THURSDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2025 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Subair urges taxpayers to register with authorities, obtain ID,

Dike Onwuamaeze

date for the implementation of a new

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The

Jubilation in Rivers as Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule, Restores Fubara, Deputy, House

WHEN ATIKU LED DELEGATION TO A MEETING WITH THE US AMBASSADOR...

DAPPMAN, Dangote Clash, Marketers Demand Retraction of Products Diversion Claim

Issue seven-day ultimatum Dangote: We stand by our statement, go and seek redress Accuses association of asking for annual subsidy of N1.5tn Ndume backs refinery’s management, slams saboteurs

Emmanuel Addeh, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Dangote refinery again clashed yesterday over the allegation of diversion of petroleum products by members of the association, and demanded a retraction of the claim in seven days.

DAPPMAN said the refinery should provide documented proof of its members diverting products, threatening to take legal action against the refinery if it failed to comply with its position.

But in a response last night, the Dangote refinery stated that it was standing by its comments, insisting that any party which feels aggrieved by the contents of the publication is entitled to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels, without recourse to any so-called seven-day notice.

In the same vein, Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has issued a strong appeal for restraint, urging stakeholders to stop what he described as a coordinated media demonisation campaign against the Dangote DAPPMANrefinery. in a statement yesterday said: “We challenge Dangote refinery to present veri- fiable evidence that DAPPMAN members are diverting products to neighbouring countries. Smug- gling is a national security matter. If any member is complicit, let the relevant agencies act.

“We issue a seven-day ultimatum to the refinery to either retract this allegation or provide documented proof. If neither occurs, we reserve the right to seek legal redress”, DAPPMAN stated.

Dangote had in a widely advertised statement on Monday, in response to an earlier statement by DAPPMAN, accused the association’s members of engaging in diversion of petrol

from Nigeria to neighbouring West African countries.

The company added that DAPPMAN was the force behind the recent strike action embarked by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

But in its statement in response to Dangote, DAPPMAN in its 10-point rebuttal, categorically rejected what it described as the misleading and factually incorrect statements made by the refinery.

“DAPPMAN categorically rejects the misleading and factually incorrect statements made by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in its press release of 15 September 2025.

“As an association representing legitimate depot owners and marketers in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream sector, we are compelled to correct the record and address claims that threaten the integrity of our industry, mislead the public, and undermine regulatory confidence.

“We categorically state that our members, including Matrix, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, and NIPCO are fully tax compliant as we are not aware of any pending cases or disputes against them for default in their tax obligations.”

It described Dangote Refin- ery’s allegation of sponsoring NUPENG strike as false and baseless, saying the refinery’s claim that DAPPMAN sponsored NUPENG suggests a funda- mental lack of understanding of how Nigeria’s downstream ecosystem works.

It said stakeholders such as NUPENG, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Operators (NARTO), Petroleum and Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and

DAPPMAN were independent entities, each with distinct roles and interests.

The statement noted that DAPPMAN does not control labour unions or other industry associations and has no business interfering in their decisions.

“DAPPMAN did not sponsor or support NUPENG’s proposed industrial action. Our role has been one of de-escalation, focused on averting disruption to fuel supply and national mobility,” the association added.

DAPPMAN argued that the recent reductions in pump prices were primarily the result of a number of factors including “a stronger naira (N1,500–N1,550/$ since Q1 2025), supported by the fiscal and monetary reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), declining international crude prices (Brent crude fell from $92 to $76 per barrel) market deregulation and improved FX liquidity under the current administration.”

On round-tripping accusations by Dangote Refinery, DAPPMAN described it as misleading, saying, allegations that Nigerian marketers import Dangote-refined products from Togo are both misleading and ironic.

“For clarity, Offshore Lome is a recognised West African (WAF) trading hub, not a blending plant, as some commentators have suggested. Just as the Dangote Refinery is a refinery and not a factory, Offshore Lome is a trading point where cargoes are exchanged, not processed,” they added.

It noted that pricing ‘Offshore Lome’ reflects international market transactions and was not the same as retail pricing within Lome, Togo.

“It is, in fact, the Dangote Refinery that offers discounts of over $40/MT to foreign traders while denying Nigerian

marketers access to coastal vessel loading and restricting them to gantry-only lifting. This restrictive access and pricing structure create the very arbitrage opportunity the refinery now criticizes”, DAPPMAN stated.

“Dangote’s claims that DAPPMAN members import fuels with sulphur levels above 50ppm contradict its own operational record. The refinery itself applied for waivers from NMDPRA to distribute high-sulphur products, in direct contravention of PIA Section 317(11). We challenge the refinery to publicly deny this”, it stated.

But in a response last night, Dangote stated: “We wish to emphasise that any party who feels aggrieved by the contents of the publication is entitled to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels, without recourse to any so-called seven-day notice. We are fully prepared to defend our“Weposition. wish to clarify that the crux of DAPPMAN’S sustained attacks Dangote Petroleum Re- finery stems from their demand for an annual subsidy of N1.505 trillion to enable their members to match the refinery’s gantry prices at their own depots.

“While we offer petroleum products to marketers at our gantry price, DAPPMAN insists on receiving products via coastal logistics, an option that would add N75 per litre in additional costs. Based on projected daily consumption volumes of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), this amounts to an additional annual cost of N1.505 trillion (N1,505,625,000,000), which they are effectively asking us to absorb and pass it on to consumers.

“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount N70/litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated costs as well as N5/ litre for the cost of pumping into vessels to enable them to transport products from our refinery to their depots in Apapa and sell at the same price as our“Wegantry.wish to make it clear that we have no intention of increasing our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over N1.5 trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years. DAPPMAN and other marketers are welcome to lift

products directly from our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative,” Dangote added.

But in defence of Dangote, Ndume, a former Senate Leader, in a statement yesterday, warned that the barrage of accusations directed at the $20 billion privately-owned refinery risks undermining national economic interest, even as the federal government has created a level playing field for all investors in the oil and gas space.

Ndume cautioned against what he described as a “poison- ous media narrative” that seeks to cast the Dangote Refinery as a threat to fair competition and national interest.

He noted that contrary to the claims of its critics, the refinery represents the kind of bold, long-term investment the country desperately needs to reduce dependence on imported fuel and build economic resilience.

Ndume said: “Before Dangote took the risk to build his refinery, previous administrations had granted licenses to many Nige- rians to do the same. What did they do with it? Some simply capitalised on crude oil allocation incentives without ever breaking ground on a refinery project.”

Continues online

NMDPRA, FCCPC Set Up C’ttee to Address Consumer Complaints in Oil Sector

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have inaugurated a 10-member Joint-Technical Working Committee to strengthen consumer protection in the energy sector. Executive Director, Distri-

bution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, who represented the Authority Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, at the event in Abuja, said the committee was established to address recurring complaints relating to competitive practices and service delivery in the oil and gas sector.

The new committee has been mandated to share market

data, monitor and investigate anti-competition practices, and ensure adequate consumer protection, a note from the NMDPRA stated yesterday. The Joint Committee is led by the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mrs. Omagu Nwachukwu, and Mr Charles Nwachukwu, Head of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the NMDPRA.

L-R: Senator Ben Obi; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr.; former Governor of Cross River State, Chief Liyel Imoke; and 2023 PDP Governorship Candidate in Gombe, Mohammed Dan Barde, when Atiku led a delegation to a meeting with the US Ambassador, Abuja, on Tuesday

WOMEN IN FILM AND TV CONFERENCE...

L-R: Matron, Forum for Women in Film and TV Nigeria (FWIFT Nigeria), Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi; President, FWIFT Nigeria, Joke Silva; Veteran Nigerian TV Journalist and Producer, Bimbo Oloyede; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; and Mrs. Olufunke Salako, representative of the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the Women in Film and TV Conference held in Lagos... recently

Mergers, Acquisitions Imminent in Renewable Energy Sector Amid Quest to Unlock Funding for Projects

UUBO, IFC, Shell counsel developers on bankability, profitability of business

The renewable energy sector in Nigeria, particularly solar, which is the most popular in the country, has been projected to witness a gale of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the coming years in order to consolidate and unlock the kind of financing required to scale their business, execute bigger projects, and increase their service offerings.

Solar developers have also praised the recent improvement in the macroeconomic environment in Nigeria, saying positive indicators such as the exchange rate stability has brought some

comfort to the solar space, thus making solar cheaper than other sources of However,electricity. energy finance and infrastructure specialists at the Udo Udoma & Bello Osagie (UUBO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Shell Energy Nigeria, among others, have advised renewable

energy developers and operators on the need to always structure their projects in a way that makes them more bankable and profitable to potential investors and financiers.

Moderating a panel at the UUBO Energy and Infrastruc- ture Breakfast Session 2.0, held in Lagos, with the theme:

“Powering Nigeria: Financing and Scaling Renewable Energy”, Senior Associate at UUBO, Chisom Okolie, stressed the need for solar companies to have an organised system within their organisation to make it easier for investors to believe in them as a serious-minded business.

to pull themselves together to become one big organisation.

“In that way, you would scale operations and also cover a lot of business. So, it’s something that I see waiting for us in the future and could happen,” she stated.

REA, InfraCorp, Solarge Float SPV to Accelerate Solar Manufacturing in

To accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition and industrialisation agenda, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Infrastruc- ture Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), and Solarge BV of Netherlands have formally announced the creation of Solarge Nigeria Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

The SPV is expected to establish and operate a 1 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Nigeria. The agreement was signed at infraCorp office, Central Area, Abuja.

A statement from the REA yesterday said the co-ownership and strategic offtake agreement/collaboration, align with the federal government’s National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).

According to the REA, these aim to scale clean energy access across public institutions while building robust local content in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

“This public-private partnership will leverage InfraCorp’s investment mobilisation capac-

ity, REA’s policy leadership in rural electrification and public sector solarisation, and Solarge BV’s advanced technology and manufacturing expertise to localise high-quality solar PV production in Nigeria,” the REA stated.

Key project highlights include: A 1GW solar PV factory, which is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to be constructed in Nigeria, with a target of 50 per cent local content within the first three years.Besides, it envisages technology transfer and jobs as the facility will support significant

FG Moves to Unlock Mining Potential with Licensing, Capital Market Reforms

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to repositioning the mining sector as a key driver of economic diversification, stressing that transparent licensing, capital market financing, and digital reforms will unlock the country’s vast mineral wealth. At a virtual meeting on

Wednesday hosted by the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) in collaboration with NASD Plc, stakeholders highlighted the centrality of licensing, governance, and innovative financing models to Nigeria’s mining renaissance. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Senior Adviser on Mining & Policy, Amira Waziri,

said the ministry has adopted a clear seven-point agenda to transform the industry.

She explained the roadmap includes the creation of a Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, establishment of Mines Marshalls to curb illegal mining, acquisition of comprehensive geological data, and the for- malization of artisanal miners into cooperatives.

Nigeria

technology transfer, capacity building, and job creation, furthering Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial policy goals.Under the agreement, REA has committed to procure at least 200MW of solar modules per year over five years from Solarge Nigeria Ltd for NPSSI, RHIDF, and other public electrification programmes.

Okolie, whose session was on “Unlocking Capital Flows: Inno- vative Structures for Renewable Energy Finance,” observed that one of the challenges within the renewable energy sector was the proliferation of companies that operate in small-scale silos. She stated that this may lead to companies coming into partnerships through mergers and acquisitions for the consolidation of capital and expansion of business.

“One thing that I see is that we have a lot of renewable energy companies operating in small-scale silos. So, I think that in the future, what may happen is that there may be a lot of M&A activities, which is an acquisition of different companies, coming together

Okolie added that solar developers seeking external funding must simplify their financial process such as being able to provide information regarding the flow of funds from generation to distribution and also endeavour to pay back their debts, noting that that is one of the key areas investors look out for in potential investors.

Contributing, Principal Investment Officer at IFC, Mr. Abiola Aina, revealed that banks have multiple layers of judging the viability of a project and itsHebankability.explained that the ability of the potential clients or customers to pay for the service being offered, readily tells the profitability of the project and gives investors the confidence to fund it.

Galaxy Backbone Receives ISO Recertification on Global Business Quality Standards

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has recertified Nigeria’s leading digital infrastructure and shared services provider, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) in four key standards to boost the company’s revenue and confidence in business.

According to a statement by the company’s Head, Corporate Communicatios, Chidi Okpala, the recertification followed a rigorous and independent audit, reaffirming GBB’s ability to provide secure, scalable, and sustainable digital services to

government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and private sector organisations.

The statement read: “Galaxy Backbone Achieves ISO Recertification Across Four Key Standards, Boosting Trust, Resilience, and Confidence in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

“Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s leading digital infrastructure and shared services provider, is proud to announce its successful recertification by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) across four globally recognised categories.”

The categories are: ‘ISO 9001 - Quality Management

Systems (QMS): Ensuring consistent delivery of highquality services and continual improvement across operations; ISO 22301 - Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS): Guaranteeing resilience, availability, and recovery of services in the face of disruptions; ISO 20000 - Service Management Systems (SMS): Standardising service delivery to ensure reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction and ISO 27001 - Information Security Management Systems (ISMS): protecting data confidentiality, integrity; and availability against evolving cybersecurity threats.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Peter Uzoho

Barau Bags aNaN Fellowship...

FG Moves to Include Conditional Cash Transfer in National Budgets, Disburses N330bn to Poor Households

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun revealed yesterday that the federal government has so far disbursed N330 billion to 8.5 million poor households, some of which received at least a tranche of N25,000 as conditional cash transfer through the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).

The social safety net programme for which the World Bank approved $800 million for the Bola Tinubu administration was designed for 15 million poor households at three instalments of N25, 000 each.

Edun, who spoke during a brief chat with journalists in Abuja, disclosed that of the targeted 15 million households, 8.5 million had been paid N25,000 each, adding that while some received

one tranche, some got two and others three payments.

The World Bank had in May this year picked holes in the conditional cash transfer programme, arguing that the initiative failed to reach millions of Nigerians in need of urgent economic relief arising from economic reforms, as only 37 per cent of the targeted households had as of then benefited from the scheme.

According to the global development institution, the programme only reached 5.6 million households out of the planned 15 million, two years after the Tinubu administration secured $800 million to run it.

However, Edun explained yesterday that the initial challenges, particularly the linking of beneficiaries’ National Identity Numbers (NIN) to their bank accounts and mobile wallets were being surmounted, adding that

the remaining seven million households will be paid before the end of the year.

“So far, 8.5 million households have received at least one tranche of N25,000. Some have received two or three payments. The remaining seven million households will be paid before the end

of the year,” the minister said. Edun disclosed that the cash transfer intervention was part of President Tinubu’s strategy to cushion the effects of economic reforms occasioned by the removal of oil subsidy and exchange rate harmonisation on very vulnerable Nigerians.

The finance minister further explained that about 19.7 million poor and vulnerable households, representing over 70 million individuals were captured in the National Social Register.

Describing the programme as one that is anchored on a “robust and sustainable

system,” with beneficiaries verified through their National Identity Number (NIN), and payments made digitally and directly through bank accounts or mobile wallets, he disclosed that the government was planning to incorporate it in annual appropriations in order to make it sustainable.

CPPE: Sustained Deceleration of Inflation Rate Suggests Gradual Regaining of Macroeconomic Stability

Dike onwuamaeze

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise CPPE has described the continued deceleration of inflationary rate as a suggestion that Nigeria is gradually regaining macroeconomic stability.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer of CPPE Dr. Muda Yusuf, in the CPPE’s policy brief on August infla-

of Better Service Delivery

The Director General/CEO of Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote has assured Nigerian that the National Identification Number (NIN) would only get better as all the challenges in the process are addressed.

The DG gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at the capacity building event for staff in some of the state offices.

Coker-Odusote, who said the Commission was presently undertaking the

training of its entire workforce said Nigerians should expect the best from them after the training.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Training and Development, Olufunmilola Opesanwo, the DG told the trainees that: “it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this important training programme, organized in partnership with our trusted facilitator, Toppy Integrated Limited. “This initiative reflects our commitment to building a workforce that is not only efficient but also deeply rooted

in the values of professional customer service, ethical practices, and organizational excellence.

“As custodians of Nigeria’s identity management system, we understand that our success depends not only on technology and processes, but also on the integrity, competence, and dedication of our “Overpeople. the course of this programme, you will be equipped with skills and insights that will strengthen your capacity to serve Nige- rians with greater efficiency, empathy, and accountability.

tion titled “Nigeria’s Inflation Shows Continued Deceleration in August 2025.”

Yusuf said: “Nigeria’s headline inflation continued its downward trajectory for the fifth consecutive month in 2025, signalling a steady return to price stability.

“The inflation rate eased to 20.12 per cent, down from 21.88 per cent in July — a notable 1.76 percentage point decline.

“This sustained moderation suggests that Nigeria is gradually regaining macroeconomic stability.”

He pointed out that month-

wale igbintade

Justice Ibrahim Kala of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has fixed September 18 for a review of facts in the case of two staff of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) who admitted to diverting salaries of exited workers totaling N1.17 million.

The defendants, Shola Onasanya, a Chief Accoun-

on-month inflation also slowed sharply, with prices rising by just 0.74 per cent in August compared with 1.99 per cent in July — one of the lowest sequential increases in over a year.

He identified food and alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services, transport and energy costs as the main contributors to inflation in

However,August. food inflation moderated to 21.87 per cent from 22.74 per cent in July, while core inflation (excluding food and energy) declined to

20.33 per cent from 21.33 per cent, indicating broad-based easing in price pressures. Yusuf, however, noted that consumer confidence has remained fragile due to persistently high food prices and weak purchasing power. He said: “Encouragingly, consumer pessimism is gradually easing, suggesting that households are beginning to adjust expectations as inflation slows.”

According to him, several factors were responsible for l the continued deceleration in inflation.

tant, and Halimat Olalere, a Principal Executive Officer of Accounts, are attached to the IPPIS Payroll Desk Office of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Meta, Lagos. They were arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on an amended two-count charge bordering on corruption and unlawful conversion of public funds.

During the proceedings, ICPC prosecutor Enosa Omoghibo informed the court that the defendants had entered into a plea bargain agreement filed on September 4. He applied for the amended charge to be read to them, after seeking the court’s leave to substitute the earlier charge. The defendants pleaded guilty to both counts.

L-R: President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chief (Hajia) Zuwairat Talatu Kishimi, FCNA, conferring the fellowship of the association on the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, during the 30th Annual National Conference of the Association in Abuja, on Tuesday

Michael olugbode in Abuja

Keyamo Flags Off N32 Billion Air Peace Maintenance Hangar Construction at MMIA

Chinedu Eze

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday flagged off the commence- ment of the construction of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

When completed, Nigerian airlines, the presidential fleet, and the Nigeria Air Force fleet would no more ferry their aircraft to overseas facilities for major checks, which gulps a lot of foreign exchange.

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

It was jubilation on the streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday as residents and indigenes were thrown into celebration following the announcement of the end of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu, who directed suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of Rivers State House of Assembly to return to their desks effective today.

Tinubu had imposed a six- month emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025 and had suspended Fubara, his deputy, and members of Rivers State House of Assembly.

Some residents that spoke with THISDAY, expressed joy that the State has been returned to democratic rule despite not

while the oil producing states got N183.012 billion as derivation (13 per cent mineral revenue).

Cost of collection accounted for N124.839 billion while N1.285 trillion was allocated for Transfers Intervention and Refunds.

Giving further breakdown, the statement disclosed that the Gross Revenue available from VAT for the month of August was N722.619 billion as against N687.940 billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in an increase of N34.679 billion.

“From that amount, the sum of N28.905 Billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N20.811 Billion given for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds.

“The remaining sum of N672.903 Billion was distributed to the three of tiers of government, of which the federal government got N100.935 billion, the states received N336.452 billion and local government councils got N235.516 billion.

“Accordingly, the Gross Statutory Revenue of N2.838 Trillion received for the month was lower than the sum of

In fact, the facility will save Nigerian domestic carriers about N360 billion worth of foreign exchange annually, as Air Peace alone spends about N180 billion on maintenance in one year.

The facility will create approximately 50,000 jobs and will be situated on a vast 34,000 square meter land at the Lagos airport.

The MRO will also attract airlines from West and Central Africa, other parts of the world to bring their aircraft to be maintained here in Nigeria and thus bring in foreign exchange because such facility

knowing what the future holds for the Fubara-led government.

This comes as FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike hailed Tinubu for restoring democratic governance to Rivers State, saying the move by the President once more demonstrated his commitment to peace and sustenance of democracy in the country.

Equally, the Rivers State Elders’ Council beckoned on the elected leaders, including the Rivers people to sustain the ongoing peace in the State. Also, former Governorship candidate in the last general election in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, yesterday, said Fubara would have “zero” powers when he resumes.

