Cardoso Woos Investors as FX Turnover Hits $8.6bn, Anticipates Current Account Surplus to
Exceed $20bn
DMO reveals Nigeria in advanced talks to rejoin JP Morgan Bond Index Elumelu calls for $4trn domestic capital to drive investment, boost Africa’s productivity UBA to launch whitepaper on Africa’s financial infrastructure IMF urges fiscal discipline
Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe in Washington DC
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olay- emi Cardoso, has reassured
investors of Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic stability, just as he revealed that the country’s
foreign exchange (FX) market turnover has so far risen to $8.6 billion monthly in 2025.
Additionally, Cardoso, who spoke during an Investors’ Forum in Washington D.C., Continued on page 38 on the sidelines of the ongoing
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fuNd
rAiSiNG CErEMONy fOr dElTA STATE SECuriTy TruST fuNd...
L-R: Member, House of Representatives, Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Nicholas Mutu; Chairman, Tantita Security Ltd, Oweizidei Ekpemupolo (Tompolo); Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Mr. Festus Keyamo; Founder, Coronation Group & Affiliates, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori; Founder and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR; Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Delta Central, Ede Dafinone; and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Delta South, Joel Onowakpo Thomas, at the launching and fund-raising ceremony for the Delta State Security Trust Fund in Asaba, yesterday
Inflation Declines Further to 18.02% Amid Moderation in Food, Energy Prices, FX Stability
James Emejo in Abuja and dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities eased to18.02 per
Continued on page 38
24 Hours After Mbah Joined APC, Diri Abandons PDP, Keeps Mum on Next Move
Quits
L-R: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the celebrant, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun; wife of the former president, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the 90th birthday Thanksgiving service of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, held at the St. James Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo... yesterday
90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF MAMA VICTORIA ABIODUN...
L-R: Governors- Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo); and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); wife of former President, Mrs.
former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; and other dignitaries during the 90th birthday celebration of Mama Victoria Abiodun, mother of the Ogun State Governor, at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State on Wednesday
Experts Seek to Wean Nigeria Off Cigarette, Say
Sweden’s Anti-Smoking Model Should Be Adapted
Castro: Nigeria can save significant health costs if smoking prevalence declined
James Emejo in Abuja
Public health experts, yesterday urged the federal government to adapt Sweden’s successful anti-smoking model to reduce smoking-related deaths and diseases.
The stakeholders made the call at an engagement forum in Abuja, where they underscored the need for science-based policies, public education, and multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve effective tobacco harm reduction.
The forum with the theme, “Can Nigeria Quit Like Sweden?”, aimed to discuss public health issues around smoking cessation and harm reduction which is Sweden’s comprehensive approach that combines smoking cessation and prevention measures with policies that allow people who smoke to choose alternatives instead.
Director of Quit Like Sweden (QLS), Ms. Suely Castro, said
Dangote Group
Sweden’s approach focuses on harm reduction by offering safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes rather than pursuing total eradication.
She said, “We are here to share the Swedish experience, which is about harm reduction in tobacco control.
“Our focus is on enabling people to access safer alterna- tives that are affordable and acceptable. Nigeria is diverse, so while the Swedish model cannot be copied wholesale, its principles can be adapted to fit Nigeria’s needs.”
Castro stressed that every country’s success in tobacco control depended on tailoring strategies to local realities.
She said, “No single formula works everywhere. You have to offer people options that meet their needs. The reasons people smoke vary, so they need choices that truly help them quit or switch.”
She added that QLS’s mission was not to promote
any particular product but to educate smokers about less harmful options.
Castro said, “We don’t promote products; we promote help. Our concern is for the people who struggle with smoking, their families, and their communities. Harm reduction gives them a fighting chance.”
Agama: T+2
She further observed that Nigeria could save significant health costs if smoking preva- lence declined.
She said, “We hope Nigeria will one day reach the low smoking rates Sweden enjoys. Fewer smoking-related illnesses would mean more national
resources for health, education, and development.”
On government engagement, Castro said dialogue with policymakers was essential.
According to her, “Government plays a key role, Policymakers must be willing to listen and engage constructively because decisions made at that
level affect millions.”
In his remarks, PharmacistEpidemiologist and Director of Research at Global Focus, University of Ibadan, Dr. Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, said evidence-based policymaking and collaboration were crucial to translating science into workable national strategies.
Settlement Cycle to Enhance Capital Market Efficiency, Strengthen Investor Confidence
Kayode Tokede
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, yesterday said Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market will significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen investor confidence.
Retains Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand Title for Eighth Consecutive Year
The Dangote Industries Limited has once again reaffirmed its dominance as Nigeria’s ‘Most Valuable Brand,’ emerging at the top of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria 2025 ranking for the eighth consecutive year.
The latest report, now in its 13th edition, highlights the most admired and resilient brands powering Nigeria’s economy.
Dangote achieved a Brand Strength Measure-
ment (BSM) Index of 86.3, maintaining its position as Africa’s leading industrial conglomerate and the most trusted brand in Nigeria, a statement by the company stated.
The Group said the recog- nition echoes its consistent commitment to industrial excellence, innovation, and impact across key sectors such as cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, and now, petroleum refining.
Speaking on the achievement, the Group Chief
Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, stated: “This recognition is a testament to our consistent investment in quality, innovation, and brand integrity. At Dangote, we believe that the soul of business is not just in making profit, but in making people happy by creating opportunities, empowering communities, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial transformation. Our brand
T+2 settlement refers to the process of transferring ownership and funds for a security transaction, which is completed two business days after the trade date.
Speaking at a Trade As- sociations Roundtable on “Ensuring Stakeholder Readi- ness for T+2 Settlement,” held in Abuja, Agama said the migration from the current T+3 to T+2 cycle represents a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices.
According to him, the move
was not just a technical reform but a major milestone that would make the Nigerian market more competitive and resilient.
He said: “A shorter settlement cycle is a hallmark of a mature, dynamic, and competitive market. It directly addresses several key objectives: It significantly reduces counterparty risk and market exposure. The less time between trade execution and final settlement, the lower the potential for a default to ripple through the system.
“It boosts market liquidity by returning capital to investors more quickly, allowing for its redeployment and fostering greater market activity.
“It aligns our market with international best practices, enhancing our attractiveness to foreign investment and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global financial arena.
“Ultimately, a more efficient and safer settlement system strengthens the bedrock of our market—investor confidence”.
At AUHF Meeting, NMRC Seeks Stronger Govt Role in Blended Finance to Bridge Africa’s Housing Gap
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
To address Africa’s deepening housing deficit sustainably, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Mr. Kehinde Ogundimu, has called for stronger government leadership and innovative financing mechanisms, particularly through blended finance.
Ogundimu, who is also the Chairman of the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), noted that this will act as a catalyst for transformative, large-scale impact across the continent.
He stated this when he delivered his opening remarks at the ‘State and City Roundtable on Blended Finance for Affordable Housing’ which is currently
ongoing in Nairobi, Kenya. At the 41st annual AUHF Conference & Annual General Meeting (AGM), Ogundimu, who addressed a distinguished audience of policymakers, development partners, and housing finance institutions, underscored the urgency of coordinated action in response to Africa’s rapidly growing urban population, projected to triple by 2050.
Bola Obasanjo;
Peter Uzoho
MEDIA BRIEFING ON THE PROPOSED GAMING BILL...
L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Bashir Are; Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; Head, Legal, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Mrs. Adetoun Adeyemi; and Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, at the media briefing on the proposed gaming bill held in Alausa, Lagos, yesterday
FG: We Have Cleared All Pension Arrears,
Including Accrued Rights of Workers
Mulls reintroduction of gratuity payment
Ebere Nwoji
The federal government said it has cleared all outstanding pension arrears under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), including all outstanding accrued rights of its retired workers.
In addition, the government also said it has concluded
plans to reintroduce payment of gratuity to retiring workers .
The Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Oloworaran, who stated these yesterday, at the Workshop on the Workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme for employers/ Pension desk
officers across the geo- political zones in the country, said PenCom has also embarked on a number of reforms to carry out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on ensuring coverage of every Nigerian with pension plan.
She said this has seen the Commission instituting what she described as, “Pension
Revolution 2.0” initiative.
She said under the initiative, the commission had concluded an arrangement with the head of service to reintroduce payment of gratuity to retiring workers.
She said the Commission was moving to the next phase of the pension revolution which has to do with institut-
Nigeria and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) yesterday moved to deepen ties through a bilateral meeting on the side-lines of the ongoing IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington D.C, United States of America.
The meeting aimed to further strengthen collaboration in various areas capable of yielding tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy, including Sharia-compliant financing and innovative financial instruments.
Nigeria’s delegation at the
Tinubu
bilateral meeting was led by Minister of State, Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
The Federal Ministry of Finance said, in a statement issued by Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, that the strategic engagement underscored Nigeria’s commitment to driving economic growth and development, particularly under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The statement said, “The meeting, which was attended by a high-level delegation
Felicitates Aide,
from the IsDB, provided an opportunity to discuss various areas of mutual interests and explore avenues for advancing ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and the IsDB.
“Discussions focused on identifying more areas of collaboration that would yield tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy, including Sukuk financing, Sharia-compliant financing, and innovative financial instruments.”
Manga said, “The dialogue was built on existing collaborations between Nigeria and IsDB, including initiatives in
Sen. Lado on His Birthday
agricultural development, renewable energy, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
“The two parties also looked at opportunities for exploring cooperation in special agroindustrial processing zones and halal economy development. This partnership is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.”
ing the Minimum Pension Protection Plan that would ensure that at some point, government would be defining minimum pension that every retired worker should earn irrespective of what his RSA can afford so that retirees who currently earn very low pension benefits according to what they have in their RSA could earn more in line with the government’s Minimum Pension Protection plan.
She said henceforth, retirees would start receiving their benefits the very month following their retirement month .
She also said the Minimum Pension Protection initiation would commence before the end of this year.
Omolola, at the workshop organised by PenCom in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), said the federal government has cleared 18 months of accrued pension
rights of its workers having paid up to October this year and was ready to pay November and December this year as well.
Pension Accrued Rights represent benefits due to the government employees before the enactment of the Pension Reform Act 2004.
The Act states that this should be paid into the retiring worker’s Retirement Savings Account (RAS ) before the worker starts receiving both his lump sum benefits and the monthly benefits.
Over the years, due to the inability of the government to release the Accrued Rights of its workers, the workers were owed arrears of pension.
The development threw no small spanner to the progressive wheel of the CPS and was responsible for much agitations by workers and retirees, especially the Nigeria Police Force for exit from CPS. Rejoices with Senator Aliyu too
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Kano-born politi- cian and presidential adviser, Senator Basheer Lado, as he marks his birthday on October 16, 2025.
Senator Lado, currently Special Adviser to the Presi- dent on Senate Matters, had represented Kano Central in the upper chamber of the
National Assembly between 2011 and 2015.
The President, in a release issued on Wednesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, thanked Senator Lado for his service to the nation in various positions he held, including as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons
(NCFRMI) and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
President Tinubu acknowledged Senator Lado’s work fostering harmony between the Executive arm and the Senate, ensuring that the President’s vision and the nation’s legislative priorities are advanced with diplomacy, wisdom, and respect.
House Slams Oil, Gas Firms for Flouting PIA, Local Content Laws
The House of Representatives has raised the alarm over widespread violations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, allegedly by oil and gas firms operating in Imo State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, during the plenary session yesterday.Following the motion’s adop-
tion, the House instructed its Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to summon the top executives of seven oil firms allegedly involved in these breaches.
The House also called on the Executive Secretary of the Nige- rian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petro- leum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service to appear before the committee to respond to the allegations.
The lawmakers also directed the companies to fully implement key aspects of the NOGICD Act, particularly those related to employing locals, awarding contracts to indigenous firms, and maintain- ing operational offices within host communities.
Further directives were issued for compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust as stipulated in the PIA 2021 and to also allow tax officials access to their facilities to carry out lawful revenue assessments.
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
TECHCONNECT 5.0 EVENT...
L-R: Regional Business Head, North and Federal Business, Interswitch, Ayo Tanimowo; Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Interswitch, Tunji Ashiru; Executive Secretary, National Association of Microfinance Banks, Eddy Bassey Orok; Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Enterprise), Marketing Corporate Communications, Interswitch, Ogechi Okwechime; Executive Director, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr. Charles Bassey; and Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Interswitch, Thomas Ezeh, during the TechConnect 5.0 event in Abuja, yesterday
Alake: FG Targets Stronger Foreign Reserves with Locally Sourced Gold
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign reserves through a strategic gold acquisition programme that eliminates reliance on dollar sourcing. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, disclosed this at the ongoing 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.
Alake stated that the initiative aligned with the administration’s broader economic diversification agenda.
According to Alake, the programme, which began in August and is being driven by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), is designed to use locally mined gold to boost the country’s foreign reserves, thereby reducing pressure on the naira and the demand for foreign“Thiscurrency.initiative allows us to purchase gold from local
artisanal miners using naira, instead of sourcing dollars to buy gold internationally,” the minister said.
“Once the gold is acquired, it is added directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign reserves. It’s one of the fastest ways to reflect growth in our reserves,” he added.
Alake said because the gold was mined locally, there was no need to spend scarce foreign exchange, making it a strategic solution to multiple economic challenges.
“The programme also sup- ports local employment and economic activity, as miners and workers are paid in naira and spend within the local economy,” he stressed.
Alake stated, “In 2025, we are allocating even more funds to this program. The president has shown strong confidence in its potential by approving substantial budgetary support.”
He emphasised the government’s determination to pursue
the gold initiative “with vigour and assiduity,” stressing that it is one of the most effective strategies available to enhance Nigeria’s economic stability.
The minister also hinted at plans to propose a policy that could bar local schools from charging tuition in foreign currency, reinforcing the broader
agenda to reduce dollar dependency in the domestic economy.
In her remarks, Executive Secretary of SMDF, Mrs. Fatima Shinkafi, highlighted key lessons learned from the African Finance Corporation (AFC)-backed mining facility.
Shinkafi stated, “We underestimated the level of
unpreparedness and misalignment within the sector. Many jump into mining thinking it’s a quick win, but it’s a serious business that requires serious science, funding, and long-term commitment.”
She said while SMDF did not require collateral or feasibility studies from applicants, even
pre-feasibility was a challenge for many.
Shinkafi said, “Too often, people are speculating - chasing licenses based on rumours like ‘there’s gold behind my grandfather’s backyard.’
“That mind-set must shift. Mining goes far beyond artisanal thinking.
Senate Confirms Odion, Rabiu as FCCPC Executive Commissioners, Endorses Mohammad for Law Reform Commission
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate yesterday, confirmed the appointments of Mr. Louis Odion and Hajia Ummusalma Isiyaka Rabiu as Executive Commissioners of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination. Their confirmation came after the consideration of a report
Senate Moves to Boost MSME Financing Through Factoring Bill
Law seeks to convert unpaid invoices into immediate cash flow for small businesses
Aborisade
The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a legal framework that would allow small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access faster financing by converting unpaid invoices into immediate cash.
The proposed legislation, titled Factoring Regulation Bill, 2024, was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. Ekpenyong said the law would provide lasting relief
to millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with delayed payments and cash-flow constraints.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong explained that many Nigerian MSMEs faced delays of up to 90 days after delivering goods or services before receiving payment, a situation that often crippled their operations, limited their ability to pay workers, restock supplies, or expand their businesses.
Ekpenyong stated, “This
cycle of weak cash flow not only traps small businesses but also slows down our economy’s overall growth.
“The bill represents a structural reform designed to unlock working capital for over 40 million MSMEs that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.”
The senator described factoring as a tested global financing tool that allowed businesses to sell verified invoices to licensed financial institutions at a small discount in exchange for immediate payment.
submitted by the Senate Com- mittee on Trade and Investment, chaired by Senator Umar Sadiq, which screened the nominees and found them qualified for the positions.
Odion, a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, would serve as Executive Commissioner (Operations), while Rabiu, from Kano State, would occupy the position of Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services).
Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Sadiq said both nominees demonstrated,
“competence, integrity, and a sound understanding of consumer protection and market regulation.”
He added that their appointment aligns with Tinubu’s broader economic agenda aimed at deepening fair competition, strengthening market regulation, and protecting consumer rights in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital and commercial sectors.
The Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed both nominees through a unanimous voice vote.
In a related development, the Senate also approved
the appointment of Professor Yusuf Mohammad as Commissioner representing the North East geopolitical zone in the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC).
Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Chairman Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire said the nominee met all constitutional requirements He also said they possessed the expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to ongoing reforms within the nation’s legal framework.
NEXIM, GIZ Launch Initiative to Boost MSME Export Financing
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM) and Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have launched a program aimed at enhancing access to trade and export financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
The initiative, themed “Enhancing Access to Trade
and Export Financing for MSME Export” was held in Jos Plateau State, yesterday.
According to the organ- isers, the initiative was a strategic response to the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing finance and technical support.
They noted that the program was designed to strengthen MSME export clusters and improve their competitiveness in the global
market.
In his remarks, Trade and Sector Adviser of GIZ, Raymond Dangana, highlighted the importance of export finance for MSMEs, saying, “the SME Export Finance Sensitization Forum is a key component of this initiative. We believe that by improving access to finance, we can increase the competitiveness of Nigerian MSMEs in the global market.”
PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Sunday
in Abuja
FEaturEs
Nigeria at 65 and Reflections on Hope, Charity, and Economic Progress
Nigeria celebrated 65 years of independence on October 1st, and the nation is at a crossroads. Amidst the festivities and patriotic fervor, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, and lack of access to necessities. However, amidst these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. The Grace Foundation's annual "Hands up for Nigeria" charity event is one such beacon of hope, providing essential support to thousands of Nigerians in need. Looking ahead, the question remains whether Nigeria's future will be marked by growth and development, or whether poverty, hunger, and insecurity will persist as major obstacles. MARY NNAH explores the impact of the "Hands up for Nigeria" initiative and the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people
As Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Day on October 1st, the nation marked a significant milestone in its journey towards growth and development. However, amidst the festivities and patriotic fervor, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, and lack of access to necessities.
It was against this backdrop that the Grace Foundation, a non-governmental organization, organised its annual "Hands up for Nigeria" charity event on October 1st. The event, now in its 13th year, brought together volunteers, medical professionals, and donors to distribute food, clothing, and medical services to thousands of Nigerians in need.
Deacon Philip Okuabo, President of the Grace Foundation, highlighted the economic downturn and security issues as major challenges facing Nigeria. "The country faces many problems... The government is trying its best, especially in the security sector. He expressed optimism that the country will improve, but noted that development may not be immediately apparent.
The Impact of ‘Hands up for Nigeria’ Initiative
According to Okuabo, the organisation's annual "Hands up for Nigeria" charity event aims to give hope to Nigerians in need. "What we are doing here is giving hope - that's our motto. The event provides essential support, including food, clothing, education, and medical services, to thousands of Nigerians. And what we're doing is extending our little hand of fellowship to put some little smile on the faces of these people."
The foundation's initiative includes various departments, such as food, clothing, education, and medical services.
Okuabo explained, "We have a food department where we give raw food to take home, a clothing department where we give new and old clothes, an educational department where we provide books and materials, and medical services where we offer free medical care."
The organisation has mobilized a team of nearly 20 doctors and nurses to provide medical care, including testing and treatment.
This year's event was expected to attract around 3,000 people, but the rain may have affected turnout. "We expected about 3,000 people," Okuabo said, "but the rain may have reduced the number."
Okuabo identified funding as the primary challenge in organising the event. "Funding is the main challenge," he said. "Governments don't typically provide financial support for initiatives like this, but rather moral support."
Despite these challenges, the organisation has secured support from pharmaceutical companies and other partners.
The charity event provided a glimmer of hope for many Nigerians who attended. Beneficiaries were treated to free medical services, including testing for malaria, blood sugar, and hypertension. They also received food items, clothing, and educational materials
for their children.
A Complex Economic Landscape
However, when asked about President Ahmed Tinubu's assertion that Nigeria has "finally turned the corner" economically, Deacon Okuabo expressed cautious optimism.
“When you say Nigeria has turned the corner, you know the president sees more than me. He has more information than I have. That's the truth. Yes. As an analyst, I would say it's possible that Nigeria is turning a corner. Because some prices are becoming stable. For instance, the fuel price is getting stable. Maybe those are the indices he is looking at and saying we have turned the corner.”
Deacon Okuabo's measured response highlights the complexities of Nigeria's economic landscape. While some indicators may suggest progress, the reality on the ground remains challenging. The charity event, which provided essential support to thousands, underscores the need for continued efforts to address the nation's socio-economic issues.
A Message of Hope and Wisdom
Deacon Okuabo's message for Nigerians is to remain hopeful and work hard. "People should not lose hope," he said. "They should keep working hard because hard work still pays. They should be optimistic and believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. They shouldn't go and get into trouble because of the economic downturn.”
As for the government, Deacon Okuabo emphasised the importance of seeking wisdom, being responsive to the people's needs. and careful consideration in policy-making. "The government should be responsive and seek wisdom to articulate policies well. They should think through their statements and policies carefully, rather than acting on impulse.”
