We won’t tolerate indiscipline, defectors left because of ambitions, says Bala Mohammed We’ll fix party, leaving not an option, Saraki declares Aliyu: most defectors are nomadic, selfish Our party will rise again, says Olawepo-Hashim
Edun: Rebased GDP, Q1 growth estimate signs of nation’s economic resilience, renewed momentum
LCCI: Rebasing hasn’t changed harsh economic reality Analysts: With sluggish GDP growth, attaining $1trn economy a tall order
and ₦500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, at the
Ikeja, yesterday
Says Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food mart, with N16.14 trillion economy Governors, ministers, investors express commitment to food security
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and N500billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, an initiative of the state government aimed at boosting food security, reducing imports, and enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said the programme and the fund reflected his administration’s commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth, not just for Lagos State, but for Nigeria.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over 50 per cent of the food traded in the South-west, with a food economy valued at N16.14 trillion.
The governor expressed optimism that the programme would provide guaranteed off-take contracts, access to financing, and logistics support, connecting Lagosians directly with Lagos’s dynamic food economy.
He said the initiative, a partnership between the state government and the private sector, would boost agricultural production.
Sanwo-Olu also announced the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.
He stressed that the initiative “will boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on informal and uncoordinated supply channels, cre-
ate jobs for our youth and increase economic returns for all ecosystem stakeholders”.
The governor stated, “It will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO) and supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
“This N500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, finance for logistics operators, liquidity for aggregators, and credit support for food producers across Nigeria. It is a demonstration of our understanding that our food economy cannot thrive on policy alone – it requires financing.
“This fund is not a subsidy; it is an investment vehicle that will catalyse private capital, stabilise food prices, and de-risk agricultural operations across the value chain.
“What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem, one that rises to meet the demands of today and of tomorrow—combining policy, financing, infrastructure, and data.”
Sanwo-Olu called on all state governors, financial institutions, development organisations, foreign missions and diplomatic representatives from partner nations, regulatory bodies, multilateral organisations, captains of industries, able farmers nationwide, and other relevant value-chain actors
to produce for Lagos.
He said, “Let us rise together to feed this nation sustainably. Let us collaborate across borders, build resilient infrastructure, support, and secure our food future not just for Lagos but for Nigeria. Let us lead, let us inspire, and let us grow for the prosperity of our people and the greatness of our country.”
Speaking during the event, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Agbu
Kefas of Taraba, and Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government for the bold initiative on food security.
The governors, whose states were expected to be major beneficiaries of the Produce for Lagos Programme and N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, expressed readiness to partner Lagos State in the areas of comparative advantages in boosting food security, not only in Lagos but in Nigeria.
Minister of Communications
and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; and Minister of State for Finance, Doris Aniete, hailed the Lagos State government for the Produce for Lagos Programme. They stated that it underscored the state’s commitment to food security and partnership with other states.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed his confidence in the initiative, stating that it would work well in addressing
food security challenges in the state. Musa also expressed the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support the Produce for Lagos Programme, which, according to him, will tackle hunger in the country. Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aimed to centralise agricultural aggregation to cut post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and create an efficient urban food supply logistics system.
Tight
Policy Stance, Seek Structural Reforms
LCCI laments MPR at 27.5%, says it’s burden on businesses
Emma Okonji and Dike Onwuamaeze
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), as well as an economist, Samuel Ayininuola, have backed the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to sustain a tight monetary policy stance, describing it as a necessary step to consolidate recent economic gains and ensure long-term stability.
On the other hand, the Lagos
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has revealed that the aim of the federal government is to create lots of employment for Nigerians, that will boost local economies, through the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme.
Dangiwa disclosed this during the ministry’s engagement on its operations, with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, a statement by Director Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said.
According to the minister, the programme was designed to provide homes for low-income earn-
ers, the unemployed, vulnerable groups, and Internally Displaced Persons, stating that 100 housing units will be constructed in each of the 774 local government areas across the country. He disclosed that over 2 million jobs will be created at 25 persons per job, 27 jobs per location, in 77,400 locations.
While informing that funding of the programme would be through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, Dangiwa stated that the committee will be fully briefed after approval of the NSHP documents by President Bola Tinubu.
“After the take-off of the project, we are going to bring a bill to the National Assembly for the project to be sustainable, so that we can
have a national social housing fund”, he stated.
Dangiwa brought the committee up to speed with the status of ongoing projects of the ministry, explaining that ongoing projects were carried along from the previous year and the 2022 supplementary budget during the first and second quarter of the present year, while awaiting further review of the 2025 budget from the budget office of the federation.
He revealed that most of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate projects were at advance level of completion, assuring that once monies were released, the projects would be completed and ready for commissioning, within two months.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), restated its position that the benchmark interest rate at 27.5 per cent remains a depressing burden on businesses.
NECA’s view was made yesterday by its Director General, Mr. AdewaleSmatt Oyerinde, in statement titled: “NECA Applauds MC’s Decision to Sustain Tight Monetary Policy, Calls for Strategic Consolidation Toward Sustainable Growth.”
Oyerinde recalled that during the July 2025 MPC’s meeting the committee retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.5 per cent, while also keeping the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Liquidity Ratio unchanged.
The move, according to NECA, aligned with the prevailing economic conditions and signals the central bank’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic discipline.
Oyerinde described the decision as “a critical and timely intervention aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s modest progress in reducing inflation, stabilising the naira, and attracting investor confidence.
“Inflation has eased from 24.48 per cent in January to 22.22 per cent in June 2025, capital inflows have improved, and the exchange rate has shown marginal appreciation. These indicators, though encouraging, remain fragile.
“The MPC’s data-informed and steady approach is commendable and sends a reassuring signal to investors and the private sector.”
While acknowledging this positive direction, NECA warned of lingering inflationary risks, particularly amid
a 19.9 per cent year-on-year increase in money supply and the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation efforts.
Oyerinde, therefore, warned that “a premature policy easing could unravel the delicate progress we have made and endanger economic stability.”
But the LCCI restated its position that MPR at 27.5 per cent has remained a depressing burden on businesses.
The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said, “We, therefore, desire to see a reduction in the MPR. Having examined key economic indicators, including inflation dynamics, exchange rate movements, fiscal developments, and global monetary trends, we may expect to see a possible hold on the MPR by the committee.
“Nigerian businesses and households continue to grapple with high operating and living costs, increasing the cost of credit. In our view, and consistent with our earlier position, rate hikes alone cannot curb inflation.
“The committee must recommend to the CBN that targeted interventions be provided to boost our growth sectors like agriculture, power, and infrastructure.
“We recognise that the current interest rate environment is tight, making access to credit above the affordability of small businesses, and the private sector is being crowded out of funding.
“We, therefore, urge the central bank to complement its conventional policy tools with targeted, non-cash measures in the form of concession-
ary interest rates to small businesses,” the LCCI said.
For his part, Ayininuola called for caution and structural reforms, especially in the light of the latest GDP rebasing and the outcome of the MPC meeting.
Ayininuola, who spoke yesterday, during an interview on ARISE News Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY, provided insight into Nigeria’s economic trajectory, reflecting on the newly rebased GDP figures and the MPC’s decision to hold the benchmark interest rate. Ayininuola argued that such that the latest GDP growth of 3.13 percent in the first quarter of 2025, was insufficient, stressing that, “Until we consistently see growth rates above five per cent or six per cent, the average Nigerian will continue to feel no real impact.”
While the MPC’s unanimous decision to maintain current interest rates was described as a cautious move to manage inflation and stabilise the naira, many Nigerians continue to call for lower interest rates to reduce the cost of borrowing.
But Ayininuola warned that slashing rates could worsen inflation and increase pressure on the naira due to heightened demand for foreign exchange.
“Inflation is a monster,” he emphasised, noting that any significant loosening of monetary policy could erode recent stability in the exchange rate and further strain living conditions. If the naira depreciates again, things will become even tougher for the average Nigerian,” Ayininuola said.
L-R: Senate Committee Chairman on Local Content, Senator Joel Onawokpo; Senate Whip,
Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson; Deputy
The World Bank and some global development and financial partners, is partnering with Nigeria to deliver a landmark 90,000-kilometre fibre-optic cable project aimed at transforming the country’s digital infrastructure and powering broad-based economic growth.
The Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Anshula Kant, made this known yesterday after leading a high-powered delegation to a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. Also present at the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and his
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy counterpart, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Speaking to newsmen after the executive engagement, Kant said the World Bank was fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, as well as broader macroeconomic reforms being implemented under President
Tinubu’s leadership.
According to her: “One of the biggest forthcoming projects we are partnering on is in the digital space, providing broadband access across the country. We also have ongoing collaborations in agribusiness, energy, education, health and social protection. Nigeria is a very valuable partner for the World Bank Group, and we
With $2bn Portfolio in Nigeria, Islamic Development Bank Seeks FG’s Partnership to Boost Power Infrastructure
Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which currently boasts nearly $2 billion active portfolios across various sectors in Nigeria, expressed interest in partnering with the federal government to address critical infrastructure gaps in the power industry, with ready funds to support the country’s energy development as part of a new Country Engagement Framework.
A delegation from IDB, led by the financial institution’s Lead Global Energy Specialist, Alagi Gaye, disclosed the move during a courtesy visit to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja, Tuesday, according to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.
Gaye revealed that IDB had an active portfolio of nearly $2 billion across various sectors in Nigeria, including energy, transport, agriculture, and
education. But he stressed the bank’s desire to deepen its involvement in power infrastructure.
He explained that the bank was developing its first-ever Country Engagement Framework for Nigeria since the nation joined IDB in 2005.
Unlike its previous project-based approach, Gaye said the bank now sought programme-based interventions that aligned with Nigeria’s sectoral policies, regulations, and challenges.
He acknowledged the country’s significant electricity access gap and affirmed IDB’s commitment to incentivising private-sector investment in the sector.
In response, Adelabu emphasised the need for substantial investment to ensure stable, efficient, and affordable electricity for Nigerians.
He stated that improving power supply was a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the Electricity Act of 2023 as a key step towards liberalising the sector.
Adelabu highlighted ongoing reforms, including the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI)—a $2.3 billion agreement with Germany’s Siemens Energy to modernise Nigeria’s aging power grid.
He stated that the pilot phase, involving the installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, had already improved grid stability, with plans for further expansion over the next few years.
He told his visitors that the government was also working on a “Super Grid” project to tackle redundancy and had secured support from the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) for transmission upgrades.
The minister also addressed challenges in the distribution segment, where inefficiencies persisted, despite privatisation.
He informed the IDB team that the government retained a 40 per cent stake in distribution companies (Discos) and was exploring partner-
ships to improve their performance.
According to him, a major concern is the metering gap, with only six million meters deployed out of 13 million registered consumers. To address this, the minister said the government launched the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which aimed to import two million meters annually over five years.
Adelabu further discussed Nigeria’s “Mission 300” programme, which promotes renewable energy solutions for rural electrification.
He stated, “Given the difficulty of extending the national grid to remote areas, the government is deploying solar home systems and mini-grids to power households, schools, and healthcare facilities while supporting agricultural activities.”
believe our priorities are strongly aligned”.
Lauding the Tinubu administration’s bold economic reforms, she said Nigeria was already witnessing momentum from the policies being pursued.
“I congratulated the President for embarking on such ambitious macroeconomic reforms and staying the course. These are not easy, but they are already showing strong results,” she added.
Kant also enumerated the Bank’s overarching mission of eradicating poverty on a livable planet through accelerated growth and better job opportunities for young people.
According to her, growth requires a foundation of both physical and human capital — including access to digital services, energy, improved education, and healthcare.
On his part, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, described the fibre optic cable initiative as one of the largest of its kind globally, structured through a sustainable and commercially viable financing model.
“This 90,000-kilometre fibre project is a landmark, and the World Bank is a major partner. It is self-financing and structured to ensure the users of the infrastructure will pay for its services, making it highly viable”.
He said the partnership underscored Nigeria’s strategy for achieving sustained, inclusive growth that creates quality jobs and lifts millions out of poverty.
“There is consensus around the need to focus on agriculture, infrastructure like digital connectivity, and affordable access to finance, particularly for SMEs. This is the path to national growth and transformation,” he stressed. Also speaking, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the fibre-optic initiative was designed to be future-facing and growth-driven.
According to him: “We’re laying 90,000 kilometres of fibre across Nigeria — with rings across geopolitical zones and full state coverage. It is about solving connectivity once and for all. We want every home, office, school, and hospital to have access to fibre-based broadband”.
Tijani said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had already approved the initiative, which is being implemented through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with funding support from the World Bank and private investors. His words: “The World Bank is helping structure this project through an SPV where government is investing, but the private sector will hold 51% equity and run it independently. This will ensure sustainability and proper management”. He emphasized that the project would not only expand digital access but also underpin Nigeria’s broader development objectives in agriculture, healthcare, education, and the creative economy.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has said that it has trained 16,000 Nigerians to fill the county’s oil and gas needs gap. This comes as the body has commenced screening of PhD candidates for its 2025/2026 overseas scholarship program academic session.
The programme, which is a federal government initiative to fill the needs gap in the oil and gas sector, is in line with the local content act.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt during the screening held at the PTDF Training Centre, yesterday, the Lead, PTDF PhD oversea scholarship in Port Harcourt, Ere Iyalla, said the scheme has trained over 16,000 Nigerians since its commencement.
He mentioned that the agenda of the federal government, especially in the oil and gas industry is to develop local content and one of the ways is to build human and institutional capacity that will enable Nigerians to participate actively in the oil and
gas sector, as entrepreneurs and employees.
“We’ve trained over 16,000 Nigerians abroad in our overseas training scheme. We select a good number and equitably across the states of the federation in line with federal character principles.
“We look at three criteria; we look at your credentials, you must have good academic standing because it’s a competitive process, we also look at your statement of purpose and we also look at your research proposal.
Considering the role of sustainable infrastructure globally, American Society of Civil Engineers, Nigeria International Section (ASCE) and stakeholders have advocated inclusive public private partnerships (PPPs) to tackle infrastructural gaps in the country.
ThAT was disclosed at the 2025 sustainable infrastructure conference organised by ASCE in Lagos, recently.
Speaking at the event, President, ASCE Nigeria Section, Austin Odibi, said they were especially proud to host the event at a time when the call for sustainable, inclusive, and integrated infrastructure systems had never been more urgent.
On the theme for the event,
“Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Infrastructure, Planning and Delivery,” Odibi said as civil engineers, they were duty-bound to lead the conversation and the action required to deliver lasting solutions for communities.
According to him, “This conference is not just a meeting, it is a mission. It is an opportunity to chart a path forward that emphasises collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
“Together, let us explore how integrated approaches can transform infrastructure delivery in Nigeria and align our efforts with global best practices.”
2025 President, American Society of Civil Engineers, Dr. Feniosky PenaMora, said, “This conference provides a platform to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore practical
strategies that can bridge the gap from theory to implementation, from aspirational frameworks to impactful outcomes.
“Roads, bridges, energy grids, water systems, and buildings must be planned, not only as individual projects but as interconnected components of broader social, environmental, and economic systems.
“So, sustainability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness are not competing priorities. They are interdependent goals. And integrated thinking across sectors, disciplines, and stakeholders is the key to achieving them together.”
Feniosky added, “It is our collective mission as civil engineers to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Royal Father of the Day and Etsu Nupe, HRH Yahaya Abdulkadir, presenting the Blueprint Newspapers Iconic Female Technocrat of the Year Award to the Special Adviser to the
on Policy and Coordination, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, during the Blueprint Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards at the Abuja, on Tuesday
AGF invokes Section 180 of ACJA after complaint withdrawal by First Bank Honeywell hails ruling as reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity I’m vindicated, says Onasanya
Wale Igbintade and Kayode Tokede
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi yesterday, struck out the N12.3 billion criminal charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, and three others.
The charge was withdrawn following submissions by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo who informed the court that the matter had been amicably resolved between the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria, and the first defendant, Otudeko.
In reaction to the development, former Group Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria, Dr. Olabisi Onasanya, said he has been vindicated.
The EFCC had filed a 13-count charge (Suit No. FHC/L/20C/2025) against Otudeko, Onasanya, former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo; and Anchorage Leisure Limited.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently obtain N12.3 billion from First Bank by misrepresenting the funds as credit facilities requested by V-TECH Dynamic Links Ltd. and Stallion Nigeria Ltd.
At the proceedings, Otudeko’s
counsel, Bode Olanipekun, informed the court that all issues giving rise to the charge had been resolved.
EFCC’s Oyedepo also confirmed that both parties had reached a settlement, which had been formally communicated to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
He cited several correspondences exchanged between the parties and the AGF outlining the terms of resolution and noted that the first defendant had fully repaid the funds in question.
“In the interest of justice and to prevent abuse of court process, the Attorney General has decided to discontinue the prosecution,” Oyedepo stated.
He explained that after the charges were filed, the AGF received applications from the defence proposing an amicable resolution, prompting a meeting convened by the AGF with all relevant parties.
According to Oyedepo, First Bank, in a letter dated July 16, 2025, formally withdrew its complaint and confirmed that the matter had been resolved. Otudeko’s legal team also wrote to the AGF on the same day to affirm the resolution. A follow-up letter from First Bank dated July 21 reaffirmed the settlement and requested that the charges be withdrawn.
“Upon thorough review of the
allegations, and considering that the depositor funds have been fully recovered and returned to First Bank’s treasury, the AGF decided, pursuant to Section 180 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), to withdraw the charge,” Oyedepo submitted.
Counsel for the nominal complainant, B.O. Ofule, also aligned with the prosecution, confirming that the issues had been resolved.
In a brief ruling, Justice Aneke struck out the charge.
Meanwhile, in a statement signed by its General Counsel, Olasumbo
All defence counsel —Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, (for Onasanya), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (for Akintayo), and Elijah Akefe (for Anchorage Leisure Ltd.)—confirmed the amicable settlement.
Abolaji, Honeywell Group welcomed the development, describing it as a reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity.
“Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.
“This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Dr. Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership. “At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained — that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.
Adedayo Akinwale and Juliet Okoje in
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the state of Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation projects.
Checks revealed that the Port Harcourt refinery, which recently commenced production after a turnaround maintenance that gulped millions of dollars has ceased production.
The Economic and Financial
Developers in the country have expressed worries over the high rate of inflation in the country, saying it was eroding purchasing power to acquire quality housing in the country.
This was as they are also expressed concern about the impact of multiple regulatory bodies in the real estate industry.
Speaking during their fifth anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer, Hontar Projects, Deji Fasunwon, said one of the factors hindering affordability in the housing sector was because the nation was not producing materials needed in the sector.
According to him, “There are so
many factors that are instrumental to the issue of affordability of houses. So a large chunk of our building materials are imported, and it is impacted by exchange rates and ultimately on cost of construction. And sadly, the purchasing power of people is not matching the way inflation is moving. And so it’s making housing difficult.
“Now, one of the things that the government can do is to provide funding, long-term, for home acquisition. But the situation where we have interest rates that are in excess of 10, 20, 30 percent, makes it very difficult.
“Cement now is upwards of N10,000 per bag; iron rod is over N1.2 million per ton, and the cost of labour is going up and everything
is going up.”
However, as a firm, he noted that, “one good thing about us is that there’s no project that will commence without obtaining the requisite approval. That’s another selling point for us. Every other project has approval.”
He lamented the inconsistency regarding obtaining approval in the sector, adding that a single window was required to reduce the cost for developers. According to him, “We are having consistent increases in approval costs. Now and then, I mean, you go to apply for approval today, this amount, but then you are doing your next approval, the money just jumps again. And if the government could just allow us, maybe just look at this cost.
Crimes Commission (EFCC) is already probing the disbursement of $1.5 billion allocated to the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million released for the Kaduna refinery, and $657 million approved for the Warri refinery.
However, the committee noted that its decision to probe NNPCL was made at a special session following the review of numerous petitions and complaints from the general public.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere, at a media briefing yesterday, said these petitions included serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of public funds committed to the rehabilitation of refineries.
He stressed that the committee was particularly concerned about the apparent lack of accountability
from those assigned to monitor the progress—ranging from refinery managers to NNPC officials—who provided regular updates and site visits.
Ugochinyere said the goal was to uncover why, despite heavy financial investments, the refinery remained non-functional, shut down, and surrounded by confusion and controversy.
He said:”The House Committee, following a special session and after reviewing numerous petitions and complaints from the general public, has resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the state of Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation projects.
“The committee noted that these petitions include serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and possible misappropriation of public funds
committed to the rehabilitation of refineries.
“While acknowledging that relevant security and investigative agencies may already be handling aspects of the matter, its legislative responsibility to conduct a fact-finding exercise on behalf of the people.
“The goal is to uncover why, despite heavy financial investments, the refinery remains non-functional, shut down, and surrounded by confusion and controversy.
“The refineries are public assets belonging to the federation—jointly owned by both federal and state governments—and that it is the duty of the National Assembly to provide the Nigerian people with clear answers. Citizens are rightly asking: What happened? Was the public deceived? Was the project sabotaged?”
Linus
Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, has said food security remains gateway to averting insecurity, poverty, and unemployment in the country. Speaking at the official unveiling of the “Produce for Lagos”, programme and the N500 billion offtake guarantee fund in Lagos yesterday, the Defence Chief stressed that food security remains one of the most effective and non-kinetic tools
in preventing insecurity, poverty, and unemployment across the nation.
He further noted that Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) such as the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Ekolog, and the Lagos Bulk Trading Company are establishing a replicable framework that not only boosts food production and logistics but also safeguards livelihoods across the country.
A statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described
the newly unveiled initiative as a visionary programme that bridges the critical link between food security and national stability.
The CDS expressed admiration for the bold collaboration between Lagos State, the private sector, and the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), noting that the initiative comes at a crucial time when Nigeria is in urgent need of resilient and sustainable strategies to enhance food systems and economic security.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The United States became a net exporter of crude oil to Nigeria in February and March, as crude demand on the US East Coast slowed due to refinery maintenance and the Dangote refinery drove up Nigeria’s demand for inputs, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has said in a note.
This follows Nigeria’s inability to meet its domestic crude oil supply obligation to local refiners, especially the Dangote refinery, a development that is threatening both its refining ambitions and economic stability.
While the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has introduced clear guidelines to support the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO),
Ndubuisi Francis, James Emejo in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos
The federal government, yesterday, revealed that it collected a total of N14.27 trillion in tax revenues between January and June this year, in a massive 43 per cent increase from N9.98 trillion realised in the first half of 2024.
The revenue collection performance also substantially exceeded the baseline growth target of 16.4 per cent.
According to a report by the presidency, non-oil tax collection grew by 44.2 per cent to N10.64 trillion in June, compared to N7.37 trillion in same period of 2024.
The revelation came as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, welcomed Nigeria’s 2024 rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, and the 3.13 per cent first quarter (Q1) 2025 growth estimate, describing both as important signals of the country’s economic resilience
including how much oil should go to local refineries, implementation has remained patchy.
Producers, particularly international oil companies, have often cited long-term export contracts as reasons for their inability or unwillingness to divert crude for domestic use. Many of these contracts, they insist, were tied to project financing arrangements, making them difficult to renegotiate in favour of the local market.
Therefore, the Dangote Refinery, which was supposed to be a gamechanger in Nigeria’s refining sector, has had to resort to importing crude because of domestic supply shortfalls.
Refineries under the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) have also echoed the same frustration, noting that though they are ready to process crude, they can’t
and renewed momentum.
However, analysts reacted to the rebased GDP estimates, which put the economy at fourth position in Africa, saying attaining the federal government’s target of $1 trillion economy by 2030 is now a tall order.
Similarly, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) urged the federal government to look beyond the optimistic figures and address the reality that a large portion of Nigerians were trapped in harsh economic conditions that had further imposed poverty.
The significant revenue performance in the first six months of the year was attributed to the effectiveness of revenue diversification initiatives, strengthened tax compliance measures, and enhanced enforcement strategies implemented by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The 2025 revenue target represented a 16.4 per cent increase relative to the total revenue collected in 2024.
