IHS Holding Limited Chairman, Sam Darwish, Credits Nigeria for Strong Q3 Earnings
James Emejo in Abuja
New York Stock Exchange listed IHS Towers, the largest independent owner, operator
and developer of shared com- munications infrastructure in Africa and one of the largest in the world by tower count, has delivered strong third
quarter earnings ahead of expectations while revisiting its full 2025 guidance upwards. This is on the back of its strong Nigeria performance where Sam
Darwish, Chairman and CEO, tells thousands of Wall Street investors and analysts on its earnings call that “the current Nigerian administration has
done in our opinion a great job in stabilizing and improving the economic outlook of the country as they increase reserves and strengthened the
currency, while reducing red tape for businesses among other fundamental actions. So, we
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www.thisdaylive.com
THISDAY/ARISE Group to Launch Lekeelekee in January, to Shape Future of Social Media
Checkmating US, China’s dominance in Africa and around the world
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
THISDAY/ARISE Media Group has concluded plans to unveil, in January 2026, Lekeelekee , a new social media platform designed to redefine the future of digital
communication and challenge the United States and China’s dominance in African and the global tech space.
Chairman and Editor-inChief, THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, disclosed the plan
at the ongoing 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja. Obaigbena said the move
Tinubu to Editors: Criticise Govt Policies But Don’t Compromise National Unity
Identifies irresponsible reporting, misinformation as antidotes to democratic stability
Uzodimma, Idris task editors to safeguard elections, rebuild public trust ahead of 2027 poll Warn media against narratives that promote distrust, polarisation Nigeria must protect current economic stability, says Obaigbena NGE seeks tax reliefs, low-interest loans to rescue distressed media sector
21ST ALL NIGERIA EDITORS CONFERENCE...
L-R: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), 2025, held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday
21ST ALL NIGERIA EDITORS CONFERENCE (ANEC), 2025...
L-R: Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY/ARISE News Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, Keffi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji
to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), 2025, held at the International Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday
National Assembly Approves Tinubu’s Plan to Raise
N1.15trn to
Bridge 2025 Budget Deficit
Moves to raise NEXIM Bank capital base to N1trn,
Sunday Aborisade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Senate yesterday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to raise an additional N1.15 trillion through domestic borrowing to plug the funding shortfall in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, which reviewed the financial implications of the increased budget size and identified a resultant deficit.
Equally, House of Representatives approved the president’s new borrowing plan of N1.15 trillion.
That was as Senate took bold steps towards strengthening Nigeria’s financial institutions through sweeping reforms that included a proposed raise in the capital base of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) to N1 trillion, establishment of
an Export Development Trust Fund, and creation of a special tribunal to resolve insurance disputes.
Presenting the report, Deputy Chairman of Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Manu Haruna, explained that the National Assembly had passed a N59.99 trillion budget, exceeding the executive’s original proposal of N54.74 trillion.
According to him, since the initial borrowing plan approved by the executive was N12.95 tril- lion, an unfunded gap of N1.147 trillion emerged, prompting the need for the additional domestic borrowing.
“It is, therefore, necessary to increase the domestic borrowing limit in the 2025 budget to close this gap,” Haruna told the chamber.
The committee recommended that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) should undertake the borrowing strictly within approved fiscal parameters
and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. It urged the agencies to ensure transparency, sustainability, and favourable lending terms.
To strengthen accountability, the committee directed that Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts should oversee the implementation
of the borrowing programme.
Haruna said the committee would receive quarterly reports from the DMO, monitor compliance with debt sustainability thresholds, and report any deviations to the Senate for further legislative action.
Supporting the report, Chair- man of Senate Committee on
Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West), described the borrowing as necessary to ensure full implementation of the 2025 budget, particularly capitalAdeolaprojects.
said the choice of domestic borrowing was a prudent step that would help the government avoid exchange rate
risks associated with external debts, while also boosting local financial markets.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) aligned with Adeola’s position, stressing the urgency of securing the funds to sustain budget implementation timelines.
Continues online
Governor Adeleke Presents 2026 Appropriation Bill to House of Assembly
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Governor Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly. The budget totalling N705 billion, with 55 per cent for capital expenditure and 45 per cent recurrent expenditure, was tagged the budget of
transformation.
Adeleke, accompanied by top administration officials, said the government had attained a remarkable milestone in implementing the 2025 budget, stating that the proposed 2026 budget built on the achievements of the last three years since he assumed office.
The governor spoke further on the details of the proposed 2026 budget, saying, “The total Revenue
consists of Recurrent Revenue, where Government Share of FAAC is N221,680,000,000.00 and Independent Revenue is N199,573,229,320.00.
“The other receipts are N268,348,518,860.00.
The expenditure comprises recurrent expenditure of N317,414,353,350.00, which is 45 per cent of the total budget.
“Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel Cost of N135,005,722,430.00. and Overhead Cost of
N182,408,630,920.00 made up of Salaries and Allow- ances as well as Pensions and Gratuities. The Capital Expenditure has the total sum of N388,379,695,320.00, which is 55 per cent of the total budget.
“The 2026 Budget Proposal is prepared on the projection of the 2026 – 2028 Medium –Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as required by the Osun State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2012.”
Fossil fuels around the world threaten a quarter of the global population that lives within three miles or 5 kilometres of such projects, according to a first-of- its-kind research, published by the Guardian UK yesterday.
The damning new report by Amnesty International (AI), shared exclusively with the Guardian, found that more than 18,300 oil, gas and coal sites are currently distributed across 170 countries worldwide, occupying a vast area of the
earth’s surface.
Proximity to drilling wells, processing plants, pipelines and other fossil fuel facilities elevates the risk of cancer, respiratory conditions, heart disease, premature birth and death, as well as posing grave threats to water supplies and air quality, and degrades land, the report stated.
Almost half a billion (463 million) people, including 124 million children, now live within 0.6 miles (1km) of fossil fuels sites, while another 3,500 or so new sites are currently proposed
or under development that could force 135 million more people to endure fumes, flares and spills, according to “Extraction Extinction: Why the Lifecycle of Fossil Fuels Threatens Life, Nature, and Human Rights.”
Most active projects have created pollution hotspots, turning nearby communities and critical ecosystems into so-called sacrifice zones – heavily contaminated areas where low-income and marginalized groups bear the disproportionate burden of exposure to pollution and toxins.
Ogun Targets N500bn IGR for 2026 Budget
James Sowole in Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has set an ambitious target of generating N500 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to finance the 2026 fiscal year.Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the charge on Tuesday during the Treasury Board meeting on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor noted that as Nigeria’s industrial hub, Ogun State would leverage its strategic proximity to Lagos State - the nation’s largest economy - and its vast landmass of over 16,000 square kilometres to achieve the target.“This state has no business generating less than N500 billion a year, and that has to be our target,” Abiodun declared.
“By the time we are leaving in 2027, Ogun State’s revenue
should rise to about N750 billion. That is what ambition looks and feels like.”
He specifically tasked the Ogun State Internal Revenue Ser- vice (OGIRS) to contribute N250 billion of the total target, while other key revenue-generating agencies - such as the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Bureau of Lands, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Housing - were directed to scale up their efforts.
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; and Chief of Staff
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
NAPE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION...
L-R: General Manager, Nigeria Mid Africa Region, Chevron Offshore Business, James Okereke; Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Olayemi Adeboyejo; Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater District, TotalEnergies, Mr. Victor Bamidele; Johnbosco Uche, FNAPE, President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE); Director of Development, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Etabuko Abirhire; Chief Technical Officer (CTO), DIBIJ Energy Limited, Rocco Detomo; and Publisher, Oil and Gas Magazine, Toyin Akinosho, FNAPE, at the 2025 NAPE Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, yesterday
MAN: Ban on Sachet Alcoholic Drinks to Cost Nigeria N1.9tn Investments, 500,000 Jobs
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over the recent directive issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to outrightly ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles by December 31, 2025.
The association stated that it would cause a loss of over N1.9 trillion in investment, and mass retrenchment of over 500,000 direct employees in the sector.
Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, ex- pressed this view yesterday in a public statement, recalling that the NAFDAC’s directive followed a resolution report- edly passed by the Senate at its
sitting on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that the issues concerning the ban on alcohol in sachets and small Polyethylene Terephylate (PET) bottles had been resolved by an enlarged committee that comprised all the stakeholders and NAFDAC representatives that validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025.
He stressed that this unex-
pected development was in dissonance with all stakeholders’ efforts on the matter and completely at variance with the subsisting position of the House of Representatives on the same issue.
He said: “This pronounce- ment, which we believe is counterproductive and forebodes economic dislocation of significant proportions for the nation at this period, will
To Preserve Monetary Policy Gains, Analyst Urges Politicians to Stop Dollar Spending at Elections
James Emejo in Abuja
Chief Economist at SPM Professionals, Dr. Paul Alaje, yesterday urged politicians to desist from “sharing” the dollar in the preelection season to preserve the recent achievements in monetary policy administration.
Alaje spoke at the Premium Times Academy training, with the theme, “Business, Economy, and Financial Reporting,” organised in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Abuja.
Alaje warned that the
dollarisation of the economy could stoke inflation and erode monetary policy gains so far achieved in CBN’s inflationtargeting interventions.
In an interview with THISDAY, Alaje said, “Over the years — since 1998 — I have tracked election spending closely. A lot of money flows into the economy during election cycles, particularly in foreign currency (dollars).
“The situation was especially bad in 2010 and 2014, and we saw a similar trend in 2023. Each time, there’s a surge of dollar
inflows into the system, and the economic impact becomes evident after the election year.
“Typically, the pre-election year records higher economic growth due to spending activities, but immediately after the election, the economy declines sharply.”
According to him, politicians often make massive withdrawals, convert funds into dollars, and push them into Bureau De Change (BDC) markets, fuelling exchange rate instability and inconsistency.
Alaje called on the National Assembly, Independent National
Glo Innov8 Competition Enters Final Stage, 3 Schools in Race for N5m
Three top finalists have emerged for the final event to be held at the Mike Adenug Globacom’s “Glo Innov8” National STEM competition for girls in Senior Secondary Schools across the country. Twenty schools were selected from over 200 schools that entered for the competition, with 10 of
them later slugging it out for a space in the finals. The three schools that made it to the grand finale are Ephraim High School, Isolo campus, Lagos; Regina Pacis International School, Onitsha, Anambra State; and Peakfield Academy, Jos, Plateau State. Following the call for entries by Glo Foundation,
Globacom’s corporate social responsibility arm, hundreds of girls from various secondary schools across the country applied to participate in the programme. The schools were from Plateau, Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Borno, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Oyo, Anambra, FCT, Delta, Kaduna and Adamawa states.
Electoral Commission (INEC), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to boost monitoring mechanisms to address the menace in the interest of the economy.
He said, “And if, during that same period, there is a global economic shock, Nigeria feels the impact even more severely because our reserves are already depleted.
have serious consequences for the now stabilising economy for the following reasons that includes loss of over N1.9 trillion investment, largely by the indigenous Nigerian companies and consequential mass retrenchment of over 500,000 direct employees and approximately 5 million indirect jobs through contracts, marketing and other logistics.”
He also pointed out that the ban could orchestrate a reduction in capacity utilisation in manufacturing, which in recent quarters began to gradually improve on account of the industry’s contribution as a component of the food and beverages sector as well as a loss of indigenous businesses that may gradually obliter- ate local developmententrepreneurship in the economy.
Besides, MAN noted that it was important that the logic of the ban should be further interrogated because the advent of sale of alcohol in sachets is an innovation to serve adults with low budget who desire the product and should have a right of choice.
“The ban would, therefore, deny them the opportunity to exercise that right. In ad- dition and on a positive side, availability in small portions could also discourage abuse in bigger portions. It is equally important to note that the alcohol served in sachets by local producers are produced under hygienic conditions and certified by our regulatory agencies.
“To ban the product would open a floodgate of illicit and unwholesome substances that are not subject to regulation and beyond the control of the relevant agencies. These ones operate under the radar and would have a devastating ef- fect on the consumers, young and old,” Ajayi-Kadir said. He added that once there is an established appetite for a product and it is not illegal, effective control and regula- tion is the most sustainable way to manage access, and not ban. He warned that a ban would also literally yield the market to the influx of foreign brands, which are mostly smuggled.
Shettima Leads FG Delegation to Condole Environment Minister Over Mother’s Demise
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led Federal Government’s delegation on a condolence visit to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, at his Zaria family residence in Kaduna State to commiserate with the Lawal family over the demise of their matriarch, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal, aged 93.
On the federal government delegation were Minister of
Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali; Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu; Special Adviser on General Duties to the President (Office of the Vice President), Dr Aliyu Modibbo; Senator Mohammed Musa; and Hon. Yusuf Galambi.
Shettima said the delegation was in the state at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to extend condolences to the Emir
of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the minister, and the entire Zazzau Emirate.
He described the passing of Hajiya Dayyabatu, as a great loss to the entire nation.
The vice president said, “We are here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal over the demise of the matriarch of the family, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Dike Onwuamaeze
NDIC SPECIAL DAY AT THE LAGOS TRADE FAIR IN LAGOS...
L-R: Deputy Director, Bank Examination Department, NDIC, Robert Ekenwa; Vice President LCCI, Princess Tayo Oke-Owo; Vice-President, LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore; Deputy President, LCCI, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi; Director Claims Resolution Department, NDIC, Olawale Sule, and Director General, LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, during the NDIC Special day at Lagos Trade fair in Lagos… yesterday
Governor Uba Sani Renews
Call for Creation of State Police
Says Nigeria’s 400,000 Police, 250,000 military personnel insufficient for 230 million people Asserts Kaduna has recorded over two years without ethno-religious conflict, recommends peace model as solution to Nigeria’s insecurity
Sunday Ehigiator
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has renewed his call for the creation of state police as part of a multi-level security architecture to tackle Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
Sani stressed that the country’s current law enforce- ment manpower was grossly inadequate for its population of over 230 million people.
The governor made the call yesterday in Lagos while deliv- ering a lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Distinguished Lecture Series, titled, “The Role of State Governments in Overcoming Insecurity in Nigeria.”
According to him, Nigeria’s current strength of about 400,000 police officers and 250,000 military personnel cannot effectively secure a country of Nigeria’s size and diversity.
He said the shortfall left vast areas as “ungoverned spaces” exploited by criminals and non-state actors.
Sani said, “A federated republic demands federated security. State police is not a threat to national unity but a guarantee of it. What we need is a coordinated but devolved security system that gives states constitutional authority to secure theirThepeople.”governor, who had sponsored four constitutional amendment bills for multi-tier policing while serving in the ninth Senate, said he remained committed to supporting the 10th National Assembly to actualise the establishment of state police and state security service commissions.
Sani stated that insecurity in Nigeria was a symptom of failed governance, poverty, and socioeconomic marginalisation, rather than just a policing problem.
“You cannot bomb poverty out of existence or shoot down unemployment. Lasting peace requires social justice, inclusion, and opportunity,” he stated.
The governor presented what
he called the “Kaduna Peace Model” as a home-grown framework that had helped restore calm and cohesion in a state once known for violent conflicts.
Under the model, he explained, Kaduna adopted an inclusive approach to peace- building through dialogue, economic empowerment, and community participation. He said over 50 consultative forums
were held involving traditional rulers, herders, farmers, youth, and religious leaders to resolve disputes and build trust.
“Peace must be cultivated, not imposed. Security is not the absence of war but the presence of justice, opportunity, and mutual trust,” he told the audience.
Sani said the approach had yielded remarkable results, stating that Kaduna State has
recorded over two years without any ethno-religious conflict for the first time in decades.
He also disclosed that the United Kingdom had down- graded its travel advisory on Kaduna State from “red” to “amber” in recognition of the state’s improved security situa- tion and enhanced international confidence.
According to him, the non- kinetic strategies deployed by
his administration have restored safety to rural communities, reopened hundreds of schools previously shut down due to insecurity, and revived economic activities across the state.
“We refused to pay ransom for abducted citizens. Instead, we relied on community media- tion and traditional leadership. In one instance, 252 victims were released within nine days without paying a kobo,” he said.
Nord Motors Alleges Sabotage as Stanbic IBTC Reportedly Declines Financing for Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles
Nume Ekeghe
The Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors, Oluwatobi Ajayi, has accused Stanbic IBTC Bank of frustrating efforts to promote local manufacturing after the bank allegedly refused to finance the purchase of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles requested by a client
NUPRC Pushes Alternative Dispute Resolution to End Prolonged Oil Sector Litigation
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
In a bid to release billions of dollars in potential investments that are trapped in prolonged litigation, the Nigerian Up- stream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yester- day said it is promoting the use of its Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC).
The Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, declared this at a high-level Roundtable Consultative and Sensitisation Forum of the NUPRC’s ADRC held in
Lagos, a statement by the Head, Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, stated. Komolafe, who was repre- sented by the Commission’s Secretary and Legal Adviser, Olayemi Adeboyejo, said ADRC represents a bold expression of the NUPRC’s vision to institutionalise dialogue, equity, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He said: “The ADRC is more than a mechanism for resolving disputes. It is a strategic tool for promoting
peace, stability, and investor confidence across the upstream petroleum value chain. We are determined to make ADRC not a last resort, but the first choice for dispute resolution in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Komolafe explained that the ADRC, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, operates as a neutral, sector-specific plat- form designed to mediate and resolve disputes arising from upstream operations in a timely, impartial, and cost-effective manner.
in the oil and gas sector.
Ajayi, in a post yesterday on his social media handle X (formerly Twitter), claimed the bank informed the client that it does not finance locally manufactured vehicles, advising instead that they opt for foreignAjayi,brands. noted that this is an institutional form of economic discrimination that undermines the federal government’s industrialisation drive.
He noted that despite government efforts to promote local manufacturing and job creation, some financial institutions continue to display a colonial-era bias that favours foreign brands over indigenous innovation.
Ajayi added: “A business owner in the oil and gas sector approached us that he would like to buy two units of the nordmotion Max pickup for his company. Apparently, he was impressed with the vehicle after some rides with his peers in the sector.
“To my shock, yesterday, my team told me that the bank, a
bank operating in Nigeria told him that they do not finance Made-in-Nigeria vehicles, and they even suggested to our customer that he should go for foreign brands instead.
“The bank is StanbicIBTC.
The most provocative part of this is that all of the brands they suggested to him identi- fied as Made-in-Nigeria brands in their filings with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Which means they decide who they want to be whenever it suits them.
“This is yet another example of the needless sabotage and institutional bias against Nigerian manufacturers and assemblers that we experience in this sector.
“The President aims to grow us into a $1 trillion economy.
Nigerians want to buy Made- in-Nigeria products, we are working very hard to produce world-class vehicles, but some banks, who should play the role of credit facilitators, are displaying open prejudice against locally made vehicles.
“What sort of economic sabotage is this? Many of
us who continue to assemble and manufacture vehicles here do so not just for profit, but out of patriotism and belief in the long game. We see this as a marathon, not a sprint. We cannot continue using Nigerian resources to strengthen foreign factories while starving our own indigenous companies of opportunities.
“If we truly want this coun- try to be better, then we must support goods and services made in Nigeria, especially those of us who have shown we can deliver world-class standards. The support has to be real, not just in words, but in policy, in finance, and in action. Every time we deny support for local production, we export jobs, skills, and economic growth that should belong here.” Ajayi stated.
The Head, Marketing and Communications, Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami respond- ing to a call from THISDAY refused to comment on the accusations. She said: “The case is in court, and I’m not permitted to speak about it.”
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
PDP, NCOC: Our National Convention Will Go on as Scheduled on Saturday
Thank Nigerians for overwhelming support Fayose: Opposition party has decayed from the head, says Taraba, Plateau govs’ll quit soon Those against PDP convention are pushing for one-party state, declares Olafeso
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The National Working Committee (NWC) and 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yester- day, insisted that the proposed national convention of the party would go ahead as planned this weekend.
In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, and Secretary, Publicity and Communication Sub-Committee (NCOC), Hon. Debo Ologu- nagba, the party informed all members and the public that its 2025 National Convention had not been postponed, but would go on as scheduled on
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, told Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to exercise its watchdog role with fairness and patriotism, saying criticism of the government must not be at the expense of national unity or affect the country’s global image.
Tinubu also told the editors that irresponsible reporting and misinformation could undermine national cohesion and democratic stability.
Declaring open the ongoing 21st All Nigeria Editors Confer- ence (ANEC), with the theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” at State House, Abuja,
THISDAY/ARISE
the AI-driven media landscape while promoting innovation, democracy, and national unity.
“If we do not act decisively, others will tell our stories for us — and not always in our favour,” he warned.
Obaigbena, who is co- Chairman of the conference, added, “We are in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It means that your whole financial model of having the algorithms of Google leading to searches for all us, and leading to monetisation of contents is changing.
“AI is changing the format of the search engine and it is go- ing to change how journalism is run. Therefore, as Africans, we are confronted by a world where one or two countries control distribution of contents through social media.
“It is controlled principally by the United States and to an extent by China. What are we doing about it? How are we responding to it? At THISDAY and ARISE Media Group, we have launched our own social media channel, to be released in January, called Lekeleke.
“That will shape the future and challenge the dominance of the US and China. But all
Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Ologunagba said NWC and NCOC urged party members and Nigerians, in general, to disregard misleading claims being peddled to the contrary by some individuals, allegedly, recruited by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its failed attempt to stop the PDP national convention.
Ologunagba stated, ‘’We are aware of the plots by the APC to destabilise the opposition and impose a one-party state in the country, a design that will be lawfully resisted.
‘’The NCOC and the party will continue to work assidu-
Tinubu declared, “Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle. Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy.”
While stating that dissent was natural in a diverse country, he warned that disagreement must never erode national cohesion.
He said, “Debate is part of our reality, but disagreement must never translate into weakening national unity. The national interest must be paramount.”
Tinubu urged editors to remain conscious of how they portrayed Nigeria to the global community.
According to him: “This is
of us have a responsibility to watch the AI-dominated future and build technology and algorithms that will affect how media is distributed.
“So, as we gather here today, we should celebrate democracy and we should celebrate Nigeria. We should work together for the sake of Nigeria. “
Speaking earlier, on the theme of the conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” Obaigbena com- mended President Bola Tinubu for being the first Nigerian president to host ANEC. He urged editors to support the present administration in order for democracy to continue to thrive in Obaigbena,Nigeria.however, stressed the need for more engagements between the political leaders and editors so as to sustain the gains of the federal govern- ment’s reforms.
He added, “Editors must continue to engage political actors in order to sustain democracy, for the greater good of the country. There are three leaders who were media owners and have had the fortune of leading Nigeria
ously round the clock to ensure a successful National Convention in Ibadan as scheduled.
‘’While thanking Nigerians for their overwhelming sup- port for our party, the NCOC welcomes all delegates, party leaders, officials and all sup- porters of the PDP, who have already started arriving Ibadan for the National Convention.”
However, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, said the crisis rocking PDP could only be resolved by addressing its leadership failures, stating that the party has decayed from the head.
But former National Vice Chairman of PDP, Eddy Olafeso, accused those opposing
our country. How we project Nigeria to the outside world matters. Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair.”
The president acknowledged the media’s historic role in national awakening and demo- cratic resistance, but cautioned that cynicism and unverified claims now posed significant threats to national unity.
He recalled the outrage that greeted his early economic reforms in the wake of his administration in 2023, particularly foreign exchange liberalisation and removal of arbitrage, but maintained that the policies were necessary to curb corruption and
one way or the other.
“The first was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of State without being Head of Government.
“The second was Chief
Continued on page 41
are upbeat about Nigeria.”.
In Nigeria, revenue increased 10.6% year-on-year to $268.0 million, driven by organic growth during the period and supplemented by favorable movements in the Naira versus the U.S. dollar.
Across the Group, revenue for the period increased by 8.3% year-on-year to $455.1 million, despite a 3.0% inorganic revenue headwind resulting from the disposal of the Company’s Kuwait operations in December 2024. Organic revenue growth of 6.6% reflected constant currency growth of 8.7% and the benefit of foreign exchange (“FX”) resets, partially offset by a reduction in revenues linked to power indexation. Constant currency growth was primarily driven by higher contributions from colocation, lease amendments,
the party’s national convention of working to establish a oneparty state in Nigeria.
Fayose, who spoke during a television programme, said the opposition party was “decaying from the head”.
