NNPC: We Have No Plan to Sell Port Harcourt Refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday
www.thisdaylive.com
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, announced this at a company-wide
town hall meeting at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, a statement by the company stated. Ojulari stated that the position
wasn’t a shift, but informed by ongoing detailed technical and financial reviews of the Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refineries. Continued on page 39
The ongoing review, he said, indicated that the earlier decision
Blames former leadership for operating plant before completion Says refinery will require advanced technical partners officially ruled out any plan to sell the Port Harcourt Refining Company, reaffirming its commitment to completing high-grade rehabilitation and retention of the plant.
fails to provide any evidence to support wild claim
The Presidency, last night, described as false and unsubstantiated, the claim by a former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, that he was offered three ministerial slots to back out of plans to align the ADC with the opposition coalition. A claim he (Nwosu) failed to provide to back up when questioned on ARISETV yesterday. Responding through his verified X
Bagudu: Revenue Allocation to North Improved Under Tinubu, President Fair to All
Says net distribution to sub-nationals rose to N991bn in June, from N458.8bn in May 2023
Revenue to North-central jumps 145%, North-east by 149%, North-west by 143%
Participants at SABMF engagement laud Tinubu, seek action on education, infrastructure
Emmanuel Addeh, James Emejo in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday said the total net statutory revenue and Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation to states and local governments increased to N991.81 billion in June 2025, from N458.81 billion in May 2023. Bagudu said this reflected an increase of N533 billion or 116.17 per cent across the federation. He stressed that the figure excluded Electronic Money Transfer (EMT) levy, FX gains, and augmentations received by states.
The minister said the north made more significant economic progress under President Bola Tinubu, leading to massive debt reduction by the states.
Bagudu spoke in Kaduna during a presentation at a two-day interac-
Continued on page 39
L-R: Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas; and Chairman, Inter-Parliamentary Worldwide, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, at the United Nations 6th World Conference of Speakers in Geneva…recently
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Abuja
CoUrtEsy visit to GovErnor MbAh...
L-R: Chairperson, Women Association of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria, Dr Bukola Aluko Olokun; Treasurer, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Theophilus Eguh; Vice President, NIQS,
President,
Kene
Ihejirika (Rtd.); Director General, NIQS, Dr. Celestine Eke; and the Secretary General, NIQS, Rotimi Ojelade, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Enugu, Wednesday
Seplat Energy’s
Company’s oil production averaged 134,492bpd Declares $4.6 cents dividend per share
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Seplat Energy Plc, a Nigerian independent energy company, has announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2025, recording a revenue of N2.167 trillion, compared with the N575.1 billion reported same period last year.
The company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange, also reported that its gross profit soared to N751.2 billion from N247.5 billion year-on-year.
Seplat announced this in a statement issued yesterday, signed by its Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe.
According to the statement, cash generated from its operations for the period grew to N1.188 trillion from N308.2 billion year-on-year, whilst operating profit rose to N601.2 billion from N285.2 billion year-on-year.
The energy company delivered strong production which firmly underpins FY2025 guidance; with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for half-year hitting N1.139 trillion for the period, representing a rise from N364.5 billion recorded in HI 2024.
It said its production for the period
averaged 134,492 barrel of oil per day (boepd) up 178 per cent from 6M 2024 (48,407 boepd), above the midpoint of 2025 guidance (120 - 140 kboepd), and approximately 10 per cent higher than pro-forma production in 6M 2024.
Seplat’s Working interest oil production reached 100,327 bopd in six months 2025.
The company achieved more than 15.3 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI) on its operated assets.
Seplat also declared a dividend of US$ 4.6c/share, in line with the prior quarter dividend, and plans to set out a revised capital allocation policy in the Capital Markets Day scheduled for 18 September 2025.
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Brown, said: “Seplat has continued its positive trajectory in Q2 to deliver a strong performance for the first half of 2025.
“Our focus on integrity, reliability and production improvement activities are bearing fruit as evidenced by strong production in 2Q 2025, with onshore in the upper end of guidance, and offshore production growing 11 per cent quarter on quarter.
“The company delivered first half production over 10 per cent higher
than the pro-forma output in the same period last year, delivering on both our ambitions and supporting Nigeria’s goals of oil and gas production growth.
“We are well placed to weather
the recent increase in macro volatility. Strong revenues and a focus on costs delivered significant positive cash flows, enabling us to further reduce net leverage, continue our strong quarterly dividend track record,
and in the past week, pay down an additional $100 million of debt.
“We have hit the ground running in 2025, building a strong foundation with which to deliver on our 2025 performance targets. Integration of
the enlarged group continues at pace, and we look forward to sharing our exciting plans for the Company when we set out the future of our business at the upcoming Capital Markets Day in September.”
Alake Calls for Capital Market Funding to Unlock Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Potential
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, has reiterated the need for long-term capital market financing as a critical lever to unlock Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential. He also called for structured investments to revitalise the sector that currently contributes less than one percent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), despite the country’s abundant mineral wealth.
Speaking through his Senior Adviser on Mining and Policy, Amira Adamu Waziri, at a webinar jointly organised by the National Association of Securities Dealers, over-the-counter (NASD OTC) Securities Exchange
Strike: Labour Minister Appeals to Nurses to Embrace Dialogue, Meets Health Workers Friday
Public hospitals witness service disruption
The federal government yesterday said it has fixed a conciliation meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives for Friday.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, appealed to the health workers to call off the strike and embrace dialogue.
The meeting, which is scheduled to be held at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, would have officials of the government meet face-to-face with the striking health workers to iron out their grievances.
One of the issues in dispute was the circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which the association rejected, demanding adjustments
to various allowances, including shift, call duty, and retention.
THISDAY checks showed that normal operations at federal government hospitals were disrupted yesterday, following the -seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the Nurses and Midwives union over grievances on welfare of members.
The situation at the National Hospital, Garki and Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, both within the Federal Capital Territory FCT in Abuja, showed that many of the nurses stayed away from their duty posts in compliance with the strike. Activities at the hospital ‘s Accident and Emergency Units were greatly affected as only few ancilliary staff were seen attending to patients.
One of the management staff of the FMC, Jabi, who spoke to
THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said the lives of some of the patients admitted at the intensive care unit were in danger due to the absence a nurses to help monitor their oxygen machine
Meanwhile, Dingyadi has appealed to the health workers to call off the strike and embrace dialogue.
A statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia said the Minister of Labour held talks with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Tuesday evening in a bid to avert their proposed strike.
He implored them to step back from their planned action, saying strike was not the best solution to industrial disputes.
The Minister urged the association to embrace dialogue while the government continues to work on addressing their concerns.
and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), the Minister outlined a strategic vision anchored on private-sector-led growth, investor confidence, and robust stakeholder engagement.
The session, themed, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Potentials Through the Capital Market,” brought together key players from the mining, finance, and policy sectors to explore sustainable financing models and institutional mechanisms to support Nigeria’s underperforming mining industry.
“Nigeria is endowed with over 44 commercially viable solid minerals spread across the six geopolitical zones,” the Minister noted.
“From gold, lithium, and tin to barite, lead-zinc, and rare earth elements—the resources are immense. Yet we face systemic constraints ranging from poor geological data and weak infrastructure to illegal mining and, most critically, a significant financing gap.”
According to Alake, addressing this financing gap requires patient, long-term capital—precisely the kind
that Nigeria’s capital market can provide if properly structured and mobilised.
Central to the Minister’s remarks was his 7-point agenda for sectoral reform, which includes.
He said, “Establishment of a commercially driven Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, to be 25 percent government-owned, 50 percent private-owned, and 25 percent floated on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; Formation of Mines Marshalls, in collaboration with security agencies, to clamp down on illegal mining;
“A drive for comprehensive geological data acquisition to reduce investor risk; formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners through cooperative models and technical support; incentivising value addition and local processing to curb raw exports.
“Attracting large-scale foreign and local investment through policy stability and transparency; strengthening stakeholder engagement, including host communities and development partners.
“These pillars are the foundation of
our current reform roadmap, we are not just regulating—we are facilitating a mining renaissance driven by strategic capital and partnerships.”
The Minister also highlighted tangible progress made under his leadership, such as the overhaul of the regulatory framework to ease doing business, digitisation of licencing systems, and aggressive enforcement actions against illegal operators and defaulting licensees.
“Transparency, data accessibility, and governance reforms are top priorities,” he said, adding that, “we are building an ecosystem where investor confidence can thrive.”
The NASD-SMDF webinar also focused on the development of bespoke capital market instruments tailored to the solid minerals sector—such as mineral asset-backed securities, junior mining company listings, and project-specific investment vehicles.
Speaking during the event, Executive Secretary of SMDF, Fatima Shinkafi, emphasised that unlocking mining capital must go beyond policy talk to an actionable financial architecture.
Airtel Nigeria’s Spam Alert Intercepts 9.6 Million Suspicious Messages in Two Months
Mary nnah
Airtel Nigeria’s artificial intelligence (AI) spam alert service has intercepted over 9.6 million suspicious text messages on its network between March 13 and May 20, 2025. According to a statement from the telecommunication company, the flagged messages comprised 528,080 originating from Airtel users and 9,138,928 from off-network sources. The launch of the Spam Alert Service marked a significant step by a Nigerian telecom operator to address rising concerns over mobile fraud.
Powered by AI, the system scans every incoming SMS using over 250 parameters, including sender identity, link structure, message volume, and regional anomalies. Messages flagged as malicious are tagged, “Suspected SPAM” before they reach the end user.
The tool was designed to work in real-time, with each SMS processed in less than two milliseconds.
The solution is deployed at both the core network and IT systems level, allowing for dynamic scanning while preserving user privacy by avoiding the storage or analysis of message content.
Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, in the statement noted that the introduction of the AI Spam Alert Service was part of the company’s broader digital safety agenda.
“Spam and scam messages are increasingly sophisticated and damaging to consumers. This service enables real-time protection for our subscribers, ensuring they have a safer digital experience across our network,” he said. The statement revealed that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had welcomed the initiative.
Bamidele Mafimidiwo;
NIQS,
Nzekwe; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Deputy President, NIQS, Dr. Aminu Bashir; former Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubuike
onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
OGUN APC RECEIVES MORE GLADIATORS INTO ITS FOLD...
L-R: Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Yemi Sanusi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former member, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Minority Leader, Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Abeokuta South Constituency 1, Hon. Luqmon Atobatele; former Chairman, PDP in the state, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele; former Governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement and Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP in the last election, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade; and former Chairman, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government and the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Rotimi Rahaman, receiving the flag of the APC during the official acceptance of former PDP and APM members into the All Progressives Congress in the state…recently
FG Set to Integrate Solar, Wind Energy into National Grid, Begins Study on Battery Storage System
NESI targets 10GW transmission capacity by 2026 AfDB: Despite 60% global best solar resources, Africa accounts for 2% of storage capacity
The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is set to integrate renewables into the country’s national power grid, with the beginning of a feasibility study into the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a technology which stores electricity in batteries for future use.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the inception workshop for BESS, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo
Adelabu, said the event signalled Nigeria’s resolve to adopt innovative, climate-smart, and forward-looking energy solutions.
The feasibility study, he said, was not just a technical exercise, but a strategic step toward future-proofing the country’s power infrastructure.
Despite significant reforms, Adelabu who was represented by a top official of the ministry, Bem Ayangeaor, noted that key challenges persist, particularly the issues of power
intermittency, limited dispatchability of renewables, grid instability, and underutilised energy generation.
With the increasing penetration of solar and wind energy in the energy mix, Adelabu stated that Nigeria must now address the critical challenge of energy storage: storing electricity when generation exceeds demand and dispatching it when needed to maintain balance and reliability.
According to him, Battery Energy Storage Systems provide the most
practical and scalable solution to this challenge; enhancing grid stability and flexibility; reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaking plants; enabling deeper integration of renewables into both grid-connected and off-grid systems and improving power quality and system reliability, especially during voltage or frequency disturbances.
The minister stated that particularly important was the grid-forming capability of advanced battery stor-
age systems, explaining that unlike traditional grid-following inverters, grid-forming BESS can establish voltage and frequency references, essentially acting as virtual generators.
“This makes them critical assets in maintaining grid frequency regulation, black start capabilities, and power system resilience during disturbances or partial outages. In other words, BESS does not only store energy, they actively support the grid, improving power quality and reducing the risk of blackouts,” he stated.
offer us a powerful means to address these persistent challenges. For example, they enable frequency regulation, reserve capacity, and voltage support-directly strengthening grid performance and unlocking more efficient use of our transmission assets. This is precisely why this feasibility study is both timely and so important.
US Embassy Throws Jab at Nigeria’s Lavish Spending Amid
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
As the government continues to urge ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and currency devaluation “like labour pains,” the United States Embassy in Nigeria has subtly criticised the opulence displayed by the Nigerian government, especially state governors.
In several story links reposted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the US Embassy hinted that while Nigerians are urged to endure economic hardship, some governors were splurging billions on new government houses.
The posts made more visible by the embassy included one by “TheAfricaReport”, which dwelt on some governors who are spending
heavily on government houses.
There was another by “BudgITng” which said that instead of funding schools, clinics, or agriculture, leaders prioritise buildings they barely use and another one by “cislacnigeria” which stressed that although Nigeria now has more money, there was little accountability, and no priority.
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the post by the X handle of the US Mission in Nigeria stated, with the hashtag #TransparencyTuesday.
The post, simple yet pointed, quickly gained traction online, sparking debates about governance, accountability, and empathy from Nigeria’s political elite.
Although the embassy did not mention specific states, the reference
Growing Poverty
remained unmistakable. Several recent media reports have chronicled the approval of eye-watering budgets for new government lodges and luxury upgrades in states already grappling with unpaid salaries, dilapidated infrastructure, and crushing poverty levels.
The timing of the tweet coincided with ongoing appeals from federal authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, who recently asked Nigerians to “tighten their belts” as the country undergoes painful but “necessary” economic reforms.
The reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and floating of the naira, have led to sharp increases in transport, food, and utility costs. Inflation is now hovering around 22.2 per cent, with food inflation still very high, pushing
millions into deeper hardship. Yet, even as the public is told to be patient, state governors across political lines are making headlines for less-than-frugal spending decisions.
Several states the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) headed by Nyesom Wike, have recently made the headlines for heavy spending on government houses and monuments. However, the US Embassy’s tweet appeared to have tapoed directly into the growing frustration among citizens who feel alienated from the very leaders meant to shield them from economic shocks.
Among others, Adelabu said that the study will also assess how BESS can support ongoing reforms, particularly under the Electricity Act of 2023, which devolves electricity governance to sub-national levels and encourages decentralised energy development.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, stated that for years, the organisation’s operational teams have contended with the challenges of frequency fluctuations, peak load pressures, and limitations in reactive power support.
These technical constraints affect every layer of the electricity value chain-from generation dispatch to the final delivery of power to homes and industries, Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP), Olugbenga Ajiboye, said.
“Battery Energy Storage Systems
“This workshop is an opportunity not only to understand the technical and commercial dimensions of BESS, but also to determine the institutional readiness, operational protocols, and capacity-building priorities that will underpin successful implementation.
“ From grid codes and safety standards to workforce training and asset management frameworks, we must ensure that our planning today is comprehensive and forward-looking,” he added.
Also speaking, Director General, African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria Country Department, Dr. Abdul Kamara, noted that Nigeria remains home to an estimated 90 million people still without access to electricity.
“Africa holds almost 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, yet accounts for only 2 per cent of global energy storage capacity. That gap presents a challenge but more importantly, an opportunity. Battery storage is central to unlocking the full potential of our renewable energy resources and delivering stable, reliable power across the continent,” he stated.
Michael
Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria has finally begun the move to douse the ongoing tension with Ghana over the growing agitation by Ghanaians that Nigerians should leave their country, as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining robust relations with Ghana during a visit.
The Minister also said the relationship would not stop at the
government level but extend to citizen-to-citizen level.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made this known on yesterday, during her ongoing two-day visit to the West African country.
According to a statement by the spokesman to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, his principal was in Ghana to address the situation of Nigeria-Ghana citizens’ relations and meet with relevant stakeholders at both ends including the President of Ghana, the country’s
Foreign Minister, traditional rulers and Nigerians resident in the country, to ensure that the life, property and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians living in Ghana are safe and protected.
It stated: “As part of the engagements for the minister, a few minutes after touching down at Kotoka Accra International Airport, Ghana on Tuesday evening, she had a quick interface with the Inspector General of Police Ghana, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was on his way to London, United Kingdom.”
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Euromoney has picked Access Bank in Ghana and Gambia as best banks in 2025, a development the bank said is an affirmation of its leadership position across West Africa.
In a statement yesterday, the bank noted that the recognitions underscored the Group’s growing regional influence and enduring commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.
“This double win reflects Access Bank Group’s consistent strategy of local excellence with global standards, positioning its subsidiaries as key players in Africa’s dynamic banking landscape,” the statement said.
It added that Access Bank
Ghana has demonstrated exceptional resilience and growth, driven by strong digital infrastructure, a customer-first approach, and impactful financial solutions.
“This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of our team, and the trust our customers place in us,” said Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana. “We are proud to lead a new era of banking in Ghana, one that prioritises inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development,” Olatunji added. Access Bank Gambia’s backto-back win, having also been named Best Bank Gambia in 2024, the bank said, reflects its continued progress in financial inclusion, SME support, and ESG-led banking.
Through innovative, branchless banking models and strong community engagement, the bank said it continues to expand access and impact across the country.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers,” said Stephen Abban, Managing Director of Access Bank Gambia. “We remain committed to going beyond banking by delivering value that transforms lives and builds sustainable communities,” he stressed.
According to the bank, these achievements add to Access Bank Group’s expanding list of accolades, reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s most respected financial institution with footprints in 24 markets.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
EuromonEy AwArds 2025...
NAICOM Rolls Out Guidelines for Insurtech Operation
National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) yesterday issued operational guidelines for Insurtech businesses in the country.
Insurtech leverages technology to transform and modernise the traditional insurance sector, revolutionising how policies are created, underwritten, and managed.
It promotes greater customer engagement by offering personalised insurance products based on individual risk profiles and lifestyle choices.
The new guidelines, effective from August 1, 2025, are designed to provide a clear and unified regulatory framework for the licensing, operations, and supervision insurtech firms.
The framework seeks to foster innovation that can lead to the development of new and innovative insurance products and services.
It would further ensure consumer protection and improve consumer experience, prioritising consumer interests and providing better services. It would also provide clarity on regulatory requirements, as well as reduce uncertainty and ambiguity.
NAICOM further stated that the guidelines would help build
trust and confidence in the Insurtech sector, driving growth and adoption as well as advance digital transformation within the Nigerian insurance sector.
Under the new framework, insurtech firms must comply with provisions related to risk management, investment practices, actuarial standards, outsourcing, and other key operational parameters as detailed in the commission’s prudential guidelines.
The commission said disputes between insurtechs and partner insurers must first follow arbitration protocols outlined in their agreements before approaching NAICOM.
Consumers may refer unresolved issues from insurance transactions directly to the commission for review and resolution.
NAICOM further mandated all existing insurance institutions and insurtech firms operating under any arrangement classified as insurtech to fully comply with these guidelines within 30 days of the effective date.
Essentially, the key objectives of the guidelines include promotion of the growth and development of insurtech in the country as well as stablishing regulatory standards for Insurtech setup and operations.
It also seeks to encourage respon-
sible innovation while safeguarding consumer interests; define general product features specific to insurtech; provide a licensing structure for both partnering and standalone Insurtech firms, and facilitate the transition of eligible operators into fully licensed standalone Insurtech
entities, among others.
The framework also sets application and eligibility criteria for prospective operators, stating that NAICOM reserves the right to grant licenses with conditions deemed necessary under existing laws and this new regulatory framework.
Additionally, the guidelines would also help to build trust and confidence in the Insurtech sector, driving growth and adoption, as well as advancing digital transformation within the Nigerian insurance sector.
According to the commission,
key objectives of the guidelines include, “Promoting the growth and development of Insurtech in Nigeria; establishing regulatory standards for Insurtech setup and operations, and encouraging responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.”
Dangote Drops Lawsuit to Curb Fuel Imports into Nigeria
India looks to Nigeria for crude imports
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Africa’s richest person has withdrawn a lawsuit filed to compel Nigerian authorities to restrict fuel imports, launched around the time his massive refinery began producing petrol, a blood report said yesterday.
Dangote Refinery, owned by Aliko Dangote, filed a notice at a Federal High Court in the capital, Abuja, on Monday, seeking to
NIPR Debunks Viral Claim of Flyover Collapse in Lafia, Condemns Fake News
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) yesterday condemned the circulation of a viral image falsely alleging the collapse of the newly commissioned Bola Tinubu Flyover and Underpass Exchange in Lafia. The Institute described it as a deliberate act of disinformation, powered by the mischievous deployment of artificial intelligence.
Speaking during an on-site inspection of the infrastructure in Lafia, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice President of the NIPR and Vice Chairman of its Governing Council, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening national information integrity, media literacy, the enthronement
of a fact-checking culture, and civic engagement; especially among young Nigerians.
He said: “Fake news poses a serious threat to our national reputation and democratic governance. Nigeria is home to some of the finest engineers in the world, and we will not stand by while their professional credibility is eroded by false narratives.
“What we have seen here in Lafia is an engineering masterpiece, designed and executed by Nigerian professionals, including Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is himself a distinguished engineer.”
According to the NIPR, a reverse image search of the viral photo revealed that it had been previously circulated as a collapsed flyover located in Bihar, India, on July 19,
2025. The Institute confirmed that the result of its forensic investigation shows that the image was 99 per cent AI-generated; and bore no resemblance to the actual structure in Lafia.
Dandaura noted the following striking differences between the viral image and the structure in Lafia:
“The AI-generated image shows a flyover with single pillars and two arms, whereas the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover in Lafia features twin pillars with four arms. In addition, the latter is lined on both sides with marble walls on both sides. These are clear and observable structural distinctions which leave us in no doubt that there is no relationship whatsoever between the two structures.”
discontinue the case, according to a court document seen by Bloomberg. No reasons were given.
The withdrawal suggested relations with the government may be thawing after last year saw Dangote battling with authorities on multiple fronts. The giant refinery filed the lawsuit against Nigeria’s regulator, several fuel importers, and the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in September, the same month it began producing gasoline.
Dangote argued at the time that the regulator was violating its own laws by allowing fuel imports. Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and
Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the lawsuit was “not good for the nation” in terms of energy security and “not good for markets” due to concerns about creating a monopoly.
The billionaire pitched his $20 billion refinery as crucial to meeting all of Nigeria’s petrol needs. However, it has struggled to keep pace with local demand, supplying only about 15 million of the 48 million liters required daily in June, according to regulatory documents seen by Bloomberg.
The gap has been filled by imports, though this is expected to change when the refinery, currently operating at 85 per cent capacity, ramps up to its full processing
capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude per day. Meanwhile, oil refiners in India may be looking at diversifying some buying away from Moscow after fresh European Union (EU) sanctions on the Kremlin, with focus now on Nigeria and other countries. Local processors are exploring options on some inputs, according to traders and refinery executives, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. Indian refiners are now reaching out more widely for crudes, with supplies being bought from places including Azerbaijan and Nigeria, as well as the United Arab Emirates, according to the traders.
Tinubu Names 5-man Governing Council, Principal Officers for Federal University in Ogoniland
deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed the Pro-Chancellor, four other Governing Council members, and principal officers for the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, in Rivers State.
Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, named Professor Don Mon Baridam, from
the South-south, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, and Professor Chinedu Mmom, also from the South-south, as Vice-Chancellor.
Baridam, a professor of Management with a specialisation in Organisational Behaviour, previously taught at the University of Port Harcourt.
Mmom, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt,
was Commissioner for Education in Rivers State. The Governing Council comprised members from different regions of the country. They included Mr. Emmanuel Onoja (North-central), Mr. Hamid Adekunle (South-west), Professor Chima Oji (South-east), and Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Lamda (Northwest).
Tinubu also appointed a team of professionals to play key roles at the university.
L-R: Head Corporate Communications and Brand Management, Access Bank Ghana, Edward Nelson-Addy; Head, Human Resource, Access Bank Ghana, Nana Adu Kyeremanteng; Head SME Sector, Business Banking, Access Bank Ghana, Katherine Ampomah; Managing Director, Access Bank Ghana, Olumide Olatunji, and Executive Director, Wholesale Banking, Access Bank Ghana, James Bruce, at the Euromoney Awards 2025…recently.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
UNITED BANK OF AFRICA PLC
RIGHTS ISSUE of 3,156,869,665
ORDINARY SHARES OF 50 KOBO EACH AT N50 PER SHARE
ON THE BASIS OF 1 NEW ORDINARY SHARE FOR EVERY 13 ORDINARY SHARES HELD AS OF THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON TUESDAY, 16 JULY 2025 PAYABLE IN FULL ON ACCEPTANCE THE RIGHTS BEING OFFERED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE TRADABLE ON THE FLOOR OF THE NIGERIAN EXCHANGE LIMITED FOR THE DURATION OF THE RIGHTS ISSUE
Please read the Rights Circular and where in doubt, consult your Stockbroker, Fund/Portfolio Manager, Accountant, Banker, Solicitor or any other professional adviser for guidance before subscribing COMPLETED ACCEPTANCE FORMS TOGETHER WITH PAYMENT/EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT FOR THE FULL AMOUNT PAYABLE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 TO THE ISSUING HOUSES OR ANY OF THE RECEIVING AGENTS LISTED IN THE RIGHTS CIRCULAR
Provisional Allotment
The letter dated Tuesday, 16 July 2025 from the Chairman, which is provided, on pages 22 and 23 of the Rights Circular contains particulars of the Rights Issue now being made and representing 1 new Ordinary Share for every 13 Ordinary Shares registered in your name at the close of business on Tuesday, 16 July 2025. The new Ordinary Shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares of the Bank.
Full Acceptance/Renunciation
Shareholders can participate in the Issue through any of the electronic application channels: NGX Invest Platform, UBA Internet Banking or UBA Mobile Application UBA’s eapplication channels have been integrated into the NGX Invest Platform. The NGX Invest Platform can be accessed at https꞉//invest.ngxgroup.com and is available to all Shareholders to participate in the Rights issue and authorized Receiving Agents listed on page 73 of the Rights Circular to submit applications on behalf of shareholders
Trading in Rights on NGX
The approval of the NGX has been obtained for trading in the Rights of the Bank. The Rights will be tradable throughout the Acceptance Period at the price at which the Rights are admitted on NGX. If you wish to trade your Rights, you may do so on the floor of NGX during the Acceptance Period. If you wish to purchase traded Rights, please contact your stockbroker who will guide you regarding payment and the procedure for purchasing traded Rights. Any purchaser of Rights may also trade those Rights during the Acceptance Period
E-Allotment/Share Certificates
The Central Securities Clearing System (“CSCS”) accounts of shareholders will be credited shortly after allotment. Shareholders are thereby advised to state the name of their respective stockbrokers and their Clearing House Numbers (“CHN”) and CSCS account numbers in the relevant spaces on the Acceptance Form. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Directive on Dematerialization of Share Certificates, shareholders who do not provide valid CHN and CSCS account numbers will have their shares credited at the CSCS using a Registrar Identification Number. The allotted shares will be transferred to the stockbroking account of such shareholders once valid CHN and CSCS account numbers are provided.
Allotment of Additional Shares
Ordinary Shares which are not taken up by the Issue Closing Date will be allotted on a pro-rated basis to Shareholders who apply for additional shares i.e. all subscribers will be allotted equal proportion of the amount applied for according to the Rules and Regulations of the SEC
TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST FUND
FUND (NRF) 2025 GRANT CYCLE CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES
INTRODUCTION
Following the successful completion of the processing of the research proposals submitted to NRF under the 2024 Grant Cycle, culminating in the total award of close to ₦4.25 billion to support 158 Research Projects, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) wishes to inform the Nigerian research community, in particular, and the public in general, that the Federal Government has approved a total sum of ₦7.5billion for the NRF 2025 Grant Cycle. The process of accessing the 2025 NRF Grant starts with the response to this Call-for-Submission-of-Concept-Notes by Principal Investigators of the proposed Research Projects. This will be followed by the submission of Full Proposals by only those whose Concept Notes have been evaluated and the Research Projects are considered fundable.
Thematic Area 1 Citizenship and National Integration
Thematic Area 2 Conflict, Defense and Security
Thematic Area 3 Economic Development and Globalization
Thematic Area 4 Education and Human Capital
Thematic Area 5 Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion
Thematic Area 6 Governance, Politics, Law and Ethics
Thematic Area 7 History, Culture and Identities
Thematic Area 8 Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology and Business Interface
Thematic Area 9 Languages, Literatures and Media
Thematic Area 10 Population and Migration
Thematic Area 11 Social Development and Welfare
Thematic Area 12 Tourism, Sports and Recreation Category 2 Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation
Thematic Area 13 Agriculture and Food Security
Thematic Area 14 Geosciences
Thematic Area 15 Health and Social Welfare
Thematic Area 16 Industry and Innovation
Thematic Area 17 Information Technology, Computing and Telecommunications
Thematic Area 18 Power and Energy
Thematic Area 19 Science and Engineering
Thematic Area 20 Space Science and Technology
Thematic Area 21 Sustainable use of Natural Resources and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Thematic Area 22 Transport and Infrastructure
Thematic Area 23 Water and Sanitation
Category 3 Cross-Cutting (CC)
Thematic Area 24 Blue Economy
Thematic Area 25 Clean and Affordable Energy
Thematic Area 26 Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation
Thematic Area 27 Environment, Housing, Urban and Regional Development
Thematic Area 28 Innovation and Technology in National Defence Capabilities
Thematic Area 29 Resource Governance
Thematic Area 30 National System of Innovation
Lecturers in Public Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria are eligible. Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary researches, comprising researchers from various disciplines, are encouraged. The Principal Investigator (PI), who must not be below the rank of a Senior Lecturer in a University or Principal Lecturer in a Polytechnic or College of Education, will lead the Research Team and be personally responsible and held accountable for the conduct of the research. An added requirement is that the PI must be institutionbased, with the PI’s institution regarded as the Coordinating Institution and guarantor of proper application of the funds for the project.
The process of application is entirely on an online platform. The Principal Investigator is expected to visit nrf.tetfund.gov.ng, where he or she will be closely guided on the preparation and final submission of the Concept Note as well as the Research Proposal. Applicants are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the Research Brief and the Guidelines for the application.
