TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2026

Neconde/Nestoil Respond to ‘Malicious, Despicable’ Report on Alleged $60 Million EFCC Recovery

Say lender angry over oil firms’ refusal to sell shares to it Reveal meeting with EFCC not a probe, done in convivial atmosphere with all parties present Describe ‘sponsored’ reports as setback for amicable resolution of pending commercial issues The attention of Neconde Energy Ltd. (Neconde) and Nestoil Ltd. (Nestoil) has been drawn to a grievously false and deceitful front

page banner paid news items in various newpapers of August 17, 2026 (including Thisday, Leadership, Businessday, The Guardian, The

A DV E RTO R I A L Nation, New Telegraph) with the following caption “EFCC

RECOVERS $60 MILLION DOLLARS IN ONGOING NESTOIL INVESTIGATION”. The headline and incoherent content of the news

item is a sponsored malicious and despicable false narrative which Nestoil and Neconde are convinced was originated by a

particular recalcitrant lender. The sponsored nature of the news item Continued on page 8

Tuesday 18 August, 2026 Vol 31. No 11454. Price: N400

www.thisdaylive.com TR

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Inflation Moderates to 15.43% Despite Surge in Food Prices Severe in Adamawa, Yobe, Anambra, others

James Emejo and Deborah Adekoya in Abuja

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services,

moderated further to 15.43 per cent in July, compared with 15.91 per cent in June, National Bureau of

Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

The decline represents a 0.48 per cent drop in headline infla-

tion, extending the moderation recorded in the previous month and signalling a continued easing in the overall pace of price increases.

According to the CPI report

for July 2026, month-on-month headline inflation also slowed to 1.57 per cent, from 1.66 per cent in June, indicating that the Continued on page 8

UK Cheers Adeleke, Flags BVAS, Vote Buying, Accessibility Issues in Osun Poll

Urges relevant institutions to learn from shortcomings observed during election Obasanjo charges governor to continue to deliver good governance Ooni: end of election should mark beginning of a new chapter in state Our victory in Osun signals hope of a brighter future for Nigeria citizens, says Accord chair Mohammed, Abiodun, Bamidele, Aregbesola, Salaam, George, federal lawmakers, APC, SDP, ADC, NDC, CODER, others speak on significance of poll, congratulate gov on victory

Story on page 8

Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Segun James in Lagos, Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The United Kingdom, yesterday, congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election. But it also raised concerns over issues believed to be capable of tainting the credibility of the exercise.

UK said the issues included alleged vote-buying, voter interference, accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as overcrowding linked to the limited and slow deployment of BVAS devices during the August 15 governorship election.

Continued on page 8

A CELEBRATORY DANCE AND A VICTORY HUG...

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo embracing re-elected Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State during a congratulatory visit to the governor in Osogbo on Sunday

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

BON AWARDS BERTHS IN ENUGU...

L-R: Nollywood actress, Stephanie Kenechukwu Eze; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Dame Barrister Ugochi Madueke; Founder, BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi; Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah; Executive Producer, BON Awards, Feranmi Olaoye; Nollywood Actors, Enyinna Nwigwe and Olu Kizzy Michael; and Public Relations Manager of BON Awards, Tomi Falade, when the hosting right for Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards was presented to the governor... recently

FG Targets 6,000MW Supply By December, Adds 208MW with Ijora, Apapa Substations New facilities to boost port operations, manufacturing in Lagos Tegbe: Investments target bottlenecks, support Tinubu’s $1tn ambition

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lago

The federal government has set a fresh target to wheel 6,000 megawatts of electricity “comfortably” to the national grid by December 2026, as it inaugurated two upgraded transmission substations in Lagos that added 208MW of new wheeling capacity.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced the target yesterday at the inauguration of the upgraded Ijora and Apapa Road transmission substations.

He said 20 completed transmission projects would be inaugurated nationwide before year end as part of efforts to remove evacuation bottlenecks.

“This is the second commissioning today. Before the end of the year, we should commission 20 projects. The most important thing is to be able to wheel comfortably, 6,000 megawatts, before December,” Tegbe said while speaking at the Ijora sub-station.

But the 6,000MW pledge is not new as the immediate-past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had made a similar promise during his tenure and had also vowed that Nigeria would generate, transmit and distribute 6,000MW within his first year.

That target was not met as grid data during his time showed daily output hovering between 3,800MW and 4,800MW, with frequent collapses blamed on gas shortages, transmission

constraints and vandalism.

Tegbe said the administration was focusing first on transmission because generation alone means little if power cannot be evacuated. For years, he noted, available generation has been stranded by weak transmission, ageing equipment and inadequate maintenance.

He described the upgrades in Apapa and Ijora as a deliberate strengthening of the arteries through which the economy moves, and linked them to President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.

At Apapa Road, the minister inaugurated a new 2×60MVA, 132/33kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS). He said the facility replaced an outdoor transformer that had served as a stopgap since the original substation was inaugurated in 1985.

The new GIS, equipped with two 60MVA transformers, new switchgear, control building and SCADA systems, increases bulk power availability on that axis by approximately 96MW. Tegbe noted that Apapa was not an ordinary load centre, saying it hosts port operations, maritime services, logistics, manufacturing and warehousing whose activities reach far beyond Lagos State.

At Ijora, two ageing 30MVA transformers were replaced with two new 100MVA, 132/33kV units. The upgrade lifted the substation’s installed capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA, equivalent to 184MW. That, he said,

represents an additional 112MW of bulk transmission capacity for Ijora, Costain, Oyingbo, Customs and adjoining communities within the Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP) franchise area.

“The objective is not just to generate more megawatts. The objective is to create a power system that can reliably deliver electricity to where it is needed, when it is needed, and at a quality and cost that supports economic activity,” Tegbe said.

He commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for support and said the ministry will continue reinforcing transmission infrastructure nationwide to close the gap between available generation and evacuation capacity.

Tegbe said the investment went beyond the completion of an engineering project, describing it as a deliberate strengthening of the electricity infrastructure serving one of the country’s most economically consequential corridors.

He said Apapa hosts a concentration of port operations, maritime services, logistics businesses, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and other commercial activities whose economic impact extends beyond Lagos State.

Tegbe said the replacement of two ageing 30MVA transformers with two modern 100MVA units had raised the substation’s total installed capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA, equivalent to 184MW.

He said the administration was focused not only on generating more electricity but also on ensuring that available power could be reliably delivered to consumers.

“We have generated electricity that cannot adequately be evacuated; we have had available generation constrained by transmission limitations; we have had growing demand without corresponding improvement of transmission capacity,” he said.

The minister said the government would continue to strengthen critical

The federal government has concluded plans to relocate genuine allottees of the defunct Site and Services Scheme in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 34 years after the residential and service plots were allocated.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said it would conduct a final three week verification exercise from September 7, 2026, to authenticate the claims of

affected allottees and other holders of genuine interests in the scheme ahead of their relocation to an alternative site secured within Gwagwalada.

The plots were originally allocated in 1992 by the then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for private development. However, the federal government subsequently revoked the allocations and other interests in the area for the overriding public purpose of implementing the National Housing Programme.

The ministry, in a statement from

the Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said the relocation was being undertaken in line with Section 28(2B) of the Land Use Act, Cap 202, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, as amended. “ The exercise will run strictly on working days within the stated period. Any plot or allottee not verified within the timeframe will not be included in the relocation to the alternative site,” the statement added.

It urged affected allottees to

the Apapa Road project, while also commending the World Bank for its support for the Ijora intervention.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, who gave further details of the two projects, said the upgrade in Apapa was delivered under the Emergency Rehabilitation and Reinforcement of Lagos Transmission Substations project, sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, (JICA) and executed by Takaoka Engineering.

Geregu Power Names Acting CEO Amid N40.09 Billion Bond Default Fails to renew term for erstwhile head appointed in January

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Geregu Power Plc has appointed Mohammed Jaoji as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective August 17, 2026, as the power Generation Company (Genco) continues to navigate financial pressure following a default on its N40.09 billion Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond.

The company disclosed the appointment in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public yesterday, stating that it was still subject to the

34 Years After, FG Set to Relocate Allottees of Defunct Dukpa Housing Scheme

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

substations, reinforce transmission corridors, remove bottlenecks and chokepoints, improve system resilience and create the capacity required to evacuate and deliver available electricity.

He said the objective was to build a power system in which electricity would serve as a foundation for industrial competitiveness and economic growth, rather than a constraint on investment decisions.

Tegbe expressed appreciation to Japan and JICA for supporting

appear for the verification exercise with their original and photocopies of their letters of allocation, payment receipts, valid identification, sworn affidavits supporting their claims of ownership and passport photographs.

The exercise will take place on working days at the office of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform in Garki 2 and the Department of Lands and Housing Development at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.

approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Jaoji succeeds Sean Manley, whose tenure as Interim Chief Executive Officer ended on August 14, 2026, after the company decided not to renew his appointment, a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Gbeminiyi Shoda stated.

The leadership change comes against the backdrop of Geregu Power’s recent default on its N40.09 billion bond, which was issued in July 2022 under the company’s N100 billion multi-issuance programme.

The seven-year bond, which carries a 14.5 per cent coupon, is due in July 2029.

Besides, Agusto & Co had previously assigned an “A” rating to the bond, which was backed primarily by the company’s operating cash flows. The ratings agency has now withdrawn its assessment, saying it no longer has sufficient reliable information to maintain an opinion on the power producer’s creditworthiness.

The default has added to the financial challenges facing the company at a time when the power sector continues to contend with liquidity constraints, particularly delays and shortfalls in payments across the electricity market.

Against this backdrop, Geregu

Power said the appointment of Jaoji would strengthen its governance structure and provide strategic direction pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer.

According to the company, Jaoji holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Jaoji, the company explained, has more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s power sector, having held technical and leadership positions at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and Geregu Power.

At Geregu Power, he served as Head of Maintenance Planning and Performance between 2007 and 2019.

He later served as Technical Assistant to the Minister of Power between 2019 and 2023 before returning to Geregu Power, the statement added.

The board expressed confidence that the new CEO’s experience would help strengthen the company’s operations and strategic direction during the transition.

It also thanked Manley for his contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavours.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

2026 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RETREAT...

Deputy Governor of Imo State Lady Chinyere Ekomaru (representative of the governor) flanked by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof Taiwo Oyedele (R); Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, (L); and other participants at the opening session of the 2026 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) Retreat holding in Owerri, yesterday

Sujimoto Repays N40bn Debt, Targets Zero Liability by 2027 Luxury developer: reckless borrowing nearly destroyed promising businesses Firm spent N126m monthly overhead for three years without a single sale Ogundele: some loans carried effective costs of up to 100% Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Sujimoto Holdings said it had repaid more than N40 billion owed to banks and private lenders. It pledged to clear all legitimate outstanding obligations by January 1, 2027,

following a prolonged financial crisis in Nigeria’s luxury real estate sector.

Founder and Group Managing Director of the company, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, disclosed the repayment yesterday while reflecting on the company’s difficult 14-month journey.

Ogundele said the development exposed the dangers of excessive borrowing amid weakening purchasing power, inflation, soaring construction costs, currency volatility, and depressed demand.

In a statement, Ogundele said

the experience had fundamentally changed his approach to debt, liquidity, and risk management, warning businesses against borrowing without adequate safeguards against changing economic conditions.

He said, “Debt is not the problem;

Nigeria Deploys Nationwide Platform to Track Violence Against Women Cases New system to provide visibility on investigations, prosecutions, convictions

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria has deployed a new nationwide reporting platform designed to track cases of violence against women from the point of reporting through investigation, prosecution and conviction, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability and access to justice for survivors.

The platform was developed by the Federal Ministry of Justice with support from the EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme in Nigeria and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

It is expected to address persistent gaps in case documentation, data coordination, and justice-sector monitoring.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during the Deployment and Operationalisation of the Violence Against Women (VAW) Reporting Platform and National Validation and Capacity-Building Workshop on the VAW Reporting System.

The organisers described the platform as Nigeria’s first standardised justice-sector VAW reporting system, designed to consolidate information on cases from different states into a central database.

Speaking at the event, GBV Policy and Strategy Development

Specialist, ESGBV Programme, International IDEA, Melissa Omene, said the initiative was developed to address one of the major weaknesses in Nigeria’s response to violence against women — the fragmentation of data and inadequate tracking of cases after they are reported.

Omene said, “Reporting violence is only the beginning of a survivor’s journey. What happens after reporting matters just as much as the reporting itself.”

She disclosed that an assessment involving 112 respondents from 32 institutions across the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kaduna and Oyo states identified gaps in data coordination, investigations, evidence management and justicesector monitoring.

Omene said the National GBV Dashboard recorded 4,449 GBV cases in the first half of 2023, taking the nationwide number recorded since the dashboard was launched in 2020 to more than 19,000.

The figures, she said, highlighted the need for a stronger system capable of following cases beyond the initial reporting stage.

Head of the Sexual and GenderBased Violence Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Yewande GbolaAwopetu, said the success of the new platform would depend significantly on the accuracy and consistency of information supplied by designated

desk officers.

Gbola-Awopetu said, “Every field you complete, every case status you update, and every follow-up you log becomes part of the evidence base.”

She disclosed that the National Human Rights Commission had recorded more than 33,000 SGBV cases between January and May, while National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) documented more than 3,000 cases of violence against women

in the FCT. She said the figures reinforced the need for improved documentation and tracking of cases to determine what happens after victims report violations.

National Consultant for the VAW Reporting System at International IDEA, Agharinma Ehiedu, said the platform would bring together information previously scattered across state-level systems into a single national database.

excessive borrowing is. Over the last 14 months, I have learnt the hard way that reckless borrowing can destroy even the most promising businesses.”

According to him, Sujimoto endured almost three years without selling a single unit while sustaining monthly overheads of about N126 million and operational commitments exceeding N500 million.

He said the company was subsequently compelled to raise funds from commercial banks, private lenders, friends, family members, and other individuals to retain employees, meet supplier obligations, and continue construction projects.

Ogundele said some of the borrowing facilities eventually carried effective costs of as much as 100 per cent, further worsening the company’s cash-flow challenges.

He stated, “We borrowed because we believed sales would return. We had hundreds of employees and suppliers who depended on us, projects that had to be completed, and clients whose investments we were responsible for protecting.”

Despite the financial strain, the businessman said Sujimoto had so far repaid more than N40 billion to banks and private lenders.

He acknowledged that some obligations remained outstanding, assuring creditors with legitimate claims that the company would honour its commitments.

“We acknowledge our obligations, we appreciate your patience, and we remain unequivocally committed to paying every legitimate debt,” Ogundele said.

He expressed confidence that the company would repay all outstanding debts and become completely debt-free by January 1, 2027.

“By the grace of God, we will repay every outstanding debt and obligation,” he said, adding, “We borrowed. We built. We delivered.

And we will rise stronger.”

Ogundele cited the completion and handover of the company’s Lucrezia development, with homeowners now taking possession of their apartments, as evidence of the company’s determination to fulfil commitments despite the financial difficulties.

United Nigeria Airlines Pledges 10-year Sponsorship of ’Chinua Achebe Prize for Fiction’

Dike Onwuamaeze

The United Nigeria Airlines has pledged to sponsor the prestigious annual “Chinua Achebe Prize for Fiction,” for 10 years.

The prize is administered by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), which said the airline’s commitment would guarantee the continuation of the prize.

The sponsorship deal was disclosed yesterday by the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, following a discussion with President of ANA, Dr. Usman Akanbi.

Under the arrangement, the airline

will provide N2 million every year for the next 10 years to ANA, which would bring the total sponsorship to N20 million.

The yearly award, which was initiated by the Anambra State Government in 2021 in conjunction with the ANA leadership, has faced financial constraints in the last three years following the failure of Anambra State Government to continue its sponsorship.

Governor Willie Obiano’s administration began the sponsorship with N1 million while the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, in 2022 continued the sponsorship

and agreed to ANA’s request to double amount in consideration of inflation and administrative costs like payments to judges.

However, after two years, the organisers said the state government appeared to have lost interest in continuing with the sponsorship despite several letters reminding it of its promise.

The apparent lack of commitment caused United Nigeria Airlines to intervene and rescue the prize from uncertainty.

According to Akanbi, “Professor Achebe is too precious in our consciousness for the award to continue to suffer the current

epileptic funding.”

Speaking on why the airline made the decision to take over the sponsorship, Okonkwo said that Achebe’s legacy demands this level of commitment.

He said: “Very few men and women of letters and culture in recent history have brought as much attention and honour to the black race and the African world as the great Achebe through his writings, lectures, speeches, intellectual activism, ethical conduct, and intermittent interventions in political affairs, which has made him an authentic conscience of the Nigerian people.”

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

NEWS

AIR PEACE CHAIRMAN RECEIVES COPY OF SHADOWS...

Dr. Allen Onyema (left), Air Peace Chairman and Chief Presenter of SHADOWS: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999-2026), receiving a copy of the book from the author, Eniola Bello at the airline’s Ikeja GRA Lagos office on Monday

FG: Benin–Onitsha Road Concession Limiting Immediate Intervention Says road’s condition predated Tinubu administration

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Works has rejected claims that the Benin– Onitsha road has been deliberately neglected by the federal government, saying the condition of the corridor predates the administration of President Bola Tinubu and that its intervention is constrained by an existing concession agreement.

The ministry, in a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, said while concerns over the condition of the road were legitimate, they should be considered within the context of inherited infrastructure deficits, contractual obligations and the broader road construction programme of the present administration.

The ministry said the federal government inherited a vast network of deteriorating roads and bridges when Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, arguing that it was unrealistic to expect every inherited road to be reconstructed within three years.

It said the Benin–Onitsha corridor should therefore not be presented as a problem created by the present administration.

According to the ministry, the more relevant questions are what

the government inherited, what it is currently fixing, the contractual constraints surrounding particular projects and what measures are being taken to accelerate delivery.

It specifically pointed to the contractual status of the Benin–Asaba section of the corridor, which was incorporated into the federal government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) as a value-added concession.

The ministry said official records of the Infrastructure Concession

Regulatory Commission (ICRC) described the 125-kilometre Benin–Asaba Expressway as a 25-year concession designed to attract private-sector investment for the development and management of the road.

It explained that under the concession model, the road pavement and the entire right-of-way are concessioned for development and management by the concessionaire, stressing that the Minister of Works could not simply terminate

the arrangement and award the road to another contractor without regard to existing contractual and legal obligations.

“The government is bound by law. It is bound by contract. And it must observe due process,” the ministry said, warning that arbitrary termination of the concession could expose the federal government to litigation and substantial financial claims.

It said the ministry had nevertheless been engaging the

NDDC Engages Niger Delta Youths in AI Training As Ogbuku urges participants to generate sustainable livelihoods Expert tasks NDDC on Niger Delta AI innovation hubs Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commenced a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and capacity building programme for hundreds of youths in the region, with a mandate to shift the region’s economy from oil dependence to knowledge-driven innovation.

Meanwhile, a professor of criminology at the Lagos State University, Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, has called on NDDC to establish Niger Delta

AI innovation hubs that will serve as centres of excellence for local software development, start-up mentoring, and digital skills training.

Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, while declaring the programme open in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, said the intervention was designed to equip young people with skills to become “opportunity creators” rather than “job seekers.”

“Today, we are not simply opening another training programme. We are

opening a conversation about the future, and more importantly, about the place of our young people in that future,” Ogbuku said.

Ogbuku, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Obegha Oworibo, said the value of AI lies in turning ideas in one person’s mind into useful, marketable solutions.

Noting the theme of programme as “Artificial Intelligence Training for Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Niger Delta Region”, the NDDC boss stated: “The

BATN Foundation, Lagos Deepen 8-Year Partnership to Boost Poultry Production, Food Security Bennett Oghifo

The BATN Foundation, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, has expanded its long-standing agricultural development collaboration with the launch of the ‘Chicks to Plate’ Project, a strategic poultry value-chain intervention aimed at strengthening food security, building farmers’ capacity and creating sustainable livelihoods across the state.

concessionaire over the pace of work and demanding improved performance.

The ministry added that the federal government began reviewing inherited highway concession agreements in 2025 to address issues relating to transparency, accountability, performance and value for money.

The statement also rejected the suggestion that the Tinubu administration had done little for the South-east, listing several major

road projects being executed or advanced across the region.

These, it said, include the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Onueke Highway and Flyover, Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Sahara Superhighway, rehabilitation and dualisation of the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Road, dualisation of the Afikpo–Okigwe Road, access roads linking the Second Niger Bridge to Asaba and Onitsha, rehabilitation of the Aba–Owerri Road, rehabilitation of the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and dualisation of the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road.

Implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), the initiative will provide intensive practical training in modern poultry production and management to 200 prospective and practising poultry farmers, with 40 outstanding layer farmers receiving additional enterprise support to scale their businesses.

The project marks the next phase of the Foundation’s eight-

year partnership with LSADA, which began in 2018 with the highly successful ‘Fingerlings to Fork’ programme.

Between 2018 and 2025, the initiative trained 1,436 fish farmers in modern aquaculture, value addition, processing, packaging, export readiness and farm management, while providing critical production assets, including fish-smoking kilns and tarpaulin ponds, to enhance productivity

and improve livelihoods.

Speaking at the launch of the three-day capacity-building workshop at LSADA, Oko-Oba, Agege, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative supports the state government’s ambition to increase local food production from the current 25 per cent to 50 per cent, in line with its broader food security agenda.

world of work is changing rapidly.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how people learn, create, conduct business and solve problems.

“A young entrepreneur can use AI to research a market, develop a business idea, communicate with customers and create content. A small business owner can use it to improve productivity and compete in markets that may previously have seemed beyond reach.”

The NDDC boss said for generations, the Niger Delta has been known for oil beneath its soil, but the next resource is “the knowledge, creativity, data and intelligence within their minds.”

“For previous generations, they drilled the earth for crude oil. This generation has the opportunity to drill its own future. They drilled oil. Our young people must drill opportunities.

They exported crude. Our young people must export ideas.”

The NDDC boss said the Commission’s mandate now goes beyond roads and bridges to “human infrastructure.”

He continued: “We want to help move our young people from being job seekers to opportunity creators, from being consumers of technology to creators with technology, and from

dependency towards sustainable economic empowerment.”

Ogbuku challenged participants from across the nine Niger Delta states to see themselves as creators who can deploy AI to solve problems in agriculture, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, creative industries and finance.

He stated that the true measure of the programme will not be certificates issued, but “the businesses that are created, the ideas that are developed, the incomes that are generated, the problems that are solved.”

He urged participants not to ask only “what can AI do for me?” but “what can I create with AI? What problem can I solve? What service can I offer?”

“The Niger Delta has its creeks, but our young people must also occupy the clouds of possibilities,” he declared, adding that the Commission is committed to building an ecosystem where “skills can meet opportunity, ideas can meet markets, and innovation can meet investment.”

In his opening speech, the Director, Department of Information Technology and Innovation (IT&I), Emeka Ani, said the programme is a strategic investment in the future of Niger Delta region.

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Trump’s Approval Rating Falls to Record 33% Amid Ongoing US-Iran War Only one in five Americans, half of Republicans say conflict worth it

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency, with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the U.S. war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded yesterday.

Just 33 per cent of respondents in the four-day survey said they approved of Trump’s performance in the White House, while 64 per cent disapproved.

Trump’s approval rating, down from 35 per cent in a poll that closed earlier this month and lower than at any point in his current term, has now tied the lowest level of his prior term

reached in December 2017, a Reuters report stated.

After returning to the White House in 2025 with just under half the country approving of his presidency, Trump’s popularity this year took a hit after he ordered strikes on Iran alongside U.S. ally Israel.

