SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE TO MARK SANWO-OLU’S 60TH BIRTHDAY...
L-R: Southwest Governors, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); the celebrant, Mr. Babajide
Senator Ademola Adeleke
during a special thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday of Governor Sanwo-Olu, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos ... yesterday
and Engr. Seyi
With Over $100bn Disbursements to Africa, $52bn to Nigeria,
Shettima Declares Afreximbank Continental Development Anchor
Cardoso: Institutional resilience crucial for continent’s future, says CBN focused on rebuilding trust with markets, partners
Oramah: $250 billion mobilised into Africa, unveils economic, trade reports
James Emejo in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, said African Export-Import Bank (Afrieximbank) had grown from a regional trade financier to a continental development anchor, having mobilised and disbursed over $100 billion and $52 billion across Africa and Nigeria, respectively, since its establishment in 1993 in Abuja.
Speaking in Abuja, at the opening of the 2025 Annual Meetings of Afreximbank, with the theme, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” Shettima said the country will continue to work with the bank to deepen its partnership and align more closely with Africa’s development agenda.
Represented by Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Tope Fasua, Shettima commended Afreximbank’s leadership, under Professor Benedict Oramah, for the unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa, at large.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, while commending its milestone, underscored the importance of institutional resilience as a vital foundation for building a strong and lasting economic future for Africa.
Cardoso urged Afreximbank to play a role in addressing the rising trade protectionism and shift in global dynamics.
President/Chairman, Afreximbank, Oramah, said over the past 32 years, the bank had mobilised over $250 billion into Africa, empowered industries long neglected by conventional financiers, and served as a lifeline during crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to commodity shocks and broken supply chains.
Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi Kale, said despite the difficulties Africa had faced in recent years, the continent had shown resilience, stating that though growth has slowed, Africa has not been as severely affected as many other parts of the world.
Shettima identified Afreximbank’s transformative footprints in the country to include African Trade Centre, commissioned in Abuja, which now served as a nucleus for policy innovation, trade facilitation, and business intelligence.
He said other footprints of the bank in Nigeria included African Medical Centre of Excellence, which opened a few weeks ago, providing world-class oncology, cardiology, and haematology services, reducing over $1 billion spent annually on medical tourism.
Shettima also acknowledged the African Quality Assurance Centres in Kaduna and Ogun states, strengthening the export readiness of Nigerian products, the $300 million exportmanufacturing initiative, strategically
located in Cross River, Enugu, Imo, and Kano states, to catalyse industrial clusters, and the pivotal $3 billion intra-African petroleum trade facility, enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and supporting domestic refining capacity.
He said, “These are not merely projects, they are strategic investments in resilience, in sovereignty, and in shared prosperity.”
The vice president said the meeting’s sub-theme, “Thirty-two Years of
Kale: Despite slowed growth, Africa shielded from global trade wars, others
Resilient Growth and Transformation,” invited deep reflection on “where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and more importantly, where we now aspire to go”.
He pointed out that the past three decades had “taught us that resilience is not just survival—it is the capacity to adapt, to lead, and to reinvent”, adding, “Afreximbank has embodied this ethos.”
He said in times of global liquidity crunch, Afreximbank provided
emergency trade financing, and in the aftermath of COVID-19, it rolled out the Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA).
He stated, “Today, it is shaping continental policy through PAPSS, the Africa Trade Gateway, AfrexInsure, and its new Concessional Finance Window.
“Now, as Africa faces the consequences of global fragmentation, commodity transition, and climate disruption, the challenge is clear:
we must go beyond resilience to renewal.”
In his remarks, Cardoso emphasised that resilience must be deliberately engineered through strategic foresight, crisis preparedness, sound governance, and stakeholder trust.
He said Afreximbank had grown into one of Africa’s most influential development finance institutions, and remained a true pillar of continental transformation.
NECA Moves to Align FG’s Reforms With Private Sector Demands
Shettima: FG creating enabling environment for enterprise
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
As part of efforts geared towards ensuring positive outcomes from the federal government’s economic policy reforms, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA) has said that the country could only attain sustainable economic growth through proper synergy between public and private sector stakeholders.
To this end, NECA yesterday began a Summit in Abuja, which it said was aimed at discussing ways
Oil Titan, Okunbor Bows Out of Shell after 39 Years of Service
Shell Nigeria and stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry are currently celebrating the company’s Country Chair, Osagie Okunbor, who is retiring this month after 39 years of impactful and meritorious service in the organisation.
In a statement issued yesterday, which was signed by the Communications Manager of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Gladys Afam-Anadu, stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including government functionaries, regulators, and chief executives of indigenous and international oil companies are joining to honour Okunbor at the milestone ceremonies which began in Abuja Tuesday night.
The dignitaries at the occasion
highlighted Okunbor’s contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria especially Nigerian content, and playing key roles in Shell’s investments in Deep-water and in Nigeria.
According to the statement, Shell’s Executive Vice President Nigeria, Marno de Jong, will take on the additional responsibilities of Country Chair in Nigeria.
Jong, was quoted as saying that Okunbor was a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable.
“Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, Okunbor has related with a wide range of stakeholders, from
communities to industry leaders, with empathy and excellent relational skills.
“We will all miss his presence and wish him a most enjoyable retirement”, Jong stated.
In his remarks, Okunbor said, “It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The Shell values of Honesty, Integrity and Respect for people have been useful in my modest contributions.”
A graduate of University of Benin in Business Administration, Okunbor joined Shell in 1986 and has served in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei and the Netherlands.
He became Managing Director of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2015.
of aligning objectives across ministries, departments, and agencies, to reduce the friction that businesses face across regulatory
The move by NECA came just as the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima said the vision of President Bola Tinubu-led administration was to build an economy where sustainable business enterprises thrive and create decent jobs.
Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and SME, Mr. Temitola Adekunle Johnson at the opening of the 4th Edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit in Abuja, yesterday, said members of the organised private sector have continued to contribute positively
to socio-economic conditions of Nigerians through the millions of jobs as well as the goods and services they provide.
He said the theme of the Summit was not only timely but urgent as it speaks to the heart of our national aspirations to build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, driven by private enterprise, and enabled by government.
“We are a nation in transition, navigating our part of bold reforms designed to stir our economy away from volatility into becoming a more stable, sustainable, and prosperous one.
He said one of the comprehensive reforms being undertaken by the government was the reform that prioritises prudent expenditure and more efficient, transparent and equitable tax system.
While welcoming participants, the president and Chairman of Council of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, said the focus of the Summit was on fostering inclusive and sustainable development that employers enterprises, strengthens human capital and improve living standards across the nation.
“These reforms, though difficult in the short term, are laying the foundation for a more transparent, competitive, diversified, and investorfriendly environment,” he said. The Vice President said the vision of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was to build an economy where sustainable business enterprises thrive and create decent jobs.
FG Set to Resolve Pending Labour Issues, Says Dingyadi
Onyebuchi
Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has assured labour unions that it was working diligently to resolve all pending labour matters, urging them to have faith in its efforts. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, gave the assurance when he received the leadership of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), led by the National President, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, on a courtesy visit to the Minister, in Abuja.
A statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations at the ministry, Patience Onuobia, said the minister implored labour unions to rest assured that their concerns were receiving adequate attention, as the government has initiated the necessary processes to resolve them.
According to the statement, the Minister urged the health workers to always tow the path of dialogue with the government on any nagging issue, as dialogue remained the right path to solutions. Dingyadi acknowledged
JOHESU’s crucial role in the health sector, commending their commitment to the sector and the well-being of Nigerians. He assured the health workers that the resolution of their issues was ongoing and would be concluded soon.
Earlier, Minjibir had appreciated the Minister’s exemplary contribution to conflict resolution and industrial harmony in the country, as well as his effective discharge of his function as a buffer between the government and the labour.
Sanwo-Olu (Lagos);
(Osun)
Makinde (Oyo)
Peter Uzoho
TINUBU INAUGURATES PROJECTS IN NASARAWA...
Tinubu to Governors: I Will Not Fail You, Inaugurates Projects in Nasarawa State
Pledges FG’s support to states
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, expressed appreciation to governors for their trust in him and pledged not to fail them.
Speaking during a one-day official visit to Nasarawa State, the President thanked the governors for their consistency in pursuing the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aimed to rebuild
lives and the nation.
He said, “Seeing the governors here is truly an emotional day for me. Thank you for the way you showed up with grace and glory. Thank you for keeping your loyalty
intact.”
He assured the government and people of Nasarawa State that his administration would continue to support the state in developmental projects, particularly in the solid
Shettima: Silent But Bold Transformation of Nation On-going Under Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This is coming just as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have tweaked their strategic alliance to advance economic development in key sectors, including agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade and industry, among others.
Shettima who spoke yesterday, during the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum tagged, “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor,” on day three of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), in Abuja, said the renewed strategic alliance with Brazil was grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth.
According to him, Brazil’s journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and industrial
development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria, and reflects “what is possible when technical capacity is matched with national determination.
“These are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.
“And what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us,” he stated.
Underscoring the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, the Vice President noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to that of the South American country, particularly in agriculture, as well as the transformation through sustained investment in research, modernisation and support for farmers.
His words: “Our Special AgroIndustrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale. But we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, in training and in investment.
“We are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria’s energy transition is rooted in what we can control. We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil’s example provides guidance that is real and tested.
“We are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities. Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure.”
Shettima further disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil’s interest in skills development and
Senate Passes N1.48trn Rivers Budget Submitted by Tinubu
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
In a historic move underscoring federal intervention in subnational governance, the Senate on Wednesday approved the N1.485 trillion 2025 budget for Rivers State.
The development followed President Bola Tinubu’s submission of the appropriation bill to the National Assembly after the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.
The Senate’s approval came after the third reading of the budget bill and consideration of the report by
its Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State during the Committee of Supply session.
The budget now awaits assent and implementation, pending executive formalities.
President Tinubu had, in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requested legislative consideration of the Rivers State 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The move followed the political crisis that led to the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the subsequent nullification of
an earlier budget presented by the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
The approved budget authorizes the issuance of N1,485,662,592,442 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. It includes N120.8 billion for debt servicing, N287.38 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and a significant N1.077 trillion for capital projects, indicating a strong focus on infrastructure and development.
human capital, saying it aligns perfectly with one of the most pressing national goals, which is to ensure that the youthful country is prepared for future demands.
“We welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground,” he added.
Earlier, Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through longterm cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
Alckmin described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.
minerals and agricultural sector.
President Tinubu, who made the pledge when he visited the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, said Governor Abdullahi Sule’s careful resource management has earned him the trust of the federal government and investors.
“I am happy to be back here in Nasarawa and to confirm what the Emir told me during the campaigns in 2023 that I will be back as President of Nigeria. Thank you. You are a highly far-sighted individual, a committed Nigerian of high integrity and jurisprudence, “ he said.
The president commended Sule and the Council of Traditional Rulers for the peace, stability, and progress in the state, pledging to work harder to actualise all the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“All I have decided is to ensure a change for the future and the best,” he added.
The president emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda would reposition the economy to benefit young Nigerians and future generations.
“We have seen it in Governor Sule. We just commissioned an interchange, and he told us he did not borrow a penny for completion,” he said.
In his speech, the Emir of Lafia, who is also the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, extolled President Tinubu’s leadership
style, particularly for transforming the Nigerian economy.
“Your Excellency, our president, our friend, our everything. You are welcome back to this hall. It started here when you came in some years ago.
“Like I said, you were here twice during the campaign. We were lucky. The former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was on an official tour of the state.
“And I told him: Your Excellency, one of the best among them, is Tinubu because we are living witnesses. We were in Lagos during our days at the Court of Appeal. During his term in office as Governor of Lagos, we saw how he turned around Lagos and made Lagos what it is today.
“Your Excellency, you are translating the same into the Nigerian economy, and before you leave office, Nigeria will be great again.” The Emir pledged his support and that of the Emirate for the President. Sule received the President at the airport and took him to the inauguration of an interchange and flyover in central Lafia.
The new secretariat building, roads, tractors for mechanised farming, and operational vehicles for the security agencies were also inaugurated
The governors of Kaduna, Imo, Borno, Ogun, Kwara, and Benue States, also attended the inauguration.
FRC: Nigeria Needs Actuarial Experts to Build Resilient, Competitive Economy
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has declared that Nigeria needs actuarial expertise to build a resilient and competitive economy and to manage pension funds, price risk, value liabilities, and attract investments.
Olowo, made this declaration yesterday in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigerian Actuarial Society (NAS) Annual Industry Conference with the theme: “Creating Value and Building Resilience in an Evolving Industry.”
Olowo said: “We recognise that
for Nigeria to build a resilient and competitive economy, we need a robust pipeline of actuarial experts.
“Let me be frank: Nigeria currently has fewer than 30 qualified actuaries, while South Africa has about 2,000.
“This is a capacity gap that directly affects our ability to manage pension funds, price risk, value liabilities, and attract investment.”
He also disclosed the FRC’s resolve and commitment to building Nigeria’s actuarial capacity and aligning it with global standards.
Olowo added: “But we are not standing still. Through strong partnerships, including many of you represented here today, we are committed to building Nigeria’s
actuarial capacity and aligning it with global standards.
“At the Financial Reporting Council, we have responded to this imperative with action. Early last year, we operationalised the Directorate of Actuarial Standards as one of the key pillars of financial sector reform in Nigeria. This move was not administrative — it was strategic.”
He said the world was witnessing profound shifts in how value is measured, how risk is assessed, and how systems respond to rapid change, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence to climate uncertainty, from geopolitical realignment to the evolving nature of financial products.
Dike Onwuamaeze
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
L-R: Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, during the inauguration of vehicles for MDAs and security agencies, as well as agricultural equipment and employment projects in Lafia, Nasarawa State, yesterday
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE WITH KNIGHT FRANK NIGERIA...
FG mulls intervention to support key gas-fired power projects
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
In a major development, the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project has finally crossed the River Niger, an axis that had seriously hampered the planned completion of the project on schedule.
THISDAY learnt yesterday that the crossing was done through the deployment of high technology facilities by Oilserv Limited, the contractors handling section A of the critical gas infrastructure.
The River Niger crossing had posed one of the most critical engineering challenges in the completion of Nigeria’s ambitious AKK gas pipeline. Initial attempts to deploy conventional techniques had failed, derailing the original project timelines and creating a significant bottleneck in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure rollout.
Although as of mid-2025, substantial progress had been made, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) reporting about 72 per cent completion of the project, the task of overcoming the barrier had been a major headache for the national oil company and the contractors.
Besides, the repeated failures and shift in construction methods had not only delayed completion dates but also escalated costs.
A note from Oilserv yesterday indicated that that the challenge has now been resolved, raising the hope that the project will be accelerated forthwith.
“We have successfully crossed the 40-inch x 1.6km Ajaokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) Gas Pipeline through the River Niger using the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) special technique, minimising environmental impact.
“This major feat of engineering excellence, done within three months marks a bold advancement in infrastructure delivery across one of Nigeria’s most challenging terrains.
“As a vital link between regions, this achievement paves the way for greater national integration, energy sustainability and economic growth,” the company stated in the note.
Besides, Oilserv Limited, in partnership, said it had achieved the remarkable milestone to meet NNPC mandate for the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project and remains committed to driving Nigeria’s energy transition.
Oilserv Group of Companies, led by its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Emeka Okwuosa, stated that the project, spanning 614 kilometers and involving the construction of segment A, is a crucial initiative for advancing the gas infrastructure in Nigeria.
THISDAY reports that the $2.8 billion pipeline project is the phase one of the 1,300km-long Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project, being part of Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan to utilise the country’s surplus gas resources for power generation as well as for consumption by domestic customers.
In addition, it forms part of the proposed 4,401km-long Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) to export natural gas to customers in Europe as Nigeria holds Africa’s biggest gas reserves.
Like the other partitions, the first segment of the project which runs from Ajaokuta, covers a distance of approximately 200 kilometres and will transport up to 3,500 million cubic feet (mcf) of gas a day from various gas gathering projects in
southern Nigeria.
Oilserv was one of the consortium of two local companies awarded the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the Ajaokuta-Abuja section of the pipeline.
Earlier , the company had described the Pai River crossing as peculiar, explaining that with the deployment of Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology, it was set to ensure a perfect execution of the
project.
“We are proud to mark another milestone on the AKK gas pipeline project. Our team has completed a 40-inch x 580m pipeline crossing through the Pai River using HDD, along with a 480m Fiber Optic Communication Cable (FOCC) installation.
“This was done in fractured granite (rock) formation. Despite the challenges and difficult terrain,
we delivered with precision, safety, and technical excellence. We have also initiated the Hydrostatic/Line purging process which is expected to be completed soon.
“The AKK) gas pipeline is a national project strategically positioned to strengthen the reliability and resilience of Nigeria’s energy network and support long-term national stability,” the company stressed.
NMDPRA Moves to Raise Quality of Lubricants, Vows Strict Implementation
Says poor standard lube oils damaging engines Manufacturers want local production encouraged
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday moved to streamline engine lubricants imported into the country as well as those produced locally, stressing that aside damaging machinery, they remain a threat to national productivity.
Speaking in Abuja during a session with independent lubricant producers, major energy marketing companies, industrial lubricant consumers, importers of the commodity, among others, the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA,
Abia Joins Other States in Bid to Oversee Electricity Market in Their Domains
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Abia State has joined about a dozen other subnational governments in their bid to exercise regulatory oversight over the electricity market in their respective domains.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) confirmed yesterday that as mandated by the Electricity Act 2023, as amended, it had granted the request by the South-eastern state.
“In compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Abia State from the Commission to
the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA),” the overall power sector regulator stated.
However, it recalled that with the EA 2023, the commission retains the role as a central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state/ international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.
Since the passage of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised power regulation and allowed subnational entities to oversee electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their borders, a number of Nigerian states have begun establishing their own electricity regulatory commissions.
This development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s power landscape, granting states more
autonomy in managing energy access, attracting investment, and tailoring electricity policies to local needs.
Some of the states include Lagos, which has operationalised the Lagos State Electricity Market under the oversight of its own Lagos Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC). The state has laid out frameworks to license independent power producers and off-grid solutions, particularly to serve industries and underserved communities.
Also, Kaduna State also enacted a law to establish its own electricity regulatory body. The state government aims to improve energy reliability and leverage local solutions, particularly for rural electrification and industrial clusters.
Farouk Ahmed, also announced the roll-out of a lubricant importation module on the lube oil portal.
Represented by the Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations & Transportation Infrastructure (HPPITI), Francis Ogaree, Ahmed stressed that the regulatory framework will be deployed to set a standardisation for compliance in lubricants, both local and imported ones.
Ahmed stated that it was a significant step towards building a more transparent, efficient, and quality-driven lubricant importation process, one that reflects the shared vision of a more resilient and self-sufficient petroleum industry in Nigeria.
He argued that under the current administration, Nigeria must begin
to do things right, recalling that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) expressly mandates the NMDPRA to ensure that all petroleum products, including lubricants, meet strict quality and safety standards.
“We take this responsibility in NMDPRA seriously as poor quality lubricants do more than damage engines, they damage trust. They damage and hurt our productivity, and create unnecessary economic waste.
“It’s not business as usual anymore and that’s why this workshop is there for us to do things right in conformity with what they do elsewhere, “ Ahmed added.
According to him, with the collaboration of all the parties, including the Nigeria customs and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the country
can replicate the same and surpass global standards in terms of the quality of lubes.
“This digital platform is integrated with the Nigerian Customs Service, ensuring seamless import clearance, real-time data tracking, and improved compliance enforcement. For importers, this means faster approvals, better transparency, and clearer expectations.
“For local producers, this enhanced oversight will help identify products that can and should be produced locally. So there’s a lead towards local production. And this is what we’re emphasising, local content, giving your business more room to grow in a level playing field. And for all industry players, it means improved accountability and shared responsibility for upholding the integrity of the Nigerian markets,” Ahmed said.
At least 3,700 women across the country have benefited from the empowerment programme by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), with Gamma Mobility. To this end, it was jubilation yesterday, in Port Harcourt, when about 100 Rivers women smiled home with items to boost their livelihood. The most significant was the presentation of tricycles (popularly known as Keke-Bike) to about 40 women.
The CREDICORP, with Gamma Mobility, rolled out expansion of the Queen Rider program, an ambitious nationwide initiative empowering 3,700 Nigerian women, at least 100 per state and the FCT, to become tricycle owners and operators through access to credit-backed vehicle purchases. The rollout was under CREDICORP’s S.C.A.L.E. program (Securing Consumer Access for Local Enterprises) which links everyday consumers to Nigeria’s manufacturing backbone. In this case, CREDICORP is channelling credit-backed women
toward the purchase of locally assembled tricycles from Simba TVS, which produces 1,170 tricycles and motorbikes daily in Nigeria. It’s a strategy for economic inclusion, putting working tools in the hands of women who are too often locked out of high-opportunity sectors like urban transportation. With partner financial institutions such as Accion Microfinance Bank, CREDICORP is scaling access to productive assets that improve household incomes, stimulate local manufacturing, and unlock the economic power of Nigerian women.
L-R:
Executive Officer/Senior Partner, Knight Frank Nigeria, Mr Frank Okosun; and Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Excellence with Knight Frank Nigeria, held at Victoria Island... recently
Tinubu to Sign Four Tax Reform Bills into Law Today
Deji
President Bola Tinubu will today sign into law four groundbreaking tax reform bills that would transform Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
According to a statement issued yesterday, by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, were passed by the National Assembly after extensive consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments.
One of the four bills is the
Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), which aims to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a harmonised statute.
By reducing the multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication, the bill will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce taxpayer compliance burdens, and create a more predictable fiscal environment.
The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, will establish a uniform legal and operational framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the third bill, repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and creates a more autonomous and performancedriven national revenue agency— the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
President Bola Tinubu
It defines the NRS’s expanded mandate, including non-tax revenue collection, and lays out transparency, accountability, and efficiency mechanisms.
The fourth bill is the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. It provides for a formal governance structure to facilitate cooperation between revenue authorities at all levels of government. It introduces essential oversight mechanisms, including establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman.
NUPRC: NIGERIA ATTRACTED $16BN OIL SECTOR
have slashed average contracting cycles from a cumbersome 36 months to just six months, unlocking strategic tax incentives for deepwater, frontier basin, and gas projects, and dismantling longstanding fiscal bottlenecks as well as accelerating project approvals and investor confidence.
The historic presidential assent to the bills at the State House, Abuja, will be witnessed by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Leader, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and his House counterpart.
The Chairman of the Governors
Forum, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordination Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation will also attend the ceremony.
The National Assembly had this month transmitted the landmark tax reform bills to President Tinubu for assent.
The development marks a critical phase in the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope economic agenda.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who confirmed the transmission to newsmen about a week ago, disclosed that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives had been concluded, paving the way for the final legislative action.
“Yes, the bill has now been transmitted. It is out of our hands and on its way to the executive,”
INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS IN TWO YEARS
Adaramodu had stated. Originally submitted as Executive Bills in November 2024, the bills underwent rigorous scrutiny, multiple revisions, and intense negotiations before being passed by both chambers. Adaramodu emphasised the necessity of the extended legislative process.
He said, “Tax legislation of this magnitude requires detailed examination. Our legal departments had to ensure alignment with existing statutes before the final transmission to the Presidency.
“It’s not something that happens in two or three days,” he explained. He noted the role of joint committees, legal review teams, and document aggregation in shaping the final drafts.
Following the harmonisation, the final documents were signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House before being sent to the Presidency.
He stressed that the current era is defined by the call for decarbonisation yet underscored by the undeniable truth that oil and gas will remain vital to global energy security for decades to come.
