Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Delta state government
Target 31,220 jobs, 471 unserved communities Oborevwori: Delta won’t be left behind in renewables deployment and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of
Understanding
www.thisdaylive.com
State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the
of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Following
proval, the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja, would be formally
Says
$5.5bn support for Africa Seeks
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yester- day, in Japan, saluted Nigeria’s current momentum against general insecurity, saying the success of the armed forces would serve as springboard for national development and stability.Tinubu, who spoke ex- tensively on the war against insurgency and criminality, emphasised his administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity through strengthening govern- ment’s security apparatus and ongoing economic reforms.
The president made the remarks yesterday during his intervention at the plenary session on Peace and Stability
L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamzat; Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, during the inauguration of 540-seater auditorium built and donated by Bello to the Epe Campus of Lagos State University …yesterday Continued on page 32
LauNChEd dEbONairs Pizza stOrE...
L-R: Regional Manager, South West 1, Bank of Industry (BOI) Mr. Richard Imonije; Chief Operating Officer, UAC of Nigeria PLC, Queenette Durosinmi-Etti; Administrative Officer, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ikeja Chapter, Richard Odey; General Manager, UAC Restaurants Limited, Nneoma Obiliki; and Relationship Manager, BOI, Mr. Nicholas Okorie, during a tour of the newly launched Debonairs Pizza store held recently in Ogudu, Lagos
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
In a significant step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has commended Governors in the country for their openness to engage the commission in the management of the digital economy
In a statement, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, quoted Maida to have said, “The openness of the NGF to engage with us reflects a shared belief in the impact digital solutions can have on subnational development.”
Maida, emphasised the critical need for alignment between national and subnational digital infrastructure, describing it as a “game changer” for Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the spokes- man, a key focus of Maida’s address was the Right of Way (RoW) fees, currently set at N145 per linear meter, which he described as a significant burden on telecom companies. Maida urged states to waive or reduce these fees to facilitate fibre optic deployment, stating, “The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states.”
Echoing the call for col- laboration, the NGF Director General, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, highlighted the centrality of broadband and secure infrastructure to state development.
“Broadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development,” he said.
He described them as foundational public goods. Shittu noted that while Nigeria has seen rapid growth in con- nectivity, national broadband penetration remains below the level needed for inclusive
digital transformation.
To address this, he proposed four pragmatic areas for deepened partnership with the NCC: institutional align- ment through State Broadband Coordinating Councils, policy harmonisation to standardise RoW rules, CNII resilience through state-level protection plans, and information sharing to enhance capacity building.
The Director General pointed to the World Bank’s SABER initiative as a model for success, citing states that have harmonised RoW fees, adopted coordinated trenching practices, and waived oner- ous fees to attract private investment.
“These policy choices have produced rapid increases in fibre kilometres and improved
access to high-capacity net- works,” he said, highlighting the socio-economic benefits, including improved productiv- ity, job creation, and expanded access to education and health services.
Shittu and Maida empha- sised the economic potential of enhanced connectivity, with Maida noting that that easing RoW barriers would enable
telecom companies to create more value chains, benefiting citizens and increasing tax revenues for states.
Furthermore, Shittu said: “Expanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.”
Nume Ekeghe
Access Holdings Plc has continued to deepen its pan-African ambition with a unique blend of global deal-making and grassroots impact, underscoring its evolving role as both a financial powerhouse and an agent of social transformation.
The bank in a statement revealed that last week, its
Olawale ajimotokan in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved for immediate release the sum of N45 billion, which is 50 per cent of the contract sum of Bwari Township and Karu Water Supply projects, to CGC NigeriaMinisterLimited. of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday at the official flag off of Lot 1 of Bwari Township Water Supply project.
He expressed hope that the contractors would deliver the project for the President’s third anniversary in office in May next year.
“The president has man- dated that the contract for this ought to be 18 months, but we discussed with the contractors and pleaded with them that they have to do all it takes so that by the third-year anniversary of Mr. President, we will be able to commission these projects.
“And when the contractors assured us that they will try
as much as they could, if funds are made available.
Based on that, Mr. President immediately approved the release of 50 per cent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited. I hope, by the grace of God, knowing the commitment of this company, in whichever job you give to them, they will deliver on time,” Wike said.
The minister noted that the project would provide not less than 1,600 direct and indirect employments for the teaming youth.
Group’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, joined policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders at the AfriCaribbean Trade & Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2025 in Grenada, where discussions centred on building new economic bridges between Africa and the Caribbean.
Key focus areas included tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital trade sectors widely seen as critical to unlocking the full potential of both regions.
At the forum, Access Bank’s CEO for Caribbean
Expansion, Sunmbo Olatunji, described the institution as a “bridge” enabling crosscontinental partnerships.”
“We are building pathways for trade and investment that will outlast today’s market cycles,” she said, highlighting the Group’s commitment to sustainable long-term growth beyond immediate market opportunities.
No sooner had the conference concluded than Aig-Imoukhuede was in Lusaka, Zambia, where he met with President Hakainde Hichilema.
The discussions focused on Zambia’s economic transformation priorities, particularly in energy and agriculture.
Access Holdings pledged up to $100 million in financing towards strategic projects aimed at narrowing the country’s power generation and transmission gaps—an intervention the government hopes will accelerate industrial output, especially in the mining sector where copper production is projected to reach one million metric tonnes this year.
Kasim sumaina in Abuja
Ethiopian Airlines has decided to add three extra weekly flights to the daily flights already operating out of Abuja.
The additional flights, the Airline noted, would be in the evening, while the daily flight would remain at midday.
A statement yesterday, by
the Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Firiehiwot
Mekonnen, stated: “To support this growing trend, Africa’s biggest airline, Ethiopian will be adding extra flights to Abuja from the 28th of October 2025.”
Mekonnen said passengers from Abuja would have increased options, noting: “The extra flights will offer
immediate connection to many African and Asian destinations that reduce the total hours of flight time for passengers. “The extra flights from Abuja do not just offer more flights it comes with extra benefits.”
According to her, “The extra baggage allowance is for passengers going to some part of India, and Dubai.
L-R: Global Chair, International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Christa Dodoo; President, IFMA Nigeria, Engr. Sheriff Daramola; Former Minister of Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); President/CEO, IFMA, Michael Geary; Past President, IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Ms. Iyabo Aboaba; and President, IFMA Uganda Chapter, Angella Mutebi, during the IFMA Global Africa Conference 2025 held in Lagos, Nigeria … recently
Segun James
The Executive Vice-Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Con- sumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello, yesterday, disclosed how he reached out to friends for donation and also sold a property in Magodo area of Lagos State, to start and finish a 540-seater auditorium
for students of the Lagos State University (LASU).
Describing the period as the toughest, Bello, a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and ex-chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY, who donated the structure to LASU to mark his 60th birthday, spoke at the Epe campus of the institution where the auditorium was built.
According to him, the cost of the project initially frightened him, but he later found creative ways to fund it.
“I appealed to friends and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts into donations for the project. One wealthy friend who had planned to surprise me with a Land Cruiser Jeep converted it to cash. With more donations and God’s grace, we
started in 2021,” he said.
The former Commissioner for Environment revealed that rising inflation and the crash of the naira nearly derailed the project in late 2023, forcing him to sell his Magodo estate property to keep construction going.
“The toughest moment was when costs tripled, but our faith never wavered. To God be the glory, the rest is history,”
The Chinese government has cautioned its nationals living in Nigeria against engaging in illegal activities, including mining.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the warning in an interview after he led a delegation of the embassy’s officials in Nigeria on a courtesy visit to the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun had earlier raised concerns in his speech over the activities of Chinese nationals
who connived with locals to carry out illegal mining in the state.
Dunhai stated that his home country and the embassy encouraged Chinese investors to come to Nigeria. He said they did not support any national engaging in illegal mining, as Chinese nationals were expected to live within the ambit of the laws of their host country.
He stated, “I can tell you very frankly that the Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to come to Nigeria and invest because we believe that Nigeria is such a
promising land; it is the largest market in Africa.
“So, we would like to contribute to the local economy and development to create more jobs.
“We always request that Chinese companies and their citizens in Nigeria abide by the local rules, laws, and regulations.
“If there are any illegal activities, including illegal mining, there is zero tolerance from the Chinese government or embassy.”
The Chinese envoy disclosed that his country, in the last 40 years, had lifted over 100
Emenyonu
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has identified vandalism of power facilities as one of the major triggers for the incessant national grid collapse across the country.
General Manager of TCN, Benin Region, Charles Iwuamadi, stated this during
a sensitisation programme at Uwelu community, near Benin City, Edo State, expressing worries over illegal erection of structures under high-tension transmission lines. He cautioned the residents against encroaching on the company’s right-of-way , thereby exposing themselves to grave safety and health risks.
“Vandalism is directly
proportional to the number of system collapses. A greater number of times when we have grid collapse, it is a result of vandalism.
“In the last five years, vandalism has increased by over 30 per cent. If not for how we have been managing the system, the number of col- lapses would have doubled,” he said.
million people out of poverty and addressed its food scarcity challenges, expressing readiness to assist Nigeria in overcoming its food security challenges.
He said as China’s biggest trading partner on the continent, Chinese companies were already in the country helping to build critical infrastructure, adding that his home country is looking forward to having more economic cooperation with Nigeria.
he added.
Osoba laud initiative
He said he decided to build an auditorium for LASU as a way of sowing seed in the vineyard of knowledge, instead of spending lavishly on a birthday party when he clocked 50 in 2011.
Bello noted that the idea was in line with his belief that public purpose was served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Without wishing to sound sanctimonious or all-righteous, one point I like to seize this moment to make is the consequential choice between transient enjoyment and posterity.
“Thus, by choosing to invest the money through sowing the seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe we are invariably preserving my 60th birthday cake in a way that it will be shared and savoured by many generations to come.
“Besides, this is my humble way of supporting the argument that public purpose is served better by helping public universities fill the infrastructural gap.
“Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private
individuals who really have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities as prevalent in several developed countries,” he said.
He had earlier on his 50th birthday in 2011, instituted annual prizes in five disciplines namely, Law, Mass Com- munications, Social Sciences, Engineering and Medicine at the same university.
“So, as my 60th birthday approached, in 2021, the concern was how I could do more. For me, the idea of throwing a big party to mark the occasion was completely off the table.
“My darling wife, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the very able Madam Vice Chancellor of this great university, is the one who initially mooted the idea of building something for LASU to mark my 60th birthday.
“She was not yet the Vice Chancellor then. I never gave much thought to her suggestion immediately until few days later,” he added.
Continues online
Media practitioners under the coalition, African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG), yesterday condemned what they described as Israel’s ‘intentional and deliberate’ targeting of their Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
The coalition of African journalists from across the continent, in a statement, said it was joining other voices around the globe to express its disapproval of Israel’s prolonged action in Gaza,
especially the murder of journalists who were simply doing their job.
AJAG was created by Nigerian broadcast journal- ist, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf and brings together journalists and media personnel from over 20 Africa countries.
Since the Israeli government and its military declared its ‘genocidal’ intent against the people of Gaza, AJAG stated that over 250 journal- ists have been killed in Gaza – the deadliest period for journalists in the 21st century.
It also accused Israel of preventing almost all international journalists from entering the area and covering the ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian situation there. For this reason, the coalition of journalists stated that the world has had to rely on the courage and tenacity of Palestinian journalists based in Gaza, stressing that the deliberate targeting of these journalists indicates the Israeli state’s clear strategy of suppressing the truth and silencing media.
L-R: Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo; Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed; and Technical
Corps Marshal’s visit to the Minister of Interior in his office in Abuja, yesterday
Some concerned stakeholders in the agricultural, environmental, and public health sectors have cautioned Nigeria against rushing into large-scale industrial animal farming investments without a critical assessment of their long-term implications.
This call was made during a stakeholders’ workshop on the Implications of Industrial Animal Farming in Nigeria, held in Abuja, where participants pointed out that multinational agribusiness giant, JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company based in Brazil was planning to establish six large scale meat processing plants in Nigeria at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion.
Speakers at the forum stressed that while such investments may appear to address food insecurity and create jobs, they come with
serious risks to public health, environmental sustainability, food sovereignty, and the livelihoods of local farmers.
Director of Programmes at Health and Motherhood Foundation, Joyce Brown, explained that industrial farming practices often rely heavily on antibiotics, which could accelerate antimicrobial resistance in humans and compromise public health.
She also said there must be adequate environmental and social impact assessments be- fore such projects commence, warning that “food insecurity should not be solved at the expense of Nigerians’ health and environment.”
Echoing her concerns, the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Maryanne Bassey-Olsson,, highlighted JBS’s global track record of environmental and human rights violations.
She questioned whether the Nigerian government had conducted due diligence, engaged communities, or assessed how the company’s operations would affect smallholder farmers.
“We are not antiinvestment,” she said. “We are simply demanding ac-
countability. Nigerians have a right to safe food, a healthy environment, and protection from exploitative practices that could undermine gen- erations to come.”
According to BasseyOlsson, factory farming globally has been linked to animal abuse, land displace-
ment, water pollution, and unsafe meat products.
She warned that the entry of JBS could destabilise Nigeria’s agricultural economy by sidelining small-scale farmers who currently produce more than 70 percent of the na- tion’s food.
Africa Director for World
Animal Protection, Tennyson Williams, drew attention to the climate crisis dimension of industrial animal farming. He noted that JBS was responsible for an estimated 421 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2021 – more than an entire country such as Italy.
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has clarified that it is included in the subsidised kidney dialysis and other federal health programmes, in spite of its omission on the list of the tertiary health
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) project has recorded over four million passengers in the last 15 months. Besides, the country received the first batch of students trained in China and also officially launched its local training programme in Abuja in what was described as another significant milestone in the Nigeria’s rail system, supported by the Chinese government.
At a symbolic ceremony
held on Tuesday in Abuja, attended by senior officials of the Federal Capital Terri- tory Administration (FCTA) and representatives of China Civil Engineering Construc- tion Corporation (CCECC), stakeholders celebrated what they described as a turning point in the transfer of techni- cal expertise and sustainable management of the nation’s capital’s rail transport system. Deputy General Manager of CCECC, Rail Operations Department, Zhuang Yanhui, who addressed the gathering,
commended the Nigerian operations team for their commitment during the intensive training in China.
The programme covered critical aspects of urban rail op- erations, including dispatching and control, station manage- ment, maintenance protocols, and safety procedures.
Yanhui said, “This ceremony is not just about celebrating training. It represents the beginning of knowledge transfer, local empowerment, and sustainable operations for the ARMT.” Says
institutions.
ATBUTH observed recent reports circulating regarding the list of federal hospitals currently providing subsidised kidney dialysis at the approved rate of N12,000.
It stated, “While the initiative itself is highly commendable, the omission of ATBUTH Bauchi from that list is an oversight that must be clarified for accuracy and public record.”
A statement from Head, Public Relations and Protocol
Unit, Usman Abdullahi Koli, made available to journalists yesterday, said, “ATBUTH Bauchi has been providing subsidized kidney dialysis services at the approved rate since 8 January 2025.”
It stressed, “To date, a total of 897 patients have benefited from this intervention. ATBUTH Bauchi has consistently ensured that all consumables are covered within the said amount, thereby easing the financial burden on patients and their families.”
Koli said, “These services have reached not only the people of Bauchi State but also beneficiaries from across the North-east and even neighbouring states.”
He added, “Beyond dialysis, the hospital has been a frontline partner in the Fed- eral Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for healthcare delivery. Since November 2024, ATBUTH Bauchi has successfully implemented the free Caesarean section initiative for expectant mothers.”
