THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2025

US Govt Shuts Down as Congress Fails to Reach New Funding Deal

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Funding for the US government

www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Prof. Wole

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; CBN Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso; and First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, during the commissioning of the re-opening and re-dedication ceremony of the 4,000-capacity Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, held in Iganmu, Lagos, yesterday

Tinubu Canvasses New Orientation, Urges Nigerians to Lift, Believe, Put Country First

in Lagos and Amby Uneze in Owerri

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, advocated a new orientation by Nigerians, urging them to always lift the country, believe in her and put her first at all times in all they do. He, therefore, enjoined the Nigerian people to embrace optimism and collective responsibility in shaping the country’s future, urging them to discard cynicism and redis- cover the values of confidence, resilience, and unity that defined the nation’s founding generation.

L-R: Daughter of Tony Elumelu, Tiffany Ogo Elumelu; Wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, accepting 2025

behalf

Elumelu, Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation; Founder,

Rabbi

Schneier; and Executive Vice President, Appeal of Conscience Foundation, Karen Dresback, at the

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Nume Ekeghe

Emma Okonji in Lagos and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Ajao Adewale, yesterday, shed more light

Soyinka;

PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After FG Brokered Deal with Dangote

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its three-day-old industrial action following an agreement brokered by the Federal government.

In the agreement signed by PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery Group on Tuesday night, the company agreed to reabsorb the over 800 staff who had been sacked for allegedly joining PENGASSAN.

Addressing a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union met and resolved to suspend the strike as a mark of respect to the sacrifices made by the federal govern- ment and other stakeholders to broker peace.

“We have suspended the industrial action. And in good

faith, as a demonstration to the government that we respect institutions, as a demonstration to the government that we are extremely patient. But this suspended action will come back if there is a breach of the agreement,” he said.

Osifo, however, said the agreement did not fully address the demands of PENGASSAN as it failed to give specific guarantees that the sacked workers will be returned to their jobs at the refinery and not places outside the jurisdiction of the association.

He said the union accepted the deal but has pointed out the grey areas to the federal government.

Osifo said that though it was the desire of the association to bring worker back to their positions the government otherwise. He said the union accepted the deal as a compromise out of respect for the government

and Nigerians.

According to the PENGAS- SAN President, the federal government should prevail on Dangote Refinery not to renege on the agreement because such a stance would draw the wrath of workers in the oil and gas industry.

He said the Union would not hesitate to resume the

strike if Dangote Refinery’s management reneges on the agreement to recall the affected staff.

“We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately,” he said.

The PENGASSAN president also responded to what he described as wrong

assertions and misconceptions ascribed to the union as a result of the dispute with Dangote Refinery.

He said most Nigerians are ignorant of the real issues that necessitated the strike in the first instance, saying PENGASSAN was not after check-up dues as alleged in some quarters, but to protect

young oil and gas workers who voluntarily agreed to be part of the union.

On the allegation of sabotaging the company, Osifo dismissed it, saying that PENGASSAN has members in big multinational oil companies operating in the country and has contributed to their progress and growth.

Independence: Umahi, Dangiwa Say Tinubu Returning Nigeria to Growth Path

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, and his counterpart at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, have said that President Bola Tinubu was working to restore Nigeria to the path of growth. In separate statements

in Abuja on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the ministers stressed that the President, since taking over the reins of power, has made the revamping of the nation’s infrastructure a key priority.

While felicitating Tinubu and indeed all Nigerians on the occasion, Umahi stated that the celebration always

FG to Blacklist Defaulting Contractors in Housing Sector

Vows to accelerate pace of work, ensure timely delivery

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has met with contractors handling its various housing projects across the country, aimed at accelerating the pace of work and ensuring the timely delivery of projects in line

with contractual obligations. According to a statement in Abuja by the Director Information and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the meeting was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, alongside directors of the ministry’s project departments.

Addressing the contrac- tors, Belgore stressed the determination of the ministry to enforce strict compliance with contract provisions and procurement regulations. He warned that the ministry would not hesitate to apply necessary sanctions against defaulting contrac-

tors, including the issuance of formal queries, recovery of mobilisation funds, forfeiture of guarantees, blacklisting, termination of contracts, and, where necessary, reporting to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

calls to mind the sacrifice, vision, and aspirations of Nigeria’s leaders who played a prominent role in shaping the trajectory of the journey towards independence and national development.

The coming on board of the administration of Tinubu , Umahi said, has provided a turning point to the wheels of the developmental progress of the nation, explaining that he has continued to change the developmental trajectory of the nation through his agenda designed to turn challenges into opportunities.

“Today, the benefits are manifest. He has returned our country to the path of glory through massive investment in critical infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones and through other social economic interventions that

now stimulate progressive and sustainable economic growth.

“ In the works sector, a lot has been done by Mr. President to address the burden of inherited road infrastructural deficits across Nigeria. The four Renewed Hope legacy projects are a part of measures to expand the frontiers of the economic ecosystems and stimulate the geometric growth of our nation’s GDP. Nigerians are witnesses to the progress he has so far made on road infrastructure development.

“As we celebrate a new dawn in our journey of nationhood, may the spirit of freedom and unity continue to inspire every Nigerian to strive for a brighter future and may the liberties we cherish inspire us to keep the integrity of our nation,” Umahi stated.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

CELEBRATING NIGERIA AT 65...

Governor Hope Uzodimma Imo State with the wife, Chioma, and other dignitaries, cutting the cake to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Owerri.... yesterday

Farmers Urge Tinubu to Boost Access to Fertiliser

Declare price of commodity has increased to N60,000 per bag from N5,500 during last intervention

Say Buhari’s legacy on agricultural transformation should be preserved

Farmers under the aegis of the Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN), have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to make fertiliser accessible and affordable to farmers.

They also urged the president to preserve the agricultural transformation legacy of the late former President Muhammadu

Buhari, by enhancing farmers’ access to fertilisers, among others. They urged the president to sustain the importation of fertiliser raw materials until local production capacity is fully reliable to meet national demand.

The groups further advised that the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) should be allowed to continue managing raw material importation, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and

stability in the supply chain.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Abuja, COFAN President, Dr. Abubakar Bamai, alongside representatives of HYFAN, further called on the government to adopt a balanced approach that protects farmers in the short term while building stronger local capacity for the future.

The farmers expressed dismay that the price of the commodity had risen by over 990.90 per

cent to currently N60,000 from N5,500 during the government’s last intervention in fertiliser.

Nevertheless, the groups commended Tinubu for his bold agricultural reforms and programme aimed at repositioning the country’s food systems, adding that the reforms demonstrated strong commitment to farmer empowerment, youth inclusion, and national food security.

They, however, expressed

Wale Tinubu Gets Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa Energy Week

The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025, in recognition of his commitment to building Oando into one of Africa’s foremost integrated energy companies.

The award, one of the most coveted accolades at AEW, a statement from the firm said, is presented annually to industry leaders whose careers have demonstrated extraordinary vision, resilience, and a lasting impact on Africa’s energy landscape.

Past recipients include: Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank, who received the Mohammed Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024; Hage Geingob, former President of Namibia; Macky Sall, former President of Senegal, awarded in 2023 and Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo, in 2022.

In conferring the award in

Cape Town, South Africa, the Africa Energy Chamber cited Wale Tinubu’s “dedication to advancing Africa’s energy security, his bold leadership in navigating Oando through periods of uncertainty and transformation, and his pivotal role in demonstrating the power of indigenous companies in driving industrial growth and energy sovereignty across the continent.”

Throughout his career, Wale Tinubu, according to the statement, has been a steadfast champion of Africa charting its own destiny by harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people.

“A firm believer that anyone can achieve greatness with vision, determination, and the right team around them, he has led Oando from its modest beginnings as a local downstream operator into a multinational integrated energy player with a robust portfolio spanning exploration and pro- duction, power, and renewables.

“His leadership has not only positioned Oando as a

continental leader but also symbolised African ambition, ingenuity, and resilience,” the statement stressed.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, the company said, is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence at AEW, reserved for leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Africa’s energy sector.

It recognises individuals

whose sustained, more than decade-long careers embody remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to the oil, gas, and energy industries.

“Wale Tinubu’s recognition was a fitting and well-deserved tribute to a leader who has consistently inspired others to believe in the promise of Africa and the power of its people,” the statement noted.

reservations over the federal government’s undertakings in the ongoing deliberation and restructuring of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI).

Bamai said, “We express deep concern about the immediate effects on Nigerian farmers, particularly smallholder and youth farmers. Rising input costs, distribution gaps, and uncertainty in fertiliser supply threaten to undermine the gains made over the past eight years.

“We recall that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the PFI was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, ensuring affordable fertiliser through the importation of raw materials and support for local blending plants.

“Millions of farmers benefited from this intervention, which boosted food production and strengthened food security… In this regard, we respectfully urge President Tinubu not to allow these achievements to be eroded.”

He told THISDAY, “During the last intervention, fertiliser used to cost around N5,500 per

bag. Now it has risen to N60,000. That’s a massive difference and a huge burden for our farmers.

“The price hike is affecting everything—mechanisation, monitoring and evaluation, access, production—you name it. Previously, only a few blenders were active nationwide. But now, more blenders have emerged, which is good for youth employment and economic empowerment.

“This is a major opportunity. If more people are involved in input blending, more jobs will be created and the economy will benefit. But people also need to be realistic about timelines—ag- ricultural investment takes time before you see results.

“It’s unfair to expect immediate results just because a large budget was allocated to agriculture. We need proper planning and long-term commitment.

“For instance, if we say we’ll produce all we consume, we must first build the capacity to do so. Fertiliser was very cheap back then, but that’s no longer the case.”

Save the Children International Launches Benue State IDPs Policy

George Okoh in Makurdi

Save the Children International (SCI), in collaboration with the Benue State Government, has launched the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) policy in the state.

The SCI while commending the state government for the domestication of the policy urged them to translate the policy into concrete results, safer shelters, restored livelihoods, access to education, and

protection services for every displaced child and family in the state.

The Deputy Country Director, Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi Mutua, gave the charge during the launch at Government House Makurdi.

She appealed to government agencies, development partners, civil society, and community leaders to work together to ensure that the policy moves beyond paper to action reminding that the children and families

of the State are counting on them to make the policy a reality through full implementation, adequate resourcing, and continuous monitoring.

Mutua said “Save the Children is pleased to have supported the development of this policy through technical and financial assistance and remains committed to working with the government and communities till every Nigerian child can learn in safety and is protected.

“In Benue State, Save the

Children is supporting IDPs with cash assistance to enable them meet urgent needs and begin rebuilding their liveli- hoods, as WASH and child protection services.

“In addition, Save the Children is also working closely with communities to reduce the risk of displacement due to flooding through the Flood Anticipation Capacity Enhancement Project and the Strengthening Anticipatory Action in Nigeria initiative”.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

PLANTING OF SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN ABIA...

L-R: Director of ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Ms. Vanessa Lerato Phala-Moyo; Chief of Field Services, UNICEF, Ms. Judith Leveillee; EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot; Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti; Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix; and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Alozie, during the launch of the EU-funded

Oil Refineries Owners Seek End to Frequent Disruption of Downstream Operations

Lament inadequate feedstock, call for stakeholders’ meeting

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) yesterday warned that the Nigerian petroleum industry may suffer imminent collapse if steps are not taken to stop the disruptions in the sector by key stakeholders.

In its message on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, the Momoh Oyarekhua-led organisation appealed to the federal government to urgently intervene in addressing the rising disputes within the petroleum sector, warning that prolonged conflicts could destabilise Nigeria’s energy security, undermine private refinery operations, and disrupt the wellbeing of millions of citizens.

According to CORAN, the ongoing disagreements among key players pose an immediate risk to the stability of the industry, stressing that without prompt and decisive government action, the disputes

will continue to threaten private refinery operations and widen the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

CORAN stressed that no union or group of individuals should be allowed to unilaterally block the supply of crude oil or gas to any refinery in violation of existing agreements. Such actions, it noted, undermine not only contractual obligations but also the broader national interest.

For this reason, CORAN called on the federal government to restore sanity and fairness by ensuring that contractual rights are respected and disputes are resolved through transparent dialogue and fair processes.

The association also recommended that the government should convene all stakeholders in the oil and gas refining value chain to deliberate on a binding framework that protects supply contracts, encourages investment, and secures the national economy from recurring disruptions.

The group emphasised that

the survival of private refineries was indispensable to achieving energy self-sufficiency, safeguarding foreign exchange reserves, and protecting house- hold welfare.

CORAN highlighted the significant contributions of private refineries to Nigeria’s economy, emphasising that its members, made up of locally

owned refining businesses, have invested heavily—often with limited access to funding—in projects that aim to provide the country with a sustainable energy future.

These refineries, it said, help reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, saving the government scarce foreign exchange, and creating oppor-

tunities for local employment and industrial development.

“Despite these efforts, CORAN acknowledges that private refiners continue to face enormous challenges. Access to crude oil feedstock remains one of the most pressing obstacles, often complicated by regulatory delays and supply chain disruptions.

“Additionally, the business environment is hampered by the disruptive actions of vested interests who benefit from the continuation of import dependence. Such actors are resistant to change and are using disputes within the industry as leverage to undermine the growth of the local refining sector,” the organisation stated.

PDP Asks IGP to Probe Attempt to Pay N12.75bn Osun LG Funds as Legal Fees

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to probe an alleged attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen in the state sacked by the court, to ‘illegally’ pay out almost N13 billion of the state’s local government funds as legal fees.

In a leaked letter, one of the

sacked chairmen instructed UBA to pay a law firm 15 per cent of the allocation paid into the council’s account last week as legal fees.

In a statement issued in Osogbo yesterday and signed by its State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, the PDP raised alarm over the illegal directive. The PDP said it gathered authoritatively that the APC ex-chairmen in all the 30 Local Government

IYC: INEC Disobeying Supreme Court Judgement in Warri Delineation Crisis

Olusegun Samuel in

and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fuelling crisis in Warri Federal Constituency by embarking on continuous voters’ registration exercise against a Supreme Court judgement.

In a statement by its spokes- man, Binebia Princewill, IYC said the Supreme Court, in a judgement in 2022, had

voided previous wards and units in the constituency, and so INEC had no locus standi to proceed with its continuous voter registration exercise.

It added that the reports emanating from officials of INEC and the commission itself seemed to be shrouded in a veil of confusion.

IYC stated, “On one hand, it is reported that the commission has suspended the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise and transferred it to the office of the National Security Adviser

(NSA).

“On the other hand, INEC has issued another statement, a clarion call that seeks to misquote the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta- Messi, and Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Monday, 29th September 2025, asserting that the commission has not suspended the delineation exercise.

“As a council, we are consumed by profound concern,

and our collective curiosity is piqued, for we wonder if there exists no well-defined hierarchy within INEC that its officials would brazenly issue public statements with reckless abandon, only to retract them moments later.

“The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement delivered on December 2, 2022, declared the current delineation in Warri Federal Constituency is fraudulent, non-existent, and unrepresentative of the constituency’s population.”

Councils gave the same instruction to the bank.

“The total balance in all LG accounts is about N85 billion. Fifteen per cent of that amount translates to N12.75 billion which these APC men wanted to pay out as legal fees. Fortunately, the Oyo State High Court order of last Friday stopped them and their scheme,” he disclosed.

He added that the ex-council chairmen used non-council staff members as treasurers and co-signatories of the letters.

“There is no officer desig- nated as treasurer in the local government scheme of service across the country. Yet these people used individuals who are not local government staff to fill the non-existent position of treasurer. One of those so used to sign the letter is a non-teaching staff of a private polytechnic in Boluwaduro Local Government Area. It is shocking,” the PDP chairman said.

According to the PDP chairman, the letter was written a few days ago to UBA, instructing a 15 per cent deduction from the accounts of local governments to be paid

to a legal practitioner with a UBA account.

The PDP said the sacked council chairmen signed ‘Irre- vocable Letters of Deduction’ in favour of the law firm, which were forwarded to a branch of UBA. The said deduction was to commence from February 2025 to September 2025.

“The APC has descended to the lowest level with outright impunity and deliberate trampling on the law and the constitution. Despite a court order and a subsisting case before the Supreme Court, the APC is violating all known laws and public finance rules and regulations,” Bisi said.

An Oyo State High Court on Friday granted an injunction restraining UBA from allowing any payment out of the accounts opened by the APC ex-chairmen, into which the CBN paid the local govern- ments’ seized seven-month allocations.

“We call on the InspectorGeneral of Police to open criminal investigations into these letters and their authors. All perpetrators of this illegality must be brought to book,” the statement said.

SUSI project in Umuahia…recently

Yenagoa

ACCI Hails Tinubu for Achieving Stable, Predictable Economic Environment

Urges president to tackle insecurity, infrastructure, others

James Emejo in Abuja

President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, yesterday commended Presi- dent Bola Tinubu’s Indepen- dence Day Address, stating that it underscored economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and renewed hope for inclusive growth.Obegolu said the outlined achievements, including the surge in non-oil revenue, stabi- lisation of the naira, improved oil production, rising external reserves, and steady growth

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration in Lagos, Tinubu cautioned against constant negative narratives about Nigeria, insisting that the country’s destiny rested in the hands of its people.

“Stop talking about Nigeria in a negative tone, it might not

cutting the size of the national government. He has suggested that the present impasse could give him an opportunity to do more of this.

This development happened because the Republicans and Democrats could not come together and pass a bill funding government services into October and beyond. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate - or upper chamber - they are short of the 60 votes they need to pass a spending bill. Opposition Democrats, therefore, have some leverage.

Both sides have been in a bitter standoff over healthcare spending, and the Democrats have refused to back a Republi- can bill that they say will make it harder for Americans to afford healthcare.

They are calling for an exten- sion of tax credits - which are set to expire - that make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, and for a reversal of cuts to Medicaid that have been made by Trump. Democrats also oppose spending cuts to government health agencies.

A stopgap bill was earlier passed in the House, or lower chamber, but is yet to clear the Senate.

The last time this happened, in 2018, the shutdown was the longest in history at 35 days. Government shutdowns are easy to get into, but not so easy to get out of. In this case, it really depends on when - or if - one of the parties will agree to a compromise.

There are two main ways this could end - either the

in trade surplus, signalled a more stable and predictable economic environment for businesses.

In a statement, Obegolu pointed out that Tinubu’s declaration that “the worst is over” was a welcome assurance to the business community, which had faced tough challenges in recent years.

He said, “For the business community, stability and predictability are the bedrock of investment decisions. The measures highlighted by Mr. President, particularly the

be about education. There are educated derelicts around the world. What matters is belief in ourselves. We are a nation of brave people, confident and dedicated. Let us build it together. Let’s rechristen it.

“If you had a bad dream, forget it. This country will succeed. And it is with you, myself, and many others that we will enjoy the glory and reap the fruits. Please, lift Nigeria. Believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria first.”