President Tinubu in a statement entitled “Cessation of the State of Emergency in Rivers State,” declared that he decided not to renew the emergency rule based on favourable intelligence report about the State at his

N3.070 Trillion received in the previous month by N231.913 billion .

“From the stated amount, the sum of N94.587 Billion was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.265 trillion for Transfers, Intervention and refunds,” the statement said.

It added that the balance of N1.478 trillion was distributed among the three tiers of government.

The federal government received the sum of N684.462 billion, states got N347.168 billion, while the sum of N267.652 billion was allocated to local councils and N179.311 billion as 13 per cent Derivation Revenue mineral producing states.

Also, the sum of N33.685 Billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was distributed to the three tiers of government as follows: the federal government received N4.851 billion, states got N16.169 billion, local government councils received N11. 318 billion, while N1.347 billion was allocated for cost of collection.

Oil and Gas Royalty, VAT

is in high demand all over the world.

During the foundation laying ceremony, the Minister described the project as one of the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, noting that although the project had been conceived by Air Peace and the process was ongoing, but the President concretised the deal for Embraer to give support to the project hence its take off.

Highlighting the significance of the project and its potential to benefit not just Air Peace but the entire nation, Keyamo said, “Today is a momentous

disposal.Tinubu, said he was happy to lift the emergency rule, adding that from intelligence available to him, there has been a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.

The President explained: “This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

occasion for all of us, not just for Air Peace. The facility that will spring up here is a national treasure that will require our collective support, protection, and dedication to ensure its survival.”

Keyamo emphasised the importance of supporting local airlines and noted that the Ministry has made it a priority to ensure their growth and survival.

“We are resolute in our commitment to supporting local airlines. While some may criticise us, calling me Minister of Local Airlines, I view it as a badge of honour.”

and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025”.

Tinubu also reminded both the executive and legislative arms in the states of the need to work in harmony for the progress of the 36 states of the federation.

“I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”

“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Gov- ernor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, Joint Revenue Board Act.

and CET levies increased significantly, while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Import Duty, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Excise Duty declined.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who chaired the meeting commended the FAAC for their diligent efforts in ensuring the effective allocation of resources to the various tiers of Hegovernment. noted that the economic reforms embarked upon by the Federal Government are yielding positive results and that our collective efforts will continue to drive growth and development.

The minister assured that better days are ahead and expressed optimism about the future of our economy. *As we continue to work together, I urge us to prioritize prudent management of public resources, ensuring that our nation’s wealth is utilized effectively to meet the needs of our citizens,* Edun emphasized.

He said foreign airlines air- lift 95 per cent of international passengers from Nigeria; local airlines only have five percent of the market, emphasising the need to support domestic airlines.

According to him, the priority of the Tinubu’s administration was to empower Nigerian carriers and expressed hope that in the near future, Nigerian carriers will increase their share of the market, and urged banks to support airlines in their fleet leasing and acquisition.

In an earlier speech, the Chairman and CEO of Air

the emergency rule said it became “painfully inevitable” after a constitutional crisis paralysed governance in the state.

According to him, disputes between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly had left critical economic assets vulnerable and halted budget approvals.

He added: “I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration.

The President, while justifying

Their concerns also included fears that the new tax regime could place an undue burden on businesses.

They also expressed concern about sharp increase in corporate Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate and the burden of compliance on businesses.

These concerns were expressed yesterday in Lagos, by the President of Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD), Mr. Adetunji A. Oyebanji, and the President of Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Mr. Abimbola Olashore, at the “LCCI Organised Private Sector Stakeholders’ Forum on Emerging Tax Matters” with the theme: “A New Tax Regime: Fostering Collaboration for Economic Growth.”

Oyebanji, said the four landmark tax reform bills signed into law in June 2025 are ambitious in their scope and laudable in their intent by aiming to simplify tax administration, enhance compliance, and broaden the tax base.

He, however, said the CIoD Nigeria has a duty to articulate the concerns of its members, “and our message today is one of partnership, not opposition.”

He added: “While the new

“The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and

laws rightly aim to increase revenue, some provisions, if not carefully managed, could place an undue burden on businesses already grappling with high operational costs, a volatile currency, and macroeconomic headwinds.

“First, while we applaud the consolidation of some levies into a new development levy, there is a lingering uncertainty that the new regime may not fully eliminate the problem of multiple taxation at the state and local government levels.

“Secondly, the sharp increase in the corporate CGT rate from 10 per cent to 30 per cent is a significant concern.

“At a time when companies are struggling with high cost and fragile margins, such a steep hike risks slowing growth and reducing the tax base over the medium term.

“Thirdly, we must shine a spotlight on the burden of compliance. While the new laws rightly aim for a more digital and streamlined tax administration, many businesses particularly SMEs may struggle to cope with the new reporting requirements and the cost of digital

“Withoutinfrastructure. adequate support, this could drive more firms into

the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being“Thevandalised.

State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. “As a result, the Governor could not present any Ap- propriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs. That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill.

“Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a

informality, undermining the very objective of broadening the tax net.

“Fourthly, many are concerned about the transparency and accountability in the utilisation of tax revenues.”

Speaking in the vein, Olas- hore said members of NBCC are clear that what they want to see going forward is a tax regime that widens the net to bring more participants into the system, but not one that would pile additional burdens on already compliant businesses.

He said: “We recently reached out to our members to hear directly from them on their experience with the current tax reforms.

“Their feedback provides us with an authentic snapshot of the realities faced by the private sector.

“First is clarity and communication, as many businesses, especially SMEs, find the provisions of the reforms rather“Forvague.example, the turnover threshold for small companies for income tax purposes under the Nigeria Tax Act is N50 million. However, a common misconception is that the threshold is N100

Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Keyamo, for their unwavering support in bringing the project to fruition.

Keyamo

Continued on page 36

NATIONAL IDENTITY DAY...

L-R: Head, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Seamfix Limited, Cynthia Onwuegbuzie; Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun; Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote; Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Nkiruka Onyechiocha; and Representative of Senate President, Senator Victor Umeh, during the National Identity Day, Abuja, on Tuesday

UNICEF: We’ll Continue to Support

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiatives

Shettima: President has redefined concept of modern leadership in Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

As United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) pledges continued support and partnership in the actualisation of programmes under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Vice

President Kashim Shettima says the move is a step in the right direction, stressing that Tinubu has redefined the concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.

Commenting on the administration’s vigour in pursuing legacy projects in health, nutrition, human capital development, and related fields, Shettima said the government was committed to working with UNICEF and other development agencies to advance the “laudable initiatives” of the federal government, such as Nutrition

774 Initiative, Economic and Financial Inclusion, and Nutrition Intervention Fund.

The vice president spoke Wednesday at State House, Abuja, when he played host to a delegation from UNICEF Nigeria, led by the country

Company Secretaries Need to Keep Pace with Fast-changing Regulations, Says Expert

Notable legal practitioner and chartered secretary, Akachukwu Okechukwu, has expressed the need for company secretaries to keep pace with fast-changing corporate regulations and evolving regulatory demands while adapting to technological and digitalOkechukwugovernance. gave the advice during an interview in the light of current challenges facing company secretaries.

He stated that company secretaries needed to navigate the challenge of balancing independence with loyalty to the board.

“They also need to keep

pace with fast-changing regulations and evolving regulatory demands, while adapting to technological and digital governance,” Okechukwu said.

He added, “Then, there is the pressure from growing shareholders activism which may place the secretary in the middle of competing stakeholders demands. In some institutions, the secretary may have limited empowerment, constraining an effective governance gatekeeping.

“The secretary also faces personal liability risks. As governance standards tighten, secretaries face increasing personal exposure if filings, disclosures, or compliance

processes are found deficient.”

Okechukwu is a management consultant and professional, reputed for his governance expertise and significant contributions to board reforms, compliance frameworks, and the promotion of governance as a catalyst for long-term corporate and economic sustainability.

He explained that corporate governance in Nigeria was evolving fast, with boards under pressure to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.

According to him, at the heart of the governance ecosystem is an often overlooked but critical player, the company secretary,

Adeyemi: NIMASA Committed to Clean Offshore Environment, Deepening Blue Economy

The Executive Director, Operations of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Fatai Adeyemi said that the agency is committed to a clean offshore environment as the country seeks to maximise opportunities in the blue economy. Adeyemi expressed this position at a stakeholders’ sensitization program on Off-

shore Waste Reception Facilities with the theme “NIMASA’s Responsibilities and Statutory Obligation to Provide Offshore Waste Reception Facilities,” in Port Harcourt. According to him, the program underscores NIMASA’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and operational safety within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He noted that Nigeria’s offshore environment is vital to the nation’s economy, powering industries and creating livelihoods but was quick to add that the environmental challenges associated with offshore operations require immediate and sustained attention as it poses a grave threat to marine ecosystems, navigational safety, and public health.

whose role is widely seen as the “governance gatekeeper” in the corporate environment. He stated, “Corporate governance is the framework by which companies are directed and controlled. The law and regulatory guidelines on this framework are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility in how boards and management make decisions that affect shareholders, employees, regulators, and the wider public.

representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef.

Shettima said the country was blessed with a dedicated and committed leader in Tinubu.

He stated that the president was determined to invest in the youth and in the overall transformation of the education sector, saying in UNICEF, Nigeria has a worthy partner in progress to actualise its goals.

Shettima stated, “President Bola Tinubu is a man of courage and conviction and he is doing everything possible to redefine the concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.

“We are on the cusp of regenerating our economy and rebuilding this nation. The gains of our reforms are manifesting by the day, the inflationary trend is on the decline and by the end of the year, the economy will further stabilize for all to see.”

While acknowledging the relationship between Nigeria and UNICEF over the years, the vice president said, “We have worked with your colleagues

on different programmes across the country in the past and I believe that your coming will bring on board new experience, exposure and the capacity for value addition to what we are doing.”Earlier, Abdelatef acknowledged Shettima’s dedicated leadership, strong voice, and disposition in supporting humanitarian causes in Nigeria and beyond, describing him as a global citizen.

She assured the vice president of UNICEF’s unrelenting commitment and alignment to the priorities of the administration of Tinubu, particularly its programmes on nutrition, human capital development, and education of the girl child, among others.

The UNICEF country representative commended the administration’s interventions, such as Nutrition 774 Initiative, Nutrition Intervention Fund, and Nutrition Bill, statng that the government’s vision is clear and the mission is realisable.

In Bid to Boost Food Production, PFI Boosts Delivery of Critical Raw Materials for Fertiliser Blending Plants

In a bid to guarantee seamless inflow, lay a solid foundation for robust production, as well as the continuity of supply and stability across the country’s fertiliser value chain, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) delivered 48 distinct vessels of critical raw materials for fertiliser blending across the country between 2022 and 2025.

In 2025 alone, 10 vessels had already discharged and more were expected to discharge cargoes, accounting for over 560,000 metric tonnes (MT) of input at Nigerian ports.

In a statement, Wednesday, Ministry of Finance Incorpo- rated (MOFI) revealed that the strengthening of the value chain would ensure that blenders have access to as much material as their production capacity could support.

As of September 2025, more raw materials had already been supplied or ordered than the total supplied in 2024, even as additional arrangements were being concluded with fertiliser raw material manufacturers to stock warehouses nationwide. This strategic inflow, MOFI stated, had enabled consistent local production, with over 4.5 million metric tonnes of finished fertiliser produced between 2021 and 2024.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

N1,505,625,000,000 is total amount requested by marketers from Dangote as subsidy to enable them sell at the same price as our gantry at their depots.

Sector: Agriculture

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Federal Republic of Nigeria (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

ENGAGEMENT OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS TO SUPPORT THE SPECIAL AGRO – INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES (SAPZ) PROGRAM.

Loan No: 2000200005159/5050200001351

Project ID No: P-NG-AAA-002

1. This request for expression of interest follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project

th that appeared in UNDB online of 17 April, 2023 and on the African Development Bank Group's Inter net

Website

2. The Federal Gover nment of Nigeria (FGN) has received nancing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program Phase I, being implemented in the ve (5) par ticipating States of Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Imo and Ogun and intends to apply par t of the agreed amount of the loan to payments under the contract for the engagement of Tec hnical Assistants to suppor t SAPZ Program at the National Coordination Ofce

3. The assignments and scope of ser vices include:

A. Technical Assistant to the Na tional Infrastructure Engineer (NIE)

(i) Infrastr ucture Project Planning and Monitoring

· Assist in developing and updating detailed action plans for infrastr ucture development activities in collaboration with key stakeholders

· Suppor t the NIE in trac king project progress against the wor ks sc hedule and providing feedbac k for timely adjustments

(ii) Coordination with Contractors and Consultants

· Aid in the selection process for contractors and consultants as per the Program Implementation Manual (PIM).

· Monitor the perfor mance of contractors and consultants, ensuring compliance with contractual ter ms and the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) standards

(iii) Tec hnical Super vision and Compliance

· Assist in super vising the constr uction and rehabilitation of feeder and access roads, power infrastr ucture, agro-processing facilities, health and safety infrastr ucture, water infrastr ucture, and irrigation sc hemes

· Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards during all infrastr ucture activities

(iv) Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

· Coordinate with relevant federal ministries and agencies (e.g., Wor ks, Industry, Agriculture, Water

development.

· Suppor t the NIE in liaising with researc h institutions (e.g., Institute of Agricultural Researc h, National Centre for Agricultural Mec hanization) to promote adoption of proven agro-tec hnologies

(v) Documentation and Repor ting

· Assist in reviewing valuations of wor k and cer ticates of payment for authorization, ensuring alignment with FPCU and donor standards

· Suppor t in preparing necessary documentation to secure “No Objection” from donor par tners for contracts and activities

· Review repor ts from consultants to ensure quality and compliance with the contract

(vi) Capacity Building and Training Suppor t

· Suppor t in organizing relevant training and cer tication courses to enhance the tec hnical capacity of infrastr ucture staff at FPCU and PSIU

· Contribute to capacity-building initiatives by assisting in the design and delivery of wor kshops on tec hnical aspects of infrastr ucture development.

(vii) General Administrative and Tec hnical Suppor t

· Provide tec hnical guidance to par ticipating states regarding infrastr ucture development functions at Agro-Industrial Hubs (AIH) and Agro-Tec hnical Centers (ATC).

· Suppor t any additional tasks assigned by the NIE or the National Program Coordinator to ensure the effective execution of program infrastr ucture activities

B. Technical Assistant to the National Procurement Ofcer (NPO)

(i) Procurement Planning and Management

· Assist in developing, monitoring, and updating the project's procurement plan to align with donor guidelines and program timelines

· Suppor t in managing the procurement processes to ensure they are executed efciently and in a timely manner

(ii) Preparation of Procurement Documentation

· Aid in the preparation of procurement documents, including drafting requests for proposals, request for expression of interest, ter ms of reference, tec hnical specications, and bid evaluation criteria.

· Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all procurement documentation in line with relevant procurement laws and guidelines

(iii) Contract Management and Oversight

· Help monitor contract perfor mance, ensuring timely and quality deliveries according to contractual obligations

· Assist in trac king milestones and enforcing sanctions where applicable for non-compliant contractors

(iv) Tec hnical Suppor t and Capacity Building

· Provide tec hnical assistance to procurement teams in par ticipating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as directed by the NPO

· Contribute to capacity-building initiatives, including training and mentoring on procurement best practices

(v) Repor ting and Data Management

· Aid in preparing quar ter ly procurement status repor ts and contributing to nancial monitoring repor ts as needed.

· Assist in maintaining an up-to-date procurement database, trac king contracts, deliveries, and supplier perfor mance

· Assist in maintaining an up-to-date contract register

(vi) General Administrative Suppor t

· Suppor t the NPO in administrative tasks and any other duties as may be directed by the NPO, ensuring effective comm unication and coordination across procurement activities

C. Technical Assistant to the Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Ofcer

(i) Data Collection, Analysis, and Repor ting

· Assist in populating the Program's M&E framewor k at baseline, midline, and completion stages, trac king program activities against objectives and targets

· Develop data collection tools and methods

· Establish data management and Analysis processes

for

· S

disbursements, and other relevant data.

· Suppor t in preparing periodic repor ts (quar ter ly and annual) to comm unicate insights to stakeholders and guide program adjustments

· Maintain and M&E data base

(ii) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Activities

· Suppor t in organizing and conducting regular (quar ter ly) monitoring and evaluation visits to par ticipating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

· Develop a comprehensive M&E framewor k and plan

· Aid in coordinating mid-ter m and end-of-program reviews to assess program perfor mance, impacts, and outcomes for intended beneciaries

· Ensure trac king of project progress, assess outcomes and make data driven decisions for project improvement (iii) Tec hnical Suppor t and Capacity Building

· Provide suppor t in organizing M&E wor kshops, training, and capacity-building sessions for project ofcers and relevant staff

· Train Project Staff on M&E Principles and Practices

· Assist in preparing Ter ms of Reference (ToRs) for M&E ser vice providers and super vise their perfor mance, ensuring deliverables meet program standards

· Review M&E and Baseline, midline and end line repor ts submitted by consultants

(iv) Program Documentation and Database Management

· Maintain an updated, accurate database for M&E data, managing both quantitative and qualitative data in alignment with program requirements

· Assist in data entry, cleaning, and analysis using databases, spreadsheets, and statistical software

(v) Suppor t for Special Studies and Third-Par ty Monitoring

· Help coordinate third-par ty monitoring activities, ensuring the quality and relevance of data collected by exter nal monitors

· Provide suppor t for special studies and researc h initiatives by preparing data, assisting in analysis and contributing to the for m ulation of ndings and recommendations

(vi) General Administrative and Strategic Suppor t

· Suppor t the PME Ofcer in the preparation of wor k plans, budgets, and program perfor mance indicators

· Suppor t any additional tasks assigned by the PME Ofcer or the National Program Coordinator to ensure the effective execution of program M & E activities

D Technical Assistant to the Environment & Climate Change Safe guards Ofcer (ECCO)

The TA will assist the E&CC Ofcer with the following tasks:

· Standardization/update of parameters for documenting project E&S data/infor mation in a for m of template and guide to a unied for mat to trac k perfor mance of E&S compliance

· Conduct tec hnical review of Draft SAPZ E&S safeguards instr uments and Action Plans prepared by the par ticipating SAPZ states

· Suppor t in organizing and conducting sc heduled E&S compliance monitoring visits to par ticipating states projects

· Develop a comprehensive E&S management and monitoring framewor k and plan

· Assist in coordinating mid-ter m review of the overall E&S perfor mance, impacts, and outcomes for intended beneciaries

· Maintain and update E&S project progress trac ker

· Provide Tec hnical suppor t in organizing E&S wor kshops, training, and capacity-building sessions for project ofcers and Staff of relevant institutions

· Train Project Staff on Implementation of E&S Operational Safeguards and compliance with loan covenant

· Assist in review of Ter ms of Reference (ToRs) for E&S Studies of sub project activities

· Suppor t in review of E&S monitoring reports to ascertain compliance with the material measures and actions set out in the Environmental and Social Management Plans

· Suppor t in consolidation of Monthly E&S perfor mance repor ts to the funders

· Help coordinate third-par ty E&S monitoring activities, ensuring the quality and relevance of data collected by exter nal Environmental and Social sustainability Consultants

· Suppor t the E&CC Ofcer in the preparation of Annual wor k plans, budgets, and E&S perfor mance indicators

· Perfor m any additional tasks assigned by the National Program Coordinator to ensure the effective execution of program E&S Safeguards sustainability Mor e details on the assignment can be found in the separa te Ter ms of Refer ence which can be obtained from the addr ess below between the working hours of 9am – 4pm (local time) daily or uploaded from the SAPZ website: www sapz.gov.ng

4. National Coordinating Ofce (NCO) of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program now invites eligible individual consultant to submit their Resumes, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, a written tec hnical proposal (maxim um 2 pages) and a nancial proposal.

5. The estimated duration of the assignment is twelve (12) months with the possibility of extension based on program needs, satisfactory perfor mance and conduct. The estimated star ting date is November, 2025.

6. Eligibility criteria, establishment of the shor tlist and selection procedure shall be in accordance with the Procurement Policy for the Bank Group Funded operation (October 2015), whic h is available on the Banks website at h p:// .afdb.org.en/projectsandopera ons/proc rements/neproed re-polic

7. The proposals to be submitted by the consultants will be evaluated on the basis of the following tec hnical criteria:

c Tec hnical Competency and Experience in under taking similar assignment

points d Similar Experience wor king with any donor funded project (AfDB and Wor ld Bank, IFAD, etc) 25 points e Comm unication skills in English

Only Individual Consultants scoring a mar k of 75 points or more will be considered for the respective assignment. The Consultant scoring the highest in eac h of the categories will be selected provided that the nancial offer is within the limits of the available budget.