All the submitted Concept Notes will be evaluated by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC). The PIs of the successful Concept Notes will be communicated to proceed to the preparation of the Full Proposals , which will also be processed online. The PI and, at least, a member of the Research Team of a proposal that has been screened and adjudged fundable, shall be invited to defend their proposal before the NRFS&MC. Thereafter the successful proposals for the award of grant will be presented to the Board of Trustees of TETFund for approval and disbursement of funds.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF CONCEPT NOTES
The Portal will be open for the submission of Concept Notes from 1st August 2025. Deadline for submission of Concept Notes shall be on 28th August 2025, Nigerian time For enquiries, please contact the TETFund NRF Secretariat using the following email addresses: salihugb@tetfund.gov .ng, odoju@tetfund.gov.ng, abdullahih@tetfund.gov.ng, zanginas@tetfund.gov.ng, ugwubs@tetfund.gov.ng
The thirty prioritized thematic areas of research are in three categories: Humanities & Social Sciences; Science, Engineering, Technology & Innovation and Cross -Cutting
THEMATIC AREAS FOR THE 2025 GRANT APPLICATION
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF POWER ENGINEERS OF NIGERIA (CIPEN)
(Established by the Act of the National Assembly No 50 of 2023)
Eight Floor, Unity Bank Towers, Plot 785, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, 900211, Abuja, FCT., Nigeria. www.cipen.org.ng; Info@cipen.org.ng
AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT
July 24, 2025
His Excellency
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria State House, Three Arms Zone Asokoro, Abuja.
Your Excellency,
CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (NERC)
On behalf of the Governing Council and the entire membership of the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN), we convey our profound appreciation to Your Excellency for the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment your administration has demonstrated toward alleviating energy poverty and transforming Nigeria's power sector into a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
We particularly commend the following landmark initiatives under your administration, which reflect both courage and clarity of purpose:
1) The historic signing of the Electricity Act, 2023 - a bold step that has decentralised electricity governance, empowered States, and opened the door to local innovation and development in the sector
2) The inauguration of the Governing Council of CIPEN, which laid the foundational stone for strengthening technical professionalism and regulatory discipline in power engineering practice.
3) The establishment of Geopolitical Development Commissions, strategically positioned to accelerate industrialisation and equitable development across the regions.
4) The formation and inauguration of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), deliberately staffed by seasoned Engineers, to provide the much-needed operational coherence and technical credibility within the power network, a precedent that powerfully aligns with our recommendation for technically grounded leadership within the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
These actions not only reflect a keen understanding of the structural issues within the power sector but also inspire confidence in Nigeria's journey toward a more resilient, decentralised, and technically sound electricity sector
As a statutory professional body established by an Act of the National Assembly, CIPEN is mandated to regulate and uphold standards in power engineering education and practice across Nigeria. We respectfully present our professional recommendations regarding the upcoming appointments of Commissioners to the Management of NERC.
Your Excellency, as you are aware, NERC is statutorily empowered to oversee the technical, economic, and operational regulation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry NESI.
As provided in Section 35 of the Electricity Act 2023, NERC is to be composed of seven full-time Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Crucially, Subsection 2 provides that nominees possess experience or qualifications in the following areas:
a) law, accountancy, economics, finance, engineering, or administration; and b) generation, transmission, system operation, distribution, supply, or marketing of electricity
While these functions draw upon interdisciplinary competencies, the technical, safety, and performance dimensions of electricity regulation are fundamentally rooted in power engineering knowledge and experience The growing complexity of Nigeria's power network from embedded generation to bulk power trading demands leadership that possesses not only regulatory insight but also a deep understanding of how electricity systems function across all stages of the value chain.
In light of this, and consistent with the powers granted to the President in nominating Commissioners, CIPEN respectfully recommends that the next Chairman of NERC, as well as the Vice Chairman and key Commissioners, particularly those overseeing the technical directorates such as Engineering and Performance Monitoring, Planning, Research & Strategy, Market Competition & Rates, and Consumer Affairs be selected from among seasoned professional power engineers with demonstrable experience in power systems and business operations across the electricity value chain. This is essential as the Commission continues to navigate critical issues, including ATC&C losses, grid stability, regulatory compliance, energy affordability, and consumer protection.
Why is this Critical?
1. Sectoral Relevance and Institutional Alignment: NERC's core mandate intersects deeply with power system engineering functions, including grid integrity, reliability standards, energy audit compliance, and market performance. Appointing professionals with extensive power systems engineering knowledge and industry experience to these roles will directly align the Commission's technical oversight with the operational realities of Generation Companies (GenCos), Transmission Service Provider (TSP), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Distribution Companies (DisCos), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Independent Electricity Distribution Network (IEDN) providers, etc. This will also ensure that regulatory decisions are informed by professionals who understand the technical and operational nuances of these entities.
2. Enhancing Regulatory Effectiveness, Investor Confidence, and Market Stability: Nigeria's power sector urgently requires long-term private capital to drive improvements in transmission, embedded generation, and off-grid electrification. The appointment of technically competent and industryaware leadership at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is crucial to achieving this goal. Such leadership sends a strong signal of regulatory credibility, seriousness, and sectoral reform intent, which significantly enhances investor confidence and reduces policy uncertainty
In a sector plagued by over 40% Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses, weak e n f
Commissioners with deep technical grounding can strengthen regulatory oversight, improve transparency, and enforce compliance more robustly Together, these actions create a more stable and predictable investment environment, critical for attracting long-term infrastructure financing and securing credible Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
3. Market Efficiency and Technical Competence Professionals with in-depth expertise in power systems and electricity markets are crucial for navigating the sector's complexity Their technical grounding enables more effective oversight of tariff structures, accurate diagnosis and reduction of system losses, improved interpretation of reliability indices, and
informed decision-making in network expansion planning. This enhances operational efficiency, promotes fair pricing, and supports a more sustainable and responsive electricity market.
4. Addressing Structural Challenges in the Power Sector:
Several rural electrification and embedded generation projects have failed due to poor technical designs, substandard installations, and lack of professional oversight. Appointing seasoned power systems engineers to key positions ensures that regulatory decisions reflect not only administrative or economic considerations, but also technical soundness, safety, and operational feasibility
5. Precedent in Other Critical Roles:
Just as lawyers are appointed as Attorneys-General to uphold the rule of law, and accountants serve as Accountant-General to safeguard public finances, it is only fitting that seasoned power engineers are entrusted with the technical regulation of the power sector In much the same way that economists or bankers are appointed Governors of Central Banks to oversee monetary policies, the leadership of the electricity sector particularly in technical regulatory roles should reflect deep-rooted expertise in power systems. Appointing power engineering professionals to such strategic positions ensures that those who understand the technical intricacies of generation, transmission, distribution, power markets and system stability are guiding critical decisions. This is not only a matter of professional alignment but also a strategic imperative putting round pegs in round holes by enabling those most qualified to lead where their competencies are most relevant. Countries with resilient and efficient power sectors consistently place engineers at the forefront of shaping grid policies, safety standards, and operational frameworks. Nigeria must do the same if it is to achieve a stable, reliable, and future-ready electricity market.
6. Safety, Consumer Protection, and System Integrity:
As Nigeria's power landscape evolves with the rapid deployment of mini-grids, distributed energy resources, and utility-scale projects, the role of technical regulation in safeguarding public safety has never been more critical. Power engineers in regulatory and operational leadership are essential to ensuring that equipment standards, installation practices, and operating procedures align with national safety codes and international best practices. The presence of veteran power systems engineers at the helm guarantees that safety protocols, grid standards, and performance benchmarks are not only established but rigorously enforced. This reduces the risk of system failures, electrical accidents, and infrastructure damage, ultimately protecting lives, property, and consumer interests. Robust technical oversight also boosts public confidence in the reliability and safety of Nigeria's power systems.
7. Learning from International Best Practices:
Globally, countries that have successfully balanced effective regulation with sector expansion demonstrate the importance of qualified power systems engineering leadership in utility regulation. For instance:
a. Uganda: The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) is led by Engr Ziria Tibalwa Waako, an engineer whose leadership has seen Uganda ranked as having the best electricity regulatory framework on the African continent by the African Development Bank.
b. South Africa: The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) incorporates strong engineering expertise into its technical divisions and includes engineers at the highest levels of policy implementation and market regulation. Other notable examples are the United Kingdom and Egypt.
These examples show that experienced power engineering leadership enhances the regulator's ability to make technically sound, future-forward decisions.
8. Energy Security and National Development:
A technically guided NERC is fundamental to delivering the administration's promise of reliable, affordable electricity, which is a key enabler of industrialisation, job creation, and socio-economic inclusion.
We recognise that power regulation is a multidisciplinary field that draws on economics, law engineering, and public administration. Our recommendation is not to displace these valuable perspectives but to ensure that the engineering dimensions of regulation, which in this wise is sacrosanct, are not relegated. This is particularly crucial in technical directorates that deal directly with service quality, market operations, energy losses, network stability, and performance monitoring.
This recommendation directly supports the goals of Your Excellency's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in scaling industrialisation, improving access to electricity reducing energy poverty and strengthening local content and capacity in infrastructure delivery Nigeria cannot industrialise on the back of a weak or mis regulated power sector
CIPEN remains ready to provide Your Excellency with a list of qualified and vetted professional Engineers with decades of proven experience in power systems, regulatory compliance, commercial operations, and market design, should the need arise. We are also open to engaging with the Presidency or any relevant vetting committee to support the nomination process further
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. Appoint a qualified power engineer as Chairman of NERC.
ii. Ensure that Commissioners in technical areas are experienced power systems engineering professionals. iii. Align the Commission's structure with sectoral needs to improve performance across the electricity value chain.
iv Boost investor confidence and regulatory efficiency through technically informed leadership.
We respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider this request as a strategic step towards repositioning Nigeria's power sector for greater performance, resilience, and sustainability
Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration and professional commitment supporting your administration's reform efforts through technical excellence and collaborative action.
Yours faithfully, For: Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria
Engr. Israel E. Abraham, MBA, CPEng, FCIPE President & Chairman of CIPEN Governing Council
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Onu: ADC Has Capacity to Unseat APC in 2027
a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi state and now chieftain of the african Democratic Congress, silas Joseph Onu, in this interview stresses that aDC has all it takes to unseat the ruling all Progressives Congress during the 2027 general elections. Benjamin nworie brings excerpts:
You recently dumped PDP to ADC. What necessitated your decision and why the choice of ADC?
I did resign my membership of the PDP due to the many internal challenges, deliberately plaguing the party. This has remained unending even as wellmeaning leaders and national officers did their level best to forestall the demise. Governors of the Party led by Seyi Makinde and Fintiri are actually working against the party for the benefit of the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu. I hope they’ll finally be bold to own up their undertaker role in the total annihilation of PDP. Those remaining in the party only desire to witness it’s final internment.
How do you justify the allegations that the two governors are working for Tinubu’s APC?
When someone works in ways that aren’t promoting the interest of his political party, his conduct will only benefit the opponent. This can be done knowingly or unknowingly.
Granted that you have resigned from your PDP. What is the your next political move?
I am a very open person and that was why I indicated in my resignation letter that I am moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). I am convinced that the ADC will constitute a potent opposition to the ineffective and clueless APC government. The ADC, if we all remain honest, will unseat this inhuman APC government across the nation.
But with the ADC waves across the country, how confident are you that every vote will count in 2027?
We shall watch and see how the Electoral umpire intends to conduct the next election.
That will inform what we will also do to ensure that the votes are not stolen.
How do you think ADC can defeat APC with these plethora of defec-
tions from opposition parties to the APC?
ADC is not depleted, infact it is swelling by the day and I can assure you that many disgruntled Nigerians who are currently helpless members of the APC will join us in
due course. We are just taking off. Wait and see that this nation will arise and shine again.
How do you think that ADC will surmount the agitation of southern presidency in 2027?
You will recall that as the State Chairman of the PDP, I never held a personal view on zoning elective offices. The electorate are wise and will determine how they’ll vote.
If majority of Nigerians feel that zoning is of any importance to them, it will reflect in their voting pattern. This zoning is a well-intended creation of the PDP, which is now being imposed almost as if the 1999 Constitution requires it. Federal Character Principles apply where individual powerful office holders decide who gets what. It is not the same with an election where voters in the majority determine the winner. So, the ADC has not adopted PDP’s political formula, and until then, any Nigerian who believes that he or she has something that can add value to this nation as President, is welcome to make his or her bid for the office.
Some people are insinuating that you belong to Atiku camp? Is he your preferred choice?
There is no lineup anywhere in politics. What you have is interest and where they converge, then people can work together. As I mentioned above, all interested persons are welcome to bid for the exalted position, and as a party member, I am committed to supporting whomever emerges from the transparent primary election which the ADC will pioneer in our 4th Republican dispensation.
on
As Tinubu Transforms Health Care Delivery System in the North in Two Years...
salamatu Isa writes on the transformation of health care delivery system in the 19 Northern states since President Bola Tinubu assumed office over two years ago.
In a modest Primary Health Centre tucked deep in Yobe State, Fatimah cradled her newborn with a mix of relief and disbelief.
The delivery had been safe, the midwife skilled, and the treatment free. For a region long plagued by maternal mortality and fragile health infrastructure, such a story once felt rare. But today, across Northern Nigeria, it is becoming part of a larger, deliberate shift backed by bold political will and quiet structural reforms.
Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that healthcare reform in Nigeria would not be rhetorical. It would be deliberate, driven by investment, community trust, and long-overdue system realignment. Hence, what was once a sector defined by systemic rot is now showing signs of rebirth, with bold reforms, unprecedented investments, particularly in the North, where the fault lines of inequality often run deepest. Of a truth, the results are beginning to tell their own stories.
After appointing Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in August 2023, the President immediately began to establish a national consensus on the way forward.
In 2023, the President summoned governors, international partners, and federal institutions to sign the Health Sector Renewal Compact. The outcome was not just another document, it was a shared commitment to reverse decades of underperformance. It birthed the Health Sector Renewal Investment Blueprint, which prioritized stronger governance, equitable access to services, local pharmaceutical production, and national health security.
On the ground, the Primary Healthcare revitalization agenda became the heartbeat of this transformation. Over 1,100 health centres were already upgraded within the past two
years, with over 500 of those in Northern Nigeria alone. These facilities are not just buildings; they are gateways to antenatal care, skilled deliveries, immunization, and basic emergency services.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, tens of thousands in the region accessed care through these centres, many for the first time in their lives. To tackle the
North’s alarmingly high maternal death rates, the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) was launched.
To prove that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a blueprint, but a living and breathing paradigm of transformation, the Federal Government designated 154 health facilities, many of them in the North, to provide free treatment for women with obstetric complications. These
facilities will cater to women experiencing health challenges during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or the postpartum period, which could affect the well-being of both mother and baby.
While the programme has commenced in some of the hospitals, MOUs have been signed in others ahead of kick-off.
Among the Northern hospitals which are beneficiaries of this laudable initiative are: Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano; Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital; Sir Yahaya Memorial Specialist Hospital, Birnin Kebbi; Federal Teaching Hospital Birmin Kebbi; Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto; Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital Sokoto; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi; Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi; University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri; University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalda; Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu; Federal Medical Centre, Bida; Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu; Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika, Zaria. Others are Bauchi Specialist Hospital; General Hospital, Toro; General Hospital, Itas; General Hospital, Misau. In Gombe, the hospital are General Hospital, Dukku; Zainab Bulkachuwa Women & Children Hospital; General Hospital, Kaltungo; General Hospital, Bajoga, and Gombe State Specialist Hospital.
-Isa, a public health expert, writes from Damaturu, Yobe State capital.
Tinubu
FEaturEs
How Glo Foundation is Changing the Lives of Lagos Sweepers through Its Skillbridge Programme
For many street sweepers in Lagos, life had long followed a predictable rhythm early mornings, strenuous hours under the sun, and often little recognition for the essential work they do. But recently, a quiet transformation has been taking place. Thanks to the Glo Skillbridge Programme, an initiative of the Glo Foundation, more than 150 sweepers under the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have discovered new possibilities beyond the broom. Through intensive training in fashion design, baking, bead making, and digital skills, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that these frontline workers have been equipped not just with vocational tools, but with hope, confidence, and the means to rewrite their own futures through the respective skills they acquired
Every morning, long before Lagos wakes up, its road sweepers are already out, sweeping the streets, clearing the gutters, making the city breathe a little easier. Yet, for most of them, their stories begin and end with the broom. That was, until recently, when something changed. The Glo Skillbridge programme gave them another shot of life beside cleaning.
Glo Skillbridge Programme
The Glo Skillbridge programme is a skills training and empowerment initiative by the Glo Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Globacom designed to provide vocational and digital skills to under-served groups in Nigeria, starting with street sweepers employed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
From inception, the programme was designed to equip sweepers with soft and vocational skills that will enable them to generate additional income, help bridge income gaps, as well as improve their economic and social mobility.
The programme, a four-week intensive training on Fashion Design, Bead Making, Baking and Digital Skills (e.g., social media management, e-commerce, and digital marketing) took place at partner centres across Lagos, such as YetrosLane Fashion Academy in Gbagada; Bakery Initiatives in Yaba, and ALX in Costain for digital training.
For this cohort, about 150 LAWMA sweepers were selected and enrolled in the pilot phase where the trainers provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, regardless of participants’ literacy levels.
For the foundation, the programme is a long-term investment in community development that will empower the often overlooked people in the labour ecosystem, giving them tools to transform their lives beyond the daily grind.
Before the training began, the Glo Foundation held a day of celebration at LAWMA’s Ijora Olopa head office. The sweepers, usually anonymous in reflective vests on dusty roads, became the stars of the show. There were games, music, dancing, and lucky dips that saw several sweepers go home with gifts like sewing machines, microwave ovens, and grinding machines.
Speaking at the event, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Globacom, explained why the company chose to honour them, adding that it was because “we recognise the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state in ensuring that our roads and streets are clean every day. We recognise the hazards you face from drivers who don’t appreciate you and are at times impatient while you are by the roadside sweeping. It is the reason why we are here today—to let you know how much we value you and your huge contributions to keeping Lagos clean”.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, was equally full of praise for the initiative as he urged other organisations to emulate Globacom’s example, noting the vital role sweepers play in promoting public health.
For many of the sweepers, the Glo Foundation’s gesture was more than corporate philanthropy. It was personal.Rejoice Aniekwe Ifeoma, born and raised in Lagos, said even though working with LAWMA gives her a sense of purpose and the income to support herself, she is currently undergoing computer literacy training, and in her spare time, sells Tigernut and Zobo beverages, an opportunity she is grateful for.
In Ikorodu, Awolaja Esther, who has worked with LAWMA for nearly 15 years, is training two undergraduates with the income from her job and side hustle. According to her, she felt recognised and seen for the first time.
One of the lucky dip winners, Madam Dorcas Adeniji of Oshodi, danced her way up to collect her grinding machine. Another, Mrs Adewusi Bisola from Alakuko, won an Inverter Microwave oven and was nearly mobbed by jubilant colleagues. Ige Sadatu, who won a sewing machine, could not hide her joy. “Thank you, Globacom,” she said, smiling from ear to ear.
Needles and Beads over Brooms
For a period of four weeks, in a training centre tucked inside Atunrase Estate in Gbagada, a group of Lagos street sweepers were not holding brooms, but needles, beads, and measuring tapes. Some were bent over electric sewing machines. Others were stringing colourful beads into earrings and necklaces.
It was a sight that captured a quiet transformation, thanks to the Glo Skillbridge programme, a bold initiative by the Glo Foundation to empower street
L-R: Damilola Olowolafe, winner of fashion category; Head of CSR at Globacom, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo; Mrs. Obadina Omowunmi Sarah, winner of the baking category; LAWMA Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi; and Udoh Blessing, who represented her mother, Endurance Francis (winner of the digital skills category)
Head, Street Sanitation Service, LAWMA, Mrs. Hauwa Momoh-Ajibola (3rd left); Globacom’s Head of CSR, Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo (4th left); Head of Operations, LAWMA, Mr. Toye Lawal; Director, Customer Care, Globacom Catherine Bomett (4th right); Head Customer Care & Corporate Engagement, LAWMA, Mrs. Aramide Olaniyan (3rd right) and some of the graduates of the Glo Skillbridge programme
sweepers working with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which has been nothing short of life-changing.
Launching into Digital Skills
During the course of the training, ALX training centre at Costain, was what helped a fascination for 22-year-old Udoh Blessing Endurance Francis. Until this programme began, she had never worked on a computer. Now, she has learning digital skills and talking about coding, e-commerce, and online marketing. “I appreciate Glo and its partners for putting in place the initiative,” she said. “The world is going digital and only those who are prepared will be able to cope”.
The same rang true for Mrs. Suliat Ojulari, who had also never touched a computer before. “At first I was discouraged. But the trainers made it easy for me. I am very happy, all thanks to Glo and the coordinators. They made it easy for me,” she enthused.
According to Oluwatosin Abiodun-Lisk, who coordinated the digital training, watching participants like Mrs Ojulari evolve was humbling. “Seeing students move from zero to 100 and learning really fast has been a very humbling experience,” she said.
From the Streets to a Fashion Academy Back in Gbagada, the scene at YetrosLane Fashion Academy saw women who had spent years under the sun sweeping expressways, learning to create clothes and accessories, a surreal experience for them.
Amusat Mopelola Airat, who was one of the trainees could barely contain her gratitude to Glo when she thanked Glo Foundation and the management of LAWMA for giving her that opportunity. Like Airat, another participant, Liadi Fatimoh, said she too had
never imagined she would have the chance to sit in a fashion studio, learning how to make clothes.
One of the trainees, Damilola Ilemobayo, said the experience had expanded her vision. “My skill as a fashion designer has improved. I can’t wait to show the world all that I have learnt. May God continue to bless Globacom.”
Mr. Ogunmade Johnpaul Tobi, the coordinator at the fashion centre, was full of praise for the participants, whom he described as amazing because they all put their best foot forward and were willing to learn.
An Immersive Baking Experience
In Yaba, where the baking training held at Bakery Initiatives, another set of sweepers embraced a different kind of transformation in learning how to measure, weigh, mix and bake, skills many of them had hitherto never even dreamt of.
One of the trainees, Mrs. Busari Busayo, who harped on the impact of the training said the lessons she had learnt would be of huge benefit to her and her family, while Obadina Omowumi, another participant, described the experience as “very transformative,” especially for the practical insights into material costing and financial management.
Omotola Akinsanya, who coordinated the training, said the sweepers-cum-bakers demonstrated a “strong passion for the training and a deep eagerness to learn, regardless of their literacy levels”.
A New Chapter
With the end of the training, a graduation ceremony was recently held to mark the sweepers’ achievements and new chapter. For the Glo Foundation, it was a milestone in a broader commitment to social development while for the sweepers, it is the beginning of something they never thought possible but went through.
During the ceremony, participants showcased skills acquired from the training across areas such
as digital design, baking, and fashion, with practical demonstration of how to use Canva and artificial intelligence.
Known to reward excellence, it wasn’t any different on that day as some of the trainees were honoured for outstanding performance. It was an emotional moment for Udoh Blessing, who represented her mother, Endurance Francis, as she was unable to participate herself. A teary Udoh said she had always hoped to receive digital skills training, thus the opportunity was such a huge blessing.
Mrs. Obadina Omowunmi Sarah, who received her cash reward in the baking category, said it was a life-changing opportunity as she had been longing for a chance to earn extra income, while a thankful Damilola Olowolafe was recognised for excellence in the fashion category.
Walking the Talk
LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, who represented LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, at the event, commended Globacom for initiating the programme as an excellent way of helping the beneficiaries to open up new sources of income.
“This is what it means to walk the talk. When you say ‘walk the talk,’ the company actually walks the talk. The journey began recently and already, we’re seeing results. When they said they wanted to partner us, we said, ‘Let’s see what they want to do for us,’ and here it is.”
Recalling the first pampering the beneficiaries got, he said Glo Foundation transformed the room into a fiesta, adding that “I’d never seen anything like it. There was drinking, eating, and sharing palliatives. They also provided transportation for you and equipment, and even the red crocs. Over 200 participants received support. Some also got equipment. It was amazing. “This partnership is for a long haul, not just the short term. This partnership is not just for today, it will continue in phases. Some of you are still on your way. And yes, more benefits are coming.”
Belief in Inclusivity
Speaking at the graduation in Lagos, of Globacom CSR Head, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, said at the Glo Foundation, they believe in inclusivity, meaning no Nigerian should be left behind.
Noting that it was that objective that influence the start of the skillbridge programme, she said the first phase was with LAWMA, adding that the next phase will see them collaborate with another organisation.
“When people ask, “Why LAWMA?”, our response is simple: “Why not LAWMA?” The men and women of LAWMA work tirelessly on our streets to keep them clean, yet they are often overlooked. These are the underserved individuals we are committed to supporting at Glo Foundation to make a real, lasting difference in their lives.
“Our aim is to ensure their daily contributions are recognised, valued, and appreciated. The Skillbridge Programme is part of that mission. It provides training in soft skills such as baking, digital literacy, fashion design, bead making, and more. The progress made over just four weeks has been remarkable. It reinforces our belief that with the right opportunities, individuals across Nigeria can thrive.
“Our approach is personal, reaching one home, one person, one worker at a time and restoring a sense of value and confidence in each of them.”
Praising the participants for their hard work and commitment throughout the training period, she added that “they have provided strong feedback to us that investing in our community, and creating opportunities for the staff of LAWMA, is a great way to give back to society. The completion of the programme is a significant milestone and the participants now possess tools that would help them improve their economic conditions.
“We know that this training has given you the tools and knowledge to succeed, and we are excitedly looking forward to seeing what you accomplish beyond today, to open more opportunities for yourselves to have more sources of income to cater for yourselves and your loved ones”.
With the Glo Skillbridge Programme, the foundation is reinforcing its broader mission by empowering underrepresented communities and individuals with the skills they need to thrive personally and economically.
The beneficiaries of the Glo Skillbridge Programme at their graduation ceremony
How Polo Luxury's Legacy of Rewarding Success Redefines Modern Achievement
In the luxury industry, exclusivity and opulence often take precedence. Still, Polo Luxury stands out as a hallmark of enduring excellence, redefining the luxury experience with its rich legacy of rewarding success and celebrating achievements. Mary Nnah explores how Polo Luxury's dedication to excellence and its innovative approach to honouring milestones have made it a leader in the luxury industry, and what its latest campaign, “The Reward of Success”, reveals about the brand's vision for luxury in Africa and success
In a world where luxury is often associated with exclusivity and opulence, one brand stands out for its unique approach to celebrating success and reshaping the modern luxury experience: Polo Luxury, Nigeria.
Where many see luxury as mere extravagance, Polo Luxury Nigeria offers something deeper: a refined celebration of success that reshapes how modern luxury is experienced.
As West Africa’s foremost luxury retailers, Polo Luxury has spent over three decades mastering the art of refined living by curating an exceptional portfolio of the world’s most prestigious brands for discerning clients who appreciate distinction.
With a rich legacy of rewarding success and a commitment to timeless elegance, Polo Luxury has become synonymous with achievement and sophistication, embodying the perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and modernity. As a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of luxury, Polo Luxury continues to inspire and empower individuals to pursue excellence, making it a household name among luxury connoisseurs.
For over 37 years, Polo Luxury has been a beacon of excellence, curating an unrivalled collection of the world's most prestigious luxury brands that cater to the refined tastes of luxury consumers.
With a legacy spanning over 37 years, Polo Luxury has not only set the standard for luxury retail but also earned the enduring trust of its clientele, offering unrivalled access to the world’s most prestigious brands, thoughtfully curated to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers.
Polo Luxury's dedication to excellence and timeless style has set the gold standard for
sophistication and craftsmanship in Nigeria.
For over 37 years, the brand has dominated the country’s luxury market with a reputation built on authenticity, exclusivity, and integrity. Polo’s commitment to beauty, artistry, and the emotional resonance of timeless designs has not only earned Polo Luxury customer trust and admiration but also the coveted title of Luxury Brand of the Decade.
Recently, Polo Luxury unveiled the second chapter of the captivating television commercial (TVC) titled 'Reward of Success', anchored in the belief that luxury is not frivolous but earned. The new TVC is a celebration of ambition, perseverance, and achievement, inviting viewers into a world where hard work meets well-deserved indulgence.
Shot with cinematic brilliance by one of Lagos' foremost filmmakers, Daniel Obasi, the commercial captures key moments in the lives of driven individuals who have pursued excellence and now choose to mark their milestones with timeless pieces from Polo Luxury.
According to Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group, “At Polo, we believe luxury should reflect achievement. This campaign is about honouring the success stories that often go untold and a reminder that hard work deserves recognition and reward.”
The TV commercial opens with a solitary figure, an older man, poised and contemplative, scanning the horizon through binoculars, symbolising a life of vision and reality.
The commercial goes beyond celebrating Polo’s decades-long legacy of excellence; it tells a compelling story of success, achievement, and the rewards that follow hard work. At the same time, it reflects the brand’s evolving
vision of adapting to the tastes of modern consumers by expanding global partnerships with the world’s leading fashion capitals, jewellery and watch maisons, while reaffirming its leadership as a curator of refined living and a symbol of aspirational success.
Each timepiece featured in the commercial is a paragon of meticulous craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, making them the ideal companions for those who define success on their terms.
Polo Luxury's men's watch collection embodies the brand's pursuit of excellence, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
This collection features exquisite timepieces, such as the Rolex Day-Date 36, adorned with 254 brilliant-cut diamonds, and the Bovet Récital 23 Green Guilloché, featuring a hand-engraved green guilloché dial with a precision moon phase. The Rolex Day-Date 36 is driven by the Rolex Calibre 3255, ensuring unparalleled precision and reliability.
The ladies' watch collection is equally impressive, with pieces like the La Panthère de Cartier, featuring a 23.6mm case crafted from 18K yellow gold and adorned with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds.
The watch's design includes a panther head in yellow gold with striking pear-shaped tsavorite eyes, a black lacquer nose, and spots.
The Piaget Limelight Gala is another stunning piece, a 26mm timepiece in 18K rose gold with a bezel adorned with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant is a luxurious timepiece that showcases the brand's expertise in both watchmaking and gem-setting. This exquisite piece features an exceptional prong
setting that highlights the brilliance of diamonds, paying homage to the most precious stone in the world.
"The Reward of Success" is more than just a film; it's a celebration of Polo Luxury's journey and legacy. The film is a tribute to the brand's dedication to immortalising a legacy of distinction, showcasing its unrivalled collection of luxury goods and commitment to excellence.
As Polo Luxury continues to unveil its legacy of distinction, its latest film serves as a reminder that luxury is not just about opulence, but about the stories we tell, the statements we make, and the achievements we celebrate. With its unrivalled collection of luxury goods with exceptional services, Polo Luxury remains the ultimate destination for individuals who believe success should be seen, felt, and worn as a mark of reward for their hustle.