Oil tax revenue totalled N3.63 trillion, representing a significant
secure consistent supply. Nigeria’s budget benchmark oil production for 2025 is 2.06 million barrels per day while current production has continued to hover around 1.7 million
growth of 39.4 per cent over compared to N2.60 trillion realised in the corresponding period of 2024.
The report pointed out that achieving the annual target necessitated sustaining a baseline growth rate of 16.4 per cent compared to the corresponding revenue collections from the previous year.
The benchmark served as an essential reference point for performance evaluation.
An evaluation of revenue collection performance as of June 30, 2025 indicated an upward trajectory relative to the corresponding period in 2024.
The report said, “This favourable increase highlights the accelerated pace of revenue collection against 2024 and highlights continued momentum toward achieving the 2025 revenue target.”
President Bola Tinubu signed new tax laws last month aimed at lifting the ratio of tax to GDP to 18 per cent by 2030, from about 13 per cent currently.
D A m A gum: PDP’ S Problem S Self- I nfl I c T e D , Defec T or S S H oul D r e T urn or l e Ave I n Pe A ce
not, as you cannot belong to two political parties at a time.”
Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also warned that the party will no longer tolerate indiscipline.Mohammed said the defections were mostly instigated by the ambitions of some individuals.
Former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, also said the defectors were primarily driven by ambition, describing them as political nomads that desert when their political interests are threatened
Former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, stated that PDP will not die, as every problem has a solution.
Saraki said every politics was local, as the challenges were merely at the national level, insisting that PDP is strong at the states and local government levels.
On his part, former presidential hopeful, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said PDP was poised for a national comeback, asserting, “The PDP will rise again.”
Damagum, while addressing stakeholders, said, ‘’But we must also confront the hard truth, much of the injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of personal ambition.
“This has cost us dearly. Yet, there is still a beauty that exists only in the PDP; our founding vision, our commitment to internal democracy, our enduring mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation, and our true national outlook.
“These are not ordinary attributes. They are the very pillars that made and have sustained the PDP as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democratic journey, and they remain our guiding strength today.
‘’However, let it be said and known that our doors remain open to those who wish to return, and it is my earnest prayers that in their return, they may rediscover themselves.
After all, we are still the party that gave many their first political home.
‘’Again we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The Peoples Democratic Party was never conceived as a mere vehicle for political ambition; it was born out of a national crisis of conscience.”
Damagum explained, “When the late Chief Bola Ige famously described Nigeria’s political parties as ‘five fingers of a leprous hand’, it was a damning indictment of their indistinguishable emptiness.
“The PDP then emerged to offer the nation a credible alternative rooted in principle, moral and ideological clarity, and broad-based national consensus. And, indeed, at that critical moment in our history, the PDP rescued Nigeria from a bleak fate.
“Today, again, Nigeria is in dire need of direction. Our democratic values are under strain, the cost of living crushes our people, the younger generation is losing faith in leadership and the economy continues to suffer in depressing stagnancy. In this moment, as in times past, the PDP must rise as a vessel of real hope and a voice of reason.
“This conference is, therefore, not a formality but a strategic reckoning. It allows us to realign with our core values of discipline, loyalty, inclusive governance, and policy-driven leadership. We have spent too much time trying to reconcile. Now, we must truly do it; and move forward.”
The PDP national chairman stated, “To our members, remain resilient, our past has proven that self-inflicted wounds can be healed. If we return to our core, and rise above personal interest, there remains a bright and redemptive future for the PDP, and for‘’TheNigeria.PDP was not born out of convenience. It was born out of necessity to dismantle authoritarianism and restore democratic governance.
“Since our historic founding in August 1998, the PDP’s journey has been marked by triumphs and trials. Like any living institution, we have faced internal rifts, betrayals, and
moments of national disappointment.”
Damagum said, “In 2013, we witnessed one of such fractures that shook us to our very core. A group of party leaders walked away from our party, seeking new alliances. Today, we witness yet another.
“But history reminds us that splinters may form, but they do not define the tree. Movements built on political expediency, collapse when confronted by lasting values. As a
by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in partnership with S&P Global.
The meeting was called to kickstart processes to, among others, develop a regional pricing benchmark for refined petroleum products in West Africa, an initiative which aims to create a localised index for products such as petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas.
For decades, Bagudu stressed that there was severe under-investment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, compared to its peers, noting that with the current reforms embarked by the current administration, Nigeria was on its way out of the woods.
“Our extension of multilateral cooperation and sustained support of the government have created an enabling environment that is attractive for investment in our industry,” he stated, pledging his ministry’s collaboration with all stakeholders in achieving the strategic objectives of the West African refined fuel objectives.
“We can do much more. Our ambition in Nigeria is to generate double-digit growth. Our ambition in Nigeria is to refine all that is produced in Nigeria and even for some West African countries,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, praised Tinubu for his support for the Authority, disclosing that the president has never interfered in
Reuters stated, stressing that Nigeria has generally been considered a source for US crude oil imports, ranking ninth last year.
Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery –the largest in Africa, located on the outskirts of Lagos – began processing crude in January 2024 after years of delays. The refinery is set to reach full capacity of 650,000 b/d this year, according to the EIA.
bpd, including condensate. This is the first time that the US has exported more crude oil to Nigeria than it imported, the EIA document which was reported by
In a statement issued by Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, Edun commended the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) “for its professionalism and technical rigour in delivering the rebasing exercise and quarterly GDP reports”.
He added, “These data tools are critical to designing policies that are grounded in reality and aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s economy.”
In nominal terms, the Nigerian economy grew from N205.09 trillion in the base year of 2019 to N372.82 trillion, according to NBS, which released the rebased GDP and Q1 economic growth figures on Monday.
The GDP rebasing – Nigeria’s first since 2014 – was undertaken by NBS in line with international best practices, and represented a critical step towards more accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive measurement of the economy.
Using the prevailing N1,529.53 per dollar exchange rate, the data showed that the economy was worth $243,526,768,148.72 in dollar terms, indicating that Nigeria trails behind South Africa, with an economy worth $410,338 billion, Egypt with $347,342 billion, and Algeria with $268,885 billion.
Edun stated that with the rebasing, the updated national accounts now better reflected structural changes in the economy, including the rise of the digital and creative sectors, increased activity in services, and stronger diversification across non-oil industries.
The minister stated, “The rebased GDP provides a clearer lens through which to view Nigeria’s economic
the regulatory activities of the agency.
“The president has never objected to the right things that we are doing. But he has given us a free hand to be independent regulators. That’s where we derive our confidence from, to insist on doing the right thing.
“And that’s why we are courageous in what we do because we believe whatever we do is for the best interest of Nigerians. I also have in-house support from my executive directors,” he stated.
As a regulator, Ahmed said the pushback by some industry players over some of NMDPRA’s regulations was understandable, noting that while some rules need explaining, some of the operators feared the unknown.
“So, please, I call upon all our stakeholders to bear with us and follow the rules, the regulations, the policies, which are all in line with the provisions of the law. By doing so, Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa, if we collaboratively obey our rules and regulations, will move forward, just like any other advanced countries,” Ahmed said.
Also yesterday, West African nations agreed to impose stiff penalties on persons and corporate organisations licensed to float petroleum refineries, but have failed to adhere to the terms of their agreement with their respective countries.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning at the NMDPRA,
Gross US exports of crude to Nigeria touched 111,000 bpd in February and 169,000 bpd in March, the report added. Imports, which were at 133,000 bpd in January, dropped to 54,000 bpd and 72,000 bpd in February and March respectively, the report said.
The decline in imports, according to the report, is largely due to maintenance at the Phillips 66 Bayway
performance. It allows policymakers, investors, and citizens to better understand the true size and composition of the economy, so we can plan more effectively and deliver greater prosperity to all Nigerians.”
The statement added that the rebased data revealed important shifts in the structure of the Nigerian economy.
It said, “Notably, the services sector—particularly ICT, finance, entertainment, and professional services—now accounts for a larger share of GDP.
“Agriculture and manufacturing remain vital contributors, while the role of oil and gas continues to decline in relative terms, underscoring the impact of ongoing diversification efforts.
“These changes are not just statistical—they reflect real transitions underway in the Nigerian economy. Our young, tech-savvy population is powering growth in new sectors, and our reforms are unlocking the potential of industries that were previously underrepresented in our GDP figures.”
Edun stressed that the evolving structure reinforced the government’s strategy of investing in productivity, infrastructure, digital innovation, and human capital to drive future growth and job creation.
He highlighted the 3.13 per cent year-on-year GDP growth recorded in Q1 2025, an improvement over the 2.4 per cent recorded in Q1 2024, saying it provides further evidence that the economy is gaining strength under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Edun said, “We are encouraged by the broad-based nature of this growth, which is occurring across
Prof. Zainab Gobir, highlighted the need to make West Africa a petroleum products trading hub, noting that this is contingent upon coordination across maintaining refining capacity and supply capabilities, logistic networks and operational excellence, regulatory alignment and adoption of a harmonised, transparent and robust refined product market pricing.
While West African refineries, especially the Dangote refinery continue to change the dynamics of refining product markets in the region, she explained that to ensure a thriving West Africa product pricing and trading market, there was a need for operational stability of refineries.
With growing regional market demand, Gobir, while summarising key points during the conference, stated that participants made crosscountry agreements and cross-border agreements.
“So what are the objectives of how we’re going to achieve this?
We secure a stable supply of products locally refined in West Africa to help meet the growing demands in the region, because we clearly established yesterday that the demand is there.
“How do we go about doing this?
We have a responsibility matrix that has the action that must be taken and the timelines. The first one is to ensure all operational refineries steadily operate at optimal output to fulfill West Africa’s demand for refined products. All member states
refinery New Jersey, per the EIA. However, imports increased later in the year as the Bayway refinery resumed normal operations in April, and Dangote underwent some unplanned maintenance. However, the trend seems more a snapshot of a very fluid market, rather than a permanent realignment, according to Senior Market Strategist at RJO Futures, Eli Tesfaye. “The new refinery in Nigeria and some issues in securing domestic supplies played a role for those unique flows earlier this year. But going forward, with the refinery now aiming to secure domestic flows, and probably looking at other crude grades, it is difficult to forecast if the volume flowing from the US to Nigeria will persist,” agreed Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS.
key sectors and supported by stable macroeconomic reforms. This trajectory reinforces our belief that Nigeria is on the path to rapid, sustained, and inclusive growth.”
With continued implementation of structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and targeted investments in critical sectors, the minister reaffirmed the government’s medium-term ambition of achieving a seven per cent annual GDP growth rate, in line with national development priorities.
He said, “Our goal is not just growth, but growth with impact, especially the creation of quality jobs. The new data helps us better track progress, refine our strategies, and ensure that economic expansion translates into more jobs, higher incomes, and better living standards for all Nigerians.”
Analysts reacted to the country’s rebased GDP estimates, which showed that its performance lagged behind South Africa, with GDP of $410.34 billion, Egypt $347.34 billion, and Algeria $268.89 billion.
Post-rebasing, GDP at market prices increased by 41.7 per cent to N205.09 per cent in 2019, from N54.2 trillion (prior to rebasing), and rose to N213.64 trillion in 2020; N243.30 trillion in 2021; N247.23 trillion in 2022; N314.02 trillion in 2023; and N372.82 trillion in 2024.
Analysts, who spoke to THISDAY, said given the unimpressive performance of the economy, achieving the current administration’s aspiration of $1 trillion economy by 2030 had become a daunting challenge. Economist and Chief Executive, Centre for the Promotion of Private
are expected to abide by this. And what is our timeline? Short to medium term.
“Secondly, (we agreed) on a harmonised regional market framework, regulatory policy, and incentives that will attract investment in greenfield refinery products. What is the action base? Regional regulatory bodies working closely together. The timeline is fourth quarter 2025, meaning we have a regulatory agreement together.
“(We agreed) to ensure all performing licensed refineries deliver and commit to obligations. They are licensed to construct or (we will) impose steep penalties for non-performance in all countries of the West African sub-region.
“Who is to do this? Operating refinery member states. And that’s expected monthly. So, we’ll track the production levels and what the outputs are every month and have a report. We will protect domestic refineries from unfair international competition and destruction of structures and systems that promote the same. Timeline is immediate to short term,” Gobir added. According to her, financial institutions in the region including government, financial institutions, African Finance Corporation (AFC), Afrexim Bank and the African Energy Bank (AEB) and private investors will be encouraged to create the structure, innovation and financial instrument to finance infrastructural
L-R: Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr.; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh; Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Reduction, Prof.
Ekwutosi Okoli; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Head of Service, Dr. Godwin Anigbo, mni; Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu; Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr.
and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Enyinna Franklin
We stand by our tariff order, didn’t tamper with generation costs, says EERC Insists no justification to keep Band A at N209/kWh IDB mulls partnership with FG to boost power infrastructure
Nigeria’s 36 states, through the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) have thrown their support behind the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) for cutting the band A customers’ tariff in the state from N209 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) to N160/kwh effective August 1, 2025.
The commissioners’ body, in a statement issued yesterday to clarify
recent developments in the Enugu State electricity market, reassured investors and stakeholders about the direction of electricity sector reforms across Nigerian states. The FOCPEN in the statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Cross River State Commissioner for Power, Eka William, and the Secretary and Benue State Commissioner for Power, Omale Omale, said Enugu State electricity regulator acted within its legal powers and based on thorough reviews and findings.
The body reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable and thriving electricity market in Nigeria.
The EERC had on Monday issued an Order, reviewing the Band A tariff charged by MainPower, the state’s electricity distribution company, downward from N209/khh to N160/kwh from August 1, 2025.
However, investors and operators in the Nigerian electricity market such as the distribution companies (Discos) and generation companies (Gencos) swiftly criticised EERC for
cutting the Band A tariff, arguing that it will worsen the woes in the country’s power sector as other states may copy Enugu.
But in its statement issued yesterday, FOCPEN acknowledged and clarified the recent decision by the EERC to review and adjust electricity tariffs within its jurisdiction.
The commissioners’ body noted how crucial it had become to understand that Enugu State’s actions were fully aligned with the provisions of the Constitution
As anticipatory action taskforce presents disaster impact reduction plan to Shettima
The federal government has elevated flood prevention to a national security priority with the unveiling of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods to move disaster response from reactive to early, coordinated response.
The new framework, which includes scientific and traditional data-gathering methods that trigger early action and a consolidated budget for flood response, aims to build resilience in states and communities prone to seasonal floods.
Speaking Wednesday at the official submission of the draft framework and consolidated budget by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) at State House, Abuja,
Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria must now believe in science and pursue a roadmap for disaster prevention.
According to him, “Disasters are security issues. Over the years, we have only been reacting instead of practising proactive disaster management. By seizing this initiative, and believing in science, we have carried out all the due processes of finding a roadmap”.
Shettima applauded President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in disaster preparedness. He also praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating the process.
“We will engage all the major stakeholders in the Nigerian project for them to come and support us. Collectively, we can marshal
resources and address our core issues,” Shettima stated.
Earlier, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the new framework represented a paradigm shift in disaster management.
Yilwatda said, “We are shifting from reaction to recovery. We are also shifting from losses to prevention. That is the main purpose of why we are here today.
“We looked at the evidence available. In 2004 alone, about 1.2 million people were displaced, and about 1.3 million hectares of arable farmlands were destroyed by the floods, and in terms of cost, it was over $1 billion in losses. If we can allocate just one per cent of that money, we can save much more
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has described the killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa by “unknown gunmen” as intolerable and senseless, calling on the government of the southern African country to fish out the culprits.
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter.
Dabiri-Erewa said this latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators. She recalled the early warning mechanism put in place by both countries to prevent such killings is yet to be implemented by South Africa. The NiDCOM boss condoled with the families of the deceased, assuring them that justice will be served. It was gathered that two Nigerians simply identified as Austin and Ayo
were shot dead by masked gunmen in Durban, South Africa. According to unconfirmed reports, the gunmen stormed Austin’s office, shot him and his visiting friend, Ayo at close range with both dead on the spot. This has led to heightened tension amongst the Nigerian community in South Africa, but Dabiri-Erewa however appealed for calm and urged Nigerians in South Africa and at home not to take laws into their hands while awaiting the outcome of the investigations by the South African police authorities.
than what we lost.”
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stressed the need to act swiftly and proactively.
Ribadu stated, “Often, natural disasters are outside of our control, but reaction is ours.
“And this is what matters the most – the ability for us to get ready for a situation that is not under our control.
“Despite all the resources one has, as long as one is not in a position to anticipate and be able to react, one is likely going to suffer the worst consequences of natural disasters.”
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act 2023, and Enugu State electricity laws and regulations.
It argued that these legal frameworks empower states to regulate their intra-state electricity markets, including determining and implementing electricity tariffs within their jurisdiction, which are fair to electricity consumers and sufficient to allow licensees to recover their operating expenses and investments.
“FOCPEN wishes to also clarify that the EERC’s tariff order followed a comprehensive and meticulous review process that involved a thorough examination of the capital expenditure (Capex) and operational expenditure (OpEx) assumptions of MainPower Electricity Distribution Company, the State electricity distribution company.
“This rigorous assessment was conducted using data and information provided by the distribution company itself. EERC also carried out a rigorous assessment of MainPower’s existing customer tariff classification and regulatory asset base.
“One outcome of its rigorous assessment revealed that EERC had lifeline customers paying N4.00/kwh on Band A Feeders, including a former two time Military Administrator and former Chief of Naval Staff.
“The EERC, acting within the ambit of its regulatory provisions, has set tariffs appropriately based on these findings, aiming for a
cost-reflective and fair market for consumers and operators alike.”
Furthermore, FOCPEN emphasised that while Enugu State has, based on its specific market conditions and regulatory findings, adjusted its Band A tariffs downwards, that did not dictate a uniform approach for other States. For instance, it argued that several state electricity regulatory commissions (SERCs), such as Ekiti, Ondo, and others, have issued tariff orders maintaining the present Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) tariffs. Also, EERC has clarified that its recent order that led to reduction of electricity tariff for Band A from N209/kWh (per kiloWatt) to N160 kwh, did not tamper with the prevailing cost of power generation in the country in any way.
The Commission maintained that based on MainPower’s costs, there was no justification to keep the price of electricity for Band A at N209 per kWh in the state. EERC made the clarification following concerns raised by some sections of the power sector stakeholders, including the Gencos to the new tariff order that was issued by the commission to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, the subsidiary of EEDC for electricity distribution in the state. The tariff order led to the reduction of the tariff for Band A customers to N160 kWh, and the freezing of the tariffs for the other bands effective from August 1, 2025.
Approves Elevation of 4,741 Inspectors, 38 DSPs, 29 SPs to Next Ranks
Linus Aleke
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 4,741 Inspectors from the recently concluded nationwide board interview for serving Police Inspectors across the country.
A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said 4,708 were promoted to unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police, while 33 were promoted to Senior Inspectors.
He noted the Commission also approved the promotion of 38 Specialist Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents and 29 Specialist Superintendents to Chief Superintendents.
He said these were further highlights of the Commission’s
Plenary meeting, which ended in Abuja on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Ani stated the Commission had earlier considered and approved the promotion of 12 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police, 16 Deputy Commissioners to substantive Commissioners, and 28 Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners.
He stated that the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), presided over the meeting, which had in attendance Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who is representing the Judiciary in the Commission; DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), who is representing the Police in the Commission; and Hon Justice Christine Ladi Dabup, retired Justice
of the State High Court. Other members, he said, are Abdulfatah Mohammed and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
“The newly promoted Inspectors include Rabiu Ibrahim, Izang Nyam, Nannim James, Chinelo Obinuku, Bariminas Auyatiya, and Sabi’u Umar. Others are Lawan Haruna, Opurum Patrick, Agbo James, and Georgewill Onwubiko, among others,” he said.
The Chairman of the Commission reiterated his charge for undiluted nationalism, patriotic zeal, and uncommon devotion to public good, especially in their day-to-day interaction with the public. Argungu urged them to remember they are the friend next door and should at all times live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja
As part of efforts to ensure adequate security of lives and property in Kogi State, the joint security operatives of Kogi and Kwara States have arrested no fewer than 12 suspected kidnappers and one informant in Egbe and Patigi /Lafiagi axis, respectively.
Fanwo explained that the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids jointly executed by the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser, and officers and men of the Forward Operating Base
This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
Amby Uneze in Owerri
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, yesterday inaugurated a 15-member Imo State Boundary Committee, mandating them to pursue and restore enduring peace in all the communities where such was lacking due to boundary dispute.
Inaugurating the members at the new Exco chambers, Government House in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma recalled that Boundary Committee has a place in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and charged the newly inaugurated committee members to do everything within the legal framework to restore peace to the communities in Imo State where boundary issues threaten same.
He reminded the committee of the gains that could be
derived from having a peaceful environment in Imo State devoid of boundary altercations in the communities.
The governor, therefore, challenged them to be diligent in settling all boundary disputes in the state in order to restore elusive peace wherever it exists within the locality, adding: “You are expected to bring prosperity in all environments, and help fulfill the aspirations of the government.”
In her acceptance speech as chairman, on behalf of the committee, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in that capacity, and promised not to disappoint his expectations and that of the state.
She also promised that through the committee, members would add value and repute to Imo State.
(FOB) in Egbe.
The operations covered IsanluEsa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Patigi, Lafiagi and Gbugbu in Kwara State.
According to him, the suspected kidnappers arrested are Mainasara Abubakar, Sadik Abubakar, Jude Sani, Sanda Abubakar, Lawali Usman, Tukur Shehu, Hassan Abubakar, Kabiru Surajo, Makiri
Dodo, Bala Hassan, Umaru Sanda, and Ruwa Abubakar, while Rabiu Makeri was apprehended as an informant for the gang.
The commissioner noted that the security forces engaged the
suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which some of the kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims. Several kidnapped women were successfully rescued during the confrontation.
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has said his administration remains committed to inclusive economic development, and social justice with the official launch, and disbursement of N250 million in grants to
500 retirees under the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI). Otu, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the declaration during the REDI grant disbursement ceremony held in Calabar yesterday.
The governor, who announced N500,000 grant for each of the beneficiaries to start micro or small-scale businesses, said the initiative marks a bold step in repositioning senior citizens as active contributors to the state economy.
Describing the initiative as “expanded reciprocity” for those who committed their prime years to public service, Otu said REDI was part of his broader vision to promote human capital development and economic empowerment under the ‘People First’ agenda. “This government recognises the value of our retirees and seeks to reintegrate them into productive life.”
Igbawase
Ukumba inlafia
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulallahi Sule, yesterday threatened to institute a legal action against the former Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University Makurdi, Prof. Zachary Anger Gundu, for accusing him of masking the killings in Benue State.
In a viral video on some social
media platforms, it was alleged that Prof. Gundu was heard accusing Governor Abdullahi Sule of “masking the killings in Benue State and forcefully taking over farmlands belonging to the Tiv people of Nasarawa State and handing over same to Fulani herdsmen,” among other allegations.
The governor threatened the legal action against the former
university Pro-Chancellor at a press conference addressed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, in lafia.
Sule said: “We challenge Prof. Gundu to prove his allegations with empirical evidence, detailing where the said killer herdsmen are being camped in Nasarawa State and the involvement of the governor in such act. “Brings forward,
concrete evidence to substantiate the grievous allegations of land seized and handed over to herdsmen or any other persons for that matter.
“Failure to prove these allegations leaves Prof. Gundu with only option…retract his malicious statements against Governor Sule and tender an unreserved apology to the governor and the Government of Nasarawa State.”
Sunday Okobi
The Igbo Think-Tank, Aka Ikenga, has mourned the passing of its defining past President, Dr. Chris Asoluka, whose final interment processes began in Owerri, Imo State yesterday “in what will be a fitting goodbye to a life of detailed impacts and solid intellectual resonance.”
In its tribute issued by the group’s Director of Communications, Collins Steve Ugwu, the President of Aka Ikenga, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, declared that Dr Asoluka’s eternal ascension was a reality still unreal, “because his life is so present in so many things and so many people, including Ndigbo.”