Quoting from BP’s Energy
“The outcome has been extraordinary: between 2023 and 2025, Nigeria secured over $16 billion in upstream investment commitments, with renewed participation from global energy giants like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Seplat, as well as a surge of dynamic indigenous operators rising to the fore,” he added.
Outlook 2024, Komolafe noted that hydrocarbons will still supply over half of global energy needs by 2050.
According to him, Africa’s own energy demand is poised to surge by 30 per cent by 2040, driven by rapid population growth, industrial ambition, and the rightful quest for universal energy access.
Meeting this demand sustainably, he said, will require over $600 billion in upstream investments annually through 2030, according to a study
conducted by the International Energy Forum (IEF) last year.
“Distinguished investors and business leaders, Nigeria is ready! We cannot abandon our hydrocarbon potential. Instead, we must accelerate its development responsibly, sustainably, efficiently, and strategically to finance our future, power our present, and create economic prosperity for the over two hundred million Nigerians,” he pointed out.
Iran Admits Nuclear Facilities
‘Badly
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Damaged’
Iran yesterday said its nuclear installations were “badly damaged” by US airstrikes, the first such comments by Tehran as debate grows over how much the bombardment managed to dent the Islamic Republic’s atomic programme.
“Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera TV in an interview, quoted by Bloomberg.
Baghaei did not give further details and said authorities were still assessing the situation on the ground. He added that the US attacks were a “detrimental blow” to international law and the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to which
Iran is a signatory.
The comments are the first time an Iranian official has addressed the scope of damage caused by the June 22 strikes which involved US attacks on three nuclear facilities in Iran using more than a dozen 30,000-pound bombs.
The comments came hours after US President Donald Trump disputed a US intelligence report that said the attacks had limited impact on Iran’s nuclear programme below ground.
An assessment from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency said the bombing likely didn’t cripple the core components stored underground including centrifuges, according to people familiar with its contents.
Commenting on the intelligence leak, Trump said the report was
by US Strikes
“very inconclusive” but that he still believed the sites were demolished, the Bloomberg report added.
“The intelligence says we don’t know,” he told reporters at a NATO summit in the Hague. “It could have been very severe. That’s what the intelligence says. So I guess that’s correct, but I think we can take that we don’t know. It was very severe. It was obliteration,” he added.
But International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said “very significant damage is expected to have occurred” at Fordow, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site which is built under a mountain. The IAEA has not had access to Iran since Israel started attacking Iran on June 13.
Satellite images showed that US military planners were careful not to
hit reactors at the Isfahan research facility which appeared to have been intentionally left untouched, according to four senior officials in Vienna.
The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said the US strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. It said both Israeli and US attacks set back the country’s ability to develop its nuclear weapons by “many years.”
Trump brokered a ceasefire to end the 12-day war between Israel and Iran that appeared to be holding on Wednesday. The president had lashed out at both countries a day earlier, and particularly Israel, over what he said were early violations of the truce. Both nations have said they’ll honour the ceasefire provided their enemy does the same.
Besides, Komolafe stated that the NUPRC is developing forwardthinking regulatory instruments and policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and innovation for the optimal development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.
In line with its mandate to operationalise the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) the commission, according to Komolafe, has issued 19 regulations and has continued to oversee the administration of licenses, leases, permits, approvals, and compliance within the upstream petroleum industry.
“To enable ease of doing business and attract credible investors, licensing rounds are intentional and are conducted through a bidding process that is open, transparent, and competitive.
“To strengthen stakeholders’ confidence and streamline approval processes, issuance of regulatory instruments such as licenses and service permits is automated. For informed decision-making and investment evaluation, the National Data Repository (NDR) hosts seismic, well, and production data from across Nigeria’s sedimentary basins.
“To monitor field operations, digital tools, and operational dashboards for real time monitoring of upstream activities and compliance are deployed,” he told the audience.
According to him, Nigeria’s investment climate has been profoundly reshaped through bold and investor-focused reforms, including zero hydrocarbon tax, reduced royalty rates, tax consolidation provisions amongst others are attractive for investments.
He listed an additional suite
of attractive incentives to include: Globally competitive fiscal terms, more efficient regulatory processes, and the elimination of prohibitive entry barriers to promote and attract viable investment to the oil and gas sector.
He reiterated that new investors, empowered by clarity and quality, have entered Nigeria’s sector, oil and gas reserves and production has increased, while rig counts have surged from eight in 2021 to 42 currently, with projections to reach 50 by the end of the year.
“With 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa, and 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, Nigeria holds enormous reserves. As the largest oil producer in Africa, Nigeria currently produces approximately 1.75 million barrels of oil per day (MMBPD) and 7 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (BSCFD).
“However, our national aspiration is to increase production to 3 million barrels of oil and 12 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day,” he added. He listed other opportunities in the sector to include: New frontier opportunities in onshore, shallow water and deep offshore blocks, especially in underexplored basins.
“Our new licensing rounds regime provides predictable and more frequent investment opportunities for both international companies and indigenous players to enter and expand in Nigeria’s growing energy market.
“There are also other vast and compelling transformative opportunities particularly in natural gas development as Nigeria positions gas as a strategic transitional fuel,” he said.
Revenue increases to N933bn, oil production rises 132%
Emmanuel Addeh in
Oando, one of Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions providers, has ended the first quarter of the year on a high, with the publication of N933 billion revenue in its Q1 2025 unaudited results.
This performance comes in the wake of its recent release of its 2024 full year audited financial statement, where it reported a 44 per cent year-on-year revenue increase to N4.1 trillion compared to N2.9 trillion in 2023 and a 267 per cent increase in Profit-After-Tax (PAT) to N220 billion.
Oando, which keyed into the recent International Oil Companies
(IOCs) divestment of onshore assets, the results showed, has begun reaping the gains of its acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian oil giant, Eni.
An analysis of Oando’s financials showed that the company’s turnover grew by 2 per cent year-on-year to N933 billion in Q1 2025 compared to N915 billion in Q1 2024. Additionally, the company posted a 172 per cent increase of N85 billion in gross profit in Q1 2025 compared to N31 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting stronger Exploration & Production margins.
In its upstream business, crude oil production rose 132 per cent
to 11,369 bpd, gas volumes grew by 56 per cent to 25,185 boepd, and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production increased 30 per cent to 1,040 bpd.
Besides, the company recorded zero lost-time injuries (LTIs) and 12.3 million LTI-free hours, underscoring continued Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) excellence. In addition, the company achieved average daily production of 37,595 bpd (within guidance), up 72 per cent year-on-year, driven by the full consolidation of NAOC assets and well reactivations.
In the same vein, the company was recently awarded operatorship of Block KON 13 in Angola, marking
its strategic entry into the Kwanza Basin, Angola and expanding Oando’s African upstream footprint.
Speaking on the Q1, 2025 financial results, the Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, said: “Q1 2025 marked a strong start to the year for us, with a 72 per cent year-on-year increase in production volumes as a result of the successful integration of the NAOC assets into our portfolio, improved asset reliability and the reactivation of shut-in wells, reflecting early wins from our focus on operational efficiency and disciplined execution.
“Beyond Nigeria, we have expanded our regional presence with our entry into Angola’s Kwanza
Basin marking a major milestone in scaling our upstream footprint across Africa. Similarly, being named preferred bidder for the Guaracara Refinery in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates the strength of our integrated business model, our growing role in the Afro-Caribbean landscape, and a reflection of our evolution into a more geographically diversified energy company.”
In its downstream trading business, Oando Trading reported six crude oil cargos (5.96 MMbbl) traded in Q1 2025, up from four cargos (4.86 MMbbl) in Q1 2024, driven by stronger offtake execution.
In its renewable energy business, Oando Clean Energy (OCEL)
recorded 53,941 EV rides in Q1 2025 and 42,779 kg of CO2 emissions averted through two operational e-buses under the electric mobility programme operating in Lagos. It also successfully published Nigeria’s National Wind Resource Capacity Report, identifying state-level wind potential across the country. Speaking on the outlook for 2025, Wale Tinubu, commented: “Following a transformative 2024, our priority is to maximise the value of our expanded upstream portfolio through targeted infrastructure upgrades, rigless well interventions and an extensive drilling programme in the second half of the year.
Elumoye in Abuja
Abuja
ALGIERS, ALGERIA
4-10 SEPTEMBER 2025
GATEWAY TO NEWOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES
ROAD TO INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR 2025
Nigeria IATF2025 Business Roadshow
Country: Lagos, Nigeria
Date: 30 June 2025
Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island
Time: 08:00am
Mark your calendar for the Nigeria IATF2025 Business Roadshow to be held on 30 June 2025 in Lagos. Aimed at promoting the upcoming 4th Intra-African Trade Fair to be held in Algeria from 4-10 September 2025, this roadshow will feature comprehensive information on the IATF2025 through panel discussions with industry experts and leaders, presentations and networking sessions.
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with African Union Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat, brings you the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) which will be hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, in Algiers.
And with over $44 billion in trade and investment deals, over 2000 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors expected, more opportunities for business in more markets too.
IATF2025 Official Premier Sponsors
The Explainer
NOA ADVOCATES MASSIVE PARTICIPATION FOR NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT Plus
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in the forthcoming National Youth Summit, enunciated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his new year message and being organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Speaking on this initiative, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre IssaOnilu, applauded the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this groundbreaking initiative, which pertains to the youth, stressing that the youth make up a larger part of the country’s population.
Already, the Federal government has launched a digital hub for information registration, updates which enables young people from across the 360 Federal constituencies as well as members of
the diaspora to connect, collaborate and contribute to the success of the conference. The newly launched portal https://nationalyouthconfab.gov.ng is designed with accessibility and interaction in mind.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that the initiative gives credence to the deliberate efforts of the present administration to include Nigerian youths in active governance, leadership, and transparency, adding that the “youth are truly the leaders of tomorrow”. This underscores the administration’s commitment to empowering the youth and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the nation’s future.
Reflecting on the Agency’s efforts in youth inclusion in governance, the
DG noted that NOA had earlier tapped into the vision of this administration and, as a result, created a department called Youth Engagement and Inclusion (YEI), stressing that the department is dedicated to promoting youth participation and empowerment.
The Director General, who advised the youths to shun negative acts that impede national growth and development, also urged them to live by the Citizen Codes of the National Values Charter, which include Discipline, Duty of Care, Tolerance and Respect, Leadership, Transparency, Environmental Awareness and Resilience.
He further expressed optimism that the summit would have a positive impact on the youths, stressing that the Agency remains committed to promoting a society that enables the youths to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
NOA, DRDI Partner to Reduce Out-of-School Children, Promote Life Skills Development in Jigawa
The Jigawa State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently initiated a strategic partnership with the Development Research and Delivery Initiative (DRDI) to reduce the prevalence of out-ofschool children and foster life skills development.
Receiving a delegation from DRDI, Acting State Director of NOA, Mr Ahmad Ibrahim, applauded the initiative, stressing that it would not only reduce the number of out-
of-school children but also promote skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
He further emphasised that the Agency remains committed to mobilizing communities to actively participate in and support initiatives that are focused on promoting development and societal well-being.
In response, the DRDI’s Assistant
Programme Officer, Fahad Dan’azumi, stated, “The project, being implemented in three pilot LGAsBabura, Gwaram, and Kafin Hausa - aims to provide accelerated basic education and livelihood opportunities for children and adolescents across these communities.”
Dan’azumi added that the visit sought to strengthen the partnership with NOA, leveraging its vast structure and platforms to mobilise support and ensure community buy-in for the project.
NOA AkwaIbom mobilises Institutional Heads for 2025 National Campus Debate
In a strategic move aimed at fostering national integration, promoting critical thinking and amplifying youth voices in public discuss, the Akwa-Ibom State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has enjoined heads of institutions in the state to support the Agency’s National Campus Debate Initiative.
During a live TV show on Akwa-Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television, the State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, stated that the state-level debate topic, “Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” aims to explore how digital technologies and innovative thinking can unlock entrepreneurial potential, drive inclusive economic growth, and enhance students’ critical thinking and articulation skills on a wide range of issues.
He added that the campus debate is not just an extracurricular pursuit, but a crucial aspect of holistic education, cultivating a culture of debate that enables students to become informed, articulate, and engaged citizens, ready to face tomorrow’s challenges.
NOA Joins Stakeholders for Simulation for Flood Preparedness in Adamawa
To enhance flood preparedness and response, the Adamawa State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently joined other key actors to Pilot a three-day anticipatory action simulation for flood preparedness in the state. According to the Agency, the simulation exercise is designed to prepare disaster management actors and communities to take proactive measures in mitigating the impact of floods, while also testing emergency response plans and evaluating communication among stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response in the event of flooding.
The NOA stated that the exercise was held in Kwata, Numan Local Government Area, where participants were engaged in a realistic flood mitigation and control scenario. This involved simulating triggers to test communication protocols, sensitisation efforts, and rescue and evacuation procedures.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting at NEMA Head Office in Abuja, Mr Fred Anusim, assured that lessons learned from the exercise would be applied to improve disaster response in the next two assigned states, Kogi and Cross River, noting that noticeable mistakes would be corrected. The experience gained would enhance the effectiveness of future simulations. It was also reported that the exercise received support from the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) of Numan Local Government Area and their Assistant, as well as the COMO of Demsa LGA.
FCT director, Acharu Opaluwa and her team at the palace of the Ona of Abaji, HRM Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa during an advocacy visit on Measles Rubella vaccination in the FCT
NOA ORGANISES 2-DAY WORKSHOP
ON DATA-DRIVEN ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION, REPORT WRITING FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT
In a bid to boost staff capacity, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has organised a 2-day workshop and training on data-driven analysis, visualisation, and reporting for staff development through the Departments of Human Resources Management (HRM) and Planning, Research and Strategy (PRS).
In his opening remarks, the Director of Planning Research and Strategy (PRS), (Dr) Yusuf Nura Kobi, underscored the critical importance of the training, noting that it would not only enhance staff capacity but also foster a culture of informed decision-making, leveraging data analysis to inform strategic planning and programme implementation within NOA.
In the same vein, the Director of Human Resources Management (HRM), Mrs Ayisola Olowoyo, underscored her department’s unwavering commitment to organising trainings, such as the ongoing data-driven analysis workshop, that enhance staff competencies, drive professional growth, and ultimately improve overall organizational performance and effectiveness.
One of the resource persons , Dr Adeola Abdulateef Elega, who led a session on ‘Enhancing NOA’s Public Engagement Through Data-Driven Reportage’, emphasised that data-driven reporting in an Agency like NOA can play a pivotal role in influencing public opinion, enhancing citizen participation, and promoting national unity through strategic communication and mobilization efforts.
Speaking on the ethical considerations in data-driven reporting, he emphasised the need for informed consent, protection of privacy and confidentiality, robust data security measures, and transparency about data collection and its intended use to ensure participants’ rights and trust are respected.
Also, the Second resource person, who engaged the participants on data analysis, interpretation and report writing, Dr Wasiu Akintunde Yusuf, highlighted the significance of
data-driven reporting to the agency, noting that it enables informed decision-making, facilitates targeted outreach, allows for impact assessment, optimises resource allocation, and enhances transparency and accountability, and ultimately drive more effective programmes and policies.
Emphasising the essential elements of effective report writing, Dr Yusuf stressed that a writer must consider the target audience, tailor the content and tone accordingly, and ensure clarity, concision, and coherence in presenting findings and recommendations.
He further highlighted the importance of a wellstructured format, accurate data analysis, and precise language to convey complex information in a compelling and accessible manner.
NOA Advocates Premarital Genotype Testing, seeks Support for Sickle Cell Warriors
I
n a bid to promote healthy family planning and support individuals affected by sickle cell disease, the Kwara State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently led a campaign advocating for premarital genotype testing.
Speaking at a free genotype event organised by the Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative, the State Director of NOA, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, highlighted the significance of genotype testing as a preventative measure for couples planning to marry, stressing its role in curbing the menace of sickle cell disorders in future generations.
The state director posited that NOA is also committed to protecting families from the devastating consequences of sickle cell disease and to empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
“ This initiative aligns with our mission to foster a better
informed society and be more proactive about health and well-being. Genotype testing is critical not only for preventing the suffering associated with sickle cell but also for empowering individuals to make informed decisions that contribute to healthier communities,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative, Mrs Titilayo Makinde, shared her personal commitment to fighting sickle cell disease, urging individuals, especially intending couples, to prioritise the importance of early genotype testing.
She commended the NOA director for his support, stressing how crucial awareness campaigns like these were to the collective fight against sickle cell disease.
NOA Takes Lead with NEMA, SEMA to Sensitise Communities on Fire Disaster Management in Edo
In a proactive bid to curb the rising threat of tanker explosions and promote fire safety awareness, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Edo State, recently convened a high-level Stakeholders Interactive Forum at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Speaking at the meeting, the State Director of NOA, Barr Osahon Bamidele Woghiren, emphasised the importance of community engagement in disaster prevention, stating, “Our collective efforts will go a long way in saving lives and preventing avoidable disasters in our communities.”
He further stressed that reckless fuel scooping, poor road infrastructure, and mechanical failures are the major causes of tanker explosions. The forum, which brought together over 200 stakeholders from various agencies and organisations, was followed by a vibrant community sensitisation outreach in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The forum was attended by notable stakeholders, including NEMA Head of Operations, Mr Kenoma Ojuederie, and Executive Secretary of EDOSEMA, Hon Jerry Idahosa, alongside representatives from the Federal and Edo State Fire Services, FRSC, NSCDC, NYSC, civil society organisations, youth groups, and traditional leaders.
NOA Debunks Fake Viral Messages about RH-CCT, Says No Online Application
The Ondo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has debunked a viral message on social media regarding the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (RH_CCT) scheme, clarifying that there is no online application process for the programme.
The Director of NOA in Ondo, Mr James Adekunle, stated that the development comes amidst rising concerns over fake sites and misinformation on social media platforms urging intending beneficiaries to apply online. According to him, the message falsely quoted the governor and misrepresented the registration process for the programme.
He also explained that the Single Register (SR) used to capture beneficiaries in the 2nd phase of the disbursement of debit cards to beneficiaries is a product of a rigorous Community-Based Targeting (CBT) process, stressing that it will be guided by National guidelines laid down policies and principles conducted at the community level across all the 18 local government areas by trained desk officers and enumerators.
Adekunle assured members of the public that the Ondo State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) will soon commence a new round of data collection through the accredited Community-Based Targeting (CBT) process, adding that eligible individuals will have the opportunity to be included in the register in th course of expansion of the Single Register (SR).
The state director further disclosed that the application process will be made known and official communication will be made, urging the people to look out for official statements from government agencies like NOA, the public Intergovernmental Relations Office of Ondo State, and the FG Press Releases regarding the programme.
Taofeek Badru’s
Thorns and Crowns:
A Reflection on Leadership and Sacrifice
Determined to promote creativity and the artist behind it, Absa L'Atelier in Collaboration with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) recently hosted “Thorns and Crown”, a solo exhibition by Taofeek Abiodun Badru one of the 2022 Absa L'Atelier Ambassadors. The exhibition, described as a powerful and intricately constructed showcase and held at Alliance Française in Lagos, formed part of Absa's 2025 Pan-African Gallery Exhibition Series a platform spotlighting rising voices in African contemporary art. Writes MARY
The rain was heavy, the cloud darkened as if it chose the entire Saturday to do its thing. The arts enthusiasts were not dampened by the call of nature as they trooped out in large numbers to honour one of their own.
With captivating visual arts hung on the walls, which depict talent, ingenuity, creativity, and tradition, the arts enthusiasts and invited guests had a mind-blowing experience at the Alliance Française in Lagos where a richly-layered collection of hand embroidery, bronze sculpture, and textile installations by Taofeek Abiodun Badru showcased an emotional landscape where reverence and responsibility coexist.
The artworks were neatly displayed, complemented by the shining white background of the exhibition wall. The setting was tasteful, with enough room in between the artworks displayed. As each art enthusiast moved around to view the works, the excitement on their faces was a reflection of Badru's talent and ingenuity.
There were about three triptych artworks. A triptych is an artwork, usually a painting or photograph, formed as a trio. Each of the triptych artworks was displayed separately, helping art enthusiasts present at the exhibition to have a better appreciation of the works.
Indeed, the attendees discovered Badru's latest breakthrough art as he shared his story in the beautifully curated exhibition, dazzling eminent art lovers and users at the event that put on the shelf drawings that speak. As guests were viewing the works and socialising, there was enough to eat while drinks flowed freely.
The exhibition showcased the artist's unique perspective on leadership, emphasising the struggles that accompany positions of power. By exploring the emotional landscape of leadership, the exhibition provided a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in leading others.
This solo exhibition, part of Absa's 2025 Pan-African Gallery Exhibition Series, spotlighted rising African contemporary art voices and featured intricately crafted works blending embroidery, sculpture, and textiles.
Marketing Executive, Alliance Française de Lagos, Precious Naador, who represented the Director of Alliance Française Lagos, Mr. Marc Brebant, emphasised the importance of partnership and audience exchange, encouraging support for the artist's work through purchases and collaborations.
"For us at Alliance Française de Lagos, partnership and collaboration is the backbone of what we do here, and being able to be part of Absa's project has been very fulfilling for us because it has helped us be a platform to be able to expose this artist to a different audience outside of the audience they would have in South Africa, to be able to exchange audience here in the creative ecosystem, help them to see, drive more partnership and collaboration with them and other creatives."
The exhibition explored the dual nature of leadership, especially in the political context of Nigeria and Africa, where leadership is often adorned with prestige and reverence, yet beneath its splendour lies an unspoken narrative of burden, sacrifice, and internal conflict. "Thorns and Crown" unravelled this tension, examining the unseen weight of authority through a series of hand embroidery, textile installations, and bronze works.
Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman of Absa Nigeria, welcomed guests to the exhibition, praised the
NNAH
artist's journey, saying, "I knew him when he was a little boy. He's a big artist. I'm sure I can't afford any of these things in this place here. Or can I? We used to be able to buy his work, but not anymore. But again, like I said, he has come a long way. Your vision, your vulnerability and voice are the heart of why we are all gathered here today. And we are glad for the work you do, which shares the stories that are often felt, but never told.
We are honoured to support your journey."
"Thorns and Crowns", featured intricate embroidery artworks that weave together threads of tradition, culture, and contemporary relevance.
This captivating exhibition showcases Badru's innovative spirit and artistic genius, offering a fresh perspective on leadership, identity, and existence.
Dr. Paul Bayliss, Absa's Art and Museum Curator, provided a curatorial statement, saying, "We often say art is in the eye of the beholder and the opinion I'm giving you is one perspective. But It is not about artwork, it is about a visual story that the artists are giving you. And there is no right or wrong interpretation to the artwork. It is based on where you find yourself at that point in time and how that particular work resonates with you."
According to Dr. Bayliss, Badru's use of thread as a medium of expression is a bold departure from traditional art forms.
"Embroidery may not be a new concept, but the use of thread as a medium of expression is not as popular as other traditional media. Badru has brought this through as one of the heroes into his artwork, showcasing his technical skill and creative vision", Bayliss said.
As visitors step into the exhibition, they are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, each artwork a demonstration of Badru's dedication and craftsmanship. Each piece is a labour of love, often taking months to complete, with every stitch meticulously woven to create a narrative that is both personal and universal.
"The beauty of art is that it crosses languages, it crosses cultures, values, it talks to everyone, and we all have an opinion thereof," Bayliss emphasised, highlighting the universal appeal of Badru's work. "When you look at artwork,
you're looking at it from a technical perspective and you're looking at it from a conceptual perspective. Conceptually, what is the message that the artwork gives you?"