The ensuing conflict paralysed a fifth of the global oil trade, triggering a surge in the price of petrol that is weighing on the world and U.S. households, as Trump’s Republican allies defend congressional majorities in November midterm elections.

Trump, who campaigned on promises to keep inflation in check and avoid long-lasting wars, initially pledged

the conflict with Iran would take a few weeks. But Iran has proved resilient and has kept the oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz largely bottled up even as the conflict has cooled.

According to the Reuters report, some 80 per cent of Americans, including 87 per cent of Democrats and 71 per cent of Republicans think U.S. involvement in Iran “will go on for an extended period of time.” Just 16 per cent said the conflict would likely end in a few weeks.

Trump told a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday that paying “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline (petrol)” is worth the cost of ensuring “a very evil country” could not have

a nuclear weapon, one of his stated rationales for the war.

Throughout the conflict, the president has alternated between threats of escalation and assertions that a peace deal is imminent. Only one in five Americans - and just half of Republicans - think the war has been worth it, the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

Concerns about the war and petrol prices have Republicans nervous about their hopes of defending their slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 3 elections, and Democrats increasingly see the U.S Senate also within their grasp.

The Reuters/Ipsos polling this month

has shown voters prefer Democrats over Republicans as better stewards of the economy for the first time in about a decade. The latest poll showed 38 per cent of voters think Democrats will handle the economy better, compared to 35 per cent who prefer the Republican approach. Democrats are also seen as better equipped to manage the cost of living.

However, the Republican approach to immigration has remained more popular than that of Democrats throughout Trump’s term, with a sharp fall in border crossings and sustained nationwide crackdown ordered by Trump. But Republicans are losing ground amid deadly confrontations and a surge in

President Trump detainees, including children.

Besides, some 40 per cent of registered voters said Republicans have the better approach on immigration policy, compared to 38 per cent who pick Democrats, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll. That 2 percentage point spread is the lowest of Trump’s term. Republicans led by 26 points in January 2025.

UK CHEERS ADELEKE, FLAGS BVAS, VOTE BUYING, ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN OSUN POLL The British High Commission, in a statement, commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful and active participation in the election.

But it urged relevant institutions to learn from the shortcomings observed during the poll ahead of the 2027 general election.

The commission said it had met with a range of stakeholders before election day and deployed its own team of accredited observers across the state.

Based on the observations of its team and findings from credible independent observer organisations with wider deployments, the commission said several aspects of the

electoral process were encouraging.

It cited the opening of polling units as scheduled in many locations, the commitment of security personnel to maintaining order, and the effective implementation of electoral procedures by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The high commission particularly commended the resilience and participation of voters throughout the election.

However, it said the generally peaceful conduct of the election did not eliminate concerns over practices capable of undermining electoral credibility.

The British High Commission noted reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the election, as well as the continuing challenge of voter interference, including vote-buying across party lines.

It also raised concerns over the accessibility of the electoral process for persons with disabilities and elderly voters.

Another issue highlighted was overcrowding at some polling locations, which the commission attributed partly to the speed and limited availability of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation.

UK urged relevant Nigerian institutions to review the identified challenges and draw lessons from the election to improve future polls.

It specifically referenced recommendations from credible civil society election-monitoring organisations, including Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, as potentially useful in strengthening public confidence, transparency, and accountability.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, the British High Commission cautioned that some of the advantages noticed during an off-cycle governorship election, including the ability to deploy additional personnel and resources,

could be more difficult to replicate during nationwide elections.

It urged stakeholders to use the Osun experience to identify areas requiring improvement before the next general election.

UK said lessons from the election should contribute to stronger electoral integrity, inclusiveness, and credibility.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria’s electoral institutions, civil society organisations, and other partners to support peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, adding that strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions remains central to its engagement with the country.

Obasanjo to Adeleke: Continue to Deliver Good Governance average price level continued to of crayfish, fresh pepper, fresh month-on-month urban inflation increases in headline inflation were

INFLATION MODERATES TO 15.43% DESPITE SURGE IN FOOD PRICES

rise but at a slower pace during the review period.

According to the statistical agency, the CPI index rose to 145.3 points in July, from 143.0 points in June, reflecting a 2.2-point increase in the general price level.

Average annual headline inflation for the 12 months ending July 2026 stood at 16.89 per cent, representing a sharp decline from 29.10 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Food inflation, however, remained a major source of pressure, rising sharply on a month-on-month basis to 5.56 per cent in July from 3.75 per cent in June.

Year-on-year basis, food inflation stood at 20.31 per cent in July, although it remained significantly lower than the 26.20 per cent recorded in July 2025.

NBS attributed the month-onmonth movement in food prices to increases in the average prices

onions, carrots, rice, water yam, fresh tomatoes, garri, plantain, beef, eggs, guinea corn, ginger and plantain flour, among others.

The average annual food inflation rate for the 12 months ending July 2026 stood at 16.06 per cent, compared to 30.85 per cent recorded in July 2025.

Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy, stood at 14.97 per cent year-on-year in July, compared to 23.95 per cent in the corresponding month of last year.

Month-on-month, however, core inflation moderated sharply to 0.15 per cent from 1.66 per cent in June, pointing to weaker underlying price pressures outside volatile food and energy components.

The average 12-month core inflation rate stood at 18.09 per cent, lower than the 26.56 per cent recorded in July 2025.

Urban inflation stood at 16.12 per cent year-on-year in July, while

moderated to 1.90 per cent from 2.13 per cent in June.

The average annual urban inflation rate for the 12 months ending July 2026 was 16.81 per cent, compared with 30.74 per cent recorded a year earlier.

Similarly, rural inflation stood at 13.77 per cent year-on-year in July, while month-on-month rural inflation rose to 0.78 per cent from 0.52 per cent recorded in June.

The average annual rural inflation rate for the 12-month period ended July 2026 was 16.72 per cent, lower than the 27.05 per cent reported in July 2025.

At the state level, year-on-year headline inflation was highest in Adamawa at 33.03 per cent, followed by Yobe 25.21 per cent and Anambra 23.99 per cent.

However, Nasarawa recorded the lowest headline inflation rate at 7.86 per cent, followed by Kebbi and Borno at 9.12 per cent each.

Month-on-month, the highest

recorded in Adamawa at 12.48 per cent, Anambra 9.95 per cent, and Delta 9.54 per cent, while Niger recorded the sharpest decline at -5.86 per cent, followed by Enugu at -5.71 per cent and Kebbi at -4.89 per cent.

Food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Adamawa at 51.36 per cent, followed by Katsina 30.84 per cent, and Zamfara 30.65 per cent.

Borno recorded the slowest movement in food prices at -0.31 per cent, followed by Nasarawa at 6.88 per cent, and Kebbi at 12.50 per cent.

Month-on-month food inflation was highest in Adamawa at 17.02 per cent, followed by Lagos at 13.48 per cent and Borno at 13.26 per cent.

However, Jigawa recorded the sharpest decline in food prices at -3.68 per cent, followed by Kebbi at -3.67 per cent and Bauchi -1.85 per cent.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sunday night, paid an unscheduled visit to the re-elected governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, at his country home in Ede, to celebrate with him.

Obasanjo, accompanied by Otunba Fasawe, was received by Adeleke with his signature dance and a song of praise for the successful outcome of the election.

The former president prayed for the governor’s continued success and urged him to continue on the path of good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy.

“Continue to deliver good governance. Continue to meet the needs of your people,” Obasanjo charged the governor.

Adeleke, who was surprised at the ex-president’s visit, expressed his gratitude to God and the people and promised to continue to be a loyal servant of Osun people He told the former president, “Baba, I thank you for this surprise visit. I promise never to disappoint

God, Osun people and all lovers of democracy, who made our victory possible.”

The deputy governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, accompanied the governor to receive Obasanjo.

Ooni: Conclusion of Election Should Mark Beginning of New Chapter of Unity in State The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election, saying conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a new chapter of unity in the state.

Describing the outcome as a fresh mandate and a renewed opportunity to advance the development of the state, Ooni, in a statement by Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the end of the election should also mark reconciliation and purposeful governance in Osun State.

Ooni told the governor, “While elections are naturally characterised by competition and divergent political interests, the conclusion of the electoral process requires all stakeholders to put political differences aside and unite in the collective interest of the people.

“Your victory comes with a renewed responsibility to serve the entire people of Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, religious belief or geographical location.

“The election is over, but the work of building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful Osun has only just begun.”

Ooni commended the people of Continued on page 33

NECONDE/NESTOIL RESPOND TO ‘MALICIOUS, DESPICABLE’ REPORT ON ALLEGED $60 MILLION EFCC RECOVERY is reinforced by the consistency in the narrative across all newspapers and Thisday Newspaper specifically stated that it was an “Advertorial”. Since this particular lender is determined to scuttle the efforts of Nestoil/Neconde and other lenders at a resolution of these purely commercial issues by sponsoring a jaundiced narrative of a private resolution meeting, Nestoil and Neconde are compelled to issue this statement to put the correct narrative out in the public space as follows: a. By decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Appeal No. SC/CV/48/2026 Neconde Energy Ltd V. FBNQUEST Merchant Bank Ltd. & Ors. and Appeal No. SC/CV/1130/2025

- Neconde Energy Ltd v.

FBNQUEST Merchant Bank Ltd. & Ors. delivered on 10th April, 2026 and 1st June, 2026 respectively, the highest Court in Nigeria set aside and condemned actions and strangulating orders obtained by the lenders. In one of the instances, the Supreme Court decried the acts done by the lenders as “a scandalous and despicable engagement in gross abuse of judicial process”. These decisions removed all judicial impediments and asphyxiations mounted by the lenders. The decisions led (amongst others) to the re-opening of the Iconic Nestoil Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, which had been

illegally and dishonestly sealed by the lenders. b. The Supreme Court decisions also set aside the orders in favour of the receiver purportedly appointed by the lenders and rightly held that he could not exercise Statutory powers whilst his appointment was being challenged. The Federal High Court had separately in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025 . by an order dated 1st December, 2025 suspended the powers (purported) of the said receiver. c. Following the successive decisions of the Supreme Court against the lenders, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the auspices of the Commission’s

Chairman convened a meeting on 8th July, 2026. The meeting was purely conciliatory and towards an amicable resolution.

It is this commendable initiative of the EFCC Chairman that the sponsor of the news item has now tried to take advantage of and spurn. If not for mischief and irresponsible utter bad faith, why would the contents of a confidential meeting held on 8th July, 2026 be the subject of a front page news story over a month after on August 17, 2026. What exactly is the breaking news, worthy of a sponsored front page story in this? Little wonder, the news item concealed the date of the meeting.

d. Out of respect for the EFCC Chairman, Nestoil/Neconde attended the meeting with its leadership at the highest cadre. Senior Counsel from Wole Olanipekun & Co., Neconde’s lead counsel also attended the meeting with other Senior Counsel as well as Nestoil/Neconde’s financial advisers. The Senior Counsel for the lenders, Babajide Koku, SAN also attended the meeting with decision makers from each of the respective lenders. The meeting was therefore not any form of criminal interrogation or summons but purely conciliatory to resolve commercial issues. The EFCC Chairman was explicit at the

meeting that the relationship between Neconde/Nestoil and the lenders was commercial and symbiotic and that none should damage the other. He also admonished the parties that the transaction was of national significance and Nestoil/ Neconde and the lenders were of systemic significance to the Nigerian economy and genuine efforts should be made to make them all thrive. e. There was no representative of the media or media teams of the EFCC at the meeting because the discussions were not for media hype or newspaper headlines. Parties had elaborate Continued on page 35

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

NEWS

THREE CROWNS AUGUST MEETING IN IMO...

L-R: Hollywood Actress, Ebele Okaro; Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina Wamco, Maureen Ifada; Wife of the Managing Director, Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority and Representative of Imo State First Lady, Mrs. Nduka Ijeoma; Sales Director FrieslandCampina Wamco, Mr. Adesanya Olusanya; and Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Lilian Elue, at the Three Crowns August Meeting in Imo State...recently

Agric Funding Hits N3.8trn as Nigeria Battles Production, Import Gaps Fidelis David in Akure Despite a sharp rise in financing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the country is yet to fully translate the growing capital inflow into increased productive capacity, a new report by Regius Capital Limited has revealed.

The report released on Monday, titled, “Financing Nigeria’s Agri-

culture: What Five Years of Credit, Capital and Output Data Reveal,” found that bank credit to agriculture surged from approximately N1.46 trillion at the end of 2021 to N3.81 trillion by January 2026.

The increase raised questions as to why the surge in funding had not been matched by a corresponding transformation in food production.

According to the report, identified

agrifood capital-market issuances between 2020 and the first half of 2026 reached approximately N1.73 trillion, reflecting the growing appetite for financing across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

However, Regius Capital said the more important question was not simply how much money had entered the sector, but “where the capital has been deployed, what it

has financed, and how significant it is relative to agricultural output, household food expenditure and trade.”

The analysis stated that Nigeria’s agricultural GDP reached approximately N103.9 trillion in 2025, while the annual household food bill was estimated at N82 trillion.

It cautioned that the sharp increase in the nominal value of

Idris: Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida Committed to United Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has lauded former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida for his devotion to the unity of the country.

Idris affirmed this in a statement issued Monday to congratulate Babangida on the 85th birthday.

The minister described Gen. Babangida as an elder statesman, whose life and service occupy an important place in Nigeria’s contemporary history.

He said Babangida’s journey through military service, national leadership and statesmanship represented a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political and institutional evolution.

According to Idris, decades after leaving office, the former military president had remained engaged with issues of national importance, particularly those concerning Nigeria’s unity, stability and development.

He said General Babangida’s experiences in leadership and public service constituted a valuable reservoir from which succeeding generations can draw lessons about

AMLSN Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s 99% Dependence on Imported Diagnostic Products, Demands Immediate Reform Sunday Ehigiator

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State Branch, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported diagnostic products, saying the country imports between 95 and 99 per cent of its in-vitro diagnostic products.

The association consequently demanded immediate reforms to strengthen local manufacturing, improve laboratory quality standards, regulate emerging diagnostic technologies and address critical manpower and funding gaps in the sector.

The demands formed part of 10 resolutions adopted at the end of the association’s 61st yearly scientific conference in Lagos, where experts examined the challenges and opportunities confronting Nigeria’s diagnostic and laboratory medicine system.

The conference, themed ‘Global Innovation in Laboratory Medicine:

Sustaining Global Best Practices for Better Health Outcomes in Nigeria’, brought together medical laboratory scientists and other stakeholders to discuss point-of-care testing, artificial intelligence, digital laboratory medicine, local diagnostic manufacturing, genomic surveillance, quality systems, regulation and investment in diagnostic services.

The communiqué was signed by AMLSN Lagos State Branch Chairman, Kabiawu Adegboyega; Vice Chairman and Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Uba Benjamin; Secretary, Morounke Mannie-Udoh; and Publicity Secretary, Adeleke Olaoluwa.

Speaking at the conference, its Chairman and Managing Director of ISN Medical, Felix Ofungwu, said: “The level of import dependence has exposed the country to vulnerabilities in the supply of essential diagnostic commodities.”

He stressed the need for Nigeria to develop domestic capacity rather than continue to rely overwhelmingly

on foreign products.

The conference consequently called for “the development of a phased national strategy for local production of diagnostic products”, as part of measures to reduce the country’s exposure to disruptions in international supply chains.

Ofungwu also called for sustained domestic funding for genomic surveillance, particularly as Nigeria continues to face infectious disease threats and the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

AMLSN urged the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and relevant government authorities to strengthen quality governance for point-of-care testing and institutionalise funding for laboratory accreditation.

The association stressed that “diagnostic accuracy and reliability are central to effective healthcare delivery,” making quality assurance and accreditation critical to the country’s health system.

the complexities and responsibilities of nation-building.

He also acknowledged the former Military President’s enduring faith in Nigeria and his continued interventions in support of national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

“General Babangida remains an important voice in our national journey, and at 85, we celebrate his service, his statesmanship and his enduring commitment to a united Nigeria,” Idris said.

He wished the former Military President many more years of good health, peace and fulfilment, while praying that he continues to enjoy the affection of his family and the goodwill of Nigerians.

agricultural output should not automatically be interpreted as equivalent growth in physical production, highlighting the effect of inflation, commodity prices, and foreign exchange movements on headline figures.

The report further highlighted the paradox in Nigeria’s agricultural trade, revealing that the country recorded approximately N5.07 trillion in agricultural exports and N4.76 trillion in agricultural imports in 2025.

Regius Capital explained that rising export earnings could sometimes reflect higher global commodity prices rather than significant increases in physical export volumes, while continued agricultural imports point to persistent gaps in domestic production and processing capacity.

The report also found that institutional capital remained heavily concentrated in businesses with scale, audited financial records, identifiable cash flows, assets, and established off-take arrangements, leaving primary production and other upstream activities significantly underrepresented in the publicmarket financing space.

The report stated, “Expanding investment will depend not only on the volume of financing available, but also on where capital is deployed, the tenor and cost of that capital, and the ability to

convert agricultural value chains into bankable transactions.”

It said the next phase of agricultural financing must go beyond simply increasing the amount of money available to farmers and agribusinesses, recommending structures capable of making a wider range of agricultural projects attractive to institutional investors.

Among the mechanisms proposed were consortium-led project special purpose vehicles, blended and catalytic capital, guarantees and credit enhancement, milestone-based capital deployment, longer-tenor project debt, and commercial paper for working-capital cycles.

The report also advocated structures that could aggregate fragmented agricultural operators into larger, institutionally financeable platforms, stating that such arrangements can help bridge the gap between Nigeria’s vast agricultural opportunities and the risk requirements of formal capital providers.

Regius Capital stated that Nigeria’s agricultural funding challenge was both a capital gap and a structuring gap, stressing that unlocking the sector’s full potential would require capital that is not only larger in volume but also better matched to the realities, risks and timelines of agricultural production.

FG Holds Ember to Remember National Stakeholders Conference September 14

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has scheduled the Ember to Remember National Stakeholders Conference for September 14 at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, announced this yesterday in Abuja, while briefing the media on how tourism can be grown as an economic sector to deliberately position the country as an international destination.

She said the conference will bring together government, state tourism authorities, the private sector, financial institutions, airlines,

hospitality leaders, event producers, creatives, technology companies, the media and other partners, whose participation is critical to building a stronger tourism economy.

Musawa said the unveiled National Ember to Remember Calendar will represent a coordinated national collection of festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, conferences, destinations and tourism experiences across Nigeria.

The minister noted that the purpose of the conference is not merely to create another event calendar, but to build a national tourism infrastructure.

“Ember to Remember is Nigeria’s

coordinated September-to-December tourism season, a 100-day national programme designed to connect culture, tourism, entertainment, hospitality, transportation, commerce and the creative economy. It is about moving beyond simply having events to deliberately building an economy around those experiences,” she said.

Musawa assured that Ember to Remember will provide a structure that will bring visibility and allow the marketing of the Nigerian experiences in form of food, music, fashion, heritage, hospitality, natural attractions and creative energy as one powerful national story.

10

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

INVESTITURE CEREMONY...

R-L: Rotary International past District 9111 Governor, Bola Oyebade; President Rotary Club of Maryland Ikeja, Seye Arowolo; District 9111 Governor, Bukola Bakare; and immediate past District Governor, Henry Akinyele, during Arowolo’s investiture ceremony held at The Event Centre, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos... recently

NDLEA Destroys N301bn Drugs, Vows to Cripple Cartels’ Financial Networks Michael Olugbode in Abuja National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs worth an estimated N301.058 billion, sending a fresh warning to drug barons, traffickers, and financiers that the agency will not only seize their consignments but also pursue the financial networks sustaining their operations.

The court-ordered destruction, conducted in Lagos on Monday, involved illicit drugs seized in concluded and uncontested cases as well as abandoned consignments.

The exercise, carried out at Navy Town, Ojo, followed the orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

Of the total quantity destroyed, 246,864.535 kilogrammes were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while another 83,001.05 kilogrammes came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan, and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command, and Special Operations Unit operating in Lagos.

The substances destroyed included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties, such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup and other opioids, as well as khat leaves.

Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive

Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), described the destruction as a demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens while depriving criminal networks of the resources needed to sustain their activities.

Marwa warned that the agency’s campaign would go beyond the seizure and destruction of drugs to targeting the people and financial structures behind the illicit trade.

He declared, “Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and how ever sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you.”

He vowed that NDLEA would remain “resolute, relentless and uncompromising” in dismantling criminal networks and their financial backbone.

According to him, every kilogramme of narcotics taken off the streets represents more than the destruction of contraband, as drug abuse fuels addiction, crime, impaired driving, family breakdown, and social dislocation.

He warned that the illicit drug economy carried wider economic consequences, including weakening the labour force, increasing healthcare costs, discouraging investment, and diverting public resources that could otherwise be channelled into education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Marwa also linked drug trafficking to Nigeria’s wider security challenges,

stating that proceeds from the illicit trade can finance organised crime, terrorism, and violent extremism.

He said the destruction represented not only a public-health intervention but also an important contribution to Nigeria’s national security.

The NDLEA chairman commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the agency’s mandate and acknowledged the contributions of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, the military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media, and members of the public.

He also paid tribute to NDLEA officers serving across the country, particularly those operating in Lagos, for the risks and sacrifices involved in combating the illicit drug trade.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the destruction of nearly 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a “huge and sobering reminder” of the scale of the drug threat confronting Nigerian communities, particularly young people.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the exercise also demonstrated what could be achieved when law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and government institutions worked together.

He assured that Lagos State would remain committed to combating drug abuse and trafficking.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said NDLEA deserved commendation for its sustained campaign against illicit drugs.

Adeniyi said the volume of illicit substances destroyed was significant not only because of its monetary value but also because the seizures represented operations conducted across Nigeria’s airports, seaports, and land borders.

He warned drug dealers that they were no longer welcome in Nigeria.

The Federal Government/IFAD Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) in Kogi State, has distributed agricultural equipment to farmers and provided start-up packs to 33 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to promote inclusion, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

The distribution held in Lokoja Monday covered farmers who are producers, processors and marketers, as well as women beneficiaries across 5 Local Government Areas:

Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Ibaji, Olamaboro, and Kabba-Bunu.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security,Timothy Ojomah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Moses Dare said the intervention demonstrates that development must be inclusive.

He noted that the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to agricultural development, poverty reduction and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

“This is not merely about providing equipment. It is about creating opportunities, promoting self-reliance, strengthening livelihoods, and restoring confidence,” he said He urged beneficiaries to use the items productively and embrace cooperative structures.

The State Project Coordinator (SPC), IFAD-VCDP Kogi, Dr Stella Adejoh, said the programme believes “disability is not inability.”

She disclosed that while farmers contributed 30 per cent of equipment cost, support for PWDs was

deny violent groups access to resources that could support their operations.

He commended Marwa and NDLEA officers responsible for the seizures.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented

by Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also assured NDLEA of Nigerian Navy’s continued support for the country’s drug-control efforts.

Keyamo Requests IATA To Review Osubi Airport Location Code Directs stakeholders to reflect designation

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has formally requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to review the existing three-letter location code “QRW” assigned to Osubi Airport in Delta State, with a view to adopting a code that more accurately reflects the airport’s official name and geographical identity.

The request was conveyed in a letter signed by the Minister

FGN/IFAD-VCDP Distribute Farm Equipment to Farmers to Boost Food Security in Kogi, Empower 33 PWDs Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The customs chief drew a direct connection between the illicit drug economy and violent non-state actors, saying proceeds from drugs provide the “oxygen” sustaining criminal activities.

He specifically mentioned banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and terrorism as some of the crimes sustained by hard drugs.