Ebere Nwoji
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has moved towards the implementation of the new Nigerian Insurance Act (NIIRA) recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu. To this end, the commission yesterday launched a crackdown on individuals
selling fake motor thirdparty insurance policies in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
Led by its Motor ThirdParty Insurance Enforcement Committee, NAICOM conducted a raid in the Mabushi area of Abuja, targeting perpetrators who issue counterfeit policies to the public.
The commission said this enforcement action was a follow-up to the directive by the Inspector General of Police on strict compliance with third-party motor vehicle insurance across the country. The action, it said, formed part of its strategic initiative to eradicate the proliferation of fake insurance documents.
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
David-Chyddy Eleke reviews the intrigues, violence, vote buying and all associated with the last Saturday’s House of assembly and anambra South Senatorial by-elections and wonders if it is a foretaste of what the governorship election on November 8, 2025 will be.
Last Saturday, some Anambra state voters went to the poll in a by-election to replace some demised lawmakers in the state.
The elections that were held included the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency to elect a senator for Anambra South and a member of the House of Assembly for Onitsha North 1 State Constituency respectively. In Anambra South, the former representative, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had died in London, the United Kingdom, while the Onitsha North 1state constituency member had been kidnapped by gunmen on the eve of Christmas 2024, and was later found dead in February this year. These necessitated elections for their replacement until 2027, when their tenure would be up.
But the elections turned out to be a foretaste of what to expect in the November, 2025 governorship poll, when the state electorate would again converge to elect a new governor.
For example, before the election, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu while addressing leaders of market unions in Anambra State who paid him a courtesy call had said the senatorial election in Anambra South particularly is a test case for the governorship election which comes up in November. He said: “Which ever party that wins the senatorial election would win the governorship election. We are determined to use the senatorial election to show that we (APC) are the ones in charge of Anambra State, and you all will see it.”
During the by-election, as expected, parties brazed up, hoping to use it a way to test strength. Besides the rivalry between the APC and APGA in Anambra State, the new coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) also sought to use the by-election to show strength. This was mostly in Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-election, where the wife of the slain lawmaker was contesting to replace her husband.
Though her late husband was of Labour Party, she had contested on the platform of the ADC. This was because of the internal crisis rocking the LP, and it was reliably gathered that the leadership of LP moved her to ADC because of this.
To support this alliance, Labour Party chieftains in the state had supported her aspiration. These included the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye and other top functionaries.
Meanwhile, the by-election witnessed massive violence, thuggery, vote-buying and others, which left others thinking if this is a foretaste of what to expect in November.
Last Saturday during the election, THISDAY gathered that all the participating parties especially APC, APGA and ADC were involved in vote buying. While ADC candidate in the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency reportedly paid N5,000 for votes, APGA paid as much as N10,000. In the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, both APC and APGA ran neck to neck in the quest to purchase votes as they paid as much as N20,000 per vote.
In the area of violence, the election witnessed it’s fair share as some youths said to be loyal to the APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu had attacked the Environment commissioner in Anambra State, allegedly beating him to pulp.
Similarly, some non-state actors said to be working for the APGA-led state government also arrested and beat to pulp journalists who were covering the election. They allegedly arrested the journalists who were travelling in a bus, branding them as INEC officials who were trying to escape
with electoral materials. Not even when they had sufficiently identified themselves were they released, as their assailants proceeded to humiliate and beat them up.
Similarly, the clash of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim and Nicholas Ukachukwu turned the talk of town as viral video showed both men flexing muscles, while their battle ready security men stood and watched their exchanges.
In the video, the Deputy Governor confronted Ukachukwu for moving around Orsumenyi on election day, but Ukachukwu insisted he was from the community and had the right to move around his community where he voted, while challenging the deputy governor who is from the Central Senatorial Zone for coming all the way on election day.
Meanwhile, just as APGA is accusing APC of importing thugs for the election, APC in a post election briefing has also accused APGA of orchestrating violence against them. In a joint press briefing by the governorship candidate of APC, Ukachukwu and the party’s
chairman in the state, Chief Basil Ejidike, they claimed that Soludo used government forces to hold their senatorial candidate, Azuka Okwuosa hostage.
Ejidike said: “The situation in our dear state which if not checked is capable of derailing the forthcoming governorship election. We are all witnesses to the events that took place yesterday where non-state agents took over the running of security in an election. The state vigilante took over the home of our senatorial candidate and his house was surrounded just to ensure that he did not exercise his franchise. You are also aware how the sitting deputy governor left his zone, the central senatorial zone on election day to come to Anambra North, all in an effort to distract him.
“While he was distracting our governorship candidate, vigilante was holding the party candidate hostage in his home. You are also aware of the killing of APC ward chairman in Nri, and you know that Nri is the home of the deputy governorship candidate. This is to show you that all these was carefully planned,” he said.
Ukachukwu on the other hand said: “One thing is obvious, the violence was much, and if this is not checked, it will affect the forthcoming governorship election. They (vigilante operatives) visit your party’s
During the by-election, as expected, parties brazed up, hoping to use it a way to test strength. Besides the rivalry between the APC and APGA in Anambra state, the new coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) also sought to use the by-election to show strength. This was mostly in o nitsha n orth 1 s tate Constituency by-election, where the wife of the slain lawmaker was contesting to replace her husband.
strong hold, shoot and collect electoral material, and disappear. I called the commissioner of police to come and see what they were doing, the commissioner insisted the election duty was headed by an AIG. I called him too and he told me he was at a scene where the Udo Ga Chi vigilante people were and that he had dislodged them. But I insisted that just sending them away was not enough because they will simply go to another location and do same. Why not disarm and arrest them.
“Of all the things that were done yesterday, not even one arrest was made. Instead, all the people that were arrested were APC party agents who were doing their work. We are surprised that police could not make even one arrest. It was an orchestrated plan. They came to my community and were doing the same thing. The deputy governor came to my community and arrested our party agent, even when he is not from that area, he was moving from place to place on election day.
If I wasn’t there to calm my people, maybe the worse would have happened. We are saying that we are not going to fold our hands and watch them. Police, DSS must disarm Udo Ga Chi people else we will not watch them do this. The right thing must be done to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.
“I am even happy that with all that they did, they even awarded us about 19,000 votes. That is the kind of votes that can be gotten in one community. We are still optimistic we will win the governorship election. Udo Ga Chi (vigilante) must be taken out of election and the right thing must be done and we will win the election,” Ukachukwu said.
As complaints fly, the candidates of the APGA sailed home to victory, rejoicing to their fortune. After the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu and Mimih Ifeoma Azikiwe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winners of the by-elections.
Nwachukwu polled 90,408 votes to defeat Chief Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 19,812 votes, and Donald Amamgbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who secured 2,889 votes. On the other hand, Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Ibiam Ekpe of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, said Azikiwe polled 7,774 votes to defeat Mrs. Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who scored 1,909 votes in Onitsha North election.
The above result threw members of APGA into jubilation, with many of them rejoicing that the victory will translate to same in the governorship election in November. These were the thought line of the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who during an event in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area on Sunday, echoed that the results of Saturday’s by-elections showed that the Labour Party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were “dead” and “non-existent” in the state. The governor said: “ADC does not exist in Anambra. We showed it yesterday (Saturday). Labour Party is dead,” as his partymen cheered.
As November 8 approaches, many are still of the view that the incidents of August 16 can shape happenings in the governorship election. A respondent told our correspondent: “What happened has showed that APGA is on ground, and that Soludo is truly strong, irrespective of some of the stories we have been hearing that President Tinubu has given the go-ahead to APC to take Anambra, despite the open endorsement he made when he visited months back”.
Adedayo Oketola, a highly decorated journalist, author and former newspaper editor, is seeing his work transcend the newsroom. His award-winning reports are now being cited in academic journals, policy papers, and international forums, proving that rigorous journalism remains a critical force in driving research, accountability, and reform across sectors. Uzoma Mba writes that the award-winning editor's impactful reporting is influencing scholarship and shaping governance conversations
Adedayo Oketola is a globally recognised Nigerian journalist, author, and strategic, energy and tech communications expert with over two decades of high-impact experience in journalism, editorial leadership, and media innovation. He is one of Africa’s most decorated editors and investigative journalists, having won over 15 prestigious journalism awards across local and international platforms. He served as Editor of The PUNCH, Nigeria’s most widely read and influential newspaper, from 2022 to 2024, leading it to consecutive Newspaper of the Year wins and earning the Editor of the Year award from the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in 2023 and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) in 2024.
He had earlier served as the Editor of PUNCH Weekend Titles, namely Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH, for three years; the first in the 50-year history of the media group to edit both Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH simultaneously. In that capacity, he oversaw The PUNCH weekend publications that produced many awardees under his supervision, tutelage and mentorship.
With a career spanning frontline journalism, media strategy, and thought leadership, Oketola exemplifies the highest level of professional distinction, innovation, and influence that he is deploying on platforms like the International Visitor Leadership Program Alumni Association (IVLPAA), a body under the auspices of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, where he currently serves as president.
Delivering in his capacity as a key member of the fourth estate of the realm, Oketola’s work has influenced public policy, exposed systemic corruption, and advanced national conversations on disability, social inclusion, the power sector, energy transition, agriculture, anti-corruption, and drug trafficking prevention, among others. His investigative journalism, cited in both national and international fora, has earned him many accolades.
Three of his reports, namely, ‘How Banks in Nigeria Shut out 22 Million People with Disabilities; ‘Left Behind: A Telecoms Revolution without the Blind, Deaf and Dumb”, and “Social Exclusion: Pains, Agony of Lawyers Living with Disabilities”, published between 2011 and 2015, described PWDs’ everyday pain aggravated by the lack of ramps across banks, telecoms service centres, and courts, among others. These reports, among
others, pushed authorities to mandate the installation of ramps in banks, service centres, and all public buildings in Lagos and some other states.
“Gridlock: 10 million Lagosians battle traffic robbers amid endless wait for N555bn mass transit systems” published on November 7, 2015, documented the suffering of over 10 million Lagos commuters at the hands of traffic robbers due to the unending gridlock while awaiting the N555bn light rail and commercial car transit systems.
After the report was published, the then-governor of Lagos State tackled traffic robbery headlong, critical roads were redesigned to ease traffic, and the government renewed the drive to deliver the blue and red rail lines, which had recently been launched.
“Trapped Overseas: Stranded Nigerian Youths Traffic Drug to Fund Return Home” and “Abandoned by Men: Hard Times Push Women into Drugs, Arrest and Regrets' focused on the travails of young Nigerians stranded overseas who began trafficking drugs to fund their home return. The reports were aimed at discouraging youths from drug trafficking.
In his award-winning report titled “NigComSat-1R becoming white elephant four years after –Investigation”, Oketola exposed the shortcomings of Nigeria’s communication satellite and its inability to deepen broadband penetration as promised. The report won a continental fact-checking prize for uncovering the corruption
going on at NigComSat.
Titled, “Power Failure: Nigerians burn N17.5tn fuel on a generator in five years”, the report was a poignant commentary on Nigeria’s endemic energy poverty. A follow-up to that report, which concentrated on small businesses, titled “Nigerian small businesses on ‘death row’ –SMEs, traders losing investments to power shortage”, challenged the government to address the power crisis crippling businesses and investments.
A report titled, “Firewood, Coal Usage Poses Great Danger to 120 Million Nigerians”, which won the energy report of the year raised the consciousness of policymakers, government and the populace to the incalculable diseases and death risk facing the majority of Nigerians cooking with dirty fuels (charcoal, firewood and sawdust). The report also pioneered strong advocacy for massive investment in clean cooking (use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas) from both the government and private sector.
Beyond the impact of many of Oketola's landmark reports, some of his impactful reporting is now influencing scholarly research across the globe. His body of work has not only won numerous prestigious media awards but has also become a valuable resource for academic inquiry into Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. His investigative reports have been cited in peer-reviewed journals and university research, affirming the intellectual and societal impact of his journalism.
For instance, the Review of
African Political Economy referenced his reporting in “International Crude Oil Theft: Elite Predatory Tendencies in Nigeria,” using his work to illustrate entrenched corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector. The paper was authored by Eddy Akpomera.
Similarly, his reporting on terrorism and governance has been instrumental to scholars like Prof. Ifeyinwa Emejulu and Charlesmartin Nnaegbuna, both of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who examined the impact of insecurity on tourism in Nigeria between 2009 and 2017 in a paper titled 'Terrorism and Tourism in Nigeria', published in the Interdisciplinary Journal of African & Asian Studies, Vol. 7, No.2, 2021.
In “Economy of the Third World and Search for Greener Pastures in the Desert,” published in the Brazilian Journal of African Studies, Emmanuel Akubor draws on Oketola’s journalistic insights to examine economic migration in Nigeria. His work has also informed media and communication scholars such as Prof. Rotimi Olatunji of Lagos State University, who cited Oketola’s publications during the university’s prestigious 63rd Inaugural Lecture on Advertising and Public Discourse. Moreover, his work on insurgency and religious extremism has been referenced in a global academic collaboration published in the special issue of Religion, Conflict Transformation, and Peacebuilding, co-authored by two scholars, Stephen Onakuse from University College Cork and Victor Jatula from the University of Utah (Asia Campus).
These citations are a testament to Oketola’s ability to bridge journalism and scholarship, providing nuanced, evidencebased narratives that both inform the public and enrich academic understanding of Nigeria’s sociopolitical complexities.
As a journalist whose work is not only impactful but also cited in international scholarship, Oketola occupies a rarefied position, which is one where public interest reporting fuels intellectual rigour and policy discussions.
In recognition of his contributions to journalism and intellectual development, former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo unveiled his debut book, and Mr. Oketola hosted Nigeria’s first-ever Exaugural Lecture by a newspaper editor to mark his transition from editorship and 20 years of service to journalism.
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UNICEF, in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), recently took breastfeeding awareness campaigns to both rural and urban communities in Rivers State, sensitising mothers and expectant mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Experts, health workers and media partners stressed that breastfeeding improves maternal and child health, lowers healthcare costs and contributes to stronger economies. Blessing Ibunge writes that the initiative followed the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week and reinforced calls for supportive environments at home, in workplaces and in healthcare facilities to enable mothers to breastfeed successfully
The importance of breastfeeding cannot be overemphasised, as it improves maternal health and reduces healthcare costs, hence the need to integrate breastfeeding promotion into national health policies, maternal and child health programmes and insurance schemes.
UNICEF and BCA step up sensitisation
About a week after the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), continued to sensitise mothers and expectant mothers on the benefits of committed breastfeeding in Rivers State. Our correspondent, alongside Unicef desk officer (BFI, Rivers State Healthcare Management Board), Mrs Blessing Adienbo, and other health workers, visited some healthcare facilities for post-breastfeeding awareness.
Recently, some journalists, including our correspondent, had a virtual multi-zonal media dialogue on dissemination of key advocacy messages on the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, organised by the United Nations agency and BCA. At the end of the one-day meeting, journalists were commissioned to embark on a field mission in their various states.
Experts call for stronger support systems
In her remarks at the media advocacy meeting on breastfeeding, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office, Unicef Enugu, noting this year’s theme, “Prioritise breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems,” called on governments, health professionals, employers, community leaders, families, media and civil society organisations to take tangible action. She said, “Over 90% of Nigerian women have breastfed their babies. Ten states (Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Kaduna, Niger, Ondo, Enugu, Plateau) have extended paid maternity leave for up to six months for public workers.”
Also, in his remarks, Director General of BCA, Francis Nwubani, said all institutions must ensure every mother has access to the support and information she needs to breastfeed as long as she wishes to do so, by investing in skilled breastfeeding counselling, enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, and creating environments at home, in healthcare, and at work that support and empower women.