According to him, “When fish decays from the body, you can salvage it, but when it decays from the head, you cannot salvage it. Currently, the PDP has decayed from the head.”
Fayose said he had been open about the party’s internal issues and had repeatedly warned that PDP was in trouble.
He stated, “I have not come here for one day to deceive Nigerians about PDP, and I’ve
lay the foundation for long-term economic recovery.
He stated, “When I assumed office and removed the arbitrage to stop corruption and strengthen the economy, you all dealt with me. But today, we should celebrate that progress is being made. The days of darkness are ending; the economy is on the path to improvement.”
The president reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, attracting investment, and improving citizens’ well-being, even as the reforms remain demanding.
Tinubu hailed the Nigerian media’s courage during the military era, honouring journal- ists who endured intimidation, detention, and hardship in defence of national ideals.
He said, “Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession, it has been an instrument of national awakening. Their sacrifices form part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests.”
He was, however, quick to remind editors that their
new sites, fiber, and escalators. This strong underlying perfor- mance was further supported by a 4.7% benefit from favorable FX movements, particularly the appreciation of the Nigerian Naira against the U.S. dollar.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.3% year-on-year to $261.5 million, despite a 3.3% impact from the Kuwait disposal. The Adjusted EBITDA margin of 57.5% remained consistent with the second quarter of 2025, while net income for the period totaled $147.4 million.
Adjusted Levered Free Cash Flow (ALFCF) surged by 81.2% to $157.8 million, reflecting management actions to enhance free cash flow generation and the re-phasing of interest payments between quarters following the November 2024
not hidden the fact that I will never leave PDP.
“I have also not hidden the fact that I am a great supporter of the president, as a Yoruba man. I stand to be corrected, and I have said severally that PDP is in trouble.”
Fayose said he had previ- ously predicted that three PDP governors would defect, adding that his warning has already played out.
He said, “After my visit here three weeks ago, Governor Diri left. He was actually the chair- man of the (PDP) campaign screening committee, but he left. Governor of Enugu left. And the third one is governor of Taraba, who was handed
decisions shaped national mood and perception, especially in an age where social media had quickened the spread of misinformation.
Responding to requests by NGE, including value added tax VAT exemptions for media houses, tax credits, affordable loans, digitisation grants, and repeal of laws inhibiting press freedom, the president said the requests had his “endorsement”.
On national security, Tinubu acknowledged threats from terrorism and banditry, but expressed confidence in ongoing efforts by security forces.
“We are challenged by terrorism and banditry, but our forces are inspired. They put their lives on the line to defend our sovereignty,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address at the occasion, Imo State Governor and Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, stressed that editors would not be bystanders in the 2027 elections, but catalysts whose narratives will shape the country’s democratic future.
Uzodimma said editors
bond refinancing. Cash from operations increased by 42.3% to $259.6 million.
Total capital expenditure rose 16.3% year-on-year to $77.3 million, driven by the timing of maintenance and augmentation projects. The consolidated net leverage ratio improved to 3.3x, down 0.6x from the prior year, comfortably within the Company’s target range of 3.0x to 4.0x.
Reflecting the strong year-todate performance and favorable currency movements, the Company has raised its full-year 2025 guidance. In Nigeria the Group’s largest operation, organic revenue increased by $12.2 million, an increase of 5.0% year-on-year, driven primarily by foreign exchange resets and escalations,
wielded immense influence in shaping national perception and they must be accountable for the narratives they promoted, particularly during election seasons.
“You are not spectators in 2027; you are catalysts. The narratives you shape will determine whether Nigerians see the elections through a tribal lens or a shared national destiny,” he said.
Uzodimma urged Nigerian editors to take greater responsibility for protecting electoral integrity and restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stated, “If you have a role in democratic governance and national cohesion, you must also assume responsibility for electoral integrity. Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy.”
The Imo State governor stated that media coverage of the 2023 elections contributed to public mistrust, with some reports portraying the electoral process as collapsed, based on selective or premature calls.
Continued on page 42
which more than offset a reduction in revenues linked to diesel prices. Continued growth in revenue from Colocation, Lease Amendments and New Sites was partially offset by Churn related to the approximately 1,050 sites MTN Nigeria agreed to vacate as part of the renewed and extended contracts with MTN Nigeria, signed during the third quarter of 2024. The increase in organic revenue was supplemented by favorable movements in foreign exchange rates used to translate the results of foreign operations, with an average Naira rate of N1,523 to $1.00 in the third quarter of 2025 compared to an average rate of N1,601 to $1.00 in the third quarter of 2024. This led to a non-core increase of $13.5 million, or 5.6% year-on-year.
over by the president to the national chairman of the APC.” Fayose said another governor was preparing to leave PDP, adding that more defections will follow.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
MY TRIBUTE TO ENGR. IFEDAYO AKINDOJU
Even when the machines showed your pulse was gone, I couldn’t accept it. I kept asking the doctors and our friends around to try CPR again. I thought I saw your heart move, hoping you’d wake up somehow. 12:05 PM. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2025
That Moment Still Feels Unreal
How do I even begin to write about you, Dayo? You weren’t just a friend—you were my brother. You had such a big heart, always genuine, kind, and full of life.
Our journey started on the tennis courts and grew into something more profound than friendship. We shared a love for tennis and golf, traveling the world to be part of the games we loved. We already planned our next trip to Melbourne for January—you were so excited about the Australian Open. You even tried to convince us to stay three weeks so we could play some golf and explore Australia afterward. That was so you—always making the most of life.
Thank you, my brother, for opening your world to us. I’ve been going through our countless pictures and videos—each filled with laughter and memories. I can still see us at the Madrid Davis Cup in 2021, right in the thick of COVID. I remember how I had to drag you onto the London Eye in Westminster, and how we laughed about it later. Or those moments at Wimbledon with the international Tennis Federation (ITF) and Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) presidents where you jokingly reminded me that they were the true owners of tennis and not me as I was wont to say back home in Nigeria , the videos from Kissena Golf Course in Queens, or the trip to New York last summer when you were grinning like a teenager, waiting for your wife to arrive from Canada.
We introduced you to golf, but you quickly took it to another level— hitting a handicap of 13 before any of us. Who will shout “perpendicular!” now
whenever you hit a perfect shot? You always said that word with pride, claiming your engineering background gave you that precision and added advantage.
Dayo, you were truly unique. A man of many sides—a brilliant mind, a natural linguist who could speak Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Urhobo, and more. Even now, I’m still learning new things about you.
Despite our closeness , I only recently learned about the children you quietly supported through school—young people you treated like your own. Two of them, Alamu and Ene, were by your side all the way from Zankli to Nizamiye Hospital. I will never forget that. Alamu even joined me, trying CPR one last time—still believing there was a chance.
You were larger than life; even in death, you still towered above most. The undertakers had to order a special casket—six feet seven inches long and extra wide—because you were just that big, in every sense of the word.
So long, my brother. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the love you shared so freely. You lived big, loved big, and left us with stories that will last a lifetime.
Until we meet again on the courts, on the greens, or wherever souls like yours play rest easy, Dayo.
Obinna Ofodum
Abuja Nigeria, Thursday October 30th, 2025
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
CHINA’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN
The 15th Five-Year Plan is crucial for consolidating and achieving socialist modernisation by 2035, writes YU DUNHAI
WHEN GLOBALISATION ENABLES FISCAL TERMITES
VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that Nigeria is a haven for ‘termites’ through bribery, mispricing, and money laundering
The interplay of AI, algorithms and elections is the new battlefield of democracy, contends SONNY IROCHE
THE ROLE OF AI ALGORITHMS IN THE 2027 ELECTIONS
As the countdown toward the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. At the same time that the country grapples with entrenched challenges, from pervasive corruption to infrastructural decay, youth unemployment to weak institutions, a tidal wave of technological disruption is gathering force: the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic influence. The question for Nigeria is straightforward but profound: can the country navigate this new terrain skilfully and pivot from a “third-world” mindset into a credible, capable leader of Africa, in governance, in economy and in democratic integrity?
Around the world, elections are increasingly contested not just in polling booths but deep in the invisible guts of algorithms, data‐drives and AI-enabled influence operations. A recent analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice warns: “Artificial intelligence didn’t disrupt the 2024 election, but the effects are likely to be greater in the future.”
In the United Kingdom and Europe the infamous Cambridge Analytica saga remains a warning. The consultancy harvested millions of Facebook profiles, and its work has been linked to both the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and the Brexit referendum in the UK. In Nigeria, too, the spectre of Cambridge Analytica looms large: whistle-blowers say that in the 2015 presidential election the firm tried to influence outcomes by creating Islamophobic videos targeting a candidate.
More recently, in the U.S., the role of Elon Musk, his ownership of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and the explosion of AIenabled misinformation have provoked concern. Reuters reported that “false or misleading claims” by Musk about the U.S. election amassed 2 billion views on X. While there is no verified proof that Musk or his companies manipulated votes via satellite or ballots, fact-checks emphatically deny that his firm’s Starlink network “rigged” the 2023 U.S. election. But the perception, the algorithmic power, the coordination of bots, deepfakes, and targeted microcampaigns all suggest that elections now mean far more than polling stations.
In short: Nigeria must assume that the 2027 elections will be fought as much in data-clouds, recommendation engines and algorithmic feed walls as in the real world.
What this means for Nigeria in 2027
That brings Nigeria squarely into the centre of a global problem, and opportunity. With nearly 220 million people, a youthful population, recurring allegations of electoral fraud, and emerging digital infrastructure, Nigeria is vulnerable and ripe for disruption. It is also, conversely, well-positioned to lead.
Here are some of the specific dimensions:
One, Algorithmic influence, social media and misinformation. As Nigeria increasingly digitises, social media algorithms will shape what Nigerians see, from campaign messaging to deepfake attacks. The research on AIenabled influence operations highlights that adversaries can use generative AI, botnets, and coordinated accounts to shape sentiment.
Two, Real-time results, transparency and trust. The push for “live” collated vote counts, online results, and open dashboards will matter. The U.S., for example, has made election integrity a high priority, and if Nigeria is designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States Department of State (as reports suggest) then Washington will insist on credible systems and visible transparency.
Three, External influence and diplomacy. With reports that the U.S. has renewed interest in Nigeria, both for regional stability and as a strategic partner in Africa, the Nigerian judiciary, electoral commission and diplomatic service will all be under a scrutiny. This does not necessarily mean neocolonial interference, but it does raise the stakes for Nigeria being seen to clean up governance and reliably deliver a free and fair election.
Four, Domestic reform and preparedness. For the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition, now is the time to engage the frustrated populace, rebuild trust, and set the terms for 2027. If they wait, the technologies and public anger may
converge in ways that are destabilising. But Nigeria’s election vulnerabilities are just one slice of the broader challenge. To be recognised as the true leader of Africa, Nigeria must embark on a multifront transformation. Below are some critical steps.
Corruption and governance: President Bola Tinubu has roughly 18 months to warm the hearts of Nigerians via visible action. This means prosecuting pending corruption cases investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); implementing the recommendations of the Steve Orasanye Committee Report to reduce the behemoth size of government; and auditing government appointments for competence and capability rather than patronage.
Federalism and constitutional reform: Nigeria must move decisively to devolve power further to the states, and revisit the 2014 National Conference report to repudiate the flawed 1999 Constitution (as amended). A modern constitution that accommodates Nigeria’s diversity and enables local autonomy is key.
Technology, AI and procurement: Nigeria’s 2024 National AI Strategy Committee laid good groundwork. But implementation must begin now: using AI and technology to improve procurement transparency, contract award, citizen service delivery and public sector efficiency. That would enable leapfrogging into digital governance.
Diplomacy and representation: It is time to professionalise Nigeria’s foreign service: appoint more career diplomats and fewer political appointees; perhaps a ratio of 60 % career diplomats to 40 % political ambassadors in our embassies and high commissions abroad. That would reflect a nation growing confident and credible on the global stage.
Youth employment and human capital: With the world’s second‐largest youth population, Nigeria must invest aggressively in education, technical skills, and sectors such as health, agriculture, research and exports. Diversifying away from crude oil is essential to avoid the classic resource-curse.
Iroche is CEO, GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd and Senior Academic Fellow, African Studies Centre, University of Oxford (2022-2023)
The 15th Five-Year Plan is crucial for consolidating and achieving socialist modernisation by 2035, writes YU DUNHAI
CHINA’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN
A foreign head of state used to tell Chinese President Xi Jinping, “China has a major advantage, which is always formulating various plans and ensuring they are fully implemented.” One of the most representative examples he noted is the FiveYear Plan for National Economic and Social Development. President Xi Jingping emphasized that the formulation and implementation of these well-designed fiveyear plans reflect important experience on governance of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and represent a significant political advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
In October, during the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC in Beijing, the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development was adopted. Once reviewed and approved next year by the National People’s Congress, the plan will become the 15th Five-Year Plan since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, providing top-level design and strategic guidance for China’s economic and social development over the next five years and outlining a dynamic blueprint that captures the momentum of the times. Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China has successfully implemented 14 Five-Year Plans spanning more than seven decades. Through the sustained efforts of successive generations, the country has steadily transformed itself from a poor and backward nation into the world’s second-largest economy and largest manufacturing hub. Throughout this period, Chinese society has maintained enduring harmony and stability, with its people living and working in peace and contentment and its per capita GDP now exceeding $13,000. These achievements exemplify what has been termed the “Two Miracles” — rapid economic growth coupled with long-term social stability — a phenomenon rarely seen elsewhere in the world. Central to this success is the distinctive Chinese approach to Five-Year Planning.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China saw its economic and technological strength as well as its comprehensive national strength leap to a new level, and Chinese modernization made solid new strides. China’s economic strength rose substantially, its global influence was further enhanced, and its scientific and technological capabilities gained global attention. In 2024, China’s GDP reached
18.9 trillion USD (based on the average annual exchange rate), firmly maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest economy. China’s annual contribution to global economic growth remains around 30%, making it one of the most stable and reliable sources of global economic development, fully demonstrating the resilience and vitality of a major economy, and becoming one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of innovation capacity.
At the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the goal was set to basically achieve socialist modernization from 2020 to 2035. The 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), representing the first phase of this timeline, has achieved a strong start. The subsequent period from 2026 to 2030, which falls under the 15th Five-Year Plan, will be a crucial stage for consolidating the foundation and achieving all-out progress to basically achieve socialist modernization by 2035. As such, it will serve as a key link between the past and the future. A well-formulated and effectively implemented 15th Five-Year Plan will lay a more solid foundation for reaching this goal. The 15th Five-Year Plan will continue to focus on promoting high-quality development as its central theme and set out the guiding principles, major objectives, strategic tasks, and significant measures for economic and social development over the next five years, thereby drawing a grand blueprint for economic and social development.
Looking ahead, China’s development prospects are bright. By leveraging the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China’s enormous market, its complete industrial system, and its abundant human resources and under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people will pool their strength and turn this grand blueprint into reality through sustained and determined efforts.
Formulating and implementing Five-Year Plans with Chinese characteristics not only injects sustained momentum and stability into China’s own development, but also offers a new governance paradigm for many Global South countries that have been exploring modernization—namely, a “long-termism” development approach that is self-reliant and sustainable. Chinese modernization will provide important references and practical opportunities for Nigeria and other African countries to achieve economic transformation, advance industrialization, and enhance self-reliant development capacity. Within framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is willing to strengthen governance experience-sharing and development strategy alignment with Nigeria, deepen practical cooperation between the two countries across various fields. The two countries will work together to implement zero-tariff policies through negotiation and signing of joint development economic partnership agreements, therefore enabling Nigeria to unlock its development potential, strengthen its endogenous driving force, and promote the building of a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Dunhai
is the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria
VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that Nigeria is a haven for ‘termites’ through bribery, mispricing, and money laundering
WHEN GLOBALISATION ENABLES FISCAL TERMITES
The challenge of the current unstable world order is consciously not knowing how to post flux and trade items in debit or credit side so as to be able to locate surplus or deficit and be decisive on where to extract taxable income, either for individuals, corporate bodies or even Nations and it is a decisive function of the accounting profession. Somehow it is turning out to be creative accounting.
Delivering his inaugural lecture as Accounting and Taxation expert in Ade Ajayi Auditorium of University of Lagos, chaired by the Vice Chancellor Prof Folasade Ogunsola, Professor Olatunde Julius Otunsanya, head of Accounting Department summed up the current world order’s quid pro quo as enablement of fiscal termites – making nations unable to perform optimally as well as transparently. Fiscal termites affect all nations including the most developed ones seen in G7 – USA, UK, France, Canada, Italy, Germany and Japan, all, the block group that makes decision in IMF and World Bank. USA alone owes over $36trillion and the government is shut down for over 40 days for fiscal deficit that runs in the range of 1.8 to 2.2 trillion dollars. For France, the European Union’s worst hit, it is almost the same deficit like USA with a lower population of 80 million compared to USA of over 340 million. Nigeria’s own deficit is about $90 billion with a population of over 220 million. However, for USA and France, deep in observing what goes on in tax havens and how they relate to their economies, such deficits are picked up by their big companies making big profits both in and off shore – big techs and energy companies. One percent of the population makes more than 99% of the population hence Accounting profession and accountability are nuanced or weighed heavily on the intangible than the tangible.
Elon Musk for example is accounting for almost a trillion dollar worth in USA where the government” shut-down is merely about removing Obamacare and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) in which about 40 million Americans rely on, which is less than $130 billion annually. The same in France where companies like Bollore and Energy giants are allowed to operate in tax avoidance that runs over $16billion annually.
Tax avoidance, tax evasion are what Professor Olatunde Otusanya elaborates in his lecture and sees it as fiscal termites that create endless cycle of underdevelopment. While developed
countries could ignore such termites as they strengthen their individual companies operating as multinationals in the global sphere, Nigeria’s government that seems to be emulating them, do that in closing their eyes to Nigerians who stash away the national riches abroad. “… It can be seen that political power in Nigeria since its independence, has been strongly dominated by the Northern elite and by the military (Six military Generals – Gowon, Murtala, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha, Abdusalam). As a result the scramble for central and regional power has been a major issue illustrating the emergence and continuous development of fiscal termites in both socio-political and economic life in Nigeria”, so asserts Prof. Otusanya. Even in civilian regime, Buhari, a General, elected as President perpetuated fiscal termites by making nonsense of CBN.
To Prof. Otusanya, the use of offshore and tax haven avenues to stash away Nigerian riches in which more debit items are posted to Nigeria with no matching credit side is seen in the way Nigerian mineral resources are exploited with excessive tax avoidance and tax evasion. Using multi-national companies – the supply side of corruption – anti-social practices leading to fiscal termites are perpetrated via bribery, mispricing, transfer pricing, commoditybacked loans and money laundering. Using just one man as example, Prof. Otusanya traces his linkages to: The Blind Trust, Siemen AG, Currency Trust Company, Lets Go Ltd, Sima Holiday Ltd, Citibank, Chevy Chase, Wachovia Bank, Eagle Bank, Sun Trust Bank, China Castle Inv. Ltd., The Gade Foundation, etc., to American University and AUN. In all, creative accounting was at work to siphon Nigeria’s wealth to tax havens and abroad.
There could be nothing wrong in such linkages if the posting of the credit side comes to Nigeria in the form of tax, which is what most developed countries monitor as regards their nationals and expect them to be available in the nation at least once every six month. In Nigeria’s case such nationals live mostly abroad and perpetuate fiscal termites on Nigeria. Nigeria has had a First Lady who literally lived in Dubai, celebrates her birthday there, carry out her functions there by inviting fellow subnational first ladies, deepening the havoc of fiscal termites.
Ariole is a Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos.
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
SUPER EAGLES AND THE SHAME IN MOROCCO
In spite of the embarrassment, the players should put in their best
Hardly a week passes without the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and any of the national teams under its watch trending on social media for the wrong reasons. In the last ten days, there have been reports of two scandalous FIFA Forward projects involving the NFF and some officials with lurid details that speak to sharp practices. While one of the projects is located in Kebbi State, the other is in Ugborodo, Delta State. But perhaps the biggest scandal is happening in Morocco, where Nigerians are looking forward to the Super Eagles salvaging the image of the country through a crucial four-nations tournament which commences today.
Ordinarily, Nigeria should not be in this desperate situation. But in the 10-match African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa. Even at that, it was by a stroke of fortune that Nigeria qualified on the last day as one of the four best runners up nations in the nine groups and only because three points were deducted from South Africa which fielded an ineligible player when they defeated Lesotho in the qualifying round. The reward is for Nigeria to play in the series where the winner automatically qualifies for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico for two remaining World Cup tickets. That is the opportunity now being bungled in Morocco. On Tuesday, the Super Eagles announced a ‘sit-at-home’ in their Rive Hotel rooms, to protest over owed bonuses and allowances, some dating back two years.
For a country of over 220 million citizens who love the game of football, failure to qualify for the World Cup back-to-back would be an anathema
Eagles at the Round of 16. The players had boycotted training to press home the payment of outstanding allowances while they were just 24 hours away from the clash with France. The federal government had to send cash from Abuja to pay the players before Nigeria was saved the embarrassment of going into history books as the first country to boycott a World Cup match over bonus disputes. It is a shame that our football administrators cannot appreciate the implications of their Morocco misadventure. For a country of over 220 million citizens who love the game of football, failure to qualify for the World Cup back-to-back would be an anathema. This is the reason why the NFF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) ought to have put everything in place to ensure that the Super Eagles win the African playoffs in Morocco and qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs in March next year. But with players boycotting practice sessions, it is now a game of chance for Nigeria against the pantheons of Gabon today and the subsequent match should they win.
While the issue was resolved yesterday afternoon, according to a post by Super Eagles Skipper, William Troost-Ekong, this is a familiar scandal. But the NFF seems to have learnt nothing from their own sordid past. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a similar boycott of training led to the crashing out of the Super
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
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
If the reports of the players not being paid their allowances as at when due is true, nobody should question why they took the decision to boycott training on Tuesday. If it is also true that the NFF has collected funds for the prosecution of both the Lesotho and Benin Republic matches during the qualifiers from the supervisory National Sports Commission (NSC) and refused to pay the players and officials, the federal government needs to step in to save the country from any further embarrassment. It may require a dialogue with FIFA authorities, but Nigeria cannot continue with public officials who consistently misbehave yet consider themselves untouchable because of some statutes. Regardless of how tonight’s match plays out, the federal government must muster the courage to put an end to this perennial embarrassment.
BETWEEN NYESOM WIKE AND THE NAVY
The recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has once again thrown open Nigeria’s long-standing debate about the use and abuse of power in public service. What began as a dispute over a piece of land quickly escalated into a national talking point — not just about property, but about ego, hierarchy, and the delicate relationship between civil authority and military discipline. The viral video, which showed a visibly angry Wike confronting a uniformed naval officer over an alleged “encroachment” on government land, has dominated social media feeds and national discourse. While the facts are still being pieced together, the optics alone were enough to raise eyebrows: a sitting minister trading words with an officer of the Nigerian Navy in public view. It was a spectacle that seemed to pit political authority against the very
discipline the military prides itself on.
Beyond the drama of the moment lies a deeper question — who truly holds the line of authority in such matters?
Many of Wike’s supporters argue that as a minister and political head of the FCT, he possesses the constitutional right to enforce compliance within his jurisdiction. After all, the FCT Administration oversees land allocation and urban development. To them, the Navy officer’s presence on the disputed site amounted to an act of defiance against constituted civil authority.
Yet, others see it differently. They argue that Wike’s approach — loud, public, and confrontational — undermined the very decorum expected of a senior member of the federal cabinet. The confrontation, they insist, could have been handled administratively or through inter-agency coordination rather than a public clash that embar-
rassed both the civilian and military institutions involved. Adding to the confusion are claims circulating online that Wike, as a minister, “ranks above the service chiefs” and could lawfully issue orders to them. Legal and constitutional experts have swiftly dismissed this assertion. Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution, alongside Sections 7 and 8 of the Armed Forces Act, clearly vests operational command of the military solely in the hands of the President as Commander-in-Chief. Ministers, including the Defence Minister, have administrative oversight, not operational authority. This means that while Wike wields significant political power as FCT Minister, he cannot issue operational directives to any branch of the Armed Forces. Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, Abuja
Ngozi Akinyele: We Made History with Opening of Nigerian Modernism as Largest Exhibition in Tate Modern’s 25-year Existence
For Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation Group, the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern was not just an artistic milestone but a statement of purpose given the history it made by being the largest exhibition opening in Tate Modern’s 25-year history, which affirmed that Nigeria’s cultural capital is as vital as its financial and intellectual wealth. A firm believer that sustainable prosperity isn’t only about financial solutions but about the beautiful stories we tell ourselves and the values we pass on to future generations, Uzoma Mba writes that through Coronation’s partnership with Tate, Akinyele sees a broader renaissance taking shape, one where Africa reclaims its narrative, restores its pride, and invests in the enduring power of its own heritage
Standing there at Tate Modern, what were you feeling when you saw Nigerian Modernism unveiled for the first time?