The "Hands up for Nigeria" event serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's struggles and the need for collective efforts to address them. As Deacon Okuabo noted, "We are all people. For me, there's no preference.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Day, the question remains: what does the future hold for this nation of over 200 million people? Will the country continue to strive towards growth and development, or will the challenges of poverty, hunger, and insecurity continue to hinder progress?
One thing is certain, however: the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the nation's future. As Deacon Okuabo put it, "We pray that our country is going to get better. As I said earlier, we may not even know when the country is getting better."
The "Hands up for Nigeria" charity event may be just one small step towards addressing the nation's challenges, but it represents a crucial step towards building a better future for all Nigerians.
‘A Lifeline for the Community’
The "Hands Up for Nigeria" initiative has brought joy and relief to thousands of Nigerians in need as they hail Grace Foundation’s initiatives.
For Mr. Olamide Fadayomi, Mrs. Comfort Oriaku, and Edidiong Ukoh, amongst others, the programme has been a lifeline, providing essential support and services that have made a significant impact on their lives.
Olamide Fadayomi, a beneficiary of the program, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the organisation's efforts.
"This programme is a wonderful gesture that helps the community and people in need," he said. "I believe that Grace Tribe Church, Satellite Town, Lagos, is doing something positive and impactful for the country and the community."
As a member of Grace Tribe, Fadayomi was thrilled to attend the yearly program for the first time. "I usually don't get the chance to come, but I'm glad I was able to make it this year," he said. "What I've received today will support me for a long time."
Fadayomi was particularly grateful
for the food items he received, but he was also impressed by the health talk given during the program. "The health session was particularly important," he noted. "It taught us how to manage our health, prioritise our daily activities, and maintain a healthy balance between rest and relaxation. The schedule and tips provided will help us minimize health risks and improve our overall well-being."
Fadayomi's sentiments underscore the impact of the Grace Foundation's initiative on the community. As he put it, "I believe that this program is doing something positive for the country and the community, and I appreciate the efforts of the organisers.
Mrs. Comfort Oriaku, another beneficiary of the "Hands Up for Nigeria" initiative, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of the program. "I've heard a lot about this initiative, but this is my first time attending," she said. "We were here for a meeting, and when I saw people talking about the program, I decided to join in. Seeing firsthand what they're doing has been truly uplifting."
Mrs. Oriaku was particularly impressed by the range of services provided by the initiative. "The organisers have done an amazing job putting smiles on people's faces and providing essential items like food and clothing," she said. "The medical services, in particular, are invaluable, given the high cost of healthcare today. I'm grateful for the free medical treatment, drugs, and eyeglasses."
She continued, "At least people are going home with rice, gari, yams, and clothes. This is a huge thing, especially in today's economy. The fact that they're providing free medical treatment, including drugs and eyeglasses, is a blessing to many of us who cannot afford these services otherwise."
Mrs. Oriaku concluded by offering a heartfelt blessing to the organisers and sponsors of the initiative.
"I pray that God blesses the sponsors and volunteers for making this a reality," she said. "They're making a significant impact, and I believe they'll go far. God bless them very, very much.
A cross section of beneficiaries receiving their food packs and raw food items during the Hands up for Nigeria charity event
There's no special person. We are all people."
Ofala Festival: In Bridging Tradition and Technology, Globacom is Taking Nigeria’s Heritage on Global Stage
In an age where digital connectivity shapes the world’s cultural narratives, Globacom has emerged as a powerful bridge between heritage and modernity ensuring that even as Nigeria celebrates its cultural past, it remains digitally connected to the world. Through its long-standing partnership with the Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the telecommunications giant is not just supporting a traditional celebration but also exporting Nigeria’s rich cultural identity to the global stage. Having recently renewed the partnership for three more years, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this year’s festival will celebrate Igbo heritage, unity, and creativity, while showcasing how tradition and technology can thrive side by side
Africa's economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by shifting demographic needs, demand for commodities include rare minerals, technological and digital transformation, trade and regional integration and strategic partnerships.
As the continent navigates the complexities of global economic trends, it is poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities and cement its position as a key player in the global economy.
Africa's economic growth is projected to reach 4.4 per cent by 2026, driven by a com
When the ancient kingdom of Onitsha bursts into colour this October, it will not just be the traditional drums and regal dances that take centre stage. It will also be a story of how one indigenous company, Globacom, has helped elevate Nigeria’s most iconic festivals- the popular Ofala festival of the South-eastern region, to the global stage.
Thus, when Globacom reaffirmed its sponsorship of the Ofala Festival for another three years at a press conference at the Ime Obi, Obi’s Palace, Onitsha, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, it was an extension of a partnership that began in 2011.
Speaking on behalf of Globacom’s founder and Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., the Chairman of the Strategic Marketing and Communications Committee, Mr. Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, described the occasion as “an affirmation of heritage, unity, and aspiration”, adding that the renewed partnership was a testament to Glo’s enduring belief that “tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
“While we continue to embrace globalisation and digitalisation, we must preserve our identity. As the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, noted, ‘A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots’. In celebrating Ofala, therefore, we honour the humanity and dignity of our past, even as we invest in our shared future”.
Taking Ofala to the World Stage
Globacom’s journey with the Ofala Festival is not merely that of a sponsor but the story of a cultural alliance that has redefined how local traditions can find expression on the world stage. Since 2011, the telecommunications giant has transformed the festival from a regional celebration into a global showcase of Igbo heritage, attracting both domestic and international attention.
“Our aim has been to ensure each edition shines brighter, touches more lives, and uplifts our collective spirit. We believe that festivals are not just culture on display; they are engines of identity, creativity, commerce, and tourism,” the company said.
This vision is rooted in the understanding that culture is more than nostalgia but also a strategic economic driver. Thus, Globacom’s involvement has, over the
t he pre-event attended by Globacom team, palace chiefs and members of the Ofala s teering Committee, after the telecommunications giant renewed the sponsorship of the Ofala festival for three more years he said. “They underscore a simple truth: culture and tourism are not luxuries, they are vital to our economy, our identity, and our future.”
years, helped position Ofala among globally recognised festivals such as Brazil’s Carnival, India’s Holi, and Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, demonstrating that Nigerian cultural expressions can hold their own on the world map.
Celebrating Nigeria’s Cultural Mosaic
Globacom’s support for Ofala also reflects its broader appreciation of Nigeria’s vast cultural diversity. The company has become synonymous with the promotion of traditional festivals across the country — from Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode and Lisabi in Abeokuta to other heritage events across different regions.
“Nigeria is richly endowed with festivals. From Ojude Oba in the West, to Durbar in the North, and Ofala and New Yam festivals in the East; from colourful carnivals in the South to riverine regattas, each unique, each a reason for someone to come, see, spend, and remember.”
According to Globacom, this diversity holds enormous potential for tourism and economic growth.
“We are all agreed on the huge potentials of our tourism sector and the positive impact it can have on our economy,” the company noted, adding that the sector touches several sub-sectors that drive national productivity.
Culture as an Economic Force
The telecommunications firm backed its cultural vision with data underscoring the growing influence of tourism in Nigeria’s economy.
“In 2025, Nigeria’s tourism sector is projected to contribute ₦11.2 trillion to GDP, up from about ₦10.9 trillion in 2024,” the representative revealed.
“Domestic tourism expenditure is also expected to be around ₦6.1 trillion, while international visitor spending is forecast at about ₦803.2 billion.”
“These figures show not only recovery from the disruptions of recent years, but strong growth,”
This belief has guided Globacom’s sustained investment in cultural sponsorships. The company insists that “investment in culture yields returns beyond the balance sheet. It builds communities, jobs, local businesses, and pride.”
Bridging Heritage and Technology
As a technology-driven brand, Globacom’s commitment to culture is more than philanthropy but also a fusion of heritage and innovation. For the 2025 Ofala Festival, the company is rolling out several customerfocused initiatives designed to deepen engagement and empowerment.
“We are packaging a special promotion for our subscribers with prizes such as tricycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines, so that empowerment is tangible,” the company disclosed.
It also reaffirmed its ongoing investment in infrastructure to enhance digital experiences for millions of Nigerians. “We are continuing aggressive roll-out and upgrade of network infrastructure across Nigeria, in particular to 4G-LTE in zones like the South East, so that all our subscribers will enjoy enhanced experience on the network on both voice and data services.”
Just days before the press conference, Globacom unveiled two new offerings: the Talkmasta Plan and Welcome Bonus, both designed to give subscribers more value. While the Talkmasta Plan provides customers with extra talk time and data at no additional cost, the Welcome Bonus offers unmatched benefits for new users joining the Glo community.
Through these initiatives, Globacom continues to bridge tradition and technology, ensuring that even as Nigeria celebrates its cultural past, it remains digitally connected to the world.
A Royal Celebration of Heritage
This year’s Ofala promises to be one of the most spectacular yet. The Chairman of the Strategic Marketing and Communications Committee, Mr. Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, announced a rich lineup of events beginning with the annual lecture series on October 7, followed by the Oreze Art Exhibition — a showcase of paintings, sculptures, and
ceramics by Nigerian and African artists. Other highlights include the Ofala Youth Carnival on October 15, the Medical, Health and Wellbeing Outreach, the Iru Ofala on October 17, and the Azu Ofala on October 18. The festivities will culminate in a Royal Banquet in honour of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, on October 22.
Maduegbuna assured guests that “adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a spectacular event as well as the security and comfort of all visitors.”
From Local Pride to Global Recognition For Globacom, Ofala represents more than sponsorship — it is part of a mission to project Nigeria’s cultural identity to the world. The company’s sustained investment has not only preserved the festival’s essence but also elevated it as a platform for cultural diplomacy, creativity, and national pride.
“To sponsor a festival is one thing; but to nurture its essence and future is another,” Globacom observed. “Through infrastructure, community engagement, and cultural reverence, we have redefined what corporate responsibility can mean. We have not simply joined in the celebration of these festivals; we have helped them flourish.”
Today, Ofala Festival stands as a major attraction on Nigeria’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the globe. Through Globacom’s consistent support, the event has become a symbol of how private-sector investment can revitalise heritage and showcase Nigeria’s soft power on the global stage.
As preparations heighten for the 2025 edition, Globacom’s message is clear: “Every beat of the drum is more than tradition; it is economic pulse, community voice, and future promise.”
The company’s commitment, deeply rooted in cultural respect and forward-thinking innovation, reinforces its place as not just a corporate sponsor but a cultural ambassador. In Ofala, Globacom has found a powerful metaphor for its philosophy, where heritage meets innovation, and where Nigeria’s cultural pride connects seamlessly to the world.
Through sustained partnerships like this, Glo continues to prove that the world will not only hear Nigeria’s voice, it will also dance to its rhythm.
Thursday October 16, 2025
www.thisdaylive.com
NWIFURU AND BATTLE FOR LEGISLATIVE AUTONOMY
The Ebonyi State governor is committed to institutional autonomy, writes UKO ETUK
EXPANDING PATHWAYS FOR GIRLS IN STEM OLAMIDE APEJOYE writes that DELT-Her is creating pathways for early exposure and leadership development for girls See page 21
opinion@thisdaylive.com
Federal government should accept informed counsel to properly address Nigeria’s socio-economic hurdles, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
THAT UNFLATTERING WORLD BANK REPORT
Global financial organisations, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB), have been kind to the government of President Bola Tinubu. They’ve so far seized virtually every chance to praise the reforms he instituted very early into his administration, notably oil subsidy removal and the floating of the naira. The former was announced in the course of his inauguration speech at Eagle Square, Abuja over two years ago. Perhaps, there was no better way to display his audacity. And he probably knew that majority of his compatriots had already become despondent or simply succumbed to the weight of years of mediocre governance; but he certainly didn’t intend to leave anyone in doubt about his readiness to right the wrongs either midwifed or superintended over by his predecessors. With the tacit endorsements by those Bretton Woods institutions came apprehension and outright disapproval from many Nigerians. History has taught them that whenever these financiers step out to assist countries supposedly to boost their economies, the end results often fall short of pledges and expectations. No doubt, their romance with the federal government has been largely viewed with scepticism, especially outside the power corridors. Last week’s unusual intervention by the WB is in some ways surprising. Its Country Director for Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, while presenting the bank’s report titled, “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reforms Gains Home”, veered onto a less travelled path.
First, the familiar eulogies. “Over the last two years, Nigeria has implemented major reforms around the exchange rate and petrol subsidy. These policies have laid the foundation for transforming the country’s economic trajectory for decades to come…. Growth has picked up, revenues have risen, debt indicators are improving, the forex market is stabilising, reserves are rising, and inflation is finally beginning to come down. These are major achievements, and many countries would envy them”, Verghis declared like someone on a mission to make the members of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope corps happy. He sounded very much like the paraphrase of a portion of the last presidential Independence Day broadcast. However, just when the government’s minders thought that he would simply go ahead to corroborate the president’s assertion that “we have finally turned the corner”, his tone changed. He delved into the not so familiar. His words: “Despite these stabilisation gains, many Nigerians are still struggling.
In 2025, we estimate that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty. The challenge is clear: how to translate reform gains into better living standards for all…. Food inflation affects everyone but hits the poor the hardest. It also threatens to undermine political support for reforms. Tight monetary policy is essential, but it must be complemented by structural measures that tackle supply and market bottlenecks…. These are not abstract ideas - they are practical steps that can turn macrostability into improved livelihoods.” No striking, ingenious statement, actually. It’s a viewpoint supported by both scientific data and street-feeling; something echoed at numerous fora by experts and others alike. Even many of those who swear that Tinubu means well would agree that the gap between the policies being administered to the traumatised citizenry and their promised fruitions keeps expanding. The sooner the government agrees with the fact that this opinion isn’t the handiwork of its enemies, the more energies it can truly muster and invest in workable and fruitful approaches.
But it’s not comfortable with this constructive admonition coming from a friendly body, unfortunately. The immediate response of Sunday Dare, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, validates this fear: “While Nigeria values its partnership with the World Bank and appreciates its contributions to policy analysis, the figure quoted must be properly contextualised. It is unrealistic…. There must be caution against interpreting the World Bank’s numbers as a literal, real-time headcount. The estimate is derived from the global poverty line of $2.15 per person per day, a benchmark set in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity terms….
“The measure is an analytical construct, not a direct reflection of local income realities. Poverty assessment under PPP methodology uses historical consumption data (Nigeria’s last major survey was in 2018/19) and often overlooks the informal and subsistence economies that sustain millions of households. The government, therefore, regards the figure as a modelled global estimate, not an
empirical representation of conditions in 2025. What truly matters is the trajectory, and Nigeria’s is now one of recovery and inclusive reform…. Nigeria rejects exaggerated statistical interpretations detached from local realities.”
Nothing unexpected about that reaction, really, considering Dare’s job description. But the Nigerian people do not even need any agency to tell them the scope of their own predicaments. Like the ones before it, this administration has been making efforts to steer the nation’s economy through periods of underperformance and turbulence. Only that it is heavier on promises, more promises, and assurances than concrete deliverables. Again, we don’t have to depend on statistical charts, tables and diagrams to prove that the number of the beneficiaries of government’s programmes does not come anywhere close to those who haven’t accessed them. Officials can propagate their real and perceived strides without denying Nigeria’s clear downward variables like rising joblessness, grossly disabled purchasing capacity, severely challenged manufacturing sector, acutely weakened social infrastructure and more.
So, Verghis’ submission shouldn’t be waved aside. Establishments like IMF and WB do claim to fight poverty. It is however not lost on industry watchers that they’re more interested in maintaining the status quo, in the long run. It’s difficult to identify the nations they’ve helped to migrate from the underdeveloped or developing category to the elite, developed one. In fact, nations that have been undiscerning enough to wholly take their loans and economic prescriptions are known to have descended to lower grades of development. WB’s Nigeria’s GDP prediction of 4.2 to 4.4 percent growth between now and 2027 isn’t anything to dance about. For the country’s status as host to the world’s largest number of multidimensionally poor people to change significantly, that figure should be in double digits.
Tinubu and his team must go beyond the ongoing superficial packaging believed to be for the next election. There’s work to prosecute. News headlines like “Nigeria’s Public Debt Hits N149 trillion Amid Rising Domestic Borrowing” and “Nigeria’s Public Debt Hits N152 trillion in Q2 2025 – DMO Raises Alarm” alone can rubbish any talk of enhanced revenue generation. Today, penury is a lived reality in many homes, not a shadowy phenomenon. One key action towards tackling it is embracing Verghis’ advice in good faith.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board
The Ebonyi State governor is committed to institutional autonomy, writes UKO ETUK
NWIFURU AND BATTLE FOR LEGISLATIVE AUTONOMY
The room went silent. A powerful governor at the meeting of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures had just declared that the Speakers owed their political lives — their tickets, their careers, even their survival to the Governors. “We own everything,” he said, daring anyone to challenge him.
Francis Ogbonna Erishi Nwifuru, then Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, stood up. His voice cut through the air: “You are not God.”
Now, I must make a disclosure here. I was not in the room when this exchange happened, and for years it floated around as one of those whispered stories in the corridors of power — especially whenever constitutional amendments on the legislative and judiciary autonomy came up, with tales of powerful governors trying to scuttle the process. I had even heard a version of it at the Conference of Speakers’ Secretariat during a visit for discussions on separation of powers, though at the time the characters remained unnamed.
It was only in this interview with Nwifuru that the moment took flesh — with him not only confirming it but also owning it.
In Nigeria, where state assemblies are often mocked as rubber stamps for governors, such defiance borders on sacrilege. Yet it marked a turning point — one that would ripple through the battle for legislative autonomy between the NGF and the Conference of Speakers.
“What we were discussing was autonomy for the legislature and judiciary,” Nwifuru recalled. “Once you’re not financially independent, you’re compromised. And I could not accept that.”
To his surprise, the Governor of Ebonyi State at the time — David Umahi — agreed, standing with him in principle. Umahi, who was absent at the fateful meeting, later heard of his Speaker’s stand against the threat and endorsed it, assenting to the two autonomy bills for constitutional amendment for state legislature and judiciary — not out of charity, but to prove that Nwifuru’s fiery words were backed by substance. “That day, something shifted,” Nwifuru said. “We showed that a legislature could stand on its own two feet.”
Even now, as governor, Nwifuru continues to describe Umahi as a builder, mentor, and the man who gave practical life to that vision by assenting to the two autonomy bills. It is a rare continuity in Nigeria’s turbulent subnational politics — a moment where confrontation birthed collaboration.
Today, Nwifuru governs Ebonyi State as its chief executive. Yet his philosophy of autonomy still drives him. “I don’t interfere in the House,” he told me firmly. “I don’t pay their salaries, I don’t buy anything for them. They run their budget. My job is to do mine, and theirs is to do theirs.”
That insistence on boundaries is rare
in Nigerian politics, where governors often treat state legislatures as extensions of their press offices. But Nwifuru is not only unusual for what he refuses to do — he is also striking for what he promises.
Within his first year in office, he rolled out his People’s Charter of Needs — a grassroots-driven governance blueprint that recruited over 1,500 civil servants and 2,400 teachers, improved salaries, and launched an ambitious wave of infrastructure projects. Yet he refuses to cut ribbons just to score points. “I don’t want to be commissioning projects now,” he said. “From May 1, 2026, every day until May 29, 2027, we will commission projects — schools, hospitals, libraries, roads. Governance is not about ceremonies. It’s about results.”
That builder’s instinct runs deep. As Speaker working with an engineer-governor before him, Nwifuru helped rebrand Ebonyi from what he calls a “backyard state” into one with roads, bridges, and institutions to match its peers. Now, as Governor, he wants to prove that durable systems matter more than temporary applause.
It is why he treats awards with suspicion — including his own recognition as an ICON of the Fourth Republic. “I don’t believe in giving or taking awards,” he told me. “Work for the people. Leave legacies. Let your story tell itself.”
But for us at OrderPaper Nigeria, Nwifuru’s story — like that of several others who have straddled the legislature and the executive — must be told. His journey sits at the heart of the ICONS of the Fourth Republic Project — a groundbreaking effort to chronicle the men and women who have shaped Nigeria’s democracy through the rare lens of dual governance experience. Already, the ICONS initiative has sparked deep stakeholder interest — from the National Assembly to state houses, from civic actors to academia — all eager for its forthcoming unveiling. Through extensive interviews and verified records, the project is curating Nigeria’s first Book of Records under the FLEX (Facility for Legislative and Executive Exchange) initiative — a living repository of public service excellence that will soon be presented at a national awards gala.
Etuk is the Programs Manager at OrderPaper Nigeria, and lead of the team curating the ICONS of the Fourth Republic: Book of Records
OLAMIDE APEJOYE writes that DELTHer is creating pathways for early exposure and leadership development for girls
EXPANDING PATHWAYS FOR GIRLS IN STEM
Every October, on the International Day of the Girl-Child, we are reminded to reflect on the barriers girls face and the opportunities they need to thrive. The 2025 theme, "The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” calls attention to the power of girls to lead transformation within their communities. For Nigeria, this conversation cannot be complete without addressing how to expand access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), a sector that shapes the country's economic and digital future. When girls lack access to education or practical skills, they are excluded from industries driving innovation and development. According to UNICEF, 7.6 million Nigerian girls were out of primary or junior secondary school in 2023. For those who do enroll, social norms, inadequate infrastructure, and limited exposure to applied science often prevent them from understanding how STEM can solve real-world challenges. Bridging this divide requires more than classroom learning, it demands experiential opportunities, mentorship, and visible role models.