In the tribute, he said: “People like Chris don’t just depart and disappear, not in the least in Aka Ikenga, where through grit and vision, he was a ladder for history, stamina and revelation.
“The life and times of Dr Chris Asoluka, Okwuroha Ndigbo, was a serial compact of brilliance and a seminal compass for transformation through leadership, trust and integrity. Proudly, with Aka Ikenga running in his veins, he illuminated his every space planting seeds that became trees, and tending grasses that became oaks in a restless seven decades of industry, capacity and captivation.”
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Ologboshere of Warri and Chieftain of the all Progressives Congress, Chief ayiri Emami, in this interview says state governors are not doing enough despite increase in the monthly revenue states get from the Federation account. He also describes the ongoing implementation of the supreme Court judgement on the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency as a genocide on the Ishekiri people. Adedayo Akinwale brings excerpts:
President Bola Tinubu has spent two years in office, how would you assess his performance?
I think the President started trying to put up some policies and you know, when you don’t have a good foundation, it is always very difficult to have a proper building on top. I think the foundation and the structure laid by the past leaders are not good enough. So what he is battling with now is what he met on the ground, and some of those things people said, oh, Tinubu has inflicted hardship on us. The hardship, like what I used to say, was not caused by Tinubu. So far so good. He has tried his best trying to fix one or two by taking off subsidy. And the backlash of the subsidy (removal) is what we are all experiencing, including the rich and the poor. There’s nobody that is exempted. But so far, he’s trying his best. I can say it’s pretty good, it’s a little bit slow, but I think we are getting there.
There is a lot of hunger in the land. What do you think the administration can do to ameliorate this poverty and get sympathy of the electorate ahead of 2027?
To me, it’s to do more inward investment. First, if we can get the issue of insurgency in the North-east, the issue of banditry and the rest, people can go back to the farm. Definitely, we’ll have our food. Those of us from the SouthSouth are majorly into fishing. Maybe they bring some palliatives that can cushion the effect of the fuel price so that we will go back to our normal business. Like I was discussing with some people, if the boat we use for fishing can be converted to CNG, it will solve some of our problems. I also think that he has to reshuffle his cabinet so that he can have some vibrant
people that will do the job. Because it’s not Tinubu that will go everywhere to do the job. Not more than four, five, ministers are very active. Sometimes, it is not all about the president.
I think there seems to be a lot of fixation on the federal government. With the withdrawal of subsidy, state governments have received almost
triple or more than triple monthly allocation of what they used to receive before the removal of subsidy, but Nigerians are still complaining?
A lot of these governors, I don’t think they are helping the situation, that puts a lot of pressure on the federal government. If the federal government has taken off subsidy and the money is being allocated to the state governments, the state government is supposed to look at what are the
needs of people in each of the states. But I think the state governments don’t care, so everybody now focuses on the federal government.
But I would suggest that the President put an eye on what is going on in each of the states. I don’t think the state governments are doing enough. It’s not by building bridges, without welfare, there will be hunger.
In the last few months, a number of opposition governors have defected to APC, we have in Delta, we have in Akwa Ibom. Do you think this is genuine and do you think it is enough to garner votes for APC in 2027?
If Asiwaju is doing well, and the governors see that this is the way to go, it’s a welcome development. To me, governors moving into APC is not a bad one.
Are you threatened by the ongoing opposition viz-a-viz coalition that is becoming formidable?
Competitions are necessary in anything. If you don’t have people to compete with, it makes you feel very lazy. So having a proper opposition coming will make us wake up. The things we are supposed to do that we’re not doing. People need to criticise whatever you’re doing. Some of us are used to criticism so that we would definitely see how to correct ourselves. But once those ones are not there, you will think you are doing too well. So oppositions are welcome, but I know that the opposition cannot defeat us.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
National s ecretary of the a ll Progressives Congress, s enator a jibola Basiru, in this interview speaks on political developments in his home state, Osun and his intention to run for the state’s number one seat come 2026. yinka Kolawole brings excerpts:
You have indicated interest in contesting the Governorship of your state, Osun, what informed your decision?
I decided to contest the governorship of Osun State because I firmly believe our state is at a crossroad and requires a leader with integrity, expertise, character, ideological strength, vision, and more importantly administrative experience, and this was due to different calls from both within and outside the state who believe in my potentials based on my antecedents to unify the party towards reclaiming the state back to the progressives in the August 2026 election.
My public service deep rooted experience spans close to two decades as two term Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties (2010–2014), then Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola where I designed and implemented policies to project welfarist ideals, strong ties among South western states, rule of law and improve good governance.
I served as Senator representing Osun Central senatorial district chairing key committees including media & public affairs and emerged as the Senate spokesman, despite being a first timer. Despite losing my re-election bid back to the senate, President Bola Tinubu found me worthy to be elected as National Secretary of the APC in August, 2023, another intellect-driven role that has energised my skills in party unity, internal democracy, and strategic leadership.
My decision also stems from what I perceive as serious underperformance in critical sectors under
Governor Ademola Adeleke particularly in agriculture, education, and healthcare delivery. I opined that the present administration is directionless and ineffective in the management of Osun resources starting from teachers and health workers. My aspiration is not just political, it is
rooted in what I see as a moral obligation to rectify governance failures and revitalise Osun’s vital sectors for the prosperity of our people. I envision an Osun of economic self-sufficiency, bolstered by modern agriculture practices and mechanisation, thriving SMEs using industrialisation, an overhauled educational system which is
functional and improved healthcare infrastructure across the nooks and crannies of Osun.
Many see you as a technocrat and not a run - of- the - mill politician, how will this influence your policy decisions if elected governor of Osun State?
I am a mixture of both a professional and a practising politician, so I am a rare blend of what people call a politico-technocrat.
And using my solid foundation in law, my approach to governance in Osun state will be deeply rooted in the principles of justice, fairness, and due process. My background as a lawyer ensures that every policy decision I make will align with constitutional provisions, and having earned a Ph.D in Law will bring academic depth and analytical rigour to the simplest and complex issues confronting our state using available empirical evidence.
I will be guided by a moral compass that emphasises compassion, service, and integrity. Ours will be an inclusive governance that respects the history of our state, the objectives of the founding fathers and the diverse beliefs, cultures, yearnings, and aspirations of our people. My faith also compels me to champion policies that uplift the vulnerable and promote social harmony. I will lead with empathy, ensuring that development reaches the grassroots without discrimination
Thursday July 24, 2025
www.thisdaylive.com
LEARNING MARKETING AND HUMILITY
Companies which listen to their employees and customers with humility, always prosper, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
See page 21
MUTFWANG AND THE TRANSPORTATION AGENDA
The introduction of rail and metro bus services has won the hearts of the citizens, writes GYANG BERE
See page 21
opinion@thisdaylive.com
TUNDE OLUSUNLE urges the authorities of the University of Ilorin to be more diligent and inclusive in identifying distinguished alumni for honours
Nigeria's high-flying second generation university, the University of Ilorin, commemorated it's golden jubilee on Wednesday July 16, 2025. The institution and about half a dozen others grouped together and collectively classified as "second generation universities," was established under military jurisdiction in 1975, to contribute to the production of high quality intellectual and professional capital, to power the nation's blossoming socio-economy. Unilorin as we proudly call our alma mater for short, is one institution which impacted my life, friendships and associations, and my career, tremendously. In many of my published writings for the media and the academia, I never spare opportunities to celebrate, even serenade the citadel. The Unilorin imprimatur is so deeply engraved on the consciousness of several of us alumni, that we unanimously nicknamed it *Better By Far.* For us, there is no facsimile for Unilorin anywhere in the world.
I've heard people refer to Unilorin as a "cult" on account of our "adhesive glue" cohesiveness and the conviviality of our relationships as fruits of the same tree. We hold up each other in trying times; we mourn with friends and schoolmates who are bereaved, encourage and lift them up in prayers, we celebrate ourselves and our own when the drums sound and guitars twang. We took one of us off the streets of a major Nigerian city, supported him through psychological and psychiatric rehabilitation, rented accommodation for him and even kitted his wardrobe to give him a new life. You can only be envious when you see us prosecuting crowd-funding project in support of one another. You will be amazed at the fellow-feeling, the outpouring of real love and affection.
Unilorin commemorated its landmark in style when it recently did. The incumbent leadership of the university recognised select alumni, at a ceremony held in the facilities of the institution, that July 17, 2025. Three categories of former students of the citadel received *Awards of Excellence,* *Distinguished Alumni* and *Unilorin Ambassadors* recognitions at the event. Honorees were predominantly from the academia and legal practice, while the public and private sectors; media; banking and investment; information and communications technology, (ICT); medicine; royalty, also feature on the list of award recipients. The blast furnaces, the grindstone through which we were crafted in Unilorin was bound to produce world class scholars in numbers, as evidenced by the population of the list of awardees, with Professors across disciplines and specialties.
My utmost amazement and delight at the same time, is the sheer number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (SAN), 11 of them, alumni of the University of Ilorin, who were honoured. Law as an academic programme was in its teething beginnings in my final year in Unilorin. The pioneer students had to be momentarily absorbed by the older University of Ife, as it then was known, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU)), while Unilorin built capacity to seamlessly and sustainably prosecute the programme. I know a few SANs from the Unilorin stock who were not even listed, including Eyitayo Fatogun, (2002). I can only be glad and proud, about how well law has fared from its years of being nourished by external feeding bottles, and the number of senior wigs it has thus far produced.
A singular commemorative event without doubt, cannot comprehensively accommodate the stars
and bright lights which Unilorin has produced. Even at that, it is important to mention very important oversights in the recent investiture. Let's hope today's leadership of Unilorin remember that we have produced a state Governor in Abdulfatah Ahmed, predecessor to Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State, who graduated in 1986. We have a ranking Senator in Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North, (1985). We had Members of the House of Representatives in Abayomi Sheba and Dave Idoko earlier in this Fourth Republic, and still have some of our own in the 10th Assembly. Olusegun Adekunle, OON, (1983), became the very first Unilorin alumnus to make it to the topmost echelons of the Federal Civil Service, as Permanent Secretary in 2017. The second Unilorin-made Federal Permanent Secretary in 2023, was Tinuke Watti, (1987). Across the states, Unilorin has produced Permanent Secretaries through the years, the earliest perhaps being Tivlumun Nyitse, PhD, (1985), who was appointed to the position in Benue State in 2005. Shiaondo Aarga, mni, (1984) and Melutia Ogunremi, (1988), have also been Permanent Secretaries in Benue and Ogun States.
The intelligence and security services, nonuniformed, military and paramilitary, have equally been graced at very top levels by Unilorin alumni. Agev Apollos Dem, OON, (1985), rose to the rank of substantive Ambassador and Deputy DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, (NIA). Alexander Mshelbwala, (1983) who was Commander, Brigade of Guards, and General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, was the first Unilorin alumnus to make the Major-General rank. Kayode Ogundele, also 1983, equally ascended to be a two-star General. John Obasa, (1984) and Ayo Fayehun, among others, made the Brigadier-General cut. Johnson Olawumi, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), who obtained a masters in mechanical engineering in Unilorin in 1997, retired as a Major-General.
Early this year, Unilorin produced its first Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DIG), Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, (1986). She is indeed the *first woman DIG* from the whole of Nigeria's North, her state of origin being Kogi. There have been Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, (AIG) of Unilorin stock over the years including: Amaechi Elumelu, (1984); Ayoku Yekini, (1986), and Kehinde Longe, (1986), among others. Adebola Hamzat who studied sociology in Unilorin is a serving AIG. Presently, two Unilorin alumni, Wilfred Tokunbo Afolabi, in-charge of Ondo State, and Sa'adat Ismail, (1988), Force Headquarters, are Commissioners of Police. Abayomi Olukoju, (1985) was Deputy Corps Marshal, (DCM) in the Federal Road Safety Corps,
(FRSC), before his retirement a few years ago. Dapo Asaju, (1983), Professor, was Vice Chancellor of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; Francis Oyebade, (1980), was Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; Jimmy Olukoya, (1981), served as Registrar of the iconic University of Ibadan, even as Temitayo Olowola, (1986), is the current Registrar at the Kings University, Ile-Ife. Victor Babatunde Adeniran, PhD, (1983), has been Group Executive Director, (GED) in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, (NNPCL), while Olusegun Ilori, (1984), is Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Services, Green Energy International Ltd, and pioneer Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria, (CORAN). Sunmola Bakare, (1984), leads AB Offshore Marine Services, one of Nigeria's most successful private maritime services outfits, even as the documentation of television drama in Nigeria, will be incomplete without the acknowledgement of the endeavours of Tunji Bamishigbin, (1985).
Sunnie Enessi Ododo, (1986), Professor, has been Director-General of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, while Emmanuel Edem Ikpeme, PhD, MON, (1986), is the Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation, (NFF). Franca Aiyetan, (1988), was Secretary of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, (NBC); Dapo Adelegan, (1986), was President and Chairman of Council of the NigeriaBritish Chamber of Commerce, while Lanre Adisa, (1988), is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Noah's Ark Communications, one of Nigeria's most revered advertising agencies. Babafemi Oyewole, PhD, is Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Farmers Organisation, (PAFO), headquartered in Benin Republic, while Oluwole Osagie - Jacobs, (1983), is Managing Partner, Oluwole OsagieJacobs & Co, a most reputable firm of Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants.
Segun Sanni, (1984), former Director and Head, Investor Services for West Africa, Standard Bank Group, is Chief Executive Officer of Lakewood Investments and Trusts Ltd; Olusegun Babalola Ogbonnewo, (1985), was non-executive Director of Access Bank Plc, and Coronation Insurance Plc, and Matthias Chika Mordi, (1986), Chairman of United Capital Plc and former Alternate President of the West African Institute of Bankers. Muyi Aina, (1998), MBBS, PhD, is the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, (NPHCDA); Omolola Oloworaran, (2000), is Director-General of the National Pension Commission, (Pencom), while Kayode Opeifa, (1986), Managing Director of the Nigerian Railways Corporation, (NRC), is also a Unilorin "homeboy."
Ayo Akinkuotu, (1980), virtually inspired a whole generation of Unilorin alumni in the media profession, having made a success of his odyssey in the Daily Times of yore. Yet he didn't study journalism. Gbenga Ayeni, Professor at East Connecticut State University, (ECSU), United States, and this writer, (both 1985 alumni), who is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja, and who was the first Unilorin alumnus to serve as a presidential aide, worked in Daily Times.
Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja
Companies which listen to their employees and customers with humility, always prosper, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
Dusk was descending on the dusty streets of Wardha, a town in Western India. The shopkeeper had assorted suggestions on how we could improve the quality of our soaps, perfumes and packaging. Our chairman sat crosslegged with the shopkeeper on a mattress and listened to him with rapt attention. It was an exclusive moment. A simple shopkeeper had the opportunity to expound his views, to the chairman of the largest consumer products company.
However, I was getting very fearful. We were about 75 kilometres from Nagpur, where we were supposed to spend the night. The short visit of ten minutes had elongated into an hour’s one-sided sermon. We had two more rural markets to visit. We would reach Nagpur by around 9 pm. Then, there was a dinner with the local team. I was responsible for the market visit. Hence, I was gesturing to the shopkeeper to condense his feedback. The chairman noticed this. He advised me to be still.
Later, as we journeyed, he counselled, “Never, ever, rush a shopkeeper when he is giving feedback on our products. I learn first-hand, how the trade and consumers view our products. Next time when a shopkeeper talks to me, please be patient, even if he is loquacious and we are getting late. These shopkeepers sell our products like Lux, Lifebuoy, Close-up and Sunsilk across the country. Thus, our company does well.” True, I reflected. As long as consumers use our products and shopkeepers sell them, we get our salaries.
In the early 1990s Unilever sold Lux toilet soap in various colours, like pink, yellow, etc., except white in India. During a market visit in Indore in central India, a shopkeeper underscored the importance of the white variant, to the chairman. When Lux was launched in India by Unilever, it was only in the white colour. It was enormously popular. On his return to Mumbai, the chairman gave a brief for the white variant to be re-introduced.
When the first tablets were produced, he called me to his office. He asked me to travel to Indore to present three tablets of the new white variant of Lux soap, to the retailer who had suggested the white Lux. I headed the sales function at Levers then and travelled specially to Indore to present the soap to the shopkeeper. He was delighted with the gesture of the chairman.
Some months later, we were on another market visit in Akola, in western India. I was amazed that the chairman remembered the full name of every salesman he had ever met. He headed the largest company in the country but remembered every salesman by his full name. A person’s own name is the most important thing to him. It belongs to him. It is his identification. And, the chairman remembered all names. It delighted the salesmen.
On another occasion, at a sales meeting in Madurai in South India, I was sitting next to him. There were about 50 participants in the group. He asked the waiter for tea. A few minutes later, the waiter served him coffee. I was getting up to get his beverage replaced. He signalled to me to continue sitting. He said, “I noticed that the waiter has made a mistake. However, I do not want to embarrass him, in front of everyone. So, stay still. I will have the coffee.” I was flabbergasted. Here was the chairman of a mega corporation. Yet, he was worried about embarrassing a simple waiter in a restaurant. His humility and patience were exemplary. He
had the coffee, without batting an eyelid.
When I had just joined the company, he had to visit my home unexpectedly in 1978 in Delhi, to make an urgent phone call. I had just moved to the city and was short of time and money to furnish the home. He noticed that the windows had no curtains. I had strung bedsheets to cover them. So, he told me, “Do not be embarrassed. All of us have to live like this, when we commence our careers.” I was relieved.
So, when he passed away recently, I remembered the many valuable lessons, the chairman Mr. Susim Datta, had taught us.
A fine corporate leader and a sensitive boss, he was a memorable leader of Unilever India, who impacted the direction of the business. His achievements, through various acquisitions and mergers, changed the future of the company. He also trained hundreds of managers like me, who looked up to him for inspiration and guidance. Any document sent to him came back within 24 hours, with his neat hand-written comments. If any of us, missed even a coma in any letter or submission, he would insert it in the draft. Every submission, especially to the outside world, had to be flawless in content and even punctuation.
He was a very kind and gentle person. He was always there to help and counsel us. I was always enriched by my meetings with him.
Mr. Datta’s sharp and incisive intellect were matched, by his consummate humility and patience. He wanted to listen to everyone, in the room. No voice was too junior or small for him. Every voice was important. He often said, “We are a company of ordinary people, trying to achieve extra-ordinary results.”
Mr. Susim Datta had a unique rapport with everyone he met. His wisdom and counsel touched all those he worked with. He cared very deeply about every person. He never got angry, never raised his voice. He persuaded with his intellect, never with his authority. And, he was perpetually polite. He was truly a “People’s Chairman.”
Ultimately, he had his ear close to the ground and listened to salesmen, distributors and customers. Companies which heed their employees and customers with humility, always prosper. This is a lesson for a lifetime, which no sales or marketing textbook or any business school, could teach us.
Aneja was the General Sales Manager, Unilever India and then Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, and the author of books entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Express”. He is a Management Consultant, and writes from Mumbai, India
The introduction of rail and metro bus services has won the hearts of the citizens, writes GYANG BERE
Governor Caleb
took over the reins of leadership in Plateau State, many knew change was inevitable but few could have imagined the sweeping transformation unfolding in the transport sector today. With the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope administration that created abnormality in the transportation industry, the Plateau State Governor refused to sit on his hands. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves, thought outside the box, and took the bull by the horns. One of his earliest interventions, the introduction of the Metro Bus Service, quickly won the hearts of Plateau citizens. With fares as low as ₦200, the buses became a lifeline, especially for workers, students, traders, and everyday hustlers trying to make ends meet.
In quick succession, additional buses were injected into the system based on public demands, crisscrossing more routes and bridging the mobility gap. The revival and reorganization of the Plateau Express Service also saw more vehicles hitting the roads, connecting not just local government areas within the state but also stretching out to other parts of the federation. Today, these buses are so wellpatronized that demand often outstrips supply, a testament to how deeply the people have embraced them, saving up to N40,000 per individual monthly.
Yet, like a farmer who does not rest after planting maize but goes ahead to sow yams as well, Governor Mutfwang was not done. The rail shuttle between Jos and Bukuru, a visionary masterstroke that has added steam to the ongoing transportation revolution, commenced operations officially last week. At just ₦200 per trip, this service has become an instant hit, offering residents a safe, clean, affordable, and timesaving alternative to the ever-congested roads.
The economic benefits are already speaking volumes. For many, the train has cut down commuting costs drastically, money saved is money earned. With the rising cost of fuel, the train service is like water to a thirsty land, relieving pressure on household incomes and boosting productivity across sectors. On the social front, the train is connecting the Jos-Bukuru axis closer together. Residents now wake up with less anxiety about getting to their places of work, schools, and markets. Punctuality has improved, and time once wasted in traffic jams is now being used for more meaningful engagements.
It is often said that "when the rhythm of the drum changes, the dancer must adjust his steps." The people of Plateau have adjusted, joyfully to this new rhythm set by Mutfwang’s transportation blueprint. Convenience, too, has been taken to new heights. Trains, unlike buses or cars, run on a dedicated track. No holdups, no bottlenecks, and no roadside drama. The shuttle runs on schedule, dependable as the sunrise. Commuters are now enjoying their rides in a relaxed, safe atmosphere, with scenic views that remind us all why Plateau remains the Home of
Peace and Tourism.
Speaking of tourism, the reintroduction of the rail system opens up a fresh corridor for adventure seekers and visitors to explore Jos and its environs with ease. With consistent investment, the rail line could soon connect more tourist hotspots. As the saying goes, "when the road is good, the journey becomes a pleasure." In this case, the train ride is already turning into an experience. The environmental impact is another feather in the administration’s cap. In an age where carbon emissions are a global concern, the shift to rail transport helps reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution. It is a strategic, future-looking move that aligns Plateau State with modern sustainability goals. Through all of this, one truth has become glaring: Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a man of action, not empty words. He understands that governance is not about making noise but about making positive impact on the people. In revamping the transportation sector, he has not only provided physical movement for the people but also stirred hope, restored dignity, and strengthened the social contract between the government and the citizens.
If truly “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” then Plateau State has already taken giant strides under this administration. With each passing day, the state is inching closer to a fully integrated, efficient, and people-focused transportation system. Indeed, Governor Mutfwang is not just moving people, he is moving Plateau forward. Besides revamping the transportation sector, he has restored the confidence and hope of Plateau people that government can translate policies into reality for their benefits. His quest to build a peaceful and united Plateau that creates a conducive atmosphere, where all citizens carry out their legitimate businesses with ease has been prioritised in the last two years. This transformative journey is evident not only in the transport sector but cut across health, education, agriculture and road infrastructure.
It is clear that Governor Mutfwang has refused to be distracted by trivial issues that have no impact on his people; but has remained focused on the delivery of dividends of democracy to Plateau people with all sense of inclusiveness and transparency which became the cornerstone of his administration. And if the early signs are anything to go by, the rail shuttle is only the beginning of even greater things to come.
Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
The police must be well-provided for
Not only have personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) failed to rein in the perpetrators of violence in the country, but it is also unfortunate that many of their officers and men are being accused of sundry acts of misconduct. These charges would probably have been dismissed as frivolous if not for the fact that some of them are coming from within. No fewer than 151 senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and above are currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over “alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations”, according to Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi. Hundreds of junior officers have also been dismissed for heinous crimes in recent months.
As we have said repeatedly, the challenges hampering the police from effectively discharging its constitutional responsibility to the public will continue until they are properly addressed. A key consideration is the mode of recruitment. There must be proper vetting of prospective recruits just as the training must be adequate, comprehensive and tactical to effectively discharge their mandate. Meanwhile, the increasing loss of confidence in the ability of the police to secure the civil populace would only be worsened by the public perception of its senior officers and men as an unruly bunch.
restored to its original mandate.
The primary role of the police force is to uphold and enforce laws, investigate crimes and ensure security for people in the country. In many ways, the police are grossly incapacitated from playing that role. Most of the police stations across the country are in deplorable conditions. Yet if the police must live up to its responsibilities, it must be adequately equipped. A force entrusted to secure the nation cannot perform in the face of antiquated equipment and low morale.