According to him, destroying the consignments would simultaneously deprive drug traffickers of investments worth billions of naira and

provided at no cost.

Items distributed to PWDs include bags of rice, tables, chairs, bowls and POS terminals, with prior training on how to use them for small businesses.

Dr. Adejoh added that about 300 farmers received equipment such as knapsack sprayers, solar-powered pumping machines, threshers, wheelbarrows and shovels, etc.

“In addition, 350 women received energy-efficient cooking stoves linked to briquetting machines that convert rice husk and other agricultural waste into clean fuel.

and addressed to the IATA Area Manager for West and Central Africa, Dr. Samuel Fatokun.

Osubi Airport, which bears the ICAO four-letter location indicator DNSU, is physically located in Osubi town, near Warri, Delta State. While the airport is sometimes informally identified as “Warri Airport” because it serves the Warri metropolitan area, the federal government has emphasised that its established and appropriate geographical designation is Osubi Airport.

According to the Minister, the continued use of the IATA code QRW, which is associated with the broader Warri identity, does not adequately reflect the airport’s actual name and physical location.

The federal government is therefore asking IATA to initiate a formal review of the existing code and, subject to IATA’s applicable coding standards and the availability of suitable combinations, consider a three-letter code that bears a clearer relationship to the name Osubi.

Among the possible alternatives suggested for consideration are OSU, OSB, SUB and QSB, while acknowledging that the final designation remains subject to IATA’s established coding procedures and availability.

Keyamo, in a statement issued

Monday by his SA Media, Tunde Moshood, said aligning the airport’s IATA code more closely with its official name and physical location would strengthen the airport’s identity, reduce potential ambiguity for passengers and other stakeholders, and promote consistency across aviation, travel, ticketing, baggage and related information systems.

Keyamo has also directed all airlines operating flights to and from the airport to ensure that appropriate flight tickets, luggage tags, boarding passes and other passenger-facing documentation reflect the airport’s proper designation as Osubi, Delta State.

He has also directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and other relevant aviation agencies to ensure that the proper designation is consistently reflected and enforced across their respective systems, records, publications and operational interfaces.

The minister stressed that the clarification is intended to ensure geographical and operational accuracy, rather than create confusion around the airport’s role in serving the wider Warri metropolitan area.

He stated unequivocally: “Osubi is not Warri and Warri is not Osubi.”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 sms only

2027: Can Okpebholo Really Deliver 2.5m Edo Votes for Tinubu?

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State appears to have emerged as a self-confident voice within the All Progressives Congress, projecting himself as a dependable ally capable of delivering as many as 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu. But, from all indications, the figure appears more a political aspiration than a realistic projection—one that risks distorting strategic planning at the national level. Iyobosa Uwugiaren writes.

Tinubu

O

n a rain-soaked morning along the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway, a commercial driver, Osaze Omoruyi--living in Ologbo community, sat beside his broken-down bus, watching passengers trek through the mud while waiting for a mechanic who might not arrive until evening.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo is bragging about 2.5 million votes for Tinubu; we will wait and see in 2027,” he muttered. “It is this road that will decide how I will vote.”

That frustration, repeated across Edo’s highways, including the Agbor–Abavo–Urhonigbe–Abraka Road and other communities, captures the gap between political projections and everyday realities in the state.

In the unfolding political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Okpebholo has emerged as a self-confident voice within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), projecting and positing himself as a dependable ally capable of delivering as many as 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu.

The claim, though politically energising within party circles, is already generating quiet debate among analysts who warn that such optimism may not reflect Edo State’s electoral realities. For them, the figure is less a forecast than a political aspiration—one that risks distorting strategic planning at the national level.

At the heart of the concern is a simple but critical question: can Edo State, based on its voting history, infrastructure challenges, wide perceptions of marginalisation and political behaviour, realistically produce such a dramatic electoral swing?

Not many political analysts would dispute that the arithmetic behind the 2.5 million-vote projection immediately raises eyebrows.

To be sure, in the 2023 presidential election, Edo State had 2,501,081 registered voters. Yet only 603,894 were accredited, with 600,395 votes cast. The Labour Party’s Peter Obi dominated the state with 331,163 votes, while Tinubu of the APC polled 144,471 votes and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP secured 89,585.

The implication is stark: the entire registered voter base in 2023 is almost equivalent to the

Okpebholo

number of votes now being projected for a single candidate in 2027. For political observers, this is not merely ambitious; it is unprecedented.

Even if voter registration increases and turnout improves, analysts have argued that expecting a near-total political conversion of the electorate would require a level of mobilisation Edo State has never witnessed in a presidential contest. Such an expectation, they contend, is unrealistic.

The 2023 outcome further complicates optimism. Obi won 12 of the state’s 18 local government areas, leaving the APC with six. For Tinubu to rise from 144,000 votes to anything close to 2.5 million would require not just incremental gains, but a sweeping political realignment.

Governor Okpebholo’s supporters have pointed to his control of the state’s political machinery, and his 2024 governorship victory—later affirmed by the Supreme Court in July 2025—as evidence of strong grassroots influence.

But Edo’s electoral history tells a more nuanced story. The 2023 presidential election demonstrated that voters in the state, especially in the Edo South Senatorial District, are capable of separating state-level leadership from national preference. While the APC maintained a presence in 2023 general election, it failed to translate that into a presidential victory.

Political analysts have argued that this distinction is crucial. Governorship

elections are often shaped by local dynamics, personalities and state-level issues, while presidential elections are influenced by national sentiment, economic conditions, and broader political alignments.

As one analyst put it, “winning a state does not automatically mean owning its presidential vote.”

Beyond party structures and electoral arithmetic lies a more grounded issue: infrastructure.

Across Edo State, major federal highways linking Benin to Warri, Auchi, Ekpoma, Uromi, Agbor and other communities have long been sources of the people’s frustration. Motorists routinely complain of potholes, delays, vehicle damage, and rising transport costs.

Other affected routes include the Sakpoba–Ugo–Abraka Road, which has become increasingly dilapidated, creating security concerns along the route. Several travelers have been kidnapped on the road.

On the Benin–Warri Expressway, the Ologbo boundary corridor and sections of the Sapele Road have suffered from deep craters that trap trailers and buses for days. While on the Benin–Agbor Road, dilapidated sections near the Edo–Delta border have disrupted travel between regional commercial centres.

The problems are not limited to major highways. Agrarian connector and rural feeder roads around Urhonigbe, Ugo, Evbwesi, and other communities have consistently faced severe deterioration and, in some cases, near-total isolation during the rainy season.

Amid the infrastructure challenges, stakeholders have blamed prolonged bureaucratic delays for the slow pace of federal

At the centre of the debate is a wider political reality: no governor, regardless of influence or financial resources, can guarantee millions of presidential votes. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not political projections.

infrastructure delivery. Lawmakers such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole have publicly criticised the Umahi-led Federal Ministry of Works over what they described as the perceived abandonment of South-South routes, particularly in Edo State.

While the federal government has flagged off the 125-kilometre Benin–Asaba highway project, with a 30-month completion timeline announced in 2025, residents have argued that the political value of such projects depends not on ceremonies but on delivery. For many citizens, the experience of daily travel outweighs official explanations about funding cycles or contractor delays.

A trader stuck on a failed highway, observers noted, is unlikely to distinguish between federal and state responsibility when casting a ballot.

For many citizens, infrastructure challenges are closely tied to security concerns in parts of Edo and neighbouring Delta State. Poor road conditions—potholes, broken bridges, and traffic bottlenecks—can create vulnerable points where motorists fear attacks or kidnappings. This has added another layer of insecurity to already difficult travel conditions.

Even the Edo State governor has publicly condemned kidnapping incidents and called for stronger security responses, underscoring the shared responsibility between federal and state authorities.

For voters, however, the distinction between the two levels of government is often less important than lived experience. Rising insecurity, analysts warned, can erode trust in all political actors simultaneously.

Another layer of complexity lies in perceptions of political inclusion. There are growing concerns over what many people describe as inadequate representation of Edo South in federal and state appointments under the Tinubu-led administration and the Okpebholo government. While such claims may not reflect universal sentiment, they highlight the sensitivity of regional balance in Edo politics.

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

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LAWYER TUeSday, AUGUST 18, 2026

A TR

Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN

UT H

& RE A SO

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weekly pullout

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Professor Kasunmu, SAN: The Exit of a Quintessential Academic and Advocate

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T H I S D AY • TueSday, AUGUST 18, 2026

In this edition Burden of Proof: Competing Claims of Communal v Exclusive Customary Land Ownership Page IV

Nigeria Loses Erudite Law Teacher, as Prof Matthew Okpaluba Passes On Page V

NBA, UNICEF Seal N120m Deal to Expand Justice for Children Page V

Quotable ‘An ignorant Judge is a calamity for the innocent.’ -Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, CFR, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Gadzama Remembers Prof Kasunmu, Celebrates a Life Devoted to Law Page V

lawyer

onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbanoI: deputy editor, peter taiwo, steve aya: reporters

III The advocate

T H I S D AY • TueSday, AUGUST 18, 2026

“Pi pa ni o”: The Dangers of a Selective Justice System

A

Equality before the Law key element of democracy is the rule of law, which necessarily requires obedience to the law and its equal application to all. Double standards are not permitted, as equality, equity and fairness are the hallmarks of a constitutional democracy and the rule of law. Unfortunately, in several instances, we have seen a selective application of the law when it concerns high ranking members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly elective office holders, as opposed to non-APC members.

This is an indictment of the law enforcement agencies, and the Nigerian administration of justice system as a whole - that it may have become a selective or two-tier justice system; and such a system not only breeds resentment and distrust amongst the citizens, it weakens the very system it claims to uphold, and undermines its legitimacy.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police, have become infamous for persecuting people for spurious and usually baseless allegations, many of which are clearly devoid of criminality; yet, Nigerians hear nothing about the cases of APC elective officials charged with looting Nigeria’s common wealth on a mind boggling scale, beyond the drama leading up to their arrest/ arraignment.

For the avoidance of doubt, the duties of the Police and EFCC do not cover debt recovery, and simple contractual matters or breach of same, without any criminal element. But, what one observes is that these agencies attempt to introduce non-existent criminal elements into civil matters, in order to justify their intervention in matters that are not within the purview of their instructions and do not concern them. See Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 (PA) and Section 6 of the EFCC Act. Also see EFCC v Diamond Bank Plc (2018) LPELR-44217(SC) per Sidi Dauda Bage, JSC where the Supreme Court held inter alia that such invitations, harassment, intimidation and detention of individuals by the EFCC (and this can be extended to the Police) amount not only to a breach of an individual’s fundamental right, and are thereby unconstitutional and an abuse of process, pointing out that the EFCC’s enabling statute doesn’t allow the EFCC to act as debt collectors - see Section 6(b) if the EFCC Act. I also say, ditto for the Police.

The view of many Nigerians therefore, is that not just that power and the proximity to power determine outcomes, more so than the Constitution and laws, but almost literally speaking, APC members are able to get away with murder!

Senator Fadahunsi’s Utterances: “Pi pa ni o” Last week, a videoclip of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, APC Senator representing Osun East went viral. I am Yoruba, from Ibadan, and I speak the language fluently. So, I can say unequivocally that the Senator spoke plainly in Yoruba language, not in any parable. In the video, he was seen addressing APC supporters, instructing them that, if they saw any Accord Party members before the election, “pi pa ni o”, meaning “it’s killing o”. His disingenuous attempt to subsequently, twist his utterances into a parable, or claim that he was proverbially telling his supporters to kill Accord members with votes, is an outright lie. His statement in Yoruba is as straightforward as saying, I’m 61 years old, which is an indisputable fact!

In an atmosphere that has been marred with violence, where it has been reported that at least 40 people have been killed in pre-election violence, so much so that a heavy presence of security had to be deployed there to keep the peace, Senator Fadahunsi, a leading member of the APC opposition in Osun State’s revealing utterances, can certainly not be taken lightly.

Senator Fadahunsi v Senator AkpotiUduaghan If Senator Francis Fadahunsi isn’t suspended from the Senate for the crime he appears to have openly committed, inciting and counselling people to murder, then it shows that the Senate is partisan and prone to political witch-hunting.

Granted, Senator Fadahunsi’s utterances were 'ex facie curiae' (outside the Senate chamber) while PDP Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’ was 'in facie curiae' (inside the Senate chamber) but Legislators are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times and in all places, and distance themselves from socially unacceptable and immoral behaviour, which obviously includes publicly counselling people to be violent or commit crimes.

So, if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could be

Onikepo braithwaite Braithwaite onikepo

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate “…. the Senator spoke plainly inYoruba language, not in any parable. In the video, he was seen addressing APC supporters, instructing them that, if they saw any Accord Party members before the election,“pi pa ni o”, meaning“it’s killing o”…..

Senator Fadahunsi’s comments appear to constitute a felony, a grave offence……if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could be given such a stiff and unconstitutional punishment of 6 months suspension for her outburst on the floor of the Senate…. surely Senator Fadahunsi…deserves a stiffer punishment….,if ADC’s Malam Nasiru El Rufai can be arrested and charged on the basis of his utterances on Arise TV, concerning the illegal wiretapping….then Senator Fadahunsi should also be arrested for the offence he is alleged to have committed, which was caught live on video….. the procedural disparity in the way both parties are being handled, is the issue” given such a stiff and unconstitutional punishment of 6 months suspension for her outburst on the floor of the Senate last year (see Section 48 of the Constitution and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v Rifikatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N. (CA), surely Senator Fadahunsi who has not only brought the Senate, the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria into serious disrepute with his utterances, but the whole country into odium and opprobrium globally, deserves a stiffer punishment.

Interestingly, so far, the Senate has been silent on Senator Fadahunsi’s behaviour, so much so that the silence has become deafening, and allegations of discrimination against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan because she’s a woman and of the PDP, are being canvassed - see Section 42(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution).

What would the world think of Nigeria, if a Senator of the Federal Republic, who could be seen openly counselling supporters to kill their political adversaries, thereby giving the impression that Politicians have no regard for life and see nothing wrong with killing their opponents; that Nigerian lawmakers have no regard for the laws they make; that Politicians who are members of the ruling APC are not subject to the laws of the land, and they suffer no legal consequences when the commit criminal acts? In a country where the rule of law is upheld, everyone is subject to the law,

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

no one is above it. In Nigeria, the only people who are excepted from suit and legal process, and only during their period in office, are the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors - see Section 308 of the Constitution.

Senator Fadahunsi v Nasiru El Rufai Again, if ADC’s Malam Nasiru El Rufai can be arrested and charged on the basis of his utterances on Arise TV, concerning the illegal wiretapping of the telephone line of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, then Senator Fadahunsi should also be arrested for the offence he is alleged to have committed, which was caught live on video.

Two scenarios arise from Senator Fadahunsi’s utterances, and both carry heavy penalties upon conviction. Section 7 of the Criminal Code Act (CCA) (applicable in the Southern States of Nigeria)(there should be a corresponding provision under the Osun State Criminal Law), provides that anyone who counsels or procures others to commit an offence is deemed to have committed the offence like the principal offender, and would suffer the same punishment if there is a conviction. See State v Mgbeafuru (2020) LPELR-51752 (CA) per Misitura Omodere Bolaji-Yusuff, JCA where the Court of Appeal held thus: “A conviction of counselling or procuring the commission of an offence, entails

APC Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East

the same consequences in all respects as a conviction of committing the offence. Any person who procures another to do or omit to do any act of such a nature that, if he had himself done the act or made the omission, that act or omission would have constituted an offence on his part, is guilty of an offence of the same kind, and is liable to the same punishment, as if he had himself done the act or made the omission; and he may be charged with himself doing the act or making the omission”.

On the face of the video, Senator Fadahunsi’s statement appears to counsel or procure the commission of murder (or a serious offence against a person). Counselling a person to commit murder, in the eyes of the law, is considered to be exactly the same as actually physically committing the murder (see Section 7 of the CCA). By virtue of Section 319 of the CCA, the punishment for murder upon conviction, is the death penalty.

In the event that no death is linked to Senator Fadahunsi’s comments, his utterances raise a prima facie case under Section 324 of the CCA, which prescribes a 14 year imprisonment upon conviction for an attempt to counsel or procure another person to commit murder.

Either way, Senator Fadahunsi’s comments appear to constitute a felony, a grave offence.

And, simply quizzing him and letting him go home, without detaining him, charging him to court, and him making his bail application to the court just like Malam El Rufai, smacks of double standards, inequality, inequity and discrimination in favour of Senator Fadahunsi and against Malam El Rufai (see Section 42 of the Constitution), concerning their offensive comments which both carry 14 years imprisonment upon conviction (see Sections 1(1)(b), 7(1)(a) & 8 (1)(b) of the Official Secrets Act 1962), and worse still, maybe the death sentence/life imprisonment in Senator Fadahunsi’s case, if any pre-election violence, murder or manslaughter can definitively be linked to Senator Fadahunsi (I’m in no way say that they can) or his comments. As the saying goes, what is good for the goose, is good for the gander.

While obviously the nature of Malam El Rufai and Senator Fadahunsi’s comments are different, and the offences resulting therefrom are also different, the procedural disparity in the way both parties are being handled, is the issue.

Many a time, people allege that successive governments have used security agencies to witch-hunt adversaries, critics and political opponents into submission. The civilians appear to have carried this arbitrary, dictatorial habit of the military, into this so-called democratic dispensation. Ignoring their constitutional and statutory functions, security agencies are used to oppress citizens, instead of concentrating on bringing real criminals to book. The public is also of the view that security agencies are partial to members of the ruling party/Government, and an act like letting Senator Fadahunsi who appears to have openly committed an offence, go home happily as if nothing happened, lends credence to this narrative. If the public is unaware of a crime, then possibly a perpetrator could get away with committing an offence. But, when the perpetrator openly admits to an offence, or it is committed in the eyes of the public, silence or omission to take the necessary legal steps, may be tantamount to Government’s acquiescence, if not complicity.

And, when the public point out these shortcomings, Government spokespersons are always quick to rain invectives on them, forgetting that 1) Section 14(2)(a) & (c) of the Constitution gives the people sovereignty from which the government derives its power and authority, as well as the right to participate in their government; and that 2) Government and its agencies are usually the ones that take actions, which create circumstances that give the people the platform to make these complaints.

Certainly, the so-far casual attitude of the Police in Senator Fadahunsi’s matter, is one of those circumstances that may qualify.

Conclusion When the foundational and constitutional principle of equality before the law appears to collapse in practice, giving way to a selective or two-tier justice system, it gives the impression that the administration of justice system of that State is weak and no longer functions as it should, and may be an instrument of political management instead. It gives the impression that, such a State has subordinated the rule of law to power and politics. It gives the impression that such a State is akin to a Banana Republic, where the laws exist on paper in the statute books, but are not applied appropriately, and instead, are enforced arbitrarily, selectively and partially.

IV law report

TueSday, AUGUST 18, 2026 • T H I S D AY

Burden of Proof: Competing Claims of Communal v Exclusive Customary Land Ownership Facts The appeal arose from a land dispute between the parties, over a parcel of land known as Aguika land.

The Appellants commenced an action against the Respondents before the Customary Court of Enugu State, seeking amongst other reliefs, an order mandating the sharing of the said Aguika Land among the UmuaguInyi community clans in the ration the court may deem necessary. The case of the Appellants was that the land was acquired by the conquest of the Nneoma People, after the clans of the UmuaguInyi Village waged a successful war against them to avenge the killing of the Respondents’ progenitor – Onara. The Appellants claimed that before the war, an oath was sworn that any booty recovered from the war would be shared equally amongst all the clans in UmuaguInyi.

However, after the Aguika land was acquired, it was left unshared and reserved for communal farming, while the Respondents’ family was merely appointed as caretaker. They claimed that the land was owned commonly by all the clans in UmuaguInyi, but the Respondents later began claiming exclusive ownership.

The Respondents concurred with the Appellants that the land in dispute was acquired by the conquest of the Nneoma People, however,q they denied taking any oath that the booty of war would be shared equally among all the UmuaguInyi clans. They claimed that another conquered parcel of land was given to participating warriors as compensation, while the Aguika land which was the actual place where Onara was murdered by the Nneoma People, was left to his children as their inheritance.

At the close of trial, the Customary Court (trial court) by a majority of 2:1 delivered judgement in favour of the Appellants, and granted all the reliefs sought. Aggrieved, the Respondents filed an appeal before the High Court of Enugu State, sitting in its appellate jurisdiction. The High Court of Enugu State set aside the trial court’s decision, and dismissed the Appellants’ claims. The Appellants’ subsequent appeal Honourable Jummai Hannatu Sankey, JSC to the Court of Appeal was unsuccessful, as the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgement of the High Court In the Supreme Court of Nigeria of Enugu State. Aggrieved, the Appellants appealed Holden at Abuja to the Supreme Court.

On Friday, the12th day of December, 2025 Issues for Determination Before their Lordships The Supreme Court adopted the issues formulated John Inyang Okoro by the Appellants for the determination as follows: Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju i. Whether their Lordships of the Court below were Adamu Jauro not in grave error when they placed the burden of proof Jummai Hannatu Sankey on the Appellants, in the face of the Respondents’ claim Obande Festus Ogbuinya of exclusive ownership of the Aguika land, and thereby Justices, Supreme Court came to a perverse decision that the Appellants failed SC/422/2017 to prove that they own the land commonly with the Respondents?

Between ii. Whether their Lordships of the Court below were 1. Bernard Ude right, when they held that the High Court of Enugu State, 2. Boniface Okpara exercising its appellate jurisdiction, rightly interfered 3. Charles Adibe Appellants with the judgement of the trial Customary Court?

4. Ala Eze (For themselves and on behalf of Umuagu Inyi) Arguments On issue one, Counsel for the Appellants contended

And that the Court of Appeal erred in law, by placing the 1. Charles Efobi burden of proof on the Appellants. Counsel contended 2. Hyacinth Igbo that where a party asserts exclusive ownership of a land 3.Emmanuel Nwofor against a community’s claim of communal ownership 4. Sunday Madu Respondents as in the instant case, the onus rested squarely on the (For themselves and on behalf of Umu Onara Ude) party asserting exclusivity to prove it. In support of his submissions, Counsel relied on several judicial (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Jummai Hannatu Sankey, JSC) authorities, including UDEZE v CHIDEBE (1990) 1 NWLR (PT. 125) 141.

In response, Counsel for the Respondents submitted appellate court lacks the jurisdiction to disturb a where the finding of a trial court is perverse that the Court of Appeal correctly placed the burden of trial court's findings of fact, unless such findings or lacks evidentiary support, an appellate proof on the Appellants being the party that approached are perverse, unreasonable, unsupported by court is dutybound to re-evaluate the evidence the court with a claim, and the Appellants who sought evidence, or result in a miscarriage of justice. and overturn the flawed conclusion. Counsel judicial intervention failed to establish by evidence Counsel contended that the trial court’s findings emphasised that the intervention of the High that the specific land in dispute was communally were fully supported by the evidence on record Court of Enugu State and the Court of Appeal owned. Counsel distinguished the authorities cited and so were not perverse, thus the appellate was proper, because the trial court’s error went by the Appellants and submitted that in those cases, courts’ interference was wholly unjustified. beyond the credibility of witnesses to the legal communal ownership of the subject land had either In response, Counsel for the Respondents effect of undisputed facts. been admitted or affirmatively established, which was argued that both the High Court of Enugu State Counsel relied on AKINLAGUN & ORS not the case here. and the Court of Appeal, were right to set aside v OSHOBOJA & ANOR (2006) 12 NWLR On issue two, Counsel for the Appellants submitthe decision of the trial court. Counsel submitted (PT. 993) 60 and urged the Supreme Court ted that the Court of Appeal erred in sanctioning the that the trial court’s finding that the Aguika land to dismiss the appeal. interference of the High Court of Enugu State with the was communally owned, was perverse and findings of fact made by the trial Customary Court. unsupported by evidence, adding that the trial Court's Judgement and Rationale Counsel argued that as the primary court that saw court improperly manufactured a case for the On the 1st issue, the Supreme Court reiterated and heard the witnesses firsthand, the trial court was Appellants, by inventing a non-existent trustee the trite position of the law that in civil cases, in the best position to evaluate credibility and assign status for the Respondents. He asserted that a party who asserts a claim and desires probative value to the evidence. He maintained that an the court to give judgement in his favour as to any legal right being claimed, has the primary burden to prove it. The Court held that although this burden is not static and “Although this burden is not static, and may shift in the course may shift in the course of the proceedings, depending on the state of the pleadings at of the proceedings…the party who has approached the court to any particular stage of the case, however, the fact still remains that the party who assert a claim, bears the initial burden to prove his claim….for a has approached the court to assert a claim, Plaintiff to claim the benefit of the presumption that shifts the bears the initial burden to prove his claim.