Republicans negotiate an extension to the healthcare subsidies that the Democrats are demanding, or the shutdown becomes so disruptive that the Democrats back down and agree to fund the government - at least temporarily - to get things up and running again.

So far, the Trump administra- tion has been unwilling to offer any substantive concessions, and believe the Democrats will bear the brunt of the public’s blame because they are the side mak- ing demands in exchange for keeping the government open.

Democrats, meanwhile, believe their push for preserving health-insurance subsidies is a popular one, the BBC reported.

What is more, their congres- sional leaders provoked the ire of left-wing activists for backing down during the last budget bout in March. Many Democrats are itching for a bigger fight this time around – and funding the government is one of the only places where their party has some leverage.

Not all of the government will shut down - those deemed essential workers continue as normal, although without pay for the time being.

Border protection, law enforce- ment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, in-hospital medical care and air-traffic control workers are expected to continue to operate as usual.

While social security and Medicare cheques will still be sent out, benefit verification and card issuance may stop. Government employees deemed non-essential are temporarily put

reduction in debt service ratios, the clearing of Ways and Means advances, and renewed confidence in our sovereign ratings, are important indica- tors that Nigeria is on a more sustainable growth path.”

However, the ACCI president, who also doubles as leader of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, stressed that more needed to be done to address the practical realities faced by enterprises, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Tinubu, who described the evening as “wonderful and inspiring,” announced that he would personally contribute to an endowment fund to sustain the Centre and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), working alongside the Bank- ers’ Committee, to design the initiative.

According to him, the fund should not only guarantee long-term maintenance but also generate jobs and support cultural entrepreneurship.

on unpaid leave. In the past, these workers have then been paidThatretrospectively. means that services like the food assistance programme and federally-funded pre-school and institutions like the Smithsonian museums will likely be curtailed or closed.

Several agencies, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are likely to furlough many workers, affecting ongoing research and experiments already in progress.

National parks and forests remained open during the last shutdown, but with few or no staff. This led to vandalism, littering and looting of historical

on the death of ARISE News Anchor, Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, and tried to correct some mistaken accounts about her demise.

Adewale said contrary to some misinformation doing the rounds, Maduagwu jumped from a three-storey building during a robbery attack at her residence in Abuja on Monday morning and died in the process.

The police commissioner said Maduagwu became afraid during the robbery attack and decided to jump out of her three-storey building for safety, but lost her life in the process.

Describing the robbery incident as a cruel and senseless act that had no place in a sane society, the commission of police assured Nigerians that the command remained fully committed to ensuring that

He identified priority areas requiring urgent government attention.

According to him, many businesses still face prohibitive interest rates, despite recent monetaryObegolueasing. added that special intervention funds and credit schemes targeted at MSMEs must be expanded.

He stressed that power supply remained inconsistent, raising production costs.

Obegolu urged the govern- ment to fast-track investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

“It’s now left with Cardoso and others to put together an endowment fund, and I’m going to be a contributor. It is not a bad thing for us to use this opportunity to create jobs, ensure accessibility, and drive national commitment. The worst is over. We will turn the corner. The economy has recovered, and I am confident prosperity will come,” he said.

On his part, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Olayemi Cardoso,

sites, park advocates said. There could also be travel delays. Flight systems might “need to slow down, reducing efficiency”, a representative from Airlines for America has warned. Passport agencies have warned that it could take longer than usual to process travel documents.

Mail will still be delivered and post offices will remain open because the US Postal Service does not depend on Congress forMostfunding.American schools are state-funded, however the federal government is responsible for billions of dollars in grants and student loans, which could effectively come to a halt. That

Continued on page 32

justice was Accordingserved. to him, “The FCT Police Command, once again, commiserate with the family of Somtochukwu and the entire Nigerians that are recently touched with this ugly incident.

“Regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, to set the record straight, some armed robbers, specifically, gained access into Unique Apartments, where Somtochukwu lived, a three-storey building of 18-flat apartment around Katampe in Abuja.“Two guards were on duty. These are private guards, and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot.

“Somtochukwu actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, and out of the fear, she jumped

He stated that while revenue mobilisation remained critical, multiple taxation and complex regulatory procedures contin- ued to stifle businesses, adding that streamlined taxation and regulatory reforms are urgently needed.

The ACCI president also said persistent insecurity in parts of the country hampered trade and agriculture.

He said more decisive action was needed to secure supply routes and protect businesses.

He said, “Government has taken bold steps in stabilising the macroeconomic environ-

disclosed that the Bankers’ Committee in ensuring that the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative renovation was a success committed about N68 billion to the theatre’s transformation.

He explained that the initiative was not merely corporate social responsibility but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s creative economy, with long-term benefits for tourism, youth employment, and global competitiveness.

Cardoso praised the unity of purpose that enabled the delivery of the project despite hurdles such as structural challenges, contractual delays, and the disruptions of the global pandemic.

He said: “In 2020, the federal government approved a landmark public–private collaboration: the transfer of the Theatre and its estate into a special partnership with the Central Bank, on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee. What began as an ambitious vision to reimagine an aging monument as a world-class creative hub has today become a stunning reality.“The journey was not without challenges. Structural complexities, contractual issues, and even the global pandemic extended the timeline far beyond 2 expectations. Yet our resolve

down from that third floor.

“It is sad, so unfortunate. But when the policemen moved to the scene, what they could see was the unconscious body of Somtochukwu on the floor.

“They picked her there and then and took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctors on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they could resuscitate her using the CPR, but unfortunately they couldn’t make it. That’s the story.”Adewale said the police had set up a specific investigation team headed by Deputy Com- missioner of Police in charge of investigation, to look into and unravel the whole situation with a view to tracking down the culprits.

He stated, “The lead we are getting, we’re already working

Chief Emeka Obegolu

ment, but the business community needs complementary microeconomic interventions to ease the cost of doing business, enhance competitiveness, and unlock job creation.”

never wavered. This was a project especially close to the president’s heart, and it was his vision that transformed it from a restoration into a symbol of national renewal.

“By renaming the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in July 2024, His Excellency charted a bold course to place creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s renaissance.

“With his directive that this Centre must be ready for this historic Independence Day, he underscored culture’s role not only in preserving our heritage but also in projecting Nigeria’s influence on the global stage. Today, the results stand as a testament to that foresight and to the power of purposeful leadership.

“The Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth. Its iconic silhouette has been preserved while deliver- ing world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised infrastructure.

“Allow me to emphasise that none of this would have been possible without extraordinary partnerships. The Central Bank of

Continued on page 32

on it. No stone will be left unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked and brought to justice, and the results of the investigation will be made known to AdewaleNigeria.”disclosed that the FCT police command had in the past arrested and neutralised bandits in Abuja and recovered weapons and ammunition from them.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, condoled with the Maduagwu family and Arise News Channel over the death of the news anchor.

Fubara, in his condolences, expressed shock and sadness over the “heart-breaking demise of the 29-year old brilliant lawyer and exceptional personality

Continued on page 30

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Anambra 2025 Guber: As Ekwunife Apologises to the Soludos

In recent times, there has been political brickbat in anambra State between Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, Nonye and the running mate of the aPC governorship candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife. David-Chyddy Eleke reports that apologies have been tendered and rejected over the impasse.

After a recent heated argument that first involved Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and the Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uche Ekwunife about accusations of fake certificate levied against the latter by the former, which elicited a reply from Ekwunife, causing her to take a jab at the wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, tempers have calmed with apologies following.

In the exchange, a visibly angry Mrs Soludo had attacked Ekwunife for daring to mention her name in what she considered a political war against those in the contest. Reacting to Ekwunife’s attack on her where her fidelity

to her husband and the paternity of her children were questioned, Mrs Soludo wrote Ekwunife personally, challenging her to an oath before the Blessed Sacrament (both are Catholics), to swear that they had both been faithful to their husbands.

Mrs Soludo’s also challenged Ekwunife to bring all her children on an all-expense paid trip to London, alongside she and her children, for a DNA test to ascertain that they were fathered by their husbands. She thereafter vowed that contrary to Ekwunife’s accusations, he was married a virgin and has only known her husband in

all her 55 years of existence on earth and 30 years in marriage.

These exchanges were described by many as washing dirty linens in public and got many political actors intervening, calling for an end to such style of politicking, while many accused Soludo of lowering the bar of politics in the state under his administration by igniting the debate.

One of those who intervened, the governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), Dr George Moghalu, said: “Some people have been wanting me to speak about the virtuperations that are coming out of Anambra State. I believe there are many things to be talked about and we should not belittle ourselves, or involve in many things that cast aspersions on people. At our

level, we should be civil.

“We should be able to see things that are not working well in government and speak about them, or we should rather market yourselves. You are dealing with people, so tell them what you can do to make the society a better place instead of discussing things that are very embarrassing. Talking about sex and educational qualifications brings down the bar of governance. If you think the government has not done enough, then you should say how you will do it,” Moghalu has stated.

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

Abbas: A Patriotic Leader Dedicated to Nigeria’s Progress

Philip Agbese writes that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon a bbas Tajudeen, is a leader and patriot dedicated to the nation’s progress, working tirelessly to ensure that the country’s interests are protected and advanced.

Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a rare pillar of integrity in Nigeria’s gover- nance, a leader whose resolute honesty and patriotism forge a compelling vision for national progress.

As Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, he embodies the essence of the blind men and the elephant parable—each perspective distinct, yet all converging on the undeniable truth of his dedication to Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.

My encounters with him reveal a man who leads with quiet conviction; his actions reflect a commitment that prioritises the nation’s future over personal acclaim.

Abbas meticulously crafts Nigeria’s economic trajectory, ensuring the budget aligns with the country’s aspirations, meets fiscal demands, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a foundation for a thriving tomorrow.

His Legislative Agenda drives economic diversification, education reform, and transparent governance, amplified by innovations that invite public scrutiny. Through peacebuilding initiatives and robust oversight, Abbas delivers tangible progress—roads, schools, and opportunities—transforming communities and proving that principled leadership can inspire a nation toward a shared, prosperous future.

Abbas represents many shared truths, first as a leader patriotically committed to our progress as a nation and will never compromise it for any reason. This commitment is demonstrated by guided actions, deeply rooted in his love for this country and a desire to see it prosper. He

has shown steadfast dedication to the nation’s progress, working tirelessly to ensure that the country’s interests are protected and advanced.

A man of exemplary honesty and transparency, Abbas values truth, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves rather than seeking attention. This approach has earned

him the respect of his colleagues and the public. Often noted for being straightforward to the core, Abbas is known for his uncompromising approach to governance. He is a man of his word, and his commitment to honesty and integrity is evident in all his dealings. An indisputably visionary leader and a model pacesetter, Abbas, both as Speaker and as a citizen, displays characteristics rooted in

honesty and a singular commitment to the peace and advancement of the country.

As Speaker, his clear vision for Nigeria’s development, focusing on legislative excellence, has been instrumental in sponsoring numerous bills that aim to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those related to education, healthcare, and economic development, while his determination to promote constituency development has redefined the importance of constituency projects, ensuring government presence is felt in various communities across the country and positively changing narratives, resonating his steadfast commitment to peace, national development, and the promotion of unity and understanding among Nigerians.

The House of Representatives, under the effective watch of Abbas, bears glowing testimonies of his capacity, as it has outlined a model Legislative Agenda focused on driving progress, prosperity, and inclusivity across Nigeria. The agenda’s key mandates, both unprecedented and innovative, prioritise economic empowerment and diversification, incentivising investments in non-oil sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy to reduce dependence on oil exports and create jobs; infrastructure development to improve connectivity and economic opportunities; and education and human capital development to drive innovation and economic growth.

-Hon Agbese is the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives.

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

soludo

mrs nonye soludo

Ekwunife

Abbas

FEaturEs

How Stanbic IBTC is Harnessing the Transformative Potential of Technology-driven Environmental Solutions

Wole

Uzoma Mba

As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of economic growth and climate resilience, the country's financial sector is pioneering innovative solutions that could reshape how Africa approaches sustainable development.

A quiet revolution has started at the recently concluded Stanbic IBTC Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0, held in partnership with the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, which offered a compelling glimpse into this transformation. The event, themed "Financing Resilience: Digital Innovation and AI for Climate Smart Communities," brought together over one thousand participants from across Nigeria's financial, technology, and policy sectors.

At the summit's core was a fundamental question: How can artificial intelligence and digital innovation drive climate-smart financial solutions in communities that need them most? The answers revealed during the event were both surprising and

encouraging.

Kunle Adedeji, Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, explained, "We are witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm in sustainable finance. Traditional approaches to climate finance often struggle with scale and accessibility. AI and digital platforms are changing that equation entirely."

The summit highlighted several breakthrough applications already being piloted in Nigeria. What emerged from the summit discussions was a vision of banking that extends far beyond traditional loan and deposit services. Financial institutions are increasingly positioning themselves as facilitators of community resilience, using technology to connect climate-vulnerable communities with appropriate financial tools and resources.

The summit featured presentation from a Nigerian company that has developed climate-focused solutions, including platforms for peer-to-peer renewable energy financing. The summit

showcasethe progress made by Stanbic IBTC in Climate risk stress testing and integration of E&S risk assessment in credit decision making.

Most significantly, the summit demonstrated growing alignment between private sector innovation and regulatory policy. Representatives from Nigeria's FMDQ and other sustainability professionals participated actively in discussions about frameworks for sustainable finance.

The summit's policy sessions produced concrete recommendations for sustainable finance regulation in Nigeria, including proposals for climate disclosure standards and incentives for green lending.

What distinguished this summit from typical financial sector events was its consistent focus on community-level impact. The panel session explored how high-tech solutions can address grassroots climate challenges.

Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head, Sustainability, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc noted, "Technology is only valuable

if it reaches the communities that need it most, These platforms are bridging the gap between sophisticated financial tools and real-world climate challenges."

The summit's hybrid format attracted international attention, with virtual participants from major financial institutions and development organisations across Africa, Europe, and North America. This global engagement positions Lagos as an emerging hub for sustainable finance innovation on the continent.

The success of the Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0 reflects broader trends in Nigeria's financial sector. As the country's economy diversifies and digital adoption accelerates, sustainable finance is emerging as a key differentiator for financial institutions.

The question is no longer whether sustainable finance will reshape Nigeria's economy, but how quickly and effectively the country can scale these innovations to meet its climate and development challenges. Based on the evidence from the summit, the answer is faster and more comprehensive than many previously thought possible.

NTUKE Fair: UK-educated Nigerians Urged to Drive Workforce Growth

•Exploring Lakowe Lakes, Where Greenery, Serenity, and Hospitality Meet

The Nigerian Talent UK Educated (NTUKE) Fair has reaffirmed its mission to boost employability and strengthen Nigeria’s workforce by connecting UKeducated graduates with local employers, ensuring that the country maximises the benefits of its investment in international education.

The sixth edition of the fair, held on Friday in Abuja, was organised by the Graduate Guidance Group (G3) in partnership with the British Council, Chevening, and leading UK universities. It brought together prospective students, UK alumni, and industry leaders in a bid to bridge the gap between global education and Nigeria’s labour market needs.

According to Emma Tarrant-Tayou, Director of G3, the initiative is designed to address the growing disconnect between employers and graduates.

Employers seek Nigerian talent with global experience. Yet, jobs often go unfilled by the right candidates. What we want to do is bring both groups together so they can understand what employers are looking for, and help job seekers better position themselves in the labour market,” she explained.

Tarrant-Tayou noted that in just five

years, six UK universities had educated about 10,000 Nigerians, describing the pool as a vital resource for national development. She added that NTUKE has already produced success stories, with participants securing interviews, landing jobs, or gaining inspiration to start businesses in Nigeria.

Loretta Laoye, Managing Director of

UHR Consult, said the fair is filling an essential gap in graduate preparation.

“Often, candidates do not really have a sense of direction. When you ask where they see themselves in five years, very few can provide a clear-cut answer. Events like this point them in the right direction, making them more employable and better aligned with industry needs,” she said.

Similarly, Chiamaka Chikobogwe, Student Recruitment Manager at Coventry University, stressed the value of personal interaction with students.

“Most of the time, students are uncertain about the courses they want to study or the career opportunities available after graduation. Meeting universities and employers physically helps bridge that gap and ensures students make decisions that benefit both their future and Nigeria’s workforce,” she said.

L-R:

Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Lawrence Amadi, Partner, Tech Risk and Assurance, KPMG Nigeria; Olu Akanmu, Adjunct Faculty and Director, Tech-Leap Initiative, Lagos Business School; Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head, Sustainability, Risk and Capital Management, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc; and Kunle Adedeji, Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, during the Stanbic IBTC Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0, recently held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos

L-R: Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Segun Ajayi, Country Director, Oracle Nigeria; Ms Rabi Isma, Independent Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank; and Kunle Adedeji, Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, during the Stanbic IBTC Sustainable Finance Summit 2.0, recently held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.`QQ

The G3 Team

www.thisdaylive.com

A HOMECOMING FOR TINUBU SUNDAY DARE

contends that the President’s visit to Ibadan is grounded in values of loyalty, and cultural continuity

See page 21

THE MIRACLE OF PORT HARCOURT ROAD, ABA

A good road is more than a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce and growth, writes KALU NTO

See page 21

EDITORIAL

ENDING A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

opinion@thisdaylive.com

Citizens should find ways to love the country enough in order to safeguard its lavish and enduring endowments, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

HAILING NIGERIA AGAINST THE ODDS

I tell my students from time to time, especially the undergraduates, since, more than their graduate counterparts, they are more prone to unprocessed, fanciful and innocent dreams that, no matter the aspiration of many Nigerians to travel abroad in search of the good life, majority of them will live and die here. I may not have the data but my gut feeling tells me it’s no exaggeration. Blunt, brutal or even joy-killing, maybe. But the stark reality is that many countries are becoming stingier with their visas for various reasons. How many people can they absorb, anyway? How much longer will they throw open their borders to the citizens of a country that keeps descending rapidly from being a land of promise to a basket profile, in a clear demonstration of self-sabotage?

My overriding motivation for such admonitions is to strongly encourage my listeners to look inwards, think outside the box and convince them to invest some love in the nation of their forefathers – against the screaming and seemingly justifiable grounds to embrace the contrary. Why not put in your best into a place where you’re a first-class citizen with all the positive potentials despite its apparent shortcomings? Merit and hard work are not rewarded here appropriately, right? I sincerely hope that at some point a catalyst will emerge to inject a fresh affection for and pride in Nigeria into the largely weary and disillusioned citizenry.

That wish appears more and more unlikely soon, unfortunately. And any talk of nationalism and patriotism at the moment can easily hit a stonewall. The task of persuading those who have already given up on the country to do a reversal isn’t going to be cool. Too many unpalatable things keep occurring in quick succession to reinforce the resentment, cynicism and bitterness held by a sizable number of the people, many of whom had once loved the country dearly above others.