A force entrusted to secure the nation cannot perform in the face of antiquated equipment
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
From extortion of money from hapless citizens at illegal checkpoints to brutality through extra-judicial killings to the scam derogatorily called ‘charge and bail', an institution that ought to be a friend is perceived more as a foe and treated with suspicion, and sometimes derision, by most Nigerians. As a result, soldiers, who are principally trained to defend the territorial integrity of the country, are now being compelled to assume the role of protecting lives and property within towns and villages because of the failure and ineffectiveness of the police. For this to change, the entire police must be restructured and
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R
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
Over the years, the federal government had established several panels and presidential committees to address areas of police reforms, including efficiency, accountability and responsiveness. The challenge, however, is that while the promise to reform the police is loud, there is no indication that it is being seriously pursued even amid the growing violence and insecurity across the country. That perhaps explains why many of the reports and recommendations of all the reforms committees are still gathering dust in the shelves.
Such recommendations include the recent endorsement of state police by critical stakeholders, including the 36 governors and the president. Many retired senior police officers have also put their weight behind the idea of state police on grounds that it would improve the management of internal security and the maintenance of law and order. The compelling argument is that such men and officers would have local knowledge of the environment and would be more effective in dealing with local crimes, protecting law and order and in intelligence gathering.
While we commend the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the efforts to instil discipline in the rank and file, the institutional challenge goes beyond what he can deal with. Authorities in the country must summon the courage to overhaul the structure of our security framework through a comprehensive constitutional reform.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
A talented Nigerian musician, Adekunle Gold, in one of his popular songs entitled ‘Work’, encouraged people to work hard. This is in harmony with what God’s Word, the Bible, recommends in Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verse 10, where it says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might…”
Work – whether paid or unpaid, is good for our health and well-being. It contributes to our happiness, helps us to build confidence and self-esteem, and can reward us financially. Work is an essential tool through which individuals can achieve their goals, flourish, and live happy, meaningful lives.
Work has different dimensions, such as work for making a living and work for developing one’s talent and potential. For example, a little girl in one of the corners of the world who goes to kindergarten and learns how to count, draw, or write, is working. Likewise, an adult, who goes to his/her job every day, and gets paid for that, is also working. Thus, based on the age, circumstances, needs and desires of individuals, work, or labour, takes different shapes.
Work is a virtue and necessity, which requires the utilization of time and energy. Man is in control of his time and energy when he voluntarily and constructively works. The Bible emphasizes the importance of work when it says, among other things, in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 3, verses 10 to 12 that “…if anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat….” This scripture
condemns laziness. We need to work to make a living and provide for our families. Work provides the individual with the ability to be independent, to flourish, to develop, and most importantly, to find meaning in life. However, there are many problems seriously affecting work and workers in Nigeria today. These include: unemployment, poor remuneration/ wages, poor working environment and conditions, and casualization of workers, among others. Many people experience poverty and unemployment through no fault of their own. Many who are able to work, willing to work hard, and even actively searching for work, are still unable to find work – they are unemployed! Unemployment and poverty are two of the major problems currently plaguing Nigeria’s economy and its society. Nevertheless, despite the high rate of unemployment and poverty, the situation is not necessarily hopeless. People can still find some meaningful work to engage in, even though it may be small. And, as another talented Nigerian musician, Sonnie Smyth, sang in his music video entitled: “NO WAHALA”: “No wahala, e go better, after today, I go see tomorrow o! ”
If you are unemployed, or cannot find a job in your area of particular interest, it is wise to consider looking for a job in other areas, even if the job is considered ‘menial’ by the standards of some people. Do not allow false pride to let you look down on a job – as beneath your dignity. Any legitimate service that can benefit others, and that people are willing to pay for,
can be considered as an alternative job opportunity when jobs are scarce. People differ in terms of many characteristics such as intelligence, talents, academic levels, etc. Therefore, depending on human potential and the specific working environment, work can be equally beneficial to the person or demeaning. For example, prostitution, gambling, and drug dealing constitute work, as you get a kind of remuneration for the service you provide. But the money you get out of these kinds of work becomes useless, as it neither contributes to human flourishing nor is the basis of a meaningful life. Work should be the key to human survival and flourishing, and not to the degradation of the individual and his moral values.
On the other hand, no matter how honest, working from dawn to sunset does not make your life flourish either. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” goes the popular saying. Workaholics, the people whose only purpose in life is work, deprive themselves of the enjoyment of engaging in other activities. Productive work is not an end-in-itself, but a means of flourishing. If one pursues productive work to the exclusion of everything else in one’s life, so that it becomes one’s only purpose in life, this will undermine one’s flourishing. On the other hand, those who keep their life balanced are likely to enjoy their work even more.
As Nigeria grapples with the urgent task of diversifying its economy away from oil, agriculture is once again emerging as a viable frontier for inclusive growth and foreign exchange generation. Yet, the country’s agricultural sector has long suffered from structural inefficiencies, underinvestment, and an over-dependence on the export of unprocessed commodities. To fill this lacuna, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the recent export of three 40-foot containers of premiumgrade raw cashew nuts to Vietnam by Domena Africa, a subsidiary of Moneda Invest Africa, offers more than a glimpse of commercial activity as it represents a broader signal that Nigerian agribusinesses can compete globally, drive rural transformation, and capture greater value through strategic participation in international commodity markets
Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, not only for food production but also as a vehicle for social inclusion, rural development, and economic diversification. However, decades of underinvestment, over-reliance on oil revenues, and an extractive export model have hindered the sector’s transformative potential.
Despite its vast arable land and millions of engaged smallholder farmers, Nigeria continues to struggle with unlocking the full benefits of agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), less than 10 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural output is processed locally. This structural limitation has stunted the sector’s ability to generate robust foreign exchange (FX) earnings, limited job creation, and entrenched rural poverty.
While policy conversations around diversification and self-sufficiency are recurring, the reality is that the country’s agricultural export performance remains heavily weighted towards raw commodities. The result is a cycle of low value capture, vulnerability to global price shocks, and limited innovation in the agro-industrial sector.
Cashew: A Crop of Opportunity
Amid these challenges, cashew presents a compelling opportunity. Nigeria is the fourth-largest producer of raw cashew nuts globally, with an estimated output exceeding 350,000 metric tons annually, according to the International Trade Centre (ITC). The crop is cultivated in several states including Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, and parts of the North Central and South West regions, where the climate and soil are naturally suited for its production.
Yet, despite its high yield and export potential, only a small fraction of Nigeria’s cashew output is processed domestically. In 2023, the country earned approximately USD 351.6 million from raw cashew exports, with Vietnam and India serving as the primary destinations. This figure, while significant in its own right, remains modest within the broader FX landscape, especially considering the potential value addition that processing and branding could bring.
The global demand for cashew nuts continues to rise, driven by shifting consumer trends toward healthier snacking and plant-based products. However, Nigeria has yet to effectively position itself beyond being a supplier of raw nuts. The opportunity lies not just in increased production, but in evolving from a bulk exporter to a key processor and brand owner in the global cashew economy.
Domena Africa’s Strategic Entry
Against this backdrop, Domena Africa, a subsidiary of Moneda Invest Africa, recently made a notable entry into the global commodity trade with the export of three 40-foot containers of premium-grade raw cashew to Vietnam. While the volume may appear modest, the transaction is symbolically powerful. For the company, it reflects a growing ambition among Nigerian agribusiness firms to move beyond fragmented, informal trade practices and plug directly into international value chains.
This milestone is not about scale; it is about signalling viability. Domena Africa’s export demonstrates that indigenous companies can meet international standards, aggregate quality supply, and deliver traceable, transparent transactions that global buyers demand. It is a validation of the fact that with the right model and execution, Nigerian firms can play competitively on the world stage.
The company’s model is built around smallholder engagement, gender inclusion, training, and market access, key pillars that align with sustainable development and economic equity goals. By connecting rural farmers to premium-paying global markets, Domena not only enhances incomes at the base of the pyramid but also lays the groundwork for scalable value addition in the future.
The Jobs and Value Chain Dimension
The significance of this model becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of job creation and rural development. According to findings by the World Bank, every 1,000 tons of cashew processing capacity can generate up to 200 jobs, most of them in rural communities and many of them for women. This potential makes the crop a tool for inclusive growth, especially
in regions grappling with underemployment and youth migration.
Cashew processing also helps retain more value domestically. Instead of exporting raw produce at minimal margins, processing enables firms to tap into multiple revenue streams, from kernels to shells, which can be used in biofuels and other industries. However, scaling such processing capacity requires sustained investments in machinery, technical expertise, and reliable energy, all areas where Nigeria still faces gaps and Domena is inching to fill.
The FX and Policy Imperative
Domena Africa’s entry into the global market also arrives at a critical time for Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability. With FX reserves under pressure and the naira experiencing persistent volatility, there is growing consensus that Nigeria must identify and support sectors that offer long-term FX inflows and insulation from oil market shocks. Agriculture’s contribution to FX inflows remains disappointingly low. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), agriculture accounted for less than five per cent of
total FX inflows in 2023. This underperformance underscores the need for agro-industrialisation, the transformation of agriculture from a subsistence activity to an export-driven, value-added sector.
Export-oriented agribusinesses like Domena Africa provide a path forward. They offer a tangible response to the call for economic diversification and present proof that FX can be earned not just through oil, but through high-quality, non-oil exports.
Global Market Dynamics and Demand Trends
The broader global cashew market provides even more encouragement. The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) projects annual demand growth of 4–6 per cent through 2028. This demand is being fuelled by rising interest in plant-based protein, dairy alternatives, and healthy snacks, trends that are especially pronounced in health-conscious markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Nigeria, by virtue of its climate, labour base, and production capacity, is well-positioned to tap into this growing demand, provided the enabling infrastructure, policy support, and financing mechanisms are in place. Currently, much of Nigeria’s cashew is exported in raw form and further processed abroad, where most of the value is captured. Reversing this trend will require intentional investments in processing
Domena Africa, a subsidiary of Moneda Invest Africa, recently made a notable entry into the global commodity trade with the export of three 40-foot containers of premium-grade raw cashew to Vietnam. While the volume may appear modest, the transaction is symbolically powerful. For the company, it reflects a growing ambition among Nigerian agribusiness firms to move beyond fragmented, informal trade practices and plug directly into international value chains
facilities, better storage systems, and efficient logistics chains that can move products from farm to port without compromising quality.
Signal to Investors and Policymakers
Domena Africa’s export should be viewed not merely as a transaction, but as a signal, a message to investors, policymakers, and development financiers that Nigeria’s agricultural potential can be unlocked when the right models are backed. It shows that indigenous firms, when equipped with knowledge, market access, and capital, can deliver to global standards and play a central role in repositioning agriculture as a viable export engine.
While the company’s current focus is on raw exports, its leadership has made it clear that the next phase is local processing and branding. This evolution will not only deepen value capture but also drive employment, stimulate rural economies, and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global agricultural value chain.
However, achieving scale will not come overnight. It will require patient capital long-term financing that understands the seasonality and investment cycles of agriculture. It will also demand consistent policy support, infrastructure upgrades, and active participation by the private sector.
As Nigeria charts a path toward economic self-reliance, it will take more than policy declarations or isolated pilot projects to shift the narrative. What is needed is a sustained national commitment to agriculture, not as a fallback option, but as a strategic growth pillar. The question for Nigeria in the years ahead is no longer whether it can compete globally, but whether it chooses to. The tools are already present: fertile land, a youthful and hardworking farming population, rising global demand, and emerging private sector leaders like Domena Africa.
What remains is a collective decision, to bet on agriculture, to invest in value creation, and to let Nigeria’s farms become engines of national prosperity once again. If that bet is made, the country’s next export boom may not be found in offshore oil rigs, but in the quiet resilience of cashew trees flourishing under the sun in Ogbomosho, Kogi, and beyond.
Eunice Braimah
At the recently concluded 52nd AGM/ congress held by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) in Ibadan, I sat in a room filled with visionaries, listening not just to talks, but to the pulse of an industry in flux. The theme, 'charting bold paths forward,' wasn’t just any slogan, it was a challenge to all of us who call the business of brands our craft. And as I reflected on the depth of conversations shared, my mind went straight to one terrain I know intimately well: the FMCG sector.
Fast-moving consumer goods - emphasis on the words fast and consumer, is a space where change is constant, attention is fleeting, and relevance is everything. And in a country like Nigeria where the only guarantee is unpredictability, being fast isn't enough. You also have to be bold and precise, especially when your media spend is shrinking faster than your SKU shelf life, creativity becomes currency.
With this on ground, FMCG brands can no longer afford to play it safe. As David Ogilvy once said, “Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.” That statement has never been more relevant. The era of “we’ve always done it this way” is behind us because now consumers are changing how they shop, what they value, who they trust. In this climate, it’s not enough to simply keep up with an outdated status quo. Brands now have to step out, stand out, and show up with substance.
But boldness isn’t noise. It’s clarity in a crowded room, and the quiet confidence of a brand that knows its purpose and reflects it in every touchpoint, from the packaging on a shelf in a supermarket to a 30 seconds reel by a brand influencer on a tired bus passenger’s phone at 9pm.
It’s in how you tell your story, not just what you say. Some of the most iconic FMCG brands we admire didn’t just win by having great products. They won because they connected deeply with the consumer's daily rhythm - and they stayed consistent, yet dynamic.
The truth of the matter is, building a brand that resonates in Nigeria takes more than media budgets. It takes insight, local context, and a knack for the unspoken emotional triggers that drive choice.
As Bill Bernbach put it, “In advertising, not to be different is virtually suicidal.”
The brands that will lead the future are not just agile; they’re culturally intuitive, sparking relevance in every message they broadcast, and
seeking affinity instead of just visibility. Boldness also means decoding what’s working across borders. Take Temu, for instance; for the past couple of months, they have been a disruptor not just in product, but in pace. Their strategy? Show up everywhere, offer value, and learn fast. For FMCG brands, the message is clear: being present isn’t enough as now you must be preferred, and to do this you must stand ahead of the pack. The same playbook can be seen in the local genius of Indomie, the emotional orbit of Maltina, or the purpose-driven storytelling of Always. They don’t just sell, they resonate and connect deeply with their consumers.
At this point, many brand managers and CMOs may be asking: Where do we even
begin to make this shift?
It begins, perhaps, with a new lens; one that understands that 360-degree communication is not a checklist but a choreography. It’s the harmony which starts with consumer insight, brand soul, creative direction, channel intelligence driven by data driven insights and executional excellence. When all of these move together, intentionally and intuitively, the result is not just a campaign, but a brand movement.
While this article isn't a sales pitch, I will say this: some of us have spent years fine-tuning that choreography - not just on paper, but in boardrooms, markets, and communities working closely with the different target market. We’ve dedicated our time and
resources to understanding the science behind data-driven insights, emotional storytelling, the psychology of packaging, the rhythm of retail behaviour, and the currency of trust. These are the places where true brand-building begins.
In recent campaigns we’ve run at ZQ, we’ve learned that clarity cuts deeper than clutter. It’s not the shout that’s heard, but the truth that’s felt. Whether it’s rethinking how a breakfast product speaks to millennial mums or how a soap brand becomes a symbol of self-care, boldness is in the nuance.
In a space as unforgiving as FMCG, the bold path forward may not be the loudest, it might simply be the most insightful, thoughtful, consistent, and culturally intelligent one.
As we all rise from the AGM with fresh perspectives and new ambitions, may we resist the temptation of the familiar, because in this market, comfort zones don't grow market share. To quote the legendary Mary Wells Lawrence: “If you’re not a risk taker, you should get the hell out of advertising.”
Because the brands that will define the next decade are already being shaped; quietly, boldly, deliberately and intentionally. The only question is: "will you be bold enough to lead?” to step out, stand out and show up with substance?
•IBraimah is the CEO of IdeaZQution Consulting fondly known as ZQ; an Integrated Marketing Communications Partner helping FMCG brands build cultural relevance, strategic visibility, and long- lasting consumer love. With over 20 years of experience working across Africa’s top agencies and blue-chip brands, she leads ZQ in delivering full-spectrum Integrated marketing solutions that drive cultural relevance, strategic visibility, and lasting consumer loyalty for FMCG and multi-sector brand partners. Under her leadership, ZQ has delivered top notch integrated marketing campaigns, one of which is testament to the awards recently clinched from the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN). These awards are Best Use of Actionable data and Insights and Best Event B2C, again testaments to the agency’s commitment to industry excellence, innovation, and global best practices. In another development, as last year, she won the best Innovative Marketing Communications Consulting agency of the year from Marketing edge. You can find Eunice sharing insights and industry perspectives on LinkedIn and explore ZQ’s portfolio and partnership opportunities via ideaZQution.com.
Ibrahim Sulaimon
In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, a bold new lifestyle destination is poised to redefine how residents live, work, shop, and unwind. The Uptown mall, Nigeria’s first 24-hour all-in-one lifestyle centre, is set to open soon — blending retail, leisure, wellness, and entertainment into a dynamic urban experience.
Strategically located just 30 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and within three minutes of Jabi, Utako, Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and the Central Business District, The Uptown is far more than a shopping centre — it’s a self-contained ecosystem for modern city living.
All-in-One. All Day. All Night. Spread across five levels of thoughtfully designed space, the mall offers unmatched convenience and variety, open round-theclock. It boasts: Nigeria’s largest rooftop event space, The highest concentration of food and beverage outlets in a single location. Distinct zones for retail, business, wellness, and recreation.
Whether you're in Abuja for a few hours, days, or an extended stay, Uptown caters to your every need — from fine dining to everyday essentials, all in one place.
A First-of-Its-Kind Lifestyle Integration
What truly sets The Uptown apart is its co-location with a state-of-the-art serviced apartment complex, allowing for a seamless lifestyle flow between home and leisure. Residents and guests can wake up, work out, hold meetings, dine, shop, attend events, and relax — without ever leaving the premises.
This integrated concept is a first in Nigeria and a game-changer for lifestyle real estate across West Africa. It represents a new pinnacle of convenience, luxury, and urban efficiency.
Dining & Entertainment — Redefined The Uptown offers a world-class culinary experience with: Seven restaurants spanning global cuisines; An outdoor café boulevard; An authentic bukka-style eatery serving Nigerian favourites like pounded yam and amala. Entertainment options abound: a sleek cinema, a vibrant arcade, a tranquil library and bookstore, and lounges with panoramic city views. For children, there’s a safe, engaging play zone. At the top of it all is the record-setting rooftop event space, featuring: An 800-seat ballroom; A 1,500-guest banquet hall; Three flexible meeting rooms for up to 200 guests each. It’s the perfect venue for weddings,
conferences, and high-profile events — all with stunning views of Abuja. Wellness & Sport in One Exclusive Package
The mall isn’t just about indulgence — it’s about balance and wellbeing. Through a club membership system, subscribers gain access to Nigeria’s largest in-mall fitness and wellness lounge, which includes: A fully equipped gym, A serene swimming pool; A top-tier sports gear shop. The complex also features a spa, salon, barbershop, laundry, and a mosque discreetly located in the basement parking area — ensuring every detail, from utility to spirituality,
is thoughtfully addressed.
Retail Excellence Meets Everyday Needs
The Uptown’s retail offering is curated for quality and variety, with multiple floors dedicated to: Electronics and appliances, Groceries and pharmacy, Furniture, home décor, and fashion. One standout feature is the Health Boulevard, housing: Nigeria’s largest single-location pharmacy, ENT and dental clinics, Hands-on first-aid and wellness services.
Essential services such as banking, bureau de change, airline ticketing, and coworking spaces for mobile professionals are seamlessly integrated — all supported by 24-hour power, high-speed elevators, and advanced security infrastructure.
A Signature Project by Smart Residences Ltd.
Behind The Uptown is Smart Residences Ltd., Nigeria’s leading name in new-age hospitality and real estate management. Known for its high standards and innovation, the company is the only hospitality brand rated by Agusto & Co (Bbb-) and DataPro (A-).
Their hands-on approach ensures The Uptown meets international benchmarks — from facility management and concierge services to retail curation and event coordination.
Abuja’s New Gathering Point
From professionals and families to creatives and tourists, tens of thousands are expected to flock to the mall in its opening month. But more than a mall, The Uptown is set to become Abuja’s cultural anchor — a centre for connection, celebration, and everyday life. Here, communities will gather, businesses will thrive, and memories will be made. Welcome to The Uptown. Where everything comes together — beautifully.
•Sulaimon, a corporate communication specialist, wrote from Abuja
Emma Okonji
Insurance companies have declared telecoms sector as high risk sector, following the frequent telecoms facility damages across the country in the past five months, calculated to reach N91.8 billion.
Telecoms operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had at the weekend, released a statement about the incessant and wanton vandalism of telecoms facilities across the country since March this year.
Worried about the frequency of destruction and the negative impact on the telecoms sector and the Nigerian economy, the Chairman of ALTON, who is the spokesperson for telecoms operators in Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that the continuous vandalism of telecoms facilities have become a source of worry to insurance companies that
insured telecoms facilities in the country. According to him, some insurance companies have declared telecoms sector as high risk sector, as a result of the incessant damages on telecoms facilities, and they are no longer willing to continue to bear the cost of such wanton damages.
Adebayo said the recent destruction of telecoms facilities across the country started in March this year, with high frequency of occurrence, recording a maximum of five telecoms sites being vandalised on a daily basis since March.
He explained that the vandalism started in March after telecoms operators had commenced new investments in telecoms facility expansion to improve service quality, following the approval of 50 per cent hike in telecoms tariff in January this year by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). According to him, most of the vandalised sites are solar sites and it
costs between N80 million and N120 million to fully install a solar site.
Since five sites are vandalised per day across the country and the facilities stolen, it is estimated that telecoms operators lose as much as N600 million to telecoms site vandalism and theft every day, since it costs up to N120 million to install one solar site. Going by the calculation, it also means that telecoms operators will lose as much as N91.8 billion by the end of this July, since there are 153 days from March to July, being the five months of wanton vandalism and theft of telecoms facilities.
The loss may exceed N91.8 billion after July, if the situation is not controlled by security operatives, as requested by telecoms operators.
Adebayo said the vandalism and theft of telecoms facilities have continued unabated because the vandals have a ready market to sell stolen telecoms facilities, insisting that such available market is the
solar industry market, where those that deal on solar equipment are willing to buy stolen items.
Adebayo said: “Social miscreants attack telecoms sites, maim and sometimes kill security guards, and they vandalise and steal telecoms facilities. There are a few things that are of interest to them on the site. They include all the power cables and all the elements of cables that are on the site; the rectifier on the site; the batteries; and the solar cells. That’s one line of vandalism. Another line of vandalism is the destruction and theft of fibre optic cables.”
For the first line of vandalism, which has to do with theft of power cables, rectifiers, batteries and solar cells, Adebayo said the stolen facilities were sold in one direction, and to one market, the solar and inverter market.
“So when they steal the power cable on site, when they steal the rectifier and they steal the
batteries, they are sold to only one type of market, inverter market. So these home inverters and office inverters and solar stations that you see, some of them are elements that were stolen from telecoms sites. Again, they steal diesel from sites, as much as 30 litres, 50 litres, and 100 litres, but that is for the short-term economic benefit,” Adebayo further said.
Speaking about the impact of the vandalised and stolen telecoms facilities, Adebayo told THISDAY that because telecoms base stations are powered on three types of energy, mostly diesel, solar, and wind, telecommunications signals are cut off, whenever a site or base station is attacked and vandalised, leading to weak transmission of telecoms services in the entire community that is connected to the base station.
“When this happens on a site that connects multiple stations, which we call the hub site, the
implication is that all the on-work stations will be affected, and service quality will be affected,” Adebayo said. Adebayo also said there could be long-term service outage, because it would take longer time to restore telecoms services, if the site is located in remote and areas of high security risk.