He noted that breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported, but said it delivers a
hopeful future not only for children but for societies. “It reduces healthcare costs, boosts cognitive development, strengthens economies, and sets children up with healthy beginnings. We call on governments, health administrators, and partners to invest in high-quality breastfeeding support in so many ways, especially by ensuring that all health service providers are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to support breastfeeding, including in emergency and humanitarian settings.”
He added that “To ensure that adequate information is passed to nursing mothers, caregivers and the general public on the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, Unicef in collaboration with BCA Umuahia have gathered professionals from both electronic and print media for this media dialogue. It is indisputable that all the information about breastfeeding cannot be well disseminated without the media. You play a key role in this agenda of informing the public about breastfeeding.”
Breastmilk as nature’s first vaccine
Dr Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, Communication Officer, Unicef Enugu office, at the meeting explained that breastmilk contains vital antibodies that protect children from diseases. “It protects children from infections, especially in the first months of life when they are most vulnerable. This natural immunity is especially important where access to clean water and health services is
limited. Also, breastmilk is critical for growth and development. It provides infants with essential nutrients and strengthens their immune system.”
Onuoha-Ogwe said, “Breastfeeding supports brain development, development of the digestive system, emotional bonding, and helps children grow into healthier adults. Provide household help and peer encouragement for breastfeeding mothers.”
She urged policymakers to put in place key practices and outcomes to strengthen breastfeeding, monitor and enforce the implementation of policies that protect breastfeeding, such as the code of marketing of breastmilk substitutes, adding that government and employers must invest in coordinated support for breastfeeding.
The Unicef communication officer further urged that for working mothers to successfully breastfeed, “Employers need to provide flexible work arrangements, such as extended maternity leave, part-time or remote work, establish breastfeeding corners in workplaces to give mothers a dignified and convenient space to breastfeed,” adding that “Staff unions and colleagues should advocate for breastfeeding rights, offer emotional and practical support, and protect parental leave rights.”
Sensitisation at Rivers health centres
Meanwhile, during the field mission at the Model Primary Health Centre,
Mgbundukwu, Okija, Port Harcourt (formerly known as Niger Clinic), Mrs Blessing Adienbo sensitised the mothers on the benefit of breastfeeding. She said, “The breast milk is mammalian fluid that is tailored towards the growth and development of the child as the baby is born. God made it from zero, as the baby is delivered, the message goes to the brain that the breast milk has arrived and immediately the fluid starts flowing.”
According to her, “There are stages of breastfeeding, at birth and when the baby starts growing older. From zero to six months, the nutrients there are enough for the baby’s growth, that is why we are advocating for exclusive breastfeeding without water. At six months above, we introduce the baby to family foods. We don’t encourage complementary food under the age of six months.”
Mrs Adienbo explained that while breastmilk is highly beneficial for infants, there are some potential hindrances or challenges associated with breastfeeding, including latching difficulties, low milk supply, breast engorgement, nipple soreness, dietary restriction, social stigma and others. She explained further, “Issues with proper latching technique can cause pain, nipple soreness, or difficulty for the baby to feed effectively. Some mothers may experience difficulties producing enough milk, which can be due to various factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or certain medications. Breast engorgement or mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue) can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty breastfeeding. Nipple soreness or cracking can be painful and make breastfeeding challenging. She continued that “Breastfeeding mothers may face challenges when returning to work, such as finding time and space to express milk or storing breastmilk safely. Mothers may need to avoid certain foods or substances that can pass through breastmilk, which can be restrictive. Some medications may not be compatible with breastfeeding, requiring mothers to explore alternative options.
“Breastfeeding in public can be stigmatised in some cultures or communities, making it challenging for mothers to nurse their babies in public. Lack of support, education, or resources can hinder a mother’s ability to successfully breastfeed.” She added that the hindrances can vary from mother to mother, adding that many can be addressed with proper support, education, and resources.
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www.thisdaylive.com
Thursday August 21, 2025
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The results of the recent bye-elections represent a historic shift, argues JONATHAN POJAN
See page 21
AI AND DIGITALISATION: NAL’S VERDICT VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that AI and digitalisation are expanding the frontiers of knowledge
See page 21
A distinguished international statesman, engineer, educator and community leader bows out gloriously, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
Our paths first crossed in 1999. I was then the features editor of THISDAY newspapers. Television broadcasting in Nigeria had just clocked four decades and I wanted something unique to grace my pages in commemoration. A meeting was arranged with the first African managing director and technical consultant of the Western Nigeria Radio and Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTVWNBS), Ibadan, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)’s precursor. Two hours of interaction with Otunba (Dr) Lawrence Olu-Ibukun confirmed to me that he was a truly remarkable man.
The immediate product of that encounter was my article in THISDAY, “Song of a Front-liner”, published on October 28, 1999. Its opening paragraphs have remained fresh: “At a certain function, Mr. Vincent Maduka, a former Director General of NTA, introduced him thus: ‘This man gave me my first job.’ Somewhere in BeninCity, during a party, Apostle Hayford Alile, the outgoing Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, could not contain his excitement when he saw him. He walked up to him (Olu-Ibukun) and announced, ‘This man taught me physics at Ibadan.’
“When a man like that tells you that he is fulfilled in life, you simply would not have any cause to doubt him. The most important reason why you would believe Dr Olu-Ibukun is that he succeeds in expressing it without any visible trace of arrogance or vanity often associated with men and women that have lengthy, rich and, at times, intimidating curriculum vitae. The voice is that of a contented man. The calculated, dignified intonation belongs to someone thoroughly exposed to civilised socio-linguistic cultures. That does not take from him his innate identity – a down-to-earth mien of a Yoruba man; a worthy owner of the traditional titles of Chief Ajaguna II and Otunba Asiwaju of Ogbagi-Akoko.”
Surely, those ingredients in his humble beginnings that propelled him to enviable, outstanding heights both locally and globally should be of interest to whoever values genuine lifetime achievements. Born in OgbagiAkoko, Ondo State in 1932, his tertiary education in University College Ibadan (later re-named University of Ibadan - UI), Imperial College of Science and Technology of the University of London between 1950 and 1957 and, much
later, University of Besancon, France, positioned him effectively for the life of an accomplished scholar and technocrat. By the way, his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics was made in London.
Returning to UI in 1957 as a Physics lecturer at the age of 25 years instantly marked Olu-Ibukun as a frontrunner. He was the premier university’s first graduate to do so. The four years he spent on that job also witnessed his foray into politics which yielded the membership of Akoko Divisional Council in Ikare, Western Nigeria House of Assembly Ibadan, representing Owo Central and the House of Representatives. The fine combination of lecturing and democratic representation most likely prepared him for his novel WNTV-WNBS assignment. Again, by the time he joined the television house in 1961, two years after its historic debut, he was the first Nigerian graduate to so do.
A comprehensive indigenisation of the first television establishment in Africa had just begun. The regional government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo needed someone who could negotiate with its foreign partners and fast-track the process of de-colonising the organisation in order to achieve full technical, operational and cultural repositioning. Olu-Ibukun was saddled with the tasks of costs-cutting (too many resources were going into installations and maintenance), smooth operations, adequate programming and recruitment of competent personnel.
Chief Awolowo, revered sage and visionary, was not about to gamble with his pet iconic project. The new helmsman was, therefore, given only one year to do everything he could to make his briefs
possible. Thankfully, his two years on the job eventually made critical inputs into the history of broadcasting in Africa. Before he assumed the post, there were over 50 expatriates in the nascent institution. Only six remained by the time he was through with the restructuring. His reminiscences about that sensitive period as relayed in my interview 26 years ago are characteristic of his levelheadedness and still instructive: “I really had not much to fall back on. I was a young man full of zest and enthusiasm. I knew what it meant to stand on the floor of the House to put my views and convictions across. I also knew very well, by the grace of God, what it took to impart knowledge to eager students. Having to take major decisions in an industry that was emerging was a different matter. All I needed to do which I did was take my time and study the situation. I was also fortunate to have people under me who knew what was at stake, what we all stood to gain or lose in the event of success or failure.
“I might not have achieved the best performance but, all the same, to the best of my ability, I thought I left a mark there. Some of the people who were in a position to know then tell me even now that I tried my best. I don’t have any reason to think that they’re out to flatter me. In any case, only posterity can judge. If NTA celebrates 40 years today, it is doing that not necessarily as a body. It is indeed celebrating the advent of a new phenomenon in Africa as a whole. Outside, people give a lot of credit to Nigeria for this. I thank God I was part of the team that saw to it that the thing had a good start.”
That team led by Olu-Ibukun had every reason to raise its head high. The foundation it laid was strong enough to chart a road not travelled in these parts at the time. And that infant platform produced personalities like Ambassador Segun Olusola, Steve Rhodes, Julie Coker and Maduka who eventually became the nation’s television role models, idols and legends. Maduka was later appointed as the pioneer director general of the federally-reconfigured NTA in 1977. The administrative and professional launchpads of television broadcasting in Nigeria were that formidable.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board
The results of the recent bye-elections represent a historic shift, argues JONATHAN POJAN
The mid-August 2025, bye-elections in three key constituencies in Kaduna State have established beyond doubt the growing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and by extension, Nigeria. What unfolded was not just a routine electoral exercise but a seismic shift that reverberated across the state. The ruling APC, under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, clinched all three seats in a resounding landslide, cementing the party's growing hegemony in a state long marked by fierce opposition strongholds. The victory in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency; Zaria Kewaye and Basawa State Constituencies simply underscores the new direction in political allegiance in the state between the “old order” and the "new order" ably led by the Comrade Governor, Uba Sani.
The results underscore APC's resilience and strategic prowess while exposing the fading influence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The outcome offers a compelling narrative of renewal and the relentless march toward political consolidation for Governor Uba Sani.
The bye-elections, held on August 16, 2025, were necessitated by vacancies arising from resignations, deaths, and other unforeseen circumstances in these constituencies. Chikun/Kajuru, a federal seat in the House of Representatives, had been vacated amid political realignments, while Zaria Kewaye and Basawa, both state assembly seats, reflected the fluid dynamics of local governance. Kaduna, a state of over 8 million people straddling Nigeria's North-West, has historically been a battleground where ethnic, religious, and partisan divides intersect. In past elections, these areas—particularly Chikun/Kajuru in Kaduna South—served as bastions for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition forces. The 2023 general elections saw PDP's Atiku Abubakar edge out Tinubu in Kaduna's presidential vote, a testament to lingering anti-APC sentiments fueled by the negative administrative style of the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Yet, in this bye-election, the APC flipped the script with overwhelming margins, signaling a profound transformation.
The results were nothing short of spectacular. In Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, APC's candidate secured a decisive win, polling significantly ahead of rivals from the PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Official figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed the APC amassing over 60% of the votes in some polling units, a stark contrast to the opposition's fragmented tallies. Similarly, in Zaria Kewaye State Constituency, the APC candidate triumphed with a landslide, while Basawa saw APC's Dahiru Umar-Sani declared winner amid jubilant celebrations.
Nationwide, these wins contributed to the APC's dominance in 12 out of 16 contested seats across 13 states, but Kaduna's clean sweep stood out as a microcosm of the party's national resurgence.
This victory is historic for several reasons. Chikun/Kajuru, encompassing diverse communities in Kaduna South, has long been an opposition enclave. Predominantly Christian southern Kaduna has grappled with banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and perceived marginalization under previous administrations, fostering deep-seated distrust toward the APC. In 2019 and 2023, PDP candidates dominated here, leveraging grievances over insecurity and economic neglect. Zaria Kewaye and Basawa, in the more urban and Muslim-majority Zaria axis, have oscillated but often leaned towards opposition due to youth unemployment and infrastructural deficits. The APC's breakthrough represents a historic shift, it is akin to breaking the opposition's grip and integrating these areas into the party's fold.
Even though voter turnout was reportedly modest at around 30-40% in some areas, it nevertheless favored the APC, with reports of enthusiastic support in rural area where government interventions under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani had taken root.
This new political dominance by the APC in Kaduna can only be attributed to the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Sani which combines competence with compassion. Tinubu's administration, now in its third year, has prioritized economic reforms and security enhancements that resonate with the people in Kaduna. The removal of fuel subsidies, while initially painful, has been offset by targeted palliatives, including cash transfers and agricultural inputs distributed through state channels. In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani has amplified these efforts with his "Rural Transformation Agenda," investing heavily in road networks, healthcare, and education in southern constituencies like Chikun/Kajuru. For instance, the commissioning of new hospitals and solar-powered boreholes in Kajuru just months before the election addressed long-standing complaints, swaying voters who felt seen for the first time.
Pojan Jnr, an Architect and good governance campaigner, writes from Abuja
VICTOR C. ARIOLE writes that AI and digitalisation are expanding the frontiers of knowledge
Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) under the leadership of Professor Sola Akinrinade held its 27th Convocation and deliberated on “The Humanities in The Modern Digital World”. University of Lagos Akoka was the venue and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola anchored her brief speech on “Arts and Culture Constantly Remind Us of Who We are” – The Africans. It is only in Africa you have over one billion people speaking over 2,000 languages in the midst of over 6,000 languages of the world. Nigeria alone boasts of over 550 languages, and all of them harbor cultures and civilisations yet to be explored. And for the lecturer of the day, Professor Francis Egbokhare, every language has its own truth to tell and what seems to be superstition is now finding meaning in the current world – mythology, artifacts, meditation, contemplation, etc., are opening new horizons and spheres for telling some level of truth; either in contrast with what science proclaims or in counter-position with propaganda disseminated as truth. In all, both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization are greatly helping to bring to relevance knowledge items in their different silos hidden in over 6,000 languages, which could be of great interest to Africa that speaks over 2,000 languages – both colonial and indigenous ones, while reviving over 1,000 dead ones.
Multiple scenarios exist to appreciate what Digitalization and AI offer to the African, if only Arts and the Humanities could use them to redirect the knowledge process to reveal “who the Africans are” distinct from the propaganda of “the others” that reduce the African to mere spectators of world events. A continent known to harbor the greatest number of youth population and arable land.
One of the scenarios is that recursive knowledge is now greatly available – to the computer scientist, it is recovering and converging smaller solutions in their smaller devised codes, spread in different silos for a greater impact. Languages and their hidden knowledge items could be interlinked like the spider, African folks tale hero of the Akans, reveals. The Ananse tales. Check out how Digitalization and AI simulation are proving that artifacts and inscriptions around the Caucasus mountains give room to African codes and that, in deed, Africans have served as nobles and kings there. Some simulations and cross-referencing of Xhosa and Kikuyi languages in South Africa relate with a language in West Africa. It is also to be noted that stolen artifacts, now being returned in bits, as empty shells, have been well studied by tools relating to AI and the knowledge stored in digital form and is yet to be made known to the world. Knowledge once stored in artifacts are recursively crossreferenced to reveal the African past, though not yet made available to all. Africa’s Arts and Humanities’ Studies must crave to unveil them like Cheikh Anta Diop partially did in unveiling the mystery behind the Egyptian pyramid as enabled by the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Scenario two, is the enablement of AI and Digitalisation to help researchers refresh and recall easily their memory as neuronally encoded facts that seem to be having issues in being recalled. For example, a lecturer in the gathering admits using AI to write a paper and it turned out to be better than she could have imagined. Here, issues of originality and plagiarism surface though mitigated by the new paradigm that allows up to 30% level of plagiarism. It is also a shift from a wider base of knowledge paradigm in which information gathering or facts at the bottom are now slightly tempered with and compacted to make room for next level on the knowledge paradigm which is Understanding, Analysis and Interpretation. Here, it takes a good and grounded researcher to discern effectively and efficiently expected outcome of their research enterprise. It is definitely not meant for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students
are already abusing AI. Lecturers as gatekeepers must be at alert.
