of young Nigerians, those who demand transformation over tokenism, competence over charisma, and strategy over slogans.

Conclusion

Rt. Hon. Benjamin O. Kalu is not merely an emerging figure in Nigerian politics; he is a prototype of the progressive technocrat: intellectually agile, economically attuned, institutionally grounded, and diplomatically astute. As the country faces complex internal and global pressures, his rise signals a hopeful turn toward a governance model that prizes inclusion, evidence, and long-term national renewal

References:

Gberevbie, D. E., Oyeyemi, O. A., & Joshua, S. (2021). Leadership and technocracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: Evaluating policy impact. Journal of African Political Studies, 19(2), 45–63. International Parliamentary Union. (2024, March 5). A conversation with Hon. Benjamin Kalu on digital inclusion and peacebuilding in Nigeria. https:// www.ipu.org

Nwabughiogu, L. (2023, August 20). Benjamin Okezie Kalu: Another era of political detractions? The Guardian Nigeria. https://guardian.ng Wikipedia contributors. (2024, June 15). Benjamin Kalu. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Kalu Umejei, E. (2022). Technocratic leadership and the reimagining of legislative governance in Nigeria. African Affairs Review, 12(4), 89–112.

National Health Insurance Scheme Now Covers HIV, TB Enrollees

The National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, says it has expanded the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover enrollees suffering from life threatening health cases like HIV (PLHIV) and Tuberculoses (TB) patients, with pilots under way in four states.

These ailments were initially not among sicknesses under the coverage of the NHIS scheme.

But given NHA’s determination to bring Nigerians under the scheme’s coverage and reduce number of people getting health services through out-of-pocket payment, the authority expanded its portfolio to give coverage to those under these two special cases.

This was disclosed by the Acting Director, Lagos regional office of the NHIA, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar Haruna, who represented the Director General, NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors, NAIPE in Lagos.

Ohiri who announced that health insurance now covers no fewer

than 20million Nigerians up from 16.8million in 2023 and achieving 99percent of the 2027 presidential target explained that the authority achieved an additional 800,000 beneficiaries who joined the basic health care provision fund bringing the total to 2.6 million as of May 2025.

Ohiri also stated the NHIA embarked on addressing drug shortages and care delays via the multi-project strategy.

He said: “NHIA has focused on expanding health insurance coverage, improving quality of care and protecting the rights of enrollees while strategically and creatively deploying health insurance to save lives in a way that contributes and sustains significant benefit to the health sector.

“As of last month, June, NHIA has achieved 20 million enrollees in the health insurance. This was the combined efforts by the state health insurance agencies, health maintenance organisations and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“As a matter of fact, we have exceeded the mandates that have been given to us by the president. He gave us a target which we exceeded

in June. We have a significant jump from 16.8 million Nigerians enrolled by 2023.

“By June 2025, we have hit 20 million. We have also embarked on addressing drug shortages and care delays via the

that from

Nigeria Has Over 150 Pharmaceutical Companies

Onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has said that despite all odds Nigeria over 150 registered manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

It said that five out this number are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

According to the association, the country’s pharmaceutical industry which is estimated at about $2 billion, has potential to grow to an ambitious $10 billion in investment.

Speaking to journalists during a pre-conference yesterday, the National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, MAW, DCPharm, said the pharmaceutical sector is on the path

to becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry in the country.

“I can confirm to you that local pharma manufacturers including prominent Nigerian investors are building Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plants which are in tens of millions dollar range investments in a bid to change the structure of the game as we impose medicines/drug security in Nigeria as well as create a local manufacturing hub in Africa.,” he said.

He said that the pharma industry has continued to grow despite all odds adding, “Our local manufacturers, including prominent Nigerian investors, are building active pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plants with investments running into tens

of millions of dollars”.

“These efforts are changing the structure of the game and helping to impose medicines security in Nigeria,” he said.

Ezeh pointed to the exploits of pharmaceutical companies such as Fidson Healthcare in the manufacture of anti-retrovirals at a time donor agencies were withdrawing funding that guaranteed free supply of these drugs to Nigerians.

He also said that Emzor has commissioned a specialised Cephalosporin plant in its ultra-modern factory a few months ago, while Indian giants, Jawa Pharm also recently inaugurated a factory-site for beta-lactam range of anti-infectives.

“At some point the value of our industry was estimated to be

about $2 billion, but with recent investments we would be cruising to an ambitious $10 billion dollar range sector in the next five years especially now that Codix healthcare recently launched a factory for the local manufacture of invitro-diagnostic kits and medical consumables.

“Despite challenges we are certainly unrelenting and will continue to be fruitful to contribute significantly to National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) like we see in India and China where the pharma sector remains very strategic to national growth and development,” he said. Ezeh said that ACPN will partner the local Pharma Industry to attain increased access of drugs and economic viability of the sector.

ebere Nwoji

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com

Nigeria’s First Garena Esports Event Crowns AllStarNaija Champions

For its fourth season, the Deca Cup, organised by Esports provider 10N8E, broke new ground in showcasing Nigeria’s thriving Free Fire community. After a fierce battle through 235 competing teams, All Star Naija emerged as champions, capping off the tournament’s most competitive year yet, writes Iyke Bede

FDeca Cup featured customised skins for individual players and brands.

reached its

ollowing a one-month intense online qualifiers, the 10N8E Free Fire

at the Lagos LAN finals, where 12 top teams battled for supremacy in the tournament’s signature ‘Battle Royale’ mode.

Staged at the Waterfall Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, Deca Cup 4 is the country’s first official Garena community event, marking the growing interest of international game developers and publishers in the local scene. Through Garena’s API client, this year’s

“This is an official Garena community event, and one of the things they wanted to see was how big the community is in Nigeria. So, we made the registration open, which meant we didn’t limit the number of teams, and we ended up having 236 teams officially, which is significant if you consider there are four players per team,” said Adebayo Onigbanjo, CEO of 10N8E.

The event opened with a ‘Clash Squad’ exhibition match between Itel Esports and

How New Tax Laws Impact Gaming Industry

Jonathan Nwanze, Finance and Tax Manager at Velex Advisory, dissects Nigeria’s new tax laws and reveals how they will shape the gaming industry

Four new bills were recently signed into law on June 26, 2025. These laws are: the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA). However, it is essential to highlight aspects that affect the gaming industry, including the lottery, casino, sports betting, and other games of chance.

Value-added Tax

In line with the judgement, in the case of Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc Vs Federal Inland Revenue Service Appeal No. TAT/LZ/VAT/033/2018, value-added tax (VAT) of 7.5% applies to sport betting/casino, as gambling, a game of chance, is deemed a supply of service. The VAT Act describes “entertainment to include any exhibition and performance in which admission of people is subject to payment by such persons.” It further explains that “supply of services” means any service provided for a consideration.

Per VAT computation, it notes that the most rational thing is to allow the casino to deduct the total winnings paid out, from the total bets paid in, after which the VAT percentage is applied”, which may result in “either

liability due from it or refund due to the casino”.

The new tax reform law now allows businesses providing services to claim input VAT, which was not previously allowed. Therefore, gaming/sport betting companies can now claim input VAT for services incurred and claim VAT refund where input exceeds output. This new position, explicitly enshrined in the new tax act, will benefit gaming companies where gaming revenue for a particular period is negative.

Personal Income Tax

comPuTaTIon

The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) allows for tax exemption for employees or individuals earning an income and gain of NGN 800,000 or less per annum. The new computation formula indicates increased rates for higher-income earners. Also, compensation for loss of employment or injury has an increased tax exemption threshold (N10 million to N50 million).

for eliminations and placements. When the final standings were tallied, AllStarNaija emerged victorious, totalling 103 points, claiming the ‘Deca Cup’ trophy and the lion’s share (N450,000) of the N1 million prize pool. Vent Esports (92 points) and Team Supreme (86 points) secured second and third place, respectively.

“Effectively, what we’re calling is N5 million. The cash prize portion of it is N1 million, and then the players get pretty much all their logistics, accommodation, all covered as part of the tournament. We have players from 11 states represented here. For us, it’s a significant growth from N250,000 in the first edition,” said Onigbanjo.

The first two editions of the Deca Cup tournament were held online, with its first-ever physical outing last year. This year, it doubles down by infusing ComicCon elements into the event, expanding its appeal to both gamers

and non-gamers.

“I think as you scale, you have new challenges. So, Free Fire was a really small community when we started. The next step for us is really, how do we start tying all of this together?

One of the things that we’re actually doing today is: there’s a collaboration between Carbon and Infinix and 10N8E,” added Onigbanjo. “It’s really to offer the audience, gamers and fans, an opportunity to acquire a device with financing provided by Carbon, giving you the opportunity to pay over a longer period of time. For us, the synergy has to be how do we bring this community together to help them, to empower our players.”

The tournament’s branding as a milestone for ‘African Esports’ and its record-breaking scale hint at ambitions beyond Nigeria. While West African expansion remains unconfirmed, industry observers note the region’s untapped potential aligns with the organiser’s pan-African rhetoric. For now, it’s focused on discovering the Burna of the Esports realm.

Gossy Ukanwoke on Building Purpose-driven Gaming Business

Iyke Bede writes that BetKing’s community investments have become a defining part of its brand identity

Inarguably, the sole objective of any gaming operator is to maximise profit and expand their customer base to cement their dominance in the sector. While many operators pursue different routes to achieve this, BetKing chooses a distinct path, one focused on directly impacting Nigerians in various capacities, spotlighting underserved communities and uplifting unheard voices.

According to BetKing CEO, Gossy Ukanwoke, it is about building a business model that gives value back to people through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, primarily focused on providing basic and essential healthcare, supporting sports initiatives, and driving the economy through direct and indirect job creation via its jobs and entrepreneurship programmes.

“From 2022, when it seemed like we had finally emerged from the major challenges brought on by the pandemic, we began asking ourselves a deeper question: how do we build a business that truly gives value to people?” said Ukanwoke.

That turning point marked the launch of BetKing’s structured CSR framework.

“Before then, our efforts were more scattered — we’d support market women here, build a project there,” he explained. “But from 2022, we formalised it. We developed a full CSR strategy. I believe we were one of the first in this industry, and in this market, to do so at that level of detail.”

Today, BetKing’s community investments have become a defining part of its brand identity.

Deca Cup

climax

Team Flux. In the ‘Battle Royale’ finals, 48 players (split into 12 squads) competed across six maps, with points awarded

L-R: adenike oyebamiji, meshack mutuku, olajumoke odudimu, and Jonathan nwanze, at the recent Velex advisory sponsored GTsa in nairobi, kenya

ONE-DAY INVESTMENT LAGOS SUMMIT...

L-R: Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; his counterparts in the Ministry of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake; and Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the

and Suites, Lagos State, yesterday

Pat Utomi Unveils Members of Shadow Cabinet

Says coalition party will give Nigerians an alternative Berates federal lawmakers on constituency projects, insists legislators have no powers to execute

Professor Pat Utomi, the proponent of a shadow government, yesterday unveiled cabinet members of his shadow government while also commending the formation of coalition African Democratic Congress, ADC, stating that it will give Nigerians an alternative to political party politics.