For Bayliss, the exhibition, "Thorns and Crowns," is inspired by the phrase "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" from William Shakespeare's Henry VI, part two. It features a collection of embroidered artworks that explore the paradox of prestige and the weight of responsibility, with the human figure central to each piece. The artworks are a masterful blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with Badru's use of skin-tone threads emphasising the intimate and personal nature of identity and existence.
"At the heart of this exhibition is a Yoruba Bearded Crown, a powerful emblem of leadership, cultural heritage, and influence,”, Bayliss explained.
"While it radiates honour, its intricate bead work hints at the quiet struggles that come in positions of power. The crown becomes an intricate beauty, but a metaphor for the duality of leadership, where prestige is often entwined with internal conflicts and relentless expectations”, he added
Bayliss praised Badru's mastery of embroidery art, saying, "Technically, this work, I cannot find fault with it. And behind every piece that Badru creates, there's a story, a philosophical or metaphorical, and attendant to deep messages. To Badru, he sees the world differently. It gives each of us the chance to do the same."
As visitors gaze upon the artworks, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of leadership, identity, and existence. Each piece is a window into Badru's world, a world that is both familiar and unknown, inviting viewers to see the world through his eyes.
Bayliss urged visitors to invest in Badru's work before it becomes unaffordable. "Watch this man," Bayliss said. "If you don't buy his work now, you are going to regret it in 10 years' time when it becomes unaffordable to most of us. Fantastic investment, and really a worthwhile artist to invest into. Someone at the top of their profession”, he added
Bamidele Sadiq, CEO of Absa Nigeria, praised the exhibition, saying, "It's a great pleasure to have everybody here. Thanks to Alliance Française de Lagos. Thanks to the guests here with us. And of course, massive thanks to Badru. It's been an incredible honour to watch your progress. We are proud at Absa to be part of that journey."
Sadiq emphasised Absa's commitment to artist development, highlighting the significance of supporting creatives through initiatives like Absa L'Atelier.
The collaboration between Absa L'Atelier and the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) has proven to be a successful platform for promoting creativity and the artists behind it. By providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, Absa L'Atelier has helped to elevate the profile of African art globally.
“Thorns and Crown" exhibition was a thought-provoking showcase that elevated local narratives to global conversations. Through its unique blend of embroidery, sculpture, and textiles, the exhibition provided a nuanced
understanding of the complexities of leadership, challenging viewers to look beyond visible symbols of power and prompting a deeper contemplation of what it means to lead.
With its commitment to artist development and promoting African contemporary art voices, Absa L'Atelier has established itself as a leading platform for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking art.
The exhibition's success highlights the importance of initiatives like Absa L'Atelier in promoting African contemporary art voices. By providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, Absa L'Atelier has helped to elevate the profile of African art globally. The collaboration with SANAVA has also demonstrated the value of partnerships in fostering creativity and artistic excellence. As Sadiq noted, "At Absa, we don't just support artists because it's the right thing to do, we support artists because they shape how we think, how we feel and how we evolve as a society. They are the center, they are central to progress and not separate from it." This sentiment underscores the significance of Absa's commitment to artist development and its role in promoting African contemporary art voices.
Badru's work has garnered global recognition, showcasing his talent across continents. As a 2022 ABSA L'Atelier Ambassador, Badru has once again succeeded with the backing of two prominent international organizations.
“Thorns and Crown", Badru explained, reflects the dual nature of leadership, especially in the political context in Nigeria and Africa. "I think it relates to everything in general. I try to let us know that behind the success, behind the leadership role, behind the achievement, behind the glamour, there is a struggle beneath. Just as you cannot like roses without the thorns, if you like roses, you have to embrace the thorns”, Badru explained.
The celebrated artist from Abeokuta in Ogun state, also spoke about what inspires his creative process and how he draws ideas from his experiences and surroundings: “To get inspiration in this age now, I think it is very simple. So many things are happening at the same time in Nigeria and in Africa. So many struggles are going on. Everybody wants to become a celebrity now. So, the inspiration comes from all these things."
"So, with this exhibition, I am trying to let us know that, especially in this social media era, where people only post their success story and their finished work. I am trying to let us know that there is struggle underneath it.”
On how it contributes to the broader pan-African narratives of identity, vulnerability and tradition, he said, "It contributes to the extent that we have to know that you cannot eat your cake and have it. For example, everybody wants Africa, Nigeria, to be developed, but it comes with challenges. You cannot want Nigeria or Lagos to be like New York, to be like London and not obey simple traffic rules. It has to come with being ready to face the struggle that will come with development.”
On his artistic journey and the evolution of his styles, he said, "I started my art journey in Abeokuta. I went to the Federal College of Education, Osiele. After that, I went to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for my first and second degree. So, this is the process of my journey. I am from Abeokuta. Abeokuta is known for the Adire practice. And when you look at my work, you will see some Adire-like patterns there. Those patterns are like communication symbols. They have different meanings. And my techniques are hand embroidery, bronze and sculpture and textile installation."
L-R: Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa Senior Specialist. Art & Museum Curator; Mr. Bamidele Sadiq, CEO, Absa Nigeria; Badru Taofeek , Artist; Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman Absa Nigeria and Absa L’Atelier 2019 Ambassador, Raji Bamidele during the Taofeek's Thorns and Crown exhibition held at Alliance Française de Lagos, lkoyi, Lagos
L-R: Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman Absa Nigeria and the artist, Badru Taofeek. during the exhibition
Badru
How CBAAC is Harnessing Culture as Africa’s New Economic Powerhouse
Across Africa, culture is no longer just a marker of identity — it is fast becoming a catalyst for economic transformation. From music and film to festivals and folklore, stakeholders are now turning to cultural tourism and the creative economy as tools for sustainable development. At a recent international conference hosted by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Uzoma Mba writes that scholars, artists, and policymakers came together to explore how Africa’s rich heritage can drive future prosperity — both on the continent and across its diaspora
Founded in 1979 in the aftermath of FESTAC ’77, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has remained a pivotal institution in preserving and promoting Black and African heritage.
Housing a research library, an audiovisual centre, art galleries, a Hall of Fame and numerous artefacts from the historic festival — all serving as living archives for over 59 Black and African countries and communities, its vision is to restore and preserve the cultural heritage of Black and African peoples while ensuring appreciation and understanding across generations.
By supporting exhibitions, festivals, youth initiatives, conferences and academic research, CBAAC has continued to position Nigeria as a leader in African cultural promotion and preservation.
It was in line with that vision that they recently played host to an extraordinary gathering of minds, as scholars, creatives, and cultural advocates from across the continent assembled for a landmark international conference at the Julius Berger Hall at the University of Lagos.
Organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), the two-day event explored a timely and compelling theme: Cultural Tourism, Creative Economy, and Sustainable Development in Africa.
Cultural Tourism: Beyond Travel, Towards Empowerment
In her welcome address, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, set the tone for the deliberations. “Tourism is more than a journey; it is an experience of culture,” she declared, urging participants to view Africa’s traditions, arts and festivals not just as heritage, but as dynamic economic assets capable of transforming communities and redefining prosperity on the continent.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Africa’s tourism sector contributed a staggering $168 billion USD to the continent’s GDP in 2024. With projections forecasting over 18 million new jobs within the next decade, there is both urgency and opportunity in repositioning cultural tourism as a pillar of sustainable development.
Adamu Augie highlighted Africa’s underexplored cultural assets — from the pageantry of northern Nigeria’s Durbar Festival to the spiritual richness of the Osun-Osogbo Festival — as not merely tourist attractions but platforms for empowering artisans, promoting indigenous knowledge, and deepening economic resilience. But she also offered a word of caution: “Growth without sustainability is not progress — it is a short-lived promise.”
Creative Economies and the Digital Frontier
The creative economy, which includes Africa’s flourishing film, music, fashion, and literary sectors, currently generates over $4.2 billion USD annually. Experts believe that with the right investments and policy frameworks, this figure could surge to $20 billion within a few years. Still, the need for deliberate strategies, inclusive policy, and cultural preservation was a recurring theme throughout the conference.
One such voice calling for urgent innovation was Dr Adedoyinsola Eleshin of the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, UNILAG. She stressed the importance of embracing ‘digital cultural tourism’ — a fusion of technology and tradition — as a vital tool for economic growth and cultural
preservation. “Digital cultural tourism is the use of platforms and technologies to promote and preserve indigenous cultures, languages and traditions, while providing economic opportunities for the communities,” she explained. “The future of tourism lies not only in physical travel but also in immersive digital experiences driven by content creators, who I describe as digital tour guides.”
Preserving Language, Preserving Culture
According to Dr. Eleshin, the digital
tourism trend is becoming increasingly prominent, particularly among younger audiences seeking experiences that blend relaxation, education and entertainment.
However, she expressed concern over the tendency to dilute or modernise indigenous names and concepts in the process of making content “accessible”.
“I do not expect you to call this a cap but ‘Abeti Aja’, because in translating to English, you will say a cap that looks like the ear of a dog,” she said, citing the importance of retaining authenticity.
“Other words include garri, referred to as cassava flakes; akara, bean cake; and
moi-moi, bean pudding.”
Dr. Eleshin argued that language is an integral part of culture and must not be sacrificed at the altar of global reach. She encouraged creatives to develop content that reflects indigenous realities while recommending funding for academic programmes and research centres focused on digital tourism to sustain the growing niche.
Reclaiming Identity Through Pan-African Creativity
Also addressing the audience was Dr. Christabel Aba Sam, a lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She highlighted the critical role of literature, film, music and the broader creative sector in fostering cultural awakening and economic independence.
Tracing Pan-Africanism to pioneering figures such as Martin Delaney and Edward Blyden, she described it as a movement that seeks to reduce Euro-American influences in order to allow African ideas and culture to thrive. “Pan-Africanism is a call to minimise Euro-American influences so that Africa can thrive,” she said.
“The creative industry involves sectors that produce intellectual products of cultural value and essence based on creativity and imagination,” she added, urging filmmakers, writers, musicians, designers and advertisers to take responsibility for preserving Africa’s cultural identity.
Dr. Sam also called for the creation of digital platforms that could compete with giants like Netflix. “This is how we can correct ideological distortions between African traditional culture and Western pop culture,” she argued.
Deliberations, Panels, and a Call to Action
The event’s agenda was not limited to presentations alone. Opening remarks were made by Prof Mudasiru Iluleju (Dean, Faculty of Arts), Prof Ayodele Yusuff (Ag. Director, IADS), and Prof Duro Oni, who served as chairman of the occasion. The keynote speech was delivered by Prof Sheidu A. Sule, followed by lead paper presentations from Prof Kayode Eesuola and Prof Patrick Okolo.
Four panel sessions offered further depth to the discourse including panel 1 on Cultural Diversification for Sustainable Development in African Multi-Ethnic Space; panel 2 on Contextualisation of the Pan-African Creative Economy and the New Media Intervention; panel 3 on Interrogating the Reality of Heritage and its Governance in Africa; and panel 4 on Epistemology of Tourism and the African Indigenous Knowledge System.’
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Olusegun Dosumu, Deputy Director, Research and Publications (CBAAC), who commended the scholars and creatives for their passionate engagement and commitment to actionable outcomes.
The Road Ahead
As the curtains drew on the 2025 CBAAC International Conference, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie left the audience with a powerful message: “This conference is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a moment of reckoning and responsibility.”
Her words captured the larger sentiment of the event — that Africa’s future will not be written in numbers alone, but in the languages, songs, rituals, crafts and stories handed down through generations. In a rapidly digitising world, the task now is to harness these cultural riches not only for economic gain but for dignity, identity and sustainable prosperity.
Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of CBAAC with guests and panelists at the conference
CBAAC DG with the staff of the agency
Director-General, CBAAC, Honourable Aisha Adamu, and Special Guests at CBAAC’s Annual International Conference held at the Julius Berger Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka
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IS MANKIND’S CONSCIENCE DYING?
Leaders must contain wars, not fuel them, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
See page 21
SPIN AND SUBSTANCE
El-Rufai’s claims in Kaduna are unfortunate, argues ADAMSON SHEHU
See page 21
EDITORIAL
ABATTOIRS AND PUBLIC HEALTH
opinion@thisdaylive.com
ABIODUN OLUWADARE argues that time has come for a democratic renewal—one that puts people above profit, and justice above expediency
NIGERIA'S JOURNEY FROM PROMISE TO PARADOX
A Journey from Khaki to Chaos? In 1999, Nigeria emerged from the long night of military dictatorship with high hopes. The transition to democracy under President Olusegun Obasanjo was widely seen as the beginning of a new era—an opportunity to entrench the rule of law, revive the economy, and give the Nigerian people a stake in their governance. After years of repression, poverty, and isolation, the return to civilian rule was a breath of fresh air. But today, 25 years later, Nigerians are asking: What has democracy delivered? Is the Nigeria of today more prosperous, more secure, and more just than the one we inherited in 1999? The answers are sobering.
When Nigeria transitioned to democracy in 1999, there was widespread hope that economic liberalisation and democratic institutions would unlock the nation's latent potential. It is notable that before the democratic transition, Nigeria had remnants of an industrial base. Factories in Kaduna, Kano, Aba, and Lagos provided jobs for millions. Textile industries, tyre manufacturing, assembly plants like Peugeot, and even steel production at Ajaokuta and Aladja were sources of national pride and employment.
Today, many of those industries have vanished. The local production capacity has collapsed, overtaken by cheap imports and rampant smuggling. The government, rather than supporting local industries, has often opened the borders to foreign products—decimating what remained of our manufacturing base. What we now have is an economy that consumes more than it produces, rewarding traders and importers while sidelining innovation and productivity. Meanwhile, the Naira continues to slide, high, and youth unemployment has reached alarming levels. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line—a shocking indictment of the economic mismanagement of successive administrations. President
May 2023 with a clear message: Bold decisions must be taken to save Nigeria from economic ruin. Within weeks, his government scrapped the fuel subsidy, through the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. While moves, the impact on ordinary Nigerians has been scorching. The Naira lost over 100% of its value within months, triggering
The cost of living has become unbearable Bank to stabilise the currency through interventions, the apparent rebound of the Naira has not translated into real relief.
It is a managed illusion, not the result of increased production or exports.
Despite the economic headwinds, the government has pursued key infrastructure projects to stimulate growth: designed to connect nine coastal states, is The completion and expansion of roads,
development, including the proposed Port standard gauge lines, has been prioritised. to improve transmission, with partnerships
Fund aims to mobilise both public and rural roads, energy, and water projects. Yet, the real test will be whether these projects Nigerians— not just contractors and political allies.
One of the most pitiful situations in Nigeria's democratic history has been the steady erosion of national security. From in the Northwest, kidnapping in the North Central, and secessionist agitations in the Southeast, no region has been spared. Despite increased defence budgets, security has become a daily gamble. Farmers cannot from schools, and major highways are death traps. Communities have taken capacity to protect lives and property is waning. Comments from stakeholders have been awash with threats encouraging the populace to defend themselves. This situation presents a contradiction, as the state has a monopoly on the defence of its citizens. Tinubu inherited a country in turmoil, and while some strategic changes in security leadership have occurred, the real transformation Nigerians seek remains distant. Without a coordinated strategy that tackles the roots of insecurity— poverty, youth unemployment, weak
intelligence, and porous borders—the cycle will continue. Another bitter truth is Nigeria's increasing vulnerability to
institutions to foreign donor agencies and opaque military partnerships, Nigeria's sovereignty is gradually being diluted. The involvement of Western and Asian powers in Nigeria's defence, resource extraction, digital infrastructure, and elections has been expanding—often with little transparency or local accountability. Reports of foreign mercenaries, intelligence operatives, national security and economic decisions economic footprint, driven by loans and infrastructure projects, raises concerns about debt dependency. Meanwhile, the and democratic governance is often shaped by its strategic interests rather than Nigeria's needs. The result? A Nigeria increasingly dictated to, rather than one that negotiates from a position of strength. The Collapse of Merit and the Welfare Mirage: One of the greatest betrayals of democratic governance is the collapse of meritocracy. Appointments are based not on competence but on loyalty, ethnicity, or political patronage. Public institutions, ranging from the civil service to federal universities, are plagued by nepotism and low morale. Social welfare has become symbolic. Millions are jobless, and the inconsistent and often politicised. Youth despair has given rise to mass emigration, America in search of hope that Nigeria no
Democracy Must Mean More Than democratic journey, the gap between expectation and reality is wide and growing. The question confronting Nigerians today is not whether democracy is desirable but whether this democracy is delivering on its promises. If the Tinubu administration wishes to carve a legacy of true reform, it must go beyond slogans. Infrastructure without social protection is not progress. not reform. Democracy without justice, equity, and opportunity is not freedom— it is frustration. The time has come for a democratic renewal—one that puts people justice above expediency. Anything less in 1993, 1999, and every year since.
Prof Oluwadare lectures in the Department of Political Science and writes on governance, National Security, and Public Policy in Africa
Leaders must contain wars, not fuel them, argues RAJENDRA ANEJA
IS MANKIND’S CONSCIENCE DYING?
The conscience of mankind is dying. There are dangerous wars in many parts of this world. They could have been avoided by leaders exercising sensible restraint. There is a new, dangerous machismo among some global leaders.
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years. About a thousand soldiers plus civilians are dying every day in this bloody war. The Western countries are zealously supporting Ukraine against Russia, even though Russia has the upper hand in the battles. President Trump had promised to end this battle, during his election campaign. It has not happened. Now,
President Putin has offered to mediate in the Israel-Iran imbroglio. Yet, he has not secured peace in his own backyard with Ukraine. Gloomy, but true.
President Trump should be tenacious in his efforts to broker a peace between Ukraine and Russia; however recalcitrant Russia may be and however tough it may be.
Perhaps, President Trump should spend two days alone, in a neutral country with each leader, without the press or any advisers. He should talk to each leader alone, at length and understand his heart and mind. He can then review how to make them talk to each other respectfully. Then, he can sit with both for a few days again, without the media and assorted advisers, to bring them to an agreement.
Israel continues to bomb the Gaza strip, in the hope of decimating Hamas. Again, this has not happened, even after a year of bitter fighting. Hamas refuses to return the hostages. So, Israel continues to bomb. Hamas should release the remaining Israeli hostages as a sign of good faith. It will create an atmosphere of mutual trust and kindle a peaceful settlement.
In Gaza, the refugees, women and children get killed waiting for bread or water. Their plight is heartrending. They are unable to access water, food and medicines. What have we come to in our world, that we even bomb helpless refugees waiting for some food?
The area of land which Palestinians occupy has been shrinking in the current battle. Their children have been missing school for years now. Generations of children are losing the opportunity to build better lives. Friendly countries of both the warring parties should lead efforts to restore normalcy in Gaza. The people of Gaza also have the right to lead peaceful family lives.
The new Israel-Iran war is bitter and very perilous. It could destabilise the entire Middle East. Talks were ongoing with Iran, to contain its nuclear program. Israel should have been a bit more patient. Instead, these two nations got locked in a gory battle, with innocent citizens being killed and the infrastructure being pulverised.
The Iraq war of 2003 was horrendous. Then, it turned out, that there were no weapons of mass destruction in the country. Trust there is solid evidence on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Nevertheless, there is no justification for a war
and the death of innocents.
Prime Minister Netanyahu had sought regime change and President Trump demanded unconditional surrender. Iran is a sovereign country. How can it accept such ignominy? It will fight, as a matter of self-respect. Hopefully, the new ceasefire will hold.
The world should understand the insecurities of Iran and address them. Iran will not cease its nuclear programme through threats and bombings. The community of nations must embrace the country. And then convinced. The ostracisation and isolation of Iran is counterproductive. Boycott will not work, bonding may.
India and Pakistan have sensibly holstered their guns. However, there is an open fight to garner credit for delivering a ceasefire. India claims that the ceasefire was the result of a peace request from Pakistan. President Trump claims that he counselled the leaders of India and Pakistan to secure the ceasefire. The Pakistan military chief has urged that President Trump should be recognised with the Noble Prize for Peace for his efforts. Mr. Modi denies Mr. Trump’s role in peacemaking. Here we have a situation where important leaders are claiming credit for having ended a battle. The fact is, that India and Pakistan drew a line on their skirmishes, because any escalation would have meant a serious battle engulfing both countries.
There is another ethnic battle raging in Sudan in Africa. Nobody is paying attention to the famine and poverty there. Africa is not on the radar of many countries. Hence, the people there are left to suffer the violence. Incredibly sad.
No nation can win a war in our times. Every nation has lethal weapons which can destroy our planet. We must be very circumspect in resolving issues.
War is just not an option anymore, to settle matters. The Israel-Palestine imbroglio and India-Pakistan’s Kashmir issue have been boiling for over seven decades now. Bilateral efforts must be made to resolve these issues decisively. It will involve give-and-take. It may even generate unhappiness in some groups in every country. Every nation has intractables. The leadership of countries will have to manage the dissatisfaction. However, resolving the boundaries will save human lives. Otherwise, these nations will be at loggerheads for another fifty years.
The fear is that another World War may commence by sheer accident. Some enraged nation may deploy a nuclear weapon, to resolve an intractable issue. Then, other nations and allies may be compelled to join battle. Very soon, the situation will be uncontrollable. All wars are horrendous. In all wars, innocent, ordinary people die or pay the price. Soldiers die. They too, are human beings, with mothers, wives and children. Innocent people die. Economies come to a standstill. Lives are disrupted. Jobs disappear. Uncertainties loom across the overcast skies. So, it is the responsibility of every leader to contain wars, not fuel them.
The United Nations was formed in 1945, after World War II, to prevent another World War. It must seize the initiative and leadership. It should act to mediate between warring nations.
Aneja was Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of “Rural Marketing Across Countries.” He writes from Mumbai, India
El-Rufai’s claims in Kaduna are unfortunate, argues ADAMSON SHEHU
SPIN AND SUBSTANCE
and executed during his tenure. It was a himself into the national political discourse
His administration
Shehu writes from Kaduna State
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
ABATTOIRS AND PUBLIC HEALTH
The authorities should do more to improve the health of abattoirs
Last week, the Lagos State government ordered the closure of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in order to prevent the outbreak of diseases. Similarly, the unhygienic state of abattoirs across the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been a source of worry to many residents. In many of these abattoirs, the vicinity is littered with heaps of waste materials. From Abaji to Kwali in the FCT, the abattoirs stink, with butchers roast the cows with vehicle tyres. The health of citizens should concern every responsible and responsive government, especially when it comes to what the people consume on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this is not the case as many abattoirs are in unacceptable conditions.
towards ensuring a healthy and hygienic abattoir condition by upgrading some of their abattoirs over the years to suit their laws, such facilities stink in many of the states, where butchers are still killing cows and preparing carcasses of their meat on wet, dirty, and exercise in Lagos last week, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps started the removal of illegal structures built on drainage inside Oko Oba Abattoir.
The health of citizens should concern every responsible and responsive government, especially when it comes to what the people consume on a regular basis
On several occasions on this page, we have had course to express serious concerns over the manner of producing, handling, and points of sale across Nigeria. They leave much to be desired. Indeed, many Nigerians have continued to decry the unhygienic means of transporting meat from abattoirs to their markets. Using wheelbarrows, motorbikes and rickety vehicles speak to the increasing health hazards that consumers are subjected to daily. Besides, most of the abattoirs are in unacceptable condition, with the beef almost always left in open spaces that attract all kinds of contamination. Except in few cases, water is a scarce commodity.
In spite of this there appears to be no credible step by the authorities to arrest the problem in many states across the country. Except Lagos
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
The bad state of the abattoirs may explain why members of the Nigerian business and political elite often, according to reports, prefer imported, frozen poultry products, even when no one can also guarantee the safety of these imported products. After these animals are slaughtered, and tyres. Apart from the hazard they pose to the health of consumers, the practice also endangers and pollutes the environment.