Exclusivity may define luxury for many, but at Polo Luxury, it’s elevated by a legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and a bold vision for modern achievement.
With an unflinching commitment to excellence, a rich heritage of honouring achievement, and a forward-thinking approach to modern luxury, Polo has become the destination of choice for discerning individuals who value heritage, sophistication, and masterful craftsmanship. As the brand continues to inspire and empower individuals to pursue excellence, its legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow, leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury. With "The Reward of Success," Polo Luxury has once again proven itself to be a leader in the industry, setting a new standard for excellence and redefining the luxury experience for generations to come.
Polo Towers in Lagos
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
Nigerians should be the priorities of any coalition against this government, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
IS THE FALCON MIGHTIER THAN THE EAGLE?
JEFF GODWIN DOKI argues that the Super Falcons’ victory in Morocco is a testimony that there could be a major swap in gender roles!
OPPOSITION CALLS IT RESCUE!
It has been argued on many platforms, and rightly so, that the drums for the 2027 general election have sounded too early. In ideal situations where the welfare and security of citizens matter, where the goals of politics revolve around good governance and those in government care to exhibit respect for the supremacy of people power, electioneering is usually reserved for the appropriate time as dictated by the umpire. And certainly not before the half of any running term. That this aberration is underway in Nigeria may indicate several factors that include the desperation of the ruling elite, inordinate quest to retain or grab the reins of government, further breach of relevant laws, and, less likely, genuine concerns about steering the nation towards true recovery and greatness.
It’s important we grasp the juncture we’ve found ourselves. Even the country’s enemies can’t deny that ours is a stupendously endowed country. A long record of mismanagement, missed opportunities, bogus living, projects execution dissonance and mediocre leadership has also made it a land of paradoxes, unfortunately. To the unending pain of the citizenry and chagrin of the well-meaning world outside.
Not surprisingly, the disillusioned and discomfited population has been the bride of political office seekers down the decades. In practices that are ordinarily democratic but often misapplied to manipulative ends, one set of politicians engages in tearing down the operations of another. The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan suffered exactly that lot in the months leading to the 2015 polls. The combined forces of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) capitalised on the daunting challenges of that period to escalate the “cluelessness” of the President Goodluck Jonathan government.
Personalities like the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu became larger than life in the process. Short of calling themselves messiahs, they succeeded in selling Buhari like ice cream to huge segments of the federation. Whatever messages they were pushing out in dizzying succession needed to move beyond the mind to the heart - home of sentiments and energiser of quick actions. Thus, a new application of emotional intelligence to political engineering was introduced and operationalised effectively. Even coup plotters who shot their way to the helm of affairs usually found time, after accusing the incumbents of sundry offences and shortcomings, to soothe the nerves of the populace with promises of better deliverables. The need to show empathy with the masses is that strong. And the same age-long strategy of gaining the people’s confidence via the cloak of messiahship is now in top-gear. Our opposition politicians especially of the coalition stock are getting set to “rescue Nigeria from bad governance, poverty, disease, corruption, spiralling inflation and worsening insecurity.” Keyword: rescue.
Or bail-out, redeem, save, deliver. To casually tell off these self-appointed saviours is to negate or disclaim the pressing and largely stubborn vicissitudes that constantly threaten the wellbeing
of individuals, families, organisations and even the entire country. Conversely, to instantly believe in their desire and readiness to live up to their claims is to be a fool. What will produce optimal, desirable outcomes that could stand the test of time is somewhere in the middle of these opposing groups.
After elections, the political class usually disembodies into those in power and their colleagues out in the cold. Sadly, our system is designed to favour the winner who doesn’t hesitate to grab it all, hence the natural resort to survival antics which may include going to bed with the proverbial holder of yam and knife even at the risk of losing face with the electorate. But, then, who cares? Most Nigerian politicians have since deadened their consciences to the needs, wants and even the latent powers of voters who have largely been substantially incapacitated. They’re now preoccupied with the raw push for influence, actualisation of narrow interests, material acquisitions and flaunting of same without inhibitions and institutional or statutory hinderances.
Members of the slimming PDP, divided Labour Party (LP) embryonic African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the rest rivals of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are in a position to know these contradictions well. Majority of the people in government find it difficult to convince the general public of their good intentions and capabilities. Yet, the victims look on helplessly while time slips through their fingers. This dilemma is compounded by the very socio-political circumstances that surround their jaundiced realities.
To be clear, political cross-carpeting, gangups, mergers, alliances and what in some cases constitute blatant anti-party activities have been with us for a long time, either to win elections or run the government. Prior to our independence in 1960, the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) teamed up with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). In the runup to the elections in the mid- 1960s, some complex mergers also existed to forge collaborations across the various regions. Then, at the commencement of the 2nd Republic, National Party of Nigeria (NPN) went into marriage with Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) for the purpose of running the government, a union that was short-lived on grounds of differences. That happened in the days when parties in the country had separate, readily identifiable ideologies.
We mustn’t forget that it was the failure of the opposition politicians to harness those diversities that was mainly responsible for truncating their
chance of sending NPN packing during the 1983 election. Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), NPP, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP) had contemplated a super merger to provide a more productive alternative to the Alhaji Shehu Shagari-led federal government. But Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Malam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Ibrahim Wazirithe respective presidential candidates of the four parties - were too big in their individual shoes to produce a consensus candidate. The result was a “landslide” victory for Shagari which earned him a second term that lasted for only three months.
The 3rd Republic, a hybrid of soldiers and civilians, didn’t make room for coalitions. Two parties in operation - Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) - were decreed into existence by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration and had their paths cut out for them. The parties which later united when General Sani Abacha was head of state did so simply to make the commanderin-chief their joint candidate in the election that never was. And this 4th Republic has witnessed its own fair share of alliances, the most successful being the one that brought in the APC 10 years ago. Ironically, President Tinubu, a key promoter of that configuration, succeeded Buhari only two years ago but is now confronted with an assembly of rivals bent on redeeming the country from his own policies and grip.
In yet another round of redemption politics! It’s not for the president to feel protected by what he thinks his achievements are. Yes, he was frank enough to declare early that he would embark on programmes that could hurt in the short term but yield lasting results. True leaders do that. He also received accolades the other day from organisations that monitor macro-economics. The recent rebasing of the nation’s economy bears positive acknowledgements too. But the streets think differently. Tens and hundreds of Nigerians are still departing this world at once, abruptly and prematurely. Reductions in official inflation figures are hardly realistic.
The present-day political redeemers, many of whom participated actively in the country’s undoing, are, therefore, enabled to cry themselves hoarse in attempts, whether sincere or contrived, to bring salvation to the longsuffering people of Nigeria. For now, we’re forced to watch a traumatic theatre.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board THE PARADOX OF EXPECTING SAINTS IN A CORRUPT SOCIETY Leadership reflects the true image of the people, argues
Leadership reflects the true image of the people, argues KALU OKORONKWO
THE PARADOX OF EXPECTING SAINTS IN A CORRUPT SOCIETY
Every election season in Africa particularly Nigeria, echoes with a desperate cry for good leaders, redeemers, and miracle-working saviours to rescue the nation from despondency. Campaigns overflow with promises of integrity, reform, and transformation.
But the real power to shape leadership outcomes positively or otherwise doesn’t lie in the candidates alone, it rests majorly with the followers. In a democracy, numbers rule, and the majority if credible, enlightened, and politically conscious can demand and drive real change. Yet, when this followership is misinformed, transactional, or complicit, even the best intentions collapse under the weight of a corrupt system.
The brutal irony however is that followership most times is steeped in corruption, tribalism, and transactional politics, while hoping to birth saints from the very system it enables and defends. The question isn't where the good leaders are; it's whether the society that produces them even want good leaders.
This contradiction forms the paradox of Nigeria’s leadership crisis, a society riddled with broken values expecting angelic leaders. It is like planting thorns and expecting roses to bloom.
Democracy thrives not only on the legitimacy of elections but also on the vigilance of the electorate. Nations like Norway, Canada, and Germany exhibit strong, transparent leadership not because of extraordinary politicians, but because of the strength of their civic culture. In these countries, citizens are educated, engaged, and empowered. They demand policies, question authority, protest injustice, and vote on issues not emotions.
From local government offices to the highest rungs of governance at the centre, Nigeria is plagued by a leadership problem. But what’s less discussed is that these leaders are not aliens, they emerge from the same communities where citizens bribe to get ahead, inflate figures to win contracts, or offer money to bypass due process.
The same parents who lecture their children on integrity also pressure them to cheat in exams to secure the future. The hypocrisy is both cultural and systemic. The need for enlightened followership is more urgent than ever. For decades, Nigeria’s leadership failures have been attributed to a string of corrupt or incapable leaders. Yet, this diagnosis only scratches the surface.
The deeper question is: who enabled them? Who cheered them into power, turned a blind eye to their past, or demanded ethnic or religious allegiance over merit? The uncomfortable truth is that poor followership characterized by ignorance, blind loyalty, and political illiteracy has fertilized the ground from which subpar leaders emerge.
The reality is that bad leadership is the fruit borne from the soil of society and shaped by its values, influenced by its culture, and molded by its expectations. When a society tolerates, even celebrates shortcuts, dishonesty, nepotism, and mediocrity, it should come as no surprise when those same traits show up in the corridors of power.
Where over 150 million citizens live in multidimensional poverty, political awareness takes a back seat as people think first of survival. Politicians exploit this desperation with tokenistic handouts during campaigns. Many citizens view elections as transactions, not a democratic process with longterm consequence.
And until this perception changes, power will always go to the highest bidders. Leadership is not merely the product of ballots, constitutions, or party manifestos, it is a mirror, a reflection of the collective values, knowledge, priorities, and moral fabric of its people. When nations are governed by enlightened, informed, and politically engaged citizens, the quality of leadership naturally rises. Conversely, where ignorance, apathy, and transactional relationship dominate the populace, leadership often degenerates into tyranny, corruption, and in-
competence. Africa, and particularly Nigeria, offers a sobering case study of this reality.
True reform rarely starts in government houses; it often begins with enlightened citizens. The civil rights movement in the U.S., led by ordinary but informed citizens, forced systemic change. In Tunisia, the Arab Spring was triggered by a single act of defiance from a frustrated vendor, but sustained by masses who had reached a tipping point and could not stomach bad leadership and the attendant suffering. Even in Nigeria, rays of this civic light are emerging.
The #EndSARS movement in 2020 signified a new wave of youth-led civic awakening. Though brutally suppressed, it illustrated the potential of an informed and organized followership to challenge the status quo. NGOs, investigative journalists, and youth-led platforms like BudgIT, Enough Is Enough (EiE), and SERAP are beginning to redefine the civic space, demanding transparency and people- centered governance.
Every four years, many Nigerians cast votes not based on vision, character, or record but along lines of tribe, religion, or personal gain. Politicians, knowing this, do not offer substance. They offer stomach infrastructure, distribute wrappers, or promise to “carry the people along, a euphemism for patronage and favoritism. The tragedy is that many citizens do not vote to hold power accountable, but to partake in it.
The question then arises: can a society that does not value excellence produce excellent leaders? Can a population that is largely uninformed, uncritical, and transactional hold leaders to standards it does not hold itself? One of the gravest misconceptions in African political discourse is the belief that a society can somehow stumble upon saintly leaders amidst a sea of moral decay.
But history shows that great leaders often emerge in societies that demand greatness. They are held accountable by institutions, pressured by informed electorate, and challenged by vibrant civic cultures. Countries like Finland, New Zealand and Denmark are nations lauded for transparent, people centered governance.
Their leaders are not superhuman. They are products of systems that reward honesty, competence, and public service. These societies don't just hope for integrity; they demand it, enforce it, and live it. In Nigeria, the pattern is disturbingly predictable. A new leader emerges with a promise to change everything.
For a while, hopes soar, but then, the system swallows him, either through compromise or confrontation and the cycle of disillusionment resumes. Meanwhile, the same citizens who decry corruption are often complicit in the very acts they condemn when given the chance.
Until the people undergo an inner reformation, leadership will remain a tragic reflection of the society: flawed, self-serving, and stuck in a loop of failure. The real transformation, therefore, must begin from the ground up: with the family, in classrooms, through the media, and in everyday interactions.
Okoronkwo, a leadership and good governance advocate, writes from Lagos
JEFF GODWIN DOKI argues that the Super Falcons’ victory in Morocco is a testimony that there could be a major swap in gender roles!
IS THE FALCON MIGHTIER THAN THE EAGLE?
Africans have always had a philosophy of great depth and value. And they also have poetry and stories closely associated with Africa’s flora and fauna. In Nigeria, like in many other parts of Africa, animal characters and names are frequently chosen from the animal kingdom, sometimes for symbolic meanings or for sheer wit and valuable didactic lessons. It is for this reason that the two national football teams in Nigeria carry the names of two big birds namely: the Super Falcons, for the female Nigerian team, and the Super Eagles for their male counterparts. Coincidentally, the falcon and the eagle have many things in common. For one thing, both are birds of prey. For another, both birds have sharp talons. Thirdly, and most importantly, the two birds metaphorically represent strength and power meaning that they have the capacity to devour other animals. So, the question is which of them is stronger? This is the theme of my story and let me quickly pluck its fruit. Although folk male football existed as early as the Medieval period, the game of football began to be standardized in Britain in the 19th century and the first official football match for men was played in November, 1872. When football began, it was considered to be a preserve of men. So, it could be perceived that the roots of prejudice against women have long been embedded in Western culture. As a matter of fact, such gender discrimination began with the Biblical narrative that places the blame for the fall of humanity on Eve, not Adam. Similarly, ancient Greek scholars and philosophers like Aristotle abetted this attitude when he wrote that ‘the male is by nature superior, and the female inferior; and the one rules and the other is ruled’. Following Aristotle’s example, religious leaders like Thomas Acquinas and St. Augustine declared that women are ‘imperfect and weak creatures’. It was in the 1700s that female voices began to cry out against such patriarchal opinions asking women to stand up for their rights and not to allow their male-dominated society to define what it means to be a woman. Female football, which emerged in 1881 was, therefore, one of the reactions against patriarchal assumptions that women are inferior to men. By the year 1904, it became apparent that the game of football was not to be played by men alone. And by the 1970s Patricia Palinkas became the first woman to play professional football. Moving away from the game of football, women have played heroic roles in other aspects of human life like soldiering, governance and the fight against injustice. Perhaps a brief look at Nigeria’s history would be insightful. First is Inikpi of Igala. History has it that she gave her dear life in order to liberate her people (the Igala) from the attacks of the Jukun. Second, is Queen Amina of Zazzau. It is on record that she established the Hausa Empire in the 16th century. Next on the line is Idia of Benin Empire. According to History books, Idia was a true soldier. Her greatest achievement was her victory over the Igala. Perhaps, it is because of her bravery that the FESTAC 77 symbol bears her face. Again, there is Moremi the spy. She infiltrated the ranks of the Igbos and allowed herself to be captured. While she was with her captors, she learnt their tricks and tactics. It was these secrets that she divulged to her people enabling them to have victory over the Igbos. Furthermore, there is Queen Kambassa of Bonny. Just like Idia of Benin, she was a queen warrior. She was not just a soldier but she personally led battles conquering neighboring kingdoms. Besides, some Nigerian historical heroines did more than fight and win battles, they also resisted injustice and tyranny. We find this in the precise character of Madam Tinubu. A study of Nigerian History reveals that she confronted African chiefs who were stooges of the white man. Moreover, she fought tirelessly to ensure that Oba Dosumu (the rightful heir) was enthroned. Here again, she calls to mind Emotan, who laid down her life for Ogun, the rightful heir to the throne of Benin, to be enthroned. Madam Tinubu’s name is printed in gold especially in the History of Lagos. Think about the Aba Riots of 1929 in which many Ibo women came together to express their grievances against the colonial
government and to assert their right, dignity and humanity. There is Funmilayo Kuti. Apparently, her role was to encourage women to participate actively in politics. At least her credentials suggest this. In the then Western region, she was the Regional President of N.C.N.C women organization. She was also President General of Nigerian Women Union and Abeokuta Women's Union. She was a dogged and staunch fighter for the rights of Nigerian women. Hajia Gambo Sawaba, is Funmilayo’s exact counterpart in Northern Nigeria. According to history books, Gambo Sawaba broke all cultural taboos and joined active politics. Her involvement in politics was not only an achievement, it was also a feat because in Northern Nigeria, religious beliefs, barred women from participating in politics. Gambo Sawaba defied all these restrictions and became an active member of N.E.P.U. Her other counterpart is Margaret Ekpo in Eastern Nigeria. The list of Nigerian heroines is as long as a railway line. And perhaps to immortalize these women, Irene Salami Agunloye, a Professor of Theater Arts at the University of Jos, has documented their heroic qualities in a play entitled More than Dancing (2003). In other words, with their victory over Morocco at the WAFCON 2025, the Super Falcons have confirmed that the role of women is more than that of dancing and by means of their winsomeness and beauty, women can turn weakness into might. Fast forward to the present. There is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala an economist and former foreign affairs minister in Nigeria. Since March, 2021, she has been serving as the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organization. But more than that, she is the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO as Director General. What about Professor Nnena Oti, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri? She gained national prominence as the INEC Returning Officer in March, 2023, when she rejected bribe, refused to be intimidated and to compromise. She became the heroine of Nigeria’s democracy. Lest, I am accused of been a misandrist, I hasten to add that there is nothing too good that does not carry with it a few negative things. Nigerian women have also had their bad eggs. Take for example Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served Nigeria as the 10th Speaker of the House of Representatives from June to October 2007. In September 2007, Hon Etteh was accused of authorizing the spending of 628 Million Naira on renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy. Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Wole Soyinka, was one of the most clamorous voices that called for her resignation and on October 30 2007, following intense pressure, Hon Etteh resigned her appointment. Very recently, there is Beta Edu, a medical doctor, former commissioner and national women leader of the ruling APC.
Doki is a writer and Professor of Comparative Literature with the University of Jos
Editor,
Editorial
Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
SUPER FALCONS, SUPER CHAMPIONS
The performance of the ladies in Rabat was remarkable
Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, last Saturday won a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in an epic final. The manner the Nigerian ladies came back from two goals down in the first 24 minutes to beat the host country right in front of over 21,000 home fans in Rabat, was remarkable. No team has ever done that in the history of the tournament. And the Nigerian ladies rightly walked away with the tournament’s improved star prize of $1 million. The victory also marks Nigeria’s return to the summit of women’s football in the continent for the first time since 2018.
But it has not been a straightforward journey, especially in recent years.
From 1991 when the world football governing body, FIFA, introduced the women’s World Cup, hosted by China, the Super Falcons were beating the likes of Morocco and South Africa by wide goal margins. While these countries researched on how to develop the game through massive investments in infrastructure and retraining of coaches and other backroom personnel, Nigeria lived on past glory, thinking that the country would continue to dominate the continent forever. That proved wrong and a decade ago, others caught up with Nigeria. Super Falcons therefore began to struggle against Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana and even Zambia.
a clarion call for the Nigerian ladies to claim the country’s 10th WAFCON title at the just ended edition in Morocco.
Going all the way from the group stage to the knockout quarter final without defeat or conceding a goal was no mean feat. In the quarterfinal, Super Falcons hammered Zambia’s Copper Queens 5-0 to avenge their 2022 defeat in the third-placed match. Next came South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semifinal. Michelle Alozie’s last-gasp long range goal handed Nigeria a 2-1 win and the ticket to the final. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade had opened scores from the penalty spot. Coming back from two goals down to win the final was Nigeria’s claim to the top of Africa, once more.
Nigeria now needs to strategically plan on how to invest massively in the game to attract more of our ladies to the game
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
It was therefore not surprising that after Nigeria struggled to beat hosts Cameroon in the final of the 2018 edition in Yaoundé, Super Falcons finished fourth in the 2022 edition won by South Africa. To rub salt on our injury, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana came to Lagos to beat Super Falcons 4-2 in the final of the Aisha Buhari Tournament. It was the performance of Super Falcons at the 2023 World Cup that rekindled hope that the ladies now have the capability to reclaim the summit of African football. It was on this premise that the NFF launched its WAFCON campaign of ‘MISSION X’,
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
In appreciation of this valour and to encourage others, notably female basketball team, D ‘Tigress seeking fifth Afrobasket 2025 title, President Bola Tinubu hosted the players and the members of the technical crew. Each player was lavished with the Naira equivalent of $100,000, three-bedroom apartment and the national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N). The officials were also bestowed with national honours, houses and the monetary gift of $50,000 each. This presidential gesture and largesse are indeed worthy and encouraging.
Never in the history of our country has an entire nation been fascinated by female football in the manner that was witnessed during the recent campaign in Morocco. Nigeria now needs to strategically plan on how to invest massively in the game to attract more of our ladies to the game. The women’s league in the country needs more sponsors while facilities must be improved for the women’s leagues to thrive. Incentives must be given to those who have invested in the women’s game from the grassroots. And above all, serious preparations must begin now for the Super Falcons participation at the next Women’s World Cup in 2026 for Nigeria to surpass the good outing at the 2023 edition.
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.
WILL DANGOTE’S 4,000 TRUCKS THREATEN EXISTING JOBS?
Concerns have been raised that the introduction of 4,000 trucks by the Dangote Refinery could displace existing players in Nigeria’s petroleum logistics sector. However, this fear is largely misplaced.
According to the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), there are over 10,000 petroleum tanker trucks currently engaged in transporting fuel across the country. This figure could, in fact, be much higher, as MOMAN’s data may primarily reflect trucks owned by companies affiliated with or partnered with the association. Beyond this, there are thousands of Independent Petroleum Marketers across Nigeria who also operate significant fleets.
The belief that Dangote’s entry into the fuel distribution space will lead to job losses overlooks a key point: the new trucks will be operated by Nigerian drivers and logistics personnel. In essence, while a marketer’s truck might be phased out or sidelined, another job opportunity is created as Dangote’s trucks enter the distribution chain. One job may be displaced, but another is created.
From a retail perspective, this development could even ease the burden on smaller marketers. With Dangote trucks handling supply logistics, marketers may benefit from reduced overhead costs, minimized risks, and improved delivery timelines. However, this convenience must be balanced against the risk of market over-concentration. Dangote now controls significant parts of the fuel value chain: production, refining, and distribution. This level of vertical integration could give him substantial power to influence pricing, determine supply timelines, or prioritize certain buyers, potentially edging out competitors or disrupting market fairness. This is where the regulatory agencies should firm and watchful Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Nigeria’s downstream sector has been fully deregulated. This means other major marketers also have the freedom to import fuel, buy directly from domestic producers, or even invest in their own refining infrastructure- some marketers have already started building their own refineries . The competition is
open; what remains is for others to rise to the challenge. With Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption estimated at between 50 to 60 million litres, the country requires around 1,200 to 1,800 well-maintained and properly equipped petrol tanker trucks to ensure consistent nationwide fuel distribution. So, the 40,000 Dangote refinery trucks are like a drop in an ocean
Finally, not all trucks are created equal. The Dangote Refinery’s fleet of 4,000 trucks is said to meet international safety and efficiency standards. These trucks are equipped with advanced features such as anti-rollover protection, automatic braking systems, surveillance cameras, GPS tracking, flow meters, leak detection devices, and are powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This represents not just a boost in logistics capacity but a push towards safer and more environmentally friendly fuel transportation.
Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja
ProPerty & environment
Nigeria Expected to Reinforce Call for Sustainable Plastic Production, Dedicated Funding to Combat Pollution at INC-5.2 Meeting
Bennett Oghifo
As the world prepares for the second part of the fifth session (INC-5.2), the final Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meeting to be held from 5 to 14 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, Nigeria is expected to reinforce its call for sustainable production of plastic in the country and for a dedicated funding to combat plastic pollution.
At the August session, countries are expected to agree on a legally binding text to combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, according to UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly
(UNEA-5.2), UNEP said a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
“The UNEA resolution (5/14) requested the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop ‘the instrument,’ which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.”
The INC began its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024. The first session of the INC (INC-1)
took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 28 November to 2 December 2022, followed by a second session (INC-2) from 29 May to 2 June 2023 in Paris, France. The third session (INC-3) marked the process’ midway point from 13 to 19 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by the fourth session (INC-4) from 23 to 29 April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada.
The first part of the fifth session (INC-5.1) took place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea. The second part of the fifth session (INC-5.2) is scheduled to take place from 5 to 14 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
During a hybrid event convened at the UN House in Abuja to commemorate this
year’s World Environment Day Exhibition (popularly called WEDex) 2025, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, said that plastic waste accounted for 13 per cent of the total sum of waste generated in Nigeria, adding that if properly harnessed, it could create mass employment in the plastic value chain.
The UN organised this year’s event in partnership with GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, IHS Towers and other stakeholders.
He added that harnessing the plastic value chain could also trigger private sector driven investments and foreign direct investments inflows, while reducing plastic leakages into the environment.
At the event, GreenHubAfrica Foundation, an environmental sustainability media platform, launched a Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) Youth Network, a digital-first platform to train and empower 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular-economy enterprises.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Henry Bassey, said there are huge employment and empowerment opportunities in the waste management value chain and that youth engagement had economic benefits while protecting the environment.
He said the Foundation’s vision and mission are designed to enthrone a greener, more sustainable continent.
Lagos Urges Building Owners to Give Face-Lift
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
The Lagos State Government has urged owners of buildings to give their properties a face-lift to enhance the aesthetics of the State.
The appeal was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, recently.
The Commissioner said it was high time Lagosians adopted the culture of giving regular face-lifts to their properties through external enhancements such as repainting, façade repairs, and general touch-ups, in line with the Greater Lagos vision and the T.H.E.M.E.S. + Agenda of the Lagos State Government.
Bassey acknowledged the 2024 Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) school outreach top performers who continue to demonstrate the knowledge they acquired through the CASH programme.
He said WEDex which started as a virtual event due to restrictions of COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, has become a movement, adding that the 2025 edition of WEDex is another milestone after five years of COVID-19 devastation. He said WEDex had grown to become a highly sought after platform with annual events on WEDex platforms including webinars, podcasts and outcome capture sessions resulting in documented blueprint to climate action from the young and old.
He enjoined property owners, especially those whose buildings are on highways and major roads, to heed this call and ensure that renewing the approaches to their buildings is done regularly.
“We implore property owners, especially those with buildings on major highways such as Ikorodu Road, Agege Motorway, Ahmadu Bello Way, Adeola Odeku Street, Lagos-Abeokuta Motorway, Herbert Macaulay Way, and Murtala Muhammed Way, among others, to take heed and undertake the much-needed face-lift of their building facade and thereby support the ‘Making Lagos A 21st Century Economy’ vision of the State Government,” he said.
Nigerian Renewable Energy Companies, Dutch Government, Rubitec Collaborate to Train Nigerians on Cold Storage Systems
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
A five-day intensive training programme has been scheduled for engineers, technicians and energy professionals interested in renewable energy -powered cold storage systems, especially for applications in agriculture, healthcare and logistics. This is the second edition of Renewable Energy POLARSTORE Cold Storage training and it’s scheduled for 6-10 October at the Lagos Energy Academy, GRA,Ikeja, Lagos. The training is organised in partnership with Nigerian Renewable Energy companies and Dutch organisations with co-funding from Dutch Government and will be delivered in collaboration with Rubitec Nigeria Limited, a COREN - certified training provider. Participants will gain hands- on experience through practical sessions and a curriculum developed with
Dutch experts including HAN University of Applied Sciences, Independent Energy, the Dawson Group and Larive International.
According to a statement signed by the Managing Director, Rubitec Nig. Limited, Bolade Soremekun, the October session is now open
via the dedicated training portals, adding that, “interested participants are advised to apply early because of Limited slots.”
He disclosed that topics of the training include “Solar PV foundamentals, battery systems, cold storage operations, power electronics and full systems integration of the POLARSTORE solution.
“The programme will also feature real-world design simulations, system diagnostics and maintenance protocols equipping participants with knowledge to deploy sustainable cold storage solutions across Nigeria,” he added.
Julius Berger Defies Rains, Makes Milestone Progress on Bodo Bonny Road
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, last week, continued its construction works on the Bodo-Bonny Road project site despite torrential rainfalls. The contractors remained undaunted as its workforce pranced on with determination and grit, hitting milestone progress along the 35.7km road. Against the backdrop of the rains, aspects of the work are affected; but work steadily goes on in the stretch of Bodo-Bonny Road.
According to the project manager, Tim Nippert, who spoke at the project site between Nanabie bridge and Bonny Island, “We are working with grit and determination. It is all about our ability to persevere and our passion to deliver on our set goals. With that we can manage challenges as they come up.”
On the extent of work done, Nippert said, 80% of the project has been completed alongside all the bridges which, he added, are all substantially completed with only pavement joints pending. In terms of final
asphalting, Nippert disclosed that binder Installation is up to 70% completed.
Stating that the ceaseless rain in the area remains a big challenge to their work, the Project Manager enthused: an extraordinary rainfall in this month of July is not allowing installation of base course
However, he reiterated the determination to deliver the project on schedule saying, 5.2 km of concrete pavement within Bonny Town is completed, stone pitching is ongoing, while an additional 5km approaching asphalt
road is completed to 80% with asphalt binder, awaiting only wearing course and slope protection for completion.
Asked when the road will be ready for public use, Nippert said, the Bodo-Bonny Road is for Julius Berger Nigeria construction use only, for now, except in very important cases; and that its release for public traffic will only be possible after completion
According to the Security Coordinator at the site, Abraham Ikhenoba, the ongoing rain in the area is not stopping the workers from giving their
best. Even with the challenging terrains, every hand is on deck, he said, adding, it is in the character of the construction for which we have been known, the Security Coordinator of the project.
The Bodo-Bonny Road that was temporarily opened to commuters during the diamond jubilee celebration of the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom early June 2025. The opening and controlled access eventually closed to traffic after the celebration, effective June 15, 2025.
Secretary of the King Per-
ekule Palace, Amaopusenibo Festus Pepple who disclosed this after the event, on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Bonny, Rivers State, said “the idea of opening the road was to facilitate easy access for friends and wellwishers of the monarch and Bonny Kingdom to share in the joy of the celebration but we are done with that now. So, effective Sunday, June 15, 2025, the road will be closed back for construction work to resume so that the company, Julius Berger can meet up with agreed timelines for the road project.”