The Court relied on Sections 131, 132, and 133(1) burden of proving exclusive ownership to the Defendant, the of the Evidence Act, 2011 (as amended), and the case of AKINBADE v BABATUNDE Plaintiff must as a condition precedent, first prove that the land in (2018) 7 NWLR (PT. 1618) 366, 393–394. dispute is indeed, a communal land” The Apex Court held that, in essence, it

was evident that the law unwaveringly placed the initial burden of proof on the Appellants who approached the trial court first seeking for the pronouncement of a legal right in their favour. The Court then proceeded to consider the Appellants’ argument that their case constituted an exception to the general rule, such that where a party claims exclusive ownership of communal land, the onus rests on that party to prove his exclusive ownership over the land, hence, in their case the primary burden of proof rested on the Respondents. The Supreme Court held that for this to apply, the land in question must first and foremost be shown to be communal land by the party alleging communal ownership, before the onus then shifts to the party claiming exclusive ownership of the land, to establish how the communal land or any part thereof, became vested exclusively on him. The Court held that for a Plaintiff to claim the benefit of the presumption that shifts the burden of proving exclusive ownership to the Defendant, the Plaintiff must as a condition precedent, first prove that the land in dispute is indeed, a communal land.

The Court found that it was on record that the Respondents, right from inception, refuted the Appellants’ claim that the subject land is or has ever been communally owned at any point or that there was an oath taken to the effect that the spoils of war would be shared equally by the UmuaguInyi community. The Apex Court held that the Appellants who had approached the court asserting a claim of communal ownership failed to prove their claim, as the testimony of their key witness who presented himself as an eye witness to events leading to a tribal war that occurred over a thousand years ago, was incredible, farfetched and contradictory, as rightly noted by the President of the trial Customary Court in his dissenting judgement. The Supreme Court concluded that having failed to prove that the land in dispute is communal land, the Appellants cannot be entitled to the shifting of the onus of proof to the Respondents.

On the 2nd issue, the Supreme Court restated the settled position of law that an appellate court will not interfere with the findings of fact of a trial Court, unless there was no evidence to support that finding or wrong conclusions were drawn from the evidence, in which case the finding will be found to be perverse. The Apex Court held that inasmuch as a trial court has a legal duty to properly evaluate evidence led on both sides before coming to a decision which must inevitably be based on the totality of the evidence properly appraised, where the trial court fails to discharge this onerous responsibility, it behoves the appellate Court to interfere.

The Court held that a dispassionate evaluation of the evidence adduced by the parties at the trial court, clearly showed that the scales of justice heavily tilted in favour of the Respondents. The Apex Court referred to the various exhibits tendered before the trial court by the Respondents, including several judgements delivered in favour of one Mr Akabuogu, a member of the Respondents’ family in respect of the land in dispute; evidence of several acts of ownership exercised exclusively by the Respondents over time, such as letting portions of the land to tenants who identified only the Respondents as their landlord, single-handedly and successfully resisting an attempt by the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation to trespass on the land; a register on tribute collection by the Respondents for use of the land 1969-1996 which also showed payment of tribute by the deceased 1st Plaintiff who was substituted with the 1st Appellant; and a newspaper publication as far back as February 1971 which depicted the Respondents as the owner of the land.

The Court held that the Respondents adduced documentary evidence in support of their defence, which is superior evidence, as opposed to parole evidence, which is inferior evidence. The Court found that the avalanche of evidence adduced by the Respondents, both oral and documentary, dislodged the feeble, weak and unsubstantiated claims of the Appellants; and the High Court was right as affirmed by the Court of Appeal, to have interfered with and set aside the majority decision of the trial Customary Court, which was clearly perverse.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation P.M.B. Onyia with others for the Appellants Dr Peter Chidera Aneze for the Respondents Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

V

TueSday, AUGUST 18, 2026 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

Prof Mathew Chucks Okpaluba

Chief J-K Gadzama

Nigeria Loses Erudite Law Teacher, as Prof Matthew Okpaluba Passes On Stories by Steve Aya The Nigerian legal and academic community has recorded another painful loss with the demise of a distinguished law teacher, Professor Mathew Chucks Okpaluba.

A statement by his family said ‘Prof Okpaluba lived a life of legal scholarship, teaching and service.

‘His demise marks the passing of one of the most distinguished legal scholars of his generation’.

‘Born in 1942, he began his legal studies during a formative period in the evolution of postcolonial African legal systems.

‘It was against this rich and varied intellectual background, that Professor Okpaluba began to establish the academic career for which he would become so widely respected.

‘His appointment to the University of the West Indies marked an important early stage

in that career, where he played a significant role in establishing and building the reputation of its Faculty of Law. In 1978, he returned to Africa, subsequently holding professorial appointments in Nigeria, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho and South Africa.

‘Professor Okpaluba's

academic career was remarkable, both for its longevity and its geographical reach. His education across three legal traditions, the English common law, the Caribbean experience and the developing jurisprudence of postindependence Africa, provided the comparative perspective that became a defining characteristic of his teaching and scholarship.’

Prof Okpaluba’s academic career spanned more than four decades, and he established himself as one of Africa's foremost authorities on constitutional law, administrative law, labour law, social security law, jurisprudence and human rights.

His work consistently emphasised legality, procedural

fairness, rational decision-making and judicial accountability. His early academic research was in this field, and his doctoral thesis at the University of the West Indies, was written on labour law. His first book, published in 1975, addressed collective bargaining in the Caribbean.

At the time of his passing, that the forthcoming publication of

Gadzama Remembers Prof Kasunmu, Celebrates a Life Devoted to Law Joe- Kyari Gadzama has paid tribute to the late Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, describing him as a distinguished member of the Nigerian Bar whose professionalism, dignity and commitment to the traditions of the legal profession earned him enduring respect among his colleagues.

Gadzama, who had appeared against Professor Kasunmu in a number of

matters, said he witnessed firsthand the professionalism and cordial relationships the late Senior Advocate maintained with colleagues, including those on the opposing side.

He also recalled attending meetings of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Lagos, when Professor Kasunmu served as Chairman. According to Gadzama, he presided over the proceedings with

the dignity, composure and authority that characterised his generation of Senior Advocates, displaying a quiet assurance and commitment to the standards of the legal profession.

He further stated that his connection with Professor Kasunmu also extended beyond the courtroom through Spencer, a mutual colleague and friend, whom he came to know through his late Uncle,

Lamar Abbagana. Those relationships, he said, gave him a deeper appreciation of the professional legacy Professor Kasunmu built, and the influence he had on those who worked with and around him. He also described Professor Kasunmu as belonging to an era in which the practice of law was regarded not merely as a profession, but as a calling requiring discipline, learning,

NBA, UNICEF Seal N120m Deal to Expand Justice for Children The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have entered into a ₦120 million partnership to strengthen access to justice for children and young people across Nigeria.

The programme, covered by an institutional contract running from July 9, 2026 to March 30, 2027, will focus on improving legal representation for children, strengthening child-friendly justice mechanisms, and expanding the capacity of Lawyers handling cases involving young people.

Under the agreement, the NBA will lead activities including policy advocacy, nationwide training and certification of more than 7,000 Lawyers, expansion of pro bono services, community awareness campaigns, legal-aid mechanisms and quality assurance for legal representation. The programme will also promote diversion, and non-custodial measures as alternatives to detention.

his on labour law, written with Professor M Budeli-Nemokonde, ‘Remedies of Unfair Dismissal in Contemporary South African Labour Law: Reinstatement, Reemployment and Compensation’ was being published. Some of his students went on to distinguished careers as Judges, senior advocates, academics and public officials across Africa.

The partnership builds on earlier cooperation between UNICEF and the NBA, on reforming Nigeria’s justice system for children. Previous joint initiatives have focused on reducing child detention and overcrowding in juvenile facilities, strengthening childprotection systems, expanding legal aid and promoting full implementation of the Child Rights Act across Nigeria.

The latest programme is expected to improve children’s access to timely legal assistance, increase the use of diversion and noncustodial measures, reduce the detention of children and strengthen legal-aid structures across the country. It will also seek to give children a greater voice in justice processes, and promote policies that take their particular needs into account.

The initiative comes against a difficult background, for child protection in Nigeria.

UNICEF says millions of Nigerian children remain exposed to protection risks arising from conflict,

displacement, poverty and other emergencies, underscoring the need for stronger systems capable of protecting children and ensuring access to essential services, including justice.

For the legal profession, the

partnership places Lawyers at the centre of efforts to make Nigeria’s justice system more responsive to children, particularly those who come into contact with the law. For children and young people, its ultimate test will be whether

the programme translates into better legal representation, fewer unnecessary detentions and a justice system that protects their rights, while giving them a genuine opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration.

integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.

According to Gadzama, Professor Kasunmu's contribution to the Nigerian legal profession would endure beyond the cases he argued or the offices he occupied, with his conduct and commitment to professional standards forming an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.

While Joining other members of the Bar in mourning his passing, Gadzama celebrated Professor Kasunmu's life and devotion to the law, saying his contribution to the development and dignity of the Nigerian legal profession would not be forgotten.

He prayed that the soul of the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria, would rest in peace.

Lawyers Divided Over CJN’s Directive on ‘Barrister’ Lawyers have expressed divergent views over a directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, GCON, directing legal practitioners and court officials to stop using “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official engagements with the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The memorandum directed legal practitioners, court registrars and other relevant officials to discontinue the use of “Barrister” as a prefix in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other engagements with the Apex Court, as part of

efforts to uphold professional standards.

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS), however, has challenged the legal basis of the directive.

Its Executive Director, Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja, argued that the Legal Practitioners Act recognises Nigerian Lawyers as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court”, and does not expressly empower the CJN, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee or the Nigerian Bar Association, to prohibit the use of the designation.

The Society also questioned the recommendation of “Esquire” as an alternative, arguing that the term is not expressly contained in the Act either.

Other Lawyers, however, have supported the CJN’s position,

arguing that the directive is consistent with established professional practice and judicial authority on the proper use of “Barrister” as a title. They point to the Supreme Court’s decision in NBA v Ofomata, in which the Court described the use of “Barrister” as a prefix to a Lawyer’s name as unprofessional and improper. upporters of the directive therefore, contend that it does not amount to a declaration that Nigerian Lawyers are not Barristers, but concerns the manner in which the designation is used as a title or prefix in official court engagements.

They argue that the Apex Court is entitled to enforce professional standards, and regulate the form in which

legal practitioners present themselves in proceedings and official dealings with the court.

The controversy has consequently shifted from the meaning of the word “Barrister” to a wider legal question over the scope of the CJN’s administrative authority, the distinction between professional titles and statutory designations, and the extent to which existing judicial decisions regulate the practice.

While the NLS maintains that the directive lacks a clear statutory foundation, Lawyers supporting the CJN’s position rely on professional rules and judicial precedent, leaving the debate open as to whether the matter will ultimately require further judicial clarification.

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Professor Kasunmu, SAN: The Exit of a Quintessential Academic and Advocate Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN bestrode the Nigerian legal firmament like the quintessential Colossus. He wrote his name in gold, as an academic and subsequently, as a public servant and astute advocate. Born on May 23, 1934, Prof Kasunmu joined the saints triumphant in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92. In this Special Edition of THISDAY LAWYER, Lawyers, including his students and mentees, pay a well-deserved, glowing tribute to him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen

A

Consummate Learned Gentleman -Chief Folake Solanke, SAN Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, was a consummate learned gentleman, whose professional legacy is imperishable. The NBA has lost a genuine Silk.

May the God of all comfort, console the family and his learned colleagues, Deo Volente. To the cerebral learned Professor of Law, resquiescat in pace.

Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Matriarch of the Bar Tribute to Our Leader, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN - Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) announces with deep sorrow, the transition to eternal glory of one of our most distinguished and esteemed members, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, who passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92.

Professor Kasunmu was a titan of the legal profession, a pioneering legal scholar, and a quintessential Senior Advocate whose life and career set an enduring standard of excellence, integrity, and profound intellect.

From his early days as a foundational lecturer at the University of Ife to his tenure as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, he played a pivotal role in shaping the legal minds of generations of Nigerian Lawyers.

His contributions to public service as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for Lagos State (1975–1978), were marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Upon his conferment with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1979 (he is Number 20 on the Roll), he continued to distinguish himself in private practice, as a brilliant advocate leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian jurisprudence through his extensive legal scholarship and his astute representation in the domestic and international fora, in both litigation and arbitration.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria mourns the loss of a mentor, a gentleman of the Inner Bar, and a legal icon. His scholarly contributions, particularly his seminal texts and articles, will remain foundational resources for the legal community for years to come.

We honour his memory, and the legacy of service he leaves behind. He was no doubt the last of the titans from the old brigade who, as the most senior living Senior Advocate of Nigeria for many years, served as Leader and Vice-Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

"His scholarly contributions, particularly his seminal texts and articles, will remain foundational resources for the legal community for years to come"

On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the Body, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Kasunmu family, his friends, and his colleagues during this time of profound grief.

May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort all those he has left behind.

May his memory remain a blessing.

Mr Olumide Sofowora, SAN, C.Arb, Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) He was a Giant through and through - Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN Professor A. B. Kasunmu was one of our finest lecturers, at the University of Lagos. He succeeded the great Professor Taslim Olawale Elias, as Dean of the Faculty of Law. Those of us who had the rare privilege of passing through these globally acclaimed scholars at Unilag, were exceptionally fortunate. We were taught and inspired by a good number of the giants and potentates of the legal profession.

Professor Kasunmu was a fine and elegant gentleman, w h o would never harass or intimidate a n y student.

H e was, in every sense, in a class of his own. At different times, he served as the Attorney-General of Lagos State, a classroom teacher and a courtroom advocate.

He belonged to the first generation of academics who took the Silk, not only by virtue of their academic standing, but by the sheer force of merit and distinction as foremost legal practitioners. He was a prodigious author and writer, a mentor, a role model and, above all, a man of uncommon intellectual and professional distinction.

Soft-spoken and gentle in disposition, Professor Kasunmu was nevertheless uncompromising in terms of integrity, ethics and values. He was not one to rationalise wrongdoing, or compromise principles for convenience. His quiet demeanour could never be mistaken for weakness; beneath that calm exterior was a man of firm convictions, and an abiding commitment to the highest traditions of the legal profession.

I was privileged to be fairly close to him, beginning from my student days at the University of Lagos, but our relationship became even closer when we began criss-crossing the courtrooms, representing diverse clients. On some occasions, we were aligned, while on some others, our swords were crossed. I vividly recall that we were engaged in the same matter, when the Abacha mid-day coup was announced in 1993.

While I represented Ondo State as the Attorney-General at the time, the titan represented the opposing party. Though the case was just one of the several we later appeared together, the memory of that occasion, and of appearing against such a formidable advocate and my former highly esteemed teacher for the first time, has remained indelible.

One quality, in particular, distinguished this astute Bar leader: his unfailing courtesy to the Bench and to

his colleagues at the Bar, including those of us who had once been his students. He carried himself with a rare dignity and graciousness. He was genuinely proud of his former students who went on to distinguish themselves in the profession; and I recall, the nostalgia and warmth with which he received news of my attainment of the rank of Senior Advocate in 1991.

He had a simple yet, unmistakably magisterial carriage.

He was a tall man in stature, but even taller in character, intellect, learning and professional accomplishment.

No chronicler of the legal profession can do justice to any publication without devoting a good chapter to this highly cerebral academic and very successful courtroom legal expert who, through his dexterity and profundity, handled several causes which defined (and still define) our jurisprudence and precedents. Our Law Reports bear eloquent testimonies, to this truism.

By his passing, the Nigerian legal community, academia and indeed, the nation have lost a foremost academic, an erudite scholar, a forensic advocate, a formidable Bar leader (who at the time of his passing, was also the Leader of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria/ BOSAN), a role model, a mentor, a shepherd and a national hero.

Yet, even in our grief, we have every reason to celebrate his life and times, and to be proud of the imperishable legacies he bequeathed to the legal profession, to scholarship and to humanity.

Professor A. B. Kasunmu lived a life of distinction, service, learning and integrity. His influence transcended, and will continue to transcend the classroom and the courtroom; it lives on in the many generations of Lawyers whom he taught, mentored and inspired.

May his distinguished soul rest in peace.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN A Rare Breed - Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN Prof A. B. Kasunmu, (Prof. ABK) was a rare breed, who was exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted.

Prof was blessed with an uncommon photographic memory which enabled him to recall facts, cases, principles and events with remarkable ease. He was, in every sense of the word, a Lawyer’s Lawyer. He was neither a bully nor an oppressor. He was subtle in his approach, yet effective and result oriented. In Prof, we all found a precious father, a friend, a confidant, a mentor, an outstanding role model, a silent and humble achiever.

Prof as a Teacher and Mentor Prof was a teacher in the every sense of the word. He was a lecturer of lecturers, professor of professors, an advocate of advocates, and a repository of knowledge.

Between 1962 and 1975 Prof gave his best to staff and students of faculties of law of Universities of Ife and of Lagos (UNILAG) respectively. Between 1973 and 1975, Prof was Dean of the incomparable Faculty of Law, UNILAG. Between 1975 and 1978, Prof functioned as the Attorney-General of Lagos State.

He returned briefly to UNILAG where he retired the same year, purposely to establish his flourishing Firm (Professor A.B Kasunmu’s Chambers).

Prof’s publications while in the academia attest to his standing as one of Nigeria’s finest intellectual legal giants. His book title ‘Nigerian Family Law’ which he co-authored with J.W Salacuse and published

by Butterworths London, in 1966 for a very long time remained the compass that assisted students, lecturers and legal practitioners to navigate the then relatively unexplored field of family law in Nigeria.

He edited the book ‘The Supreme Court of Nigeria

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1956-1970’ which Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN has rightly acknowledged, as a study of the Supreme Court in its formative years, and a valuable records of law before it found its voice.

I attest that Prof was not only a professor of law, he was also an excellent advocate.

Prof as an Advocate Several cases lend credence to the quality and breadth of Prof’s advocacy in the numerous areas of law.

In the case of Savannah Bank of Nigeria Ltd. v Ajilo. where the Supreme Court invited Prof as amicus curiae on the important question of the application of the consent provisions of the Land Use Act to interests in land acquired before the enactment of the Act (Deemed Grant).

His submission that the requirement of the Governor's consent applied to subsequent dealings with such property was accepted by the Supreme Court, and became one of the leading authorities on the requirement of Governor's consent in all land transactions, whether the root of title is based on actual grant by Governor post enactment of the Land Use Act or based on title which were acquired prior to the enactment of the Land Use Act (Deemed Grant).

I also recall with admiration Prof’s advocacy in Kotoye v Central Bank of Nigeria. He represented Central Bank and advanced the argument that an Ex-parte injunction designed to remain in force until the final determination of a case, with potentially serious and lasting consequences, ought not ordinarily to be granted without hearing the affected parties. The Supreme Court upheld Prof’s submission and consequently, endorsed the decision of the Court of Appeal which had set aside the ex-parte injunction granted by the trial court. The decision has remained a guiding light to the legal profession in the law of ex-parte, its shelf life and the observance of fair hearing.

In Securities and Exchange Commission v Professor A. B. Kasunmu, SAN (2009) where Prof challenged Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Regulation to the effect that Lawyers acting in connection with public offers, should mandatorily register with SEC before being allowed to act in such transaction.

The beneficiaries of the decision are members of the legal profession who have been spared the ordeal of double registration, with their professional body and a non-legal professional body like SEC. Prof was Appellant’s Counsel in the case of Osho v Foreign Finance Corporation Ltd where the Apex Court voided revocation of Statutory Right of Occupancy in respect of a land, on the ground that notice of revocation failed to spell out the specific recognised public purpose which warranted the revocation.

Granted, that the appeal was dismissed, Prof gave a good account of himself, as officer of the Court and a minister in the temple of justice.

Front Row L-R: Tosin Kasunmu Adekoya; Late Professor Kasunmu, SAN; Son-in-law, Yomi Okunnu Back Row L-R: Granddaughter, Toun Okunnu Morgan; Tunde Kasunmu; Toyin Kasunmu Hassan Odukale; Bola Kasunmu Olugboyegun; Jumoke Kasunmu Okunnu

A Family Man Par Excellence Prof was a family man par excellence, who cherished his family and valued the relationships that mattered to him. Prof’s fidelity to the legal profession and his positive influence on members of his immediate family, find corroboration in his being survived by a team of family members who are legal practitioners and who only require only one more member to form a football team. He is survived by six biological children, who are all members of legal profession. Two sons-in-law who are Lawyers, and two grandchildren who are also members of our noble profession.

He loved members of his family unconditionally, and they in turn, reciprocated with care and affection.

We all have lost a humane father, a friend, a Leader, a mentor, a role model and a gentleman.

Adieu our dear Prof ABK. Continue with your richly deserved peaceful rest, in the bosom of your Creator.

Distinguished Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, FCArb, FNIALS Professor A. B. Kasunmu, SAN: An Advocate of the Highest Repute - Toyin Pinheiro, SAN Long before Professor A. B. Kasumu left the University, he had already established himself as a distinguished legal mind and a trusted consultant to many of his senior colleagues.

They cherished and valued his exceptional analytical ability, particularly his remarkable capacity to unravel

"The law reports are replete with cases in which his erudition, penetrating analysis and mastery of the law made a profound difference to the outcome"

and illuminate the most difficult and “grey area” issues of law. His opinions were sought, not merely because of his academic standing, but because of the depth, clarity and originality of his legal reasoning.

Professor Kasunmu’s eventual entry into full-time legal practice was immediately acknowledged, by the conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. It was not merely an honour; it was a fitting recognition and testimony to his exceptional intellectual and professional worth.

Like his cousin, the legendary Chief F. R. A. Williams, SAN, Professor Kasunmu was an advocate of the highest distinction and repute. The law reports are replete with cases in which his erudition, penetrating analysis and mastery of the law made a profound difference to the outcome. He possessed that rare ability to identify the decisive point in a case and present it with such force, precision and clarity, that it could not easily be ignored.

Beyond his brilliance at the Bar, Professor Kasunmu was an exemplary gentleman. Prof - as he was fondly called by everyone - served meritoriously as Attorney-General of Lagos State, bringing to that office the same intellectual distinction, integrity and commitment that characterised his professional life.

He carried the rank of Senior Advocate with pride, dignity and distinction.