Take the death of Arise News anchor and producer, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, last Monday in Abuja, for instance. The reports of her excruciating and premature exit from this world highlight some of our most pressing national emergencies and embarrassments: significantly disabled security machineries and a jaundiced health system. To think that only some weeks back, the late lawyer and broadcaster had posted on social media a prayer that Nigeria should not happen to her and her loved ones. The eerie emotions which have come with

that further complicate any attempts to discover a new, uplifting meaning in living in or being a Nigerian. But, finding ways of developing and nurturing at least a sense of responsibility towards the country is both moral and civic.

Doing that would mean deliberate efforts to reposition our minds and attitudes. Setting out on that journey would equally require a decision to resist the temptation to always lump the political leaders with the country itself and, as is often the case, visit the sins of the former on the latter. Until we separate the ruling elite with the propensity of many of its members for anti-progress from our common heritage, achieving restoration and true greatness will be a mirage. It’s sad that the enthusiasm that ushered in the current democratic dispensation has continued to wane. Since 1999, even presidential speeches – elevated, persuasive and reassuring in other climes – have been progressively weightier on rhetoric than material delivery.

The one given by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday to commemorate the country’s 65th independence anniversary followed that trend. It reads in part: “Our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth. As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit….

“Our administration is setting things right. I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance,

support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour…. The alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities….” Hmmm. Really? That broadcast was laced with figures meant to advertise what he hoped to be his government’s drive towards tangible achievements. Most of the declared victories, however, are simply tales to his 130 million multidimensionally poor fellow citizens. To them, fiscal and monetary policy strides in whatever form are mere statistics employed to mesmerise. Reactions to that address have been overwhelmingly unflattering. It’s clear that the Nigerian people are so sufficiently disappointed in their leaders to take their words seriously. But the nation is in dire need of inspired passion and devotion. President Tinubu didn’t do the right thing by replacing the national anthem he met in office with the old one. The action was engineered by nostalgia or other motives. The ditched one, “Arise, O Compatriots”, has enough justification for succeeding the one the president railroaded back into reckoning through this pliant National Assembly. The returnee anthem will surely be laid to rest yet again. But hailing or genuinely cheering up the fatherland is one duty that shouldn’t be brushed aside. For, though recklessly and roundly raped by many of the persons charged with protecting and nurturing it, Nigeria has remained resilient and alluring. The concern is not actually about people of my own generation and older ones who witnessed when the country worked in many respects but those who were born into this diminished era. Many of them – Gen Z and others - see the nation as a scam. They, in particular, must rise above any rationale for negativity in defence of their endangered present and future.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

SUNDAY DARE contends

that the President’s visit to Ibadan is

grounded in values of loyalty, and cultural continuity

A HOMECOMING FOR TINUBU

Last Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu turned his gaze south-westward to the sprawling city of Ibadan. Over two years since his assumption of office, this is the President’s first berth in Ibadan, the political and spiritual capital of the Yoruba nation. Just as Kaduna spoke to his national reach barely a week ago, Ibadan speaks to his South West base. It is a return not merely to a city, but to a crucible of Yoruba identity, politics, and destiny. Ibadan is no ordinary city. It is the heartbeat of Yoruba politics and identity, a vast urban sprawl steeped in tradition, intellect, and culture. Here, history drips from every corner — from Mapo Hall, where nationalist firebrands once roused the masses, to Cocoa House, the towering emblem of the Western Region’s prosperity and vision. Ibadan was the capital of the old Western Region, the epicentre of progressive leadership from where Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his contemporaries presided over the affairs of the region with revolutionary zeal and pioneered free education, agricultural revolutions, and industrial transformation. To the Yoruba, Ibadan is both fortress and fountain — a city where politics is born, nurtured, and projected onto the national stage. It is into this arena of weighty symbolism that the President arrived to witness the crowning of Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The Olubadan stool is unlike any other in Yorubaland — a uniquely structured succession line that embodies the Yoruba love of order, merit, and patience. That Tinubu will stand in solidarity with the people at such a sacred moment is itself a reaffirmation of his bond with tradition and with the Yoruba nation. In ibadan, tradition met power. Serving South West Governors showed up from Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo. Former Governors and political heavy weights also showed up. The Sultan of Sokoto and very prominent Yoruba first class monarchs from the Alafin to the Soun and of course Oba Elegushi of Lagos. The crowning of Rasheed Ladoja as Olubadan carries a personal resonance for President Tinubu. Two decades ago, when then President Olusegun Obasanjo orchestrated Ladoja’s illegal impeachment in 2003, using only a handful of lawmakers, it was Tinubu — then Governor of Lagos — who stood against that brazen assault on democracy. Ladoja, hounded from his office by the then President Obasanjo and denied justice, found sanctuary in Lagos. President Tinubu not only gave him refuge but also lent him the courage and political cover to resist. Against the odds, with President Tinubu’s backing, Ladoja fought his way back through the courts, and the judiciary eventually restored him to power. This bond, forged in the fire of political persecution and

resilience, now finds symbolic closure in Ibadan. Tinubu did not arrive merely as President; he arrived as an old ally, standing with the Olubadan Senator Ladoja on the day of his ultimate elevation to the Olubadan throne. At the event on Friday at the historic Mapo hall, President Tinubu made remarkable revelation reminiscent of the Abeokuta ‘Emilokan’ declaration. He described the ascension of Oba Ladoja to the throne of his forebears as another ‘emilokan’ moment. The message was not lost. Just as the comparison was obvious. His journey to be Olubadan took him 33 years to climb on the long succession ladder just like the President’s journey to the Presidency: the fight for democracy, the sacrifices , the people he built, the many twists and turns and eventually now, the Presidency. Ibadan was also significant on the coronation day. From the hills of Mapo, President Bola Tinubu delivered a powerful political message of renewed hope. “Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel….” Coming from the Commander-in-Chief, the man who knows and calls the shots, it was an important message. It was a validation of the reforms mantra of this administration and the positive impacts of the reforms. In the political capital of the Yoruba Nation Ibadan represents more than just politics; it is spirit and identity. It has produced poets, warriors, intellectuals, and statesmen whose reach extended far beyond Yoruba land. In every era, Ibadan has stood as the Yoruba voice in Nigeria’s political orchestra. From the days of Adegoke Adelabu’s “penkelemesi” populism to the statesmanship of Lam Adesina and the reformist zeal of governors like Ladoja himself, Ibadan has set the rhythm of Yoruba political expression. President Tinubu’s presence at the coronation of Olubadan therefore carries the weight of cultural affirmation. It tells a people that their heritage matters at the highest levels of power, and that the leader of the nation stands not above tradition, but within it.

Politics of Bridges, Not Walls: Like Kaduna in the north, Ibadan has been the crucible of alignments and re-alignments in the south-west. It was here that old rivalries found resolution and fresh alliances were born, shaping the destiny of the Yoruba within the federation.

Dare (CON) is Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication

A good road is more than a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce and growth, writes KALU NTO

THE MIRACLE OF PORT HARCOURT ROAD, ABA

“The people that dwelt in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2

This ancient scripture perfectly captures the transformation that has unfolded on Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Abia State. For decades, this once-thriving commercial artery deteriorated into a haunting symbol of state neglect—a decaying stretch of land riddled with craters, refuse, and frustration.

At its worst, the road resembled more of a wasteland than a city street. It became so dilapidated that Keke riders had to navigate dangerous high-tension areas just to get through. Residents and visitors alike had long accepted the road’s collapse as an unfortunate norm. Some even joked that it could be a natural deterrent for unwanted pregnancies—so treacherous it was.

But today, Port Harcourt Road tells a different story: one of vision, courage, and transformative leadership.

As a proud Abian who has watched this miracle unfold, I am filled with hope and admiration for the tremendous work Governor Alex Otti has done. This is no mere patchwork or cosmetic repair. What was once a neglected, refuse-filled path is now a first-class road—solid, beautiful, and impactful.

Until recently, I vowed never to travel to Aba from Port Harcourt directly. I preferred going around through Akwa Ibom to reach my hometown, Ututu, just to avoid the nightmare that was Port Harcourt Road. But with the election of Dr. Otti, a flicker of hope was rekindled. I strongly believed that if any road deserved priority, it was this one—and that only a reputable firm like Julius Berger could handle its reconstruction properly.

Thankfully, the Governor shared that vision. Today, the road is a marvel. A friend recently joked that if you utter anything negative about ACO (Alex Chioma Otti) in a keke, you risk getting kicked out or scolded by passersby. That’s how deeply appreciative the people of Aba are.

Yet, despite the applause, detractors have emerged—mainly questioning the ₦36 billion cost of the project. Let me respond directly: Quality comes at a cost.

Only a company like Julius Berger could reclaim what was left of Port Harcourt Road. This wasn’t just another trunk road—it was a death trap. The project required extensive soil tests, deep excavation, structural stabilization, and thorough refilling. Julius Berger’s expertise doesn’t come cheap, but the results speak for themselves. Anyone who remembers what that road was understands the scale and complexity involved.

It’s laughable to suggest the Governor needed JB as a smokescreen for embezzlement. What JB did past administrations use to accumulate debts for the state. Does Otti need or any state

governor at that need Julius Berger to chop N6bn?

Two, transparency Is key.

Governor Otti publicly disclosed the cost of the project. That’s more transparency than we’ve ever seen in Abia’s recent political history. If anyone has doubts, they are free to request the Bill of Quantities from the Ministry of Works or even Julius Berger. What matters to most of us is that the road is done, and done well.

Three, local sentiment matters.

The people of Aba understand the value of this road. One young man called the ₦36 billion “paltry” compared to the daily suffering residents endured for decades. This isn’t about party politics—it’s about dignity, development, and the return of life to a place that had been forgotten.

Four, accountability in governance.

It’s easy to generalize that every public office is riddled with corruption, but Dr. Otti is charting a different course. He’s investing in visible, life-changing infrastructure instead of lining pockets. And he isn’t stopping at Port Harcourt Road. His administration is rolling out development projects across the state— from schools to hospitals to more roads— transforming Abia, one initiative at a time.

The reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road is more than just infrastructure. It is a powerful metaphor for what can happen when leadership meets integrity. A good road is not just a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce, mobility, and growth. It brings hope to businesses and families and strengthens civic pride.

Two years into his administration, Dr. Otti has proven that meaningful progress is possible. He listens, he acts, and most importantly, he delivers.

In conclusion, I join countless Abians in celebrating this transformation. If this road were the only achievement of Otti’s first term, it would still be historic. But thankfully, it’s just one among many. We are finally seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Let us stay the course, support what is good, and never forget where we started.

Engr. Nto writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ENDING A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

All the major stakeholders should do more to stem the scourge

Communal clashes and reprisal killings have plagued the country for decades. From Aguleri and Umuleri communities in Anambra State to Erin Ile and Offa in Kwara State to Wanikade and Wanihem communities in Cross River State, these violent eruptions have become a serious national security problem. Today, as the global community marks the 2025 International Day of Non-Violence, there must be a commitment by leaders in many of our communities to embrace peaceful dialogue in resolving disputes that often lead to bloodshed.

In 2007, the United Nations decided to use the birthday of Indian statesman, Mahatma Gandhi to remind the world that there is nothing that cannot be achieved through peaceful means. It is a lesson we must imbibe in Nigeria. There is hardly any zone in the country today where there are no conflicts, particularly on land borders between states. Yet, even within the states, there are violent eruptions among contiguous communities. Apart from the alarming death tolls, the losses to the economy because of these deadly clashes cannot be easily quantified. Thousands of people have been killed; several families are today dislocated with countless people physically and psychologically maimed for life. The future ambitions of many Nigerians, particularly children, have also been cut short or disrupted in many of the communities.

The once peaceful Plateau State, with a glorious climate, has been embroiled in ruinous and costly communal clashes which have consumed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T

The problem is compounded by millions of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in the country. The ease of access to these weapons has made individuals and communities more fortified and hence less amenable to entreaties to make peace. Many communities are self-arming to protect themselves, to go on the offensive or for reprisal attacks. The frequency of the clashes demonstrates that we are teetering towards a lawless society, with all the frightening

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

implications for peace and security in the nation. These violent clashes have practically laid waste the country’s food basket. Since 2001, the once peaceful Plateau State, with a glorious climate, has been embroiled in ruinous and costly communal clashes which have consumed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands. The situation in Benue State is not better. Yet, in all these bloody eruptions, security forces have not much to cheer as they often arrive at scenes of violence after the damage had been done. Indeed, some have been implicated in the past for taking sides. Even community leaders as well as political and religious leaders who ordinarily should help in bringing peace and order are mostly often the ones leading the rhetoric of hate which fuels the cycle of violence.

Meanwhile, failure to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes seems to encourage the propensity for violence as a means of redressing perceived grievances. We therefore call on authorities in Abuja and the 36 states to arrest this rapid and steady slide into anarchy by addressing all conditions that make violent attacks tools of expressing grievances between and among communities. We also enjoin them to devise effective conflict resolution mechanisms, create an early warning system that would alert of a brewing crisis, equip security agencies with modern intelligence gathering tools and promote policies that encourage peaceful coexistence and social harmony. Community and religious leaders must also rise to help in promoting peaceful co-existence among our people.

Above all, we must accept that the insecurity confronting the nation is no longer a series of random and opportunistic attacks. Drafting military troops to theatres of violence arising from land disputes has over the years proved to be no solution. The time has come to realise the severity of the threat to our national security by reassessing the current strategies which have become ineffectual and costly.

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

REFLECTION ON NIGERIA AT 65

Yesterday, Nigeria celebrated her 65th Independence Anniversary, a moment that offered both pride and sober reflection for citizens across the country and in the diaspora. On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time, and in its place, the green-and-white flag was hoisted at the Race Course in Lagos. That day symbolized freedom, self-determination, and the beginning of a journey that generations had long anticipated. It was not only a political victory but also a cultural and psychological milestone that signaled the end of colonial domination and the birth of a sovereign nation. Sixty-five years later, the Nigerian story has been one of hope, resilience, triumphs, and trials—an unfinished journey that continues to demand collective commitment.

At independence, the world saw Nigeria as a rising star in Africa, endowed with abundant human and natural resources, a vibrant youthful population, and a strategic po-

sition on the continent. Expectations were high, and Nigerians themselves looked forward to rapid development, political stability, and a future of shared prosperity. The early post-independence years carried this optimism, with a blossoming of cultural pride, agricultural growth, and an expanding middle class. However, the young nation soon encountered difficulties. The political crisis of the First Republic, followed by a brutal civil war, interrupted the momentum. In the decades that followed, military coups, dictatorship, economic mismanagement, and social unrest became recurring features of Nigeria’s national life. Despite these obstacles, the enduring spirit of Nigerians—ordinary men and women striving to improve their lives—remains the glue that has held the country together.

One of the most remarkable milestones in Nigeria’s post-independence history is the return to democratic rule in 1999 after decades of military regimes. For over two de-

cades, democracy has provided a platform for political participation, freedom of expression, and institutional growth. While the democratic journey has been fraught with irregularities—contested elections, corruption, and governance gaps—it has also brought progress in strengthening civil society, deepening constitutionalism, and amplifying citizens’ voices. The Independence Day celebrations of 2025 came as a reminder that democracy is not just about holding elections, but about building systems of accountability and ensuring that governance reflects the aspirations of the people. For many Nigerians, the celebration was both a thanksgiving for surviving six decades of sovereignty and a call to action for leaders to align policy with the needs of the population.

Nkiru

Jude, Dept of Mass Communication, University Of Maiduguri

Okparuba

ITU’s AI Skills Coalition, Giga Initiative Set to Bridge Digital Skills Gap in African Schools

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations agency that promotes global digital technologies, in collaboration with Google and tech founder and philanthropist will.i.am, has launched an initiative to bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics training to students across African countries, Nigeria inclusive. The programme will

launch initially in five African countries in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Kenya, to establish the foundation for bringing AI and Robotics skills training into schools across the continent.

Announced during the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event at the just concluded UN General Assembly, the programme combines hands-on AI and Robotics training for young people in underserved

communities, including in those countries where the joint ITU-UNICEF Giga initiative is working to help governments connect schools to the internet.

Digital@UNGA, a weeklong series of activities during the General Assembly, spotlights global digital cooperation and opportunities to use digital technologies for good.

Giving details about the coalition in a statement, ITU Secretary-General,

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said: “This initiative will open new doors of opportunity for AI literacy among young people, enabling them to lead the digital transformation that is reshaping how we live, work and communicate. ITU is working to equip youth across Africa with the training and tools they need to thrive in an AIpowered world.”

The new programme addresses the dual challenge of connecting

offline populations and building digital skills in communities that have been harder to reach.

According to ITU, special emphasis will be placed on reaching girls and other underrepresented groups.

“While demand for AI skills is increasing rapidly, 2.6 billion people remain offline worldwide, including 1.3 billion children. In Africa, 60 per cent of young people are still unconnected, severely limiting opportunities to

learn and thrive in the digital economy.

“Once schools are connected to the Internet through the Giga initiative, students aged from 10 to 18 years old will gain access to AI training through ITU’s AI Skills Coalition and Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, initiatives of ITU’s AI for Good programme,” the statement further said.

Kayode Tokede

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment towards delivering sustainable longterm value to its shareholders and stakeholders, as it continues to reap the benefits of its robust investments in strong digital platforms and expanded scope over the past years.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba,

who gave this pledge, stated that that together with its diversified business model and keen ventures into key markets in Africa and beyond, investors of the bank will continue enjoy huge financial benefits and dividends in the current financial year and beyond.

Alawuba who was speaking during the “2025 Half Year Investors” conference call, following the release of its results for the half-year (H1) ended June

30, 2025, explained that its diversification model remains a key growth strategy as seen from the huge contribution of its subsidiaries into the business in the first half.

He said, “As you may very well know, UBA is present in 20 countries in Africa, 19 outside Nigeria, and these countries are doing quite well. In a lot of those countries, we are a significantly systemic bank. The contribution of our African business to

our profit before tax has risen to 53per cent, and we see this growing as we go along this year.

“A lot is coming from Africa, and indeed we are positioned to pursue value. We see a lot of opportunities in Africa, and I believe that we are investing in those countries to pursue these opportunities and as a proactive bank, we have tried to expand very solidly in terms of business, products, and services, and

also in terms of bringing in talents that will support us in value expansion.”

Responding to an investor’s questions on dividend payment for the full-year, Alawuba said, “on dividend outlook for the rest of the year: we still believe that, based on the numbers we are looking at, we will be able to pay a competitive dividend for the rest of the year.”

At the end of the first two quarters of the year,

UBA’s gross earnings grew by 17.28 per cent, rising from N1.371 trillion in June 2024 to N1.608 trillion in the period under review. Interest income also increased by 32.89 per cent from N1.004 trillion in June last year to N1.334 trillion, while total assets went up by 9.71 per cent to N33.3 trillion up from N30.3 trillion recorded in December 2024.