Addressing the media after a twoday retreat of the shadow government called the ‘’big tent’’ in Abuja, Utomi listed the members of his shadow government to include the following; Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure, Urban Development and Housing).

According to Utomi, the basic reasons for the shadow cabinet is give expert review of government policies and by no means trying compete or take over the affairs of governance from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said: “The progress of any government is to ensure the welfare of the people, hence there must be an alternative views and reviews of government policies to enable the government move forward in the right direction.”

Accordingly, he said that great

institutions have built in checks and balances to help guide the ruling party in the processes of governance.

For instance, he said that the issues of constituency projects is an anomaly as practices in Nigeria, explaining that lawmakers have no business in executing projects, as it remains the exclusive reserves of the executive arm of government.

The Professor of Lagos Business School explained that with proper education, “legislators will know that they were not elected to execute projects, they were elected to make laws for the good governance of the country. To do otherwise is to make them become slaves as they will go cap in hands begging the executives for projects to execute.

‘’With this kind of practice, the members of the legislature will not be able to perform one of their basic duties, which is checks and balances,’’ Utomi said.

According to him, the idea of a shadow cabinet is not new as he, in 2007 discussed it with late President Umaru Yar’Adua who not only accepted, but wanted him to serve in his government, but he rejected the offer.

He identified the problems of governance in Nigeria to the absence of political will and not having a

clear-cut national strategy, explaining that had it been that Nigeria has a clear political strategy, that the National Coastal Road Project would not have been a unilateral decision project as states would be made to contribute areas of need that would address their needs in the various

states concerned.

According to him, ‘’there is data to make Nigeria great, but the problem is the absence of political will. Nigerians in government do not have the discipline to govern’’, explaining that there are lots of policy somersault in Nigeria.

Utomi faulted the various agricultural policies of the federal government, explaining that agriculture has moved beyond the era of hoe and cutlasses.

He urged government to address the challenges facing Nigerians, especially in the spheres of insecurity

projects

and the need for state police. On the recently adopted ADC as a coalition party, Utomi described it as a welcome development, because as he put, “It will give Nigerians an alternative. The coalition is work in progress to use value projects to move the country forward”

Akpabio Hails $1.5bn Moroccan Fertiliser Investment in Akwa Ibom

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended Morocco for its growing investment footprint in Nigeria, citing a $1.5 billion fertiliser project in Akwa Ibom State as a symbol of deepening economic cooperation between the two African nations.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Moha Ouali

Tagma, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja.

He described Morocco as a rising economic partner and a “new destination for investment.”

The Senate President said Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from stronger ties with the North African country.

He said: “The relationship between Nigeria and Morocco is no longer just a diplomatic one. It is now deeply economic and strategic.

“In my home state alone, you have already invested about $1.5 billion in the fertiliser industry. That is something to be applauded. It is creating jobs and boosting our agricultural value chain.”

He revealed the Nigerian

Parliament has formalised its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties through the establishment of a Nigeria-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Akpabio also expressed Nigeria’s interest in broadening cooperation in the oil and gas sector, particularly through the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project.

He disclosed that recent technical hurdles on the pipeline route across the River Niger had been resolved, allowing the project to move forward.

“I was very excited to hear that the project is back on track. It is a key initiative that will allow us to export our rich gas resources, deepen energy collaboration, and

foster regional integration,” he said. Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Tagma noted that both Nigeria and Morocco are pivotal players on the African continent and should lead by example in forging stronger intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary relations. He extended a formal invitation to the Nigerian Parliament for an official visit to Morocco to further consolidate bilateral ties and explore new areas of partnership. With economic diplomacy at the forefront of Nigeria-Morocco relations, both countries appear poised to unlock new opportunities across trade, energy, and agriculture, setting a model for intra-African cooperation.

One of the foremost Niger Delta Groups, Coalition of Niger Deltans for Equity and Justice (CNDEJ) has attributed the renewed attacks on Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to plans by some people to distract his attention from campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. It warned that no amount of campaign of calumny against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo or his firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), would dissuade him from seeking the re-election of President Tinubu in two years’ time.

CNDEJ, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Spokesman, Prince Mechach Bebenimibo, noted that Tompolo or TSSNL will not at this point disappoint the federal government having been given opportunity by this

administration to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

“No amount of blackmail and campaign of calumny by unscrupulous elements will stop Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited from supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by protecting the oil facilities and telling of the good works of this APC-led administration of our workaholic and pragmatic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“No coalition or ADC can stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reelection. The president will complete his eight years, two-tenure, as stipulated in 1999 constitution of Nigeria. The North should patiently wait till 2031 when it is their turn to rule”, it added.

CNDEJ noted it’s members will mobilise massively for President Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori’s second tenure adding: “No coalition can threaten the president from winning 2027 election. The president winning

the second tenure is sacrosanct.

“You cannot distract Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited from protecting Oil Pipelines in Niger Delta. It is unfortunate for oil thieves and co-sponsors to condemn Tompolo and Tantita for the good works they are doing for Nigeria by boosting the oil production”, the group warned alleged oil thieves and their sponsors.

The group recalled some of the contributions of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to include provision of 24/7 asset protection for pipelines, refineries, terminals, and marine platforms across Nigeria’s vital energy infrastructure

Further according to the group, “Tantita also employs advanced surveillance, alarm systems, CCTV, fire detectors, and GPS tracking customized for each client. Actively combats illegal tapping and vandalism in the Niger Delta, having identified over 400 tap points within a quarter and 295 illegal pipeline connections, particularly in NNPC pipelines.

Justice Ishaq Bello Appointed Chairman, Hospitality, Tourism & Travel Tribunal

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has announced the formal inauguration of the Hospitality, Tourism & Travel Tribunal (HTTT) in line with Section 40 (1) and (2) of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, with Hon. Dr. Justice Ishaq Usman Bello appointed chairman.

Retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory is a jurist of repute. With his impeccable record in judicial service and legal reform, Justice Bello brings deep integrity and authority to this pivotal role.

The Tribunal has been constituted as a regulatory and adjudicatory body for resolving disputes, enforcing professional standards, and ensuring compliance across Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors.

Section 40 of the NIHOTOUR

Act provides: There is established a body to be known as the Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Tribunal (in this Act referred to as “the Tribunal”) which shall be charged with the responsibility of adjudicating on matters relating to the regulation, practice, licensing, discipline, and standards within the Hospitality, Tourism and Travel industry.

It further provides the Tribunal shall consist of a chairman who shall be a retired Judge of a superior court of record in Nigeria and four other members drawn from relevant professional bodies in the industry.

Other distinguished members appointed to serve on the Tribunal include: Hon. Steve Ayorinde, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State - a renowned journalist, cultural advocate, and

tourism policy expert and Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha, President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and Tourism Practitioners (NANTOP) - a frontline industry voice with decades of professional advocacy. Also appointed to serve in the tribunal is Mr. John Daniel Enemona, representative of the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America, Abuja (CIHTMA), is a strategic thinker and promoter of professional excellence in hospitality training and accreditation. The HTTT is mandated to serve as an independent forum for fair hearing, adjudication, and redress, dealing with professional misconduct, institutional grievances, licensing violations, and consumer complaints, thereby raising the bar of professionalism and accountability in the industry.

one-day Investment Lagos Summit held at Eko Hotel

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Canvasses stronger Nigeria-Morocco economic ties

MOROCCAN AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA VISITS AKPABIO...

Deutsche Bank Leads $747m Syndicated Loan for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Edun, Umahi reiterate FG’s commitment to private sector infrastructure financing, development

Nume

Ekeghe

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, Deutsche Bank has led a $747 million syndicated loan to fund the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, covering a 47.47 kilometre stretch from Victoria Island to Eleko Village.

This landmark financing deal is the first of its kind for a road infrastructure project in Nigeria

at a scale that reflects a growing international investor confidence in the recent reforms of the federal government.

In a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammad Manga noted that Deutsche Bank acted as Global Coordinator, Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in the deal, working alongside a syndicate of regional and global lenders.

He added that the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is providing partial political and commercial risk cover to support the loan.

Other major participants include First Abu Dhabi Bank—serving as Facility Agent and Intercreditor Agent, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development

(EBID), Nexent Bank N.V., and Zenith Bank through its Nigeria, UK, and Paris operations.

Commenting on this development, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun said:

“This deal reflects the success of our macroeconomic reforms and the return of international capital to support Nigeria’s development. We are focused on financing infrastructure in ways that are

Three Killed as Gunmen Attack Two Towns in Anambra, Repelled from Burning Police Station

At least three persons are feared dead in a mid-day attack on Ekwulobia town in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State by daredevil gunmen yesterday.

The hoodlums also attacked Oko Community in Orumba North Local Government Area.

THISDAY learnt that while two members of the public were felled during the attack in Ekwulobia, police however killed one of the gunmen.

But in Oko, the men were said to have been stoutly resisted by police operatives in a police station they attempted to torch.

Videos trending online showed the attack at the popular Ekwulobia flyover as they shot sporadically, causing residents to flee for safety.

Different videos on social media showed moments when the gunmen were atop the newly constructed Ekwulobia flyover bridge, and when they were under it, prancing around without challenge and shooting in all directions.

While one man was pictured in one of the videos lying lifeless in his tricycle, another was seen in a separate video lying lifeless too in what seemed to be his business premises - a shop.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the attack, stating that one of the gunmen was also felled during the attack by its operatives, while a rifle, vehicles were recovered at the scene, while others fled. In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police said

it also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and four vehicles used by the assailants during the operation.

He said: “The team also demobilised one of the armed criminals, recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump action gun and four vehicles at the scene as the operatives sustained the counter operations in the area.

“The vehicles recovered include one red Toyota Camry vehicle with Reg No: ENU 58 SC, custom colour GLK Mercedes Benz without a registration number, golden colour Lexus 330 with Reg No: ENU 815 AP and one ash Toyota Highlander with Reg No: GDD 517 RW.

“The gunmen also burnt a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group. Meanwhile,

the bodies of the deceased have been recovered and deposited in the morgue.

“Oko Divisional Police Headquarters also witnessed an attack, but the gallant officers on duty repelled the assault by the armed criminals. No casualties were recorded as the aggressive pursuit by the Joint Security Team of the assailants continues in the area.”

Ikenga said the police commissioner in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents of the area to be calm, while operatives of the command have gone after the hoodlums.

sustainable, transparent, and catalytic—and this transaction is a model of that vision in action.

The closing of this market defining financing is yet another testament to Mr President’s commitment to accelerate the participation of the private sector in infrastructure financing and development.

“It positions the country as being ready for a full transition to the design, development, financing as well as operations and management of critical public infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships. It signals to investors and private sector participants, the sophistication and maturity of the Nigerian market and commitment of the Government to sanctity of contracts and innovative structures to fund critical national infrastructure that will deliver sustained and inclusive growth.”

On his part, Minister of Works, David Umahi added: “This transaction is a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.

The Lagos-Calabar Highway is a strategic national asset, and this financing sets a strong precedent for future public-private infrastructure partnerships.”