“There is a site that’s not far from the federal capital territory that has been vandalised 10 times this year alone. So, the decision that has now been taken about that site is that unless there is security guarantee, nobody is going there to restore service,” Adebayo further said. He appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and all security agents in the country to come to the rescue of telecoms operators, before the entire telecoms facilities in the country are completely vandalised.
Emma Okonji
The latest statistics and analysis from the International Telecoms Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency that sets global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems, has shown connectivity doubling across Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) since 2014.
Although Nigeria is not an LLDC country because of her coastal lines through which undersea cable operators have berthed several submarine cables to boost broadband and internet connectivity in the country, the report however said a wide gap exists between mobile
and fixed broadband connectivity, which is applicable to Nigeria, where mobile broadband connectivity far outnumbered fixed broadband connectivity.
Analysing the report, the Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau of ITU, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, said internet use in the world’s landlocked developing countries has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the latest statistics collected by the International Telecommunication Union.
“While an estimated 86 per cent of people in LLDCs were covered by a mobile broadband signal in 2024, only 39 per cent of the population used the internet, up
from 15 per cent in 2014 when the second International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC2) took place.
“Although this is substantially lower than the global average of 68 per cent, encouragingly, uptake has been increasing at an annual rate of 11 per cent since 2014, significantly outpacing the global rate of 7 per cent,” Zavazava said.
According to him, the disparity between coverage and actual use is largely due to low affordability, limited digital skills, and the lack of relevant content, among other factors.
The report, which focused on Landlocked Developing Countries, and published on 22 July, highlighted
the digital trends in LLDCs, the challenges they face, and the opportunities offered by digital development.
According to the report, LLDCs face unique constraints that set their development paths apart from coastal nations, including higher transport costs, trade barriers, and remoteness and isolation from world markets, but digital connectivity holds considerable potential to mitigate some of these challenges.
“Insufficient international connectivity infrastructure and affordability remain key connectivity barriers in LLDCs. The affordability of broadband services has improved faster in other countries, while prices in most LLDCs remain higher than
world medians – for example, the fixed broadband basket costs more than twice as much in LLDCs, compared to the global median,” the report further said.
The new report serves as a powerful advocacy tool to help stakeholders identify connectivity gaps. Concrete data can help put digital development at the top of the agenda for LLDC policymakers and ensure that LLDC digital needs remain a priority among the global development community. LLDCs vary widely in terms of income levels, urbanization rates, and size, necessitating a flexible approach in addressing their challenges, the report shows. Each country’s underlying conditions must be fully understood to develop truly impactful policies, Zavazava further said. Other key findings from the report showed that the digital gender divide persists, with an estimated 43 per cent of men using the internet in LLDCs, compared to 36 per cent of women. Youth are online more than the average LLDC population, with an estimated 51 per cent of 15- to 24-year-olds in LLDCs using the internet, but this is lower than the global average of 79 per cent. The urban-rural connectivity gap is wide, with an estimated 28 per cent of people living in LLDC rural areas being online, versus 63 per cent in LLDC urban areas, according to the report findings.
Arthur Eriye
The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have trained over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria’s Northeast region.
The intensive training is aimed at aligning their businesses with international standards, improve market readiness, and adopt sustainable business practices. The training, held under the theme, “Sustainability Coaching Program for Nature-Positive MSMEs in
Nigeria (SPENM),” took place at the SPESSE Centre of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to empower 470 MSMEs through knowledge transfer, value chain strengthening, and access to international markets. The programme is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme and spans all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
During the opening session, the Technical Advisor and Business Coach with ITFA, Dr. Abel Owotemu, said the training
focused on the Business Model Canvas, a globally recognised tool that helps businesses define, structure, and refine their operations for growth and competitiveness.
“Our goal is to equip MSMEs, whether in Bauchi or Maiduguri, to meet international procurement and fair trade standards,” he said. “This isn’t just about building capacity. We are positioning these businesses for global relevance.”
Owotemu revealed that most MSMEs participating in the programme are women-led, a trend also seen in the Bauchi
cohort. He noted the creation of a national database of trained MSMEs that will offer continuous support, open doors to international supply chains, and increase the potential for earning in foreign currencies.
Addressing challenges, he pointed out that many MSMEs struggle with technical understanding and communication. To bridge this gap, 15 to 20 experienced coaches—many fluent in local languages—have been deployed across regions to provide mentoring and hands-on guidance.
“This is part of a wider
Emma Okonji
Interswitch, has made the CNBC and Statista list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies, a distinction reserved for the most impactful and resilient players shaping the future of financial technology globally.
Also, PalmPay has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay
has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.
This is coming during the year 2025 that is marked by intensified global scrutiny on performance, scale, and substance across the fintech sector.
Commenting on the announcement, Interswitch Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO, Mitchell Elegbe,
said: “Our focus has never been just about speed or scale for the sake of it. We’ve been intentional about building the systems and laying the rails that make payment and commerce work seamlessly.”
Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, said: “Interswitch has always been more than a product company, we design for longevity, for reliability, and
for ecosystems.”
Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay, Sofia Zab, said: “To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system. Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank.”
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
In a demonstration of commitment to education, community upliftment, and youth empowerment, the Tim Akano Foundation (TAF) has awarded scholarships and digital skill opportunities to a total of 122 students across Osun State and Obafemi Awolowo University in June this year.
Driven by personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility to his roots, the Founder, TAF, Mr. Tim Akano, awarded scholarships to 22 outstanding undergraduates with first-class and second-class
upper grades from Oluponna, Iwo, Ile Ogbo, Kuta, and Telemu communities. The scholarship presentation took place recently at Aipate Baptist Church, Iwo. As a beneficiary of community sacrifice, where men once contributed N10 and women contributed N5 in 1976 to establish Oluponna Community High School. Akano emphasised how that singular act of community generosity changed the trajectory of his life, for good, forever. “That is the school gave me access to quality secondary education,” Akano said. In recognition of his generosity and visionary leadership, the
Federation of Ayedire Student Union presented him with an award of Excellence as Community Role Model.
In his speech, Akano challenged the students from Oluponna and its environ to work harder to change the narrative of the community from Agrarian to Technopreneurship. Akano announced his desire to mentor at least 100 students from the community to greatness, reaching a height far higher than the one he has reached. A WhatsApp group tagged GREATER HEIGHTS has been created and sorely dedicated
to mentoring students from Oluponna and its environ.
Further advancing his mission to bridge the digital divide, the foundation also provided 100 students from the Department of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University with scholarships to acquire practical skills in Digital Marketing.
Upon completing their training, the students will be onboard immediately as Affiliate Marketers for New Horizons. This will allow them to earn commissions and begin generating income from their newly acquired skills.
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), marking the 16th consecutive time the company has received the recognition.
Sophos has been recognised in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms
(EPP) since the inaugural publication for this category in 2007.
Sophos’ market-leading endpoint security solutions include Sophos Endpoint powered by Intercept X, Sophos Extended Detection and Response (EDR/ XDR), and Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
Over 300,000 organisations trust Sophos endpoint security solutions to defend against cyberthreats,
including advanced remote ransomware attacks and active adversaries.
Unique to Sophos, the solution includes adaptive defenses that automatically disrupt attackers by dynamically adjusting protection levels based on threat context.
SVP, Product Management at Sophos, Kyle Falkenhagen, said: “Sophos’ strength lies in its prevention-first strategy,
designed to stop breaches before they start, adapt defenses in real time, and strengthen detection and response when it matters most. We believe that receiving this recognition in the highly competitive endpoint security market for 16 consecutive reports reflects our relentless focus on developing innovative solutions that stay ahead of the global threat landscape and the adversaries we face every day.”
international strategy to elevate Nigerian MSMEs and make them globally competitive,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Export Trade Development at ITFA, Mr. Abdullahi Sidi-Aliyu, described the SPENM initiative as a transformative platform for
building resilient and profitable social enterprises.
“Any support you receive from this programme is not the end, but a catalyst,” he said. “We are helping you grow sustainable businesses that also tackle environmental and social challenges.”
Nigeria’s tech industry is expanding rapidly, but the reality is that while thousands of young people are enrolling in coding boot camps and tech training programmes, employers consistently highlight that many new hires possess theoretical knowledge but struggle to apply it in real-world settings.
From navigating compliance reviews to managing crossfunctional deadlines, the knowledge required to thrive on the job is often necessarily covered in boot camps and online courses. At the same time, fewer than one in five tech jobs in Nigeria are held by women, revealing how this gap is even wider for those from underserved backgrounds.
These were the views of Joy Unokanjo, a Nigerian with over five years of experience working across fintech and product-led startups, who is leading the mentorship change on the ADPList mentorship platform.
Unokanjo, in a statement released
recently, said: “Mentorship has become one of the most quiet and powerful forces shaping Nigeria’s tech talent industry. Global platforms like ADPList, which recently surpassed 100 million minutes of mentor sessions, are helping to structure this knowledge exchange across borders, and Nigerians are equally leveraging the platform.”
Giving her personal experience about mentorship, Unokanjo, said she had worked on products that have gotten into accelerator programs, withstood cyber threats, passed regulatory checks, and grown without losing user trust. She said she became exposed to the full product cycle from ideation to compliance reviews to strategic partnerships and revenue-driving proposals, even though it wasn’t a smooth path.
Unokanjo joined ADPList because she wanted to offer the kind of support she wished she had earlier in her career.
One of Nigeria’s foremost ICT pioneers and digital policy champions, Senator Ayo Arise, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Titans of Tech 2025 Awards & Game Changers Gala Night in Lagos. The Titans of Tech Awards, called ‘The Tech Grammy’, is Africa’s most platform for celebrating excellence and impact in the continent’s technology ecosystem. Now in its 21st edition, the high-octane event is organised by Technology Africa in association with TechTV, two platforms renowned for chronicling and shaping the continent’s tech narrative.
Executive Secretary of the Titans
of Tech Awards Board, Don Pedro Aganbi, said Senator Ayo Arise was selected in recognition of his pioneering role in laying the foundation for a modern digital Nigeria.
“His contributions to card technology, e-commerce infrastructure, data identity systems and tech policy are not only legendary but transformative,” Aganbi said.
According to him, “The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour in Africa’s tech industry, reserved for visionary leaders whose legacies have reshaped the future. Senator Arise is thoroughly deserving as his work has helped birth the digital Nigeria we know today.”
Igbawase Ukumba in lafia
Representatives of the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliances (SUN CSAs) from 22 countries in West and Central Africa and the Islands (Comoros and Madagascar), participated in their annual regional meeting held in Nigeria.
In a statement issued to journalists said the Anual Regional Meeting took place in Lagos, from 9 to 14 June 2025 with the theme: A stronger civil society to accelerate progress on nutrition in West and Central Africa and the Islands.
“We acknowledge The context marked by multiple crises: conflicts, climate change, food and nutrition insecurity, structural inequalities, weak health and social protection systems in particular.
“Malnutrition in all its forms still affects millions of women and children, particularly in vulnerable communities, with consequences on countries’ economic and social development”, the statement added.
The statement continued that slow and uneven progress towards achieving the 2030 goals, was often undermined by unsustainable financing, weak coordination and community involvement in nutrition programmes.
Representatives of the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliances (SUN CSAs) from 22 countries in West and Central Africa and the Islands (Comoros and Madagascar) at the meeting in Nigeria
It noted that The situation of restrictions and budget cuts at national and international levels which negatively impact already underfunded nutrition programmes.
“We reaffirm: Our renewed commitment to act together and with all stakeholders (governments, United Nations, donors, private sector and civil society) to end malnutrition in all its forms in our region.
“Our solidarity and our openness according to the principles of the SUN
Movement, to continue our efforts in the development of nutrition, despite often difficult contexts and the limited resources made available to us.
“Following this important meeting, we commit to: Strengthen the sharing of our good practices, expertise and resources to better influence national policies, plans, budgets and environments for nutrition and food systems.
“We also Advocate for
multisectoral and inclusive nutrition, integrated into policies, including agricultural, educational, health, climate and social policies, with a human rights-based approach, Strengthen our local roots, by listening to and relaying the voices of communities, particularly those of women, young people, indigenous peoples and marginalised groups.
“We Demonstrate greater accountability in fulfilling our commitments to achieving nutrition
Nigeria’s public health conversations often circle around big-ticket issues, hospital upgrades, disease outbreaks, emergency responses. What rarely receives equal attention is the everyday infrastructure of prevention: hygiene.
Not the presence of soap or water alone, but the quality and staying power of protection that follows. Hygiene is often treated as a personal matter when it is also a public necessity.
This limited framing is probably why hygiene still sits on the fringes of national health policies, spoken about, but not seriously planned for. In communities where exposure to germs is part of daily life, durable hygienic actions are still not seen as essential parts of Nigeria’s health resilience strategy.
What Nigeria needs are hygiene solutions designed to keep working throughout the day, not just at the point of use. Solutions that acknowledge and adapt to the high contact rhythm of daily life. This is where innovation, like
the Dettol Original antibacterial bar soap, becomes essential. With regular use, the antibacterial soap supports the skin’s natural germ fighting ability for up to 12 hours. It reflects a deep understanding of how Nigerian families in their daily activities can be exposed to germs. Dettol understands this need for long-term impact. Beyond product development, the brand has built a track record of public
engagement, delivering hygiene education through in-school programs, community outreach, and health worker collaborations. These initiatives help shape habits, raise awareness, and promote sustainable behaviour change.
This combination of innovation and education supports national goals laid out by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),
which continue to emphasize behavioural change through communication as a key tool in reducing disease and improving health equity.
If we are to promote the health and wellbeing of Nigerian families, we must reframe hygiene as a from being a short-term action, but as a critical, sustained layer of protection. Hygiene must be treated as a priority, not a personal convenience.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
A US-trained physician Dr. Helen Mbakwe, weekend launched Nigeria’s first outpatient infusion and arthritis management center in Abuja.
The facility, Mbakwe hinted is a significant milestone in the country’s medical landscape, particularly in addressing chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Mbakwe emphasised the transformative power of infusion therapy, stating, “It’s not just treatment, it’s a lifeline.”
According to her, “The Frontline Infusion and Arthritis Outpatient Infusion Medical Facility offers cutting-edge infusion therapies, non-surgical treatments, and personalised management plans for arthritis and other chronic conditions.”
The facility, Mbakwe hinted is
poised to become a regional hub for arthritis and infusion therapy in West Africa.
She further explained that the center also introduces Nigeria’s first outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) program for antibiotic-resistant infections, utilising advanced multi dosing devices for precise delivery of intravenous antibiotics.
She, however dedicated the milestone to her family, patients, and faith, saying, “This center is a
testament to what’s possible when compassion meets innovation.
On his part, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Dr. Abubakar Kana, described the center as a timely intervention in reversing medical brain drain.
His words: “Helen has given us an ‘anti-Japa’ story, investing in our healthcare system and challenging other medical professionals.”
goals, and Hold stakeholders accountable for their commitments and the consequences of their inactions.
“We call on: Our governments: to ensure enabling environments for civil society actions, based on effective participation, accountability, transparency, to recognise and promote the catalytic role of SUN Civil Society Alliances in the governance of nutrition policies and programmes, to fill the deficits caused by partners’ budget cuts, to increase budgets dedicated to nutrition with national resources,”
the statement maintained.
The statement called on regional institutions and the private sector to invest sustainably in the institutional strengthening of SUN Civil Society Alliances, including their community anchoring, their advocacy capacities and their financial autonomy.
‘’Technical and financial partners: To ensure that their level of funding for nutrition is maintained to preserve the gains made, To increase their efforts in supporting countries to scale up nutrition progress and impact, To further support the work of SUN Civil Society Alliances by promoting their catalytic role in advocacy, accountability and in the governance of nutrition policies and programmes.
“As we close our workshop, We welcome and applaud the support of the Nigerian government. We are grateful to the SUN Movement, a multistakeholder and multisectoral initiative to end malnutrition across 67 countries.
“Lastly, we extend our most sincere thanks to the Nigeria SUN Civil Society Alliance, and we leave strengthened, aligned and mobilized to accelerate progress towards the end of malnutrition in all its forms in West and Central Africa and the Islands”, the statement concluded.
Urges Nigeria media to priortise human-centered stories over politics
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the dire living conditions of millions of Nigerian children, warning that stunting, poor health, early marriage, and lack of education continue to endanger the country’s future.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Cristian Munduate, gave the warning in Lagos while presenting the organisation’s 2024 report on its activities across Nigeria.
The event, which was held at Radisson Blu Anchorage in Victoria Island, Lagos, was tagged: Cristian Munduate’s Valedictory: “The Nigerian Child, UNICEF 2024 Annual Report, and the Nigerian Media”, and was organised in partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
According to Munduate, an estimated 8 million babies are born annually in Nigeria, one of the highest birth rates globally. However, many of these children face overwhelming challenges from the moment they are born.
She said, “It is not just about having babies. It is about assuming responsibility for each one of them, as parents, communities, governments, civil society, the private sector and even the media.”
The report reveals that 40 percent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, a condition that permanently affects brain
development and learning capacity. “Stunting before the age of five is irreversible. It limits a child’s intellectual potential for life,” Munduate said.
Despite some progress, over 1.3 million Nigerian children still lack access to any form of vaccination, putting them at high risk of preventable diseases. “Zero-dose children continue to die in large numbers because they have not been reached,” she added.
She noted that while 59 million children were reached through immunisation campaigns, the need remains immense, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas. UNICEF’s efforts have also led to the registration of 10 million children with birth certificates in the past year. This is a key step towards accessing social protection. However, 40 million Nigerians still practise open defecation, posing serious public health risks. Only Jigawa State has been officially declared open defecation-free, with Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina close to achieving the same status. Munduate also raised concerns about the impact of early child marriage on girls, pointing to health complications and disrupted education. “If a mother completes primary or secondary school, her children are far more likely to be educated. So, investing in girls’ education is critical,” she said.
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Federal Government of Nigeria has completed its first 5-Year Implementation Assessment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in line with Article 28 of the Agreement.
This milestone underscores Nigeria’s ongoing leadership in regional integration and commitment to building a competitive, inclusive, and diversified economy under the AfCFTA framework.
In March 2025, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, inaugurated the AfCFTA Country Coordinating Committee
(CCC), which includes over 20 key MDAs and private sector institutions.
The CCC serves as the national platform for coordinating implementation, negotiations, and domestication of AfCFTA commitments.
The review—led by the ministry and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa —focused on Nigeria’s implementation of the AfCFTA Framework Agreement and Phase I Protocols: Trade in Goods (TIG), Trade in Services (TIS), and Dispute Settlement (PRPSD). MDAs evaluated institutional readiness, capacity needs,
and policy alignment, contributing to concrete, actionable recommendations.
The assessment identified significant opportunities for accelerated progress through stronger coordination, capacity building, and enhanced private sector participation.
The findings will guide the CCC’s work programme, inform institutional performance benchmarks, and refine Nigeria’s national implementation strategy.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to driving reforms, ensuring accountability, and unlocking the full benefits of AfCFTA for Nigeria’s sustainable growth.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and TotalEnergies Staff Housing Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd (TEHC) have partnered to finance and deliver Louisville Phase 1, a tower that will comprise 157 residential apartments, including two and three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom maisonettes, and five-bedroom penthouses, in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
“This residential tower is phase 1 of the larger Louisville project, a $150 million mixedused development that will include a world-class hotel complex, a world-class commercial center with retail shops, multipurpose halls, high-quality cinemas and a games arcade, state-of-the-art sporting facilities with a gym, swimming pool, and wellness center, and a car park facility to accommodate over 1,400 cars.
“As West Africa’s first
integrated urban ecosystem, Louisville Mixed-Use Development proudly holds two prestigious Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certifications from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). These accolades, recognised during the Future Cities – Africa Green Building Summit co-hosted by the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN), reflect Louisville’s bold commitment to sustainability and best-in-class green building practices,” FCMB said in a statement.
The development, it added, will distinguish itself not only by its ambitious scale and innovative mixed-use structure, “but also by its forward-thinking design that embraces smart and eco-conscious living. The entire structure will be built
to eco-friendly standards, integrating green technologies, smart home systems, and sustainable construction practices aimed at reducing environmental impact while maximising energy efficiency, comfort, and modern luxury.”
Managing Director and CEO, FCMB, Yemisi Edun, said: “This partnership with Total Energies Housing Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd is our commitment to finance a project that supports Nigeria’s urban growth. The Louisville Mixed-Use Development supports integrated living and the development of a live, work and play environment that meets global standards in facilities and hospitality. This collaboration reflects FCMB’s strategic focus on real estate to enable job creation and community development.”
The Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations in Nigeria, recently convened the fourth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 4.0) in Lagos, drawing over 2,500 global delegates in a bid to advance scalable solutions to the continent’s most critical challenges.
Held under the theme “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation,” the summit featured key stakeholders across government, multilateral institutions, development finance, civil society, and the private sector all united in their commitment to inclusive,
African-led transformation anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Opening the summit, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, highlighted the summit’s rapid growth from just eight institutions at inception to over 60 strategic partners in 2025.
“This kind of growth reflects shared ownership,” she said. “We get bold solutions when we scale action with the right execution and the right alliances.”
She further outlined the summit’s threefold agenda: deepening partnerships across sectors, scaling social investments, and influencing policies
that drive sustainable impact.
In her keynote address, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, painted a sobering picture of Africa’s development outlook amid mounting debt burdens, waning foreign investment, and escalating climate shocks.
She called for urgent reforms in the global financial system and equitable access to climate financing, while unveiling the Mission 300 initiative aimed at providing 300 million Africans with access to clean, affordable energy.
“We cannot afford to slow down. “Africa’s future must be built on deliberate, values-driven action that centres people, not promises.”
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and long-standing commitment to youth development particularly in technology, digital entrepreneurship, education, and employability the NASCO Group of Companies has held an empowerment summit in Jos to commemorate the 2025 World Youth Skills Day. The event, themed “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” brought together over 200 students, graduates, job seekers, tech enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The aim
was to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
Addressing participants, General Manager, NASCO Group, Alhaji Shehu Nyalum said that in today’s rapidly changing world, where digital technology and artificial intelligence are redefining industries, the celebration underscores the need to prepare youth for the future of work.
He emphasised the company’s dedication to youth empowerment as a way of investing in
national development. “Today, the world is fast moving toward AI and digitalization. Nigeria must not be left behind. We must equip our youth with the skills needed to compete globally,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Plateau State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk cited the World Economic Forum and McKinsey Global Institute, noting that millions of jobs may be lost due to automation and artificial intelligence in the coming years.
Kayode Tokede
Analysts at Vetiva have hinted that the Nigerian banking sector will remain resilient in second half of 2025(H2 2025), buoyed by sound capital raising strategies, and improving cost efficiency.
The firm, yesterday in its second half of 2025 (H2 2025 outlook) report titled, “navigating risks and rebuilding momentum across
key sectors” offered a sectorby-sector analysis of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment and market dynamics.
In the report, Vetiva presented a cautiously optimistic view.
“Despite macroeconomic headwinds, we expect the banking sector to remain resilient in H2 2025, buoyed by robust net interest income, sound capital raising strategies, and improving cost efficiency,”
said Oluwayemisi Sunmola, banking analyst.
They noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) tightening monetary policy, and keeping the Monetary Policy Rare (MPR) at 27.50per cent, continues to support elevated yields.
They projected a net interest income to grow 20per cent y/y in 2025 financial year, aided by loan repricing and attractive returns on government
securities.
However, a likely moderation in interest rates as inflation softens may slow income momentum. Banks with strong low-cost deposit bases are expected to maintain margin resilience.
In the report, Vetiva Research said it expected non-interest revenue to remain subdued, with a forecast 17.4per cent y/y growth in H2 2025, following first quarter (Q1)
contractions due to trading losses and weaker market activity. According to the report, the key pressure point is the projected 86per cent increase in impairment charges as regulatory forbearance is phased out and previously restructurd loans are reclassified.
“This will weigh on earnings, particularly for banks with high legacy exposures,” Sunmola cautioned.
The report noted that capi-
talisation efforts are underway across the sector in response to CBN’s recapitalization directive. While banks like Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Stanbic IBTC, and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) are well- positioned to sustain dividends, others may face short-term constraints. For the Oil & Gas sector, Vetiva noted a mixed outlook characterized by both opportunities and challenges.