8. Interested Individual Consultants may obtain fur ther infor mation at the address below during the ofce hours of 09:00am and 04:00pm (Local time; Mondays–Fridays)

9. Expression of Interest m ust be delivered to the address below in person not later than 13 October, 2025 at 12:00 noon local time Clear ly indicate on your envelop the ca te gor y you ar e applying for and marked “Enga gement of a Technical Assistant to …………..to

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Belgore: Nigerian Youth Are Disappointed in Political Office Holders

Political analyst and youth leader, Muhammed Mustapha Belgore, in this interview, speaks on Nigeria’s current political landscape, the prospects of the all Progressives Congress and the opposition, and the future of the country’s youth. He lauds President Bola Tinubu’s track record while questioning the implications of his potential re-election bid for the teeming youth population. mary nnah brings excerpts:

You are a politically-minded youth but do you think that today’s youth are generally mindful of politics?

Yes, I believe today’s youth are generally mindful of politics. As I mentioned, my generation is the golden generation that will save this country. Though, while it may seem that not all youth may be fully participating, everyone is watching with keen interest, especially as policies directly affect their survival in the harsh situations we find ourselves in. They have no choice, Nigeria is home, and politics touches every aspect of life here. We have to tighten our belts, our forebears have disappointed us. They preferred to teach us to kneel down to greet our elders rather than secure the institutions that would make our lives easier. Healthcare, electricity, pipe borne water, education, what have you? Nothing. They just pocketed the billions. We can’t let our own children look at us in that manner? No.

Do Nigerian youth care about who their political leader is, and should they really care, after being disappointed for so long? Absolutely, Nigerian youths care about who their political leader is, and they should care deeply. After years of disappointment, it’s understandable to feel disillusioned, but disengagement isn’t the answer. Policies shape our survival, and as I’ve said, we’re all watching keenly because there’s no escaping the impact. Nigeria is home, we must care to change it for the better.

What is your impression of the man, Bola Tinubu, who you commonly refer to as a political phenomenon?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a political phenomenon whom I adore. His track record is one of triumph, from building Lagos into an economic powerhouse to navigating national politics with strategic brilliance. He’s a leader who understands the ubiquity of politics in Nigeria, where everything is politics, and he’s mastered it.

We had PDP in the political saddle for so long, and we have also had APC in the saddle for quite a while now, which can you say has done well or better?

Between PDP and APC, I’d say APC has done better, especially under leaders like Tinubu. PDP held power for 16 years from

1999 to 2015, but corruption and inefficiency plagued their tenure. APC, since 2015, has focused on reforms, anti-corruption drives, and infrastructure, though challenges remain. But if Tinubu is the leg that APC stands on, at the end of his eight years tenure, I expect that APC will stand tall when compared with PDP.

Is the coming up of ADC really necessary, considering the fact that the political figures remain the same?

The creation or rather, the recent revival of ADC as a coalition isn’t necessary, given that the same political figures are involved. ADC was founded in 2005, but now in 2025, it’s become a platform for opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others to unite against APC. It’s the same recycled politicians shifting for power, not ideology. It won’t bring fresh change.

How has the motivation behind party defections in Nigerian politics changed over time, from ideology-driven to financial motivation?

Maybe because I’m still very young but me I can’t remember when it was ever based on ideologies and a desire to serve the masses, I think the egregiousness of the greed woven into the fabric of their sinister intentions is only more pronounced now.

It’s always been about personal gain. Politics is ubiquitous in Nigeria, everything is politics here, and that ubiquity often leads to self-interest over public good.

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

Thovoethin: For Equity and Fairness, Badagry Division Should Produce Next Lagos Gov

Former head of department of Political Science at Lagos State University and Convener/Chairman of the 2027 Badagry for Lagos State Governor agenda, Prof Paul-Sewa Thovoethin, in this interview speaks on issues around governance in the Centre of Excellence and why Badagry division should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor. yusuf Ebiti brings excerpts:

How would you assess the performance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the past six years?

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has demonstrated commendable commitment to the ‘Greater Lagos’ vision, notable achievements in infrastructure, especially with the completion of the Blue Line Rail project, which are set to redefine public transportation. Although the rail projects were conceived earlier before his emergence as a governor, but his role in bringing it to reality is highly commendable. No one can be said to have done well as a governor without prioritising transportation infrastructure. However, one will expect that the governor should invest more in water transportation and even subsidise it to complement what he is doing on our roads, considering the aquatic nature of Lagos State.

Credit must also be given to the governor in the area of education, where he has been able to boost infrastructure in our primary and secondary schools and has also upgraded the state owned polytechnic and college of education and what that means is an increased access to education of our teeming youth in Lagos and the entire Nigeria. However, the total elimination of these two institutions will constitute a setback for the state, the implication being that Lagos state will no longer be producing middle level manpower and this is not good for the developmental agenda of the state. The Ogun state model in this regard could have been a better alternative. I will reiterate that

the overall performance of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the area of infrastructure has been solid and progressive.

As a leader in Badagry, have your

people enjoyed some benefits under this administration?

Yes, the people of Badagry have felt the state government’s presence in tangible ways. We have seen the construction and rehabilitation

of key roads which were inaugurated by the governor recently. Moreover, a good number of Badagry people have been empowered under this administration. For instance, Badagry has benefited from employment across all sectors as well as in the area of political representation. Under this administration, Badagry has two commissioners which is unprecedented since the creation of the state and this is a laudable opportunity which must be commended. However, these benefits, while appreciated, are seen as foundational steps compared to the immense potential and needs of the Badagry Division, indicating that there is still a significant journey ahead in terms of integrated development in the area.

In what areas would you advise the administration to do more so that people can feel more positive impact? They have to focus more on welfarist policies to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal. There is also the need to increase the salaries of its workers because the minimum wage at the moment is not sufficient considering the economic realities in the state. In the case of Badagry, the administration should focus on three critical areas. Such focus should include the area of tourism infrastructure, economic empowerment and in education, especially with critical manpower development.

on www.thisdaylive.com

Belgore

Thovoethin

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY

ENERGY - EMPOWERMENT - EFFICIENCY

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

CONSULTING SERVICES- FIRM SELECTION

NIGERIA

NIGERIA ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT

ADB Loan No.: 200200003401

AGTF Loan No.: 5050200000551

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the Engagement of a Firm as Project Owner's Engineer (POE) for the Development of Interconnected Mini-Grids.

Reference No.: REA-NEP/AfDB/QCBS/01/2025 th Issued Date: 18 September 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the cost of Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). The Rural Electrification Agency, the implementation Agency of the FGN, intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payment under the contract for the Consultancy Services of a Project Owner's Engineer for the Interconnected Mini-Grids in Eight (8) clusters of unserved / u n d e r s e r v e d c o m

y Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The communities are spread across Seven (7) states: Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna and Kebbi, and packaged into Eight (8) Lots.

The POE shall, among others, carry out the following major activities:

a. .Review and approve the detaile

provided by the Private Sector Developer (Grantee). This includes, but is not limited to, civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings and calculations.

b .Conduct regular site visits to monitor the Developer's progress and quality of work.

c. .Review and approve construction method statements, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) plans, and health & safety

d. .Monitor compliance with the project schedule and report any deviations or delays.

e. .R e v i e w a n d c o n ﬁ r m q u a n t i t y

completed, which would serve as a basis for payment to the Developer according to the payment milestones.

f ..Attend and provide oversight during key construction milestones and inspections.

g. .Hold regular monthly meetings with the Developer to review project progress, technical issues, and measures to achieve the targeted cost, quality and schedule control.

h. .Review contractor's Environmental and Social Management Plans (c-ESMPs) required for the project implementation.

i. ..Ensure Developers implement approved Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), including stakeholder e n g a g e m e n

a n , L a b o

Management Plan, Grievance Redress Mechanism, and GBV/SEA plan.

j. ..Monitor adherence to national environmental and social policies and the AfDB's Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) throughout the project lifecycle.

k. .Review and approve the commissioning plan and test

procedures.

l. ..Verify the ﬁnal system performance and power output against contractual guarantees.

The engagement of the consultant shall be for a period of One (1) year

T h e d e

assignment can be found at the following web site:

Owners-Engineer-for-Interconnected-Mini-Grids.html

The Rural Electriﬁcation Agency- AfDB Project Management Unit ( R E A - A f D B P M U ) n o w i n v i t

(“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing these S e r v i c e s (

experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staﬀ, etc.). Consultants may constitute joint-ventures to enhance their chances of qualiﬁcation. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The shortlisting criteria are:

The Consulting firm for this assignment must be an Engineering Consulting firm with the following qualifications and experience:

- Must have valid registration and must have been established for not less than 10 years from the date of the EOI.

- Must have at least 5 years' experience in utility scale solar PV.

- Proven experience as an Owners Engineer, Management Consultant or Design Consultant on at least one (1) similar solar hybrid or mini-grid project larger than 1 MWp and total track record more than 3 MWp

- Proven track record of Power distribution infrastructure of 7.5MVA substation installation and above.

- Track record in civil works for at least one (1) solar PV Hybrid project and distribution network.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank's procurement framework for group funded operations, October 2015. www.afdb.org

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during oﬃce hours i.e. 0800 to 1700 hours.

Expressions of interest must be submitted electronically to the P r o j e c t M a n a g e m e n t U n i t ( P M U ) b y e - m a i l t o afdbnep.procure@rea.gov.ng nd on or before 2 October 2025.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) to be addressed as follows: Nigeria Electriﬁcation Project (NEP)

Attn: Taiwo Olawoyin – Senior Procurement Specialist, PMU –NEP

The Centurion Building, 15 Street, Constitution Avenue, CBD, Abuja.

E-mail: afdbnep.procure@rea.gov.ng

FEaturEs

Yusuf Oladipupo: Revolutionising Nigeria’s Cold Chain Logistics through Eja-Ice

In the scorching heat of Lagos, Nigeria, Yusuf Oladipupo Bilesanmi, CEO of Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited, is on a mission to revolutionise the country's cold chain logistics. His pioneering company is making waves in the industry with innovative solar-powered refrigeration and temperature-controlled transportation solutions. Recently, Eja-Ice showcased its innovative cooling Van at its inaugural product showcase at Ijora Causeway in Lagos, solidifying its position as a leader in cold chain technology. Writes MARY NNAH

Achance encounter with rotten fish sparked a revolutionary idea that would change the face of Nigeria's cold chain industry. Yusuf Oladipupo Bilesanmi, CEO of Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited, has a mission to transform the country's cold chain logistics with cutting-edge solar-powered solutions. From modest beginnings to collaborations with top brands, Eja-Ice is driving innovation, reducing food waste, and promoting energy efficiency. Bilesanmi's journey is a shining example of the power of determination and visionary thinking.

The Birth of Eja-Ice

The name Eja-Ice, which translates to “Iced Fish” in Yoruba, may seem unusual, but it's a nod to the company's humble beginnings. Bilesanmi recounts the story behind the name, which dates back to 2017 when he bought rotten fish from a market vendor. "I wanted to buy fish, and I was sold rotten fish," he recalled. "I told the lady, 'I can't buy this fish, it's rotten.' But let me come and see you in January." True to his word, Bilesanmi returned in January 2018 with a solution - solar-powered refrigeration.

"When I got to the store, I wanted to buy fish, and I was sold a bad fish, a spoiled fish. I couldn't get it, I couldn't buy it," Bilesanmi says. "But then I spoke to the woman and said, 'You know what, I'm going to come back to you with a solution. Are you open to it?' She agreed."

Bilesanmi's solution was to design a solar-powered system for the vendor's store. "We carried out the analysis, and it was going to cost her about 1.2 million Naira," he says. "I said, 'Okay, leave it with me, let me go to the bank.'" However, the bank rejected

the vendor's loan application due to financial inclusion issues.

Undeterred, Bilesanmi decided to finance the project himself. "We sorted out the engineering problem, and we're able to convert our system from an AC system to a DC system," he explains. "And we're able to get the cost from 1.2 million Naira down to 300,000 Naira."

Reducing Food Waste

According to Bilesanmi, Nigeria's fish demand stands at 3.3 million metric tons annually, with 1.2 million metric tons produced locally. "A significant amount of this goes to waste.

Bilesanmi highlights the impact of Eja-Ice's solutions, stating, ‘Our ability to produce locally, mitigate waste, and get food markets in their proper place, does a lot of things for nutritional access, reduces the impact of dependency on forex for food imports, and enhances self-sufficiency and food security in the country.

Today, Eja-Ice is a thriving company that's not only providing innovative solutions to Nigeria's cold chain logistics but also creating jobs and empowering entrepreneurs. "We are working with the banks. Today, we've got the Nigerian banking sector really looking into the cold chain. We're working with this guy, Greenmax Capital. Greenmax Capital has invested in a first-loss guarantee worth about 2.5 billion Naira”, Bilesanmi said.

Innovative Solutions

Eja-Ice's innovative approach has also attracted notable partnerships.

Charles Nwankwo, the owner of a cooling truck that was launched by Eja-Ice, says, "We procured it because we needed it badly for the business. I'm a distributor for farm milk, Nigeria PLC. We need a cooling system to help us in transporting the products from place to place to reduce the risk and the cost of transporting cold chain products."

When asked about the features of the vehicle, Nwankwo explains, "It's solar-powered. Actually, we've been using just our normal vehicle for transportation. But when we inquired about procuring a cooling Van for transportation, we stumbled on Eja Ice. They make solar-powered tricycles, which we have seen. The cooling system is solar-powered. We've also seen the vehicle that they made. So we are inspired by what we see to go into that particular brand of vehicle instead of just a normal cooling truck that we consume diesel and petrol on the way."

The cooling truck, which is solar-powered, is a game-changer for Nwankwo's business. "The cooling system is powered by solar," he says. "So it reduces the cost of transporting the products and keeps the products fresh until they get to the destination."

A Sustainable Future

Barakat Badmos, Operations Manager at Eja-Ice Limited, explains the company's mission and infrastructure. "We have infrastructure that cuts across the entire value chain. We have solar-powered cold rooms for aggregation and storage. We have

solar-powered logistics solutions, including cooling tricycles for lastmile deliveries and cooling vans for first-mile deliveries. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive solution to the cold chain industry, reducing food waste and improving the quality of products."

Badmos also highlights the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. "We're constantly looking for ways to improve our services and meet the evolving needs of our customers," she says. "We believe that customer satisfaction is key to our success, and we're dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our clients. Whether it's providing solar-powered refrigeration solutions or logistics services, we're committed to helping our customers succeed in the cold chain industry."

As Eja-Ice looks to the future, Bilesanmi is excited about the potential for the company to make a lasting impact on Nigeria's food supply chain. "We're not just providing solutions, we're creating a movement," he says. "A movement towards a more sustainable, more efficient, and more equitable food system." With its innovative approach and commitment to empowering Nigerians, Eja-Ice is poised to revolutionise the cold chain industry. The company's partnerships with leading brands, such as Fan Milk and Food Concepts, demonstrate its commitment to reducing food waste and improving energy efficiency. By providing solar-powered refrigeration and cold chain solutions, Eja-Ice is helping to mitigate food loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable food system for future generations

L-R: Operations Manager, Eja-Ice Nig Ltd, Baraka Badmus; Deputy Director, State Manager, SMEDAN, Mr Bunmi Kole-Dawodu; Group CEO, Eja-Ice Ltd, Yusuf Oladipupo Bilesanmi; and CEO, Eja-Ice Nig Ltd, Bola Ramos, at the event

How Deliberate Policy Choices, FX Reforms Created Stronger Naira Demand, Reduced Vulnerabilities

Deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability are beginning to pay off in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. The naira sustained its rally this week, closing at N1,497/$1 at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market on Monday with the rebound driven by a combination of stronger demand for the naira, reduced speculative trading, and rising foreign reserves, now at $41.69 billion on September 12. Precious Ugwuzor reports that these reforms instituted by the Olayemi Cardosoled Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are stabilising exchange rates and improving the overall health of the economy

The naira on Monday rallied to one of its strongest positions in recent months, closing below N1,497/$ at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

The naira gains have been attributed to reforms instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the rising transparency, accountability, and dollar access in the foreign exchange market.

According to data from the CBN, the naira traded between N1,498/$ and N1,507/$ at last week’s trading sessions, continuing the positive trajectory that began in early September when it opened at N1,526.09/$.

The parallel market mirrored the trend, with the naira strengthening to between N1,515/$ and N1,517/$ in the course of the week.

Analysts at Commercio Partners attributed the rally to a combination of stronger demand for the naira, reduced speculative trading, and improved foreign reserves.

Head of Research at Commercio Partners, Ifeanyi Ubah, expressed optimism that the positive sentiment would be sustained in the near term, supported by increasing external buffers.

“Nigeria’s external reserves stood at $41.69 billion on September 12, 2025, and have consistently grown in recent weeks, reflecting a healthier external position for the country. With reserves strengthening, speculative activity subsiding, and oil earnings supporting inflows, many market watchers believe the naira’s current rally has a stronger foundation compared to previous cycles of volatility,” he said.

However, other experts caution that sustaining this momentum will depend on the government’s ability to maintain macroeconomic discipline, boost crude oil production, and diversify export earnings.

How stronger naira impacts trade

With improvement in the exchange rate comes reduced cost for import. Importation costs in Nigeria include various taxes and charges, primarily import duties, VAT, and other levies. These costs are calculated based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) of the goods, which includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and shipping.

The cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) price is the price of a good delivered at the frontier of the importing country, or the price of a service delivered to a resident, before the payment of any import duties or other taxes on imports or trade and transport margins within the country.

Changes in the exchange rate can significantly impact the cost of imports, as duties and other charges are often calculated based on the prevailing exchange rate.

Nigeria’s total imports in 2024 were valued at $40.97 billion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Nigeria’s main

import partners were China, Belgium, and India.

New figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that Nigeria imported food and beverages worth N1.67 trillion ($1 billion) during the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), reflecting a five per cent increase from the N1.59 trillion recorded over the same period in 2024.

Rebased GDP to benefit from naira rally

Afrinvest West Africa Limited says Nigeria’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) needs 21.9 per cent growth at N1,500/$ exchange rate to achieve the $1 trillion economy target by 2031.

In its 20th Nigeria Banking Sector Report 2025 titled “ACT-BOLD: Beyond a Trillion-Dollar Economy” released in Lagos, Group Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke, explained that at a rebased GDP nominal size of N372.8 trillion, Nigeria requires a minimum annual growth rate of 21.9 per cent to attain the $1 trillion economy valuation by 2031.

It was further predicted that an exchange rate of N1,500.00/$1 or a much stronger exchange rate at a slower growth rate is required to attain the GDP size milestone.

The report indicated that despite the current administration’s confidence that the banking industry will support the $1 trillion economy target realisation, there was need to address longstanding impediments that constrain broadbased growth potential.

Without such intermediation, banks would only deliver, at best, uneven and subpar growth across a few services-based sectors, while the overall economy continues to grow at a slow pace.

Nigeria’s Statistician-General, Adeyemi Adeniran, revealed that incorporated new and emerging sectors, consumption basket updates, and refined data collection methods helped produce a more complete picture of national output.

Adeniran explained how the economy fared in the rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report. He said: “In nominal terms, the rebased GDP for 2019 stood at N205.09 trillion, N213.63 trillion in 2020, N243.30 trillion in 2021, N274.23 trillion in 2022, N314.02 trillion in 2023, and N372.82 trillion in 2024.”

The NBS noted that in 2019, the rebased nominal GDP at basic prices represented an increase of 41.7 per cent over the nominal GDP of 2019 of the old base year (2010), 39 per cent in 2020, 38.7 per cent in 2021, 36.1 per cent in 2022, 34.6 per cent in 2023, and 35.4 per cent in 2024.

“The results show that the structure of the Nigerian economy has changed significantly with a rise in the share of agriculture and services sectors and a fall in the share of the industries sector in nominal terms, indicating a shift in the structure of the Nigerian economy than earlier reported,” the NBS said.

Adeniran further explained that the rebasing allows the country to better reflect the realities of the economy. “It’s not just about a bigger number but about accurate, timely data that supports smarter policy and economic planning,” he said.

Aliyu Ilias, a developmental economist, noted that several sectors have previously remained uncaptured in official data, particularly entertainment. “By rebasing our GDP now, we included those areas properly. This new visibility will

make Nigeria appear much stronger to foreign investors, which will naturally help us attract more capital,” he said.

He explained that the exercise will also reveal untapped economic potential and guide government resource allocation. “It will show where we are strongest structurally, such as in mining or other emerging sectors. That insight will help the government focus its efforts more strategically.”

“Finally,” he added, “it will support economic policy formulation, helping us align our strategy with the reality on the ground. We will know exactly where to put more effort.”

Ilias explained that while this statistical adjustment does not instantly generate new revenue, it creates a more reliable framework for fiscal planning, investment strategies, and development interventions. It is also recognised that Nigeria’s hope of achieving the $1 trillion economy by 2030 will gain significant support from the banking sector.