The project is structured as an (Engineering, Procurement, Construction + Financing) EPC+F contract awarded to Hitech Construction Company, This structure aims at a strategic partnership between the Government and the

private sector, seamlessly aligning technical execution with financing solutions. It enables fast-track project delivery while unlocking and maximizing private sector appetite for investment in the country’s priority infrastructure. Construction of Phase 1 Section 1 is already over 70 per cent complete. Furthermore, Managing Director, Hitech Construction Company Limited, Dany Abboud said: “We are proud to deliver this historic project. With over 70 per cent of Phase 1 Section 1 complete, we are showing that Nigerian engineering backed by structured international finance can meet global standards. The use of CRCP technology ensures unmatched durability and cost-efficiency.”

Chief Executive Officer, ICIEC, states: “ICIEC is proud to join the Nigerian government and our co-financiers in realising the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Project. Through ICIEC’s sovereign risk coverage solution, we are unlocking vital infrastructure that will ease congestion, stimulate regional trade, and drive inclusive economic growth. This initiative will create employment opportunities, build local capacity, and bolster small and medium-sized enterprises, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to sustainable development, multimodal connectivity, and prosperity for communities across West Africa.”

Ex-lawmaker Dragged to Court for Beating Man Who Demanded Account of Representation at NASS

Member of Sustainability Council

Toyin Saraki Joins German Organisation as

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

German organization Bayer AG has announced the appointment of founder and president of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki as a member of its Sustainability Council.

Saraki joins a distinguished group of global experts tasked with advancing the company’s sustainability strategy, with a focus on health equity, food security, and climate resilience.

In her acceptance speech yesterday, Saraki said with her appointment,

she hopes to bring more than two decades of experience in maternal, newborn, and child health, gender equity, and the strengthening of community health systems across Africa and worldwide.

According to her, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the collective responsibility is to ensure that sustainability is not an abstract ideal, but a lived reality, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

“It is an honour to join Bayer’s Sustainability Council at such a pivotal

moment for our planet and its people.

“In this spirit of being Stronger Together, I look forward to contributing my insights from frontline reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition, and to strengthening the link between community health systems and corporate sustainability commitments” she said.

The restructuring of Bayer’s independent Sustainability Council was unveiled yesterday with five new members welcomed into the advisory body.

A business man, Mr. Chinedu Anaukwu, has dragged a former House of Representatives members from Anambra State, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, to court for beating him up over a comment demanding accountability for his performance as lawmaker.

Obidigwe who represented Anambra East and West Federal Constituency was alleged to have carried out the act in 2023, shortly before the general election.

According to the victim: “It was in 2023, just before the general election, I had written in Aguleri World Forum, a WhatsApp group, demanding accountability from Obidigwe who was then recontesting to return to the House of Representatives.

“I told him it had been over three years that he had been in the National Assembly, and that before aspiring for re-election, he should give us account of his constituency funds and other achievements in the area.

“His boys were not happy about it, and one day he accosted me with over 13 thugs and ordered them to kill me. They beat me until I lost consciousness,” Anaukwu told journalists.

When the matter came up on Tuesday at Otuocha High Court, Anambra East Local Government Area, counsel to Anaukwu, Chief Gozie Obi (SAN) withdrew the charges against the second and fifth defendants in the matter, who were identified as aides of Obidigwe who participated in the assault.

While the second defendant is

said to be already late, the fifth was said not to have been served with the processes.

Obi who spoke to journalists said: “Today is the first time the matter is coming up in court for pretrial hearing and in the course of the proceeding it came to light that the second defendant is late and since you can’t sue a dead person, we had to withdraw the suit against him.

“Also, the fifth defendant was not served, but we wanted case to progress, so we had to withdraw against him too, more so, when we know that the principal defendant is Obidigwe, as all the others were just his aides, and acted under his instruction.”

During the sitting, the principal defendant, Hon. Obidigwe was represented by his lawyer, Barr. Emmanuel Offoh.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

L-R: Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Morocco, Mr. Maroun Abousif; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, Mr. Moha Ouali Tagma; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Bello; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, during a courtesy visit to the Senate President by the Moroccan Ambassador in Abuja, yesterday

7TH TAIWO AFOLABI ANNUAL MARITIME CONFERENCE...

L-R: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Abiola Sani (SAN); Executive Director, SIFAX Ports & Cargo, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade; Director of Marine Services, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mercy Ilori – who represented the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oyetola Gboyega; Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs. Vivian Chiemezie; and Head of Department, Commercial and Industrial Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olawoyin Adewale (SAN), during the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference held at the University of Lagos, yesterday

Ribadu: We’re Ready for Those Desperate for Power; US Pledges to Secure Cyberspace

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has declared that the government was fully ready for those desperate to cling onto power.

The NSA made the declaration at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of a two-day National Cyber Security Conference (NCSC) 2005 in Abuja, yesterday.

Ribadu’s statement came as the United States of America expressed its commitment to work with Nigeria to secure the cyber space and ensure a safe digital future for the country.

The conference was organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and supported by Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Cisco

According to Ribadu, those who were desperate for power would lie in order to hang on to power.

“It’s only those who want your money, who want your power, who desperately think that they must continue to come back to office and come back to power and continue to be the bad guys who created problems... We are trying to address them, they should give us a chance, please,” he said.

He also noted that both the public and private sector should work together to build a safe digital futur

“Together we are building a safer,

more resilient digital Nigeria. One that can inspire confidence, drive innovation, and secure our future,” he said.

America’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, stated that the US was committed to working with

Nigeria to secure the cyber space and ensure a safe digital future for Nigeria.

“The United States is committed to working with Nigeria to fight cyber security and ensure a safe digital future,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, noted that the commission was building a 500- capacity facility where it would harness the talents of young Nigerian involved in cyber fraud for the nation’s good.

The Director General of NITDA, Kachifu Abdullahi, in his speech, noted that the major aim of the NCSC 2025: was to strengthen national cybersecurity resilience by fostering collaboration between government, industry, and interna-

Rising Poverty, Unemployment Responsible for Insurgency, Katsina Gov, Radda, Asserts

Police, army lose five officers after killing 30 bandits in state Bandits raid two LGs in Niger, kill villagers Oyo procures two aircraft at N7.7b to battle insecurity, invests N595m in solar project

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has ascribed the prevailing insurgency and other criminalities bedeviling the country to rising poverty and unemployment.

He disclosed this yesterday evening when he received a delegation from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) at the Government House, Katsina.

The delegation was in the state to present a Sustainable Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project for

Improved Livelihood and National Security, a joint initiative targeting conflict-affected communities.

The project, which already has a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) since May this year, aimed to promote economic empowerment using climate-smart integrated agriculture.

Meanwhile, five security men have lost their lives in a fierce gun battle with bandits in communities across Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Also, armed gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements have raided communities in two local governments of Niger State, killing no fewer than 30 persons most of them men of the local vigilance groups.

Lagos Govt Sounds Alarm Over Drug Abuse, Canvasses Collective Action

The Lagos State Government has sounded the alarm over the growing menace of substance abuse in the state and across Nigeria, calling for collective action to combat the scourge.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State spoke at the MTN’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Advocacy Stakeholders Conference, held at the MTN Headquarters, Falomo, Lagos, where he emphasised the need for collective action to combat substance abuse in the state and across Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu described

substance abuse as a “malignant cancer” that is corroding the fabric of society and jeopardizing the future of the nation’s youth.

“It is heartbreaking to witness a group of drug abusers tiding around the young souls of our society, now reaching even our innocent children,” Salu-Hundeyin said, emphasising the need for collective action to address the issue.

“Our youth embody our vitality, our promise for tomorrow, yet how can we hope to stand tall and resilient if this vital strength is weakened and corrupted by the poisons of addiction?”

She also outlined initiatives by the Lagos State Government to combat substance abuse, including the construction of a mental health institute, establishment

of a mental health helpline, and regular interactions with regulatory agencies.

“We are committed to proactive, multi-structural strategies that place prevention at the heart of our response to drug abuse. We empower schools, communities, and religious institutions with the tools and knowledge to educate, identify, and intervene early. We have also strengthened our school counseling systems and expanded access to mental health support through our Lagos State Well-Being Programme”, “ Salu-Hundeyin said.

The state government also commended MTN Nigeria for its commitment to national well-being through the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).

However, the Oyo State government, yesterday, said security would be beefed up in the state with the immediate procurement of two aircrafts to curb the menace of illegal miners, kidnappers and other forms of security threats, particularly in the vast inter land of the state.

Speaking on the state of the state, Radda said, “Insurgency thrives where economic hardship exists. If we must win the insecurity war, we must combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches — and that begins with tackling poverty.”

He affirmed the state government’s support for the sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration project for improved livelihood and national security.

He, therefore, directed the state Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Development Unit to lead the state’s collaboration efforts.

Earlier, Denis Ozioko, who led

the delegation from the NCTC, said the visit was to formally present the project to Radda following his absence during the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

On his part, Mr. Prakash Kantsilwal of IITA said the project would restore hope through sustainable farming, trade, and peaceful living for every family in the state.

Police, Army Lose Five Men, Kill 30 Bandits

Five security men have lost their lives to a fierce gun battle with bandits in communities across Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The slain security operatives, including three policemen and two soldiers, were among the security forces responding to a distress call at Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and

Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, revealed that two civilians were also killed during the gun battle. He, however, disclosed that the joint security forces had successfully killed 30 armed bandits during the coordinated counter-operations in the affected communities.

He said the security operatives comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), military personnel and Nigerian Air Force engaged the hoodlums, who simultaneously attacked Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi on Tuesday evening.

Mua’zu, in the statement, said:

“Upon receiving intelligence of these attacks, the security forces were immediately mobilised. Additional reinforcements from Dandume and the Nigerian Air Force were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.

“After intense confrontations, our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat. 30 of the criminals were neutralised through coordinated air strikes as they attempted to escape.

Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Orikolade Karim, Mourns Passage of Olubadan of Ibadan

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Orikolade Karim, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

In a heartfelt tribute, Agbaoye Orikolade Ayodele Karim described the late monarch as “a pillar of wisdom, peace, and cultural identity whose brief but impactful reign brought pride to Ibadan sons and daughters worldwide.”

He noted that Oba Olakulehin’s

life was a reflection of resilience, discipline, and public service, having served as a soldier, politician, and traditional leader with uncommon dedication.

Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following the passing of Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun.

His nearly one-year reign was marked by a renewed commitment to unity and heritage across the ancient city.

His death came just two days after his 90th birthday, casting a shadow

of mourning over Ibadanland and the Yoruba nation at large. Agbaoye Karim extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, urging continued support for the traditional institution at this sensitive time.

He also commiserated with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging the national significance of the Olubadan’s passing and the critical role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s socio-cultural fabric.

tional partners. Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT, Shuaibu Salisu, in his goodwill message, advised NITDA to give digital orientation to newly elected legislators for ease of legislative business.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Laleye Dipo in Minna and Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Mary Nnah

2025 WORLD CASSAVA DAY CELEBRATION...

L-R: Director, Operations, Cavista Holdings, Mrs. Anthonia Attoh; Director, Strategy, Cavista Holdings, Mr. Kabir Shagaya; Managing Director, Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Aiyeleso; MD, National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Mr. Segun Adebayo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Saliu Mustapha; Director General, Nigeria/China Strategic Partnership, Mr. Joseph Tegbe; and Vice President/ Executive Director, Government and External Affairs, Cavista Holdings, Mr. Olumide Olayomi, at the 2025 World Cassava Day celebration held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Friday

b o SS m u STAPHA : b u HA r I A LLo W e D In STIT

projects, such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline.