We therefore reinstate our position that the manner in which animals are handled during slaughter, loading and transportation from the abattoir to various points of sale must change. Indeed, almost as a matter of routine, majority of the butchers convey their meat on bicycles, motorised tricycles and sometimes on some rickety meat vans, under very unhygienic conditions. The beef is simply packed and transported without regard to safety measures. This is unacceptable.
Increased awareness campaigns are likely to lead to a better handling and a decrease in these unhealthy practices. Besides, against the background that Nigerians consume over 300 million kilogrammes of beef a year, health authorities should encourage the establishment of modern abattoirs, through partnerships with the private sector.
DOING PHILOSOPHY WITH CHILDREN: IS AFRICA LEFT OUT?
I have wrestled with this question over the past year or two, as a lot is happening to make children more reasonable and philo-
target students, families, teachers, educators, and curriculum developers. There have been initiatives to improve children's thinking skills and equip young people with the necessary tools and capacities to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Incidentally, in these events, Africa is barely mentioned. None of the events is taking place on the continent. Children in Africa are overlooked. Why? Except for South Africa, all programs and activities to advance philosophy for children focus and target children in other parts of the globe. I argue that this widening gap in doing philosophy with children is worrisome and will have grave consequences for the region.
For instance, last year, I spoke at the annual conference of the UK's Society for Advancing Philosophical Enquiry in Education (SAPERE) held at the University of Winchester on November 16, 2024. The program focused on philosophical inquiry in education. The event brought together educators, teachers, academics, and policymakers who discussed the role of philosophical education in changing the world. From the presentations and discussions,
it was clear that teachers and educators in the UK are thinking ahead; they are preparing children in the UK for the future. Why are we not doing the same in Africa? Why are we not preparing children in Africa for the future?
In my presentation, I discussed how philosophical education can help transform the culture of teaching and learning in Nigeria. Unlike in the UK, very little has been done to mainstream philosophical education in the region, especially in primary and secondary schools. At the policy level, there is a commitment to furthering critical thinking skills in schools. But in practice, little or nothing is being done. There is a limited appetite for inquiry-based learning. I presented at the SOPHIA Network meeting held in Malta from May 24 to 25, 2025. The theme was: "Rage Against the Machine?".
The SOPHIA Network is an association of teachers, researchers, facilitators, and practitioners of philosophy for children in Europe. For two days, stakeholders met and discussed concerns about machines and philosophy with children. In my presentation, I discussed how technologies intersect with doing philosophy with because many children lack access to the machines that Europeans often criticize.
Other organizations that encourage children to engage in philo-
sophical inquiry are planning programs and activities. Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organisation, PLATO, a US-based organization that nurtures young people's curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions through philosophy and ethics programs, is organizing its biennial conference this month at Tufts University.
The Austrian Center of Philosophy with Children and Youth is organizing an international conference on philosophy for children at the University of Graz in November. The conference will focus on Knowledge – Values – Change New Realities and Future Generations. According to the organizers, "Numerous questions arise, knowledge play in a changing world? How do we deal with the tension between knowledge and non-knowledge? What challenges and opportunities occur for democratic societies? What impact does AI have on knowledge, education, and social values? How and thereby play an active role in shaping our societies' response to them?"
Leo Igwe is a member of the International Council of Philosophical Inquiry with Children and director of Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 SMS ONLY
Aderonke: House’ll Facilitate Inter-agency Synergy for a Unified Approach to National Security
Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of Constitution Review Committee, Dr Mabel Aderonke, in this interview speaks on the just concluded legislative security dialogue, its outcome and the way forward. Folalumi Alaran brings excerpt:
The House of Representatives Commitee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recently held a Legislative Dialogue on National Security, focused on constitutional reforms for Nigeria’s security, could you shed more light on the issue and overall objectives of this all important event?
The central aim of this engagement is to synthesize and collate perspectives from the key actors in our national security architecture on the gaps in our constitution that impedes the effective delivery of their mandates.
In the words of my boss, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu, “we cannot shave their heads behind their backs, get them into the room, into the conversation”.
I am honored to be the Chairperson, Steering Committee for the Constitution Review Legislative Dialogue on National Security Architecture. As the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and House Chairman Constitution Review Committee, I am proud to have played a major role in ideating this crucial event.
This dialogue is more than just a conversation, it’s a critical step towards strengthening our nation’s security framework through constitutional reforms. As we gather to review and discuss our Constitution as it relates to security, we are not just debating words on paper; we are shaping the future of our great nation.
Through this event, I have strategically created a platform for conversations that will advance my principal’s legislative duties as chairman constitution review towards a positive and conclusive result.
My focus on security is deliberate, as we recognize that a secure nation is the foundation upon which all other progress is built. More so, I strategically ideated and executed this event by co-hosting with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defense Headquarters, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services
and the National Intelligence Agency to bring into the room the concerned parties and major stakeholders. In the course of planning this event, I with the Steering Committee members paid courtesy calls to the concerned Service heads; the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Defense Staff and the Director-General, Department of State Services to discuss the importance of this event as co-hosts and to intimate them with the activities and key bills pertaining to Security the House Con-
stitution (1999) Review committee is focused on. I requested based on the instruction of the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee for each agency to prepare their legislative needs for consideration and submission.
We had delegations heavily present from all security agencies, civil societies and security experts as panelists to advance the constitutional reforms. As we all know, the constitution is the foundation of all our laws and we need to get it right from there.
And like my boss said, the dialogue aimed to advance the ongoing Constitution Review
process, focusing on security and policing reforms, facilitate inter-agency collaboration for a unified approach to national security, discuss and refine legislative proposals, particularly those on state policing and intelligence coordination, enhance border security strategies and promote regional stability and encourage robust public engagement and stakeholder input.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kalu at the dialogue stressed the importance of stakeholders’ input in shaping effective security policies in Nigeria, Do you agree that their perspectives can help cure the “malaise”in the constitution and improve effective delivery?
Of course, I believe that stakeholders’ inputs can help cure the malaise in the constitution and improve effective delivery.
Stakeholder input is crucial for effective security policies in Nigeria because it ensures policies are relevant, practical, and aligned with the needs of those they impact. Involving various stakeholders in the policy-making process leads to more comprehensive, inclusive, and ultimately, more successful security strategies. They possess unique perspectives on security challenges within their specific sectors. Incorporating their insights ensures policies address the root causes of insecurity and are tailored to local contexts.
Their expertise, experience, and perspectives will be invaluable in shaping a document that truly reflects the aspirations of our nation. Together, we work towards a constitution that promotes national unity and cohesion, upholds democratic principles and human rights, nurtures economic growth and development, ensures the well-being and prosperity of all citizens. The collective goal is remediation of the challenges facing all security agencies: solutions that are “all for one and one for all.”
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
As Onyejeocha Sells Tinubu’s Vision to the World at IEA Global Summit...
Eshiorameh Gabriel details how Ministervof State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha represented Nigeria at the just concluded IEA Global Commission on Energy Transition in Brussels.
There are moments in international diplomacy when a single speech can redefine a nation’s standing, not just in the eyes of global policymakers, but in the broader court of public opinion. One such moment unfolded in Brussels on June 12, 2025, when Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, took the stage at the IEA Global Commission on People-Centred Energy Transitions.
The date carried great significance, coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day - the very day President Bola Tinubu delivered a historic address before a joint session of the National Assembly that healed decades-old wounds while honouring the nation’s democratic heroes. With strategic clarity and unshakable conviction in her country’s potential, she did not just deliver an address, she sold a vision. And at the heart of that vision was President Tinubu’s Nigeria, a nation poised to lead Africa’s green energy revolution while ensuring no citizen is left behind.
From her first words, Onyejeocha set the tone. This was not just another ministerial address, rather she anchored her remarks in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and sent a clear message that Nigeria was not just talking about change; it was making it happen. In a world where Africa is often framed by its challenges, she flipped the script. Here is a nation taking charge of its future, not with empty promises,
but with real, actionable policies. This was no accident. In a world where Africa is often reduced to a narrative of challenges, energy poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability, she shattered stereotypes,
presenting Nigeria under Tinubu, was not just participating in the global energy transition; it was innovating, prioritising its people, and offering a model for others to follow.
The brilliance of her presentation lay in its seamless fusion of policy and persuasion. She
didn’t just list initiatives; she painted a picture of a nation in motion.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) was not merely a programme, it was a solution, a pragmatic bridge between Nigeria’s vast gas reserves and the urgent need for cleaner, affordable energy. By highlighting this, she accomplished two things: she reassured the international community that Nigeria was serious about decarbonisation, while also making it clear that the country would leverage its own resources on its own terms. This is the delicate balance of sovereignty and sustainability, and she articulated it with finesse.
But what truly set her intervention apart was its unrelenting focus on people. Too often, energy transitions are discussed in the abstract, megawatts, emission targets, infrastructure investments, while the human dimension fades into the background. Onyejeocha refused to let that happen. She spoke of auto-mechanics retraining to work on CNG-powered vehicles, of women and youth gaining skills in solar technology, of informal sector workers being brought into the fold of the new green economy. These were not footnotes; they were the headline.
-Gabriel writes from Abuja.
Aderonke
Onyejeocha
BUSINESS WORLD
Group
Emma Okonji
Despite the media blitz and promises that tailed the commercial launch of 5G services in some states of Nigeria in 2022, most telecommunication subscribers only have access to 2G and 4G networks for connectivity.
This is according to the latest statistics on the percentage of market share of the various generation networks currently deployed in Nigeria, released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NCC, 5G penetration, the fifth generation technology and the latest technology deployed in Nigeria, still drags at 2.81 per cent penetration level, while 2G network, which was deployed from the inception of GSM rollout in 2001, stood at 39.67 per
cent penetration level as at April 2025. Also, 4G technology that was rolled out after 2G network, is currently leading with 49.27 per cent penetration as at April 2025.
From the statistics, 4G network has maintained the lead in penetration level since July 2024, when it attained 44.90 penetration level to surpass the 2G penetration level, which had hitherto maintained the highest penetration level.
As at January 2024, the 2G penetration level was 57.78 per cent, 4G penetration was 31.75 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.36 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.11 per cent.
In February 2024, the 2G penetration level was 57.55 per cent, 4G penetration was 32.11 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.17 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.18 per cent.
In March 2024, the 2G penetration level level was 56.97 per cent, 4G penetration was 32.74 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.04 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.24 per cent.
In April 2024, the 2G penetration was 56.22 per cent, 4G penetration was 33.56 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.92 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.31 per cent.
In May 2024, the 2G penetration was 44.86 per cent, 4G penetration was 42.63 per cent, 3G penetration was 10.78 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.73 per cent.
In June 2024, the 2G penetration was 44.30 per cent, 4G penetration was 43.35 per cent, 3G penetration was 10.54 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.81 per cent.
In July 2024, the 2G penetration was 42.72 per cent, 4G penetration was 44.90 per cent, 3G penetration
50% of Global Companies
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has released its sixth annual State of Ransomware report, a vendor-agnostic survey of IT and cybersecurity leaders across 17 countries.
The annual report studies the impact of ransomware attacks on businesses, and how organisations and companies respond when their systems are compromised by hackers.
This year’s survey, found that nearly 50 per cent of companies paid the ransom to get their data back, the second highest rate of ransom payment for ransom demands in six years.
According to the report, despite the high percentage of companies
that paid the ransom, over half (53 per cent) paid less than the original demand.
The report however said: “In 71 per cent of cases where the companies paid less, they did so through negotiation, either through their own negotiations or with help from a third party. In fact, while the median ransom demand dropped by a third between 2024 and 2025, the median ransom payment dropped by 50 per cent, illustrating how companies are becoming more successful at minimising the impact of ransomware.
“Overall, the median ransom payment was one million dollars, although the initial demand varied significantly depending on organisation size and revenue. The median ransom demand for companies with over $1 billion in revenue was five million dollars,
while organisations with $250 million revenue or less, saw median ransom demands of less than $350,000.”
The report further said that for the third year in a row, exploited vulnerabilities were the number one technical root cause of attacks. It explained that 40 per cent of ransomware victims said adversaries took advantage of a security gap that they were not aware of – highlighting organisations’ ongoing struggle to see and secure their attack surface. The report further explained that overall, 63 per cent of organisations said resourcing issues were a factor in them falling victim to the attack, with lack of expertise named as the top operational cause in organisations with more than 3,000 people and lack of people/capacity most
was 10.43 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 1.95 per cent.
In August 2024, the 2G penetration was 41.36 per cent, 4G penetration was 46.28 per cent, 3G penetration was 10.24 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.12 per cent.
In September 2024, the 2G penetration was 43.53 per cent, 4G penetration was 44.96 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.32 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.19 per cent.
In October 2024, the 2G penetration was 42 per cent, 4G penetration was 46.27 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.40 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.33 per cent.
In November 2024, the 2G penetration was 41.50 per cent, 4G penetration was 47.09 per cent, 3G penetration was 9.03 per cent,
while 5G penetration level was 2.39 per cent.
In December 2024, the 2G penetration was 41.59 per cent, 4G penetration was 47.20 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.75 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.46 per cent.
In January 2025, the 2G penetration was 41.63 per cent, 4G penetration was 47.23 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.60 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.54 per cent.
In February 2025, the 2G penetration was 40.93 per cent, 4G penetration was 47.98 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.48 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.61 per cent.
In March 2025, the 2G penetration was 40.08 per cent, 4G penetration was 48.82 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.40 per cent,
while 5G penetration level was 2.70 per cent.
In April 2025, the 2G penetration was 39.67 per cent, 4G penetration was 49.27 per cent, 3G penetration was 8.25 per cent, while 5G penetration level was 2.81 per cent. At the commercial rollout of 5G technology in 2022, MTN first launched in Lagos, with a promise to launch in six other cities, which include: Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri. During the Lagos Launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, said the Lagos 5G commercial launch was in fulfillment of MTN’s earlier promise to begin 5G commercial launch in cities, within one month of 5G rollout.
to Pay Ransom to Retrieve Data
frequently cited by those with 251-500 employees.
Analysing the report, the Director, Field CISO at Sophos, Chester Wisniewski, said: “For many organisations, the chance of being compromised by ransomware actors is just a part of doing business in 2025. The good news is that, thanks to this increased awareness, many companies are arming themselves with resources to limit damage. This includes hiring incident responders who can not only lower ransom payments but also speed up recovery and even stop attacks in progress.”
According to Wisniewski, “Of course, ransomware can still be ‘cured’ by tackling the root causes of attacks: exploited vulnerabilities, lack of visibility into the attack surface, and too few resources. We’re seeing more companies
recognise they need help and moving to Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for defense. MDR coupled with proactive security strategies, such as multifactor authentication and patching, can go a long way in preventing ransomware from the start.”
Additional key findings from the State of Ransomware 2025 Report, shows that more companies are stopping attacks in progress, as 44 per cent of companies were able to stop the ransomware attack before data was encrypted – a six-year high. Data encryption was also at a six-year low with only half of companies having their data encrypted.
For Backup Use only 54 per cent of companies used backups to restore their data – the lowest percentage in six years.
For Silver Lining, the report showed that the average cost of recovery dropped from $2.73 million in 2024, to $1.53 million in 2025. While ransom payments are high, they declined by 50 per cent from $2 million in 2024 to $1 million in 2025. The report highlighted how state and local government reported paying the highest median amount ($2.5 million), while healthcare reported the lowest ($150,000). Over half (53 per cent) of organisations fully recovered from a ransomware attack in a week – up from 35 per cent last year, while only 18 per cent took more than a month to recover, which is down from 34 per cent in 2024, the report findings further revealed.
Emma Okonji
Bagudu: Reinventing Budget, Economic Planning for Sustainable Devt
In this piece, James Emejo examines the remarkable achievements recorded by the Special Duties Department of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) under Senator Abubakar
Bagudu’s watch – feats that have continued to propel the nation’s economic trajectory
Budgeting and economic planning are crucial for the country’s development and stability, serving as blueprints for managing national resources, guiding economic growth, and addressing the needs of citizens.
In recent past, Nigeria’s developmental challenges, especially around resource allocation, have persisted for decades, mainly rooted in structural, governance, and policy-related issues.
In fact, economic management management was marked by poor resource allocation and budgeting and misalignment of budget which often prioritises recurrent expenditure (salaries, overheads) over capital investment (infrastructure, education, health).
It was further characterised by low budget implementation rate as approved budgets are often not fully implemented due to revenue shortfalls, delays, or inefficiency.
Besides political influence, economic planning and budgeting was also hampered by the fact that about 85 per cent of the country’s export earnings and 50 per cent–60 per cent of government revenue came from oil - making it vulnerable to global oil price shocks, leaving key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing underfunded.
A NEW ERA
However, the remarkable achievements by the Special Duties Department of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) between between September 2023 and May 2025, remains a testament to the visionary and strategic political leadership of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu.
His ministry plays a critical role in national development by overseeing budget preparation, economic planning, and monitoring implementation.
The mandate also includes among other things, coordination of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to guide budget projections, and ensures alignment of the budget with national development priorities.
It develops national development plans, such as the National Development Plan (NDP), Vision 2050, and other long-term frameworks; coordinates sectoral
plans and policies to ensure consistency with national goals, and monitors and evaluates implementation of development strategies.
In addition, FMBEP analyses the macroeconomy and offers policy advisory to government; supports fiscal sustainability and economic growth strategies, and advises the government on economic trends and implications for planning and budgeting.
There’s no gainsaying that Bagudu has brought his wealth of experience to bear on his job - as evidenced by the recent successes in the macroeconomy.
In the past, one of the problems with economic planning was the lack of coordination between the monetary and fiscal authorities, leading to policy failures.
It can be argued that recent policy successes in the fight against inflation as well as Foreign Exchange stability are a direct outcomes of
improved harmony between the monetary and fiscal authorities, midwifed by Bagudu.
Among other things, the economy is currently driven by services sector, compared to the past when oil held sway.
This serves as buffer for the economy in the event of oil volatility in the international market.
The minister took the ministry’s mandate as the guardian of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which outlines the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policies seriously.
He revitalised the legal framework for implementing the chapter, primarily through the National Economic Council.
Although an incorporated member, his ministry provided the secretariat for the council.
Using his experience as a former governor, the minister has found a way to achieve consensus more quickly across broad party lines.
For instance, issues on state policing, which is awaiting final approval, have reached consensus.
Also, the minister had driven the war against crude oil theft; and the implementation of local government financial and political autonomy.
SPECIAL DUTIES
DEPARTMENT
Nonetheless, the minister’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, institutional strengthening, and improved intergovernmental coordination has fostered the enabling environment in which the Special Duties Department has continued to thrived.
The department undertakes a crucial role in coordinating additional activities beyond the ministry’s core functions.
It serves as the secretariat for the National Economic Council (NEC) and its Ad-Hoc Committees, the Joint Planning Board/National Council on Development Planning (JPB/NCDP), the Community of Practice (CoP), and the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC).
Under Bagudu’s watch, the department has continued to play a vital role in promoting economic policy coherence across the three
levels of government.
The minister’s foresight, political will, and unwavering support for sub-national capacity-building and evidence-based planning have enabled the department to fulfil its cross-cutting coordination responsibilities with diligence and purpose.
The department has served to complement the ministry as well as spearheaded the effective Coordination of the National Economic Council (NEC) and successfully facilitated and participated in 11 National Economic Council (NEC) meetings, ensuring that deliberations were strategically structured, policy discussions were well-informed, and resolutions were implemented in a timely and effective manner.
These meetings addressed economic matters and advanced the nation’s development agenda, with phenomenal outcomes, featuring stronger bonds and linkages, as well as collaborations that propelled development across the sub-nationals.
Through its activities the special duties department has supported the NEC Ad-Hoc Committees on critical national issues, offerring secretarial and technical coordination to various NEC Ad-Hoc Committees focused on key national priorities.
The department contributed to the development of policy recommendations designed to combat illegal oil activities, increase transparency, and protect government revenue.
It also contributed to the development of the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan, and aided stakeholder coordination and policy development initiatives to enhance electricity access across the country, particularly for underserved rural communities.
The department facilitated discussions and intergovernmental collaboration to enhance national immunisation efforts and expedite the eradication of polio.
It further organised comprehensive training sessions for Commissioners of Budget and Economic Planning across the 36 states, aimed at enhancing technical capacity in economic planning, public budgeting, and evidence-based policy development.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Coscharis Technologies, Tenda Partner to Expand Networking Solutions in Nigeria
Stories by Emma Okonji
In a bid to strengthen its foothold in Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market, Coscharis Technologies Limited, in partnership with Shenzhen Tenda Technology Company Limited, a global networking solutions provider, hosted a high-impact partner engagement and product launch event in Lagos recently.
The event with the theme: “Connected to Win – For a Better Networking,” showcased Shenzhen
Tenda Technology Company’s newest range of high-performance networking solutions and reaffirmed the company’ shared vision for powering Nigeria’s digital future. Managing Director, Coscharis Technologies, Dr. Sunday Mukoro, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering its partners through collaboration, integrity, and simplicity in business. He revealed that Coscharis Technologies would soon launch a new software platform, called ‘Marketplace for Africa to Trade’, a digital ecosystem designed to foster integrity and transparent
transactions across the continent.
“Winning, for us, is not about competition, it’s about collaboration. At Coscharis, we don’t compete with our partners. We support them. We speak for them. We help them win,” Mukoro said.
Speaking at the event, Sales Manager, Shenzhen Tenda Technology Company Limited in Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Agema, described the occasion as a strategic marketing initiative aimed at reinforcing Tenda’s presence in the country and introducing its latest suite of products to resellers, distributors,
and IT professionals.
According to Agema, “The event marks a new phase in our four-year partnership with Coscharis Technologies. With strong feedback and increasing adoption, we are confident this will position Shenzhen Tenda Technology Company Ltd as a dominant force in Nigeria’s networking industry. We unveiled a new range of cutting-edge networking devices including: Access points, CPE radios (for point-to-point wireless transmission,) base stations, antennas, switches, routers, and more.”
Firm, Visa Partner to Accelerate Stablecoin Adoption in Emerging Markets
To counter grey market threats and maintain product integrity, he explained that Shenzhen Tenda Technology Company Ltd would operate a controlled distribution model, selling exclusively through trusted channels like Coscharis Technologies, its top-tier distributor in Nigeria.
Business Manager, Products & Solutions at Coscharis Technologies, Mr. Agustine Ezirim, said: “We’re focused on educating network providers and encouraging more adoption. Coscharis is leveraging its media presence and expertise to drive this momentum. Despite challenges in Nigeria’s operating environment, including currency instability, security concerns, and counterfeit product circulation, both companies remain optimistic.”
Yellow Card, the leading licensed stablecoin payments orchestrator for Africa and the emerging world, has announced a partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to help drive the next phase of innovation in cross-border payments and financial infrastructure across emerging markets where Yellow Card is licensed to operate. Through this partnership, Visa and Yellow Card will collaborate to explore stablecoin use cases and opportunities to help streamline treasury operations, enhance liquidity management, and enable faster, more cost-effective money movement across borders.
need a stablecoin strategy, but how quickly they can deploy one. We are thrilled to partner with Visa to help realise the potential of stablecoins technology in emerging economies.”
Co-founder and CEO of Yellow Card, Chris Maurice, said: “Traditional payment companies continue to question not if they
Senior Vice President and Head of Product and Solution for CEMEA, Visa, Godfrey Sullivan, said: “We’re excited to team up with Yellow Card to enable faster and more accessible
digital payments. We believe that every institution that moves money will need a stablecoin strategy. As more players in the payments ecosystem explore this powerful new technology, Visa stands ready to help our partners navigate the transformation, bringing the scale, trust and innovation needed to help build the next generation of global payments.”