Tall, dignified and elegant in his robe, he was a commanding presence in court and a true embodiment of the stature, traditions and finest ideals of the Nigerian Bar. Yet, behind the formidable advocate was a remarkably lively, warm and jovial man. In Chambers at Eric Moore Close and Sani Adewale Street, both in Surulere, and eventually at the permanent office in Yaba, Professor Kasunmu was approachable, engaging and generous with his colleagues.

Whenever he led a team, he would often call for a conference - not simply to give directions, but to listen to,

consider and harmonise the different legal perspectives of members of the team. Those conferences were often characterised by the presence of a bottle of fresh groundnuts, or some other light nibbles on the conference table. It was a simple, but memorable reflection of the man: brilliant and formidable in law, yet warm, convivial and deeply human.

He believed in the collective strength of rigorous legal thinking. He encouraged debate, valued alternative perspectives and understood that the best legal solutions often emerged from the careful examination of different viewpoints.

Professor Kasunmu was also exceptionally generous, with his time and knowledge. He freely rendered legal opinions to colleagues, often without expectation of any reward. His willingness to share his immense learning, was itself a form of service to the profession.

He understood that the advancement of the law was not the preserve of one individual, but a collective responsibility His Chambers became, in many respects, a place of learning and intellectual development. He mentored and influenced numerous Lawyers who passed through his flourishing practice, including five biological children who themselves b e c a m e learned colleagues, as well as a good number of Senior Advocates and other distinguished practitioners who, at one time or another, served as juniors in his Chambers. His influence therefore, extended far beyond the cases he argued; it was reflected in the Lawyers he helped to shape.

Professor Kasunmu leaves behind, cont'd on page VIII

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more than a distinguished record of advocacy. He set a precedent of an enduring legacy of intellectual excellence, professional dignity, generosity, mentorship and service to the law.

As we bid him farewell, we mourn the loss of an outstanding scholar, advocate, public servant and gentleman. But, we also celebrate a life that enriched the Nigerian legal profession, strengthened the tradition of advocacy and inspired generations of Lawyers.

His contributions to the profession will remain indelible, and his memory will continue to live in the minds and professional lives of the many Lawyers whom he influenced, mentored and inspired.

May his memory remain a blessing.

Amen.

Toyin Pinheiro, SAN Our Father in Chambers - Olaotan Ajose-Adeogun, SAN It was with great sadness, that I received the news of the passing of Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN. In several tributes, he has been described as brilliant, an intellectual giant, great advocate, a man of high integrity, and so much more. I agree with all the descriptions of him.

I would like to write about Prof Kasunmu, SAN initially from the perspective of a young boy who knew him, and later ended up working for him. I got to know about Prof Kasunmu when I was about 16/17 years old. My late Father, Hon Justice Olatunji Ajose-Adeogun, JCA, was a Lawyer working in the chambers of the legal Colossus, Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN. Professor Kasunmu, SAN was a Consultant in the chambers of Chief Williams, SAN. In 1978 after my O-levels, I went to work in Chief Wi l l i a m s ’ chambers for the holiday period, and I met Prof Kasunmu who was at that time, AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State.

I recall that I had seen him before at our home, when he came to visit my father. He was a very elegant man, tall and always well dressed.

On completion of Law School and NYSC, I was asked by my father to choose between the chambers of Chief Williams, SAN and Prof Kasunmu, SAN Chambers. I ended up in the employment of Prof A. B. Kasunmu, SAN. I became a pupil in chambers in 1985, and I was there until 1990.

Prof, as we affectionately called him in chambers, was not a boss. I never felt that I was at work, when I went to work. Chambers was a pleasant calm place, where you were taught the law and other things. I learnt how to relate to other Counsel, which was to be courteous. I learnt how to present my case to Judges in a calm tone, and with respect. I learnt how to organise my work, in a style that worked for me. I could not copy the style of Prof,

Sitting L-R: Tunde Kasunmu; late Mrs Kasunmu; Professor Kasunmu, SAN; Son-in-law, Segun Olugboyegun , Standing L-R: Tosin Kasunmu Adekoya; Jumoke Kasunmu Okunnu; Bola Kasunmu Olugboyegun; Toyin Kasunmu Hassan Odukale

because Prof drew diagrams on a piece of paper which were his legal points. This would be his argument, for the particular case. I learnt to be confident, and not give up. We had to learn how to win. I learnt patience. Yes, Prof was patient and kind. In all my years of knowing Prof, I never heard him raise his voice in annoyance, and there must have been those who annoyed or irritated him.

Prof was our father in chambers.

He loved us, as he loved his children.

After court he would take us to Ikoyi Club for lunch, to discuss the case we had just finished. I have since adopted that, in my own chambers.

His kindness and fatherly role were made clear to me when I lost my first case, a land case in the High Court, Ikeja. I came back to chambers, dejected. Prof encouraged me, and that made me feel much better. He told me not to worry, to apply for the certified true copy of the judgement, and that we would file an appeal.

There was never any scolding or shouting, or unkind word said by Prof in chambers. When you travelled with him out of Lagos on a case, he made sure that you were okay, and you stayed where he stayed.

Even after my departure from chambers to set up my own practice in January 1991, Prof was still helpful.

In a case I did in the High Court, Lagos before Hon Justice Adeyinka who later became Chief Judge of

"In all my years of knowing Prof, I never heard him raise his voice in annoyance, and there must have been those who annoyed or irritated him"

Lagos State, Equity Bank v Decacia, I was up against two legal giants, Chief G.O.K Ajayi, SAN and Dr Arthur Nylander, SAN. I was confronted by a case cited by Chief Ajayi, SAN, which seemed to knock the bottom out of my argument. Prof had come in for his own case, and was waiting.

Someone slipped me a note, when I looked at the note it was Prof’s writing, he referred me to a case and said, cite this case it will rule out his argument.

I cited the case without knowing the ratio, but I saw that it shocked Chief Ajayi, SAN. Prof just looked away, as if he did not know what was happening.

Needless to say, the ruling was in my favour.

Thank you Prof, for all that you did for all of us that trained under you.

You were keen to assist those of us who wanted to take Silk, and several of us have done that. One of us has gone to the High Court Bench. Your chambers children have been successful, thanks to you.

May the soul of our boss, our master and our mentor, rest in peace.

Olaotan Ajose-Adeogun, SAN, FC. Arb Goodbye, Dear Prof: A Man of Kindness, Warmth and Wisdom - Patrick Okoh I have met many great men. Prof had all attributes of greatness, but what distinguished him, was his extraordinary humility and simplicity.

Many described him as humble, simple, unassuming, calm, compassionate, kind, generous and a perfect gentleman. I can attest to these qualities from my own experience of a relationship that, with time, extended to his family.

I knew Prof as far back as 1973, but my first personal contact with him was in 1977, when he was a Professor of

Law at the University of Lagos. My senior in chambers, the late Chief C. M. Smith, often sent me to Prof for consultations on legal matters.

I remember one such occasion. I was not quite sure how to approach such an erudite scholar - a man whose book was the principal text for my Family Law studies, as an undergraduate at the University of Lagos. I went to his home one Saturday morning to deliver a brief, with the nervousness of a young Lawyer meeting someone he deeply respected.

But, Prof put me at ease.

He and his wife, of blessed memory, welcomed me warmly into their home.

At the end of our meeting, I was invited to breakfast, and they both walked me to my car.

I was struck by this act of kindness.

Here was an eminent Professor, who received a young Lawyer like me with such warmth and respect.

The difference in our age and social standing, did not matter to him. He treated me as a fellow human being. deserving of dignity and respect.

That morning taught me a profound lesson, which stayed with me. Status and position may matter, but what ultimately earns respect is humility, simplicity and the value we place on others.

Oga Prof, as I fondly called him, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, warmth, wisdom and, above all, for cont'd on page IX

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the example of your life. You were a great scholar, a great Lawyer, a mentor, a gentleman. Above all, a decent human being.

Your greatness was never diminished by your humility. It made you greater.

You were a peaceful man, and now you rest in that peace which the world cannot give.

May the Lord, in His mercy, grant you a merciful judgement. May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may the Lord’s perpetual light shine upon you forever.

Always deeply remembered.

Patrick Okoh A Tribute to a Legal Giant, A Gentle Soul - Chief Alfred Bamidele Ogedengbe In Loving Memory of Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN Today, we bow our heads not in despair, but in deep gratitude — for a life so well lived, so richly poured out, that it leaves the world better than he found it.

He practised law for over 60 years, yet, he was never defined only by the law.

As an extraordinary scholar and professor of law, he didn’t just teach statutes; he taught integrity. Young Lawyers, students, and colleagues sat at his feet, and left with more than knowledge — they left with character.

As an administrator par excellence, he brought order where there was confusion, and wisdom where there were hard decisions. As an astute legal practitioner, his mind was sharp, his arguments sound, and his reputation unblemished. The courts knew him for brilliance. The Bar knew him for honour.

But, beyond the wig and the books, was the man.

He was extraordinarily gentle, focused, kind, and humble. He was a devout Christian whose faith was not in words alone, but in how he lived. He feared God, loved His Word, and walked humbly with Him. He was a loving husband and dutiful father. Home was his first courtroom, and there he dispensed love, discipline, and grace without fail.

He was a dependable associate, and a trustworthy friend. If he gave you his word, it was settled. If you needed help, his door was open. To many, he was a mentor. To me, he was a lifeline!

He was modest in everything, and generous to a fault. Though greatly blessed, he wore his blessings lightly.

His humility was not an act — it was his nature. It is perhaps, his greatest legacy: that a man who achieved so much insisted on being known for how much he gave, not how much he had.

He touched many lives positively. We are those lives. The Lawyers he mentored.

The students he taught. The families he advised. The friends he encouraged.

The strangers he helped quietly, with no applause. Today, the legal profession has lost a pillar. The church has lost a faithful servant. The family has lost its patriarch. And, we all lost a friend.

But, heaven gained a gentle giant.

And, we gained an example.

May we honour him, not just with words today, but by living with the same

Front Row L-R: Mr Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN; Late Prof Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN; Hon. Justice Oyin Ogala Back Row L-R: Mr Seyilayo Ojo, SAN; Rev Olaotan Ajose-Adeogun, SAN; Otunba Dada Awosika, SAN

humility, the same excellence, the same love for God, and for people.

Rest in peace, Prof.

Your work here is finished. But, your legacy remains.

Chief Alfred Bamidele Ogedengbe, former Attorney-General of Ondo State (1988-1992 and 1999-2001) A Pioneer in the Truest Sense - Dr Eyimofe Atake, SAN The Bar has lost a founder of one of its great traditions, and I have lost an adversary of the kind that makes a Lawyer better for the contest.

History will record Professor Kasunmu as a pioneer in the truest sense: the first professor of law in this country, to cross fully and permanently into private advocacy of renown. A pioneer law lecturer at Ife in 1964, Professor and Dean at Lagos, in 1978 he did what no professor before him had done: he resigned his chair, founded Prof.

A. B. Kasunmu Chambers, and staked his name on the courtroom.

Silk came in January 1979, and the practice that followed, Counsel to the Central Bank and the NDIC, vindicated the wager. The crossing was long prepared: consultant in the chambers of Chief F. R. A. Williams, SAN from 1972 to 1978, save for his three years as Attorney-General of Lagos State: the forge and the proving ground. The scholar never

"History will record Professor Kasunmu as a pioneer in the truest sense: the first professor of law in this country, to cross fully and permanently into private advocacy of renown"

left him: Nigerian Family Law, written with Salacuse in 1966; his edited volume on the Supreme Court of Nigeria; his lectures at the Nigerian Law School, even as he built his chambers. He taught the teachers, then showed them the way to court.

I knew his quality from the most demanding vantage point there is: the opposite side of the well of court, and not once but through three courts. The Saint Roland was fought between us from the Federal High Court through the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, five years of combat; and at the summit, on 21 April 1997, I led my brother Adewale for the Shipowners; Professor Kasunmu, SAN led his daughter, Miss O. T. Kasunmu, for the Respondent. Out of that contest the Supreme Court held, for the first time in Nigerian law, that a notice of discontinuance, though filed as of right, is not beyond the court's reach: where a Plaintiff has ridden the court's process to substantial advantage and then discontinues to escape the reckoning, the notice itself is an abuse which the court may set aside, or allow only on terms stripping the advantage away. The report carries the outcome; what it cannot fully carry is the quality of the opposition.

A principle is hammered out between two anvils, and Professor Kasunmu yielded no inch, in any of the three courts, that was not taken from him by argument. Landmarks require worthy

adversaries, and he was among the worthiest of his generation. No shadow of that long contest, ever dimmed the respect between us.

His life leaves the Bar a lesson: learning and advocacy are partners, not rivals; one man may serve the academia, state and courtroom, and dignify all three. His children followed him into the law and into his chambers, the surest tribute a Lawyer’s life can receive.

To his family, the Body of Senior Advocates, the University of Lagos and his generations of students, I extend my deepest condolences. Prof Kasunmu was the first academic to make renowned private advocacy his vocation. This is not a rung on one ladder, but a different door from one house. And, the door Prof opened in 1978 has never closed: every scholar who has since dared the courtroom walks through it, and generations unborn will follow.

His family gives thanks to God, for a life well spent. At the Bar, we will enter the same judgement in our own words: case proved, on the record of six decades, beyond argument, and now beyond appeal. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Eyimofe Atake, SAN, PhD (Cantab) A Person of High Moral Fibre and Intellectual Depth - Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN You cannot possibly speak ill of Professor A.B. Kasunmu, SAN, even in death, without telling lies, or risking revealing yourself as acting out of mischief. Since the sad news of the departure of the Vice Chairman of Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria broke, encomiums continue to reverberate.

Heavens bear me witness, concerning the person of our late mentor. I cont'd on page X

X cover

T H I S D AY • TueSday, AUGUST 18, 2026

Professor Kasunmu, SAN: The Exit of a Quintessential Academic and Advocate cont'd from page IX

can justifiably attest to his enthralling combination of high moral fibre, intellectual depth, professional excellence, and most importantly , his profound humanity. To encounter him, was to experience the very best of the legal profession: thorough scholarship, soft spoken but arresting advocacy with a touch of grace, impeccable integrity and an abiding commitment to fair dealing in all matters. And, not to forget his unmissable capacity to radiate warmth and love to everyone around him, without regard to their status, age or class. It was his second nature to support young professional colleagues as a father figure and yet, he would easily elevate you to the status of a friend, once he found you to be hardworking and trustworthy.

I was barely two years at the Bar, when fate brought me to encounter Professor Kasunmu, SAN as an opposing Counsel.

My boss, late Alao Aka-Bashorun had thrown me a case file to defend a suit brought by late Justice Abiodun Kessington, to recover his father’s estate at Ebute Metta. I gave my mentor an exuberant tough time by exploiting the mess made of the claim by his impossible client in the witness box.

Needless to say that we merely bought some time for our Client, and eventually Prof’s client won on the merit. And, from the impression formed of me in that case, and realising later that a close friend of his was my Uncle, he embraced me fully for the next three decades that I had the privilege of understudying and being led by him professionally. He was genuinely enthusiastic about the growth of others.

Professor Kasunmu did not merely teach the law; he taught the values that give the law its nobility. His counsel was thoughtful, his standards exacting and his encouragement a master class in uplifting others. He was also exceptionally fair to junior colleagues, who shared briefs with him. He welcomed their viewpoints, acknowledged their contributions, and ensured that they were treated with dignity and fairness by clients. He was equally conscientious in recognising their efforts, and sharing fees appropriately. In this, as in every aspect of his practice, he demonstrated that professional excellence is compatible with generosity and humaneness.

Professor Kasunmu’s passing, is a great loss to me personally, and as Learned Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, remarked in his own tribute, the loss of Professor Kasunmu. SAN, even at the ripe age of 92 diminished the legal profession and the nation.

While acknowledging that his remarkable life stands as an enduring and enviable legacy, I thank God and my stars that I had the fortune and grace to call Prof A.B. Kasunmu, SAN, my

The 1979 Set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria with the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Darnley Alexander and Attorney-General of the Federation, Augustine Nnamani L-R: G.C.M Onyuike; Babatunji Olowofoyeku; Sir Darnley Alexander; Augustine Nnamani; Prof Alfred Bandele Kasunmu and Harry Lardner

unmatchable mentor.

May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.

Abiodun J. Owonikoko, SAN, FCArb A Tribute to My Boss, “Father In-law” and Mentor Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, KJW (1934 – 2026) - Oluwaseyilayo Ojo, SAN It is a struggle for me to write these words, to eulogise Prof Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, KJW. I could write a storybook about “Prof”, as we so fondly called him.

Prof was a legal icon. whose contributions to the legal profession adorn the pages of our law reports.

The tributes that have trailed his passing, all bear eloquent testimony to the huge impact he made on the legal profession and constitutionalism in Nigeria.

On a more personal note, Prof was to me. a father, mentor, friend, gist partner, hymn lover, legal resource, and a most dependable pillar of support. He was my “father-in-law”.

I am privileged to have been drawn to him and mentored by him from the early part of my undergraduate years, and throughout my law career. Prof was my second earthly father, and I loved him and my biological father dearly. He and

"He had an uncanny ability to simplify the most complex of issues, and always used mind maps that only the “initiated”could understand. He drew counsel and debated legal issues with all, whether Lawyer or support staff"

Lateph Adeniji, Esq., who headed the chambers at the time, helped in no small measure, to found my career in law and mould me into the Lawyer that I am today. I began to carry Prof’s briefcase to court, from my second year in University.

Prof was witty and very humble.

Back in the day, a show of humility was a rarity for many Lawyers of his stature. He never made you feel any less a person or Lawyer than himself, and was ever ready to acknowledge his challenges - especially when he knew that doing so would encourage you.

One of my most memorable experiences was in 1998, when he pitched me to argue against Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, in a land matter before the Court of Appeal.

His reason was simple: “Seyi, this case is about the facts, not law. You have a better mastery of the facts and record of appeal, than I do.

Legal principles are inextricably tied to the facts of the case, and your firm handle on the facts gives you a considerable advantage over Chief, who will prefer to focus on law. I would have asked you to go alone, but the client will not be pleased. So, I will be there, but you will argue the case”. I accepted the challenge, with much trepidation. That hearing turned out to be a most impactful experience for me. Equally gratifying was the commendation note that I received from the great legal icon himself, Chief Rotimi Williams, who was also Prof’s mentor.

Prof was ever subtle and respectful, even to the most cantankerous of persons - Judge, Counsel, or witness.

His unparalleled humility, gentle mien, and subtlety often belied his savage cross-examination skills. Witnesses hardly saw him coming until the lightbulb moment, by which time they had been discredited. His depth

of wisdom, resourcefulness, and trial strategy kept him miles ahead in thought and preparation for his cases. He had an uncanny ability to simplify the most complex of issues, and always used mind maps that only the “initiated” could understand. He drew counsel and debated legal issues with all, whether Lawyer or support staff. Everyone meant a lot to him, and had something to offer.

He and his friends joked that at age 70, they were in the departure h a l l awaiting announcement of their respective flights. His passage to glory is a celebration of a life truly well-lived, and a legacy of excellence in service to God and humanity. Prof has left us in his twilight years, and was blessed to have a quiver full of wonderful children of faith, whether or not biological, who loved him deeply, doted over him, and cared for him. Death is a debt that we all owe and must, one day, pay. As John Donne said: “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”.

Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, KJW, has done his bit and finished his earthly journey well. We must do likewise, as the day and time beckon on all. Prof fought the good fight, ran his race, kept the faith, and ended well.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Oluwaseyilayo A. Ojo, SAN, FCIArb

XI

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

POLITY

Olubunmi Ojo: Beyond Passport Reforms…

By Femi Salako

W

hen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Nigerians a Renewed Hope Agenda, the skepticism among Nigerians was so strong because of many unfulfilled campaign promises, and were dismissive of it as another hope raised to soon be dashed. While some school of thoughts were of the opinion that the new administration should be given a benefit of the doubt, both skeptics and optimists agreed it will take a while for the vision and promises to become a reality and definitely not in four(4) years, or first term of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency.

At the mention of Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, what comes to mind of many Nigerians is the repositioned, reformed, and reorganized Nigeria Immigration Service and passport services. Nigerians now get value for money as obtaining a new passport or renewing it is now seamless, hitch free, without being fleeced by immigration officials or extorted because of a passport racketeering.

I’m here to tell you there is more to him beyond easement of various passport services

by NIS, there are bold reforms across all the services under his administrative control. The reforms are so defining and far reaching that the impact is evident in just three(3) years in office as Minister and also as one of the brightest light of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

He started out with the drive of digital transformation of public service delivery by replacing manual processes with technology-driven systems, which is a clear demonstration of him bringing his professional background and training to bear.

Most of the reforms embarked upon by him are hinged on technological innovation or introduction.

It is in furtherance of this that he mandated the strict institutional digitization and enterprise content management systems (Interas) across the ministry to enforce transparency and curb bureaucratic inefficiency. This further promoted institutional discipline as the hallmark of that policy is electronic correspondence across departments and agencies of the ministry of Interior.

There is no way we will talk about the many reforms embarked upon by Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, especially the technologically driven reforms without a quick mention of how such digitization move resolved the NIN(National Identification Number) modification backlog. This move tackled and resolved an inherited backlog of roughly 2.5million requests. This was critical to the efficiency in the process of renewing or obtaining new passport which is widely celebrated.

It must also be stated that the ongoing reforms, e-gates were deployed at major international airports to streamline processing and elevate border surveillance.

He didn’t stop at reforms aimed at improving service delivery of agencies under his oversight control, he went beyond improving institutional framework and improved on the welfare, and working conditions across these agencies in what turned out to be a major boost to their motivation, the productivity and efficiency as well.

To achieve this, he first embarked on prisons decongestion by raising significant funds via public-private partnerships to pay off fines for minor offenders, thereby freeing over 4,000 inmates and cutting feeding expenditures. This also reduced the burden of managing inmates in overcrowded prison facilities.

He then recruited scores of medical personnel and upgraded infrastructure and health standards across custodial centers and this was responsible for the first-ever major surgery performed on an inmate at the Kuje Correctional Facility. This has made our correctional facilities live up to its core mandates of being a rehabilitation and reformative centers, and not where people come

Dr. Olubunmi Ojo

out worse off than they went in.

It is on record that he had personally intervened and brought his oversight powers to bear when there is need for such and two instances come to mind when he ordered probe into act of misconduct by personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service(NCoS).

The first had to do with allegations of corruption and reprehensible behaviour, when it was alleged that Idris Okuneye (known as Bobrisky) who was an inmate in one of the correctional facility slept outside the prison walls during his six-month sentence.

In a clear departure from past experiences where nothing comes out of such probe, or often times, that no culpability is established, the probe confirmed irregularities, including unauthorized special privileges and a furnished single cell.

Further findings of the Probe as established by the panel stated that Bobrisky remained inside the custodial center The panel also noted procedural violations and backdated documentation regarding his transfers between custodial centers and also affirmed that evidence showed he had unauthorized access to communication devices and frequent, unrestricted visits.

This prompted disciplinary actions to be taken on some Senior NCoS officers while Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, and other top controllers at Kirikiri were suspended to allow for an unbiased investigation.

This was a demonstration of zero tolerance for indiscipline, unprofessionalism and corrup-

tion which had plagued the service before Mr. Olubunmi Ojo resumed office as Honourable Minister of Interior. It also demonstrated his unflinching dedication that there shall be no compromise on the core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability of any agency under the administrative control of the Ministry under his watch.

Same standard and procedure were extended to the allegations of misconduct and criminal activities within the Okere Correctional Centre in Warri, Delta State. Aftermath of the investigations led authorities to move more than 150 prisoners from Okere to custodial facilities in northern Nigeria while the Minister instituted wide-ranging administrative reviews and personnel removals to crack down on compromised internal security protocols.