Emma Okonji with Agency Report

L-R: Managing Director/CEO,Prestige Assurance Plc,Mr. Umesh Rathod; Acting Chairman/Non-Executive Director, Dr.Nosike Agokei and Company Secretary, Mrs .Chidinma Ibe-Louis during the 55th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos… recently

Expert: With AI Revolution, Africa’s

1.4bn People Cannot Be Sidelined

Stories by Emma Okonji

Managing Director of Alpha-Geek Technologies and a recognised figure in African technology, Oluwaseun Dania, last week at the United Nations General Assembly meeting that discussed the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in New York, delivered a strong message to Africa

and indeed the world.

He insisted that Africa’s voice, representing 1.4 billion people and the world’s youngest workforce, must be amplified and included in global AI governance.

Speaking as a bridgebuilder between innovation and equity, Dania asserted that the success of the AI revolution should be

measured not merely by GDP spikes but by lives uplifted, stressing that Africa is not just an early adopter of mobile-first AI but is poised to be a co-creator of its future.

“In a world where AI is reshaping destinies, this dialogue must ensure no continent or community is left behind,” Dania told the high-level multi-

stakeholder meeting, acknowledging AI’s transformative promise in Africa and citing its potential for leapfrogging infrastructure gaps and powering secure digital economies, including burgeoning fintech revolutions and stablecoin initiatives.

However, drawing on his expertise in information

Impact Report: IHS Nigeria Spent N5.4bn on 160 Projects across Nigeria

IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited, has disclosed how it spent N5.4 billion on over 160 projects implemented across all states and several local government areas in Nigeria.

According to the report, the projects implementation covered education and economic growth; environment and climate change; people and communities; ethics and governance, from 2023 to 2024.

The report also highlighted

IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to foster a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria, and covered sustainability and community impact activities from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

During the period, IHS Nigeria continued to contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and execute IHS Towers’ fourpillar sustainability strategy – focusing on ethics and governance, environment

and climate change, education and economic growth, as well as people and communities, which IHS Nigeria seeks to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian government, the report stated.

According to the report, under education and economic growth, IHS Nigeria supported the construction and operation of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, expected to be the largest innovation centre

in Nigeria, and other hubs in Ogbomosho in Oyo State and Alimosho in Lagos State; partnered with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy on the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative to help train more than 100,000 Nigerians in digital skills; welcomed 10 Nigerian educators to the 12-month Limitless Global Educator Programme, in partnership with the Limitless Space Institute etc

security, he warned of AI’s shadows, including deepfakes eroding trust, biased algorithms

perpetuating inequality, and unchecked data monopolies widening the North-South divide.

Layer3, one of Africa’s leading technology solutions providers, has successfully delivered the core network component contract for the AfricaConnect3 (AC3) project, executed by the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN).

This marks a major milestone in one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in Africa’s research and education landscape.

The AC3 project, funded

by the European Union through the AfricaConnect3 programme, is being executed by WACREN to build a world-class digital backbone for academic and research institutions across West and Central Africa. Following an international competitive tender, Layer3 was selected to supply and deploy the core networking and support solution in data centers in 10 countries in Africa as well as France, capable of scaling WACREN’s backbone to 400GbE.

EV Adoption as Mobility Solution Poverty Alleviation Berths in

Experts and investors drawn from real estate, banking, sustainability and energy sectors will gather at the inaugural edition of Electric Vehicles Nigeria Expo (EVN Expo) to promote the adoption of electric mobility in Nigeria.

The Expo, which is billed to hold in Lagos, is expected to attract over 2,500 participants from the government, private sector,

development finance institutions, innovators, investors, and the buying public.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently, the convener of EVN Expo, Adekoyejo Abiola, stated that with the transformation in climate, energy, and technology, electric mobility would no longer be an experiment but a reality.

According to Abiola, EVs have become central to global conversations around energy security, trade competitiveness, and sustainable industrial policies.

Also speaking, Project and Technical Lead for EVN Expo 2025, Boluwasope Ogboye, revealed that the core objectives of the expo included showcasing

Nigeria

cutting-edge EV technologies and infrastructure, driving conversations on financing, policy, and regulatory frameworks, mobilising investment into Nigeria’s clean transportation ecosystem, offering a platform for innovators and startups, and strengthening Nigeria’s voice in global sustainability dialogues.

Nigeria’s leading telecommunications company, Globacom, has unveiled two new initiatives aimed at giving its subscribers more value for money while reinforcing its status as the country’s most rewarding network.

The offers, Talkmasta tariff plan and an enhanced Welcome Bonus, were presented on Monday at the company’s headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Talkmasta plan is designed to provide customers with extra talk time and data at no additional cost. Under the

arrangement, subscribers who make six minutes of local calls to any network will automatically get another six minutes free, plus 50MB of data. Calls are charged at 30 kobo per second, while SMS is billed at N6 per message. Both new and existing customers can benefit from the plan. New users start enjoying it as soon as they purchase a Glo SIM, while existing subscribers only need to dial *606# to migrate. There is no restriction on how often the bonus can be earned, meaning customers can enjoy as many free minutes and data as their usage allows.

Oyo State’s Big AfCFTA Dreams

Kemi Olaitan writes on the implications of the recent launched Implementation Strategy on the African Continental Free Trade Area on the economy of Oyo State

“Some people who are used to politics without purpose may begin to look for ulterior motives. Some may even ask whose interest will this (signing on to the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative) serve?,” the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, asked through the Acting Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, at the recent launching of the state’s implementation strategy on AfCFTA.

At the event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan and attended by the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, former Vice Chairperson of the African Union, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, Sierra Leone’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Major-General Dauda Fred Alpha (rtd), among others, the Oyo State governor and others explained the state’s huge aspiration to become a player in Africa’s integrated market.

The acting governor in answering his own poser, quoting Governor Makinde, itemised the benefits of the AfCFTA to residents of the state and the state itself, noting that the government’s vision to engender sustainable development and expand the state’s economy for the benefits of residents and the coming generation is behind the initiative.

The governor explained that joining up with the rest of Africa to participate in the single African Market, which according to the AfCFTA’s SecretaryGeneral, Mene, has about 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion US dollars, will open up the state to greater trade volume, increased production capacity and expanded revenue.

By launching the AfCFTA implementation strategy, the governor said, the government has prepared Oyo State’s systems; regulations, standards, infrastructure, and institutional readiness and investment incentives through a domestic alignment, readiness, reforms and business enablement, which will see it become a major trade hub in West Africa.

The direct implications of this effort, he noted, is that traders, farmers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers in the state will have access to a bigger market, while value addition and productive capacities will also be boosted in the state.

According to him, the strategy will help to improve the export readiness of the state’s Small and Medium Enterprises through training, support for compliance with standards on packaging and certifications and also signal to investors that Oyo State is ready and that it is a good place to invest.

He added that the strategy will equally help to focus by identifying priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industry, while the state can also devote resources where they will bring the highest returns.

His words, “Someone may ask; is this another jamboree or what exactly are the benefits for Oyo State? Are there real measurable gains in the short term, in the medium term and in the long term? Let me tell you what this strategy will deliver. In the immediate term, this strategy will improve the export readiness of our Small and Medium Enterprises through training, support for compliance with standards on packaging and certifications.

“It is also a signal to investors to tell them that Oyo State is ready and this is a good place to invest. It will also help to focus by identifying priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industry. We can devote resources where they will bring the highest returns. People talk about the Port in Lagos as

an advantage that drives its economy. Well, this is our own port. With our proximity to the Benin Republic, Oyo State can legally boost cross-border trades, improve logistics infrastructure and create jobs in all support services that go with it.”

“In the long term, this strategy will attract foreign direct investments into our priority sectors and give our businesses access to a single African market of about 1.4 billion people and diversify our economy so that we rely less on receipts from oil and more on value-added productions. And, as incomes rise for our farmers, manufacturers and artisans, state revenues will also grow.

“You have already seen how we increased our revenues without increasing taxes. We did this by helping people see that their taxes are not a burden but a partnership, funding infrastructure and services that create even more opportunities. These steps we are taking now will ensure that long after we have left office, Oyo State will become a true trade hub for West Africa,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms Neo Theodore-Tlhaselo, on her own part, maintained that the implementation strategy would provide an opportunity for traders, farmers, artisans, manufacturers in the state to “tap into the wider broader market, which is within the African continent,” adding that the opportunity will make Oyo State’s traders to be able to accelerate their businesses and make the state to be able to accelerate its economy.

She situated the implementation strategy launch within the context of the many bold moves by Governor Makinde to grow the economy of Oyo State, noting that the implementation strategy launch is “a call to action and a significant signal that Oyo State is open for business locally and across Africa.”

According to her, the launch of the implementation strategy by the state will position it to take full advantage of the immense opportunities, which the AfCFTA provides in terms of increasing the state’s production capacity, increasing trade volume and expanding the economy of the state.

Explaining the relevance of the AfCFTA and the launch of its implementation strategy to the common man in Oyo State, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, explained that traders from Oyo to Igboho, the cashew farmer in Oko, Ogbomoso South local government area, the cassava farmer in Ado-Awaye, the manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ibadan and the tech-savvy young man in Ogbomoso all have something to benefit from Oyo’s venture into the AfCFTA.

“The AFCTA is a flagship project of the African Union that aims to create a single continental market for goods and services with a free movement of business, personal investment across Africa.

Oyo State made a request to be on the table of negotiation of AfCFTA, such that whatever we are producing here can find their way straight to all the other states of African countries that have signed into the protocol of the AfCFTA, so that we don’t have to wait for Nigeria or for other places.

“For somebody that produces àdìre, so far that Oyo State have been able to sign into the protocol, by the time it’s getting to the border of those countries, we can say it’s AfCFTA-related and covered. So, that can actually enhance exportation

of goods and services from Oyo State. It can actually make our SMEs to expand, because when you have so many requests like that, our SMEs can actually expand into it, and then they can be within the global value chain,” he said.

He added, “Let’s take it one by one, how we can actually get the opportunities of actually being part of it. I know agriculture and agro-processing is one of the fundamental areas of Oyo State. We are a very strong agricultural hub in the southwest, with respect to cassava, maize, yam, cocoa, cashew, livestock and poultry. If that is properly packaged together, they can find their way to all the countries across Africa, with lesser tariff, because we are now going to be under the AfCFTA, and that will make us competitive. That means the products that are coming from Oyo State will be cheaper when it gets to these other set of countries. So, AfCFTA is going to give Oyo State a bigger market for our agro-processing and processing of goods and foods across Africa.

“On the issue of industrialisation and light manufacturing, Ibadan is becoming an industrial city. We can attract investment on manufacturing that can look at things around footwear, household goods, food processing, even textiles, under reduced tariffs. Then, trade and logistics of Oyo State’s strategic location, which is close to Lagos’ seaport and is linked by highway, makes it a good distribution and logistical.”

“In the services sector; we have a vibrant education sector in Oyo State, University of Ibadan, LAUTECH, the new University of Technology in Okeho that is coming up, the Technical University on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. We have the polytechnic and several colleges of education coming up. So, this can serve as a good ICT or technology hub for Oyo State.

“Services such as education, health, tourism, and creative industry can also be exported to other countries under the AfCFTA. For example, under the trading services, we have what you call four modes of trading services. The first one is cross-border supply, whereby you can supply technological services from your country to another particular country. If you are not part of it, you cannot do that. There is one tool that is called ‘consumption abroad’ that can go together and consume their health services or to take education.

Then there is what you call commercial presence.

A firm in a country can go to another AfCFTA country and establish its commercial presence. And the final one is the movement of natural persons.

“So, as a sub-national, I can easily move to another particular country once I am covered with the AfCFTA. So, those are some of the benefits. Job creation and skill development is also going to probably bring about foreign and domestic investors and also regional and sub-national cooperation. So, the strategy that was actually launched on Friday is how we are going to be able to maximise all these benefits that I have put together,” he said.

Similarly, the state Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, explained that “AfCFTA is an Agreement signed by all the 54 African Nations. He said, “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement establishes the world’s largest free trade area by uniting 54 African nations to create a single market for

goods and services, aiming to boost intra-African trade, economic growth, and industrialisation by eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Launched in 2018, it entered into force in 2019 and commenced operations in 2021, with its permanent Secretariat based in Accra, Ghana. The agreement focuses on harmonising policies, facilitating trade, and promoting investment, with significant potential to lift millions out of poverty and reduce reliance on commodity exports.

“In actual fact, countries in Africa are supposed to be members but there is a clause in the Agreement that allows sub-national entities to key into the Agreement. Therefore, Oyo State leveraged on that and documented as the first sub-national entity to launch the Agenda across Africa.”

In his speech at the event, the AfCFTA’s Secretary-General, described Oyo State as the first of the 591 sub-nationals in Africa to launch an AfCFTA implementation strategy, commending Governor Makinde for taking the initiative even as he explained that sub-nationals are quite strategic to AfCFTA, as productions, agriculture, trades happen at the sub-national levels.

He declared that though the initiative is a continental agreement, which is expected to be guided by Federal Governments, sub-nationals like Oyo State will play undeniably important roles by driving intra-Africa trades and bringing the ambitions of AfCFTA to reality.

He pointed out that Oyo State’s opportunities in areas such as agriculture and agro-processing, in the digitisation of the economy and manufacturing, among others, as reasons it should explore the opportunities provided by the AfCFTA.

He equally lauded Oyo’s implementation strategy, which according to him, has the overarching objective of promoting industrialisation, diversifying export markets and scaling up productive activities, adding that the strategy recognised that the economic future of Africa lies in value addition rather than raw export of agri-produce, processing of the abundant minerals in the state and encouraging productive capacity enhancement.

Mene, in what would appear as a vote of confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership acumen, especially in the economic sector, said the developments that have taken place in the state in the areas of economic development and infrastructure, are quite encouraging. Singling out the upgrading of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan to international standards, Mene said the project will enable the unlocking of opportunities and integration of the market of Oyo State with the rest of the African continent, adding that other developments such as the massive road infrastructure across the state are also worthy enablers for its envisioned economic transformation through the instrumentality of AfCFTA.

He expressed the readiness of the AfCFTA Secretariat to support the implementation of Oyo’s strategy through the Secretariat’s moderate abilities and technical expertise towards ensuring that informal traders, smallholder farmers, young entrepreneurs all become part of the implementation of the strategy. As days go by and weeks roll into months, residents of the state can draw inspiration from the words of the many local and international players, who converged on Ibadan for the Oyo State AfCFTA implementation strategy launch, that joy is, indeed, coming for the economy of the economy of the state and that they will be the better for it as the state unlocks opportunities in the AfCFTA.

Makinde

Trends and Threads SOStainability Week ly

Nigeria’s sustainability landscape: Balancing disclosure, visibility, and accountability

When floods swept across Nigeria in 2022, the damage was not only environmental but also economic. Costs were estimated to be between $3.8 and $9.1 billion, and a UNDP-led study found that over 90 percent of small businesses in the worst-hit states were disrupted, with half suffering total losses. These events are not isolated; they serve as a wake-up call that climate risks and sustainability failures have very real costs for companies, communities, supply chains, and the broader economy.

Around the world, sustainability disclosure has become the new language of corporate responsibility. Global frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), are now setting the standards. Investors, regulators, employees, and even customers expect companies to clearly communicate how they are managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. Silence is no longer neutral; it now poses a reputational risk.

Nigeria has tried to keep pace with this shift, as regulatory institutions have taken important steps over the years to ensure companies are accountable. For example, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has issued Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines for listed companies; the Central Bank also introduced the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP), requiring banks to incorporate environmental and social risk management. In a significant policy move, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) recently announced a roadmap to adopt the ISSB’s global standards, gradually aligning Nigeria’s reporting system with international standards.

These are significant steps. They indicate that policymakers see sustainability disclosure as essential for attracting investment and enhancing corporate governance.

Despite progress, a major gap remains: visibility. Many companies are becoming aware of sustainability or ESG policies, and some are even making conscious efforts to implement defined policies. However, many of these policies are often hidden, vaguely worded, or not publicly available. Others publish glossy sustainability reports but lack specific, time-bound targets or board-level accountability. As a result, stakeholders—from investors and regulators to civil society and the public—find it difficult to tell genuine commitment from superficial gestures and smokescreen measures.

Let’s consider the Oil & Gas and Banking sectors, for example,

where the stakes are high. Nigeria remains one of the leading global gas-flaring countries, emitting an estimated 5.3 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022 alone, despite a 20% decrease from the previous year. Banks, on the other hand, serve as gatekeepers of capital. Their lending decisions will determine whether Nigeria’s transition finance supports sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure or continues to reinforce carbon-heavy activities.

Spotlight

In both cases, transparent, verifiable sustainability disclosures are the key to progress rather than greenwashing. It is against this backdrop that SOStainability is launching a new initiative to assess the sustainability scoreline of companies and industries. This page will serialize sector-level and company-focused sustainability commitments to evaluate visibility, accessibility, and operational specifics. Do the entities publish standalone policies? Are

there designated executives or board committees responsible for oversight? Have they issued sustainability reports aligned with local and international frameworks? And, importantly, are these commitments accompanied by measurable targets? Etc. The goal of this series is not just to identify gaps but to provide an evidence base for constructive accountability, highlighting where Nigerian companies are meeting expectations and where they need improvement. For companies, this presents an opportunity to stay ahead of regulatory timelines, build investor trust, foster customer loyalty, and demonstrate a genuine commitment. For regulators and policymakers, it presents an opportunity to understand disclosure barriers and refine legislation, regulations, and enforcement. For civil society and the general public, it is a means to demand transparency and accountability from businesses that profit from shared resources. Sustainability in Nigeria cannot just be about internal memos or buried PDFs. Policies need to be visible, commitments should be measurable, and disclosures must be accessible. Only then can accountability truly begin.

Afriland fire: Health, safety, and ethical corporate governance

The recent and unfortunate fire at Afriland Towers in Lagos has rekindled discussions about corporate governance practices.

Specifically, occupational safety and health standards and compliance are now under scrutiny. While public authorities, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies review the tragic incident, the responses of

world is that of Mr. Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, the parent company of Afriland Properties Plc, which owns the towers.

On learning of the inferno, Mr. Elumelu reportedly cut short his trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A statement from his office communicated how deeply sorrowful he felt over the incident. The empathy was swift and unmistakably sincere: “I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers, which took the lives of our dear colleagues.

“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss – not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them,” he said, adding: “Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.”

Elumelu’s timely message might not bring back the dead or heal the wounds of those injured, but it can certainly ease the pain of those who lost loved ones and offer some comfort to those recovering from the emotional and physical trauma of this terrible incident. He showed leadership when it mattered most, making it clear that people mattered more to him than profit or property. Despite having an extensive global net worth and networks, Elumelu prioritized human lives over his impacted organizations (the building also housed a branch of the United Bank for Africa, one of his most valued conglomerates). “I also want to thank all those who supported in one way or another, from emergency responders and first aid workers to members of the public who showed courage and compassion,” he said. Tony Elumelu has leveraged a moment of crisis and profound sadness to impart lessons on corporate ethical practice that will inform lessons in sustainability for years to come.