L-R: Director, Estate Department, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mrs. Olukemi Fosudo; Chairman of Ayangbure Jubilee Housing Estate Community, Mr. Peter Esene; and Assistance Director, Administration and Human Resource, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr. Oladapo Senbanjo, at Stakeholders’ Meeting and Public Enlightenment with Residents of Lagos State Government-owned Housing Estates, at Ayangbure Jubilee Housing Estate, Ikorodu… recently
BPE, NASENI Deal on Made-in-Nigeria Products Patronage Raises Hope for ICT Sector
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure in Nigeria (NASENI), to support Made-in-Nigeria products, has again rekindled the hope of hardware manufacturers and software developers in the ICT sector.
The deal is expected to address the problem of lack of patronage of locally made products in the country.
Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, signed the deal on behalf of their respective institutions.
According to Adedokun, “The collaboration is centred on how we can take locally made solutions off the shelf and place them at the centre
of public service delivery.”
He said the MoU aimed to align policies with priorities, and give practical force to the Nigeria first policy.
Under the terms of the agreement, NASENI’s innovations, including tractors, tablets, surveillance drones, and solar backup systems, will now be actively prioritised in the procurement plans of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
Impressed by the MoU signing between the two government agencies, President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that he was happy with the deal because it would boost the local manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
According to him, the federal government had in the past, released an Executive Order for the patronage
of locally manufactured computers and locally developed software by all Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government. Aliyu however regretted that such pronouncement was not implemented to the letter and therefore no action was taken to patronise locally assembled computers and locally developed software in the ICT industry.
“The Director General of BPE, this week, wrote a letter to NCS, calling for collaboration on capacity building and we are going to honour the invitation to further discuss our potential and capacity in the area of technology development,” Aliyu said.
Asked if he would discuss signing an MoU with BPE on patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products in the ICT sector, Aliyu told THISDAY that he would be happy to explore such opportunity, given the importance of locally developed products in
the ICT sector.
“Currently, the ICT sector does not have any MoU signed with BPP, but on Monday this week I received a letter from BPP, requesting for support and collaboration in ICT capacity building, and the letter was signed by the DG of BPP. The invitation of the letter is an opportunity for NCS to discuss MoU signing between BPP and the ICT sector, and NCS will explore every opportunity to achieve it,” Aliyu said.
Addressing the need to patronise locally developed software and hardware in Nigeria, Aliyu said: “Patronising our locally developed software and hardware by government agencies and by organisations operating in Nigeria, is the best thing that Nigerians can ever do because there are lots of benefits.”
According to him, one of the
key benefits is that for every software that is developed locally, the developers will factor the needs of Nigerians and the needs of organisations operating in Nigeria because as Nigerians, they understand the needs of Nigerians better than foreign software developers.
“Again, most of the foreign software that we tend to patronise as foreign software, are developed by Nigerians that relocated out of the country as a result of the difficulties they encountered while they were in Nigeria doing business. Most Nigerians will develop software in Nigeria, and they register it in U.K. or in US, where ease of doing business is far better that what is obtainable in Nigeria, and the same Nigerians will be patronising the product as a foreign-based software,” Aliyu further said.
Speaking about the implication of low patronage of foreign software, Aliyu said it has resulted to loss of revenue through capital flight and loss of jobs that would have been created in Nigeria for Nigerians. He insisted that if locally manufactured hardware and locally developed software are well patronised by Nigerians and organisations operating in Nigeria, it would lead to increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation and better economy for Nigeria. The global software industry is a massive market with spending that reached $675 billion in 2024, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Aliyu said, adding that Nigeria can tap from such revenue should there be adequate policies that would support local software patronage in Nigeria.
Emma Okonji
Following the ambitious plan of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grow Nigeria’s economy to a $1 trillion economy by 2030, economic expert and public policy analyst, Mr. Aliyu Gaya, who described such ambition as a demonstration of audacity in leadership, has said President Tinubu must listen and work with the advice of businessmen and technocrats like the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as well as the Chairman of Zinox Group, an African ICT unicorn, Leo Stan Ekeh, among others, in order to achieve the ambitious plan. Gaya, who spoke while delivering
a public lecture in Kano, made reference to Tinubu’s statement that Nigeria must lean on and encourage local production, and that achieving food security is the sine qua non for advancing the nation’s economy through heavy investments in the agriculture value chain.
Gaya however said a quick factcheck showed that this is not new, especially since the commencement of the 4th Republic.
According to him, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, laid a solid foundation to promote indigenous production of goods and services. The results of Obasanjo’s Buy-Nigeria policy manifested in diverse ways, such as local patronage
of indigenous fruit drinks and ban on imported ones; local production of airtime cards for GSM service providers; local patronage of locally assembled computers that gave a huge boost to local production of the same, such that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) standardised their IT operations on indigenous computer hardware and software.
“Sadly, despite the traction gained by indigenous products, the succeeding governments did not even sustain the Buy-Nigeria momentum. Tinubu seems determined to do so. However, to achieve the noble ambition of a $1 trillion economy, President Tinubu must listen to
key Nigerians who are not only employers of labour but are deeply committed to indigenous production as the key to unlocking the huge potential of the nation’s economy,” Gaya said.
According to him, one of such Nigerians President Tinubu must take heed to his advice is Aliko Dangote, a major indigenous manufacturer, who is not happy with the manner local companies are treated in Nigeria.
“Dangote recently advocated for policies that protect indigenous industries and nurture them into mega corporations capable of generating jobs and fostering prosperity. Addressing a gathering of manufacturers and investors in Abuja
recently while delivering a keynote on ‘Rethinking Manufacturing in Nigeria’ at the Nigeria Manufacturers’ Summit, Dangote advocated a reversal of government policies that expose local players to vulnerabilities including continued importation of goods and services that are also produced in Nigeria. Such a lack of protection of indigenous players, usually in the form of a lack of patronage from the government and Nigerians, stunts the growth of local players,” he said.
He cited countries where governments had to take drastic measures to protect their respective local markets. These include the blocked sale of US steel to Nippon
Steel of Japan, the blocked sale of six US port management companies to Dubai Ports World, restrictions on Chinese cranes at US ports, and the US imposition of tariffs such as 100 per cent on Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs), 50 per cent on semiconductors, medical products, and solar panels. He also cited instances, including the restriction of Russia gas supply to Europe, which led European countries to increase coal usage despite opposition to fossil fuels, and the US government’s distribution of $39 billion in subsidies to incentivise local microchip production.
Emma Okonji
“Feel The Pain, But Never Stop”- Dr Bisi Oni Speaks on Purpose and Earning Phd at 61
July 24, 2025 was a day of triumph, gratitude, and deep reflection as Dr. Bisi Oni walked across the stage to receive his doctoral hood during the 14th Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at Babcock University, IlishanRemo, Ogun State. But this was more than a personal milestone — it was the celebration of perseverance, purpose, and the power of vision. At 61, many slow down. But for Dr. Oni, highly respected finance executive, motivational voice, and leader at FrontQuest opens up on purpose, pain, and pressing forward In this exclusive interview with Kayode Tokede, he unpacks key issues in Nigeria’s economic development and the psychology behind market behaviour, his motivation for returning to academia, and the powerful role of resilience and faith in pushing through life’s toughest moments.
Congratulations on this outstanding academic achievement. What motivated you to pursue a PhD at this stage of your life and career?
Thank you so much. For me, this was a long-held dream — one I carried since my undergraduate days back in the 1980s. But life happened. I had to prioritize family responsibilities and career progression first. Over the years, the hunger never left. I always told myself that when the time and space came, I’d return to fulfill that academic dream. And I did — not just for me, but to set an example for my children, mentees, and anyone who believes it’s too late to begin again.
Your thesis topic — “Global Shocks, Investor Sentiment and the Nigerian Stock Market” — seems timely and complex. What were your key findings?
One major revelation was the gap between theoretical assumptions and real-world behavior in the financial market. Theory teaches that investors should buy low and sell high. But in practice, what we observe is quite the opposite — investors often act based on sentiment, not logic. My research revealed the impact of herd mentality, where people buy into market rallies and panic-sell during downturns. This behavioural pattern leads to avoidable losses, and understanding it is key for market efficiency, investor education, and regulatory policy.
Given your vast industry experience, how has
academia helped you understand Nigeria’s economic challenges differently?
Industry teaches action. Academia explains why. I call it bridging the gap between “town and gown.” Nigeria’s economy is plagued by structural issues — overreliance on oil, fiscal indiscipline, and weak productivity. What
academia helped me see is that the solution isn’t rocket science. It’s rooted in creating real value. Nations that thrive do so by producing, not extracting. Agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing can transform Nigeria, but we must fix insecurity first and ensure continuity in economic policy beyond political cycles.
Security remains a major barrier to agricultural development. How should Nigeria tackle this?
The government has superior intelligence and resources. If we’re truly committed, we must act decisively. Take the politics out of economics. No ragtag militia should overpower a sovereign state. If agriculture is our priority, then we must secure farmland and protect farmers. We must invest where it matters — in human lives and food security. Countries like Israel and Turkey achieved agri-revolutions with less fertile land than Nigeria. What’s stopping us? Willpower and governance.
What’s your advice for financial institutions and organizations trying to drive innovation and risk management?
Change your mindset. In Nigeria, we default to excuses. We ask, “Why it won’t work,” before “How can we make it work?” That mindset kills innovation. I’m already planning my next learning phase — blockchain technology or
artificial intelligence. Someone asked, “At your age?” I replied, “What has age got to do with learning?” If your mind stays open, possibilities are endless. Innovation, risk management, and growth begin with mindset reorientation. Above all, continuous learning keeps your brain sharp and improves your productivity.
You mentioned there were times you wanted to quit. What pulled you through?
Oh, many times! But my wife was my greatest encourager. She’d say, “You told us you were starting a PhD — what will you tell your children if you give up?” That stuck with me. I also remembered my “why.” For me, it wasn’t just about the degree. It was about the example I was setting. If at 58 I could start a PhD and graduate at 61, then nobody — not my kids, not my mentees — has an excuse not to grow.
You’re a natural motivator and teacher. Do you see yourself stepping into academia full-time?
…Smiles, Teaching flows through me — in church, at work, with mentees. I take pride not just in revenue targets, but in the number of professionals who’ve grown under my leadership. Academia is definitely on the table. If I can inspire the next generation and bridge the gap between theory and industry, then I’ll consider that a worthy second career.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
AI Revolution in HR: How Can HR Professionals in Africa Stay Ahead of Artificial Intelligence Curve?
Dotun Ayeni
When a colleague posed his question during my January talk to HR professionals in Lagos, Nigeria, this year, it crystallised a conversation that has only intensified over the past six months: “How should we use AI ethically in HR, particularly in Talent Acquisition?” What aspects of AI can we encourage candidates to make use of in their application? Should recruiters declare (or not) that AI will be used to sift through CVs?”
That conversation is increasingly relevant today. Between then and now, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in how both HR professionals and candidates are embracing generative AI and large language models. The landscape has shifted so dramatically that what seemed like a forward-thinking question six months ago has become an urgent operational imperative for every HR department on the continent.
During that January session, participants identified AI adoption as one of the primary challenges facing HR professionals. Today, that challenge has evolved into both an opportunity and an existential threat. The question is no longer whether African HR professionals should engage with AI, but rather how quickly and effectively we can build competencies to harness its potential while navigating its pitfalls.
UNDERSTANDINg AI: BEyOND THE BUzzwORDS
The first step in building AI competency is understanding precisely what we’re dealing with. So, what is AI, and what makes its intelligence artificial? AI, or non-human intelligence, refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks or engage in processes that we might conventionally attribute to human intelligence at nearly supersonic speed. It encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, distinct from the rule-based automation that many HR professionals have used for years. It can be machine learning algorithms that predict employee turnover, natural language processing systems that understand context and nuance, and generative AI tools such as Claude, Manus, ChatGPT, and Gemini, which can create content, analyse data, and even conduct initial candidate screenings.
Generative AI represents a fundamental move from traditional automation and the digitalisation that HR departments have grown accustomed to. While conventional HR systems required us to input specific
parameters and receive predictable outputs based on predetermined rules, generative AI can create novel content, engage in conversational interactions, and produce insights that were not explicitly programmed. This shift from deterministic to probabilistic systems necessitates a fundamentally different understanding of how technology operates and how to manage its outputs effectively.
We’re also witnessing the emergence of Web 3.0, characterised by decentralisation, intelligence, and interconnected systems. AI is the backbone of this evolution, enabling more personalised, context-aware interactions between HR systems, employees, and candidates. This means that HR professionals must understand not only individual AI tools now but also how these technologies integrate into broader digital ecosystems that are shaping the future of work.
A REALITy CHECK
The good: Transformative potential for HR excellence When AI works effectively, it can revolutionise HR operations from attraction through to employee exit. The agility it provides is perhaps its greatest asset - AI can process thousands of CVs in minutes, identify patterns in employee engagement data that would take analysts weeks to uncover, and provide 24/7 HR assistance through intelligent chatbots and administrative task support. This technology enables HR departments to do significantly more with smaller teams, addressing the perpetual challenge of skilled talent constraints that many organisations face. Just recently, Tata Consulting Services (TCS) laid off about 12,000 of its employees (2% of its global workforce) as it transitions towards a more AI-driven work model. Indeed, AI means many more organisations can do more with less- a development that brings both competitive advantages and significant human costs, due to the resulting large-scale job losses and societal displacements.
African HR technology companies are already demonstrating this potential. SeamlessHR, which has raised $10 million in Series A funding, is integrating AI and analytics functionality to serve clients like PwC, Flutterwave, and Sterling Bank across Nigeria, Ghana, and Tunisia. Similarly, Workpay’s expansion across 40 African countries demonstrates how innovative payroll solutions that integrate mobile
money payments- a distinctly African financial innovation- can streamline HR operations at scale.
The workflow improvements that AI brings span the entire employee lifecycle. AI can enhance recruitment by identifying the best candidates from larger pools, improve onboarding through personalised learning pathways, optimise performance management by providing data-driven insights, and even help predict which employees might be considering leaving before they submit their resignation. For many organisations operating with lean HR teams, these efficiencies aren’t just helpful- they’re transformative.
The bad: The skills gap and the over-reliance trap Yet, the promise of AI comes with significant risks, particularly in terms of skills development and dependency. Many HR professionals lack the technical literacy necessary to effectively evaluate AI outputs, resulting in poor decision-making based on flawed or incomplete information. When 1 professionals rely too heavily on AI, it can impede cognitive abilities such as decisionmaking, analytical thinking, and critical thinking. Without proper training and awareness, there’s a dangerous tendency to let AI do all the thinking, gradually eroding the essential cognitive skills that make HR professionals valuable strategic partners.
This challenge is particularly evident in the rapid growth of African HR tech companies.
While companies like Nigeria’s PadeHR and Ghana’s emerging HR startups are developing sophisticated platforms with AI capabilities, most HR professionals using these systems often lack the technical understanding to maximise their potential or recognise their limitations.
The over-reliance on AI poses particular risks for day-to-day skill development. When AI handles routine tasks that previously helped junior HR professionals learn the fundamentals of the profession, we risk creating a generation of practitioners who understand technology but lack deep human insight. This is particularly concerning in Africa, where understanding cultural nuances, relationship dynamics, and local business practices remains crucial for effective people management.
THE UgLy: ETHICAL PITFALLS AND ROLE REDUNDANCy
The most serious risks emerge when organisations implement AI without adequate oversight,
transparency and ethical frameworks in place. AI systems can perpetuate and amplify existing biases, resulting in discriminatory hiring practices that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups. In video interviewing, for instance, AI might unconsciously favour candidates who speak in particular accents or present themselves in ways that align with established hiring patterns, potentially excluding diverse talent. Furthermore, the widespread use of AI in recruitment raises additional ethical concerns. If recruiters are already using AI to shortlist candidates, is it fair game for these candidates to use AI to improve their chances of selection? In the absence of legal and regulatory guidelines regarding the use of AI in recruitment, the ethical implications of AI use in Talent Acquisition can quickly create problems of fairness and reasonable adjustments. Perhaps most alarming is the tendency to accept AI-generated content without verification and to use it at work without disclosure. AI can produce convincing but factually incorrect information (hallucination), and in HR, this can lead to poor policy decisions, inappropriate candidate assessments, or even legal compliance issues. The speed of AI advancement is also making some HR roles redundant faster than organisations can retrain their workforce. Administrative assistants, data analysts, and even some recruitment coordinators are finding their roles automated away. From a needs perspective, AI is gradually making some entry, mid-management and senior-level roles unnecessary as organisations are increasingly able to do more with less, as evidenced by the massive layoffs in many organisations. The AI challenge for HR leaders is managing this transition while maintaining the human elements that make organisations successful.
THE AFRICAN ADvANTAgE: LEADINg FROm STRENgTH
African HR professionals are uniquely positioned to excel in the AI era, building on our continent’s remarkable track record of technological adoption and innovation. From M-Pesa revolutionising financial services to the thriving tech hubs in Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Accra, Africa has consistently demonstrated an ability to leapfrog traditional technological barriers and implement cutting-edge solutions at scale.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Ikenna-Emeka: 5G, IoT Will Redefine Media Innovation in Nigeria
Stories by Emma Okonji
The Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, has described 5G technology as a transformational force with the potential to revolutionise media, entertainment, and Nigeria’s broader digital economy.
Speaking during an interactive session with fellows of the MTN
Media Innovation Programme (MIP) in Lagos, Ikenna-Emeka explored how 5G, combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), is creating opportunities for innovation, storytelling, and immersive content creation.
“5G is not just a technology; it is an enabler of experiences,” she explained. “It allows realtime, high-definition content production and streaming, scalable
augmented reality, and virtual reality experiences. These are the tools that will define the next generation of journalism and storytelling,” Ikenna-Emeka said.
Highlighting MTN’s pioneering role in launching 5G in Nigeria in 2022, she noted that content creators and entertainment professionals have emerged as some of the technology’s heaviest users. “The need for
high bandwidth and ultra-low latency solutions in media and entertainment has made 5G indispensable for creators looking to deliver seamless, interactive experiences,” she said.
However, Ikenna-Emeka emphasised that the success of 5G depends not only on infrastructure but also on user education and adoption. “As an organisation, we realise we cannot do it alone.
FintechNGR to Promote Local Funding at FinTech Week
Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) billed to hold October 7–9 in Lagos, has been designed to promote and facilitate local funding of tech startups in Nigeria, with a next-level, bold experience and movement uniting over 20,000 multiindustry stakeholders across Africa’s digital landscape.
Announcing the initiative at a recent press conference, organised by Fintech
Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), the body unveiled the activities for the 8th edition of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW25), themed: ‘The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future’.
The edition seeks to spotlight how harmonised efforts across government, startups, corporates, and investors can accelerate financial innovation and
inclusion across the continent. President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, Dr. Stanley Jacob, said: “We’re no longer just an association; we are a movement. NFW25 is where partnerships will be born, sectors will be reimagined, and Nigeria’s digital economy will be orchestrated like a grand symphony. Since its inception in 2017, Nigeria Fintech Week has emerged as the continent’s foremost fintech
convening - a catalyst for market-shaping conversations, regulatory advancements, and investment deals.”
FintechNGR Vice President and Chair of the Organising Committee, Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, noted that this year’s expansion across multiple cities was designed to enhance accessibility, financial inclusion, and grassroots innovation.
Coy Launches Campaign to Celebrate Internet Access
Smile Communications, Nigeria’s leading 4G LTE broadband provider, has unveiled an exciting new campaign tagged #AllTimeSmileTime, encouraging customers to share the moments and places they enjoy seamless internet connectivity with Smile.
There’s a need for collaboration with storytellers like you (the media) to demystify 5G and show Nigerians where the value lies,” she told the MIP Fellows.
She emphasised the role of the media in shaping public understanding, particularly
as misinformation has often clouded discussions about 5G technology. “The media is key in helping audiences see beyond basic connectivity and recognise how 5G drives innovation in health, education, agriculture, and entertainment,” she added.
The Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo has unveiled a 2,000-seater capacity ICT Centre, built and equipped with modern ICT facilities by New Horizons, a foremost ICT Training Institute.
The three-storey building has six classrooms in each floor that can accommodate a minimum of 50 students in a class, including seat-outs, offices and halls that are fully equipped with flat-screen computers and modern ICT facilities that cut across Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoTs), among others.
for the training of our students in ICT certification courses. The reason why our students are doing very well in their studies is because of the digital literacy skills that New Horizon is offering our students. Every student from level-one takes ICT certification courses offered by New Horizon and that has helped the students to excel in their studies,” the Vice Chancellor said.
As part of the month-long campaign, Smile is asking
With Smile’s robust and expanding coverage across Nigeria, the brand is reinforcing its promise that quality internet access isn’t restricted to the office or home alone. Whether you’re at a seminar, in church, relaxing at the park, hanging out with friends, or even studying at the library — anytime can be Smile time.
customers a simple yet powerful question: “When is your Smile Time?” The aim is to celebrate real user experiences, elicit testimonials, and gather feedback that will help further improve and expand Smile’s offerings. Speaking on the campaign, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, Goke
Olaleye said: “#AllTimeSmileTime is more than just a hashtag. It’s a statement that wherever life takes you, Smile is right there with you. We’re excited to see how and where our customers are enjoying their Smile experience, and we invite everyone to share their Smile Time moments throughout the month of July.”
Stakeholders Warn against Infrastructure Meltdown
Nigeria’s aspiration to transform into a $1 trillion digital economy is under serious threat, as telecom industry stakeholders revealed that infrastructure vandalism is costing the nation an estimated $50 billion annually. According to them, the alarming figure is more than twice the country’s entire capital expenditure budget. The revelation came during the 21st edition of the Titans of Tech
With approval from the nation’s telecommunications regulator, and to further ensure a robust conversation around the recent law declaring telecom infrastructure as a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), positioning it as a national
Conference, where experts painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s digital future, insisting that it will affect economic growth unless urgent reforms are made.
Speaking at the conference, which held in Lagos recently, Cybersecurity expert Chidi Ibisi, said Nigeria recorded 1,812 cases of telecom infrastructure disruptions within just six months. He disclosed that a staggering 65 per cent of
the disruptions stemmed from government construction projects and the imposition of illegal levies, ironically by the same authorities that issue operating licenses to telecom companies. “We are literally sabotaging our own digital progress,” Ibisi remarked.
Another speaker Dr. Tola Sorenike, shared a disturbing account from the field involving a serial extortionist in Delta State
who repeatedly cut fiber optic cables to demand payments. “We had no choice but to put him on a monthly stipend just to secure our installations,” Sorenike said. He also pointed out that such incidents are widening Nigeria’s broadband access gap, excluding over 45 million students from digital learning and crippling the rollout of critical telemedicine services.
Sustainability Conference Holds August
resource to be protected, the planned CNII Sustainability Conference 2025 discuss has been rescheduled to hold in Lagos. The forum, which is being organised as collaboration between industry media group, the
Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and telecom operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), was earlier billed to hold on July
30, 2025, but has to seek a new date following an all-inclusive telecom stakeholders’ event by the regulator. The event also has the support of industry associations such as the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
Speaking at the unveiling, which marks part of the university’s 23rd convocation activities, the Vice Chancellor thanked New Horizons for the donation of the facility to the university commumity, which he said, would boost learning of new ICT skills, including AI.
“The university has been in collaboration with New Horizons
CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, said: “We are not unveiling the building alone. We are also unveiling the resources inside the building. We brought in customised all-in-one systems, including some equipment for Robotics and AI. We also made provision for a garden and we are dedicating the garden to the five principal officers of the university. Each of them will plant a symbolic lemon tree that signifies health, prosperity, fidelity, cleansing, longevity, protection and love.”
Verve, Africa’s leading payment card and digital token brand, has officially launched the sixth edition of its Verve GoodLife Promo—a nationwide campaign designed to reward loyal cardholders across Nigeria with exclusive discounts, cashback, and premium lifestyle experiences.
Speaking at the official launch of the Verve GoodLife Promo 6.0, Divisional Head, Interswitch Group, Chidike Oluaoha, described the initiative as both a celebration of customer loyalty and a call to action for broader financial inclusion.
“This year, we are charting a bolder course. We are not only
rewarding our cardholders through various promotional campaigns but also doubling down on our vision to be an enabler of growth, possibility and the good life for every Nigerian. Our goal is to consistently deliver value in the moments that matter—whether in everyday spending or life’s significant milestones by making Verve the card of choice for secure, seamless, and rewarding transactions. As we introduce new innovations and partnerships in the coming months, our focus remains on deepening financial access, supporting businesses, and enriching digital payment experiences,” Oluaoha said.
L-R; Homestrings Programme NiDCOM, Aisha Dankano; General Partner, Sabou Capital, Surayya Ahmed; CFO Mother Land Hub, Ayomide Sanwo-Olu; Dr Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; CEO Mother Land Hub, Nduka Nduka-Eze, and Travel Content Creator, Pelumi Nubi during the National Diaspora Day Celebrations at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...recently Abiodun Ajala
Stories by Agnes Ekebuike
Court Discharges Interim Order on Kam, Orders Ecobank to
Invite CBN as Witness in $9.5m Credit Dispute
Wale Igbintade
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged an earlier ex-parte order and the consequent Mareva Injunction served on the banks of Kam Industries Nigeria Limited in relation to an alleged $9.5 million trade finance dispute with Ecobank Nigeria Plc.
The court discharged the Mareva injunction on the grounds that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), being a necessary party in resolving the dispute, was not joined in the suit.
Justice Osiagor held that both parties mutually acknowledged the critical role of the CBN in the transaction, and that any judgment rendered without its participation would be incomplete.
In the ruling delivered on July 25, 2025, the court also directed that the sum of N1.5 billion be ring-fenced inside the bank account of Kam Industries as security pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
“On the agreement of the parties, the ex-parte order is hereby discharged, and the assets of the company are not to be dissipated
or transacted with,” Justice Osiagor ruled.
“The sum of N1,500,000,000.00 is hereby ring-fenced in the Fidelity account of the defendants as security for the case.”
The court also struck out Polaris Bank as a party to the suit and adjourned further proceedings to January 26, 2026.
The initial Mareva injunction which was granted on October 7, 2024, in favour of Ecobank under the Ex-parte order no longer exist.
The order restrained 25 licensed Nigerian banks and financial institutions from releasing or
granting access to the defendants’ funds, shares, bonds, letters of credit, promissory notes, bills of lading, and other negotiable instruments, covering amounts equivalent to N3,000,681,722.97 and $6,824,638.75.
Besides Kam Industries Nigeria Limited, other defendants in the suit include its Chairman, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, and Kamsteel Integrated Company Limited. Ecobank instituted the suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1748/2024, via an originating summons dated September 27, 2024. The bank sought a declaration that
it is entitled to judgment for the outstanding balance of the facility—allegedly N3 billion and $6.8 million—based on the defendants’ alleged breach of loan terms.
It further requested the court to vest all assets belonging to the second and third defendants—Dr. Yusuf and Kamsteel, as part of the debt recovery process, citing the execution of both personal and corporate guarantees in respect of the credit facility.
Specifically, Ecobank asked the court to enter judgment against all three defendants for
the alleged indebtedness and to vest in the bank all assets, cash, bonds, real estate, stocks, and negotiable instruments—held by the defendants in any financial institution in Nigeria or abroad until full satisfaction of the debt.
In his ruling, Justice Osiagor noted that both sides agreed on the involvement of the CBN in the foreign exchange transaction forming the crux of the dispute.
The court held that the Central Bank is a necessary party or at minimum, a vital witness for a comprehensive adjudication.
H1: Transcorp Reports N279.7bn Revenue, to Pay N4.06bn Interim Dividend
Kayode Tokede
Transnational Corporation Plc, yesterday announced its half year (H1) ended Jun 30, 2025 unaudited results, showing impressive yearon-year growth and rewarding shareholders with robust interim dividend payout.
The Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate ini the period
under review announced N279.7 billion revvvenue, about 59per cent increase over N175.4billion in corresponding period, while profit before tax moved from N70.9 billion in H1 2024, to N85.7billion in H1 2025- about 21 per cent increase.
This performance saw an increased gross profit margin of 47per cent, despite economic headwinds.
In line with its commitment to delivering value to shareholders, the Company has declared an interim dividend of N4.064 billion representing 40 kobo per ordinary share subject to applicable withholding tax.
Commenting on the H1 2025 results, Chairman, Transnational Corporation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, in a statement said, “Delivering on our impact driven, value creating
mission, we continue to advance strategic investments across key sectors in Nigeria.
“In power, Transcorp Power and Transafam Power increasingly innovate to improve lives, transforming Nigeria. In hospitality, we continue to delight our clients and redefine our sector, not least with the opening in Abuja of the Transcorp Centre, Nigeria’s superlative events centre.
Our growth demonstrates the resilience and strength of our diversified business model.
“We remain dedicated to achieving our strategic vision, rewarding our valued shareholders, and driving the sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s economy.”
President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Owen Omogiafo, in a statement said, “The Q2
2025 financial performance reflects our firm commitment to operational excellence and the resilience inherent in our corporate strategy, which has further enhanced our capacity to effectively navigate challenges. This adaptability has enabled us to thrive within a dynamic business landscape while consistently delivering value to our stakeholders.”
W’African Governments, Others to Convene in Lagos to Accelerate Industrial Revolution
West Africa stands at a defining crossroads. As global aid recedes and trade alliances shift, West Africa is being challenged to take ownership of its economic future through industrialisation, infrastructure development intraregional trade, and strategic global trade expansion. To address these challenges, stakeholders from across the region will convene in Lagos in October for the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa - IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025. Ghana’s recent government procurement directive prioritising locally manufactured products signals a shift from dependency toward deliberate domestic value creation. This initiative is unfolding alongside the country’s projected 32% increase in cocoa output, a development that positions Ghana not only as a commodity producer but also
as a potential manufacturing hub for processed goods. With new industrial parks offering incentives to manufacturers and logistics operators, Ghana is aligning infrastructure with policy to support long-term industrial capacity. Similarly, Senegal is
demonstrating a productionfocused approach that’s generating tangible results.
Industrial output has surged by over 19% year-on-year, with key growth across textiles, food processing, and poultry manufacturing. Governmentbacked support, including subsidies to local producers and the expansion of energy grid capacity to industrial zones, is turning policy into performance. Trade flow improvements, driven by strategic agreements with neighbouring countries, show the measurable impact of this alignment.