He said Buhari’s election in 2015 was a watershed moment, not just for defeating an incumbent president, but also for ushering in a government that prioritised institutional renewal over political expediency.

He explained that Buhari’s first term focused on stabilising an economy in crisis and confronting a growing security threat.

The administration introduced the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), and later, the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, Mustapha stated.

He said, “His second term marked a shift to evidence-led governance, with the Nine Priority Areas that guided national planning through the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria Agenda 2050.”

Mustapha highlighted the landmark infrastructure projects under Buhari to include the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and expansion of the national rail network.

Mustapha stated that by 2023, over 3,800 kilometres of federal roads had been constructed, with additional rehabilitation projects funded through Sukuk bonds and other strategic partnerships.

On the pandemic, Mustapha, who chaired the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, praised Buhari’s leadership, saying it ensured institutional stability, rapid response, and effective coordination at federal and subnational levels.

In the area of social investment, Mustapha said the Buhari administration institutionalised “the most extensive poverty response framework in Nigeria’s history”, including NPower, school feeding for nearly 10 million pupils, and cash transfers to over 1.6 million households.

The agricultural sector saw unprecedented growth through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, boosting local food production and agro-industrial capacity, he stated.

Beyond policies, Mustapha stressed Buhari’s constitutionalism and respect for process, particularly during periods of medical absence, when he delegated authority without disrupting governance.

“He allowed the system to function, reinforcing confidence in institutions,” he said.

On foreign policy, Mustapha emphasised Nigeria’s elevated standing under Buhari, with the country securing key global appointments, including Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (AfDB), Amina Mohammed (UN Deputy Secretary-General), and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO Director-General).

Buhari’s role in signing and ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement was described as pivotal in strengthening Nigeria’s leadership on the continent.

“Buhari led with a sense of time greater than his tenure,” Mustapha said, adding, “He saw governance not

as a sprint, nor a solitary marathon, but a relay across generations. The baton has now passed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and history, as always, waits not for perfection, but for perseverance.”

Tinubu told the gathering that the reform-oriented path initiated by Buhari would be consolidated and strengthened under this administration

He stated that the event was not merely the celebration of a book, but a significant national moment – an opportunity to reflect on the leadership journey of his predecessor and one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders, whose time in office shaped the direction of the country in profound ways.

Tinubu, who was represented by the incumbent Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the book as a compelling and sincere documentation of leadership from within.

According to him, “Through the eyes and experiences of a spokesman, who worked at the very heart of power, we are offered a unique, unfiltered and well-considered insight into the decisions, challenges and accomplishments that defined President Buhari’s tenure from 2015 to 2023.”

The president added that Shehu had done more than tell a story. He captured a legacy and put forward a chronicle that provided context and clarity to the policy directions, governing principles and “leadership philosophy of a man whose disciplined and unwavering sense of duty left a significant imprint on our nation’s governance architecture.”

He emphasised that Buhari’s leadership stood on the pillars of integrity, accountability, prudence as well as patriotism.

Tinubu said of Buhari, “Under his stewardship, Nigeria witnessed a decisive push to confront insecurity, a serious commitment to infrastructure renewal, a renewed focus on selfreliance and a clear effort to sanitise the public sector. These themes resonate strongly in this book and must be appreciated in their full historic dimensions.

“It is also worth commending President Buhari’s humility and restraint in the exercise of presidential power – hallmarks of democratic maturity. In the face of provocation, he remained calm. In moments of uncertainty, he held steady. His was a Presidency of discipline and quiet strength.

“Mallam Garba Shehu’s account provides a critical behind-the-scenes perspective. The book also serves as a repository of wisdom for public communicators, policymakers, scholars, historians and Nigerians at large. It offers key lessons on leadership communication, governance under pressure and the intersection between power and public perception.”

The president, who stressed that the country must never get tired of documenting its journey, added, “If we must move forward purposefully, we must learn from the past with honesty. Books like this play a vital role in that learning process. They preserve memory, illuminate truth and

sharpen our collective understanding of nationhood.

“Nation-building is a relay. The efforts of one administration lay the foundation for the next. In this regard, I acknowledge the efforts of my predecessor, President Buhari, and assure all Nigerians that the reform-oriented path he initiated will be consolidated and strengthened under this administration.

“Our Renewed Hope Agenda is inspired by the desire to build a resilient, just and inclusive Nigeria – a nation that delivers dividends of democracy to all its citizens.”

Osinbajo stated that the book was important not just because it detailed Shehu’s eyewitness accounts and some of the most history-worthy moments in the country.

He added that Shehu criss-crossed two different administrations in his book, while also being true to his heart and to his calling as a teacher.

Osinbajo added that Shehu categorically said he was not set out to write an autobiography, but a textbook for those who would in the future be immediate advisers and practitioners in the prestigious but often difficult, sometimes treacherous territory of politics and governance at the highest levels by writing a textbook based on his experiences, both good and bad.

He stated, “He spares the wise who will follow him the burdens of learning by experience. The popular adage, experience is the best teacher is, as you know, only a half truth. It is actually the shortened form of a Welsh proverb, ‘Experience is the

not new in our country. Some have succeeded, others have failed. For the last few months, some of the key promoters of this coalition have been jumping from one party to another.

“In fact, if you take any of the individuals prominent in the coalition, you will see they have moved from parties to parties over the last maybe 16 years. So it’s not surprising.”

The ACF spokesman also addressed allegations that APC was actively working to destabilise the coalition from within by coercing members to abandon it, particularly in the North-east and North-west regions.

He said, “If you are talking of this coercion to get people to either drop their ambitions or go to the APC, it’s been going on in various forms. For the last year, people have been coerced to leave their parties. That is part of it.

“I have spoken to people who said the party is dead on arrival because the ruling party will pull out all the stops to ensure that disarray and conflict engulf the new coalition.”

He added, however, that some supporters of the coalition remained determined to press on despite the challenges.

“I have also spoken to others who are very confident, people who are pro-coalition. They are just as determined to ensure that they weather the storms. So you and I are

best teacher for a fool, the wise learn from history.

“History is a kinder and gentler teacher and experience. So, he gives a blow by blow account of the inside story, and several inside stories, including the conflict that developed between Vice President Abubakar and President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“He says how he, as a media person to Vice President Atiku, in navigating that debacle, he lost his job, and he tells the story of how one evening, he got a call from NTA and he was told, ‘we are announcing your resignation tonight.’ He said he had not resigned. The voice said, ‘well, we have your letter of resignation here,’ and yes, his resignation was announced that evening.”

Osinbajo added, “Just reflecting about the conflict between the vice president and the president, I think that the only other vice president who’s here agrees with me that the job of the vice president was mostly the most difficult in the world.

“It was His Excellency, Umar Ganduje, former Chairman of APC, in his famous work, ‘Deputising’, who humorously describes the conundrum that deputies face. And he once said to me, ‘When you are a deputy or you are vice, you are in a difficult position,’ and then he would pause like a great storyteller that he is.

“He said every action you take is likely to be misinterpreted, not necessarily by your boss, but by the numerous people around you. He says if you humbly walk behind your boss, they will say, look at him, they will say he’s not cooperating with his

probably jumping the gun. Things are unfolding.” Mohammed-Baba stated. He warned that the coalition’s focus on political figures rather than substantive policy proposals was disappointing and risked alienating voters.

Mohammed-Baba said, “My reading for now, given the little evidence we have from the coalition, is that to me personally it’s a bit of a disappointment. I have not seen a coherent statement of what they intend to do.

“The emphasis on personalities— who is going to be president, who will be senate president or secretary to the federal government—gives me a sense of déjà vu. We are going back to square one.

“If it is all about personalities, I think they are dead on arrival. If they can present a coherent policy programme and tell us how to restore national institutions, revitalise the economy, and promote inclusion, then maybe they can stand. But for now, I don’t see anything.”

Lamenting the absence of ideological clarity in Nigeria’s political parties, he said, “Probably what is disappointing is that up to now we are talking of personalities. Nobody is talking of ideology.

“All the parties in Nigeria, nearly all of them, maybe one or two exceptions, share the same ideology: liberal

boss. If you walk by his side, they will say, see this man, he thinks he’s equal to the boss, and if you walk in front of him, they will say, he thinks he’s better than his boss.”

The publisher of THISDAY and Chairman of ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, recalled he was the last journalist to interview Buhari as military Head of state.

Obaigbena stated, “I also remember that as a journalist, I was the last to interview then General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State. I was working for Time magazine in New York, after the interview, I flew to New York to have the interview published in 1985.

“So, as we had laid out the interview as it was those days, the editor of Time magazine called me and said, do you think this interview will be published? I said, yes, there had just being a coup in Nigeria.

“That was another momentous day for me. So as with Garba Shehu, now witness to history. And Garba has told the story of his witnessed statement using the eyes of Buhari today.

“Garba is a formidable journalist who has gone through hell and high water and climbed to the mountain top in the service of Nigeria. He has his panache; he has his determination. He’s being everything. He’s being head of Nigerian Union of Journalists, President of the Guild of Editors, and publisher. His best is yet to come.”

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said he knew Buhari as a person not inclined to worldly or materialistic overtures.

Gowon said no matter the misconceptions about Buhari, you

democracy and neoliberal economic policies. There isn’t much difference.”

On the debate over the region from which a presidential candidate should emerge, Mohammed-Baba rejected the idea that regional origins should matter, calling instead for a focus on leadership quality and national development.

He said, “I don’t care where the candidate comes from. We are wasting too much time and energy not allowing democracy to take root by insisting that a presidential candidate must come from one region or another. I would prefer that we go for the very best who has an agenda for a united, strong, economically viable Nigeria.”

ADC Takes over PDP, APC, LP Factional Structures in Benue

ADC took over the structures of PDP, LP and APC factions, as they joined the party in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, recenty.

At the event, members of PDP, LP and APC declared their full support for ADC.

Former Speaker pro tempore, Hon Terngu Tsegba, was nominated interim chairman of the party.

Tsegba, who was a three-term House of Representatives member,

could not take away the fact that he had the firm interest of Nigeria at heart. He added that Buhari also knew that he would do everything to keep his integrity intact.

Gowon stated, “If the truth must be told, Gen. Buhari is a man of austere lifestyle. I was, therefore, not surprised when the author (at page 114) of the book narrated an incident that rightly depicted the General Buhari that I know.

“According to Garba Shehu, shortly after being sworn in as President and Commander in Chief, General Buhari was informed of the need to increase the budget for catering services in the Villa. He then asked what the existing budget was.

“When they told him it was N10 million for the State House, including the Vice President, guest houses, and banquets in honour of visiting leaders, he screamed and asked that even the N10 million be drastically reduced.