For me personally, it was overwhelming in the best possible way. To see the rich and diverse works of Nigerian modernists — from paintings to sculpture, textile and even poetry — placed at the heart of global modernism filled me with pride, but also with a deep sense of responsibility. These weren’t just artworks on the wall; they were a visual biography of our great nation. For too long, Nigerian creativity has been treated as a footnote in world art history. That day felt like restoration — cultural restoration in real time.
And we made history! The opening of Nigerian Modernism was the largest exhibition opening in Tate Modern’s 25-year history. That fact alone tells you the scale of what this moment represents. We are witnessing a renaissance — across art, film, fashion, and culture more broadly. Africa is rising.
You spoke about “cultural restoration in real time.” What does that phrase mean to you personally, as a Nigerian and as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Coronation Group?
For me, “cultural restoration in real time” is about actively reclaiming and rewriting narratives that were diminished or overlooked. As a Nigerian, it’s deeply personal: despite the erasures of colonialism, our culture endured, adapted, and triumphed. As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation, it reflects our conviction that cultural capital is inseparable from financial and knowledge capital – like our Founder and Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, often says. Sustainable prosperity isn’t only about financial solutions; it is also about the beautiful stories we tell ourselves and the values we pass on to future generations.
Can you share a moment from the exhibition — a particular work, artist, or personal exchange — that deeply resonated with you?
Yes, one moment will probably stay with me forever. We ensured that among the first groups to experience the exhibition were schoolchildren of Nigerian and African backgrounds here in the UK. To spark a conversation at the start of the tour, I said to Joy Idowu - a curious young student: “So you’re Nigerian?” She replied, “My parents are Nigerian.” I let it rest, deciding to allow the rooms to do the talking. After almost two hours of immersion — listening to her peers reflect on the brilliance of the 300+ artworks, and seeing for herself the mastery on display — something remarkable happened. At the end, my colleague asked her name. She replied, “My name is Joy Iduwu, I’m Nigerian.” That subtle shift was profound. It was the story of identity restored in real time, and for me, the most powerful confirmation of why we are doing this.
Coronation’s Art Strategy links cultural investment to sustainable prosperity. How do you see this partnership with Tate contribute towards turning that vision into reality?
This partnership demonstrates that prosperity is not only measured in financial terms but also in cultural terms. By partnering for Nigerian Modernism, Coronation is showcasing Africa’s cultural wealth alongside its economic potential. It
creates a bridge: on one side, our stakeholders see us as custodians of wealth; on the other, as custodians of heritage. Together, it strengthens trust and inspires confidence that prosperity is sustainable when rooted in identity and pride.
How does Coronation’s involvement in the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes and its Galleries relate to this exhibition in London (if at all)?
They are part of the same continuum. Nigerian Modernism shines a light on Nigeria’s 20th-century creativity, while the Benin Bronzes represent centuries of craftsmanship that preceded it. Coronation is working with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to establish the Coronation Art Gallery in Benin, a permanent home for the Bronzes once they are repatriated. Alongside this, the Coronation Art Gallery in Lagos cultivates broad access to African art through modern and contemporary exhibitions. Together, these initiatives mean that what you see in London is not an isolated moment but part of a wider cultural ecosystem that Coronation is helping to build, both globally and locally.
You’ve previously said that “our culture is our advantage.” How does cultural capital strengthen Coronation’s brand story and stakeholder relationships across Africa and worldwide?
Culture is our soft power. It shapes perception, and perception drives trust. When Coronation aligns itself with cultural capital, we are not only projecting African creativity to the world, we are also affirming our values — craftsmanship, identity, legacy. For stakeholders across Africa and beyond, this deepens our brand story. It says: we are more than financiers; we are prosperity partners invested in the enduring wealth of our people and our heritage.
In broader terms, positive narratives about our nation also influence economic perception — cultural capital strengthens confidence, which feeds into credit ratings, and, ultimately, contributes to lowering the cost of capital for Africa.
This exhibition also serves as a global storytelling platform. How do you manage the balance between the corporate sponsorship message and authentic cultural preservation?
I prefer the words corporate partnership. As partners, our role is to support, not overshadow. We don’t seek to brand the art; rather, we enable it to be seen. The narrative must remain people and purpose-first. At the same time, our presence signals that African institutions are stepping up to invest in their own stories. It’s a fine line, but when you approach it with respect and integrity, the partnership amplifies rather than compromises authenticity.
The exhibition brings Nigeria’s story to millions of visitors from around the world. What impact do you hope it will have on young Africans (in the diaspora) who see it for the first time?
I hope it will do for many young Africans what it did for JoyIdowu. At the start of the exhibition, she saw herself only through the lens of her parents’ nationality. By the end, she claimed her Nigerian identity with pride. That transformation is what I want every young African to experience — that art is not distant or abstract, but alive, affirming, and theirs.
And the truth is, there are many “Joys” living not only in the diaspora but also on the continent — young people who, for diverse reasons, have not yet embraced their roots. My hope is that exhibitions like Nigerian Modernism give them reasons to look again, and to take pride in who they are.
Coronation Group has often spoken of “democratising art.” What does that look like in practice for your stakeholders (employees, clients, and communities)?
For us, democratising art means making it accessible in ways that transform how people see themselves. It’s why we opened the doors of Nigerian Modernism to schoolchildren early, so that Joyand other young bright minds, could encounter their heritage in a setting of dignity and excellence.
It also means extending access beyond physical spaces — digitising exhibitions so that students in Nigeria or Ghana can explore them virtually; curating programmes in our Lagos gallery that open up modern and contemporary works to employees, clients, and communities; and, through our work in Benin, creating a permanent home for the repatriated Bronzes in partnership with the NCMM, ensuring heritage masterpieces belong to the people once again.
I was delighted to see revered artists like Baba Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chief Jimoh Braimoh, Chief Muraina Oyelami, and Mama Nike Davies-Okundaye gracing the exhibition. I remember Mama Nike, in particular, commented on my Asooke pant suit, saying it reflected how the younger generation is elevating our local fabrics with elegance and self-confidence. It added some expensive weight to my luggage, but it was worth it!
Just as today’s audiences can meet the extraordinary Ndidi Dike or Gerald Chukwuma, democratisation also means ensuring the high artistry of Ben Enwonwu, Demas Nwoko, Aina Onabolu, Yusuf Grillo, and so many others is accessible to a broader public.
What conversations do you hope this exhibition will spark in Nigeria once the story travels home again?
I hope it will spark pride, curiosity, and debate. Pride in knowing our artists helped shape global modernism. Curiosity to learn more about our cultural history. And debate about how we safeguard our heritage going forward — because preservation is not just a curatorial responsibility, it’s a national one. And importantly, I hope it reaches the “Joys” who live right at home — those who have grown distant from their heritage or take it for granted. This exhibition is a reminder that our culture is not only our past, but also our future. If in London we witnessed the Joy-effect, then my hope is to see it carried into Lagos — young Nigerians rediscovering their heritage with confidence and pride.
Beyond access, how did the exhibition itself reflect inclusion in the choice of artists and voices represented?
One of the strengths of Nigerian Modernism was its deliberate inclusivity in how artists were represented. The curators – Osei Bonsu and Bilal Akkouche were intentional about bringing together those who had received formal training — often through art societies and higher institutions — alongside those who were self-taught, natural talents whose work was born of instinct and inborn creativity. That decision ensures the narrative of Nigerian Modernism is not confined to academia, but embraces the full breadth of our creative genius. Another area of inclusion that struck me was gender. I could tell there was a genuine effort to ensure female artists were not left out, which is significant given how male-dominated the art world often is. My favourite room in the exhibition was the one dedicated to Ladi Kwali — the celebrated potter whose face graces Nigeria’s twenty-naira note. Beyond the symbolism, her work reminds us that women have always been central to Nigerian creativity, even if history sometimes under-acknowledged them.
That said, there is still more to be done to ensure female artists blossom in our own time. For Coronation, that principle of balance is central — in art, in business, and in society at large.
How do you believe Aigboje AigImoukhuede’s personal patronage — both as Chairman of Coronation Group and a member of Tate’s International Council — has advanced the democratisation of access to art through this exhibition?
His role has been catalytic. As Chairman of Coronation and a member of Tate’s International Council, he embodies the bridge between private patronage and institutional collaboration. His conviction that a nation’s true wealth lies in financial, knowledge, and cultural capital has shaped Coronation’s art strategy.
Ngozi Akinyele
How Owu’s Ajibola Family Turned Monarch’s Remembrance into Cultural Preservation
Precious ugwuzor
The annual family reunion, convention, and remembrance of the late Oba Salami Adewunmi Ajibola, the ninth Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Ayoloye Ruling House (1949–1972), holds a profound and sacred place in the hearts of his descendants and the wider Owu community. It is far more than a ceremonial event — it is a spiritual homecoming, a renewal of ancestral pride, and a solemn commitment to continuity, unity, and purpose.
The event, which comes up next Saturday, November 15, will commence from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the open ground in front of the Alibiosu Compound, Owu Totoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. It will attract people from all walks of life, including those in the diaspora.
Spokesman for the grandchildren of the legendary monarch, Prince Adetunji Ajibola, said the celebration is one of royal legacy.
“Oba Salami Adewunmi Ajibola was not only a revered monarch but also a symbol of integrity, courage, and communal service. His reign represented a golden era of peace, wisdom, and cultural revival within the Owu Kingdom. Remembering him through an annual event is, therefore, not just about nostalgia — it is about celebrating a legacy that continues to guide, inspire, and define the Ajibola dynasty. Each gathering becomes a living classroom where stories of his life, values, and leadership are passed down from generation to generation.”
Prince Ajibola stated that, by honouring the late king’s memory every year, the family collectively acknowledges his sacrifices, vision, and enduring influence. It reinforces the belief that a man’s greatness is not measured only by his years on the throne but equally by the timeless impact of his deeds and the
strength of the legacy he leaves behind.
“The reunion serves as a powerful reminder that the Ajibola lineage is one — bound by blood, heritage, and divine destiny. In today’s fast-paced and fragmented world, where individual pursuits often overshadow family connections, this gathering restores a sense of belonging. It brings together sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, from different towns, professions, and countries to reconnect as one royal family.
Through shared meals, laughter, prayers, and dialogue, old bonds are renewed, and new relationships are formed. Younger members discover
their roots and the value of their name, while elders find comfort in seeing the next generation carry forward the torch of honour. The reunion reaffirms that while times change, the essence of family remains eternal.”
He added that the remembrance anniversary also plays an invaluable role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Owu Kingdom and the Ayoloye Ruling House. Traditional songs, royal prayers, ancestral rites, and native attire showcased during the event are not mere formalities; they are expressions of identity and instruments of cultural preservation.
“In a world where modern influences
threaten to erase indigenous customs, this annual convention serves as a cultural anchor. It ensures that the story of the Ajibola dynasty — from Ijako Awaye to the Owu royal court — remains alive in the consciousness of every descendant. It is a living archive of history, where oral narratives, photographs, records, and artefacts are shared and documented for future generations.”
Prince Ajibola further noted that the convention also has a strategic and developmental dimension. Beyond celebration, it provides a platform for intellectual exchange, mentorship, and community development planning.
“As members gather, ideas are shared on how to advance the family’s collective interests — in education, business, leadership, and philanthropy. The reunion often becomes a forum where initiatives are launched, such as scholarship schemes, youth mentorship programmes, cooperative societies, and family trusts. It encourages mutual support and investment in one another’s success. In this way, the remembrance anniversary becomes not just a tribute to the past but a springboard for a prosperous and united future.
Spiritually, the annual remembrance is an act of gratitude to God and to the ancestors who paved the way. It is an acknowledgment that the living stand upon the foundation laid by those before them. The libations, prayers, and royal blessings offered during the anniversary are deeply symbolic — they reaffirm the family’s covenant of peace, progress, and divine favour.”
Each year, as the family gathers to honour the late Oba, they also invoke blessings for continued unity, protection, and fruitfulness in the lineage.
NOTE: Story continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Varsity for Kansis Visioning Better Future
Professor tunde a kanni
"…wa lal-aakhiratu khayrun laka min al-oolaa," Surah Ad-Duha (93:4), meaning "…the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life],"
In the sun-drenched heart of Kano, where the ancient whispers of the Sahel blend with the digital hum of modernity, this Quranic promise of betterment found a vivid earthly echo during the 2025 edition of the Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS). Organized by the visionary Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), the two-day ceaseless flow of ideas commenced on Wednesday October 22, 2025.
Venue was the resplendent Khalifa Isyaku RabiuUniversity, crafted into acronym KHAIRUN. In Arabic, this means "better." How serendipitous, how poetic, that this institution should host an event dedicated to harnessing social media for societal upliftment, aligning seamlessly with CITAD's noble quest to transform Nigeria's digital landscape into a force for good, equity, and enlightenment.Interestingly, Khairun readily finds a sectoral sibling in the nation’s foremost university, the University of Ilorin, often hailed as “Better by Far University”. UNILORIN attains her golden age of 50 this year.
It was such an all-important, clarion call for a "better" Nigeria where social media and Artificial Intelligence, AI, should cease to be a tool of division thus becoming a bridge to inclusivity and progress.
CITAD as a steadfast guardian of information technology for development, has long championed this vision, using ICTs to empower citizens toward a just, knowledge-based society. This year, 2025, under the luminous theme "Toward a More Inclusive Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)," KANSIS rose like a phoenix, addressing the dual-edged sword of technology: its potential to enhance democratic processes and its perils in fostering surveillance, misinformation, and exclusion.
The university itself, KHAIRUN, stands as a testament to this ethos of betterment. Its heavily built campus is a masterpiece of architectural splendor, where modern spires pierce the sky like aspirations unbound, and verdant gardens whisper tales of serenity amid scholarly pursuit. All coated in cool grey-ash colour, buildings of varying grandeur dot the landscape, each a jewel in the crown of Nigerian heritage, named not after fleeting fads but after luminaries who embodied "khairun". At once, you sense the essence of excellence and benevolence as well as that United Nigeria.
There rises the Basorun MKO Abiola Hall, honoring the winner of Nigeria's most historic presidential election, a man whose unyielding fight for democracy echoes through the corridors of time. Nearby, the Alhaji Aminu DantataComplex pays homage to the business tycoon whose entrepreneurial spirit built empires from the sands of commerce. Other edifices bear the names of distinguished Nigerians – philanthropists, scholars, and
visionaries – ensuring that the past's wisdom illuminates the future's path. This institutional preservation of memory is no accident; it is a deliberate ode to legacy, reminding all who tread these hallowed grounds that true progress is rooted in honoring those who paved the way for the future,obviously in the spirit khairun
Yet, the "khairun" dimension shimmered most brilliantly in the event's inspiring inclusivity. In a world often marred by barriers, KANSIS 2025 wove a tapestry of unity where physically challenged persons were not mere attendees but integral voices.. Wheelchairs glided alongside eager footsteps, sign language interpreters danced their hands in eloquent harmony with spoken words, and adaptive technologies ensured no one was left in the shadows. This was inclusivity not as tokenism, but as a living, breathing commitment – a reflection of CITAD's core mission to bridge digital divides and foster a society where every citizen, regardless of ability, can harness technology for empowerment.
The summit's core pulsed with a critical review of social media's role in Nigeria, spotlighting select influencers whose digital footprints have focused on public concerns. Yours sincerely reviewed Japheth J. Omojuwa, known across the ether as @ Omojuwa, a maestro of advocacy on X (formerly Twitter). With his sharp wit and unyielding commentary, Omojuwa, I noted, has navigated the turbulent seas of Nigerian politics, using his platform to champion transparency and accountability. He leaves no one in doubt about his love for soccer the metaphor of which he also deploys in
volunteering comments on otherwise tough political situations.
Similarly, Poet Olumide Olaniyan who doubles as a development expert, examined Rinu Oduala, the indomitable @SavvyRinu, whose fiery spirit supported the #EndSARS movement.
As a human rights advocate and community organizer, Oduala, according to Olaniyan, brought helped to give utmost visibility in particular to the alleged Lekki killings and she has not relented till date in advocating for protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Olaniyan specifically noted that Rinu has done well, using X platform to inspire younger women to always strive to protect their rights and those of fellow human beings no matter how daunting the situation may be.
The event's ambitious agenda unfolded like a grand narrative across five plenary sessions and sixteen parallel panels, drawing from the wellsprings of academia, civil society, media, and traditional institutions. Day one dawned with profound explorations of AI's role in governance, where Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, represented by Jimoh Abdulmalik, delved into the intricacies of data privacy in an AI-driven world. "Algorithms must serve the people, not subjugate them," he intoned, sparking debates on inclusive policies that mitigate biases against underrepresented groups.
•Tunde Akanni is a Professor of Journalism at LASU, Nigeria
NOTE: Story continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Late Oba s alami a dewunmi a jibola, the ninth Olowu of Owu Kingdom, ayoloye r uling House
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Emami: Most Nigerian Politicians Are Without Ideological Leaning
a chieftain of the all Progressives Congress (aPC) in Delta state, Chief ayiri Emami, in this interview speaks on politics in his home state ahead of the 2027 poll. He also describes many Nigerian politicians as having no particular ideological leaning before joining party politics. Adedayo Akinwale brings excerpts:
There is a sudden gale of defection into APC by governors in the South-south region. What is responsible for this? Is the ruling party taking over the region in 2027?
I’m a true supporter of Asiwaju. I don’t just support because of money, I support because of my conviction that Asiwaju might turn things around. Because the way the nation was going, some of us knew that the nation was going to sink. So, some of us were the low voices. We were almost crucified in the Niger Delta region when we were supporting Asiwaju but we thank God.
The most important thing in life is when you are convinced and you have a belief, you follow that belief. A lot of people don’t have ideology in terms of political leaning and how they live. But some of us still manage to have our own personal ideology and believe.
So, I believe in the man, I believe in his person and I believe in his virtue because as a young man, I have sat with him. I have listened to him and I have seen him performing.
I have a lot of conviction that if Asiwaju becomes the president, we can turn things around. But then in our region, a lot of people were fighting Asiwaju, not that Asiwaju was not a good person but they were fighting him because Asiwaju knows too much. I have several conversations with a lot of people from my region. They will tell you, oh, we prefer people from the North because they don’t know more about our area. If Asiwaju comes, he knows everything and really, being in the office, a lot of loopholes have been blocked. So you can see people crying.
They are not just crying that Nigeria is not moving forward but because of those shady things they were doing, Asiwaju begins to knock them down. Some of the promises he made to us that he will make Warri Port work. In two years, he has voted money for the Port now and even the Omadino-Escravos roads that will pass through Gbaramatu. There are a lot of things going on before they will do the paperwork between NNPC, Chevron, NDDC. So a lot of things are going on.
And when people see that, he actually has our interests. So, I think those are the convictions with his policies that made the governors from the South-South to say no, if we didn’t support him before now, now the man is doing what is going to favour us, so there is a need to support him. I think his performance gave the conviction to those people.
So for me, I’m happy that they are coming because the type of work I was doing in 2022, 2023, I’m going to be more relaxed. We are seeing one or two developments in our area. So that’s enough. That alone is enough for the South South governors and any governor to defect, having seen that the man is a progressive person. Those were some of the things I saw in him that made me to support Asiwaju
We were told that when the current governor of Delta state joined APC, many of you didn’t welcome him, and what is the state of the party and how much in-roads do you think Asiwaju will make in the region and the state in 2027?
You said when the present governor was coming to join the APC in Delta, a lot of people did not welcome him. I was not part of it. I, Ayiri Emami, was not part of it because first, my interest is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And if the man said he’s coming to support Mr. President, who am I to say I’m not going to support him? I only have a little difference with him. The difference was that if you are coming, those that you met there, please try and carry them along. That was just my issue. My position has been that if Sheriff was coming, Mr. President and leaders of the party, please, ensure that those that have been
there should not be oppressed.
Let us fashion a way that everybody can work together. As of today, I know there is a lot of talk among the leaders to ensure that everybody work together. Whatever I have to do, my support for Sheriff is because he too is supporting Mr. President. In 2023, I did not support Sheriff. I supported Ovie Omo-Agege but Sheriff won. But Mr. President too won the election. So today, Sheriff is supporting Mr. President. So I have no choice than to support Sheriff. So I’ve never been part of those ganging up against him. I’m not a sycophant.
People see the Labour Party as the strongest in Delta, considering its performance in the last election. Has the perception changed?
Who are those in the Labour Party? Labour Party is PDP, APC and everything. They don’t have one particular structure. It’s not just Labour, it’s a political calculation.
But I don’t think that will happen in 2027 because we are all in one place. All the actors are in one boat as we speak in Delta. Although like what I said, consultation is still going on among the leaders. But I know that at least 80 per cent are together right now. I cannot tell you that 20 per cent are not important. So we must do everything because the 20 per cent or 30 per cent that is left is still important because in politics, everybody is important. Nobody has to be left behind. So as
of today, it’s looking more brighter than what happened in 2023.
Are you saying that the LP has no foothold in Delta state?
No, I said Labour Party is ‘all’ party. Any aggrieved politician in any party is a potential LP person, because I try to check those who were in LP and they are either APC or PDP. It doesn’t have structure but aggrieved people from APC, PDP anywhere. They are just aggrieved, they don’t know why they’re going to LP.
How do you assess the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission, since Tinubu came?
If I want to talk about NDCC, some people will say it’s because Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director is my friend but if he isn’t performing, I will come out and say what you are doing is wrong. But, I think for the first time, NDDC has a proper vision and a structure and because of the leadership of the NDDC, the chairman and the MD, I think they are doing very well.
This is the first time you can see a pocket of projects across the region and they will go and commission meaningful projects like the Omadino-Escravos road. The initiative came through the NDDC - a joint venture with some oil companies — Chevron, NNPC and now the state government. So, we can have road from Warri to Escravos and you know what that means. So it takes a very good leader to have that kind of vision and how to direct their Board. What we used to know about NDDC before now, all our money used to end up in Abuja. But today, this is the first time you will see the board chairman and the MD working
The most important thing in life is when you are convinced and you have a belief, you follow that belief. A lot of people don’t have ideology in terms of political leaning and how they live. But some of us still manage to have our own personal ideology and believe.
together as one. I can tell you about my own area, particularly the Itsekiri area. We think, with his own vision and idea of the board, they have been able to light up almost all the community, road projects are going on. If he’s not doing well, I’ll tell him. But as I see it today, I think the man is performing.
So, if he’s performing, where is the call for his removal and the allegations of plotting against the president coming from? I will use myself as an example. My younger brother got involved in some shady deal of cannabis. As I speak with you today, I don’t know any NDLEAofficer. The reason why I don’t know any NDLEA officer is because I don’t get myself involved. I can know a military officer because of our terrain - insecurity in our area. But I don’t have anything to do with NDLEA. But if you look all over the media houses, social media, they are saying he is Ayiri’s brother. So when somebody has affinity somewhere, people try to take advantage. When that unfortunate incident happened, a lot of people said oh, Ayiri has been carrying this boy with a private jet all over. And I knew nothing about that. It was surprising to me that my brother got involved. And I said, he should face the law. So, if today they say Sylva is linked to coup plotting. What do you expect politicians to say next? Politicians will tell you, “oh, he is Sam’s friend!.” Even if the man is sleeping, they will definitely find a way to link the man because people are envious and jealous of the young man. I’m not his spokesman. But I will say it as it is.
What do you have to say about the state of PDP, do you see the Ibadan convention reviving the party?
I’m not a member of PDP so sometimes I don’t like poke-nosing, I like to concentrate on my own party. If PDP is going down, it is to my advantage. If I have a way to ensure that PDP dies so that I will have less stress, I will do it. I pray that PDP doesn’t get revived.
Don’t you think that your position is selfish?