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)
On The Extract Of Unaudited IFRS Results For The Quarter Ended 30 June, 2025
The Board of Directors is confident that barring unforeseen circumstances, this performance would be improved upon considerably in the 3rd quarter of the financial year APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON 29TH OF JULY 2025.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ACCEPTABILITY STUDY OF BIOFORTIFIED RICE AND CASSAVA IN KANO AND OGUN STATES, NIGERIA (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)
COUNTRY: Federal Republic of Nigeria
NAME OF PROJECT: CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PROVISION OF GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN SUPPORT OF CLIMATESMART AGRICULTURE IN OGUN STATE Ref No: NCO/SAPZ/IFAD/CONS/ICS/010/2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has received financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) towards the cost of the Special Agro – Processing Zones Program (SAPZ), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the recruitment of consulting services, for which this REOI is issued.
The use of any IFAD financing shall be subject to IFAD’s approval, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the financing agreement, as well as IFAD’s rules, policies and procedures. IFAD and its officials, agents and employees shall be held harmless from and against all suits, proceedings, claims, demands, losses and liability of any kind or nature brought by any party in connection with Special Agro – Processing Zones Program.
The consulting services (“the services”) include:
• Review the reports of similar studies by other donor-funded programa/projects in the states
• Develop relevant survey instruments for the study on biofortified rice and cassava
• Organize focus group discussions
• Train enumerators for the assessment
• Conduct field enumeration, ensuring the inclusivity of all SAPZ value chain actors in each of the states of the study
• Analyze and report the findings
• Design and conduct capacity building for SAPZ beneficiaries on biofortified rice and cassava
More details on this consulting services are contained in the Terms of Reference (TOR) which can be obtained from the address below between 10am – 4pm on working days or obtained from the website: sapz.gov.ng.
It is expected that this consultancy service shall be for a period of four weeks within which the consultant shall accomplish all the tasks including submission of final report to the Client.
This request for expressions of interest (REOI) follows the General Procurement Notice that appeared on the IFAD website on 17th April, 2023, on UNDB on 17th April, 2023.
The attention of interested consultants is drawn to IFAD’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Policy and the Revised IFAD Policy on Preventing Fraud and Corruption its Activities and Operations. The latter sets forth IFAD’s provisions on prohibited practices. IFAD further strives to ensure a safe working environment free of harassment, including sexual harassment, and free of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in its activities and operations as detailed in its IFAD Policy to Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Interested consultants shall not have any actual, potential or reasonably perceived conflict of interest. Consultants with an actual, potential or reasonably perceived conflict of interest shall be disqualified unless otherwise explicitly approved by the Fund. Consultants are considered to have a conflict of interest if they a) have a relationship that provides them with undue or undisclosed information about or influence over the selection process and the execution of the contract, or b) have a business or family relationship with a member of the client’s board of directors or its personnel, the Fund or its personnel, or any other individual that was, has been or might reasonably be directly or indirectly involved in any part of (i) the preparation of the REOI, (ii) the selection process for this procurement, or (iii) execution of the contract. Consultants have an ongoing obligation to disclose any situation of actual, potential or reasonably perceived conflict of interest during preparation of the EOI, the selection process or the contract execution. Failure to properly disclose any of said situations may lead to appropriate actions, including the disqualification of the consultant, the termination of the contract and any other as appropriate under the IFAD Policy on Preventing Fraud and Corruption in its Projects and Operations.
The National Coordination Office now invites eligible Individual consultants (“consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV). A consultant will be selected in accordance with the individual consultant selection (ICS) method set out in IFAD’ Project Procurement Handbook that can be accessed via the IFAD website at www.ifad.org/projectprocurement. Interviews will not be conducted as part of the selection process.
The shortlisting criteria are: The criteria for shortlisting consultants will be based 1. General Qualification 2. General Working Experience 3. Adequacy for the assignment 4. Experience in Similar assignment in Donor Funded project. Details of the evaluation criteria is provided in Annex 1 which can be obtained from the website: sapz.gov.ng
Any request for clarification on this REOI should be sent via e-mail to the address below no later than 4.00 pm local time on 4th August, 2025. The client will provide responses to all clarification requests by 4.00 pm local time on 6th August, 2025.
Expressions of interest in the form of curriculum vitae (CV) must be delivered in a written form to the address below not later than 12.00 Noon local time on 12th August, 2025 (14 days). Late Submissions will NOT be accepted.
Signed Dr. Kabir Yusuf National Program Coordinator, SAPZ National Program Co-ordination Office (NPCO) Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, No. 3, Aguleri Street, off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, admin@sapz.gov.ng; +234 8168088308, +2348035949354
CIIN Partners IT Institution to Train 1m Youths on Insurance
Ebere Nwoji
The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN), is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to promote insurance awareness and education among youths as it is currently partnering with IT institution, Sapphital Academy, to train one million youths on insurance profession.
The CIIN, is collaborating with the industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Federal Ministry of Youth Development in the training exercise.
To this effect, they have announced the launch of the innovative e-learning platform, designed by Sapphital Academy, exclusively
for Nigerian youths to learn about insurance.
The CIIN in collaboration with Sapphital Academy launched this cutting-edge 40 modules platform of different insurance topics with various tutors from the industry to train not less than one million youths on insurance.
The institute said the initiative supported the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grow the country’s economy via insurance.
CIIN President/Chairman of Council, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, FIIN, while bringing this innovative action into the limelight, commended the Institute’s Secretariat for providing expertise from the industry to train generations to come.
She said that the training platform was a historic one and would remain for decades as an insurance learning platform.
“We are thrilled to introduce this exciting new platform, which represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to implement the EPIC Agenda which aims at supporting the professional development and networking needs of the masses”.
The Registrar/CEO of the Institute, Abimbola Tiamiyu, appreciated the Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, FIIN for taking up the challenge from the federal government and believing in CIIN to uphold professionalism.
Nigeria, British Insurance Sectors Establish New Collaboration
Ebere
Nwoji
The British and Nigerian Insurance sectors recently established a new era of collaboration in business through the recent visit of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) to key insurance industry stakeholders in Nigeria.
During the visit, the BIBA CEO, Mr Graeme Trudgill met with key industry stakeholders, including the
Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), and Insurance industry doyen and Chairman Scib Nigeria & Co Ltd, Olola Olabode Ogunlana.
The meeting with the Olola Olabode Ogunlana was particularly significant, given his recent recognition as a global insurance leader.
In the month of May this
year, Ogunlana was honoured with the International Lifetime Achievement Award at the BIBA conference in Manchester, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the insurance industry over the past 73 years. This was the first time BIBA gave such an award. The prestigious award underscored Ogunlana’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to the insurance industry.
Universal Insurance to Launch Enhanced Third-party Motor Insurance
The Managing Director/CEO Universal Insurance Plc, Dr. Jeff Duru has said that the company had concluded plans to launch its enhanced third-party motor insurance cover for its customers and the general public. Duru stated this at a recent insurance forum in Lagos while addressing Insurance and Pensioners newsmen.
While speaking on the future plans of the company, Duru said, “Our upcoming products include our third party enhanced motor cover. We have an enhanced third-party motor cover that is coming which will drive our third-party initiative to carve a niche in the motor insurance segment of the market.
“We also have our mini comprehensive insurance package that will be digitised,
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE…
L-R: Former National Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyola
In a bid to ensure the wellbeing of Nigerian pensioners, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) said it has concluded plans with the National Health Insurance Authority to enroll pensioners for the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2026.
The Executive Secretary/ CEO, PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya disclosed this in Lagos while addressing Insurance and Pension editors .
The PTAD boss who was
represented at the occasion by the Head, Corporate Communication, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi highlighted the rationale behind the plan.
He said the plan to enrol pensioners for the National Health Insurance Scheme underscores the Directorate’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the pensioners.
According to him, “For us in PTAD, we are always working to ensure the wellbeing of our pensioners, ensuring they are comfortable, and are well taken care of. We
which will enable everybody to key into motor insurance because some people still see the comprehensive motor insurance package as very expensive. So, our mini comprehensive insurance package when it comes on board will enable you to buy insurance service and pay at your convenience. The package will enable you to pay to the extent that is affordable for you in terms of premium,” Duru stated.
have started negotiating health insurance for our pensioners because we know that the age they are is when they need healthcare more than even we that are working. Retirement is when people need government support more than the person who is collecting money every month.
“We are working to ensure that by 2026, if not all, at least 90 per cent of PTAD pensioners would be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).”
REX Insurance Launches Digital Platforms for Motor Insurance Sales
Ebere Nwoji
Rex Insurance has announced the launch of its new digital platforms designed to revolutionise the way motor insurance is accessed and purchased.
The company said the strategic initiative marked a significant step towards enhancing customer experience and expanding market reach.
It further said the newly launched digital platforms, comprising an E-portal and website allows customers to purchase all Rex Insurance motor insurance policies with ease and transparency.
It said the platforms have been optimised for speed, simplicity, and security, enabling real-time policy issuance, digital payments, and instant policy document delivery. The Managing Director & Chief Executive, Rex Insurance
Limited. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, while speaking on the development reaffirmed the company’s focus on customer satisfaction and regulatory adherence. She said to further fulfill the company’s mission of protecting individuals and their assets, Rex Insurance was simplifying the process for vehicle owners to obtain the mandatory policy, ensuring they met all legal obligations.
Saharan Blend
(Gabon), Iran Heavy
Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),
Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Omisore; former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Tale Omole; foremost ICT pioneer, Senator Ayò Arise, and Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, at the conferment of Titans of Tech Lifetime Achievement Award on Senator Ayò Arise in Lagos…recently
Ebere Nwoji
Ebere Nwoji
PTAD Moves to Enrol Pensioners on National Health Insurance Scheme
Wema Bank’s Profit Before Tax Jumps by 231% to N101.2bn in H1 2025
Kayode Tokede
Wema Bank Plc, yesterday released its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the half-year (H1) period ended June 30, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) with a remarkable financial upturns including a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N101.2 billion, representing a 231per cent increase compared to N30.55 billion
recorded in the corresponding period of H1 2024.
The Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most resilient and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT declared a Gross Earnings of N303.20 billion in H1 2025, reflecting a 70per cent increase from N178.63 billion declared in H1 2024.
Wema Bank’s Interest Income closed H1 2025 at N240.12 billion, about 65per cent increase from
N145.53 billion in H1 2024, while Non-Interest Income surged to N63.08 billion in H1 2025, up by 91 per cent frrrom N33.10 billion declared in H1 2024.
Wema Bank’s balance sheet remained robust and wellstructured, with total assets rising from N3.585 trillion in HI 2024 to N3.963 trillion in H1 2025; deposit base growing by three per cent from N2.523 trillion in FY 2024 to N2.60trillion, and
Loans and Advances growing by 19per cent to N1.426 trillion in H1 2025, compared to N1.201trillion reported in FY 2024.
The Bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio stood at 3.17per cent as at H1 2025, reflecting the Bank’s continued focus on maintaining asset quality. These indicators not only reflect Wema Bank’s resilience and efficiency, but also its strong
capacity to sustain its growth momentum and continue to deliver optimum value to its stakeholders. Commenting on the outstanding results, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Moruf Oseni, affirmed the Bank’s commitment to maintaining the upward growth trajectory in its financials and delivering optimum value to every stakeholder of Wema Bank.
According to him, “For 80
years, Wema Bank has redefined impossible, consistently breaking new ground and raising the bar in delivering positive impact. 3 years ago, we took our Profit Before Tax from N14.75 billion in 2022 to N43.59 billion in 2023, and in 2024, our PBT stood at an impressive N102 billion. Now, just halfway through 2025, we have achieved over 99per cent of our 2024 full-year PBT in just H1, and for us, this is just a starting point”.
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25 Jujy-2025, unless otherwise stated.
L-R: Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; and Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Revd. Bunmi Jenyo, during the flag-off of Ila Orangun road dualisation ceremony held at the Orangun’s Palace in Ila, Osun State...recently
L-R: Executive Director, AXA Mansard Health, Adeola Adebanjo; Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Jumoke Odunlami; Chief Information Officer AB Microfinance, Mordecai Omobi; and Head of Marketing, AB Microfinance, Raymond Ibileke, during the kick-off of the meeting of the AXA Mansard and AB Microfinance Partnership on Digital Health Insurance, held at AXA Mansard headquarters in Lagos… recently
L-R, Chairperson, National Elections Commission (NEC) Liberia, Mrs Davideth Lansanah and Chairman, (INEC) Prof Mahmoud Yakubu presenting a souvenir to the Leader of ECOWAS NETWORK OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION (ECONEC) during a Post-Election Follow-up/Needs Team and INEC yesterday in Abuja PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI
L-R: District Governor, Lions International, District 404B3 Nigeria, Adelaja Adeleye; immediatepast District 404B3 Governor/ Multiple Council Chairperson, Lions International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Dr. Jide Bello; and Area Leader, Constitution Area VIIIB Lions International, Gbolagade Adebisi, during the press conference to commemorate the beginning of the new Lions Service Year of Lions Clubs International District 404B3 Nigeria, held in Lagos... recently
A cross-section of members of the School of Nursing UBTH International (SONUBTHAI) and guest at the 2025 Fund Raising and Gala Night in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States…recently
L-R: Chief Nursing Officer, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Mrs. Ibitola Ayoade; Director, LASAMBUS, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde; one of the beneficiaries of LASAMBUS, Mr. Moruf Ademola; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; and Director of Public Affairs, LSMOH, Mr. Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo, at the media engagement event with LASAMBUS beneficiaries and service users with the theme: ‘LASAMBUS: Highlighting Impact, Improving and Sustaining Medical Emergency Response’, held in Ikeja, Lagos...recently
Behind the Label: Nigeria’s Salt Crisis, Big Food’s Grip, and the Fight for Public Health
Nigeria’s public health crisis is deepening, not necessarily from hunger or infectious disease, but from what fills the average citizen’s plate, heavily processed, salt-packed, and sugar-laden foods. As non-communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, and heart failure rise sharply, the need for bold policy action and public education has never been more urgent. Sunday Ehigiator writes
Participants at the Training
Salt, once a symbol of flavour and preservation, has become a vector for disease; non-communicable diseases (NCDs), hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart and kidney failure, are rising at an alarming rate in Nigeria.
But unlike past decades when hunger and undernutrition dominated the health discourse, today, Nigerians are falling ill not from scarcity but from what they consume in abundance: ultra-processed, sodium-laden, and sugar-saturated foods.
It was against this backdrop that the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) convened a journalism training focused on salt reduction, front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL), and industry interference in food regulation. The goal? Equip journalists to reclaim the food narrative and help counter the dangerous stranglehold of corporate influence.
“We Are Eating Ourselves to Death”
“People are no longer dying from hunger alone,” said the Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, as he welcomed participants to the one-day workshop. “They are dying from what they eat.”
His words struck a chord. With precision, he outlined how Nigeria’s rapidly urbanising food culture has become fertile ground for ultra-processed foods: instant noodles, bouillon cubes, snack foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, all made cheap, accessible, and addictive.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recommended daily maximum for salt consumption is 5 grams. Yet in Nigeria, the average intake ranges between 7 and 10 grams, almost double.
This excess isn’t from the saltshaker. It’s hidden in everyday products, seasoning powders, processed meats, sauces, and canned foods, many of which are unlabeled or misrepresented.
“Nutritional realities are either obscured or entirely missing from labels,” Oluwafemi added. “This is a design problem; not an accident; and it reflects who controls our food system.”
The War behind the Supermarket Shelf
The workshop’s theme, ‘Industry Interference and Response Building’, turned a spotlight on the political economy of food. Nigeria’s public health crisis, participants were told, is entangled in the silent war between corporate profit and consumer safety.
From behind glossy advertising campaigns and charitable gestures lies an industry vigorously working to obstruct life-saving food regulations.
These tactics, according to the CAPPA presentation “Unmasking Industry,” include: Deceptive marketing, especially targeting children and low-income families; funding research that downplays the dangers of sodium and sugar, lobbying policy makers behind closed doors, greenwashing harmful products through CSR activities, and deploying influencers to shift public perception in their favour.
“There’s nothing accidental about it,” one participant observed. “It mirrors the same tactics Big Tobacco used: confuse the public, delay regulations, and protect profit margins.”
Salt Targets and the Power of Policy
But the battle isn’t being waged in the media alone. There are policy wins worth noting. In November 2025, Nigeria launched its National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, marking a major step toward cutting population-wide salt intake.
The guidelines recommend a 15 per cent reduction in sodium content within the first two years of implementation (2026–2028), followed by an additional 15 per cent reduction by 2030. They also include salt targets for major processed food categories like bread, bouillon cubes, snacks, and instant noodles.
If effectively enforced, these targets could prevent thousands of premature deaths annually. Yet, implementation remains a hurdle. Many food companies are resisting reformulation. Government oversight is patchy. Public awareness is limited. And the noise from industry lobbyists is deafening.
A Label That Could Save Lives
One of the most transformative tools presented at the training was the Frontof-Pack Warning Label (FOPWL), a policy that empowers consumers to identify harmful products at a glance.
“No one should need a degree in nutrition to know what they’re eating,” Oluwafemi argued. “FOPWL puts power back in the hands of the people.”
Examples from countries like Chile, Mexico, and Brazil show just how effective this can be. In Chile, warning labels on sugary beverages led to a measurable
reduction in consumption and prompted manufacturers to reformulate their recipes to avoid negative attention. FOPWL doesn’t just inform; it reshapes the entire food ecosystem.
Nigeria is currently at a critical juncture. While the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is working on sodium benchmarks and product reformulation guidelines, the push for a mandatory, interpretive FOPWL system is facing resistance.
The biggest obstacle?, Industry actors who argue that such labels would “hurt sales” or “mislead” consumers. One trainer puts it bluntly: “What they mean is it’ll hurt profits.”
Journalism at the Frontline
Throughout the training, journalists were reminded that their pens are powerful tools in this public health battle. “You are not neutral observers,” a facilitator said. “You are the voice that can expose manipulation and inspire action.”
Participants were urged to investigate the funding behind nutrition research, report on industry-government relationships, demystify complex food policies for the public, centre the stories of those most affected, everyday Nigerians battling diet-related illness by asking difficult questions: who benefits from this food system? Who loses? Whose voices are missing? Journalists can begin to shift the narrative.
A Food System Ripe for Reform
Despite the grim data, the training struck a hopeful tone. With the right policies, public support, and sustained media pressure, Nigeria can transform its food system.
Food and Nutrition Scientist at CAPPA, Bukola Odele, presented the core science and policies needed for progress. Her presentation highlighted how salt reduction is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies recommended by the WHO, with a $12.82 return on every $1 invested.
“Reducing salt intake by just 30% could save 1.6 million lives globally each year,” she said. “It’s a win for health and for the economy.”
And yet, Nigeria still lacks mandatory sodium reduction regulations, a national
FOPWL framework, comprehensive monitoring of sodium content in processed foods, and sufficient public education on healthy eating.
Consumers in the Crossfire
The real victims of this crisis are everyday Nigerians, particularly low-income families who rely heavily on cheap processed foods for survival. These families often lack access to transparent nutritional information, healthy alternatives, or the purchasing power to choose better.
“They tell us instant noodles are fortified, bouillon cubes have iron,” said Blessing Olajundoye of BO News, during a breakout session. “But they don’t tell us what the sodium content is doing to our blood pressure.”
In rural and urban communities alike, dietary health is now a frontline concern. Whether it’s a mother feeding her children fast food or a student surviving on salty snacks, the stakes are real and immediate.
The Road Ahead: Building Resistance, Telling Truths
The “Unmasking Industry” framework offered a clear action plan which revolves around denormalising unhealthy products and exposing deceptive marketing, pushes for strong food regulations, modelled after WHO’s Tobacco Control Framework, mobilises community-led resistance to industry interference, and supports legal frameworks that protect policy from private capture.
The media’s role in this fight cannot be overstated. The food industry is organised, hence it’s also time the truth became just as loud.
The crisis of Nigeria’s food environment is not an accident; it is the result of deliberate choices made by powerful actors. But it can be reversed.
Policies like salt targets and front-of-pack warning labels are not just bureaucratic exercises; they are lifelines. They are how governments protect citizens from harm. They are how people reclaim agency over their health.
But without public awareness and political will, even the best policies can falter. That’s why CAPPA’s workshop matters; not just for the journalists in the room, but for every Nigerian who deserves to live in a country where food nourishes, not kills. In this battle between health and profit, journalism must be the megaphone of the people.
Taye Ige: HS Studios Proud to Host Nigerian Idol Season 10
Nigerian Idol Season 10, which coasted to an exciting finale Sunday July 13, 2025, was the fourth year that HS Studios will host the epic live television entertainment show. For HS Studios, this 10th Season it was a landmark and the Company continues to relish the experience. Media entrepreneur and President/CEO of what is easily the largest television production complex in the west coast of Africa, Taye Ige, is excited by the partnership with one of Africa’s biggest musical talents shows which gets better year on year and says its success so far portends greater times ahead. In this interview with Sani Tureta, Ige bares his mind on the iconic Nigerian Idol Season 10 and HS Studios’ contribution to its widely acclaimed success.
What prompted organisers of the Nigerian Idol to partner with HS Media for the packaging, production and *broadcast of the annual musical talent hunt show?
No, I think there’s a misconception there.
HS Studios’ partnership with Nigerian Idol is to the extent of being facilities providers for the yearly Show. Things like production etc are outside the purview of the relationship.
How has the journey been in terms of acceptance and quality in delivery, especially with the just ended Season 10 of the show?
Well, the situation speaks for itself. We just had a successful run which concluded last Sunday. That was the fourth time in a row HS Studios is hosting the show and we are happy that the tenth anniversary of a show of calibre was successfully held in one of our five Studios. If they (the producers) had issues or were in any way dissatisfied with their experience in the past, they
won’t keep coming. So, we thank God Almighty for that.
What would you say has been the most gratifying elements of HS Media’s collaboration with Nigerian Idol?
This relationship has ticked so many boxes positively for us at HS Studios but by far the most satisfying is that it has convinced us in a most assured way, that our heads were skewed in the right places when we decided to massively
invest in this business. You recall that prior to now, big time reality shows of this calibre held outside the country with all the logistical challenges that attend such ventures. BB Naija, The Voice Naija etc used to be produced from outside the shores of our land even though sponsored by Nigerian companies. So, we thought this wasn’t right and decided to address the major concern of Producers which was the absence of quality production facilities and here we are today. In addition to Nigerian Idol, HS Studios has also been found good enough for such international big Shows as the MTN Yellow Star, Genesis Studio’s The Price is Right, Salary for Life, MTN We Move, Super Eagles Watch, a Nigerian Super Eagles series sponsored by the Team’s official telecommunications partner, etc.
Has your pedigree in sports marketing been a factor in your ability to adapt to this new terrain in entertainment?
Yes, I mean I have done sports marketing for upwards of a quarter of a century and it will naturally find its way into whatever I do. In any case, marketing, whether of an entertainment facility like this or of sports, requires the same inputs. So, all join, as we say in popular parlance.
Would you honestly say that this impactful and audience-pulling show has been better since HS Studios came into the picture as host?
Yes, most certainly. One thing our clients have enjoyed is the one-stop nature of HS Studios. Come in with your production idea and no matter how complex the concept is, you always find that everything you need to bring it to life is under our roof. So, the convenience offered by such a purpose-built facility almost always rub off on quality. Nigerian Idol has thus greatly benefitted from the facility and we are all the better for it. I mean, everything is here: five Studios of varying sizes the largest being 900sqm which is unrivaled in these parts, residence for contestants, changing rooms, VIP/Judges Chalets, a 250-seater cafeteria for show audience and visitors to the complex alike.
Tinubu’s Bold Bond Initiative Beyond Bailouts, Reshapes Nigeria’s Power Sector
By Princess Gloria AdebajoFraser
Nigeria’s power sector has long been burdened by debt, inefficiency, and unmet promises since its 2013 privatisation. Enter President Tinubu’s bold and unprecedented N4 trillion bond initiative—a decisive move that transcends mere bailouts. This visionary effort ties financial relief to rigorous audits, transparency, and systemic reforms, restoring investor confidence and laying the groundwork for sustainable industrial transformation. By confronting legacy debts with integrity and strategic investment, Tinubu is not only reigniting Nigeria’s electricity grid but also setting a new governance standard, offering a beacon of hope for a sector crucial to the nation’s economic future.
Legacy of an ailing power sector
Since the 2013 privatisation of Nigeria’s electricity industry, the sector has faced chronic challenges, including tariff under-recovery, gas supply bottlenecks, unpaid subsidies, and poor transmission networks. These systemic failures pushed GENCOs into liquidity distress, forcing NBET to resort to high-cost commercial credit to make partial payments. Under past administrations, these perennial issues remained unresolved until President Tinubu took office. What was announced?
President Tinubu met with leaders of the Association of Power Generation Companies, led by retired Col.
Sani Bello, to address N4 trillion in debt claims dating back to 2015. He granted anticipatory approval for a bond issuance through the Debt Management Office, but made it clear that only validated debts would be included in the issuance. He appealed for patience as auditors and legal teams conduct meticulous verification. He warned bankers against foreclosing on GENCO assets, urging a spirit of partnership.
“Sharpen your pencils, but keep an eraser handy. Let’s persevere together,” said the president.
Assessing the situation, it became evident that total claimed debts from 2015 to 2023 amount to N4 trillion, of which N1.8 trillion have been validated as of April 2025, with an additional N200 billion in unfunded subsidy debts still pending reconciliation. Installed generation capacity has increased from 13,000 MW to 14,000 MW, while the peak output recorded on March 4, 2025, reached 5,801 MW. The sector’s annual revenue has grown by 70%, rising from N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024, accompanied by a subsidy reduction exceeding N700 billion within one year.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy, noted that out of the N4 trillion in claims, ₦1.8 trillion has been confirmed as valid across 27 GENCOs. Only those debts verified as legitimate will be factored into the bond issuance. Also, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, noted that since President Tinubu took office, investor confidence has been restored. He reiterated that new legislation has been enacted
and policy frameworks updated, resulting in Nigeria attracting over $2 billion in private investment.
Tony Elumelu, a business leader, said concerning the president, “We came to you as a last hope. We owe the system. If nothing is done, assets will shut down because the system owes us.”
With a matching magnanimity and shrewdness, the president declared, “I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessors — but only on credible grounds. This is not deodorant over old stains. This is building support for industrial transformation.”
Analysis: Why this bond matters
First is the case of economic stability and investor confidence. The bond issuance is a first-ofits-kind intervention designed to resolve historical debts. It signals to investors that Nigeria is serious about honoring obligations and stabilizing the power sector.
The second point is that of being reform-driven, rather than bailoutoriented. Tinubu’s insistence on audit and validation before payment underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability, not populism.
There is a need to strike a balance between people and economics. Electricity reform under Tinubu isn’t about costing the state; it’s about empowering citizens and businesses. Increased generation capacity, metering, and tariff rationalisation anchor long-term affordability.
Lastly, it is a case of systemic structural change. Through the Electricity Act 2023 and the Integrated National Electricity Policy, Nigeria now operates a decentralised and competitive power market, which reinforces federal–state roles and attracts new capital.
Comparative insight: Global parallels
Globally, nations grappling with power-sector debt often issue infrastructure bonds, such as those from India, Brazil, and South Africa, among others. These bonds are tied to reform, not relief. Tinubu’s model reflects that pattern: bond issuance contingent on audit and transparency. In summary, the benefits and impacts include liquidity relief that prevents plant shutdowns and strengthens the operations of GENCOs; sector stability that safeguards against asset seizures and investor panic; reform leverage through auditing that drives efficiency, reduces waste, and supports policy reforms; economic multiplicity as reliable power fuels industrial growth and job creation; and governance credibility that reinforces President Tinubu’s reputation as a proactive and effective leader.
Final word: Tinubu’s bond move is pragmatic leadership President Tinubu’s bond initiative is both bold and pragmatic, rooted in the realities of Nigeria’s electricity crisis. It is neither populist nor reactive. It is reformative and
people-centred. As the bond proceeds through verification, Nigeria watches not only a sector being rescued, but a legacy of integrity being hardwired into governance. In the search for light, this bond may just be the spark we need.
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a president has committed bond financing to rescue the power sector from collapse. This is not just a financial lifeline — it’s a structural reset. Tinubu is restoring trust in energy governance. No other administration has intervened so boldly. This bond is not about debt — it’s about discipline and direction.
The World Bank (Energy Outlook 2024) previously warned of Nigeria losing over $25 billion annually to unreliable power. It noted that liquidity injection without governance reform is dangerous. But Nigeria’s “new energy policy aligns both — that’s the right path”. Tinubu’s action directly tackles that loss. Tinubu is not throwing money at the problem. He’s linking financing to reform, accountability, and results.
“This inheritance is not deodorant. It’s a launchpad for industrial transformation — backed by facts, not fiction,” stated Tinubu.
Therefore, by demanding audits, Tinubu is setting a new governance benchmark in how state liabilities are handled.
Additionally, the ₦4 trillion bond is tied to audited verification, and that is a first in African utility bailouts. The AU praised Nigeria’s decentralisation of power regulation under the Electricity Act 2023; the
bond is a powerful follow-through. AU Energy Commissioner, Amani Abou-Zeid, said, “Access to electricity is access to development. Nigeria is showing that financial reform and structural decentralisation must go hand-in-hand.”
This model could become a prototype for Africa: federal, investment-backed, and reformdriven.
The IMF noted that systemic arrears in utility sectors often spill into fiscal instability. Tinubu’s programme closes that leakage.
According to the IMF Energy Sector Fiscal Risk Report (2023), clearing public utility debt must be accompanied by cost-reflective tariffs, improved metering, and private sector confidence. It observed that Nigeria “is on track”. This bond is not just about electricity. It is about macroeconomic credibility.
What is unfolding is a transition from blackout to breakthrough as Tinubu sets Nigeria’s electricity sector on a path of reform. The bond announcement comes on the heels of a 70% revenue boost in the sector and over ₦700 billion in subsidy savings — a clear sign that reform is working.
“This is governance with teeth. Tinubu isn’t afraid to audit the past or fund the future. That’s how legacy is built,” said The National Patriots. This is real policy courage. While others feared to touch the GENCO debt, Tinubu confronted it with vision and structure.
•Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, is the founder of The National Patriots.
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG
GamblAwareNG, NDLEA Warn of Increasing Addiction to Drugs, Gambling in Nigeria
Iyke Bede highlights the intersection between drug abuse and gambling addiction, a blind spot that is not being given the urgency it demands
Drug abuse is a known public health crisis in Nigeria. It’s been acknowledged, studied, and targeted in various intervention campaigns. At the same time, irresponsible gambling is rapidly becoming its own silent epidemic. As the sports betting industry expands through new operators and an ever-growing base of punters, the number of people betting regularly continues to rise, especially among young adults.
But there’s a blind spot that’s yet to receive the urgency it demands: the intersection of drug abuse and gambling addiction. According to emerging data, nearly 30% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 now grapple with both. A double whammy. One habit reinforces the other. And for many, the result is a downward spiral with no safety net in sight.