Improved FX access

Before now, one of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian economy was limited access to forex.

That challenge meant that businesses and travellers had to turn to the parallel FX market to source funds and in the process create arbitrage that opened the doorway for FX speculation to thrive.

In response, the CBN embarked on a series of bold reforms to attract more foreign capital to the economy, and achieve price and exchange rate stability.

In 2023 the new administration and the CBN, led by its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, liberalised the foreign exchange market, stopped central bank financing of the fiscal deficit, and reformed fuel subsidies. The government also strengthened revenue collection and took strategic steps to reduce the surging inflation rate.

Since these reforms were implemented, international reserves have increased, and anyone can now access foreign exchange in the official market.

Nigeria successfully returned to international capital markets last December and was recently upgraded by rating agencies. A new domestic, private refinery is positioning Nigeria up the value chain in a fully deregulated market.

FX reserves position rises

The Olayemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced a quantum leap in the net FX reserve position at $23.11 billion at the end of last year before hitting the current milestone at $41.66 billion.

Cardoso, upon assuming office in October 2023, prioritised reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

RENEWED

PUSH FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER LAGOS

LAGESC is committed to making the State cleaner and habitable for business, writes AJAYI LUKMAN

See page 21

GOD, WIFE, AND BOOKS

Nigeria’s political leadership should become more responsive to the people’s needs and sensibilities, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

UNSETTLING MESSAGES FROM NEPAL

There’s a tricky difference between message and lesson. While the former is simply a symbol or body of symbols targeted at another entity, the latter comes with either the willingness or readiness of the audience(s) to receive. Since I’m not sure of the desire or preparedness of the Nigerian ruling elite to at least come to terms with the unprecedented realities unravelling in Nepal, it’s better I stick to discussing the stark, frightening messages proceeding from there.

The financial estimates of the material losses stand at over $21billion, close to half of Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP). That’s huge. Not to mention the images of some of the erstwhile dignitaries being brutalised and dehumanised by the rampaging mobs.

See page 21

NOSA IGIEBOR pays tribute to Nyaknno Osso, a consummate Librarian EDITORIAL

On September 4, 2025, that country’s Supreme Court upheld the government’s decision to put into effect two legal instruments namely, the 2023 Social Media Directive and 2025 Social Media Bill. The laws sought to compel all the local and international information and communication technology platforms to register with the regulatory authorities in a move interpreted as a strategy for further tightening official censorship. What was packaged as a demonstration of rule of law turned out to be an inadvertent kicking of the proverbial sleeping dog. The draconian penalties for breaching those statutes easily gave the government away as habouring sinister, ultra-suppressing motives. Any offending company was to pay $71,000 while individuals would part ways with $3,600. In a country with an average income of $1,456, that was clearly an overreach.

But the politicians were too selfabsorbed to think of the consequences of their actions. On September 8, a peaceful protest was organised to let those in power know what the people thought about the legislations and court ruling that were threatening to challenge their own claims to decent citizenship. Unknown to the powerful, organisers of the march and, maybe, a chunk of the downtrodden, a cataclysmic event was underway. The undercurrents of deprivation, maladministration, corruption, nepotism, youth discontent, recklessness in high places and collective anger were about to find expression.

Truly, insensitivity has its own rewards. Yes, no one should nurse thoughts of mayhem being visited on the society for whatever reasons; not even on the perceived abusers of the common good who should, instead, be subjected to legitimate redress processes. But then, power intoxication doesn’t leave room for careful considerations, especially in matters that affect those who appear incapable of confronting head-on their predators and choking conditions. If only the riders of the high horses and the lordships on their exalted benches in Nepal had known that they were actually fiddling with a trigger, they wouldn’t have pulled it.

the country’s sovereignty. When the time for reckoning came, it didn’t follow any script. This point is often ignored by those in positions of authority, sadly. The masses and their reactions can’t always be taken for granted.

page 22

And when they did, every Nepalese – from the street crawlers to the men and women of means and power - was significantly affected. In 48 hours, the demonstrations that started in the capital, Kathmandu, quickly spread to many other parts of the Himalayan country. The mostly Gen Z protesters did not only topple the central government and destroy its infrastructure, at least 300 local government offices were either severely damaged or torched. The nation’s deadliest sweeping violence in many decades has left behind dozens of casualties and massively vandalised structures in many places.

That action and its outcomes were probably inevitable. Some officials’ cup had become full and their fate inescapable. Like what obtains elsewhere, the daily life of most Nepalese has now been woven around the internet. And with a disproportionately large youth population, the level of dependency is better imagined. About 80 percent of the internet traffic there goes through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedln and X (formerly Twitter) with approximately 14 million, four million, two million, and 400 thousand active users respectively. So, whether for productivity or fun, the citizens would be substantially demobilised in the absence of respectable access to the net. Ordinarily, these statistics were formidable enough to elicit some caution, if not empathy, from their leaders. But no!

That hubris which often deadens the minds and hearts of rulers, including those who fancy themselves as leaders, kept them on the road to ruin. The longsuffering people of Nepal had endured years of mis-governance and the flaunting of ill-gotten wealth by those they had entrusted with their commonwealth and

Once you realise that humanity is like a single tree with numerous branches, you’ll make peace with the possibility of human manifestations being replicated anywhere without regard for time and space. Call them popular uprisings or revolutions, the breaking points are hard to predetermine because, as recorded in history, most of the things that set them off are innocuous. The invasion of the French Bastille in 1789 was ignited by Queen Marie Antoinette’s retort that the people should eat cake if bread was too expensive. American Revolution was set off by the vindictive British laws in response to the Boston Tea Party. Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution was set in motion by electoral frauds. Same for Russia’s 2011 Snow Revolution and the massive demonstrations that swept through Belarus in 2021. The 2011 Arab Springs was sparked off by Mohamed Bouazizi, a young Tunisian, who set himself ablaze to protest the prevailing unbearable cost of living.

These instances and more may sound distant to average members of the Nigerian political class and others who have resigned to the vagaries of today’s existential blues. For long, factors like religion, region and ethnicity have “put a knife on the things that bind us together”, actively nurtured and maintained by the oppressors and their agents. But that may not subsist forever. The growing army of jobless and disillusioned people, many of whom have escaped into the virtual, cyber spaces at the moment very much like their Nepali counterparts, should give Nigerian patriots some concern. Government’s policies, no matter how well-intentioned, are yet to make appreciable impact on most Nigerians. They too may have had it to their necks. You never know.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

LAGESC is committed to making the State cleaner and

habitable for business, writes AJAYI LUKMAN

RENEWED PUSH FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER LAGOS

With over three million cars and 100,000 commercial vehicles on the roads (when the national average is 11 vehicles per kilometer), Lagos daily records an average of 227 vehicles per kilometer of roads. Lagos is home to about 2,000 industrial complexes, 10,000 commercial ventures, and 22 industrial estates.

It accounts for over 60 percent of Nigeria’s industrial and commercial activities; 70 percent of national maritime cargo freight, over 80 percent of international aviation traffic, and over 50 percent of Nigeria’s energy consumption. All banks in the country are not only located in Lagos but also have their headquarters in the state.

Aside from this, Lagos consumes about 45 percent of the petroleum products in the country. The above statistics are what make Lagos a unique economic and industrial hub in Nigeria and, indeed, Africa. It is what is partly responsible for the prosperity of Lagos.

It is, however, ironic that this sheer uniqueness of Lagos, in terms of population and economic activities, portends great danger to its environment if not well managed. Lagos, for instance, generates 10,000 tonnes of waste daily, almost three times higher than what the whole of Ghana generates daily.

Also, the kind of industrial pollution experienced in Lagos is second to none in the country. The peculiar Lagos traffic situation also poses a serious threat to the Lagos environment.

It is to address this that the Lagos State government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is preoccupied with environmental regeneration. The government is challenged to invest heavily in the environment because of the status of Lagos as a littoral state, which is greatly exposed to environmental abuse due to intense economic and social activities.

Not only were agencies established for enforcing sanitation, but integrated mass enlightenment and social mobilization on maintenance of the sanitary environment have become ongoing activities in the state. It is equally perceptible that the state government is also taking a leading role in its approach to the climate change phenomenon through an integrated tree-planting drive across the state.

In line with this principle, the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, has been implementing the THEMES Plus development agenda, which focuses on promoting economic growth, improving the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

A major pillar of this agenda is environmental sustainability. In this area, the state has shown an unwavering commitment by working tirelessly to maintain environmental sanity and promote a cleaner and more habitable state. This proactive stance underscores the gov-

ernment’s vision of transforming Lagos into a healthier and more livable megacity through bold policy initiatives and sustainable practices.

The government's commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to promote a cleaner and more habitable environment will undoubtedly contribute to making Lagos a better place for its residents.

A key agency driving this effort is the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI. Under the leadership of Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the agency has been instrumental in enforcing the state's environmental laws and promoting environmental awareness.

In the past two years, the Agency has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making the State cleaner and habitable for business.

In July, LAGESC announced that more than 264 defaulters were arrested for offences bordering on open defecation, urination, and improper refuse disposal.

While making the disclosure, Major Cole (rtd) reiterated the determination of the Agency to make Lagos habitable and cleaner for business via monitoring of all environs. He particularly stressed the readiness of LAGESC to eliminate environmental nuisances such as open defecation, open urination, street trading, indiscriminate waste disposal, roadside parking, displaying wares for sale on road setbacks, lay-bys, medians, verges, curbs, and street begging, among others.

One should also commend the Agency in its efforts to rid the metropolis of Styrofoam and Single-Use Plastics, as it recently recorded a joint seizure of N2.5M worth of Styrofoam food packs and SUPs during enforcement operations spanning some Lagos markets and shopping malls in the past week.

The ban on Styrofoam is already in effect, and while the ban has also been extended towards single-use plastics, it was discovered via intelligence reports that there are traders in shopping malls and markets around the State who keep flouting the orders of the State.

Ajayi

is Head, Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, LAGESC, Oshodi, Lagos

NOSA IGIEBOR pays tribute to Nyaknno Osso, a consummate Librarian

GOD, WIFE, AND BOOKS

I first encountered NyaknnoAbasi Osso in NEWSWATCH corporate office on Oregun Road, now Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, in early 1985. I had just joined the already wave-making weekly newsmagazine from Concord Group of newspapers.

My first impression of him was his very uncommon humility. I found that quality captivating, and it drew me to him. The more I interacted with him and got to know him better, the more my admiration for him grew.

He’s a damn good conversationalist, speaking softly in his low baritone voice. That’s because he’s deep intellectually, given his voracious appetite for reading. He lives and dreams books. After God and his beautiful spouse, they’re his greatest companion and comforter.

In its early years, NEWSWATCH had a powerful editorial team of very excellent journalists led by the founding quartet of late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed. They gave the magazine its verve and drove its achievements in groundbreaking investigative and analytical journalism. Everyone worked as a team and the magazine was flying, bringing journalism in Nigeria to another level of great reporting and excellent stories and columns delivered in elegant language.

A major force behind the magazine’s editorial excellence was the library, where Nyaknno was the boss. It’s his shrine from which he produced all the information resources required for any story or column. All you had to do was brief him on the story you had been assigned to do and the relevant information and other materials, including statistics, you needed. Within a very short time, he would deliver a file to you, containing all you asked for and even far more.

All the major stories published by the magazine had his fingerprints all over them. And it’s easy to identify those that didn’t have his invaluable contributions. They usually lacked depth and background information.

I dare say this: NEWSWATCH wouldn’t have been as successful as it was without the unique contributions of Nyaknno as the chief resources and research person. He was and still is simply very good at what he does. He’s the best in my estimation.

He’s the best because of his singular dedication to his profession. And he has been lucky as fate married him to the kind of work he has natural inclination and ability for.

He’s hardworking. At NEWSWATCH, he was always the first staff to resume work and the last to close. Except when he was out of town for official and personal engagements, he was never far from his beloved library and books. It can be said that he’s been living his dream: doing the work he loves and loving the work he does.

He initiated and single-handedly

produced NEWSWATCH’s WHO'S WHO IN NIGERIA, a compendium of brief but rich biographical sketches of many prominent Nigerians in all spheres of the society. It’s a monumental achievement which he delivered with his usual dedication and attention to details. And it inspired many similar publications from other people. But none could do it as good as Nyaknno.

For those of us who knew him closely, it’s no surprise that President Olusegun Obasanjo tapped him to organise his library even before he returned to power as an elected president in 1999. During the two terms of Obasanjo’s presidency, he was the senior special assistant on Library, Research and Documentation and he meticulously curated all presidential papers, from the very important ones to the most mundane. And he was always in the official entourage in all the president’s trips both home and abroad.

He was involved in the initiation, planning and organisation of Africa’s first presidential library - the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. That the library became a reality in spite of many daunting challenges, especially funding, is partly a testament of Nyaknno’s relentless application to his work. Hence he can be immensely proud that he helped made such a gigantic, pioneering project happen.

He’s a devout Christian. And he serves God with the same dedication he brings to his work. Indeed, he’s an exemplification of the real ethos of a true Christian.

Nyaknno has been an inspiration to many of us who have known him and worked with him for a long time. For me, he’s more than a friend. He’s a brother in whom I’m very pleased. Because all those he cares about are never out of his thoughts and prayers.

So, I’m most delighted to wish my brother a happy birthday. My prayer is that God will continue to give him the strength and good health to continue to do what he loves best.

Igiebor is Editor-in-chief, TELL Publications

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

RISING CASES OF STILLBIRTHS

The states should do more in primary health care to contain the scourge

Arecent report, ‘Lost Before Their First Breath: The Reality of Stillbirths in Nigeria’, by the Nigeria Health Watch has once again drawn attention to a major health issue that has plagued the country for decades. But that the challenge is hardly ever discussed is the critical point. “Nigeria ranks among the top six countries with the highest number of stillbirths”, according to the report which listed India, Pakistan, DRC, Ethiopia and Bangladesh as accounting for almost half of the estimated global number of stillbirths, and 36% of global live births in 2021. One out of every four stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa occurs in Nigeria, but discussions on maternal and child health rarely highlight this crisis.

What should even be of greater concern to the health authorities in the country is that twothirds of those stillbirths happen in rural areas, where skilled birth attendants, in particular midwives and physicians, are not always available for essential care during childbirth and for obstetric emergencies, including caesarean sections.

hospitals and medical facilities that will address these challenges. Where they exist, there is shortage of manpower, obsolete medical equipment, and skeletal services that are seriously inadequate. For instance, many a time, pregnant women have had to die in the process of commuting from their homes to a medical facility.

It is very much evident that the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has failed abysmally to tackle the challenge of still birth and other hiccups associated with pregnant women and infants. In a recent case, a woman in Enugu State gave birth to a baby inside a tricycle popularly known as ‘Keke NAPEP’. Were it not for the intervention of some passers-by, the pregnancy would probably have ended in still-birth.

We must end the agony and tears of mothers who carry pregnancy for nine months only for their babies to die during delivery

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

The report is very useful for the relevant authorities because it shows clearly that there is a link between poverty and stillbirths, especially considering that they happen mostly in low-income countries and in the rural areas. But the report has also attributed the huge number of stillbirths in these countries to five main causes including childbirth complications, maternal infections in pregnancy, maternal disorders, especially pre-eclampsia and diabetes, fetal growth restriction and congenital abnormalities.

We believe that this report should spur action on the part of the health authorities in the country. As things stand, many of the rural communities in the 36 states lack cottage

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

However, we must put the blame on the state governments and the lack of attention by many of them to primary health care system at the grassroots. It is even worse that most of them have rendered prostrate the local government administration in their states, leaving healthcare delivery at that level comatose. The solution goes beyond mere formulation of some policies by the federal government in Abuja. There should be a framework where states and local governments are held accountable for maternal child health care services in their domains.

Going forward, we believe the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) should be strengthened in such a manner that enables it to effectively collaborate with health authorities in the states. There is also a need to go beyond rhetoric and promises, to actionable plans to address all the existing gaps in the primary health sector. We must end the agony and tears of mothers who carry pregnancy for nine months only for their babies to die during delivery.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL ROAD AND COMMUTERS

There is a pressing need to open the newly commissioned Coastal infrastructure for Lagos road users. The overriding need for commuters to use the 30- kilometer route cannot be overstated and should take precedence over the theatrics of any other ceremony.

The burgeoning population explosion on the Lekki axis has stretched infrastructure beyond limits, leaving Lekki-Epe express road in a state of dilapidation driven by excessive volume of vehicular traffic. To make matters worse for commuters, the Dangote Refineries, a renaissance of national economic pivot just added 4,000 trucks to its fleet of logistics all having to use the same road. Moreover the alternative roads before construction of the coastal road though not so motor-able have been replaced with the more quintessential modern infrastructure meant for ease of logistics and commuting.

There is an urgent need to remind the dynamic min-

ister of works, Dave Umahi that the federal government cannot afford to treat this 30- kilometer route with bureaucratic niceties any longer as doing so would keep the man-hour loss in economic deliverables unsustainable.

The more commuters reel in excruciating traffic on the Lekki-Epe express road, the more the micro economic variables of the nation’s commercial nerve center get depleted.

In the final analysis, opening the coastal road for immediate public transit would ease the palliative works and decongestion of Lekki axis. This is a national imperative that should resonate beyond the microcosm of the Lagos metropolis.

ESV Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com

WORDS COUNT

An Australian journalist asked President Trump about his "business activity" and got shut down swiftly.

The official White House account later reported about "a rude foreign Fake News loser". Oh, the eloquence and sophistication of the President and the official online voice. Much of this Presidency will be defined and remembered by those words, "rude", "fake", and "loser". The reader can decide on how they want to use these words and many other derogatives or if they wish to, some praise, although that is less likely.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

08056356325

Global Regulators Endorse Blueprint for Future Digital Ecosystems to Boost Essential National Services

Telecommunications regulators from around the world have endorsed guidelines to help them build digital ecosystems for essential national services like healthcare, education and finance.

The guidelines were endorsed at the recently concluded Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 (GSR-25), organised by the International Telecommunications Union

Emma Okonji

Sophos, a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has released its fifth annual Sophos State of Ransomware in education sector, showing how the sector is opposed to ransomware, indicating a sharp drop in ransom payments.

The global study of 441 IT and cybersecurity leaders shows the education sector is making measurable

(ITU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The GSR-25 Best Practice Guidelines outlined key tools and frameworks to drive regulatory innovation and build sustainable information and communication technology ecosystems, ensuring that digital societies and economies deliver prosperity for all.

The new guidelines reinforce the need to foster innovation, adapt capacity, and strengthen cooperation to support the

progress in defending against ransomware, with fewer ransom payments, dramatically reduced costs, and faster recovery rates.

According to the report, the gains on the education sector are accompanied by mounting pressures on IT teams, who report widespread stress, burnout, and career disruptions following attacks, as nearly 40 per cent of respondents reported dealing with anxiety.

“Over the past five years, ransomware has emerged as one of the most pressing

work of regulators.

Speaking, ITU SecretaryGeneral, Doreen BogdanMartin, said: “GSR has spent 25 years lighting the path from dial-up to digital society. With 2.6 billion people remaining unconnected, regulators are the bridge to a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive online.”

In addition to endorsing the new guidelines, participants at GSR-25 shared insights on pressing regulatory issues in the digital landscape, including governance of

threats to education, with attacks becoming a daily occurrence. Primary and secondary institutions are seen by cybercriminals as “soft targets”, often underfunded, understaffed, and holding highly sensitive data. The consequences are severe: disrupted learning, strained budgets, and growing fears over student and staff privacy. Without stronger defenses, schools risk not only losing vital resources but also the trust of the communities they serve,” the report said.

artificial intelligence (AI), the growing space economy, and sustainable digital transformation.

Governor of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia, and Chair of GSR-25, H.E. Haitham AlOhaly, said: “The Best Practice Guidelines represent a collective commitment to re-imagine regulation for the digital era. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovations in emerging technologies such as AI and

The new Sophos study demonstrates that the education sector is getting better at reacting and responding to ransomware, forcing cybercriminals to evolve their approach.

Trending data from the Sophos study reveals an increase in attacks where adversaries attempt to extort money without encrypting data.

Unfortunately, paying the ransom remains part of the solution for about half of all victims.

“However, the payment values are dropping

big data, we can strengthen our economies, empower our societies, and ensure that digital transformation delivers for all.”

Established by ITU in 2000, the GSR series serves as the world’s regulatory compass on telecommunications, guiding countries toward harmonized, forward-looking regulation in the rapidly evolving digital era.

Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, said: “For

significantly, and for those who have experienced data encryption in ransomware attacks, 97 per cent were able to recover data in some way,” the report further said.