Ani Admonishes African Techies to Build for Legacy
In a rousing declaration that is electrifying minds across the continent, Special Adviser on ICT to Enugu State Governor, Nnaemeka Ani, has called for a homegrown digital revolution under the banner, ‘Africa Will Rise: By Code, By Courage, By Us’.
The management of Sysserve has introduced an intelligent management solution that will help mitigate losses in the haulage and logistics subsector, which is estimated to run into several billions of naira annually.
The solution called Intelligent Journey Management System, was introduced to the public during a media parley, which held in Lagos recently.
(PODs), which causes billing delays and makes data-driven decision-making and process improvement nearly impossible.” Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Sysserve, Kazeem Balogun, said: “This is why we built Instanta Haulage, a journey management and monitoring system that utilises AI and geofencing technology to automatically track key milestones, including exact loading, offloading, departure and arrival times, turnaround times, delays, goods lost in transit, and minute-by-minute journey events, all without requiring manual driver input.
“Let’s stop building for hype. Let’s start building for legacy, Let’s stop waiting for someone else. Let’s start creating the future on our own terms.” Ani urged, while speaking to ICT journalists in Enugu, recently. At the heart of Ani’s vision is
The message, part challenge, part philosophical—seeks to galvanise African innovators to move beyond buzzwords and build technology with impact and legacy in mind.
a shift from tech consumerism to tech authorship. With innovation hubs sprouting across cities like Enugu, Lagos, Kigali in Rwanda Johannesburg in South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya, and a growing community of developers, engineers, and entrepreneurs determined to solve Africa’s unique challenges, the movement is already taking shape, Ani said.
According to him, Africa’s future lies not in flashy apps or international admiration but in persistent, intentional solutions that uplift communities—solutions that digitize public services, bridge ruralurban divides, empower women and youth, and build resilience in food and climate systems.
In his opening remarks, the CEO of the company, Mr. Jerry Okogbue, said in Nigeria alone, the logistics and transport sector lose billions of naira annually due to delivery delays, fraud, theft in transit, and vehicle downtime, all tied to poor visibility and a lack of structured journey control systems.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Sysserve, Mr. Johnson Owoeye, said: “In many cases, transport teams still rely on calls to drivers or WhatsApp messages to obtain journey status updates or share proof of delivery documents
Sales Lead at Sysserve, Adeola Atoki, said: “Instanta Haulage is already helping companies across various industries, including oil and gas, third-party logistics firms, FMCG distribution, etc gain real-time visibility and control that legacy systems simply cannot provide. Instanta Haulage can help eliminate manual tracking delays and guesswork in haulage operations.”
Bagudu
Nigeria, Malaysia Palm Oil Trade Stood at $600m in 2024
The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, has said that the thriving palm oil trade between Malaysia and Nigeria has significantly enhanced bilateral relations between the two countries.
Omar who disclosed this in Abuja during a chart with newsmen, noted that the growth in palm oil trade reflects a strong commitment to agricultural collaboration
and has also spurred increased interest from foreign investors eager to tap into Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
According to him, approximately 50 percent of Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria consist of palm oil, accounting for an export value of 600 million dollars in 2024.
The envoy recalled a visit to Calabar in May 2025, where he met with members of the Malaysian diaspora, many of whom are actively involved in Nigeria’s palm oil sector.
“There are around 50 Malaysians currently residing and working in Nigeria, with a significant concentration in Lagos and a growing presence in Calabar,” Omar said.
He added that the Malaysian community in Nigeria is primarily composed of business professionals engaged in agriculture, particularly in the management of palm oil plantations, which are closely linked to the ongoing trade between both nations.
Omar further stressed that
agricultural collaboration between Malaysia and Nigeria is focused on enhancing productivity and efficiency in palm oil cultivation, marking a positive step in bilateral trade relations.
Omar said the Malaysian High Commission is working relentlessly to encourage increased foreign investment in Nigeria’s broader agricultural sector, in addition to promoting palm oil exports.
“With the rising global
ISACA Advocates Rigorous Training to Combat Cybercrime Emergencies, Prevention
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a nonprofit global professional association for IT governance, has emphasised the need for rigorous training for practitioners in Nigeria to combat cybercrime—both in emergency situations and through preventive measures.
The body stressed that combating cybercrime, which manifests in various forms, requires conscious preparation rather than spontaneous reaction.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Arise News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers in Lagos, the President of ISACA Lagos Chapter, Justus Osuji, briefed
the media organisation on the association’s activities and underscored the need for continuous professional training in the sector.
He warned against the dangers of reacting to cyber threats without adequate preparation, pointing out that cybercriminals are often highly prepared and strategic.
According to him, “To combat crime, you have to be prepared. It’s not something you do spontaneously. At ISACA Lagos, we train people to manage emergencies—that’s the essence of the frameworks we provide.
“We offer frameworks that guide responses during emergencies. We also provide training not just for our members, but also for the public
and corporate organizations, helping them manage incidents like cybercrime when they arise. Preparation is key.
“Even the bad guys you’re talking about—they prepare. We shouldn’t expect to manage threats effectively without making a conscious effort to prepare.”
Osuji added that the Lagos Chapter is the thirdlargest ISACA chapter on the African continent and the largest association of IT governance, risk, and control (GRC) professionals in Nigeria, with nearly 1,000 active members occupying middle- and senior-level positions across the banking and finance, manufacturing, oil and gas, public, health, and hospitality sectors.
Commending ISACA’s leadership, the Director of Engagement and Guest Liaison at Arise News, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, acknowledged the growing role of technology across industries and encouraged the association to continue promoting professional development in the sector.
“At Arise News, we believe technology plays a crucial role in what we do as a world-class TV station. We value collaboration and appreciate your visit. To leapfrog development, you must think ahead—that’s the nature of the modern world. Knowledge is power. If you think you don’t need knowledge, you’re already behind. We must continuously innovate and stay creative as the world evolves,” he said.
Lafarge Africa Expands ECOPlanet Portfolio with ECOPlanet Elephant
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, renowned for high-quality cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, mortar and other related products and solutions, has expanded its low carbon multipurpose cement portfolio with the launch of ECOPlanet Elephant. According to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the decision to expand the ECOPlanet portfolio with the launch of low-carbon multipurpose cement –ECOPlanet Elephant Cement, highlights the company’s strong commitment to accelerating green growth, as it recognizes the industry’s demand for low carbon products and solutions. He said, “The industry’s positive reception to
ECOPlanet Unicem last year demonstrated a clear demand for sustainable building materials. We are proud to now offer our lowcarbon ECOPlanet Elephant cement, further empowering our customers to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on the renowned quality and performance our products are known for.”
He described the new product as a game changer that is crucial to making cities green and grow sustainably. He noted further that the company remains committed to partnering with customers and the supply chain to build better communities through innovative, circular and ecoefficient solutions.
Also speaking, the Commercial Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Gbenga Onimowo
said: “ECOPlanet Elephant maintains the superior strength, durability, and workability that Elephant cement is known for, ensuring a seamless transition for builders and developers to more sustainable building and construction practices. For us, building a sustainable future means that we carry our customers and partners on the journey with us. This is why I am very thrilled to see how much positive impact this will have on the Industry,” he said.
Low carbon ECOPlanet Elephant cement, which offers a substantial reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional cement, is already gaining traction among builders, architects,
and policymakers. It can be used for multipurpose applications including plastering, concreting and on-site block-making. Besides, this new cement offering is supported by the most advanced sustainability building certifications including Breeam, LEED, and EDGE,” he added.
demand for palm oil, there are significant opportunities for diversification and investment, which can benefit both Malaysia and
Air Peace Acquires more Aircraft with Arrival of Embraer 190
Chinedu Eze
Nigeria major carrier, Air Peace Limited has increased its operational capacity with the addition to its fleet first Embraer 190 aircraft.
The aircraft with registration mark, 5N-CEF, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 19:38 on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Speaking with newsmen, OsifoWhiskey Efe, the airline’s spokesperson, disclosed that the newly acquired aircraft is a 118-seater and the first of its type in the carrier’s growing fleet portfolio. He revealed that another unit is expected to arrive next month, further reinforcing the airline’s strategic expansion plan to bolster both domestic and regional operations.
“This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings. It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly installations, and passenger comfort, such as a 2-2 seating layout, quiet and spacious cabin, making it the ideal
fit for many of our routes. It enables us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity,” Efe stated. He reiterated the airline’s commitment to easing the burden of air travel in Nigeria by continually investing in the right aircraft for its expansive network. With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, Air Peace has remained at the forefront of West Africa’s aviation space. Since May 12, 2025, the airline said it recorded an average on-time performance of 85 percent across its domestic network, a testament to its operational reliability and service delivery promise and expressed determination to improve its on-time performance to over 95 per cent, an objective that would be enhance by the additional aircraft in its fleet. Air Peace also said it is optimistic about its growth trajectory, as the airline plans to open new domestic routes, expand regional reach, launch more international destinations, and continue strategic fleet acquisition to meet growing passenger demand.
Polo Luxury Unveils ‘Reward of Success’
In a bold move to deepen emotional resonance, celebrate successes, and meet evolving consumer tastes, Nigeria’s foremost luxury retailer, Polo Luxury, has unveiled a captivating second television commercial (TVC) titled, “Reward of Success.”
Anchored in the belief that luxury is not frivolous but earned, the new TVC is a celebration of ambition, perseverance, and achievement.
The second ‘Reward of Success invites viewers into a world where hard work meets well-deserved indulgence and the acquisition of luxury is not just a symbol, but a story of achievement.
Shot with cinematic brilliance by one of Lagos’s foremost filmmakers, Daniel Obasi, the commercial captures key moments in the lives of driven individuals who have pursued excellence and now choose to mark
their milestones with timeless pieces from Polo Luxury. From private boardrooms to quiet personal victories, the TVC positions Polo luxury’s offerings, ranging from Swiss timepieces to exquisite accessories, as more than possessions; they are emotional tokens of one’s journey and success.
“At Polo, we believe luxury should reflect achievement. This campaign is about honouring the success stories that often go untold and a reminder that hard work deserves recognition and reward,” said Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group The TV commercial opens with a solitary figure – an older man, poised, contemplative - scanning the horizon through binoculars. His gaze is steady, seasoned, searching not for more, but for meaning.
LOSS OF DOCUMENTS/PROPERTY
This is to inform the general public that the building belonging to Mr Jerry Ugochukwu Azih, situated at No. 2 Abike Sulaimon Street, Lekki Phase 1, Etiosa, Lagos Island, Lagos, was engulfed in a fire incident on 2nd January 2025. Several items and documents such as land certificates for (1) Plot No. 287 Casdastral Zone A09, Guzafe District Abuja with file No. 1049, (2) Plot 2, Block 68, No. 75/75/1990AP Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, (3) Awka Business District, Plot Q11, Awka, Anambra State, (4) Awka business district, Plot Q150, Awka, Anambra State, (5) Block 65, Plot 8, Lekki Phase 2, Lagos State were all damaged. The incident has been duly registered with all the relevant regulatory bodies, all government agencies and corporate bodies. The general public should please take note
SIGNED: Mr Jerry Ugochukwu Azih
Arthur Eriye
L-R: Director, Program & Influencing, Plan International Nigeria, Helen Idiong; Country Director, Charles Usie; CEO, Sterling O ne Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe and Director, Philanthropy, Plan International, Sheila Ojei at a press briefing in Lagos… recently
Nigeria,” he said.
FG to Conduct Personnel Skills Gap Analysis in Civil Service
Olawale Ajimotokan
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack has said that the federal government intends to embark on a personnel audit and a skills gap analysis for a 21st century workforce.
She asserted this in Abuja in her remarks while declaring open the strategic study tour for Heads of Civil Service of the 36 states and the FCT.
The HoS stated that the skills gap analysis, already initiated by Borno and Katsina states would enable the country identify skills it required in its recruitment for a workforce that is technologically driven.
“The truth is, most of the civil
services, the federal service inclusive, we do not have the right skills for a 21st century workforce. I was in an international conference in Singapore last year, and one of the OECD representatives said he had done a research and found that in Nigeria we need to infuse 39 skills into our service. So, we need to do a skills gap analysis to identify the skills that are not there and match them with the skills that we need to help us in our recruitment,” Walson-Jack said.
She also challenged the state heads of service, who may have recruited their workforce many years ago, to take skills gap analysis into consideration when recruiting their staff as the contemporary world is technology-driven.
Walson-Jack described the
gathering as a moment of reflection and a renewed call to action to reaffirm their shared vision and drive forward the next vital phase of transformation with clarity, purpose and resolve.
She described their transformative study tour to Singapore earlier this year as an experience that was nothing short of inspiring, noting it revealed what is possible when a disciplined, digitally driven, citizen-focused Civil Service is placed at the heart of national development.
Walson-Jack reaffirmed the unwavering support for the state heads of service, asserting the readiness of her office if they required policy direction, training, innovation support or technical collaboration from the centre.
Paga Group Unveils Cloud-based Software for Retailers
Sunday Ehigiator
Paga Group, a leading payments and financial services company in Africa, has launched Doroki, a game-changing retail business management platform designed to help SMEs streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and accelerate growth.
Speaking at the Launch event held yesterday in Lagos, the Founder and CEO of Paga Group, Tayo Oviosu, noted that Doroki is a multi-functional platform that consolidates order management, inventory tracking, payments, and customer engagement into a single, user-friendly interface.
According to him, the platform aims to empower SMEs by simplifying operations, providing actionable insights, and helping businesses scale with confidence.
He added, “Whether running a restaurant, retail store, or a distribution network, businesses can now eliminate the hassle of juggling multiple apps and focus on what truly matters - growth. Running a business in today’s fast-paced economy is challenging; managing stock, tracking sales, reconciling payments, and keeping customers happy can feel overwhelming.”
Also speaking, the General Manager of Doroki, Arike Okunowo, added: “Doroki was built by listening to the pain points of real business owners. Whether it’s a restaurant owner struggling with recipe and table management or a retailer experiencing issues with stock-out and product shelf life management (expiry dates), Doroki provides clarity, control, and confidence.
“We’re excited to see how
Nigerian businesses leverage this platform to unlock their full potential.”
According to her, “Doroki offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive business growth. The platform provides smart order management, allowing businesses to track and fulfil orders seamlessly from one dashboard. It also features real-time inventory control, enabling businesses to monitor stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and manage suppliers effortlessly.
“Doroki’s menu and recipe management feature is ideal for food businesses, helping them maintain consistency and reduce waste. The platform also supports flexible payments, accepting cash, card, or Paga mobile payments with ease.”
Amid a growing concern over rising number of women living in poverty, a non-government organisation, ‘Women of Might’ is stepping in through empowerment initiative aimed at promoting financial independence.
According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigerian women account for 70 per cent of the country’s extremely poor, with several struggling to make ends meet via low-wage informal jobs.
Speaking at the flag off of the NGO’s skills acquisition scheme in Lagos, recently, its Founder,
Bevlyn Ogbekene appreciated the impacts of skills in lifting households and economies.
The programme which also marked the organization’s 2nd anniversary saw over 100 stay-at-home mothers in Ikosi area of Lagos armed with skills in perfume making, soap production, and makeup artistry, amongst others.
Ogbekene stated that the initiative stands as part of the organisation’s ongoing drives to help women become selfsufficient and support their families. She said, “This is what
we live for, seeing women light up with hope, practical knowledge, and the courage to start something new. This is what real empowerment looks like. We are looking to empower 500 women at the grassroot in Lagos in through mentorship, wellness education, and vocational training, amongst others”.
The Founder also highlighted the importance of capital and tool to motivate trainees, calling on corporates and like-minded bodies to join force with initiatives committed to lifting lives and society.
WealthBridge Deepens Youth Engagement at Finance Symposium
Kayode Tokede
WealthBridge Financial Services has reaffirmed its commitments in shaping the nation’s youth financial future through its active participation in two major youth-focused finance events: The Finance Symposium (T.F.S) 4.0, hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Finance Student Association, and The Pitch 5.0, organized by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Finance Club in Ile-Ife.
At The Finance Symposium 4.0, held in Lagos, WealthBridge participated as both a sponsor and knowledge partner under the theme “Global Finance: Adapting to a New Changing Economic Landscape.”
Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed
Adekunle Lawal, the Managing Director of WealthBridge Asset Management, Bola Bhadmus, delivered a keynote that resonated deeply with the student audience and financial thought leaders in attendance.
Speaking on the theme Capital as Catalyst: Finance as the Cornerstone of Sector Expansion, Bhadmus challenged attendees to rethink the traditional role of finance, advocating a shift from transactional lending to intentional capital deployment. His message emphasized that capital must not only be accessible but also smart, coordinated, and deeply connected to sectoral understanding. Drawing from Nigeria’s realities in agriculture, fintech, and power, he illustrated how finance can either entrench inefficiencies or unlock scale—depending on its
structure, literacy, and patience.
His remarks reinforced WealthBridge’s position as a pioneer in using financial strategy to shape national development outcomes.
The Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of WealthBridge, Babatope Davies, delivered a highly anticipated keynote address titled, “Rewiring the Compass: Navigating Finance Careers in a Tech-Driven, Sustainable World.” Davies painted a vivid picture of the transformation happening within the finance profession. Using the rise of notable fintech companies and Nigeria’s leapfrogging fintech movement s anchor points, he urged students to think beyond titles and compensation and instead approach finance as a tool for solving real human problems.
(Gabon), Iran Heavy
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Market Cap Gains N1.19trn in One Day to N76trn
Kayode Tokede
The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday gained N1.19trillion to cross a new record of N76 trillion bouy by investors demand for 63 stocks.
Market capitalisation rose by N1.19 trillion, or 1.57 per cent to close at N76.761 trillion, up from N75.576 trillion recorded the previous day.
In total, the market capitalisation
has gained N2.23trillion in three days from N74.533 trillion it opened for trading this week to N76.761 trillion.
Capital market analysts have attributed the stock market growth to numerous factors.
The CEO, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Mr. Sola Oni explained that the Nigerian stock market recent performance is influenced by company results, demand and supply, and market sentiment.
He said, “Recently, several listed companies have reported strong earnings and announced bonus shares, contributing to relative economic stability.
“Despite this, many blue-chip stocks on the NGX remain undervalued compared to their intrinsic worth.
“Foreign portfolio investors often capitalize on these opportunities, driving up the All-Share Index and market capitalization. However, they can also swiftly withdraw
their investments in response to policy inconsistencies.”
Oni, who is also a Chartered Stockbroker added that “The market’s forward-looking nature means investors focus on companies’ future prospects rather than current performance.
“Fortunately, the market has a self-correcting mechanism that adjusts stock prices to their true value over time.
“A recent example of the market’s responsiveness to public
information was the impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) circular on banks’ forbearances, Single Obligor Limit (SOL), suspension of dividend payment and bonus shares to management staff till 2028 and halt to investment in foreign companies.
“”Initially, the market reacted negatively by dumping banks’ shares.
“But a subsequent clarification halted the decline and reversed losses. This highlights the impor-
tance of clear communication and consistent policy implementation in maintaining market stability.”
Commenting also, Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, explained that prices of many of the listed banking stocks are exceptionally low, adding that some of these banking stocks are trading below their intrinsic or theoretical values.
“This is what is attracting investors to the market at this time, “ he said.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/25/25
FCTA inauguration of the newly constructed Interchange Bridges of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) over Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway)
Senators Saliu Mustapha, Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, David Jimkuta, Gbenga Daniel and others
Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, MD Gilmor Engineering Nigeria, Mr Eli Goldhar and Senator Saliu Mustapha
Senator Olaka Nwogu, Hon Isobo Jack, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, his APC counterpart, Hon Victor Giadom
Former Governors of Benue and Abia States, Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Chibudom Nwuche, PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa
R-L: Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu, Chairman Senate Committee on FCT Area Council, David Jimkuta, Senator Saliu Mustapha, MD Gilmor Engineering Nigeria, Mr Eli Goldhar, Senator Gbenga Daniel, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud and others
R-L: Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, MD Gilmor Engineering Nigeria, Mr Eli Goldhar, Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu, Chairman Senate Committee on FCT Area Council, David Jimkuta and Senator Saliu Mustapha
Nigeria: There’s Fire on The Mountain and No One is a Runnin’
Until now, I have refrained from writing commentaries about the political landscape of our country, Nigeria. I have become disenchanted with the downward spiral of the absurdities that have become common place within the political space. Within the last few days, I have read several articles on the killings in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States, and I am convinced to add my voice to the outcry of government’s inability to act proactively in securing the safety of Nigerians from marauding and murdering Fulani insurgents, Boko Haram terrorists and the incessant and now common place kidnapping for ransom. Anywhere in the world, the first duty of any government is to secure the safety of its citizens in and outside of the country. It is clear that the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is either incapable or unwilling to tackle the continuous decimation and subjugation of our people. In most other climes that claim democratic principles, those in leadership should have resigned from office. Not in Nigeria! Here we glorify ineffectiveness and inefficiencies.
In the epic 2008 song titled, “There is Fire on the Mountain,” by the Nigerian musician who goes by the name Asa, she makes the claim even though this fire is raging, surprisingly, no one is running. I find two corollaries, one in an old English idiom, and the other in traditional Yoruba oral tradition; for the English, “The proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand. And the Yoruba wisdom, “No one lights a torch and leaves it burning around a thatched roof.” In both instances, the culprit is inertia or the lack of desire to act in preventing a disaster. Either of which does not describe, even at the minimal level, a people willing to act fundamentally from a place of common sense! Unfortunately, when I see the shenanigans, politicians have reduced my country to, I can only conclude we have politicians who have knowingly set a fire to the country. And we have a citizen who see the fire and refuse to run.
Human life is sacred and each individual’s life should be protected. Sadly, the entire nation seems inured to a culture of bloodletting, savagery and the disposal of human life. Our social media space is diffused with gory videos and pictures of unthinkable scenes of inhumane accounts of man’s inhumanity and cruelty to other humans. More specifically, of brigandry to defenseless communities. A situation where aggressors over run entire communities, displace the communities and inhabit their homes without re-adjudication or lawful intervention by constituted authority and, or state intervention. I continue to hear of
“insecurity” in the nation when in reality, what we have is the invasion of our sovereignty as a nation. It is sad that foreign armed groups are able to overrun the nations’ security apparatus not minding the mind bugling amount of funds voted every year in the nation’s budget on security. One is forced to question the usefulness and functionality of government sponsored and funded state security agencies. One cannot but wonder why insurgents are better equipped than the nation’s army in arms and intelligence gathering? Who are the invested players who supply them with arms and ammunition? How can bandits become so powerful as to brazenly over run our country’s army encampment, capture Nigerian soldiers, take their armored cars and weapons and put all of this on social media?
There are multiple narratives circulating and making the rounds especially on social media. Unfortunately, there is no way of verifying the authenticity of some of these claims. Some shadowy entities trace the incessant bloody and extremely violent attacks on a bid, either for the Islamization of the country or Jihad
aimed at a land grab in favor of all shades of Fulanis from the Sahel. Some even make the claim that it is both issues morphed into one. I find some plausibility at least in the Fulani bid to find a home in Nigeria. The current governor of Borno state made that claim on national TV. When asked if the Fulanis coming from outside Nigeria are Nigerians. He blatantly said “Yes.” Immediately, when I encounter political impropriety and lack of diplomacy at this level, my mind goes into a default. I try to find a matching partner for buffoonery; in this instance, I thought his less-cellency should be sent to Donald Trump’s school of diplomacy and should not be allowed to return without a doctorate.