It was against this backdrop that GamblAwareNG, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), convened a virtual session last week to address this dangerous overlap and discuss measures to break the cycle. Moderated by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, and Gabriel Akpabio, Founder of GamblAwareNG, a guest speaker, dissected this silent scourge by examining its physiological and psychological impacts, key demographics affected, warning signs, contributing factors, and possible solutions.
Akpabio explained the brain’s reward system and how both behaviours — drug use and gambling — trigger the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to desire, motivation, and habit formation. In the case of sports betting, dopamine is released in anticipation of a win or the thrill of placing a stake, closely mimicking the euphoria experienced during an alcohol high. With each win or loss, the brain begins to
crave more of the activity to reach the same level of stimulation, creating a cycle of craving, reward, and withdrawal. Over time, this builds tolerance, pushing the individual deeper into the habit. Losses in gambling also reinforce this habit of problem gambling, placing the punter in an awkward position to quickly recover losses. This plunges them further into debt and depression, compelling them to resort to alcohol for succour, triggering a new round of addiction. He noted that addiction at such an early age is critical, as it impacts brain development,
Agora Predict Brings Real-Life Prediction Gaming to Nigeria
In the wake of Nigeria’s first Garena eSports event, which crowned the AllStarNaija Champions, another exciting player has entered the arena — but this time, the game is reality.
Agora Predict is a bold new platform where every day Nigerians can predict the outcomes of real-life events — from politics to pop culture, finance to Dangote, football to BBNaija — and win airtime or other rewards for getting it right.
“We’re building a platform for everyday Nigerians to test their instincts, stay informed, and be rewarded while doing it,” said Omamuzo Samson, Founder/ CEO at Agora Predict. “If you can gist about it, you can predict it.”
Unlike fantasy sports or betting apps, Agora Predict gamifies current events, making them more engaging and accessible. Users can weigh in on questions like: ‘Will Nigeria’s broadband penetration reach 60% by November 1, 2025?’ ‘Will Nigeria beat Ghana in the next friendly? Will fuel prices rise by month-end?’
Each prediction is free to stake. Winners earn airtime or bragging rights, while the rest come back better informed and ready to play again.
Agora Predict is built with Nigeria’s mobile-first, Gen Z, and millennial users in mind. The platform is, meaning it is free to use (no deposits or gambling). It is accessible from any smartphone browser. What makes it even more attractive is that it is fast, fun, and easy to join.
Whether you’re monitoring the budget or tracking who wins the next EPL match, there’s a prediction for you. In a world flooded with information and hype, Agora Predict offers a refreshing mix of entertainment, insight, and community-driven fun
It is the kind of social-first, high-engagement tool that can power national conversations — and make every day Nigerians part of the story.
Players are urged to sign up at AgoraPredict.com, then start predicting what happens next in politics, sports, celebrity gist, and everyday life.
particularly the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and long-term planning.
“We had a classic case where a young boy, barely 21, started gambling and won N1.3 million. He bought a car and was using the
car,” Akpabio noted. “As a gambling addict, he eventually lost that money he used in buying the car; he sold his car.
Is the Nigerian Factor Enabling Underage Gambling?
iyke bede
Underage gambling remains a growing concern in Nigeria, with minors finding it alarmingly easy to access betting platforms. Despite regulatory measures, weaknesses in age verification systems and a lack of cooperation among gaming operators allow underage users to bypass restrictions.
Industry expert Francis Masade, Managing Director of Velex Advisory, sheds light on these loopholes, highlighting how online gaming platforms often fail to verify users at the point of registration and how operators’ unwillingness to collaborate worsens the problem.
“Some online gaming companies do their KYC, but from what I understand—and I stand to be corrected—anyone, be it 10 or 15 years old, can go onto a gaming platform, register, and start betting without being verified until they win,” said Masade. “This is the case with most platforms.”
He explains that while some platforms request identification, the verification process is often inadequate. Minors can easily bypass these checks by using an adult’s ID, ticking a box to claim they are of legal age, and continuing to play without any restrictions. The system only flags them when they attempt to withdraw winnings, by which time they may have already gambled for years.
“That’s where the problem lies. The verification isn’t done at the point of registration. They may ask for your ID, but a minor can just get hold of someone else’s ID—one that belongs to someone
Lagos to Launch SafePlay
As part of its unwavering commitment to responsible gaming and the protection of punters within the state, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has concluded plans to launch ‘SafePlay’, a regulatory self-exclusion tool developed to empower punters to take control of their gambling activities and minimize the risk of addiction.
The event will be held on August 6 at Regent Luxury Suites, Ikeja, Lagos.
SafePlay is a landmark initiative that underscores the LSLGA’s strategic focus on player protection and social responsibility. The tool will be available for integration across all licensed platforms. The LSLGA will also use the opportunity to engage the media, regulatory stakeholders, and public interest groups on the operational framework, compliance expectations, and long-term goals of the SafePlay initiative.
over 18—check the box claiming to be of legal age, and continue playing,” stated Masade.
He added, “Imagine a 10-year-old playing for the next five years without being verified. By the time they’re 16, they win a game, and maybe the winnings are just enough to trigger the verification process. So, you can see they’ve missed the first step. If the verification was done at registration, the minor wouldn’t have been able to go any further.”
Beyond weak verification measures, a bigger issue is the lack of collaboration among gaming operators. Masade notes that once a minor is identified and blocked on one platform, they can simply register on another. There is no unified system that ensures underage users flagged on one platform are also blocked on others.
“There’s no system where, once a minor is blocked on one platform, it triggers a universal reaction across all platforms. The Nigerian factor comes into play here, where operator A knows that if they block a minor, the minor will just move to operator B,” noted Masade. “So, why not take the minor in instead of letting them move to another operator? This lack of collaboration is a big issue.”
This lack of cooperation stems from the competitive nature of the industry, where operators fear losing potential revenue. Masade believes this attitude undermines efforts to promote responsible gaming.
L - R mr Francis media and advocacy unit nDLea, mr benedict ochola, Head of social media GambleawarenG, mr Femi babafemi Director
advocacy nDLea, ms Hafsat abdulyekini Head of student Campus groups, and mr Gabriel akpabio, Founder, GambleawarenG
omamuzo Udiomuno
UAC Nigeria Enters Agreement to Acquire
Chivita|Hollandia from Coca-Cola
Dike Onwuamaeze and Kayode
Tokede
UAC of Nigeria PLC (UAC), yesterday, announced that it has agreed to acquire Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) from Coca-Cola Company.
Group Finance Director, UAC of Nigeria, Funke Ijaiya-Oladipo, in a statement posted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), stated that Chivita|Hollandia remains a leading food and beverage player in Nigeria, with a portfolio across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks, and snacks.
According to her, the Hollandia brand is the market leader in evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt, while the Chivita brand is the market leader in fruit juice.
She noted that the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, marks a strategic milestone in UAC’s growth agenda, expanding its presence in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.
She said the move supports Coca-Cola Company’s strategy to operate a flexible and asset-light model and focus on brands that have the greatest potential to scale.
“The Coca-Cola system recently announced it will invest $1 billion in Nigeria over five years and remains committed to these investments, provided a predictable and enabling environment is in place. This investment underscores the importance of Africa as a long-term growth opportunity for the Coca-Cola system,” the statement added.
The Group Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria, Fola Aiyesimoju, in a statement, said: “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth. We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), a leading dairy and juice business in the region.
“This acquisition presents significant potential to build on CHI Limited’s legacy of excellence and innovation. I would like to thank the management and staff of CHI Limited and look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of growth.”
Also, the Managing Director of CHI Limited, Eelco Weber, in a statement said the business has made significant progress over the past few years, with the Chivita and
B A g UDU : r even U e Alloc ATI on T o n or TH Im P rove D Un
tive session on government-citizen engagement, with the theme, “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity.”
The session was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF).
The minister’s clarification came against the backdrop of recent allegations of infrastructural bias levelled against the president by some northern politicians.
The foundation’s engagement was to evaluate Tinubu’s election promises to its members. It attracted key northern ministers, including Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris; Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; as well as National Security Adviser (NSA),
Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, described Nwosu’s allegations as a fabrication lacking credibility.
“From his words as reported, you know that he lied,” Bwala stated in the post, referring to Nwosu’s suggestion that senior officials of the Tinubu administration had offered him multiple ministerial slots in exchange for abandoning his party’s coalition.
The presidential spokesperson presented three key points to counter Nwosu’s allegation.
According to him, “No government official(s) of whatever rank in our government can promise or grant ministerial slots but Mr President”.
Bwala added that if such an offer were to be made, it would have come directly from President Tinubu himself and not from any third party.
He also questioned Nwosu’s failure to name those allegedly involved in the purported offer, saying, “The same courage he mustered saying he was promised slots by the officials could have been used in mentioning their names and positions in this government.”
Faulting the opposition parties’ moves to form a united front, the presidential media aide declared: “They are painfully graduating to association of jesters or Association of Disorganised Characters.”
Responding to Bwala, Nwosu, who made the position of the party known when he appeared as guest on Arise News Prime Time, said while he would not get into mentioning names, the party was already compiling documents to buttress his claims.
The ex-ADC chair stressed that the current leadership of the party was determined to ensure Nigerians got a viable alternative come 2027. According to him, their desire was to handover a prosperous nation where Nigerian youth would not have to travel to the United Kingdom or United States of America for better education.
Nwosu said he had raised the alarm of inducement to warn the presidency against ruining the present democratic system in the country.
While he refused to mention specific names of people in the ruling APC, who according to him, offered him three ministerial slots to derail the
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The engagement, which commenced on Tuesday, was attended by over 60 northern federal political appointees, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who led the delegation of ministers and heads of some ministries, departments and agencies; northern state governors; and thought leaders in the region, particularly Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).
Bagudu said the president’s bold economic reforms had increased revenue for the states, even as their debts had fallen, freeing up more resources for social and infrastructural development.
He stated that the revenue situation had greatly benefited the 19 northern states, whose federally-allocated revenue had increased significantly since Tinubu
ADC coalition efforts, he accused the Tinubu administration of providing security, SUVs and luxury hotel accommodations to some states ADC chairmen to work against the interest of the coalition.
“The last thing I want to do here will be to come and be calling names. I don’t even want to get into that game. I just deliberately sent that as a signal, and if they don’t stay off, we are compiling documents,” he said.
Nwosu explained that what the coalition was asking for was a free and fair election, querying why the APC would want to stop other political parties in 2027.
He, however, listed the ADC chairmen in Benue and Nasarawa States as agents being used by the APC to derail the coalition efforts towards wrestling power from the APC in 2027.
“They are still carrying the cards of ADC, but the government is using them to even try to scuttle things we’re doing. They have used them to go to court to say that, oh, they don’t agree with the things we’re doing, therefore it should be stopped, and they are being protected.
“We have pictures and we know where they are. It’s laughable. A couple of them have reached out to me, at least they were five. Two of them reached out to me, and one has written, was able to run away and write to say he’s withdrawing. He can no longer be coerced. The chairman of the Niger State wrote to say, Come withdraw me from this case and so on.”
Nwosu disclosed that following a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC was able to reconcile with three of its members earlier expelled from the party but had to take a permanent decision to expel its presidential candidate in the last election, Mr Dumebi Kachiku, for working against the ADC.
“As a matter of fact, all the other persons that were expelled with him, we have recalled and in our NEC yesterday we pardon them of everything but Dumebi Kachiku who has been number one agent that is collecting resources to derail what we are doing.
“We said for him, we don’t want
took office on May 29, 2023.
According to the minister, the significant increase in allocation was mainly due to the federal government’s bold reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He stated that although the reforms caused some short-term pains, the fiscal space created allowed for direct transfers of more oil revenues to the Federation Account, thereby increasing statutory allocations to subnational governments.
He said, “By ending the fuel subsidy, President Tinubu made a hard but necessary call—liberating trillions of naira to expand federal allocations by over 340 per cent. States now have the means to invest in their future.”
Bagudu stated that while every state in the federation recorded significant increases in monthly
him anymore. And it was moved, and everybody carried it again, despite the fact we did that in the convention,” he said.
He warned APC leaders, who believed money was everything to reconsider because no amount of money or inducement would sway them away from their cause.
He reiterated the resolve of members of the opposition coalition under the platform of the ADC, to resist alleged move by the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Nwosu recalled how he and some members of NADECO fought the military government of former Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha.
“If we fought the military to stay away, and one of the number one, architect of NADECO by the grace of God, got power and is doing this. And people like us, who suffered in NADECO would not fight back.
“We are fighting back, and that is why we are audaciously opposing anything that will make Nigeria to become a one party system under APC. It happened in Lagos, it cannot happen nationally,” he said.
Nwosu, had disclosed that he was offered three ministerial slots by persons in government to decline the use of the party as opposition coalition platform.
Giving insights into of how some government officials in the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly tried to stop the establishment of the coalition party, Nwosu confirmed that the NEC of the party was monitored by seven officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at the last NEC that officially handed over the affairs of ADC to the Mark-led executive, Nwosu said senior government officials promised him three ministerial slots by 2027, if he refused the offer of using the ADC as the coalition party.
‘’Some people tried to discourage us with promises of automatic ministerial appointments. They want to give me three ministerial slots so that I can take one and give two to others that I chose.
‘’But I said no. I chose to further a democratic Nigeria. Nigeria cannot be a one party state after all we did to ensure that the military is exited from governance and returned to
Hollandia brands becoming clear leaders in their categories.
“I would like to thank our over 5,000 employees for their hard work and dedication in bringing our business forward and earning us recognition as a Gold-rated Great Place to Work,” Weber said.
The management team, including Weber, was confident in the company’s growth prospects. “We see a bright future for Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited),” Weber said.
“With the strength of our team, coupled with the dedication of UAC, there will be exciting opportunities for further growth.”
Fasken Martineau LLP and Templars served as legal advisors to UAC. Citi served as exclusive financial advisor to The Coca-Cola
allocations, the northern states received a substantial raise.
Bagudu cited Gombe State, which he said had the sharpest rise, from N6.69 billion in May 2023 to N24.91 billion in 2025, amounting to a 272.35 per cent increase. He also referenced Kaduna State, whose allocation increased from N11.94 billion to N42.01 billion, a rise of N30.07 billion, and 251.84 per cent leap.
According to him, a regional breakdown of the benefits to the north showed that North-central’s share of revenue increased by 145 per cent, North-east by 149 per cent, and North-west by 143 per cent.
“These show how removing subsidies and enhancing revenue-sharing mechanisms have directly benefited State Governments, enabling them to fund their development priorities,”
the barracks
‘’By rejecting the offers, the ADC is now the party with the largest membership. ADC is now the government in waiting with 28 senators and more than 60 members of the House of Representatives
‘’ADC grew from one small party to a very large party now. Nigerians have shown that they detest what the party in government is doing right now.
‘’We were worried by the declining fortunes of our democracy. That is why ADC stood strong in navigating the coalition process
‘’Some of our people are being kidnapped. But we insist on the coalition in the best interest. They use government money to book places for their agents of destabilisation,’’ he stated.
to operate the Port Harcourt refinery prior to full completion of its rehabilitation was ill-informed and sub-commercial.
The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, once hailed as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive toward energy independence, has instead spiraled into controversy and disillusionment. Touted as a $1.5 billion transformation project by the NNPC, the refinery was ceremoniously reopened in late 2024 after years of dormancy.
However, hopes of self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products were quickly dashed when the plant shut down again just weeks after the commissioning. Official explanations pointed to maintenance and technical recalibrations, but public trust had already begun to erode due to years of broken promises.
The situation escalated further when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested former managing directors of the refineries over alleged misappropriation of nearly $3 billion allocated for their rehabilitation.
But the NNPC stated that although progress is being made on all three, the emerging outlook called for more advanced technical partnerships to complete and high-grade the
Company, with McDermott Will & Emery acting as legal advisor. Amid the announcement, the stock price of UAC of Nigeria on the Exchange appreciated by 9.94 per cent or N6.60 per share to close at N73.00per share from N66.40 per share.
UAC of Nigeria in unaudited half-year (H1) ended June 30, 2025, declared profit before tax of N7.36billion, a 22.9 per cent decline from N9.54 billion reported in half half-year (H1) ended June 30, 2024. Its revenue closed H1 2025 at N110.41billion, representing an increase of 32.6 per cent from N83.25billion reported in H1 2024.
UAC is a holding company with subsidiary and associate companies operating in the Edibles and Feed,
the minister stated.
Bagudu informed the audience that the fiscal position of subnational governments had also improved due to a significant reduction in domestic debt, made possible by the availability of additional funds from the Federation Account.
He explained that the debt portfolio of the 36 states and Abuja was reduced by 33.4 per cent, from N5.8 trillion to N3.8 trillion, under the president’s deft financial engineering. Isolating the north’s share of this, the minister stated that the region’s 19 states experienced a 42.06 per cent reduction, from N1.98 trillion to N1.14 trillion during the period.
He added, “These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of macro-fiscal reforms. The Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real value to citizens through improved subnational fiscal capacity. The Tinubu administration at the centre remains committed to fiscal transparency, equitable distribution, and continued collaboration with states and LGAs.”
He emphasised that the president’s administration had demonstrated a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the economic, social, and governance challenges in northern Nigeria.
Bagudu said, “By implementing bold reforms, investing in critical infrastructure, empowering local governments, and prioritising security and social welfare, the administration is working to create an environment conducive to sustainable development and improved quality of life for the people of the region.”
Bagudu buttressed his submission by citing key infrastructural projects of the federal govern-
rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery. Thus, it noted that selling it is highly unlikely as it would lead to further value erosion.
NNPC stated that the announcement comes in the wake of widespread speculation following ojulari’s remarks at the 2025 OPEC Seminar in Vienna, Austria earlier this month, where he said during an interview with Bloomberg that “all options are on the table.”
The comment, according to the national oil company, sparked speculation and headlines about the future of the nation’s refining assets.
According to the NNPC, the declaration that the refinery won’t be sold was received with applause from hundreds of staff attendees, who described the position as a renewed sense of business-focused direction across the organisation.
The town hall, the statement said, served as more than a performance update, but an opportunity for candid and constructive engagement.
Besides, the Executive Vice Presidents presented progress reports from the Upstream, Downstream, Finance, Business Services, Gas, Power, and New Energy businesses, highlighting operational achievements, ongoing reforms, and areas requiring attention.
“In a tone marked by honesty and
ment in the north, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria Highway, Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi Road, Ilorin-Jebba-Minna Road, Abuja-Lokoja Road, and KanoKatsina Road.
Other road projects he mentioned included Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Malando-Garin Baka-Ngaski-Warra Road, BidZungeru-Kagara Road, Gombe-Biu Road, Yola-Numan-Jalingo Road, Kaduna-Kano Railway, Light Rail Projects in Kaduna, Kano, and FCT, and AKK Gas Pipeline.
Bagudu also mentioned the enhancement of healthcare facilities under Tinubu and stated that over 1,003 primary healthcare centres were revitalised in two years, adding that 10 of the country’s upgraded medical warehouses were in the north. He stated that there had been a significant upgrade in federal teaching hospitals and medical centres across Katsina, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Zaria, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kano.
He pointed out that under the MAMII programme, the region recorded 13.1 million antenatal visits, 4.2 million safe deliveries, 4,000 free Caesarean sections, and 6 million women receiving nutritional support. “This is not charity. It is health justice delivered with intent,” he stated.
Bagudu said Tinubu’s policies were equitable and fair to all regions, explaining that the president ensured that his Renewed Hope legacy projects were distributed equally to all.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
leadership, challenges and earlier missteps were acknowledged, and a clear roadmap was outlined for the journey ahead.
“The announcement reinforces NNPC’s mandate as a strategic custodian of national energy infrastructure and reflects a firm resolve to deliver on the complete rehabilitation and long-term viability of Nigeria’s refineries. It also signals continuity in the federal government’s broader energy security objectives and a commitment to retaining critical assets under national control,” it added.
The statement noted that feedback during and after the session revealed a workforce energised and aligned with the leadership’s vision.
Described as “reassuring,” “transformational,” and “sustainable,” the atmosphere, the NNPC said, reflected an optimistic outlook among employees and hopefulness about the company’s evolving strategic direction.
“NNPC Ltd will continue to reposition itself as a commercially driven, professionally managed national energy company, grounded in transparency, focused on performance, and unwavering in its responsibility to its number one stakeholder group, Nigerians, Ojulari concluded,” the statement noted.
Paints, Packaged Food and Beverages, Quick Service Restaurants, Logistics, and Real Estate segments. The company also played a prominent role in Nigeria’s development for over a century. The company is focused on building its businesses into leaders in their chosen segments.
Funke Ijaiya-Oladipo
AMSTEL MALTA AND GOLDBERG HOST THE 10TH WAFCON WINNERS...
L-R: Super Falcons Coach, Justine Madugu; AME Regional President, Heineken, Guillaume Duverdier; Assistant Captain/Goalkeeper, Super Falcons, Chiamaka Nnadozie; Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin; Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade; Outgoing AME Regional President, Heineken, Roland Pirmez; Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sarah Agha; Director of Communications, NFF, Ademola Olajire; and Company Director/Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uaboi Agbebaku Esq as Amstel Malta and Goldberg Nigeria hosted the 10th
Winners at the Nigerian Breweries PLC HQ in Lagos
MAN: Tinubu’s Administration Preparing Nigeria’s First Industrial Policy
Says manufacturing sector has N5tn financing need
The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has commenced the process of developing Nigeria’s first industrial policy.
Ajayi-Kadir disclosed this yesterday on Arise News TV when he spoke on the state of the Nigerian industrial
sector, which he said has a N5 trillion funding need.
He said: “Basically, there are quite a number of things that the government needs to do to boost the industrial sector. As a matter of fact this current administration has started some of them.
“For instance, for the first time in the history of Nigeria we are going to have an industrial policy, which basically signposts all that is
needed to be done for the country to industrialise.
“The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, is actually championing the industrial policy for Nigeria and stakeholders are being engaged and there has been a widespread consideration of the initial draft of the industrial policy.”
He also said that the government needed to have policy interventions
particularly for the segments of the manufacturing sector that have potentials for high impacts like textiles, agro processing and pharmaceuticals for instance.
“So the government needs to enable a process that allows us to scale in those areas and even be able to export,” he said.
The director general of MAN also highlighted the need for an improved regulatory environment in such a way
The Board of Tourist Company of Nigeria (TCN) Plc has provided a comprehensive explanation of the governance crisis that engulfed the company in recent months, attributing the tension to attempts by former interim directors to overreach their mandate, despite lacking any shareholding in the firm.
In a statement, the TCN board said concerns had arisen over persistent efforts by Chief Anthony Idigbe and Alhaji Abatcha Bulama, originally appointed as interim directors at Ikeja Hotel Plc (IHP) for a three-month term in 2015, to entrench themselves in the operations of TCN and Capital Hotels Plc (CHP) even though they were neither appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor elected by the shareholders.
According to the board, both men had remained in board positions
across multiple companies for over eight years without shareholder ratification, a position contradicted by their witness statements filed in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/858/2023 between Oma Investments Limited and TCN and nine others. The board stated that their appointment did not emanate from SEC, and their prolonged stay lacked a legal foundation.
The board traced the issue back to a 2015 SEC-supervised settlement at IHP, which had recommended a forensic audit conducted by Deloitte Nigeria. That audit was submitted to SEC in December 2019 but was not acted upon until recently.
Despite the limited mandate, Idigbe and Bulama had not only overstayed at IHP but also migrated their influence to TCN and CHP, where they continued to insist that they held SEC-sanctioned board positions – a claim the board firmly dismissed.
The statement also detailed attempts by Idigbe and Bulama to dispose of strategic TCN assets, particularly the land housing the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. According to the board, the duo tried to sell the land to the NIPCO/11 Plc Group, the same entity that had earlier acquired Sheraton Abuja under Idigbe’s chairmanship of CHP.
However, a Federal High Court injunction obtained by Oma Investments on February 21, 2023 (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/260/2023), halted the transaction over concerns of insider dealings and procedural violations.
Further attempts to sell the property through Aquila Asset Management triggered another legal challenge from Oma Investments, resulting in a second injunction under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/858/2023.
Meanwhile, the Alex Ibru family, which holds a controlling interest in TCN, increased its shareholding
AGF Calls for Multi-faceted Approach to War against Human Trafficking
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has declared that human trafficking has become a sophisticated, profit-driven, and deeply coordinated criminal enterprise, and could no longer be addressed in isolation, nor tackled by one agency or sector alone. The minister made the declaration yesterday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the theme:
“Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation,” and the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking.
Fagbemi said human trafficking is no longer a crime that can be addressed in isolation, nor can it be tackled by one agency or sector alone, stressing that it requires a united front, reinforced partnerships, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Research and Project Development, Victoria Ojogbane, said: “To this end,
the 2025 observance has been thoughtfully designed to go beyond ceremonial declarations.
“Experts from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Armed forces, law enforcement, justice, social welfare, and international partners, have been carefully selected to serve as Panelists to dissect the theme from their institutional lenses and practical experiences, and with a view to building a more holistic, coordinated, and intelligence-led response to the crime.”
to 80.6 per cent by acquiring stakes from Goodie Ibru’s AVI and Sun International Limited.
The board revealed that despite the clear change in control, Idigbe and Bulama refused to vacate their seats, falsely claiming immunity from retirement provisions typically enforced at Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
The situation was further complicated by the company’s secretary at the time, OOT Nominees Ltd, a firm owned by Idigbe and his wife, which supported their position, failed to accurately document board deliberations, and withheld critical meeting recordings even when formally requested by directors.
that regulation is used to support economic growth and scale and not a situation where a regulator could become a bottleneck to ease of doing business in the country.
Ajayi-Kadiri stated that MAN is not canvassing for any form of subsidy for its members from the government having been one of the voices that agitated for the removal of subsidies.
He said: “What we are asking for are specific interventions, for instance in the cost of power. We believe, particularly for industrial zones, there should be an effort from the government to reduce the cost of power. The 250 per cent increase that we had in electricity is way too high but conversation is still ongoing.”
He also spoke on some binding constraints that have been hindering the productivity of the country’s manufacturers, which the government is already aware of.
One of these binding constraints, according to him, is the yet to be cleared foreign exchange forward transactions of $2.4 billion that have dragged for two full years now at the detriment of manufacturing businesses.
“Then we have access to credit.
The N75 billion that was given recently has been fully disbursed by the Bank of Industry. And we are awaiting the N1 trillion stabilisation fund.
“The government should speed up
the process of disbursing this fund to manufacturers because we actually have N5 trillion financing needed for the manufacturing sector as stated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). But, at least let us start with the N1 trillion,” Ajayi-Kadir said. He also noted that the Northeastern part of Nigeria was still contending with a security challenge that has led to closing of many industries in the area, which need government intervention to contain so that industrial firms could come back to production. He also said that the Industrial Revolution Working Group, which is being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is serving as an effective platform to table and discuss issues affecting the industrial sector. He, however, emphasised that speedy implementations of measures that could address these binding constraints is urgently needed in order for the country to achieve its aspiration for a $1 trillion economy. Ajayi-Kadir also clarified that the recently concluded rebasing of the Nigerian economy was a worthwhile exercise because “we all wanted a situation where we can correctly reflect the true position of Nigeria’s economy.
“Nigeria is a big economy and rebasing has shown that the economy has the capacity to grow,” he stated.
Pastel Leads AI Charge in Compliance, Advocates Localised Regulatory Models
As Nigerian banks face increasing pressure to modernise compliance infrastructure and reduce exposure to fraud, Pastel, Africa’s leading AI-powered Enterprise solutions firm has advocated for a localised regulatory models in the charge for AI compliance in the country.
Speaking at the second edition of its Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos,the CEO of Pastel, Abuzar Royesh, emphasised the company’s commitment to designing technology that reflects Africa’s unique operational and regulatory challenges.
The event themed, ‘Technology for Trust: Reinventing Compliance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’, Royesh said the event aimed to explore the
growing role of AI and automation in fraud prevention, regulatory reporting, and operational resilience.
The event, which a featured a live demonstration of Sigma’s capabilities, showing how the platform helps banks and other institutions detect suspicious activity instantly, generate regulator-ready reports, and integrate seamlessly with existing risk frameworks.
According to him, “Sigma is not a Western system retrofitted for Africa. It is purpose-built using African data, CBN standards, and risk models from across the continent. We’re not just offering tools, we’re helping banks and regulators scale trust and performance in an increasingly complex financial ecosystem.
Built using local regulatory models and datasets, Sigma offers
real-time fraud detection, anti-money laundering, automated reporting, comprehensive customer risk assessment, and more features that position it as the standard for compliance infrastructure in African banking.” In partnership with FintechNGR the event brought together senior banking executives, regulators, and fintech operators, saw Chief Revenue Officer at Pastel, Anthony Amodu, addressed the inefficiencies of traditional compliance systems.
“Manual reporting and fragmented monitoring can no longer keep pace with today’s threats. Sigma offers the speed, clarity, and accountability that C-suite leaders now require not just to stay compliant, but to stay competitive”, Amodu said.
WAFCON
PHOTO: SUNDAY
Nume Ekeghe and Oluchi Chibuzor
Sunday Ehigiator
Dike Onwuamaeze
LAUNCH OF CASHEW PROCESSORS DIRECTORY FOR EXPORT...
L-R: Director, Policy and Strategy, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dalhat Shehu Lawal; National President, Cashew Processors & Packages
Executive Director/CEO NEPC, Nonye Ayeni; Country Coordinator,. Deutsche Internationale
Department NEPC, Arnold Udoh Jackson,
Fagbemi: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary Must Collaborate to Address Telecoms Challenges
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has stressed the need for collaboration among the three arms of government – the executive, legislature and the judiciary – in order to address challenges in the telecoms sector hindering Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Fagbemi spoke yesterday in Lagos at the first edition of the annual workshop for Attorneys General at the federal and state levels on emerging issues in the telecoms sector.
The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
The minister said the collaboration was necessary, following the recent wanton destruction of telecoms facilities across the country, including the long existing multiple taxation and regulatory overlap in the telecoms sector.
In his keynote address, which centred on the theme, “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria,” the attorney general said, “Nigeria’s communications sector remains one of the dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors. This administration is focused on leveraging advancements in the communications sector as a tool for the development and transformation of the economy.