Chief Kenny Martins has lived through the trenches of Nigeria’s turbulent political history, from military coups to democracy, from detention threats to salvation at the hands of unlikely allies. At the heart of his story is one man, General Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13 at a clinic in London. In an explosive narrative, Martins unveils the Buhari he knew: a disciplined, incorruptible leader who became tragically trapped within the walls of power. He spoke about how Buhari was poisoned and his government hijacked by a cabal. Here are excerpts from his recollections:
Buhari was a man on whom the whole nation pinned so much hope. That’s why his victory was total, massive, complete, and still holds the record for defeating an incumbent President.
Go and check all the governments. They either owe those who brought them there or those they are working with; people who wield so much leverage that a president may only be able to get about 30% of his intentions executed. Why? Because he becomes a captive of the system. Once appointed, he is locked within the four walls of the Villa. Every piece of information he gets, every interaction with the world, is filtered through the people surrounding him. Is it the phone? Is it the newspapers? Is it TV? These are the only channels he has to feel what is happening outside.
I believe the most versatile president Nigeria could have had was Babangida. I remember how, late at night around 11 p.m. or midnight, Babangida would head for Ilasa, driving in a convoy of two or three cars, to visit Chief Alex Akinyele, just to know what was happening in the world.
OBJ, too, was largely like that. But others allowed themselves to be locked in and captured by their close circle. Buhari was an unwilling victim of this capture because, frankly, he could not resist them.
Now, I’m not making excuses for Buhari or justifying whatever went wrong with his administration. I’m simply sharing the truth about the Buhari I knew, having engaged deeply with him on national issues. I have recounted these experiences in a book I have already completed and will publish at the right time.
I remember, during Abacha’s reign, after Buhari came out of detention, some of us were there to receive him. Buhari was extremely modest. I approached OBJ, who regarded Buhari almost like a son, and suggested he should host Buhari to a welcomeback party. OBJ initially dismissed the idea, but I insisted. Eventually, we hosted a small gathering at his farm. Buhari arrived, saw champagne on the table, and exclaimed, “Champagne? For me?” That was Buhari — humble to a fault.
Later, Buhari confided in me, saying OBJ was the only leader who trusted him implicitly when he served as Petroleum Minister. OBJ never asked him to account for anything, believing in his integrity. That was the military way – responsibility was delegated with absolute trust. Unfortunately, Buhari carried this same trust into civilian governance, assuming everyone would perform like military officers. That, I believe, was the root of his failings. Had Idiagbon, his deputy, been alive and served with him again, the story could have been quite different.
I vividly remember how reluctant Buhari was to accept Abacha’s offer to head the PTF. He considered the Abacha regime corrupt and wanted no part of it.
I, alongside his brother Maman Daura, persuaded him. I told him, “Sir, you are a credible man. If you reject this appointment, Abacha will give it to one of his cronies, and the money will be looted. When you meet your Maker, how will you answer for the lives that could have been saved with that money?” That struck him. He accepted the job and, to his credit, ran the PTF with remarkable discipline and integrity.
He once explained his approach to me: “I prefer to give contractors 30% profit and collect 70% project value, rather than collect 30% value and let them pocket 70% in inflated costs.” He demanded bank guarantees before paying contractors. I adopted this model when I later ran the Police Foundation.
Buhari’s method ensured that money worked for the Nigerian people.
Under the PTF, he transformed infrastructures at Tincan Island and Ijesha areas, which were notorious for flooding. He solved those problems practically overnight, proving what was possible when a leader was determined and disciplined.
There was flood from Ijesha, from Surulere, trying to go to the Lagoon by the National Theatre. So, it was slow over. It was a misconception of engineering for them not to have put a bridge there. He had to
redesign it and put that road together, and that’s when the whole of Ijesha became habitable. Anybody who lived in Ijesha in those days will remember what they used to go through. It was like another Maroko, until Buhari’s intervention and the one at Kirikiri, that part of Tincan, which was always flooded for the same reason. That Coconut bus stop. Trailers would almost be submerged then, before he came in. He was the one who diverted the water from there, up to almost FESTAC, where you have that water going to that river, going to the lagoon. That’s the thorough Buhari that I know.
Let me now go personal. But for Buhari, I would be history by now. I’d be dead. Because under the Abacha government, OBJ was arrested. I’d told him that he would be arrested, but he said it was impossible. He was arrested and detained, and then my friends in the media informed me about plans by the government of Abacha to assassinate me. I asked what I said and what I did. They said you don’t know.
I’m very fatalistic. I don’t have regard for death because I’ve probably died twice. If you kill me today, you are just helping me to go and rest. So, I didn’t bother, but they came and said, “Look, we are bothered if they come for you with a bullet, what if we are the unintended casualties? Since you have this firm belief that nothing can kill you. The state is planning to assassinate you, and you are nonchalant.” So, under that pressure, I went to Justice Maman Nasir, the man I called my godfather. I said, Sir, people say the government of Abacha wants to kill me.
I went to meet him in Malumfashi, in Katsina. And he said, “They want to kill you? What is wrong with these people? These are the things we say about this government. Okay, do you know what you’ll do? You know Gen. Buhari very well. Yes, I know you are very close to him. Go to his house in Daura. You can’t miss it. Once you hit that road, it takes you straight to Daura. And I’ll call him before you get there. He’s at home now. He’ll be expecting you. Between us, we’ll work something out so that nothing happens to you and your good friends in the media.”
So, I went to Gen. Buhari. That’s when I knew his relationship with the Niger Republic. He said, “If you cross that place, 15 minutes; that is the Niger Republic boundary. If you drive back now, and you come down that side, that is the Niger Republic.”
His house is always humble.
I told him why I was there. He said, “Really?” I said yes, Sir. He said, “These people; what’s wrong with them?” He said that he would call the Head of State and get back to me. Then, we didn’t have
mobile phones as we have today, but the landline and fax were working very well. I had my line in the office and on my side of the bed at home.
Less than a week later, on a Sunday evening at about 11:00 p.m., Gen. Buhari called me. He said, “Kenny, I just finished dinner with the Head of State, who is hearing me now because I’m using his phone. I’ve told him about what is supposed to happen to you, and he said not under his watch. Nothing like that would happen because I’ve told him that not only are you our son, but you are also our son in the North, and nothing must happen to you. Because there’s nothing you have done against this government. If anything, you have been trying your best to stabilise the government with all the suggestions going to all of us, which Abacha also knew.”
Abacha knew me by the reputation of the suggestions I gave to his government, from Afenifere, from everybody, and the way I mounted pressure on him about the West and everybody coming back, and Abiola being released. Gen. Buhari said that Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo, the NSA, would call me and come to see me in Lagos. He said that I should discuss with him, and he would make all the arrangements, give all the necessary assurance and nothing would happen to me. Lo and behold, that Monday at 9:00 a.m., my secretary said someone was on the line, his name is Ismaila Gwarzo. I said, pass the call to me. I asked, “How are you, Sir?” He said, “Are you Kenny Martins, Sir?” He assumed I was an old man. I said yes, Sir. I’m Kenny Martins. He said, “Sir. I’ve been asked to see you by the Commander-in-Chief through the former Head of State – Gen. Buhari, through the President Court of Appeal, Alhaji Maman Nasir, and give you certain assurances that nothing will happen to you. I’m supposed to see you tomorrow. But unfortunately, I’m tied up with the Villa. We have assignments until Friday. After that, I will surely come.” I said, “No, Sir, you don’t have to come. I will come to the Villa to see you. Why bother yourself? Is it not just to see me? Is that why you’re coming to Lagos?”
He said, “No. Don’t tell me that. I’ve been asked to see you, and I’m coming to see you.” I said, “You don’t have to come.” He said, “Then, don’t put me in trouble. If you say I should not come, then you go and tell those people that you are the one who told me not to come and that you chose to come to the Villa instead. I didn’t call you to come to Abuja.”
As he walked into the hall rather briskly, it was difficult to believe that Ambassador Yahaya Kwande marked his 96th birthday 0n 7th April this year. But seated alongside other traditional rulers in Qua’an-Pan, Plateau State to receive our (fact-finding) panel on Tuesday afternoon, the recently coronated Longkwo of Kwo presented the picture of a fulfilled man. “I refused to die because I was waiting for something. Now, I have got it,” Kwande said to a thunderous applause from the audience. On the killings in Plateau State that brought our panel, Kwande located the problem in the absence of consequences for bad behaviour that pervades the entire country. But I am more interested in the made-for-Nollywood story of how he eventually realised his ambition at 96.
For Kwande, the struggle to become the traditional ruler of his village began in 1988, following
the death of Longkwo Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II. Although he was selected by the kingmakers at the time, one of the contenders secured a court injunction to stall his installation. Not long after, the court nullified Kwande’s selection on grounds of procedural flaws. For the next two decades, the throne was vacant while contenders battled one another in several courts. When in 2013, Kwande was selected again, he was upended by another court judgement, this time on grounds of ineligibility. When Kwande eventually prevailed at the Court of Appeal which affirmed his eligibility for the throne, there was a new lacuna: All the kingmakers who selected him in 2013 had died without leaving written records! With that, the vacancy on the stool continued until 2021 when Governor Simon Lalong succeeded in breaking the logjam but his administration bypassed Kwande who was then 92 to appoint a retired Army colonel,
Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru I, as the Miskoom. But in March last year, Attahiru I died. A new selection process conducted in March this year turned out to be another keen contest between Kwande and Herbert Isa. At the end, Kwande narrowly prevailed with three votes to his rival’s two. And the coronation of the former Nigerian ambassador to Switzerland and Second Republic lawmaker was done at Kwande town by Governor Caleb Mutfwang last Thursday. Interestingly, the ceremony was also witnessed by Lalong, currently the Senator representing the district in the National Assembly. In his tribute to Kwande last weekend, the former governor explained his role in the saga as excerpted below: Thisisnotjustaboutacoronation; it is the continuation of a journey steeped in tradition, culture, and history—a journey that speaks to the resilience, reconciliation, and unity of the Kwo people. It is particularly meaningful given the
personalodysseyofthemanatthe centreofitall—HisRoyalHighness MiskoomYahayaKwande—whose longpathtothisthroneexemplifies thetimelesstruththat“toeverything, there is a season.”
Destiny, as we know, may be delayed,butneverdenied.ItisGod alonewholiftsmenandplacesthem inpositionsofhonouraccordingto His will. As the people of Plateau State,Nigeria,andfriendsacrossthe worldrejoicewithKwoChiefdom, wemustalsoreflectontheenduring virtuesofpatience,perseverance,and faith—virtuesthatthenewLongKwo personifiedthroughoutthelongyears of waiting.
Before the installation of the late MiskoomAttahiruIinMarch2021,I was,bydivineorchestration,giventhe opportunityasGovernorofPlateau Statetoplayakeyroleinresolving thelongstandingissuesthathadleft the Long Kwo stool vacant for an unprecedented33years—following thepassingofMiskoomHoomkwap
Sule II in 1988. Likemanytraditionalsuccession challenges, the process of selecting a new Long Kwo had been mired in prolonged litigation, taking the ruling houses and their princes to thehighestcourtsintheland.Itwas onlyin2021thatclosurefinallycame. Understandingtheurgencyofhealing and restoration, our administration adoptedapolicyofnon-interference, promotingemancipationandmutual respectamongthestakeholders.We encouragedtherulinghouses,princes, elders, and kingmakers to engage in dialogue and reach consensus. However, the journey was not without complications. Many of theoriginalkingmakershadpassed away,andthepathforwardseemed uncertain.Itwasatthatpointthatwe invokedadoctrineofnecessity—one grounded in reconciliation and guided by wisdom—to help them cometogetherandbreakthe33-year jinx.Inlinewithmyadministration’s guidingprincipleofupholdingthe
sanctityoftraditionalinstitutions,I remainedcommittedtoallowingthe peoplechoosetheirownleaders.This postureledtothepeacefulselection and installation of the late Miskoom Fidelis Attahiru I on 31st March 2021 in Ba’ap, the headquarters of Qua’an-Pan Local Government. At that historic occasion, I reaffirmed our belief that the selection of traditional rulers must be left to the people, free of government interference... It is, therefore, with deep fulfillment that I witness the coronationandpresentationofstaff ofofficetoHRHMiskoomYahaya Kwande.Hisemergencemarksthe beginning of a new era of unity, stability, and development in a Chiefdom renowned for its cultural richnessandharmoniousdiversity. Theissuesofthepastarebehindus, andanewchapterhasbegun...As the Scriptures say, “The end of a matterisbetterthanitsbeginning.”
ENDNOTE: Long may HRH Miskoom Yahaya Kwande reign!
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |
A recent study by two responsible gaming advocacy groups, GamblePause and GambleAware, reveals an unsettling lifestyle trend among Nigerian university students linked to problem gambling, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
Recent research involving nearly 1,000 undergraduates from universities in South-West Nigeria highlights a growing concern: gaming addiction is increasingly affecting students’ mental health and academic performance. Our research also shows that gaming addiction affects young people mostly within the age group of 18 – 24 years.
The study reveals that over three-quarters of students linked gaming to stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, more than 80% acknowledged that gaming advertisements on social media influenced their decision to gamble. These findings underline the impact of marketing and peer influence in shaping gaming behaviours on campus.
Gaming addiction was found to
significantly increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and academic burnout among students. With Nigeria’s expanding online gaming market and easy access to betting platforms, students face constant exposure to gaming opportunities and promotional offers that can be difficult to resist, especially under financial pressures. Addressing this issue calls for a collaborative approach. Universities can play a vital role by providing confidential and accessible mental health support for students facing gambling harm. The proposed Safe-Space Counselling model offers one such framework by encouraging early intervention and reducing stigma.
At the same time, the gaming industry’s
involvement in responsible advertising and support for harm prevention initiatives is essential. Organisations like GamblePause, founded by Ladipo Abiose, and GambleAwareNG, led by Gabriel Akpabio, are already taking responsibility by offering helplines and rehabilitation services to those affected. Data from a recent poll cocommissioned by both organisations show monthly gaming expenditures as high as 67% for a significant population of students.
Consequently, increases are seen in student debt profiles and incidences where school fees are used for gaming.
Ultimately, protecting students’ wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Through cooperation among educational institutions, policymakers, mental health professionals, and industry stakeholders, it is possible to create a supportive environment that balances entertainment with care.
all You need to know a bout Lima s ummit
If you are serious about Latin America’s gaming boom, LiGA Lima is the place to be this August as the region continues to open up and regulate, writes Davidson Abraham
Latin America’s sports betting industry is expanding rapidly, and the LiGA Summit 2025 in Lima, Peru, is set to be a defining event in the region’s iGaming evolution. Scheduled for August 6–7, the summit gathers top-tier affiliates, operators, regulators, and tech innovators to explore new opportunities and navigate the complex regulatory shifts shaping Latin America’s digital betting landscape.
At the core of this year’s summit is Peru’s newly launched licensing framework, which is expected to influence surrounding markets such as Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. Key sessions will cover crucial legal and operational topics, including compliance protocols, taxation regimes, and affiliate marketing tactics—elements that are increasingly critical as the region formalizes its approach to online gambling.
One of the major draws of the LiGA Summit is its focus on technology, AI, and innovation. As mobile adoption surges across LATAM, the event will explore mobile-first betting solutions, smart user onboarding, secure payments, and AI-driven personalisation. These are must-know developments for businesses seeking to retain users and scale profitably in competitive markets.
In addition to legal and tech
discussions, the summit emphasizes affiliate success strategies, including content monetization, localization, and influencer-driven campaigns—tools that are reshaping how brands attract and retain bettors in Latin America’s culturally diverse markets.
Unlike massive expos, LiGA prides itself on its focused, high-impact structure, offering a more intimate, deal-driven environment. Attendees can expect region-specific panels, handson workshops, and ample networking opportunities with C-level executives, policy-makers, and high-performing affiliates. This makes LiGA not just an event, but a launchpad for meaningful partnerships and regional expansion. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first LATAM client, a regulator exploring new policy benchmarks, or a seasoned operator aiming to future-proof your business, the LiGA Summit is designed to deliver actionable insights.
The event is also a great indicator of the region’s growth outlook. As Latin America continues to open up and regulate, the demand for smart, scalable, and localised betting solutions will only increase. The LiGA Summit 2025 stands at the crossroads of that transformation.
L-R: Supply Chain Manager, Geoplex Drillteq Limited, Mr. Shola
Chief Executive Officer, Metrospeed Group,
between both companies to
Group Finance
CSEA says market value set to reach $434.4m by 2026 Urges government to float Al innovation grants and tax incentives
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), an Abuja-based nonprofit research think tank founded by former World Bank Managing Director and current Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, yesterday released its findings on the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in selected sectors of the Nigerian economy.
At the event which took place in Abuja, the organisation stated that Nigeria’s Al market continues to grow and is set to reach $434.4 million by 2026, but adoption remains largely uneven.
Tagged: “Artificial Intelligence Usage in Nigeria: Evidence from Digitally-enabled Firms”, Executive Director of CSEA, Dr Chukwuka Onyekwena, in his opening remarks, noted that the occasion followed a rigorous research and analysis at a time where AI is redefining the boundaries of productivity and competitiveness across the world.
In embarking on the study, the executive director noted that the motivation was to contribute meaningfully to the growing body of knowledge that will help Nigeria to harness the potential of AI, while navigating the risks responsibly.
On the occasion which saw representatives of government, policymakers, captains of industry, AI developers, business leaders, academics and researchers, civil
society organisations, as well as young professionals, Onyekwena stated that AI holds immense promise for driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and transforming business models.
“It has the potential to unlock new frontiers in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, education, and technology. It can empower firms to make smarter decisions, optimise operations, and reach new markets,” the executive director said.
Stressing that technology alone cannot deliver development, Onyekwena noted that it must be accompanied by sound policies, robust infrastructure, ethical safeguards, and, above all, a people-centered approach that ensures no one is left behind.
In his presentation, Research Associate, CSEA, Anthony Okon, explained that Al has been impactful across all sectors globally, with established impacts on firms, including helping to cut costs, improving efficiency and service delivery, as well as reaching underserved markets.
Pointing out that the Nigerian government was positioning Al as a driver of innovation and growth, to harness its full potential, guided by policies like the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP), he stated that while Al promises huge global economic gains, only a small share is expected for the Global South, highlighting the need for Nigeria to act or risk falling further behind.
“ Nigeria’s Al market is set to reach $434.4 million by 2026, but adoption remains concentrated. Al is transforming industries and setting new standards for competitiveness and innovation. This insight is essential to help Nigeria position its businesses to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape,” he stated.
Talking about the rationale for the study, Okon noted that despite growing interest in AI, there is limited local data on how Nigerian businesses are using these technologies,
noting that the study filled that gap by providing evidence of current trends, challenges, and opportunities, helping to inform better decisions.
He explained that the insight was essential to help Nigeria position its businesses to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape and to generate evidence that can guide inclusive policy development for Al usage in Nigeria.
“By understanding how businesses use Al, the challenges they face, and the gaps in data governance will inform evidence-based policies
that drive inclusive development,” he emphasised.
With the study focused on Agriculture, Industry and Services sectors, the CSEA official noted that the firms considered under agriculture included both core firms involved in direct farming activity as well as those that offer agricultural services.
While the industrial sector included manufacturing, construction, and extractive subsectors, the services sector included subsectors such as ICT, finance, health, and
other emerging technology-driven areas where Al is expected to achieve significant advancements. The research found that the industrial sector had used AI for more than five years, while the service sector had a significant number of firms, even as the agricultural sector accounted for the least number of early users.
Covering 528 firms, the research found that large enterprises reported the highest proportion of firms that had been using Al tools for more than five years.
As MSD demands measures to end cancer
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has said it is committed to vaccinating 16 million girls against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) by 2026 as part of efforts to combat cervical cancer and drastically reduce the health challenge it posed to Nigerians. The ambitious goal by government came just as a leading global healthcare and biopharmaceutical company, the Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD said it is on a mission to accelerate the end-to-end elimination of cervical cancer and raise awareness about its debilitating
By Louis Achi
A conference on Contractual Savings for Housing, CSH, will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on September 29-30, 2025. The event is organized by Otbasy Bank, with support from the International Union for Housing Finance (IUHF) and the European Federation of Building Societies (EFBS). The confab will focus on innovative strategies and best practices in promoting housing finance through contractual savings systems, with an emphasis on sustainable housing finance and the integration of ESG principles and green finance.
Organized by Otbasy Bank with the support of the International Union for Housing Finance (IUHF)
and the European Federation of Building Societies (EFBS), this international event will bring together leading voices in housing finance, policy, and practice to discuss the role and potential of contractual savings systems across different regions.
According to Mrs. Marcella Iyitor, CEO/ Lead Consultant of Lagos-based Niche PR, and also the Kazakhstan conference’s African coordinator, the Kazakhstan conference on Contractual Savings for Housing, CSH, which will hold in Almaty, Kazakhstan, between September 29-30, 2025, will draw top-draw housing sector experts, policy makers and financial institutions from South America, Central Asia, Africa and other regions and this will hugely benefit Nigeria and
Africa’s housing sector players.
Her words: “Nigeria’s discerning housing sector players should join leading experts, policymakers, and financial institutions from South America, Central Asia, Africa and other regions to explore innovative strategies and best practices in promoting housing finance through contractual savings systems, while also addressing the growing importance of ESG principles and green finance in the housing sector.
“The conference is unique on several fronts for Africa, particularly Nigeria. Sessions will focus on sustainable housing finance, including green mortgages, ESG integration, and the role of contractual savings in driving long-term, sustainable housing solutions.
impact in the country.
Speaking during a Cervical Cancer Side-session hosted by MSD Group at the 2025 edition of Africa Health Business conference held recently in Abuja, the Director for Disease Control and Immunization, at National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Garba Ahmed-Rufai, said that the agency is projecting to have over 16 million young girls vaccinated by 2026.
While highlighting the success achieved in terms of HPV vaccination, Ahmed-Rufai, said the agency has increased HPV vaccination to 14 million from 12.3 million girls vaccinated as at May 2024.
He said: “We changed the narrative by describing the HPV vaccine as a vaccine against poverty.
When there is cancer in the family, it is not the person affected that suffers the most.
“It is the entire family because they will have to spend resources for the treatment. We got more people to our side using this strategy.”
“We started the HPV vaccination roll out in October 2023. We worked through a phased approach where we went to 16 states and the FCT in the first phase and we subsequently rolled out in the remaining states. By May 2024, we had vaccinated 12.3 million girls.
“And as we stand today, one of our biggest achievements is that we have crossed the 14 million mark and we’re going for the 15-million mark. By next year, over 16 million girls would have been vaccinated”.
Garba-Rufai said the changing
the narrative in the campaign against cancer has helped to change people’s perception about the disease.
On his part, Managing Director of MSD for South Africa and the sub-Saharan African region, Zweli Bashman said there is an urgent need to accelerate action to towards elimination of cancer in Nigeria. He said that MSD is on mission to accelerate the end-to-end elimination of cervical cancer and raise awareness about its debilitating impact.
Quoting statistics from WHO, Bashman said it is estimated that there are 102,000 new cancer cases yearly as well as 72,000 cancerrelated deaths in in the country, thus making cancer one of the leading causes of deaths in Nigeria.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down a popular entertainment centre, Ibiza Nite Club and 13 other facilities in Abuja for various environmental crimes.
Addressing the media on the latest clampdown, the Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, on Wednesday warned facilities against violating environmental laws, promising the commitment of NESREA to environmental protection remained
unwavering.
Barikor said in response to public complaints, the agency conducted inspections on Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club, and measurements showed the facilities were exceeding permissible noise levels in contravention of the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009. He revealed the agency had issued three notices of compliance concerns letters to the facilities which detailed the specific infractions and mandated immediate corrective actions to mitigate noise pollution. He said they however refused to
abide by the National Environmental Regulations in their operations and in order to protect the residents, the facilities were sealed to enforce compliance.