It is noteworthy that since he assumed office, there had been no jailbreak, something which was a regular occurrence in the last five years.

Also in his three years in office, there had been a massive career progression which ended prolonged career stagnation by ensuring timely yearly promotion exercises for thousands of paramilitary personnel across immigration, correctional, and civil defense units. This resulted in over 100,000 paramilitary officers promoted within two years, while recruitment approvals were secured for 30,000 personnel, and a Paramilitary Pensions Board established to address long-standing retirement anxieties.

He made the signing of Performance Bond with Head of agencies under him more than a ritual,

but a call to service to see them actively deliver on their yearly operational targets. Recently, during the signing of 2026 performance bond with the service heads, he made them to see it as proof of commitment to fulfillment of mandates after a performance review by the agencies.

The minister commended the services for their dedication, focus and tremendous contribution to nation building, noting that to whom much was given much was expected, as President Bola Tinubu had invested his trust in them, so there was no room to betray the trust.

Lastly, the peak of the many reforms embarked by him, and exemplary leadership is evident in enhanced and improved operational capabilities of all the agencies under his supervision.

Two instances of such are the establishment of specialized units as dedicated response groups, such as the Mining Marshals and specialized railway commands under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to safeguard critical national infrastructure.

Also the massive investments in Federal Fire Service by expanding its logistics and fleet deployments for the Federal Fire Service, reducing overall national property loss from fire incidents.

One thing is evident, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo is not just one of the many flash in the pan, or what we call “ initial gra gra” in our local parlance exhibited by political appointees we have lived with, he is real, he is true and he is our reality which tells us that we will get it right as a nation.

•Femi Salako is Media Consultant to Minister of Interior

XII

WEDNESDAY, 11, 2026 • T H18, I S2026 D AY T H I S D AY • MARCH TUESday, AUGUST

business/MOnEYGUIDE

NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV to Scale Proven Social Impact Across Nigeria Oluchi Chibuzor

The NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has launched ‘Impact FIRST: Heritage’, a new multi-year grant programme designed to provide sustained funding and long-term partnership support to outstanding Nigerian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have demonstrated exceptional impact, accountability, and governance.

The inaugural Impact FIRST: Heritage Grant Presentation Ceremony was held in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together representatives of the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV, beneficiary organisations, development stakeholders, and members of the media to mark a new chapter in the JV’s commitment to sustainable social investment.

Impact FIRST: Heritage builds on the success of the flagship Impact FIRST grant programme, which was launched in 2024 to support innovative and impactful NGOs addressing critical social

challenges across Nigeria.

Since inception, the programme has provided support to 15 NGOs whose interventions have positively impacted more than 20,000 beneficiaries across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Emmanuel Etomi, Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST E&P, described Impact FIRST: Heritage as an important evolution of the Joint Venture’s social investment journey.

“Today, we celebrate five exceptional organisations whose work continue to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. By providing long-term support to organisations that have already demonstrated strong performance and measurable results, we are helping them scale their impact, strengthen their capacity, and create even greater value for the communities they serve.” he said In his address, Mr. Olanrewaju Igandan, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), who was represented by

Usman Mohammed-Bello, Advisor, Community Relations, NUIMS at the event said the transition from an annual, corporate giving programme to a multi-year grant framework reflects a mature, strategic approach to social investment that aligns with the imperatives of sustainable development.

Whilst appreciating FIRST E&P for what he termed a “forward looking initiative”, he further pledged NUIMS commitment to sustaining the collaborative journey towards impactful social value creation that aligns with national development priorities.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiary organisations, Pascal Achunine, Executive Director of the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), expressed appreciation to the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV for the support and confidence reposed in the selected organisations.

He remarked that, “this investment represents more than funding. It is a vote of confidence in the work being done by organisations across the social sector to improve lives and strengthen communities.

Sahara Deepens Investment in African Oilfield Services Peter Uzoho

Sahara Upstream is accelerating the next phase of its oilfield services strategy, strengthening Arahas Global Oilfield Services (Arahas) and SGIR Rigs and Energy Limited as integrated platforms designed to support growing demand for world-class upstream services across Africa.

Speaking on the appointment, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, Ade Odunsi, said the next phase of growth for Africa’s upstream industry will depend on strong regional service companies with the capability to execute increasingly

complex projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

“Building resilient energy systems requires equally resilient service businesses,” Odunsi said. “Arahas and SGIR are strategically positioned to deliver the technical expertise, operational excellence, and customer-focused solutions required by operators across the continent. Gopi’s appointment strengthens our ability to accelerate that ambition,” he added.

He noted that Sahara continues to invest in businesses that create long-term value across Africa’s energy sector.

“Our objective is not simply to grow two

businesses. We are building integrated service platforms capable of supporting exploration, drilling, engineering, project delivery, and production operations at a standard that competes globally while remaining rooted in Africa,” he noted.

Arahas was established to deliver high-impact oilfield services anchored on engineering excellence, operational reliability, innovation, and sustainability, while SGIR provides drilling, engineering, project execution, and field support services that enhance operational efficiency across upstream operations.

Airtel Launches Starlink Mobile in Africa Kayode Tokede

Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched satelliteto-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first commercial deployment in Africa.

The service enables Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access connectivity in non-terrestrial areas wherever they can see the sky.

Starlink, the world’s largest satellite-to-mobile

constellation with 650 launched satellites, enables light-data apps, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as SMS. Customers do not require specialised equipment or a separate device to access the service.

Speaking on the launch, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, commented: “The first-ever commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in Africa is a significant milestonea for Airtel Africa through our partnership with

SpaceX. By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure.

“The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) October 2025

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) • Monetary Policy Rate - 27%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

XIII

T H I S D AY • TUESday, AUGUST 18, 2026

mARKET NEWS

Stock Market Fells by N106.24bn Amid Decline in Inflation Rate Kayode Tokede As Nigerian inflation dropped to 15.43per cent in July 2026, the stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) depreciated by N106.24 billion to commence the new week on a negative note.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its

Consumer Price Index (CPI) report disclosed that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined further to 15.43per cent in July 2026, representing a 0.48 percentage-point decrease from the 15.91per cent recorded in June.

The CPI report also showed a significant decline from the 24.94per cent recorded in July 2025.

However, investors’ profit

P R I C E S MaiN Board

taking in Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc that dropped by 3.2 per cent and 35 others, led to market capitalisation to yesterday at N156.518 trillion, about N106.24 billion or 0.07 per cent drop from N156.623 trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Consequently, the NGX All Share Index closed for trading at 242,454.65basis points, about 164.55basis

F O R

S E C U R I T I E S

DEALS

Market Price

quantity traded

points or 0.07per cent drop from 242,619.20 basis points it closed for trading last week.

This brings the NGX ASI in its Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled lower at -1.2peer cent and +55.8per cent, respectively.

Sectoral performance was broadly negative as the NGX Insurance (-1.5per cent), NGX Oil & Gas (-0.7per cent) and Banking (-0.5per

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S

O F

cent) indices declined, while the NGX Consumer Goods (+0.4per cent) index advanced.

The NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative as 19 stocks gained relative to 37 losers.

RT Briscoe (-9.9per cent) and FTG Insure (-9.9per cent) led the laggards, while Trans Express(+9.9per cent) and AVA Cap Plc (+9.7per cent)

AU G U ST DEALS

posted the most significant gains of the day.

The total volume traded declined by 5.9per cent to 1.33 billion units, valued at N22.93 billion, and exchanged in 45,494 deals.

LASACO Assurance Plc was the most traded stock by volume at 730.69 million units, while MTN Nigeria Communications Plc was the most traded stock by value at N7.30 billion, respectively.

1 7 / 2 6 Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

23

THI S DAY • Tuesday, August 18, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OPR OVERNIGHT

A S

REPO 25.34% 25.18%

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

A u g u st

S & P INDEX

1 7 ,

2 0 2 6

S & P INDEX

CALL 1-MONTH

23.25% 21.37%

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

595.26 0.10%

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

EXCHANGE RATE

1/4 to daTE YEAR TO DATE

0.24% -10.99%

N1,364/ 1 US DOLLAR* *AS AT MONDAY, August 17, 2026

FAAC: Five States Collect N317.5bn as Allocation, Exceed 20 Others Combined

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The five states with the highest Federation Account allocations in May 2026 collectively received N317.47 billion, more than the combined N310.13 billion shared by 20 states with the lowest allocations, highlighting the wide disparity in federally distributed revenues among Nigeria’s 36 states.

A THISDAY analysis of the figures contained in the June revenue allocation report of the Office of the Accountant

General of the Federation (OAGF), but made available this August, showed that Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Bayelsa were the five biggest beneficiaries during the month.

Rivers received the highest net allocation of N70.32 billion, followed by Delta with N66.44 billion, Akwa Ibom with N62.09 billion, Lagos with N60.35 billion and Bayelsa with N58.28 billion. Together, the five states received N317.47 billion, the data showed.

By comparison, the 20

states at the bottom of the allocation table collectively received N310.13 billion, meaning that five states alone collected N7.34 billion more than 20 other states combined.

The 20 lowest-collecting states were: Ekiti (N13.13 billion), Cross River (N13.21 billion), Gombe (N13.98 billion), Ogun (N13.98 billion), Kwara (N14.35 billion), Osun (N14.44 billion), Ebonyi (N14.64 billion), Bauchi (N15.07 billion), Nasarawa (N15.31 billion), Plateau (N15.83 billion) and Yobe (N15.89 billion).

Other low revenue collectors included: Enugu (N16.20 billion), Adamawa (N16.37 billion), Kogi (N16.46 billion), Edo (N16.60 billion), Zamfara (N16.69 billion), Kaduna (N16.72 billion), Kebbi (N16.93 billion), Sokoto (N17.03 billion) and Niger (N17.28 billion).

A further review indicated that the contrast is even sharper when the top five are compared with the five states that received the least during the month. Ekiti, Cross River, Ogun, Gombe and Kwara collectively received only N68.65 billion, meaning the

five biggest recipients received about 4.6 times the amount that went to the five lowest beneficiaries.

The concentration of revenue among the leading beneficiaries was largely driven by the different components of the Federation Account allocation, particularly the 13 per cent derivation revenue received by oil-producing states and the Value Added Tax (VAT) component.

Delta, for instance, received N50.25 billion in derivation revenue, while Akwa Ibom

received N45.98 billion and Bayelsa N42.18 billion. Rivers received N31.29 billion from derivation.

Lagos, which does not receive the 13 per cent derivation allocation, nevertheless ranked fourth among the states because of its large VAT allocation. The state received N55.25 billion as net VAT after a deduction of N9.89 billion, contributing substantially to its N60.35 billion total net allocation.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Experts: NERC’s Sack of Kaduna Disco Signals Deeper Rot in Power Privatisation Peter Uzoho The decision by the

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) to sack the board and core investor of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) over a N456.5 billion debt has laid bare the structural failure of Nigeria’s power privatisation, some industry experts have argued.

In a statement issued last

week, NERC said KAEDCO’s accumulated market liabilities exceeded N450 billion and that Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses stood at over 71 per cent.

Consequently, NERC dissolved the ASI Engineeringled board of the Kaduna Disco, appointed an interim management team for a period of six months and asked the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to secure a new

core investor for the company.

But industry experts said sacking KAEDCO’s board treats the symptom, not the disease.

They argued that without resolving observed governance gaps at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), clarifying the role of lenders, injecting long-term capital, and aligning tariffs with cost, Nigeria risks recycling the same crisis in other Discos.

Sharing his thoughts on

Food name of commodity

Size

State

Rice

50kg

Abuja

50kg

LAGOS

50kg

Plateau

50kg

OYO

50kg

rivers

50kg

Sokoto

Price

₦53,000 – ₦60,000 ₦55,000 – ₦65,000

₦55,000– ₦68,000 ₦55,000– ₦65,000 ₦70,000– ₦82,000 ₦55,000– ₦70,000

the matter, energy expert and Chief Executive Officer of New Hampshire Limited, Mr. Odion Omonfoman, told THISDAY that the regulatory action raises “critical questions about market oversight, governance structures, and the long-term viability of lender-led utility turnaround.”

Omonfoman framed four questions the power industry must now confront, asking why regulators waited so long before taking such action.

Commodities name of commodity

Sorghum

Size

Price

State

100kg JIGAWA 100kg

Benue

100kg

Kaduna

50kg

Enugu

50kg

Lagos

100kg

Delta

100kg

Abia

“Where was the regulatory intervention window?

How did market liabilities accumulate to over N450 billion before decisive regulatory enforcement took place? Allowing underremittance and performance deficits to compound over years without timely intervention creates systemic debt that becomes nearly impossible for any incoming operator to resolve,” he said.

He questioned the role of

BPE which holds 40 per cent equity on behalf of the federal government across all Discos.

“Where was the proactive BPE oversight as debt accrued and non-performance by the initial core investor and the recent core investor (ASI Engineering) persisted?”

Besides, he faulted the growing reliance on banks to manage and run utility power companies.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T o d ay

Price

₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦70,000– ₦90,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦40,000– ₦50,000 ₦42,000– ₦55,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

B EAN S

50kg bag

Ibadan, Oyo

50kg

Lagos

₦65,000– ₦80,000 ₦65,000– ₦80,000

50kg

ABUJA

50kg

Enugu

₦60,000– ₦75,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000

50kg

Delta

₦70,000– ₦85,000

24

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • T H ISDAY

BUSINESSWORLD

News Food

name of commodity

Palm oiL

Size

State

Price

₦42,000 – 25cl Lagos ₦50,000

Commodities

name of commodity

Size

Groundnut

100KG Kano N75,000–₦95,000

State

Price

25cl

PH

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG Benue ₦80,000–₦105,000

25cl

OYO

₦45,000 – ₦55,000

100KG Lagos ₦100,000–₦125,000

25cl

IMO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG Delta ₦105,000–₦130,000

25cl

EDO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG

25cl Abuja

₦48,000 – ₦60,000

100KG Enugu ₦90,000–₦115,000

Abia

₦95,000–₦120,000

Price

name of commodity

ONIONS

T o d ay

Size

State

Price

₦75,000– 100kg Ibadan ₦100,000 100kg KANO ₦55,000– ₦80,000 ₦80,000– 100kg BENUE ₦110,000 ₦80,000– 100kg Plateau ₦110,000 100kg DELTA ₦95,000– ₦125,000 ₦90,000– 100kg LAGOS ₦120,000 ₦90,000– 100kg ENUGU ₦120,000

name of commodity

Size

Location

Price

MAIZE

50kg

Oyo

₦80,000– ₦105,000

50kg Enugu

₦90,000 – ₦115,000

Abia

₦90,000– ₦115,000

50kg Lagos

₦95,000 – ₦115,000

50kg

Kano

₦70,000– ₦95,000

100kg Benue

₦65,000– ₦90,000

50kg

Umahi Urges Federal Controllers to Take Ownership of Projects Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has charged Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to put the interests of Nigerians first and take ownership of projects under their supervision.

Umahi gave the charge at the ministry’s monthly meeting with the Federal Controllers of Works held at its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, a statement by his spokesman, Francis Nwaze stated.

The meeting serves as a platform for reviewing the progress

of federal road projects, addressing challenges and strengthening supervision and accountability in project delivery.

He urged the controllers to take a keen interest in construction and make continuous learning a priority, stressing that effective supervision required both professional knowledge and practical understanding of activities at project sites.

Umahi encouraged the controllers to spend more time at project sites, understand the realities of construction and remain close to communities directly affected by the projects under their supervision.

He said public service

NISO Hosts Gombe Regulatory Commission, Pledges Synergy The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged to collaborate with the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) to develop market frameworks aimed at improving electricity supply in Gombe State.

The commitment was made when the management of GOSERC visited NISO’s corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja, with NISO’s Managing Director and

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Energy Emmanuel Addeh Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Correspondents KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Chief Executive Officer, Bello Mohammed, describing Gombe as a commercial hub in the North-east.

Mohammed noted that the state offers significant opportunities for collaboration, particularly as it seeks to expand electricity supply to support economic activities.

He added that the state’s growing commercial activities and the industrial park being developed by the governor made improved electricity supply imperative.

“Gombe State is comparatively a hub for commercial activities within the North-east.

The establishment of the industrial park by the governor is quite inspiring and warrants increased power supply to the state.

What I can assure you is that NISO will support you 100 per cent in exploring how to improve electricity supply in the state,” he said.

Besides, Mohammed said NISO would work with GOSERC to develop a sound business model that would enable the state to access more electricity.

was more meaningful when driven by genuine passion for the people, urging the controllers to approach their responsibilities with dedication.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Ebonyi

State, Umahi said his achievements in office were driven by his faith, commitment to the people and strong sense of responsibility.

He told the controllers that placing the people

at the centre of their responsibilities amounted to putting God first, adding that genuine commitment to public service would bring fulfilment.

“When you put the people first, you are

putting God first. You will enjoy your job. You will be happy with the job.

As you are putting God and the people first, you are creating an everlasting blessing for your family,” he said.

Rensource, Metro EV Unveil Renewable-powered Mobility Ecosystem Rensource Energy and Metropolitan Electric (Metro EV) have signed an agreement to launch Nigeria’s first integrated renewable-powered electric mobility ecosystem, with the initiative expected to commence on September 1, 2026.

The partnership, it said in a statement, will combine renewable energy, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery solutions and financing in a single platform aimed at making electric mobility more

accessible to individuals, businesses and transport operators.

According to statement, the initiative is designed to tackle major barriers to electric vehicle adoption, including high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range concerns and inadequate financing.

The partnership will also provide vehicle diagnosis, maintenance and after-sales support, as well as payment and maintenance platforms. A credit system based on cash flow will enable individual

drivers and businesses to access financing, while battery rental and replacement options are expected to reduce ownership costs and range concerns.

Chief Executive Officer of Rensource Energy, Dr. Azizat Gbadegesin, said the company was prepared to deliver the project based on its experience in renewable energy programmes across Africa.

“We have built a scalable operating platform that delivers projects on time, on budget and to specification,”

she said, adding that the partnership would extend the company’s “discipline and reliability” to Nigeria’s mobility sector.

Gbadegesin said: “We are not just introducing electric vehicles. We are building the infrastructure, the technology, and the financing models to make sustainable transport work for every Nigerian.”

Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Electric, Olugbenga Obadina, said effective coordination would be critical to expanding electric mobility.

Va n d a l i s m : F i v e TCN Towers Collapse Along Ikot Abasi-Eket Line Five transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi-Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line have collapsed following the removal and theft of critical structural components by vandals, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said.

The extensive damage was discovered during a routine joint patrol of the transmission line by TCN linesmen, a statement in Abuja by the organisation stated.

According to TCN,

preliminary assessment showed that critical structural bracing members had been removed from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13 and N15, resulting in the collapse of five of the affected towers.

The company said further inspection revealed that structural members had also been removed and stolen from seven other towers along the transmission corridor.

It explained that the affected towers had become structurally compromised

and could collapse if urgent remedial action was not taken.

TCN said it had reconfigured the network to prioritise electricity supply from Ibom Power in order to mitigate the impact of the incident on electricity consumers.

The company said its management was mobilising an urgent intervention to reconstruct the affected sections of the transmission line. It added that security agencies had been notified to support investigations

and prevent further acts of vandalism along the transmission corridor.

TCN condemned the incident, describing it as an act of sabotage, and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a reliable national transmission grid.

Meanwhile, TCN’s Port Harcourt Region has commissioned a new 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer at its Afam IV Transmission Substation in Rivers State.

NAPE Tackles Oil Sector Skills Gap with New Academy Peter Uzoho

TThe Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has unveiled plans for an industry-backed academy to tackle the widening disconnect between university education and the practical skills required by Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

This follows growing concerns over the decline of structured industry training and the gap between

classroom learning and workplace readiness.

Speaking at the NAPE Academy Establishment Workshop in Lagos, NAPE President, Mrs Olajumoke Ajayi, said the proposed academy was conceived after concerns that graduates continue to leave universities without the practical exposure employers require, leaving many trapped in the cycle of being asked for experience they have never been given

the opportunity to acquire.

Ajayi said the decline of structured industry training opportunities had created a missing bridge between the classroom and the workplace, despite universities continuing to produce geologists, geophysicists, engineers and other professionals. ”Somewhere between the classroom and the workplace, a bridge has disappeared,” she said, recalling a challenge issued to the association

to take responsibility for preparing the next generation of professionals.

Chairman of the NAPE Academy Planning Committee, Nedo Osayande, said the academy was designed partly in response to the decline of the intensive graduate training programmes once run by international oil companies, describing it as an industry-wide successor to those initiatives rather than a company-owned programme.

25

T H I S D AY • Tuesday, August 18, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD

economy

Driving Export-led Economic Diversification Agenda

For decades, Nigeria’s economic fortunes have been disproportionately tied to crude oil, leaving the country vulnerable to volatile global prices, production disruptions and external shocks. But as President Bola Tinubu’s administration pursues an economic reset under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council is increasingly positioning non-oil exports as a practical pathway to a broader, more resilient economy, James Emejo writes.

I

f anything, the significance of NEPC ’s interventions goes beyond taking Nigerian products to foreign markets.

From supporting women-led businesses and training thousands of prospective exporters to developing agricultural clusters, securing international certifications, opening markets and tackling export rejections, the council is building the infrastructure around the export economy.

Its emerging strategy is clear: diversify what Nigeria produces, increase what it sells to the world, create jobs along the value chain and bring more foreign exchange into the economy.

That is the real economic story behind NEPC’s activities.

The country’s diversification challenge had never simply been about producing more agricultural commodities. The bigger challenge had been converting the country’s enormous productive capacity into internationally competitive goods and services that can earn sustainable foreign exchange - giving NEPC an important mandate in this regard.

Established in 1976 as the federal government’s apex institution for developing and promoting non-oil exports, the Council has a mandate that sits directly at the heart of the administration’s diversification ambitions.

Its responsibility spans export development, promotion of export-related industries, creation of appropriate incentives and implementation of government export policies and programmes.

In practical terms, this means moving Nigeria from a country that primarily exports raw materials to one that can increasingly produce, process, certify, package and market goods for international consumers.

That transition is already visible in the Council’s interventions across agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, women entrepreneurship, skills development and international market access.

To further deliver on the mandate, the presidency announced the appointment of Mrs. Nonye Ayeni as Executive Director/ Chief Executive of NEPC in October 2023 in an effort to further reposition the non-oil export sector as a stronger pillar of economic growth.

Her appointment came at a critical juncture in the country’s economic transition, with the Tinubu administration seeking to move the country beyond its longstanding dependence on crude oil and unlock new sources of foreign exchange, jobs and growth.

Building an Export Pipeline One of the strongest arguments for NEPC’s role in economic diversification is the breadth of its interventions.From 2023 to date, the Council has conducted 1,983 capacity-building programmes involving 215,156 participants across the country.

The scale is significant because successful exporting requires more than having a product.

Entrepreneurs need to understand documentation, standards, pricing, logistics, international payment systems, market intelligence, packaging and the regulatory requirements of destination markets.

Under Ayeni, NEPC’s capacity-building programmes therefore address a critical weakness in Nigeria’s export ecosystem: the shortage of export-ready businesses.

The Council’s Export Mentorship Programme takes that intervention further by connecting prospective exporters with established practitioners.

The pilot began with five performing exporters serving as mentors and 20 prospective exporters as mentees, with 15 mentees completing the programme.

The underlying strategy is commercially important: rather than simply teaching exporters the theory of international trade, NEPC is attempting to transfer practical knowledge from existing exporters to new entrants.The objective is ultimately to enlarge the pool of Nigerian businesses capable of earning foreign exchange.

Six technical task-force areas cover food-safety requirements, domestic residue standards, national monitoring, border measures, responses to rejection cases and optimisation of existing government support.