“However, this transformation
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has inaugurated the National Soil to Security Campaign Team (SSC) to engage 12 million young Nigerian women in transformative agribusiness education. POWA National President and Wife of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, inaugurated the national campaign team during the Police Officers’ Wives Association’s 61st anniversary celebration, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos State. The initiative with active support from UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) aimed at supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at ensuring food security in the country.
is being hindered by some critical recurring challenges, including multiple taxation and levies imposed by federal, state, and local authorities. The telecoms industry is witnessing wanton destruction of telecommunications infrastructure, especially in the conflict-prone areas. There are regulatory overlaps that confuse operators and complicate compliance.
“There are also issues about slow broadband infrastructure rollout, which is due in part to right-of-way challenges and inconsistent state policies, among others. These incidents constitute economic sabotage, negatively impacting the development of the telecommunications sector and hindering digital transformation in Nigeria.”
He said it was critical that the three arms of government, as stakeholders, cooperate to address the issues and ensure improved regulation of the communications sector to enhance socio-economic development.
According to Fagbemi, “The legislature must review and strengthen the laws that protect infrastructure and support the communications sector, while the executive reinforce measures aimed at implementing these laws.
“The judiciary is also a key stakeholder in ensuring offenders are made to face the full breadth of the law and brought to justice or justice taken to them, and these measures are not only to
be adopted at the federal level. State governments must also play key roles. Through instrumental and government cooperation, we can eliminate some of these challenges.”
He recommended that stakeholders work towards adopting strategies and mechanisms that enhance synergy in regulating complications for the digital transformation in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, expressed
gratitude to the attorney general. Maida said Fagbemi’s presence at the forum sent a strong message about the importance that the federal government placed on institutional synergy and policy cohesion.
He said the workshop was designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector, including: A review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003); Streamlining taxation in the communications sector; Multiple and inconsistent taxes that continue
to deter investment, and how to harmonise tax regimes and remove disincentives to growth; Addressing regulatory overlaps, as fragmented oversight creates confusion and inefficiencies.
Maida stated, “Our goal is to explore reforms that enhance coordination and legal clarity across agencies. As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation, underpinned by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI,) IoT, and highspeed connectivity, the challenges will grow more complex, but so
too will the opportunities.
“To succeed, we must adopt a Whole-of-Government approach that leverages the strengths of all institutions—federal and state. At the NCC, we are committed to working with judiciary to align regulatory actions with broader national goals.
“We believe the AttorneysGeneral have a strategic role to play—not just in interpreting the law, but in shaping an enabling legal environment where technology and governance work in tandem.”
FG Moves to Boost Early Warning Systems on Infectious Diseases
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
As part of efforts to check the spread of infectious diseases in Nigeria, the federal government has launched a strategic toolkit and user guide to strengthen the country’s early warning systems on emerging diseases and public health threats.
The Public Health Vulnerability Matrix and Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework was officially unveiled yesterday in Abuja, through a collaborative effort coordinated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and
to Engage
Mrs. Egbetokun who doubles as the National Advocate for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Initiative, disclosed that through the campaign young women would break-free from poverty by engaging in resilient, scalable agriculture that creates income, dignity, and national impact.
She noted: “The initiative also serves as a strategic response to the Federal Government’s emergency declaration on food security made on July 13, 2023.
“Through this campaign, we are enabling young women to breakfree from poverty by engaging in resilient, scalable agriculture that creates income, dignity, and national
impact,” Elizabeth Egbetokun said during the launch event.”
Mrs. Egbetokun in a statement issued Wednesday explained that the SSC Team operates as the official outreach and mobilisation engine under the UNESCO REF Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA (SIP-ALPHA) Framework, designed to advance food security, promote climate-smart agriculture, and deliver inclusive socioeconomic empowerment across all regions of Nigeria.
Highlighting the strategic support and national alignment of the programme, the POWA President noted that the YWA Initiative and SSC Campaign would directly contribute to Tinubu’s directive on food security and agribusiness transformation.
Prevention (NCDC) with technical support from the Palladium-led Data for Implementation (Data.FI) project, supported by the United States government.
Speaking at the ceremony, NCDC’s Director General (DG), Dr. Jide Idris, said there was an urgent need for integrated innovation in Nigeria’s surveillance systems.
He said: “Even though early warning systems and surveillance play an important role in the timely detection and prevention of emerging and re-emerging diseases across the globe, the necessary innovations and collaboration across human health, animal health and the environment needed for a collaborative and an efficient early warning system are lacking in Nigeria.”
The DG explained that the toolkit was developed through the participation of multiple sectors, including the Federal Ministries of Health, Environment, and Livestock Development, as well as NiMet, WHO, Resolve to Save Lives, and academia.
A sub-committee on early warning was set up, leading to pre-planning meetings and two development workshops, he said.
He also explained that using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach, the team identified 46 priority diseases and public health events, such as flooding, that pose significant threats to Nigerians.
According to the DG, who was represented at the unveiling by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. John Oladejo, noted that after piloting in
Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, feedback from field use was incorporated into the final version of the tools, which are now set for national rollout. Country Director for Data.FI Nigeria, Otse Ogorry, spoke of the critical role of the toolkit in bridging long-standing gaps in surveillance.
“In 2023, there was a joint external evaluation conducted across our health sector, and it revealed significant weaknesses in our early warning system.
“There was no multi-sectoral approach to detecting hazards or disease outbreaks. We worked with NCDC to identify a quick win, and agreed to develop a vulnerability matrix and an M&E framework to help monitor disease outbreaks,” he added.
Court Rejects Fresh Bail Plea by Fred Ajudua in $1m Fraud Trial
Wale Igbintade
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has declined a fresh bail application filed by alleged serial fraud suspect, Fred Ajudua, citing a pending appeal before the Supreme Court.
At yesterday’s proceedings, Ajudua appeared in court accompanied by medical personnel from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), following efforts by his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, (SAN) to ensure his presence despite his
deteriorating health condition. Ojo informed the court that:
“On July 23, 2025, I gave an undertaking that I would ensure the defendant’s presence today with the assistance of medical personnel from LUTH. I am aware of a letter from the hospital indicating it is not standard practice to release patients undergoing special treatment for court appearances, but they made an exception today.”
He added that the defence was ready to proceed with trial, though he emphasised that only a living
defendant can face trial. However, before the trial resumed, Ojo urged the court to hear Ajudua’s fresh bail application dated and filed on July 22, 2025, supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit and a written address.
He noted that the prosecution’s counter-affidavit was only served on them the previous day, July 29. Prosecution counsel, S.H. Atteh, opposed the application, submitting a seven-paragraph counter-affidavit with attached exhibits, including a Supreme Court judgment.
Association of Nigeria, Daniel Gemana;
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Move Nigeria, Kindohounde Seho Narcisse and Director, State offices Coordinating
during the NEPC Launch of Cashew Processors Directory for Export, held in Abuja ... yesterday
PhOtO: ENOCK REUBEN
Emma Okonji
5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVIDUSBANK SME PROGRAMME...
L-R: Director, Programmes and Partnerships, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Dr. Olawale Anifowose; Lead, SME Strategy, ProvidusBank, Mr. Oluwadamilola Feyide; Deputy Director, EDC and Head of Gender, Dr. Nneka Okekearu; Deputy Managing Director, ProvidusBank, Mr. Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo; Head, Strategy and Business Development, ProvidusBank, Mr. Ernest Elue; and SME Strategy, ProvidusBank, Mr. Chukwunonso Egbo, at the event to mark the 5th Anniversary of the ProvidusBank SME Programme in conjunction with Enterprise Development Centre at Landmark Centre, Lagos on Monday
We’ll Exert Our Democratic Rights to Get Tinubu Out of Power in 2027, Says Lukman
Declares president has failed and Nigerians are feeling the pain
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Former National Vice Chairman, North-west, All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has declared that Nigerians would
use their democratic power to remove President Bola Tinubu in the 2027, citing worsening economic conditions and failed leadership.
Lukman made the statement
yesterday during an interview on Arise Television’s News Day, where he spoke as one of the promoters of the opposition coalition now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He stated, “I am one of those who really stood by Asiwaju when I was in APC. I campaigned for him, but the hard truth must be told. He has failed and we are feeling it by the reality of our
living condition today.
“To that extent, therefore, as far as I’m concerned, we will exert our democratic rights to get him out of the place, but that will not in any way jeopardise
No Local Government in Plateau is Under Bandits’ Control, Says Governor Mutfwang
Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has dismissed claims that some local government areas in the state were under the control of bandits.
Caleb reassured the people that the state was about the safest in the north currently.
The governor, who spoke at an interactive session with journalists at the New Government House, Jos, said aside from the pockets of
violence witnessed in a few local government areas, the government had made tremendous progress in the area of peace and security.
He said governors of Northcentral states had resolved to convene a security summit to further strengthen the security of the region.
The interactive session, which provided a platform for open dialogue, saw the governor address critical issues, ranging from security and infrastructure to
health, education, and economic development.
He emphasised the importance of the media as strategic partners in nation-building and governance, stating that public feedback remains central to his administration’s decision-making process.
Mutfwang also spoke on the state’s power sector reforms, revealing that Plateau has established its Electricity Commission and Corporation,
HURIWA Slams S’East Govs over Rising Insecurity, Leadership Vacuum in Region
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised governors in the South-east zone over a disturbing “leadership vacuum” amid escalating bloodshed, ritual killings, and general insecurity gradually turning the region into a war zone.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA condemned recent violent incidents across the region, including the massacre in Arondizuogu, fresh attacks in Ehime Mbano, and the ritual killing of a pregnant nurse in Anambra State.
According to HURIWA, at least seven persons were slaughtered in coordinated attacks on Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, allegedly by suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives.
Onwubiko stated, “What
happened in Arondizuogu is not just a crime, it is an affront to our collective conscience.
These victims were not just statistics—they were fathers, mothers, youths, and children. They were our people. The silence from political leaders is not just shameful, it is dangerous.”
The group specifically criticised the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, for failing to visit the affected communities or issue a public statement. It stated that while residents mourned the losses, the governor was seen hosting the Super Falcons in Abuja.
“This is the height of insensitivity and a clear indication of the disconnect between the political elite and the suffering masses,” HURIWA said.
The group also condemned a recent daylight invasion in Umualuaku, Ehime Mbano, where gunmen reportedly laid siege to the community, trapping residents inside their homes—a
development HURIWA described as a sign of growing insurgency in the region.
Beyond the violent attacks, HURIWA expressed outrage over the ritual murder of a pregnant nurse in Ogbunike, Anambra State, whose dismembered body was found in a soakaway. Police investigations revealed that her body parts were sold to native doctors, and a female suspect had been arrested.
In another incident in Enugu, the group cited the escape of a traditional healer, Obi Obieze, after decomposing corpses were discovered in his compound. The case, which involved the abduction of a 13-year-old girl, according to HURIWA, had been quietly dismissed by state authorities.
“These incidents confirm the entrenchment of ritual killings and organ trafficking in the region,” the group said. “It is a complete moral collapse and a failure of law enforcement,” it added.
with work ongoing to improve transmission and distribution, including mini-grid deployments and 132kV line expansions.
In response to concerns about the integrity of the Secretariat flyover, he confirmed that engineering assessments
and maintenance work were already ongoing.
He also addressed sports infrastructure, stating that Plateau United would temporarily use Zaria Road Stadium, as renovation continued at Rwang Pam Stadium.
any negotiation to protect issues of equity, inclusivity and what have you.”
The former APC chieftain had resigned from the party in June 2024, citing internal crisis and the failure of its leadership to implement necessary reforms. Now active in ADC, Lukman also sounded a warning about the risk of repeating past political mistakes.
He had recently expressed concern that emerging leaders within the new coalition could become political godfathers and derail the party’s democratic ideals ahead of the 2027 elections.
“With the way things are going, coalition leaders will emerge as godfathers, and the next thing is that they will impose their surrogates at all levels as leaders of the ADC,” he predicted.
Edo PDP, APC Differ on Calls for Redeployment of INEC REC, Others
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Ahead of the August 16 National Assembly bye-elections in Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have differed sharply over call for the urgent redeployment of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha.
The PDP also asked that other key officer of the commission assigned in six local government areas of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo local government be redeployed, citing concerns over their credibility and impartiality.
Speaking at a press conference at the state party secretariat, in Benin City, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said the party was fully prepared for the upcoming polls.
He also expressed confidence in its candidates, Joe Okojie and Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi respectively, but noted that the credibility of the election would be guaranteed if the aforementioned
electoral officers were redeployed.
While reaffirming PDP’s grassroots strength and its belief in electoral victory, Aziegbemi raised the alarm over the alleged compromised conduct of certain electoral officials during the last gubernatorial election in the state.
“We unequivocally demand the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, due to his ignoble role in the last governorship election.
“His actions undermined the credibility and integrity of that process, and we cannot permit such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections.
“The continued presence of Electoral Officers who oversaw the controversial 2024 governorship election in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo local government areas, threatens public trust in the electoral process.
“Their involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation in these bye-elections unacceptable,” Aziegbemi added.
But in a swift reaction, the APC declared that the PDP was not
ready for state Central Senatorial District and Ovia federal constituency bye-elections, querying why should the PDP defeat in 2024 governorship election be hinged of the alleged activities of the electoral officers the party wants removed.
In a statement by the Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, he said the PDP and its weary and tired political urchins’ fear was caused by the unprecedented achievements that Governor Monday Okpebholo has recorded in just eight months.
He advised that the party and its half a dozen members to brace up to accept the pain of the impending defeats that awaits.
“On August 16, 2025, the APC is determined to prove to our leader—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON that the 2.5million votes Edo State people promised him is possible.
“Governor Okpebholo’s achievements has led thousands of politicians out of the PDP and in fact, we have torn the umbrella into shreds and the reality is that, in this coming election, and that of 2027, Edo people have made up their minds to vote massively for our party, the APC,” he declared.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Seriki Adinoyi in
Natural Hair WorksHop...
ADC: APC Must Reapply to Nigerians in 2027, No Vacancy Comment Arrogant
okocha in Abuja
African Democratic Congress (ADC) described comments by the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” in 2027 as arrogant and undemocratic.
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the remark was presumptuous and undemocratic.
Abdullahi said the presidency of Nigeria was not a hereditary office, but a mandate that must be earned and renewed through performance and public trust.
According to the opposition party, APC’s “no vacancy” statement betrays an arrogant mind-set that appeared to overlook the right of the Nigerian people to choose.
ADC warned APC to guard against utterances that could further suggest that people’s votes would
not count.
Abdullahi said the APC chairman’s recent declaration of “no vacancy in Aso Rock” was presumptuous and disrespectful of the Nigerian people, who were tired of hunger, insecurity, joblessness, and unfulfilled promises, and could not wait to reclaim their future at the ballot box.
He stated, “We understand why APC is afraid, and would wish that they could somehow avoid that day
of reckoning with the ballot box. The very fact of periodic elections means that every incumbent must renew its mandate.
‘’Therefore, regardless of what APC thinks, there will be vacancy at the Presidential Villa in 2027. President Tinubu must re-apply to the Nigerian people, and he must show Nigerians why they should allow him to continue on the job, despite his ruinous policies that have made life miserable for the
majority.”
The coalition party further stated, “In 2027, APC and President Tinubu will be evaluated based on Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of youth employment, security of lives, hunger and poverty, electricity supply, and justice to all. And no amount of propaganda can change their report cards in the eyes of Nigerians.
“While the APC government and its media operatives continue to
clap for themselves, and awarding themselves medals of excellence, the price of food has continued to rise beyond the reach of majority of Nigerians, ever increasing number of our communities are being taken over by bandits, and our Naira remains battered and broken.
“This is why, to declare ‘no vacancy’ two years before an election, is to spit in the face of every Nigerian who still believes in their democratic power.
“It is to say: your vote does not matter. It is to mock the pain of the mothers and fathers who cannot afford food, the graduate who cannot find a job, and the entrepreneurs whose businesses have collapsed due to no fault of theirs.
“Let it be known, the APC will have to reapply for the job of leading this country in 2027, and they do not get to mark their own papers.”
Tinubu Meets Kwankwaso’s Ally, Jibrin
Lawmaker doesn’t rule out defection, declares everything is possible
of
President
Rise to Demands of Modern Warfare, Air Chief Charges 30 New Helicopter Pilots
linus aleke in Abuja
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday, charged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to rise to the demands of modern warfare by embracing continuous learning, teamwork, and the highest standards of professionalism.
The Air Chief stated that the success of the newly trained helicopter pilots would depend not only on the flying skills they have acquired but also on their ability to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force.
Speaking during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course
9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025 held at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu, on Wednesday, the CAS called for excellence and responsibility.
Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal Edosa, the CAS further called on the new pilots to wear their wings with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
Congratulating the pilots on their achievement, Air Marshal Abubakar, who reminded the new pilots that they had commenced a special journey, stressed that they carried the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remained a pillar of peace and stability.
He said, “You are stepping into a dynamic and complex operational environment. The threats to our national security are multifaceted and constantly evolving. Your success will depend not only on the flying skills you have acquired but on your ability to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force.”
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, said the graduation also marked a significant milestone for IHFS with the commissioning of its newly renovated aircraft hangar, a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving maintenance capabilities and operational readiness.
Gboyega Oyetola Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency, Collaboration at Baro Port
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reiterated his dedication to openness, collaboration, and responsible governance, following the participation of the ministry at a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ad-hoc Committee on National Stakeholders Engagement on the challenges and prospects of the Baro Inland Port in Niger State.
The engagement, which took place on Tuesday, brought together key players from across government and industry to assess the current
state and future prospects of the Baro Port project. The Ministry was formally invited and was duly represented at the event, underscoring its continued commitment to working transparently with all arms of government, including the legislative arm.
Ministry officials present at the engagement made meaningful contributions, offering insights into ongoing efforts and reiterating the Ministry’s readiness to provide any documentation required to support a thorough and informed dialogue
on the matter.
Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, emphasised that the Baro Port project is not a new undertaking. Its conception, planning, and initial implementation phases were carried out under previous administrations.
Akinola said no new “multibillion naira contract” has been awarded under the leadership of His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in relation to the Baro Port.
of mounting speculation about a possible defection of Kwankwaso and his supporters to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as a wave of recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration by Kwankwaso.
Jibrin, a ranking member of the House of Representatives representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State, and a long-time associate of both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, told newsmen after the meeting that discussions focused on national issues of public interest.
While refusing to confirm whether a formal defection to APC was imminent, Jibrin did not rule out such possibility.
administration has demonstrated a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing the economic, social, and governance challenges in Nigeria,” he stated.
The citizen engagement, which took place from Tuesday to Wednesday, assessed the implementation of the election promises Tinubu made to the foundation during the 2023 general election.
While some northern leaders believed the region had not been treated fairly, the 19 governors and federal political appointees held a different view, supported by facts and data about the president’s programmes in the area. They commended the Tinubu administration for its “high performance in delivering electoral promises in many areas, especially security and infrastructural development”. That psotion was contained in a communique issued at the end of the event. The communique signed by Abubakar Umar, Director General of SABMF, on behalf of the participants, also “praised the increased equitable resource availability to subnational authorities”.
Asked if he was returning to APC, he said, “I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is stability of the country, unity of the country, and I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
On whether his visit to the Villa had anything to do with dousing political tensions between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin downplayed the issue, describing the two politicians as seasoned leaders, who share a commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
He said, “The president is a first-class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are
The communique, however, called for substantial investment in education to address the outof-school children crisis, especially in the north. The communique acknowledged the critical role of the north in Nigeria’s political stability and economic development.
Deliberations covered key areas, including national security, governance, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, and human capital development.
The communique stated that the progress made by Tinubu was visible, saying, “Major infrastructure projects are advancing, including highways, gas pipelines (AKK), oil exploration (Kolmani), and rural irrigation schemes.”
The communique said, “The problem of Almajiri and out-ofschool children remains a key concern of Northern Nigeria.”
It called for strengthening of the education sector to promote social inclusion and reduce insecurity.
The communique emphasised the importance of equitable resource distribution in addressing regional imbalances.
committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“So irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the Villa during this period.”
On whether Tinubu had delivered for the north, in contrast to Kwankwaso’s recent remarks, Jibrin stated, “Well, every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full, or you look at the cup half empty.
“But I also believe that everyone is entitled to his opinion, and it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse—sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”
It commended Tinubu for increased financial allocation to subnational governments, saying it is a step in the right direction. It advocated the institutionalisation of government-citizen dialogue at national and state levels.
The communique stated that the government had demonstrated openness to dialogue and continuous citizen engagement, calling for inclusive and community-based strategies in addressing national challenges.
The participants also advocated greater collaboration between the northern states and the federal government. They called for engagement with civil societies, traditional, and religious leaders to promote responsible governance.
The communique said, “We must promote responsible media practices to enhance public trust and national cohesion. Northern Nigeria acknowledges and commends the administration’s high performance. We call for more commitment to transparency, fairness, and equity as elements that would foster national unity and democracy.”
A cross section of participants that attended the 17th edition of the Natures Gentle Touch Natural Hair Workshop in Lagos...recently
Chuks
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met behind closed doors with an ally
Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, at State House, Abuja. The meeting came in the wake
UNN’s 54Th CONvOCATiON CErEmONy...
L-R: The Registrar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Ngozi Nebedun; the Pro-Chancellor, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi-Ojo; and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugoejiofor Ujam, at UNN’s 54th Convocation ceremony... recently.
Aviation Ministry Kicks Against Bill Relocating Safety Investigation Bureau to SGF
Aviation and Aerospace Development has opposed the bill seeking to relocate Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The ministry firmly opposed the proposal during a public hearing held on Wednesday in Abuja, organised by the joint House Committees on Special Duties and Aviation.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Abubakar Kana, urged
lawmakers to retain the bureau under the aviation ministry. Kana, however, advocated a strengthened legal and operational framework to guarantee its functional independence.
“I recommend that the National Assembly and its relevant stakeholders retain the Nigerian
Safety Investigation Bureau within the Federal Ministry of Aviation,” Kana said.
In his submission, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs at OSGF, Me. Gagare Nadungu, argued that the presidency, through the SGF, offered a centralised coordination structure better suited
to host the bureau.
Nadungu said placing the NSIB under the presidency would promote broader national oversight and institutional independence.
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, stressed the
UniAbuja: Over £5 Million Foreign Grants Available for Research into Sickle Cell Disease
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) at the University of Abuja said there was over £5 million in grant available to strengthen the capacity of researchers to find sustainable solutions to the sickle cell disease.
The Co-PI Patient-Centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACTS) and Director CESRTA, Professor Obiageli Nnodu, made the disclosure at a workshop organised in partnership with NCESRTA and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), themed, “Strengthening Institutional Research Capacity and Safeguarding,” on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nnodu said, “It’s a research that
we are carrying out with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Health and Allied Science and Technology and University of Zambia Teaching Hospital. It’s over 5 million pounds.”
Nnodu emphasised the importance of research to national development, adding that it is good for African institutions to have capacity to undergo research training, and ensure they put the right infrastructure in place, not only to win grants, but also to monitor, manage and carry out research projects as well as report and implement findings from research projects into the society into policy.
She said, “This capacity strengthening workshop is a very important one in our university
because over the past four years we’ve had significant increases in the number of research grants that we’re getting but we also have what I would tend to say is a population, a faculty that needs to have their capacity built to participate in funded research.”
Nnodu disclosed that the centre had benefited from both internal and external institutional research grants over the years. She said even though there was enough research funding for every facility to assess annually, only few lecturers were exploring the opportunity to assess the funds and carry out research.
Principal Investigator, PACTS, Imelda Bates, who highlighted cuts in external research funding to Africa, maintained that it was critical for institutions across sub-Saharan Africa
Six Arrested for Vandalism of WarriKaduna Crude Oil Pipeline in Edo
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Six persons have been arrested in connection with the massive vandalism of the Warri-Kaduna crude oil pipeline in Ekperi, Etsako Central local government area of Edo State. The suspects who carried out the vandalism were said to have stolen about 30km length of pipes in collusion with some members of the Chairmancommunity. of the Edo State Task Force on Recovery of Government Property, Eugene Okolosie, disclosed this yesterday in Benin City, while highlighting some achievements of the task force to journalists.
Okolosie further disclosed that the suspects used excavators to dig out the pipes meant to convey
crude oil from Warri to the Kaduna refinery, adding that some of the pipes have been recovered from the syndicate. Similarly, the Task Force chairman announced that five suspects who vandalised Government agricultural tractor and other heavy equipment for sale have been arrested at Uhuoghun in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, just as he disclosed that five other suspects have also seen arrested at Okpella for stealing High tension electricity equipment. Okolosie decried the high rate of encroachment and stealing of government lands, including reserved areas in all parts of the state, adding that the task force has recovered 480 hectares of government land sold illegally by some community members.
He said: “In Sobe, the people sold the Melina and Tick trees planted by the government in the reserved forest area. They destroyed the forest and converted it to plantain plantation. This has been going on for the past eight years”, noting that most of the lands being sold illegally by community youth leaders and others in various communities, were Government reserved lands.
The Task Force chairman expressed worry over the rate lands meant for development were being sold in the state with particular reference to Ewomama community, where the Civic centre, generator, market and the community Secondary School land were sold, adding however, that the government has recovered the lands sold illegally.
to have strong research systems so they could decide what research they wanted to undertake by themselves.
Bates said, “They have their own researchers who can solve the problems of the country rather than having the topics decided by external people. And I think the money is going to be less now so it’s got to be more efficiently used to do the research that the country needs.”
Bates, who was excited with the implementation research which allowed for direct engagement with sickle cell patients, added that health insurance companies had promised to support sickle cell patients get
their drugs.
Earlier, Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Patricia Lar, expressed confidence that the workshop will provide participants with knowledge, actionable strategies, and strengthen networks in tackling the disease.
Represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Academic Matters, Professor Rhoda Mundi, Lar stressed the importance of embracing precautionary measures in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), calling for greater awareness and action to mitigate its impact on affected populations.
need for the bureau to operate independently, especially in the conduct of accident investigations.
But Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the amendment as a proactive effort to enhance transport safety and align Nigeria’s systems with global standards. Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Kwamoti Laori, said the green chamber was ready to provide the legislative support necessary to strengthen key sectors of the national economy.
He added that aviation, land, and maritime transport collectively formed the backbone of any modern, thriving society.
Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Agbedi Fredrick, described the session as a platform for inclusive governance and constructive dialogue. Fredrick said, “We are here today because we care about the safety of Nigerians—whether in the air, on land, or at sea. “We also believe in the value of public input in shaping laws that impact our national infrastructure. Your voices—as experts, operators, civil society actors, and concerned citizens are crucial. The success of this process depends on your honest contributions and informed perspectives.”
GESP: UNICEF, YABATECH Bridge Gender Gap in ICT, Technical Education
Funmi
Ogundare
Yaba College of Technology
(Yabatech) in partnership with UNICEF, yesterday, donated startup toolkits to 200 young girls aged 13 to 24, who have been trained under the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership ( GESP) initiative.
Funded by Generation Unlimited, UK aid and UNICEF, the GESP programme aims to bridge the gender gap in ICT and technical education.
The toolkit distribution included: 50 laptop computers each for best performing girls in Web Application Development, 50 laptop computers for those in Mobile Application Development, 50 full hardware toolkits for computer maintenance trainees and 50 toolkits for learners in GSM and mobile phone repairs. 94 girls also received National Skills Qualification Framework ( NSQF) level two certificates.
The programme held at the Yusuf Grillo Hall, Yabatech, marked the
culmination of months of intensive hands-on training in four highdemand technical fields including GSM and Mobile Phone Repair, Computer Hardware maintenance, Web Application Development, as well as Mobile Application Development.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator of the GESP programme, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, explained that the GESP programme, was launched with the vision of empowering 5,250 young women, has already trained over 1,300 girls across three cohorts, and enrolled 2,553 women in its online Learning Management System.
She added that many graduates are already working in tech or serving as mentors to incoming students.
“This is a powerful moment of transition from learning to doing, from aspiration to action,” said Dr. Doherty. “These toolkits are more than just equipment , they represent our trust in the ability of these young
girls to lead change in their homes, communities, and the broader tech ecosystem.”
She emphasised that skill without opportunity is only half the journey, saying , “today, we are not just handing over tools, we are handing over the opportunity for young girls to shape the future.”
In his remarks, the Rector of the college, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, stated that the initiative marks the formal transition of the girls from trainees to entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and contributors to Nigeria’s digital and technical economy.
“These young individuals are no longer merely students,” said Dr. Abdul. “What you have received today is more than a toolkit, it is a key to your future.”
Mohammed Okorie, Social Policy Manager, UNICEF, explained that youth empowerment is a vital driver of both economic and social development worldwide, and the need to equip young people with skills is particularly urgent in Nigeria.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ministry of
BURGER KiNG OPEN aWKa OUTLET…
L-R: Chairman Akwa South Local Government Area, Dr Victor Agumadu; Hon Prince Chinedu Okafor; Managing Director/CEO, Burger King Nigeria, Rushdi Ibrahim; Deputy Governor Anambra State, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, and Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Chukwuma Okoye, during the opening ceremony of Burger King outlet in Awka , Anambra State...recently
Benue Gov Dissolves Cabinet, Sacks Commissioners, Appoints New Chief of Staff
Goddy Egene
Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia yesterday dissolved the State Executive Council (SEC).
The governor announced the dissolution in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, and made available
to newsmen.Also, the governor has approved the immediate appointment of Mr. Moses Atagher, a legal practitioner, as the new Chief of Staff (CoS) to replace Mr. Paul Biam.
According to Kula, that the governor informed the council members of the dissolution at
INEC Partners NOA on Voter Mobilisation
adedayo akinwale inabuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resolved to partner the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on voter mobilisation ahead of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, November 8 Anambra Governorship election and the 2027 elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known yesterday in Abuja when the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, paid him a courtesy visit. He said as the national election management body, the commission
is aware that its responsibility is multi-stakeholder and inter-agency in nature.
To succeed, Yakubu noted that they must engage all stakeholders and every national institution relevant to the commission’s mandate, saying one of such national institutions is the NOA.
The chairman said the electoral body would like to explore further areas of partnership through its Voter Education & Publicity and other relevant departments, particularly with the recent creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under the ICT Department of the commission.
Unilever Nigeria Grows Revenue by 54% in Six Months
Raheem akingbolu
Unilever Nigeria Plc, one of Nigeria’s longest-serving manufacturing companies, has announced its unaudited interim report for the six months period ended 30 June 2025, showcasing a robust performance across key financial metrics and reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth.
The company recorded a turnover of N98.1 billion during the period under
review, representing a 54 per cent increase from N63.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. Operating profit surged to N18.8 billion, up from N3.5 billion in the same period last year, reflecting a 444 per cnt increase. This led to a net profit of N14.4 billion in 2025, compared to N4.4 billion in the same period of 2024, indicating a 225 per cent improvement, supported by enhanced cost productivity and relative stability in macroeconomic conditions.