Even God said love yourself before you love your neighbour. If you get into a flight, you have to wear the mask for yourself before helping others. So if PDP is dying, why would I go and resurrect them and we are in the same race.
What is your take on the controversy surrounding the stadium project in Delta state?
I will never get myself involved in it because the man behind it, he’s not my friend. He used to be my brother, but as somebody that used to speak the truth, I will say what I know. When Amaju Pinnick came with that project on a courtesy to the then Olu of Warri and said he wanted to site this stadium in Ugborodu, I told him, I was speaking to him as a brother and a friend. Then I said, let me suggest something to you, if you want this project in a remote area, like what you’ve explained, people want this thing to get nearer to the community, nearer to the people where they don’t have access, take this project to Itsekiri where the logistics issue is closer, just about 10 minutes to Warri. The money you are talking about you will use all the money for logistics. As we speak today, I don’t talk to Amaju. I don’t see any reason why I would talk to him. But when you ask me this question, I have to speak on it. Telling you that the terrain and the money they brought, Amaju just wanted to say, oh, I did the stadium in the community. I don’t know what you want to showcase to people when you know that the fund in question cannot do the project. So today the project becomes an abandoned project. It was a fantastic idea. So some of us knew that money was not enough for the project.
Emami
Report: Airtel Leads in Incoming Porting as Globacom Retains More Subscribers in Outgoing Porting
The latest statistics on Mobile Number Portability (MNP) released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has revealed that Airtel is leading other network operators in the number of subscribers that joined other networks (incoming porting) in search of better service quality as at September 2025..
The statistics also shows that Globacom has the least number
Raheem Akingbolu
Economic recovery through a turnaround management of Nigeria’s idle assets has been recommended as one of the surest ways to revertalise Nigeria’s economy, as the country struggles to provide employment for 65 per cent youths of its 220 million population.
At a two-day conference that brought together financial leaders, policymakers, and turnaround specialists in
of subscribers that left their network providers (outgoing porting) as at September 2025 in search of better service quality, an indication that Globacom retained more of its subscribers within the same period.
According to the MNP statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NCC, the number of subscribers that ported into Airtel’s network (incoming porting) is 466 as at September 2025, while 438 subscribers ported into
Lagos to tackle Nigeria’s industrial decline, experts called for intentional strategies to reverse the abnormal situation.
The conference, which was put together by Turnaround Management Association of Nigeria (TMA), in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Nigeria (KAS), engaged financial institutions, investors, policymakers, and turnaround specialists to explore viable solutions for Nigeria’s economic revival.
The conference, themed:
MTN’s network and 331 subscribers ported into Globacom’s network. T2, the network that re-branded recently, had 20 subscribers that ported into its network within the same period, bringing the total number of incoming porting across networks to 1,255 as at September 2025.
The MNP statistics also explains that for the outgoing porting, Globacom was able to retain more of its subscribers that did not port out of its network, thus recording the least
‘Reviving Moribund Assets: The Role of Turnaround Management in Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Strategy’, focused on strategies to recover and rescue distressed companies and businesses across the country.
President of Turnaround Management Nigeria, Dr. Steve Ogidan, in his presentation on ‘Turnaround Management as a Tool for Economic Prosperity in the Face of Global Headwinds and Local Economic
number of outgoing porting subscribers of just 147, followed by Airtel with 182 outgoing porting subscribers and MTN with 202 outgoing porting subscribers. T2, which recently re-banded, recorded as much as 724 outgoing porting subscribers, bringing the total number of outgoing porting across networks to 1,255 as at September 2025.
According to the statistics, MTN has maintained the highest number of incoming porting in the last one
Uncertainties’, painted a sobering picture of the current business landscape, warning that “business as usual” is a recipe for failure. He cited alarming statistics, which showed that in Nigeria, 80 per cent of small and medium enterprises fail within five years.
He referenced a recent Bank of Industry Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report launch, where panelists emphasised that businesses are increasingly evaluated
Market data a s at t uesday,
year, but lost the position to Airtel as at September 2025, where MTN recorded 438 incoming porting and Airtel recorded 466 incoming porting.
From the statistics, in September 2024, MTN recorded 4,987 incoming porting, followed by Airtel, which recorded 2,205 incoming porting.
Globacom recoded 664 incoming porting, while T2 recorded 30 incoming porting.
In October 2024, MTN recorded 3,624 incoming
beyond profitability.
“Social responsibility is shown to be crucial, as profits follow ethical practices sustainably,” he noted.
Describing the challenges facing Nigeria as multifaceted, Ogidan said: “Manufacturing utilisation hovers around 55 per cent, nonperforming loans exceed N1.3 trillion, and youth unemployment surpasses 33 per cent. With over 65 per cent of Nigeria’s 220 million population under 40, there is abundant
porting, followed by Airtel, which recorded 1,747 incoming porting. Globacom recoded 451 incoming porting, while T2 recorded 25 incoming porting.
In November 2024, MTN recorded 3,019 incoming porting, followed by Airtel, which recorded 1,266 incoming porting. Globacom recoded 414 incoming porting, while T2 recorded 27 incoming porting.
energy and opportunity. The key concern is whether industries can absorb this workforce.” Ogidan who advocated for a philosophical shift, said: “The philosophy of turnaround management sees crises as opportunities for transformation. Applying these principles systematically across Nigerian enterprises can convert challenges into unprecedented economic growth.”
Emma Okonji
Enhancing Payments Industry
The grand finale of InterSwitch TechConnect 5.0 initiative, which is now in its fifth year, has opened discussions on the future of payments industry, its prospects and challenges with a view to addressing such challenges going forward, writes Emma okonji
Having gone across Nigeria, from Enugu to Abuja, the grand finale of InterSwitch TechConnect 5.0 was held in Lagos on Tuesday, which brought together industry players to discuss issues in the payment industry.
The issues about innovation and regulatory compliance were some of the key discussions raised, which have over the years, remained at loggerheads with each other.
Opening the discussion, MD, Payments Processing and Switching, Interswitch Purepay, Mr. Akeem Lawal, said: “When discussions are carried out on things like innovation and regulatory compliance, they don’t usually fall into the same world. But this year we want to bring those two conversations together. And the reason we’re doing this is that we have realized, as InterSwitch, based on our experience over the last 22 years that no organisation can build sustainable innovation without compliance. It’s the basis on which trust is built. It’s the basis on which customer experience and satisfaction is built. And it’s the basis on which sustainable growth is built. So this year our theme is really around innovation, collaboration, and compliance. And this event has brought not just the industrial players, but also the regulators together to have conversations around how we can create a united frontier towards building the products and services that will impact the future of all of us as Nigerians.”
EmERGinG TEchnoLoGiEs
Speaking on the emerging technologies and products of InterSwitch, MD, Verve
International at Interswitch, Vincent Ogbunude, said: “In terms of emerging technologies, we have quite a number. And the good thing is that we are not lagging behind if you look at the global front. Some of the things that we are putting forward, which this year’s theme also tries to put in scope in terms of innovation, collaboration, and compliance, are things that will help to foster speed of innovation, but at the same time ensure that the market is compliant and that the market is ensuring that whatever we offer to the customers, we give them confidence, security, and it will help push the whole adoption of electronic payments.”
According to him, some of the things that we have as emerging technologies, one of them is the ability to tokenize payment instruments. In other words, today we do have quite a number of cards in the market, and Verve card is already leading in terms of the card issuance in Nigeria. We have actually crossed the 100 million milestones, in terms of the number of cards that are out there. That is one of the technologies that we think will be well adopted in the coming months, Ogbunude said.
TEchconnEcT 5.0
Giving details about TechConnect 5.0, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, Cherry Eromosele, said Interswitch decided to use the theme of this year’s conference to break silos
and connect innovators, regulators, and institutions for shared progress.
“It’s about joint responsibility in building African digital transformation. When these three powerful stakeholders come together and support each other, we see how that helps us to drive sustainable growth,” Eromosele said.
According to her, TechConnect 5.0 conference provides a platform where everyone can come together, share ideas, share insight in terms of how do we sort of move the industry forward, which creates an enabling environment for us to all compete favorably. What the platform does for the different stakeholders that are involved, whether they’re innovators, regulators, or the institutions, is to unite them to innovate and develop solutions that will further drive and sustain the future of payment industry in Nigeria and beyond.
Lawal further spoke about the need for innovation and compliance to complement each other in other to boost tech development in Nigeria. According to him, regulation is not just a checklist, not a set of rules, but the guardrails that make sure that whatever innovators are putting in the market will work for the customers and also promote trust and not create problems in the future.
“In Interswitch, we have a concept that we call a shared future. It’s built into the product innovation process itself. It’s not something that we add at the end. It’s the reason why in every of our team, we have compliance involved, we have risk
involved. Even from the point of ideating, what are we even thinking about? How are we going to build it? How do we solve this problem for the customer? And because that has worked for us, it’s a concept that we’ve been taking to the industry. Last year, we invited a number of industry stakeholders and we spoke about a lot of things, in the area collaboration,” Lawal said.
He stressed the need for collaboration between industrial practitioners and the regulator, which according to him, is the reason why we have the regulator with us in our TechConnect 5.0 conference.
EnuGu, ABujA
TEchconnEcT insiGhTs
Giving insights about the TechConnect 5.0 activities I Enugu and Abuja, Eromosele said in Enugu, Intderswitch invited quite a lot of businesses, including SMEs and microfinance banks. So, a lot of the focus in Enugu was around financial inclusion, and the challenges that customers face and the people who are serving them, the microfinance banks. We looked at how technologies could help to address those challenges and create the solutions that work for everybody, not just those of us in Lagos.
“There were a number of panel sessions, and there were a number of demos. And I think a lot of insights that came were that we can use technology, collaboration and partnerships to build the products and services that create financial inclusion.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Leveraging Distributors’ Reward to Grow Brand Equity
To enhance market reach as well as consolidating on existing consumers, the management of the Intercontinental Distillers Limited has introduced new products to commemorate the 2025 edition of the company’s Distributors’ awards, Raheem Akingbolu reports
In a market that appears competitive with a new consumer trend, brands’ owners tend to be dynamic. This is the situation with the players in Nigeria’s spirit market with a significant growth potential driven by a large youth population, rapid urbanization, and an increasing consumer preference for premium and diverse spirit options.
As one of the leading players in the market, International Distillers Limited (IDL), has been consistent in its approach to consolidate on its market relevance through innovation and annual distributors’ award. Over the years, its innovative strategy has enhanced product development, branding and unique positioning.
To keep its tap on the existing customers, the company has also remained committed to servicing relationships with trade partners, hence the annual distributors awards. Year in, year out, the company impacts distributors and further lifts their businesses.
As part of its strategies to enhance market growth and attract new patrons, the IDL also commits resources to brand extension and branding. Over the years, this approach has helped the company to leverage the goodwill and recognition built by the brand over time to venture into different but related categories, aiming to capture a
wider audience and foster deeper connections with consumers.
A few days ago, the company rolled out the drum again to celebrate its teeming partners. At the event, IDL commended its distributors for their resilience and contribution to the company’s performance in the 2024 business year while cautioning against unhealthy price-cutting practices that threaten market stability and brand value.
Speaking at the event which was held in Lagos, Managing Director/ CEO, Chief Patrick Anegbe, described the 2024 business year as both challenging and rewarding, noting that the company achieved significant growth despite tough economic conditions.
He, however, expressed concern over the rising trend of price undercutting among distributors, warning that such practices could erode profitability and weaken the integrity of IDL’s brands.
“We must uphold fair pricing to protect our collective interest. Cutting prices below recommended levels does not sustain the business — it only destroys long-term value,” he said.
Anegbe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting its trade partners through innovation, quality
assurance, and strong marketing initiatives, urging distributors to remain united and focused on shared growth.
He highlighted several economic hurdles faced by the manufacturing industry, which many business owners have consistently mentioned in recent years at similar events. These challenges include: high cost of production and rising material costs, frequent hikes in energy prices, specifically the high cost of diesel and increased electricity tariffs, the burden of multiple taxes, levies, and fees from various government agencies and inadequate infrastructure, such as bad roads, which complicate logistics and the movement of goods across the nation.
Despite this difficult business environment, Anegbe commended the distributors for their resilience and significant contributions to the company’s performance, noting that IDL still achieved growth. He also cautioned against unhealthy price-cutting practices that could threaten market stability and brand value.
IDL holds the annual award ceremony to honor top-performing distributors and reaffirm its commitment to its trade partners.
This year’s edition event also
featured product unveilings and awards to top-performing distributors who excelled during the 2024 business year.
Head of Marketing, Mobolaji Alalade, said the new products reflect the company’s drive to offer richer experiences and more variety to consumers.
“Great brands are not built in the distillery alone, but in the hands and hearts of those who share them with the world,” he stated.
He described the new introductions — Chelsea Orange and Chelsea Strawberry (both in 75cl bottles), and Ivory Cream Liqueur (available in 75cl and 20cl sizes) — as “luxury in a glass,” crafted to appeal to diverse consumer tastes and expand distributor opportunities in the market.
Speaking further, the head of marketing pointed out that the new products represented more than innovation, emphasising that they represented opportunity.
“Opportunity for you, our distributors, to expand your reach, attract new customers, and strengthen your market presence with offerings that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. As always, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside you, equipping you, and supporting you so that together, we can continue to delight consumers and drive sustainable growth,” he stated.
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi;President and Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, Chairman, Parallex Bank Limited, Dr. Adeola Philips; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun during the conferment of the Honorary Fellowship of CIBN on Dr. Adeola Philips at the 2025 CIBN Investiture Ceremony held in Lagos…recently
Sophos: 58% of Retailers Hit by Ransomware Pay the Ransom
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has released its fifth annual Sophos State of Ransomware in Retail report, a vendor-agnostic survey of IT and cybersecurity leaders across 16 countries.
This year’s report reveals
that nearly half (46 per cent) of retail ransomware incidents were traced to an unknown security gap, underscoring ongoing visibility challenges across the retail attack surface.
Among organisations that had data encrypted, 58 per cent paid the ransom to get their data back – the second highest payment rate in five
Glo Lottery Debuts, Offers Nigerians Chance to Win Millions
Globacom has introduced a new thrilling lottery service that combines entertainment with the chance to win lifechanging cash prizes.
Called Glo Play Up, the new service is a fun and easy way for subscribers to turn small predictions into million-naira wins.
Designed for those who enjoy the game of chance, the new lottery service allows Glo subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for an opportunity to win big.
To play, subscribers simply dial *400# on their Glo line or send their chosen number by SMS to 400. Each entry costs N100, and players can
choose to subscribe daily or play on demand, whenever they wish.
In a statement released recently in Lagos, Globacom explains that Glo Play Up is more than a game; it is a platform for Nigerians to experience joy and create new beginnings that could transform their stories. “We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians. People love to play, dream and hope for that one big win. Glo Play Up is our way of making that dream more accessible — simple to play, affordable, and truly rewarding,” the statement said.
Glovo Strengthens Customer Experience with LiveOps Hub
Glovo, a leading technology platform offering on demand services from restaurants, supermarkets and stores, has officially launched its LiveOps Hub in Abuja, marking a major step in strengthening customer support, operational efficiency, and talent development across Nigeria.
The new hub is designed to tackle key challenges within Nigeria’s fast-growing e-commerce ecosystem, including low digital trust, infrastructure volatility, and
the need for 24/7 real-time service.
According to the General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, Lamide Akinola, the Abuja LiveOps Hub demonstrates the company’s ongoing investment in innovation, reliability, and human capital development in Nigeria. Akinola explained that the new facility integrates advanced Artificial Intelligence technology with human intelligence to ensure seamless and secure service.
years.
Key findings from the report showed that 46 per cent of attacks began with an unknown security gap (top operational factor); 30 per cent of attacks exploited known vulnerabilities (top technical root cause, third year running);
58 per cent of victims with encrypted data paid; and 48 per cent of attacks resulted in encryption (five-year low)
According to the report, median ransom demand doubled to $2 million from 2024, and average payment increased five per cent to $1 million
Giving further details of the report findings, Sophos Director, Global Field CISO, Chester Wisniewski, said: “Retailers globally are facing a more complex threat landscape where adversaries are constantly on the lookout for and exploiting existing vulnerabilities, most frequently in remote access and internet facing networking equipment. Now, with ransom demands reaching new highs, the need to implement comprehensive security strategies is even more apparent.”
Digital Skills: FG Launches Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network
The federal government has launched Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network initiative, aimed at developing digital skills among Nigerian youth.
The initiative, which was launched in Lagos, is part of the World Economic Forum’s Reskilling Revolution in Nigeria, co-chaired by the
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Education, and coordinated by the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), marking Nigeria’s entry into the Global Accelerators Network. The platform aims to mobilise multi-stakeholder partnerships
to work collectively and reshape global talent development, empowering local talent to meet emerging economic realities.
Speaking at a panel session during the launch, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described
the launch as a decisive step towards building a globally competitive workforce that can power Nigeria’s next phase of industrialisation and innovation. She said the initiative would help to create the opportunity for more Nigerians to work on a global level from home.
ALTON, NLNG Partner ITREALMS on 2025 E-Waste Dialogue
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
In a major push for environmental sustainability, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) are set to collaborate with ITREALMS Media on
the 2025 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue.
The partnership addresses Nigeria’s escalating electronic waste (e-waste) challenge, which currently stands at an estimated 1.2 million tones annually.
The annual event is scheduled to hold November
20, 2025, at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos.
The dialogue’s urgent focus is captured in this year’s theme: ‘Nigeria: Recycle your e-waste – it’s critical’. According to the convener, Remmy Nweke, the dialogue is explicitly designed to transition the e-waste conversation from mere awareness to actionable national policy. It will convene a cross-section of key stakeholders—including Regulators, Industry Leaders, Recyclers, and Civil Society— to craft a unified national strategy for sustainable e-waste management.
VerveLife 8.0 Grand Finale Thrills Fitness
The VerveLife 8.0 grand finale came to a close at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together over 10,100 fitness enthusiasts, lifestyle lovers, and entertainment fans for a 2-part event packed
with electrifying workouts, inspiring masterclasses, and a myriad of experiences.
Speaking at the event, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group, Cherry
Eromosele, expressed her delight at the success of this year’s edition.
Enthusiasts
According to her, “VerveLife has officially evolved from a fitness event to a movement. It continues to unite people through energy, wellness, and community. Every year, we see stronger participation, deeper connections, and greater enthusiasm from attendees across Africa who share a passion for healthy living and self-improvement.”
Betano, The Next Titan Celebrate Season 10 Partnership
‘Betano The Next Titan has successfully concluded the celebration of Season 10 Partnership, with 24 yearold beauty entrepreneur, Pearl Ubani emerging as the winner. This was the show’s 10th edition, as it continued to foster and spotlight Nigeria’s
burgeoning entrepreneurial talent and innovative spirit.
Over the past decade, ‘The Next Titan Nigeria’ has evolved into a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to turn ideas into reality.
Betano Senior Business
Development Advisor for Africa, Daniel Lamberti, said: “We are excited to have partnered with The Next Titan Nigeria for its landmark 10th season. At Betano, we believe in innovation, perseverance, and passion, the very same values that drive The Next
Titan and its contestants. For us, this partnership goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a celebration of potential and a commitment to empowering people to achieve their best; to give them the courage to believe and invest in themselves”.
Stories by Emma Okonji
NIGERIA TALENT ACCELERATOR NETWORK…
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN), Mr. Boye Olusanya; Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samalia Zubairu; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Marufu Olatunji Alausa; National Coordinator National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Mrs. Teju Abisoye; and Director for Africa, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Chido Munyati, at the official Launch of the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network in Lagos…recently
AMP Partner Wema, Providus Bank to Provide Sustainable Power
Aemi Premium (AMP) has partnered with Wema Bank and Providus Bank to provide cleaner and more
sustainable power to homes and businesses in Nigeria, through a groundbreaking collaboration that blends innovative technology with accessible financing solutions.
PHED Targets 135,000 New Meters to Eliminate Postpaid Billing
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has announced plans to install over 135,000 meters across its franchise areas as part of efforts to deepen transparency, improve revenue collection, and strengthen customer trust. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHED, Mr Ete Pinnick, disclosed this during the PHED/NERC Customer Enlightenment and Complaint Resolution Meeting in Port Harcourt, themed “We Learn Together, We Grow Together.”
According to Pinnick, the initiative aligns with the
company’s drive for “cultural transformation” aimed at improving customer relations and promoting accountability in energy consumption. Our metering percentage today is about 60 percent. Right now, we have 85,000 meters we’re installing, and by the end of that programme, we should reach about 135,000,” Pinnick stated.
“We have the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Phase Two, with 16,000 meters allocated to our region, and the MAP programme running concurrently. If it were up to me, we would not have any postpaid customers,” he added.
CRC Credit Bureau Appoints Kareem Director
CRC Credit Bureau Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as its first Executive Director, a development that has since been confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Joel Owoade, commended the choice of Mrs. Kareem as ED of CRC, noting that the Board places great emphasis on corporate governance and that her elevation aligns with the company’s cherished succession planning policy. He stated that the appointment would strengthen the company’s management, and because it was made from within, it would boost the morale of both Mrs. Kareem and the entire staff. Describing the appointment as well-deserved, he expressed confidence that it
would further motivate her to continue performing her duties with excellence.
In the same vein, the Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. ‘Tunde Popoola, described the appointment as historic, being the first of its kind for the prestigious institution. According to him, Mrs. Kareem truly deserves her place on the Board, having been part of the company since its establishment in 2008 and contributing immensely to its enviable position as the industry leader and the largest single-unit private credit bureau in Africa. He emphasised that her appointment is a reward for hard work, diligence, and outstanding performance, reflecting CRC’s commitment to rewarding excellence and empowering capable talent from within.
Unveiled at the official launch of Aemi Premium, the collaboration aims to make AMP Solar products and home appliances available to Nigerian homes and businesses through a flexible payment scheme. The event attracted distributors, business owners, partners, and members of the media.
Speaking at the event,
the Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Williams emphasised that AMP envisions a cleaner and more sustainable Nigeria where people have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy through solar power solutions.
“Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era. One powered by innovation, sustainability, and
partnership, committed to driving access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy through solar power solutions.”
Speaking on the partnership, Relationship Manager at Providus Bank, Onetoritsebawo Adejumo said the aim is to ensure that homeowners and businesses are not denied the opportunity to enjoy AMP
products due to lack of finance.
“Providus Bank supports SMEs and businesses through low-financing schemes and other packages. So, this is one of the ways we power businesses to grow,” she said.
“I choose to work with brands that are authentic and true to their purpose, and AMP Solar embodies exactly that,” she said.
Oyetola Commends Dockworkers’Contributions to Nigeria’s Maritime Development
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has saluted the incredible work of dockworkers adding that their contribution is at the very core of Nigeria’s maritime economy.
He stated this while speaking at the 2025 Day of the Dockworker in Lagos hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Theme, ‘Safe Port, Safe Ship’, the event sought to bring the importance of safe working conditions and enhanced welfare of Nigerian dockworkers to the fore while also highlighting government Initiatives to improve safety standards.
Represented by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, he said, “Today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases. As
dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth.
Also speaking at the event, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as Agencies under his supervision especially NIMASA, for their commitment to dockworkers welfare.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, Director of Productivity, Measurement and Labour Standards in the Ministry urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of safe work environment and appropriate remuneration for dockworkers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
C & I leasing Credit Rating Upgraded to Bbb (Long term) and A2
C&I Leasing Plc, has received an upgrade in its credit ratings from leading pan-African credit rating agency, Agusto & Co., to “Bbb” (Long-Term) and “A2” (Short-Term), both with a Stable Outlook. This rating carries on to the end of H1 2026.
The upgrade reflects the recognition of C&I
Leasing’s strengthened business profile, improved funding diversification, and sustained leadership position in Nigeria’s leasing and marine logistics industry. The agency also noted the Company’s acceptable capitalization, low leverage, and experienced management team as key rating drivers.
This rating upgrade by Agusto & Co. Limited underscores our disciplined approach to financial management, our focus on operational excellence and our strategic diversification of earnings,” said Group Managing Director/CEO of C&I Leasing Plc, Mr Ugoji Lenin Ugoji,. “Despite a challenging operating environment, we remain committed to efficiency, superior customer service and innovation across our business units. We are confident that this improved rating will further support our ambitions to deliver sustained value to our clients and shareholders.”