Scenario three, simulation of multiple possibilities are available in decision making like drawing up a decision tree. Here, selecting what to feed into the computer becomes the greater knowledge process and it falls within the range of understanding and analysis of the paradigm.
For Arts and Humanities that deal with proactive measures and attempt at elaborating basic research items with delayed gratification application possibilities, AI and Digitalization could be used to renew knowledge items about the African and create new African space that counters propaganda like Professor Abigail Ogwezzi-Nsikak advocates in her paper on “Citizens’ Journalism”. That is, getting each African community to tell appropriately its own story and relay it for greater impact as part of “knowing who we are”. For Prof. Olukoya Ogen, historicizing the humanities in the age of AI is cross-referencing knowledge for a better African view beyond seeing knowledge from mere scientific perspectives.
Ariole is a Professor of French and Francophone Studies at University of Lagos
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
Last week, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) issued an ultimatum to insurance companies operating in the country to recapitalise on or before July 2026. Failure to do so, according to NAICOM, will attract severe sanctions, including liquidation or forced merger. This is in line with the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025, which requires industry players to increase their capital to N10 billion (life insurance) and N15 billion for non-life while reinsurance companies now require N35 billion.
Section 9(4) of the Insurance Act, 2003 empowers NAICOM to increase, from time to time, the amount of minimum paid-up share capital statutorily prescribed for Nigerian insurers, and there is no doubt that the new minimum capital requirements will have significant impact on the Nigerian insurance industry. In the last exercise five years ago (June 2020), NAICOM had directed that the minimum paid-up share capital of a Life insurance company be increased from N2 billion to N8 billion; Non-Life insurance from N3 billion to N10 billion and Composite insurance from N5 billion to N18 billion. The capital injection requirement was also raised by 400 per cent (Life); 333 per cent (NonLife); 360 per cent (Composite) and 200 per cent (Re-Insurance).
quirement will help ignite further consolidation of the insurance sector as some insurers may seek to merge or be acquired by bigger firms.
Nigerian insurers should mobilise more capital to facilitate the acquisition of modern digital
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
We agree with NAICOM that Nigerian insurers should mobilise more capital to facilitate the acquisition of modern digital and technology-driven infrastructure necessary to aid their efforts at deepening insurance penetration in the country. Measured as a percentage of GDP, Nigeria is still far behind South Africa, Kenya and even Ghana in insurance penetration. Meanwhile, despite the astronomical increase in the value of insured assets, consequent exposure to higher level of insured liabilities and operating cost, recapitalisation exercises have been few in the sector. It is therefore expected that just like the banking sector, meeting up with the new minimum capital re-
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T
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
In the 2025 Insurance Industry Report released in March this year by the risk and credit rating agency, Agusto & Co, insurance revenue in Nigeria is estimated to have crossed the N1 trillion mark in the financial year ended 31 December 2024. “The industry benefited from aggressive marketing activities and an upward review of premiums to reflect the prevailing inflationary pressure,” according to the agency while recommending stricter enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, a more efficient product distribution and an enlarged capital base to support the insurance income. “The increased spending on infrastructure development by the various tiers of government would also increase the revenue from underwriting the underlying risks.”
While most reports portend vast growth potential for the Nigerian insurance industry, many licensed insurers are still largely under-capitalised, thereby limiting their ability to take on big ticket in-country risks, as may be seen in the oil and gas, marine and aviation sectors of the economy. Given Nigeria’s untapped humongous potential in the global insurance marketplace, a well-capitalised industry where insurers with deep pockets and excellent local capacity can play is desirable and will contribute to improving the economy.
Therefore, as insurance and reinsurance companies begin the necessary move towards shoring up their capital base during the next 11-month period granted to existing operators to fully comply, it is expected that the market will gear up for new private equity and mergers and acquisition deals in the coming months. With this impending recapitalisation and consolidation exercise, it is also hoped that the insurance companies that will emerge at the end of the exercise will be stronger and deeper in the capacity to take on profitable high risks. This would enable the Nigerian insurance industry function well and fit into an integrated global financial marketplace.
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.
In the light of recent happenings in the world of work in Nigeria, it is important to address the issue of Safeguarding or ‘Do No Harm’ principle. The incidents involving KWAM 1 on ValueJet and the violent treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson on Ibom Air expose a clear manifestation of the abuse of power and privilege in the aviation world of work in Nigeria. From the National Assembly where a Senator is under a controversial suspension to the very recent case of a female corps member being harassed by security personnel, the list of safeguarding breaches in Nigeria is long. Meanwhile, safeguarding simply means doing no harm to vulnerable adults and children. It is about taking action when abuse happens, especially in the workplace. Forms of harm include bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment or discrimination.
Sexual exploitation includes actual or attempted abuse of a person in a position of vulnerability on differential power for sexual purposes. Sexual abuse on the other hand, is any actual threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature be it by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. Sexual harassment is a continuum of unacceptable and unwelcome behaviour and practice of a sexual nature and may include but not limited to sexual suggestions or demands, requests for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gestures that are or might reasonably be perceived as offensive or humiliating.
The practice of safeguarding addresses any misuse of power. For example, in an organisation certain individuals have more power based on their gender, race, role, disability, employment status or education. And all these could cause people with less power to be at greater risk of
exploitation and abuse.
At international level, Nigeria on 8th November 2022 became the 29th country to ratify the convention No. 187 promoting safe and healthy working environment, and became the 22nd country to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention No 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work. According to ILO, it is the first international treaty to address violence and harassment in the world of work. It includes the first international definition of violence and harassment in the world of work, including but not limited to gender-based violence, and applies to the public and private sectors, formal and informal economies, and urban and rural areas.
Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, President of the Medical Women's International Association and a Safeguarding expert
Emma Okonji
Worried about the increasing rate of website hacking and the rise in ransomware attacks and spam messages across telecoms networks, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has concluded on a cybersecurity framework for the telecoms industry that would further help in protecting the networks from cyber attacks.
The Executive Vice Chairman /CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who
disclosed this during a media parley in Lagos, said the cybersecuty framework would be released next month.
Maida also said the commission has engaged tier one firms like KPMG and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to study the rate of data depletion across networks, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the issue of consumer data depletion that has long become a source of worry to telecoms subscribers.
Giving insight into the challenges in the telecoms industry, Maida said network insecurity remained a major issue, adding that NCC is coming up with a cyber security framework that will address the digital challenges that operators face in today’s digital era.
“Beyond the physical side of security, the digital cyber security is very important. So the cyber security framework, which hopefully should be out sometimes in September this year, is going to
mandate a minimum level of standards that need to be complied with from a cyber security perspective. The framework will provide the baseline and the foundation to build a more secure network, which should translate to less number of hack attempts, reduction in spam messages, and reduction in cases of ransomware,” Maida said.
According to him, fast depletion of consumers’ data is another identified challenge that should be addressed, adding that
NCC has engaged tier one firms like PWC and KPMG to carry out a study on consumer data depletion.
He however said the study revealed that fast data depletion has nothing to do with telecoms operators, but with the digital lifestyle of the telecoms consumers. He therefore stressed the need to sensitise consumers more on data usage.
“From the study carried out by PWC and KPMG, there were no visual issues, but what was increasingly found was the digital lifestyle of
consumers that carry out most of their activities on their mobile phones, including their daily financial transactions.
“When subscribers scroll down on TikTok, they actually consume a lot of data without knowing. Subscribers do not also realise that when they forward messages by default, and they do not change it to WhatsApp message, it auto downloads and consumes a lot of data.
Emma Okonji
Yellow Card, Africa’s leading stablecoin payments infrastructure provider, has released its latest report on Stablecoin Adoption in Emerging Markets – The Report for Global Business Leaders.
The report, which is Yellow Card’s third and final report for 2025, underscores the exponential growth of stablecoins globallyfrom a market cap of
$5 billion in 2020 to $230 billion as of May 2025 - and highlights their transformative role and surging adoption in Africa, where they are reshaping finance, trade, and economic participation.
According to the report, while stablecoins are globally recognised for international payments and settlements, their adoption in emerging markets has revealed a deeper story. From
cross-border trade to treasury management and inflation hedging, stablecoins are driving innovation and financial inclusion in regions where traditional systems often fail.
“In sub-Saharan Africa, stablecoins now account for 43 per cent of all crypto transaction volume. Nigeria stands out as the continent’s largest stablecoin market, with nearly $22 billion in transactions between
July 2023 and June 2024, followed by South Africa and other rapidly growing markets such as Kenya and Ghana,” the report said.
Analysing the report, Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Nigeria, Lasbery Chioma Oludimu, said:
“The report highlights the significant role of stablecoins in emerging markets. It demonstrates how stablecoins are
crucial for financial inclusion and economic empowerment, especially where traditional banking is unreliable. From facilitating cross-border trade to aiding treasury management, stablecoins are now a fundamental tool for financial stability and efficiency.”
The surge in adoption comes against a backdrop of major global trade disruptions. In August 2025, the United States introduced sweeping
tariffs of 10 per cent to 30 per cent on exports from 47 African nations. While the policy rattled traditional markets, in Africa, it is accelerating the shift toward dollarbacked digital assets like USDC and USDT as businesses and individuals sought to bypass dollar scarcity, protect purchasing power, and assert monetary sovereignty.
L-R: Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen; California’s Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin; Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke and Vice President, Global Programs, Bay Area Council, San Francisco, Alex Ford, when a US Trade Delegation visited APM Terminals Apapa, Lagos… recently
Nume Ekeghe
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has said that the economic reforms rolled out by the federal government in the past two
years is already restoring macroeconomic stability and positioning Nigeria on the path to diversification and inclusive growth.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31)
scheduled for October 6–8, 2025, in Abuja, Bagudu stressed that the administration’s policy direction is anchored on addressing structural weaknesses, boosting productivity, and securing long-term prosperity.
He said: “Economic reforms and policy initiatives we have implemented are designed to address structural weaknesses, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria for long-term prosperity. While we recognize the
economic challenges facing the country, we are confident that our policies will yield the desired results. The stabilization of the exchange rate, declining inflationary pressures, and improvements in fiscal management
are already setting the stage for a more resilient and diversified economy.
“Our focus remains on driving job creation, reducing poverty, increasing non-oil revenue, and improving our external financial position.
Cyberspace Group, a trusted provider of connectivity services to most Nigerian banks, government institutions, high-networth individuals, and corporate organisations, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, where it launched its management system solution and surveillance solution
for the growth of the industry.
At the event, the Cyberspace Group launched Erdvora, a bespoke learning management system, and WatchGRID, a cost-effective and scalable surveillance solution. A historical documentary of the Cyberspace journey was also unveiled.
TD Africa, sub-Saharan Africa’s leading technology distributor, has again raised the bar for the continent’s digital transformation journey by attaining the ISO 42001 (Artificial Intelligence Management Systems) and ISO 27701
(Privacy Information Management Systems) certifications. These globally recognised certifications, which set the highest benchmarks for responsible AI deployment and data privacy, position TD Africa as a pioneer in
preparing Africa for an AI-powered future.
Speaking about the milestone, CEO of TD Africa, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, said: “These certifications are not just badges of compliance; they reflect our deep commitment to building Africa’s digital resilience
with trust, governance, and accountability at the core. At TD Africa, we believe Africa must not remain a passive consumer of global innovation but must actively shape and co-create solutions that reflect our unique realities.
PalmPay, a leading digital banking platform, in partnership with Nigeria’s telecom giant, Globacom, is celebrating winners in the ongoing PalmPay and Glo Recharge.
The exciting campaign, which kicked off on June 19, 2025, will run until August 23,
2025, rewarding loyal customers with fantastic prizes and exclusive bonuses.
Since the promo commenced, users have won prizes ranging from Oraimo Earbuds to Infinix Hot 40i.
The ongoing weekly campaign has recorded 20 winners, which include:
Michael Emmanuel from Lagos who emerged as the winner of an Infinix Hot 40i; Perpetual Amos, winner of an Infinix Hot 40i; Semiu Adekunle Abegunde, winner of an Infinix Hot 40i; and Josiah Oluwasegun Adewale, winner of an Oraimo Earbuds. Michael Emmanuel from Lagos
recounted his experience as the lucky winner of the Infinix Hot 401 as he couldn’t hide his excitement. He said: “I am so excited! I didn’t even expect it. I received a call while I was sleeping, informing me that I’d won, and I went live immediately to confirm it was real.
Stories by Emma Okonji
In Nigeria, sectors such as real estate and oil & gas are now discovering how Virtual Reality (VR) is reshaping the way projects are planned, presented, and executed. What once sounded futuristic is fast becoming an operational necessity, according to Managing Partner, Insghtful3d Studio, Mr. Owolabi Olatunji.
Olatunji, in a statement, said: “Traditional property development relied on 2D drawings, static renderings, or scale models. These methods often left too much to the imagination, leading to delays, misunderstandings, and costly revisions. Today, VR makes it possible to walk through buildings long before construction begins, experiencing every detail — from spatial layouts to lighting and finishes.
“This immersive approach gives developers a powerful edge: investors gain confidence earlier, buyers make decisions faster, and design flaws are spotted before a single brick is laid. A new wave of local immersive technology providers, such asInsightful3d Studio, is making these lifelike experiences available in Nigeria, eliminating the need for expensive foreign outsourcing and helping projects stand out in a competitive market.”
Giving details about how VR works in Oil & Gas in the areas of safety and efficiency, Olatunji said few industries would face higher operational risk than oil and gas.
“From refineries to offshore platforms, training must be flawless — but conducting it on-site is often dangerous, disruptive, and expensive.
The move by the National Insurance Commission to upgrade minimum capital requirement of operating insurance and reinsurance firms will succeed due to obvious legal backing,
Since 1997 when the then commissioner for insurance, late Chief Oladipo Bailey instituted a remarkable recapitalisation excise that shook the entire industry, recapitalisation and reregisteration exercises for operating insurance and reinsurance firms in Nigeria have often been marred by controversies and litigations which often leave the exercise in a state of inconclusiveness.
At that particular time, Bailey, who was unhappy at the existence of numerous weak insurance firms in the system who could not pay even the least claim, jacked up minimum capital base of insurance firms from N20 million to N150 million for life insurance firms, N200 million for general business underwriters, N350 million for composite firms and N500 million for reinsurance firms.
The industry operators kicked against this and instituted no less than nine court cases against the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
Since then, every recapitalisation move by NAICOM has met serious opposition from some operators whose firms obviously have weak financial base.
They co-opted other stakeholders like shareholders to fight against the regulator and often end up securing court injunction to stop the success of the exercise.
Indeed, some chief executive officers of NAICOM have at one time or the other paid dearly for instituting recapitalisation in the industry as the opposing operators and their agents used the opportunity to frame up issues and causing their removal from office.
While some commissioners who tried to institute the exercise risked jail sentence which climaxed in their paying the supreme price of dying in the process, others lost the opportunity of serving their second terms in office.
From Chief Oladipo Bailey to Chief Emmanuel Chukwulozie, to Fola Daniel who concluded the 2007 recapitalisation exercise
started by Chukwulozie and successfully finished his tenure. Then to Alhaji Mohammed Kari who could not secure his second tenure because of the same problem then, to Sunday Thomas whose recapitalisation law suits from operators and shareholders remained hanging until he left office after his first tenure. This is because of activities of opposition parties who often withstand the regulator anytime such initiative comes up. The leaders of these opposition parties were often deliberate in their efforts to frustrate every planned recapitalisation exercise as they employed every available instrument and agents in form of shareholders.
FRustRAtINg
NAICOM’s OFFORt
The result is that despite the high rising inflation level from the period the last and only conclusive recapitalisation exercise in the industry was done in 2007, the insurance sector has not been able to effect any known and conclusive recapitalisation exercise again.