This is the mission behind the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) Initiative, a flagship collaboration between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT). DELT-Her provides young girls with STEM kits, fabrication tools, and mentorship from female engineers and innovators who guide them in transforming curiosity into capability. It aligns with Nigeria's national digital and industrialisation goals by building a pipeline of future-ready female engineers and innovators.
Since its inception, DELT-Her has reached 150 girls across 15 schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, and Nasarawa States. Participants have been equipped with STEM kits, connected to mentors, and guided through problem-solving challenges that translate theory into practice. Early feedback shows growing enthusiasm and confidence, girls are coding, designing, and fabricating with purpose, and several have begun showcasing their projects during school exhibitions and community events.
The gender gap in STEM remains stark. In 2022, women made up just 22% of students in engineering and technology programmes at Nigerian universities (National Bureau of Statistics). DELT-Her is changing this trajectory by creating pathways for early exposure and leadership development.
When a girl builds her first model or writes her first business proposal, she gains not just technical know-how but a vision of herself as an innovator. Pilot surveys from the programme show measurable improvements in confidence, collaboration, and career aspiration, with many participants now expressing interest in STEM careers.
As these girls grow in skill and ambition, their influence extends beyond the classroom. They inspire their peers, diversify the talent pipeline, and contribute to a more inclusive innovation ecosystem. This ripple effect girls inspiring girls - has the potential to transform industries and strengthen Nigeria's human capital base. Their leadership fuels innovation, drives productivity, and ensures that the nation benefits from the creativity and potential of all its citizens.
Through DELT-Her, NASENI, and PICTT are not just teaching STEM, they are building a movement. The initiative embodies a vision of equality and empowerment, where girls are equipped to step forward as leaders, innovators, and change agents. Impact is measured by how many girls advance into higher STEM education, how mentors remain engaged, and how confidently these young women present themselves as problemsolvers in their communities. While many commendable efforts across Nigeria aim to bridge the gender gap in science and technology, DELT-Her stands out for integrating hands-on technical exposure with structured mentorship and leadership training. This holistic approach reflects the spirit of this year's International Day of the Girl Child, empowering girls to not only participate in STEM but to lead the change that defines its future.
Apejoye writes from Abuja
Editor, Editorial Page PETER
ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF FOOD INSECURITY Security
The official theme for today’s World Food Day 2025 is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” It underscores the importance of global collaboration between all critical stakeholders to build a peaceful, sustainable, and food-secure future. With the fear of malnutrition for millions of children (and mothers) who are deprived of a healthy and productive life, the situation is already dire in Nigeria. We therefore urge authorities, at all levels, to work towards alleviating the problem of hunger in the country.
Last November, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) published a report titled, ‘Nigeria General Household Survey (Wave 5)’ which revealed that approximately two out of three households indicated being unable to eat healthy, nutritious or preferred foods because of lack of money. Similarly, 63.8 per cent of households ate only a few kinds of food due to lack of money, 62.4 per cent were worried about not having enough food to eat, and 60.5 per cent ate less than they thought they should. Between Waves 4 and 5 surveys (conducted three years apart), the proportion of households that reported being worried about not having enough food to eat because of lack of money increased significantly, from 36.9 per cent to 62.4 per cent. Between then and now, the only change is perhaps that the situation has got worse.
Insecurity in many of the rural communities has made it practically difficult for farmers to engage in agricultural production optimally, thus affecting productivity and largely causing market disruptions
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
For years, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) have warned repeatedly that millions of Nigerians are at the risk of hunger as prices of foodstuff skyrocket. Recent data compiled by an international e-commerce organisation also revealed that the average Nigerian household spends about 60 per cent of its income on food, one of the highest in the world. In contrast, residents of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore spend less than 10 per cent. Yet, at a period when millions of citizens
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
are living with hunger, there is also widespread waste of scarce resources by public officials. Meanwhile, insecurity in many of the rural communities has made it practically difficult for farmers to engage in agricultural production optimally, thus affecting productivity and largely causing market disruptions with attendant food price shocks. Staples such as beans and tomatoes have seen astronomical surge in prices, just like onions, and cassava flour. Some states with high food prices are ironically major food-producing belt in peace times. Sokoto, for instance, is a major producer of beans, cowpea, groundnut, garlic, wheat, sugarcane, pepper, onions, and tomatoes, while groundnut, sorghum, sesame seed, maize, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and pepper are produced extensively in Plateau State.
Available projections from Cadre Harmonisé, an initiative focused on food and nutrition analysis, indicate a high level of desperation, especially in the Northwest. “People have been forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms such as survival sex and child labour to stay alive” noted the head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen. “Over the past year, dozens of farmers have lost their lives, and others have been abducted or injured while eking out a living outside the security perimeters of Borno’s garrison towns due to limited farming lands and few or no livelihood options.”
First celebrated in 1979, World Food Day takes place annually on October 16 to promote awareness of hunger and map out strategies for achieving food security, especially in countries like Nigeria where most of the citizens are vulnerable. This year’s celebration coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the FAO which has called for global collaboration “in creating a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future.” Since food is needed for survival and well-being, there is an urgent need for urgent intervention to avert a human catastrophe in the country.
MARYAM SANDA AND THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a presidential pardon for 175 convicted persons across the country, Nigerians received the news with mixed emotions. But among the list, one name struck a raw national nerve, Maryam Sanda, the woman convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in what remains one of the country’s most chilling domestic murder cases.
For many, it was not just another item in the roll call of mercy; it was a haunting reminder of how justice can sometimes be undone by power, privilege, and politics. The presidential prerogative of mercy, though constitutional, has now become a moral battlefield where the grief of the victim’s family collides with the influence of the powerful.
The late Bilyaminu Bello’s story is a tragic one. Murdered in cold blood by his wife in 2017, his death tore
through the conscience of the nation. From the Federal Capital Territory High Court to the Court of Appeal, and finally to the Supreme Court in 2023, every judicial panel reaffirmed her guilt and upheld the death sentence. For many Nigerians, that long, painstaking journey through the courts was justice done and seen to be done.
But when the same Maryam Sanda walked free through the gates of presidential pardon barely two years later, the wounds of that tragedy reopened. In a country where thousands of convicts languish for years without the benefit of mercy, her release looked less like compassion and more like privilege dressed in forgiveness.
What deepened public unease was not just the pardon itself, but the drama that followed. As the late Bilyaminu’s family protested the decision, a man claiming to be his biological father suddenly appeared before journalists in
Abuja beside Maryam’s own father to bless the President’s gesture. He pleaded that the woman should be allowed to raise his “grandchildren.”
Yet, investigative accounts reveal that this man, Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, had been absent from his son’s entire life. A retired storekeeper from the old Sokoto State, he reportedly disappeared shortly after the boy’s birth in 1981, never to return not during his son’s childhood, not during his marriages, and not even during the long, high-profile murder trial that went all the way to the Supreme Court. His sudden reappearance, looking frail and poor, has been widely viewed as an orchestrated spectacle to give moral cover to an otherwise controversial pardon.
Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, chambasimeh@gmail.com
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Proffering Meaningful Solution to 16-Year-Old Boko Haram Crisis
Critical stakeholders including former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently posited that solution to the debilitating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on the economy and existence of Nigeria would remain elusive until leaders are united on the root cause and true solution to the menace. Alex Enumah reports:
Last week, the creme de la creme in the Nigerian society gathered in Abuja to unveil the book, “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum” written by a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Leo Irabor. In attendance were two past presidents, President Bola Tinubu represented, serving and past state governors, serving and past military officers, religious leaders, ministers and politicians from several political parties.
The book, according to the author, is meant as a 60th birthday gift to himself as well as a roadmap for leaders in search of an end to the 16 years crisis of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“The account in this book is a painful truth as I see it”, Irabor stated, just as he expressed hope that the book will elicit a national conversation that would focus attention on credible solutions to not just the Boko Haram insurgency but insecurity challenges facing the nation.
Irabor also explained that the book was not an “indictment” but a national soul-searching presentation that would awaken reality “to either act dutifully for progress or do nothing and tend towards extinction”.
Arguably, Nigeria may be heading towards extinction since it has failed to nip in the bud the menace which started 16 years ago in the Northeast geo-political zone of the country. Today, the challenge of insecurity pervades the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, in form of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling including farmers/ herders clashes, hence the need for urgent action.
For former President Olusegun Obasanjo, “we cannot continue this way, something has to be done”. In an enough is enough tone, Obasanjo regretted that the menace of Boko Haram has defied four successive administrations with no victory in sight, adding that even the civil war which nearly broke up the country was defeated within 30 months.
As part of solution, Obasanjo suggested an examination of the values of the country’s past in order to unravel what is there that is destructive to the present and future of Nigeria. While claiming that the insurgency has more to do with a quest for a better life rather than political or religious agitations, he called on people who have something to say to come forward and write books or speak up so that the country can find solution to the issue.
But, for former President Goodluck Jonathan, who battled the Boko Haram insurgency for five years, nobody seems to know or understand the
demands of the insurgents. “One of the major scars on my government — and it will remain with me, as Bishop Kukah said, no plastic or cosmetic surgeon can remove it — is the issue of the Chibok girls. It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps, later, more details may emerge — and that too relates to Boko Haram. What did they really want?”, Jonathan wondered.
According to him, if one conducts a research and interview people, he or she would only get part of the story of Boko Haram and not the full. Observing that Boko Haram started in 2009 when he was Vice President and President in 2010 Jonathan said he spent five years battling the insurgency until he left office, adding, “I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there”.
While stressing that the issue is far more complex than it is often presented, Jonathan expressed conviction that the agitators are not persons suffering from poverty and hunger going by the quality of weapons they possessed. He subsequently called on the present administration to employ a different approach from what he and his predecessor did in order to end the crisis which has displaced millions of persons, besides the millions of injured and deaths.
“The issue of the carrot and the stick may need to be adopted. Yes, there may be unmet needs, but if you look at the
weapons they use—and assess their value—you will realise that these are not hungry people. Soldiers who sometimes recover these weapons can see for themselves”, Jonathan stated. Besides he claimed that the insurgents often have more sophisticated ammunition than Nigerian troops, suggesting the involvement of external hands.
“I believe as a nation, we have to look at the concept of Boko Haram and approach it differently from the conventional approach. I believe one day we’ll get over it”, he submitted.
However, for a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), although Nigeria’s security challenge has never been this bad, Nigeria, according to him, has had only four years of peace and progress - between 1975 and 1979 - when the then government made conscious efforts at re-engineering the country through agriculture and other developmental projects. According to Monguno, the country since independence have continued to grapple with the same issue but with different colouration.
“We had a small window of happiness between 1975-1979, when the then leadership made efforts to re-engineer the country”, he said, “subsequently the issues at hand became overwhelming...they kept coming back in different colouration... issues with national development, insecurity, political situation, defective governance”.
He suggested that for Nigeria to regain her pride of place among the comity of nations, there is need to interrogate certain issues underpinning the foundation of the country. According to him, the struggle for power and authority, resource allocation and fear of domination by ethnic nationalities are some of the issues Nigeria
obasanjo suggested an examination of the values of the country’s past in order to unravel what is there that is destructive to the present and future of nigeria. While claiming that the insurgency has more to do with a quest for a better life rather than political or religious agitations, he called on people who have something to say to come forward and write books or speak up so that the country can find solution to the issue.
must address if she must move forward.
While stating that solutions cannot be handled by government alone, he said the people must be fully involved in all stages.
“You can never address insecurity in as much as there is impaired national cohesion”, the ex-NSA said, adding that, today Nigerians do not just detest and hate one another but have “become very embittered as a people, unforgiven in our nasty attitude towards one another”.
He, however, expressed hope that Nigeria can overcome the present challenge since countries like Rwanda and Singapore did.
The book reviewer and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Kukah, in his remarks, claimed that Nigeria is not working today simply because of the 1966 military coup. “Nigeria has refused to return to the crime scene and when they do, they are always hesitant”, he pointed out while commending Irabor for the courage in writing the book, and for also identifying factors such as national reconciliation, political orientation, patriotism, judicial reforms, social reforms and good governance as panacea to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The fiery Bishop submitted that the issue of Boko Haram insurgency did not require conventional warfare in the first place because it’s an ideological war, adding that all the military operations with various code name is yet to bring an end to the Boko Haram war.
“But one of the things that we take away from this book, and I try to just make three or four; one of the things we take away from this book is the urgency of what is called soft power”, he said.
The clergyman accordingly called on the military to “create a sense of urgency about returning to the barracks, so that their integrity and professionalism can be guaranteed”. According to him, the presence of the military in the 36 states of the federation makes the notion of democracy an oxymoron. “We cannot be in a democracy and be surrounded by soldiers”, he said, adding that people now see the military as an army of occupation.
The cleric while noting that national security is about the day the guns will die, pointed to the need for good governance in addressing many of the challenges being faced by the citizens such as flooding, hunger, poverty, among others.
NOTE:
Irabor
obasanjo
Kukah
Report Reveals DDoS as New Dimension of Cyberthreats to Digital Infrastructure in W’Africa
Stories by Emma Okonji
NETSCOUT Systems has released its latest global threat intelligence report, which exposed the dangerous trend in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on digital infrastructure across West African countries in the first half of 2025, Nigeria inclusive.
According to the report, countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali were most hit within the first six months of 2025, effectively putting the digital infrastructure of these
In order to remove one of the strongest barriers to broadband deployment and connectivity in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for the adoption of 100 per cent waiver in Right of Way (RoW) charges across all states of the federation.
NCC also called on state governments to institutionalise coordination between road/public works and operators, shared planning portals, advance works notifications, and digonce protocols, to prevent accidental cuts of fibre cables during road construction.
countries under threat.
Côte d’Ivoire suffered through the longest DDoS attack within the region, at an average duration of more than 415 minutes (almost seven hours), followed by Burkina Faso at 356.49 minutes (close to six hours), and then Mali at 336.63 minutes (more than 5.5 hours).
Analysing the report, Regional Director for Africa at NETSCOUT Systems, Bryan Hamman, said the extended attacks demonstrated that West African countries were not just facing frequent onslaughts, they were also enduring
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said this during a business roundtable held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, in Abuja, themed: ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity’.
At the meeting, Maida revealed that between 2023 and 2025, additional five states, Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara have joined the initial six states in waiving RoW charges in their states,
hours-long disruptions that put critical services to the test.
“A DDoS that lasts for six or seven hours will most definitely affect service availability in a major way, impacting on user access, revenue loss and reputational damage. The fact is that cybercriminals are not just launching many small or brief attacks; in some places, they are sustaining pressure. This could indicate changes in objectives, such as disruption rather than data theft, hacktivism or even experimentation in testing resilience,” Hamman said.
bringing the total number of states that have completely removed RoW charges to 11.
Six states, Anambra, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Osun and Plateau, had in 2023, set the tone for the removal of RoW charges, after persistent engagements with the states by the NCC.
The commission however said 17 states have capped RoW charges at N145 per linear metre, a rate fixed by the Nigerian Governors Forum several years ago, while other states still charge arbitrarily as deemed fit by the state agencies, which ranges between N500 and
Giving comparative insights of DDoS attacks across the region, especially between Mali and Nigeria, Hamman said: “Mali not only experienced one of the longest DDoS attacks in West Africa during the first six months of 2025, but it also saw the most incidents. When compared to historically high-volume countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana and Guinea, it’s clear that Mali has seen the fastest growth trajectory in the region - from 115 in the first half of 2024, to 1,637 in the second part of the year, skyrocketing again to a staggering 4,145 in
N1,500 per linear metre.
Disturbed by the setback caused by RoW charges, but considering the significance of the removal of RoW charges in some states, Maida said there was need for every state government to adopt 100 per cent waiver on RoW charges across states.
Maida said: “Our sustained engagement with state governments, underscores our commitment to creating an enabling environment for broadband connectivity and expansion. Recognising the challenges posed by RoW charges across states, the commission intensified
the first half of 2025, more than double Nigeria’s total of 1,844 from January to July this year.”
The report however attributed Mali’s DDoS attacks to the ongoing political instability within the country, and early-stage cybersecurity capacity, in combination with its growing internet penetration.”
According to the report, Nigeria, however, did experience the most complex incidents within the region. The maximum number of vectors observed in a single attack was 23,
advocacy with states to reduce or waive these fees to accelerate broadband rollout.
Within the past two years, five additional states have waived RoW fees entirely.
This brings the total number of states offering zero RoW charges to eleven 11, while 17 states have capped RoW charges at N145 per linear metre. We are also promoting the “dig-once” coordination with public works to cut avoidable fibre damage and lower civil-works costs by sharing ducts and plans. Our goal is uniform, predictable RoW countrywide, paired with clear permitting service
the highest on the continent, as seen in other African countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Libya. “Interestingly, while Nigeria’ top industries targeted did include wireless telcos as number one, it uniquely recorded 108 incidents aimed at beauty salons. Commercial banking was placed in fourth spot, while household appliances, electric houseware and consumer electronic merchant wholesalers were listed as eighth position,” the report said.
level agreement (SLAs).” Addressing other issues that will lead to faster broadband deployment across the country, Maida further added: “In line with our economic regulatory mandate, earlier this year, the commission approved the application of tariff rates that are both cost-reflective and competitive within the telecommunications industry. This strategic regulatory intervention has significantly strengthened investor confidence in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.”
Kefas: Agriculture Crucial to Deepening Nigeria’s Economy Growth
Raheem Akingbolu
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas on Monday in Lagos called on individuals, private organisations and government to give priority to Agriculture to deepen Nigeria’s economic growth. The governor pointed out that the sector is a significant contributor to the GDP and the largest employer, providing livelihoods for a large portion of the population and therefore urged stakeholders to key into farming to ensure everybody is well fed.
Speaking during a fact-finding mission to the facilities and factories of Nigeria’s leading Agricultural and Food Systems company, Origin Tech Group, he commended President Bola Tinubu’s
pragmatic approach to combat food shortage by putting developmental policies in place to attract youths to farming and give a new hope to the citizens of Nigeria.
During the visit, the governor after taking a tour of the facilities to see the end-to-end agricultural equipment including bulldozers for land clearing, tractors for cultivation, harvesters, planters, and irrigation equipment for large-scale agricultural development reaffirmed his commitment to massive agricultural revolution in Taraba state which is expected to commence immediately through the partnership with Origin Tech Group.
According to him, ‘’It’s a very impressive initiative
Firm Offers Free Health Checks to Celebrate Customer Service Week
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform and neobank driving financial inclusion in Nigeria, is joining the global celebration of Customer Service Week 2025, themed: ‘Mission: Possible’.
The theme reflects the dedication of PalmPay’s customer service team, who are committed to turning every user interaction into a success story.
As part of the week-long celebration, PalmPay offered free health checks to customers who visited its Customer Experience Office in Ikeja, Lagos. The initiative highlights the company’s human
centered approach to customer relations, demonstrating empathy and appreciation while enhancing the overall brand experience.
Customer Service Team Lead at PalmPay, Yetunde Abubakar, said: “At PalmPay, our mission is to ensure that every customer receives professional, timely, and responsive support at all times. Customer Service Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our dedicated agents who go above and beyond daily to deliver seamless 24/7 assistance across all touchpoints; whether online, over the phone, or via in-app chats.”
and I think we’re going to key in to support what Origin Tech Group is doing so that the organisation too can also support us and I think this is one of the people that I would say
have been able to read through the mind of “When it comes to the national issue on food shortage, Mr. President is trying to give a new hope to the citizens of Nigeria, that
everybody must key in to farming, everybody must be well fed. There should be no single individual in Nigeria who should go to bed hungry, we don’t have any reason to go on
overseas trips in search of development partners as far as agricultural development is concerned with the kind of value and capacity that Origin is bringing to the agric value-chain.” he stated.
QoS, Data Depletion Top Discussions at NCC’s 94th Consumer Parliament
Stories by Emma Okonji
The issues about poor service quality delivery, data depletion and failed transactions with the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), topped the discussions at the 94th Consumer Parliament, themed: ‘Addressing Network
Quality for Improved Consumer Experience’, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos on Tuesday.
Speaking at different panel sessions during the consumer parliament, the panelists, drawn from among telecoms operators, banking sector and consumer advocacy
groups, discussed the challenges and proffered solutions to address them.
In his keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said in the past, the commission’s efforts were largely centred on ensuring that operators complied with defined Quality of Service (QoS) key performance
indicators.
In her opening remarks, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at NCC, Rimini Makama, said the consumer parliament forum had over the years helped NCC to deepen understanding, strengthen trust and collectively improve the consumer experience.
Blockchain.com Unfolds Strategies to Boost Customer Trust
Blockchain.com. a global cryptocurrency financial services platform, with presence in Nigeria, has come up with new strategies to enhance customer trust in Nigeria and to operate beyond the Nigerian market.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, General Manager in charge of African
Markets at Blockchain. com, Owenize Odia, said Nigeria remained a priority market for Blockchain.com. We want to be the first name people think of when they think of crypto. We are here for the long term, building responsibly, hiring locally, and working closely with regulators and the media.