He also disclosed that following public outcry by residents over incessant and indiscriminate blasting by Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, officers carried out investigations which revealed several violations including ground vibration, flying of rocks (boulders), noise and air pollution, contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Former Jigawa State Governor and elder statesman, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting institutions to
undermine democracy, resulting in widespread insecurity and instability in the country.
Lamido made the accusation during an interview with journalists in his office in Kano yesterday. He lamented that their ac-
tions have led to a breakdown in unity and trust, emphasising that a country could not move forward without trust among its components.
He expressed deep concern that the prevailing situation has
eroded unity and trust, which were essential for national development.
“The way the federal government and the president and the APC are using state institutions in destroying democracy, they are crushing opposition through intimidation,
through blackmail, and harassment to compel government patronage.
“The good example is Okowa. I mean, a very clear example. This is somebody who was PDP’s running mate in the last elections. And from nowhere I know, they started giving
Sunday aborisade in Abuja
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has condemned the reported threat and restriction of movement placed on former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, during his recent visit to Edo State.
The Abia South senator described the action as a grave threat to Nigeria’s unity and a direct affront to constitutional democracy.
Abaribe, who chairs the South East Senate Caucus, said the action allegedly taken by the governor
of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebolo, was a dangerous abuse of power.
He said the development could exacerbate political tensions and undermine the foundations of the Nigerian federation.
In a statement in Abuja by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe warned that no governor had the constitutional authority to restrict the movement of a Nigerian citizen within the country, let alone threaten the security of such a citizen over political differences.
The statement read, “It is disheartening that leaders, who are supposed to be custodians of the
constitution, now take the lead in violating its provisions under the guise of politics.
“Nigeria is governed by laws, and every sub-national leader swore an oath to uphold these laws, not subvert them.”
The senator added that the suggestion that Obi needed permission to visit any part of Nigeria, including Edo State, or risk being denied security protection, was both unlawful and dangerous.
“That is a threat to life that cannot be overlooked. It is reckless and symptomatic of a descent into lawlessness,” he said.
He cautioned that Nigeria’s hard-
Sunday aborisade in Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, held a solemn plenary dedicated to honouring the late former President and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, after a protracted illness.
The session, marked by emotional reflections and bipartisan commendations, saw senators recounted Buhari’s decades-long legacy of military service, democratic leadership, and personal discipline.
The motion to honour the late president was moved by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), who described Buhari as “a gallant soldier and a successful democrat” whose legacy transcended his military and civilian contributions to nation-building.
“President Buhari lived a life of purpose, honour, and patriotism. He rose from modest beginnings to
become not only a military general but a two-term elected President of this country,” Bamidele noted.
He said as a military leader, “His administration was known for its tough anti-corruption stance and the launch of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI). His tenure was cut short by another coup in 1985 led by General Ibrahim Babangida.”
The Senate Leader recalled both the strengths and controversies of his time as a military ruler, but overwhelmingly agreed that his commitment to public service was undebatable.
However, some senators, including Senator Seriake Dickson, offered nuanced reflections, acknowledging both his accomplishments and shortcomings.
“I had my disagreements with some of his policies, removal of the Chief Justice, the currency redesign, and failure to restructure the country, but I never doubted his integrity.
“He treated all states equally
during tough times. Even during my re-election, he guaranteed a free and fair process, despite our political differences,” Dickson said.
Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, offered a deeply personal tribute, reflecting on Buhari’s humility and humanity.
“He didn’t take anything with him—no property, no wife, just memories. That’s the essence of life,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole lauded Buhari for his ethical standards and decision not to politicise federal bailouts during the 2016 recession.
“He could have supported only APC states. Instead, he ensured fairness. That was rare, ” he added.
The session also passed three key resolutions: to observe a minute of silence in his memory, commend the federal government for the state burial, and call on the executive to immortalise Buhari by naming a national monument after him.
won democracy must not be eroded by political intolerance, stating that the constitutional right to freedom of movement and expression must be upheld regardless of political affiliation.
Abaribe stated, “Governor Okpebolo, who himself was once a senator, ought to know better. His actions run counter to the spirit of
democracy and the unity of Nigeria. This country belongs to all of us, and no governor has the authority to isolate or intimidate any citizen.” He urged the federal authorities to take the development seriously and ensure that no Nigerian was targeted or threatened for merely exercising their rights within the federation.
him a kind of charge of 1.3 trillion naira.
“He was sent to the EFCC. And then, somehow, behind the scenes, he found himself back in the APC. And then, suddenly, there is no more EFCC, no more FCC,” Lamido stated.
He added that, “The charges have been buried conveniently. Like, you know, charges on drugs and other things, and certificates.
“They’ve also been buried. So, it means, true to the saying of Oshiomhole, no matter your level of crime, if you join APC, you will be forgiven. And that’s why, you know, people are now joining the APC.
“Those who feel they are guilty. It’s very, very important. Which means, you are destroying our democracy.
“Pursue the aspect of legality in terms of crime. But then, at the same time, you know, support democracy. Don’t do this in terms of, harassing people,” Lamido explained.
olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Abductors of a Judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, have been arrested by the state command of the Nigerian Police.
Justice Omukoro was kidnapped on June 21 in Yenagoa and was held for 12 days before he was rescued through the joint effort of security agencies in the state.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed the arrest on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, while honouring an officer, Superintendent of Police, Sentome Obi, who rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect involved in organ harvesting.
The Bayelsa governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said everyone involved in the kidnap had been picked up by the police except the gang leader that was on the run.
He restated his warning to criminally-minded individuals to steer clear of Bayelsa, and stressed his administration’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy for crime and criminality.
He said the government had improved security architecture in the state with the acquisition of drones for the police to fight crime in addition to the installation of CCTV cameras in different parts of the state capital. His words: “We have greatly improved our crime fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt.
“We summoned the security agencies and gave them the necessary logistics. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one that is still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance to crime and criminality.”
Diri commended the security agencies for their effort in ensuring that the state was safe and peaceful.
While honouring SP Obi, the Bayelsa governor praised his gallantry, honesty and devotion to duty.
He said the officer, who is an indigene of the state, brought dignity and pride to the Force
and to Bayelsa.
He recommended Obi to the Inspector General of Police for promotion in recognition of his gallant effort in crime fighting. On behalf of the state government, Governor Diri announced a reward of three-bedroom flat and a car as a mark of honour for his exemplary integrity.
He said at a time the Nigerian Police was grappling with image issues, Bayelsa had produced a police officer with commendable character and proved that a good name was better than riches. According to him, “SP Obi did not only make the state proud, he also bolstered the image of the Nigerian Police and I urge other officers to emulate his shining example.”
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, congratulated the government and people of the state for producing one of the most dedicated and well-groomed officers in Obi. The police chief stressed the need for government to invest more in boosting security towards the protection of lives and property.
L-R: The Director of Nursing Services, Health District 3, Mrs. Christiana Olasunbo Akinboboye; the Permanent Secretary, Health District 3, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; and the Officer-in-Charge of Epe PHC, Nurse Kafilat Balogun, during the distribution of specialised food demonstration utensils to Primary Health Centres across Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Eti-Osa LGAs, held at the Health District 3 Office, Lagos... recently
Segun James
Media managers have been advised to check the activities of fake news purveyors, especially on the social media, saying this could help to safeguard the unity of the country.
The advice was given at the third Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture, organised by Nigerian Guild of Editors, at EDMARK D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja.
The lecture had the theme, “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Bauchi State counterpart; Senator Bala Mohammed; and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Mr Bayo Onanuga, were among eminent Nigerians at the event.
Mohammed, who was the keynote speaker, was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Aminu Hassan Gamawa.
He stated, “Indeed, there is hardly any profession better suited to train future public servants than journalism.
party, we do not respond to these challenges with bitterness, though they are often unpleasant.
“Instead, we rest in the assurance that the People’s Democratic Party remains the only political platform in Nigeria whose foundation was built on national consensus, democratic inclusion, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future; to return power to the people.”
Mohammed said, “If somebody wants to leave PDP to go to another place, how is this smart in thoughts and in thinking? Because the PDP has history, a legacy, a structure everywhere — and the governors are doing their best.
“But because we are being haunted — and we know what we are going through — and it is not for us to be cowardly and be talking about it.
“Yes, politics is local. Some may go due to certain reasons, certain permutations, calculations — but I think they will be proved wrong. Even our elders that have gone — we don’t want to diminish them, we don’t want to denigrate or abuse them. We are telling them with humility: come back.
“That’s what the national chairman has said — come back. This is what you have built. Where there are governors, where there are senators, members of the Houses, speakers, offices, local government chairmen — you are going to a party that has no office. How is this? How do you want me to live with this — and go to a blue weather? It’s a malady.
For the journalist is trained to listen, to investigate, to challenge power, and above all — to serve the public interest.
“That was the philosophy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande. As Governor of Lagos State, his journalistic values became governance values: simplicity, honesty, accessibility, and efficiency. Jakande governed with the pen still in his heart, even if not in his hand.
“Even when he served under General Abacha — a decision that drew sharp criticism and even scorn — he endured it quietly, out of a deep belief in unity, nationhood, and the possibility of service in difficult circumstances.
“That experience is a reminder to all of us that sometimes, history judges not by the noise of the crowd, but by the integrity of the motive.
“The Nigerian press has endured and resisted oppression in many forms. Under colonialism, it fought for independence. Under military rule, it fought for democracy. Under both, it paid dearly.”
Mohammed explained that the challenge faced by journalists was not only external but also internal,
“So this is the thought. But certainly, we reason with them. Maybe in terms of their own calculations, they want to actualise their aspirations — to get tickets. But do you want to get a ticket and lose? So, please, come back. You have no reason to go anywhere.”
Mohammed added, “I discussed with Professor Jerry Gana the restoration of peaceful, orderly, and harmonious relations within the PDP. We don’t want to join issues with anybody or contradict, out of humility and respect for our elders who brought us up.
“But certainly, as the chairman has said, we cannot take indiscipline to a level where it becomes contagious. If you are in PDP, you are in PDP. You cannot be in PDP and be in coalition with another party. We cannot do this. But you have all the time to decide. Coalition is an aberration — yes, I said it.
“You cannot belong to two places. You cannot be a hermaphrodite. You cannot be a man and a woman at the same time. Be who you will be. But we will still give you the opportunity to have a thought, because you are our leaders. But if you are going, don’t de-market us.
“The de-marketing of the PDP is not fair. Most of you actualised your political aspirations through this party. Some of them left us and caused our loss in 2015, and yet we accommodated them. And they left and came back. Some of them became governors, and some of them took
adding that the digital age has opened the floodgates to the democratisation of speech via the social media, but also the dilution of truth.
Mohammed advised that journalism should not just be about reporting events, but also shaping the nation’s soul.
He stated, “In a multi-ethnic society, like ours, where language, religion, and geography too often define identity, the media must help
create national consciousness — a consciousness that values justice, merit, and shared destiny.
“We must not merely be a federation of ethnicities. We must be a nation of citizens. This requires cultivating national ethos: values that transcend our differences. Respect for life. Rule of law. Dignity of labour. Truth over tribe.”
Sanwo-Olu, who was also represented by the Commissioner
for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, lamented the influence of social media on the practice of journalism.
He stated, “Anybody who has an Android phone can press the buttons and send any information to the public without knowing the havoc that it can cause.
“Our challenge is fake news. I believe our challenges, the issue of fake news, is now generating threat to journalism.” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the media served as the mediator between the government and the people. Idris, who was equally represented by Onanuga, however, stated that the media should carry out responsible journalism by exposing the unscrupulous elements who claimed to be practising the profession.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained that the ongoing coalition talks were not centered on any individual candidate, including Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi, but focused on building a stronger alliance for Nigeria’s future.
Spokesperson of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview, explaining that the
tickets, just sprayed. It is only in PDP you get that.
“But, sadly, we still respect them. But they should respect us, too. We are not afraid of anybody in politics. You are standing behind me to work for you and for Nigerians. And we are not going to join issues.”
The governor said, “I listened to what our usual leader — set from Kaduna — I am very proud of him. The stand-up people have organised. He spoke very well about this issue. As a young man, I am so ashamed. I am also reaching the level of elder statesmen — I will soon retire. When I saw him speak, I knew Nigeria had spoken. Because young people have vision. They know what they want.”
Saraki said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had its own challenges, also.
He vowed that he will no longer leave PDP again, as he did in 2013, explaining that he left in anger.
He stated, “I left in anger but anger does not provide good leadership. We have pproblems, we have challenges, but we must find solutions to our problems. Leaving the party does not help in solving the problems of the party.”
Aliyu and the chairman of PDP Ministers, Kabiru Turaki described those defecting to other political parties as political nomads, who were governed by self-interest.
They urged PDP to tighten the rules against the defectors when they want to come back by asking them
ADC was focused on building its structures and strengthening the party across Nigeria.
He added that although people might discuss presidential ambitions on social media, such conversations were not happening within the coalition itself.
Speaking on how the ADC was working in northern Nigeria, Abdullahi said many political leaders in the North who felt neglected by the
to start afresh as new members.
Secretary of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Ahmad Makarfi, asked why people were defecting to a party without a known address.
The stakeholders meeting was organised by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, ahead of today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.
Gana called for a smooth NEC meeting as the beginning of a breath fresh air in the party.
Olawepo-Hashim, in his contribution, said despite past challenges, internal divisions, and defections, PDP remained the only truly national party with the capacity to rescue Nigeria in 2027.
He stated, “From the beginning, the PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, there has been a sizable PDP presence in virtually every polling unit across the country.
“This legacy remains alive, and it is that national spread that makes PDP the only credible alternative to the APC.”
Olawepo-Hashim dismissed fears about the party’s dwindling influence, stressing that PDP’s grassroots base remains intact.
He said some elected officials defected under pressure or political blackmail.
“Don’t be discouraged by those who have left. The real strength of any party is not in a few powerful individuals, but in its people and the people are still with the PDP,” he said.
ruling All Progressives Congress (APC had become part of the coalition.
“The coalition has nothing to do with either Peter Obi or Atiku. They are just members like many others.
The focus is not on them. And of course, it is within anyone’s right to have political ambitions or to run for any position.
“The party cannot align with one person and still call itself a party, that’s what happened to most of the other parties in the past. We don’t have a preferred candidate. When the time comes, we’ll follow a democratic process and allow members to decide.
“Nobody is talking about a presidential candidate at the moment.
Our focus is on growing the party.
“All the people who were in APC and are not happy with how things are going are in this coalition now. The majority of our leaders are from the North. The North knows it doesn’t want this APC government to continue because of how they’ve been treated.
“If you look back at the last two years and the way the government has made life hard, you’ll see that ADC is the only real alternative.
“The ruling party is punishing the people. ADC wants to free Nigerians from that suffering. No one wants to go through this again for another four years,” he concluded.
George Okoh in Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command, has successfully busted an arm syndicate supplying rocket launchers to bandits in Benue State.
This was in furtherance of Police investigation on the deadly attacks by bandits on communities in Benue State,
The police intercepted and dismantled a notorious arms supply syndicate responsible for arming bandits in the state and other North-Central states.
According to a statement by the Police Force PPRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “On the 21st of June, 2025, operatives of the FID-IRT acting on credible intelligence on the activities of some bandits who participated in the Yelewata killings, stormed the hideout of the bandits in a forest at the boundary of Kardako, Nasarawa State and Yelewata in Benue State, a fierce gun duel ensued causing the bandits to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries. 2 GPMG were
recovered from their hideout in the process.
“On 8th July 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FIDIRT), in a tactical operation, along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, arrested one Abubakar Isah, aged 25, found in possession of 3 AK47 rifles and 1002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
“The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating an impending arms movement intended for distribution to bandits groups known to be terrorizing various communities in Benue State.
“Further investigations revealed that the arms and ammunition were supplied by a notorious arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, operating from Abinsi, Guma Local Government area of Benue State, and was to be delivered to one Dan Hassan, a bandit kingpin known for orchestrating deadly attacks against communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.”
President Bola Ahmed, last night, met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party today.
This was as the leadership of the APC, has moved the venue of its NEC meeting to the presidential Villa as against its national secretariat.
However, barring any last minute change, sources claimed that the acting National Chairman
of the APC, Ali Dalori, might be asked to stay on in his position, pending when new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) would be elected at their next national convention.
At the meeting between the president and the governors, which took place at the Conference hall of the State House in Abuja, were 22 APC governors, while the governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States were represented by their deputies.
Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting, Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the
governors used the opportunity to formally condole with President Tinubu over the recent passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also stated that the discussion revolved around strategies to fortify the APC across all levels.
His words: “We came as a group to formally condole the passing of the former President Muhammadu Buhari and also to discuss the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting of our party tomorrow.”
He said the meeting was also an avenue to engage in a “convivial
discussion” with the President on how to better reposition the party and deepen its grassroots support.
“We also shared some ideas with Mr. President on how best to strengthen our party at the grassroots, at the local government, at the state levels up to the national level. It was just a convivial discussion with Mr. President towards strengthening our party and to be able to help serve Nigeria better,” he said.
On whether today’s NEC would produce a consensus on the choice of a new national chairman for the party, Uzodinma was non-committal, saying the outcome would become
FG’ S H A l F - Y e A r TA x r evenue S Jump 43% T o n 14.27 Tr I ll I on Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the rebasing exercise was not as dramatic as many had expected.
Yusuf said the outcome showed that the country’s journey to the projected $1 trillion economy remained a tough call and long way ahead, though the country would be inching closer to the aspiration.
He, however, projected the Nigerian economy to reach $400 billion by the end of 2025.
Yusuf said Nigerians now had a clearer view of the size and structure of the economy as well as the sectorial contributions to GDP.
He said, “We now know that the economy is bigger than what we thought, but not as big as many analysts would have expected.
“We have also seen some structural changes in the economy. For instance, we are seeing a much bigger role in the economy for the real estate sector that is now occupying the third position in contribution to the GDP, which is quite significant.”
Yusuf also said the result of the rebased economy would enhance Nigeria’s ranking in the global and African economies, adding that it is a good and welcome development.
He said, “Talking about the structure of the economy, before the rebasing agriculture was contributing 22.12 per cent but now we are seeing about 25.58 per cent.
“Industry before the rebasing was accounting for 27.7 per cent of the GDP. Now it is accounting for 21.08 per cent of the GDP.
“The service sector was 50.22 per cent, now it is 53.09 per cent. You can see the shift in the structure of the economy. The service sector is rising faster than the real sector.”
Yusuf added that in the past water transport was contributing less than one per cent of the GDP, but now it had risen by over 1,367 per cent.
According to him, “It meant that it has been grossly under-reported over the years. Now the activities of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland
Waterways Authority and Nigeria Shippers Council have now been incorporated into the GDP.
“It is also significant that the contribution of the informal sector has increased to 42.5 per cent, from 41.4 per cent.”
Yusuf stated that the latest rebasing of the economy would affect the assessment of critical issues, like tax to GDP ratio, fiscal deficit to GDP ratio, debt to GDP ratio, credit to the economy to the GDP ratio, and other issues that GDP is used to determine.
He stated, “So, from that point of view, it is good for economic analysis. It is also good for international comparison. By the time we adjust the GDP to accommodate the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4’25, we will be moving closer to a GDP of $400 billion by the end of 2025.
“The factors responsible as stated in the report are growth in agriculture, real estate, water sector and the service sector that have increased significantly.
“But as to whether we will achieve the projected $1 trillion economy, that is a tough call. Given where we are now it is still a long way ahead. We may inch closer to it but it is still a long way ahead.”
Economist/Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Bristol Investments Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the new GDP estimates showed the country still had a long way to go in achieving its target.
Ekechukwu said there was need to industrialise the economy and boost agricultural productivity.
The former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said, “We have waited for the debasing of the GDP, and here it has come.
“Having a $243 billion economy after debasing tells us the magnitude of work yet to be done.
“The countries that are ahead of us have everything to justify their positions.”
According him, “When we check sector by sector, we will notice the
quantum of work to be done.
“We need to be more industrialised, our agricultural productivity needs to grow and sustain our food security.
“The non-oil sector has driven the economy even when the oil sector is the major driver of our revenue.
“We need to rev the solid mineral sector, the gas sector, and the agricultural sector by having functional greenhouse farms in all states of the federation, which may be veritable alternatives, considering the insecurity in our conventional farms.”
Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, said the rebasing exercise was expected to increase the size of the economy with significant impact on macroeconomic ratios.
Gbolade clarified that rebasing of the GDP did not guarantee improvement of the standard of living of Nigerians or have a real impact on what the citizens were presently suffering.
He said, “However, so many factors, like tax to GDP ratio, which is very low, might be increased to match the new GDP.
“These activities would definitely have negative effect on ordinary Nigerians who are facing eroding income, high unemployment, high inflation and other debilitating factors.
“Economically, Nigeria’s GDP expansion is a step in the right direction to ensure that we take the positives that would enable us move closer to a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”
According to Gbolade, “The newly re- based GDP shows that there is a lot of work to do in non-oil revenue sector, which can make more impact in achieving the targeted $1 trillion economy.
“The federal government infrastructural development strategy also has to be fine-tuned to accommodate an economy of the size we envisage.”
Equally reacting to the rebased GDP, President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, while addressing the media on the state of the economy, said,
“Behind the optimistic figures lies our reality”.
He said, “Economic conditions have put a large portion of the population into poverty, inflationary pressures have continued to weaken our purchasing power, and rising cost of living has continued to rise.”
However, he pointed out that rebasing from the 2010 to 2019 base year had brought the country closer to global statistical standards, revealing a more diversified economy, where real estate, trade, telecoms, and crop production now dominate, while oil’s share continues to decline.
Idahosa called the federal government to action, saying, “The government must move from statistical celebration to strategic economic transformation.”
He said inflation had remained unrelenting and alarming, especially in the food segment of a country, as most household expenditure is food-related.
The chamber reminded the federal government of the clear advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that government should “recalibrate the budget, tighten monetary policy, protect the poor, and push deeper structural and institutional reforms to ensure that these macro gains translate into inclusive and resilient development”.
It urged the government to sustain the ongoing reforms and support identified growth-enhancing sectors like the power, energy, infrastructure, and services sectors in order to achieve the growth projections.
Idahosa also stated that LCCI observed that “the Naira’s depreciation, now hovering above N1,530/$, has severely diminished real incomes, while energy costs, from petrol and diesel to cooking gas, remain painfully high.
He said, “These pressures affect both households and businesses, worsening inequality and making daily survival a struggle for many.”
clear after the meeting.
“It is a National Executive Committee meeting; we cannot say what the outcome will be. When you come there tomorrow, you will see it,” he said.
Nevertheless, the APC leadership has moved the venue of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to the presidential Villa as against its national secretariat. Far-reaching decisions are expected to be taken on the position of the National Chairman of the party.
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje resigned as national chairman on June 27, paving the way for the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, to assume office in an acting capacity. However, as of Tuesday, prepara-
tions were already ongoing at the national secretariat of the party to host the decisive NEC meeting before the sudden change of venue. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, confirmed the change of venue in a statement yesterday.
He said: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces that the meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled to be held on Thursday, 24th July, 2025, will now take place as follows:
“Venue: Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Time: 2pm. The change of venue from the Party’s National Secretariat - 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja to the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja is due to logistical reasons.” Obi free to contest in 2027 with or without me, declares ex-vice presidential hopeful
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka
Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has reacted to the recent recognition of the factional national chairman of the party, Julius Abure by Vice-presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as authentic chairman.
Usman, in her reaction, insisted that the validation of the Abure leadership of the party did not alter the Supreme Court judgement on the leadership of the party, which recognised her.
In a press release by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ken Eluma Asogwa, Usman insisted that Abure remained suspended from thePartparty. of the release read: “While Dr. Baba-Ahmed, like every Nigerian, is entitled to his personal opinions and freedom of association, it is imperative to state that the leadership question within the Labour Party has been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“For the sake of clarity, and to avoid further distortion of facts, the Labour Party wishes to reiterate the unequivocal verdict of the apex court as delivered on 4th April 2025. At page 47 of the judgement.
the acceptance of and adherence to the finality of the judgements of the Supreme Court has never been, and will never be, a matter of choice but compulsion.