•Olayemi Cardoso, CBN Governor •Rabiu Olowo, FRC CEO

•Tony Elumelu

SOStainability Week ly

Washing and hushing

Ogoni: Unanswered Questions as Nigeria Resumes Oil Drilling

Last week, President Bola Tinubu met with a delegation of Ogoni leaders at the State House, during which he directed a return to oil

For a community still hurting from decades of social and environmental injustice and recovering from the deadly communal crisis of the 1990s, which claimed the lives of its prominent members, this development brings mixed feelings. For an administration constantly seeking ways

to boost revenue, resuming extraction in Ogoni is a positive step. However, it won’t be viewed the same way by climate activists, environmental rights advocates, and local community folks, whose living conditions have worsened despite the wealth of resources beneath their land. Oil exploration in Ogoni was halted in 1993 due to sustained protests against environmental damage led by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa. The agitations took a violent turn, lives were lost, and the Nigerian military junta bared its fangs by executing Saro Wiwa along with eight other activists in 1995. Ogoni was left bloodied, scorched, and parched, with land that could no longer yield produce, and streams polluted by spilled black gold.

The large-scale pollution and degradation of Ogoni gained global attention again when the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), in a 2011 study, reported that drinking water had carcinogen levels 900 times above the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The study, which also revealed severe air pollution, estimated that $1 billion would be required to clean up the land over a 25-30 year period. The Nigerian government adopted the report and established the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) with a shared funding responsibility among stakeholders, including Shell, which reportedly contributed $270 million. In 2016, the Muhammadu Buhari administration launched the Ogoni clean-up with much fanfare. Since then, not much has changed in Ogoni land, with social deprivation and environmental degradation still being the lot of the communities and the people.

Perhaps the only thing that has changed substantially is the fortunes of those responsible for implementing, managing, and overseeing the cleanup of Ogoni land. Unscrupulous government officials allegedly colluded with contractors to divert funds meant for the project, while the environment remains damaged. There were reports of contract awards to unqualified and incompetent firms, falsification of laboratory results, inflation of project costs, and barefaced blockade of access to external auditors. MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People) had alleged in 2020 that $350 million invested in HYPREP had been misappropriated. The government, both federal and state, has remained silent on these allegations. Even as the grave corruption allegations against HYPREP remain unaddressed in Nigeria, litigation is underway in London against Shell, where some Ogoni communities are demanding that the oil giant take responsibility for the pollution of their land, allegedly caused by the company’s infrastructure between 1989 and 2020. How can the government ignore these questions of accountability and proceed with resuming oil exploration?

While directing his officials to ensure the resumption of oil drilling, President Tinubu awarded posthumous national honours to four Ogoni sons who died fighting for environmental justice. Recall that in June, President Tinubu conferred such on Saro Wiwa and his eight colleagues, who were brutally murdered by the military regime in 1993. Although these gestures are commendable, they are best viewed as a smokescreen that perpetuates the injustice done to the Ogoni people.

Therefore, for many in Ogoni land, resuming drilling at this time is seen not only as insensitive but also as a terrible double burden – a lack of accountability in patched-up remediation efforts and an escalation of environmental misfortune.

•President Bola Tinubu

•Ken Saro-Wiwa

Kosovo Ex-PrEsidEnt visits sanwo-olu...

L-R: Partner, Ernst & Young, Olayinka Oyetunji; Senior Pastor and Founder of The Covenant Nation, Pastor Poju Oyemade; former and first female President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Director, Group Chief Operation Officer, FCMB Group Plc, Gbolahan Joshua during a courtesy call by the Kosovo Ex-President at the Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday

Air Transport Sector Contributes $2.5bn Annually to Nigeria’s GDP, Creates 271,000 Jobs, Says IATA

Chinedu Eze

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that the air transport sector in Nigeria contributes $2.5 billion annually to the Gross National Product (GDP), which is 0.7 per cent, and created 217,000 jobs.

That was disclosed by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi. Alawadhi said air connectivity was fundamental to unlocking a country’s economic growth potential and prosperity, as it enabled industries across all regions within the country to engage in dynamic business activity. The organisation stated that most

Nigerians, who travelled, went to Europe, the largest international market for passenger flow from Nigeria, followed by Africa and North America. It disclosed that international air traffic accounted for 23 per cent of total origin-destination (O-D) departures for Nigeria in 2023, equivalent to 2.1 million passenger departures.

According to IATA statistics, almost 780,700 passengers departed from Nigeria to a country in Europe (38 per cent of the total); 485,400 to another country in Africa (23 per cent of the total); and 373,000 to North America (18 per cent of the total).

IATA also disclosed that 195,700 tonnes of air cargo were transported through airports in Nigeria in 2023,

NAPTIP Storms Abuja Airport, Arrests Five Suspected Human Traffickers, Frees 24 Victims

Michael olugbode in Abuja

Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, led a high-powered special operation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during which 24 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued and five suspected trafficking agents were arrested.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the agency’s National Press Officer, Vincent

Adekoye, among the suspected human traffickers arrested at the airport was a retired senior officer with one of the foremost law enforcement agencies in the country. He was alleged to be a prominent member of a trafficking syndicate operating within the South-west geopolitical zone.

Adekoye said, “The wellplanned action, which was hailed by other travellers at the airport, was a continuation of the newly unveiled anti-human trafficking efforts and onslaught against hu-

man trafficking by the Director General, targeting recruitment hubs, trafficking spots, and routes within Nigeria.”

Adekoye recalled that following reported increased cases of recruitment and trafficking of Nigerians for various forms of exploitation both within and outside the country, the director-general of NAPTIP had few months ago ordered stepped-up surveillance and monitoring of all parts of the country, with greater attention on motor parks, waterways in the coaster states, as well as

Pol IC e: How Ar IS e New S A NCH or, M AD u A gwu, D I e D

in Nigeria’s bustling media industry, Ms Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu”.

The governor said, “Somto- chukwu, one of the shining stars that our dear state bequeathed to Nigeria and the world, was not just a distinguished journalist; she was an embodiment of kindness, humility, brilliance, resilience, and hope of a brighter future for Nigerian youths.

“Her voice on ARISE News Television was an inspiration to millions, her passion for Justice reflected in her legal mind; and her humility and persistence while probing for the truth, a latent pointer to her professionalism.”

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson

Chukwudi, Fubara stated, “Losing Sommie at this time is an unwholesome tragedy to her family, our dear Rivers State, and indeed, our country.

“I regret the circumstances of this unfortunate incident, knowing that the vacuum created by her death cannot be filled. We, however, take solace in the fact that the federal government has ordered the appropriate security agencies to ensure that justice is served in this case.”

In a similar vein, Minister of Works, David Umahi, said he received with a deep sense of sympathy the sad news of Maduagwu’s death.

In a statement personally signed, the former Ebonyi State governor said, “I heartily offer

my deepest compassion to her family, associates, sympathisers, and institutions, especially the management of Arise TV, whose emotions have been shattered by the irreparable loss of this amazing personality who made an incredible impact in the me- dia and entertainment industry within the short period of her lifetime. May her wonderful memories comfort you during this heart-breaking time.

“While we pray God to grant eternal repose to this victim of societal criminal social space, we stand full square for her justice, and therefore call for a distinctive trail of those who circumstantially caused this calamity to bring them to justice.”

international airports.

He disclosed that the latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners, who alerted to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.

Adekoye said at the end of nearly six hours of operation, the human trafficking activities were completely disrupted, leading to the arrest of five suspected traffickers and the rescue of 24 suspected victims.

thus, supporting the country’s total import and export volumes. Alawadhi stated, “Aviation is a powerful engine for economic and social development. Nigeria’s National Day is a good opportunity to reflect on the immense value aviation brings to the country.

“Air transport supports over 217,000 jobs and contributes $2.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. With one of the fastest-growing populations in Africa and the world, and a predominantly young demographic, there is immense opportunity for future economic growth.”

Emmanuel ugwu-nwogo in Umuahia

The practice of issuing state- ments of results to students on completion of their academic programmes has been scrapped at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba (formerly Abiapoly), the Rector, Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has said.

He made this known when the newly elected executives of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, headed by Steve Oko, Vanguard Correspondent in Abia, paid the Rector a courtesy visit in his office.

Abiapoly Rector: Why We Abolished Statement of Results Issuance Bishop Kukah, Kayode Fayemi, Anya, Kyari

Distinguished Nigerian thought leaders have endorsed “Beneath the Surface,” a compelling collection of essays and public policy analyses by Dr. Dakuku Peterside. Their endorsements, representing the Church, academia, and public service, highlight the book’s significance to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, governance challenges, and human development discourse. Bishop Matthew Kukah, a prominent Catholic bishop and advocate for justice and democracy; Dr. Kayode Fay-

emi, former Governor of Ekiti State and war studies scholar; Prof. Anya O. Anya, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and founding Director-General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; and Prof. Kyari Mohammed, historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology as well as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, have all praised Peterside’s new volume.

According to Bishop

The Rector noted that statement of results, which was originally meant to be a temporary document before the issuance of certificates has been turned into another avenue for exploitation in the tertiary institutions. He explained that after considering its flaws, the new management of Onupoly decided to abolish giving graduates statement of results and instead issue them certificates outright. Management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba (formerly Abia Poly), said it had outlawed the sale of handouts in the institution to stop exploitation of students.

Matthew Kukah, author of Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria (1993), Democracy and Civil Society in Nigeria (2001), and The Church and the Politics of Social Responsibility (2007), “Dr. Dakuku Peterside has served us a salad plate of exquisite writing, flowing in prescient prose and narration, an in-depth kaleidoscope of exciting and alluring themes. “The author has opened a window for future explora- tion of the options for a new Nigeria.”

FCT

INAUGURAL COCKTAIL RECEPTION...

L-R: Mrs. Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer, Lifecard International Ltd.; Mr. Saad Khaled, Regional Sales Director, Azizi Development Ltd.; and Mrs. Ngozi Franca Onunyere, Relationship Manager, Azizi Development, during the inaugural cocktail reception on investment in Dubai, organised by Platinum

Network in partnership with Azizi Development, held in Ikoyi, Lagos…recently

PSC Unveils Whistle-Blowing Policy to Curb Recruitment Racketeering in Police Force

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Police Service Commission (PSC) has unveiled a whistle-blowing policy aimed at tackling racketeering in the recruitment process of the Nigeria Police.

PSC said it was committed to ensuring that recruitment into the Nigeria Police was transparent, merit-based, and fair.

It stressed that the new policy established a secure channel for members of the public to report any corruption, fraud, or malpractice observed during the police recruitment process.

A statement by the commis- sion’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the goal of the policy was to uphold the principles of good governance and strengthen national security by ensuring that only the most qualified and upright candidates were enlisted.

Ani said the commission’s actions were guided by core principles aligned with the

Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He stated, “This policy empowers every citizen to act as a watchdog, ensuring the recruitment process is free from bribery, fraud, and unethical influence.”

The commission explained that Nigerians were encouraged to report instances, such as the solicitation or acceptance of bribes—whether in cash, gifts, or favours—in exchange for recruitment slots or preferential treatment.

“It also includes manipulation of results in written, physical, or medical tests; falsification of credentials, age, certificates, or state of origin with the knowledge of officials; sexual harassment or extortion of candidates; and the presence of ghost candidates or inclusion of names not part of the official recruitment process,” the statement said.

It added, “Impersonation during examinations or screenings,

as well as any other form of undue influence or unethical conduct by recruitment officials or middlemen, are also covered under the policy.”

The commission urged indi- viduals, who wished to submit complaints, to ensure their reports were effective by providing as much detail as possible.

“You can also report anonymously, but providing your contact details will assist if further information is needed,” PSC stated.

Ani reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting the identity and welfare of individuals who reported in good faith. He stated, “All reports will be

treated with the utmost confidentiality. Whistle-blowers will be protected from victimisation, intimidation, or retaliation, as provided by relevant Nigerian laws.

“The commission’s commitment is that every credible report will be promptly, independently, and thoroughly investigated. It

will take decisive disciplinary and legal action against any individual found culpable of recruitment malpractices.”

The commission urged Nigerians to support its efforts to build a better and more professional Nigeria Police, stressing, “Your courage can make the difference.”

Immigration to Commence Crackdown on Visa Overstayers as Amnesty Ends

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to commence nation- wide enforcement against visa overstayers following the expiration of federal government’s three-month visa amnesty programme on October 1, 2025.

The crackdown will target

Anti-Money Laundering: Lawyers Reminded of Roles in Handling Matters on AML/CFT

Amby Uneze in

Lawyers in Nigeria have been advised to be conversant with the money laundering laws to escape from trouble. The advise was given in Owerri, the Imo State capital, by the co-chair of the Nigerian Bar Associa- tion, Anti-Money Laundry (NBAAML), Committee, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, during the Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on the Laundering/CounterAnti-Money Financ- ing of Terrorism (AML/CFT),

and the use of the NBA AML Portal.

The workshop was organised by the African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development (the African Center), with funding support from the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO).

He noted the training was centred on the steps being taken to support legal prac-

titioners to meet their AML/ CFT Compliance obligations, which one of it is the NBA AML Suspicious Transaction Reporting portal.

He advised the participants including representatives from the NBA branches in Imo and Abia States, comprising Owerri, Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, Isiala - Ngwa, Ukwa, Okigwe, Orlu, Mbaise, and Mbano - Etiti, that their deep knowledge and practice of the AML and CFT laws would save them from running out of trouble from their clients.

foreign nationals who failed to regularise their immigration status during the grace period.

A statement by NIS spokes- man, Akinsola Akinlabi, warned that offenders will face fines, deportation, or lifetime entry bans.

Akinlabi said: “With the expiration of the amnesty period, effective October 1, 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions.”

According to him, the

Elumelu

enforcement covers a wide category of foreigners, includ- ing those with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired single - and multiple-entry short visit or business visas, as well as holders of expired Comprehensive Expatriate Resi- dence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Akinlabi explained that foreigners who have overstayed by less than three months risk removal, a $15 daily fine, or a two-year entry ban.

Those who have overstayed between three months and one

year face removal, a $15 daily fine, or a five-year entry ban, while overstayers of one year and above face removal, a 10year entry ban, or a permanent ban from Nigeria.

He further explained that the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security and ensuring lawful migration. He stated: “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting national interests, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all im- migration processes.”

Wins 2025 Appeal

of Conscience Award in USA

Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

The Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has been conferred the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Con- science Foundation Founded by, Rabbi Arthur Schneier in the United States of America (USA).

The award was received on his behalf by his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu.

Other recipients of the award included the Archbishop of New York and Award Recipient, Cardinal Timothy Dolan Awele Elumelu on behalf of the Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation, expressed gratitude for receiving the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award, which

he said deeply resonates with his personal values. He acknowledged the privilege to be associated with the legacy represented by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Rabbi Arthur Schneier. According to him, humanity first as it has been the core of his life and what keeps him up at night amid transforming lives across Africa.

Global

Owerri

MEDIA PARLEY ON COMMEMORATION OF LAGOS AGF’S 2ND YEAR...

L-R: Lagos Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, S.A.N.; Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; and Director of Civil Litigation, Mr. Emmanuel Akande, at the media parley on commemoration of the 2nd year in office of the Attorney General, held in Alausa, Lagos on Tuesday

Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project.

“With the Bankers’ Committee alone committing approximately N68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future. This project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Until a few years ago, when the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Cen- tral Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers Committee, and, humbly, the Lagos State Government all came together to embark on a massive restoration program.

“Lagos State is proud to have been a key stakeholder and a partner in this project, and we have demonstrated this in every concrete way. First, we ensured that the Blue Line Metro had a dedicated stop here at the complex.

“Then the restoration began. We contributed a sizable portion of additional land to enable the development of a world-class creative hub around this theatre. What this means is that today’s commissioning is only the beginning.

“The restoration of the theatre

complex in itself is only the first part of a much larger vision that we see. Indeed, this amazing story of revival, of possibility of artistic and creative excellence, is still fitting here in the commune.

“I cannot conclude without paying special tribute to the man, the icon, after whom this centre has now been renamed by His Excellency, Mr. President, the person we call Eni Ogun, himself Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka GCON, CON, Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature.”

Soyinka, in his remarks, ex- pressed gratitude for the honour of having the national edifice renamed after him, describing it as a gesture that should inspire the revival of Nigeria’s creative economy.

The playwright, while lament- ing the long neglect of Africa’s theatre pioneers, commended the visionaries who transformed the once-dilapidated structure into a world-class facility.

With humour, he recalled how poor design in the past “nearly electrocuted actors” on stage.

Soyinka extended apprecia- tion to Tinubu, the Lagos State Government, and the Bankers’ Committee, stressing that the rejuvenated theatre must con- tinue to serve as a platform for African creativity, cultural unity, and global artistic exchange.

“I hope it is that with the recreation of this institution, we won’t go all the way to Abu Dhabi to watch African

In the past, long shutdowns were usually seen as politically dangerous, hampering both voters’ everyday lives and the images of lawmakers and the president.

theatre,”he said.

Meanwhile, in Owerri, yes- terday, Tinubu said the reason critics of his administration have continued to turn the facts on their head was because they did not know any better.

The president, who hit hard on those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, said in Nigeria, no faith was under siege and no community has been excluded, adding that, “We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us.”

Tinubu, who insisted that in spite of misgivings, Nigeria re- mained united, also inaugurated some legacy projects constructed by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

“Our critics can say whatever they want because they don’t know any better; their arithmetic has always been wrong. We understand financial engineering and progressive methodology much better than they do. That’s why we are here,” he said.

Linking today’s momentum to the political turn Nigeria took a decade ago, he said, “10 years ago, our great party, the APC, came into office on the promise of change. That change is being witnessed here today.”

He credited the late President Muhammadu Buhari with beginning “the work of sta- bilisation,” noting that, “Yes, many years passed, mistakes were made, but the direction

of our country shifted for the better ever since we came to power.”Further dismissing the al- legations of religious genocide, he said they were unfounded and misleading, as citizens focused more on harmony and shared prosperity, assuring the people that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the federal government would continue to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian citizenry.

The president noted that Nigerians, after 65 years of Independence, had grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre that, “Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its“Here,people.no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side - not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

“We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than

Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

“Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’’ he added.

The president who reiterated that Nigeria has “turned the corner” added that “the worst is over,” urging citizens to “stay the course” as his administration’s reforms take firmer hold.

Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda was translating into tangible recovery.

“I stand before you confident, yet humble enough to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago… Today, I can confidently tell you that the worst is over. Stay the course. Believe in us because we believe in you. We trust the future”, he said.

He said the country was steadily regaining economic credibility, citing a rise in external reserves and improving macroeconomic indicators.

“Today our external reserves stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019. This is the proof that Nigeria is regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy,” he added.

He added that in the second quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 4.23 per cent, while inflation eased to 20.12 per cent

in August, “the lowest in more than three years,” which he described as “relief… slowly, but surely reaching out to our people. You may not feel it yet, beTinubupatient.”reported that Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by more than 44 per cent in the last quarter, while manufactured exports surged by 173 percent.