“Blockchain started
in 2011 as a blockchain explorer — people used our site to check Bitcoin transactions. Over time we diversified into wallets and exchange services because many people coming to our explorer already had wallets with us. Today we have over 93 million users globally, and Africa is one of our biggest growth regions.
Nigeria, in particular, ranks among the world’s top markets for crypto adoption,” Odia said. Country Head, Blockchain.com in Nigeria Michael Emeeka, said: “Our approach is simple: build trust with customers, invest in local talent, and educate the market about practical uses of crypto beyond speculation.”
TD Africa, HP Strengthen Partnership, Eye Expansion across Africa
TD Africa, the leading technology distributor in sub-Saharan Africa, recently hosted a highlevel delegation from HP to renew and review their strategic commitments and explore deeper collaboration opportunities. The meeting served as a crucial step toward advancing their joint mission to enhance technology accessibility across the continent.
Speaking during the meeting, Group Head, Computing Business at TD Africa, Ikenna Ekeh, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership.
“TD Africa and HP have walked this journey together for years, and this meeting reaffirms our joint commitment to deliver value to our customers and partners across Africa. As HP’s financial year draws
to a close, this is the time to realign, refocus, and reposition for impact, ensuring that the next phase of our partnership is bolder, smarter, and truly pan-African,” Ikenna Ekeh said.
Head of Channel, Southern and Central Africa (SCA) at HP, Richard Stainforth, commended TD Africa’s consistent drive in building sustainable
partnerships and market leadership. “TD Africa has proven time and again that they are not just a distributor, but a true growth partner. Our goal moving forward is to deepen collaboration, expand reach, and continue to deliver innovation that meets the real needs of businesses and consumers across Africa,” Stainforth said.
L-R: Director of Corporate Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Jensen Asaba; Director of Commercial and Public Sector Paystack, Fisayo Kolawole; Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade; Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire; Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Obiageli Orah;Regional General Manager, South West, Olatokunbo Arewa ; andChief of Staff to the MD/CE, FAAN, Osazuwa Amadin, during the launching of the new payment system “Operation Go Cashless” Policy across all FAAN airportss, at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos… recently
Photo: KoLAWoLE ALLI
New Horizons Adopts School for the Blinds, Offers Scholarships
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
In a remarkable display of compassion and commitment to making the lives of visually impaired people better, New Horizons Nigeria has taken a bold step towards transforming the lives of over 100 visually impaired students at the Federal Nigerian Society for the Blind, Oshodi, Lagos.
Through a wellthought-out initiative, three-prong strategies,
the company has adopted the school, equipped it with computers and offered scholarships to some students.
MD of New Horizons, Tim Akano, also personally adopted two visually impaired students as his children; Olayinka and Philips Hassan. While Olayinka has been under New Horizons ICT training for one year in preparation for her to resume the role of ICT teacher at the school, she was earlier
given a permanent lifeemployment at New Horizons. Mr. Philips Oluwole Hassan on the other hand, a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) instructor at the school, has been awarded an overseas scholarship, there by equipping him with international exposure and skills that will further benefit the students upon his return. He will enjoy grants from the MD of New Horizons under his Tim Akano Foundation to study in an Australia university.
Aurora Tech, Nest Innovation Partner to Promote Women in Tech
Foundry for HER Bootcamp, powered by Aurora Tech Award, in partnership with The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd, is organising a three-day virtual accelerator designed exclusively for early-stage women-led tech startups in Nigeria.
Running from October 15 to 17, 2025, the programme promises to deliver practical tools, expert mentorship, and investor readiness strategies
to help founders like Ada not just survive, but scale.
Over 120 female founders will be trained in critical growth areas such as fundraising, pitching, and expanding beyond local markets, with masterclasses led by some of Africa’s most seasoned investors and ecosystem builders.
Speaking on the initiative, Head of the Aurora Tech Award, Isabella Ghassemi-
Smith, said: “At Aurora Tech Award, we focus on one thing: giving the world’s boldest women founders the fast track to scale. Nigeria has already proven itself on the global stage through our past winners, and with the Foundry for HER Bootcamp, we’re doubling down, giving early-stage founders the tools, network, and visibility to compete at the highest level.”
Shobanjo Inducted into Loeries Hall of Fame
Stories by Raheem Akingbolu
Nigeria’s legendary advertising practitioner, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, has been inducted into the prestigious Loeries Hall of Fame — the first West African to receive this honor since its inception in 2008. The recognition was announced during the 47th annual Loeries Awards ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa.
For over four decades, Dr. Shobanjo, the Chairman of
Troyka Holdings, has been a transformative figure in African marketing.
As Chairman of Troyka Holdings, he has guided the development of a conglomerate that includes Insight Communications, Leo Burnett, Starcom Media Perspectives, and several other industry leaders. His leadership has elevated Troyka from a Nigerian enterprise into a globally connected network, notably through its partnership with Publicis Groupe.
Under his guidance, Troyka has set standards for integrated marketing excellence across Africa, earning numerous international awards for creativity and strategic innovation. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Father of Modern Advertising,” Shobanjo’s mentorship and emphasis on discipline and innovation have nurtured countless industry practitioners and entrepreneurs.
Pestra Tech Day 2025 Excites Participants
Pestra Limited, a leading distributor of safety, security, and building technology systems in West Africa, has held the Pestra Tech Day 2025 in Lagos, bringing together system integrators, consultants, end users, and global technology partners for an engaging day of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Themed: ‘Securing the Present, Powering the Future’, this year’s edition underscored the organisers’ commitment
to advancing safety and building technologies through strategic partnerships and smart integration. Attendees experienced live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and product showcases featuring the latest innovations shaping the region’s security and automation landscape.
Speaking during the event, Managing Director of Pestra Ltd, Mr. Paul Nwokolo, stated: “When we launched the very first Pestra Tech Day,
it was fueled by the desire to put Pestra on the global map, not just as a supplier of technical solutions, but as a hub for technology, innovation, and collaboration. The addition of Honeywell Fire Alarm systems and Pneumatic Tube technology to our portfolio marks a defining moment for Pestra. Both represent our dedication to delivering world-class solutions that protect people, enhance efficiency, and redefine operational standards.”
Beyond “Almost”: Kaduna Govt, Gates Foundation Sign Accountability Pact to Drive Health, Sustainable Development
As this year’s Goalkeepers theme reminds us, ‘We Can’t Stop at Almost’, Nigeria cannot afford half-measures when it comes to saving lives because every preventable death is one too many. Which is why the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) was birthed in partnership with the Gates Foundation to ensure that progress does not stall at “almost”, but delivers real, lasting impact so every child has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with its accelerated 20-year timeline, the Gates Foundation, at the recent signing of the agreement in New York at the sidelines of the just concluded United Nations General Assembly, reaffirmed its commitment to continue partnering national and subnational governments to accelerate progress in health and development with focus to develop and scale solutions that Nigeria can own, sustain, and expand
The Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation recently signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to strengthen collaboration, accountability, and sustainable development.
While reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sustainable progress across Kaduna State and accelerating Nigeria’s broader health and development agenda, the agreement provides a blueprint for a transparent, mutually accountable partnership that aligns donor support with the Kaduna State Development Plan (KSDP 2024–2028) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the Framework
The KaMAF is built on the principle that development assistance must be predictable, transparent, and aligned with state-led priorities. It aims to ensure that both the Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation work towards shared goals with clear responsibilities, measurable outcomes, and mutual trust.
The partnership is guided by the following principles to ensure transparency, alignment, and sustainable impact as well as alignment with state priorities; government commitment, predictable development support; lessons from aid effectiveness; transparency and good governance; alignment with the Kaduna State Development Plan (2024–2028) to ensure sustainability, citizen trust, and longterm impact; citizen-oriented monitoring; economic recovery and institution building l; and regional cooperation and connectivity.
Partnership for Strategic Dialogue
In terms of partnership for strategic dialogue, the KaMAF establishes regular Strategic Dialogues to review progress, address challenges, and refine strategies. These sessions will focus on policy issues critical to achieving the Kaduna State Development Plan and the SDGs, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful.
By adhering to these principles, the Kaduna State Government and the Gates Foundation aim to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development ecosystem that delivers tangible benefits to the people of Kaduna State.
Objectives of KaMAF
Objectives-wise, the Framework aims to first, reinforce joint support for transformative development in Kaduna State; enhance coordination and communication between the Government and the Donor Partner; strengthen mutual understanding through clear roles, responsibilities, and performance
metrics; and align interventions with Kaduna State’s development priorities for maximum impact.
Which was why preceding the signing, both parties identified priority sectors for collaboration, including healthstrengthening healthcare systems; agriculture- promoting sustainable agricultural practices; data managementbuilding robust data systems to support evidence-based decision-making; realistic budgeting- supporting transparency and accountability; and economic empowerment: increasing individual and household economic resilience.
Gates Foundation and ‘A Partnership of Accountability’
In an interview with THISDAY at the sidelines of the just concluded UNGA, following the signing, Director Nigeria Country Office, Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, described the Kaduna partnership as a new model for results-oriented collaboration that puts accountability at its core.
“The Kaduna agreement is a good example. Kaduna has shown readiness to prioritise health, allocating 15 per cent of its budget to it — but only releasing about 5–6 per cent, often without cash-backing. We’re telling them: congratulations for signalling intent, but let’s address the execution gaps,” Amaonwu said.
He noted that one major challenge Kaduna faces is the unpredictability of cash inflows from internally generated
revenue (IGR) and federal allocations. “They explained they struggle to predict cash inflows from IGR and federal allocations. So, we’ll help them improve cash forecasting and budget profiling, understanding when different sectors typically need funds, to manage spending better,” he added.
According to Amaonwu, when states begin to take such proactive measures, it becomes easier for the Foundation to provide technical support and institutional capacity building.
“When states begin to think like that, we can lean in, bring experts to support them, and help institutionalise these financial management practices. Kaduna has also shown interest beyond health, in agriculture and other sectors, asking for technical expertise rather than handouts. It’s a partnership of accountability,” he said.
Essentially, the signing of KaMAF also aligns with the Foundation’s global mission to accelerate progres s in health and development, especially with the accelerated 20-year timeline, their focus is on solutions Nigeria can own, sustain, and expand.
Noting that business as usual is no longer an option, the foundation is stressed that society must innovate, mobilise domestic resources, and protect every mother and child just as this year’s Goalkeepers theme reminds us, We Can’t Stop at Almost.
“Nigeria cannot afford half-measures when it comes to saving children’s lives. Every preventable death is one too many. Through KaMAF, we are working with Kaduna to ensure that progress doesn’t stall at ‘almost’, but delivers real, lasting impact so every child has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.”
Catalytic, Not Counterpart Funding
Amaonwu clarified that the Foundation does not use the traditional counterpart funding model, which he said often fails after donor funds end.
“We don’t do counterpart funding in the traditional sense. That model often collapses once donor funds end. Instead, we use catalytic funding, helping governments start initiatives, test solutions, and buy time to integrate them into their budgets.
“For instance, if a state wants to hire midwives, we might support the first year while they adjust their budget to absorb them permanently,” he said.
This, he added, allows for sustainability and helps states institutionalise new systems rather than rely on temporary donor projects.
Building Systems
That
Last
Amaonwu also underscored the importance of institutionalising systems to withstand political transitions. “Politics is always a risk, but our approach is to embed systems so they don’t depend on individuals. For example, the sector-wide approach (SWAp) that the Minister of Health introduced shouldn’t function like a special presidential delivery unit. It should be institutionalised within the civil service, specifically within the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS),” he said.
He revealed that the Foundation had advised the Ministry to second civil servants into the SWAp coordination office to preserve institutional memory, ensuring continuity beyond political cycles.
“We’ve also urged them to consolidate all donor and government funding data, from the Global Fund, GAVI, Gates Foundation, and others, into one transparent framework showing how funds are used and matched by government contributions. That’s how to build lasting structures that survive political cycles and sustain real progress,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Through KaMAF, Kaduna State and the Gates Foundation are laying a foundation for sustainable partnership built on trust, transparency, and measurable results. By aligning priorities, strengthening systems, and embedding accountability, the Framework not only advances Kaduna’s development agenda but also serves as a replicable model for subnational collaboration across Nigeria, one that transforms intent into lasting impact with immeasurable gains for society at large.
Amaonwu
Glo Powers Ofala to World Stage: Heritage Meets Innovation in Anambra Royal Spectacle
L-R:RoyalCabinetmember,ChiefChukaOboli;Chairman,MarketingandCommunicationssub-CommitteeonOfalaFestival,MrNnaemekaMaduegbuna; Globacom’s representative, Mr Sola Mogaji, and Royal Cabinet member, Chief Chuma Umunna, at a press conference held onThursday to announce details of the 2025 Ofala
By lanre Alfred
October descends upon Onitsha like a pageant of gold and thunder. The winds carry glad tidings of royalty, as the red earth, the sacred drums, and the regalia of kingship, all reawaken today, October 7, for Ofala, the timeless celebration of the divine continuum of Igbo civilisation.
Within the courtyard of Ime Obi, where His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, sits enthroned, time stands still as the ancient kingdom prepares for another epic chapter of the Ofala Festival, heartbeat of Onitsha’s identity and pride of the East. And once again, Globacom, Nigeria’s own telecommunication colossus, stands at its side, gilding tradition with vision and modern grace.
This October 2025, the land will trembles with celebration. From the Iru Ofala on the 17th to the Azu Ofala on the 18th, Onitsha will become both altar and amphitheatre. For over a decade, Globacom has walked with Ofala in devotion and foresight, championing it as a treasured spectacle; an economic engine and repository of communal pride. Since 2011, Glo has given the festival wings, lifting it from local splendour to continental acclaim and powering it to the world stage, with faith in the idea that cultural heritage is a living enterprise.
At a press conference held in the majestic halls of Ime Obi, Globacom reaffirmed its creed: “Investment in culture yields returns beyond the balance sheet. It builds communities, jobs, local businesses, pride.” Such words breathe more than corporate courtesy; they hum with the sincerity of a company that sees art as infrastructure and heritage as currency. The Ofala, to Glo, is more than an ordinary relic of nostalgia. It is a living rhythm of progress, a golden thread binding the old world’s wisdom to the new world’s innovation.
Across Nigeria, tourism prepares for its renaissance. The country’s tourism sector is projected to contribute N11.2 trillion to GDP in 2025. Domestic tourism alone is expected to account for N6.1 trillion, with international visitor spending nearing N803.2 billion.
Guided by these promising statistics, Globacom hears the beating drum of possibility. Its sponsorship of Ofala is a statement that the wealth of a nation is woven not only in crude and steel but in culture and memory.
To anchor that belief, the company has tied its sponsorship to concrete innovations for its customers: a special festival package, an aggressive network upgrade, and new offerings designed to make connection itself a celebration. Through the Talkmasta Plan and Welcome Bonus, Glo extends the spirit of generosity that defines Ofala, giving subscribers extra talk time, data, and unmatched rewards.
The message is clear: to celebrate culture is to empower people; to build connectivity is to sustain communion.
The Ofala of 2025 unfolds as both royal ritual and national spectacle. It begins with thought and art, a reflection of Igwe Achebe’s scholarly soul. Today, October 7, the festival will open with the Annual Ofala Lecture Series, an intellectual torch that illumines the pathways of tradition and modernity. Then comes the Oreze Art Exhibition, where the canvases of Nigerian and African artists breathe stories of identity through paint, sculpture, and ceramic fire.
By mid-October, the youth take the stage with the Ofala Youth Carnival, a jubilant procession of energy and pride. Their colors, their rhythms, their chants, mirror the timeless dance of ancestry. Parallel to the festivity, the Medical, Health, and Wellbeing Community Outreach brings healing to the people, a fusion of celebration and service that defines true kingship.
Then comes the crescendo, the Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala, twin ceremonies of rebirth. The king appears in majestic regalia. Drums roll like thunder on the Niger, the air fills with the scent of palm wine and incense, and the people bow in joy, shouting “Igwe!” in waves of devotion.
Finally, the festival closes with grace: the Royal Banquet of October 22, where honour and gratitude feast together beneath the chandeliered canopy of Onitsha’s royalty.
Chairman of the Strategic Marketing and Communications Committee, Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, speaks of readiness with calm confidence. He assures that this year’s celebration will surpass all expectations, not merely in grandeur, but in the security, comfort, and inclusiveness of every visitor.
For Glo and Onitsha, excellence is not a slogan; it is heritage reborn in action.
Within this partnership lies a parable of modern Nigeria: a tale of how enterprise and culture, when joined, can heal the problems of identity and rebuild national pride. Globacom’s role transcends sponsorship; it becomes stewardship, an act of cultural engineering in a time when too many forget their roots.
Every mast erected, every data upgrade, every offer extended, all bear the pulse of a company determined to bind connectivity with community. Through Ofala, Glo builds both network and nation.
Beyond the palace walls, Onitsha hums with anticipation. Traders along Ose market polish their wares, the riverbank fills with chatter and song, tailors stitch grandeur into fabric, while sculptors carve timeless stories into wood. Each craftsperson becomes a priest of celebration and each street unfurls as a shrine to continuity.
Through the laughter of the people, one hears gratitude; gratitude that the world still remembers them, that Globacom sees their art as worthy and their history as treasure. Glo’s presence restores dignity to the local economy, attracting tourists,
artisans, and entrepreneurs. The Ofala Festival’s continuity defies the amnesia of modern times. For Globacom, to support it is to make a statement: that the future belongs to nations that remember who they are.
Ofala reminds us that progress without roots is a house without foundation, particularly in a world obsessed with digitization. Glo’s vision bridges this gap. The fibre optic meets the talking drum even as the 4G tower converses with the ancestral totem. Together they build a new vocabulary of pride.
Through this synthesis, Glo redefines corporate citizenship. It becomes a griot in the language of business — singing the story of a people through innovation, investment, and reverence.
The Ofala is certainly no ordinary festival. It is a mirror through which the Igwe communes with his ancestors and a declaration of continuity in a transient age. When Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe steps into the public square, his presence will ignite his kingdom and the southeast region with unprecedented pomp.
Under his reign, the Ofala has blossomed from royal observance into global heritage. His leadership, marked by intellect and inclusivity, finds a natural ally in Globacom, a company equally committed to excellence and enlightenment. Together, they demonstrate that true legacy is built when kings and corporations both serve the people’s dream. As the festival commences, the enchanting green of Globacom flutters beside the red and white of Onitsha’s royalty. Across the South East, new masts gleam against the skyline, symbolizing both digital and cultural renaissance. This year’s Ofala promises splendour, but also substance. Globacom’s journey with Ofala affirms that progress is most authentic when it dances to the drumbeats of its own heritage.
festival at Onitsha, Anambra State.
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Edited
Trends and Threads
Social value Vs CSR : Why companies should care
In today’s business world, especially across emerging markets like Nigeria, companies are increasingly expected to go beyond profit-making and contribute meaningfully to society.
Understanding the distinction between Social Value and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become essential for building ethical, sustainable, and trusted businesses. As organizations in Nigeria and around the world deepen their engagement with communities, it’s important to understand how each approach can support both business success and social transformation.
What is social value?
Social value refers to the broader benefits a business creates for society through its operations. It goes beyond charity to focus on lasting, measurable outcomes that improve lives and strengthen communities. In Nigeria, where challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and environmental degradation persist, social value initiatives can drive systemic change. Examples include creating local jobs, investing in renewable energy, supporting education, or promoting healthcare access. When a company trains young graduates, empowers women entrepreneurs, or reduces its carbon footprint, it creates value that benefits both society and the economy. Social value is about embedding purpose into business models, ensuring growth aligns with the greater good.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focuses on how companies act responsibly in their operations and interactions. It involves ethical conduct, community engagement, and responsible environmental practices. CSR is often associated with philanthropic projects such as donations, scholarships, or community outreach, which enhance a company’s public image and stakeholder trust. While social value is often built into the business strategy itself, CSR activities are usually periodic, like sponsoring a local event, supporting an orphanage, or funding educational programs. Social value involves employees, investors, local communities, and government agencies, emphasizing collaboration. CSR is often directed at specific groups, such as schools, hospitals, or local NGOs Both are essential, but social value tends to create deeper, long-term impact. Social value delivers sustained improvement in social and economic conditions. CSR builds goodwill and reputation but may not always create lasting systemic change. Ultimately, when social value and CSR are aligned, the result is far greater than the sum of their parts. Social value embeds purpose and sustainability into everyday operations, while CSR provides the outreach that meets urgent community needs. Together, they create a balanced model where businesses in Nigeria, and globally, can thrive responsibly, contribute to social progress, and build long-term stakeholder confidence.