“Mallam Garba Shehu has been consistent in defending his master without wavering. He takes the bullets of criticism and misconceptions for his boss. I know General Buhari must be proud of the crop of staff that served him with such commitment.

“To exude such loyalty, I believe Gen Buhari must have given them the freedom and support to work and defend his policies without any encumbrances.”

In his remarks, the author, Shehu, said Atiku served in the government that wanted to destroy his political career, family, and business. He said being an aide to Atiku, he was hounded, hunted, and even jailed.

alongside former governor of Benue State, Dr Gabriel Suswam and erstwhile Senator for Benue North West, Emmanuel Orker-Jev, officially led members of PDP to ADC during the official launch of the coalition.

Two former Senate Presidents from Benue State, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and Senator David Mark, were also represented. The party took over the PDP secretariat at Ochagwu Lawani Street, Old GRA, Makurdi. According to Suswam the interim state executive council of seven members “was for the purpose of registration only”, adding, “For every local government, we are electing two women and five men.”

He explained, “The ADC constitution has 38 positions and for now, there will be five exco members per council ward and the tenure of the interim exco is going to last for 30 days after which they stand dissolved.”

In his acceptance speech, Tsegha said the first action of ADC, if voted into power, would be the scrapping of the bureaus and ministries of local government affairs and the granting of full autonomy at the third tier of government.

Orker-Jev, while giving his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation for the choice of Tsegba as interim chairman. He pointed out that the former legislator was a veteran politician.

Lukm A n: Co ALITI on W ILL Avo ID PAST mISTA ke S of ATI ku, o b I To Defe AT T I nubu I n 2027

DISCUSSING SEAMLESS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM…

L-R: Director-General, Ekiti State Transport Agency, Hon. Tajudeen Akingbolu; Programme Coordinator, Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, and the Senior Special Assistant to President on National Assembly, House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle-Olarewaju, during a courtesy call on the CNG’s coordinator by the management of the Ekiti agency in Abuja...recently

Stop Misguided Gun-wielding Non-state Actors in Nigeria, Group Urges Tinubu

Linus Aleke in

abuja

A group operating under the aegis of the Southern Zone and Middle Belt Alliance for Peace yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to stop misguided gun-wielding non-state actors terrorising communities in Nigeria.

The group also stated that a decade of banditry, kidnapping, land grabbing, sacking of communities, destruction of means of livelihood, infelicitous and illegal appropriation of mineral resources have continued to generate mistrust and insecurity in the country.

Peace, Dr. Okolie Amaechi Sadiq, said: “We call on the Nigerian government to urgently take legal and radical steps to put an immediate stop to insecurity

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Chairman of the Southern Zone and Middle Belt Alliance for

Security: NSCDC Launches Crack Squad in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in abuja

In order to combat security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched ‘The Crack Squad’ of highly trained and skilled personnel. The Corps has also graduated 200 personnel from an eight-week training on basic arms and weapons handling training Course 3.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja, the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, noted that the present graduation brought to

C & I Leasing

472 personnel of the Command who were recently trained in basic arms and weapons handling.

Odumosu, in his address, said training of his personnel on basic arms and weapons handling, was a strong statement of the command’s unwavering commitment to capacity building, operational readiness and the overall enhancement of the Corps’ internal security architecture within the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that: “This third batch of graduands in Basic Arms and Weapons handling is a clear testament that we are not resting on our oars; the security landscaping in the FCT is evolving and so must we.”

Signs N4bn Fleet Management Deal

C & I Leasing Plc has just signed a major fleet management transaction valued at about N4 billion a development that will secure its status as Nigeria’s largest leasing and mobility solutions firm and lead to improved performance and higher returns to shareholders.

This follows other high-profile transactions with major Nigerian entities and multinationals in the telecommunications and energy sectors—a testament to expanding market confidence in its ability to perform and leverage its innovations. These developments were received warmly by the capital market this week with its share price closing the market at N7.26, 32 per cent per cent higher than its previous week closing price of N5.47. This stock is up by 92.6 per cent year-to-date after having started the year at N3.77. C&I shares have risen by more than 44 per cent in the last four weeks and it is the 22nd best performer on Nigerian Exchange Limited.

BIC Concludes Two-Day Inkspiration Workshop

BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, recently concluded a two-day workshop designed to empower emerging Nigerian artists. Held in Lagos, Nigeria as part of its global celebration of 75 years of the iconic BIC Cristal pen, the workshop was hosted in collaboration with EVVDEE Art Academy and brought together 16 young artists for hands-on training in ballpoint pen artistry.

The two-day training was facilitated by Oscar Ukonu, a hyperrealistic ballpoint pen artist, and Dr. Fola David-Tolaram, a visual artist and current Guinness World Record holder for the largest drawing by an individual. Oscar led participants through a full-day creative masterclass focused on technique, process, and expression using ballpoint pen, including live demonstrations, one-on-one feedback, and a group critique.

and various forms of insurgency perpetrated by misguided gun-wielding non-state actors in Nigeria.”

“The phenomenon of non-

state actors seizing parts of the sovereign state of Nigeria should be put to a stop. Our president, governors, and traditional rulers, town union leaders, as well as

different security agencies in the country, must rise up to their fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerian citizens.”

FCCPC Visits Kano Markets, Warns against Substandard Goods, Illegal Trade

Ahmad

Sorondinki in Kano

As part of its efforts to safeguard consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken bold steps to curb the sale of substandard goods and illegal trade practices in Kano markets.

The Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of the commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, who was represented by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, Bridget Etim, issued the warning during an engagement with marketers at Dawanau International Market in Kano yesterday.

He said his visit was part of

Folalumi Alaran in abuja

The Nigeria Society for Democracy and Good Governance (NSDGG) and the Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and Equity have issued a strong call to the federal government to uphold the rule

of law and restore democratic governance in Osun State, following what they described as the “unlawful occupation” of local government council secretariats by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In separate press statements made available to THISDAY

nationwide initiative to engage directly with those who matter most especially, the farmers, the producers, sellers, buyers, and business leaders who make the marketplace work. “Our mission at the FCCPC is to ensure that everyone, from the smallest trader to the biggest company, plays by the same rules; fairly, transparently, and lawfully” Bello stated.

The FCCPC boss explained: “This effort is not just institutional, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which calls for reforms that empower Nigerians, protect livelihoods, and drive inclusive development.”

Groups Demand End to ‘Illegal’ APC Occupation of Osun LGs

yesterday in Abuja, both groups urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Finance to take urgent steps to implement existing court rulings declaring the APC officials’ occupancy of council offices illegal.

Spokesperson of the NSDGG, Amb. Usman Saidu Calculus, decried the continued occupation of the council offices by APC members despite the election of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and Councillors on February 22, 2025.

Ministers to Headline TCAN Second Transportation Summit in Lagos

Sunday Okobi

As the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) concludes plans to hold its 2025 Transportation Summit, the leadership of the association has confirmed the Minister of Transportation,

Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, as special guests of honour.

Their attendance of the summit is to achieve the aim of carving out effective policies that will help drive the country’s transport sector forward.

The summit is an annual event that provides a platform for stakeholders’ interaction on pertinent issues affecting the Nigerian transportation sector.

This would be the second edition of the summit, which was kick-started last year amid

commendation, support and endorsement from stakeholders. Following the success of the maiden edition in 2024, the association has concluded plans for this year’s edition with the theme: ‘Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth.’

Opposition Coalition Unveils ADC in Gombe, Vows to Salvage State

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

A coalition of opposition parties in Gombe State has unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 elections.

The unveiling was made during an “Expanded Caucus Meeting” yesterday attended by the officials of the party and prominent members of the opposition in the state.

opposition parties in the ADC is not aimed at ousting the ruling

Speaking at the event, a former minister of the federal republic of Nigeria and leader of the coalition in the state, Idris Umar, said that the alliance by

All Progressives Congress (APC) from power but rather “to salvage the nation and its citizens from the current socioeconomic woes.”

He urged the electorate to act wisely in the next elections, noting that they are the ultimate judges between the ruling party and the opposition.

The former minister also announced plans by the ADC to commence registration of members in the 114 wards of the state, aimed at expanding the party’s membership and reach.

Kogi CJ Lauds Judiciary-Police Relationship, Seeks More Protection for Judges

Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has lauded the existing cordial and productive relationship between the judiciary and the police.

Justice Majebi gave this commendation when he

received in audience the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 8, Abubakar Zubair, in his office at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, yesterday.

The Chief Judge, who particularly praised the

Police Protection Unit for its performance, noted that lower courts in the state and their Judges were vulnerable, and requested for deployment of policemen to cover the courts on daily basis.

“We have the Judges Police Protection Unit working well here

in the state because they quickly respond to whatever complaints we present. But we still have not gotten enough police needed to man our courts, particularly the Magistrate Courts, and we ask that we should, at least, have one as duty officer per court,” the CJ demanded.

Ekiti Lawmaker Commended for Solar Street Lights Provision

The Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti state in the National Population Commission(NPC), Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, has expressed deep appreciation of all landlords of Ooreofe Akintayo Street in Egbewa Estate, Ado-

Ekiti, to the member of the House of Representatives for Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Federal constituency of Ekiti State,Sola Fatoba, over the provision of solar street lights for the area.

In his special appreciation

message to Fatoba, he thanked him for his continued interest in being a worthy partner to the Government of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State.

Ajayi admonished all other well-meaning public officers

and private individuals to continue to work with the government and people of the state to ensure shared prosperity for all. The Landlords promised to protect all public assets situated in and around in the estate.

Super Falcons Eyes on Q’final Berth as they Battle Botswana Tonight

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Falcons will be aiming to consolidate on their flying start to their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign when they face Botswana in their second Group B match this evening in Casablanca, Morocco.

The nine-time African champions made a strong statement in their opening fixture, cruising to a 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

A repeat victory against Botswana will guarantee them an early spot in the quarter-finals of the now expanded 12-team competition.

Nigeria and Botswana last met at the 2022 tournament, also hosted by Morocco, where goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the West Africans.

This time, Head Coach Justine Madugu has a wealth of attacking options, with in-form players like Esther Okoronkwo—who was named Woman of the Match against Tunisia—Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all expected to trouble the Southern Africans.

They will be joined by established stars such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Toni Payne.

In midfield, Madugu may opt for a trio of Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Jennifer Echegini to provide creativity and control. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is set to continue between the posts, supported in defence by veterans Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Ashley Plumptre, and Tosin Demehin.

Botswana, meanwhile, are look-

which saw Oshoala, Babajide, and Ihezuo all get on the scoresheet in the opener.

their opening

ing to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 loss to

match. They will need to be at their best to contain Nigeria’s firepower,

“As I said before the tournament began, we remain focused on our

CAF’s Partner Danone FanMilk Assures Fans of Exciting Times

Danone FanMilk, the new partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has assured football fans across the African continent of exciting times on the heels of its recent Partnership Agreement signing.

The CEO of Danone, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, said the partnership will promote good health through food for as many football fans as possible in line with its vision for Africa.

The President of Danone in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Christian Stammkoetter, said football as Africa’s number one sport is a very powerful tool that his company will deploy to leverage on their new relationship with the Confederation of African Football through her flagship tournaments - AFCON and WAFCON.