This is because several attempts made were frustrated by the opposition parties leaving the industry with the prevailing ridiculous and low-level capital base of N2 billion for life business
underwriters, N3 billion for nonlife underwriters, N5 billion for composite firms and N10 billion for reinsurance firms. This is so whereas a similar member of the finance services sector like pension sector of has carried two round of recapitalisation exercises successfully.
PenCom had since inception of Contributed Pension Scheme (CPS) effected recapitalisation in the industry twice from the starting point of N150 million to N1 billion then to the present level of N5 billion. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also done same for the banking sector, and again in March 28,2024 announced that a new capital regime would prevail in the industry effect from April 2026. Since the CBN announcement, nothing in form of controversy has been heard from operators and stake holders in the banking sector. Rather, every bank has been making efforts to ensure compliance before the expiration of the grace period.
ANAlysts’ vIew AND New lAw
Industry analysts who have been following trend of events in the insurance industry have given various interpretations to negative attitudes of insurance sector
operators towards recapitalisation attempts.
While some attributed it to conservative attitude of the operators and their total averse to positive change, others interpreted it to be part of dubious nature of some insurance business operators who though know that their weak financial base could not allow them to pay genuine claims yet do not want the exercise to hold least they fall by the way side.
Apparently, the negative attitude of the insurers towards recapitalisation exercise in the industry was the reason behind enshrining the minimum required capital for the industry in the 2025 Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, penultimate week.
This explains why less than a week after the presidential assent to the bill the commissioner for insurance, Mr Ayo Olusegun Omosehin, swung into action to announce a new capital regime for insurance industry.
NAICOM AND New CApItAl bAse
NAICOM had on Friday last week announced a fresh recapitalisation exercise for insurance and reinsurance companies in Nigeria.
itel Energy, a leading provider of innovative energy solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to powering Nigerian homes and businesses with smart, reliable, and affordable solar energy technologies. This was made known during a high-impact Channel Launch held recently in Lagos, where the company officially
unveiled two new All-in-One (AIO) solar power systems. The event attracted an impressive gathering of distributors, EPC partners, key stakeholders, and media professionals to witness what the company calls the future of clean, accessible energy in Nigeria.
Director, West Africa, itel Energy,
Lu Liang, said: “We are proud to introduce products that solve the real challenges Nigerians face with energy, and also create new opportunities for our partners across the country.”
Liang further highlighted itel’s longstanding relationship with the Nigerian market. He said, “This vision didn’t just start. itel has been
in Nigeria for over a decade, growing from a trusted mobile phone brand into a household name known for affordability, accessibility, and reliability. We have built our reputation by listening to everyday Nigerians and creating solutions that truly serve them. With itel Energy, we are now
extending that same promise, from mobile connectivity to energy security.”
By Femi Salako
Rhere are many ways to look at visionary leadership, the capacity to translate vision into reality, as the American leadership expert Warren Bennis is justly famous for saying. Visionary leadership involves the ability to innovate and to create; which is why, according to Leroy Eimes, a leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see; that is, one who knows, in the words of Alan Kay, that the best way to predict the future is to create it. Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts, it is about one life influencing another, says John C. Maxwell, and great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. (Eleanor Roosevelt). If vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others (Jonathan Swift) and leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work (Seth Godin), then visionary leadership means creating a platform for revolutionary ideas that shape and change the course of human existence. As President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope leadership clocks two years in office, it is apposite to consider how far the country has come in terms of strengthening its internal security organs, and how this fits into a broad strategy.
To be sure, Nigeria still grapples with internal challenges—every country does—but a close analysis of the situation so far will reveal precisely why there is cause for cheer. Precisely two years ago when President Tinubu appointed Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior, he was looking at security as the bedrock of national development. His focus is enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside. Recognizing the limitations of brick and mortar measures, the ministry deployed digitization looking at the capacity of advanced technology to detect and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, streamline border crossing processes, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.It aimed to reduce errors and inconsistencies in documentation and identification, making it easier to verify identities and track individuals; provide valuable insights and data analytics to inform policy decisions and improve border management, and reduce opportunities for corruption and bribery by minimizing human interaction and increasing transparency.
In the last two years, digital systems have enabled the immigration authorities to better manage and monitor the flow of people across borders. They have also facilitated legitimate trade and commerce by reducing delay and increasing the efficiency of customs procedures. They have led to improved compliance with regulations and laws and created a more efficient, secure, and effective border management system.
It is significant that in not more than a year, landmark achievements such as the clearance
of a backlog of 204,332 passports within a record-breaking three-week period, restoring confidence in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), revolutionized passport processing within a two-week timeline for applications and introducing home and office delivery of passports, streamlined application process, and championing the rights of Nigerian applicants and ensuring that they receive just treatment abroad, were made. Regarding the welfare of paramilitary officers, the administration’s focus on equitable compensation and the unfolding of plans for a functional pension board to boost morale and productivity, and the alignment of paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure fairness and equity attracted plaudits. But that was not all: there was, crucially, a focus on the criminal justice reform. This move saw to the decongestion of correctional facilities, clearance of fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates, and the transformation of correctional homes into centers of rehabilitation, fostering hope and redemption for inmates.
Today, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, security infrastructure has been modernized. Among other landmark initiatives, the ministry created a state-ofthe-art Data Centre and Command and Control Centre supporting new visa and passport application policies and border management; and E-Gates at airports that enhance security and efficiency. It also saw to the rehabilitation of correctional centers, with the Interior Minister earning several awards, including the Public Service Person of the Year 2023 (Leadership newspaper) for the bold and exceptional reforms. Via the Ministry of Interior, President Tinubu has demonstrated transformative leadership, fortifying Nigeria’s security. Among other extremely innovative measures, there is Safe Haven, a means of enhancing national
security and community safety through partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders; Smart Border, which relates to modernized border management with advanced technologies to enhance security and facilitate trade and travel; Disaster Response Unit, which coordinates emergency responses and preparedness for disasters, and E-Visa, which simplifies the visa application process to promote tourism and international collaboration. There is also Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a system for enhancing migration data management to inform policy decisions.
With a clinical focus on reforms and modernization, the Tinubu administration has emplaced the Immigration Service Reform Committee with a focus on modernizing the Nigerian Immigration Service to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. It unfolded the Digital Case Management System, streamlining case handling in the justice system to enhance transparency and reduce delays. With specific reference to correctional services, reform has been built around rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. A case study is the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, where facilities have been modernized to create a more humane and effective correctional environment.
Take a look at the Centralized Interior Management and Administration System (CIMAS), a centralized platform that enhances oversight and decision-making across Ministry of Interior agencies. CIMAS facilitates secure inter-agency collaboration and intelligence exchange among security agencies, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Nigerian travelers are now familiar with initiatives like Electronic Visa (e-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards (LEC), Advance Passenger Information (API), Migrant Information
Management System (MIMS), Citizen and Business (C&B), Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Guard Management System (GMS) and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens.
Notable achievements include increasing patrols with over 30 patrol vehicles, launching contactless biometrics, enhancing security and efficiency, designing and developing a Tier 4, 8.3 petabyte Data Centre and automating the visa application process. Before Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government, the situation in the paramilitary agencies was characterized by demoralized workforce, career stagnation, spilled over promotion exercise and female gender disenfranchised with low recruitment profile. All of that vanished with the coming on board of the Tinubu administration, which ensured the recruitment of at least 35 percent females in all recruitment processes, approval of 30,000 recruitment, promotion of over 50,000 personnel in two years, approval of peculiar allowance, implementation of modernized immigration project, and approval of paramilitary academy.
In particular, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has witnessed the deployment of over 800 mobile enrollment devices, integration of NIN with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), revalidation of Front-End Enrolment Partner (FEP) licenses, inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), launching of the Self-Service Mobile App and Web Modification App, and technological upgrades and monitoring and evaluation systems. Go to the Federal Fire Service and you see improved response time and emergency services, and decreased amount of property lost to fire incidents from 1.2 trillion to 1.9 trillion saved in 2024t. Take stock of the situation in the NSCDC and you will marvel. The launching of Mining Marshall to protect mining sites and the Special Female Squad to protect school environments; massive arrest of illegal miners, establishment of a Railway Command to protect railway infrastructure, and the security of all telecommunications installations nationwide is nothing short of revolutionary. The administration recently recruited 30,000 personnel to fortify the paramilitary agencies.
In particular, there is an evident commitment to accountability and transparency, instilling values of integrity and openness in governance. Another angle involves supporting educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and empowerment projects in communities. The overall Impact is transforming institutions and uplifting Nigerian society through effective leadership and innovation and demonstrating a proactive approach to governance and commitment to protecting lives and property. This is the ennobling state of affairs in the Ministry of Interior where, under President Tinubu’s guidance, Tunji-Ojo keeps recording milestones.
*Femi Salako is Media Consultant to the Minister
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 18 August-2025, unless otherwise stated.
Eromosele Abiodun
Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals
Apapa has been praised by a visiting United States delegation for maintaining high standards of port operations and talent development in Nigeria.
The commendation came yesterday during a tour of the terminal by members of the US Delegation on Trade Facilitation, organised by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), the Bay Area Council, and the University of California, Davis. The visit formed part of a 10-day trade mission to Nigeria and Kenya, focused on climate, infrastructure, trade, and technology.
Speaking after the tour, California’s Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, lauded APM
Terminals for its significant investments and efficient operations in Nigeria. He stressed that the visit was designed to strengthen partnerships between California and Nigeria across key sectors.
“The operations here are very impressive and progressive. From a staffing standpoint as well, I can see that they are very highcalibre people capable of working effectively with our counterparts back in California,” Omishakin said.
Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the visit as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and California while reinforcing APM Terminals’ global approach to stakeholder engagement.
“The team has had the opportunity to see our
quayside operations, learn about the history of Apapa, and observe how we have consistently improved our operations over the years,” Klinke noted.
Terminal Manager Steen Knudsen expressed the terminal’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to support the ongoing growth of the Nigerian economy.
He stated, “The delegation’s observations in Apapa reflect our standard operations, which are consistent with those at other APM Terminals worldwide.
We continuously review and innovate our processes to ensure compliance with international standards. This proactive approach positions us to effectively capitalize on future opportunities for international collaboration and business development.”
Arthur Eriye
Nigeria and the African Union are advancing food security via the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
CAADP is a plan to help grow and improve farming in Africa. It was started in 2003 by African leaders to speed up development in the farming sector across the continent.
A top official at Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated
this at a workshop to review Nigeria’s farming performance from 2022 to 2024 and to plan for 2025 to 2027 in Abuja recently.
He said the primary objective of the workshop was to assess Nigeria’s progress in achieving the targets established by the African Union.
Ogunbiyi explained that CAADP is a powerful program created to improve farming across Africa.
He explained that CAADP aims to improve food security, reduce poverty, and grow the economy.
Countries are encouraged to aim for a 6% annual growth in agriculture and to spend at least 10% of their national budget on farming.
Earlier at the workshop, a director in the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, said the goal of the meeting was to plan how to improve Nigeria’s food and farming system.
In a goodwill message, Ms. Blessing Akhile from ActionAid Nigeria said the workshop is important for making sure everyone is involved, responsible, and working together.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has crippled business and social activities in some parts of Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State following a face-off between the utility firm and consumers over astronomical rise in tariff.
Residents took to the streets when they discovered
that the July billings were hiked, without prior notice, to over 400 percent from an average of N9,000 billed in June to between N47,000 and N50,000.
The hike, which sparked two days of protests last week, has now led to darkness as EEDC responded in anger and embarked on mass disconnection of houses at the World Bank Housing Estate and other parts of Umuahia where consumers resisted the
tarrif hike. To worsen matters for consumers, EEDC has not metered most houses before effecting the increase in tarrif, hence residents are now in quandary as both parties could not shift ground in their positions.
Some of the protesting consumers said that their entire monthly earnings could not even pay for the new bills, lamenting that EEDC has now made electricity bill higher than house rent.
LG Electronics has launched its most advanced and intelligent home entertainment lineup to date, featuring the groundbreaking OLED evo, the innovative QNED, and the much-loved NanoCell TVs.
This trio of cutting-edge technologies marks a bold new chapter in
TV evolution uniting cinematic picture quality, AI-driven personalisation, and industry-first wireless capabilities. Giving details of the products, General Manager, Media Entertainment Solutions, TV Division, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Choongbae Seok, said: “Whether it’s
the cinematic mastery of OLED, the bold brilliance of QNED, or the vibrant clarity of NanoCell, LG’s 2025 lineup is designed to reflect the way people live, play, and connect today. We’re not just building televisions; we’re creating personal entertainment ecosystems for every Nigerian home.”
Kayode Tokede
Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has delivered 1,527 per cent capital gain to investors over the past 12 years, placing the leading aviation handling group as one of the best performing
stocks at the Nigerian stock market.
Technical analysis of share price movements at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that NAHCO’s share price has risen by 1,527 per cent between August 2013 and August 2015. This represents average
annual return of 127.2 per cent.
The analysis indicated that NAHCO’s share price, which stood at N6.30 per share on August 20, 2013, closed trading yesterday at N102.50 per share.
This implies that an investor who staked N5 million on
NAHCO 12 years ago now has about N81.35 million due to capital gains, excluding cash dividends and bonus shares received during the year. NAHCO has more than 72,000 shareholders.
Market analysts said stocks like NAHCO underscored wealth-
creating and distributing capacity of the stock market, building up significant gain for investors over a period of time.
They pointed out that the success of NAHCO pointed to the indirect wealth distribution of the government’s privatisation programme.
Analysts said NAHCO, which was privatized in 2005, has proven to be a reliable company for the investing public. Analysts attributed NAHCO’s capital gain to the continuing growth in the operations and improvements in the management of the company.
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
To stem lingering revenue challenges and attendant difficulty in meeting government targets, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) is organising a high-level training for Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on strategies for increased fiscal efficiency and enhanced government revenue.
The training workshop, which is in collaboration with National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS),
Jos, is expected to reinforce the principles of fiscal responsibility within the operations of GOEs and key MDAs, and enhance participants’ capacity to implement reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability.
It is also designed to provide a roadmap for improved fiscal efficiency, sustainable revenue mobilisation, and reduction of leakages in government finance as well as encourage synergy between fiscal policymakers, regulators, and institutional leaders for better economic governance, in line with President Bola
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement by its Deputy Director, Strategic Commu- nications Directorate, Bede Anyanwu, FRC said it was established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, and mandated to monitor and enforce the payment of Operating Surplus by 68 GOEs, while also ensuring accountability in the management of internally generated revenue by other critical government agencies.
The statement said, “By engaging chief executives and key finance, legal, and
In jA pA n, T I nubu S AL u T e S nI ger IA n M ILITA r Y
compliance officers of these agencies, the workshop, with the theme, ‘Strategy for Fiscal Efficiency, Enhanced Government Revenue, and Plugging Leakages in Nigeria’s Financial Management System,’ seeks to provide a platform for critical dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the design of practical strategies to strengthen fiscal discipline, boost government revenue, and minimize financial leakages within the public sector.
“The collaboration with NIPSS underscores the recognition of the Institute as Nigeria’s apex policy
think-tank and training hub for strategic leadership.”
The workshop, facilitated by Thinkbig Consulting Limited, will feature presentations from seasoned experts and policy leaders, including FRC Executive Chairman, Victor Muruako, who will deliver the welcome address, setting the tone for high-level deliberations.
Nigeria’s first professor of capital market studies, Professor Uche Uwaleke, will present a paper on, “Examining the New Tax Reforms and Payment of Operating Surplus by Government
In S ecur ITY at the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) holding in Yokohama, Japan.
Reaffirming that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remained Nigeria’s greatest strengths, the president de- scribed the current momentum in the Nigerian Armed Forces as a springboard for national development and stability.