The study found several key indicators of success against ransomware in education to include: Stopping More Attacks; Following the Money; and Plummeting Cost of Recovery. In Stopping More Attacks, when it comes to blocking attacks before files can be encrypted,

a quarter of a century, GSR has served as a cornerstone of global digital development amid waves of technological change, The Best Practice Guidelines are a chronicle of our digital age and of the central role GSR has played in supporting regulators throughout the years. I would like to thank the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting GSR-25 as we celebrate 25 years of the Symposium.”

both lower and higher education institutions reported their highest success rate in four years (67 per cent and 38 per cent of attacks, respectively)

In Following the Money, in the last year, ransom demands fell 73 per cent, which is an average drop of $2.83 million, while average payments dropped from $6 million to $800,000 in lower education and from $4 million to $463,000 in higher education.

Emma Okonji

FintechNGR Engages Regulators, Lawmakers to Strengthen Fintech Framework

Stories by Emma Okonji

The Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), the umbrella body of Financial Technology operators in the country, recently had engagements with top regulators and lawmakers, aimed at strengthening collaboration to boost growth of the sector.

The delegation, led

by Chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR, Dr. Segun Aina, included President, FintechNGR, Dr. Stanley Jacob; Vice President, FintechNGR Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun; Treasurer, FintechNGR, Mr. Oluwaseun Adesanya; and Fellow, AFN, Mrs. Omotola Olatujayan.

The delegation engaged with the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN); Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); National Insurance Commission (NAICOM); Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; and Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib A. Salisu.

At the meeting with Governor of the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, discussions focused on leveraging fintech innovations to bridge the financial inclusion gap.

Cardoso highlighted the rapid growth of fintechs in Nigeria and emphasised the importance of developing regulatory frameworks that ensure sustainability and inclusivity within the

Nasarawa Govt, Digitslaw Partner to Digitise Justice System

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with Digitslaw, a leading legal technology company, signed a landmark deal towards digitising the state’s justice system.

Digitslaw is an all-in-one law practice management software that offers the easiest, intuitive, and most organised way for ministries, government agencies, and legal professionals to manage their cases.

The innovative software will enable the ministry to manage cases more efficiently, track progress in real time, and enhance transparency across all levels of justice delivery. It can also be used on the web and mobile devices.

Nasarawa State AttorneyGeneral, Isaac Danladi Ahmadu, described the agreement as a “milestone achievement” and commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for granting approval.

Tech Group Bolsters SS/SE Startup Ecosystem With Mega Conference

Blessing Ibunge in port harcourt

#StartupSouth, one of the major players in the tech startup ecosystem in Africa, is poised to further innovate the sector with a mega conference in Port Harcourt and Owerri.

While the Owerri

The commercial hub of Aba recently buzzed with excitement as Ultimum Limited officially launched its bold and exciting Razzl brand into the South-East and South-South markets of Nigeria.

The vibrant trade launch signals the company’s commitment to market

conference will hold on September 30, the Port Harcourt conference will be holding on October 2 and 3, 2025.

Briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, Uche Aniche, founder, #StartupSouth, said 100 resource persons will come from different parts of the world to speak at the

expansion and creating new opportunities for partners and consumers across Nigeria.

The event drew a diverse crowd of stakeholders, from major distributors to wholesalers and retailers, all eager to experience the Razzl brand firsthand. The launch was a colourful

Port Harcourt conference which will have about 60 sessions.

According to him, the startup ecosystem aimed to provide solutions by unlocking potentials, providing mentorship and mobilizing resources for young ‘techpreneurs’ in the South-South and South-East,

showcase of the Razzl personality, brought to life with information, music, entertainment, and interactive displays.

“Our move into Aba is a deliberate step to be closer to our consumers and trade partners,” said Austin Ufomba, Managing Director of Ultimum Limited. This

irrespective of the political climate in the region.

“Rather than the startups being hindered or encumbered by the economic climate, they are supposed to see the economic climate as a stepping stone to innovate and to create solutions that help the place. But then, it’s not just about Rivers State.

region’s entrepreneurial drive and commercial strength make it a natural home for Razzl. “We’re not just producing here; we’re investing in jobs, empowering local suppliers, and giving consumers a soft drink brand that delivers bold flavours and exciting experiences.”

Interswitch Group Drives Public Sector Transformation in Nigeria, Kenya

ecosystem.

Also speaking, Director of the Payments System Supervision Department, CBN, Dr. Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to policies that promote product innovation, compliance, and financial system stability.

Jacob emphasised the need for sustained engagement between

regulators and fintechs to further deepen financial inclusion.

During an interactive session with Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration between fintechs and the insurance sector.

Verve, Africa’s leading domestic payments card scheme and a subsidiary of Interswitch Group, has partnered Google Play to bring the eighth edition of VerveLife, which has progressively gained acclaim as Africa’s largest and most celebrated fitness event series.

The partnership from a lifestyle activation perspective further consolidates Verve’s evolving partnership with the Google Ecosystem.

Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Interswitch

Group, Cherry Eromosele, expressed her optimism about the extension of Verve’s relationship with Google Pay into the strategic partnership to raise the bar on Verve Life in its 8th edition.

“We are thoroughly thrilled to take VerveLife to new heights this year, building on the success of our previous editions. Our latest collaboration on the lifestyle front with Google Play points to unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate deeply with fitness enthusiasts across Africa.

Former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe has said the growth and revitalisation of the telecoms industry under his watch was central to the achievement of the telecommunications sector between 2000 and 2010.

recently during an interview on local TV station, disclosed that on his assumption of office as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC in 2000, he quickly audited the available manpower and came to the realisation that an empowered and highly skilled staff will be needed to help translate his transformative agenda to reality.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially accredited Interswitch as an Access

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for public sector transformation with landmark initiatives driving revenue optimisation and financial transparency across Nigeria and Kenya.

Point Provider and System Integrator for Nigeria’s mandatory e-invoicing system under the Monitoring, Billing, and Settlement (MBS) platform. The MBS initiative, which went

live on August 1, 2025, with large taxpayers with annual turnover above N5 billion, is designed to combat tax evasion, improve transaction transparency, and boost revenue collection.

According to him, the achievement transformed the then crawling sector of less than five hundred thousand lines to tens of millions of GSM lines and has come to be known as Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution.

Ndukwe who spoke

According to him, to achieve this, he ensured the enlargement of the lean workforce he met by carefully recruiting highly skilled personnel from both the private and public sectors.

L-R: Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ekow Sampson; High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Amb. Christope Bazivamo; Head of School, Institute of Travel and Tourism Gambia, The Gambia, Ahmed Tejan Nyang; Ms. Hadiza Garbati of Fatima Garbati Outreach; Mr. Femi Adefope; Conveneer Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko (back); DG, National Institute for Hospitalityand Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade; Ciroma of Ilorin, Abubakar Sulu Gambari, SAN; and others, during the opening ceremony of 2025 Akwaaba African Travel Market at Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

Photo: KoLAWoLE ALLI

Ajanwachuku: Digital Infrastructure Will Boost Revenue in Mobility Ecosystem

Vice President, Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch, Nnenna Ajanwachuku in this interview with Emma Okonji , she speaks about the role of Interswitch in digitising the mobility ecosystem, using the Quickteller Travel platform. Excerpts:

Interswitch is well-known in payments and digital commerce. Why has the company chosen to place such a strong emphasis on the travel and mobility ecosystem at this time?

Payments are the lifeblood of any economy, and travel is one of Africa’s most dynamic sectors. We saw a clear gap where digital infrastructure could simplify fragmented processes, improve security and boost revenues for operators.

Our focus on travel and mobility is a natural extension of what Interswitch has always done best in connecting people and businesses with seamless, trusted digital solutions. What we’ve done is to bring in the infrastructure that would enable digitization of the transport ecosystem. We’ve seen that within the transport ecosystem, there’s a lot of cash activities within there.

And there’s need for us to bring in the infrastructure that we have layered on banks for easy payment. We want to bring such infrastructure into the transport ecosystem, to drive the activities and financial transactions, and enable a seamless transaction flow within the transport ecosystem. So, we’re using the same infrastructure that we’ve used for the financial sector to bring into transportation and the entire ecosystem, to drive activities within that ecosystem.

Quickteller Travel has been described as a concierge service. Could you explain what makes it different from the existing travel platforms already in the market?

Quickteller Travel isn’t just another booking portal. It’s a one-stop concierge service that is designed to meet the full journey — from search and booking to payment and post-travel support. We’re integrating travel agencies, interstate transport operators, and even ancillary services into a single, secure ecosystem. It’s convenience, transparency and trust rolled into one platform.

For us at Interswitch, we’re not just a travel platform. Quickteller Travel platform is not just another online platform. There are many platforms, but what we have done with the Quickteller Travel platform is to make it a one-stop-search, designed to meet full journey. So, it’s end-to-end, starting from search, booking, payment, and even post-travel support. What we have done is to ensure that the consumer will be able to have end-to-end, full-on travel experience. So, you are able to search for your ride.

You are able to make payment, and the payment is integrated to the platform. The platform also supports post-travel. Now, we’ve aggregated and integrated different travel operators, agencies, airlines, road transport operators, interstate and intrastate operators on one platform. So, what you are then getting is a concierge of all travel and transport stakeholders on one platform.

And that is what makes the Quickteller Travel platform different from the other travel platforms that we available.

Many operators in interstate travel, especially unstructured ones, still rely heavily on cash. How does Interswitch’s mobility suite address this gap while ensuring inclusivity?

We’ve built tools that meet operators where they are. Our mobility suite allows even the

smallest transport company to digitize ticketing and payments using simple interfaces and affordable technology. This not only reduces cash risks but also expands their customer base, provides real-time reporting and ultimately raises service standards for passengers.

Now, for the unstructured players, we have also built out something that would enable the small operators, the unstructured operators, to be part of the digitization of the ecosystem. So, whether it is structured or unstructured, the infrastructure that we have built out, will suit, regardless of the kind of transport system.

What we did is to build out solutions and we have taken the solutions to meet them at their terminals, meet them at their spots. The solutions are devices that can be hand-held and very easy to operate. It will then replace cash, and allow for people to make payments using cards, using QR codes. It will also enable the operators, the small operators, to get their transactions instantly and make settlement instantly without having or needing cash or collecting cash.

So, we have basically eradicated cash collections with some of the solutions that were put in the hands of the small travel operators.

Security is a major concern in online transactions. What are some of the specific measures that Interswitch has embedded in these travel solutions to build user trust?

Security is non-negotiable. All our travel solutions ride on Interswitch’s robust payments infrastructure — the same backbone trusted by banks and government agencies. We employ end-to-end encryption, tokenisation, fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication to ensure every transaction is secure. Passengers and operators can transact with confidence. InterSwitch has done very well with regards to security. The banks trust us, the government

trusts us, so transport operators and the transport ecosystem will trust us

as well, because we are layering it on the same backbone that we have done for the financial sectors, for the banks, and for the government. So, it is the same backbone. What is key for us is to ensure that there is security, just like you’ve mentioned. The infrastructure that we’re building out, the solutions we’re building out, are highly secured. If our solutions can secure the banks, it can also secure the transport ecosystem as well.

Beyond Nigeria, does Interswitch have plans to scale Quickteller Travel and its mobility solutions across other African markets?

Absolutely. Our vision is pan-African. We’re already in advanced discussions with partners in East and Southern Africa. We’re taking a phased approach, starting with cross-border transport corridors, then expanding to other travel verticals. The aim is a truly interconnected African travel ecosystem, powered by Interswitch.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Celebrating 50 Years

Federal Government College Lagos, Ijanikin (FGCL) proudly marks its 50th anniversary—a golden milestone of academic excellence, community spirit, and transformative education. Since 1975, our school has shaped generations of leaders, educators, athletes, parents, artists, and innovators, leaving an indelible mark not only in Nigeria but across the globe.

We honor the legacy of our past and present educators, whose dedication has inspired countless students to reach their fullest potential. From the pioneering teachers who laid the foundation to the passionate staff guiding today’s learners, your commitment has been the heartbeat of our success.

A special tribute goes to our alumni, whose achievements in diverse fields reflect the strength of FGCL’s academic tradition. Your stories continue to inspire current students to dream big and pursue excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Onijanikin of Ijanikin and every member of the School Management Board Committee (SMBC) for their unwavering support in providing the best education. Your leadership has been instrumental in our journey.

Join us for a series of celebratory events from October 10th to 18th, 2025, including alumni reunions, sporting competitions, and a gala dinner, as we reflect on five decades of impact and look forward to a future of continued excellence.

fEdEral GovErnmEnt collEGE laGos (IjanIkIn): 50 YEARS OF INSPIRING MINDS, BUILDING BRIDGES

Follow us on Instagram for more information: @xxx E NGR . Ot ONYE L OLOMARI (1988) Global President Federal Government College Old Students Association

Ajanwachuku

CSCS Breaks Records With N2.11trn Securities Executed, 138% Growth

Kayode Tokede

The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) has reported an impressive execution of N2.112 trillion in securities transactions between May and August 2025, representing a 138.44 per cent increase compared to N885.93 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

The total value encompassed 95.66 billion units of securities executed across 2,063,939 deals between May and August 2025, compared to 67.68 billion units and 770,217 deals recorded during the same period in 2024. This reflects a 41.34 per cent increase in transaction volume and a remarkable 167.97% surge in the number of executed deals, year-on-year.

A breakdown of CSCS

data shows that the total value of transactions in May 2025 stood at N362.34 billion, rising to N393.65 billion in June, peaking at N910.31 billion in July, and closing at N446.08 billion in August. In terms of volume, 19.28 billion units were traded in May, 14.85 billion in June, 35.34 billion in July, and 26.19 billion in August.The number of deals executed also followed an upward trend: 378,967 in May, 370,174 in June, 649,996 in July, and 664,802 in August. In the corresponding period of 2024, CSCS recorded settlement values of N189.38 billion in May, N233.24 billion in June, N259.19 billion in July, and N204.11 billion in August.

The volume of securities settled included 9.28 billion units in May, 27.57 billion in June, 14.52 billion in

July, and 16.31 billion in August. During the same months, the number of deals executed stood at 180,555 in May, 184,072 in June, 203,769 in July, and 201,821 in August.

CSCS Nigeria, the country’s premier clearing and settlement infrastructure, has received strong support from capital market regulators and key industry stakeholders for its planned transition to a T+2 settlement cycle, set to take effect on November 28, 2025.

The T+2 settlement system is expected to significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce counterparty risk, and align Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices, positioning it alongside advanced markets such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Strengthens Education with Renovated Teachers’ Quarters

WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, as part of its commitment to advancing education and community development, has commissioned and handed over a newly renovated 10room Teachers’ Quarters in its host community of Ogu, Ogu/Bolo LGA. Rivers State yesterday. Originally built by the company in 2012, the facility has now been upgraded to provide teachers with more modern, comfortable and conducive accommodation.

The Chief Finance Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi explained that the renovation of the Teacher’s Quarters demonstrates the company’s dedication to both education and community development:

“Education is at the core of what we preach in WACT and our parent entity, the APM Terminals Group. The upgraded Teachers’ Quarters reaffirms our commitment to CSR initiatives within our four thematic areas: Education, Health & Environment; Training & Development and Infrastructure Development. We believe that teachers need to be taken care of. If they are not in the right frame of mind, impact on the students will be minimal. With the rising cost of accommodation, we hope that they find suitable shelter in this Project and give the best to the students, their parents, the Ogu Community and the society at large. Our shared commitment

to growing side by side with the Ogu community remains the bedrock of our CSR initiatives.”

WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu emphasised the importance of the project in supporting teachers and sustaining education in Ogu: ‘’This project we are commissioning today was built in the year, 2012 to assist teachers who are teaching in the community to have a good residence in the community. But because over the years, the project had worn out and dilapidated, we felt the need to have a conducive living environment for the residents and that was why we embarked on the renovation.”

Nigeria’s Capital Market Future Unfolds at CIS 2025 Conference in Abuja

Digital innovation and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s capital market will take centre stage as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) hosts its flagship event, the Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference in Abuja.

Themed, “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, and Sustainable Era: Charting Pathways for Economic Transformation,” this year’s conference, CIS said, will gather top government officials, regulators, market operators, investors, and international experts to explore how Nigeria’s

capital market must evolve to power long-term economic growth.

“Digital innovation is changing how capital is mobilized and invested.

Ethical governance is now a must-have for building trust. And sustainability is no longer optional. It’s essential for long-term resilience.

“This convergence comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria sets its sights on becoming a $1 trillion economy. The capital market must be at the forefront of that transformation.” said Bashir Adewale, Chairman

of the Annual Conference Committee.

CIS 1st Vice President, Fiona Ahimie, emphasised the Institute’s commitment to attracting and empowering the next generation of capital market professionals.

“Succession and sustainability are critical to our future. We’re using this year’s conference to engage directly with students and young professionals, opening their eyes to career paths in stockbroking, investment banking, asset management, and more,” said Ahimie.

Basrah

(Iraq),

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

L-R: WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu; WACTAPM Terminals Nigeria Community Liaison Officer, Adolphus Dasetima; Chief Finance Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi; the Secretary, Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Tokuibiye Ogobo-Inuma at the commissioning of the newly renovated Teachers’ Quarters... recently

Stock Market Gains N309bn Amid Investors’ Demand for Dangote Cement, Others

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday closed on a positive note with a gain of N309 billion on renewed appetite for Dangote Cement Plc and 25 others Amid 0.98per cent appreciated in Dangote Cement to N516.20 per

share, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 489.45 basis points or 0.35 per cent to close at 142,036.23 basis points with the Month-toDate (MtD) and Year-to-Date (YtD) returns settled at +0.1per cent and +38per cent, respectively. Also, market capitalisation rose by N309 billion to close

at N89.865 trillion.

Sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Oil &Gas Index advanced by 2.6per cent, NGX Consumer Goods gained one per cent, and NGX Industrial Goods increased by 0.1 per cent, while the NGX Insurance index depreciated by 1.6per cent and NGX Banking declined by 0.2per cent.

Market sentiment was subdued, reflected by a negative breadth with 26 stocks advancing against 32 decliners. Chellarams recorded the highest price gain of 9.77 per cent to close at N14.60, per share. Austin Laz & Company followed with a gain of 9.67 per cent to close at N2.95, while The Initiates Plc (TIP) up by 8.08

per cent to close at N12.97, per share.

Sovereign Trust Insurance grew by 7.37 per cent to close at N3.06, while Aradel Holdings rose by 6.97 per cent to close at N583.00, per share.

On the other hand, Guinea Insurance led the losers’ chart by 9.70 per cent to close at N1.49, per share. Cornerstone

Insurance followed with a decline of 8.68 per cent to close at N6.52, while Legend Internet declined by 7.27 per cent to close at N5.10, per share.

Deap Capital Management & Trust depreciated by 7.06 per cent to close at N1.58, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria declined by 6.49 per cent to close at N2.45, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/17/25

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 15 September 2025, unless otherwise stated.

Strengthening Healthcare Delivery through Rotary International, DHL Nigeria’s Strategic Partnerships

As part of their shared commitment to improving lives, Rotary International District 9111 and DHL Nigeria recently demonstrated the power of corporate and community collaboration with the establishment of the Sickle Cell Centre, Otta, a facility designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to specialised treatment for sickle cell patients in Ogun State. Sunday Ehigiator reports

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges. The genetic blood disorder, which alters the normal shape of red blood cells into sickle-like crescents, shortens their lifespan and obstructs blood flow, leading to fatigue, frequent infections, delayed growth, severe pain, and a host of other complications.

Globally, Nigeria shoulders the highest burden, with an estimated 150,000 newborns diagnosed every year, while about 25 per cent of Nigerian adults carry the sickle cell trait.

Despite the scale of this challenge, access to specialised care in the country remains limited. However, for patients in Otta, Ogun State, a new dawn arrived on June 28, 2025, when the Sickle Cell Centre, Otta, was officially commissioned at the Otta General Hospital.

The facility, donated by Rotary International, District 9111, with the support of strategic partners like DHL Nigeria, represents not just a brickand-mortar structure, but a beacon of hope for thousands of families grappling with the disease.

A Collective Vision for Change

The project, officially launched by

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, embodies what can be achieved when philanthropy, corporate responsibility, and community service align.

Governor of Rotary District 9111, Rtn. Henry Akinyele explained that the motivation behind the centre was the urgent need to provide better healthcare for the growing number of Nigerians affected by sickle cell disease.

“Through this donation,” Akinyele said, “Rotary hopes to provide adequate healthcare response and ultimately improve sickle cell care across the country. The facility offers a full range of services and equipment accessible to the public.

“This means that in the years ahead, there will be a significant increase in preventive screening and treatment for those already living with the disease. From our findings, over one thousand people visit the facility monthly, and they will now be able to get the care they need.”

Akinyele was joined by the Immediate Past District Governor, Rtn. (Dr.) Oluwole Kukoyi and other club leaders visited DHL Nigeria’s Lagos office to express

appreciation for the logistics giant’s support.