Social value in practice
In Nigeria, companies such as MTN, Access Bank, and Dangote Group are showing how social value can be built into business strategy rather than
treated as a separate initiative. MTN ICT and Business Skills Training (Youth Empowerment programs), for example, focus on equipping young Nigerians with digital skills that enhance employability and innovation. Similarly, Dangote Group incorporates community values into its industrial operations by supporting local farmers through its sugar and rice value chain projects, thereby enhancing food security and rural incomes. Access Bank has also
incorporated environmental and social impact into its core sustainability agenda. Its Green Energy Finance projects, such as the Clean Energy Finance Scheme for sectors like healthcare and agriculture, and its Green Bonds, support renewable energy adoption by small businesses and households, reducing carbon emissions while driving inclusion. These initiatives demonstrate how embedding social impact into business operations leads to measurable results: creating
jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering economic growth across Nigeria. Social value, in this sense, becomes not only about doing good but also about creating shared prosperity.
Why companies should care about both Social value and CSR are not just moral obligations; they are competitive advantages. Nigerian businesses, like their global counterparts, operate in a world where sustainability influences consumer choice, investor confidence, and employee loyalty. Today’s consumers value authenticity and purpose. The global trend shows that consumers increasingly prefer brands that demonstrate care for people and the planet. Companies that embed social impact into their operations stand out, build trust, and earn customer loyalty. Across the global growing workforce, employees seek purpose-driven careers. Businesses that invest in community programs and uphold ethical practices attract motivated, skilled professionals who stay longer and perform better. Investors are shifting toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Nigerian firms that report measurable CSR and Social value outcomes are more likely to attract funding from local and global investors.
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Washing and hushing
Fresh Nembe spill renews concerns over social license to operate
The ancient land of Nembe is yet again groaning. Scarred, scabbed, and scorned, the natives are bemoaning the blessings of crude oil. Leaks and spills from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 have been one too many, particularly over the last four to five years. What may be more recurring than these are perhaps a lack of proactive and weak responses from responsible parties - operators of the asset, regulators, and oversight bodies, including the national and state assemblies in Abuja and Yenagoa, respectively.
News reports indicate that an oil spill from an 8-inch crude delivery pipeline at OML 29 contaminated Nembe communities near the Santa Barbara River in
the costs even as complaints of inadequate or shoddy responses resurface. The company and communities have reportedly disagreed over dates for a joint investigation visit (JIV) to the leak site. A news report said the latter wrote a letter through their counsel that it “requires and deserves decent notice to assemble a competent JIV team, some of whom usually come from Lagos, Port Harcourt and/ or Yenagoa, in order to ensure due diligence and avoid or countervail the perennial practice of manipulating the JIV process and suppressing critical information.” The community demanded “a thorough and competent investigation of this spill, and adequate management (including swift post-spill assessment and remediation). Beyond this spill, for the record, we demand on behalf of our clients again for a top-level engagement (Company, Community Technical Team, and Regulators) for a lasting overall framework to put a
Shipping taxes : As Trump bares fangs on climate governance
America has yet again thrown fresh cogs into the wheel of global climate governance. The world’s biggest superpower is not just following up on its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement but also attempting to effectively dismantle foundations that took years to build. The onslaught, this time, is against moves to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in shipping. In a joint statement released last week and signed by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the US expressed staunch opposition to the introduction of a
carbon tax for global shipping. The government not only opposed the plan but also threatened to impose sanctions on countries that promote it, saying the carbon tax would lead to a rise in the cost of goods for US citizens and business costs for companies.
The impending tax is part of a net zero framework promoted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Sums, ranging from $100 to $380,
will be imposed on vessels emitting greenhouse gases (GHG) above a defined threshold. The plan, to be implemented from 2028, includes a carbon market mechanism, and the revenues raised from the scheme will be invested in decarbonisation efforts in the global maritime sector. According to the IMO, international shipping contributes around 2.8 percent to global emissions. Thus, the target is to reduce this figure as part of a 2050 net zero pathway. But with the US threatening to torpedo this objective, the world would have to find ways around it.
When United States President Donald Trump doubled down heavily on climate denial at the just concluded 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he was unchallenged. Having ruptured global trade diplomacy with heavy-handed unilateral tariffs, Trump is now moving to match words with action to upend certain aspects of climate governance.
Meanwhile, how is Nigeria, particularly the Ministry of Blue Economy, preparing for this significant carbon tax on shipping?
stop to this unbearable and continual burden.”
OML 29 and the over 110 km, 600 Kbbl/d capacity Nembe Creek Truckline (NCTL) are operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited, which has changed its name to Nembe Exploration and Production, Nembe E&P. Mr. Victor Okoronkwo, the Group Managing Director of the company, was reported to have said that the rebranding signals resilience and a renewed commitment to national growth. “Our host community, the heartland of our operations, is Nembe. So we thought it made sense, and the board approved that the company be renamed Nembe Exploration and Production,” Okoronkwo was quoted as saying. Aiteo not only changed its name but also scaled up its operations into a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) export terminal as part of “a renewed hope to make Nigeria great.”
The leading local indigenous firm had acquired 45 percent of the stakes owned by Shell, Total, and Agip on the oil block and the trunkline. The deal, which arose from the divestment drive of the oil multinationals, is regarded as a local content success story in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
But the same cannot be said for the host communities, which have continued to suffer one spill after another from OML 29. There was a major spill in November 2021, which lasted for weeks and caused significant damage to the communities along the river- the environment was polluted, and livelihoods were adversely impacted. A leak in June 2024 led to the company shutting down the facility. These spills sparked controversies as the company and the communities often differed on the cause and extent of damage. While the former claimed sabotage of its facilities, the latter, backed by the Bayelsa State Government, pointed to equipment failure and poor maintenance. These claims and counter-claims have often weakened joint efforts to ascertain the circumstances behind the spills. While regulatory agencies have reportedly issued penalties, some stakeholders argue that those were mostly a slap on the wrist of the company. In all of these cases, the communities have been left with the short end of the stick, agitating for remediation, compensation, and comprehensive healthcare for those affected and exposed to the spill.
Given these circumstances, it is difficult to understand how Nembe E & P continues to have a social license to operate. It is not in its interest for a name change, which in this instance connotes a sense of community ownership, to be perceived as a smokescreen. A genuine and demonstrated commitment to sustainability is what is needed. Not just for this particular company but for all firms – local and foreign – extracting petroleum resources in Nigeria.
Bayelsa State. The leak
• Victor Okoronkwo, MD Nembe E & P
•Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Blue Economy
•Donald Trump, President United States of America
Ogun: ITF Has Empowered 25M Nigerians to Become Self-dependent
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
Director General (DG) of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun has lauded the many achievements of the Fund, disclosing that ITF has trained and empowered over 25 million Nigerians in diverse skills that have made them self-dependent.
Ogun, who disclosed this in a message to stakeholders to mark the Fund’s 45th anniversary, added that among its numerous initiatives, the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme stood out as one of the ITF’s flagship achievements.
He explained that
SUPA was designed to retool, retrain, and certify Nigerian artisans in line with international standards, positioning them to compete effectively in local and global markets.
The programme, he said had already produced thousands of certified artisans across sectors such as electrical installation, tiling, plumbing, ICT, fashion design and project management amongst others.
“Through the implementation of strategic programmes and partnerships, the ITF had trained over 25 million of Nigerians in various
trades, empowering them with marketable skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.
“The SUPA programme represents the ITF’s renewed commitment to bridging the gap between potential and productivity by formalizing the informal sector and creating a workforce capable of driving industrial transformation.
“It is a practical expression of our vision to build a future-ready workforce. We are equipping artisans with globally recognized skills, improving their employability, and ensuring Nigeria’s industrial sector is powered by competent hands,” the DG noted.
72-year Old Oraka Becomes DiamondXtra Salary4life Winner
Oluchi Chibuzor
A 72 year old man from Anambra state, Edwin Chidozie Oraka has emerged the winner of the Access Bank star prize of salary4life for DiamondXtra reward scheme of N200, 000 for the next 15 years of his life.
Speaking at the DiamondXtra Season 17 Regional Draw, held in Lagos, the Regional Manager, Mainland 3, Access Bank, Chika Ochuwa, said their mission remains to empower customers, promote financial growth, and serve as a catalyst for making dreams a reality.
According to him, “The
DiamondXtra Reward Scheme has remained a cornerstone of our commitment to appreciate and give back to our loyal customers. Since its inception, it has grown stronger each year, achieving remarkable milestones.
“Now in its 17th season, we stand with pride and gratitude. The resounding success of previous seasons has been made possible by the unwavering trust of our esteemed customers and the dedication of our exceptional team. To date, 30,947 customers have been rewarded with over N6.62 billion, a testament to the true impact of this initiative.
“At Access Bank, innovation and excellence
remain at the heart of our success. Despite challenges and attempts at imitation, DiamondXtra continues to stand out as the unrivalled leader in customer reward schemes across the industry. Each year, our passion to reward and empower our customers only grows stronger. For Season 17, we are delighted to announce that 12,073 customers will share in a total reward of N228.7 million. These rewards will span across multiple categories.”
Expressing his delight at the hearing of his name at the venue , the elated Oraka who is a real estate practioner, said he never believed such luck will come his way.
Young African Innovators Take Centre Stage at Solana Students Summit
The Solana Students Africa
Summit Grand Finale, held at the University of Lagos, brought together some of Africa’s brightest young innovators, developers, and creators for a day dedicated to technology, innovation, and enterprise.
The event, convened by Opeyemi Stephen and co-convened by Tobiloba Adedeji, marked the conclusion of the Solana Students Africa Hackathon, a month-long innovation challenge aimed at equipping students with the skills, mentorship, and exposure needed to build practical blockchain solutions for Africa’s digital economy.
Opening the event, cofounder Tobiloba Adedeji, a fifth-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, highlighted the growth of the Solana Students Africa community from a small campus group to a pan-African network.
“We started as a small community of learners with big dreams,” he said.
“Today, we’re seeing African students build global solutions, connect with international networks, and
create real impact through technology.”
Delivering the first keynote, Gui Bibeau, Education Lead at the Solana Foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to democratizing technology education and empowering young developers globally.
“Consistency and creativity are your greatest assets,” he told the students. “Keep building your next project; it might just be the one that changes the world.”
The hackathon demo session showcased studentled projects across AI, finance, and security.
OAS Helicopters Expands Fleet
OAS Helicopters has announced the addition of a factory-new Leonardo AW139 I0GP offshore-configured, Phase-8 model helicopter (Year 2025) to its fleet. This new industry workhouse, delivered directly from Leonardo’s OEM factory in Italy on September 10, 2025, and landed in Nigeria on September 26, 2025, is registered 5N-CEN.
The latest acquisition reflects the OAS’ ongoing effort, quest, and commitment to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality support to our Nation’s growing oil and gas exploration and production in the deep waters.
The AW139 is a globally proven multi-mission helicopter, featuring state-
of-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness, thereby reducing Pilot workload. It also offers unmatched speed, superior power margins & overall performance; the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration; a 60+ minute run-dry capable Main Gearbox for enhanced reliability and safety; and up to 1,000 certified kits.
‘‘This delivery marks another milestone in our mission to provide worldclass aviation support for Nigeria and the West African energy sector,” said Capt. Denny Matulessya, Managing Director of Odengene Air Shuttle Services (OAS).
Saharan Blend
(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).
Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District and Billionaire business mogul, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa at the IMF/World Bank Parliament in Washington DC…recently
FCMB Returns to Market with N160bn Offer, Builds on NGX Invest
Kayode Tokede
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc has returned to the Nigerian capital market with a N160 billion public offer, as the lender moves to strengthen its capital base under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new recapitalisation framework.
The offer, which comprises 16 billion ordinary shares of N0.50 each at N10 per share, opened this month and is scheduled to close on November 6, 2025. It marks the second phase of FCMB’s recapitalisation plan, following the successful completion of a N147.5
billion share sale in 2024, which was the first leg of the bank’s multi-phase capital-raising programme. Its 2024 offer was notable for its use of the NGX Invest platform, the e-offering portal launched by Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) to simplify and democratise access to the capital market.
Through the platform, over 40,000 investors participated in FCMB’s last offer, a development hailed as a major step forward for digital participation in Nigeria’s primary market.
Building on that success, FCMB has once again adopted the NGX Invest platform to drive investor engagement and expand
reach in the new offer.
Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Ladi Balogun said the exchange continues to play a pivotal role in enabling listed companies to raise longterm, sustainable capital for growth. He noted that through technological innovation, particularly the NGX Invest platform, NGX
is deepening market access and widening participation in Nigeria’s capital market. “With this new offer, we’ve already attracted over 2,000 new investors in the opening week alone. The capital raised will support our ongoing diversification across key business segments, positioning FCMB for sustainable growth.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER /15/25
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 14 October 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
The Central Gaming Bill 2025 and Potential Constitutional Crisis
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria has fired a constitutional warning shot that goes far beyond the narrow question of gambling regulation, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
Arecent open letter from the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) to some of the country’s most respected legal authorities— among them the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria—views the National Assembly’s consideration of the Central Gaming Bill 2025 as nothing
After a long trek through some of Africa’s prominent games development markets in Kenya (April), Ghana (July), and South Africa (September), exploring, providing support, and projecting game developers through its B2B2C convention, Gamathon, organisers Africacomicade embarked on a final trek in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the final leg of the convention this year, the sixth in its series.
The Gamathon signature weeklong event commenced in its usual tradition, each day focusing on events that touch specific aspects of the gaming industry, ranging
short of a constitutional infraction.
At the heart of the FSGRN’s protest lies a broader concern: the sanctity of judicial finality and the supremacy of the Constitution itself. The regulators argue that the National Assembly’s move to legislate on gaming, despite a definitive Supreme Court judgment on the matter, represents a dangerous attempt to erode the separation of powers and undermine
the authority of the judiciary.
A Supreme Court decision with far-reaching consequences
The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on November 22, 2024, in Attorney General of Lagos State & 21 Ors v. Attorney General of the Federation & the National Assembly (SC. 1/2008). In that decision, the apex court declared that
lotteries and gaming fall exclusively under the legislative and regulatory competence of state governments, not the Federal Government.
The judgment was emphatic. The Court held that lotteries and games of chance are not listed in the Exclusive Legislative List, meaning the National Assembly has no constitutional vires to make laws governing them outside the Federal Capital Territory. In effect, the Supreme Court nullified the National Lottery Act, Cap N145 LFN 2004, and issued a perpetual injunction restraining federal authorities from enforcing its provisions within the 36 states.
Crucially, Section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution commands that the decisions of the Supreme Court “shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons.” This is the legal bedrock upon which the FSGRN now builds its protest. To re-legislate on an issue already settled by the Supreme Court, it argues, is to desecrate not only the authority of the judiciary but also the supremacy of the Constitution itself.
The Central Gaming Bill 2025: Reopening a closed case
The Central Gaming Bill 2025, reportedly being considered by the National Assembly, seeks to reintroduce federal licensing, control, and revenue-sharing mechanisms for gaming and lottery operations across Nigeria. If enacted, the Bill would effectively restore the federal government’s central role in a sector that the Supreme Court has explicitly reserved for the states.
The FSGRN views this as legislative overreach—an attempt to reverse, by statute, what the Supreme Court has already resolved by judgment.
Africacomicade Wraps Sixth Gamathon in Lagos, Eyes Stronger Industry Network
Iyke Bede writes that three focus areas-funding, organising, and monetisation- shaped the discussions at this year’s Gamathon, the prominent continental market for games development
from AR and VR gaming and animation workshops to spotlighting women game developers on panel sessions. Another highlight of the event was the delegate city tour, which helped bridge
networking gaps between local studios and game developers from across the continent, allowing all parties to identify areas of growth and underdevelopment.
Co-founder of Africacomicade,
Oluwatosin Ogunyebi, highlighted the importance of Africacomicade tours outside Nigeria.
He said, “So we’ve gone to all these countries to see what they’re doing there, get them to showcase as well, and then we’re making this the final one where everybody then converges to talk about it and get people to just showcase what they’re really, really doing. So, the goal here is to connect all countries across Africa together to showcase what we’re doing as a community.”
28 Newly Approved Field Plans to Boost Oil, Gas Output by 600,000
Komolafe woos investors in London ahead of licensing round Says 41 of 70 oil rigs now active on drilling sites
The Nigerian Upstream Petro- leum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday said that the 28 Field Development Plans (FDPs) so far approved in 2025 will add 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily.
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said this at the ongoing 2025 World Energies Summit convened by Frontier Energy Network in London, a statement by the Head, Media and Strategic Communication of the
24 Hour S A FT
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Twenty-four hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, also resigned from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with his entire cabinet, but remained silent on his next move.
Equally yesterday, business magnet and former Senator for Bayelsa East, Ben Bruce, dumped PDP and joined APC.
Announcing his defection, the founder of Silverbird Group hinged his decision on his longstanding relationship
IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, pointed out that Nigeria’s gross external reserves have climbed to $43.4 billion, enough to cover 11 months of imports.
This comes as the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, yesterday called for the mobilisation of $4 trillion in domestic capital across Africa to drive investments in digital infrastructure, energy, and other critical sectors, calling for coordinated action to democratise prosperity on the continent.
Speaking on “Boosting Productivity Growth in the Digital Age” at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, Elumelu highlighted the untapped potential of Africa’s domestic capital.
Equally, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, will today reinforce its role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem with the launch of its landmark whitepaper on financial infrastructure. .
Speaking further, Cardoso, noted that the FX market premium, which had soared to 52 per cent in 2022, has now fallen to less than three per cent, reflecting the success of ongoing monetary and fiscal reforms.
At the interactive session attended by global investors,
organisation, Eniola Akinkuotu, said.
“In 2025 alone, 28 new Field Development Plans have already been approved, unlocking an additional 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas. These projects are expected to add nearly 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, supported by $18.2 billion in committed capital expenditure.
“Together, these outcomes demonstrate that Nigeria’s upstream sector is not only on a growth trajectory but
with President Bola Tinubu and belief in the president’s vision forDiri’sNigeria.resignation from the opposition party followed weeks of speculation, which he confirmed on Wednesday, when he left with about 17 members of the PDP caucus in the House of Assembly.
The governor made the development known yesterday at the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa, the state capital. Aside from the 17 Assembly members from PDP, two members from All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), alongside Speaker, Mr. Abraham Ingobere, also joined the governor to quit
investment bankers, and members of Nigeria’s economic management team, the CBN Governor emphasised that the country’s economic focus remains on strengthening fun- damentals, advancing reforms, and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities.
Cardoso said. “The Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance have been working hand in hand to ensure alignment, stability, and clarity for investors. Nigeria’s focus remains clear strengthening our fundamentals, advancing reforms, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable investment and growth. We are encouraged by the progress made so far and remain confident that ongoing reforms are laying a stronger foundation for a more resilient economy.”
Following the Governor’s remarks, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Mohammed Sadi Abdullahi, provided a detailed overview of Nigeria’s improved external position, monetary policy measures, and financial market reforms. Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s current account surplus for 2024 stood at over $17 billion and was projected to exceed $20 billion in 2025, supported by higher oil output, diversifica- tion into non-oil commodities, renewed manufacturing activity,
is also attracting the scale of investment needed to sustain its role as a premier global energy hub,” Komolafe said.
The NUPRC boss noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led government and the Commis- sion are responding with bold reforms and strategic actions to turn challenges into opportuni- ties amidst global pressures for energy transition.
He, therefore, asked investors to seize the vast opportunities ahead of the launch of Nigeria’s next oil licensing round.
Highlighting the dividends of the reforms, Komolafe disclosed that the commis-
PDP.
Though rumour had it that he was defecting to APC, Diri, who thanked supporters for their steadfastness and loyalty, did not disclose the party he was going.
He stated at the SEC meeting, “I hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and I am not going to resign alone. As you can see, I am here with the Speaker, the deputy speaker and all other members of our party, who will as well go with “Theremeare some who are not here now and that’s because they are on official duty. Today, I have formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party
reduced petroleum imports, and strong remittance flows.
“Over the last two years, we’ve really focused a lot on improving FX flows into the economy, and we’ve seen a significant jump. Average net flows between January 2023 to July 2025 have doubled.
“FX supply at the official window has significantly improved and been driven
cent in September, from 20.12 per cent in the preceding month, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.
Year-on-year, headline inflation stood at 14.68 per cent, lower than 32.70 per cent in September 2024.
According to the CPI report for the month under review, which was released by the statistical agency, the 2.1 per cent drop in inflation followed moderation in food and energy prices.Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) welcomed the continued moderation in inflation, describing it as a significant indicator of improving macroeconomic conditions and policy traction.
Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, however, stated that the cost-of-living crisis remained acute, particularly for low- and
sion has conducted licensing initiatives such as the 2022 Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs), the Mini-Bid Round for deep offshore blocks, and the landmark 2024 Licensing Round, which was adjudged transparent by operators and stakeholders including the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
“Beyond the successes of our data acquisition campaigns and licensing rounds, every key metric on our performance dashboard reflects widening access and exceptional investor participation. Rig activity, for instance, has surged from just
for obvious reasons.
“I am grateful to all all my friends and supporters who had stood by me and with me and all over again and together we will continue to build a virile Bayelsa State and a stronger and virile country by extension.”
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, had earlier in his verified Facebook account, confirmed the development.
Ben Bruce Dumps PDP, Joins APC
Announcing his decision, the founder of Syverbird Group stated, “I have known President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998; a man of courage,
by order-based quotation, a lot of reforms around remittances and all the other issues that I mentioned, and the clearance of backlogs and all outstanding obligations.