The Country Director of Danone FanMilk Nigeria, Kayode Adebiyi, and the Director/General Secretary of Da-

none FanMilk

commitment to the African Schools’ Football Programme of CAF while confirming that over 10,000 volunteers, 5000 accredited journalists, officials and team members involved in both

tournaments, as well as spectators and fans at match venues and official fan parks will experience Danone FanMilk’s quality nutrition before, during and after the games.

Djokovic, Sinner in Mouthwatering Semi-final Clash

Novak Djokovic set up a mouthwatering Wimbledon semi-final against world number one Jannik Sinner after coming through a tricky encounter against Flavio Cobolli. Seven-time champion Djokovic manoeuvred past Italian 22nd seed Cobolli 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach a 14th semi-final at SW19. It came after Italy’s Sinner put aside any discomfort from an elbow injury to beat American 10th seed Ben Shelton 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4. Djokovic, 38, bidding for a stand-alone record 25th Grand Slam title, overcame a few wobbles to

beat Cobolli and book the last-four meeting many had hoped for when the draw was made. It will be the second time Djokovic and Sinner have met in a major semi-final this year, with Sinner coming through in straight sets at the French Open in June. Three-time major champion Sinner, who wore a sleeve to protect his right elbow after suffering a fall in his fourth-round match on Monday, has won the past four matches against Djokovic.

Paralympians Light up 2025 Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships

The 2025 Valuejet Lagos Regional Para Table Tennis Championships kicked off spectacularly at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, with Paralympic medallists lighting up the competition. Among the standout athletes are Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Olufemi Alabi and Tajudeen Agunbiade, as well as Paris 2024 bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle. Their presence has intensified the battle for podium finishes, with top seeds asserting dominance in their respective singles events. A total of 98 athletes—57 men

and 41 women—from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo are competing in the singles events. Notable performances have come from Alabi, Agunbiade, Ogunkunle, and Commonwealth Games medallists Kate Oputa and Faith Obazuaye, who have showcased their class against emerging talents across various classifications.

Several singles events have already reached the finals, scheduled for Friday, July 11. Meanwhile, the doubles events will take centre stage on Thursday, July 10.

‘Napoli

Waiting to Use Osimhen Transfer Cash to Pay for Ademola Lookman’

Napoli is targeting to use the money they will get from the transfer of Victor Osimhen this summer transfer window to pay for the signing of Ademola Lookman.

According to a Transfer Expert, Luca Marchetti, Galatasaray are set to pay a guaranteed €75million to Napoli being the release clause of Osimhen.

Napoli have been interested in signing Lookman from fellow Italian club Atalanta, but they have considered him expensive for between €50 and 60million.

However the Transfer Expert Luca Marchetti told SkySports24 yesterday that Napoli could now splash most of the cash from the Osimhen sale on Ademola Lookman, while having something extra to buy a cheap striker.

Yesterday, leading Italian sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, wrote in its editorial that Osimhen made history with Napoli, but also his bitter departure from the club will be remembered.

“Three years ago, Osimhen finished as the top scorer of the Italian Serie A as Napoli won the Scudetto again after a very long wait.

“However, the relationship between club and player suffered the following season, which eventually led to Osimhen going on loan to Galatasaray.”

Gazzetta dello Sportcommented further : “Not even His majesty Maradona managed to win the Scudetto as top scorer. Osimhen did.

“But in the future when we talk about Victor Osimhen’s years in Campania (Napoli), we won’t only limit ourselves to his prowess on the pitch, because it is inevitable to remember a complicated relationship with the club, which ended in a bitter farewell.”

Osimhen is set to soon complete a transfer to Galatasaray within the next 48hours.

PSG Crush Real Madrid to Set up Chelsea Final on Sunday

Paris St-Germain demolished Real

Madrid 4-0 to set up a FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.

This semi-final tie at the MetLife Stadium was over as a contest within 24 minutes as the Champions League winners tore the Spanish side apart.

Fabian Ruiz tapped in the sixth-minute opener following a big mistake from Real defender Raul Asencio - after the referee let play continue following Thibaut Courtois’ foul on Ousmane Dembele.

Ruiz then slotted home the third after a fantastic give-and-go between Achraf Hakimi and Dembele. Real, who were missing the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, offered little in response and Goncalo Ramos added a late fourth for PSG to cap a dominant display.

Lagos Legends Club Calls for Urgent Rehabilitations for Nigerian Sports Heroes

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Lagos Legends Club (LLC), an association of over 3,000 retired sports professionals, has called for urgent reforms in the welfare and care of Nigeria’s retired sports heroes.

Members of the LLC made this clarion call when they paid a courtesy on the family of late former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos at the weekend.

According to convener of the LLC, Engr Waidi Akanni, “many of our heroes are dying, slowly alive. They gave their best years to the nation, yet they now live in helplessness. We cannot afford to look away any longer. We must look at how we cater for the welfare of these heroes,” observed Akanni, a former Super Eagles player.

While offering their support to the family, the LLC stressed that with proper welfare in place for past heroes like Rufai, “he probably will still be alive today.”

“Rufai, who once stood tall as a guardian of the Nigerian goalpost, was seen in frail health during what may have been his final public appearance at a school sporting event.

“His death underscores a growing crisis — many of Nigeria’s past sporting legends are living in neglect, battling ill-health, poverty, and emotional distress with little or no institutional support. We just cannot continue like this as a nation. We need to institute welfare packages to take care of them,” observed the LLC Chairman. He emphasized that many retired athletes are eager and ready to contribute meaningfully to the growth of sports and youth development in the country by serving as mentors in school sports programmes.

“These legends still have so much to offer,” Akanni added. “They are not just retirees seeking support — they are mentors, coaches, and role models who can help shape the next generation of champions if given the opportunity.”

CLUB WORLD CUP

Mission X,” said Coach Madugu. “Victory over Botswana is a huge possibility, but we’re taking it one game at a time without underes-

timating any opponent.” The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

Algeria in

Ousmane Dembele (left)gave a five-star performance against Real Madrid yesterday to now stand as the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation and WAFU B, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau (right), with officials of CAF and Danone FanMilk at the Partnership signing event in Casablanca, Morocco ...on Tuesday

West Africa, Olakunle Olusanya, reiterated their company’s

French winger Dembele raced away three minutes later to finish calmly after a mis-kick from Antonio Rudiger.

Of TA ble Du ST er S A n D ADC ‘ r e SC uer S ’

loyalty most often find themselves discarded when the political winds shift. Al-Makura wants to be the chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and for that, he is ready to be play ‘Clarus and Gringory’ in Aso Rock. But he must be a poor student of recent history. Just two months ago, a certain Abdullahi Ganduje was telling Nigerians that the 2027 general election was already a done deal for Tinubu because ‘there is no vacancy’ in Aso Rock. I am sure he is singing a new song now. I will not be surprised if Ganduje joins Abubakar Malami, Babachir Lawal and other members of the new ‘rescue’ team before the 2027 general election. In Nigeria today, sycophancy is creating a culture where merit is secondary to loyalty tests. And when public officials see themselves as servants of the president rather than servants of the people, they lose sight of their true mandate. They become focused on pleasing their patron rather than serving the public interest. When competent individuals are passed over for positions because they are deemed insufficiently obsequious, such a government cannot deliver public good. This is how we end up with policies that make no sense except as demonstrations of loyalty to the leader.

Since Al-Makura has delivered his ‘manifesto’ for the APC chairmanship, we must ask a few salient questions. What does the table-duster gain from his weekly ritual? A moment of recognition? A sense of importance? The illusion of being close to power? These are poor substitutes for the dignity that comes from principled service and the satisfaction of contributing meaningfully to national development. But let’s even look beyond Al-Makura to the bigger picture. That Nigeria is in a bad place is no longer in doubt. What worsens the matter is that whichever direction you look, you don’t see anything to inspire hope. Not even from the new political ‘special purpose vehicle’ being established ahead of the 2027 general election.

Last week, the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was taken over by some politicians from other parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—who contested the 2019 and 2023 general elections on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket—as well as his 2019 running mate and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate at the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi—a former Governor of Anambra State. With former Senate President David Mark as the interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as interim National Secretary, two former governors, Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna State) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State) are among the leaders.

That there is no courage of conviction by members of this new coalition and that they offer nothing new has been revealed, albeit unknowingly, by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido in his

interview with WEEKEND TRUST, last Saturday.

“There is no rule of law in PDP. So, I will stay behind and fight,” Lamido said to explain why he would not leave the main opposition party that was in power for 16 years until 2015, yet he also added this: “I am hand in gloves with the ADC. I am with them...The ADC by its own composition is almost 90 percent PDP between 1999 and 2004. The people in ADC are brothers and sisters because they have been together.”

There are several things to unpack about this brotherhood and sisterhood that is positioning itself to ‘rescue’ and ‘save’ Nigeria, but that is not for today. If the ADC membership is 90 percent of the PDP from which the APC ‘rescued’ Nigeria in 2015, what does that tell us? Stripped of all pretensions, the political landscape in Nigeria is strewn with table dusters who then become ‘rescuers’ the moment they lose the access that means so much to them. In his inimical way, Senator Shehu Sani has summed this up in one X (formerly Twitter) post: “From 1999 to date All politicians want to RESCUE NIGERIA from fellow politicians.”

Even if only for optics, is it not curious that a political structure that seeks to ‘rescue’ our country offers no programmes or policies? Beyond the banality of ‘fighting corruption’ that we hear from some of them, Nigerians are yet to be told of what these politicians would do differently if they gain power in 2027. But then, it is difficult to blame them since the current APC (which most of them also helped to cobble together to ‘rescue’ Nigeria from President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015) offers nothing either. The only allure of the party is that being in power at the centre, it dispenses patronage. Mostly to table dusters!

Meanwhile, there are interesting developments within the ADC that make its future uncertain. The two most prominent figures in the new coalition, Atiku and Obi, still retain the membership of their ‘old’ parties, PDP and LP respectively. That presupposes that each is gambling on getting the ticket in which case if that fails (and it will, for one of them), there must be an ‘exit’ strategy. But the bigger issue is the character of the ADC platform. In endorsing the coalition’s takeover, the ADC

chairman in Plateau State, Mrs Hanatu Gagara, said something instructive. “This party started about 20 years ago, and until recently, only one person, the former National Chairman ADC Ralph Nwosu, has been funding and taking care of the party.” The less said about the absurdity of establishing political parties as business ventures, the better. While we wait for our ‘rescuers’ and ‘saviours’ in the ADC to get their act together so we can have a serious opposition platform to challenge the incumbent president in 2027, and we desperately need one, Nigerians must also begin to reject the APC table-dusting syndrome in all its manifestations. True patriots serve their country, not their president’s furniture. They maintain their dignity and integrity even in the face of pressure to conform. They understand that the greatest service they can render to any leader is honest advice, not sycophantic submission. Our democracy will only mature when we learn to distinguish between service and servility. Until then, we will continue to be governed by leaders who mistake the sound of dusting tables for the applause of a grateful nation.