DHL’s Strategic Role

The partnership between Rotary and DHL was instrumental in bringing the project to life. Senior Director, Commercial, DHL Express Nigeria, Olaniran Fafowora, highlighted that DHL’s N5 million donation was part of the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting community well-being, aligned with its global purpose: “Connecting People, Improving Lives.”

Managing Director, DHL Express Nigeria, Muyiwa Adeseyoju, further emphasised the significance of the partnership: “Our support for the Rotary Sickle Cell Centre in Otta reflects DHL’s commitment to addressing pressing health challenges that affect Nigerian families.

“While we have supported various health causes in the past, this marks our first direct donation toward a specialised facility for sickle cell care. It demonstrates our belief that healthier communities are essential for a sustainable future.

“In line with our purpose of Connecting People and Improving Lives, DHL Express Nigeria will

continue to support and partner with organisations that aim to make the world a better place.”

The Otta Sickle Cell Centre is more than just a building; it is an avenue for specialised treatment, preventive screening, counselling, and community education.

With Rotary’s philanthropic backbone and DHL’s corporate social responsibility muscle, the facility is already becoming a hub of hope. For patients and families long accustomed to travelling distances for specialised care, it represents relief, dignity, and a promise of better outcomes.

In a country where public-private partnerships are often underexplored, the collaboration between Rotary and DHL demonstrates the power of strategic alliances in addressing health challenges.

It also underscores a vital truth: strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria requires more than government effort; it takes a community of actors driven by empathy, purpose, and vision. With the burden of sickle cell disease still high in Nigeria, the Otta Sickle Cell Centre stands as a living reminder that progress is possible when goodwill and strategy meet.

L-R: Immediate Past District Governor, Rotary District 9111, Oluwole Kukoyi; Managing Director, DHL Express Nigeria, Muyiwa Adeseyoju; District Governor, Rotary District 9111, Henry Akinyele; and Senior Director Commercial, DHL Express Nigeria, Olaniran Fafowora at the Cheque presentation ceremony to the Rotary International District 9111 held at the Oshodi-Isolo office of DHL International Nigeria Limited recently

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |

Gaming Industry Gets Compliance Boost as NOTAP Rolls Out New Technology Directives

In a move expected to balance growth with regulation, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has rolled out new directives requiring the registration of gaming technology agreements, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Nigeria’s gaming industry, one of the fastest-growing in Africa, is getting a major compliance shake-up.

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has rolled out new directives requiring the registration of gaming technology agreements, in a move expected to balance growth with regulation.

The directives were unveiled at a sensitization workshop in Lagos themed ‘Driving Compliance, Enabling Growth: Understanding NOTAP’s New Directives for the Gaming Sector’. The event was facilitated by Azare Consulting Limited, the NOTAP approved Local Vendor for the gaming industry in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB).

NOTAP is the Federal Government agency mandated to regulate the inflow of foreign technologies into Nigeria, ensure their effective domestication and promote indigenous technological capacity. Its vision is simple: to create a Nigeria where technology transfer is not only efficient but also strategically aligned with national growth and competitiveness.

COmpliANCE As AN ENAblEr

The gaming industry is a technology

industry. It thrives on software engines, complex code, cloud infrastructure, distribution platforms, and digital payment systems—much of which often involves

agreements with foreign entities. When a Nigerian gaming company licenses a game engine, subscribes to a premium software service, or partners with an international publisher, it is engaging in technology transfer. NOTAP ensures that these technologies are acquired, utilised and adapted within the framework of national interest,.

“Compliance is not punishment; it is an enabler of sustainable growth,” stated NOTAP’s Director-General, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, who was represented by Mr. Victor Anih, Deputy Director, Technology Transfer Registration Department of NOTAP. This sentiment was echoed by the Executive Secretary of ANB, Gift Tuadibofa who represented the President of the association, Mr. Sheriff Olaniyan.

Amadiobi noted that with tens of millions

of Nigerians participating in gaming activities annually, technology sits at the heart of the sector’s expansion. However, without proper registration, agreements often lead to one-sided contracts, excessive capital flight, and disputes over intellectual property. She stressed that the directives would help operators avoid disputes, protect their investments and ensure that Nigeria benefits from the technological expertise flowing into the sector.

ThE busiNEss AdvANTAgE Speakers at the question and answer session while seeking more engagement with NOTAP to understand its new directives, urged the

Cross-Border Gaming and the Pan-Afeican Jackpot Dreams

Charles Akhenamen suggests that the vision of African unity can be realized through gaming by navigating significant barriers, including differing regulatory priorities, revenue protectionism by individual states, and filling gaps in responsible gaming

Africa’s iGaming and lottery sectors are experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing digital penetration and a youthful demographic. However, this potential is currently constrained by a fragmented regulatory landscape, diverse tax regimes, and isolated prize pools across individual nations. This article posits that a unified Pan-African iGaming and lottery framework, while challenging to implement, represents a transformative opportunity for the continent. Drawing insights from successful multi-state lotteries in the United States (e.g., Powerball) and transnational models in Europe (e.g., EuroMillions), a shared

Pan-African framework could dramatically increase prize pools, thereby boosting player engagement and generating exponential revenue growth. This would not only

benefit operators through economies of scale and reduced compliance burdens but also significantly augment contributions to public good initiatives such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Key to realizing this vision is navigating significant barriers, including differing regulatory priorities, revenue protectionism by individual states, and gaps in responsible gaming and Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) oversight.

L-R: Victor anih, Deputy Director, Technology Transfer Registration, noTaP, Gift Tuadibofa, executive secretary, association of nigerian bookmakers and Chibuzor Fagbule, General manager, azare Consulting

L-R: olajumoke odudimu of Velex advisory nigeria, Lukman Rahman of betwinner and Danielle Dan-archibong of bet9ja anietie inwang (left) and Gideon odushola of Winners Golden Chance

Chibuzor Fagbule and nseobong okon-ekong

Ekiti Rescue Mission: Why Engr. Kayode Ojo is the Leader the State Desperately Needs

By Olukayode Oluyemo

In the heart of Nigeria’s southwest, Ekiti State stands at a crossroads. Once celebrated for its intellectual vibrancy, cultural pride, and progressive politics, the state now finds itself mired in disillusionment, infrastructural decay, and political betrayal. As the 2026 governorship election looms, the people of Ekiti are not merely choosing a new leader—they are seeking redemption. And in this pivotal moment, one name echoes with growing resonance across the hills and valleys of Ekiti: Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo.

A seasoned technocrat, accomplished businessman, and principled public servant, Engr. Kayode Ojo has emerged as the rallying point for a broad coalition of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond. His candidacy is not just a political aspiration, it is a rescue mission. It is a call to restore competence, integrity, and visionary leadership to a state that has been systematically undermined by the current administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The APC, a formidable force in Ekiti politics, now grapples with internal fractures and waning grassroots support for Governor Oyebanji, who rode to power on the back of party loyalty and grassroots mobilisation, and since turned his back on the very machinery that delivered his victory. His tenure has been marked by exclusion, neglect, and a disturbing preference for opposition figures over loyal APC members. Over one hundred key appointments, including commissionerships and localgovrnment top positions, have gone to individuals outside the party, leaving committed APC leaders sidelined and embittered.

This betrayal has not gone unnoticed. Ward leaders, youth organisers, and community mobilisers who once formed the backbone of Oyebanji’s campaign now speak in hushed tones of abandonment and regret. Party meetings have become rare, perfunctory affairs. The once vibrant APC structure in Ekiti has been reduced to a shell of its former self, with morale at an all-time low among members. Verified party membership figures have mysteriously plummeted from 186,000 to just 114,000, a deliberate manipulation, many believe, aimed at shrinking the support base in anticipation of a planned defection to ADC by the governor if he looses the primaries.

The governor’s relationship with the State House of Assembly further underscores his disdain for democratic norms and party cohesion. Rather than empowering APC legislators as partners in governance, Oyebanji has systematically excluded them from decision-making processes. Lawmakers, elected to represent the people, have been rendered spectators in their own government. This erosion of legislative influence has weakened internal checks and balances and deepened the crisis within the party.

Beyond the political missteps, Governor Oyebanji’s performance in office has been underwhelming at best and catastrophic at worst. His administration has failed to deliver on basic infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of the people, he has diverted billions into endorsement jamborees, all in vain attempts to manufacture popularity through political theatre. Billions have been spent on these spectacles under different guises, while

roads crumble, clinics remain unequipped, and schools struggle to stay open.

One of the most glaring failures of the Oyebanji administration is its handling of federal roads in Ekiti State. The governor has consistently deflected responsibility, blaming Abuja for the deplorable condition of these roads. Yet, he found billions to rehabilitate, albeit shoddily, the Ado–Ifaki axis when it suited his political interests. This selective approach to governance reveals a troubling lack of commitment to the welfare of Ekiti citizens. In contrast, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State faced similar challenges but took decisive action, committing nearly ₦100 billion to fix critical federal roads. Leadership, after all, is about action, not excuses. In addition, and instead of being a responsible servant to his people, the governor hilariously designated some roads as alternative routes for people coming to Ekiti after citizens complained about the most secured and shorter roads. This action , is an attempt to disparage the federal government that has intervene may times on Ekiti finances to support infrastructure.

The federal roads have been awarded, but because of bereaucratic protocols, there were delays. The governor is expected to provide palliatives on the roads to make it passable pending construction.

Engr. Kayode Ojo offers a stark and refreshing contrast. As Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, he facilitated palliative repairs on the Ifaki–Ikole road, easing the movement of students and staff at a time when the state government looked the other way. His intervention, achieved without the resources of a governor, underscores his capacity for pragmatic leadership and his commitment to public service.

But Ojo’s impact extends far beyond Ekiti. As Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), he inherited a deeply fractured institution grappling with leadership vacuums and administrative uncertainty. The absence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor had left the university in limbo, affecting academic calendars, staff morale, and student welfare. Through strategic consultations and principled leadership, Engr. Ojo facilitated a transparent process that led to the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, an achievement that had eluded the institution for four years.

His efforts at UNN have earned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu widespread respect and support across the Eastern region, with community leaders, academic unions, and student bodies acknowledging the President’s role in stabilising the university; thanks to Ojo’s diplomatic acumen. In a country where educational institutions often suffer from politicised interference, Engr. Ojo’s approach offers a model of principled leadership and institutional reform.

Engr. Kayode Ojo’s blueprint for Ekiti is as ambitious as it is transformative. At its core is a commitment to functional human capital development, empowering citizens through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial capacity. His agricultural reforms aim to shift the sector from subsistence to agribusiness, leveraging modern techniques and value-chain development to boost productivity and exports. In tourism, he plans to unlock Ekiti’s natural and cultural assets through strategic site upgrades, hospitality training, and global marketing initiatives. Infrastructure development will be pursued aggressively, with improved roads, energy, and digital connectivity laying the foundation for commerce and investment. Perhaps most visionary is his plan for a super-highway connecting Ekiti directly to Nigeria’s coastal seaports, a game-changing infrastructure project that will transform the state into a pivotal inland logistics hub. This dry port will streamline national trade routes, slash transit costs, and magnetise investment, positioning Ekiti as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s supply chain.

In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Engr. Ojo is committed to ensuring total autonomy for local governments in Ekiti. Through international partnerships, diaspora engagement, and transparent governance, he aims to elevate Ekiti’s profile on the world stage, turning it into a model of inclusive, people-powered development. The stakes could not be higher. Ekiti is bleeding, politically, economically, and socially. The current administration has squandered goodwill, betrayed party loyalty, and failed to deliver on the most basic expectations of governance. The people are not asking for miracles; they are asking for roads that don’t crumble, schools that educate, hospitals that heal, and policies that uplift. They are asking

for justice, opportunity, and development. Engr. Kayode Ojo represents the best hope for Ekiti’s future. His track record in business, education, and public service speaks volumes. His vision is bold, his leadership is principled, and his commitment to the people is unwavering. As the APC prepares for its gubernatorial primaries, the choice before the party is clear: continue down the path of exclusion, incompetence, and betrayal—or embrace a new era of competence, integrity, and visionary leadership.

To fully capture the scope of Engr. Kayode Ojo’s emergence as the most viable candidate for the APC governorship ticket in Ekiti State, it is essential to examine his strategic manifesto. In a time when Nigerian states are clamoring for visionary leadership and strategic transformation, Ekiti State finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The manifesto of Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, a seasoned engineer and entrepreneur, offers not just a political promise but a comprehensive blueprint for a new era of innovation, prosperity, and global integration. His strategic master plan for Ekiti State, spanning 2026 to 2036, is a bold declaration of intent, one that seeks to reposition the state as a beacon of excellence in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development.

At the heart of Engr. Ojo’s vision is a deep understanding of Ekiti’s historical identity as a land of honour, knowledge, and resilience. He invokes the legacy of pioneers like Chief Deji Fasuan and Chief Afe Babalola, whose dreams for the state were rooted in equity, merit, and sustainable development. Yet, as he rightly observes, that dream remains largely unfulfilled. What Ekiti lacks is not intellect or ambition, but leadership, competent, courageous, and committed to long-term prosperity. Ojo’s manifesto is a response to that void, crafted not as a populist document but as a strategic roadmap grounded in data, global best practices, and inclusive governance. His vision is to transform Ekiti into a globally competitive, economically vibrant, and technologically advanced region. This will be achieved through strategic investments, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. His mission is clear: implement a 10-year master plan that fosters innovation, drives industrial and agricultural growth, and builds world-class infrastructure. The plan is anchored on core values, integrity, inclusiveness, innovation, sustainability, and citizen-centricity, that reflect a governance philosophy rooted in transparency and accountability.

One of the most compelling aspects of the manifesto is its emphasis on unlocking Ekiti’s latent potential. Ojo proposes a multisectoral approach that includes food security, industrialization, urban transformation, transport networks, and investment mobilization. Agriculture, for instance, will be modernized through agro-industrial parks in various locations in the state, featuring processing plants, cold-chain logistics, and training institutes. Smart irrigation systems along Rivers Ose, Ero, and Osun will ensure year-round productivity, while digital tools like drone mapping and fintech solutions will enhance efficiency. Youth engagement will be encouraged through AgriTech challenges and subsidized loans, positioning agriculture as a driver of employment and export revenue.

Oluyemo

Engr.KayodeOjo

QaTar’s ambassaDOr visiTs mrs. TiNubu...

NECO Releases 2025 SSCE Results, 60.26% Pass in Maths, English

Recommends blacklisting of 9 supervisors for assault, others Kano tops national performance chart

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the June/July 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal results, with 818,492 or 60.26 per cent of the 1,358,339 candidates who sat for the exercise scoring five credits and above, including in mathematics and english language.

Similarly, nine supervisors, three in Rivers, one in Niger, three in FCT, one in Kano and one in Osun state were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, lateness, unruly behavior, assault, and insubordination.

NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, who stated this yesterday, said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of mathematics and english language was 1,144,496,

representing 84.26 per cent.

“The number of candidates that registered for the examination is 1,367,210 representing 685,514 males and 681,696 females. The number of candidates that sat was 1,358,339, representing 680,292 males and 678,047 females.

“The number of candidates with five credits and above, including mathematics and english language is 818,492 representing 60.26 per cent. The number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of mathematics and english is 1,144,496, representing 84.26 per cent,” he stated.

Wushishi stated that the number of candidates with special needs was 1,622 out of which candidates with hearing impairment were 586 males and 355 females, and candidates with visual impairment were 111 males and 80 females.

On the number of examination malpractice cases, the

registrar noted that in the 2025 SSCE internal, the number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractices was 3,878, as against 10,094 in 2024, which showed a reduction of 61.58 per cent.

He added: “During the

conduct of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 38 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 13 states. They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions

will be applied.

“I wish to also draw your attention to a case in Lamorde Local Government, Adamawa State, involving eight schools which were affected by a communal clash resulting in the disruption of our examinations

from 7th to 25th July, 2025. A total of 13 subjects and 29 papers were involved.

“We have since commenced talks with the state government with a view to conducting the examinations for the affected schools,” Wushishi said.

FG, US-CDC to Intensify Surveillance on

194 Prevalence of Acute Fever Illness

cases of dengue fever reported in Edo

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government and the United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC) have recommitted to expanding national surveillance and diagnosis on the prevalence of Acute Febrile (AFI), a form of fever that comes with sudden high temperature. US-CDC said through the AFI surveillance programme,

PenCom to Redesign Micro Pension Plan to Boost Financial Inclusion

National Pension Commission (PenCom) said due to low growth and difficulty in pushing the micro pension scheme to the informal sector target market, it would redesign the Micro Pension Plan to make it more attractive and boost financial inclusion, especially in the informal sector. PenCom stated this at an insurance and pension forum in Lagos. Micro Pension Plan is an arrangement under the Contributory Pension Scheme that allows the self-employed and persons

working in organisations with less than three employees to make financial contributions towards the provision of pension for their retirement or upon incapacitation. It was launched since 2019 by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. But it had recorded very slow growth, recording only 172,936 contributors between 2019 and 2024.

Director-General, PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, who was represented by Head, Corporate Communications, PenCom, Mr. Ibrahim Buwai,

at the forum, said majority of the Nigerian workforce was in the informal sector and there was need to capture them in the pension Oloworarannet.said, “Let’s talk about this issue of expanding the Contributory Pension Scheme towards increasing financial inclusion to grow the informal sector. Even though the data out there of the Nigerian labour force says 70 million or 80 million or what have you. Be that as it may, the consensus there is that the labour force out there largely resides in the informal sector.

Nigeria detected a large outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State in 2025.

“As of September 7, 2025, 194 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever have been recorded in six local government areas of the state,” the centre said.

AFI is an illness characterised by the rapid onset of fever, with or without other symptoms.

Unlike malaria, AFI can be caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, which are more prevalent in children and young adults but can affect all age groups. It is

CBN

characterised by symptoms overlap and limited laboratory diagnostic capacity.

Speaking at a media roundtable hosted by USCDC, in conjunction with the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, in Abuja on Wednesday, Senior Public Health Specialist, Epidemiology and Surveillance of the Centre, Dr. Oladipupo Ipadeiola, said US-CDC was collaborating with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), state ministries of health, and other implementing

Mandates

partners to carry out AFI surveillance.

Ipadeiola explained that the exercise would help strengthen disease outbreak detection and response. He said the initiative had led to the setting up of a sentinel surveillance system in six health facilities across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. According to him, the initiative is targeting diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Lassa fever, mpox, Zika, West-Nile fever, and COVID-19.

Banks to Announce Successor CEOs Six Months Ahead of Exit

Nume Ekeghe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh directive to all domestic systemically important banks (DSIBs), mandating them to announce the appointment of successor chief executives at least six months before the end of the tenure of the incumbent Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO).

The directive was contained

in a circular issued yesterday by the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Dr. Rita I. Sike, to the affected institutions, underscoring the regulator’s commitment to promoting stability in the financial system through effective corporate governance practices.

According to the circular, Section 2.14 of the CBN Corporate Governance Guidelines for Commercial, Merchant,

Non-Interest, and Payment Service Banks in Nigeria (2023) requires bank boards to approve succession plans for managing directors/Chief Executives, executive directors, and senior management staff. This, the apex bank noted, was aimed at minimising disruptions at the top management level, preparing appointees adequately for new responsibilities, and mitigating risks associated with abrupt leadership changes.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

Ebere Nwoji

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (l) with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Dr Ali Bin Al-Hajri, during his visit to the First Lady at the State House Abuja on Wednesday

2025 BUDGET CONSULTATIVE FORUM FOR THE BADAGRY DIVISION...

L-R: Toniyon 1 of Ajara Agamethen Kingdom in Badagry, HRM Aholu Agano; Director of Budget, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Femi Orojinmi; the Oniworo of Iworo-Awori Kingdom, Badagry, Oba Oladele Kosoko; Chairman, Ojo Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi; Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Lekan Balogun; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, during the 2025 budget consultative forum for the Badagry Division, Ojo, Lagos…recently

Saudi Authorities Free 3 Nigerian Pilgrims Arrested for Alleged Drug Trafficking

NDLEA commends Keyamo for swift intervention

Michael Olugbode and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims, who were detained in Jeddah since last month following their arrest for alleged drug trafficking.

The three Nigerians, who

were freed from detention after four weeks in custody, were Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq.

National Drug Law Enforce- ment Agency (NDLEA), Wednesday, commended Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,

Festus Keyamo, for his prompt and strategic intervention in the case of the three Nigerians said to have been wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia over allegations of drug Chairman/Chieftrafficking. Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), had ordered a thor-

ough investigation into the matter.

Their freedom came following weeks of relentless engagements by Marwa with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia, with the full support of President Bola

Tinubu and the assistance of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Keyamo, as well as National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Over N200 Billion Spent on Roads Construction in Ekiti,

Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed that his administration has awarded road contracts exceeding 200 billion naira to cover 350 kilometres across the state.