“There’s been a significant increase in the average monthly turnover to $8.6 billion monthly in 2025 versus an average of
middle-income households.
The moderation in prices also came at a period of relative stability in Foreign Exchange (FX).
Month-on-month, inflation stood at 0.72 per cent in September, lower than 0.74 per cent in August.
Year-on-year, food inflation stood at 16.87 per cent in September, compared to 37.77 per cent in the corresponding period of 2024.
NBS, however, explained that the significant decline in the annual food inflation figure was technically due to the change in the base year.
Month-on-month, the food index inflation was -1.57 per cent, down from 1.65 per cent in August.
The decline was attributed to the rate of decrease in the average prices of maize, grains, garri, beans, millet, potatoes,
eight in 2021 to 70 today, out of which 41 are drilling on site.
“Production has also risen significantly, from 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024 to around 1.8 million barrels per day. Major Final Invest- ment Decisions (FIDs) , such as the $5 billion Bonga North and $500 million Ubeta Gas Project, underscore renewed long-term investor confidence, with several more expected soon,” the NUPRC chief executive disclosed.
Komolafe maintained that energy transition is a matter of energy security for the continent and Nigeria. This,
conviction, and results. For the first time, Nigeria has a leader who truly understands finance and is laying the foundation for lasting prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough, but they are necessary for a stronger, freer economy.
“Insecurity is being dis- mantled, the naira is stabilising, infrastructure is rising, and confidence is returning.
“That’s why today, I’m joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress. I believe in this vision, in this reform, and in this future.”
PDP Expresses Disappointment in Mbah
PDP said it was disappointed by the defection of Mbah to APC.
That was as the crisis in PDP worsened, as the chairmen of the party in Abia and Imo states were yesterday suspended by the forum of PDP state chairmen for plotting to circumvent the national convention slated for November 16.
National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed that yesterday, dur- ing an interview on Channels Television.
onions, eggs, tomatoes, fresh pepper, among others.
The “All items less farm produces and energy” or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produces and energy, stood at 19.53 per cent, year-on-year in September, compared to 27.43 per cent recorded in September 2024.
Month-on-month, core inflation stood at 1.42 per cent in September, compared to 1.43 per cent in August.
Urban inflation dropped to 17.50 per cent, year-on-year, compared to the 35.13 per cent recorded in September 2024.
Month-on-month, the index stood at 0.74 per cent, compared to 0.49 per cent in August.
Similarly, rural inflation dropped to 18.26 per cent on a year-on-year, compared to 30.49 per cent recorded in September 2024. On a month-on-month
he noted, has led to the reforms aligned with the country’s transition strategy which is the ‘Decade of Gas’.
Ologunagba said, “The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scenes.
“But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow.”
Ologunagba also said PDP was aware of moles undermining the party’s progress. He stated, “There are some people from within our fold that continue to undermine the party and its progress. We recognise that, but we are dealing with that.
“I compare this to a situation where you have a madman in a China shop; you must be methodical; you must be deliberate in trying to exit that.
“As a party, we are focused on the Nigerian people; we don’t want to put too much premium on the individual because it is not based on individuals; it is based on the people, and that is our PDPstrength.” is set to hold its national convention in Ibadan in November to try to rejuvenate and reposition for future elections.
Ologunagba said, “We are go- ing to go to Ibadan, coming out victoriously with a brand new
basis, the rural index was 0.67 per cent, compared to 1.38 per cent in August.
At state level, year-on-year, headline inflation was highest in Adamawa (23.69 per cent), Katsina (23.53 per cent), and Nasarawa (22.29 per cent), while Anambra (9.28 per cent), Niger (11.79 per cent), and Bauchi (12.36 per cent) recorded the lowest rise in prices.
Month-on-month, the highest price increases were recorded in Zamfara (9.36 per cent), Adamawa (8.15 per cent), and Nasarawa (7.49 per cent), while Niger (-8.14 per cent), Oyo (-5.56 per cent), and Bayelsa (-4.61 per cent) recorded decline.
Year-on-year, food inflation was highest in Ekiti (28.68 per cent), Rivers (24.18 per cent), Nasarawa (22.74 per cent), while Bauchi (2.81 per cent), Niger
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Komolafe
FCMB FACTS BEHIND THE OFFER PRESENTATION...
L–R: Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka; Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun; GMD/CEO, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popola; and Executive Director, Coverage and Investment Banking, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Femi Badeji, during the Facts Behind the Offer Presentation by FCMB Group Plc at the NGX in Lagos… recently
Iperu Stands Still as Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas, SGF, Govs, Others Celebrate Abiodun’s Mother at 90
The ancient town of Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State was agog yesterday as dignitaries from all walks of life converged on St James Anglican Church to commemorate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, the mother of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Among the attendees were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu; his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Fotmer Speaker of House of
FG Declares Climate Change Central Focus to Present Administration
The federal government on Tuesday declared that climate change is a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made this known at the launch of Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s States report, held in Abuja.
Lawal said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is so passionate about the issue of climate change. It is central to his administration, and that is why we have so many policies on climate change.
“It marks a deliberate step forward in how we understand,
compare, and accelerate climate action at the subnational level, a level where policy meets place, and where urgency meets local ownership.”
The minister stated that climate change was a planetary challenge, but its solutions were implemented one city, one state, one region at a time. He said subnational governments were closest to the people, closest to data, and to the practicalities of implementation.
Lawal stated that the ranking unveiled was a catalyst for learning, collaboration, and shared ambition.
He said, “It invites constructive competition that lifts the entire system rather than pitting communities against each other.
This report serves as a critical objective of benchmarking and transparency by compiling consistent indicators across subnational jurisdictions to create a clear picture of where progress is strong and gaps persist.“Subnational Climate Governance integrates decarbonisation pathways into local planning, investment in clean energy, and electrification of transport and industry, to strengthen infrastructure and community resilience to climate shocks.”
Lawal commended the subnational leaders (Honourable Commissioners for Environment and States’ Climate Change Directors and Desk Officers) that worked daily to protect
The Senate on Wednesday directed its Committee on Aviation to investigate the growing number of accidents and near-mishaps on airport runways across the country, amid mounting public concern over aviation safety lapses. This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), who cited findings from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace runway overrun at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, Buhari said the NSIB report exposed “critical gaps in safety standards,
infrastructure management, and operational compliance.”
The Senate warned that such systemic failures could endanger lives and undermine public confidence in the country’s aviation system.
He expressed concern that at least seven runway-related incidents had occurred in 2025 alone, describing the trend as alarming.
communities and ecosystems.
He told them, “Your work is the backbone of our national climate resilience, to the coordinating and review panel team who design and validate the indicators that make this ranking credible.
‘’Your rigour sustains our progress, to our donor partners and development agencies, your collaboration and support expands possibilities and scales impacts, and to the people who hold us to higher standards, your voices remind us why this work is essential.”
Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, members of federal and states assemblies, and traditional rulers led by the Ooni of ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi were also in attendance.
The event was also attended by captains of industry, including Group Managing Director, First Bank PLC , Mr. Segun Alebiosun, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, former Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun as a pathfinder who had made positive impacts on the lives of children in Ogun State, the Southwest and across the country as a whole.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that the celebrant as an educator spent a large part of her life molding and mentoring the younger generations that had contributed immensely to nation building.
Describing her as a good Christian, Tinubu said her life would continue to inspire her family and other families in the State, adding that the large number of people that turned out to celebrate her at the gathering was a testament to her resilience and love for mankind.
He said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to promote the name of the family in the country through his support for the enthronement of good governance in the country.”
In his remarks, Abiodun described his mother as an embodiment of success who played an important role in the life of her children.
The governor noted that her hard work, faith in God, resilience, and a life of selflessness, had helped her children to be successful in life.
Thanking God for sparing his mother’s life to clock 90 years in sound health, the governor said she was greatly supportive of his late father, noting that the celebrant would continue to serve as an inspiration to her children.
NCIC, GCA, KCIC Rally Support for Climate Resilient Enterprises in Nigeria with $15000 Grant
Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) have supported local enterprises with $15000 for pitching at the demo day event in Nigeria leading up to COP30 in Brazil.
That was in an effort to rally support for young innovators to showcase cutting-edge adaptation solutions driving Africa’s resilience across sectors, such as food security and infrastructure.
Speaking at a two-day demo event, where 15 local enterprises in Nigeria pitched for the In-Country YouthADAPTChallenge, CEO, Global Centre on Adaptation, Professor Patrick Verkooijen, said Africa’s youth were not just victims of the climate crisis but they were also architects of the solutions.
According to him, “Through our YouthADAPT challenge we are turning their ideas into investable, impactful businesses. This is practical climate leadership: aligning innovation with national
priorities and NDCs, creating decent jobs and strengthening food systems and infrastructure where it matters most.
“I call on banks, development finance institutions, impact investors, and corporate partners to join us - so that by COP30 and beyond, we can scale these solutions to scale.”
Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, Joseph Murabula, said everybody knew that Africa’s greatest resource was its innovative, youthful population.
Oluchi Chibuzor
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
James Sowole in Abeokuta
CEPREC SUMMIT...
L-R: Special Assistant, Special Duties, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSA-SDGs), Mrs. Taiwo Ibrahim; Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House, UK, Dr. Patrick Schroeder; Head, Strategic Partnerships, Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC), Dr. Abimbola Okoya; Senior Technical Advisor, OSSA-SDGs, Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa; Deputy Director (Social Sciences), CEPREC, Prof. Giuliana Battisti; Director, CEPREC, Prof. Muyiwa Oyinlola; Deputy Director (Engineering), CEPREC, Prof. Layi Alatise; and Nigeria Country Lead, CEPREC, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, during a courtesy visit to the OSSA-SDGs by executive members of the £3.5m Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) during the CEPREC Summit held in Abuja…recenty
Medical Experts: 50 Million Nigerians
Battling
Mental Illness, 75% Untreated
Canvass decriminalisation of attempted suicide Consultant psychiatrist decries non-implementation of Mental Health Act
Sunday Ehigiator and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Psychiatrists and medical professionals have raised the alarm over Nigeria’s deepening mental health crisis, revealing that about 50 million Nigerians are currently living with mental health challenges, with more than 75 per cent lacking access to professional care or treatment.
The revelation came during a closing-gong ceremony held recently on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos, to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day.
The day is observed globally on October 10 to promote mental health awareness and advocacy.
In a related development, consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Vincent Udenze, expressed concern over the non-implementation of the Mental Health Act almost four years after it came into effect.
Nigeria’s National Mental
Health Act 2021, signed into law in January 2023, is the country’s first comprehensive mental health legislation since independence, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958.
The Act aims to protect the rights of people with mental health conditions, promote community-based care, and ensure equal access to services by prohibiting discrimination in areas like employment and housing.
It also establishes a Depart- ment of Mental Health Services and a Mental Health Fund, and it provides a legal framework for regulating mental health and substance abuse services in the country.Speaking at the event to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day, Medical Director and Psychiatrist-in- Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, described NGX as the “heart of the nation’s economy”.
But Kadiri warned that the
high-pressure nature of financial trading exposed brokers and dealers to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
She stated, “When it comes to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, that is the heart of the nation’s economy. Over 75 per cent of individuals with mental health challenges do not have access
to medical care.
“Financial or economic issues are some of the major triggers for mental health challenges. There are days when the market is bullish and days when it is bearish, and when things don’t go as expected, the psychological consequences can be serious.”
Kadiri cautioned that unmanaged workplace stress could lead to mental fatigue, anxiety disorders, and depression, urging stockbrokers and corporate workers to adopt healthier coping strategies.
She added, “The issue of burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression can be common
among them because it is a workplace. They must not only be mentally aware but take deliberate steps to ensure they remain mentally stable.”
Kadiri encouraged Nigerians to speak openly about mental health, reject stigma, and avoid substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
At UN, Marwa Says World Must Unite to Dismantle Criminal Drug Networks
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has urged the international community to stand together, be resolute and united to dismantle criminal drug networks that threaten peace, stability, and collective future of nations.
UN Says Carbon Tax is Not Punitive but Instrument Targeting Developing Positive Climate Action
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The UN Climate Change Secretariat has said Nigerians need not be worried about Carbon Tax as being punitive, but rather should see it as an instrument which aims at developing positive behavior towards climate action.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the Validation Workshop on Operationalizing a Pilot Carbon Tax in Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector, the Regional Lead, United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centre for West and Central Africa (UNFCC RCC WAC Africa), Walter’s Tubua said the idea is not to tax carbon but to incentivize positive behavior, enable in- novative actions that aligned to climate action.
He noted that the UN agency knows that through its regional centre for Africa responded to a request from Nigeria to serve as support partner to the country on its efforts to better understand and consider policies relating
to carbon pricing instruments.
He noted that: “Nigeria’s engagement on this remains voluntary and they can or not adopt a policy under this area of work. The idea is to ensure Nigeria fully understands and carefully considers carbon pricing instruments within its national context.
Tubua, while stating that the UN Climate Change Secretariat is represented by its Regional Lead for West and Central Africa, said the telecom sector was selected by Nigeria as a pilot sector.
Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York, United States, on Monday, Marwa said the world could no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.
He said, “Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing. We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA,
and others.
“These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions - all with full regards to human rights.”
Marwa stressed, “The world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together - resolute and united - to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”
Speaking on the theme of the 80th UNGA Plenary Session of the Third Committee, Marwa stated that the
world’s drug problem was a multidimensional global challenge that required coordinated and collective action. He said Nigeria was already responding with strategic, evidence-based interventions to curb the menace.
According to him, “We have strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds, while expanding care and support for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes.
Nigeria Leads Call for Just, Inclusive Climate Transition in Africa
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria has renewed its call for African nations to unite under a comprehensive Climate Compact aimed at harmonising carbon markets, enhancing transparency, and amplifying the continent’s collective influence on the global climate stage.
The call underscores Africa’s commitment to driving a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition that leaves no one behind.
The appeal was made at the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) 2025, held under the theme “Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps in Africa.”
The theme reflects the
urgent need for African countries to move from lofty commitments to concrete, actionable steps that close existing transition gaps. It also stresses coordinated efforts to accelerate green innovation, energy diversification, and resilience, ensuring that Africa’s climate agenda delivers tangible social and economic outcomes.
INAUGURATION OF THE ADVANCED SMART MODULAR HIGH DEPENDENCY UNITS...
L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Medical Director, General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; and Medical Director, General Hospital, Mushin, Dr. Sunday Adesola, at the official inauguration of the Advanced Smart Modular High Dependency Units (ASMOHDU) in Ifako-Ijaiye and Mushin General Hospitals in Lagos… recently
Wants the road project subjected to independent value-for-money audit
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said he had been vindicated over his revelation that the coastal highway cost
was too high. Atiku also demanded that the project be subjected to an independent value-for-money audit. He said further payments should be suspended until
Nigerians were assured that the project genuinely served the national interest.
A statement by Special As- sistant on Public Communication to the former vice president,
Phrank Shaibu, said, “When the Tinubu administration unveiled the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised the alarm that the project’s cost
NHRC Urges Border Officials to Uphold Migrants’ Human Rights and Dignity
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), called on Nigerian border officials to uphold the human rights and dignity of migrants, stressing that migrants remain among the most vulnerable groups and must be treated with compassion and fairness.
The call was made during a High-Level Briefing with Border Officials held in Abuja, to share findings from recent
Lagos
human rights monitoring and assessment missions conducted at the Seme Border in Lagos State and Idiroko Border in Ogun State.
The event, which brought together representatives of key border agencies, development partners, and human rights experts, aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s border governance through a human rights-based approach, and to translate monitoring outcomes into actionable reforms.
Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, stated that migration was
a global and complex phenomenon driven by multiple factors.
Ojukwu emphasised that regardless of immigration status or motivation, every migrant was entitled to the same human rights protection and dignity.
He said, “Migration is a complex and continuing reality of our time, shaped by multiple drivers ranging from economic aspirations and regional mobility, to conflict, insecurity, and climate change.
“While the motivations differ, one principle remains
constant: every migrant, irrespective of their status, is entitled to the full protection of their human rights under international and national law.”
Ojukwu reaffirmed NHRC’s legal mandate as Nigeria’s national human rights institution responsible for monitoring, investigating, and reporting on human rights conditions, including those at border posts.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
was inflated to an outrageous N8 billion per kilometre.
“At the time, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, dismissed the claim, insisting in a 2024 interview that: ‘You will find out that our cost is N4 billion instead of the N8 billion claimed by the former vice president.’”
Shaibu stated, “However, the same minister has now done a volte face and admitted the actual cost is, indeed, closer to N8 billion per kilometre – precisely what Atiku warned Nigerians about.”
The statement said, “This admission not only vindicates the former vice president’s position but also exposes the Tinubu administration’s lack of transparency in managing one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history.
“Atiku had earlier questioned both the cost structure and financing model of the coastal highway, describing it as opaque, inflated,
in Nigeria and across Africa.
and suspiciously designed to benefit vested interests rather than the Nigerian people.
“Now, even by the minister’s own account, the federal gov- ernment’s commitment is only 15 per cent–30 per cent of the total project cost, meaning the bulk of the estimated $11 billion would supposedly be sourced by the contractor. This raises fundamental questions.”
The statement asked, “Who are the actual financiers? What sovereign guarantees underpin this“Howarrangement? did a project initially presented as cost-efficient balloon to Atiku’s projected figure?
The statement added, “This development reinforces Atiku Abubakar’s consistent call for due process, competitive bidding, and transparency in all major public projects. Nigerians deserve openness, not contradictions and concealed deals.
State Joins Global Community to Celebrate 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month AMCE Slashes Cost of Screening for Breast Cancer
Lagos State is joining the global community to celebrate the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month October, aligning with the international theme: “Let’s Work Together to Build a Safer Digital World”. This annual observance, championed by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastruc- ture Security Agency (CISA), underscores the importance of
collective action in protecting our digital lives. As cyber scams continue to rise, Lagos State - through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology - will lead a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate citizens on how to stay safe online.
Commenting on the theme, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “we will continue to do
everything that will ensure the protection of data and assure investors that we will always provide a secure digital environ- ment for their investments.”
The campaign will feature multilingual outreach across social media, radio, and television, with practical guidance delivered in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin to ensure inclusivity and cultural relevance.
As part of activities to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has approved a 50 percent discount on mammogram screenings throughout the month of October.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Manager of AMCE, Femi Adeyemo described the initiative as part of the hospital’s commitment towards promoting early detection and prevention of breast cancer among women
He said: “As one of the continent’s leading centres for advanced healthcare and oncology services, AMCE is using this opportunity to encourage more women to take proactive steps toward protecting their health”.
Clinical Director, Oncology at AMCE, Dr. Gabriel Boules, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in reducing breast cancer mortality rates.
“Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives from breast cancer.
A simple screening can make all the difference. At
AMCE, we are committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to prioritize her health.
“Our goal is not just to treat illness, but to empower women with knowledge and access, by making screenings more affordable, we’re helping more people take control of their health, because early detection saves lives,” he added.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women globally and a leading cause of cancerrelated deaths in Nigeria.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Qatari firm, future union visits metrospeed Group...
L-R: Future Union Development & Aviation Consultant, Mr. Nabil Lakhel; Metrospeed Director, Mrs. Ireti Oyefuga; Metrospeed Group
Union’s General Manager, Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo; Future Union CEO, Dr. Abdelgalil
firm,
Ms.
Genocide Branding Ploy to Incite Panic, Fracture Our Unity, Says Mohammed Idris
olawale ajimotokan in Abuja
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has faulted reports tagging Nigeria a genocide destination as a deliberate and malicious
Ndume:
ploy orchestrated to incite panic, fracture national unity, damage international standing, and scare away the foreign investment urgently needed by the country. Idris said this yesterday in Maiduguri at the
Progressive Governors’ Summit for APC States’ Commissioners for Information.
He reiterated that at a meeting when he received a delegation from the National Open Uni- versity of Nigeria (NOUN), led
Tinubu’s Govt Hasn’t Failed
in Its Responsibilities of Securing Lives, Property
Says president’s resolve, military’s courage ended unrest in Borno community Discloses Kirawa
Former Leader of the Senate and incumbent senator for Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has disclosed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has not failed in its responsibility of security of life and property.
Ndume commended Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian military for their decisive intervention that restored peace in Kirawa, a border community in Borno State recently attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.
The senator spoke in a statement yesterday.
residents returning from Cameroun
Ndume stated, “Security of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government. The present administration has not failed in meeting this constitutional mandate, and its focus on ending insecurity in the North-east is evident in its actions.”
Residents of Kirawa had fled to neighbouring Cameroon after terrorists overran the town, burning the palace of the district head, a military barracks, and several homes.
However, the Nigerian Army swiftly deployed reinforcements that repelled the insurgents,
allowing displaced residents to return home.
In the statement yesterday, Ndume praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their prompt and coordinated response, particularly the deploy- ment of the 153 Task Force Battalion to secure the community.
“The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remain laudable. Their quick intervention prevented what could have been a far worse tragedy for the people of Kirawa,” he said.