“The Labour Party is bound by that finality and expects all members to align accordingly. This unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court - Nigeria’s highest judicial authority - effectively nullifies any claim by Barr. Julius Abure to the office of National Chairman of the Labour Party.
“It also upholds the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the appellant in the said matter and upon whose appeal all reliefs sought were granted.
“We acknowledge Dr. Baba- Ahmed’s stated intention to foster reconciliation within the party. That in itself is commendable. However, such efforts must be rooted in truth, guided by respect for the rule of law, and anchored on the existing legal realities.
“As the Labour Party prepares for its ward, local government, and state congresses - culminating in the forthcoming national convention - the Interim National Chairman of the party, Senator Nenadi Usman, continues to call for peace, unity, and internal cohesion.
He stated that measures aimed at stabilising the
priority.
must be a
“While the party respects the right of Dr. Baba-Ahmed and other members to hold personal views, it is important to remember that
“Only a united Labour Party can effectively confront and offer a credible alternative to the APC-led federal government and its failed governance trajectory.”
L-R: President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Lanre Adisa(left), and representative of Octoplus Marketing Limited, Mr. Adeniyi Pelumi, during the induction ceremony for new member agencies at the 52nd annual general meeting and congress of the association in Lagos…recently
Adedayo Akinwale in abuja
The Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Lukman Agbelere, has stopped federal government multi-million Naira hospital renovation project facilitated by the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha.
The federal government’s intervention project reportedly valued at N200 million, was targeted at upgrading a primary healthcare centre in Awodi, a
community in Gambari Ward II of Ilorin East LGA.
Checks revealed that the primary healthcare centre was listed among constituency projects facilitated by Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, and was aimed at improving access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
But Agbelere, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), claimed that
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
A former Edo State governorship aspirant of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 general election, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon and his supporters yesterday joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Imansuangbon, popular called ‘Rice Man’, together with his teaming supporters, picked the ADC membership card in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Speaking after obtaining his membership card, the business mogul and school proprietor, said he pitched tent with the ADC because he was tired of what he termed “widespread hunger in the country.”
Imansuangbon said he could no longer buy rice to share to
the poor due to rising cost of food items.
“I am tired because a bag of rice that was N7,500 few years ago in Nigeria is now N70,000.
That is the reason I can no longer buy rice to share to Edo people.
Now our own currency that used to be N187 to a $1, now exchange for N1,600 per $1; petrol that was N87.00 per litre is now N850.00
“Nobody will come from jupiter to repair and rescue the country. It is only Nigerians that can rescue this country. It is no longer hunger but starvation that is happening in Nigeria. Prices have sky rocketed. I can no longer buy rice for Edo people.
“Besides, Nigerians are tired. Unemployment is on the rise and Naira has fallen in value.
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Bridge Leadership Foundation (BLF) has announced plans to empower Nigerian youths with productive and development skills that would help them gain employment and sustainable business growth in line with modern trends at its 15th Career Day Conference to be held in Calabar, Cross River State.
The BLF, founded by the former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, with a Board of Trustees (BoT), made the disclosure in a statement by the acting Executive Director, The Bridge Leadership Foundation, Oluwafunmilola Ojo.
The announcement said the two-day event with the theme:
‘New Horizons: Bridging the Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship Gap’, will be held in Calabar, Cross River State on August 1 and 2, 2025.
“This two-day event, featuring an exclusive Masterclass and a dynamic main conference, is designed to empower Nigerian youths with the critical skills, insights, and connections needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape,” the statement said.
Explaining the essence of the proposed conference, the Foundation said: “Nigeria, despite its vibrant youth population, faces a significant challenge in matching skills with modern industry demands and enabling sustainable business growth.
the local government council had the capacity to execute the renovation independently, adding that the decision to take over the project was in line with
the state government’s directive on grassroots development. In a video that surfaced online on Monday, Agbelere confirmed his decision to stop
the project, citing political loyalty to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Speaking in Yoruba, he
described Mustapha as an “enemy” of his political principal. “Ota oga mi, ota mi” — translated as “an enemy of my boss is my enemy.
SSG Harps on government’s commitment to health sector
Gbenga Sodeinde in ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has warned host communities of any of its farm settlements in the state against killing or harassing its officials, regretting the recent killing of a staff member of the Ministry of Agriculture at Orin Farm Settlement , in Ido/ Osi Local Government Area of
the State.
The government stressed that whoever perpetrates such act will face the consequences of his action, saying it won’t allow its food production policy to be thwarted by land owners and desperate grabbers.
The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye,
handed down the warning in Ado Ekiti, yesterday , while mediating in a protracted land tussle between the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Olojudo - in-Council.
This intervention stemmed from a petition written by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, on the
situation of the Orin Farm Settlement and the persistent land encroachment that led to the death of a staff member. Interfacing with stakeholders on the matter, Mrs Afuye, frowned on the killing of the staff member, who was a tractor operator at the farm settlement, describing such as worrisome and saddening.
David-Chyddy Eleke in awka
The court presided over by Justice Evelyn Anyadike held that Ozigbo was unable to prove conclusively that Ukachukwu was not eligible for the primary election which was held on April 5.
Ozigbo had petitioned the court
A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State capital yesterday ruled against Mr Valentine Ozigbo, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had challenged the election of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as candidate of the party for the November 8 governorship election.
to nullify Ukachukwu’s candidacy, arguing that the latter was not legitimately qualified to contest the party’s primary election.
But in her judgement yesterday, Anyadike held that while there were discrepancies worthy of concern in the documentation presented by Ukachukwu, she said that the court lacked the jurisdiction to substitute one candidate for another.
She said: “The court cannot interfere in the internal matters of a political party where the plaintiff has not provided incontrovertible proof of the date of membership, nor shown that the party acted outside its constitutional powers.”
Okon Bassey in Uyo
The ongoing fiscal reforms in Nigeria can only be successful if there is effective collaborative engagement of professional bodies, including CITN and ANAN as well as key stakeholders at the national and subnational levels.
The President of the
Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, stressed this last weekend during the 5th CITN--ANAN Joint Council retreat held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
He insisted that only through such coordinated efforts can the reforms be translated into improved business confidence,
sustainable revenue growth, enhanced accountability, fiscal discipline and ultimately shared prosperity for all Nigerians.
At the retreat, with the theme: ‘Implementing Fiscal Reforms in Nigeria: Strengthening Strategy, Institutional Synergy and Professional Excellence’, he reasoned that the current reforms are revolutionary. ‘’The current reforms, in its intent, are revolutionary, inclusive, and have all sector focused. But in execution, they risk being undermined if all hands are not on deck, particularly professionals, who would implement, advise and interpret these policies and laws, are left behind.
The 25 members of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denied rumours of defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking yesterday at a press conference, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, who dispelled the rumours, stressed that the entire members are united, loyal and fully committed to the government of the Governor Ademola Adeleke and to the party, PDP, that brought them to power.
According to him, “There is no division in this House. There is no defection. There is no crisis. The rumours flying around are simply rumours, and we are not in the business of chasing shadows.
“We the members are men of honour. We are not for sale. We are not moved by noise or pressure. We hold the mandate of our people, and we intend to keep that trust with dignity, loyalty, and a clear conscience.
“We come from the grassroots. We see and feel the pulse of the people every day. And let me say it without hesitation that the people of Osun State are with the governor. They have seen what he is doing.”
Fidelis David in akure
An operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), simply identified as Jide, has been shot dead by suspected drug peddlers in Ondo State.
THISDAY gathered yesterday
that the officer attached to the Ondo State Command of the NDLEA was killed during a raid on an apartment in Ita’nla area of Ondo town last Tuesday.
A source who confirmed the incident to newsmen said the team of the NDLEA came under gunfire when
they stormed the building to recover the drugs stored inside the ceiling of the apartment.
“I guess the team got a tip that some drugs were stored inside the residential building at Ita’nla in Ondo. So, the officials came very early in a sting operation to bust the building.
“Immediately they came in, some of them entered the building to recover the exhibits while Officer Jide stood outside mounting the sentry guard. Suspected gunmen came from nowhere and opened fire on him shot in the neck.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
In a show of true sportsmanship, some of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players put aside celebration of qualifying for the final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to pay visit to
injured South African player, Gabriela Salgado at the Mohamed VI Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco yesterday. Banyana Banyana’s Salgado
copped a horrific fracture in a collision with Super Falcons forward, Chinwendu Ihezuo, during Tuesday evening’s semifinal clash between
the cup holders and Nigeria. Salgado was stretchered off the pitch with a suspected fractured leg.
The operation carried out yesterday at the Mohamed VI Hospital, was performed to address a mid-shaft fracture of her left leg, an injury
Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade (third right), led some of her teammates on a courtesy visit to injured South African player, Gabriela Salgado, shortly after the Banyana Banyana winger had a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI Hospital in Casablanca yesterday
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Six-time women’s Afrobasket champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, landed in Abidjan, ahead of their cup defence scheduled to begin on July 26 through August 3 in the Ivorian commercial capital city.
which will unfortunately sideline her for the remainder of the year.
But the Nigerian ladies who are in quest of a 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, yesterday visited Salgado shortly after the successful surgery to wish her quick recovery.
Before leaving her hospital bedside, the Super Falcons presented her with a signed Nigerian jersey and prayed for her to bounce back to full recovery.
The visit of the Nigerians to the injured player was not lost on the South Africans as utility player, Lebohang Ramalepe, lauded the behaviour of the Super Falcons.
Ramalepe told Soccernet.ng that the sportsmanship displayed by the Super Falcons was exceptional.
“Yeah, it’s their team spirit, after all, we’re all friends,” she told Soccernet. ng. “In the field of play, we just have to fight against each other, but you know, when something like that happens, we just have to be there for one another.
“I think what they did was just really great,” Ramalepe stressed of the solidarity that Salgado received from the Nigerian players like Michelle Alozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre who joined their South African counterparts in solidarity as the injured player was being stretchered off the pitch. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, was amongst earliest social media users to wish Salgado quick recovery yesterday.
Women’s Singles No 1 seed of the ongoing 46th CBN National Senior Open Tennis Championship, Khadijat Mohammed, yesterday defeated Mary Godwin 2-0 (6-1, 6-2) in their third round game to advance to the quarter final stage where she will face Aina Goodnews.
Goodnews berthed the quarterfinals after stopping Emmanuella Kevin-Bebe with a 2-0 win of 6-0, 6-2 in their third round match up.
Similarly, Rebecca Ekpenyong recorded a 2-0 ( 6-3 , 6-4 ) victory over Patience Onebamhoin to move into the quarter finals of
the women’s singles category. Playing in the men’s singles category, top seed, Adeleye Daniel had an easy ride over Endurance Ehigiemusoe who retired 4-1 in the first set.
Other quarter finalists include Oparaoji Uche that beat Ibrahim Suleiman 6-2, 6-3 and Lucky Danjuma who defeated Mohammed Andulsalam, 6-1, 6-1. It was a narrow escape for Prosper Okonkwo who defeated Dahiru Mohammed while Abubakar Yusuf also defeated Chima Michael 5-0 to book his quarter final ticket.
Their victory in Kigali two years ago was the fourth-straight win (4peat) as they go for the fifth-straight (5-peat) win of the African cup.
In overall they have won the Afrobasket six times starting with the first title in 2003 in Mozambique
D’Tigress are to battle Mozambique and Rwanda in Group D of the 2025 FIBA Africa Afrobasket Championship. The Nigerian ladies apart from coming here as the reigning champions, have held on to the trophy since 2017 as undisputed queens of basketball in the continent.
and the successful defence of it in 2005 in Abuja.
In the 12-player roster released by Coach Rena Wakama shortly before the team departed Abuja for Abidjan yesterday, Sarah Ogoke who was away for family reasons, has returned to take her place. The team is basically the same squad that wowed the global audience, defeating Australia and Canada to reach the quarter finals at the last
Nigeria’s most successful coach, Clemens Westerhof (left), currently visiting Nigeria with his wife, Lilian (right), visited Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko (centre) in his Abuja office yesterday. Westerhof now 85 years old led the Super Eagles to win Nigeria’s second AFCON title in 1994. He was rewarded with a house in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT,) Abuja along with his players. Although the Dutchman didn’t get allocated the house until 28 years later in 2019, he however has kept faith, visiting the country from his base in The Netherlands.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the French capital.
The 12 players for the tournament include; Captain Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, and Ezinne Kalu.
Others are; Murjanatu Musa, Victoria Macaulay, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Ifunaya Okoro, Vera Ojenuwa, Nicole Enabosi, and Palla Kunayi.
Speaking before the team departed their Double D Apartment camp in Abuja for Ivory Coast, NBBF President, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, urged the team to go out there and show the stuff they are made of and try to bring home the trophy for an unprecedented fifth straight time which will break the African record they currently hold.
Kida assured them that their teeming supporters, across the country are praying fervently for their success and so they must be Nigeria’s good ambassadors as usual.
Team Captain, Amy Okonkwo, thanked Engr Kida and the NBBF Board for their relentless and untiring support for the team and basketball over the past years.
She also expressed immense joy over the way that the team was received and treated throughout their camping in Abuja.
THE FINAL ROSTER FOR THE AFROBASKET
• Promise Amukamara
• Ezinne Kalu
• Elizabeth Balogun
• Amy Okonkwo
• Nicole Enabosi
• Pallas Kumayi
• Victoria Macaulay
• Vera Ojenuwa
• Blessing Ejiofor
• Ifunaya Okoro
• Sarah Ogoke
• Murjanatu Musa
The 2025 edition of Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Premier League started yesterday at the indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City with former champions, First Bank, in a good start.
First Bank started the competition on a scintillating note as they defeated Dolphins 62- 48.
First Bank ladies showed intention from the beginning following their composure and level of fitness exhibited.
Dolphins also gave good account of themselves but at the end of the
game, it was First Bank that proved their supremacy. In the second game, Bayelsa Blue Whales defeated First DeepWater of Lagos 61-41 to boost their chances of making it to Lagos for the finals. In this edition of the Zenith Bank/ NBBF Premier League, a total of five teams are currently in the ancient city slugging it out in the league.
The teams are First Bank, Bayelsa Blue Whales, MFM, Dolphins, and First Deep Waters of Lagos.
With the two-day qualifying rounds concluded, the Main Draw of the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos will kickoff this morning off at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, where top seeds will begin their quest for world ranking points and the tournament’s top prize.
While international stars are eyeing the title, the absence of Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna opens the door for local talents like Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, and Taiwo Mati to make a strong impression.
Tunisia’s Wassim Essid and Cameroon’s Ylane Batix are also among the contenders hoping for a breakthrough performance in Lagos—the second WTT Contender event hosted in Africa.
In the Women’s Singles, defending champion Sreeja Akula of India faces a tough field, including top seed Hina Hayata and Honoka Hashimoto of Japan, Egypt’s rising star Hana Goda,
and France’s Prithika Pavade.
“I won the Women’s Singles title last year, and I’m aiming for another this year,” said Akula. “The competition is much stronger, but I just want to give my best and enjoy the tournament.”
Also drawing attention is John Oyebode, who represents Italy but has Nigerian roots. The son of former Nigerian international Michael Oyebode, John, is eager to make his mark on home soil.
“What makes WTT Contender Lagos unique is the massive support from the fans, regardless of where the players come from. They love the sport, and that’s a big motivation. Nigeria is home to me, and I want to enjoy myself by giving my best against the best,” he said. Meanwhile, 2024 Men’s Doubles runners-up,Olajide Omotayo and Azeez Solanke, are back with renewed determination to go one step further this year.
Afew days to the end of their administration in May 2007, then Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr. Olufemi Pedro, resigned his appointment. But Governor Bola Tinubu refused to accept the letter. Tinubu’s goal was to ensure that the impeachment proceedings commenced against Pedro by the State House of Assembly ran its full course. Pedro’s ‘sin’ was that against the dictates of his boss, he decided to seek the governorship position. First in the defunct Action Congress (AC) and when that door was closed, through the Labour Party. At the election, Pedro predictably failed woefully. But Tinubu felt his “disloyal” deputy should be punished for daring. That was how the state House of Assembly came in. Within a matter of days, a panel was inaugurated by then State Chief Judge, Justice Ade Alabi, a verdict of guilt was established, and the state lawmakers completed the rest by impeaching a man who had already resigned from office!
Pedro’s case is not too different from that of Alhaji Ali Olanusi who was until Monday the deputy governor of Ondo State. Because Olanusi decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the eve of the presidential election, Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s men in the State House of Assembly met and passed a resolution asking the State Chief Judge to establish an impeachment panel. Before anybody knew what was happening, the “panel” had been constituted, sat, found Olanusi guilty and submitted its report to the lawmakers. All of this within 48 hours! On Monday, Olanusi was impeached and almost immediately, a letter arrived at the State House of Assembly from Mimiko nominating Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo as his replacement. The letter was approved and the man (who almost prostrated before Mimiko while being sworn in) is now the Ondo State Deputy Governor!
Unfortunately, this is a familiar story across the country where governors dispense with their deputies as casually as most people dismiss their drivers and the charge is that of “disloyalty”, not to the system but to their persons. At last count, no fewer than 18 deputy governors have lost their jobs under the current dispensation due to differences with their governors…
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Between 30 April 2015, when I wrote the forego- ing in my column, ‘The Endangered Spare Tyres’, and today (ten years later), eight more deputy governors have been removed from office after losing the trust of their principals. Ordinarily, a deputy governor should complement rather than merely echo the governor. Unfortunately, under the current dispensation that began in 1999, they have been reduced to no better than political mannequins—present when needed for ceremonies, silent when substantive issues arise, and perpetually walking on eggshells lest their words be misinterpreted as signs of ambition or disloyalty.
As early as August 2001, former Anambra State Governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, had described deputy governors as ‘spare tyres’ whose offices exist at the pleasure of state chief executives. Incidentally, he spoke at the opening ceremony of a two-day seminar on the role of deputy governors in a presidential system of government. It’s almost as if the late Ezeife—who was at that period Special
Adviser on Political Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo—wrote the manual on how governors should treat their deputies. No one is perhaps in a better position to explain this complexity than the former APC National chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who was deputy governor in Kano State (to Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso) for two terms and a governor for two terms. In August 2023, Ganduje disclosed that he was writing a book, titled ‘Deputising and Governance in Nigeria’, to share insights on the issue. “My book is not dwelling on governors and deputies alone. It includes presidents and vice presidents, considering what happened between Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar,” Ganduje said.
While we await Ganduje’s book, we must admit that the reciprocal relationship between an elected political figure (president or governor) and their deputy is a distinct partnership that presents unique challenges. In Nigeria, it often involves dealing with mischief makers and rumour mongers, managing public perceptions and navigating a complex relation- ship with those around the principal—including desperate influence peddlers, ambitious politicians who eye the office and errant family members. In giving a befitting burial to his late predecessor, President Tinubu has demonstrated what a united government could achieve by assigning important roles to Vice President Kashim Shettima. But even that is not enough to douse the unhelpful speculation of recent weeks. Many would recall that on 21 June, presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, publicly dismissed claims suggesting a rift between the duo. This followed the omission of Shettima’s name during the recent endorsement of Tinubu for a second term by North-East stakeholders in Gombe, sparking tension at the event.
In his interview with Channels Television, Onanuga explained, and quite correctly, that the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the candidate after nomination. But Onanuga also addressed the reputational issue regarding his principal which may have instigated the agitation. “Yes, when he (Tinubu) was governor, there were issues. In his first term, he and his deputy, Kofo (Bucknor-Akerele) did not get along, and she had
to leave. Femi Pedro replaced her. In the second term, he retained Pedro, but Pedro later defected because he wanted to be governor. That is why he had to go. I do not want to reopen old wounds, but that is what happened,” said Onanuga who rejected the notion that Tinubu “has a pattern of discarding deputies. Each instance was shaped by unique political circumstances.”
The intervention by Onanuga is significant because it goes to the real issue of the role of deputies in Nigeria’s political environment. “In this country, deputy roles, whether as deputy governors or vice presidents, are always surrounded by rumours. Even when there is no conflict, people around them manufacture stories,” Onanuga said. “But as far as I know, Tinubu and Shettima work together very well.”
Instructively, two weeks after Onanuga’s interven- tion, the ‘debate’ was reopened following Shettima’s remarks at the public presentation of ‘OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block’, written by former Attorney General and Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN. What was no more than an expression of gratitude to the author was quickly weaponized into evidence of disloyalty to the president. Some of the commentaries that followed offer a masterclass in the peculiar dynamics that define the number two position in Nigerian politics. They also reveal the impossible tightrope that Nigerian deputy governors and vice presidents must walk.
Here was Shettima, doing what any reasonable person would do at a book launch, by sharing a personal anecdote that illustrated the author’s character and influence. His recounting of how Adoke, alongside others including then House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, helped to forestall his removal as Governor of Borno State, was both relevant to the occasion and historically significant. Yet within hours, these remarks were twisted into an indirect criticism of presidential power, a veiled commentary on the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and a subtle rebellion against his own principal.
When a sitting vice president cannot acknowledge past kindness without triggering speculation about present loyalties, we have created an environment that stifles rather than strengthens democratic governance. The tragedy is not just in the mischief of misinterpreting Shettima’s comment, but in how this reflects our political culture of failing to distinguish between legitimate public discourse and palace intrigue. The fact that Shettima’s office felt compelled to issue a clarification speaks to how even the most innocuous statements can be transformed into political weapons by those who profit from manufacturing discord. If a vice president cannot safely reference his own political history at a literary event without sparking a loyalty test, what does this say about the space for independent thought in a democracy?
The irony is that Shettima’s remarks demonstrated the kind of institutional memory and personal relationships that strengthen rather than weaken governance. His acknowledgment of Adoke’s role during a difficult period, his recognition of political figures who acted on principle rather than partisanship, and his willingness to engage with Nigeria’s complex political history should
be seen as assets to the current administration. Instead, they were treated as potential liabilities by commentators more interested in sensationalism than substance. Sadly, such situations have led to the fall of many deputy governors under the current dispensation.
In the United States, from where we copied the presidential system of government, the role of the vice president has evolved over the past three centuries. Initially, the office was reserved for whoever finished second in the presidential race. But the 1800 presidential election threw up very interesting outcomes and was stalemated in Congress for several months, because Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party and Aaron Burr of the Federalist Party (the two leading parties at the time) each won 73 electoral votes. That episode necessitated the 1804 constitutional amendment which eventually culminated in a presidential candidate forming a joint ticket with a chosen vice-presidential nominee.
To date, 15 American vice presidents have become president. While eight were elevated after their principals died, six have been elected, with the latest being Joe Biden, who had a four-year gap between the two jobs. Gerald Ford, of course, as- sumed the presidency in 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Nixon himself had been VP to President Dwight Eisenhower between 1953 and 1960 before he was eventually elected president eight years later in 1968. Interestingly, Nixon is also on the list of incumbent vice presidents who failed in the elections to succeed their principals. Others were John Breckinridge in 1860, Hubert Humphrey in 1968, Al Gore in 2000, and Kamala Harris in 2024. Meanwhile, by the US constitution, the vice president is the presiding officer in the Senate with tie-breaking power, but they also play executive roles.
Perhaps the real burden of being number two in Nigeria is not just the constant scrutiny but the way that often misses the point entirely. While we obsess over imagined slights and manufactured controversies, we lose sight of what a vice president or deputy governor could contribute to governance. Until we develop the political maturity to distinguish between legitimate expression and disloyalty, between historical reflection and present criticism, we will continue to handicap these important constitutional offices with unnecessary drama and misplaced suspicion.
Seated alongside other traditional rulers in Qua’an-Pan, Plateau State to receive our (fact-finding) panel on Tuesday afternoon, 96-year-old Ambassador Yahaya Kwande presented the picture of a fulfilled man. “I refused to die because I was waiting for something. Now, I have got it,” Kwande said to a thunderous applause from the audience.
Readers will find his interesting story on page 32