He said this is in line with his administration’s vision to upgrade road infrastructure as part of efforts to enhance socioeconomic development.

Governor Oyebanji, disclosed these on Wednesday at the plenary of the meeting

of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), holding at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

No fewer than100 bishops and other leaders of the church were in attendance at the meeting.

The governor said that over 150 billion naira had already been paid to contractors with 126 kilometres completed while others are at various stages of completion.

The governor also dis-

Says Oyebanji

closed that his administration has spent over 118 billion naira in the payment of gratuities, pensions, leave bonuses and other regular replenishment of various loan schemes to state and local government retirees in the state since the inception of his administration.

The five-day standing committee meeting is being presided over by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba.

Gov Adeleke Not Defecting to ADC or Any Other Party, Says Spokesman

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state yesterday denied the rumor that he may likely defect to the newly registered African Democratic Congress (ADC) saying there is nothing like Defection to any political party.

A signed statement made available to THISDAY yes-

terday by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor said: “Our attention has been drawn to a report that Governor Ademola Adeleke is planning to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

“The report is not only untrue but a calculated attempt by those afraid of the

Governor’s soaring acceptability to create confusions and uncertainty in the minds of the people of Osun state.”

“We want to reiterate for the umpteenth time that Governor Adeleke remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no plan whatsoever to join the ADC or any party for that matter.”

Addressing the clergy men at the meeting, Governor Oyebanji, who commended the Church for its immense contribution to the social, education and healthcare development of the state, described the Anglican Communion as partner in progress and a formidable institution that has consistently laid foundation for the Ekiti’s social and economic development.

It was discovered that a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, had tagged bags containing illicit drugs with the names of the three unsuspecting Nigerians, who travelled on an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6, 2025 to Jeddah on lesser hajj. They were later arrested in Saudi Arabia for alleged drugFollowingtrafficking.complaints to the NDLEA boss by the families of the three victims over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj on allegation of trafficking in illicit substances, an investigation was launched

to unravel what happened. The probe led to the arrest of 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and three other members of the syndicate, including the airline officials behind the shipment of the illicit substances for which the three innocent pilgrims were arrested and detained in Jeddah. Charges had since been filed against Abubakar and other members of the syndicate: Celestina Yayock, Abdulbasit Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. Armed with the outcome of the NDLEA investigation and charges filed against members of the syndicate, as well as other evidences to prove the innocence of the three Nigerian pilgrims, Marwa engaged with his Saudi counterparts at multiple levels and different locations, including Saudi Arabia, in compliance with Tinubu’s agenda that no Nigerian should suffer unjustly in a foreign land.

NAHCON Announces Shakeup, Elevates Alidu Shutti as Director of Administration

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has announced a shakeup in its workforce with immediate effect as the Commission’s boards approved the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the new Director of Administration.

A statement issued by the NAHCON signed by its Deputy Director, Information, Fatima Sanda Usara, and made available to THISDAY in Ilorin yesterday,

said, “The decision arose from the resolutions of NAHCON Board at its 14th sitting, held between 26th and 27th August, 2025”.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, however said the agency is committed to effective reforms.

Part of the statement read: “NAHCON will continue to introduce other reforms for enhanced productivity.

“The Commission’s executive arm has effected the reposting of pool officers

back to their respective ministries, departments and agencies with immediate effect.

“Accordingly, the affected officers were issued with letters on Thursday, 4th September, 2025.

“The Board’s decision was taken primarily to eliminate redundancy and reposition the Commission for enhanced effective and efficient service delivery.

“This step was also taken to motivate staff towards higher performance”.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado

Ekiti

Meeting at the Fidelity Bank head oFFice...

L–R: Executive Director, Technology and Innovations, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Scheme (NIBSS) Plc, Mr. Mayowa Theophilus; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS Plc, Mrs. Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo; and Executive Director/ Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Stanley Amuchie, at a meeting at the Fidelity Bank head office ... recently

Four FIRS Directors, Managers Die in Afriland Towers

Fire, Owners of Building Mum, Amid Other Casualties

Elumelu cuts short UNGA trip, says incident devastating

nume ekeghe

Four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have been confirmed dead in the deadly fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.

Also, the Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has cut short his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after learning of the Althoughtragedy.nine persons were allegedly burnt in the inferno, only four working with the FIRS have been officially confirmed dead, while mum has been the word from emergency agencies and owners of the building as to the state of the rest.

The deceased FIRS staff, who were working on the sixth and seventh floors of the building, were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), she was 58 years old and had served for 32 years, Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), was 51 years old and had clocked 15 years at the agency, Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager),

was 54 year old and had served the agency for 13 years and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager) who was 48 years old and had served the revenue agency for 9nine

fire, which eyewitnesses said started from the inverter room in the basement, spread quickly to the upper floors, trapping many occupants.

In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the deaths and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street,

Lagos, on Tuesday. The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow. We will provide all the necessary support to the families at this trying time.”

Adekanmbi added that FIRS was working with relevant agencies to determine the cause of the fire and would review safety measures in all its offices nationwide.

Meanwhile, Elumelu, in a statement, described the incident as a devastating loss and announced that a minute of silence would be observed across his Group companies at 12 noon on Wednesday in honour of the victims.

He said: “I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers, that took the lives of our dear colleagues. No

words can capture the magnitude of this loss - not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.

“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irre- placeable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.”

Atiku: Worsening Insecurity Failure of Nigeria’s Political Leadership

chuks okocha and linus aleke in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has attributed the worsening spate of insecurity across the country to the failure of political leadership, especially under the President Bola TinubuledAtikugovernment. stated that with the right political leadership, Nigerian security forces have the capacity to take on the

insecurity confronting the country, stressing that it has become urgent for citizens to unite and rescue Nigeria.

Atiku, who stated these while playing host to political stakeholders from Borno State, led by Hon. Mohammed Kumalia, expressed delight at how political leaders are coming together from across political divides to salvage the country from the current ‘deplorable’ situation.

2027: Why I want to Succeed Abiodun, Says ex-Federal Legislator, Amusan

Sowole in

Two-term House of Representatives member, Hon Jelili Amusan, has disclosed why he is aspiring to succeed the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in 2027.

According to Amusan who represented Abeokuta North/ Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2011, his vast political experience and business acumen has equipped him to continue and sustain the socioeconomic

and infrastructural development programme of Abiodun-led administration.

The former federal legislator stated this in a statement by his Media Office, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Wednesday.

He noted that as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he is imbued with progressive ideals capable of taking Ogun to a higher pedestal and building the successes recorded by the incumbent governor.

Amusan said that Abiodun’s

sterling performance since he assumed office in 2019 has no doubt endeared the people more to the APC as a party in the state, adding his aspiration was spurred by his passion for public service and engendering good governance.

While saying he is no stranger to political office and leadership, the former House of Reps member said that various projects he facilitated to his constituency while at the National Assembly is a testament to the quality representation he offered in eight years

He said: “It is encouraging to see that more people, especially political leaders across the country, are increasingly becoming concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian nation to the extent of engaging in finding solutions, round the clock”.

“The consensus is that the occupation of Nigerian territories across some parts of North-east, North-west, and North-central states is a clear failure of political leadership, especially under the Tinubu-led APC federal government.

“It is not anything that is beyond the capacity of the

Nigerian security services to deal with. The government hasn’t shown the capacity to deal with it. Unless we have a leadership that can confront all these criminal structures and deal with it decisively, you can’t resolve these issues.

“How can a whole local government be under the control of bandits? It is unacceptable that bandits or terrorists continue to take over communities, imposing levies on citizens and disrupting farming activities,” he said.

Atiku expressed appreciation to the Borno stakeholders for their show of concern about

the state of the nation and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at restoring the peace and economic prosperity of the Also,country. the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as the worsening insecurity in the country, saying Nigerians would not accept that as their destiny.

Warning of the “dangerous normalisation of tragedy,” Obi said it was threatening the nation’s future as it has lingered for so long without an ultimate solution.

FG Intervenes in Kano Hospital Outage Crisis, Commences Installation of 4MW Solar Hybrid

ahmad Sorondinki

in Kano

Barely three days after the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) disconnected power supply to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commenced installation of a

4MW solar hybrid system with 100% battery storage at the hospital. The intervention came amidst an outcry from hospital authorities following the disconnection of electricity supply, which allegedly led to the loss of three patients’ lives.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer

of KEDCO Sani Bala explained: “The attention of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has been drawn to reports concerning the appeal by the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) regarding the alleged disconnection of its electricity supply, which was said to have led to the loss of lives.

James

Abeokuta

NOOR TAKAFUL INSURANCE 2023 SURPLUS DISTRIBUTION

TO PARTICIPANTS...

L-R: Vice Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Aminu Tukur; Managing Director, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Rilwan Sunmonu; Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed; Keynote Speaker, Ibukun Awosika; Deputy Director, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Dr. Julius Odidi; and former Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Muhtar Bakare, during the 2023 surplus distribution to participants, Lagos, yesterday.

Kaduna PDP Chair: Only PDP-led Coalition Can Dislodge APC in 2027

Says zoning doesn’t exclude aspirants from other regions

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna state, Edward Masha, has declared that only a coalition led by the party can successfully dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027

generalMashaelection.spoke yesterday while receiving a large crowd of supporters from the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity Movement (GOH-Front).

Supporters of Olawepo- Hashim stormed the PDP Secretariat in Kaduna to submit a petition demanding a reversal

of the party’s zoning of its presidential ticket to the South.

Addressing journalists shortly after receiving the group’s petition, Masha said that while alliances are welcome, only the PDP has the national structure to mount a serious challenge to the APC in 2027.

“Coalitions are welcome, but

no party has the structure across Nigeria like the PDP. Take it or leave it. Only PDP can provide that kind of reach,” Masha said. He said the Nigerian electorate was already tired of the APC, citing worsening economic conditions, disillusionment with governance, and deepening hardship.

AbdulRazaq: Developing Education System in Nigeria Expensive

Presents scholarship awards to 12 best students in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State yesterday said the task of developing the education system in Nigeria was expensive and should be a collective business by stakeholders.

AbdulRazaq called on well-to-do individuals and foundations to support public school funding in the area of infrastructure or fund students who met certain criteria of exceptional brilliance and commitment to academic excellence.

The governor spoke in Ilorin yesterday during the presentation of scholarship awards to 12 outstanding students from public schools, who would have their secondary school studies fully bankrolled under the Kwara State Education Trust Fund (Kwara-ETF).

The lucky 12 winners of the scholarship were picked based on excellent performance at various screening stages conducted by Kwara-ETF.

The scholarship will cover expenses for their secondary school education.

AbdulRazaq said, “We urge members of the public to also donate and adopt students.

“Don’t just leave the responsibility to the government and the PTAs (Parents Teachers Associations). Educating our children is our collective responsibility.

“Education belongs to all of us. It is our business. But we have seen over the years that governments alone can’t fully fund education. We need to engage through other means.

“We have, therefore, gone through the education trust fund to fill in the gaps. What

you have seen here today is a module where some students were selected through a very rigorous and transparent process to benefit from scholarship.”

While hailing the selection process, AbdulRazaq congratulated the winners, saying, “I am truly excited that these pupils are from humble backgrounds. They did not cut corners to make the list.

“We were told to be patient for eight years under Muhammadu Buhari. Now they’re asking us again to be patient under Bola Tinubu. Nigerians no longer want to hear the APC’s name,” he said. According to him, the living conditions of Nigerians have deteriorated sharply, with many families unable to meet basic needs.

“Most Nigerians can’t feed twice a day. Parents can’t afford school fees. Market prices have skyrocketed. Nigerians will not reward APC with another mandate,” Masha said.

According to Masha, the PDP’s upcoming National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, will be a critical turning point for the party.“Once credible leaders emerge at the convention, those who left will return. Even some from within the APC will find their way back. When that moment comes, the PDP will be unstop- pable,” he said.

On the party’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, Masha clarified that

the resolution does not exclude aspirants from other regions.

“That is the NEC’s position. But it also made it clear that zoning does not prevent anyone from contesting. The field remains open,” he explained.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of GOH-Front, Aliyu Moham- med, argued that limiting the ticket to the South could diminish the PDP’s electoral prospects in key battlegrounds. He said: “The presidential ticket should be open to every loyal and competent party member. That is the only way PDP will be strong enough to face the APC.”

Mohammed urged the PDP not to repeat the strategic missteps of the past, emphasising that the party must focus on exploiting the weaknesses of the ruling APC rather than restricting its own options.

“We are the opposition. We must act like it. We must study the ruling party’s failures and use them to our advantage. That’s why we are appealing for a reversal of zoning the party’s presidential ticket to the South,”Mohammed said.

Emmanuel Ezeh: El-Rufai’s Travails Highlight Obidient Manifesto for a New Nigeria

Sunday Ehigiator

The Government of Ekiti State yesterday welcomed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) August 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed a moderation of food prices in the State. The NBS, in its monthly CPI for August, noted that food prices, often the driver

of state-level inflation, actually eased significantly during the period.According to the report, food index dropped by 6.8 percent month-on-month, while annual food inflation at 16.8 percent, is currently below the national average. The significant improvement, though still far from the target set by Oyebanji, was as a result of concerted

efforts and the administration’s huge investment in agriculture development, he said.

The administration’s approach to agriculture is anchored on youth involvement as well as the Government’s strategic partnership with the private sector. This has led to more youth involvement in agriculture with attendant food surplus and drop in cost of food items.

Leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has condemned verbal attacks on former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, describing them as a distraction from the urgent task of building a new Nigeria.

El-Rufai recently visited Owerri, Imo State, where he addressed participants at the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture at Maria Assumpta Catholic

Church. Following his call on South Easterners to participate actively in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, some individuals; allegedly sponsored by politicians; branded him an “Igbo hater.”

The protest drew criticism from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, whose Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, described the demonstrators as “hired, placard-carrying thugs” who chanted slogans against both El-Rufai and former Labour Party presidential

candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Dr Ezeh expressed dismay at what he called a “sham protest,” linking it to desperate politicians in the ongoing coalition talks within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to him, some actors were unsettled by El-Rufai’s declaration that the ADC should support a Southerner for president to complete the remaining four years of the current administration.

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

NDLEA BRIEF ON NIGERIAN PILGRIMS DRUG ISSUES IN SAUDI ARABIA...

L-R: Spokesperson, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Femi Babafemi and Commander of Narcotics/ Director of Finance and Accounts, NDLEA, Lucas Sunday, during the press conference on the update on the arrest of some Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking at NDLEA national headquarters in Abuja ... yesterday

series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

“It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.

“The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

“I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.”

Furthermore, the President pointed out that he was “not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration.

“That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security.“Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public

order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.

“It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation. As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level.

“The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealisable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.”

The President in the statement stated, inter alia:

“My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

“I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration.

“The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together.

“Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis- ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor.

“The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.

“That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of

its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State.

“My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

“The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today,

million but the N100,000,000 threshold for ‘small businesses’ as defined by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act only applies for VAT “Secondpurposes. is the impact on investment and cross-border transactions. As a bilateral chamber, this is of particular concern to us.

“Investors, whether Nigerians or foreigners, seek predictability but the treatment of chargeable gains on indirect transfer of shares have generated mixed interpretations.

“Similarly, the removal of the foreign loan interest exemption is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s investment climate” by increasing the cost of borrowing and eliminating the incentives that once favoured longer-term financing.”

Olashore pointed out that multiple taxation has remained a persistent pain point. “For instance, in the logistics sector, businesses often report being stopped multiple times by different revenue agencies on the same delivery route, each demanding levies.”

He also identified transition period challenges and compliance costs among the concerns expressed by members of the

September 17th, 2025.

“I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

“I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration.

“That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state

NBCC.

“Although the government had promised a six-month lead time, the gazetted versions of the laws were only released in September, with implementation still set for January 1, 2026.

This is not enough time for small businesses to align their accounting systems or understand their obligations,” he said, adding that “many persons do not yet fully understand the new laws, what will change, or how they will be affected

In his opening speech, the President of the LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, said Nigeria stands at an inflection point where resilient private enterprise, smart policy, and adequate revenue mobilisation must converge to sustain growth.

Idahosa said: “The 2025 Act, with its sweeping provisions on digital taxation, unified filing systems, and incentives for green and export-oriented industries, offers a bold opportunity.

“Yet bold legislation alone is not enough; effective and collaborative implementation will determine whether we unlock the inclusive prosperity we all seek.”

According to him, “we must interrogate how the new Act

of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security. Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

“As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people

will operate, ensuring its laudable objectives translate into predictable, transparent, and business-friendly outcomes.

“Key questions demand our attention: How can the newly introduced Investment and Export Incentive Schemes under the Act be administered transparently to spur industrialisation rather than create avenues for abuse?

“And how do we institutionalise efficient dispute- resolution processes via the Tax Appeal Tribunal, so that tax disagreements do not cripple enterprise?”

In his keynote speech, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Dr. Ayodele Subair, said the recent signing of comprehensive tax reform laws by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s fiscal policy evolution that addressed longstanding structural challenges in Nigeria’s tax system, and present both opportunities and implementation considerations for both the tax authority and businesses operating in Lagos State.

Subair clarified that all individuals liable for tax must register with tax authorities and obtain a Tax ID and must file

who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

“I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

annual tax returns, “including all sources of income, not just salary such as side business, rentals, investment, digital income.”

He also stated that the Personal Income Tax (PIT) for individuals earning N800,000 or less was zero; but the rate increases by 15 percent, 18 percent, 21 percent, 23 percent and 25 per cent for those whose incomes are above N50 million.

“The effective tax rate for the lower band is set at 11 per cent while the rate for higher income earners is set at 25 per cent.

“Income from virtual or digital assets, non-traditional sources (e.g. prizes, honoraria, grants) are now taxable.

“Fees and commissions earned abroad by resident individuals are also taxable,” he added.

He also clarified that all companies must obtain/register and maintain a valid Tax ID, which must be included in all correspondence to the relevant tax authorities.

This, according to him, includes tax ID of all employees on all monthly and annual returns filed as well as tax ID of its contractors and suppliers on all withholding tax (WHT) schedules and documents.

Photo: ENoCK REUBEN

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION...

L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare; Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Founder/CEO, Gemstone Leadership, Mr. Fela Durotoye; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, during the International Youth Day celebration themed “Local Youth Actions for SDGs and Beyond” organised by the Youth Ministry, held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, last Friday

Supreme Court Affirms Election of Aiyedatiwa as Ondo Governor

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Okoro yesterday affirmed the election of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor of Ondo state, after appellants challenging the election victory all withdrew their appeals.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progress Congress (APC) the winner of the governorship

poll after securing the majority votes cast in the November 16, 2024 election.

Both the Ondo State Governorship Election Peti- tion Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, agreed with INEC to the dissatisfaction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and All Peoples Movement (APM).

However, when the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, the appellants

informed the panel of their separate notices of withdrawal of their appeals challenging the decision of the appellate court which had earlier upheld the judgment of the tribunal. When the appeal by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi was called, their lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba told the court that his clients instructed him to withdraw the appeal, which informed why he filed a notice of withdrawal on September

16. Counsel to the SDP, Adewole Adebayo, on his part, informed the apex court that the party’s candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye had died on August 13, hence his decision to withdraw the appeal. Similarly, Adebayo, who also announced appearance for the APM and its governorship candidate, Ogunfeyimi Kolawole, equally withdrew the appeal filed by them.

In their separate responses to

INEC: Effective Representation of Women Demands Constitutional Amendment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in elective positions is through constitutional amendment.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this yesterday in Abuja during an advocacy visit by Women’s Collective Forum On Women’s Participation And Represen-

tation in Elective Positions and Party Leadership led by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo.

He said with regard to the electoral process, INEC has a gender policy which is periodi- cally revised and updated.

The chairman revealed that the commission has also established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity for the promotion of greater access for marginalised and under-represented groups in the electoral process.

Yakubu stated: “For elective

representation, the Commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision as was the case in many jurisdictions.

“This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. Accordingly, the ongoing review of the Constitution and

146 Lecturers Get Associate, Full Professorship

George Okoh in Makurdi

146 Senior Lecturers and Associate Professors have been promoted to the ranks of Associate Professors and full Professors by the Governing Council of the Moses Adasu University, formally Benue State University, Makurdi. The acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Simon Ubwa, who made this known on Wednesday in Makurdi, said the beneficiaries were those whose promotions had been pending since 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The acting Vice Chancellor condemned and described as unacceptable to allow the backlog of promotions pending since 2021.

He said: “When I came, there were 146 Senior Lecturers and Associate Professors who were waiting for their promotions from 2021, 2022 and 2023, and we desired to clear the backlog of the arrears of “Itpromotions. was unacceptable to let it linger because in anything I do, I also imagine that if I were in that person’s shoes. In other places, it could degenerate

into a serious crisis. So those promotions were made.