LASTMA Named Nigeria’s Best State Traffic Management Agency at 2025 NITT Leadership Awards
sunday ehigiator
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has emerged as the State Traffic Management Agency of the Year at the 2025 Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Awards held in Abuja, solidifying its status as the country’s leading traffic governance institution.
The honour bestowed after a rigorous nationwide nomination and voting process, recognises LASTMA’s consistent innovation, professionalism, and commitment to building a safer and more
efficient traffic system in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and commercial hub.
The prestigious award was presented during the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit and Awards held recently, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, an event that drew policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the transport and logistics sector.
Receiving the award on behalf of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA’s Director of Logistics and Transport, Mr. Jubril Oshodi, expressed
appreciation to the organisers and the public for recognising the agency’s “relentless endeavours in ensuring traffic fluidity, safeguarding lives, and nurturing a culture of disciplined motoring across Lagos State.”
He dedicated the award to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, lauding his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to modernising Lagos’ transport architecture,” which, he said, had empowered LASTMA to attain operational excellence.
by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters.
Idris called on Nigerians to unite against efforts by foreign interests to undermine the country’s unity, saying a united front is required to protect the country’s image against false narratives and contrived misinformation.
The minister charged the commissioners to rise to the occasion and lead a coordinated national response to counter the narratives against Nigeria’s image globally.
He stated, “We are now confronting a deliberate and ma- licious campaign to falsely label Nigeria a ‘genocide destination.’ This is not mere misinformation; it is a coordinated disinformation operation.
“Our first strategic imperative,
(8.38 per cent), and Anambra (8.41 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in prices.
On a month-on-month basis, the food index was highest in Zamfara (15.62 per cent), Ekiti (12.77 per cent), Sokoto (12.55 per cent), while Akwa Ibom (-12.97 per cent), Borno (-12.95 per cent), and Cross River (-10.36 per cent) recorded decline in prices of food.
In a policy brief titled, “Sustaining Nigeria’s Disinformation Trajectory and Tackling Cost Pressure,” Yusuf stated, “The sustained disinflation trend is a welcome development and a sign of improving macroeconomic fundamentals.
“However, the cost-of-living crisis remains acute, particularly for low- and middle-income households.
“The next phase of reform must, therefore, prioritise welfare-focused and costreduction measures that deliver tangible relief to citizens.”
He also said business confidence was rising, but consumer
therefore, is to disarm and dislodge this corrosive narrative.”
Idris urged commissioners for information to act as the architects of public understand- ing and the first line of defence for the country’s integrity, stating that a united information front across the states, working in synergy with governors, community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups would create a chorus of credible voices that collectively refuted the false narrative and affirm Nigeria’s shared identity.
He said, “This moment demands that we reinforce our strategic counter-voice, systematically deconstructing these dangerous falsehoods with data, expert testimony, and powerful narratives of community resilience and
confidence remained fragile.
According to him, policies that would “enhance productivity, stabilise prices, and reduce the structural cost of doing business will not only strengthen the disinflation trajectory but also foster inclusive and sustainable economic recovery.”
He added that with consistency, coordination, and structural reforms, “Nigeria can achieve a stable single-digit inflation rate over the medium term and anchoring growth, improving welfare, and restoring confidence in the economy.”
Yusuf, however, said while the disinflation trajectory was commendable, inflation levels remained high and continued to erode household purchasing power, undermine consumer confidence, and weaken real incomes.
He advised that the gains achieved so far must be consolidated through decisive and well-targeted policy actions.
Yusuf attributed the declining inflationary pressure to
inter-ethnic cooperation.
“We must demystify naysayers and reassure the public by repurposing com- plex government initiatives into accessible proof points of our commitment to unity and security.
“Furthermore, we must forge a united information front, partnering with governors, community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society to create a chorus of credible voices that collectively refute this false nar- rative and affirm our shared identity.”
The minister added that as the custodian of the truth, the commissioners must ensure that the story of Nigeria was defined not by the lies of detractors, but by the unwavering pursuit of unity, peace and progress.
increased food supply during the harvest season, improved exchange rate stability and macroeconomic policy improvements, among other factors.
He said, “Tighter monetary policy, reduced fiscal leakages, and better coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities have contributed to easing inflationary pressures.
“These factors collectively explain the progress made on price moderation, though the underlying structural issues that drive cost-push inflation remain significant.”
He added that despite the moderation, inflation had remained high in key consumption and production sectors, like food and agriculture, transport and logistics, energy and utilities, housing, education, and healthcare.
“Collectively, these sectors account for almost 90 per cent of household expenditure, magnifying their impact on the overall inflation trajectory,” Yusuf said.
Chief Executive Officer, Col. Dele Oyefuga (rtd); Future
Sharaf; Regional Director,
Maral Godalazian, and CCECC Project Manager, Metro Smart City, Jiang Yaow, during a strategic meeting as Qatari
Future Union visits Metrospeed Group to secure partnership towards the development of new smart city project in Lagos ... recently
sunday aborisade in Abuja
ALTERNATIVE BANK @ 2...
L-R: MD, Danwaire Consulting Ltd, Moukhtar Rumah; Executive Director, The Alternative Bank, Garba Mohammed; and CEO, Megastar Media Communications, Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo, at the commemoration of The Alternative Bank’s 2nd Anniversary and opening of the North Directorate Office in Abuja, yesterday
$5.5 billion and much less in the year before. Today, CBN stands as a net supplier by less than about a percentage of the market turnover. We’re actually a net buyer in the market.
He added: “We have, over the last two years as well, been rebuilding external buffers to provide resiliency to shocks. Our foreign exchange reserves, our gross reserves, are at a five-year high of $43.4 billion as of 10th October, enough import cover for 11 months.
“We have continued to also deliberately improve the quality and quantum of our net FX reserves. Between last year and this year, we have released almost $13 billion back to local and international banks in a way that is allowing for organic growth of our own reserves.”
He added: “In terms of the balance of payments, we are doing significantly better. The current account surplus for 2024 was over $17 billion, and we’ve continued to see for this year improvements in our current account, our financial accounts, and we do hope to close the year as well with even more impressive figure.
“Organisational remittances have also improved. Disaster payments and the current account balance are projected to grow to over $20 billion, supported by high oil output, diversification into non-oil commodities, renewed manufacturing, reduced petroleum imports, and strong remittance flows.”
In her presentation, Special Adviser to the President on Finance & the Economy, Sanyade Okoli, highlighted the government’s multi-pronged strategy to strengthen fiscal, monetary, and institutional frameworks.
“The focus now is on inclusive growth that comes with high-quality jobs. Nigeria is a huge and youthful nation,
and we need to ensure that we are rapidly generating the kind of jobs required to keep our youth productively engaged.
“We are building blocks in four areas: continued pursuit of macroeconomic stability, improving governance and regulatory frameworks to attract investment, investing in infrastructure, and improving access to capital both debt and equity to stimulate the economy,” she added.
Speaking on ongoing talks with JP Morgan for Nigeria’s re-entry into the Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM), Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha, said: “JP Morgan has given us the requirements, and we are working towards meeting them. As for timing, it cannot be definite, but we are working closely with them to ensure we get back.”
Meanwhile, Elumelu, who spoke during a panel session that included the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, highlighted the untapped potential in Africa’s domestic capital.
He stressed that harnessing these resources could reduce pressure on government finances while enabling transformative investments.
“It is estimated that over $4 trillion in domestic capital exists across Africa. If we can mobilise this effectively, we will not strain governments’ fiscal capacity.
“The challenge lies in working together to channel these resources responsibly, establish trust, and ensure accountability,” Elumelu said. Highlighting the role of infrastructure in driving productivity, he added, “If we fix access to electricity, we address key issues such as productivity, youth employ- ment, and engagement, while also enabling the continent
to support global economic growth.”Furthermore, Elumelu also spoke on the continent’s youth, noting that over 60 per cent of Africa’s population was under 30 and eager to contribute to development.
“They are not asking for sympathy or handouts. They want systems that work. For that, everyone, governments, private investors, and development partners must collaborate to create opportunities and unlock productivity.”
He stressed that Africa was at a critical juncture, where “massive and coordinated investment,” was needed to harness the potential of the digital age. While technology and artificial intelligence present unprecedented opportunities, Elumelu warned that structural barriers—including insufficient infrastructure, capital constraints, and electricity deficits—remain hurdles to inclusive growth.
“Productivity today is about people, not just output per worker, but opportunity per person. Africa can leapfrog in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and energy but only if we address the fundamental barriers first,” he said.
Having supported over 20,000 young entrepreneurs through his foundation, Elumelu emphasised that deliberate investment in digital infrastructure, electricity, and human capital is essential.
“AI and productivity in the 21st century should democratise prosperity, not concentrate it. Inclusion is not automatic; it must be intentional.”
He concluded by urging African governments and private stakeholders to act decisively.
“The mobile money revolution happened because entrepreneurs innovated within constraints. We can do the same with AI—but
only if we mobilise capital, fix infrastructure, and work together,” he added.
UBA to Launch Whitepaper on Africa’s Financial Infrastructure
In the meantime, UBA will today in WashingtonDC, reinforce its role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem with the launch of its landmark whitepaper.
The whitepaper, titled “Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” places Africa’s economic agenda at the heart of global financial discussions.
The document presents a comprehensive and actionable framework for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, providing analysis of critical growth pillars including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth, while showcasing strategies for leveraging domestic capital alongside strategic global partnerships to access the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Elumelu, who emphasised the strategic importance of this whitepaper, explained that over the past few years, the bank has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent.
“UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action. With this whitepaper, we are championing initiatives that convert strategic dialogue into bankable projects and direct investments. Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent and its people cannot be overempha- sised,” Elumelu said. “We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability
and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth.”
UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, remarked on the white paper’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for private sector leadership.
“This whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of our capability,” Alawuba said. “It underlines our unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action. The document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.”
Again IMF Urge Fiscal Discipline, Stronger Revenue Mobilisation
The Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Nigeria’s fiscal outlook was set for gradual improvement, even as it called for fiscal discipline.
This was disclosed in the IMF’s October 2025 Fiscal Monitor launched at the ongoing IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington D.C. yesterday.
Nigeria’s public debt trajectory was expected to stabilise over the medium term, hovering between 41.1 and 41.4 per cent of GDP from 2027 through 2030. The Fund noted that the figures include overdrafts from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and liabilities from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
IMF estimates that general government expenditure would rise modestly from 12.5 per cent of GDP in 2025 to 12.8 per cent in 2026, underscoring Nigeria’s effort to maintain a balance between fiscal consolidation and the need to strengthen
social protection and capital investment.
At the press briefing on the Fiscal Monitor, Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department, IMF, Davide Furceri, while responding to THISDAY’s question on Nigeria’s debt level, noted that Nigeria’s fiscal reforms over the past few years had contributed to a more sustainable trajectory. He also added that ongoing reforms in tax administration, the reduction of tax expenditures, and the streamlining of the tax code have positioned Nigeria to enhance revenue mobilisation without undermining business competitiveness.
He said: “The structural characteristics in terms of our recommendation for countries, as in Nigeria, and our policies, advice has been both on the on the on the revenue side as well, on the spending side.
“I think on the revenue side, there is a scope to improve revenue through reform of the tax administration, to increase revenue mobility session in a way that doesn’t outgrow, for example, tax reform, and this, actually, Nigeria has done quite a lot in the past years.
“I think, like many of the laws that they’ve passed, they have tried to streamline the tax code,” he added.
He said further: “Tax expenditures have reduced the burden for business and low income also as the client in terms of taxation, these are policies that go in the right directions.
“ On the spending side, there is a scope to, on the one hand, improve the efficiency of the spending itself that we also talk in the chapter about gains can can be achieved when countries improve the efficiency of the spending as well the compositions, but also to increase social spending to address social vulnerability in the country.”
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UNVEILING OF THE RAY OF HOPE ANIMATION PICTURES ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER IN CHILDREN...
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cancer in children at the
ADC: Governors’ Defection Part of One-party State Conspiracy, Nigerians Will Decide 2027
Okocha
African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the wave of defections by governors to the ruling party vindicated its position that the plan of All Progressives Congress (APC) had been to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC said with their recent defections, the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa had betrayed
National Working Committee that will continue to steer the affairs of the party. You must have a party before you can talk about candidates.
“So, that’s what we want to do — create a very solid foundation, find the people who have character, integrity, and capacity and courage to run the affairs of the party so that Nigerians can then have a choice.”
Dickson: I Remain Loyal to PDP
Former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, said he remained loyal to PDP, despite the resignation of his home governor, Diri, from the party.
Dickson stated, “Also today, I have been bombarded since morning when the news broke of the defection of the governor of my state, His Excellency Senator Duoye Diri, who said he resigned from the PDP with his executives and 14 members of the PDP, out of the 17 PDP-elected members of the state House of Assembly. It is a major development in the politics of our state.
“Our state, which has been in the PDP since 1999 till date, is now midway being donated to the APC free of charge. I’ve told all those who have been bombarding me with questions that I am not moving. I am still in the PDP. My life and values about constancy, consistency,
their long-suffering people and joined the gang-up against Nigerians.
The party insisted that the opposition was not bothered by what it described as “political apostasy” by the governors because the 2027 elections would be a contest between the people of Nigeria and the ruling party that had sent the majority into abject poverty and made life unbearable for most.
According to the spokesman of
principles, honour, and loyalty to people and causes have not changed.
“I, more than anyone, since we lost in the 2015 presidential election, have been at the forefront, bearing the brunt in unspeakable terms of keeping the state PDP and fighting to elevate the governor and everyone else in the state to the current positions, which they hold on the platform of the PDP.
“It is unfortunate that my hand-picked successor, whose consideration was influenced mainly by the need to protect the values and ideals of the state and of the Ijaw nation, sees things differently.”
Dickson stressed, “The PDP has a special place in the history of Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, and all so-called minorities and majority groups in Nigeria, as well as all faiths, because it is an inclusive platform.
“The PDP gave my people an opportunity to be Vice President, Acting President, and a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I branded it, since 2015, as governor, the party of the Ijaw nation — the same way I branded Bayelsa the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation.
“I believe that I and other leaders and all products of the PDP, of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation, have a duty to show loyalty and steadfastness to the PDP to the very end.”
the ADC, “The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validates the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability.
“While it may seem like the APC has added more governors to its column, in reality, what has happened is these governors have
The senator said, “I’m aware of the challenges in the party caused by the governors — the lack of leadership and focus of the governors and the members of the National Working Com- mittee who decided to tear the party to pieces on irrelevant issues, even up till now.
“But I believe that captains who are truly deserving of their ranks are the last to bail out. Any captain or pilot deserving of his rank and place must do everything to salvage a troubled ship or craft and must be the last to bail out. I believe that time has not come.
“This was why, when the PDP lost in 2015, I devoted a lot of time as Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, working with others to galvanise and reposition the party and all governors and leaders. We stood our ground to reorganise and save the party and position it for the 2019 election, which we believe we won.”
Dickson said Diri had consulted him before the resignation. “And we have discussed several times, and on each occasion, I told him my position, based on my principles and values, which he knows,” the senator said.
He added, “And these are the same values that I had in mind when I supported him above other equally worthy contestants, because of our collective involvement in the Ijaw movement and the Niger Delta struggle.
actually abandoned their people to team up with the ruling party that has made life miserable for the majority.”
ADC said, “Nigerians can see the current state of the nation. They live through the APC’s failures every single day. Even those who once campaigned for the APC or had its logo on their social media profiles now avoid association with the party.
“Why? Because the Tinubu administration has failed on
“His area, the smallest local government, had not produced a governor before, and he has been a part of my team since 2012. It is unfortunate that he has taken this step, which he is at liberty to take.
“As I said, these days, you don’t know what is pursuing most of these governors and leaders defecting to the APC, or what they are pursuing. I wish him the best of luck.”
Dickson said, “I use this opportunity to call on all in Bayelsa to be calm and go about the politicking that will unfold from now till the 2027 elections peacefully. Even in the face of a crippling recession and an unprecedented federally backed opposition subversion, I did a lot to build peace and stability, and to take the state away from criminality and violence. And this governor, to his credit, is also building on that foundation.
“I enjoin all not to hide under the politicking that this will generate to undermine the peace that we have secured in Bayelsa for over 15 years. It is on account of my commitment to peace that, since leaving gov- ernment, I have not made any comment, nor have I behaved as a godfather — putting pressure or even making demands or interfering — and that has brought us thus far, showing maturity and tolerance to this level.
“I assure everyone in Bayelsa
insecurity, failed on economic management, failed on health- care, failed on social welfare,
failed on corruption, and failed to restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community.”
Amupitan for Senate Screening Today
Dickson pledges to support new INEC chair
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate will today screen President Bola Tinubu’s nominee
that I will continue to do that, even in this situation moving forward. I commend the loyalty and steadfastness of all officials and leaders in the state who have decided to keep faith with the PDP in this trying time. I also commend the abiding loyalty of the people who, we know, constitute the organic membership and strength that the PDP has always enjoyed.
“I will consult with other leaders of the party to begin the process of repositioning the PDP as the opposition that we have suddenly become.”
PDP Appoints Ben Obi as Secretary of 2025 Elective Convention Committee, Replaces Mbah
National Working Commit- tee (NWC) of PDP, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), approved the appointment of Senator Ben Obi as Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) for the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention scheduled to hold 15-16 November in Ibadan. This became necessary following the defection of Mbah to APC on Tuesday.
In a statement by Ologunagba, NWC also commended the NCOC under the chairmanship of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State for its efforts towards the success of the 2025 National Convention.
for the position of Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN,
A statement yesterday by Director of Information, Office of the Secretary, Research and Information Department of the National Assembly, Mr. Bullah Bi-Allah, said the exercise would take place at Senate Chamber, Abuja.
According to the statement, television stations are expected to broadcast the event live. Tinubu had, last week, transmitted the nomination of Amupitan, a law professor, to the senate for confirmation as the new INEC chairman, following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The screening exercise is expected to attract keen national interest, given the pivotal role of the electoral umpire in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, has pledged to support Amupitan’s appointment during the screening exercise today.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the senate, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said he had conducted his own assessment of Amupitan’s qualifications and integrity and found him competent to lead reforms at the electoral body.
He stated, “I believe that a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, conscious of his standing in the academic and legal community, will have something to work for.
L-R: First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, Mme Fatima Vila Nova; First Lady of Senegal, Marie Khone Faye Absa Faye; First Lady of the Central African Republic, Madam Brigitte Touadera; First Lady of The Gambia, Madam Fatima Bah Barrow; CEO of MERCK Foundation, Senator Rasha Kelej; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; First Lady of Burundi, Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye; Chairman, Board of Trustees, MERCK Foundation, Prof. Frank Haverkamp;
First Lady of Liberia, Mrs. Kartumu Yarta Boakai, after the unveiling of the Ray of Hope Animation Pictures on the fight against
12th Edition of the MERCK Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee Meeting in Banjul on Wednesday
Chuks
in Abuja
24 Hour S Af T er Mb AH Jo I ne D APC, D I r I Ab A n D on S PDP, Kee PS Mu M on n ex T Move
TRUsTEEs COMPaNy
OF THE aWaRd…
L–R: Managing Director, STL Asset Management Limited, Ahmed Banu; Team Member, Trust Services/Legal Department, STL Trustees Limited, Simisola Ojukotola; Executive Director, STL Trustees Limited Akin Oni; Publisher of BusinessDay Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun, and Investment Banking Senior Analyst, STL Capital and Advisory Limited, Bolatito Olujobi, during the presentation of the Trustees Company of the Year award to STL Trustees Limited at the wards BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions BAFI Awards ceremony in Lagos… recently
2027: SAN Urges Tinubu to Protect Nation’s Treasure from Looters
alex Enumah in abuja
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Mr Ndarani Mohammed, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently put machinery in place that would prevent the looting of the nation’s treasury for the 2027 general election.
Besides, Mohammed urged the president to
also make a law that would prevent public office holders who newly retired from service from contesting for any elective positions for at least one year.
This, he said, would enable anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate their tenure in office.
The senior lawyer made the appeal while speaking
UUBO Seeks Stakeholders’ Collaboration in Implementing NDP Act
sunday Okobi
Members of the Udo Udoma and BeloOsagie Group (UUBO) have advocated strong stakeholders’ collaboration in the implementation of the Nigerian Data Protection NDP Act.
They made the call at the Data privacy breakfast, which was held in Lagos with the theme: ‘The GAID in Practice: Navigating Nigeria’s New Privacy Directives.’
At the event, the Managing Partner at UUBO, Jumoke Lambo, disclosed that the crux of the event was to provide
opportunity for regulators, policymakers, in-house counsel, data protection officers, and industry leaders to exchange insights on the implementation of the Nigerian Data Protection (NDP) Act General Application and Implementation Directives (GAID).
While stating that the NDP landscape will continue to evolve, she added that the regulator, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), would continue to set the pace as one of the most active data protection authorities across the continent of Africa.
Delta Community Cries Out Over Two Years Power Outage
sylvester idowu in Warri
Residents of Edukuwo community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have lamented being without electricity for about two years following the breakdown of their transformer.