UAC Champions Early Childhood Education Across Lagos
UAC of Nigeria Plc has successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its Annual Book Donation Drive, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to Early Childhood Education.
The initiative forms part of UAC’s Goal 2030 Social Commitment, which aims to empower young learners
through access to learning tools and welfare support. Through this program, the company continues to provide pupils in its local communities with essential educational materials, reward academic excellence, and promote overall student well-being.
Building on the success
of the 2024 edition, which impacted pupils from Anglican Girls Seminary School and Christ Church Cathedral Primary School on Lagos Island, the 2025 Book Donation Drive expanded its reach to pupils across both schools.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Lagos,
Chief Operating Officer, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Queenette Durosinmi-Etti, reaffirmed the company’s belief in education as a cornerstone for national development. She stated, “Early Childhood Education remains one of the most powerful tools for building a sustainable future.
Kayode Tokede
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
HealtH & lifestyle
Oladapo Ashiru: Infertility is Avoidable
In the past, when it comes to infertility, the blame is often shifted to women only even though fertility experts have acknowledged that male infertility is rampant. In a media chat with the Pioneer of the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology in Black Africa, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, who is one of the Trustees of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) and the Secretary General of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, he addressed reduction in fertility rate in Nigeria and declining male sperm which consequently may result to a surge in infertility. Stressing that infertility is avoidable, he also highlighted the challenges, some causes, and the preventive measures against infertility. Ayodeji Ake brings excerpts
As an expert with decades of experience, how can you charge the experts and the fertility-challenged persons?
The message for the experts is that Nigeria has come a long way in the field of reproductive healthcare in terms of caring for infertile couples. From when it was just one IVF clinic at the Lagos University Hospital, pioneered by Prof. Giwa Osagie and me, we now have about 200 in the country today. We are at the same level in a competitive way with the global standard. As a member of the global body. I know that our standard is very competitive. My recommendation to the practitioners in this field is that they need to keep the standard high and think of the ethics of the profession, and they have to improve their standard and make sure that they are caring for those who want to have babies, and they have to deal with them with a lot of empathy and goodness. Once those are put in place, our standard will remain in global competition. I like to tell my patients that what we are doing to them here is the same they would get in other parts of the world, and that’s where we are in Nigeria today. For the patients, it is important to know that when they discover the fertility problem, they need to read about it. They shouldn’t just take what their doctor told them about; they should also endeavour to go on the internet to read and digest it. Most of this information is on the internet. They should read ahead of their appointment so that they can be
well-informed. When they come to me, because they have read and are very informed, they throw questions at me while providing clarity to their questions.
There is a rise in the infertility rate. What are drivers? It is true. There is a decline in the fertility rate. Some of the countries of the world have reached a level in their development that replacing their population will be very difficult. In Africa, we always believe we have a high fertility rate and population, but we are also approaching a process where there would be a problem if we take caution now. We have done some publications where we have found out that the male sperm is declining in Nigeria. When we have a decline in male sperm, consequently,
there would be a problem of infertility, and usually, we blame the female. But it’s more now, 50 per cet in males as well. Some of the causes include infection (sexually transmitted disease), and the number two that is now becoming prominent is environmental toxins. Things that we eat that have heavy metals in them, things we put on our bodies, and things we inhale. For example, a man who works in the paint industry may have issues with infertility if he doesn’t protect himself. A woman who drives barefoot all the time for years without putting on slippers may absorb some heavy metals and will have problems with fertility. Both sexes need to be careful in these areas. Things that we put on our bodies, we have to check them. For those in the oil-producing areas, the oil poses are very toxic.
As the pioneer of IVF technology in black Africa, what are the challenges despite the advancement?
One of the biggest challenges we have in this country is the cost of production. We don’t manufacture any of the products – drugs and equipment. We have to import them into the country. The only way the government can help is to remove tax on fertility products because of the global decline. We ask that the country help in the productive process, and we should encourage the pharmaceutical industries to locally produce the drugs, so that they can be more affordable. Currently, those who want to have babies through IVF need a bundle of money. Global IVF cost
is about $5,000, but it’s cheaper in Egypt or South Africa, for about $3,000 to $4,000, because they are producing those things in their country. So, when we calculate in naira, it’s expensive, and it’s because we have been trying to manage it. With all the inflation, it’s getting difficult.
There are still misconceptions about IVF. How can you address them?
In IVF, there is no doubt. IVF is real, and it’s permitted by the Almighty. Because if it’s not permitted, I can’t do it. He is the one who provides the knowledge to do everything.
What are the preventive measures? Infertility is avoidable. Don’t have an infection, do a lot of health hygiene about your reproductive system, keeping your sexual organs clean. Take care of your underwear regularly. Make sure that you don’t expose yourself to environmental toxins as aforementioned. If you want to use insecticide in your room, when the room has been sprayed or fumigated, you should stay away for about four to five hours before returning to the room. Pesticides should be avoided. If you are in an area where pesticides are being used, use a mask. Taking artificial sweeteners damages the sperm. Smoking and many other things are not healthy. Flushing of the toilet is a danger. When you want to flush the toilet, some developed countries ensure that the toilet is closed before flushing because the fumes that come out are toxic and can contain small bacteria that can cause infertility.
Nutrition Expert Advocates the Importance of Calcium for Child Bone Health, Family
WWhile exploring why calcium is so crucial for healthy child development and how to ensure he or she has the needed calcium to conquer the world of disease, she described calcium as the Mighty Mineral for Mighty Bones.
According to Ogunmiluyi, while speaking with journalists recently in Lagos, “Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and around 99 percent of it is stored in our bones and
Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group, is set to reach a significant milestone as it prepares to increase the number of beneficiaries through its flagship Corporate Social Investment initiative, Together4ALimb.
Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has
teeth. During childhood and adolescence, this mineral plays a vital role in building strong, dense bones that can support your child’s growth and activity. “Calcium acts like tiny bricks, helping to build strong, dense bones that can withstand everyday movement and activity. As your child grows, their body uses calcium to create new bone tissue and keep existing bones healthy.
“Throughout life, our bones are constantly undergoing a process called
transformed the lives of children across Nigeria by providing prosthetic limbs and educational support to underserved children aged 0 to 18 years, who are living with limb loss due to various circumstances, including accidents, medical conditions, and congenital disabilities. This year, 64 new
remodeling. Calcium is essential for this process, ensuring that old bone tissue is replaced with new, stronger bone.
“Strong bones supported by calcium provide proper posture and prevent skeletal problems like hunching or curvature of the spine. Strong bones also support your child’s balance and coordination.”
The Chief Dietitian Nutritionist disclosed that Calcium Crunch is the consequence of deficiency
beneficiaries will join the programme, bringing the total number of children supported to 200. Each beneficiary will receive a custom-fitted prosthetic limb and an education trust valued at N1.5 million to support their schooling and facilitate their academic aspirations.
in the body.
She further added that not getting sufficient calcium can lead to several problems that can impact a child’s health and well-being.
“To prevent calcium deficiency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an annual intake of 210 liters of milk per person, but Nigeria’s average consumption falls far below the global standard to only 8.7 litres per person per year.
“Consequently, inadequate
Stanbic IBTC invites customers and members of the public to show their support by downloading the Steps by Stanbic IBTC App on the Google Play Store or iOS App Store and walking in solidarity with the children. Through virtual participation, supporters can join the movement from
consumption of quality diet predisposes children to weaker bones. Without enough calcium, bones become less dense and more prone to fractures and breaks. This can be particularly concerning during childhood when falls and bumps are common.
Rickets: This is a condition that causes soft, weak bones in children due to calcium deficiency.
Symptoms include bone deformities, delayed
anywhere in the world; and each step taken will help amplify the awareness about living with limb loss and the need for inclusion.
Together4ALimb continues to remain a powerful symbol of compassion, inclusion, and solidarity. The annual walk, scheduled for 15 November 2025, will
growth, and muscle weakness. Stunted Growth: Calcium is also essential for proper growth and development. Deficiency can lead to stunted growth and a delay in reaching milestones,” she said.
In her recent journal where she described Calcium Champions as an act of building strong bones through diet, the nutrition expert said one can help his or her child get the calcium they need through a healthy diet!
bring together Stanbic IBTC staff, beneficiaries and their guardians, as well as key stakeholders who will walk in Victoria Island. The event serves to raise awareness about limb loss and celebrate the resilience of children whose stories continue to inspire communities across Nigeria.
Prof Ashiru
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Fisheries, Blue Economy Growth
Esther Oluku
The federal government has restated its commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries development as part of efforts to promote blue economy growth and encourage economic diversification within the African subregion.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola stated this at Advisory Committee and Consulting (ACC) Session of the 16th Conference of Ministers of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) which began in Lagos on Tuesday.
Oyetola who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, stated that Nigeria remains fully committed to the objectives of the FCWC for the promotion of sustainable fisheries,
effective governance and the economic empowerment of coastal communities.
Expressing Nigeria’s commitment towards development of the sector, the Minister said: “We encourage regional coordination, sharing of best practices, building competencies to support systems that guarantee that the issues of fisheries are tackled promptly and rightly. There is opportunity for us to take stock of current activities and actions in the subregion and lay steps forward in line with regional standards that have been set to forestall the negative effects of climate change.
“Nigeria has enacted the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and what is most important to us is the opportunity to use fisheries and aquaculture to significantly diversify the economy. We are also focused on ensuring that whatever we do us is sustainable.”
He emphasised that all efforts in the areas of value chain development and biodiversity must continue to focus on improving the livelihoods of the people, stressing that this must not be compromised.
Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert, Dr. Amadou Tall, while moderating the plenary, urged member states to improve their financial contributions to sustain regional fisheries and aquaculture programmes.
The European Fisheries Control Agency reaffirmed its partnership with FCWC through the West African Sustainable Oceans Programme (WASOP), which promotes joint patrols, training, and the implementation of the EU-IUU regulations.
Food and Agriculture Organisation and CPCO also pledged continued technical assistance under the WASOP project.
NLS, PH Club Host Conversation on Peterside’s New Books
The two new books by renowned management turnaround expert, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, continue to draw attention and praise from diverse sectors, most recently from the literary community.
The Book Section of the Port Harcourt Club, in collaboration with the Nigerian Literary Society (NLS), will host a reading, discussion, and book signing event with Dr. Dakuku Peterside on December 7, 2025, at the Port Harcourt Club.
The books, Beneath The Surface and Leading In The Storm, will be the focus of conversations moderated by Alekiri Maureen AmadiEjimofor and Awolanye Banigo, respectively.
A statement signed by Dr. David Chukwueke, Curator of the Nigerian Literary Society, and Chief Henry Okoli, Captain of the Book Section, Port Harcourt Club, highlighted that the event offers a unique opportunity to explore the motivations behind the books. It will also allow participants to appreciate the critical skills of crisis leadership in today’s complex and uncertain environment.
Since their debut at well-attended launches in Abuja and Lagos, the books have received accolades from international scholars—including professors from Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of
Management—as well as from governors, diplomats, business leaders, and academics. This widespread recognition underscores Peterside’s significant influence as a thought leader in leadership, management, and governance.
Following his tenure as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Peterside has expanded his global reach. He delivers keynote addresses internationally and serves as a fellow at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, within the Centre of Pan-African Studies.
Ecobank, Yaba Museum to Sponsor Indigent Students via Art Adoption
Ebere Nwoji
Organisers of the 2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards tagged, “Recharged Edition”, has announced winners at the event recently held in Lagos,with NEM Insurance Plc emerging winner of the General Insurance Company of the Award.
AXA Mansard clinched Life Insurance Company of the year
Award while Casava Micro Insurance emerged winner of Micro Insurance category. SCIB Nig & Co, won Insurance Broking Company of the year.
The most Coveted Award of the Nite, Insurance CEO of the Year went to Mr.Kunle Ahmed, MD/CEO, Axa Mansard Insurance Plc. Ahmed who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has brought a lot of dynamism to Axa
Mansard Insurance Plc.
The keenly contested Awards this year recorded over 17000 votes from stakeholders within and outside the insurance industry.
Some of the criteria used to judge winners this year were financial strength of companies in terms of assets and shareholders fund, gross premium income, claims payment/speed, corporate social responsibility among others for the companies.
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).
Stock Market Rebounds by N2.59trn on Gains in MTN, 64 Others
Kayode Tokede
The Nigerian stock market rebounded strongly yesterday, driven by bargain-hunting in blue-chip stocks, with the market capitalisation rose by N2.59 trillion reflecting renewed buying momentum in MTN
Nigeria Communications, among others. .
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) gained 4,076.53 basis points or 2.88 per cent to close at 145,403.83 basis points. Also, market capitalisation rose by N2.59 billion to close at N 92.478 trillion.
The upturn was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; Aradel Holdings, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), NASCON Allied Industries, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Guaranty
Trust Holding Company (GTCO).
The positive equities’ performance comes after the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun reassured stockbrokers and the investing community that the outcomes of
the engagement on the capital gains tax would be in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Also, this pattern suggested heightened institutional activity through large block transactions, signaling strategic positioning as investors capitalize on attractive entry points
following previous day’s sharp correction.
On market outlook, Afrinvest Limited said, “we expect the bourse to sustain its positive close to trading activities as investors hunt for fundamentally solid stocks amidst the policy pause on controversial capital gain tax.”
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 11 November 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
Taikun Mindset: Tribute to Alhaji KK as a Relentless Visionary at 57
Ayoola Ajanaku
Amongst a rare breed of African business leaders who have fused intellect, instinct, and integrity into a single frame of enterprise. One name stands tall, and his story is not merely one of financial success. It is an unfolding chronicle of purpose, discipline, and vision that continues to shape industries and inspire generations. At fifty-seven, Kola Karim’s journey embodies what may rightly be called the Taikun mindset. A way of thinking and living that fuses bold ambition with strategic restraint, wealth creation with social responsibility, and legacy with humility.
The word “Taikun,” from which “tycoon” is derived, denotes not just affluence, but dominion: the capacity to influence and build sustainably. Few Nigerians personify that spirit like Kola Karim. As Chairman, Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL) and CEO, Shoreline Group, he has led one of Africa’s most diversified indigenous conglomerates, with interests spanning energy, power, engineering, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Shoreline’s operations cut across multiple sub-Saharan Africa economies, providing both industrial solutions and employment at scale. In addition, beyond the numbers lies a deeper narrative via a mindset sculpted by patience and perspective. Karim is not driven by flash or applause; he is deliberate, strategic, and methodical. His success stems from long-range thinking and the courage to act where others hesitate.
While many in the oil and gas sector pursue short-term extraction gains, Karim’s strategy has been one of integration and sustainability. Through Shoreline, he has built value chains that extend from energy production to industrial transformation, power generation, and logistics infrastructure. His philosophy is simple: Africa must not remain a supplier of raw resources but become a manufacturer of value. His investments reflect a consistent pattern of exploring spaces where impact and innovation intersect.
Karim’s leadership style underscores his belief that the private sector must help fill gaps where government capacity falters. For him, business must not only yield profit, but catalyse national productivity. Under his stewardship, Shoreline has become a platform for broader economic empowerment, offering both enterprise andKolaopportunity. Karim’s leadership finds its deepest expression in his personal values. A man of discipline and discretion, he draws from both modern enterprise and traditional heritage to shape his worldview. As the Agbaoye of Ibadanland - An age-old honorary title with keen affinity and passion for Ibadan, he carries the dignity of Yoruba nobility with modern intellect. His recent donation of a Rolls-Royce Phantom to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadan - HRH Kabiyesi Rashidi Ladoja, was widely discussed, not as extravagance, but as a symbol of continuity and reverence for culture.
For Karim, wealth divorced from heritage is hollow; leadership detached from humility is brittle. His ability to navigate global business while staying rooted in culture marks him as a man equally at ease in boardrooms and palaces. In his TEDx Talk on “Pushing Entrepreneurial Boundaries,”
he spoke about the necessity of self-belief, resilience, and ethical ambition. His message was clear: greatness is not stumbled upon; it is built deliberately, one disciplined day at a time.
To describe Karim as relentless is not hyperbole; it is acknowledgment. His ventures have endured market turbulence, regulatory uncertainty, and the unpredictability of Nigeria’s business environment, yet he continues to expand his frontiers with calm precision. Named a World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leader in 2008, Karim earned recognition not only for enterprise but for foresight. He has consistently argued that Africa’s transformation must be home-grown, built on indigenous expertise and technological transfer. Earlier, he sat on the advisory board of the foremost bourse, the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Lest one forgets, he was also on the Dean’s Council of Harvard Kennedy School and Grange School. Today, as the continent grapples with economic transition and the global shift toward renewables, his strategic foresight positions Shoreline as a player in the next phase of Africa’s energy evolution. Karim’s approach to leadership extends to mentorship. He believes true success is measured not by accumulation but by replication, by how many new leaders and innovators one’s journey inspires. For him, wealth is not an end but a tool for continuity. Operating in Nigeria’s volatile business terrain is not for the faint-hearted. Policy inconsistencies, infrastructural deficits, and financial bottlenecks have derailed many enterprises. Yet Karim’s ability to sustain a multi-sectoral enterprise like Shoreline
underscores his adaptive intelligence and managerial depth. Armed with a BA degree in Business Management and an LLM Master of Laws degree with a focus on Environmental Law, that’s served him well in the business ecosystem. Take a cursory look at his role as Advisory Board Chairman, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria), where he provides strategic guidance and oversight to BAT Nigeria, leveraging his extensive leadership experience and industry knowledge to support the company’s continued success in the dynamic and evolving market.
He belongs to a select class of Nigerian industrialists who have resisted the lure of easy gains in favour of institutional durability. His ventures prioritise competence, process, and people over personality. Karim’s belief in African capacity drives his insistence on building local expertise. By reducing dependence on expatriate management and prioritising homegrown talent, he reinforces the idea that Africa’s development must be driven by Africans themselves. This quiet economic nationalism sets him apart. He represents a generation of entrepreneurs who not only participate in global capitalism but seek to redefine it on terms rooted in African resilience, creativity, and self-determination.
At 57, Karim’s story is still in motion. If the past three decades have been about building, the coming ones are about deepening. His footprint across industry, culture, and philanthropy continues to widen. He is poised to play an even greater role in shaping Africa’s energy transition and sustainability agenda via business entities such as Mota Engil, SNRL, where he calls the shots. His actions are part of collective
efforts ensuring that the continent is not left behind in the global race toward cleaner, smarter power. He sits well on the recently inaugurated Olubadan Investment Council with other eminent indigenes therein. But perhaps his most enduring legacy will lie in institutional imagination - His rare capacity to connect dots where others see divides, and to merge the old with the new, the local with the global, the traditional with the transformational. From Ibadan to London, from oilfields to boardrooms such as A.G. Leventis (Nigeria) Limited, Schlumberger Testing and Production Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Business Council, Kola Karim’s life radiates a powerful message: that leadership is not about dominance, but about direction; not about accumulation, but about creation. Age for visionaries is not a countdown, but a calibration point. At 57, Kola Karim stands at the intersection of wisdom and vitality, embodying the grace of a man who has mastered both ambition and balance.
In a nutshell, the Taikun mindset he represents is a philosophy of responsible dominion laden with the power to lead, to build, and to uplift without arrogance. Alhaji KK’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges. Yet, his irrepressible spirit has always seen him push through. Whether it’s economic downturns, regulatory hurdles, or global competition, Karim has demonstrated an uncanny ability to not just survive, but to thrive. His story is a powerful example of the strength and perseverance needed to succeed in Africa’s complex business landscape. Agbaoye Kola Karim was recently honoured with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) by Crescent University, Abeokuta, in recognition of his accomplishments in business across the globe. As well as his charitable contributions to the education of the less privileged.
The first interface between this author with the polo-loving buff was onboard a Bellview Airlines flight from Abuja to Lagos in 2003 alongside his longtime associate, Philip Wharton. His lucid submissions via impeccable King’s English diction on business and economy left one spellbound with his dexterity on the touch points of business development and transformation. In a world obsessed with noise, he remains a quiet force with recurring characteristics that true power is measured not in volume, but in value. Alhaji KK’s love for polo and horses is second to none, having played with great and the good from England, Argentina, and the Middle East -He’s also a member of the Guards Polo Club in England. His advocacy for philanthropic initiatives and charity led to seeding the Karim Family Foundation project HALO, which supports and sponsors education development and students.
As Nigeria and Africa seek a new renaissance of industrial and ethical leadership, the story of Alhaji KK is both template and testament. A reminder that the continent’s future will not be defined by those who shout the loudest, but by those who build the longest. As he clocks 57 on November 24, 2025, KK is not done. He is, instead, just beginning another cycle of purpose and proof that, in the Taikun Mindset, vision has no retirement age.
•Ayoola Ajanaku is a Communications and Advocacy Specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria…
Kola Karim
Pers P ective
Enugu’s Fiscal Revolution: Why BudgIT Ranked Mbah’s State Most Likely To Survive Without FAAC
Through strategic revenue reforms, disciplined spending, and a historic $39.8 million debt reduction, Governor Peter Mbah has positioned Enugu as Nigeria’s most fiscally resilient state — capable of thriving without monthly federal allocations, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
Through strategic revenue reforms, disciplined spending, and a historic $39.8 million debt reduction, Governor Peter Mbah has positioned Enugu as Nigeria’s most fiscally resilient state — capable of thriving without monthly federal allocations, writes Nseobong OkonEkong
In an unprecedented recognition of fiscal prudence and innovation in governance, civic-tech group BudgIT has adjudged Enugu State, under Governor Peter Mbah, as the most likely Nigerian state to survive without monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The report, contained in BudgIT’s 2025 State of States publication, placed Enugu ahead of all other sub-national governments in the country for its strong internally generated revenue (IGR), prudent expenditure management, and an impressive record in debt reduction.
According to data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) and analysed by StatisSense, Enugu State leads the 17 newly elected governors’ states in cutting down foreign debt — trimming it by a remarkable $39.8 million within one year.
This feat stands out at a time when many states are still increasing their external borrowing to finance recurrent expenditures. Mbah’s approach has been to curb unnecessary loans, strengthen fiscal transparency, and redirect savings into productive areas of the economy.
Reducing external debt eases repayment pressure, lowers long-term servicing costs, and boosts investor confidence — sending a strong signal that Enugu is committed to fiscal sustainability and not trapped in dependency.
IGR Growth: A Model of Internal Revenue Reform
BudgIT attributes Enugu’s ranking largely to its exceptional growth in internally generated revenue (IGR). When Mbah took office in May 2023, Enugu’s IGR stood at about N30 billion. By the end of 2023, it had risen to N37 billion, and by 2024, the figure had soared to N180 billion.
This leap was driven by comprehensive tax and revenue reforms. The Mbah administration introduced digital payment systems to plug leakages, expanded the tax net, and strengthened compliance across sectors.
BudgIT’s Index A — measuring a state’s ability to meet recurrent expenditure from IGR — placed Enugu’s score at 0.68, meaning the state can now fund 68 percent of its operations from its internal earnings alone.
That figure is far above the national average, where most states cover only 30–40 percent of their costs without FAAC inflows.
Smart Spending and Economic Vision
Governor Mbah’s fiscal revolution goes beyond revenue collection. His administration has demonstrated expenditure discipline, prioritising capital projects and infrastructure investment over routine administrative costs.
Enugu’s 2024 and 2025 budgets reflect a strategic shift toward productive spending, especially in energy, transportation, agriculture, andAttechnology. the heart of this transformation is Mbah’s long-term vision to expand Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, anchored on private sector participation, innovation, and transparent governance. This strategic reorientation is positioning Enugu as an emerging investment hub and a model of subnational economic transformation.
A New Model for Fiscal Autonomy
BudgIT’s verdict is more than symbolic. It sends a powerful message to investors and development partners that Enugu is fiscally stable, well-managed, and capable of withstanding financial shocks — even if federal allocations were to dwindle.
With this trajectory, Enugu can continue paying salaries, funding infrastructure, and executing key projects without waiting for monthly FAAC bailouts. It offers a replicable model for other states, proving that transparency, innovation, and discipline can build a strong, independent economy.
Context and Challenges
While Enugu’s progress is remarkable, full fiscal independence remains a work in progress. Covering 68 percent of recurrent expenses from IGR is an impressive start, but there is still ground to cover.
Sustaining these gains will require institutionalising reforms and shielding
them from future policy reversals. Economic shocks such as inflation or exchange rate fluctuations could also affect the fiscal balance.