“The first batch was 90, the second batch had 38, and we are going to Council this time, and then we will release, hopefully, the last batch. So, the 146 people will get their promotions.”

The acting Vice Chancellor said he had also taken steps to address the water and power situation in the university to ensure that the staff quarters and hostels had a water supply without female students having to trek long distances to get water in the mornings.

the Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with our lawmakers for appropriate legislative“Happily,action. the matter is back on the legislative agenda. At our retreat early this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions.”

Food

the withdrawal of the appeals, lawyers to the respondents however, did not raise any objection. They however, expressed displeasure over what they described as frivolous appeals intended solely to waste the time, money and resources of the Supreme Court.

PSC Lists Health Conditions Barring Nigerians from Joining Police Force

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has disclosed that, to enlist in the Nigerian Police Force, a candidate must be free from specific health conditions.

A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that these health conditions include, but are not limited to, mental health disorders, speech impairments, and visual deformities, among several others.

The Chairman of the PSC, Hashimu Argungu (rtd), highlighted these health requirements during the ongoing high-level policing workshop organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with development

partners and the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, for security personnel in the North-east.

In a keynote address titled “Ethics, Mental Health and the Future of Policing and Security in Nigeria”, the Chairman stated that medical examinations are essential in determining whether a candidate is medically fit to meet the physical demands of the job from the outset. Argungu stated: “Tests for deformities and abnormalities must be conducted as part of the medical screening process. A candidate must be free from speech impediments, gross dental or jaw deformities that hinder proper mastication of food, knock knees, bowed legs, flat feet, and bent arms.

Security Boost: Jigawa, India Partner on Advance Hybrid Seed Technology

In a bid to boost agricultural output, the Jigawa State Government has forged a partnership with CornTech Seeds Private Limited of India, introducing advanced hybrid seed technology to farmers in the state.

Governor Malam Umar Namadi received a highpowered delegation from the company led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Venkateswarlu Yaganti, at the Government House, Dutse, where both parties signed a

Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).

The agreement followed an agricultural investment tour by a Jigawa delegation to India in May, during which discussions with CornTech Seeds identified key areas for collaboration.

A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor Hamisu Gumel said, under the new framework, the company will supply innovative hybrid seed varieties of maize, rice, wheat, and vegetables.

He said the company, in collaboration with the government,

will conduct multi-location trials across Jigawa and collaborate on research to develop seed varieties suited to the state’s climate.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Namadi described the partnership as a turning point for Jigawa’s agricultural transformation.

“This collaboration will be a win-win situation. Jigawa has the land, the people, and the market. What we need now is modern technology, and CornTech has the expertise,” he said.

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja

PaCT

TO diGiTisE JUsTiCE sysTEM…

Expert Urges African Varsities to Tackle Funding, Curriculum, Infrastructure Gaps

Funmi Ogundare

Chief Web Advocate at the World Wide Web Foundation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Nnenna Nwakanma, yesterday called on African universities to urgently address systemic

challenges in education, including infrastructural gaps, limited funding, and outdated curricula that leave graduates ill-prepared for the job market.

Speaking at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo in Ogun State, Founders’ Day lecture with the theme:

Oborevwori Commends DEPOWA’s Humanitarian Drive

sylvester idowu inWarri

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has showered praises on the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting widows and children of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

He pledged his administration’s full support for the association’s programmes.

The governor gave the assurance yesterday while receiving the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho

Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, and her delegation at the Government House in Asaba.

He described Mrs. Musa as a proud daughter of Delta State, recalling his long-standing relationship with thMusa’s family.

Oborevwori expressed delight that she chose Asaba as the venue for DEPOWA’s empowerment seminar for widows drawn from Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Enugu States.

He said, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you home.”

NGO Seeks Active Participation of Youths in Politics

Blessing ibunge in port harcourt

A civil society organizations(CSO), We The People, has urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in the nation’s politics, especially as the 2027 general election draws nearer.

This is as the organisation has embarked on engagement and workshop programmes with youths across the various states through the #IncludeNaija project.

Speaking at a community youth engagement on Governance and Human

Right in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, Executive Director, We The People, Ken Henshaw, mentioned that the project aims to build resilience among youths on the need for them to actively participate in Nigeria’s electoral space.

He said the youths must hold democratic institutions accountable.

“Our idea in this project is to ensure that young people realise the power they have. They often forget they have the power in numbers, the power in their strength, their resilience, their ability.

‘Legacy and Leadership Excellence: Building Enduring Institutions in Times of Change’, Nwakanma stressed that while Babcock has grown

remarkably from just seven students and a handful of buildings to over 13,000 students and a teaching hospital, broader challenges confronting higher education

in Africa persist.

“Education is under pressure here in Nigeria, across Africa, and across the world. Universities are overcrowded and

under-resourced, funding remains inadequate, and too many graduates face unemployment or underemployment despite years of sacrifice,” she said.

Dangote Cement, Community Seal Devt Deal in Kogi

ayodeji ake

There was jubilation in the Jakura community, Kogi State, as Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the community sealed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) that will enable the company to implement mutually agreed social projects in

the next five years.

The agreement with the Jakura community is one of many CDAs that the company has with its host communities, which serve as pathways for the transfer of several impactful socio-economic development programmes and projects.

Speaking at the signing

ceremony of the CDA, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Azad Nawabuddin, represented by the Chief General Manager, Production, John Gwong, noted that the pact is in fulfillment of the provisions of section 116 of the Minerals, Mining Act 2007 and section 193 of

the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighborliness is good business, hence we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationships with the communities where we operate.”

Radda Warns Loggers, Charcoal Merchants against Deforestation

Francis sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has issued a stern warning to loggers and charcoal merchants against deforestation, in an effort to prevent the worsening of climate change in the state. He gave the warning

yesterday while flagging off a statewide tree-planting and landscaping project across 120 schools at Government Junior Secondary School, Koda, in the Charanchi Local Government Area of the state.

The tree planting, an initiative of Ahmad Uthman Purelife Foundation in partnership with ACRESAL

Project Katsina, empowered schools with 200 trees and each pupil with N5,000 to nurture them to the maturity stage.

But Governor Radda, who spoke in Hausa language at the event, urged the loggers and charcoal merchants, as well as other people of the state,, to desist from indiscriminate felling

of trees to tackle climaterelated crises. He explained that deforestation and other illegal forestry activities have led to devastating environmental consequences, including ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss, which often result in climate change and economic challenges.

Over 5 million Students to Benefit from Drug Abuse Programme

John shiklam in Kaduna

Over five million Nigerian students are set to benefit from a nationwide life skills education programme designed to combat drug abuse, improve academic performance, and promote healthy lifestyles.

A trainer with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, Jude Ikenye, disclosed this in an interview with journalists

at a training for Kaduna State teachers sponsored by the MTN Foundation.

He said the initiative, which began in 2018, has already trained hundreds of teachers and reached thousands of students across several states.

According to him,

Kebbi State was the first to adopt the programme, training 159 teachers from 69 public schools in 2018. He added that in 2021, Kebbi State trained another 88 teachers from 57 schools, noting that the state remains a key sponsor of the project.

Edo Indigene Poisoned in Burkina Faso Rescued

adibe Emenyonu in benin-city

Edo State Migration Agency, yesterday in Benin City, disclosed how it rescued one Godstime Uwoghiren, who was poisoned in Burkina Faso.

Uwoghiren was said to have been poisoned by his close friends and had been battling ill health in the past three years of his stay in that country.

His rescue and return to Nigeria weree said to have been facilitated by

the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, after his case was reported to thNigeriannia embassy in Ouagadougou.

The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazumah, said information about Godstime’s ordeal in Burkina Faso was received four months ago,, and Governor Okpebholo swung into action.

Agazumah said the investigation showed that Godstime was poisoned by his friends, who got jealous because he bought a motorcycle.

Nasarawa State Attorney-General, Isaac Danladi Ahmadu (left), and Head of Operations at Digitslaw, Mr. Joseph Okonkwor, after the signing of a partnership agreement to digitise the state’s justice system in Lafia... recently

Ezekiel Becomes First Nigerian in 38 Years to Reach the Final of 400m Hurdles

Onwuzuruike drawn against champion Noah Lyles, others in 200m s’final

Duro Ikhazuagbe

NCAA Champion, Nathaniel Ezekiel, made history yesterday becoming the first Nigerian athlete in 38 years to reach the final of the 400m hurdles event of the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

The 22-year-old quarter mile hurdler who in 2022 erased Henry Amike’s over three decades national record with 48.42secs, stormed to 47.47 to win his semifinal race at the Worlds in Tokyo yesterday. The time is however far from his Personal Best of 47.31.

Ezekiel left Qatar’s Ismail Abakar who set a personal best of 47.61 for the second position while USA’s Caleb Dean finished third in 47.85. In the 400m hurdles final

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

Olympiacos 0-0 Pafos

S’Prague 2-2 Bodo/Glimt

Ajax 0-2

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

scheduled for Friday afternoon, should Ezekiel win any medal, he will become the first Nigerian, and fifth African, to make it to the podium at the WorldZambia’sChampionships.

Samuel Matete won gold in 1991 and silver in 1993 and 1995; South African duo Llewellyn Herbert, won

silver in 1997, and L.J. van Zyl, who claimed bronze in 2011; as well as Kenyan Nicholas Bett (now late), who won gold in 2015.

Amike ran 48.63 to place sixth in the event at the second edition of the World Athletics Championships in Rome, Italy, in 1987. He had earlier set a

new Nigerian record of 48.50 in the semifinal.

Also yesterday, another Nigerian, Udodi Onwuzuruike, qualified for the semifinal of the men’s 200m event.

Onwuzuruike clocked 20.27secs in his heat to finish second behind USA’s Kenny Bednarek who hit the finish line in 19.98

However , Onwuzuruike will not find the semifinal

Almaty

Lifeline for Yakubu Gowon Stadium as Monimichelle Begins Rehabilitation Work

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt will soon regain its allure as one of the most treasured sports facilities in the country following Rivers State Government’s decision to award the rehabilitation and upgrade of its facilities to an indigenous contracting firm, the Monimichelle Sports Construction Limited.

Formerly known as The Liberation Stadium, the edifice located in the Elekahia part of the Garden City, has been in deplorable state, making it impossible for any meaningful sports event to take place at the place.

The outgoing Sole Admin- istrator of the state, AVM Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd) was reported to be determined to leave something for Rivers People to remember him by refurbishing the sports facility. This perhaps was why

he contracted one of the best sports facility experts in the country to handle the project.

In a letter dated August 29, 2025 and signed on behalf of Rivers State Government by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Emmanuel Ndah JP, the Monimichelle

Sports Construction Limited was expected to undertake the “renovation and up-grading of the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium at Elekahia, Port Harcourt.”

Managing Director/ CEO of the Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe,

confirmed at the weekend that his company has been contracted by the Rivers State Government for the renovation and upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, stressing that he has already mobilised to site and begin work even before his company gets first tranche of payment.

easy as he has been drawn to compete with a strong field of some of the best sprinters in the world.

The Nigerian sprinter will battle USA’s championship

Super Falcons’ Icon, Onome Ebi, Hangs Boots

One of the longest serving female footballer in the country, Onome Ebi, has called time on her illustrious career following her announcement yesterday that she was retiring from professional football.

Onome Ebi’s historic and decorated career spanned over two decades.

She announced on Instagram on Wednesday that while she is quitting the stage, she’s however not done with the game yet.

“Today, I officially retire from professional football,” she wrote.

“The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I amOnometoday.”Ebi holds the unprecedented record of being the

first African male or female to play in six FIFA World Cups. Her journey, which began in Nigeria, saw her play for clubs in Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, and Spain.

As captain of the Super Falcons, Onome Ebi became a symbol of resilience and leadership. She led Nigeria to four continental titles at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAF- CON) and holds the record for the most appearances at the tournament with seven. Her career culminated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she was the oldest player in the tournament, a final, fitting tribute to her enduring passion for the game.

80 Golfers for Nigeria Maritime Golf Challenge at Ikoyi Club

The Nigeria Maritime Golf Challenge (NMGC) is scheduled to take place today at the Ikoyi Club, Lagos to commemorate the World Maritime Day scheduled for September 25th.

Under the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” will showcase Nigeria’s maritime industry through sport.

A total of 80 golfers have registered and confirmed their participation in the championship. The tournament will feature seven competitive categories: Longest Drive (All participants), Nearest Pin (Male and Female), Female Winners

(Winner and 1st Runner-up), Veterans Category (Winner, Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), General Category Winner Net (Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), Maritime Category Winner (Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), and Overall Best Gross.

All winners will receive trophies, with cash prizes also expected to be awarded across the competitive categories. The tournament structure accommodates golfers of various skill levels and ensures broad participation from both maritime industry professionals and the wider golfing community.

IGCNA, Organisers Promise Unforgettable 2025 Nigeria Cup

When this year’s edition of the annual Nigeria Cup; a tournament put in place to celebrate the nation’s independence anniversary gets underway on Saturday September 20th, it will be with pump and pageantry, Chairman, Organising Committee of this edition, Wale Onaolapo has promised.

Speaking at a pre-tournament media briefing at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Wednesday, Onaolapo promised participants, sponsors and guests

of an unforgettable experience, stressing that all necessary arrangements to make sure the week-long Nigeria Cup goes as planned, have been put in place.

“This year’s tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience, with top notch golfers within the club competing on the challenging Ikoyi Club 1938 golf course for glory and recognition”, Onaolapo said.

While thanking the event’s sponsors for their support in

making this year’s edition possible, Onaolapo promised them a gratifying experience.

Also speaking, Chairman of Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association, (IGCNA), owners of the Nigeria Cup, Rotimi Obajimi, while thanking the Organising Committee for a job well done, also said that apart from the Nigeria Cup, IGCNA also contributes to the development of the golf section as well as in bankrolling some of projects.

defending star, Noah Lyles; Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes; and two fellow Africans like Zimbabwe’s Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Sinesipho Dambile of South Africa.

Nathaniel Ezekiel...has ended Nigeria’s 38 years wait to reach the 400m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan

L-R: Chairman, Ikoyi Club Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), Rotimi Obajimi; Deputy Lady Captain, Annie Eimiakhena; Chairman 2025 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee, Wale Onaolapo; and Ayo Adegboye shortly after the Nigeria Cup Press Briefing at Ikoyi Club golf section ... on Wednesday

70Th AnniVERSARy AnD 12Th AnnUAL pUBLic LEcTURE of ThE foURSQUARE GoSpEL chURch...

L-R: Wife of the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria; Rev. (Mrs) Olabisi Aboyeji, the General Overseer; Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun,the Guest Speaker; Dr. Doyin Salami, Rev. Hakeem Ogunniran,Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Center(KICC);Rev. Matthew Ashimolowo and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. Tunde Lemo during the 70th anniversary and 12th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria with the theme,” Poverty Alleviation, economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian economy held in Lagos State on Wednesday.

olusegun AD e NIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Kabiyesi in American Jail

Irecount this story because of the impact it had on me and its significance to our society. Besides, it happened to be the only opportunity I ever had to engage veteran actor, Mr Olu Jacobs, whom I have always admired from a distance. In 2003, I had been invited by Cadbury Nigeria Plc to the ‘Bournvita Award for Teachers’ ceremony in Lagos to read the citations of awardees along with Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenikwe of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) fame. Jacobs was there, as he explained, to give moral support to his wife, the effervescent Joke Silva, who compered the event. Somehow, our conversation centred on the loss of societal values, with the respected thespian remarking that in Nigeria, when a neighbour with no visible means of livelihood suddenly becomes a billionaire, questions are never asked about sources of such wealth. “The next thing you hear is someone saying, ‘see that man who was living in a Face-Me-I-Face-You house two years ago, see how God has blessed him’. Jacobs then looked to the sky with both hands raised to dramatise his punchline: “Oh God! Where is your face?”

Three weeks ago in the United States, precisely on 26 August 2025, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, was sentenced to 56 months in prison for fraudulent practices. This is a sacrilege of the highest order in Yorubaland. But the real tragedy is having to read about conversations in the community where some people believe the throne should remain vacant, probably so the monarch could resume whenever he completes his ‘tour of duty’ in American jail. That is worrying. Perhaps to understand the significance of this tragedy, one may have to read the paper, “IkuYaJ’esin: Invitation to Suicide in Yoruba Ontology,” in the London Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, Volume 17. Written by Emmanuel Oladipo Ojo, it explains why our ancestors would rather take their own lives than face the kind of ignominy that the Ipetumodu monarch has brought on himself and his people. Sadly, even before the monarch was jailed in the US, his incarceration for more than a year was already an open secret. That the authorities and the community did nothing betrays a lack of outrage about such a disgrace. But it is unpardonable that there would even be a debate about the monarch’s fate after being officially confirmed and convicted as a criminal.

From about April 2020 to February 2022, according to the American statement, “Oloyede and his co-conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, conspired to submit fraudulent applications for loans that were made available through the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio where the 62-year-old monarch had been resident, said he would pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution after completing his jail term. “He also forfeited his Medina home on Foote Road, which he had acquired with proceeds of the scheme, and an additional $96,006.89 in fraud proceeds investigators had seized.”

There are many issues involved in this tragic saga, but I will highlight only two: The blurring of lines between right and wrong in our country and the corruption of the traditional institution, especially in Yorubaland. On the first issue, I once wrote a column about a disturbing exchange on X (formerly Twitter). This was in response to someone who had posted: “I lost my teaching job today (32K) where I teach (Maths and F/Maths), because I refused to assist the students in the exams hall (during NECO) having taught them very well…” Not only were there many negative responses but some were particularly striking: “You should have helped them though, you put yourself into this”; “Sorry about that but it’s your fault… it’s not a bad option assisting students”; “Are you a good teacher when your students fail? I got my current job through the help of a

parent I taught the ward some years back… the ward is in FUNAAB (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) now doing fine. My dear, don’t let us deceive ourselves. You should have pushed…”; “African teachers are terrible and just love to see students fail exams.” The last response before I stopped reading formed the crisp title of the column in question: ‘Na you fuck up!’

The real issue here is that the virtual collapse of the moral frame of our government mirrors the other fractures in our society. Yet, we must be honest with ourselves: A decadent society can only produce the kind of government we have in Nigeria today at practically all levels. Since many Nigerians tend to see public funds as belonging to no one in particular, the matter of cybercrime is even more worrisome. The typical cybercriminals do not even see themselves as robbing anyone. When monarchs who ordinarily should uphold the highest standard of integrity also think like that and acquire immunity from opprobrium, in part because they may be generous with such stolen wealth, it is the society that is in danger.

In the face of this apparent moral wilderness, we must insist on abiding by the dictates of civilized conduct and law-based punishment for all crimes that violate both domestic and international law. On that score, Governor Ademola Adeleke must institute the process through which the jailed monarch is dethroned, if only to make a statement. But perhaps the bigger challenge is in Yorubaland where people of dubious character are now being enthroned as monarchs simply because they have political connections or stupendous wealth not tied to any productive endeavour. That is why many of them are no better than content creators who

command zero respect beyond their followers on social media.

Indeed, as I wrote recently, nothing illustrates the crisis of the traditional institution better than the process that eventually culminated in the enthronement of the current Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. A former vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and globally renowned traditionalist, Professor Wande Abimbola, whose intervention eventually led to a resolution of what had become a logjam, revealed some sordid details. “The kingmakers were consulted to pick a successor, and then interested individuals started giving hefty money to influence their decision. This later divided the rank of the kingmakers because they discovered that the money their leader shared to them was a far cry from what he collected,” Abimbola explained. “The five kingmakers had earlier supported a particular prince who gave them the heaviest sum but after discovering the act perpetrated by their leader, two of them backtracked. They reached out to the government to say they were no longer in support of the candidate, adding that they just discovered that the money their leader collected from the said prince was incredibly heavy from which he gave them peanuts.”

In Yorubaland today, according to Abimbola, enthroning a king is now a cash-and-carry affair. “They would buy generators, cars and what have you for the kingmakers to influence the process. The kingmakers may collect money from a hundred candidates; it’s the highest bidder that they will give the stool to. That’s how they are doing it now.”

That, in a nutshell, explains why some communities have on their thrones ‘419’ monarchs who end up in an American jail!

dispute ruling in North London involving a Nigerian army General (now deceased), a Nigerian woman who allegedly died during the court case, but never existed and other actors has given the world a strangerthan-fiction story that reads like a James Hardley Chase novel. Posted online by

the United Kingdom Director of Open Justice, Adam Wrey, readers are treated to salacious details of a ‘very long affair’ between this (now deceased) army General and a female ghost whose ‘funeral rites’ were covered by a photographer who was then ‘killed by a bandit’ two days later... NOTE: Please see the online edition.

The jailed Kabiyesi, Oba Joseph Oloyede