“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the president said.
Tinubu, who spoke after the
a coronation ceremony slated for Friday, September 26, 2025 at Mapo Hall in the ancient city.
A delegation by the state government, THISDAY gathered, met yesterday with Ladoja and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.
A media aide to Ladoja, Chief Adeola Oloko, who confirmed the meeting said, “Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, 26 September, 2025.”
opening ceremony of the three- day conference, emphasised the ongoing investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve the living standards of all Nigerians.
He stressed the essence of peace and stability to meaning- ful development, lamenting that conflicts were still ongoing in many African countries despite some progress.
He however, highlighted recent peace pacts brokered in the Congo as evidence that a new model of mediation and economic considerations could yield“Wesuccess.should be under no
his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja.
He spoke publicly for the first time on Monday since his official nomination, reflecting on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.
illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had. In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict.
“Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo. It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability.
“Nigeria understands this process well. We believe inclu- sivity and diversity under the rule of law are our strengths. We have argued for this vision, and we have fought for it. We are still fighting for it today.
“We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror,” he said.
Nations’ organs, especially the United Nations Security Council, to give African countries a greater voice.
His words: “It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand. Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto.
“Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the Security Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”
Ishiba announced a collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank that would see a maximum of $5.5 billion disbursed to Africa, utilising Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) private sector investment finance as a catalyst.
Enterprises (GOEs).” Uwaleke’s presentation will critically assess recent tax reforms and their implications for GOEs’ compliance with fiscal responsibility laws.
Ishiba, who underscored the positives of Africa’s youthful population added: “There is another potential in Africa. There is so much growing young population in Africa. But for the power of young people in Africa to flourish, you need to create a manufacturing industry and create employment, and that, I believe, is very important.
“In Africa, there is a primary industry, agriculture, forestry, and industries, and then it jumped over to the tertiary sec- tors and the services industries.
The former Oyo State governor had earlier on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government.
The meeting, the first since his return following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, lasted for about two hours.
The former Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors six weeks ago a few days after his 90th birthday celebrations.
But Ladoja, who had left town prior to the passing of the late Olubadan, returned to Ibadan Ibadan on Monday, preparatory to his official approval as the new Olubadan.
Ladoja, who described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials”, attributed
“When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, it hit me with a rude shock. I never imagined that destiny would call me at this moment,” he said, addressing a crowd at his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan.
He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.
Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.
Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.
“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.
Tinubu also appealed for market-driven cooperation and partnerships across nations rather than the hackneyed appeals for aid and handouts.
He seized the opportunity to call on the Japanese govern- ment to support the campaign for reforms in the United
M A k I n D e Approve S L AD oj A AS TH e 44 TH oL ub ADA n, In STALLATI on Ho LDS Sep T 26 re A, De LTA pA rT ner
creation of about 31,220 jobs in the renewables segment of the power sector to cut the growing unemployment rate.
Speaking in Abuja at the REA’s ‘State-by-State Roundtable Engagement’ themed: “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pledged the readiness of the state to fully take advantage of the suite of impactful programmes on offer by the REA.
During a presentation by the state government, it listed the immense potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power, with an annual average solar radiance of 4.53 kilowatts per hour, making it the highest in the South-south region.
On why the collaboration
Addressing the role of information and technology, Tinubu called for international cooperation to ensure technol- ogy becomes a tool for peace and trust, not division and alienation.
Earlier, the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development.
He outlined Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
matters, the state government noted that electricity supply in rural areas is largely low, denying access to such basics as lighting and refrigeration for almost 70 per cent of the coastal rural areas of the state.
Despite the achievements of the government in rural electrification schemes, the state noted that on a regular basis, it is still inundated with requests from rural communi- ties to either rehabilitate or reinforce existing dilapidated electricity networks or extend the electricity network as some communities do not have access to the national grid.
With an estimated 65 per cent of the rural communities in Delta State unserved and underserved, the government told the Renewable Energy Service Companies (Rescos)
The Prime Minister emphasised that locally rooted solutions were essential for Africa’s“Japandevelopment. is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector- led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa.”
He appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grappled with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
According to him, “In 75 years from now, the population of Japan would have been halved. In the local communities, the population continues to decline; this is one big challenge Japan is facing. All agricultural land is being reduced, another major challenge for Japan.”
present at the event that huge opportunities currently exist for them in the state.
“I must emphasise that we view these programmes not only as energy access initiatives, but as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.
“Access to reliable energy is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in communities that have long been unserved and underserved. Delta State is committed to leveraging these programmes to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that align with our medium-term development plan and the MORE agenda of Delta state.
“We believe that the
“There is a jump in economic growth that Japan and other Asian countries have experi- enced and they have tried to move from the primary, the agriculture, fisheries, forestry to the secondary, that is a necessary process because the power of the youth could be realised fully in the manufacturing industry to improve the productivity of Africa’s manufacturing sector,” the prime minister stated.
Meanwhile, the presidency has justified Nigeria’s participa- tion at TICAD9 in Japan.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a state- ment, explained that the
Continued on page 37
outcomes of these initiatives will drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery, education, local industries, and job creation across Delta state,” Oborevwori stated.
Speaking on the advantages of renewables over traditional energy sources like fossils, Oborevwori highlighted that these sources remain critically volatile, environmentally unstable, non-renewable, and increasingly expensive.
On its part, he stated that Delta state will fully key into the federal government’s energy transition plan that ensures access to electricity, renewable energy means, and private sector collaboration as enacted in the State’s Power Sector Law (2024).
Continued on page 37
L-R: Director, Search and Rescue, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong; UNDP Nigeria Representative, Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshiro; Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, NEMA, Dr. Ishaya Isah Chonoko; Representative of the Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Solomon Lazarus; Director, Special Duties, NEMA, Mrs. Fatima Kassim; and Representative of the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Mrs. Amina Nyako, during the validation workshop on Development of National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025-2030 and Action Plan 2025-2028 in Abuja on Tuesday
Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced commencement of comprehensive audit of the entire Flight Information Region (FIR), also known as the Nigerian airspace.
The NAMA said, in a statement, that the exercise, which commenced on August 19, was a systematic self-assessment audit by the agency, targeted at examining the overall safety performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance with the Nigerian airspace.
In a related development, Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a civil society organisation, faulted Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over its decision to ban the use of mobile phones in “airplane mode” during flight operations,
describing the directive as a source of serious international embarrassment to Nigeria.
Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, at a stakeholders’ meeting, themed, “National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting,” in Abuja on Tuesday, had declared that all passengers
The Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together in advocating better policies that will promote national development and protect the interest of employers and their workers.
Speaking on Tuesday at the signing of a 3-Year Memorandum of Understanding between NECA and CISLAC in Abuja, the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said the two organisations hope to
leverage their research capabilities, advocacy strengths, and extensive networks, “to create a more powerful voice for our nation’s economic renaissance”.
Oyerinde said both NECA and CISLAC will undertake joint efforts and will focus on key areas such as public policy, influencing the formulation and implementation of policies that support both economic growth and social welfare.
Other areas of collaboration include; promotion of responsible business conduct, promoting ethical practices and corporate citizenship within the private sector.
On taxation, Oyerinde said they will both partner in advocat- ing a fair and transparent tax system that benefits all and ease of doing business, thereby removing the bottlenecks that hinder enterprise and job creation.
NECA DG further said the partnership will seek to promote decent work, ensuring that labor rights are respected and the workforce is protected.
“This partnership is a clear demonstration that progress is best achieved through collabora- tion, not division. It is a testament to the belief that when the private sector and civil society work as allies, we can drive meaningful,
lasting transformation,” he said. On his part, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani who signed the MoU on behalf of his organization, said that apart from jointly advocating responsible business conduct and ethical corporate practices, NECA and CISLAC will drive advocacy on critical issues such as health, climate change, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
must now completely switch off their electronic devices during flights, thereby ending the long-standing “flight mode” practice.
NAMA said the airspace assessment will also strengthen its readiness for the impending Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) Certification by NCAA, and the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), and Regional Office Safety Team (ROST) Mission.
The agency stated, “The FIR Audit also seeks to evaluate the state of Air Traffic Services (ATS), Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) facilities, Aeronautical Information Management (AIM), Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations as well as identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement in accordance
with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
“The audit will cover detailed inspections of Nigeria’s four major international airports — Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt — along with Enugu, Maiduguri, and several state and private aerodromes, including CNS facilities across the nation.”
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Umar, described the FIR audit as a defining milestone in the agency’s journey towards excel- lence in airspace management.
Umar stated, “This audit is a landmark initiative, the first of its kind in NAMA’s 25-year history and it marks a bold and proactive step by the agency to reinforce its mandate of delivering safe, efficient, and seamless air navigation services in full alignment with international best practices.
Funmi Ogundare
The Lagos State Government has said it is committed to protecting the health of its citizens, while encouraging greater collaboration among stakeholders to build a safer food ecosystem.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and
Investment, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, stated this at the 3rd Food Safety Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), in collaboration with key stakeholders in the food sector, with the theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action.”
“Food safety is critical to consumer health and overall
economic growth. I am con- fident that the outcomes of this conference will positively influence government policies and reshape stakeholders’ approach to food handling and safety,” Dr. Aina said. He stressed that food safety is no longer an iso- lated concern but a shared responsibility across the entire value chain.
Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector.
While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.
Refuting claims that LASAA
intends to “wield the big stick,” the agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.
Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges
and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”
Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures pri- marily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.
L-R: Unit Head, Consumer Liabilities, Access Bank Plc, Adeola Rojaiye; Team Lead, Consumer Liabilities, Access Bank Plc, Olarenwaju Adetula;
₦200,000 Onsite Winner, Hakeem Adewale; Regional Sales Director, Southwest, Access Bank Plc, Bolaji Aboderin; and Product Manager, DiamondXtra,
Okpara during the launch of DiamondXtra Season 17 in Ibadan, Oyo State... recently
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday announced it had uncovered no fewer than 176 non-serving Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) on the promotion list.
PSC said it declined the promotion of the 176 ASPs, who were found to have retired from service, along with another three suspected to have died.
The commission also approved the promotion of 952 ASPs to the next rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
In a statement, PSC urged the beneficiaries to imbibe the spirit of nationalism and respect for the laws and regulations of the service.
PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, who signed the statement, explained that the decisions were among the key highlights of the first plenary meeting of the sixth Board
of the Commission, held at its corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Chairmanyesterday. of PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), while congratulating the newly promoted officers, warned that, going forward, they must uphold the spirit of nationalism and comply with the laws and regulations of the police service.
Argungu said the commission would no longer tolerate diversionary or unauthorised actions by serving officers, especially when there were duly established channels for airing grievances.
He assured the officers that the commission would continue to ensure that their career progression was not hindered or trampled upon.
The newly promoted of- ficers included: Maidawa Yakubu, Edwin Thomas, Chagga Yakubu, Sabo Hassan, Omini Dickson, Bassey Alobo, Enyinnaya Ejimadu, Grace Okon, Rose Bassey,
Fidelis Offorbuike, Adamu Isa Audu, and Ofem Uket. Others were Elvina Ochia Chukwu (FCID Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos); Kyrian Igwe (Enugu State Command); Ndidiamaka Onwude (O/C JWC, B Division, Kpirikpri, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Command);
Rosemary Obianuju Egbo (Area Command, Warri, Delta State); Tabitha Gotan; Uya Bassey Johnson (Abia State Command); Elizabeth Ajik (NPF-NCC, FCID); Sunday Prince Ajaegbu (44 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja); and Deborah Danjuma (SPU Base 7, Abuja).
Olowu Yetunde Olatunde (Ogun State Command); Felix Okpaleke (32 PMF, Abakaliki); Zakka Bulus (FCT Command, Abuja); Kudirat Elegba (SPU Base 2, Lagos); Isioma Omodion (Delta State Command); Ukpabio Ayi Akiba (Rivers State Command); and Edna Emeh
Bassey were also among the ASPs elevated to the new rank of DSP.
Argungu said the commission’s approval had been conveyed to the Inspector-General of Police for implementation, in a letter signed by PSC secretary, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.
Bennett Oghifo
Former Chairman of Ekiti State Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, who was recently sacked by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has alleged that he was removed for supporting a governorship aspirant, Engineer Kayode Ojo, ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
Last Sunday, Oyebanji an-
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private security company owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has procured drones to effectively secure the pipelines against oil theft, particularly in the creeks of the Niger Delta region.
The Executive Director (Operations & Technical) TSSNL, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, made the disclosure on Monday at the commencement of a three-day
“Capacity Building Training for 100 personnels of the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and TSSNL staff. The training, carried out in conjunction with Top-Private Security Services, was anchored on effective security protection coordination for critical national infrastructure held at the Jubilee centre in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State is the second in the series of capacity building.
Captain Enisuoh, who was represented by the Head of Technical, Roland Seriake,
acknowledged the dangers the security personnel faced daily in the discharge of their jobs in the creeks noting, “It’s not easy. Sometimes, you encounter gun battles and that’s why we collaborate with the DSS”.
He noted that personnel of Tantita Security Services are a private security firm and as such not licensed to bear arms adding” that’s why we collaborate with the Army, Navy, Air force, NSCDC for them to give us that armed back up which they have been doing successfully.”
nounced Olumide’s sack as the chairman of the agency, allegedly, “for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty”.
But Olumide, in a press statement yesterday in Lagos, said his removal was politicallymotivated and hinged on “refusal to align with Oyebanji” for the 2026 election.
He urged Ekiti State residents to ignore the governor’s claims that he was sacked for corruption, saying he remains committed to his political convictions.
Olumide maintained that Ojo’s candidacy represented hope for Ekiti people.
He explained, “The CBN
said the agency should recover funds amounting to N1.6 billion. But along the line, we met bottlenecks. Politicians were interfering, saying the money was not disbursed by us. Because of these obstacles, we decided to stop and recom- mended that those who issued the money should be responsible for the recovery.
“So, in view of that, we continued with our own mandate. Later, we read in the news that the state government released N500 million to a microfinance company that had just opened in Ekiti. We wanted to understand the modus operandi and how
they intended to disburse the funds.
“We discovered it was meant to be a counterpart arrangement. But the Lagos microfinance company’s contribution was not forthcoming. Our board even held a virtual meeting with them, but they told us the MOU signed with the state did not include our agency.
“That means we were completely side-lined. People outside were asking me, as the chairman of the Ekiti microfinance agency, about the disbursement. I told them we had no hand in it. That was the beginning of the loggerhead.”
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Edo State House of Assembly has on Wednesday, cleared eight additional nominees as commissioners to be added to the state executive council.
This followed a request from the governor, Senator Monday Okphebolo, which was acted upon by the state legislature through its Com-
mittee on Rules, Business and Government House.
The house considered the report of the committee which had 11 findings and one single recommendation before their confirmation.
Explaining further on the findings, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said all the nominees were indigenes, competent and experienced,
and are all qualified to occupy the position of commissioners. He charged them to be proactive and work in synergy with the state governor to ensure that Edo State move forward.
The Speaker however frowned at what he termed gender imbalance as among the eight commissioner nominees, only one was a female.
L-R: Sustainability and CSR Associate, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Erere Jakpor; Head of Sustainability and CSR, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Aderonke Aderinoye; Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; General Manager, LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu; LASTMA Quartermaster representing General Manager LASTMA, Mr. Jubril Oshodi; and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, at the annual Train-the-Trainer workshop themed “Driver’s Education: Panacea to Economic Growth and Development”, hosted by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) in Lagos, yesterday
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NI- DCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed that about 7000 Nigerian immigrants are stranded in Libya.