2025 Teens Career Conference!

While cultivating healthy relationships helps to define expectations from others, setting appropriate boundaries allows for mutual respect and provides the platform for such engagements without negative consequences. That’s the thrust of the 2025 edition of the RCCG TEAP Teens Career Conference, which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 16th August. Started in 2016, the objectives of the annual conference include teaching the teenagers to take responsibility for their future; firing their imagination through interaction with accomplished professionals in the society; making them realize that no matter the odds, they can reach their goals and getting them to understand that God still intervenes in the affairs of men.

With Pastor Evaristus Azodoh as chief host and participation strictly by online registration, speakers include Mr Fela Durotoye, a renowned leadership expert, motivational speaker, business strategist, and nation builder who has mentored thousands of young people across the continent. Durotoye’s notable impact in values-driven leadership includes leading the celebrated ‘Mushin Makeover’ project in 2009, which saw over 2,000 volunteers transform one of Lagos’ poorest communities. The First Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, a dynamic entrepreneur and wellness influencer, will also be speaking. A former CEO of Healthy Living Foods

b u HA r I ’ S C O n T r I bu TIO n TO nATIO n A l Devel O pmen T

These sectoral contributions in energy, infrastructure, health, and education reflect a consistent commitment to Nigeria’s advancement priorities and provide context for understanding the values and logic that later shaped his presidency. Before turning to that presidency, it is important to recognise the former President’s role in reshaping Nigeria’s political trajectory. In early 2013, as the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari formally requested and supported the creation of a CPC merger committee, part of a broader coalition-building process that brought together the ACN, ANPP, APGA faction, and elements of the ruling party through the breakaway “new PDP” group. His endorsement and participation, along with other party leaders such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Ali Modu Sherif, lent credibility and direction to the merger, helping to unify disparate party factions under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). That coalition-building paved the way for the first democratic defeat of an incumbent ruling party in Nigeria’s history. President Buhari’s integrity, national stature, and disciplined messaging were central to that breakthrough. No account of President Buhari’s tenure would be complete without acknowledging the extended periods he spent on medical leave. These moments, while politically delicate, were also telling of his leadership philosophy and personality. Rather than disrupt governance, he allowed the constitutional order to function as intended, delegating authority to the Vice President and demonstrating a rare commitment to institutional stability. While some perceived a slowing of momentum, these periods revealed his preference for rule-based delegation and his confidence in the systems his administration had built. It was leadership by structure.

As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I had the responsibility of coordinating the machinery of government under his leadership. This role offered direct exposure to the administration’s internal logic, interministerial coordination, and institutional reforms. Today’s lecture, therefore, is not a catalogue of achievements. It is a reflection on how the Buhari administration approached governance, its reform logic, institutional priorities, and long-term intent. No single lecture can exhaustively unpack the complexity of those years. Rather, this presentation offers a considered overview of key interventions and the thinking behind them. The period in view was one of recalibration, characterised by policy consistency and a deliberate effort to rebuild state capacity, outcomes that merit rigorous policy and historical scrutiny. The aim here is to situate that administration within the larger arc of Nigeria’s developmental journey, focusing on what was done, how it was done, and why it matters.

2.1. President Buhari’s Legacy (May 2015 –May 2023)

When President Buhari assumed office in May 2015, Nigeria was facing severe macroeconomic and security challenges. Crude oil prices had collapsed, revenues had declined sharply, and public institutions struggled

with credibility. Boko Haram insurgency had escalated in the Northeast, testing federal unity. The administration responded by prioritising fiscal discipline, capital spending, and institutional reforms to restore stability and rebuild trust.

The Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) served as a short-term stabilisation tool, followed by the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017–2020), which laid out a strategy for infrastructure, industrialisation, and public sector reform. The ERGP boosted investor confidence with clear policy targets. In 2021, the administration launched the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), aiming to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within ten years. Chaired by the Vice President and supported by governors, ministers, and the private sector, the NPRGS adopted a multi-pronged strategy, including macroeconomic stability, industrialisation, redistributive programmes, and public service reform.

Ladies and gentlemen, the administration’s second term in 2019 marked a shift to evidence-led governance. It established the Policy, Programmes, and Projects Audit Committee (PPPAC) to review first-term outcomes and set new priorities, culminating in the Nine Priority Areas launched in August 2019. These covered macroeconomic stability, food security, energy, infrastructure, industrialisation, human capital, social inclusion, governance, and security. These priorities informed the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Nigeria Agenda 2050, which introduced long-range planning anchored in demographics, sectoral linkages, and performance benchmarks. Both frameworks emerged from wide consultation across government and development partners. Infrastructure was central to the Buhari presidency. The administration prioritised transformative legacy projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, and Warri–Itakpe rail line, each improving mobility, logistics, and regional connectivity. The standard gauge railway from Lagos to Kano was a cornerstone of this effort, envisioned as a federal spine for passenger and freight movement, with completed segments like the Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna lines already in operation.

Within this same period, Nigeria witnessed a transformative scale of federal road infrastructure development. By late 2022, over 3,800 km of new roads were constructed, complemented by 2,499 km of Sukuk-funded highways and 15,961 km of routine maintenance. Between 2016 and 2022, the administration also completed 8,353 km of road construction and rehabilitated 896 km of major federal routes, efforts anchored in funding mechanisms such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, Sukuk bonds, and strategic partnerships. Even in April 2023, a final tranche of 11 federal roads spanning 737 km received funding, reflecting a sustained commitment to national connectivity and economic resilience. These projects were financed through a mix of sovereign funds, bilateral loans, and innovative mechanisms like the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

In the energy sector, key projects included the Zungeru Hydroelectric Plant, the Katsina Windfarm,

Ltd—the establishment behind the better-known Royal Foods, Mrs Soludo has for years been using her ‘Nonye’s Healthy Living’ to share expert advice, motivational content, and practical tips on nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and holistic health. Another invited speaker is Adebowale (Debo) Olujimi, Group Managing Director of Emadeb Energy Services Limited. Quiet, yet impactful, Debo—who has carved a niche for himself for his strategic thinking in Nigeria’s

and the Siemens-led Presidential Power Initiative aimed at addressing transmission constraints. Notably, President Buhari signed constitutional amendments in March 2023 that allowed states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, setting the legal foundation for subsequent decentralisation under the Electricity Act passed after his tenure.

Ladies and gentlemen, the COVID-19 pandemic posed one of Nigeria’s most complex governance challenges. Under President Buhari, the response was guided by science, fiscal intervention, and coordination. As ECOWAS Champion on COVID-19, he worked with regional leaders on border protocols, preparedness, and equitable vaccine access. His steady diplomacy positioned Nigeria as a regional anchor during a time of uncertainty.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, which I chaired, provided high-level oversight, eliminating bureaucratic delays and ensuring federal-subnational alignment. Testing infrastructure expanded swiftly, with over 200 labs activated. The NCDC led on surveillance and diagnostics, supported by real-time data and public health communication that maintained citizen trust.

Social interventions included cash transfers to over a million vulnerable households, digital health worker training, and targeted MSME relief. CACOVID mobilised critical supplies and logistics. Despite global disruptions, Nigeria avoided institutional breakdown, demonstrating the value of preparedness, collaboration, and disciplined leadership. The national strategy has since been recognised as a model for effective, whole-of-government pandemic response.

In its drive for inclusive development, the Buhari administration institutionalised the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Nigeria’s most extensive poverty response framework. It featured four core interventions: daily school meals for nearly 10 million pupils; N-Power, engaging over 500,000 graduates in placements and digital training; Conditional Cash Transfers to 1.6 million households; and the National Social Register, expanded to over 12 million individuals. These laid the groundwork for a more targeted, scalable social protection system aligned with global standards.

Agriculture was central to the administration’s inclusive growth strategy. Through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, over 4.8 million smallholder farmers accessed credit, inputs, and extension services, boosting the production of rice, maize, and sorghum. The initiative also accelerated agro-industrialisation. From under 10 in 2015, integrated rice mills rose to over 60 by 2022, with a 3 million metric tonne processing capacity, alongside hundreds of small-scale mills. The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative revived blending plants and enhanced nationwide fertiliser access. These interventions helped transform rural economies and advance food self-sufficiency. With rising domestic rice output and improved off-taker and mechanisation systems, agriculture became both a food security anchor and a rural development engine.

Institutionally, the administration pursued reforms through Executive Orders and legislative action. Executive Orders 013 and 014 introduced performance contracting

downstream oil and gas industry—is a strong believer in hard work, and national transformation through enterprise. Although a Christian programme, the conference is open to youth of all religious backgrounds—mostly undergraduates—from Abuja and environs. The theme for this year’s conference is, ‘Cultivating Healthy Relationships; Setting the Right Boundaries.’ Attendance is by online registration at rccgteapteens.ng.

and institutionalised the presidential transition process. The latter stands out as a pioneering move; it repositioned transitions from ceremonial handovers to structured, rule-based processes that reinforce national stability and continuity in governance. In doing so, it created a new standard of what transitions can and should be: instruments of shared goals and institutional trust.

Major legislative milestones included the Petroleum Industry Act (2021), CAMA 2020, and four Finance Acts aligning fiscal policy with economic strategy. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) oversaw over 100 reforms that improved Nigeria’s ease-of-doing-business rankings. In the digital economy, broadband coverage expanded to nearly all LGAs, while the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy provided a coherent framework. NIN–SIM integration strengthened identity systems, and local content policies supported indigenous tech enterprises, making ICT the most consistent contributor to GDP growth.

Under President Buhari, Nigeria experienced an unprecedented surge in military modernisation, with asset acquisition reaching its peak across the armed forces. In April 2018, he approved a US$1 billion intervention fund for military equipment, and by 2022, the defence budget had grown to N1.2 trillion, with significant capital directed toward modern platforms and logistics. This represented the most intense military buildup since the return to democracy, reflecting an urgent response to security challenges and a disciplined strategy for operational renewal.

Education reforms under President Buhari focused on expanding access and strengthening foundational systems. Revitalised UBEC funding enhanced infrastructure and enrolment at the basic level, while large-scale teacher training was driven by the National Teachers’ Institute. The Safe Schools Initiative received targeted support in conflict-affected states. The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, though a social investment, had educational spillovers—improving nutrition, attendance, and retention in public primary schools. At the tertiary level, TETFund significantly boosted infrastructure, research, and capacity-building. New federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education were established across zones, laying the foundation for a more decentralised and inclusive education ecosystem.

Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Buhari combined pragmatic diplomacy with a clear ambition to reassert the country’s leadership across Africa and on the global stage. His tenure saw strategic appointments that elevated Nigeria’s visibility in multilateral institutions. Most notably, Nigeria successfully led the re-election campaign for Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as President of the African Development Bank, despite international headwinds and a contested review process. Under his leadership (2015–2025), the Bank’s authorised capital expanded from $93 billion to $318 billion, directly impacting over 565 million lives through transformative investments in infrastructure, energy, and food systems.

Fela Durotoye Adebowale Olujimi Nonye Soludo

IsDB Approves $277m to Foster Inclusive, Sustainable Growth in Member Countries

IsDB president tasks global financial leaders on agile, risk-tolerant financing approaches

Sunday Okobi

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved over US$277 million in new development financing to help create jobs, improve access to essential services, and support inclusive, sustainable growth across its member countries, including Nigeria.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by the bank in Saudi Arabia, the decisions were made during the 361st Meeting of the IsDB Board of Executive Directors, chaired by IsDB President, His Excellency Dr.