Sterling HoldCo Delivers 157% Profit Growth in H1 2025
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has reported a 157 per cent year-on-year surge in profit after tax (PAT) in its unaudited results for the half year ended June 30, 2025, demonstrating continued momentum in revenue growth, operational efficiency, and capital position.
The Group’s PAT reached N41.78 billion, up from N16.26 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share rose significantly to 89 kobo from 56 kobo, reflecting a consistent increment in value to shareholders. Gross earnings climbed by 39.7per cent to N212.61 billion, compared to N152.20 billion for H1 2024, while interest income rose by 38.3per cent to N167.16 billion, and non-interest income increased by 45per cent to N45.45billion, attesting to the Group’s strategic focus on revenue diversification.
the end of the 12th (2025) SEC meeting.
The chief press secretary said that the governor directed the commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their ministries as soon as possible.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, yesterday presented the report of the implementation of quarters one and two of the 2025 budget, saying that the state achieved 80 per cent
He appreciated all the former commissioners who worked with him for two years and urged those who might not be reappointed, to remain in the party.
He said those who would
revenue for the half-year budget performance between January and June.
He stated this at the presentation of the revenue and expenditure performance, held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The commissioner also said
not be reappointed are only paving the way for other citizens to also contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Regarding the new CoS, Kula said that Atagher is a former
the state government would soon begin the implementation of another phase of the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER), with about N5.4 billion earmarked to support small and medium scale enterprises, agriculture, transportation and healthcare sectors.
two-term attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state. Atagher, who is a seasoned administrator, is also the former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank.
Babatunde noted that the presentation of the budget performance provided a feedback mechanism on the challenges and opportunities of the budget as well as a chance to assess the 2025 Budget implementation across the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
PSC Warns against Racketeering in Police Recruitment
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has warned that it will deal decisively with anybody who intends to involve himself in any form of racketeering or fraud in the recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission also revealed that it will soon begin the recruitment processes for this year’s exercise, which will include Cadet ASPs and Inspectors.
The Chairman of PSC, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), gave the warning when he paid a courtesy visit on Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, and his management team in Abuja yesterday.
Argungu, who led a PSC team on the visit, further cautioned that any sharp practices or untoward acts during the recruitment processes will be resisted and deviants sanctioned. He maintained that though the date for the recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the NPF has not been fixed, there can’t be a better time to seek the partnership and cooperation of the Federal Character Commission as one of the reliable and pivotal stakeholders in the Police recruitment process.
‘Endorsements Won’t Guarantee Oyebanji’s Re-election in 2026’
A former Commissioner for Water Resources under former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, , Chief Segun Akinwumi, has said that the recent endorsements by some former governors and elites will not guarantee reelection of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in 2026.
Akinwumi, who was a
three-time commissioner and now a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated this in a telephone chat with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) while reacting to the recent endorsements of the governor for a second term and its potential impacts on the state.
The former Commissioner for Lands and Housing highlighted the complexities and challenges involved in the state’s political landscape, noting that the endorsements did not emanate from the masses of Ekiti people
He said: “The masses are disappointed and not happy with the current administration in the state. The so-called endorsements have been coming from former governors and their allies.
“These are sets of people who have been benefiting from sharing of largesse from the centre, with no benefits to the people of the state under the current administration.
Parthian Partners Facilitates N800 Million Tin Trade Financing Deal
Nume Ekeghe
Parthian Partners Limited has announced the successful structuring and financing of a landmark N800 million commodity-backed trade transaction, marking a key milestone in its expanding
commodity finance operations. The deal, which involved the export of 25 metric tons of tin sourced from Jos, Nigeria, demonstrates Parthian’s growing role in bridging the funding gap in Nigeria’s undercapitalized mineral value chain.
Acting as both structuring adviser and financier, Parthian enabled end-to-end execution by providing flexible working capital, overseeing operational milestones, and ensuring adherence to global trade standards. The firm’s risk-controlled financing
supported key stages of the commodity trade cycle including sourcing, processing, and logistics, while ensuring supplier credibility and quality through the onboarding of verified local partners and vetted processors.
Adamawa Introduces Integrated Services to Boost Healthcare Delivery
daji saniinyola
The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has launched an innovative operational shift known as “Integrated Services” to enhance healthcare delivery in the
state. This strategic move aims to provide a combination of essential health interventions, including immunization, deworming, and nutrition services, simultaneously at the point of delivery.
The Executive Chairman of ASPHCDA, Dr. Sulaiman Bashir,
while addressing journalists in Yola, Adamawa state capital, explained that the new strategy is designed to streamline healthcare operations, reduce costs, and expand outreach, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
With this approach, communities can access multiple services during
a single visit, saving time and enhancing coverage.
Dr. Bashir highlighted the agency’s significant progress in improving immunisation rates, expanding family health services, and promoting community engagement.
Linus aleke in abuja
KayodeTokede
NEW LiONs sERViCE yEaR...
L-R: District Governor, Lions International, District 404B3 Nigeria, Adelaja Adeleye; immediate Past District 404B3 Governor/ Multiple Council Chairperson Lions International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Dr. Jide Bello, and Area Leader, Constitution Area VIIIB Lions International, Gbolagade Adebisi, during the press conference to commemorate the beginning of the new Lions service year, of Lions Clubs International- District 404B3 in Lagos… recently
Female Lawyers Call for Inclusivity in Practice, Say Discrimination ‘ll Stall National Devt
Kuni Tyessi
in abuja
Nigerian female lawyers have called for inclusivity at the Bar and all sectors of the economy with claims that with more women in legal practice, there will be changes in the constitution which will positively impact society and contribute to national development.
The women stated that even as lawyers, women face sexual harassment, and unfortunately, the profession has no room where such can be reported within the system, hence the need for a change in value system, including in language at the bar, which would reflect gender.
The Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC),
Transition Must Create Green Jobs for Nigerian Youths, Say UN, NLC
Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt
The United Nations (UN) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have called for a peoplecentred energy transition plan that prioritises green jobs for Nigerian youths, as the country moves toward a low-carbon economy in line with global climate commitments.
Speaking at the final stakeholders’ consultation session on the development of the Just Transition Guideline for Nigeria, held in Port Harcourt, the UN emphasised that Nigeria’s pathway to climate resilience must focus on protecting workers’ rights and creating inclusive economic opportunities.
Stephen Agugua, while delivering remarks on behalf of the
UN system, underscored the need for a framework that is “equitable and inclusive, minimising negative social and economic impacts on workers and communities.”
Agugua warned that while the country’s climate obligations, including its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are urgent, “the transition must not come at the cost of job losses or increased inequality. The development of a Just Transition Action Plan is to ensure no one is left behind.”
He praised the efforts of the Nigerian Government, particularly the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), and commended development partners such as the ILO, UNDP, and UNIDO for supporting the process.
Activist Challenges Tenure Extension of Customs CG
Gideon arinze in Enugu
A human rights activist and social Crusader, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, has approached a Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge the legality or otherwise of the tenure extension of the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, by President Bola Tinubu. The suit (FHC/L/ CS/1495/2025) was brought according to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, and relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode- Afolabi, made the call yesterday at a media round table meeting with the theme: ‘Advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria’s legal sector’, which was organised by WARDC and Co-Impact, a global philanthropic collaborative advancing, just and inclusive system. She noted that with the current state of situations, leadership has simply become a mere[WU1]
aspiration for women.
However, she remarked that the Nigerian Bar Women are doing a lot to ensure that the language of the bar changes in a way that would reflect appropriateness in gender, which according to her, “is very patriarchal in its language and you can see that reflection even in the constitution, and they say it doesn’t matter, but we say it does matter because I am who
I am called.”
She said: “What we are saying is that the system has to change. We need to change the value system of the legal profession, be it in the academia, legal, or private practice, and at the ministry. “
“We must be able to have more women there and this is very strategic.
“The language at the bar must be responsive in order to form
recognition and identity of the women in the bar. This is part of what FIDA and other women’s organisations are advocating and that is for respect of women at the bar.
“I am a gentle lady at the bar and I am not a man at the bar. The language at the bar must be responsive to form recognition and identity of the women at the bar.
FRSC Set to Promote 2,000 Officers in Ongoing Promotion Exercise
Kasim sumaina in abuja
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has hinted that no fewer than 2,000 officers and marshals are being considered for elevation to their next ranks—ranging from the rank of Chief Route Commander down to Assistant Route Commander and other marshal cadres in an ongoing exercise.
The far-reaching staff promotion exercises, FRSC disclosed, are the first of its kind in the history of the agency with over 2,000 personnel presently undergoing promotion across the country.
The initiative, he noted, is not just a routine administrative activity, “it is a statement of intent, a reflection of Corps Marshal’s
faith in staff welfare, commitment to professional development, and resolve to achieve institutional excellence.
A statement issued yesterday by the Assistant Corps Marshal Public Education Officer, FRSC, Abuja, Olusegun Ogungbemide, stated that: “Since his appointment as Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed has consistently emphasised the critical role that
a motivated and well-recognised workforce plays in achieving the FRSC’s core mandate of ensuring safer roads and reducing carnages on all roads across the federation.
“Believing that by prioritising timely and merit-based promotions, the Corps is not only restoring hope among officers, but also reinforcing a culture of reward for diligence, dedication, and integrity.”
Otuaro Hails Tinubu for Backing PAP’s Peacebuilding Process in N’Delta
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting for the programme’s peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta.
Otuaro spoke yesterday while delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony for the second batch of the Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Media Training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The suit had President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Nigeria Customs Service; Nigeria Customs Service Governing Board; Office of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs and Excise Services; and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as respondents.
Addressing journalists in Enugu yesterday, the claimant’s counsel, Newworth LLP (Legal practitioners), said that the originating summons challenged the purported extension or continued stay in office of the Customs Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, beyond May 5, 2025, which marked the end of his statutory tenure.
As the 2026 governorship election in Osun State approaches, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, yesterday noted that Osun State has a total number of 1,954,800 registered voters while 360,794 permanent voters’ cards are uncollected.
Speaking at a press conference
The first batch of the threeday workshop took place from July 16 to July 18, 2025 at the same venue- the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
He attributed Tinubu’s firm backing of the programme’s peacebuilding initiative to the president’s strong desire for sustainable peace, stability and development in the region and indeed Nigeria.
Otuaro said the president’s massive support for the PAP stemmed from his concern for a better and assured future for the people of the Niger Delta, stressing that “a better tomorrow for our region must be secured today through a deliberate peace process that is massively supported by the President.”
INEC: Osun State Has 1,954,800 Registered Voters, 360,794 PVCs Uncollected
at the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo, he implored media professionals to assist the commission in the state to mobilise the electorates to come out, not only to register for the PVC, but for collection as well, saying that as it stands today, no PVC, no voting.
According to him, “Not only on this, the media is also
strategically positioned to help the commission speak loudly against the tendency to want to purchase votes on election day like a commodity, against the orchestrated violence, against various electoral malfeasances.”
He also solicited media practitioners’ unwavering support for the two major activities ahead of the election which includes the Continuous
Voters Registration (CVR) and 2026 governorship election in the state.
According to him, “The former shall commence with an online registration on August 18, 2025, while the in -person or physical registration shall commence on August 25, 2025 across the 30 local government offices in the state, including the Area Office at Modakeke.
Ibom Agro Allied Farms, Lutheran World Relief Partner on Cocoa Project
Mary Nnah
In a major stride toward building a more sustainable and inclusive cocoa economy, Ibom Agro Allied Farms recently partnered Lutheran World Relief (LWR) under the USDA-funded TRACE Project -Traceability and Resilience in Agriculture and Cocoa Ecosystems in Nigeria.
The initiative marks Ibom’s first public collaboration under an international development programme, following more than seven years of building quietly but steadily behind the scenes. It strengthens their long-term commitment to position Nigerian cocoa as an ethical, traceable, and globally competitive export commodity.
“The partnership will engage 1,000 cocoa farmers in Akwa Ibom State, with a deliberate focus on 30 percent women and 20 percent youth participation.
Its aim to promote climatesmart agriculture, improve digital traceability, and foster economic resilience across farming communities. As part of the project, farmers will receive advanced training
in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), agroforestry, integrated pest control, and sustainable water management tools, not just for farming, but also for long-term stewardship of the land and their livelihoods. “At the heart of this partnership is our vision to empower rural communities while protecting our ecosystems.”
Osimhen: I’m Happy to Continue My Story with Galatasaray
Received by thousands of Gala fans at Istanbul Airport
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Minutes after he touched down at the Istanbul Airport with his partner and daughter all decked in Galatasaray red and yellow colours, Victor Osimhen, insisted last night that he was happy to continue his story with the Turkish double champions.
His return to Turkey after his season-long loan spell was not without intrigues by Napoli to frustrate the Nigerian striker after all he did making them champions of Italy first time in over three decades.
All that were in the past now as thousands of joyous Galatasaray fans stormed the airport to welcome their prized striker back home on a permanent switch.
Seeing the mammoth crowd that came to receive him at the airport as soon as he stepped out of the private jet that flew him and his immediate family from Wolfsburg, Germany, to Istanbul in Turkey, Osimhen said: “I’m happy to continue with Galatasaray. My story continues.”
He could not contain his joy. “I don’t know how to describe my feelings. I’m so excited, I’ve arrived at the place I love,” he said as he was mobbed by thousands of fans and a horde of journalists
“I’m at home and I’m very happy. I’m happy to be back here. I thank the president, the vice president, George Gardi and Okan Buruk. I thank the fans who wanted me. “I’m happy to continue with Galatasaray.
The fans went wild and chanted his name as he made his way through the airport.
Galatasaray Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu also spoke on the Osimhen transfer.
Kavukcu said, “My president and I believed in this and started it in January. We worked hard to raise the money, without selling anything.
“We’re paying a certain portion
upfront and will cover the entire amount within a year. We said Galatasaray had the capacity to pay this, and we did it.
“The final signings will be finalized on Thursday (today). Some people called us PR people. We expect those who did will pay us. The responsibility now falls on our fans.
“Galatasaray is huge! We achieved
this without asking anyone for money. As for the other transfers, the fans should remain calm, believe in us, and trust us.”
Osimhen will sign a four-year contract that will pay him a salary of between 15 and 18 Million Euros a year, almost the same amount he would have been paid if he had accepted Napoli’s plan to offload
him to Saudi’s Al Hilal.
Last season while on loan Napoli, Osimhen became a fans’ favourite after he scored 37 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray to win both the league and cup in Turkey.
Negotiations over a permanent transfer by Osimhen between Napoli and Galatasaray dragged for several weeks with the player insisting on the Turkish giants despite a hugely tempting offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
Zenith Bank League: Air Warriors, Royal Aces Maintain Winning Streaks in Savannah Conference
The Air Warriors of Abuja and Royal Aces Basketball Club have continued their impressive start to the 2025 Zenith Bank/Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Women’s Basketball Premier League, winning their second games 66-53 and 93-35 against Plateau Rocks and Nasarawa Amazons, respectively, in Phase One of the Savannah Conference, held at the indoor hall of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
In the match played, Air Warriors demonstrated their dominance and displayed superior composure against a spirited Plateau Rocks side, which was eager to get their campaign back on track after losing their opening match to Royal Aces 78-49.
Air Warriors led the first quarter 18-15 and maintained their offensive prowess in the second quarter, winning it 35-26.
Plateau Rocks fought hard to narrow the gap to 54-41 in the third quarter before Air Warriors sealed the victory with a final score of 66-53, securing their second win.
Air Warriors had previously opened their campaign with a commanding 91-24 victory over HAM Warriors on the first day of the championship.
In another match on Day 2 of the Savannah Conference, Kada Angels rectified their earlier setback with a narrow 55-54 victory over HAM Warriors after losing their opening match 28-67 to Titans.
Speaking to our reporter after the match, Air Warriors coach, Enenche Joshua, expressed his ambition to reach
the Final 8 and win the league:
“We aimed for victory, and we achieved our target. As a coach, you must respect your opponents; they came out to win after losing their first match, but we knew we were facing a stronger team compared to Tuesday’s match. With our collective efforts, we managed to secure the win. I believe we will continue to
improve by addressing our mistakes and implementing the strategies we worked on during training.
“Last season, we reached the Final 8 but could not participate in Lagos for the competition due to certain circumstances. This year, we are working hard, trusting in God that we will reach the Final 8 and win the championship because we have truly
put in the effort,” Joshua declared.
Despite two straight defeats in their first two games of the Savannah Conference, Plateau Rocks Coach, Ringsum Solomon Jacob, remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the competition, stating: “It was a great game, even though we lost. Such is the nature of competition, and I believe my players performed admirably.
Gov Otu Hails Miracle Usani, Says the Super Falcon Has Put CRS on Football World Map
Bassey Inyang in Calabar Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has heaped praises on Miracle Usani for helping Super Falcons to victory at the recently concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
Otu described Miracle, who hails from Biko Biko, Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, as a “shining ambassador” whose triumph has lit up the state with uncontainable joy.
Otu, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, described Miracle as a daughter of destiny whose talent and tenacity exemplify the virtues of the Cross River spirit. “Miracle has etched Cross River’s
name on the golden map of African football. Her courage, elegance, and excellence on the pitch reflect the pride, passion, and purpose we hold dear as a people.”
Continuing, he eulogised: “Your dazzling performance on the continental stage has not only brought glory to the nation but has cast a radiant spotlight on our dear state, particularly your beloved hometown of Biko Biko, Ugep, Yakurr LGA.
You have proven yourself a worthy ambassador, graceful in skill, noble in spirit, and gallant in resolve.
“In etching your name upon the golden scroll of African football history, you have stirred the hearts of millions, and rekindled the flame of hope, pride, and excellence in every Cross Riverian. You are living proof that greatness can bloom from our soil and shine upon the world.”
Lookman demanded for his transfer away from Atalanta in this summer transfer window.
“Ademola has been expressing his desire to leave for some time; it’s no secret,” Percassi opened up yesterday.
“In all our discussions, he was a player that should have left this summer, in keeping with our club philosophy of one transfer per year.
“The transfer market always brings unexpected things, as you know what happened with Retegui (transferred to Saudi Arabia).”
The Atalanta chief hinted that despite reported lots of interests in Lookman, it was only Tuesday that they finally received a formal offer for the player.
The offer is believed to be €42million plus €3million in
bonuses.
Percassi further said that he and the Inter Milan President, Beppe Marotta, “have a great friendship and professional relationship”.
“In the coming days, we will calmly evaluate the offer we have received and then respond,” he said.
“I can only say that the timing and the value of Atalanta outgoing transfers are solely determined by the club.”
Over the last three seasons at Atalanta, Lookman who is the reigning African Player of the Year, has contributed 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances. He led the club to their first-ever European trophy two seasons ago with a record-breaking performance in the final.
The Super Eagles winger will be a steal for any club that acquires his services.
Home-based Eagles Seek Win against Zanzibar in Final Friendly
Nigeria’s home-based senior men’s team will seek victory over hosts Zanzibar today in the second of a two-match programme arranged to put the Super Eagles B in competition mood ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship kicking off on Saturday.
The 2018 silver medallists were held to a scoreless draw in the two teams’ first game played at the Mau Stadium – located in the centre of Zanzibar – on Monday.
Nigeria, also bronze medal winners in 2014, dominated Monday’s game all-round, with superior ball possession and attempts on goal. They created a plethora of chances but the Zanzibar rearguard worked overtime to keep the scoreline barren.
Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Sikiru Alimi and Harrison Tochukwu were impressive
in a game in which goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, captain Nduka Junior, Leonard Ngenge, Abdulrafiu Taiwo, Sodiq Ismaila, Ijoma Anthony, Harrison Ozondu, Akanni Qudus, Taofeek Otaniyi, Godwin Obaje, Jabbar Malik and Shola Adelani also featured.
Thursday’s encounter, also scheduled for the Mau Stadium, comes five days before Nigeria’s first match of the competition – a clash with Cup holders Senegal – at Zanzibar’s 15,000 -capacity Amaan Stadium.
The Eagles will then confront Sudan in their second match of the group phase (also at the Amaan Stadium) on Tuesday, 12th August before concluding their Group D campaign against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, 19th August.
World Athletics Introduces Gene Test for Female Category
Athletes who want to compete in the female category for world ranking competitions from September will have to take a one-time gene test, says governing body World Athletics.
The new regulations come into effect from 1 September and will be applied to the World Athletics Championships, which take place from 13-21 September in Tokyo.
The test for the SRY gene - which is part of the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop - can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test.
If the test is negative for the Y chromosome, the athlete is eligible to compete in the female category.
If it is positive, they can compete in the female category in non-world ranking competitions or in another category other than the female one.
It is a test to be taken once in a lifetime and will be overseen by member federations.
“It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling,” said World Athletics president Lord Coe.
In a frequently asked questions page published by World Athletics, the test is described as being “extremely accurate” and states “the risk of false negative or positive is extremely unlikely”.
World Boxing also approved the use of the SRY test in May when it introduced mandatory sex testingfor all athletes.
“We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category you have to be biologically female,” said Coe.
Victor Osimhen on his arrival at Istanbul Airport last night with thousands of Galatasaray fans waiting to cheer him back into the city
Miracle Usani celebrating the 2024 WAFCON trophy shortly after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final...last Saturday
The CEO of Atalanta, Luca Percassi, has confirmed that Ademola
L-R: Comptroller, Trade Facilitation, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Nafiu Isiyaku; Senior International Trade Policy and Law expert/Lead, Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Coordination Office, Mr. Olusegun Olutayo; Deputy Comptroller General, Tariff & Trade, NCS, Mrs. Caroline Niagwan; World Customs Organisation (WCO) Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Faith Mathenge; and Assistant Comptroller General, Tariff and Trade, NCS, Mr. Kingsley egwuh, at the opening of the National Stakeholders Training Workshop on AfCFTA Rules of Origin, organised by the Nigeria AfCFTA Office in partnership with the WCO, in Abuja, yesterday
olusegun AD e NIYI
olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
On ‘Sexually Provocative Dresses’
My alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has recently been in the news for what can only be described as a masterclass in how not to major in minors. First, in June 2025, the University Council approved a ‘revised dress code’ that reads like a manual for moral fascism. Then, after the document went viral and attracted widespread condemnation, the university issued a damage-control press statement, claiming that what is in the public domain was not the ‘official’ version approved by Council. The leaked code prescribes rustication for one semester for ‘heavy make-ups’, ‘rumpled and dirty clothes’, ‘multi-coloured braids for female’, ‘dread locks’, ‘unconventional wearing of face cap’, ‘off-shoulder clothes’, ‘haircuts with inscriptions’, ‘nose, mouth, eye, extra rings’, ‘tattoo/ indelible markings for male’ etc. Two semesters of rustication await students guilty of sporting ‘coloured hair styles’ or ‘sprangled hair style for male’ and other such ‘infractions.’
I have read both the Council decision extract dated 13th June 2025, and the university’s subsequent disclaimer of 25th July 2025, and quite frankly, I find the entire episode appalling. Not just as an alumnus of this once-great institution, but as a Nigerian who understands the enormity of challenges facing our educational system. Promising to release the “official” dress code is an indication that authorities at Ife continue to miss the point. The problem is not which version is in circulation but the existence of such an elaborate moral policing mechanism in the first place. Here is the issue: When those who are supposed to be seeking practical solutions to the problems of society spend productive hours deliberating over whether it is appropriate for students to wear ‘tattered jeans’, then there is something profoundly disturbing about the intellectual space in our country.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. It is part of a troubling pattern across Nigerian universities that have become obsessed with regulating student appearance rather than improving their academic standards. A few have even ventured into issuing decrees on relationships and social interactions. The result is a system where young adults are treated like children. Meanwhile, the leaked Ife document followed months of committee deliberations, administrative processes and legal reviews to determine that “indecent dress” should replace “sexually provocative dresses” in their moral lexicon. In fact, the Council sat for two days, (Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th June 2025) according to their own document. Imagine if this energy had been channelled toward improving academic standards, updating curricula etc. Instead, we have administrators who spend their time crafting elaborate punishment matrices for “unconventional wearing of face cap” by university students! Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the leaked dress code is its selective interpretation of culture and decency. The university’s disclaimer promises an official version “directed at enhancing academic sensibilities, social decency and ethical standard in line with the University’s motto.” How does policing a female’s appearance promote academic sensibilities? Meanwhile, the same university that prohibits dreadlocks, a hairstyle with deep cultural and spiritual significance in many African traditions, claims to be preserving “cultural ethos” in line with its motto: “For learning and culture”. This is not cultural preservation;
it is the imposition of narrow-mindedness on young people who should be encouraged to explore and express their cultural identity. In case the Ife lawgivers are not aware, in Yoruba cultural symbolism, cowries represent prosperity and femininity.
A careful reading of the leaked dress code reveals something deeper. While male students face restrictions mainly around hairstyles and general appearance, female students bear the brunt of this moral anxiety.
From “backless clothes” to “micro/mini/skimpy dress,” and “crop/jump tops”, the female body becomes a site of moral panic and institutional control. This reflects a broader societal problem where women’s bodies are seen as inherently problematic, requiring constant regulation and supervision. It perpetuates the toxic notion that women are responsible for men’s moral failings and that female sexuality is inherently dangerous to social order.
The university justifies these restrictions on security grounds, arguing that certain forms of dress “obscure identification” and pose “serious security problems.” This argument might hold water if our universities were secure environments. But these are the same institutions where cultists operate with impunity, examination malpractices are endemic, ‘Yahoo Boys’ reign supreme and sexual harassment by lecturers go unpunished. If university administrators were genuinely concerned about security, they would invest in proper infrastructure, implement effective monitoring systems, and create safe spaces for students to report crimes. Instead, they choose the easier path of regulating hemlines and hairstyles.
Let me paint a picture of Nigeria’s university system today. We have institutions where students are sheltered in dilapidated buildings, classrooms are overcrowded, libraries lack current books, laboratory materials are antiquated, and brilliant minds are stifled by archaic teaching methods. Rather than act as centres of scientific inquiry and objective scepticism, our universities are becoming big bureaucracies, which perhaps explains why in most of them, the number of administrative staff is five or six times the number of academic staff. The larger issue underpinning this is governance, especially the status of the University Councils, now peopled mostly by politicians rather than experienced educators and
citizens who have achieved significant success in their respective careers. The tradition in developed countries is that the best and brightest citizens and experienced and knowledgeable people are selected to serve as Council members and particularly the chair in universities.
As I wrote in a two-part column, ‘The Case Against ASUU’ in August 2022, tackling the challenge of tertiary education in Nigeria goes beyond the salaries of lecturers. We need to improve the environment: Functional libraries and laboratories, up to date journals, access to technology, research grants etc.
Since these would require imaginative leadership, University Councils obsessed with students wearing ‘Bomb shorts’ would not know how to access funds from donations, endowments, professional chairs, gifts, grants, consultancy services etc. They would also be bereft of ideas as to how to attract quality academic staff, provide necessary teaching aids, and ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
To develop, authorities in Nigeria must take a hard look at the governance of our institutions of higher learning and put in place appropriate rules and policies that are progressive and fair regarding the choice of Council members. We don’t need decrees on dressing in an environment that ordinarily should attract young learners who question assumptions and challenge established norms.
Unfortunately, this obsession with dress codes reflects a broader malaise––the preference for cosmetic solutions over substantive reforms. In our country today, people in leadership positions, in practically all spheres and across all levels, spend considerable time on things that do not matter while neglecting the important things that would make a world of difference in the lives of people. In an unusual X (formerly Twitter) post on Tuesday that could easily pass for diplomatic activism, the United States Mission in Nigeria wrote: “While Nigerians are urged to endure economic hardship ‘like labor pains,’ some governors are splurging billions on new government houses.”
They referenced ‘TheAfricaReport’ that highlights gross mismanagement of scarce resources on misplaced priorities. “Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”
The real concern is that this predisposition cuts across all strata of our society and manifests in different forms. Last Thursday, on the outskirts of Jos, Gad
Shamaki (a colleague in the fact-finding panel on the killings in Plateau State), and I encountered a soldier using scissors to cut the dreadlocks of a young man at a military checkpoint. Of course, it is easier to cut the dreadlocks of a defenceless man than to battle armed criminals. This same mindset accounts for what now happens on the campuses. We all know that it is simpler to regulate skirt lengths than to improve teaching quality and more convenient to police makeup than to provide cutting-edge knowledge. That most of our universities rank dismally in global indices is no longer news. Yet, those who run our universities continue to congratulate themselves for maintaining “moral standards”. We cannot continue like this. Our universities need leadership that understands the difference between education and indoctrination and between guidance and control. And our students need institutions that prepare them for the complexities of modern life, not ones that shelter them from the realities of human diversity and expression.
Let me be very clear. I abhor indecency in whatever form. And I say this with every sense of responsibility as head of the youth department in my parish. But universities are not Mosques or Churches. They are for critical thinking and sometimes non-conformity. The energy currently being wasted on regulating student appearance should be redirected toward addressing the real challenges facing our educational system: inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, obsolete curricula, and declining academic standards. These are the issues that deserve council deliberations, committee reviews, and urgent attention.
As I write this piece, I am reminded of the ‘Great Ife’ I knew as a student––an institution that prided itself on intellectual rigour and progressive thinking. A university that challenged conventional wisdom and pushed boundaries. I cannot remember ‘inspectors’ checking whether my shirt was rumpled or anyone criminalising “unwelcome touching, kissing and hugging” at Mozambique Hall (‘motherless babies home’) or Moremi Hall (‘babyless mothers home’). Yet, most of us have not done badly after leaving Ife. The time has come for the administrators on our campuses to stop majoring in minors by focusing on what truly matters. Our universities must choose what they want to be: Institutions of higher learning or centres of moral surveillance. They cannot be both.
Mission X Accomplished!
“W
hen Nigeria arrives quietly, it is often because we intend to leave with all the noise. What happened tonight in Rabat was vintage Naija. Two goals down. A stadium roaring. But our Super Falcons? They did not panic. They adjusted their wings. Okoronkwo stepped up and converted the penalty with the composure of someone solving a constitutional crisis. Ijamilusi brought us level. Calm. Clinical. Confident. And just when Morocco thought the drama had peaked, Echegini delivered a set piece that felt like it was signed, sealed, and sent from Abuja.” That was
former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reporting on his Facebook last Saturday after Nigeria defeated Morocco to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a record 10th time. “Three goals. One comeback written with resolve. And a trophy that now tells its own story in green, white, green. We play with fire in our feet and faith in our future. Because we may bend, but we never break. And in case the world needs a reminder… Naija no dey carry last.” What more can anybody add? Congratulations, Super Falcons!