She made the disclosure at the official launch of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), strategic plan
for Nigeria, 2025-2027, in Abuja.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, Dabiri-Etewa said: “As we speak 7000 Nigerians are stranded in Libya. At this time and age people still travel byIOMroad.”Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche in her welcome address, stated that the IOM strategic plan for Nigeria was developed
by Nigerians and owned by Nigerians.
She said: “We all sat together, led by the minister of humanitarian, budget and economic planning, at technical level, and went through our strategy. And why did we do that? Because for me, it was not about IOM.
“It was about you. That is why I came to this country, for
us to sit and serve one another. So, we reviewed our strategy, went into details, reflecting some of those priorities, and what we have here is a reflection of your own ideas, what you proposed, and led by your technical people that we sat together.”
She added that: “This is not just an IOM strategy for Nigeria, it is Nigeria’s
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Efforts to make Abia State have a reliable social register have commenced following technical assistance offered by the UNICEF, which implements the EU Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Programmes (SUSI) in Nigeria.
The Abia government acknowledged the importance of this support at a workshop in Umuahia,
organised by UNICEF to acquaint Abia officials with the technicalities of gathering and storing and updating data on social security.
In another development, UNICEF in collaboration with the Katsina State Government has unveiled a joint education sector coordination committee to promote education policy formulation and implementa- tion in the state.
The committee, headed by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Educa-
tion, Zainab Musawa, will also facilitate joint planning, budgeting and resource mobilization for effective education activities.
Presenting the terms of reference of the committee at an inaugural meeting in Katsina Wednesday, the Officer-in-charge, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Michael Banda, said it will improve data sharing and evidencebased decision making in the state.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Commissioner for
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has extolled the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for attaining the golden age of 50. The President also said the focus of his administration on transparency and accountability, as well as resources in the investment
of infrastructure and human capital, empowering communities at the grassroots for a sustainable future, would leverage on its rich resources of land and water. Represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Wale Edun, the President said the Niger Delta region has experienced great transformation under the leadership of Ogbuku.
He charged the celebrant to continue to champion the transformation of the Commission as an agency delivering projects that touches lives and empower youths.
According to him, “Niger Delta region more than a region. It is the economic heartbeat of this country, and it’s central to the energy and environmental future. For decades, the story has been difficult.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, said that Abia has been working hard since 2023 to ensure that the state register was updated.
“We’ve been working with relevant agencies, especially NASSCO (National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office) to update Abia’s social register,” she said.
Prominent rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, has challenged claims by former NBA General Secretary Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, criticizing the recent requirement for newly cleared Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to undergo security screening by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Odinkalu stressed that the rule mandating such screenings was instituted in
strategy supported by IOM, developed through inclusive consultations and shaped by national priorities.”
She also used the oppor- tunity to call on the federal government and all other stakeholders to support the full implementation of the strategic plan.
She said: “We are not just launching the strategy to leave it there, but I’m counting on each and every one of you to implement that strategy together, so that when we sit down three years, five years from now, we can hold each other’s accountable.
“We want to see that difference. And I’m counting on you for your support to make that difference.”
The Deputy Director IOM, Ugochi Daniels, in her goodwill message said, “I’m sure with this team and with the rest of the United Nation team here and the partnership with the government the road might be steep but we will get there.
“What I want to add to that is that the strategy that we are
launching today is how we as IOM are translating in concrete terms our commitment in achieving the vision the national development aspirations of the federal government of Nigeria in partnership with all of you represented here and the organizations and states and at the federal level that youSherepresent.” assured that, “It is my firm and concrete belief that when we gather again at the end of the strategy we will be able to celebrate not just the achievements from the strategy but the achievements of all of the states that are supported and the achievements of the federal government of Nigeria and the contribution IOM has had to make to this.”
The Minister of state Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, represen- tatives of Borno, Yobe, Abia, Bauchi and others pledged to support the implementation of the IOM strategic plan
2022 by former Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and has governed SAN conferment in 2022, 2023, and 2024 without objection.
He argued that Akinboro’s assertion that SAN elevation is solely a professional rec- ognition and immune from security oversight is “factually inaccurate.”
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Odinkalu said: “These people are short of candour. The rules requiring screening of SAN candidates by DSS, EFCC, and ICPC were
made by Olukayode Ariwoola in 2022. They governed SAN conferment in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Rather than object, folks saw them and applied.”
He also highlighted what he called a double standard, noting that judicial nominees similarly undergo DSS screening.
He questioned why only SAN candidates are now being contested, asking, “Why are they objecting to the screening of SAN candidates by SSS? What do they have to hide?”
General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said the 36 governors of the federation would continue to support efforts by President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies on all fronts to rid the country of terrorism. AbdulRazaq stated this yesterday in Ilorin following the recent arrest of top leaders of terrorist groups in the country.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor commended the president and security agencies in the country for the good work. He said the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the leader of Ansaru,
and his deputy, Mahmud alNigeri, also known as Malam Mahmuda, attested to the extensive intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations of the current federal administration.
The statement said, “These arrests are a big win for the country. We commend the president, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the Nigerian armed forces, army, air force, navy, and the Nigeria Police and other agencies for this feat.
“On our part, we will continue to support the effort of the president and the security agencies on all fronts. We are confident that these arrests, along with other efforts at various levels across the country,
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Nigeria must urgently reinvent its political leadership and governance structures to restore citizens’ trust, rescue democracy, and avert a future of deepening poverty, instability, and mass disillusionment, leading opposition figures and scholars declared yesterday at the inaugural lecture of the African Institute for Statecraft International (AISI) in Abuja.
Themed “Reinventing Political Leadership and Democratic Governance”, the lecture drew political thinkers, party leaders, scholars, and policy scientists, who were unanimous that Nigeria’s leadership crisis lay at the heart of its economic woes and growing discontent among citizens.
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, represented by the Deputy National Public-
ity Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said Nigeria had been plunged into “a state of national shock” by years of failed promises and poor governance.
Damagum said, “Citizens are like a lover betrayed having promised everything but delivered nothing.”
He lamented the lack of preparation and capacity building within the public service, stressing that Nigeria’s five million-strong civil service has largely remained untrained since recruitment, leaving them ill-equipped to deliver 21st-century governance.
“The president or governor cannot do everything. Execu- tion lies at the lower levels, and when unprepared, failure is inevitable,” he added.
Chief Olabode George, represented by a PDP chieftain, Hon. Dare Adeleke, also decried what he called “personalitydriven governance.”
will stamp out the criminal activities in our communities.”
AbdulRazaq also said in the statement, “I again reassure our people that we will continue to work with the security agen- cies to eliminate threats and maintain security of lives and properties. Our people should rest assured that no resources are being spared to protect them
and their properties.
“I also urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security forces and other state authorities. Nondisclosures or limited disclosure of specific security information or operation is not borne out of inaction or lack of concern.”
The governor said, “A lot is
being done in collaboration with the security agencies, resulting in valuable intelligence gathering and analysis, arrests, and prevention of attacks that could have occurred.
“I, therefore, urge our people to remain alert but calm as renewed efforts are being made to curtail the cowardly activities of the criminals in our
hinterlands.
“As more security operatives, including forest guards, are deployed to boost safety in the affected areas, I have also directed KWASSIP to immediately take inventories of persons affected for support.
“This will be done in collaboration with community leaders for inclusion and accountability.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, led the federal government’s delegation on a condolence visit to the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, at his Okene residence, to commiserate with the Ododo family over the passing of their patriarch, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.
Accompanied by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator
Abubakar Kyari, among others, the vice-president, according to a release by his Media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, prayed the Almighty Allah to “grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljana Firdaus and also his family and the good people of Kogi state, the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Shettima, who said the delegation was in the state on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to extended condolences to Governor Ododo and the entire family, described the passing
of Pa Ododo as a great loss to the whole nation.
“We are here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with the Ododo family over the demise of the patriarch of the family, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.
“May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljana Firdaus and his family and the good people of Kogi state, the fortitude to bear the loss. May Allah continue to unite the people of Kogi and may peace continue to reign
supreme in Kogi State,” he said. Earlier, in his remark, Ododo thanked the VP for the visit, commending his leadership and acknowledging his qualities. According to him, “Your presence here today has brought comfort and strength while we mourn the passing of my beloved father. People really don’t know who you are. Your support is a testament to the values of leadership, solidarity and compassion of a leader. We thank you most sincerely for your leadership style.”
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has objected to the proposed salary increase for political office holders, describing the move as tone-deaf and an affront to the struggling Nigeria people.
The proposed review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), would see the President, Vice President, governors, and other top officials receive substantial pay increases.
This is however coming at a time a majority of of Nigerians were grappling with the effects of inflation, rising fuel costs, and an inadequate minimum wage.
In a statement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mal- lam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party noted the constitutional mandate of the RMAFC to review salaries of political office holders, but claimed considering such at this time further underlined how far the government was disconnected from the reality of Nigerian people.
The ADC, therefore, condemned the plan by RMAFC to increase the salaries of political office holders.
‘’We are aware of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to periodically review relevant emoluments of political office holders in the country.
“However, proposing such review at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with soaring food inflation, high cost of fuel, inadequate and largely unpaid minimum wage would indicate a total disregard for
the people,’’ he said. The ADC said While the Chairman of RMAFC attempted to justify the proposed increases by describing the current pay structure of political office hold- ers as “inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated,” it wished to draw the public’s attention to the fact that the salaries were already supplemented with sundry bogus and opaque allowances, perks, and other discretionary funds, which together far exceeded what ordinary Nigerians earned.
L-R: Field Coordinator, Clean Fuel, Clean Stove initiatives (CF-CS), Dr. Eniola Erinosho; LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; Co-Principal Investigator, CF-CS initiative, Prof. Kikelomo Ololade Wright; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; and the CF-CS Principal Coordinator, Prof. Gbenga Ogedengbe, during the Clean Fuel, Clean Stove (CF-CS) implementation stakeholders engagement held at the GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Ahead of today’s by election in Zamfara State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of militarising the election in the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency to muzzle the opposition.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner for
J
n, T I nu B u
main objective of Nigeria’s participation was to focus on bilateral and multilateral engagements targeted at driv- ing optimum performance in key sectors of nation’s economy especially in power, industry andTheagriculture.
release also disclosed that in the course of the conference, Tinubu would hold talks with chief executive officers of Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP and International Finance Corporation.
It further stated that while the Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu would, among other assignments, engage in preactivation meeting to execute several power projects in Nigeria that were being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the goal of the Nigerian team did not include attending any tradeTheexpo.Presidency, in the release stated, “The trending social me- dia narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ at the ongoing 9th Tokyo Interna- tional Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference.
Information, Sam Olumekun, said the affected polling units had a total of 3,572 registered voters out of which 3,265 permanent voters cards (PVCs) were collected by voters. According to him, the margin of lead between the two leading candidates was 1,662, adding that based on Section 24(3) and (4) of the Electoral Act 2022, election must be held in the affected polling units to determine a winner.
“While we understand the urge by many social media users to seek clickbaits with many incorrect posts, we also recognise that the author may have acted out of patriotic concern. But it is a concern inspired by ignorance about Nigeria’s mission at the trien- nial conference.
“The Nigerian delegation to the summit, led by President Bola Tinubu, is laser-focused on its core objectives of achieving tangible outcomes from the scheduled lineup of bilateral and multilateral engagements targeted at driv- ing optimum performance in key sectors of the economy, especially in power, industry and“Theagriculture.Nigerian official delegation working with Corporate Nigeria, represented by some of our leading busi- ness leaders, didn’t come to Yokohama and Tokyo to attend any Trade Expo, designed as an open forum for participating“Thenations.Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agricul- ture (NACCIMA) is scheduled to host an investment forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025
“The Nigerian ministers are busy with bilateral sideline
Addressing a press confer- ence at the PDP National secretariat, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, ‘’This is currently playing out in the conduct of the bye- elections in various states of the country with particular refer- ence to that of Kaura Namoda South State Constituency of in Zamfara State.’’
He said available reports re- vealed that the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency
discussions. At the same time, President Tinubu will lead meetings with the execu- tives of Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation. The delegation’s schedule does not include participation in an open forum trade exhibition.
“Specifically, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading the pre-activation meeting to execute several power projects in Nigeria that are being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“One of the projects is the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmis-
With an already established 8.5 MW embedded power plant, the governor said that this will be replicated in key public institutions in the state.
“As encapsulated in our electricity policy, Delta State is ready to widen its operations in the electricity sector. And therefore, we aim for the establishment of solar-powered mini-grids, solar farms for rural communities, hybrid solar wind systems, or any other renewable energy hybrid system for housing and coastal estates,
bye-election held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 was marred by massive intimidation, threat and harassment of the voters by APC controlled security agencies.
The PDP spokesman said photographs/video evidence reveal the brutalisation of voters and carting away of ballot boxes by heavily armed security personnel, who boasted that they were acting on orders from above.
He explained that as a result of the induced intimidation and suppression of votes, the election which was overwhelmingly won by the PDP was curiously declared “inconclusive” in five Polling Units.
He named them as Alko/ Shiyar Kudu PU, Sakajiki Ward; Shiyar Magaji/Kofar Hamza PU, Kyambarawa Ward; Shiyar Nufawa/ kofar MD Nuhu PU, Sakajiki Ward;
In SE cu RITY
sion System Improvement, which is designed to improve the wheeling capacity and grid stability and enable the con- nection of industrial customers on the corridor.
“There is also the partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA to enhance Vocational Training Delivery for the power sector. The third power project is the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up, for which $190 million has been provided.
“The Minister of Power is scheduled to negotiate with notable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such
and for businesses,” he added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, while underscoring the need for mini-grids, stressed that on-grid power supply will not be cost effective for very far-flung communities.
“Here, we have identified 531 educational facilities that can be powered using the mini-grid. We also have identified 471 off-grid communities in Delta State. And we estimated that we can connect 120,000 connections using this mini-grid.
as TOSHIBA and HITACHI.
“The Bank of Industry, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Supo Olusi, is also in high-level discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other participating multilateral in- stitutions for its annual global fund
“Socialsyndication. media posts are often sensational and do not tell complete stories, just as the trending video does not capture Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9. Our country is fully and well represented and part of the essential conversa- tions and negotiations that are going on at TICAD9.”
“Based on our analysis of this data, we have realised that if we address the electricity access target of all the communities within Delta state, we will boost the GDP of Delta State with at least $2.9 billion. This is based on factual data that we have written down.
“And we can create, in a very simple way, 31,220 job opportunities within the state and thereby attracting an investment of about $158 million,” Aliyu added.
In her presentation, the
Tukasu/Sabuwar Kasuwa PU, Kyambarawa Ward; and Kofar Fada/Shiyar Fada PU, Kyambarawa Ward. He claimed this was done with the intent to enable the APC manipulate the electoral process and allocate the victory of the PDP in the election to the APC.
‘’In their desperation to subvert the Will of the people in the re-run election scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 21st August 2025, the APC in an operation which allegedly has the involvement of a Minister from Zamfara State is currently deploying full battalions of the Army, the Navy, the Airforce, the Mobile Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) from Abuja and other parts of the country to just five Polling Units in Zamfara State.
‘’The aim of this nefarious deployment is to foist a siege mentality on the people of the Constituency, intimidate, ter- rorise and prevent them from coming out to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote, having real- ized that the APC has been soundly rejected by the people of Zamfara State.
Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) of the agency, Doris Uboh, said that REF has successfully deployed 125 mini-grids, 25,000 solar home systems, and more than 200,000 electricity connections across 183 rural communities.
“We have connected 724 mini-grids with a total capacity of 16.6 megawatts. We have deployed 25,580 solar home systems. Our projects are allencompassing, and we make sure it gets spread across the entire 36 states,” she stressed.