Nevertheless, the Mbah administration has laid a durable foundation for longterm stability and self-reliance — a bold departure from the culture of dependency that has long plagued Nigeria’s states. In a federation where most states survive on monthly federal allocations, Enugu under Governor Peter Mbah has become a shining example of fiscal independence and innovation.
By cutting external debt by $39.8 million, boosting IGR to N180 billion, and enforcing a regime of disciplined spending, Mbah has proven that a Nigerian state can indeed chart its own economic destiny.
BudgIT’s ranking is not merely an accolade — it is an endorsement of visionary leadership and a wake-up call to other governors: sustainable prosperity is possible when governance is anchored on data, discipline, and strategic planning.
Governor Peter Mbah
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
A Case for Building a Thriving Sports Betting Community on Nigerian Football Teams
Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that sports betting operators like Bet9ja that owns Remo Stars and Betking that supports a budding Lagos-based football club can end the current dependence on foreign leagues
Football in Nigeria is more than a sport—it is a national passion.
From the streets of Lagos to the stadiums of Kano, Nigerians live and breathe football, celebrating victories and lamenting defeats with equal fervor. Yet, despite the talent and enthusiasm, Nigerian football continues to grapple with underfunding, poor infrastructure, and limited professional opportunities. One emerging avenue with the potential to support the growth of the sport is the development of a structured sports betting community around Nigerian football teams.
The Potential of Sports Betting for Football Development
Sports betting, when properly regulated, offers more than entertainment; it has the potential to generate significant revenue for football clubs, leagues, and players. Countries like the United Kingdom and Spain have shown how betting partnerships with local clubs can fund youth development programmes, stadium maintenance, and community outreach initiatives.
In Nigeria, building a thriving betting community around local football teams can create multiple benefits:
Revenue Generation for Clubs
By collaborating with licensed sports
betting companies, clubs can earn sponsorship deals, share in betting revenues, and receive incentives for player performance. This additional funding can support salaries, training facilities, and grassroots football programs.
Enhanced Fan Engagement
Betting creates an interactive dimension to football fandom. Fans who wager responsibly on their favorite teams become more invested in match outcomes, player
performance, and league standings. This heightened engagement can increase attendance at games, merchandise sales, and social media following.
Improved Performance Incentives
Linking betting rewards to team performance could incentivize clubs to focus on winning and improving standards. Players and management may take performance more seriously when there is a direct and transparent financial link to outcomes.
How Hardware Makers Can Power Nigeria’s Gaming Future
Nigeria’s game developers are pushing through challenges that go far beyond creativity.
From access to hardware to the absence of real industry support, the sector needs more than enthusiasm to survive, writes Iyke Bede
For years, Nigeria’s game development scene has been described with one word: potential. There’s no shortage of talent or ambition. Developers are learning on the fly, experimenting, and building games from scratch with almost no support. What remains obvious is that potential cannot build a sustainable gaming ecosystem, especially one that wants to compete on a continental and global level.
Across the country, most indie studios are bootstrapped. They work from small co-working spaces or home setups, often relying on outdated systems. Even when they manage to get access to better equipment, after-sales support is a gamble. Do they risk getting a premium PC setup with almost zero warranty? Hardware fails, warranties rarely apply, and importing replacements is slow and costly.
For a sector that depends heavily on high-performance hardware, the technical dearth becomes a barrier to their creativity, and sometimes the sole factor that breaks their spirits and halts their dreams in their tracks. Progress turns tedious.
That is where companies that understand
the ecosystem come in, not to dump products or chase quick sales, but to build structures that let creators grow. In a brief chat with MSI’s Country Manager for West Africa, Innocent Okorie, at the recently concluded Gamathon conference
hosted by Africacomicade, he highlighted the need to bridge the gap between game developers and access to hardware, thereby accelerating progress.
He said, “We are actively in discussions with maybe 90 per cent of the game development studios and gaming communities in Nigeria.”
When MSI began its operations in Nigeria last year, it approached the market differently. Rather than flooding stores with machines, it opened an experience centre where customers, creators, and gamers can test, learn, and understand how each component works. The company also put local after-sales support at the centre of its strategy, a response to years of frustration developers have faced with warranty claims and repairs.
Following this model, Okorie revealed that gears have been set in motion to open a training centre exclusively for game developers. This will help lower the entry level to learning and building, providing a level playing field for all, regardless of economic disparities.
Data-Driven Growth
Sports betting platforms rely on data analysis, which can help clubs and leagues track performance metrics, fan preferences, and player statistics. These insights can inform coaching strategies, talent scouting, and marketing campaigns.
Betting Operators Investing in Local Football
A notable development is that some sports betting operators have begun owning local clubs. For instance, Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s largest sports betting brands, owns Remo Stars Football Club. A brand like Betking already supports budding football clubs and has help to build playing pitches in strategic areas where talents abound.
This development is a double-edged sword for the venture:
The Good: Ownership of local clubs demonstrates a commitment to domestic football. It can provide financial stability for clubs, enable better facilities, and allow operators to innovate in fan engagement strategies directly tied to Nigerian teams. It also signals the beginning of a shift from betting being entirely anchored on foreign leagues.
The Caution: Concentrating influence in a few betting operators could skew fairness or raise concerns about conflicts of interest. Oversight is crucial to ensure that the integrity of the leagues and betting markets is not compromised.
Remo s tars Gossy
Barau, Senate LeaderShip, receive JarigBe to apc...
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau and his APC colleagues in the Senate, welcome Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North), who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during Senate plenary on Tuesday
FG to Provide N150bn for Vaccines, Immunisation
As Senate begins overhaul of primary health system, re-enacts NPHCDA law for universal healthcare access
onyebuchi ezigbo and Sunday aborisade in Abuja
Pate: Health sector reforms achieved 84% progress mark Senate bill targets decentralisation, digital integration, community-led service delivery ment is seeking to mobilize N150 billion to cover cost of vaccine procurement for the 2025-2026 immunization drive.
The federal government has said that it will mobilize close to N150 billion to fund procurement of vaccines for immunization in 2025 and 2026.
The move to fund vaccine procurement trails the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare self-pass-mark which noted its reforms implementation strategy code-named Sector
Wide Approach has achieved 84 percent success rate as at the third quarter of 2025.
Also, the Minister of Budget and National Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu urged states to vote more resources for the improvement of health sector.
The Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy, Mr. Wale Edun who spoke on Wednesday at the commencement of the Joint Annual Review of the
Health Sector in Nigeria holding in Abuja said there has been some measure of improvement in the country’s health sector.
In a related hector sector development, the Senate on Wednesday took a major legislative step toward transforming Nigeria’s primary healthcare system with the consideration of a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Act.
The proposed legislation which is the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 900), was sponsored by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
It aimed to modernise the nation’s primary healthcare delivery framework to ensure equitable, accessible, and efficient services across all communities.
According to the Coordinat-
ing Minister of Finance and Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the administration in the health sector is currently marked by excellence in project develop- ment across the whole sector.
Edun said significant improvement in health sector funding has been achieved at the federal level with about 60 percent increment in allocation to the health sector recorded in the 2025
The minister said that govern-
House to Probe Customs over Alleged Revenue Leakage
The House of Representatives on Wednesday announced plans to investigate the loss of billions of naira in government revenue and the diversion of containers meant for bonded terminals and warehouses at the nation’s ports.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Hassan Hussain, who expressed deep concern over the improper assessment of excise duties, overdue temporary
importation, and unremitted customs duties and levies collected by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service.
During his lead debate, Hon. Hussain explained that bonded terminals and fast-track warehouses were established to decongest the ports, facilitate trade, improve efficiency, and boost federal revenue.
He condemned the ongoing illegal activities of some bonded terminals and warehouses across the country, describing their operations as harmful to the
economy and a growing threat to national security.
He noted the House is worried about containers meant to be transferred from main ports under the supervision of the Nigeria Customs Service and covered by bonds being diverted before reaching their destinations.
He warned the contents of such containers remain unknown and may include dangerous items such as tra- madol or arms and ammunition, posing serious security risks.
NAPTIP Launches Reforms to
Promote Safe, Orderly Migration
Michael olugbode in Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched reforms to strengthen its human resource framework and enhance safe and orderly migration in the country.
The initiative which is part of broader efforts to
modernize the agency and align it with national public service standards, was showcased during a workshop on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) continues to strengthen its institutional systems in pursuit of its mandate to prevent human
trafficking, protect victims, and promote safe and orderly migration in Nigeria.
As the agency continues to expand in scope, complexity, and geographical coverage, there is a pressing need to modernize its human resource (HR) framework to match evolving operational realities and aligns with national public service standards.
Hussain further observed that although the federal government grants new factories and industries a three-year tax or excise duty holiday to encourage growth, some companies exploit this privilege by continually evading duty payments.
He added that in many cases, excise duty collection is still done manually, leading
to errors in assessment and under-collection.
The House also identified another major source of revenue loss through the Temporary Importation Scheme, which allows investors to bring in vessels, aircraft, and heavy equipment duty-free for a limited period if they secure a cash-backed bond.
In addition, the minister said the administration is determined to close gap between appropriation and budgetary releases to ensure the desired goals are achieved Edun further said: “The health sector budget has increased by nearly 60 percent and funds from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund has more than doubled from N131.5 billion in 2024 to N298 billion in 2025”.
He added that, “Federal government is currently seeking to raise funds close to N150 billion to cover vaccine procurement for 2025 and 2026”.
The minister said with the shrinking in foreign donor funds assistance, there is need for Nigeria to fully exploit domestic resources to support key development sectors. continues online
Alake: Mining Marshals Capacity Boosted to Crush Illegal Mining
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has assured Nigerians that on-going plans to boost the capacity of the Mining Marshals will further rid the country of illegal miners.
Addressing participants of Course 34 of the Nigerian Defence College, Abuja, on the assessment of solid minerals value chain and the impact on economic growth, Alake said the Mining Marshals have lived up to the mandate to provide
an enforcement agency for the sector.
He said scaling up the logistical strength in terms of vehicles, equipment and weaponry will power the expansion of the agency’s operations to the 774 local governments and improve the security of mines and miners.
Among its achievements, according to Alake, are the reclamation of 90 sites from bandits and illegal miners, prosecution of over 300 suspects and monitoring of 450 sites threatened by illegal mining.
Responding to concerns over inter-agency rivalry with the Mining Marshals, Alake appreciated other military and security agencies such as the Nigerian Army and Police for the smooth collaboration that has enabled the Mining Marshals to excel.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, Alake took the participants through the value chain of the solid minerals sector, including licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing and sales.
Folalumi alaran In Abuja
Juliet akoje in Abuja
Mbah Gets FilM Festival excellence award...
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah (right) is presented with the Africa
Foundation for the Development of Motion Pictures, Arts and Culture, AFDMAC,
Obasanjo: Makinde Making Ibadan Liveable
Inaugurates mega bus terminal Gov says circular road will become state’s economic backbone
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for making Ibadan, the state capital, liveable by executing projects aimed at easing transportation problems and making life more meaningful for residents. Obasanjo stated this in Ibadan yesterday, at the commissioning of Ibadan Central Bus Terminal, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The terminal has two mega bus stations constructed with waiting halls, ticket spaces, eateries, public conveniences, open vehicular parking space, electrical power generating house, water reservoir, elevators and escalators, among other facilities.
In his speech, Obasanjo praised Makinde for doing well for the people of Ibadan and Oyo State by building people-centred projects, including the bus terminals.
He said the bus terminal would ease transportation problems within Ibadan, the third largest city in Nigeria by
population, and the largest in terms of land area.
The former president stated that the construction of the terminals in Ojoo, Challenge, and the two in Iwo Road would make movement easier for residents.
Obasanjo said Makinde’s developmental projects in Ibadan were beneficial to the rest of the South-west.
He stated that the metropolis was not only the capital of Oyo State, but also the capital of the defunct Western Region, the Old Western State, and, by extension, Yorubaland.
Obasanjo stated, “Governor Makinde, you have done so well. You are making Ibadan liveable and you have been trying to make everyone living in Ibadan and the state comfortable.
“Ibadan, in population, is the third largest city in Nigeria, but in land area, it is the largest. So, to move from point A to B in Ibadan is longer than moving from point A to B in the other two cities said to be larger than Ibadan in population. These are Lagos and Kano.
“And, if you are going to make it convenient for people to live in Ibadan, to trade in Ibadan, there must be availability of transportation and that is what these bus terminals are meant for. The two here and the two in Challenge and Ojoo are meant for that.
“You invited me three days ago to this event; I didn’t hesitate. I came here because you are an
Omoluabi. Before anyone can invite me to an event three days to the time, he must be someone I hold in high esteem.
“For you, if you call me a day to the event, I will come. You resemble me in a lot of ways. When people tell me Makinde is doing this infrastructure and all that, I always tell them why won’t he do it?”
Obasanjo said of the governor,
“He is an engineer. A professional engineer, who knows how to fix things. But you have added another feather to the cap, you are now also into political engineering.”
The former president, however, counselled the governor to remain focused and undeterred by those attacking and insulting him over some of the ongoing development efforts.
He said, “Those abusing you today would praise you tomorrow. I was also abused, too, and they have come back today to praise me. That is how it is.”
Earlier, Makinde, who responded to the ongoing protests over the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road, stated that he would engage with legitimate property owners affected by the project.
Tinubu Sets Up Special Committee on MOWAA to Safeguard Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage
Folalumi alaran In Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted a high-level Presidential Committee to address emerging issues surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Edo State, and to develop a lasting framework for protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The directive, issued by the President on Tuesday, follows recent developments at the MOWAA and reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural patrimony through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to constitutional provisions.
A statement signed by Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and
Industrialisation: Oborevwori Poised to Take Delta to Next Level, Says Okowa
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is evidently ready to take Delta State to a new level of industrialisation, his immediate past predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has stated.
Creative Economy, Chindaya Ahmadu, noted the committee is chaired by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and includes key representatives from both national and international institutions.
South; and representatives of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), alongside the ministry’s Legal Adviser.
The committee has been mandated to conduct extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, undertake factfinding on all issues related to MOWAA, and formulate actionable recommendations that balance Nigeria’s sovereign cultural interests with international partnership and diplomatic considerations.
The KFTZ is regarded as a bold initiative in the Delta’s crave for
Okowa spoke yesterday on the strength of Governor Oborevwori’s performing of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kwale Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) in Kwale, the administrative headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.
sustainable industrialization, and a flagship feature of the Delta Special Economic Zone Project. Okowa, who was chairman of the event, commended his successor for his commitment to inclusive leadership and continuity of governance, urging him to remained focused despite
attempts in certain quarters to distract him.
Waxing spiritual, he disclosed he had a vivid premonition that Oborevwori would be Delta’s governor after him, adding the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly was wellprepared to administer the state.
Other members are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; a representative of the Presidency; Director of International Cultural Relations; Special Assistant to the President on Creativity; Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture; and a representative of the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
Other include a representative of the Edo State Government; representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the German and French embassies; the Senator representing Edo
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the presidential intervention demonstrates the government’s unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through lawful and collaborative means.
International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Excellence Award by the Founder/CEO of Africa
Chioma Ude, at Government House, Enugu on Tuesday
ECOBANK AND YABA TECH ART EXHIBITION CONFERENCE...
L-R: Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Austen Osokpor; Head, SMEs, Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu; Curatorial Director, Yaba Art Museum, Yaba College of Technology, Odun Orimolade; and Arts Organising Coordinator and Trustee, Yaba Art Museum, Adeola Balogun, during a press briefing to announce the launch of the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, a partnership between Ecobank and Yaba College of Technology at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, yesterday
Decade of Gas: FG Restates Investment in 215 Projects Exceeded $8bn in 18 Months
Stakeholders to accelerate action for additional 4.7bcf gas output
The federal government has reiterated that Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ programme spanning 2021-2030 has so far unlocked about 215 strategic upstream and midstream gas projects worth over $8 billion
investments in the last 18 months, with additional $20 billion expected in the coming years.
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said this in Lagos at the opening session of the ‘Gas Utilisation Unlocked Validation Series’, convened
by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Decade of Gas Secretariat.
The federal government under the leadership of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari had in March 2021 declared
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2030 as Nigeria’s Decade of Gas, a period expected to accelerate the country’s gas production. The period was also to be used to tackle energy poverty, industrialise, cre- ate jobs, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and
FG Lauds Renaissance’s Increased Oil & Gas Output in One Year
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has commended the leadership and staff of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited for driving the oil and gas output increase less than a year after the deal that saw the exit of Shell from onshore Nigeria.
The $2.4billion deal resulted in Renaissance emerging the operator of the biggest joint venture in Nigeria’s oil and
gas industry.
A statement by Michael Adande, spokesperson of the firm, said the minister’s commendation came during his visit to the exhibition booth of Renaissance at the ongoing 43rd annual international conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.
Receiving the minister and NAPE leadership, Chairman of the Board of Renaissance, Dr. Layi Fatona, reiterated the company’s commitment to
continuing on the trajectory of growth which he said has ramped up the company’s production post the share sale deal by over 40 percent and restored uninterrupted gas supply to the Nigeria LNG plant.
“Renaissance, as operator of the joint venture, holds a portfolio spanning onshore and shallow-water terrains, as well as the Bonny and Forcados crude export terminals and the Sea Eagle FPSO.
We are aware of just how
FG Reaffirms English as Language of Instruction Amidst Linguistic Diversity
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining English as the primary language of instruction in schools, despite the country’s rich linguistic diversity. This stance was emphasized by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa during the British Council’s Language in Education Conference
yesterday in Abuja, where stakeholders discussed the role of language in promoting inclusive education.
The two- day conference featured discussions on innovative approaches to language teaching, including the use of digital tools and teacher training programs and is themed, “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering every learner”.
He said the government’s position is aimed at ensuring that Nigerian students have access to quality education that prepares them for the global economy.“Acknowledging the significance of mother tongue-based education, English remains the preferred language of instruction, given its widespread use in official contexts and its status as a global language.”
much our nation needs for us to succeed and we remain focused,” Dr. Fatona said.
According to Dr Fatona, Nigeria retains enormous strategic advantages in today’s energy world because the country holds world-class reserves; a young and dynamic population; entrepreneurial agility, and resilience to innovate forward.
ultimately set the economy on the path of prosperity
Speaking at the session, Verheijen, who was represented by the Team Lead on Gas at her office, Mr. Lateef Biobaku, said promoting the ease of doing business for the private sector remains one of the most critical responsibilities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“In just 18 months, we have unlocked projects whose value exceeds $8 billion. And we have a very clear line of sight to another $20 billion ahead of us in the next few years as we work with the operators to progress the maturation of their portfolio projects”, Verheijen stated.
By bringing project developers, regulators and other stakeholders into the scenario, she said the series focuses on solutions to unlocking more gas from the upstream sector and
pushing it down to the domestic market for local use.
Specifically, she said the solution entails working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders both public and private to identify constraints and accelerate decisions that move projects from concept to execution.
Affirming that Nigeria’s gas potential was selfevident, the presidential aide added that as the holder of Africa’s largest gas reserves, the nation has in recent years intensified efforts to harness this abundance more fully.
Through the Decade of Gas Initiative, she said the government was demon- strating its determination to position Nigeria as a global gas leader and to deploy gas as a catalyst for national and regional development. According to her, under the leadership of the President, significant milestones have been achieved.
LASAA Records Remarkable Growth Through Effective Regulation, Others
Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has recorded outstanding performance in the last two years due to effective regulation, increased operational vehicles, amplified public advocacy, and improved welfare of its workforce.
The Managing Director of the Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, who disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing senior media executives in Lagos, explained that, under his administration, LASAA has reported significant improvement in its operational activities despite the challenging economic environment.
Prince Akiolu who was appointed the helmsman of the Agency about two years ago added that LASAA has achieved significant milestones across various strategic areas following the approval for the placement of innovative iconic Out-of-Home (OOH) and visually striking structures across the city of HeLagos.added that these modern installations do not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of Lagos urban landscape but also redefine advertising standards with enhanced visibility, durability and digital integration.
He revealed that the Agency has created Health and Safety department within the Agency and that it has equally done well in creating more brand awareness through its public advocacy programmes, peri- odic radio interviews on several radio stations in Lagos where the mandate of the Agency is discussed to enlighten members of the public, as well as statewide road shows all of which have impacted positively in compliance and revenue optimization for the Agency, among other laudable achievements in the past two years.
Peter Uzoho
PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
OFFICIAL VISIT OF IWC TO OWLGA IN ABIGI...
L-R:
Nigeria Fails to Meet 1.5 Million Bpd OPEC
Oil Production Target for Third Month
Cartel sticks to demand outlook, sees small surplus in 2026
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Again, Nigeria failed to meet its 1.5 million bpd Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude oil production in October, despite marginally climbing to 1.4 million bpd during the month under consideration from 1.39 million bpd in September.
The Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) released by the international oil cartel yesterday indicated that self-reported output data by the country saw Nigeria fall short of meeting its OPECassigned quota for the third consecutive month.
THISDAY’s checks showed that the last time Nigeria met its OPEC target was July 2025, when its crude oil production hit 1.50 million bpd, as against 1.43 million in August and in September when it was 1.39 million bpd.
The report highlights the country’s ongoing struggle to sustain production recovery despite new investments and
government interventions in the upstream sector. In September, the authorities blamed the reduction in production on the strike by oil workers.
However, the Nigerian 2025 budget assumed oil produc- tion of about 2.06 million bpd (crude + condensate) at a benchmark price of $75 per barrel, whereas actual production has fallen short of that goal.
Because production is below the budget benchmark, revenue from oil is lower than projected. Since oil remains a major source of foreign exchange and government revenue, under-performance means the government will face a revenue shortfall.
Besides, with the price assumption of $75/barrel also under pressure, the combination of lower output and lower price magnifies the revenue gap. This in turn tightens fiscal space, occasioned by heavier borrowing, squeeze in capitalexpenditure, as existing debt
servicing and recurrent costs absorb more of the budget.
Also in the report, OPEC kept its global oil demand growth forecasts unchanged for this year and 2026, for a fourth month in a row, but highlighted a sizeable build in global oil stocks. It said the world oil market will see a small surplus in 2026 after production increases
and higher supply from other producers, a further shift from its earlier projections of a deficit.
In the monthly report on Wednesday, OPEC said its members pumped 43.02 million barrels per day in October, down 73,000 bpd from September despite the output increase agreement for the month, led by a drop in
Kazakhstan.
Expected demand for OPEC+ crude at 43.0 million bpd in 2026, it said, implies that the world market will show a small surplus of 20,000 bpd if the wider group keeps pumping at October’s rate, according to a Reuters calcula- tion based on the report.
This marks a further shift from OPEC’s earlier projection
of a deficit, which provided a more comfortable backdrop for raising production. Last month’s report projected a deficit of 50,000 bpd and the September report a shortfall of 700,000 bpd. Oil extended an earlier decline after the report was published and was down over 3 per cent to about $63 a barrel.
UN Strengthens Partnership with Nigerian Military on Security Management, Others
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The United Nations has deep- ened its collaboration with the Nigerian military in emergency preparedness, disaster response, information sharing, and security management.
Both parties also pledged to expand joint training programmes and enhance coordination mechanisms aimed at improving operational safety
Senators Dismiss Alleged Plot to Remove Akpabio, Reaffirm Unity in Upper Chamber
Say report aimed at creating distraction
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, dismissed reports alleging a plot by some lawmakers to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing the speculation as a fabrication designed to cause disaffection and distract the National Assembly from its legislative focus.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, while addressing the chamber, clarified that
there had been no discussion, formal or informal, about the removal of Akpabio, adding that the report was a deliberate attempt to sow discord among senators and mislead the public.
The lawmaker revealed that the clarification became necessary following a media report that was attributed to former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip in the 9th Assembly, Senator
Orji Uzor Kalu, suggesting internal moves to unseat Akpabio.
He said the attention of the leadership was drawn to the development when the story appeared in the newspaper.
He said, “One of us tried to speak with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and he eventually returned the call. From my discussion with him, it was obvious that he was quoted out of context.”
and risk management.
The Chief Security Adviser for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Nigeria, Mr Senyo Kufe, made this known when he led a team on a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Maiduguri.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit formed part of Kufe’s ongoing nationwide familiarisation and operational assessment tour across Nigeria.