For far too long, we have behaved like the ostrich, unable to confront, nationally, the real issues we need to confront; our federalism vis-à-vis regionalism, state policing, our current constitution, our so called “democracy”, and the relationship between the North and the rest of the country. I believe there is enough land and space in the North to accommodate kith and kin from other climes to settle and graze
their cattle up north. Ranching versus grazing and any other animal husbandry is fine as long as your business does not disrupt mine. But we all know that grazing is intentionally done to destroy people’s hard work on their farms. We all know it, but we are looking the other way and mumbling the fool’s mantra, “It is well!” It is not well, and there is no way it will be well, if some psychotic, marauding murderers, rapists, and demented drug addicts are allowed to kill innocent citizens of our country. We can no longer be silent if we are human and sane. If the corridors of power are playing politics with our fellow citizens’ property, security and lives, we have a moral obligation to rise up in holy and righteous anger to stump on evil. Just last week, we witnessed in the United States, how an entire country came out en-masse to protest what was perceived as oligarchy, an affront on the idea of American democracy, which was tagged “No King.” Why are we unable to hold our politicians accountable? Why is it that it seems we do not understand that they work for us (even though they steal from us all the time!) If we do not force a change by our action as citizens, knowing that our so-called politicians are only interested in their own welfare; we must then ask ourselves the mother of all questions… pardon me to borrow from Asa again; “… one day the river will overflow and there will be nowhere for us to go. And we will run, run, wishing we had put out the fire.” When all has been said, we need to all agree as Nigerians, that these killings are too much! If you do not feel this empathy, then know you are a part of the killing spree. Those who nurture this theater of war are not interested in building a nation or having a viable ecumenical union among religions in our country. it is all about disorder so they can continue to steal and enrich themselves; “… the more you see, the less you understand, Abracadabra!” If we keep quiet, they continue to eat away at the innards of our country and the rest of us, shall be unaware of what our infestation is coming from? From within, they will polarize our peoples, dislocate the unity of our communities. From our jaded communities, we help spew hate and hate and more hate. This in turn corrodes our ability to build a unified front. Our politicians place their lighted touch under a thatched roof and go to bed on their watch. When the fire starts, where are we going to run? We can douse the fire now if we imagine the conflagration that a burning Nigeria will look like.
Nigeria’s Insecurity: Beyond the Religion Trap
By Kabir Adamu
The recent essay by Ebenezer Obadare, “Nigeria’s Neverending Security Nightmare,” published by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), offers a timely and sobering account of the escalating violence in Nigeria. Drawing on recent attacks in Benue, Plateau, Kebbi, Borno, and Katsina States, Obadare paints a grim picture of a country caught in a seemingly endless security crisis. His criticism of the Nigerian government’s reactive posture and the persistent failure of state institutions is warranted and important. However, for all its strengths, the article ultimately undermines itself by falling into a contradictory and reductive narrative—one that risks reinforcing harmful misconceptions with serious implications for both domestic cohesion and international policy.
To Obadare’s credit, the piece initially acknowledges the multifaceted nature of insecurity in Nigeria: a convergence of weak state capacity, climate-induced resource conflict, intercommunal violence, organized crime, and political manipulation. This framing is essential and reflects the layered realities that communities across Nigeria experience differently. Yet, toward the conclusion, the analysis abruptly narrows, asserting that these attacks possess an “indisputable religious undertone,” with particular emphasis on Boko Haram’s Islamist agenda. This pivot is more than a rhetorical flourish—it represents a fundamental contradiction. After conceding that Nigeria’s insecurity is multidimensional, the article defaults to an overly simplistic explanation rooted in religious extremism. This is not only analytically inconsistent—it is dangerously misleading. Even the reference to Boko Haram
deserves greater clarity. The name now serves as a generic label for disparate jihadist factions affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. While these groups indeed propagate a radical religious ideology, their actions and objectives are also political and economic—from seizing territory and controlling trade routes to taxing communities and undermining state legitimacy. Treating them as solely religious actors ignores the complex strategic motivations behind their campaigns.
More broadly, violent conflict in Nigeria varies significantly by region and actor. In the North Central, clashes often stem from long-standing land and identity disputes and the existence of a multitude of armed ethnic or community linked militia as well as cult groups. In the Northwest, banditry is driven largely by criminal enterprise, not ideology. In the Southeast, separatist movements emerge from
political marginalization and ethnic grievances. Overemphasizing religion risks blurring these distinctions, collapsing different drivers of violence into a single, misleading narrative.
This is where the role of platforms like the Council on Foreign Relations becomes critical. As one of the most influential policy think tanks globally, CFR bears a responsibility not just to inform, but to inform responsibly. When its contributors collapse nuanced realities into binary or monocausal frameworks—particularly on matters as volatile as religion and conflict in a diverse society like Nigeria—the unintended consequences can be severe. Mischaracterizations can fuel wrong policy choices, diplomatic missteps, and even intensify local grievances, especially when international observers echo these views without deeper contextual understanding.
At a time when Nigeria needs support for comprehensive, evidence-based
solutions—spanning security reform, governance, economic inclusion, and local peacebuilding—reductionist narratives are a step in the wrong direction. What the country demands is not a singular jihadism lens, but a panoramic view that reflects its complex social fabric and evolving conflict dynamics.
Insecurity in Nigeria is about more than religion. It is about governance failure, state legitimacy, economic desperation, historical grievance, and fractured federalism. To reduce it to a religious conflict is to misread the landscape—and in doing so, risk making it worse.
This article is a response to Ebenezer Obadare’s piece published on June 23, 2025, by the Council on Foreign Relations.
President BolaTinubu
GAMING WEEK
Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
BetKing Bets Big on Local Games
While Nigeria’s betting boom runs on foreign-made games, BetKing is rewriting the rules with ‘Danfo Lagos’, ‘JJ BallX’, and a bold plan to “keep the Naira at home,” write Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Iyke Bede
The effort to promote home-grown games may seem like a tiny drop in the gaming bucket, but BetKing CEO Gossy Ukanwoke has set his sights on the future, almost able to touch the palpably bigger picture. He believes it marks the beginning of locally made games with global potential.
With the expansion of the sports betting market, punters are gradually shifting their favour to online games provided by operators, sidestepping the expertise required to predict live matches. Crash games such as ‘Aviator’ and ‘JetX,’ and number games such as ‘Lucky 7’ have widespread appeal.
“A lot of the content that comes into gaming in Nigeria is all imported. It is actually all. We have also decided to take a lead on that to start to localise a lot of that content,” said Ukanwoke, revealing BetKing’s move for developing games made by Nigerians, inspired by Nigerian stories, with an eye for global impact. “Last year, we built a crash game called ‘Danfo Lagos.’ Broda Shaggy is who we used—his avatar and image—to create that crash game. Because it’s locally relevant, it is something people know, people can relate to it, and it’s a crash game, people know how to play it.”
“So why don’t we start to build and bring back a lot of knowledge, a lot of technology, a lot of design?” he asked rhetorically, musing on the potential of a Nigerian games market. “At least on the design side, we have started to localise that. The technology still has a long way to go because the talent is also not there, which is also one of the things that we’re investing in at the moment by starting to invest in local talent that
University of Ibadan
Nexal Gaming Company and Comic Con Ibadan made history on June 14, 2025, by hosting the university’s first-ever Esports tournament, Synergy’25. The event, tied to the annual Seals Cup football competition, brought together gamers, anime fans, and competitive players for a five-day celebration of gaming culture, complete with high-stakes tournaments, industry networking, and a grand finale that drew a packed crowd.
The Seals Cup is a football competition held yearly among departments and organised by the Student Union body through the Sports Secretary. It has successfully organised seven editions.
Themed ‘Synergy!’, it captured the spirit of both camaraderie and sportsmanship that defined the hybrid of anime culture and peak gaming that the attendees had anticipated for months.
A RECORD COMIC CON IBADAN
Comic Con Ibadan became the second anime convention to hold three consecutive editions, following in the footsteps of Comic Con Lagos, which has been held for 13 years. The convener of Comic Con Ibadan, Adebayo Erivic, was pleased to see the event continue for three years straight.
He took to social media to express his feelings about the event.
“Why today, why not yesterday?” he said, referring
can build these casino games.”
Recently, the operator partnered with legendary Nigerian football star Austin Okocha, popularly known as Jay-Jay, to launch a football crash game that not only celebrates his illustrious career but also helps Nigerians connect with a sports figure
they idolised, personalising their experiences and bringing them closer to the game they love.
“Because it’s locally relevant... people can relate to it. Football is something that brings us together in Nigeria. It is a unifying factor and no other person in my opinion says football and the excellence of
Navigating Nigeria’s Legal Landscape in Gaming
The gaming industry in Nigeria has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, mirroring the expansion across the African continent. This growth, coupled with the improving ease of doing business in Nigeria, has attracted significant interest and investment from both local and international gaming operators.
However, this rapid expansion necessitates a robust regulatory framework designed to ensure fair play, protect consumers, curb illegal activities, and generate revenue for the government. A key challenge for both local and foreign operators is navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring full compliance with regulations. Some gaming companies have faced setbacks or exited the market due to a lack of understanding of the Nigerian regulatory environment.
Therefore, a thorough understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing the gaming industry is essential to mitigate compliance risks and ensure adherence to the law. Gaming regulations are designed to protect players, prevent fraud, promote responsible gaming, and address advertising and marketing practices. These regulations
also provide guidelines to prevent misleading promotions, discourage unlicensed activities, and enforce compliance, including taking action against illegal operators.
football more than Jay-Jay. So we are very lucky that we have that relationship with him to be able to immortalise him,” Ukanwoke noted. Velex Advisory offers comprehensive compliance packages specifically designed for gaming and technology companies. Our expert legal guidance is designed to support gaming operators, enabling them to thrive and achieve unhindered business growth in Nigeria.
Recent developments, such as the Supreme Court judgment in the case of the Attorney General of Lagos State and Ors v Attorney General of the Federation and Ors, and the proposed introduction of withholding tax on winnings, underscore the dynamic nature of the industry. It is, therefore, crucial to stay informed about the evolving regulations governing the gaming sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, regulations are continually established and amended to address emerging trends and challenges.
Consequently, gaming companies must prioritise the expertise of a strong legal team to manage and support their regulatory and compliance functions effectively. Ensuring that your legal team is well-equipped and informed is critical for navigating the complexities of this ever-changing industry.
Olajumoke Odudimu, Company Secretary, Velex Advisory moderating the panel session Responsible Gaming: Player Protection in Nairobi, Kenya.
L-R: Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat; Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Chief Executive Officer of KingMakers (BetKing), Mr. Gossy Ukanwoke; and Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, during the official commissioning of the KingMakers (BetKing) Ifako-Ijaiye Sports Facility, as part of KingMakers’ ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in Lagos State.
Gossy Ukanwoke (left) with Chief Finance Officer, BetKing, Oladapo Olasope
Ukanwoke
ABIODUN MEETS BRAZIL’S VICE PRESIDENT...
The Vice President
CSOs Map Strategies on Domestic Funding for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria
Civil society organizations in Nigeria have commenced efforts to upscale domestic funding to combat HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, amid a decline in external donor support.
With a significant reduction in donor funding, Nigerian authorities are under pressure to allocate more resources to the health sector.
Civil society organizations came together in Abuja on Wednesday to develop a unified framework for domestic resource mobilization to combat HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
The three-day workshop aims to review existing frameworks, harmonize them, and develop a common framework for domestic resource mobilization.
Mechanism, Ayo Ipinmoye, called on civil society organizations to work together to strengthen domestic resourcing for health.
The initiative which is being coordinated by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria aims to harmonize strategic plans and priorities across different disease programs, enabling a more effective approach to sourcing domestic support.
Speaking at a sideline of the Harmonization of Civil Society Strategies on Domestic Resource Mobilization for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, the First Vice Chair of the Global Fund Country Coordinating
Ipinmoye emphasized the need for Nigerians to take ownership of their health sector, rather than relying on foreign funding. He said: “We have waited on other countries to fund the work that we do for too long. We need to pay for the things that make for the
Court Orders Accelerated Hearing in DSS’ Suit against Shadow Govt
Warns against acts capable of jeopardizing suit’s outcome
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday ordered accelerated hearing in the suit filed by the Department of State Service (DSS) against the “Shadow Government” proposed by Professor Pat Utomi.
The judge’s decision was sequel to move by the plaintiff to avoid a situation where the respondent’s action could negatively affect the proceedings.
Meanwhile, the court warned parties in the suit to desist from acts that may jeopardize the outcome of the suit.
According to Justice Omotosho, it is the position of the law that once parties are aware of the pendency of a suit, they ought to refrain from any further steps that could render
its outcome nugatory.
While stating there are always consequences for any party who engages in such unlawful conduct, he warned his court would not hesitate to void any steps taken by any of the parties during the pendency of the case.
Part Utomi, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the sole defendant in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/937/2025 and filed by the State Security Service (SSS).
At the commencement of Wednesday’s proceedings, plaintiff’s lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, sought an order for the maintenance of status quo, claiming that there have been new developments since the suit was filed.
Although defendant’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, objected
to Kehinde’s oral application for status quo, but the judge held that such order was unnecessary since parties were all aware of the pendency of the suit.
Justice Omotosho who said he would not grant any interlocutory restraining orders, granted accelerated hearing and elected to hear the main suit together with the preliminary objection raised by the defendant.
Meanwhile, Omotosho disclosed that he has extended invitations to seven senior lawyers, drawn from the six geo-political zones, to act as “Amicus Curiae”, to furnish the court with their legal opinions on the case.
He said his decision to seek opinions from seasoned law experts was because of the novel nature of the suit, in respect of which there are no known previous decisions.
The judge identified those invited to include former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Professor Ademola Popoola of the Obafemi Awolowo University, and the ViceChancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU), Professor Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze.
Others are Professor Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN), former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos; Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN), Mrs. Miannaya Essien, (SAN) and the immediate past President of the NBA, Yabubu Maikyau (SAN).
good health of Nigerians.”
He added that civil society has a crucial role to play in advocacy, ensuring that the government allocates sufficient funds for health and uses them judiciously.
Ipinmoye also attributed the shift towards domestic funding to the global trend of donors pulling back due to “donor fatigue.” He noted that this presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strategize and ensure that national resources are used efficiently.
“We need to find ways of increasing budget reallocations and also ensure that the private sector and community members play their part. We have big companies in Nigeria making a lot of money, and it’s time for them to give back to strengthen the health of the people they’re making money from,” Ipinmoye said.
Ipinmoye emphasized the importance of partnerships between government, private sector, and community in achieving good health outcomes.
He also highlighted the need for communities to take responsibility for utilizing resources effectively, citing the example of malaria nets being used for fishing and other purposes instead of their intended use.
When asked if Nigeria would achieve better health outcomes with domestic funding, Ipinmoye responded, “Yes, and sincerely, when this thing happened, I did say it’s one of the best things that could have happened to us as a nation... It enables us to own our
own processes.”
He acknowledged the transition may be painful in the short term but believes it will lead to a higher level of thinking and strategizing.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria for the Global Fund, Tajudeen Ibrahim, noted that relying on foreign funding is no longer sustainable.
“We need to take ownership of our health sector. We need to pay for the things that make for the good health of Nigerians.”
He mentioned that the Global Fund requires countries to contribute a minimum of 15 percent co-financing for HIV, TB, and malaria programs, and Nigeria has had a tough time meeting this requirement in the past.
Ibrahim attributed the country’s progress in meeting the co-financing requirement to partnerships between the government and civil society organizations.
His words: “When we work well with some states and civil society plays key roles, we are able to meet the requirement. The CCM Nigeria has launched a new strategy to mobilize domestic resources, with a focus on coordinating efforts across different disease-specific programs.
“Each program has a detailed plan, with malaria requiring about $2 billion annually to implement comprehensive interventions. The current deficit stands at over $1 billion.”
Court Adjourns Trial of Yahaya Bello, Co-defendants to October 8
tions in respect of the property at the center of the case.
C’River Traditional Rulers Support GADA Against GBV in
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
Traditional rulers in Cross River State have stated they have joined other stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence, and other oppressive and retrogressive practices against women, especially those in marriages.
The natural rulers made the declaration on Wednesday in Calabar, at a stakeholders’ forum on “Adaptive Leadership and Institutionalizing Social Behaviour Change Communication into Traditional Marriages and Relationships
in Cross River State” convened by Gender And Development Action, GADA, with support from Ford Foundation.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the state drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, the Chairman Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi, Oval Elder Solomon Osim Edward, said, the forum was timely and necessary as it aimed at looking critically at ways the traditional institution can join in the fight to protect women from all forms of violence, and
Marriages
discriminations even in marriages.
“We need to put all machineries in place to contain or reduce, to the barest minimum, this menace of “Gender-Based-Violence (GBV)” in our dear state.
“We as traditional rulers, custodian of our laws and customs, are the last hope of the common person who invariably cannot afford the cost of litigation or may not have connection to the high and mighty in the society or political class. We need to protect the rights, and privileges of the common Person in our domain,” he said.
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has adjourned hearing in the alleged money laundering case against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others, to October 8, 9, and November 12, 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Justice Maryanne Anenih adjourned hearing to the above dates in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after the Commission’s third witness tendered several bundles of documents to prove the allegations against the defendants, which included Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu.
At the resumed trial on Wednesday, the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, Segun Adeleke told the court that he had no dealings with the three defendants throughout the transac-
The witness who stated this while responding to questions from the defendants’ lawyers confirmed that none of the names of the defendants appeared on any of the transaction documents.
Adeleke, a manager at Efab Property Limited, also told the court that he does not know any of the three defendants.
“This is the first time I am seeing His Excellency (Yahaya Bello) in person, although I have seen him before in print and electronic media but not in any transaction,” he stressed.
Earlier, the First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Fabian Nwora, had also earlier confirmed to the court that none of the three defendants in the case paid money into the account of his company, Efab Property Limited.
Nwora, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said he knows the former governor, but maintained that his name did not feature in the transaction being referred to. He said he opened negotiations on the said property but that the negotiations were concluded by Segun Adeleke, who is the EFCC’s second witness (PW2).
Nwora had, at a previous hearing, testified that he was invited to the EFCC on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction between Shehu Bello and EFAB Property on a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, noting it was the said Shehu that approached him for the property. Adeleke, the PW2, while being examined by the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, reiterated that, in 2020, his chairman, Nwora, gave him the brief of the property, which Shehu Bello showed interest in.
of Brazil, His Excellency Geraldo Alckmin in a handshake with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
LAUNCH OF THE LSBTC BLOOD INVENTORY...
L-R: Managing Director, Digital Health Platforms, Mr. Femi Olapegba; Commissioner III, Lagos Health Service Commission (HSC), Dr. Moyosore Adejumo; Commissioner I, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Olumuyiwa Solanke; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya; Pioneer Chairman of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, Prof. Ibironke Akinsete; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi
at the official launch of the LSBTC Blood Inventory Management System (BIMS) and website at Ikeja ... recently
Federal Ministries, Agencies Clash in Senate Over Drug Rehab Bill
NDLEA, justice ministry, others kick, warn of redundancy, wasted resources Correctional Service, Women Affairs Ministry, Nigeria Customs, NAPTIP, back proposal, cite urgent addiction crisis
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
A Senate bill seeking to establish a National Institute on Drugs Awareness and Rehabilitation has stirred significant debate among stakeholders, with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the justice ministry leading opposition to its creation, raising concerns of redundancy and resource strain.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Rufai Hanga, was the focus of a one-day public hearing organised yesterday by the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.
The session drew participants from various federal ministries, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations.
Supporters of the bill argue it offers a crucial, focused intervention in Nigeria’s escalating drug abuse crisis by creating a specialised agency dedicated to education, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Senator Hanga, in his remarks, said the bill aimed to address what he described as a “gaping hole” in the nation’s drug response strategy.
“Our current model is heavily focused on interdiction and enforcement, while long-term rehabilitation, public awareness, and reintegration are not receiving sustained attention,”
Hanga said. The Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, who had earlier proposed a similar bill to establish a National Centre for Substance Abuse Management in Delta State, also endorsed the initiative.
Nwoko had sponsored a bill titled “An Act to Establish the National Centre for Substance Abuse Management (NCSAM) in Kwale, Delta State, and for Related Matters.”
The legislative proposal aims to create a federal institution dedicated to addressing the growing issue of substance abuse within Delta State and, by extension, Nigeria.
Nwoko yesterday referenced a student-led NGO from his constituency that submitted a draft bill on the same subject, describing it as evidence of growing grassroots concern.
However, the fresh proposal by Hanga faced strong resistance from the NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Justice, yesterday when they jointly warned that the institute would duplicate existing functions, waste public funds, and potentially spark inter-agency conflicts.
Part of the position paper from the NDLEA read: “All the core functions listed in the bill, including awareness campaigns, school sensitisation, rehabilitation, and research, are
currently being carried out by the NDLEA.
“We already partner with the Ministry of Health, operate rehab centres nationwide, and run training institutes. Rather than creating another body, existing institutions should be strengthened.”
The Ministry of Justice backed the anti-drug agency’s position in its own submission to the Senate Committee.
The Justice Ministry in its position paper noted that the 1988 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances supports a multidisciplinary approach, which the NDLEA already embodies.
The ministry further suggested resources would be better spent enhancing the capabilities of the NDLEA and the National Agency for Foods Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Echoing this sentiment, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in its submissions, argued that years of inter-agency coordination and policy development could be undermined by creating a parallel institution.
The ministry recommended integrating drug treatment into state health insurance schemes and embedding drug education in school curricula as more effective long-term strategies. Nonetheless, several agencies voiced support for the bill. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which manages over 1,900 inmates undergoing rehabilitation for drug-related offences, advocated inclusion in the proposed institute’s governance structure.
...Tinubu Rejects NDLEA Amendment Bill Over Transparency, Constitutional Concerns
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined his assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill 2025.
The president cited constitutional and transparency concerns over a controversial provision that would have allowed the agency to retain a portion of proceeds recovered from drug-related crimes.
The bill, which had been passed by
the National Assembly, and transmitted to him, sought to empower the NDLEA to directly retain part of the funds and assets seized during anti-narcotics operations.
However, in a formal communication to the Senate during plenary, President Tinubu described the proposal as inconsistent with established legal procedures governing the management of forfeited and confiscated properties.
Tinubu relied on Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to
withhold assent to legislation.
He argued the amendment contravened the current legal requirement that all proceeds of crime be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account, which is a central pool designed to ensure accountability.
Part of his letter read, “Currently, all proceeds of crime must be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.”
He added that disbursements from the account to any government agency must receive presidential ap-
proval, and must be cleared by both the Federal Executive Council and the relevant national coordinating body. He stressed the proposed amendment lacked a compelling justification to override the existing framework, which he said was designed to enhance transparency by involving both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“There is no compelling reason to change the current process which promotes transparency as it involves both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said.
Abia House Passes 37 Bills into Law, Vows to Sustain
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo
No fewer than 37 bills have been passed into law by the Eight Session of the Abia State House of Assembly within the first half of the four-year legislative tenure.
Speaker of Abia House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, made this known yesterday during a media interaction to mark the second anniversary of the Eight Abia House, which was inaugurated on June 14, 2023.
He said all the bills passed into law were geared towards the realisation of the new Abia agenda of the Governor Alex Otti administration which has already resulted in a major turnaround in holistic development of the state.
Legislative Harmony
The governor had on the eve of his second anniversary last month, signed 18 of the bills into law in one fell swoop during an expanded State Executive Council meeting, which had members of the legislature in attendance.
Though most of bills passed into law originated from the executive, the legislative output was very significant, given that only five bills were passed into law by the time the House marked its first anniversary a year ago.
Emereuwa said the Eight Abia House has maintained a harmonious relationship with the executive and judicial arms of government.
He regretted that detractors have continued to misconstrue the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature to label the latter
as ‘rubber stamp’ of the governor.