The approach is important because it tackles the problem before products arrive at foreign borders.

For an economy seeking more foreign exchange from agriculture, preventing export rejection is as important as finding buyers.

Tinubu

New Export Economy Perhaps one of the clearest examples of how NEPC is aligning its work with a modern export economy is its role in the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.

The $50 million initiative, launched by the World Trade Organisation and International Trade Centre, seeks to bridge financing and digital gaps confronting women-led businesses in developing economies.

NEPC’s selection as the only African Business Support Organisation under the initiative, out of 610 applications globally, is significant. More striking was Nigeria’s response.

The Council mobilised more than 68,000 applications from women-led businesses across the six geopolitical zones, making Nigeria the single largest contributor to the global application pool.

Under the first phase, 146 women-led MSMEs were selected for grant support.

The programme goes beyond grants. Beneficiaries receive digital and financial training, coaching, support for e-commerce stores, assistance with pricing and logistics, and access to international digital platforms.

That matters because the future of international trade is increasingly digital.

For Nigeria, enabling women-owned MSMEs to sell beyond their immediate geographical markets creates a new class of exporters without requiring them to begin with large physical establishments or traditional distribution networks.

Export Value Chain NEPC’s sesame cluster project in Kebbi State illustrates another important dimension of the diversification agenda: connecting production directly to export markets.

The Council acquired more than 500 hectares in Tsamiya, Bagudo Local Government Area, for the pilot project and organised 152 farmers into cooperatives.

Rather than stopping at the distribution of agricultural inputs, the intervention combines quality seeds, tractors, organic farm inputs and market access.

The next stage is equally crucial.

NEPC has invited Starlink, one of Nigeria’s major agricultural commodity exporters, to off-take harvested sesame from the warehouse for onward export

to Turkey, building on an agreement between the Council and sesame exporters in Turkey.

This is the kind of value-chain approach Nigeria needs.

Production without a market can create gluts. Markets without reliable production create supply gaps. Export competitiveness requires both.

The Kebbi project attempts to connect the farmer, the aggregator, the exporter and the international buyer in one chain.

Taking Nigerian Products Global One of the less visible obstacles to Nigeria’s export ambitions is product certification.

A product may be abundant, competitively priced and in demand internationally but still fail to enter a premium market if it does not meet the required standards.NEPC’s Go Global Go Certification programme addresses this bottleneck.

The Council says it has facilitated international certifications covering FDA, HACCP and HALAL for more than 305 exporters, while another 567 exporters are currently undergoing certification.

The economic implication is substantial.

Certification is not merely a regulatory exercise. It can determine whether Nigerian products remain at the low end of international markets or gain access to higher-value segments where consumers are prepared to pay premium prices.

For processed foods, agricultural products and manufactured goods, the difference between being exportable and being globally competitive often lies in quality assurance, traceability, packaging and certification.

NEPC’s certification drive therefore supports the administration’s diversification agenda at the point where production becomes international commerce.

Taking Nigerian Businesses to the World Market access remains one of the most powerful components of NEPC’s strategy.

Ayeni’s NEPC has increasingly used international trade fairs and business-tobusiness engagements to put Nigerian companies directly before international buyers.

The Saudi Arabia engagement in February and March 2025 produced a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company and projected $500 million in export revenue from agreements involving Saudi distributors.

At the cosmetics Global Trade Fair in Amsterdam, Nigerian businesses showcased shea butter, essential oils, plant extracts and other natural ingredients.

At the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Shanghai, Nigerian exporters generated export orders while showcasing the country’s resource base.

But perhaps the strongest demonstration of market-access strategy came at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers.

NEPC, in collaboration with BoI, NEXIM and SMEDAN, supported 75 Nigerian SMEs to participate.

Nigeria won the Best Pavilion for Transacting Business award, while participating businesses negotiated prospective export orders estimated at $110 million covering agro-processed commodities, cosmetics, shea butter, solid minerals, arts and crafts, textiles and apparel.

The significance extends beyond the headline figure.

The strategy is effectively using trade diplomacy to connect Nigerian producers with continental demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Opportunity Beyond Nigeria The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents Nigeria with one of its biggest opportunities to diversify its export destinations.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on distant markets, Nigerian businesses can exploit the enormous consumer market across Africa.

NEPC’s involvement in intra-African trade is therefore strategically important.

The Council is not simply promoting Nigerian products abroad; it is helping Nigerian businesses understand and participate in a market where geographical proximity, cultural familiarity and potentially lower logistics costs can provide competitive advantages.

The planned hosting of the 2027 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair in Nigeria could further strengthen this positioning.

Fighting Export Rejections For the Tinubu administration, the Nigeria cannot sustainably increase exports opportunity is straightforward: Nigerian if its products continue to be rejected at companies that become competitive across international borders.

Africa can subsequently scale into Europe, the This explains the importance of the Middle East, Asia and other global markets.

STDF-845 project, a three-year initiative running from 2024 to 2027 and focused Next Generation of Export Crops on reducing international border rejections Export diversification must also begin at of Nigerian sesame and cowpea. the farm gate.

The project targets two major areas: NEPC’s distribution of 4,633 hybrid seedlings compliance with maximum residue levels across different parts of the country is aimed for pesticides and prevention of Salmonella at expanding the productive base for future contamination. exports.

NEPC is coordinating the intervention The intervention has covered oil palm in through an intra-governmental working Kogi, cocoa in Akure and Bayelsa, groundnut group involving relevant sanitary and in Gusau and coffee in Plateau State. phytosanitary agencies, regulators, inspection Continued on page 26 agencies and sector associations.

26

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

news

Report: Fashion Drives Courier Demands in Nigeria on InDrive, Beats Food & Drinks Oluchi Chibuzor

inDrive, a global mobility and delivery services platform, has revealed that clothing and footwear emerged as the most frequently delivered items through its courier service in Nigeria during the first half of 2026.

The data, drawn from approximately 5,000 inDrive.

Courier on orders placed across Nigeria between January and June 2026 show that clothing and footwear accounted for 39.5 per cent of classified deliveries, ahead of food and drinks at 27.8 per cent. The findings also showed increasing demand for deliveries across other lifestyle categories.

While c o s m e t i c s , beauty products, a n d eyewear accounted for 10 per cent of deliveries, electronics accounted for 5.8 per cent, documents and papers for 4 per

cent, and medicines and pharmacy products for 3 per cent, reflecting the growing reliance on inDrive.

Courier for both personal and business deliveries.

Within the food and drinks category, rice and fruits ranked among the most frequently delivered items, while local favourites such as jollof rice, shawarma, tigernut drink and parfait also featured prominently, reflecting the diversity of consumer preferences across the country.

Speaking on the findings, the Country Manager inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, explained that the results are a clear indication of how consumers and entrepreneurs are increasingly relying on the platform to move products quickly, safely, affordably and conveniently.

“The fact that clothing and footwear account for the largest share of deliveries in Nigeria reflects how people and businesses

are using inDrive.Courier to power commerce beyond everyday errands. Whether it’s a fashion vendor fulfilling customer orders, a beauty entrepreneur delivering products or an individual sending personal items, we’re committed to providing a reliable, affordable and secure delivery experience that supports businesses and meets the evolving needs of our users,” Oladimeji said.

To support safe and reliable deliveries, inDrive.Courier has incorporated multiple security features, including courier identity verification during registration, transparent courier profiles that show ratings and completed deliveries, real-time tracking from pickup to drop-off, shareabletrackinglinks,andoptional one-time password(OTP)verification to confirm successful delivery. inDrive.Courier is available across Nigeria through the inDrive app, enabling individuals and businesses to send fashion items, food, documents, electronics and other packages conveniently on demand.

Driving Export-Led Economic Diversification Agenda In Plateau alone, the Council distributed 1,100 coffee seedlings and 100 bags of organic fertiliser to 148 farmers from Chaha and Vom communities.

The intervention illustrates an important principle: export diversification is not an event; it is a pipeline.The products that will generate export earnings in the coming years have to be planted, cultivated, processed and developed today.

Creating Export Entrepreneurs The Export Skills Acquisition Centre in Apapa, Lagos, represents the employment side of the export equation.

The facility is being repositioned to train more than 1,000 Nigerian youths and women annually in garment and bag production under a public-private partnership arrangement with Lelook Nigeria Limited.

The ambition is not simply to teach people vocational skills. The larger objective is to create producers capable of supplying Nigerian distributors and retailers and eventually African and global markets.

That distinction is critical.

An export economy creates jobs not only at the point of final production but across agriculture, processing, packaging, transportation, warehousing, certification, logistics, marketing and finance.Every successful exporter can therefore become the anchor for a wider network of economic activity.

Informal Trade and Formal Economy Another potentially transformative area of NEPC’s work is its effort to formalise informal cross-border trade.The Council identified 42 border markets and 44 loading points across major trade corridors through which significant volumes of Nigerian agricultural, mineral and manufactured products leave the country.The problem is that much of this commerce is not adequately captured in official trade statistics.That creates a double loss.

Nigeria loses visibility over the true scale of its exports while traders and businesses operating informally remain outside many of the financing, insurance, market intelligence and institutional support mechanisms available to formal exporters.

NEPC is working with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to improve

data collection and analysis on informal trade and has also engaged the Central Bank of Nigeria to recognise the CFA franc as an acceptable payment currency in the Non-oil Proceeds Form.

Formalising these flows could improve Nigeria’s understanding of its actual export capacity while helping bring more transactions into the formal financial system.

The Council’s Sustainable Opportunity for Active Retirement (SOAR) initiative provides another example of how export development is being linked to inclusive economic participation.

The programme seeks to train retired civil servants in opportunities across the export value chain, including commercial agriculture, processing, packaging, aggregation, export trading and exportsupport services.The concept is broader than post-retirement support.

It seeks to convert accumulated experience, networks and human capital into productive economic activity.In the context of an administration seeking to create jobs and wealth beyond government employment, that is an important shift in thinking.

Bigger Economic Picture Taken together, these interventions reveal a deliberate attempt to build an export ecosystem rather than merely promote individual products.

At one end is the farmer receiving improved seedlings or participating in a commodity cluster.

At another is the MSME receiving export training, certification or digital support.

Beyond that is the exporter meeting an international buyer at a trade fair.

And at the final stage is the product entering a foreign market, generating foreign exchange and creating demand for another round of domestic production.

That is the multiplier effect of export diversification.

It means the economic value of NEPC’s work should not be measured only by the number of trade fairs attended or training programmes conducted. Its deeper value lies in the export pipeline it is helping to construct.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • T H I S D AY

27

MARKET NEWS 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 12th August 2026, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 882.03 893.50 42.51% Nigeria International Debt Fund 418.30 418.30 10.64% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 14.84% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 120.37 120.37 8.44% Afrinvest Halal Fund(AHF) 118.82 118.82 13.29% Web: www.alphamorgan.com, Tel: +2347018898523 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALPHA MORGAN BALANCED FUND 3,145.73 3,166.67 43.17% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.18% AIICO Balanced Fund 9.54 9.73 21.60% AIICO Eurobond Fund 108.28 8.28% 108.28 Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.00% Anchoria Equity Fund 1.82 1.82 11.52% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 586.50 595.10 43.33% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) info@anchoriaam.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Ethical Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Eurobond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Short Term Bond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Shariah Fixed Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Short Term Eurobond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Specialized Dollar Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 ARM Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 122.41 122.41 9.31% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 1,358.89 1,358.89 17.67% AVA GAM Fixed Income (Naira) Fund 1.00 1.00 17.20% AVA GAM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.00 0.00 0.00 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.97 2.97 13.46% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 8.97 9.20 78.50% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.11 1.11 9.92% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.31 1.31 7.75% CardinalStone Dollar Fund 2.80 2.84 56.77% CardinalStone Equity Fund 1.69 1.71 36.20% CardinalStone Balanced Fund 1.00 1.00 18.86% CardinalStone Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapel Hill Denham Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Nigeria Bond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Paramount Equity Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.05% 115.84 115.84 12.03% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 128.72 128.72 14.44% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 117.73 117.73 6.16% Cordros Milestone Fund 299.38 301.49 33.74% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 20.29% Coronation Balanced Fund 2.71 2.76 37.36% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.58 1.58 7.77% Coronation Premium Fixed Income Fund 1.07 1.07 9.03% Coronation Dollar Fund 1.03 1.03 5.15% CFG Asset Management Limited Portfoliomanagers@cfgafrica.com Web:https://cfgafrica.com/cfg-am/ , Tel: 02018870020 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CFG Ethical Fund 1,256.86 1,256.86 20.84% CFG AM Naira Fixed Income Fund 1,090.24 1,090.24 14.92% CFG AM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 EDC Nigeria Balanced Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 EDC Nigeria Halal Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.

EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Emerging Africa Bond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Emerging Africa Halal Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn First Asset Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.26% First Asset Bond Fund 1,769.21 1,769.21 10.26% First Asset Dollar Fund 134.01 134.05 7.91% First Asset Halal Fund 154.42 154.42 14.26% First Asset Specialised Dollar Fund 130.78 130.83 8.09% First Asset Balanced Fund 594.98 599.94 38.74% First Asset Smart Beta Equity Fund 589.49 598.01 30.04% First Asset Blended Dollar Fund 113.57 113.57 1.59% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED FCMBAMhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FCMBAM Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FCMBAM USD Bond Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FCMBAM Debt Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FCMBAM Equity Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FSL ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Adeniran.Daniel@fsl.ng Web: https://www.fsl.ng/asset-management ; Tel: +2348062727759 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FSL Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FSL Euro Bond 0.00 0.00 0.00 FIRST ALLY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED blossom.omojughare@first-ally.com Web: https://first-allyasset.com/ ; Tel: +2348023217850 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FAAM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.09% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral income fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Coral money market fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 FSDH HALAL FUND 0.00 0.00 0.00 FSDH dollar fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Coral Balanced Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 HILLCREST CAPITAL MANAGEMENT dabbey@hillcrestcapmgt.com Web: https://hillcrestcapmgt.com/; Tel: +2348075144540, 0214540094 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Hillcrest Balanced Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn LOTUS HALAL FIXED INCOME FUND 1,305.14 1,305.14 9.59% 3.77 LOTUS HALAL INVESTMENT FUND 3.84 36.29% 95.66 LOTUS HALAL EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 105.73 63.14% LOTUS WAQF ENDOWMENT FUND 1,588.56 1,588.56 27.28% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Meristem Value ETF 0.00 0.00 0.00 Meristem Growth ETF 0.00 0.00 0.00 Meristem Fixed Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Meristem Dollar Income Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 Meristem Money Market Mutual Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 MANGO ASSET MANAGEMENT jetadafe@mangoam.com Web:https://mangoam.com/; Tel: +234 7030839517 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Mango Naira Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.65% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 18% Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 107.61 107.61 18% NORRENBERGER DOLLAR FUND (NDF)-----($) 105.75 105.75 14% NORRENBERGER TURBO FUND (NTF)-----(N) 106.60 106.60 12% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 10.00 10.00 #ERROR! PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.93 13.10 65.65% PACAM Money Market Fund 4.29 4.32 21.04% PACAM Equity Fund 2.89 2.92 46.09% PACAM EuroBond Fund 158.55 164.53 -4.73% SCM CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn The Frontier Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.09 16.04 SFS REIT 0.00 0.00 1.40 UH REIT/SFS 0.00 0.00 5.24 UPDC REIT 0.00 0.00 0.00 STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund Stanbic IBTC Imaan Fund Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund

STL ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: WWW.STLASSETMGT.COM; Tel: 8136115170 Fund Name STL MONEY MARKET FUND STL BALANCED FUND STL DOLLAR FUND

UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name United Capital Money Market Fund United Capital Sukuk Fund United Capital Fixed Income Fund United Capital Nigerian Eurobond Fund United Capital Global Fixed Income Fund United Capital Stable Income Fund United Capital Equity Fund United Capital Balanced Fund United Capital Wealth for Women Fund United Capital Children Investment Fund VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva USD Fixed Income Fund QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Money Market Fund ZEDCREST INVESTMENT MANAGER LIMITED Web: www.zedcrestwealth.com; Tel: +2348075881240 Fund Name Zedcrest Money Market Fund Zedcrest Fixed Inocme Fund Zedcrest Dollar Fund Zedcrest Equity Fund

REITS Fund Name SFS REIT UPDC REIT EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

1.00 398.42 259.73 1.71 158.23 178.84 13,403.47 491.39 6.69 1,454.33 60,507.21 713.55 17,034.55 10,986.71

1.00 398.42 259.73 1.71 158.23 178.84 13,534.88 499.85 6.80 1,473.23 61,302.92 726.05 17,285.81 11,038.32

15.49% 5.76% 0.31% 2.62% 11.38% 12.39% 39.02% 58.12% 49.89% 3181.72% -27.86% 73.08% 34.28% 17.08%

jemenike@stlassetmgt.com Bid Price 0.00 0.00 0.00

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 unitedcapitalplcgroup.com

Bid Price 1.00 1.17 1.90 121.62 1.21 129.22 2.41 2.79 2.17 1.48

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 15.46% 1.17 9.49% 1.90 8.32% 121.62 5.87% 1.21 6.75% 129.22 14.62% 2.44 40.94% 2.81 35.95% 2.18 35.27% 1.48 35.43% funds@vetiva.com

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 45.46 45.96 33.91% 53.08 53.56 32.70% 32.68 32.68 7.82% 1.00 1.00 16.29% investmentoperations@zedcrest.com Bid Price 0.00 0.00 0.00

Offer Price 0.00 0.00 0.00

Yield / T-Rtn 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

13.75 0.00

0.00% 0.00%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

0.00

0.00

0.00

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

28

T H I S D AY • TUESday AUGUST 18, 2026

Property & environment Beyond Co-Working: How Nigeria’s Corporate Office Market is Being Reset by the Rise of Business Ecosystems Bennett Oghifo

A quiet but significant reset is taking place in Nigeria’s commercial real estate market.

Just a few years ago, the future of the workplace appeared to belong almost entirely to remote work, hybrid teams and co-working spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted conventional office culture, while serviced offices offered businesses the flexibility to expand quickly without committing to long-term leases or costly fit-outs.

But the corporate workplace is changing again.

Across Nigeria, particularly among multinational corporations, energy companies and large indigenous businesses, the conversation is shifting from simply finding flexible office accommodation to securing dedicated, business-ready environments capable of supporting long-term operations.

The office is not disappearing. Rather, its purpose is being redefined.

For large corporate occupiers, particularly those operating in highly regulated and technology-intensive sectors, flexibility is increasingly being balanced with security, confidentiality, corporate identity, operational control and business continuity.

This has created a growing preference for dedicated, demised workplaces tailored to individual corporate requirements rather than generic shared environments.

The development is particularly significant in Abuja, where the commercial property market is increasingly being shaped by multinational companies, energy businesses, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and internationally focused organisations.

The shift was evident during the Nigeria Oil and Gas 2026 Energy Week, where some of the most consequential conversations reportedly extended beyond conference halls to hotel lobbies, restaurants and private meetings.

Executives discussing expansion plans, investment opportunities and talent challenges were also confronting a practical question: where should growing energy companies establish their long-term headquarters in Abuja?

For years, the answer to such a question was largely determined by location, rental costs, available floor space and parking.

Today, the equation is more complicated.

Companies increasingly want headquarters that support collaboration, client engagement, employee experience, technology, corporate identity and resilience. They also want to minimise the operational risks associated with establishing a new office.

That is because securing a lease is only the beginning.

A conventional office project can require months of coordination among architects, contractors, engineers, ICT consultants, furniture suppliers, security providers and facilities managers before employees can occupy the premises.

For a multinational company establishing or expanding its Nigerian operations, such a process can consume management time and expose the organisation to delays, cost overruns and infrastructure challenges.

Consequently, workplace delivery itself is becoming an important consideration in corporate real estate decisions.

Global real estate advisers, including JLL and CBRE, have highlighted the increasing importance occupiers attach to employee experience, technology, sustainability, operational resilience and speed to occupation.

The implication is that office space is no longer viewed merely as a property expense.

It is increasingly regarded as a business asset.

This is where the limitations of co-working and generic flexible office models become more apparent.

Co-working remains highly relevant to entrepreneurs, start-ups, project teams, consultants and companies with short-term space requirements. Its attraction lies in speed, flexibility and relatively low initial commitment.

WTC Abuja office area

Vice President, WTC, Abuja, Karim Ahmed Adelaja

But for a multinational corporation or a large energy company handling confidential information, specialised equipment or sensitive client relationships, the requirements can be very different.

Security protocols, cybersecurity, governance, branding, specialist infrastructure and controlled access may be difficult to accommodate within a shared environment.

The result is not a rejection of flexibility but a redefinition of what flexibility means.

Increasingly, businesses want the agility to expand, reconfigure or adapt their workplaces while retaining the privacy and operational control of a dedicated headquarters.

This emerging demand is reflected in developments such as the World Trade Center Abuja, which has positioned itself as an integrated

business destination rather than simply an office complex.

Among its publicly announced occupiers are Microsoft, Citibank, General Electric, S&P Global Commodity Insights, Agip and Seplat Energy, illustrating the type of multinational and energy-related businesses attracted to professionally managed corporate environments.

At the centre of the development is completed Grade A office accommodation capable of supporting large, dedicated corporate floors. But the proposition extends beyond the office itself.

The development combines office accommodation with executive residences, restaurants, cafés, meeting facilities and other amenities, creating an environment in which work, accommodation, meetings and business networking can occur within a single professionally managed destination.

That model is increasingly relevant to companies seeking to move beyond the traditional office building.

For a regional headquarters, the ability to occupy an operationally ready workplace can significantly reduce the burden of managing multiple contractors and infrastructure providers.

Depending on the occupier’s requirements, workplace delivery can incorporate planning, fit-out coordination, engineering integration, facilities management and operational support.

Ahmed Karim, Vice President of World Trade Center Abuja, said the questions being asked by corporate occupiers had changed considerably.

“Five years ago, discussions were largely about rental rates, parking and floorplates.

Today, the first questions are about operational readiness, business continuity, technology, engineering resilience and how quickly a company can become fully operational,” he said.

According to him, flexibility itself has evolved.

Five years ago, discussions were largely about rental rates, parking and floorplates.

Today, the first questions are about operational readiness, business continuity, technology, engineering resilience and how quickly a company can become fully operational

“We are not seeing organisations move away from flexibility; we are seeing them redefine it. They still want agility, but increasingly within dedicated workplaces that reflect their own brand, protect their operations and provide room to grow,” Karim said.

The development also points to another important evolution in Nigeria’s commercial real estate market: the emergence of the business ecosystem.

For decades, the conventional office building was essentially a place where employees arrived in the morning, worked and left at the end of the day.

But companies are increasingly interested in what happens around the workplace.

Who are the neighbouring businesses? Where can executives meet clients? Can employees access hospitality and accommodation? Are there opportunities for networking? Can investors, advisers, partners and customers be brought into the same environment?

These questions are becoming particularly important in Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital and an increasingly important centre for energy, diplomacy, finance and international commerce.

The concentration of businesses within an integrated development can create opportunities that are difficult to quantify through conventional property metrics.

A relationship may begin during a formal meeting and continue over coffee. A business introduction may occur through an executive forum. An investment conversation may emerge from a networking event.

In this sense, proximity becomes an economic asset.

World Trade Center Abuja’s affiliation with the World Trade Centers Association also gives its business community access to an international network spanning more than 100 countries, adding another dimension to the ecosystem proposition.

Its infrastructure is equally central to the new corporate workplace equation.

The development offers 100 per cent backup power, fibre-ready connectivity, raised flooring, intelligent building management systems, modern access control, CCTV coverage, professional concierge and facilities management, high-speed elevators and premium parking.