Muhammad Al Jasser.

The statement said the latest round of development financing approvals highlighted the bank’s strong commitment to supporting transformative projects that made a tangible difference in people’s lives, while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The approved financing package spans vital sectors, namely healthcare, education, and transportation, and it is focused on addressing urgent development challenges, from improving urban mobility to strengthening

public health systems and building human capital.

IsDB President, Dr. Al Jasser, urged global financial leaders to adopt financing approaches that were agile, inclusive, and risk-tolerant to confront today’s overlapping crises and build resilience in fragile contexts.

The bank statement disclosed that in Mauritania, the IsDB Board approved EUR26.18 million for “Expansion of the National Cardiology Centre in Nouakchott Project, which will strengthen the country’s ability to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes

of premature death.

“It will also improve access to lifesaving specialized care for thousands of people.”

The statement added that in Côte d’Ivoire, a financing package of EUR200 million will support the “Abidjan Sustainable and Integrated Urban Mobility Project, a major initiative that will modernize the city’s public transport system.

“The project aims to reduce congestion, promote greener transportation, and make it easier for residents, especially those in underserved areas to reach jobs, schools, and essential

Keyamo Inaugurates Ganduje-led 8-man FAAN Governing Board

Former APC chair calls for attitudinal change

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday inaugurated the newly appointed 8-man Governing Board of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, is the Chairman of the Board.

Other members of the Board include Managing Director of FAAN, Ms. Olubunmi Kuku; Ms. Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Engr. Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; Engr. TP Vembe and Bridget Gold, who would serve as secretary of the board.

Keyamo, during the event in Abuja, emphasised the importance of the board’s role in steering FAAN towards achieving its mission.

The Aviation Minister in his remarks, charged the Board to prioritise airport security measures in line with international best practices.

The minister outlined the board’s key responsibilities to include: Advocating for sustainable practices that safeguard the environment while boosting the economy. Improving service delivery, customer satisfaction, and the overall airport experience.

Building partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sector to grow the aviation economy.

Keyamo, however, wished the board members success in their endeavors and expressed confidence that their tenure would be marked by remarkable

achievements and milestones.

Responding, the Chairman of the board immediate past chairman of the APC called for stakeholders’ institutional charge in the agency.

The former Governor, who was present at the ceremony, assured the board of effective institutional governance even as he emphasised the importance of attitudinal change and commitment to excellence in the board’s operations.

Speaking on behalf of the members, Ganduje was quoted in a statement to have said: “The newly inaugurated board members have been entrusted with a critical mandate to steer FAAN towards achieving its mission.

“The minister has urged us to work towards elevating the standards of the

aviation sector, improving connectivity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.”

Ganduje added, “As a Board, we will assist you to move this Ministry to the next level. There is no doubt we will study the act of in order to see our boundary, so that we do not exceed our boundary.

“I know this is a common problem between Boards and the Executive Management and the Ministry.

“So we are fully conscious of this. Therefore, myself and the Board members will study the act so that we do not go out of bounds, we do not overshoot. But at the same time, we do not exhibit mediocrity by not doing what we are expected to do.

services.

“Meanwhile, in The Gambia, IsDB is investing $ 32.20 million to help establish the ‘School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (SMAHS)’ at the University of The Gambia.

“This initiative will help address the country’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals by building a pipeline of locally trained doctors, nurses, and public health experts, ultimately improving the quality and resilience of the national health system.”

The statement said the approval of the strategic projects “underscores IsDB’s steadfast commitment to financing transformative, high-impact initiatives that drive socio-economic progress.

“These investments demonstrate the bank’s multidimensional and substantial contribution to the Member Countries’ development priorities towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future, forming part of IsDB’s broader efforts to foster impactful investments

that deliver sustainable, measurable results and help communities thrive.”

IsDB is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for over 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale.

The bank brings together 57 member countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly one of four people worldwide. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential.

Al Jasser urged global financial leaders to adopt financing approaches that were agile, inclusive, and risktolerant to confront current overlapping crises and build resilience in fragile contexts.

Nkiru Balonwu to Deliver Keynote at QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

Founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, Dr Nkiru Balonwu, will deliver the keynote address at the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit on August 12, 2025.

The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

The announcement was made in a statement yesterday, by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG.

The summit has as its theme: “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving

Creative Economy.” The summit would bring together leaders from across sectors to share ideas on how to grow and support Nigeria’s creative industries. Participants would include policymakers, investors, industry professionals, and emerging talents. Speaking on why Balonwu was chosen, CEO of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and Convener of the summit, Olumide Iyanda, said her experience made her a perfect fit.

3RD AnnUAL GLoBAL FiRST LADiES ACADEmY

Of Table Dusters and ADC ‘Rescuers’

Richard Lederer, an Octogenarian linguist renowned as ‘the wizard of wisdom’, once wrote about how George Orwell (19th century English writer renowned for such novels as ‘Animal Farm’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’) “warned us that dishonest language is a drug that can put conscience to sleep.” We see a lot of that today in Nigeria, especially within the political arena. There is perhaps no better proof than the video clip of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura currently doing the rounds on social media. What the former Nasarawa State Governor said in the video is as dishonest as it is remarkable in its naked servility.

Describing himself as “an incurable loyalist, a committed party member,” Al-Makura declared with stunning candour: “If Mr President calls me today as a leader of this country and tells me ‘Almakura, I want you to come to my office and dust my table every Monday. That’s what pleases me, that is what I feel will make this party and this country progress.’ I can assure you I will make it a date that every Monday, at that appointed time, I will come and dust the table and go and I will be

satisfied I have done what the President wants.”

In my piece, ‘Sycophancy Nigeria Unlimited’ last October, I rehashed the admonition by George Kunz in his book, ‘The Paradox of Power and Weakness’, for President Bola Tinubu. It will still serve him: “When my authority inspires sycophancy, I have no followers, only resentful manipulators of my

power for their own selfish gain.”

True loyalty to a president, or anybody in a leadership position for that matter, involves principled support, constructive criticism when necessary, and the courage to speak truth to power. What Al-Makura offers is performative submission that prioritises personal favour over institutional integrity. It is loyalty not to the country or constitution, but to the ego and whims of the president. Such a slavish declaration is a disturbing phenomenon that has plagued our political landscape for decades: the transformation of public servants into palace courtiers.

If we take Al-Makura’s table-dusting disposition as a metaphor for the political situation in Nigeria, it is easy to understand the retrogression of our country. Here is an educated and accomplished 72-year-old man, reducing himself to a domestic servant in the name of political loyalty. By confusing subservience with service, Al-Makura mistakes the president’s personal comfort for national progress. This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of what public service is all about. When capable individuals choose to become table-dusters, everyone loses, including the leaders who most need honest

BossMuSTAPHA

counsel.

What makes this even more troubling is how such behaviour corrodes the entire system. When leaders are surrounded by eager table-dusters, they lose touch with reality. They receive no meaningful feedback, no challenging perspectives and no honest assessments of their policies. They inhabit echo chambers where their smallest preferences are elevated to matters of national importance. The result is poor governance, as is evident today in Nigeria. Meanwhile, history is littered with examples of how sycophancy destroys nations. From the Roman Empire to more recent autocracies, the pattern is always the same: leaders surrounded by yes-men make increasingly poor decisions until the system collapses under the weight of their own delusion.

One must ask: What drives intelligent people to such degrading behaviour? Often, it is the mistaken belief that personal subservience guarantees access, influence, or protection. But history also reveals that such relationships are fundamentally unstable. Sycophants who build their careers on personal

Buhari’s Contribution to National Development

at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja 1.0. Introduction

The theme of this lecture, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Contribution to National Development, is both a reflection on leadership and an exploration of the institutions, policies, and principles that defined his presidency. While we are gathered to present Garba Shehu’s ‘According to the President,’ this lecture does not adopt the book’s title but rather complements it by situating the administration’s advancement agenda within the broader architecture of governance and reform. Let me begin with a moment that shaped the trajectory of the 2015 Buhari presidential campaign. In the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, a small but consequential meeting was held to discuss key appointments into the emerging structure of the Buhari Presidential Campaign. It was at that meeting that Garba Shehu’s name was tabled as a prospective Director of Media and Publicity. The decision was based on merit. He brought a longestablished reputation in political communication, editorial leadership, and public engagement. More importantly,

he was considered as someone who could speak with clarity while remaining anchored in institutional discipline. From that moment, Mr. Shehu became an integral part of the political infrastructure that eventually shaped the Buhari administration. His transition from campaign spokesperson to Presidential Media Adviser was a logical progression. It signalled continuity of message and fidelity to the original orientation of the presidency. Unarguably, President Buhari’s public life was marked not just by official positions but by a strong connec-

tion with many Nigerians. His reputation for integrity, discipline, and national commitment earned him lasting support, especially in the northern parts of the country and later, the South. This support was built on earned social trust rather than political expediency, and it gave his administration the room to pursue difficult reforms in areas like security and the economy with a degree of public backing that was unusual in Nigerian political history. This lecture has been structured into three major parts, the Introduction, a Reflection of Evolutionary and Exemplary Leadership, President Buhari’s Legacy (2015 – 2023) and Conclusion.

2.0. President Buhari’s Contribution to National Development: A Reflection of Evolutionary and Exemplary Leadership

This lecture on President Buhari’s Contribution to National Development, reflects a lifetime of committed public service. His career has been shaped by national duty: from his early military service to his tenure as Military Governor of the North-Eastern State, and thereafter, Borno State, where he carried out foundational reforms during the post-civil war recovery, and later as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources. Between 1976 and 1978, he established the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), initiated key pipeline and depot infrastructure, and approved contracts for the Kaduna and Warri refineries, laying the foundation for Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

As Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund (PTF), he oversaw one of Nigeria’s most impactful delivery-focused programmes, directing resources toward roads, education, primary healthcare, and essential medicines during a time of fiscal constraint. These roles reinforced his belief in infrastructure-led growth and disciplined public service.

His service as Nigeria’s Head of State and, decades afterwards, as democratically elected President, provided continuity to his earlier reformist instincts. In his dual role as President and Minister of Petroleum Resources, he supervised major energy sector reforms, culminating in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. He also advanced gas infrastructure through flagship projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline and the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, under his “Decade of Gas” strategy. Beyond formal office, he chaired the Board of Trustees of the Katsina State Development Foundation (Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina) for nearly two decades, focusing on grassroots advancement and empowerment.

Lecture Delivered by Boss Mustapha, CFR on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Contribution to National Development at the Public Presentation of ‘According to the President’ Written by Garba Shehu on July 9, 2025,

Senator Al-Makura

Former President Muhammadu Buhari

L-R: First Lady of Malawi, Mrs. Monica Chakwera; First Lady of Mozambique, Mrs. Gueta Chapo; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Founder of Global First Ladies Alliance, Dr. Cora Neumann, at the 3rd Annual Global First Ladies Academy in New York, on Tuesday