“These numbers speak of a Nigeria that’s producing, export- ing and competing more than ever before,” he said, adding that the naira has steadied as foreign-exchange reforms and new investment flows “restore confidence in our economy.”

While insisting that the upward climb “has been steep,” Tinubu maintained that the trajectory is now durable.

“We will continue to work slowly up, but steadily now with our hands on the plow, no looking back. We are going to get to the top of the mountain,” he said, framing the event as both a celebration and a record of Thestewardship.President highlighted improvements in healthcare capacity, saying Nigerians “can say confidently” that there are well-equipped hospitals able to treat critical illnesses such as cancer.

“We are investing in the welfare of our people… Right now, this economy will work for you, not for the smugglers, not for the corrupt.”

Around 750,000 federal workers - roughly 40 per cent - will be taking unpaid leave each day, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). What stands out about this current standoff is the position of Trump’s team.

But this time, the Trump administration appears more than happy to shutter large parts of the US government for an extended period. In fact, officials have threatened to use a shutdown to identify “non-essential” workers who could then be permanently let go. “We’ll be laying off a lot of people,” Trump said on Tuesday. Also, after previous shut- downs, government operations mostly returned to normal, with staff and spending levels largely going back to what they had

been before, once the standoff was resolved.

Over the past nine months, however, the Trump administra- tion has slashed spending and pushed workers out of their jobs, testing the boundaries of presidential power. A shutdown could allow the administration to accelerate its massive reductions. While both sides are blaming each other for the situation, they did make last-ditch efforts to try to avoid it.

US Gov T S HUTS Down AS Con G re SS FAI l S To r e ACH n ew F U n DI n G De A l said - because the grants are awarded during the summer, they will be largely unaffected during this shutdown, the education secretary has said. Government shutdowns often start off slow, but the pain steadily builds and has a knock-on effect not only to federal workers, but ordinary Americans. Overall, analysts expect that this shutdown could be bigger than the last one in 2018.

On Monday, Trump met all four congressional leaders - the top Democrats in the House and Senate as well as their Republican counterparts. But there was little progress, and both sides appeared to have dug deeper into their positions.

Seplat Energy JV Rewards Educational Excellence at PEARLs Quiz in Imo

Amby Uneze in Owerri

Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy company, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), is building the total quality child through the PEARLs Quiz competition in Imo State.

The competition is one of Seplat Energy’s signature educational Corporate Social Investment programmes in Nigeria.

At the grand finale of the

PEARLs Quiz Eastern Asset second edition in Owerri, Imo State, the joint venture demonstrated a clear focus on instilling confidence, spirit of fairplay and sportsmanship in the participants by encouraging those who lost out to step forward and congratulate the winners.

This move was roundly applauded by stakeholders, including government officials, educators, community leaders and regulators, amongst others, in attendance and the participating schools.

Avana Model Secondary

School, Owerri, won the 1st prize trophy at the Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz and a prize money of N5 million for school development. In addition, the three students who represented the school went home with N100,000 each in scholarship grants, while the teacher went home with a laptop. In second place was Delight International School, Owerri, which got a trophy and prize money of N3 million, while the three students who represented them got N75,000 each in scholar- ship grant and their teacher also got a laptop.

SOLUDO DISBURSES N3.5BN TO ANAMBRA YOUTHS TRAINEES AS STARTUP CAPITAL...

L-R: Anambra State Commissioner for Youths, Mr. Patrick Aghamba; Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; graduates from the ‘One Youth Two Skills’ training programme; and one of the trainers, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, displaying a cheque of the total start-up capital provided by the Anambra State government during their graduation ceremony at the International Convention Centre, Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday

Oba of Benin Rejects Iyaloja Function in Edo Markets

The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has told the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the role and functions of Iyeki (market leader) in Benin Kingdom. The monarch rejected the idea of Iyaloja in Edo markets.

Oba Ewuare said the Iyeki performed certain cultural roles on his behalf in the markets, besides coordinating the affairs of traders in the market.

He said the Iyeki had a special relationship with the palace and performed expected roles in the shrine located in every market.

The Benin monarch spoke when Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo visited him to inform him that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josphine Ivbazebule as Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.

But Oba Ewuare said the Iyaloja concept was alien to

Benin culture, adding that the Iyeki must be confirmed by the palace after being selected by the market women.

According to him, “Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture here. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those that are knowledgeable.

“Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Are you aware of that? Do you know that every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market?

“The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the Oba. We are not going to say much except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”

Chief Osaro Idah, whom the Oba permitted to enlighten Tinubu-Ojo, said, “Iyeki is independent in every market,

like the Oba market, Ogiso market and others. The traders select their leaders from within the market. The Iyeki does more than the role of coordinating traders.

“There are certain shrines

inhabited in all the markets. They play certain roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation.

“The novelty of general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and

tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing like you have other clubs.”

He said, “It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to

each market. No one has right to control the other in another market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society.”

LASG on Trade Fair Demolition: Buildings Had No Approvals

Peter Obi playing emotional theatrics

Segun James

As outrage and confusion continues to trail the demolition of structures at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, the Lagos State Government has accused Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, of misleading the public and engaging in “emotional theatrics” to manipulate the truth on the

60th Birthday: Abbas Pays 100 Inmates’ NECO, NABTEB Fees, Secures Release of Nine

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Wednesday paid registration fees for 100 inmates to sit for the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

While 57 will sit for NABTEB examination, 43 were registered for NECO.

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Leke Baiyewu, in a statement issued Wednesday

revealed the Speaker also secured the release of nine inmates to mark his 60th birthday.

He said the Speaker was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Chamberlain Dunku, who led several senior aides to the presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Abbas said: “Identifying with the (Nigerian Correctional) Service in the area of quality transformation of inmates through education is a cause that is very close to my heart.

“This celebration goes beyond

personal milestones; it is about extending hope, giving second chances and investing in the future of our brothers and sisters who, though confined today, still carry within them the potential for greatness tomorrow.

“The registration of inmates for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO is not merely an academic exercise — it is a statement of faith in human dignity and redemption. It is a reminder that conviction is not condemnation, and that every life, when given the right opportunity, can be transformed.”

demolition of the structures.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement, said that contrary to the misleading statement by Obi, “the owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer.

“When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against

them; they were beaten up.

The police rescued them.

When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come; they did not come.

“Their defence is that the Management Board of the Trade Fair permitted them to build their structures. This is wrong. The board, which is a creation of the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of

Lagos State Government.

“Physical Planning and building approvals are within the remit of State Governments. Under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992, as domesticated by Lagos State’s Physical Planning and Development Regulations), all physical development in any part of Lagos must obtain planning permit/approval from the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.”

Nigeria Secures $268.6m EBID Financing for Energy, Agriculture, Industrialisation

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria is set to receive a signifi- cant boost from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), as the institution has approved three major projects worth a combined $268.631 million for Taraba State.

The approvals, part of a total $308.631 million financing package endorsed at the Bank’s 93rd Ordinary Session in Lomé, Togo, are

aimed at catalysing clean energy, agricultural transformation, and industrialisation in West Africa.

In a statement from the bank, Nigeria is the largest share of the commitments and it is slated to flow into Taraba State through three strategic initiatives.

It stated: “A 50 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Taraba State, Nigeria $98.18 million, which will augment the supply of reliable clean electricity

to spur inclusive economic development, alleviate energy poverty, and improve environmental sustainability.

“Anticipated benefits include direct electricity access for roughly 390,000 individuals, enhanced power reliability for at least 200 public institutions, the creation of 400 direct jobs during construction, and approximately 50 permanent operational roles.

An estimated

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

AIG-IMOUKHUEDE ALUMNI UPSKILLING SESSION ON ‘ETHICS, COMPLIANCE’...

L-R: Retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. David Andrew; former Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group/Two-time Federal Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr.; Director of Programmes, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ms. Chioma Njoku; former Coordinating Director, Digital and Innovation Support Group, FIRS,

and former Director of Operations, ICPC, Mr. Akeem Lawal, at the Aig-Imoukhuede alumni upskilling session on ‘Ethics, Compliance, and Integrity in Public Procurement.’ The discussion positioned ethical procurement practices as a critical driver of transparent governance and public trust in Abuja…recently

65th Independence Anniversary: Leaders Celebrate, Optimistic about Nation’s Future

Our Correspondents

Although a milestone celebrated low key, prominent Nigerians leaders, yesterday, marked the nation’s 65th independence an- niversary with high optimism about a better and brighter future.

Many of those who spoke attributed the cause for celebrations to President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, believed to have begun to yield results among the people.

While some members of the opposition disagreed with some of the progress being celebrated by the administration, a majority of the people, including non- members of the. ruling party, celebrated the president alongside the nation.

Atiku: Nigerians Are Hungry Amid Plenty

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised President Bola Tinubu’s independence day speech, insisting Nigerians are hungry in the midst of plenty.

In his reaction to the president’s speech, Atiku, in statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the president spoke glow- ingly of “turning the corner,” of laying foundations “in concrete and not on quicksand,” and of supposed victories in education, healthcare, the economy, and national security.

Atiku, who said by implication of empty pots, Nigerians were hungry, added, ‘’But as citizens, we must speak the truth of our lived reality. As our elders say, ‘The yam may be plentiful, but if the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles’. Today, Nigeria’s pot is not only empty but cracked — and the people remain hungry.

‘’The president cited the multiplication of schools since 1960. Yet in many places, pupils still sit on bare floors and write in dust, while teachers abandon classrooms because their salaries cannot buy food.

“He boasted of more hospitals, but our mothers and fathers still carry candles, syringes, and drugs

into wards before treatment can begin. ‘A man who builds many huts without roofs has only built shade for goats’.

‘’On the economy, we were told of bold reforms. But Nigerians know the pain in their pockets. Food prices are higher than the rooftops, transport has swallowed incomes, and many families now eat less than one meal a day.

“If these are the ‘seeds’ of reform, then the fruit is still bitter. When the roof is on fire, it is folly to declare the rain has quenched it.”

Atiku said, ‘’On security, the President saluted the courage of our armed forces and declared victories over terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. Yet Nigerians still sleep with one eye open, and families still pay ransom as if it were the daily price of garri.

“Villages continue to bury their dead. Most tragically, just this week, we lost Somtochukwu, a young female news anchor with Arise TV, killed in a robbery attack in the early hours of Monday.

‘’Her death is a painful reminder that no one — not even the voices that bring us the news — is safe in today’s Nigeria. “A farmer cannot boast the bush is cleared while weeds still choke his yam.”

First Lady to Nigerians: All Hands Must be on Deck

Towards Achieving Greater Nation

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said all hands must be on deck to make Nigeria a great nation.

In a message to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the first lady charged Nigerians to “let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see; your sacrifice will never be in vain”.

Mrs. Tinubu, in a terse message, stated, “Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country?

“If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then

you are an oasis in a desert. Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain.

“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Zulum: Peace Building Efforts Succeeding

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, congratulated Tinubu and other Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th independence day celebration.

Marking the milestone, Zulum acknowledged the challenges the country had faced over the past six and a half decades, but he stressed that Nigeria had consistently emerged stronger.

He called for continued unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence amongst its citizens.

The governor commended Tinubu for his leadership and continued support to the armed forces and other security agencies involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North-east, particularly, in Borno State.

Zulum, in a statement personally signed, expressed commitment to providing peace and development to Borno.

He stated, “We will not rest. We will not be complacent.

“We will continue to work, strive more, and fight for a Borno where everyone can dream of a better life, every farmer can till their land, our industries can thrive, and every family can sleep in peace.

“As we join our brothers and sisters across the country to mark the 65th anniversary of our independence, we celebrate the Nigerian nation’s freedom, unity, and resilience.

“But on this day, our reflec- tions in Borno are particularly profound. Our journey has been uniquely tested, yet our hope remains unbroken.”

Abiodun: Nigeria on Course for Greatness

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the country was

experiencing a rebirth, as Tinubu had demonstrated capacity in making decisions avoided by pastAbiodunleaders.emphasised that the president’s economic blueprint reflected the urgent needs of Nigerians and the global realities of the 21st century.

The governor, who spoke at the 65th National Day celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, said Nigeria would be stronger if citizens worked and cooperated with governments in the course of nation building.

He stated that the task of nation building was enormous, hence, the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, political affiliations, and social status, to work with governments to realise theHeobjective.

stated, “The theme of the celebration, ‘All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,’ was timely and instructive for Nigeria to work together for a greater nation.

“Building a stronger Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of the government; it is a collective duty of every Nigerian at home and abroad.”

Adeleke Harps on Rule of Law, Federalism

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th independence anniversary, stressing the need for the rule of law and national reform for true federalism.

In a statement issued in Oshogbo, Adeleke described the celebration as a critical point to assess the state of national constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and delivery of goodWhilegovernance. applauding the progress recorded so far by Nigeria since her independence, the governor emphasised the need to jealously guide and protect the founda- tion of national governance through full compliance with the constitution and respect for the rule of law.

He stated, “We have made progress but we can move faster and better. We have recorded a lot of progress but we should continue to protect the foundation of our national existence, the constitution and its interpretation by a truly independent judiciary.

“We must in totality ensure compliance with the rule of law, not rule of the thumb. Judicial process must be respected as it is the only legitimate vehicle to regulate relationships among players in the democratic space and among Nigerians at large.”

Adeleke described democracy as rule-based, saying Nigeria’s democracy would progress faster and good governance would be better delivered when democratic structures are allowed to function without unlawful interference.

The governor granted amnesty to 36 convicts currently serv- ing sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife to mark the anniversary.

Bago Commends Nigerians’ Resilience

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, praised the resilience of Nigerians in the face of hardships, saying the pains would soon be over.

In an independence day message, Bago said the federal and state governments were implementing policies and programmes that were already yielding fruitful dividends for the general wellbeing of the citizenry.

He added that the results of the policies were now putting smiles on the faces of the citizens.

In the message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibra- him, the governor observed that the administration’s intervention in agriculture had led to drastic reduction in prices of food items in markets across the state and theBagocountry.renewed his support for the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and asked the people to be patriotic and avoid tendencies that could derail the country’s democratic

Oborevwori: A Stronger Nation Achievable

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their patriotic commitment to realise the desired stronger, more united and prosperous nation, saying the economy has shown visible improvement in recent times.

In his 65th independence an- niversary message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori appealed to Nigerians to throw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as well as the “M.O.R.E Agenda” of his own administration.

He said the development blueprints were both designed to improve the living standards of the people.

He stated that his government invested heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments. The efforts, he explained, were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy.

The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stress- ing that peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Fubara Prays for Sustenance of Democracy

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urged Nigerians to pray for peace, unity and sustenance of democracy in theAllcountry.Progressives Congress (APC) in the state also prayed God to continue to guide the country on the path of progress and prosperity. In his speech yesterday to commemorate the country’s anniversary, Fubara urged

Mrs. Chiaka Ben-Obi;

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

CELEBRATING NIGERIA’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY...

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (6th right); Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor (5th right); Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua (3rd right); Rt. Hon Victor Nwokolo (6th left); Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakperuo rtd, (4th left), and other service chiefs and traditional rulers cutting Nigeria’s 65th anniversary cake in Asaba…yesterday

65 TH In D epen D ence Ann I ver SA rY: Le AD er

Nigerians, including those in diaspora, to continue to strive for the unity of the country.

He congratulated Rivers people, Tinubu, and all Nigerians on the occasion of the 65th independence anniversary.

Fubara stated, “As we celebrate this milestone in Nigeria’s political journey, may we continue to strive for peace and unity among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.“Providence has entrusted us with the responsibility of navigating the course of the nation and initiating policies to spur development and a better life for the people.”

Yusuf Slams Kano Police Chief, Seeks His Removal over Independence Day Behaviour

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, called on Tinubu to remove the Kano State Commissioner of Police for failing to participate in the independence day parade in the state.

Yusuf made the call during his speech at the Nigeria’s 65th independence day celebration at Sani Abacha stadium, Kofar Mata.

The governor was visibly upset when he discovered that the traditional police vehicle was not present to take him round and escort him to the parade arena.

The absence of the police van seemed to cause him and other celebrants discontent, prompt- ing his aides to make another arrangement using his own pilot car to proceed with the event as Inplanned. his speech, the governor expressly condemned the action, placing the blame squarely on the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

He accused the police commissioner of intentionally withdrawing from the planned celebration at the eleventh hour to undermine him.

Yusuf said, “We condemn this unnational unprofessional attitude of the Commissioner of Police. History will judge his actions. I had to use my own pilot car to go “Thisround. is unethical, this is unprofessional and disservice to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I therefore, wish to seize

the opportunity to call on the President, whom we know as no nonsense man. to remove the commissioner of Police from Kano“Ontoday.behalf of all of them you I am writing a petition against him through the office of the National Security Adviser for onward submission to president of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Ododo Tasks Nigerians on Faith, Unity

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, urged Nigerians to continue to work together in faith, unity, and courage, because the destiny of the country was in the hands of the citizens.

Ododo, in his Independence day message to the people of Kogi State, yesterday, stressed that Nigerians must use the anniversary to renew their love for the country, shun division, and rise above fear and doubt.

He stated, “Today, as we join millions of Nigerians across the world to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we are reminded of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, the resilience of our people, and the unshakable hope that continues to drive us as one nation under God.

“Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to patriotism, to unity, and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity for all. Our strength as a people lies in our collective courage to overcome challenges.”

Ododo added, “Even as we celebrate, we do so with heavy hearts over the unfortunate boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of our brothers and sisters who were on their way to pursue their daily livelihood.

“This tragedy reminds us of the fragility of life and the duty we owe one another to continually improve safety and support for our people. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, I commiserate with the families of the victims, the Ibaji community, and all who are mourning at this time.”

Aiyedatiwa Hails Tinubu’s Bold Reforms

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to service, actions and visible results as Nigeria marked its 65th independence anniversary.

Speaking at an event held at Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, to make the day, the governor joined millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the country’s journey since 1960, describing independence as both a gift of self-rule and the dignity of identity.

He said despite the challenges of civil strife, military rule, and economic hardship, Nigeria had remained united and resilient.

He commended Tinubu for his bold economic reforms across all sectors.

Aiyedatiwa stated, “As a coun- try, we have come far. We have weathered through civil strife and military rule and we stand tall as the largest democracy in Africa. We have made significant contributions to peacekeeping operations across the continent, proving that Nigeria is not only a giant in population but also in responsibility.

“Our economy, though faced with challenges, has produced world renowned entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, artists and sportsmen who have carried the Nigerian flag to the ends of the earth. Above all, we have remained united, over 200 million people of different tongues, faiths and traditions, still bound together under one green and white flag.”

Sani Urges Nigerians to Work Together to Build a Peaceful, Prosperous Nation

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, urged Nigerians to work across communities and faiths to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. Sani stated this yesterday in a statement marking the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

He stated that the country had endured major political,

economic, and social challenges since independence, yet it con- tinued to stand “tall, proud, and unbroken”.