The Speaker faulted such branding, saying that people should stop thinking the legislature has been swallowed by the executive just because both arms are working in harmonious relationship for the good of the state.
He emphasised the executive has not in any way taken advantage of the existing harmonious relationship to undermine the functions of legislature as each arm of government knows its constitutional boundaries.
“You don’t expect us to create chaos when there is none,” Emereuwa said, adding that the quantum of developmental projects already recorded by Governor Otti wouldn’t have been possible without legislative/executive harmony.
As Govt holds executive
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday declared the state government would preserve and digitise the library of a late former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, and make it a tourist attraction centre.
Governor Makinde who described the library as a treasure trove of knowledge capable of offering solutions to numerous challenges facing the country, said preserving the library is one of the ways of immortalising Dr Olunlolyo, who was the second elected governor of the old Oyo State comprising present day Oyo and Osun states.
The governor stated this while paying his last respect to the late Dr Olunloyo, at the lying -in-state and executive session organised in his honour by the state government and held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He added the state government would also commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park at Alakia-Airport Area of Ibadan, which was named after the revered statesman in 2023. Recall that the state government equally named the 3 km Airport Road after the former governor. Makinde eulogised the late
former governor for being one of his go-to persons on how to solve the problems of the state. He added that exploring the tourism potential of the library would also align with his administration’s focus on tourism development. He said: “I have lost a partner. Sometimes, he would tell me how some problems were solved before my time in the state. When people look at me and wonder how come Oyo State is so peaceful during my tenure, they don’t know that I go to these leaders and they analyse things for me and leave me to take the best decisions for the state.
Ogunyemi,
in Umuahia
COURTESY VISIT BY THE CANADIAN DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER TO WEMA BANK...
Wema Bank PLC, Adeola Ajai; Divisional Head, Retail and Digital
Says he stood firmly in defence of democracy, ideals of justice, fairness, equity Saraki, AbdulRasaq, Emir, others mourn
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, paid glowing tribute to Second Republic Governor of Kwara State, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84. Tinubu said Adebayo was a true statesman who demonstrated rare courage, integrity, and perseverance, and he was a strong voice and leading light in Nigerian politics.
In a tribute, the president hailed the late Afenifere leader, fondly called CO by admirers and associates, and said he stood firm in defence of democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity.
The president stated, “I received the news of the passing of Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former academic and former Governor of Kwara State, with profound sadness.
“During his extraordinary lifetime of 84 years, which was marked by
an unyielding commitment to public service and progressive politics, C.O., as political associates fondly called him, was a strong voice and a leading light in Nigeria’s political firmament.
“As a senator in the Second Republic, he held aloft the banner of the Unity Party of Nigeria, led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“In the 1983 general election, his pedigree as a progressive politician shone brightly, when he caused an electoral upset to win the governorship
election in the old Kwara State as the second elected civilian governor.
“During the dark days of military dictatorship that followed the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Adebayo was one of our leaders who cast aside every comfort and stood firmly in defence of democracy and the ideals of justice, fairness and equity.
“He spent several years in exile in Canada, a period that tested his
2027: Barau Makes a Volte Face, Says He’s Set to Be Tinubu’s Running Mate If Called
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
In a stunning turn of event, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has declared his readiness to serve as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election, if the president desired it. Barau had earlier in the week condemned calls for him to be Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 by some group, saying it was bad politics and inauspicious.
Thus, his new position followed recent agitation by a northern political group calling on Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima in the next election cycle.
Responding, Barau distanced himself from the group but expressed gratitude for the confidence they reposed in him.
But speaking to journalists at the
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has expressed concern over the recent approval by the Edo State House of Assembly for Governor Monday Okpebholo to obtain a N100 billion loan from First Bank of Nigeria.
Quoting data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), the party said Edo State’s total domestic debt since creation on 27 August, 1991, as at December 31 2024, stood at N112 billion, arguing that if the new loan was accessed, Okpebholo would have effectively doubled the State’s domestic debt profile in less
National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday, Barau said he owed his political rise to Tinubu and would do “whatever he asks” as a matter of principle and loyalty.
“Whatever the president tells me to do, I will do. I’m loyal to him 100%. If he says I should be his running mate, I will say, ‘Thank you, sir,’ and I will do it,” he said.
Barau credited Tinubu with playing a key role in resolving political tensions in Kano and supporting his elevation to the position of Deputy Senate President.
“Mr. President is a kind-hearted leader. When we had issues in Kano, he stood by me. He ensured I got the Senate ticket and supported me to become Deputy Senate President,” he said.
Barau praised President Tinubu’s governance efforts, saying the
administration inherited significant challenges and had since been working tirelessly to address them.
He described the president as a “father of the nation” who deserved the full support of all Nigerians.
“We have another two years to go. What we need now is support for the president to succeed. When he succeeds, we all succeed. Our faiths are tied together,” he added.
He, however, stressed that it was premature to talk about 2027 politics and urged Nigerians to remain focused on national development rather than speculation.
Barau, however, used the occasion to speak on the upcoming zonal constitutional review summits, scheduled to hold across Nigeria on July 4th and 5th.
He reaffirmed National Assembly’s commitment to a participatory
constitutional reform process that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
“We’re taking the Constitution Review Committee to the people — to their doorsteps. This is the beauty of democracy. We want Nigerians to ventilate their views directly,” he said.
The zonal hearings will be held in Ikot Ekpene (South-South), Lagos (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Jos (North-Central), Maiduguri (NorthEast), and Kaduna (North-West), with each zone chaired by a senior senator from the region.
Barau urged Nigerians from all walks of life — professionals, academics, and grassroots participants — to actively engage with the constitutional review process to shape the future of the country.
resilience and commitment to his beliefs.
Later, he returned to the country to join the politics of the Fourth Republic.”
Tinubu said, “I worked closely with him during our years in exile. He demonstrated rare courage, integrity, and perseverance during these difficult times.
“Within the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, he was a voice of reason and a stabilising influence. “Chief Adebayo, who later served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2007, will be remembered for his patriotism and commitment to the progress of Kwara State and the Yoruba race.
“May the immediate family he left behind, his political associates, the government, and the people of Kwara State find consolation in his legacy of impeccable service.”
Former Senate President and ex-governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described Adebayo as a principled leader and a man of integrity.
In a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki said the late Adebayo was a committed progressive and one of the finest public servants of his generation.
While expressing sadness at the death of the Second Republic senator, Saraki stated, “Chief Cornelius Adebayo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history.
“From his days as a university lecturer in then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Senator in the Second Republic, to his service as Governor of Kwara State, and later as Minister of Communications, he
distinguished himself with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of high ethics, good governance, and public service.
“He was one of the people on the frontline of the struggle against military rule. He will be sorely missed.”
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also expressed sadness over Adebayo’s death.
In a statement he personally signed, AbdulRazaq extended his condolences to Adebayo’s family and associates. The statement read, “I received with sadness but submission to the will of God the report of the death of His Excellency, former Governor Cornelius Adebayo. He was 84.
“C.O. Adebayo, as he was fondly called, was an all-time patriot, statesman, and progressive who represented great ideals and fought for good causes throughout his lifetime.
“With his carriage and roles at various levels of leadership, the former governor stood tall and earned the respect and admiration of all. He left a fine legacy as a democrat who stood up at critical moments of our history.
“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and associates at this difficult moment.
“I beseech the Almighty to repose his gentle soul and give strength to all of us, especially family members, at this moment of transition.”
Sending his condolences, too, Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Adebayo as an administrator par excellence and elder statesman.
than eight months. In a statement by Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, “It took 34 years by all governors of Edo State to incur N112 billion debt, but it is taking Sen. Monday Okpebholo eight months to double it.
“This is an alarming development that raises serious questions about the long-term fiscal sustainability of the State, and indeed, about the financial competence of this APC-led administration.
“What is particularly disturbing is the complete absence of transparency surrounding this loan. No detailed breakdown of
proposed projects has been made public. No information has been provided regarding the identity of nominated contractors, the interest rate, repayment terms, or the timeline for execution.
“The people of Edo deserve to know what commitments are being made on their behalf and at what cost.
“It is unacceptable that such a significant financial obligation is being incurred without public scrutiny or clear justification. The once vibrant State Assembly has abandoned its constitutional duty to rein in the excesses of the Executive Branch of Government.
As Gov Aliyu offers 20% subsidy on food items in the state
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has laid the foundation for a 500 Housing Luxury Estate in Sokoto New City.
Speaking at the event, Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, said the project, valued at N22 billion, aims to address the state’s housing deficit and provide affordable housing for civil servants and low-income earners.
According to the governor, the estate will feature 300 three-bedroom flats and 200 four-bedroom flats, with a projected completion timeline of 12 months.
In another development, to ameliorate the hardship suffered
by people of the state following skyrocketing cost of food items, the Sokoto State government has introduced a 20 percent subsidy on select food items. The food items are to be sold through a special mechanism called “Shangon Sauka Na Amadun Alu” which was launched by Governor Ahmad Aliyu in Sokoto on Wednesday.
Affected food items include rice, millet, cooking oil, spaghetti and wheat.
Speaking at the launch of the programmes, Gov. Aliyu stated that the effort was another of the policies designed by his administration to cushion the negative impact of the removal of the subsidy on petrol
on the people.
Meanwhile, on the 500 Housing Luxury Estate in Sokoto New City, Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of sustainable housing solutions and ensuring the success of the project.
Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commended Governor Aliyu for embarking on people-oriented projects. Ododo explained the project is not only to provide shelter but will give dignity and stability to the occupiers. On his part the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 said Governor Ahmed Aliyu is doing well and will be accorded support from the Sultanate.
L-R: Treasurer,
Business, Wema Bank PLC, Tunde Mabawonku; Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Arbulu-Rojas and Divisional Head, Business Support, Wema Bank PLC, Tajudeen Bakare; during a courtesy visit by the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to Wema Bank office in Lagos...recently
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
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Senate: Yelewata, Mangu Massacre
Acts of Terrorism, Seeks Urgent Actions to Prevent Future Occurrence
House orders probe, NOA lauds police, other security agencies over arrest of Benue massacre suspects Military to deploy over 800 special forces to theatres, IGP dismisses rising calls to bear arms EU, UNICEF to assist in rehabilitating victims
Aborisade, Juliet
Kuni
Abuja and George Okoh
The Senate, yesterday, condemned the recent killing of over 200 people in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as well as the massacre of 12 Kaduna travellers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, classifying them as acts of terrorism.
At the same time, the House of Representatives directed its Committee on Human Rights to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings and ensure that justice was served the victims and their families.
National Orientation Agency (NOA) commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the prompt arrest of some of the suspected masterminds of the Benue killings.
The Nigerian military said it had concluded arrangements to deploy over 800 special forces to operational theatres to combat myriad security challenges across the country.
But Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, dismissed calls for Nigerians to bear arms as a means of protecting themselves amid rising insecurity in the country.
European Union (EU) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicated interest in assisting the Benue State government in rehabilitating, reconstructing, and resettling over 4,000 displaced victims of the Yelewata attack.
Discussing the Benue attacks, the upper chamber described the attacks, which occurred separately on June 18 and June 21, as part of a broader, systematic campaign of violence. It
demanded urgent and comprehensive federal intervention to stop ongoing bloodshed in the country.
The motion to address the massacre in Yelewata was introduced by Senator Titus Zam under matters of urgent national importance during a highly emotional plenary session.
Quoting eyewitness accounts, Zam said the assailants, armed with heavy weapons, launched a coordinated night-time raid on Yelewata, resulting in extensive destruction, death of more than 200 civilians, many of them women and children, and the razing of several communities.
He described the attack as deliberate and genocidal, emphasising that those were not isolated incidents or spontaneous clashes but planned atrocities targeting vulnerable rural populations.
His sentiments were echoed by many of his colleagues, who took turns to express their anger, grief, and concern over the growing pattern of violence in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.
The senate, therefore, passed a resolution with several key demands and recommendations, including a call on the federal government to deploy more military personnel to Benue State, particularly to Yelewata and other known flashpoints, to prevent further attacks and restore security.
It also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the massacre, with the aim of identifying and prosecuting all perpetrators.
The senate urged the federal government to provide compensation to the victims’ families and begin the reconstruction of property destroyed during the attacks.
The red chamber, also yesterday, erupted in grief and outrage over the gruesome killing of 12 wedding-bound
travellers from Kaduna State, who were ambushed and murdered in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 21.
The victims, including women and children, were traveling in an official bus, marked Ahmadu Bello University, when they were attacked by suspected local youths.
Rising under a motion of urgent national importance, Senator Ibrahim Khalid (Kaduna North) described the attack as “a chilling example of lawlessness and rising intolerance”.
Khalid warned that the unchecked violence across the country signalled a systemic breakdown of law and
order.
“This was not a mistake. It was a barbaric act. The victims were clearly in a university vehicle, seeking directions, yet they were set ablaze,” Khalid lamented.
Seconding the motion, Senator Sunday Katung (Kaduna South) stated that retaliatory killings were fast becoming a dangerous norm.
Other senators drew parallels with similar massacres in Benue and southern Kaduna, calling for a coordinated national response.
The senate unanimously condemned the killings, observed a minute of silence, and adopted
far-reaching resolutions, including a demand for full prosecution of those responsible. It urged both the federal and Plateau State governments to compensate the victims’ families.
House Orders Probe into Benue Massacre
The House of Representatives directed its Committee on Human Rights to investigate the circumstances surrounding the massacre of over 200 indigenes of Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and ensure that justice was done in the matter.
The House also directed the federal government to build Forward Operation Base (FOB) for the army in Yelwata, to forestall further attack on the border community. It urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and security in Guma Local Government Area and protect vulnerable communities from further attacks. The House also mandated its committees on interior and security to immediately visit Yelewata and other affected communities in Guma Local Government Area to assess the situation on the ground and report back with recommendations.
Akpabio: Tinubu Worried over Opposition Fragmentation Ahead 2027 Polls
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu was worried over the state of disarray in the opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akpabio expressed the concern yesterday, when he commissioned the newly constructed Interchange of Soyinka Road over Murtala Mohammed Expressway, Abuja, on behalf of the president.
The senate president mocked both the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but said as a democrat, the president was interested in seeing a vibrant opposition in the country and felt concerned seeing
them in a freefall.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, berated PDP for visiting the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, to direct them to obey the Supreme Court judgement reaffirming Senator Emmanuel Anyanwu as de facto National Secretary of the party.
Akpabio said regarding Tinubu, “As a true democrat, he would like to see a very vibrant opposition in the country. Just before I came here to represent him, I received and read a letter from the Labour Party.
“So, it’s not only PDP that is in disarray. Even the Labour Party
is cracked. And people who are strong members of the Labour Party are angling to run Nigeria when they cannot put a small political party like that in order.
“I want to see, I want to join the president to see a vibrant opposition. Senator Neda Imasuen just decamped this afternoon (yesterday) from the Labour Party and moved from the left-hand side in the senate to the right-hand side.
“So, that took my time, Honourable Minister. I had to do that ritual. I’m not tired. I’m happy to receive them because our doors are open in the All Progressive Congress.
“Congratulations to Imasuen, who has decided to leave the
fractured Labour Party to join the APC. Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Osita Ngwu, coincidentally, is the only surviving PDP senator in South-east Nigeria.”
Wike slammed PDP’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for lacking leadership and directing Anyanwu to resume as National Secretary. Wike insisted the Anyanwu was not appointed by Damagum and had been doing his work. He said, “I heard it when the acting national chairman of PDP was directing the national secretary to resume. National Secretary is not your appointee. National Secretary has been doing his work. So, you can’t call him to resume.
INEC: We’ve Received 110 Applications for Registration of New Political Parties
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, disclosed that it had received letters of intent from 110 associations to be registered as political parties. INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at the second regular consultative meeting with media executives at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Yakubu added that the meeting held in the middle of two electoral activities, the first being the conduct of primaries for the area council election
in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which, by the commission’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities, will end on June 30.
He stated, “As you are aware, the election will be held in 68 constituencies made up of chairmen and their deputies for the six Area Councils, namely, Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, as well as 62 Wards drawn on the basis of 10 Wards for each Area Council, except AMAC, which has 12 Wards on account of its population.”
The chairman said the full delimitation details for the FCT were available on its website.
Yakubu explained that the second electoral activity would be the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, saying campaigns in public by political parties commenced exactly two weeks ago, on June 11, and would continue until midnight of November 6, 24 hours to the election day.
He appealed to the media executives to promptly upload their applications for accreditation of media personnel for the Anambra State governorship elec-
tion holding on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as soon as the portal opened. He said this would enable the electoral body process and deliver their accreditation tags well ahead of the election.
Yakubu stated, “Clearly, one of the topical issues on election administration in our country today is the status of the letters of intent we received from associations seeking registration as political parties, amidst partisan insinuations in some quarters that the commission is equivocating on the matter in a manner that compromises
our independence.
“Nothing can be further from the truth. Nigerians may recall that the same unfounded accusation was made under similar circumstances in 2013 that the commission was not keen on the proposed merger of political parties because INEC had ‘merged with the ruling party’ at the time.”
Yakubu recalled that the present commission registered the largest number of political parties in Nigeria, strictly following the provisions of the electoral legal framework.
He further recalled that for the
2019 general election, there were 91 political parties and 73 presidential candidates.
According to Yakubu, “The commission was criticised in some quarters for registering too many political parties. After the election, the commission also deregistered over 70 political parties as provided by law.
“We wish to reassure Nigerians that under the current situation, we will continue to be guided by law and act with fairness to all associations seeking registration as political parties.
L-R One half of South African twin influencers, Cent Twinz, Millicent Mashile; Creative Director at Woof Studios, Adetutu Laditan; the other half of Cent Twinz, Innocent Sadiki; South African entrepreneur and motivational storyteller, Mpoomy Ledwaba; Nigerian food entrepreneur and Founder of Ify’s Kitchen, Ifeyinwa Joan Mogekwu; and Ghanaian visual artist and creator of Enil Art, Israel Derrick Apeti, at the just concluded Cannes Lions held at Cannes, France, where Woof Studios made history as the first African-led company to host a panel at the prestigious Lion Creators’ Forum…recently
Sunday
Akoje, Linus Aleke,
Tyessi, Olalumi Alaran in
in Makurdi
Ibrahim (Ondo South); and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN (Ondo Central), when Dr. Arogundade met with the senators representing Ondo North, Ondo South, and Ondo Central Senatorial Districts to discuss strategic implementation of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) through the upcoming skills empowerment programme in Ondo State, yesterday
Damagum: Anyanwu is PDP National Secretary, Cancels NEC, Proposes Caucus Meeting
Acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, said Senator Samuel Anyanwu remained the party’s national secretary. Damagum said this at the end of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting with the party’s governors and other stakeholders, He stated, “Anyamwu is resuming work as the national secretary. Though, it is a bitter pill.”
He explained that the planned 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) had been put off. In the alternative, Damagum said the expanded national caucus meeting would take place on Monday, June 30.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s national secretariat yesterday, Damagum, said, “We met with some of our governors, the governors’ forum chairman, the BOT and the caucus of the National Assembly. And, today, I convened a critical meeting of the NWC, even though it was a short
notice, some of the members are not here. But we feel you are waiting for us to brief you on what happened yesterday.
“We had an extensive meeting and critical issues were discussed. We know where our problem is.
“INEC is our regulator and they have told us their position as it is, as it affects the issue surrounding the national secretary. We are all aware that the national secretary is a signatory of this party. It is a critical position that he holds.
“As such, we have decided to abide by the advice they gave us, especially as we have a very, very important election before us, that is the FCT election and we are running out of time. So we have no option but to abide by the decision.
“After due consultation and everything, we thought it’s a bitter pill and we have to swallow it. I want to use this opportunity to call on all our party faithful to know that it was a difficult decision. But the survival of the party is more than all of us,
Obi Laments Lawlessness, Says Brother’s Property Demolished Via Curious Order
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, yesterday, said he had become a direct victim of the lawlessness in Nigeria following the demolition of a building belonging to his younger brother in Ikeja, Lagos, through a curious court order.
Obi, who had consistently decried alleged recklessness and impunity in the country in the last two years, said he became a direct victim on Tuesday.
According to a statement by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi said the property in Lagos belonging to his younger brother was demolished by persons acting on a court order addressed to a squatter in the property.
He said the demolition team could not say who sent them, nor did they have any authorising papers for their actions.
Reacting to the bizarre action after
Amid
visiting the scene of the incident, Obi wrote on his X handle, “Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards.
“I know what I have been going through as a person in abuse of my human rights just because I contested a presidential election, which I have legitimate rights to do. So, I imagine what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face daily.
“If this level of lawlessness can happen to someone with a registered company and legitimate means, what hope does the ordinary Nigerian have?”
He explained, “This morning, my youngest brother called me
frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company property in Ikeja, Lagos, and were demolishing the building.
“He had just come in from Port Harcourt and was denied entry to the property by security men who told him the building was being pulled down. They even informed him that this demolition had started over the weekend.
“As a peace-loving Nigerian, he quickly started processing to go to court immediately, not knowing what must have resulted in this, as they moved fast to destroy his home without any restraint.
“I rushed to Lagos from Abuja after the call this morning and headed straight to the property.
On arrival, I was met by security people who tried to bar me from entering the property. I humbly pleaded with them that the property belonged to my brother’s company, and from the records, the company had owned the property for over
Uproar, Senate Approves NonIndigene as Chair, Rivers Electoral Panel
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
In a move that ignited sharp controversy on the Senate floor, yesterday, the upper chamber of the National Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Michael Odey, a non-indigene from Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The confirmation, which came despite fierce objections from several senators, marked a critical moment in the ongoing political
tensions surrounding governance in Rivers State, currently under emergency administrative oversight.
The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Odey’s appointment had triggered protest across party lines, with many lawmakers accusing the federal government of political overreach and insensitivity to local sentiment.
Critics pointed out that Odey hailed from the same state as Ibok Ekwe Ibas, the sole administrator appointed to oversee Rivers State amid the ongoing political crisis. Together, their appointments had fueled allegations of deliberate sidelining of Rivers indigenes from key governance roles in their own state.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) was among the most vocal opponents of the appointment.
a decade.
“They told me they had a court judgement, and I immediately requested it. You would not believe that the court judgement they claim was issued against an unknown person, and squatters. I asked about a demolition order or permit, and there was none.
“How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgement in such a farce of a case? No one was served. No name was written. Yet they showed up with excavators and began destroying a structure that had stood for over 15 years.”
more than everything that you feel that you know and yearn for.”
Damagum added, “So, I want to use this opportunity to tell you that we will do the right thing and it is the decision of most members of this party, led by the organs of the party. The leaders of the organs of the party will have an expanded caucus, so that we will discuss extensively the way forward to NEC.
“That would be on the 30th. We will issue the notice. There is not going to be NEC, but an expanded caucus.
“As it is, like they told us, they don’t have any notice of NEC meeting from us because I was the only person that signed, and we have not followed the guidelines. So, that caucus will take a decision for NEC as well as all critical issues brought before us and leading to our national convention.
“Anyanwu will resume as the national secretary. I think that’s the most important thing.”
The press conference by Damagum was attended by the former senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki; the chairman of PDP governors, Bala Mohammed; Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; former governor of Bsyelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; and National Organising Secretary of PDP, Umar Nature, among others.
Meanwhile, a statement by other NWC members said the press briefing by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was sanctioned by the
leadership of the party. The statement was signed by Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South), Hon. (Arc) Setonji Koshoedo – Deputy National Secretary, Sir. Okechukwu Obiechina –Daniel – National Auditor, Hon. Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary, Woyengikuro Daniel – National Financial Secretary, High Chief Ali Odefa – National Vice Chairman (SE), and Hon. Emmanuel Ogidi – Caretaker Committee Chairman (SS).