Chairman of the Elders’ Council in Edukuwo, Prince Sammy Ebelekoro, in a statement issued yesterday, lamented that the residents of the community had repeatedly drawn the attention of the Warri
South Local Government authorities to the situation without any action taken to restore power.
He said: “The transformer serving Edukuwo has been bad for about two years. The people of Edukuwo have called the attention of the local government of Warri South, and nothing is yet to be done”.
Prince Ebelekoro said that the prolonged power outage has crippled small businesses, disrupted social life, and subjected residents to untold hardship.
with journalists yesterday in Abuja.
According to him, electioneering is practically upon us and among those expected to emerge as political gladiators will
be as is always the case, retired civil servants, or those who resigned from public service or political appointments.
“The tendency for public servants in Nigeria
to plunder the nation’s treasury with shocking impunity during their employment is alarming and this is because they want to contest for political offices after retirement.
“This gets progressively worse as the date of their disengagement approaches. Most of them do this to amass vast amounts of money with which to fund their election campaigns.
Troops Intercept Large Consignment of Drugs in Nasarawa
Linus alekeinabuja
The Nigerian Army has stated that the interception of a large consignment of drugs, concealed in the boot of a saloon car by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, has given a boost to the antidrug trafficking campaign of
the military and other security agencies.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Operation Safe Corridor is building the capacity of troops on the integration of non-kinetic strategies into military operations.
A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint
Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, revealed that troops intercepted a vehicle conveying substances suspected to be hard drugs while conducting routine stop-and-search operations at a checkpoint in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Lieutenant Zubairu stated
that the interception occurred on 14 October 2025, around Anguwan Malama in Akwanga Local Government Area.
“Upon sighting the troops, the driver of the ash-coloured Toyota Solara with registration number KJA-108FY (Lagos) abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.
Ondo Councilors Suspend LG Chair over Alleged Misconduct
Fidelis david in akure
A fresh political storm is brewing in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as the council’s legislative arm has suspended the LGA Chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, was contained in a resolution passed last Tuesday during a sitting of the Owo Legislative Council led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Doyin Adebayo.
According to the piece of information gathered by THISDAY yesterday,
the resolution, endorsed by a two-thirds majority of the 11 councilors, accused Omolayo of “financial improprieties, violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself in an appropriate manner befitting his office.
The Owo LG Legislative Council has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo. These allegations are serious and require a thorough investigation to restore transparency and integrity in the management of the council’s affairs.”
Abuja Recreation Outfit Cries Out Over Demolition Threats
The management of Sodic Parks and Gardens Limited, a popular relaxation park located within Life Camp, Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory(FCT), has appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to save the park from unlawful demolition by some corrupt persons hiding under the
authority of government.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the park, Chinedu Ogbonna, in an open letter to the FCT Minister, dated October 13, 2025, explained that the newly inaugurated road project in Life Camp, under the minister’s direction did not in any way affect the
premises or property where the park is located, stressing that the fact has been verified and confirmed by both the handling company, Julius Berger, and the Engineering Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority.
Ogbonna, while acknowledging the invaluable
gains from the minister’s quality infrastructural interventions in Life Camp, Abuja, which he described as having significantly improved the city’s outlook, livability, and economic potential, further called on the minister to prevail on the concerned authorities to operate within the confines of the law.
FUL Poised to take Education to Higher Heights, Says VC
ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The management of Federal University, Lokoja(FUL), in Kogi State has disclosed that the institution can do better in the areas of the expansion of academic programmes and
infrastructural development if the federal government makes funds available.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, disclosed this while answering questions from journalists at the preninth convocation ceremony
press conference at the Felele campus in Lokoja.
Professor Akinwunmi explained that the university has grown from a modest institution into a multi-faculty institution with robust academic offerings, new facilities, and established.
The VC noted that the management has established the following faculties within the period under review faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering.
W I ke A n D O TH er M ATT er S
The statement was signed by Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed—a former University lecturer appointed Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) By General Ibrahim Babangida during the military era who was a Minister with different portfolios and acting national chairman of then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the current dispensation. By the account of those in the know, he was the man who brought up the late Bilyaminu. I am aware of the joint press conference addressed by Bilyaminu’s biological father and Maryam Sanda’s father but given the stories in Abuja, the less said about it the better.
By making the power of pardon virtually unfettered, abuse is inevitable, especially in an environment like ours where every discretionary authority is often used not in promotion of public good but rather to serve private ends. But it is unconscionable that most of the recipients of President Tinubu’s pardon are people who have either abused public trust or committed serious crimes. What the presidential pardon reinforces is that in Nigeria, there is one set of laws for those who are connected (either on account of politics or wealth) and another set for those who are
President Bola Tinubu
poor hence no lever to pull.
In January 2013, two contrasting verdicts were delivered in separate courts within an
interval of five days–one in Abeokuta, Ogun State and the other in Abuja. In Abeokuta, a magistrate court sentenced a 49-year-old man
by name Mustapha Adesina to two years in prison for stealing vegetables valued at N5,000. Five days later in Abuja, a former director of the Police Pension Board, John Yusuf, who admitted to stealing N2 billion, was sentenced to two-year imprisonment with an option of N750,000 fine!
As Stephen Prager reminded us in his journal article in the Florida Law Review Forum which advocates the abolition of presidential pardon in the US, “whatever good may come from pardons, they are completely dependent on the whims of the president in charge and who they happen to know.” In March this year, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Comptroller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, told a Senate committee that 3,688 inmates are currently on death row in the country. Some of these people have been there for as long as three decades, including those who may have been wrongly convicted. But who cares about them?
For sure, President Tinubu had the power to do what he did. But the power to pardon, which is a heavy responsibility, should not become another instrument to pervert the cause of justice or a tool for underhand political deals that devalue our country.
Tinubu Commiserates With Kenya Over Demise of Ex-Prime Minister, Raila Odinga
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the government and people of the Republic of
Kenya over the passing of former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga. The President, according to a release issued on Wednesday by
his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extolled Mr Odinga as a towering figure in African politics, whose lifelong commitment to democracy,
justice, and national unity left an indelible mark on Kenya and across Africa.
President Tinubu said the former Prime Minister’s cour-
age in the face of adversity, his resilience in pursuing electoral reforms, and his unwavering belief in the people’s power will remain sources of inspiration for
NERC Gives Discos December Deadline to Complete N28bn Metering Programme
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) a December 31, 2025 deadline to complete the metering of customers under its newly approved N28 billion funding initiative.
In the new order marked:NERC/2025/107, signed by the commission’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, and Commissioner for Legal,
Licensing, and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, the power sector regulator stated that Nigerians who fall within Band ‘A’ and Band ‘B’ should be prioritised.
The N28 billion scheme, tagged: “Order on the Operationalisation of Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund,” which took effect from October 6, 2025, NERC said, builds on the first tranche of N21 billion, which was concluded on June 30, 2025.
“The new phase aims to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s
metering gap, currently estimated at over 7 million customers, while enhancing revenue protection and demand-side management for Discos”, the commission stated.
Besides, the commission directed all Discos to conduct transparent procurement processes within 10 days of the order’s commencement and to submit their selected Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), along with detailed meter inventory within 15 days for regulatory approval.
According to NERC, any Disco
Govs Accusing Me of Destabilising PDP Have Joined APC, Gloating Wike Declares
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taunted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and some of his political opponents of now joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) after accusing him of destabilising the PDP by working for the ruling party.
Wike threw the shade yesterday at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageway of ApoWasa-Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 2 Junction.
He said if there was any truth in the allusion, he deserved praises for making the path easy for his opponents to switch
political alliance.
He said: “I am very happy and very soon, I will speak to Nigerians. I have been watching on daily televisions and social media. People who said I want to destabilise the party. I’m working for APC – all of them are now in APC.
“This means, if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading to. So, I should be commended for did a good job for them. I have told people that politics is for the matured people. In politics, you have to be very careful and I have told people to know this.”
Wike described the commissioning of the Apo-Wasa road as a promise fulfilled, noting the
dualized road will decongest the heavy traffic in the area when completed.
“So for us, every promise made by this administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. President, be assured that we shall fulfill the promises we have made to the people of FCT.
“You will agree with me that this road is very, very important. In fact, before the Apo to Wassa Junction was done, you hardly can even imagine when you are coming into the city, how many hours it will take you. It was very horrible, but I thank God, we are trying to do all we can to give the people of FCT the happiness that they desire,” he said.
that fails to provide network clearance or accurate customer data necessary for timely meter installation would be penalised, with deductions made from its approved administrative operating expenditure.
The order further said NERC
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed that the on-going 10th edition of the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting in Rome,has reaffirmed the collective resolve of nations to collectively confront the menace of terrorism.
Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the meeting, Badaru described the gathering as “a very good and robust engagement” that demonstrated a growing global consensus on the need for multinational cooperation to defeat terrorism, especially in West Africa.
According to him, “The major takeaway is the fact that there is multinational cooperation in fighting against terrorism. All nations believe that if one country is sick because of terrorism, in no time, it will affect the other countries. So, countries around the
shall adopt the median Disco MAP online bid prices for the August 2025 bid cycle as the final prices for all meter categories, stressing that the evaluation of all bids in respect of Tranche B shall be on the basis of meter stock availability and technical assessment.
generations to come. He also stated that as a statesman of international repute and a freedom fighter, Mr Odinga embodied the spirit of Pan-Africanism and was a steadfast advocate for inclusive governance and regional cooperation.
“His legacy will endure in the institutions he helped to shape and the democratic ideals he championed. We mourn with Kenya in this moment of national grief and stand in solidarity with you, President William Ruto, as you lead your nation through this painful chapter.
“May the memory of Raila Odinga continue to guide Kenya towards peace, unity, and progress,” the President further stated.
world believe that together, we have to work and fight terrorism.”
Badaru explained that the countries represented at the Rome meeting agreed to deepen policy coordination and share intelligence and resources to strengthen regional and global efforts against terrorism.
“The countries resolved to work together and provide both policy and solutions for multinational terrorism fight, and I believe it is very good for our country, being the leader in West Africa and the Sahel,” he said.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative in the last decade, the defence minister noted that the Aqaba Process had “cut down bureaucracy” and created a platform for frank and frequent discussions among world leaders.
“This meeting has really cut down bureaucracy. Leaders meet freely and often, and have very frank and open discussions on ways and means to fight ter-
rorism in the world. The focus now is West Africa, and I believe Nigeria stands to gain a lot from the cooperation that this meeting brings about,” he said.
Badaru added that the collaboration fostered by the Aqaba Process over the last ten years has strengthened counter-terrorism coordination and resource sharing among participating countries.
“Looking at the last 10 years, there has been a lot of support, a lot of collaboration between nations in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
The Aqaba Process, launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015, brings together world leaders, security chiefs, and policymakers to develop collaborative strategies for countering violent extremism.
This year’s meeting, co-hosted by Italy and Jordan, focused on the evolving security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel region.
India’s Ahmedabad Chosen Ahead of Abuja as Host City for 2030 Commonwealth Games
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja appears to have hit the rocks as India’s city of Ahmedabad has received the green light from the governing body of the sport.
According to BBC Sports, the city of Ahmedabad in the western part of India has been chosen ahead of Abuja in Nigeria
by an evaluation commission from the governing body of the Commonwealth Sport. And the decision to hold the Games there in five years time is now expected to be ratified at the organisation’s General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November.
It was however not altogether bad news for Nigeria as the country has been earmarked
for the 2034 edition.
A Commonwealth Sport statement said they “assessed candidate cities against a wide range of criteria“ and have “agreed to develop a strategy for supporting Nigeria’s hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034.”
This is the second time that Nigeria will be beaten to the
hosting of the 74-member Commonwealth Games.
In 2007, Nigeria’s powerful Bid Committee to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games was headed by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd). The committee made a brilliant presentation before the Commonwealth Games federation’s evaluation committee in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Surprisingly, the city of Glasgow was chosen ahead of Abuja for the 2014 edition of the Games.
There was no formal reaction from the National Sports Commission (NSC) headed by Shehu Dikko on wether Nigeria will begin preparations toward making another bid for the 2034 Games that the country has been tip to host.
Ekong: Super Eagles Happy to be in the World Cup Playoffs
We will give it our best shot to qualify for the 2026
Group C World
qualifier at the
next month
Ikorodu City, ISAGT in 2025 1XCup
Final Battle with Eyes on N10m Prize
This afternoon at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island, Ikorodu City FA and ISAGT will roll out their tanks in the grand finale of the 2025 1XCup, Nigeria’s biggest amateur football tournament.
Both teams will be going head-to-head for the title and a princely N10 million prize money at stake for the winner, representing half of the tournament’s N20 million total prize pool.
Before the main clash, Nath Boys FA will face Dosu Joseph
FC in the third-place playoff, with N3 million up for grabs as a consolation prize. The runners-up in the final will receive N5 million.
In the semi-finals that held on October 6, there were so much drama, intensity, and technical quality often seen in professional football, that set up this final which promises to be a blockbuster decider in InLagos.the first semi-final, Ikorodu City FA edged Nath Boys FA 4–1 on penalties after
a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
Nath Boys struck first in the 50th minute through a well-worked move, but Ikorodu City — known for their disciplined backline, having conceded only once in four games before this encounter — hit back just ten minutes later.
Both teams fought hard in the closing stages but failed to break the deadlock. The match went to penalties, where Ikorodu City remained composed to convert all four
kicks, while Nath Boys missed two of their three attempts.
The victory extended Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run and secured their place in the final.
ISAGT continued their flawless run with a dominant 2–0 victory over Dosu Joseph FC, repeating their group-stage triumph over the same opponents.
ISAGT dictated the tempo from the onset, pressing high and forcing a costly goalkeeping error in the 54th minute that gifted them the opener.
After overcoming Benin Repub- lic’s Cheetahs to be amongst the four best runners up teams for the African Playoffs next month in Morocco, Super Eagles Captain, William Troost- Ekong said on Wednesday morning that the squad will give its all to ensure that Nigeria qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year.
The Super Eagles hammered Cheetahs 4-0 to make the play- offs. Hat trick Victor Osimhen and a fourth by Frank Onyeka ensured that Nigeria finished second in Group C and also fourth overall in the second placed teams final standings.
“We are quite happy to have that opportunity. It is a long route but it is a route afterall. We would have loved to get the automatic ticket but it didn’t happen and we take what we have. For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make
the best of it.”
Nigeria got their best result of the campaign on an inspired night in the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who came in as a substitute, rifling in with the clock on 90 minutes to send the three-time African champions to the CAF Play-off Tournament. With the result they earned, the Super Eagles should have picked up the automatic ticket from Group C, but once more, Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to hold things tight for Nigeria at the crucial hour, crumbling like a pack of cards to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. It was November 2005 all over again, when all the Amavubi needed to do was hold Angola to a draw on the final matchday at home in Kigali, but they conceded a late goal by Fabrice Akwa to render Nigeria’s five-goal rout of Zimbabwe in Abuja inconsequential, instead sending Angola to their first FIFA World Cup finals. In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November.
VISIT TO A LEGEND...
The failure of Abuja to win the bid for the 2030 Games means African members of the Commonwealth will have to wait longer before hosting the Games for the first time. The City of Ahmedabad can boast the Narendra Modi Stadium - the largest in the world, with a capacity of 132,000 - which hosted the Cricket World Cup final in 2023.
Hat trick scorer, Victor Osimhen (left), getting a challenge from Benin Cheetahs’ Cedric Hountondji, during Tuesday’s last
Cup
Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria won 4-0 to qualify for the African Playoffs in Morocco
R-L: Mr Bamidele Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night; Veteran Boxing Coach, Mr Joe Mensah; and Flykite’s Ms Folashade Oladokun, during a visit of the Flykite team to the coach in his Lagos home...recently
CommiSSion...
Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, National emergency Management Agency (NeMA),Malam Abbani Imam, Director, Human Resources Management, Dr Umesi emenike, Director, Legal Services,Mr Hassan Lawal, Director General NeMA Mrs Zubaida Umar, Managing Director, North West Development Commission, Professor Shehu Ma’aji and Director, Planning Research and Forecasting, NeMA, Dr Onimode Bandele during the visit of the North West Development Commission’s management to NeMA Headquarters in Abuja ... yesterday
olusegun AD e NIYI
Pardon as an Instrument of Impunity
In the movie, ‘The Godfather’ , which is based on Mario Puzo’s novel of same title, one of the most interesting scenes involved Amerigo Bonasera, a wealthy funeral home director, whose daughter had been brutally assaulted by two men. The case, of course, went to court but at the end of the obviously corrupted judicial process, the culprits were given suspended sentences which allowed them to walk home in freedom. With his daughter’s face disfigured due to the violence inflicted on her, Bonasera sought the help of Don Vito Corleone for retribution. While there is no point rehashing what followed, the story illustrates how people are sometimes pushed to seek jungle justice when the law is rigged against them. In Nigeria, the situation is now compounded by the fact that even the few instances where justice was believed to have been served could cynically be trumped by cheap politics.
In the exercise of his constitutional power on Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu last week granted state pardon to 175 convicted persons—an action that has attracted public outrage. And justifiably so too. About 30 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug- related offences while others had been jailed for such heinous crimes as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking etc. But perhaps the most controversial person on the list remains Ms Maryam Sanda who had been sentenced to death for killing her husband, in a domestic violence case that gripped the nation at the time and went as far as the Supreme Court where her fate was finally sealed. Or so Nigerians thought.
SAN
To the extent that many of the people who received presidential pardon committed crimes that negatively emblematise our country, questions are being asked about the values that drive this administration and the moral compass of the president. But before I continue, let me make one thing clear. The presidential power of pardon exists in one form or another in practically all countries. In the United States from where we
borrowed the system of government, the idea was copied from the English prerogative of Kings. But the American founding fathers also had justifications for it. “The criminal code of every country partakes so much of necessary severity that without an easy access to exceptions in favour of the unfortunate guilt, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel,” according to Alexander Hamilton during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. This was further amplified by William Howard Taft, the 27th US President (1909 to 1913) and the 10th US Chief Justice (1921 to 1930)—the only American to have held both offices. “The administration of justice by the courts is not necessarily always wise or certainly considerate of circumstances which may properly mitigate guilt,” Tuft said. “To afford a remedy, it has always been thought essential in popular governments, as well as in monarchies, to vest in some other authority than the courts power to ameliorate or avoid particular judgments.”
While the foregoing suggests that the idea of presidential pardon was instituted to promote the public good, its exercise has not always followed that ideal. In January this year, for instance, one of President Joe Biden’s last decisions in the White House was to issue blanket (and anticipatory) pardons to his brother, James Biden, James’s wife, Sara Jones Biden; his younger
sister, Valerie Biden Owens; Valerie’s husband, John T Owens; and his younger brother, Francis W Biden. A month earlier, he had also issued “a full and unconditional” pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. The decisions were met with public opprobrium by most Americans. In the context of this intervention, perhaps no pardon was as controversial as the one granted in December 2020 by President Donald Trump (in his first term) to four American security guards (working with a private company) who were convicted for the cold-blooded murder of 17 Iraqi civilians in 2007. “Few gestures could set back the cause of accountability for civilians in war as effectively as a pardon offered by a head of state for political reasons,” the Center for Civilians in Conflict Executive Director, Federico Borello said following the decision that attracted international condemnation. “The pardons are a disservice to all who operate within the bounds of the law in war, and an insult to the survivors and family members of those murdered.” Coming back home, that is precisely the crux of the matter in the pardon granted Maryam Sanda by President Tinubu. In their reaction on Monday, the family of the late Bilyaminu Bello condemned the presidential pardon as “the worst possible injustice any family could be made to go through...”
Mustapha Onoyiveta @ 60
WIith the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarking on another strike action, I have succeeded in laying my hands on the October 2009 Gamaliel Onosode Committee Report on the agreement between ASUU and the federal govern- ment which has remained the bone of contention till date. Watch out for this space next week.
have already told the story of how the THISDAY/ARISE Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua concluded my appointment as presidential spokesman on Friday 1st June 2007 behind my back. What followed was even more dramatic. I got a call from then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, asking me to report in Abuja immediately with my passport because I would be travelling with the president to Germany on 5th June for the 2007 G-8 Summit. Three days later, I arrived at the Villa with trepidation not knowing how I would be received by people with whom I had no prior relationship. But the moment I walked into the office of the ADC to the president, Mustapha Dennis Onoyiveta (then a Lt. Colonel) and he
greeted me warmly in Yoruba, the tension eased. Although an Urhobo man from Delta State, Mustapha speaks fluent Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba ASUU and the ‘Onosode Agreement’
and a few other Nigerian languages. By the time I left his office that day, Mustapha and I had become friends. And that relationship has not only endured till today, but it has also extended to our wives and children. I know I am biased but I genuinely believe that in terms of professionalism, Mustapha is one of the best military officers this country has ever produced. Those who have read my book, ‘Power, Politics and Death: A front-row account of Nigeria under the late President Yar’Adua’ already have glimpses of the kind of military officer Mustapha was. Unfortunately, he was unjustly retired as a Brigadier General along with 37 other officers in June 2016. But as he clocks 60 this Sunday 19th October, I can only wish Mustapha a most wonderful birthday, long life and good health.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi,