THISDAY/ARISE G R
Obafemi Awolowo, who was the leader of opposition and later Deputy Chairman of the Federal Executive Council under Yakubu Gowon. The third is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is both leader of the government and Head of State. So, we have the fortune of having a media owner as Head of State, who is hosting us today.
“Therefore, it means we have to engage, we have to discuss and we have to understand ourselves. We are at the
In his remarks, Kufe, who assumed office in August 2025, said the visit provided an opportunity to reinforce the bond between the UN and the Theatre Command.
He described the North East as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s security operations, noting that the region plays a pivotal role in both national and humanitarian security.
Kufe commended the Nigerian military for its professionalism and continued support to UNDSS activities, expressing appreciation for the Theatre Command’s assistance in
A
crossroads of reforms, which has been hard fought. Now we are at the base of stability.
We must protect that economic stability with everything we have because if we lose the current stability, we lose the sacrifices of the last two years.
“It therefore means that collectively, we should not allow a US sanction. That is because a US sanction will destabilise the economy and bring us all back to the time before the reforms.
:That means we must
security guidance and physical risk assessment.
He added that his visit to Maiduguri would provide him with first-hand information on field operations, stressing that “without the military’s sup- port, UN staff cannot operate independently in the North East.” The Area Security Adviser and Field Coordination Officer, North East, Mr Udit Mehta, expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his purposeful leadership, sustained collaboration, and unwavering support to the UNDSS.
engage. We must build a coalition of the will to defeat terrorism, insecurity and defeat poverty. As editors, it is our key role to ensure stability.” The veteran media executive urged the government to strengthen its partnership with the press, invest in digital literacy, and create a policy environment that would encourage technological innova- tion, protect free expression, and support the growth of home-grown media enterprises capable of competing globally.
Onisin of Ilusin, Oba Abimbola Mafe; President of Ijebu Waterside Club (IWC), Alhaji Ahmed Tijani; Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area (OWLGA), Honourable Ganiu Ogunoiki; and Ojotumoro of Abigi, Oba Olusegun Ogunye, during an official visit of IWC to OWLGA in Abigi, Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State…recently
LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025...
L-R: UNICEF Chief of Education Nigeria, Vanessa Lee; Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; and Director, English Programmes, Sub-Sahara Africa, British Council, Julian Parry, during the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organised by the British Council in Abuja, yesterday
House Democrats Release Epstein Papers, Saying Trump ‘Knew About the Girls’
Reignites
interest in case seen as major political headache for US leader Trump says opposition deflecting from shutdown pressure
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
House Democrats on Wednesday released emails which they said raised new questions about President Donald Trump’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and how much he knew about his abuse of underage girls -- a disclosure Trump blasted as an attempt to divert attention from the government shutdown.
He cited the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which found that 49 per cent of Nigerians distrusted the media, describing the trend as “deeply alarming”.
Uzodimma warned that editorial choices carried consequences, stressing that decisions on what to publish, which voices to prioritise, and how political events are framed directly affect national cohesion, voter confidence, and democratic resilience.
“When every disagreement is framed as a crisis and every electoral challenge treated as systemic fraud, you feed polarisation and deepen distrust,” he said.
He called on editors to embrace an “objectivity of responsibility” anchored on accuracy, verification, and context, rather than speed or sensationalism driven by commercial pressure.
Uzodimma also highlighted positive economic indicators, oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond, a buoyant stock market, and rising investor confidence, as examples of fact-based reporting that reinforced cohesion without compromising scrutiny.
“Let 2027 be the year the Nigerian media becomes the architect of a shared democratic future,” he stressed.
The Democrats released messages between Epstein and author Michael Wolff and Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite who is serving a 20-year prison sentence on charges related to her role in facilitating Epstein’s sex trafficking.
In one 2019 email to Wolff, Epstein wrote that Trump “knew about the girls,” though it was not clear what that phrase meant, a Reuters
The governor lauded Tinubu’s presence at the conference, describing it as a testament to the media’s strategic role in national development.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed the commendation of Tinubu’s presence at the conference, and said yesterday was the first time a sitting Nigerian president had attended an NGE conference.
Idris called it a “profound acknowledgment of the fourth estate”.
He likened Tinubu’s political journey to the resilience of the Nigerian press, recalling how he resisted federal pressure as Lagos governor.
“Like the press under military dictatorship, President Tinubu resisted oppression. He understands that an independent media is not a foe of government but the foundation of a lasting democracy,” Idris said.
He also assured editors that the upcoming modernised tax re- gime was designed to strengthen infrastructure, education, and healthcare, saying requests for media tax exemptions will be addressed in due course.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to press freedom, Idris stated that no broadcast station had been shut down for critical reporting.
report said yesterday.
The disclosure came on the day a new Democratic member is scheduled to be sworn into the House, a move expected to be a tipping point in a campaign to force a vote on releasing all non-classified files related to Epstein, reigniting interest in a case that has been a major political headache for Trump.
The batch of emails includes a 2011 message to Maxwell
He pointed to UNESCO’s decision to grant Nigeria hosting rights for the global Media and Information Literacy Institute as proof of support.
He urged editors to act as partners in national renewal through responsible reporting saying, “The best editor is the one who knows what not to publish. Let us tell the Nigerian story with balance, truth, and an unshakable belief in our future.
“The fourth estate has remained constant. Let it continue to stand strong in defence of theInpeople.”
his intervention, Chairman of THISDAY/ ARISE Media Group and Co-chair of the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, Nduka Obaigbena, warned that Nigeria risked losing its voice in the global media space due to artificial intelligence and foreign control of digital content.
According to the immediate past President of Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), “Thirty years ago, on 10th of November 1995, we, editors and publishers, were invited to this presidential Villa by the then head of state, General Sani Abacha. As we sat in one of the conference rooms of the FEC, the soldiers spoke to us and said to us, Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed. That was 30 years ago under military
in which Epstein described Trump as “that dog that hasn’t barked,” adding that Trump had “spent hours at my house” with one of his victims, whose name is redacted.
Trump has vehemently and consistently denied knowing about Epstein’s sex trafficking. He has said that he and Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019, were once friends
dictatorship.
“So, 30 years later, we are here celebrating engagement with the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So I thought we must understand why democracy matters, why we must engage, why we must sustain democracy for the greater good of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Obaigbena also used the opportunity to call for the protection of current economic stability and the gains of reforms to put the country in better stead.
Earlier, in his welcome address, President of NGE, Eze Anaba, raised concerns about the worsening financial state of the Nigerian media, warning that many media organisations are on the brink of collapse due to soaring operational costs.
Anaba stated that the price of a ton of newsprint, lasting only a few days, had risen to between N1.3 million and N1.4 million, a trend that had left newsrooms overwhelmed by rising production expenses.
“The media today is distressed. Many organisations simply cannot pay salaries, not because they are incompetent, but because the cost of production has become prohibitive,” he said.
Anaba said the inability of media houses to retain jour-
before having a falling out.
Trump on Wednesday ac- cused Democrats of releasing the emails to divert attention from the 43-day shutdown of the federal government, the longest in American history.
“The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they’ll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they’ve done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects,” Trump wrote
nalists threatened democratic accountability.
“If the media cannot keep journalists employed, it cannot inform citizens; and without an informed citizenry, democracy is weakened,” he added.
To save the industry, the Guild president proposed 5-10-year corporate tax relief for media companies; VAT exemptions on essential inputs; tax credits for corporations advertising in verified Nigerian outlets; and low-interest loan windows through the Bank of Industry and Development Bank of Nigeria to support equipment upgrades and digital migration.
He also called for a Media Innovation Fund to support online platforms, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
Anaba stressed that the proposed interventions were not acts of patronage, but safeguards for democracy.
He said, “When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When the press is stifled, democracy suffocates.”
He urged the federal government to act swiftly.
The two-day conference, which continues today at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, features panel discussions on law, politics, and the economy.
ANEC2025, which brought together more than 400 editors
on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday afternoon. At an earlier briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of redacting the victim’s name in the released emails because the victim was Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April and had called Trump friendly without accusing him of any wrongdoing in her posthumous memoir.
across the country’s media space, including print, broadcast and new media, was graced by top government functionaries, among whom were Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and officials from various states.
Co-chaired by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III and Obaigbena, the event had former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba; and former Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, among the lead participants.
On Thursday, discussions will shift to national security and the evolution of the newsroom, with Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.) doing a presentation on “Media, Terrorism, and National Security,” and Professor Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University addressing, “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and the Credibility Gap.”
The event will close with a gala night featuring the induc- tion of new members and the elevation of new Fellows of the Guild, including Dr. Amanze Obi, Casmir Igbokwe, Arinze Azuh, Ephraims Tokan Sheyin, Dr. Sulaiman Sule, and Ken Njoku.
PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE
T I nubu T o E DIT or S : Cr ITICISE Gov T Pol ICIES b u T Don’ T Com P rom ISE nATI on A l u n ITY
NIGERIA TALENT ACCELERATION NETWORK...
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN), Mr. Boye Olusanya; Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Education, Dr. Marufu Olatunji Alausa; National Coordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Mrs. Teju Abisoye; and Director for Africa, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Chido Munyati, at the official launch of the Nigeria Talent Acceleration Network in
Badaru: FG Will Always Protect Officers on Lawful Duty, as Peter Obi Slams the System
Chuks Okocha and Linus Aleke in Abuja
Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while performing their lawful duties.
Badaru cautioned against actions that could undermine the authority, professionalism, or dignity of uniformed person- nel in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The statement followed a viral video showing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, verbally assaulting a naval officer on guard duty at a disputed estate land in Abuja.
But a presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, described the altercation between Wike and the naval officer as reflective of a growing institutional decay in Nigeria.
Addressing a press confer- ence in Abuja to officially flag-off the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), Badaru reiter- ated government’s resolve to
ensure the protection of officers engaged in legitimate assignments.
He unveiled the theme of the 2026 remembrance celebrations as “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” stating that it reflects the enduring spirit of courage, patriotism, and selfless service that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Badaru emphasised that every officer acting within the law and in service to the nation deserved full institutional protection from harassment, intimidation, or harm.
According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces and related agencies operate strictly within constitutional boundaries to uphold national security, peace, and stability.
“Officers on lawful duty represent the authority of the Nigerian state and must be treated with respect and accorded the necessary support to discharge their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.
He added that the ministry would continue to strengthen internal mechanisms to ensure that officers remained disciplined, professional, and
adequately protected while serving the nation.
The minister further appealed to public office holders and citizens to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that mutual respect, collaboration, and synergy among institutions of government are crucial for lasting peace and national development.
Badaru also announced that the federal government had initiated a programme, tagged, “Reclaiming the Ungoverned
Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” which would deploy retired but agile military veterans to help secure and rehabilitate areas previously occupied by terrorists.
He said, “By engaging vet- erans to reinforce local security and initiate projects, such as farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.”
The minister launched the
“Thank A Soldier” QR Code, which would enable Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation to troops on the frontlines.
On the ongoing military operations nationwide, Badaru revealed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, troops had neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested over 17,000 suspects, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900
illegal refining sites.
He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fight- ers, along with their families, had surrendered to Nigerian forces.
On the welfare of veterans, he disclosed that the ministry was establishing a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, and had already enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans, who had previously been ineligible for pension benefits.
Continues online
Nnamdi Kanu Asks Appeal Court to Stop FHC Judgement in Alleged Terrorism Trial
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja for an order stopping the Federal High Court, Abuja, from delivering judgement in his alleged terrorism trial by the federal government.
The appeal came almost a week to the November 20
Adeleke: Religious Leaders Must Pray for Nigeria, Her Leaders as Sultan Visits State
Gov launches security trust fund Say women are the livewire of national devt
Kolawole in Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has emphasised the need for religious leaders across Nigeria to continue to pray for the nation as it navigates the challenges threatening her existence.
Adeleke made this call while hosting the leadership of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUS- WEN during a courtesy
visit on Tuesday evening. He stressed the need for spiritual leaders from all di- vides in Nigeria to continue to rally round and work for the unity and progress of the country, stressing that peace was an essential ingredient for national development.
While assuring Muslims the state and Southwest at large, he said his govern- ment would continue to provide an atmosphere conducive for people of
all faiths while enjoining them to continue to cohabit with people of other faiths peacefully.
Earlier, President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, who led the del- egation to the governor ahead of the 2025 delegate conference holding in the state, described the ummah as the umbrella body for all Muslim communities and councils in all the six states of the Southwest region.
judgement date fixed by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Kanu, in the fresh motion on notice, asked the appellate court to stop the high court from further proceeding in the charges against him, on the grounds of his appeal against the September 26 ruling of Omotosho, which dismissed his no case submission and ordered him to defend the terrorism allegations against him.
The IPOB leader contended that the Federal High Court was wrong in dismissing his no case submission without
going through the jurisdiction and validity of the charges he raised.
Among others, he argued that the lower court was wrong in upholding the charges because the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed and, therefore, there were no valid charges against him.
He also held that the constitutional issue of jurisdiction was not addressed by the judge in the considered ruling on no case submission.
The ground of the motion was that Omotosho did not
evaluate the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and the cross examination to determine whether the adduced evidence had been discredited.
Kanu stated, “That he sought to call 23 witnesses only when the issue of jurisdiction had been determined but which the court refused to do and stating that such would be done in the final judgment.
“That the Judge foreclosed his right to defend himself from the charges while refusing to rule on his objections to validity of some of the counts in the charges.”
UN Agencies List Nigeria among 16 Hunger Hotspots, Raise the Alarm over Looming Global Famine
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
A new report jointly released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)United Na- tions (UN) and the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that acute food insecurity is deepening in Nigeria and 15 other counyries it described as hunger hotspots, which threatens to drive millions more into famine or risk of
famine.
The latest Hunger Hotspots report, which covered the period between November 2025 through May 2026, said that in 14 of the 16 hotspots¬ identified, conflict and violence are the primary drivers of hunger.
The FAO-WFP report warned of shrinking window to prevent millions more people facing acute food insecurity in 16 hotspots, adding that conflict
and violence are driving extreme hunger in six major crises
“Time is quickly running out to avert widespread starvation in the areas of highest concern.
“Conflict, economic shocks, extreme weather, and critical funding shortfalls are exacerbat- ing dire conditions. Despite the growing urgency to provide lifesaving assistance at scale, funding is perilously limited,” the report said.
Lagos, yesterday
Yinka
CONNECTiNG THE RiVERiNE aREas…
L-R: Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; ), Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the inauguration of the 12.1km Ogulagha-Okuntu-Odimodi Road in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area…yesterday
Group Warns JNI against Defending Muslim Extremists Killing Innocent Citizens
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in enugu
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has been urged to stop using the prism of religion to form its position on every national issue, including the current security situation that has claimed thousands of lives in many part of Nigeria.
rationalising the atrocities of Muslim extremists wreaking havoc across the nation.
The warning was handed down to them by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Digital Group (ADG), a political think-tank in the ruling party, saying that it’s appalling that JNI was
‘We Will Do Our Best to Keep Kogi Safe’
ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Kasim Umar-Sidi, has assured Kogi State that the army will continue to do its best in ensuring that bandits terrorising the state are dealt with seriously, to enable the people of the state live peacefully.
Umar-Sidi stated this yesterday while addressing the executive members of the Correspondents
Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, during a courtesy call on him in his office.
The commander urged Nigerians to support security agencies to enable them perform their statutory obligation, noting that branding Nigeria as a disgraced nation and a country of concern as a result of the security challenges facing the country is not encouraging to the gallant soldiers staking their lives to defend the country.
Afe Babalola: Nigeria’s Problem is Indiscipline
Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti
A legal luminary and Founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Afe Babalola (SAN), has said Nigeria’s major problem is indiscipline.
The elder statesman stated this yesterday in Ado Ekiti when the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE), a high ranking education organisation, which consists of a total of 21 professors, honoured him with a fellowship award.
In a letter sent to Aare Afe Babalola by the Nigerian Academy of Education, and signed by the Secretary-
General, Prof. Elizabeth Okeke, said that Babalola was found to be most exceptionally outstanding among those shortlisted for the honour following which he was recognised for his work for humanity and the education sector in the country.
Speaking after being decorated in Ado Ekiti, Babalola urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to maintain high moral standards and discipline in whatever they do, pointing out that he was able to achieve the current feat in education in Nigeria as result of discipline, determination, hard work and focus.
In a statement issued yesterday by the group, the Director-General of ADG, Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu Klinsmann, said
that it was appalling that JNI has chosen to engage in whitewashing targeted religious violence against Nigerian Christians.
He said that such denials smacked of “cowardly betrayal of truth and
justice,” adding that it would be difficult for Nigeria to succeed in the fight against terrorism if JNI keeps defending the heinous activities of Muslim extremists.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam had in its reaction to the threat by the United States President, Donald Trump, to take military action against terrorists in Nigeria, dismissed his claim of Christian genocide in the country.
Expert Calls for Collaboration to Build $1trn Digital Economy
sunday Okobi
The Chancellor of Ekiti State University and Chairman of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, has called for deeper collaboration among the government, industry stakeholders, and the academia to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into
a trillion-dollar digital economy by 2030.
While delivering his keynote address at the opening session of the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2025 in Abuja, Olowolafe emphasised that “digital transformation is not a goal in itself, but the pathway to prosperity.”
The conference with
the theme: ‘Discover. Connect. Transform’, was convened by policymakers, innovators, investors, and technology leaders to discuss strategies for harnessing digital technology to power inclusive growth across Africa.
Dr. Olowolafe, who was represented at the event
by the Director of Gbemi Olowolafe Memorial ICT Centre (GOMTECH), Mr. Olajide Aboderin, an initiative under the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, noted that the ICT sector, which contributed over 11 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in Q2 2025, has proven its potential as a driver of non-oil growth.
AWG Hails Nigeria as Model for Aviation Treaty Implementation
Kasim sumaina in abuja
The Secretary-General of the Aviation Working Group (AWG), Jeffrey Wool, has hailed Nigeria as a model for the implementation of a major international aviation treaty at a significant gathering of experts in Abuja.
Wool described Nigeria as a “long-term and sustained partner” in the implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
Speaking at the Cape Town Convention African event in Abuja, Wool said the convention is not merely a business law treaty but one
of history’s most important commercial law framework.
The two-day forum, jointly organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, AWG, and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), brought together aviation regulators, financiers, legal experts, and policymakers from across the continent. Wool, in his remarks, highlighted Nigeria’s crucial part in its development and ongoing status as an exemplar for other African countries.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state, with special attention to riverine communities.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly reconstructed 12.1-kilometre
Odimodi–Okuntu–Ogulagha Road in Burutu Local Government Area, Governor Oborevwori described the project as “a strategic intervention that connects communities long cut off by the challenging riverine terrain”.
He emphasised that the new road stands as proof of
his administration’s resolve to provide quality, durable, and impactful infrastructure for all Deltans.
He said: “The joy and excitement in the air today are an undeniable proof that our administration is fulfilling the desires and expectations of the people.
“This road, which was first constructed by SPDC many years ago, had long deteriorated. When I came here, I saw its condition and made a firm decision that it must be rehabilitated. Today, we are here to commission it to the glory of God and for the prosperity of our people.”
Journalist Arraigned for Cybercrime against Ebonyi Lawmaker
alex Enumah in abuja
Barring any last minute changes, a detained journalist, Friday James Alefia, may spend the forthcoming Christmas and New Year in the custody of the Kuje Correctional Centre, over
alleged Cybercrime against a federal lawmaker from Ebonyi State. This is following the adjournment of his trial at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court till January 27, 2026.
Alefia, Publisher of the online platform Naija News
Today (formerly Asiwaju Media), was yesterday arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on a five-count charge bordering on publishing alleged false information against Chinedu Ogah, the House of Representatives member representing Ezza South/
Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.
The plaintiff, who was reportedly arrested in Lagos and taken to Abuja for alleged cybercrime has been in detention at the now-disbanded SARS cell at Abattoir, Abuja, since September 23.
WiMBiZ aNNUaL CONFERENCE…
L- R: Executive Director, Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; Executive Secretary, Women in Successful Career ( WISCAR), Ekemini Akpakpan; Founder/CEO, Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Abodede George-Ogan, and Senior Project Officer, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF),
Abdul, during the WIMBIZ 24th Annual Conference held in Lagos…recently
Workers Seek FG’s Intervention after Sacking for Joining Union in Ondo
Union says termination violates labour laws
Fidelis david in akure
No fewer than 20 workers of Plantation Industries Limited, Akure in Ondo State yesterday appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other relevant authorities to intervene in what they described as their unlawful dismissal for participating in trade union activities.
including all seven newly inaugurated union executives, alleged that they were sacked barely three weeks after the National Union of
The affected workers,
Mutfwang Proposes N914bn 2026 Budget Estimate
seriki adinoyi in Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has proposed a budget estimate of ₦914,863,422,871.00 for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly, pledging transparency, accountability, and continued collaboration in advancing the state’s developmental agenda.
The presentation of the budget, which followed a brief plenary session by the lawmakers, also included the submission of the State Medium-Term Expenditure
Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2026–2028.
The governor explained that the documents were designed to promote sustainable planning, efficient resource allocation, and fiscal discipline across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He said that the 2026 proposal was crafted with “diligence, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility,” reflecting his administration’s commitment to prudent governance and effective service delivery.
Council to Provide Micro-credit Scheme for 1,500 Ogun Women
James sowole in abeokuta
No fewer than 1,500 women are to benefit from the micro credit scheme of the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Chairman of the local government area, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at a news conference held at the local government secretariat in Akomoje, Abeokuta.
The news conference was in celebration of one year in office of his administration.
Oyagbola-Sodipo some inherited uncompleted projects from past administration had been completed, and new ones initiated and completed across the 16 wards of the LGA, saying all projects are ready for inauguration in a week-long commemoration programme.
He explained that the single digit micro credit scheme for market women is to accommodate 1,500 beneficiaries at pilot stage: 500 clusters of three in a group to ensure security, control and smooth takeoff of the scheme.
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) formally inaugurated a branch of the union in the company on May 27, 2025.
According to them, trouble began shortly after NUFBTE’s state and national officers, S. Ojo, Adeola, and late Azeez Abdulazeez, visited the
factory for the inauguration.
“Immediately after the union leaders left, the management began to intimidate us.”
Activists Slam NAFDAC over Ban on Sachet Alcoholic Beverages
Mary Nnah
A civil rights group, ‘Stand Up Nigeria’, has strongly opposed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over the alleged ban
on the production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume bottles.
The group described the move as “draconian and economically counterproductive.”
A statement signed by Convener of Stand Up Nigeria,
Sunday Attah, stated that:
“We read with rude shock, a piece of news item in the media credited to NAFDAC, purportedly placing a ban on the production, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles (below 200ml), by
December 2025.” Attah stated that this pronouncement by the NAFDAC DG, in collaboration with some members of the Nigerian Senate, is “in sharp contrast to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Tension over Demolition of Ibibio Community Property in Lagos
Okon Bassey in uyo
There is palpable fear and tension that the demolition of a community centre in Lagos state belonging to the largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, a sociocultural organisation of the Ibibios nation may generate
ethnic conflict among the two states if not properly handled.
Raising possible outrage over the development, the Ibibio nation questioned the rational for the demolition of the structure, as the affected property was properly registered and documented by the Lagos
state government.
The Ibibio community in Lagos said it is also worrisome over the demolition and forcible seizure of its historic cultural hub, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Secretariat and Community Centre, located at Rufai Close, off Rufai Street, Ojuelegba,
Surulere.
The group noted that the property, registered under Title No. M07300 at the Lagos State Lands Registry, spans 758.136 square metres and has served for decades as a beacon of Ibibio unity, cultural celebration, and social service in the Southwest region.
Group: Abia ‘ll Not Collapse if Aba State is Created
Boniface Okoro in umuahia
Members of Aba State Movement have demanded the creation of Aba State as the sixth state in the Southeast, allaying fears that its creation would lead to the collapse of the present Abia State.
At a press conference in Aba yesterday, the Aba State Movement maintained the demand for Aba State is about 70 years and predates others in the country.
Calling for massive support, both from Abia people and the entire South-east and Igbo
nation, for the creation of Aba State as the sixth state, the group dispelled fears in some quarters that Abia would collapse if Aba State comes into being.
The proposed Aba State has nine of the 17 local governments of Abia State.