Sani called for unity and collective effort to continue to build the country.

He stated, “Our founding fathers’ legacy was built on unity and faith. We must make independence meaningful for every Nigerian. Nigeria’s future is bright, and Kaduna will play a keyTherole.”governor reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu’s Re- newed Hope Agenda and called for peace, civic participation, and belief in Nigeria’s potential.

“Together, we are overcom- ing. Together, we are rising,” he added.

Yahaya Hails Progress, Unity in State, Nation

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, called on citizens to continue to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, describing both as the bedrock of development and prosperity.

Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation in 1996, Yahaya paid glowing tribute to past leaders who laid the foundation for its growth.

In a goodwill message to mark the anniversaries of the country and state, the governor stated that while challenges remained, Gombe had recorded remarkable achievements across critical sectors under his administration, guided by the 10-Year Develop- ment Plan (DEVAGOM).

In a release issued by Director- General (Press Affairs), Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor pointed out milestones in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, agriculture, environmentalindustrialisation, sustainability, public service reforms, ease of doing business, youth and women empowerment, and regional water projects.

Central to these strides, he said, was DEVAGOM, a carefully crafted roadmap that had steered the state’s transformation.

According to him, Gombe has in recent years bolstered healthcare and education, expanded infrastructure with the completion of rural and township roads, addressed long-standing

environmental issues, and opened new economic frontiers through agro-livestock, agribusiness, and industrialisation.

Cross River Joins Nation in Low Key 65th CommemorationIndependence

Cross River State Government, yesterday, aligned with the federal government’s directive to mark the country’s 65th independence anniversary without the tradi- tional parade or the fanfare usually associated with it.

Accordingly, what would have been a day of spectacle in the open arenas of the U.J Esuene Stadium, instead, was transformed into a low-key moment.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, described the day as sacred, a hallowed chapter in Nigeria’s national journey that calls her citizens not only to remembrance but also to renewal.

According to him, the cancel- lation of the parade did not diminish the meaning of the celebration, but rather elevates it to a higher plane of sober reflection.

Otu noted that at 65, Nigeria stood as a testament to the resilience of her people, their capacity to weather storms and rise from trials stronger and more determined.

The governor urged Cross Riverians, and indeed all Nigerians, to use the anniversary as an opportunity to look back at the path already trodden, draw strength from past victories, and chart a future anchored on unity, peace, and progress.

Senators Hail Nigerians’ Resilience

Southern Senators Forum and Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of Kogi Central, have paid glowing tributes to the resilience and steadfastness of Nigerians, while calling for unity and renewed commitment to nationalChairmanprogress. of the Southern Senators Forum, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), in a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues, urged citizens

to view the nation’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

He called on Nigerians to resist divisive tendencies and embrace collective responsibility in building a more united and prosperous country. Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, applauded the bold reforms of the Tinubu administration, noting that they are already beginning to yield positive

“Today,outcomes. as we mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I join millions of compatriots in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and enduring spirit. Despite the economic, social, and political hurdles before us, our dear nation remains a beacon of hope on the African continent,” Abiru said.

In a separate Independence Day message, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of Kogi Central urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the country’s found- ing fathers by recommitting to the ideals of justice, equity, and unity.She described Independence Day as both a celebration of nationhood and a reminder of the unbreakable spirit of Nigerians, who have weathered decades of challenges with courage and resilience.

Dogara Hails TransformativeTinubu’sAgenda, Reaffirms Hope in Nation’s Destiny

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his transformative leadership, declar- ing that the future of the country was anchored on resilience, unity, and bold reforms.

Dogara described Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary as “a victory of courage over fear, of hope over despair, and of resilience over adversity.” He said the celebration should not only remind Nigerians of past sacrifices but also serve as a rallying cry to collectively embrace a new era of national

PRESENTATION OF TROPHY AND CHEQUE OF ONE MILLION NAIRA TO NAFISA...

L-R: Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Board of Trustees Chairman, Wazirin Dutse, Alhaji

65 TH In D epen D ence Ann I ver SA rY: Le AD er S c e L ebr

renewal.

The former Speaker com- mended President Tinubu for the audacity to pursue difficult but necessary reforms, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilisation of the naira, and renewed focus on investment and enterprise were already reshaping the economic landscape.

“These are not ordinary policy adjustments. They are seismic, historic reforms that are dismantling decades of decay and inertia. Though the pain of transition is real, the reward will be even “Nigeriansgreater.must therefore summon the patience and endurance of a people destined for greatness, because the signs of renewal are already on the horizon.”

Usman Felicitates With Nigerians

The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has joined millions of Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement, Usman acknowledged that although Nigeria has witnessed missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations over the decades, there remains much to celebrate.

She noted that the country’s continued existence as one indivisible nation, despite numerous challenges, is proof of Nigerians’ collective resolve and the strength derived from unity in Usman,diversity.however, decried the burden of poor leadership at various levels of governance, urging Nigerians not to despair but to remain hopeful for a better future.

“There will surely be joy in the morning. It would be a double tragedy for a people who have endured years of misrule to now surrender hope for their country. Meaningful change will only come when we, as citizens, rise to hold leaders accountable,” she said.

Kalu:

At 65, Nigeria Must Face Hard Truths

A former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Kalu Idika Kalu has cautioned against

premature optimism over claims that the nation has “turned the corner.”

Speaking yesterday on the Morning Show of ARISE News Channels, the former minister provided a critical appraisal of Nigeria’s progress, stressing the need for realism and structural reforms.

While acknowledging the intention behind the president’s reform agenda, ranging from fuel subsidy removal to the floating of the naira, the former minister highlighted deep systemic challenges, particularly poor implementation, lack of strategic planning, and weak institutional capacity.

“I’m not sure I’ve been as enthusiastic about the imple- mentation of the fuel subsidy removal as others. Economics does not exist in isolation. You cannot talk about macroeconomic policy without addressing health, education, infrastructure, and the rule of law,” he said.

Kalu itemised eleven interconnected challenges hindering national development, including insecurity, poor education, weak infrastructure, and absence of institutional accountability.

“Without security, agriculture cannot thrive. Without education, we cannot develop the skilled manpower we desperately need,” he noted.

Address Marginalisation, Ethnic profiling of Igbos, ADC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and 2023 Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Ebonyi South zone, Hon. Linus Abaa-Okorie, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address what he described as the systemic exclusion, demolitions, and ethnic profiling of Igbos existing even after 65 years of independence.

In a statement in Abakaliki, Abaa-Okorie who was a two term member of Federal House of Representatives, noted that the marginalisation being suffered by the southeast zone undermined the very principles of federal character and inclusive governance.

He pointed to the concerning patterns in ministerial appoint-

ments where the South-East receives only the constitutional minimum representation, while single states in other regions boast multiple full cabinet-rank ministers, as well as infrastructure discrimination that showed the South-West allocated N2.5 trillion for road construction compared to the South-East’s N446 billion.

“In response to President Bola Tinubu’s anniversary address, the administration’s abrupt cancellation of independence celebrations spoke louder than any presidential speech, serving as a silent admission of the profound hardship and discontent gripping the nation,” he said.

While acknowledging the President’s recitation of economic metrics, Okorie emphasised that the figures provided no comfort to the millions of Nigerians facing hyperinflation, hunger, insecurity and unemployment.

FCTA Unveils Two Flagship Health Initiatives

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched free distribution of Mother-Baby Kits and the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project as part of activities to mark Nigeria 65th independence anniversary.

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud launched the initiatives yesterday at the Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja.

She described the two health flagship programmes as a holistic vision of health that protect mothers and newborns during childbirth while safeguarding families from the dangers of household air pollution and symbolize the administra- tion’s resolve to invest in both immediate healthcare needs and long-term environmental sustainability.

The Mother–Baby kits con- tained essential medical items and consumables that would support safe labour, delivery and neonatal care for women and babies across the FCT.

“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care.

“These kits reflect our deep

commitment to maternal and child health and to ensuring that every mother and baby are given the best start possible,” she said.

She also described the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project as a bold, forward-looking initiative designed to reduce indoor air pol- lution in vulnerable households.

Ogun Speaker Urges More Prayers

Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon James Elemide, has felicitated Ogun residents and Nigerians in general on the 65th independence celebration.

He acknowledged efforts of every Nigerian, especially the forefathers who in one way or the other paid the supreme sacrifice for the independence of the nation as well as keeping it united.

“I write to felicitate with Nigerians, especially the Leader of our party, Prince Dapo Abiodun, principal officers of Ogun As- sembly and other members and all well-meaning Ogun residents on the occasion of our nation’s 65th Independence Celebration.

“It is true that the Independence we now enjoy was fought for and handed over by illustrious Nigerians, whose spirit of selflessness and ideals of faith in this nation led them to even pay the ultimate price,” he said.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Idowu, Elemide noted that though the nation has witnessed some challenges, the 65th Independence affords all ,another moment to ponder on the sacrifices and labor of the hero’s past.

CIoD Tasks Govt, Citizens on Governance

The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s bold economic reforms, while tasking the government and citizens alike to view the celebration of the 65th independence anniversary as a turning point to choose governance over impunity.

This task was delivered yes- terday by the President of CIoD, Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji (F.CIoD), in a message titled:”Nigeria at 65: A Nation on the Path to Stardom.”

Oyebanji said, “We ac- knowledge the bold reform actions taken by the incumbent government upon assumptions in 2023 to confront the petroleum subsidy conundrum, fragmented foreign exchange markets, and embark on electricity reforms in addition to sectoral intervention programmes that are reposition- ing our economy on a path to recovery for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“The current economic stability is providing impetus for fresh investments and expanding op- portunities for young Nigerians to explore new frontiers, innovate and be globally competitive.

“Let this 65th independence anniversary not only be about years counted, but about a turn- ing point. Let it mark the moment where leaders and citizens alike choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division,” he said.

According to him, this is not another annual ceremonial event but “another opportunity to reflect on our journey as an independent nation, identify our challenges, assess our gains, and face the future with renewed determination and commitment to sustain the vision of our heroes/heroines and to preserve the cherished legacy of our founding fathers.”

PANDEF Demands Urgent Action on Neglected N’Delta Infrastructure Projects

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary but warned that true national progress could not be achieved without urgent attention to the worsening state of infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF said the lingering neglect of critical projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, as well as the revitalisation of the southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri, continues to undermine Nigeria’s economic potential.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in addressing pressing national challenges and also hailed the governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for their commitment to the development of the South-South.

PANDEF, however, stressed that Nigeria’s 65th anniversary should serve as a moment of sober reflection for govern- ments at all levels to show greater respect for the rule of law, pursue genuine economic reforms, and confront insecurity, poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment.

“Of particular importance is the urgent need to redress the worsening infrastructure decay in the Niger Delta, the region from which the nation’s wealth is derived,” Igali stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to work with both the federal government and Niger Delta states, PANDEF called for renewed dedication and bold action to build a stronger, united, and prosperous Nigeria for present and future generations.

Obi: Nigeria Betrayed by Leadership Failures

National Leader of the factionalised Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has said successive leadership failures dashed the dream and vision of Nigeria’s forefathers.

Speaking in a special broadcast yesterday to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day an- niversary, Obi noted that the prediction at independence in 1960, that Nigeria would become an emerging African economic and political power, was unfortunately derailed by leadership failures.

He stated that Nigeria’s founding fathers fought for independence with confidence, passion, and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria that would stand alongside the world’s most advanced nations.

Obi also recalled that Time Magazine had predicted a coun- try that would rise to become a true African superpower that would lead the continent with pride.

Bashir Dalhatu, S.A.N.; winner of the Teen Eagle Global Competition, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu; and ACF Kano Chapter Chairman, Dr. Faruk Umar, presenting a trophy and a cheque of one million Naira to Nafisa in recognition of her brilliant performance at the Teen Eagle Global International Competition in Lagos, yesterday

BEsT PREMiER HiGH sCHOOL aWaRd…

L-R: The External Relations Team Lead, Bank of Industry (BOI), Mrs Aisha Maibe-Borodo; Founder, the STEMAfrica Initiatives, Oladapo Ojo; Principal, Igbobi College, Rev. Adedotun Akanbi; Vice Principal Admin, Igbobi College, Rev. Olajide Semako; Vice Principal Academics, Igbobi College, Ven. Enoch Oyenuga, and Consultant, theSTEMAfrica Initiatives, Dr Ore Sofekun, during the presentation of N1 million cheque to Igbobi College as the winner of 2025 Champ High School Contest in Lagos...recently

AbdulRazaq: Nowhere ‘ll Be Safe for Criminals, Kidnappers in Kwara

Ipee CAN organises fasting, prayers against insecurity

Hammed shittu in Ilorin and yinka Kolawole in osogbo

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said that there will be no safe place in the state for criminal (and kidnapper) elements that have been terrorising residents of the state.

AbdulRazaq, who spoke in Ilorin on the sidelines of the security council meeting held with the head of

Jobberman Expands Operations to A’ lbom

Okon Basseyinuyo

Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully expanded its flagship, Human Resource (HR) Fusion Series to Akwa Ibom State, wíth the recent hosting of the inaugural edition in Uyo.

Jobberman Nigeria Expands HR Fusion Programme to Akwa Ibom, Supporting Business Growth Through Effective Talent Management initiative marks beginning of deeper engagement with South-South, Nigeria.

The event brought together

HR professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to address critical talent management challenges and explore opportunities shaping the future of work in the region.

With the theme, “Effective Talent Management for Business Growth,” a keynote address was delivered by Ide O. Owodiong-Idemeko, who outlined five strategic pillars for effective talent management: including aligning HR with business goals, attracting the right talent, developing and empowering employees, driving engagement and retention, and leveraging technology and data.

Igbobi College Wins N1m in Champ High School Quiz

Raheem akingbolu

Igbobi College, Lagos, has emerged the “best premier high school in Nigeria” for winning the first edition of the Champ High School Quiz competition. Three brilliant students from Igbobi College: Olabode Obaloluwa, Okoronkwo

David and Lukeahizu Praise flagged the banner of the school as representatives in the competition organised by the JustMedia.

The trio beat the first runner up, CMS Grammar School, Lagos, to emerge the winner of the closely

contested competition, and brought the star prize of N1million to the wallet of the premier school.

Held at the Ten0one Studios, Ikeja, the grand finale of the Champ High School quiz, which began in July, saw 32 premier secondary schools in Nigeria locked horns at different stages of the competition before Igbobi College emerged the overall winner.

The competition began as an online test in English, Mathematics, and History, the stage that reduced the number of participating schools to eight.

security agencies in the state at the Government House in Ilorin last Tuesday, said: “To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in

Kwara State, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.”

But the Christian Association of Nigeria and

Ipee Ministers Forum in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday observed a special prayer session

to end one day fasting against the scourge of insecurity bedeviling Kwara communities as well as the country at large.

Police Call for Probe into Killing of Three in Osun Community

yinka Kolawole inosogbo

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, yesterday called for an investigation into the killing of three persons in Akinlalu community as a result of an alleged ambush on the operatives of Amotekun Security Corps.

The police commissioner equally directed the transfer of

sunday Ehigiator

Civil society organisations (CSOs), opposition party figures, and economic experts have lauded the federal government, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the pace and quality of work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal

the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in an efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Osun State Police Image - maker (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Osogbo yesterday.

The spokesperson for Amotekun Security Corps in

Highway, describing the project as a landmark initiative that could redefine Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic growth trajectory.

The commendations came during a project inspection tour in Lagos, led by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who disclosed that the first section of the

Osun State, Yusuf Idowu Abass, had, in a separate statement issued on Tuesday, hinted that personnel of the security organisation were attacked by some hoodlums while responding to a distress call over the invasion of Akinlalu, a neighbouring community of Ile-Ife, by some bandits.

“On 30th September 2025, at about 1320hrs, information was

750-kilometre highway, spanning from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, to Eleko, would be completed by May 2026.

Umahi noted that 35 kilometres of the stretch had been executed, with 12 kilometres outstanding, and reaffirmed the government’s choice of concrete pavement

received from Chief Oyebamiji Kamorudeen of Akinlalu that members of the Western security network, also known as Amotekun, came in large numbers and invaded Akinlalu community with their two official patrol and one private vehicle in retaliation for the two pumpaction guns allegedly snatched earlier from their operatives by yet-to-be-identified person(s).

for durability. He said the second section, from Eleko to Ode-Omi in Ogun State, was already underway.

“Roads and bridges are the infrastructure that build the GDP of every nation,” Umahi said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands this and has shown the commitment to deliver.”

Lukman Raises the Alarm over Plot to Hijack ADC Structures

Chuks Okocha in abuja

A chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna state, Mallam Salihu Moh. Lukman, has raised the alarm over plot by some aspirants to hijack party structures against their perceived opponents.

The ADC chieftain appealed to the former Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among other leaders to unite the party ahead of 2027 general elections.

Other leaders Lukman appealed to are Mallam Jaafaru Sani, Alhaji Bashir Saidu and Senator Musa Bello.

In a statement released yesterday in Abuja, Lukman said the ‘madness’ of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before the party ahead of 2027 general elections.

The former Director -General of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) said instead of working

to build the party, “we are setting ourselves to produce a party whose business will be limited to presenting candidates for elections. People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents.”

Two Books Illuminate Nigeria’s Struggles and Hopes Released

A powerful emerging voice within the Nigerian literary space, Oluwatosin Akinrinde, is set to captivate readers with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated literary collections – Deathbed and Other Poems and Out-of-

school Children and Other Stories.

These books, published by the Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), offer an unflinching examination of the complex socio-political landscape of modern-day

Nigeria.

These literary publications mark a significant moment for Nigerian literature, as they directly confront the nation’s most pressing challenges, ranging from systemic poverty, insecurity, poor educational standards,

mental health struggles, and the yearning for a better life abroad.

According to a statement, Out-of-school Children and Other Stories is a tapestry of human experiences woven through deeply evocative narratives.

Osimhen: Nobody Believed Galatasaray Will Upset Liverpool

After he came back from injury sideline to help Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 in a UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, Nigerian international Striker, Victor Osimhen, insisted yesterday that nobody believed the upset was possible.

“Congratulations to the team; it was a very tough opponent. Many people didn’t believe we would win, except for the

RESULTS

As Roma v Lille

Bologna v Freiburg

Bran v Utrecht

Celtic v Braga

FCSB v Young Boys

Fenerbahce v Nice

Ludogorets v Betis

Pana v GA Eagles

Plzen v Malmo

Basel v Stuttgart

Celta v PAOK

FC Porto v Crvena

Feyenoord v Aston Villa

Genk v Ferencvaros

Lyon v Salzburg

Maccabi v D. Zagreb

Nottingham v Midtjylland

Sturm Graz v Rangers

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

people you see here,” observed the Super Eagles star, whose 16th minute penalty goal proved to be the winning goal against

Liverpool.Osimhen who was named Man of the Match in the explosive game stressed that

he didn’t make any mistake choosing Galatasaray over all other teams that were after his signature in the summer transfer window.