OBOREVWORi FELiCiTaTEs aPC CHaiRMaN
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (right), presenting a birthday card to the Chairman, Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Omeni Sobotie, during the chairman’s birthday party in Asaba…recently
alex Enumah in abuja and david-Chyddy Eleke in awka
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, yesterday expressed regret over the brutal assault of a youth corps member, Miss Jennifer Elohor, by members of the state security outfit, otherwise known as Agunechemba.
seriki adinoyi in Jos
A rainstorm yesterday hit Jos, Plateau State capital destroying South Local Government secretariat and some houses in the Bukuru area of the city.
Chairman of Jos South LGA, Mr. Silas Patrick Dung, confirmed the development to newsmen, saying the storm was extremely strong, uprooting the entire four columns holding the Secretariat gate house and destroying some houses in the community.
“For the storm to destroy
the Council Secretariat gate built with 25 mm rod tells you that it must be a very strong rainstorm,” he said.
The chairman, who visited the affected areas with officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reported that about six houses were destroyed, with several others having their roofs blown off and fences damaged.
“From what we can ascertain at the moment, we have counted about six houses that were destroyed.
Francis sardauna in Katsina
The Federal University of Transportation Daura (FUTD) has integrated modern technologydriven teaching with plans to introduce smart classrooms to enhance learning amongst its students.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, who disclosed this at the
second matriculation ceremony of the institution, said it would also expand its virtual learning platforms.
“The university is integrating modern technology in teaching, with plans to introduce smart classrooms and expand virtual learning platforms”, Katsayal said during the matriculation of 529 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The governor, who condemned the treatment meted out to the corps member, however, assured the public that the law must take its course. He gave the assurance while speaking on Arise News Prime Time programme.. A viral video of the battery, including the striping of the lady by the vigilance group, had few days ago surfaced on the social media, with many condemning the act and calling for justice.
Reacting to the issue, Governor Soludo, who disclosed that the incident actually happened on July 23, but was brought to the media a month after, described the incident as very unfortunate.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor observed that irrespective of the alleged offence the lady may have committed, she is not deserving of the dehumanising treatment handed her by the some operatives of the Agunechemba.
Oluyede vows to oust Ekiti Gov, says PDP not dead
Gbenga sodeinde in ado Ekiti and Folalumi alaran in abuja
The Ekiti Progressives Assembly has accused the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration of abandoning critical infrastructure and social services in the state despite reported growth in internally generated revenue (IGR).
This is just as a leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Ekiti state, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has vowed to unseat Oyebanji,, using the party, PDP that is currently being underestimated in the state. At a press conference held yesterday, the group said while government figures show that Ekiti’s IGR rose from about N650 million to N2.3 billion monthly in three years, placing the state among the top performers nationally, the increase was not backed by sustainable economic growth.
daji sani in yola
The Adamawa State Government has successfully rescued 14 children who were victims of a human trafficking ring and reunited them with their parents.
The children, between the ages of 4 and 9, were trafficked from various communities in Adamawa State to the Southeastern region of Nigeria.
The state Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, in her speech at the handover ceremony in Yola, said the trafficker, a middle-aged woman of Igbo extraction identified as Ngozi Abdulwahab, perfected the art of trafficking minors from Adamawa State to the Southeastern region, where she sold the victims for paltry sums of ₦800,000 to ₦1.7 million per child. The deputy governor revealed that the government received an intelligence report about missing children in July 2025 and swung into action with the cooperation of security operatives.
John shiklam in Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on its members to participate actively in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that commenced recently. (INEC).
urged Christians to use the opportunity ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement yesterday, Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam,
“As responsible citizens and followers of Christ, we have a moral and civic duty to contribute meaningfully to the future of our nation,” he said.
“One of the most effective ways to do this is through active participation in the democratic process, beginning with voter registration.”
Chinedu Eze
The President of Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Mr. Seyi Adewunmi, has called for unity among members, as well as good
governance that will lead to a prosperous Nigeria in the foreseeable future.
The president emphasised good governance as political activities begin to build ahead of the 2027 general
election, saying that the club is committed to principles of good governance, not partisan politics, and insisting that the club is politically neutral.
Speaking at a gala night
held to commemorate the club’s 76th anniversary, Adewunmi emphasized that the club would support only candidates who promote the public good.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team D’Tigers’ quests to emulate their ladies crashed last night as they lost 75-91 to Senegal in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Afrobasket Championship in Luanda, Angola.
The loss effectively put paid to their dream of also winning the championship and getting rewarded bountifully with thousands of dollars, houses and national honours back home.
And so, they will have to wait another one year before taking a short at the continental title they have only won once in 2015.
Sadly, D’Tigers have become the second team to reach the quarterfinals undefeated — after Côte d’Ivoire — to see their AfroBasket title aspirations come to an abrupt end.
Expectedly, Brancou Badio, who rescued the Lions in the playoffs with Sudan, put on a never-to-be-forgotten show last night. The Valencia guard came out with a recital of incredible plays. He drove to the basket at will, shot from almost every corner of the floor, and eventually led all players in scoring with 32 points.
An exhilarating opening quarter saw Senegal and Nigeria tirelessly trading blows, but Nigeria led 24-23 after seven
lead changes.
But D’Tigers got blown away in the second and third quarters, losing by as much as 24 points deficit going into the final fourth quarter!
Jean Jacques Boissy hit a three-pointer on Senegal’s first possession of the second quarter to give them a 26-24 lead.
Another three-pointer from Amar Sylla extended Senegal’s
lead to 29–24, and Nigeria never led again.
Senegal maintained their momentum with a 13-5 run before Nigeria called a timeout to minimize the damage.
However, there wasn’t much they could do, as five-time champions Senegal appeared to be relentlessly dominant.
Although D’Tigers staged a comeback in the fourth quarter,
the Lions minimized the damage, losing by just five points. The gains they made in the second and third quarters made up for that and so they snatched the ticket to the semifinal where they will take on Mali.
They had previously beaten Mali 80-70 in Group D.
The drama of the earlier quarterfinals was Mali’s 102-96 victory over Côte d’Ivoire who had their hands on the semifinal ticket but lost it after overtime.
Kunle Adewale
Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface, is edging closer to a move to Serie A after reportedly reaching a full verbal agreement with Italian giants AC Milan.
According to transfer expert, Florian Plettenberg, AC Milan and Boniface have settled on personal terms, with the player eager to complete the switch from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Rossoneri, spearheaded by Sporting Director, Igli Tare, lodged an official offer within the last 48 hours as negotiations with Leverkusen intensified.
Sky Sport Germanyfurther reports that talks between both clubs were at an advanced stage as at last night, with the Bundesliga champions evaluating Milan’s proposal.
While details of the deal are still being finalised, news
outlet, Tribuna, suggests the structure could involve an initial loan with a €30 million option to buy, although a permanent transfer is not ruled out.
Boniface, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title-
winning campaign and was crowned Bundesliga Rookie of the Year in the 2023/24 season, has made it clear that he wants to join Milan.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles striker would become a significant addition to the Italian side, who are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Ugwu-Nwogo
With the conclusion of the zonal draws, Abia State has set its eyes on discovering of football talents that would follow the footsteps of Nigeria’s football legend, Nwankwo Kanu and AC
Milan forward, Samuel Chukwueze.
The hidden talents are expected to emerge at the maiden edition of Abia’s grassroots football league themed “from grassroots to greatness”, which kicks off on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Christened Abia Soccer Fest(ASF), the football tournament would run from the 184 state wards and progress to the local government level. The tour- nament is to be concluded with the state final where the overall champion would be crowned.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigerian duo of Favour Ofili and Nathaniel Ezekiel shone brightly last night at the World Athletics Diamond League Circuit in Lausanne, Switzerland.
However, World Record holder in women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan flopped.
Star girl, Ofili, finished second behind American Brittany Brown who took the 200m title 22.23secs on a wet, raining track in Lausanne.
Ofili was second in 22.31 while Côte d’Ivoire’s MarieJosee Ta Lou-Smith, who hit
a season’s best time of 22.37, was third.
The Swiss City was a good hunting ground for another Nigerian, Ezekiel, who recorded his first 400m hurdles win of the prestigious Wanda Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.
Ezekiel’s 48.08secs was good enough for the first position while American Trevor Bassitt was second in 48.14.
Yesterday was not a good day for world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, who finished outside the podium, clocking 12.82sec in fifth position in Lausanne.
Eberechi Eze is expected to join Arsenal for £60million after the Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign the forward from Crystal Palace.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Eze favours a move to Arsenal, with whom he started his youth career, despite north London rivals Tottenham having been in talks to sign him.
A deal for Spurs to sign Eze had been agreed between the clubs earlier on Wednesday after talks lasting 10 days, sources said, but it was not
finalised.
Arsenal’s offer also includes £8m in add-ons. The Gunners have concerns over a knee injury sustained by attacker Kai Havertzand Eze, 27, would offer Mikel Arteta a fresh option in advanced areas. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said on Wednesday that Eze would start in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad, along with Liverpool-linked Marc Guehi, as they remain “committed to the team”.
Against all odds, Team Nasarawa secured qualifications in four key disciplines for the 9th National Youth Games.
A contingent of 154 members left Lafia for Ilorin, Kwara State, for the Zonal Eliminations. Despite facing tough competition at the North Central Zonal Eliminations held in Ilorin, Kwara State, Team Nasarawa dominated in Boys’ Football, Hockey (Boys and Girls), and Volleyball Girls. The 9th edition of the
National Youth Games will hold in Asaba, Delta State, from August 26 to September 6, 2025.
During the zonal elimina- tion in Ilorin, Team Nasarawa defeated host State, Kwara, 1-0, in their first football match, beat Plateau State in their second match, and played out a 1-1 draw against Team Niger in their final match pairing, topping the table with seven points ahead of Team Plateau who came second.
TinUBU ATTEnDS TiCAD9 in JApAn...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2nd. left) in a group photograph with other heads of Government at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) yesterday
T h E v ERDICT
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
In recent weeks, I have had the privilege of walking the streets of Congo-Russia—the go-to-place for all manner of vices (illicit sex, drugs, guns, etc.)—in Jos North Local Government area. I have also been at numerous meetings with Fulani Ardos and leaders, including inside the much-dreaded Mahanga enclave in Riyom local government. These experiences have been quite revealing for me as a member of the facts-finding panel on the killings in Plateau State. Paired with retired Justice Esther Amina Lolo of the Kaduna High court in the same vehicle has afforded me a considerable education about life and our country. Just as I have learnt a lot from other members: Mr Jonathan Kure, AVM Ibrahim Shafii (rtd), Alhaji Lawal Usman Safana, Mr Yakubu Bawa, Dr Peter Gad Shamaki, Hajiya Amina Elelu Ahmed and the secretary and only Plateau State indigene, Mr Timothy Baba Parlong. But perhaps the greatest education has come from Ben who, like most drivers, is a purveyor of information.
Our chairman, Major General Rogers Nicolas (rtd) has led us to traverse the state on a delicate assignment that is almost concluded. And there was hardly a local government visited where we did not witness throngs of people scavenging at mining sites. But something jolted me last month. Driving through a community where hundreds of people were massed at a mining site, Ben said casually, “Three people were buried alive at that mining site some weeks ago,” pointing to one of the countless informal excavations that dot the landscape like open wounds. ‘Buried alive’! The words hung in the air with the weight of an epitaph nobody would ever read and for days, it haunted me.
When I returned to Abuja and began researching this phenomenon, I discovered that Ben might have been nonchalant about the information because it has become a normalized tragedy. Mining-related deaths, particularly from site collapses that bury workers alive, occur with alarming regularity across Nigeria. In Plateau, Zamfara, Kebbi, and other states where desperate citizens scratch at the earth for tin, gold, and other minerals, this cheap death has become no more than an occupational hazard. Yet, the
deafening silence about their fate speaks to a troubling reality about the people we consider to be expendable in our national discourse.
In Plateau State last November, a group of women were at a mining site on Fan Road, in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area when tragedy struck. “While they were standing, the ground just sank under them,” recounted Sunday Davou Gyang, a native of Kassa in Barkin-Ladi, who lost his son—a 400-level civil engineering student at the University of Jos—in a similar incident some weeks earlier. “One of them was a breastfeeding mother and they took her baby there for her to breast-feed. As she was just feeding the baby, the ground swallowed them all.”
Even if we argue that most Nigerians were not aware of that incident, what about the tragedy that made the front page of practically all newspapers last year? For more than a month after the collapse of a mining pit in Galkogo Community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on 3rd June 2024, dozens of labourers were still buried beneath the 400-metre dig hole. Athough the company, African Minerals and Logistics Limited, and government made rescue efforts, they eventually abandoned the idea, leaving families of the trapped victims to conduct prayers for the repose of souls of their loved ones without seeing their dead bodies. And that was the end of the matter! A few months before then, nine people were
buried beneath the earth when a mine pit collapsed on them at Dogon Daji village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It became their cemetery. That repeated funerals for bodies that cannot be accounted for in many of these mining communities has not provoked outrage is essentially due to the class dimension. Make no mistake: this is not an equal-opportunity tragedy. The men and women who die in these collapsing mines are not the children of politicians, heads of agencies or bureaucrats. They are not the relatives of bankers or oil executives or tech entrepreneurs either. They are the desperately poor. Farmers driven from their lands by insecurity. Young men and women with no formal education and fewer opportunities. Children gambling their lives against starvation. These are survival miners. People who descend into hand-dug pits with no engineering support, no safety equipment, and no regulatory oversight. That then explains why these mining fatalities are treated as statistical footnotes rather than human tragedies demanding systemic intervention. Yet, these people die not because they are reckless, but rather because they are poor. And there are also larger issues at play.
From crude oil to solid minerals, we have consistently approached natural resources as something to be grabbed by individuals rather than systematically developed for the good of the collective. The informal mining sector that claims these lives is therefore a symptom of this larger dysfunction. And we must come to terms with the fact that our people cannot dig their way to prosperity. Not like this. True mineral wealth development requires infrastructure, technology, regulation, and most importantly, a vision that sees beyond the immediate extraction to long-term value creation. What we have instead are thousands of individual survival operations that create neither sustainable livelihoods nor meaningful economic growth.
The irony is that Nigeria possesses some of the world’s most diverse mineral deposits. With proper development, our mining sec- tor could provide legitimate employment, generate substantial revenue, and contribute meaningfully to economic diversification. Instead, we have created a wild-west scenario where desperation meets opportunity in the
most dangerous possible way. Perhaps more disturbing is our collective amnesia about these deaths. When three people are buried alive in a mine collapse, it doesn’t merit national headlines. No safety inspectors rush to other sites. No emergency protocols are activated. No government officials demand explanation. The machinery of state that springs into action for lesser tragedies involving the connected of our society remains conspicuously silent. This normalized indifference extends beyond mining. In a country where we have created a hierarchy of grief, proximity to power determines the volume of outrage. Celebrity scandals dominate our discourse while hundreds die in preventable accidents. The absence of sustained media attention also reveals uncomfortable truths about whose stories we consider worth telling and whose death is worth mourning. Yet, these deaths represent a triple failure: of governance that permits unregulated mining; of an economy that offers no alternatives to desperation; and of a society that has learned to look away. We need immediate intervention in the mining sector: Safety inspections. Basic training. Emergency protocols. But the deeper challenge is addressing the economic hopelessness that drives people into these death traps. Until we create an economy that values all citizens equally, this stream of preventable deaths will continue to flow.
Simply by telling his own story in ‘Beyond Expectations’, Mr Yakubu Mohammed’s memoir provides a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of being a journalist in Nigeria, especially up to the end of the 20th century. He also provides insights and reflections on some important stories he and colleagues covered, pivotal moments in the country, the people he met along the way, and the impact of his work not only at Concord but also at NEWSWATCH magazine. NOTE: Please read my review online.