There are fears that being the economic
house of Abia, if yanked off, the remaining eight local governments which make up the Old Bendem Division and currently, five local governments that make up Abia North Senatorial Zone, as well as three local governments in Abia Central Senatorial Zone, would collapse.
TOR’Q 2025 Prepares for Entertainment, Record-breaking Stunts
Raheem akingbolu
The anticipated TOR’Q 2025, a distinctive car drifting and super bikers’ series, has been scheduled for December 7. Organisers promised an event that transcends traditional motorsport, aiming to deliver a unique
blend of high-octane action, entertainment, and auto-fair.
The spectacle, which blends the fusion of artistry and motorsport, is set to take place at the TOR’Q Arena in Lagos.
Head of Strategy at Xhibit Ideas, Adeniyi Bakare, organisers of the TOR’Q
Autofest, emphasised that the initiative was conceived to provide an alternative to the usual entertainment people consume, such as concerts.
Bakare said that unlike past events, the upcoming TOR’Q is focused primarily on entertainment and
immersion engagement rather than competition, due to a limited number of competitors.
“So, what we are doing is entertainment and even this year, what we’re doing is more theatre, in like the movies that you see, we’re bringing it to life.
Tolu
Trump, Ob A m A A n D nI ger IA’ S W AHA l A
of fighting insurgency in our country. Three months after the Abuja bombings earlier highlighted, specifically on 10th July 2012, the US Congress Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights of the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a special hearing titled, “US Policy Toward Nigeria: West Africa’s Troubled Titan”. Apart from Carson, the then Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor was invited to address the US lawmakers. My American friend, Professor Darren Kew, who has for almost three decades been involved in interfaith peacebuilding in our country, also spoke at the session on “The Crisis in Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria.”
pASSA
In his testimony at the congressional hearing,
ge O f A mOD el p ubl I c ServA n T
truest sense, and a genuine father figure to many of us who knew him at the personal level. In the course of a sterling military career where he was, at various times, Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State and Director-General of the defunct National Security Organisation (NSO), Mohammed left indelible marks. And it is on record that he led the team that authored the Acts establishing the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), making him one of the founding fathers of the secret service in Nigeria.
After his retirement from the military, Mohammed first went into the private sector before playing a critical role in the efforts that led to
Bill provides this missing legal scaffolding, institutional independence, and enforceability, shifting Nigeria from a policy coordination model to a rule-of-law-based climate governance model. This evolution is crucial to attracting large-scale investment, safeguarding public trust, and ensuring Nigeria’s carbon market ambitions translate into measurable, credible, and inclusive outcomes.
Institutional Overlaps and Fragmentation
The NCMF adds another institutional layer to Nigeria’s already complex climate governance ecosystem: the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Climate Change Secretariat, and the proposed Carbon Market Governance Committee. This proliferation of coordinating bodies risks jurisdictional ambiguity, duplication, and bureaucratic delays, especially concerning MRV, project authorisation, and benefit-sharing.
For example:
• The NCCC currently oversees national climate policy.
• The Ministry of Environment manages NDC tracking.
• The NCMF introduces new structures for carbon governance.
Without a unifying legal authority, coordination among these entities could devolve into regulatory competition rather than synergy.
The Decarbonisation Bill, on the other hand, addresses this institutional fragmentation by vesting unified authority in the NDA. This independent agency would consolidate oversight of carbon markets, MRV systems, financing pipelines, and sectoral delivery plans, thereby closing the “many hands, no accountability” gap that has hampered Nigeria’s climate policy implementation.
MRV and Market Integrity
A major weakness of the NCMF is its reliance on administrative Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) rather than statutory Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification authority. Although it pledges robust accounting, transparency, and avoidance of doublecounting under Article 6, it does not yet assign ownership of these functions to a legally empowered institution. This absence of statutory Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification custody makes Nigeria’s carbon credits vulnerable to integrity risks, the same problem that undermined several early African VCM projects.
The Decarbonisation Bill proposes to solve this by:
• Granting the NDA statutory control over MRV operations,
• Mandating third-party verification and satellite monitoring,
• Creating a publicly accessible national carbon registry,
• Integrating registry functions with Article 6 and VCM platforms.
These legal provisions would elevate Nigeria’s credibility in international carbon markets, ensuring that its credits meet ICVCM (Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market) standards and become globally tradable assets.
Financing Architecture and Fiscal Certainty
The NCMF’s fiscal framework remains indicative rather than legislatively binding. It promises tax incentives, VAT exemptions, and potential carbon taxation but leaves these subject to executive discretion and
the birth of the current democratic dispensation as National Security Adviser to then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as his Chief of Staff, a position he also held for more than one year under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. It was while he worked with the latter that I developed a close relationship with the late Mohammed who exemplified simplicity in every way. He wore simple white kaftan, drove in one car without escorts, was always the first to arrive at his office in the villa and usually the last to leave.
Throughout his public life, Mohammed led by example and was to the very end, an establishment man who served with dignity and purpose. For
periodic review. Without statutory guarantees, private capital will remain cautious due to Nigeria’s historical policy reversals and inconsistent fiscal enforcement.
The Decarbonisation Bill, by contrast, seeks to institutionalise predictable financing mechanisms:
• Establishing the National Green Transition Fund (NGTF), capitalised by statutory levies and green bond issuance.
• Embedding first-loss provisions to de-risk private capital.
• Allowing for structured benefit-sharing with host communities.
This framework moves climate finance beyond ad hoc incentives and toward a structured public-private finance ecosystem. It also ensures that fiscal mechanisms survive political transitions, a weakness that plagues the current NCMF policy regime.
Community Protection and Just Transition
The NCMF highlights benefit-sharing and grievance redress mechanisms, but these are framed as policy commitments, not legal rights. There is no enforceable obligation on project developers or government agencies to compensate communities or reinvest revenues in local development. This leaves oil-dependent or resource-rich regions vulnerable to social displacement as the country shifts toward low-carbon pathways.
The Decarbonisation Bill explicitly addresses this by embedding a Just Transition Fund, mandating: Local reinvestment in affected communities, • Reskilling and livelihood programs, • Transparent community benefit-sharing structures. Such legal codification transforms social protection from policy goodwill to legal accountability, ensuring that decarbonisation remains equitable and politically stable.
International Credibility and Carbon Diplomacy
Nigeria’s NCMF aspires to engage with Article 6 and the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM). However, without a binding domestic legal instrument, which can only be derived from a statutory Act, Nigeria’s ability to authorise, transfer, and account for Internationally Transferrable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) remains vulnerable to contestation or administrative uncertainty. Many partner countries and international investors require clear national authorisation laws before transacting in ITMOs.
The Decarbonisation Bill fills this gap by providing statutory authority for ITMO issuance, transfer, and tracking, harmonising Nigeria’s domestic legal system with Paris Agreement obligations. This would enhance Nigeria’s standing in global carbon diplomacy and make its mitigation outcomes bankable and exportable under international carbon markets.
The NCMF 2004 relies heavily on the voluntary carbon market (VCM) whereas the regulated (compliance) carbon market is Vastly larger and growing in global market share. The regulated market is characterized by its higher financial value and stricter oversight. It appears Kenya with its 2023 amended Climate Change Act and South Africa’s Climate Change Act 2024 provisions for decarbonisation are leading the way for Africa in this regardMethane Omission
The NCMF insufficiently addresses the generation, capture and impact of methane (CH4) gas, which is the second most potent gas responsible for global warming. Methane’s properties make it essential to
Carson maintained the Obama administration’s line that “Boko Haram capitalizes on popular frustration with the nation’s leaders, its poor government, its ineffective service delivery and the dismal living conditions of many northerners.” But the introduction to the report summed up what the Obama administration thought of Jonathan. “In Nigeria, President Goodluck
the past three decades, he remained one of those invisible problem solvers in Nigeria who was more interested in results than taking the glory for whatever was accomplished. It is indeed remarkable that in a status-obsessed society where even people of little achievements throw themselves around, Mohammed deliberately stayed out of the limelight while exhibiting a quiet strength that earned him the respect of everyone with whom he had contact. Since our paths crossed at the Villa almost two decades ago, Mohammed related with me and my wife almost like we were his children and that brought our two families together. I am therefore aware that several years ago, he left instructions regarding how he wanted his
the discussion because it is a colourless, odourless gas that is responsible for 30% of global warming and is 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide (CO2) at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period. While methane breaks down faster than CO2, it heats the planet faster in the short term, making it a considerable option to help slow warming very quickly within years, rather than decades, if its emissions into the atmosphere are efficiently regulated.
A more crucial aspect of methane’s omission is its use beyond its classification as a ‘fugitive emission gas’, the fact that when captured and managed efficiently, it can be a source of clean energy used as a primary fuel source for heating, cooking and electricity generation, makes it worth addressing wholistically within the broader climate and carbon framework in Nigeria.
Given the abundant sources of methane in Nigeria, with the world’s ninth largest gas reserves, suffering from leaks across the oil and gas value chain, to coal mining, biomass burning from landfills and abundant shallow wetlands, where the the NCMF hasn’t and the Decarbonisation Bill will be inclusive of objectives on methane emissions, capture and management toward quantifiable improved outcomes; the latter of which remain presently undefined.
The optimised utility of methane will capture a broader carbon market with untapped potential that satisfies the commensurate effect of generating economic value while facilitating a cleaner and sustainable environment.
Governance and Accountability
While the NCMF envisions transparency and monitoring, its oversight remains executive-dominated. Most governance mechanisms are anchored in ministerial discretion, with limited parliamentary involvement. These risks undermine credibility and public trust, particularly if market revenues and carbon rights allocation become politicised.
The Decarbonisation Bill corrects this by mandating:
• Annual parliamentary reporting by the NDA,
• Public disclosure of registry data and revenue flows,
• Statutory audit requirements, and
• Civil society representation in oversight boards. This democratic accountability mechanism ensures that carbon finance benefits are equitably distributed and transparently managed, a cornerstone for investor and citizen confidence alike.
Strategic Gaps and Missed Opportunities in the NCMF
• Despite its ambition, the NCMF faces several other limitationsNo statutory link between carbon market performance and Nigeria’s national carbon budget. Weak integration with subnational governments, state and local actors remain peripheral.
• Unclear ownership of mitigation outcomes (public vs. private).
• Absence of a market readiness roadmap for establishing national carbon registries or pricing mechanisms.
• Dependence on future fiscal instruments without legislative backing.
The Decarbonisation Bill directly responds to these weaknesses by institutionalising the technical, legal, and financial machinery needed for market activation, turning what is currently a policy vision into a governable system.
Jonathan is considered to be the personification of his name, a fortunate politician who has been in the right place at the right time to enjoy a meteoric rise in politics with no perceived political base or political distinction in his relatively brief career…”
NOTE: Piece concluded online
funeral to be conducted and he was not even ill at the time. Such was his attention to detail. Even though I missed his burial (still in the US), I was delighted that these instructions were loyally complied with. He was buried according to Islamic rites with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. At a more personal level, the late General Mohammed, a devout Muslim, was married to a committed Christian. That speaks volumes, especially at a time like this in our country when some would want to divide us along religious lines. To our mummy, Mrs Stella Mohammed, and my dear aburos, Shittu, Silifat, Aminat and Babatunde, please accept my condolences. May God continue to comfort the family.
Towards a Legally Anchored De-Carbonised Economy
Nigeria’s National Carbon Market Framework (NCMF) serves as a critical transitional mechanism between the Climate Change Act (2021) and the proposed Decarbonisation Bill (DA), linking national coordination with operational execution. The NCMF outlines the policy vision for establishing a transparent, inclusive, and efficient carbon market system. It identifies key pathways for stakeholder engagement, voluntary carbon trading, and alignment with international standards such as Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, as it stands, the NCMF remains a policy directive rather than a legal mandate, which means it lacks the statutory authority required to compel compliance or enforce accountability. Its reliance on administrative discretion, inter-agency coordination, and voluntary participation leaves the system exposed to institutional fragmentation, regulatory overlap, and fiscal uncertainty, thereby limiting its ability to attract large-scale private and international climate finance.
The proposed Decarbonisation Bill will unlock the vast pools of international climate and carbon finance currently seeking credible, verifiable, and rule-based investment destinations. Global capital, both public and private, is increasingly conditioned on legal certainty, transparent governance, and enforceable emission reduction frameworks. By providing these through statutory mechanisms, the Decarbonisation Bill positions Nigeria as a credible player in the global decarbonisation economy, enabling it to mobilise billions of dollars in green investment for infrastructure, energy transition, and community resilience
A Decarbonisation Bill represents the logical and necessary evolution of this policy framework into a rule-based legal system. It would establish a legally recognised National Decarbonisation Authority (NDA) to centralise oversight, licensing, compliance, and enforcement functions. By codifying Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) standards, fiscal incentives, and penalties for non-compliance, the Bill creates the statutory backbone that can make Nigeria’s carbon market credible, measurable, and bankable. The Bill also embeds a just transition framework, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit equitably from climate finance, technology transfer, and green job creation.
In essence, the NCMF provides strategic direction and institutional guidance, while the Decarbonisation Bill provides regulatory propulsion and enforceability. Together, they transform Nigeria’s climate ambitions from aspirational pledges into tangible economic and social outcomes. By enacting the Decarbonisation Bill, Nigeria not only strengthens its climate governance architecture but also positions itself as a leading carbon market hub in Africa, driving sustainable development, accountability, and green growth.
•Olasupo Shasore SAN Senior Partner, ALP NG & Co
Member, Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) Professional Member, African Climate Change Movement Professional Member, Carbon Market Institute With Clean World Advisory Team of Platform Capital Limited and Climate and Carbon Market Team of Energy and Natural Resources Practice, ALP NG & Co
With Pay Dispute Resolved, Super Eagles Focused on Win against Gabon Today
Duro Ikhazuagbe
After the distractions of boycotting Tuesday’s training session, Super Eagles trained on Wednesday evening while shifting focus to today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff semi-final clash with the Panthers of Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.
Captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, confirmed yesterday afternoon that the pay dispute has been resolved and that focus was now firmly on getting the job done against Gabon this evening.
Ekong confirmed in a short post on his verified X (formerly Twitter)
WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS
account: “Issues RESOLVED. We are together and, as before, focused on the games ahead!” observed the Al Kholood central defender in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. The statement from the Super Eagles supremo effectively put to rest any doubt that the team may avoid filing out against Gabon this evening (at 5pm) because of the pay dispute that has stretched well over two years.
Yesterday evening, all 24 players in camp trained at the Institut Royal de Formation Des Cadres in Salé, outside Rabat under the watch of Coach Eric Chelle and
his backroom staff. Today’s high-stakes encounter at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, provides another opportunity to both coaches Eric Chelle (Nigeria) and Thierry Mouyouma (Gabon) to qualify their teams for the World Cup after missing the directed qualification ticket during the qualifiers. The winner of the clash will be up against the winner of the second semis between Cameroon and DR Congo on Sunday. It will be the 10th confrontation between the senior men national
teams of Nigeria and Gabon, with Super Eagles having won five of the previous nine matches, and three drawn. Gabon won only one – a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Libreville that ended 2-1.
Expectedly, focus will be on the two top gladiators on both sides: forwards Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. These two players are, perhaps, the deadliest strikers in world football today. Aubameyang netted all four of Gabon’s goals in an away game against Gambia in the qualifying series while Osimhen scored two away to Rwanda and three at
CAF World Cup Playoffs to Air Live on SuperSport
The Super Eagles will kick of their journey in the CAF World Cup play-offs against Gabon today while DR Congo and Cameroon go to battle in the second semifinal. The mini-tournament, to be held in Morocco, will decide who will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March.
Both matches of the CAF Playoffs will air Live on SuperSport Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Nigeria vs Gabon at 5:00 p.m. and DR Congo vs Cameroon at 8:00 p.m. For the Super Eagles, the stakes could not be higher.
A late resurgence, capped by Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Benin, secured their passage on goal difference.
Nigeria, six-time World Cup participants, will seek to reassert their pedigree after missing Qatar 2022, with coach Eric Chelle banking on Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex
Iwobi to deliver.
Gabon, captained by PierreEmerick Aubameyang, remain outsiders but dangerous. The Panthers’ consistency during the qualifiers makes them a potential spoiler if Nigeria falter.
In the second semi-final, DR Congo’s discipline under Sébastien Desabre will be tested against a turbulent yet battle-hardened Cameroon side.
Despite off-field controversies, the Indomitable Lions boast the
experience and quality to thrive under pressure.
Winners from Thursday’s matches will meet in Sunday’s final, also in Rabat, for a place in the intercontinental play-off that could seal Africa’s final ticket
home against Bénin Republic to lead their teams’ pursuit of a FIFA World Cup ticket.
Chelle, unbeaten in four competitive matches with Nigeria in the qualifying campaign (three wins and a draw), will most likely stick with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and in the absence of injured Olaoluwa Aina (injury) and Semi Ajayi (suspension), probably calibrate a rearguard of Benjamin Fredericks, captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in midfield.
2023 Africa Player of the Year Osimhen is likely to have Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon as partners up front.
The rampant Osimhen, with 29 goals in 44 matches for the Nigeria senior team, has netted 160 goals and 36 assists in 275 club career matches, and is presently one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Gabon on the other hand emerged the best second runnersup in all the nine qualification groups, and hinge their hopes of
an upset on 36-year- old forward Aubameyang who has turned out for English Premiership side Arsenal and German Bundesliga top team Borussia Dortmund, and is now with former European champions Olympique Marseille in France.
Coach Mouyouma is certainly going to stick to his regular army , which puts Loyce Mbaba in goal, with youngster Jacques Ekomie alongside Bruno Manga, Mick Omfia and Anthony Oyono at the rear. Guelor Kanga, Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong are the engine room in the midfield of the Panthers. Aubamenyang, Denis Bounanga and Noah Lemina complete the dangerous forward line that Nigeria’s rear guard must watch out for this evening.
Women’s 100m to Kick-start Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
Athletics events to spread over entire Games period
The competition schedule for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, published on Wednesday, confirms that for the first time in history, athletics will span the entire Olympic period – starting on day one and running through to the final day of the Games. The athletics competition will begin with a bang on Saturday 15 July 2028, as the women’s 100m takes centre stage on the very first day of Olympic action. All three rounds – including the final – will take place that day, ensuring the Games opens with one of the
most electrifying events in sport.
The men’s 10,000m and women’s shot put finals will also feature in the opening session, followed by the men’s 100m final on day two.
In total, athletics will be contested across 13 days between 15-30 July 2028. In-stadium competition at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum will run for the first 10 days (15-24 July), before the focus shifts to the road events on 27, 29 and 30 July – culminating in the men’s marathon on the final day, with medals presented
during the closing ceremony. Finals will feature in 17 of the 20 sessions, with the schedule carefully crafted to allow the maximum number of potential doubles – such as the 100m & 200m, 200m & 400m (plus relays), 800m & 1500m, 1500m & 5000m, 5000m & 10,000m, and long jump & triple jump. This opens the door for stars such as Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden to emulate the heroics of LA 1984 Olympic legend Carl Lewis, while also enabling middle- and
long-distance doubles reminiscent of past Olympic greats.
A new repechage format will provide improved recovery time for athletes – at least 36 hours between round one and repechage in the 400m, and about 24 hours for the 800m and 1500m. The mixed 4x100m relay will also make its Olympic debut, slotted between the 100m and 200m events.
At this stage, it is only the event allocation per session that has been finalised. World Athletics will now work with the LA28
OCOG over the next 2.5 years to finalise the detailed timetable. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “It is in the spirit of collaboration between World Athletics, LA28, Olympic Broadcasting Services, IOC and NBC as Host Broadcaster that we have landed on an athletics programme that will start with a bang as our women’s sprinters take centre stage on day one and then the men’s sprinters on day two to maximise and sustain global interest after the Opening Ceremony.
Super Eagles have put the pay row behind them and now focused on getting the Gabon job done this evening in Rabat, Morocco
10Th EDiTion oF ART X LAGoS...
L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of economy of Nigeria, Olawale edun; Governor of Lagos State, His excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Founder, ART X Lagos, Tokini PetersideSchwebig; and Chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, at the 10th edition of ART X Lagos, co-sponsored by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers held in Lagos…recently
Trump, Obama and Nigeria’s Wahala
On 8th April 2012, Boko Haram suicide bombers drove explosive-laden vehicles into two popular churches in Kaduna, killing at least 38 people. They also left dozens of others injured in a terror attack that shook the nation. Exactly 18 days later, another suicide bomber drove into THISDAY premises in Abuja in a deadly attack that I was only lucky to have narrowly missed. Notwithstanding these attacks, the United States administration of President Barack Obama maintained its position that the insurgents were merely responding to the socio-economic crises in Nigeria and refused to designate Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization, as requested by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. “Boko Haram thrives because of social and economic problems in the north that the government must find a way of addressing,” Mr Johnnie Carson, the then US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, said in a statement that reflected the sentiment of both the Obama administration and some people in Nigeria.
More than 13 years later, the security situation
gu EST COL um NIST
Yusuf Tuggar, Foreign Affairs Minister
in Nigeria is again being misread by another US administration, this time of President Donald Trump. Like Obama before him, President Trump is responding to a one-sided narrative resulting from the mismanagement of our diversity.
“They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria. They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not
going to allow that to happen,” wrote the US president on his social media handle where he also instructed the US Department of War to prepare for a possible military action in Nigeria. Responding to the presidential social media post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote: “Yes sir. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” It is quite interesting, but not surprising, that just as the Obama administration enjoyed the support of a section of Nigerians who could not see beyond their opposition to Jonathan, Trump is also being applauded, even enabled, by a section of Nigerians who delude themselves into believing this is about their interest. But before I come back to the Trump threat and its wider implications, it is important to situate how a misreading of the situation in Nigeria vis-à-vis Boko Haram by the Obama administration ultimately proved unhelpful to the challenge
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Passage of a Model Public Servant
Late General Mohammed
In the death of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd) at age 86, Nigeria lost a model public servant who dedicated his life to serving the people, a trailblazer in the
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Nigeria’s Carbon Market: The Need for a Decarbonisation Bill
Context and Commendable Progress
The signing of the Nigeria’s National Carbon Market Framework (NCMF) 2024 is a welcome development operationalising the 2021 Climate Change Act. It situates Nigeria within the framework of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), outlining plans for institutional architecture, fiscal incentives, ownership rules, and benefit-sharing mechanisms. This reflects a deliberate shift from abstract policy aspirations to market-oriented climate governance intended to monetise emissions reductions while advancing sustainable development goals.
The NCMF also articulates a forward-looking vision: to generate up to 124.7 MtCO2e of reductions and attract $2.5 billion in market value by 2030. In
doing so, Nigeria signals to investors and international partners that it seeks to move beyond donor-dependent climate finance and toward self-sustaining green capital markets. However, these ambitions, however, are largely conceptual and policy-driven, not yet anchored in legally enforceable structures.
Policy Ambition vs. Legal Deliverability
The National Carbon Market Framework (NCMF) represents a significant policy milestone, but it remains fundamentally a non-binding framework rather than a statutory regime. While it articulates a clear ambition to establish Nigeria as a leading hub for high-integrity carbon market investments, its provisions are largely aspirational instead of being data-driven, which was sourced through rigorous
engagement with private sector participants and other actors key to ensuring that these goals are met.
The framework outlines guidelines and operational procedures for voluntary carbon markets, Article 6 cooperation, fiscal incentives, and benefit-sharing, yet it stops short of creating legally enforceable obligations. Implementation depends heavily on ministerial discretion, memoranda of understanding, and voluntary cooperation among stakeholders. This reliance on administrative goodwill rather than legal compulsion risks inconsistent application, weak compliance, and limited investor confidence. Without statutory authority, mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), dispute resolution, or sanctions for non-compliance lack the force necessary to ensure credibility and accountability in Nigeria’s carbon transactions.
By contrast, the proposed Decarbonisation Bill (DB.) is designed to close this policy-to-practice gap by making climate delivery legally binding and enforceable. It will create an independent Decarbonisation Authority (NDA) empowered by law to license and regulate market participants, enforce compliance, sanction violators, manage a national MRV, and carbon registry system and administer the National Green Transition Fund (NGTF). These statutory functions transform climate policy from a voluntary coordination exercise into a governance structure anchored in law. While the NCMF aspires to transparency and integrity, it cannot by itself guarantee carbon credit validity, prevent double-counting, or ensure equitable revenue distribution without legal authority. The Decarbonisation