“I’ve been away from the

North London yesterday

Governor Okpebholo Rewards Team Edo With N10m for Outstanding Performance

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended Team Edo for their remarkable performance at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where they emerged third overall.

Receiving the victorious athletes at Government House, Benin City, alongside his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Governor lauded the team’s resilience and dedication, noting that their efforts had brought pride and honour to Edo State.

In recognition of their achieve- ment, Governor Okpebholo announced a cash reward of N10 million to the athletes, and urged them to remain focused and more determined to attain greater heights in future competitions.

“I congratulate our team for putting in their best and securing third position with 33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze medals. This is an impressive achievement, but I challenge

NAT’L YOUTH GAMES

you to do more and put in your best to claim first position in the next edition. Edo deserves first place, and with commitment and discipline, we will get there,” the Governor said. He added: “The State Government will continue to support you, but I want to see stronger dedication and more commitment in the coming years. For your efforts, I am

pleased to reward you with the sum of N10 million. I believe with harder training, greater victories await Edo.”

Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, praised Governor Okpebholo for his support to sports development in the State, and stressed that the administration’s prioritization of athletes’ welfare was a decisive

factor in the team’s improved performance.

According to him, “We thank His Excellency for providing the enabling environment for sports to thrive. For the first time, Team Edo returned with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals, an unprecedented feat in the history of our participation in the National Youth Games. The motivation came from the Governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of our athletes.”

Grange Dominates Quomodo Inter-Schools Swimming Grand Slam at Ikoyi Club

The 2nd edition of Quomodo Inter-Schools Swimming Competition ended recently at the Ikoyi Club 1938 with Grange School emerging the overall champions after a keen contest by all the schools. It was huge fun and excitement at the swimming pool section of Ikoyi Club at the

weekend as seven schools converged with young primary and secondary school swimmers on parade.

The event, sponsored by Quomodo Systems Africa, witnessed spirited performances from young swimmers representing Avi-Cenna International School, Children’s International School,

Corona Schools, Grange School, Greensprings School, Lagoon & Whitesands Schools, and Meadow Hall School.

From the opening event to the final relays, the poolside atmosphere was electrifying and charged with cheers, and bursts of school pride, banters and bragging rights of sort.

team, but for me, this is the biggest team in the world!

“We got a big win for Galatasaray and for me. The fans were the reason I came here. It’s an honour to have them support me like this. Thanks to them, I always play better.

“I love Galatasaray and the fans,” observed the former Napoli striker.

The win over Liverpool was a remarkable response by the Turkish champions after they were thumped 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening group

phase of the Champions League last month.

Osimhen was unfortunately not on duty as he was then nursing the ankle injury he copped in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo.

Although Osimhen later limped off the clash with Liverpool in the 71st minute, it is not yet certain if the ankle injury that forced him to miss Galatasaray opening games in the Super Lig and the Champions League has recur.

U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Target Three Points against S’Arabia

The Flying Eagles will be aiming for victory against Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a painful loss to Norway in their first group game on Monday.

Despite dominating the game and creating a number of opportunities, the seventime African champions were unlucky not to have equalized in the second half of the encounter, and probably taken the three points. On two occasions, their appeals for penalty awards were turned down by the referee.

Victory against Saudi Arabia early hours of Friday will put the two-time World Cup runners-up in a good position to qualify

for the championship’s Round of 16, ahead of their clash with Colombia on Sunday. Head Coach Aliyu Zubair is upbeat his wards have shaken off the defeat against Norway as their attention has shifted towards the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, to ensure the team gets the desired result. With the availability of all key players, Coach Zubair may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with more focus on attack and ball possession.

Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga and Charles Agada have all been booked and will have to play with caution to avoid missing the last group game against the Colombians.

NSSF, NBA Africa Partner in Training Sports Teachers in Lagos

Nigeria School Sport Fed- eration (NSSF) and NBA Africa have collaborated on a capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering educators with sustainable strategies for basketball development at the grassroots level.

The Jr. NBA Coaches Academy, a training session for teachers to equip them with the tools needed to deliver quality basketball instruction in schools, took place on Friday, 26 September, at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Over 100 teachers participated in the training, including 70 from primary schools, 30 from secondary schools, and 20 school sports officials from NSSF, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and the Universal Basic Education Board. Following the training, the teachers will incorporate basketball into PE

classes, conduct assemblies, and foster a dynamic learning environment.

NSSF President Olabisi Joseph described the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting and developing basketball in Nigerian schools.

“This event signifies a major step forward in promoting basketball development in Nigerian schools. By equipping our teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we expect a profound impact on the growth of basketball from the grassroots level,” she said.

“I would like to express my gratitude to NBA Africa for their collaboration and support. Together, we will unlock the potential of our young athletes and foster a love for the game that will last a lifetime.”

“This initiative will go a long way in strengthening basketball development in schools,” she added.

Bukayo Saka...scores against Olympiacos in UEFA Champions League clash in

Will Super Eagles Gift Nigeria @65 World Cup Ticket?

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria clocked 65 years as an independent nation yesterday . It was a day that Nigerians celebrated with fanfare. A day that we recall with joy in our hearts, how our founding fathers gave their all to ensure that we gained independence from our colonial masters. It is not by error that we are the biggest black nation on earth. It was eternally designed that different tribes will come together to form Nigeria. And we have lived together as one, irrespec- tive of our different cultures and languages. Our strength, it is generally believed, lies in our diversity. A country of over 220 million people ought to be the best in virtually all spheres of life. For the purpose of this piece, we will limit our discourse to the Sports Sector.

At inception in the 1960, Nigeria had great promise. We had top athletes that distinguished themselves, right from the Empire Games. Six years before our independence, Emmanuel Ifeajuna became the first black African to win gold at a multi-sports competition. His high jump gold was celebrated and it became the tonic for the new nation when the independence came in 1960.

From Boxing to track & field and football, Nigeria had them. We had men and women who matched some of the best athletes in the world. Names like Dick Tiger (Richard Ihetu), Nojeem Maiyegun, Jimmy Omagbemi, Abdul Kareem Amu, Sam Igun, Smart Akraka, Violet Odogun-Nwajei, Modupe Oshikoya and several others too many to mention, took the world by storm, winning medals at both the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games. Maiyegun is on record as the first Nigerian to win an Olympic medal- a bronze at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Dick Tiger won his first World Middleweight title and then moved up to also win the World Light Heavyweight crown. He became instant hero. Although Igun didn’t win an Olympic medal but ruled the high jump and the triple jump at the All Africa Games and the Commonwealth Games. The others may not have made significant strides like Maiyegun and Igun, they made Nigeria household name in track and field.

In the later years into 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria was never in want of sporting heroes. Nigerians ruled track and field with the bulk of the athletes, products of a system put in

Super Eagles players are under pressure to deliver as they need to win their remaining two games in the 2026 World Cup qualifier and hope that South Africa and Benin Republic drop points for Nigeria to benefit

place by such administra- tors as Isaac Akioye, Jimmy Omagbemi, Amu, and several others. It was a programmed school sports system that was churning out athletes in all spheres. Sending Nigerian talents to the American Collegiate ensured we never lacked quality athletes. That was how the Bruce Ijirigho, Charlton Ehizuelen, Felix Imadiyi, etc came up and were on the verge of winning gold medals at the Montreal Olympics before Nigeria led other African countries to boycott the Games due to involvement of apartheid South Africa in that edition. And of course our football team had Mathematical Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu and several others in that 1976 Olympic squad. They were not from the American Collegiate system but products of robust sports and academic fusion in the country.

It was not until 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games that Nigeria won a first track bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m relay that had the likes of Sunday Uti, Moses Ugbusien, Rotimi Peters and Innocent Egbunike. Peter Konyegwachie went a step higher than Maiyegun, winning a silver medal in the feather weight division. Four years later, Nigeria failed to win any medal at Seoul ‘88. Instead, it was catalogue of issues bothering on officials going crazy shopping. It was nothing better than the 1980 Games in Moscow that was characterized

by sex scandal. Barcelona ‘92 in Spain revealed Nigeria as the next power house in track and field next to Team USA. Of the eight men in the 100m final, Nigeria had Olapade Adeniken and Davidson Ezinwa in that race. Although they didn’t make the podium, they sure portrayed the growing influence of Nigeria in the sprint. Mary Onyali was in that final in the women’s version. Although she missed the podium but made up with the likes of Beatrice Utondu, Faith Idehen, Christy Opara-Thompson and Mary Onyali-Omagbemi to win a precious bronze medal with a national record in the 4x100m relay. David Izonritei won a silver in boxing Heavyweight. But it was not until Atlanta ‘96 that Chioma Ajunwa won Nigeria’s first individual gold medal in the women’s long jump event. Nigeria’s Dream Team led by irrepressible Kanu Nwankwo, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, The Babayaro Brothers, Celestine and Emmanuel, Joseph Dosu, Mobi Oparaku, Teslim Fatusin, Taribo West, Uche Okechukwu and several others did the unimaginable, beating almighty Brazil and Argentina to win the Olympic Men’s Football Gold for the first time by an African nation. Four years later Down Under in Australia, quarter milers like Sunday Bada, Jude Monye, Clement Chukwu, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Fidelis Gadzama and Nduka Awazie won a precious silver medal

that eventually became gold following the disqualification of Team USA because Antonio Pettigrew confessed to been on dope when they won the gold. Former Nigerian athletes Gloria Alozie overcame the death of her fiancé to win a silver medal in the 100m hurdles. There were a few other medals in other sports but the relay medal was the icing on the cake because of the manner Udo-Obong ran the race of his life to make it possible. Udo-Obong was again in the 1600m relay team that won a bronze at Athens four years later. After Athens, Nigeria’s medals have been coming in trickles. Beijing 2008 fetched Nigeria a silver in men’s football while Blessing Okagbare got elevated to silver in the women’s long jump. London 2012 was bad news. Rio 2016 was a little better as John Mikel Obi and his Dream Team salvaged a bronze medal in the men’s football. Blessing Oborududu and Ese Brume got to the podium, winning silver and bronze in the wrestling and long jump respectively at Covid-19 Tokyo 2020. Paris 2024 was a total disaster like London 2012.

Despite the failure in the Olympics in recent times, Tobi Amusan put Nigeria in world map at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA. She set a world record of 12.12secs in the 100m hurdles. Same year, she led Nigerian track and field team to the Birmingham

Commonwealth Games for a near total clean out of medals in the track.

But Nigerian sports aficiona- dos are quick to insist that yes, all that we did in the past stays in memories. Yes, we have won AFCON three times; Super Falcons have won AWCON 10 times; Golden Eaglets are the record holder of five U17 World Cup titles. Those achievements, Nigerians insisted belong to the past. They are using the street lingo: I get am before nor be property! They cannot understand how a country that produced the Super Eagles team that was rated fifth best team in the world at their debut at USA ‘94 World Cup is going to miss a second mundial back-to-back! Nigerians consider qualifying for the World Cup as a birth right. Since USA ‘94, we were there in France ‘98, Korea/Japan 2002, missed Germany 2006, went to the first World Cup in the continent in 2010 in South Africa, qualified for Brazil 2014 and Super Eagles were in action at Russia ‘2018. But the bubble burst for the 2022 edition hosted by Qatar. Eagles lost the ticket right in front of our eyes to Ghana in Abuja. There were long speeches that it will never happen again. When the fixtures for the qualifying series of 2026 edition to be hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada were released, the Group C that had Nigeria paired along with Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic and South Africa

was considered a walk in the park for Eagles. However, with just two games to round up the qualifiers next month, Nigerians have resorted to using calculators to know if Eagles will qualify directly or go through the tortuous journey of inter-continental playoffs. South Africa were leading the pack until FIFA ducked three points from their 17 points. Now the Bafana Bafana are on same 14 points as Benin Republic coached by the same Gernot Rohr that we sacked as an incompetent gaffer. Nigeria and Rwanda are on same 11 points. Should South Africa win their remaining two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, they will finish with 20 points. Benin may not be able to match South Africa as they are likely to lose their fixture against Nigeria. If they win the other game, they will end up with 17 points. The highest Eagles can finish is 17 points. This is the dilemma that Ibrahim Gusau and his NFF board members are facing as Nigerians wait with arms akimbo, watching the drama that will happen. Can Nigeria miss a second World Cup? Are the Super Eagles going to perform the eight wonders of the earth, to pick the direct qualification ticket or will be amongst the four teams to qualify to play the playoff? Perhaps, we wait to see if this wonder will be the 65th anniversary gift that Super Eagles have in hiding for Nigeria.

CUTTinG oF 65Th AnniVERSARY CAKE in oGUn...

L-R: The Alake and Paramount Ruler of egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; former Military Administrator of Ogun State, Major General Seidu Ayodele Balogun; Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Deputy Governor, engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Oludaisi elemide; Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya; and the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi, during the cutting of the 65th Anniversary Cake of Nigeria at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State... yesterday

olusegun AD e NIYI

Reflection on Nigeria at 65

When Nigeria marked its 60th inde- pendence anniversary five years ago, I recalled how 1960 was deemed ‘The Year of Africa’. Because 16 of the 17 countries that gained independence that year were from the continent. I then x-rayed the state of those other 15 African countries that secured their independence same year with Nigeria: Niger Republic, Central African Republic (CAR), Somalia, Togo, Republic of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Cameroon, Republic of the Congo or Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), formerly known as Zaire, Cote D’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Benin Republic. In his national broadcast to mark our 65th independence anniversary yesterday, President Bola Tinubu reminded us of where Nigeria is coming from. “We fought a bitter and avoidable

civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises,” he said.

Since almost all these other African countries have experienced a similar history of colonial subjugation, military incursions and security challenges, including insurgency and civil wars, etc., I made the point in 2020 that there are excuses to make for our failures.

However, I also contrasted the 16 African countries with the last of the nations in the ‘Class of 1960’—the only one outside the continent: The Republic of Cyprus, an Eastern Mediterranean Island country. Instructively, Cyprus and Nigeria share the same 1st October Independence Day, and the country also marked its 65th anniversary yesterday. Like Nigeria, Cyprus has faced wars, military coups and all manner of disruptions, instigated from within and without. But unlike Nigeria, Cyprus has done relatively well for itself. Today, the GDP per capita in Cyprus is projected to be $41,130

with a Purchasing Power Parity of $65,090 per capita, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) April 2025 World Economic Outlook data. Going by the same IMF data, the 2025 GDP per capita of Nigeria is a paltry $806.84! In almost all the indicators I have looked at, except for population growth—which speaks to our irresponsible procreation—Cyprus has fared far much better than Nigeria. Of course, we can debate why and how Nigeria has fared so dismally despite enormous potential. But the real paradox is that while we may not be doing well as a country, many Nigerians are doing well as individuals. Both at home and in the Diaspora. The elephant in the room is leadership at practically all levels and in all spheres, but that is not even my point today...

Amala and Gbegiri to the Rescue

With me, Malaria has never been anything to take seriously. Once there is Aboniki balm (stronger than Rub), hot water and a bucket, I am good. For the uninitiated, here is the ‘prescription’: You mix the balm with hot water inside a bucket, and you cover your head with a duvet. The steam you inhale is more potent than Chloroquine. Well, that has always served me until the last bout with Malaria that refused to submit to the ‘Aboniki treatment’. Although I ended up going to the hospital for proper testing and took the prescribed drugs, I was unwell for almost a month. The worst aspect was that I lost my appetite for food. In the process of forcing myself to eat, I would send the driver out to buy whatever food that took my fancy. But it never worked. Until one day!

I called Malik at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre and asked him to buy for me ‘Amala’ from ‘Iya Oyo’ in Wuye. I didn’t have to tell Malik about ‘Ewedu’ and ‘Gbegiri’ plus plenty of ‘Ponmo’. He knew that already. To cut the story short, for the first time in almost a week, I enjoyed food! And from that moment for the next two weeks, it was ‘Amala’ from ‘Iya Oyo’

every day, until my appetite for food returned. Incidentally, before I fell ill, there was an exchange on X (formerly Twitter) on ‘Amala’. It started when someone posted: “The highly regarded ‘best amala in Lagos’ is tucked away in a tiny spot on an obscure street in Onipanu. My driver and I nearly got lost trying to find it. Got there and saw different types of cars parked in front of this tiny shop just to have some amala. Las las you can do great things from a small place.”

What followed were interesting insights into the various ‘amala joints’ in Lagos by people one would not ordinarily associate with ‘amala’. One guy with the moniker, ‘Your boy Armani’ wrote: “That small place contributes significantly to the aura of that Amala. It won’t be the same anywhere else.” To Hussein Doki Waka, “Entrepreneurs need to realise that the moment you try to modernise an amala joint, it automatically translates to a loss of taste.”

Juwon Logistics wagered that ‘Momo Toyin in Onipanu’ and others must be exhibiting what he described as ‘attitude’ before adding, “The more the attitude, the sweeter the amala.”

I found the conversation very insightful, and it got me thinking during my illness, especially

after the ‘amala’ from ‘Iya Oyo’ performed the magic on my appetite. What is remarkable about places like this ‘amala spot’ in Onipanu, according to Regina Alachi, a young mentee at the Centre with whom I had an interesting exchange on the issue, is that their refusal to scale is not a business limitation, it is their greatest strategic advantage. As she argued, the owner likely understands something that many entrepreneurs miss: exclusivity creates demand, and scarcity breed desire. I agree with Alachi, who leads the Social Justice and Equity Programme at the Yar’Adua Foundation. When the high and mighty of our society must navigate obscure streets and hunt for parking space for their vehicles just to eat ‘amala’, that experience also becomes part of the product. The inconvenience itself signals authenticity and quality in a way that a gleaming chain restaurant never could.

But it is also true that these ‘amala’ establishments often face what we can call the ‘generational authenticity trap.’ The magic usually lies in the founder’s hands, palate, and relationships. Unlike businesses that can be franchised, the ‘best amala’ in any town probably exists because of one person’s specific technique, ingredient

sourcing, or even personality. Succession planning becomes nearly impossible because you cannot systematize intuition or replicate decades of relationship-building. The next generation either lacks the passion for the gruelling work, or they have bigger ambitions. What is brilliant about this model of ‘amala’ restaurants is how it inverts traditional power structures. Instead of the business chasing customers, powerful people chase the product. Politicians, celebrities, and business moguls become supplicants, waiting in line like everyone else. This creates immense social currency while being “in the know” about such places becomes a mark of authenticity and local credibility. The owner likely doesn’t need to leverage this clientele for expansion because the clientele themselves becomes the marketing engine, and their patronage alone probably generates enough revenue from this single location. At the end, the beauty is in the restraint, knowing that bigger isn’t always better, and that sometimes the most powerful business strategy is simply being irreplaceably good at one thing in one place. Now, can someone get me a plate of ‘Amala’ from ‘Iya Oyo’ in Wuye?

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