Others were Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm – National Woman Leader, and Hon. Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese – National Vice Chairman (SW), The statement was titled, “The Position of the National Working Committee (NWC) on the Media Interactive Session Held by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, on the Scheduled 100th Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).”
It said, “The attention of members of the National Working Committee of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been drawn to a widely reported public statement purportedly signed by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illya Damagum, wherein he denounced media interactive session by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba on Sunday 22nd June 2025, where he (Hon. Ologunagba) restated the resolution of National Executive Committee to hold its 100th meeting on Monday, 30th June, 2025.
Army: 17 Soldiers, not 20, Died in Niger
Many security men, local vigilante killed in face-off with Bandits
The Nigerian Army has disputed the casualty figure of soldiers who paid the ultimate price during a bloody encounter with terrorists in Niger State, stating that 17 soldiers, not 20, paid the supreme price during the counter-insurgency operations.
The service said troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by terrorists into Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, regretted that 17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Anele said the wounded personnel
had been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they were receiving treatment and were already in stable condition.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, and directed the military’s medical teams to ensure the best care possible for the injured soldiers.
Nigerian Army said, in the statement, “In a deliberate joint operation, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by terrorists into the Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on 24 June 2025.”
She said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led to troops engaging about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
Anele stated that the criminals had attempted a night-time transit
towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from military operations in Zamfara State.
She stressed that their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
Anele said the Nigerian Army remained resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect the life and property of all citizens across the nation.
Confirming the news, too, Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Alhaji Abbas Garba, said the incident occurred around 11pm on Tuesday. Garba disclosed that many security men lost their lives in the battle with the bandits, adding that their remains have been retrieved from the forest and deposited at the Kontagora General Hospital morgue.
Laleye Dipo in Minna and Linus Aleke in Abuja
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
BOOK SOIREE IN LAGOS…
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Carpe Diem Solutions, Edward Isreal-Ayide; Performance Strategist, Dr. Abiola Salami; Author of the novel, ‘The Lions’ Den,’ Iris Mwanza; Group Principal Consultant, ADSTRAT BMC, Dr. Charles O’Tudor; Founder and Lead Partner, Detail Commercial Solicitors, Ayuli Jemide, and Senior Executive, Zenith Bank Plc, Nneka Enubuzor, at The Lions’ Den’s book soiree in Ikoyi, Lagos…recently
KWASU Students Relocate over Incessant Armed Robbery, Rape Attacks
Saraki mourns as suspected bandits kill PDP leader, son
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Hundreds of students of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have reportedly relocated from Malete to other places over incessant attacks by suspected armed robbers and rapists.
Meanwhile, suspected
bandits have reportedly killed ward one leader of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Alhaji Abdullahi Kpotun, along with his son in Lile village in Patigi Local Government Council Area of Kwara State.
The attacks, according to THISDAY checks, has led to the alleged raping and stealing
FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Mgt
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria and its German counterpart are collaborating in the management of waste in Nigeria by building capacity on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
In order to sell the message of waste management, a one-day workshop on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) was organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Environmental Standards and
Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with technical partner, Adelphi, with funding from the Government of Germany, and supported by various stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable production and waste management in Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address at the workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, said: “A particularly noteworthy aspect of Nigeria’s EPR framework is our explicit commitment to the inclusion of the informal sector.
Delta Students Win National Debate
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Students from Delta State have emerged champions at the 2025 National Basic Education Debate Championship, thereby earning the prestigious ticket to represent Nigeria at the World Schools Debate Championship holding in Doha, Qatar. Organised by the President’s Schools Debate, the contest brought together top young debaters from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as they showcased their oratory skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
The winning team from Delta State is made up of Wisdom
Chukwuma of Government College, Ughelli; Otorvo Uyoyou of Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun; Abraham Honour of Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka; Ekhamateh Splendour of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba; and Alika Daniel of Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale.
The Delta Team distinguished themselves through compelling argumentation, eloquence and a firm grasp of contemporary issues, eventually outclassing contestants from other states in a series of hard-fought rounds to emerge champion.
of property of the students of the institution at their various hostels and apartments. Though, the management
Researchers
Oluchi Chibuzor
of the institution has taken a move to hurt the reported cases of the attack by putting new security measures on
ground to check the attacks but the situation is yet to be abated. The development, it was
learnt, has led the students to relocate to neighbouring towns of Malete for their safety and protection.
Seek Stronger Collaboration on Data Policy Devt
Experts in the research industry have called for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors around data in Nigeria, emphasising its importance for policy formulation and national development beyond just project implementation.
This is as the Nigerian insights industry recently convened its first-ever international conference 2025, marking a significant milestone aimed at elevating the profession, fostering critical conversations, and strengthening collaboration between the private
sector and government for national development.
Delivering his closing remarks at the end of the four-day international conference held in Lagos with the theme: ‘Beyond
The Horizons: AI and the New Frontiers’, President of the Nigerian Marketing Research Association (NiMRA), Seyi Adeoye, said the programme was designed to elevate the industry.
He noted that while government agencies like the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics and the National Population Commission exist, much more can be achieved through stronger collaboration.
Uzodimma: Imo’s Debts Reduced from N259bn in 2020 to N99bn in 2025
Amby Uneze in Owerri
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has disclosed that his administration has reduced the state debt profile from N259 billion in 2020 to N99 billion in 2025, attributing it to prudent management of state resources.
Uzodimma also expressed
appreciation to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a new Federal University in the state to be cited in Okigwe with a takeoff grant of N30 billion.
The governor, while presenting a ‘State of the State Address’ to the people of the state last Tuesday at the hallowed Chambers of the Imo State House of Assembly,
Owerri, disclosed that “a new Imo is around the corner with the array of developments which his administration is championing.”
He expressed optimism about the future of the state, citing the progress made by his administration in the past five years and six months, and the potential for further development.
Uzodimma explained that the level of work done by his administration in all critical sectors, including programmes that have the potential to attract global attention to Imo State in the nearest future, gave him the confidence that the Imo State of “our collective dream is already at hand.”
‘NASS Working on Several Bills that would Strengthen War against Corruption’
Hammed ShittuinIlorin
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, has said that the members of the 10th National Assembly are working on several bills that would soon become laws towards strengthening the war against corruption in the country.
Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on the sidelines of the one-day roundtable engagement with State Attorney General in the North Central on Strengthening the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC) capacity for corruption prevention, Hon. Akiolu stated that by the time the members of the 10th Assembly complete their workings on the bills and are passed into laws , the corruption practices among Nigerians would be a thing of the past.
Hon. Akiolu said: “There are several bills that we are working on in the 10th National Assembly that would soon become laws in the Assembly.”
“By the time the bills become laws, the war against corruption in the country would be of a thing of.the past in the country.” He also said that the present Assembly has increased the budget allocations to the anti-corruption agencies in the country so as to help them fight corruption.
Experts Chart Roadmap for Corporate Longevity at PEARL Awards Summit
Raheem Akingbolu
Economic experts have urged corporate Nigeria to adopt deliberate governance and sustainability strategies to drive long-term business growth and assure transgenerational longevity. They made the call on
at the PEARL Awards Nigeria 30th Anniversary Corporate Summit with the theme: ‘Built to Last: A Roadmap for Corporate Nigeria.’
Chief Consultant at B. A. Adedipe Associates,Dr. Biodun Adedipe, who delivered the keynote address, said Nigerian
firms must build resilience and evolve into sustainable, multigenerational entities with global economic impact. He noted that organisations lasting beyond 100 years, whether by design or chance, generally earn the respect of stakeholders, analysts, and the wider public.
Adedipe cited that in 2020, the average lifespan of a company on the S&P 500 Index was slightly over 21 years, down from 32 years in 1965. This, he said, reflects a long-term trend of declining corporate longevity, which is expected to worsen further across the 2020s.
Nigeria Energy Sector Fund Declares N307
SCM Capital Asset Management Limited, the Fund Manager of the Nigeria Energy Sector Fund (NESF), has announced a coupon payment of N307.00 per unit for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. This represents a 143.65 per cent increase compared to the N126.00 paid in 2023, reflecting the Fund’s robust performance and strategic investment approach.
Coupon Per Unit
Viewers to Experience Endless Fun, Adventure on July Nickelodeon Shows
Viewers will experience back-toback fun at the July edition of the Nickelodeon shows, according to the company in a report. In July, the world of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will open wide with bold adventures, from magical mischief and heroic pups to jungle quests
“This distribution represents 75 per cent of total earnings, resulting in a dividend yield of 55.60 per cent based on the last traded price of N552.20 on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).”
The coupon will be paid to all unitholders whose names appear on the register as of June 2, 2025. According to a statement, the Fund’s strong fundamentals are further demonstrated by its earnings per share (EPS) of N409.46 and an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59.45 per cent over the past four years.
and back-to-back fun, every day brings something fresh.
Viewers are to catch new episodes of their faves, epic movie premieres like Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, and fast-paced fun with Sonic Prime.
Shows like the Nickelodeon
Animation Stunt (The Smurfs x SpongeBob SquarePants x The Patrick Star Show x Super Duper BunnyL eague x Fairly Odd Parents x Casagrandes). Here, Nickelodeon will be turning up the fun with the ultimate animation showdown. It’s a back-to-back blast of your
favourite animated hits, all in one epic stunt.
The company said dive into underwater laughs with SpongeBob SquarePants, hang out with The Casagrandes, and make some magical mayhem with The Fairly OddParents: New Wish.
FG Expresses Commitment to Enhancing Seafaring Profession
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The federal government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has expressed the commitment to enhance
the seafaring profession. Speaking at the 2025 Seafarers Day celebration held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, said the
government is prioritising quality training by upgrading maritime institutions, expanding capacity-building programmes, and aligning seafarer education with international standards.
Speaking on this year’s theme of the programme, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” Oyetola said hharassment and bullying have no place in the Nigerian maritime industry.
Super Falcons Land in Casablanca in Quest for 10th WAFCON Title
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nine-time African champions, Super Falcons, arrived in Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca last night from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon as they search for Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The pair of China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and USA-based Asisat Oshoala arrived in Casablanca ahead of the Nigerian delegation
comprised of 22 players and team officials.
They flew straight to the Moroccan city as they were not part of the team that played the friendly in Lisbon where goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo and veteran forward Francisca Ordega each had a game to remember.
After securing that goalless draw in the friendly with Portugal on Monday evening, the Super Falcons will open their 13th women’s Africa Cup of Na-
tions campaign against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, 6th July. Their next fixture is against Botswana and Algeria in the group phase.
The Super Falcons have never failed to reach the last four at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, since it was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998. Winners in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, the Falcons made the last four in 2008, 2012 and 2022.
Newly promoted Ligue 1 club Paris FC have announced the signing of Moses Simon from FC Nantes. Moses Simon, 30 next month, has signed a contract until June 2028 with the capital city club.
Ambitious Paris FC paid Seven Million Euros for the experienced international winger.
“Happy to join Paris FC,” Moses Simon said.
“An ambitious project, a new
NBBF Lists D’Tigress’ Preliminary Squad for Women’s AfroBasket 2025
Ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championships coming up in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced the preliminary squad for the senior women’s national team, D’Tigress, as the team officially commences preparations to defend their title.
Kunle Adewale
page to write, and the desire to give my all for the club and the fans. Eager to experience this season with you. Thank you for the trust.”
The Super Eagles winger spent six seasons with FC Nantes during which he played 180 matches. His new club will now hope his goals and assists keep them in the French top flight after their promotion from Ligue 2.
These exhibition matches, will serve both as a celebration of the team’s success and a key element in evaluating player performance as the technical crew works towards final roster selection.
The NBBF remains committed to
As part of the roadmap to the championship, the team will open training camp with a series of structured activities, including their much-anticipated Homecoming Games.
assembling the strongest possible team to represent Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of defending their continental dominance and bringing home yet another AfroBasket title.
Others include;, Pallas KunayiPF(3,4),Murjanatu Musa-PF(4),Gift Uchenna- PF(4), Victoria MacaulayPF/C(4,5), Christabel Ezumah-PF/C (5), Izoje Uche- PF/C (5), Lauren Ebo- C (5),Ugonne Onyiah-C (5), Vera Ojenuwa-C(5) and Blessing Ejiofor-C (5).
Hosting African U18/U20 Athletics Championship a Big Win for Nigeria, Says NSC DG
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has described Nigeria’s hosting of the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship as a “win-win” for the nation’s sporting development and economy.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Olopade—who also chairs the Local
Organizing Committee—highlighted the significance of Nigeria stepping in to host the championship after Algeria withdrew. The event is scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between July 16 and 20, 2025.
According to him, the Federal Government’s decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria into a hub for international
BACK PAGE CONTINUATION
LAMIDO, TINUBU AND JUNE 12
securingthevotesofChristians)was.Itisabout whathappenedafterwards,whenseveralNigerians stood up to the military and paid heavy price for demanding that the votes they lawfully cast could not be so cynically taken away…
The claim that Tinubu supported the annulment of June 12 is as false as the suggestion that he was not in the pro-democracy struggle against the military. Tinubu deserves praise for his pro-democracy role under the late Abacha. But he must also recognize the fact that his approach to the celebration of Democracy Day is counterproductive. If Buhari had the presence of mind to recognize June 12, Tinubu should
sports events.
“We’re shifting from just sending athletes abroad to hosting major competitions here at home. This helps in building local capacity, creating opportunities for small businesses, and improving sports infrastructure across the country,” Olopade said.
He credited NSC Chairman,
use it to heal and unite the country. That is not what is happening right now. Even within the Southwest, only those who have turned ‘On your mandate we shall stand’ to their national anthem are being honoured. That Lamido worked against June 12 is without question. I once recalled how he, in August 1993 at the Villa, threw back at me a copy of my book, ‘Abiola’s Travails’. But it is also true that Lamido was one of the people who fought the late Abacha and for that he was detained. There are many Nigerians like him who—either because they had personal beefs with Abiola or they didn’t like the ethno-centric slant the struggle took—didn’t support
Mallam Shehu Dikko, for securing the hosting rights during a visit to Algeria, where the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) sought a new host.
Olopade assured track and field stakeholders that preparations are in full swing, covering accommodation, transportation, feeding, technical support, and media logistics.
The much-talked about African Fencing Championships kicked off in style yesterday at Charterhouse Lagos, with 24 countries and 150 athletes participating.
According to the President, Nigeria Fencing Federation, Samuel Adeyinka, the championship presents an opportunity for the country to prove to the world that Nigeria can host not only Africa but the world at any level of fencing.
“This championship is an opportunity for our young athletes to learn a lot from,” Adeyinka said.
Continental powerhouses are however showcasing their dominance. Egypt captured the tournament’s first gold medal, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s fencing giants.
Team Nigeria delivered a spirited performance, with rising stars Wisdom Okanlawon and
the Idongesit siblings—Mahadi and Mahathir—advancing to the knockout stages of the men’s Individual Épée event. Despite facing seasoned opponents in the preliminaries, the trio displayed remarkable skill and determination.
Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of Team Nigeria, also progressed to the round of 32. However, all Nigerian contenders were eventually eliminated in the knockout rounds by more experienced adversaries.
Mahathir Idongesit, who was narrowly defeated by World Junior Champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, remained upbeat. “I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said.
June 12 yet fought the military in the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria. That aspect of our history is also very important. While Lamido may be wrong in his false narrative, the president must also understand the danger of shrinking June 12 to a partisan or ethnic affair. I know many people who were angry that Buhari converted June 12 into Democracy Day. I believe the former president took the right decision. But if Tinubu turns June 12 or Democracy Day into another APC heritage or a southwest affair, he risks alienating the rest of the country on what should unite us. I hope it is not too late for him to reverse this ugly trend.
As part of efforts to reposition the Board of Bendel Insurance Football Club, ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has confirmed the appointment of Emperor Jarret Tenebe as the new Chairman of the club . He also announced the immediate dissolution of the previous board. In a statement released by Enabulele’s Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, on Tuesday, he said Tenebe succeeds Mr. Philip Shaibu, former deputy governor of Edo State who was recently appointed Director
General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This decision is in line with the broader objective to revamp Edo’s sports infrastructure in accordance with His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision.
“Bendel Insurance finished last season in fifth place, and with Emperor Tenebe’s wealth of experience in football management, we are confident he will take the club to greater heights,” Enabulele stated. He added: “Governor Okpebholo is passionate about leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment and development. This restructuring is the first step in a holistic overhaul of Edo’s sports ecosystem.”
Moses Simon at his unveiling yesterday in Casablanca
Super Falcons in a group photograph on arrival in Casablanca...yesterday
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
LAUNCHING AND PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK ‘KNOW OYO STATE’...
L-R: Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Gandi Olaoye; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the Author, Prince Dotun Oyelade; his wife, Mrs Oyelade and wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, during the launching and presentation of the book ‘’KNOW OYO STATE,” held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan.
OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
Lamido, Tinubu and June 12
…Nobody needed to be told that the 1999 presidential election was contrived to appease the Yoruba people for the injustice done to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12 (1993) presidential election. The trouble with the arrangement was that with all the cards stacked in favour of (General Olusegun) Obasanjo, most members of the political elite in the Southwest saw the 1999 election as a deliberate act of provocation where June 12 and the memory of Abiola were concerned….What the foregoing says clearly is that there have been some cynical attempts in the past to deal with the June 12 challenge by those who misread history and its varied lessons—even though some find convenient excuses in the contradictions in the social, political and business life of Abiola (and there were many). Then came President Muhammadu Buhari, the last person you would imagine could honour Abiola or remember June 12…
The foregoing is taken from my 2018 column, ‘June 12: A Complicated Story’, following the decision by President Buhari to assent to the Public Holiday Act Amendment Bill, making June 12 Democracy Day in Nigeria and conferring Abiola with a posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour reserved for only those who have led the country. Anybody who followed events in Nigeria, especially under the late General Sani Abacha to whom Buhari was close, would come to only one conclusion: It was courageous of him (Buhari) not only for bestowing recognition on Abiola but also for changing our Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12. But by adopting a selective approach to honouring those who were in the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu is creating problems. That is perhaps what accounted for the pushback from the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido last weekend.
Speaking on ARISE Television, Lamido claimed that Tinubu, a senator under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the period, was ‘a major supporter’ of General Ibrahim Babangida, who annulled the poll. “Luckily, we were all alive. We were all there and participants in that affair of political history. I was in the middle of it. Tinubu became relevant and noticeable after Abacha took over the government,” while also dragging Tinubu’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji into his narrative. Lamido was the National Secretary of the defunct SDP whose candidate, Abiola, won the election that was annulled.
The presidency has replied Lamido, including lifting Tinubu’s contributions on the June 12 debate in the Senate from my book, THE GHOST OF JUNE 12, without attribution—a demonstration of bad faith. While I agree
with the presidential defenders on fidelity to facts, it is also important for them not to miss the underlining intent of Lamido’s claim, even if it is false. Yes, Tinubu fought for the revalidation of the June 12 election and was at the frontline in the struggle for ending military rule in Nigeria while he was on exile. But not a few people now feel uncomfortable that Democracy Day celebrations in Nigeria are becoming both partisan and sectional. Unfortunately, this deliberate attempt by a few people to appropriate June 12 and by implication the struggle for democracy in Nigeria did not start today, but the current administration has taken it to another level. It was first pointed out seven years ago by Chief Olu Falae.
Following the release of the names of those invited to attend the maiden June 12 ceremony in 2018 by the Buhari presidency, Falae said the invitees were more members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) than heroes of democracy or June 12. “Where is Alani Akinrinade whose house was burnt? Where is Dr. Amos Akingba? Where is Chief Ayo Adebanjo? My house was the headquarters where NADECO meetings were held; Abiola’s speech was written in my house. What are they talking about?” Falae asked in 2018. “I was in detention for 20 months, Akinrinade was in exile. They are only recognising as heroes of June 12, those who participated in the struggle and are members of their party.”
There are many outside the Southwest who have been asking the same questions based on what transpired during the military era. Meanwhile, in the same Southwest, there were many people, including prominent traditional
rulers of the era who were not only military apologists but also worked against Abiola and the actualisation of June 12. Besides, there were also politicians from other sections of the country who didn’t care about Abiola or June 12 yet fought against the military (in this case the Abacha dictatorship) for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. This was what I wrote seven years ago on the selective approach to those being considered as the heroes of June 12 by Buhari:
...Why, for instance, was Mr OlisaAgbakoba, SAN, notinvitedtoAsoRockonTuesday?Onthedaythelate General SaniAbacha, then as Chief ofArmy Staff but basedinLagos,orderedtroopstomowdownhundreds of citizens protesting the annulment of June 12 on the streets of Lagos,Agbakoba was the poster boy for the resistancewithaniconicphotographofhisbloodiedface (after he was brutalized by the military) taken by the APpublishedinseveralnewspapersacrosstheworld. HowcanweforgetColonelAbubakarDangiwaUmar, oneofNigeria’smostrespectedofficerswithaglittering career, who resigned his commission because of June 12,adecisionthatcouldjollywellhavecosthimhislife under a different circumstance?And then we have the patronsoftheNationalDemocraticCoalition(NADECO).
Chief CorneliusAdebayo and the late ChiefAnthony Enahorowerearrestedanddetainedforyearsbeforetheir releaseafterwhichtheyfledtoexiletojoinothers.What about Prof BolajiAkinyemi,Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Ms Gloria Kilanko, Chom Bagu, Joe Okei-Odumakin,
ChimaUbani,FestusIyayiandseveralotherswhorisked their lives confronting the military over June 12? Evenwithinthearmedforces,therewereheroes.Both AdmiralAlisonMadueke,thenChiefofNavalStaffand General Mohammed Chris Ali, Chief of Army Staff, wereremovedbyAbachafollowingatenseProvisional Ruling Council (PRC) meeting where they broached theissueofAbiola’scontinueddetention.ChiefAjibola OgunsolarevivedPUNCHnewspaperafterthedeath of the late Chief OluAboderin yet on June 12, he put everythingontheline.Infact,onthedayAbachawas proscribingConcordandPUNCHnewspaperstorender many of us redundant for several months, his anger was directed at the latter. “Concord I can understand sinceitisownedbyAbiolasoitishumanthathisboys wouldbeattackingmebutPUNCH;whatistheirown?” askedAbacha that day.
While there will be a day to remember those who fought for our democracy, including some upwardly mobile men and women then in their thirties and forties whoactedas‘ConcernedProfessionals’(AtedoPeterside, Pat Utomi, Oby Ezekwesili et al), let us deal with the speculations as to why Buhari honoured Abiola and makeJune12DemocracyDay.June12goesbeyondthe personofAbiolaandwhathemayhaverepresentedin thepast.Itisnotevenaboutwhathappenedthatday,as significantasthevotingpattern(Muslim-Muslimticket
Continued on page 39
C.O. Adebayo’s Passage
The moment my phone rang at exactly 2.14 am yesterday, and I saw it was the Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Cornelius Olusegun Adebayo (Jnr) on the line, I feared that he had bad news for me. And he wasted no time to deliver it: “Boda Segun, daddy has just left us.” Thanks to my friend, Gyang Bere, director of media to the Plateau State Governor, I was able to catch the morning flight from Jos to Abuja yesterday morning to join the rest of the family during this difficult moment. I appreciate the chairman of the fact-finding panel on the killings in Plateau State, Major General Rogers Nicholas (rtd) and other members for their comforting words and kind wishes before I left them. The late Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo was more than a father to me. After God, I owe much of whatever I am today to him. While I am still processing his loss, there will be time to reflect and pay the appropriate tribute. To Dotun and Bukunola Ajayi, Stanley and Mosunmola Jegede, Dayo and Bimbola Adewuyi, Deolu and Oloruntoyosi Thomas as well as Segun and Ebun Adebayo, please accept my sincere condolences.