For multinational occupiers, these features are increasingly moving from the category of premium extras into basic operational requirements.

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

29

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

PERSPECTIVE 2027: The Political Maths Behind Tinubu’s First-Round Pathway

By Gloria Fraser

the result. This estimated three-million-voter constituency should become a central focus of Tinubu’s grassroots strategy.

N

igeria’s 2027 presidential election will not be determined by social media excitement or regional assumptions.

It will be decided by constitutional arithmetic, organisation, turnout, and the capacity to transform political support into legitimate votes across the federation.

On these measurements, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enters the contest with the strongest structural pathway to a first-round victory.

Nigerians are experiencing significant economic pressure from inflation, higher energy costs, insecurity, and reduced purchasing power.

These conditions must be addressed urgently.

Nevertheless, economic hardship is only one component of electoral behavior. Party organisation, geographical spread, grassroots mobilisation, state-level alliances, and opposition fragmentation will also shape the result.

Tinubu possesses advantages across these areas, but his political structure must now be reinforced by visible interventions that improve Nigerians’ daily lives.

THE ATIKU–OBI LIMITATIONS Atiku has contested the presidency repeatedly without success, including during electoral cycles zoned to northern candidates—raising continuing questions about his ability to command sufficient acceptability across the North and convert his longstanding political networks into a winning national coalition.

Atiku possesses longstanding northern networks, but his candidacy in 2027 encounters the continuing expectation of rotational presidency between North and South and other controversies.

Rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional requirement. Nevertheless, many Nigerians consider it important to national inclusion and stability. After President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years and Tinubu’s first southern term, Atiku could face resistance from voters who believe the South should complete eight years.

The National Patriots assessment suggests that, particularly in Kano, some voters still view Peter Obi through the unresolved historical memory of the 1966 coup and the killing of prominent northern leaders by military officers largely of southeastern origin—a deeply sensitive legacy that should not be transferred collectively to today’s Southeast, but which remains an obstacle requiring sustained reconciliation, trust-building and national dialogue.

Obi retains considerable support among younger, urban, and southeastern voters. His challenge is expanding that support into competitive organisation across rural northern Nigeria.

A National Patriots survey/ assessment conducted in Northern Nigeria recently reportedly placed acceptability at 47 percent for Tinubu, 30 percent for Atiku and 17 percent for Obi. These figures represent a random sampling survey of respondents rather than a definitive measurement of all northern voters as the sample size, state coverage, field dates, and weighting are yet to be published. Even so, they suggest Tinubu has a lead to consolidate—not a margin permitting complacency.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARITHMETIC Section 134 of the Constitution requires a presidential candidate to secure the highest number of votes nationally and obtain at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in at least two-thirds of the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This means that overwhelming support concentrated in a few regions is insufficient.

The successful candidate must combine national plurality with broad geographical acceptance.

Tinubu has previously demonstrated this capacity.

In 2023, he secured 8,794,726 votes, compared with Atiku Abubakar’s 6,984,520 and Peter Obi’s 6,101,533. More significantly, Tinubu obtained at least 25 percent in 30 states, while Atiku reached the benchmark in 21 states and the FCT, and Obi in 16 states plus the FCT. Tinubu’s objective for 2027 is, therefore, clear: retain competitive votes nationally, consolidate APC strongholds, and improve his performance where the party recorded weak totals.

THE GOVERNORS’ ADVANTAGE Federation Account allocations are statutory public revenues belonging to the federal, state, and local governments.

They should not be described as personal gifts from the president.

However, allocations have increased substantially under the Tinubu administration. For April 2026 alone, the three tiers shared N2.257 trillion, giving state and council administrations greater capacity to pay salaries, execute projects, and deliver social programs.

The Osun governorship election provides an important example. After INEC declared Governor Ademola Adeleke re-elected, he attributed his victory to projects delivered across all 30 local government areas. His explanation underlined a basic political truth: voters are more likely to reward an administration whose work they can see in their communities.

Those projects were selected and executed by the Osun administration, which remains responsible for its expenditure. But, the state’s fiscal capacity was supported by increased statutory allocations generated within the federal revenue environment overseen by Tinubu.

The lesson is powerful. Revenue released from Abuja produces the greatest public and political value when it becomes visible roads, schools, healthcare, water, electricity, and livelihoods at the grassroots.

The APC reportedly controls approximately 31 of Nigeria’s 36 governorships, providing Tinubu with the country’s most extensive network of governors, legislators, council chairmen, and ward operatives.

Governors cannot command voters. Effective local structures can, however, help Tinubu secure

President Bola Tinubu

the required geographical spread and accumulate the votes needed for a national plurality.

TINUBU’S REGIONAL PATHWAY The Southwest remains Tinubu’s strongest organisational base. Recovering Lagos while maintaining strength in Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun would increase his total. Oyo and Osun should be treated as competitive battlegrounds rather than automatic victories.

The Northwest can not be allocated wholesale to one opposition candidate. Tinubu defeated Atiku in Jigawa and Zamfara in 2023 and remained competitive across the region. APC governors and divisions among northern opposition forces provide a foundation for substantial votes.

The North-Central could again be decisive.

Tinubu led the zone in 2023 with approximately 1.76 million votes. APC structures in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Nasarawa provide a platform for retaining votes and spread.

The Northeast requires targeted engagement, while the Southeast objective should be to improve considerably upon the APC’s weak 2023 totals. Political realignments have also made the South-South more accessible.

A strictly illustrative pathway could produce 2.8–3.3 million votes in the Southwest, 2.5–3.1 million in the Northwest, 1.8–2.3 million in the North-Central, 1.3–1.7 million in the Northeast, 1.1–1.5 million in the South-South and 300,000–600,000 in the Southeast.

That creates a potential national range of approximately 9.8 million to 12.5 million votes.

It is a scenario based on the 2023 foundation, APC’s expanded structure, and current political alignments—not a prediction.

THE THREE-MILLION-VOTER OPPORTUNITY Undecided voters are eligible voters who intend—or are reasonably likely—to vote but have not made a final choice between the available candidates or parties. They differ from committed supporters and habitual non-voters.

NATIONAL PATRIOTS’ INTERVENTION PROPOSAL

Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser

Their importance lies in their flexibility. Government performance, economic conditions, campaign developments, candidate debates, and targeted communication can still influence their decisions.

The May 2026 SBM Intelligence survey found that 11.3 percent of respondents nationally were undecided, rising to 23 percent in the Southwest and 16.4 percent in the Northeast.

The survey covered 829 respondents across eight states and the FCT and was not weighted against INEC’s voter register. It therefore cannot establish the exact number of undecided Nigerian voters.

However, if approximately 24–27 million valid votes are cast, an undecided proportion of around 11 percent could represent roughly 2.6 million to three million persuadable voters.

International experience demonstrates their potential impact. A post-election evaluation of the 2016 United States presidential election found strong evidence of a late movement towards Donald Trump, particularly in closely contested states.

In Britain’s 2017 general election, the British Election Study found that 52 percent of previously uncertain men and 54 percent of uncertain women eventually voted Labor, contributing to the party’s stronger-than-expected performance.

Undecided voters do not determine every election independently, but in a close contest, they can overturn polling expectations and reshape

The National Patriots has recommended that Tinubu urgently commence special intervention projects targeted at grassroots communities.

These should be lawful, transparent, and directed towards food production, rural roads, primary healthcare, water, electricity, school rehabilitation, youth employment, women’s empowerment, and vulnerable households.

Every local government should feel the impact of the federal Government—not merely hear about economic indicators that have not improved household conditions.

The interventions should be supported by professional perception management and reputation recovery. This must not mean concealing hardship or manufacturing achievements. Credible reputation recovery begins with performance, verified results, honest communication, and sustained community engagement.

Tinubu’s central challenge is the gap between the administration’s reform narrative and citizens’ lived experience. Visible interventions can narrow that gap, strengthen acceptability, and persuade a meaningful share of undecided voters.

The political structure for a first-round victory exists. What must now be added is urgent grassroots delivery capable of converting reform into relief, public uncertainty into confidence, and increased federal revenue into projects Nigerians can see and touch. Political machinery can carry a candidate to every ward, but only visible performance can win the undecided. The time for intervention, perception management, and reputation recovery is now.

•Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR. Former Special Adviser to Former President Goodluck Jonathan

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T H I S D AY • TUESday, AUGUST 18, 2026

FEatures

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com,

Francis Nwaogwugwu: The Emerging Force in Exterior and Interior Real Estate Well-designed buildings and properly planned spaces can improve neighbourhood aesthetics, increase property values and provide better living and working environments. They can also inspire other developers to raise their standards.

This is why the emergence of professionals who understand both the business and creative dimensions of real estate is important to the future of the Nigerian property sector.

Anayo Okolie

A

s Clan Chief Francis Udochukwu Nwaogwugwu, popularly known as Mune, clocks 40 years today, it has become imperative to celebrate a man who has demonstrated determination, generosity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Turning 40 is more than a celebration of age; it is a celebration of a journey marked by experiences, challenges, victories, lessons and accomplishments. For Mune, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the path he has travelled and the impact he has continued to make in the lives of those around him.

Over the years, Mune has distinguished himself as a passionate entrepreneur and a man with a strong vision for the future. Through his involvement in real estate, particularly in the areas of exterior and interior development, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of quality, creativity and modern living.

But beyond business and professional accomplishments lies another side of Mune that deserves equal recognition: his humanity.

He is a man who understands that success is not measured solely by personal wealth or achievements, but also by the number of lives one is able to touch positively. His willingness to support others, encourage young people, assist those in need and contribute to the wellbeing of his community reflects a deep sense of responsibility.

At 40, Mune represents a generation of Nigerians who believe that with courage, hard work, discipline and determination, it is possible to turn dreams into reality.

He is undoubtedly among the emerging names attracting attention across Nigeria. His growing influence in exterior and interior real estate reflects a combination of creativity, enterprise, craftsmanship and a clear understanding of modern property needs.

Mune represents a new breed of Nigerian entrepreneur who sees real estate beyond bricks, blocks and concrete. For him, the true value of a property lies in the complete experience it offers, from the structural integrity of the building to the finishing, ambience, aesthetics and functionality of the surrounding environment.

His journey has been driven by a desire to create spaces that do more than provide shelter. His vision is centred on developing and transforming properties into environments where people can live, work, relax and create lasting memories.

Building Beyond the Walls The distinction between exterior and interior design is becoming increasingly important in contemporary real estate. While the exterior creates the first impression, the interior determines much of the experience of the occupants.

Mune’s growing profile is associated with an appreciation of both sides of the equation.

His approach recognises that modern property development requires attention to every detail.

From the architectural appearance of a building and landscaping of its surroundings to the choice of finishing materials, lighting, colours, furniture and spatial arrangement, every element contributes to the identity and value of a property.

This holistic perspective has helped shape his emergence as a notable figure within the exterior and interior real estate space.

A Passion for Quality and Excellence At the heart of Mune’s professional philosophy is a commitment to quality. In an industry where buyers and investors increasingly demand value for money, quality workmanship and durability have become critical considerations.

Mune’s philosophy is anchored on the belief that every property should reflect excellence.

This means paying attention to construction

Nwaogwugwu

details, finishing standards and the aesthetic character of the completed project.

Rather than viewing interior and exterior works as separate components, his approach brings them together as complementary aspects of a single vision. The result is a property that is not only attractive but also functional and designed with long-term value in mind.

Redefining Modern Spaces The Nigerian real estate market is changing rapidly. Homeowners, investors and businesses are becoming more sophisticated in their expectations.

Properties are now judged not only by their location and size but also by their design, finishing, functionality and overall presentation.

Mune is positioning himself within this changing environment by embracing the idea that a modern property must tell a story.

A well-designed exterior communicates elegance and character. A thoughtfully executed interior creates comfort and personality. Together, they transform a building into a complete lifestyle experience.

This philosophy is particularly relevant in major urban centres such as Lagos, where changing lifestyles and growing demand for premium properties continue to influence the direction of real estate development.

Creating Value Through Design For Mune, design is not merely about aesthetics. It is also about value creation.

A property with a carefully planned exterior, quality finishing and well-

executed interior can command greater attention in the market and potentially retain stronger long-term appeal.

This understanding places design at the centre of his approach to real estate.

His growing reputation is therefore not simply about creating visually appealing properties; it is about understanding how design, functionality and quality can combine to enhance the overall value of real estate assets.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Behind Mune’s emergence is also an entrepreneurial mindset shaped by ambition, persistence and the willingness to pursue opportunities.

Nigeria’s property sector presents significant challenges, ranging from high construction costs and infrastructure limitations to changing consumer expectations and intense competition.

Thriving in such an environment requires resilience and the ability to adapt.

Mune’s journey reflects the determination of an entrepreneur willing to navigate these realities while pursuing a distinct identity in the industry.

His story also illustrates the growing contribution of young Nigerian business leaders who are investing their energy and resources in sectors capable of creating employment, improving communities and contributing to economic development.

More Than Real Estate The significance of Mune’s work extends beyond individual buildings.

The development of quality properties contributes to the broader transformation of communities.

A Vision for the Future As Mune continues to build his profile, the expectation is that his involvement in exterior and interior real estate will evolve into an even broader platform for property development, design and investment.

The future of Nigerian real estate will increasingly belong to professionals who can combine technical knowledge with creativity, business intelligence and an understanding of changing lifestyles.

Mune appears determined to position himself within that emerging generation. His story is ultimately one of ambition and continuous growth, a journey built around the conviction that a property should not merely occupy space but should create value, inspire confidence and provide an exceptional experience.

With his growing presence in the exterior and interior real estate space, Engr Francis Udochukwu Nwaogwugwu (Mune) is steadily establishing himself as an emerging force to watch, bringing together enterprise, aesthetics and a commitment to excellence in the business of creating remarkable spaces.

For Mune, the journey is still unfolding. But if the direction so far is anything to go by, his name could become increasingly associated with the transformation of ordinary spaces into distinctive landmarks in Nigeria’s evolving real estate landscape.

Beyond his achievements in business and real estate, Mune, has demonstrated that true success is best measured not only by what one acquires, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others.

For Mune, the journey of success comes with a responsibility to contribute to society and extend opportunities, encouragement and support to people around him.

His philosophy reflects the belief that wealth and influence should be used as instruments for positive change and community development.

His commitment to giving back reflects an understanding that businesses and successful individuals have an important role to play in strengthening their communities.

Through acts of generosity, support and encouragement, he has continued to demonstrate concern for the wellbeing and progress of others.

This spirit of service has become an important part of the story surrounding his success.

One of the most meaningful ways successful entrepreneurs can give back is by creating opportunities for others. Through his business activities and interactions with people, Mune has shown an appreciation for the importance of empowerment.

Every business that grows has the potential to create jobs, develop skills and provide opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods. In this regard, his entrepreneurial journey represents more than a personal pursuit; it contributes to a wider ecosystem in which other people can also benefit.

Community remains an important part of Mune’s identity. His willingness to always support his people through education scholarships, empowerment, poverty alleviation programmesand also contribute to worthy causes demonstrates a strong connection to the principle of communal responsibility.

Whether through financial assistance, personal support, encouragement or participation in community initiatives, giving back provides an opportunity to touch lives in ways that may not always be measured in monetary terms.

•Anayo Okolie writes from Lagos.

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T H I S D AY • TUESday, AUGUST 18, 2026

perspective

Navigating Cross-Border Trade Finance: Oil and Non-Oil Sectors in a Shifting Global Order system, institutions can expand access, increase volume, and deepen market penetration.

Irenosen Ohiwerei

I

The New Role of Nigerian Banks The future belongs to banks that combine trade finance, advisory, FX, capital markets, transaction banking and technology into a single client solution. Trade finance is becoming multidisciplinary. The institutions that will dominate the next decade will not necessarily be those with the largest balance sheets, but those with the deepest structuring expertise, strongest international relationships, and ability to combine advisory, capital markets and trade finance into integrated solutions.

This is particularly relevant for merchant banks, whose comparative advantage lies not simply in providing credit, but in structuring complex transactions that bring together multiple sources of capital, risk management tools, advisory expertise, and cross-border relationships.

n Port Harcourt, a mid-sized oil services firm lands a breakthrough: a subcontract on an offshore FPSO project led by a European EPC contractor. The opportunity is stellar. The terms are not. Payment is scheduled for 90 days, but mobilization, labour, and vendor costs are immediate. The firm turns to the bank for support. The pricing of available facilities makes the deal impossible. The options narrow but clear: walk away from the opportunity or raise capital in terms that dilute ownership.

This is not an isolated story. It is a pattern.

It reflects the central challenge of trade finance in Nigeria. Transactions exist, but the financing structures required to execute them often do not.

Trade finance is a mechanism for improving capital flow across value chains. Yet, across both oil and non-oil sectors, its application is constrained by structural inefficiencies at a time when global shifts demand greater sophistication.

The Oil Sector: From Dominance to Recalibration Nigeria’s oil sector has long anchored its position in global trade, but the foundations of that dominance have shifted. Two decades ago, production levels exceeding 2.5 million barrels per day supported robust, commoditybacked financing structures. More recently, output volatility, driven by infrastructure gaps, underinvestment, and crude theft, has weakened the reliability on which structures depend. The result is visible in the financing landscape.

Pre-export facilities are now subject to restructuring, longer tenors, and revised pricing. Lenders are increasingly cautious, and transactions are more likely to involve guarantees from multilateral institutions.

What emerges is a transition from traditional oil-backed lending to more risk-adjusted, tightly structured frameworks. With the rise of domestic refining capacity, financing demand is gradually shifting downstream.

Instead of crude export facilities alone, there is a growing need for working capital solutions, receivables discounting, and inventory-backed lending tied to refined products and regional distribution. In parallel, natural gas is gaining strategic importance.

Participation in LNG exports and pipeline infrastructure requires long-term financing and support from export credit agencies, anchored by offtake agreements. Institutions that can structure these transactions will play a defining role in positioning Nigeria within evolving global energy markets.

Growth Constraints in The Non-Oil Sector Beyond oil, Nigeria’s export story is expanding slowly and steadily. Agricultural commodities and solid minerals are gaining stronger demand in international markets, and corporate entities are getting involved.

However, financing is still a blocker. Within the agricultural value chain, aggregators and processors are crucial links between smallholder producers and global markets.

Yet, they struggle to access affordable preshipment finance.

Collateral requirements and perceived risks push them toward intermediary structures that erode their margins, making it hard to scale. Structured value chain finance offers a different path. Lending to anchor firms that support upstream suppliers allows financial institutions to align credit with cash flow rather than static collateral.This approach reduces risk and expands access to finance within the value chain.

In the solid minerals sector, Nigerian firms are entering into offtake agreements with international buyers. This creates a foundation for structured trade finance. Yet, execution is complex.Pricing volatility, regulatory considerations, and logistics challenges

Ohiwerei

require specialized expertise across commodities, legal frameworks, and cross-border operations. Institutions that invest in these capabilities can unlock growth in a sector with global demand for critical minerals.

A Global System Under Strain Trade finance does not operate in isolation. It reflects the realities of a global system that has become more fragmented and less predictable.

Geopolitical tensions have disrupted established trade routes, affecting both energy markets and supply chains. For Nigerian corporations, this creates a dual effect. Higher oil prices can strengthen export revenues and collateral positions but rising input costs and logistics disruptions pressure non-oil exporters and import-dependent businesses.

For time-sensitive transactions, the impact is immediate. Delays in shipping can trigger contract renegotiations, increase financing costs, and complicate instruments such as letters of credit, which depend on strict timelines and accurate documentation.

These pressures highlight the need for flexibility. Trade finance structures must now incorporate alternative routing, extended tenors, and integrated insurance solutions, while corporations must embed risk management into their operating models.

Nigeria’s FX Constraint and Correspondent Banking Shift Foreign exchange remains a defining factor in trade finance effectiveness in Nigeria. Recent reforms have improved transparency, but volatility continues to shape pricing, contract negotiations, and repayment capacity. For banks, access to foreign currency liquidity directly affects their ability to issue and confirm letters of credit. For corporates, exchange rate movements influence margins and cash flow stability.

At the same time, a gradual reduction in correspondent banking

ESG and the Future of Trade Finance The evolution of trade finance is also being shaped by sustainability. Many Development Finance Institutions (DFI) now provide green trade finance, climate-linked facilities, and transition finance designed to support businesses and sectors moving towards more sustainable operating models. For Nigeria, this presents an opportunity across emerging value chains. The country’s gas sector, renewable energy projects, and businesses supporting the energy transition could benefit from financing structures that connect capital to measurable sustainability outcomes. As global investors and financial institutions continue to factor environmental considerations into capital allocation, sustainability-linked trade finance relationships has added another layer of could become an important component of complexity. Global banks, responding to Nigeria’s broader trade finance ecosystem. regulatory pressures and risk considerations, have scaled back exposure to certain The Future of Cross-Border Trade Nigeria does not lack transactions or emerging markets. In response, Nigerian institutions are diversifying by fostering ambition. What is required is alignment relationships with banks in the Middle between financial systems, trade dynamics, and East and Asia, reflecting a broader shift global realities. Trade finance in Nigeria is in a in global trade patterns. While this creates period of transformation. This transformation new channels, it also requires adaptation to is shaped by diversification that transcends different systems, processes, and expectations. oil, digitization of processes, and regional integration. The oil sector will remain critical, The Efficiency Gap: Documentation but its financing structures will continue to evolve. Non-oil exports will evolve, provided and Digitization Even where financing is available, financing models adapt to their realities. execution challenges persist. Documentation Digital platforms will reduce inefficiencies, discrepancies, such as errors in invoices, while regional frameworks like AfCFTA will shipping records, and certificates, remain open new markets.

The priority for financial institutions is a major source of delays and additional costs. The solution lies in standardization the development of specialised structuring and digitization. Electronic documentation capabilities, investment in technology, and and digital trade platforms reduce human partnerships across borders. For corporations, error, accelerate processing, and improve access to tailored, flexible financing to enable transparency. For Nigerian corporations, them to participate in global trade and shape adopting these systems is crucial and central its next phase is pertinent. Trade finance to competitiveness in a global market that can move beyond enabling transactions to unlocking value across entire ecosystems. values speed and accuracy.

When capital flows efficiently, businesses Regional Opportunity for Intra-African execute contracts successfully and scale.

This offers one of the clearest pathways to Trade and AfCFTA Intra-African trade, particularly in West positioning Nigeria within an opportunity-rich Africa, presents significant opportunities global trading order. In the coming decade, for Nigerian businesses to expand market countries will compete not merely on what reach and optimize supply chains. However, they produce, but on how efficiently they inefficiencies in border processes and finance trade. Nations that build sophisticated transport infrastructure continue to limit trade finance ecosystems will capture greater volume and increase costs. The African value from global commerce. Nigeria possesses Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) the entrepreneurial capacity and market scale provides a framework to address these to lead this transformation. The question challenges. However, policy alone is not is no longer whether opportunities exist, enough. Participation requires financing, but whether our financial institutions can working capital to scale production, and structure capital quickly enough to seize instruments to mitigate payment risk across them.

Speak with the Coronation Merchant borders.

Bank Trade Finance team on 0201-2797640 Trade finance is central to AfCFTA’s success. Banks must build capabilities in or 0201-2797641 or email marketingcomms@ intra-African transactions, including local coronationmb.com to explore tailored trade currency solutions and supply chain financing finance solutions for your business. Visit www. tailored to regional dynamics. At the same coronationmb.com to learn more. time, the formalization of informal trade is •Ohiwerei is the Chief Operating Officer, a largely untapped opportunity. Through smaller transactions in the formal financial Coronation Merchant Bank

32

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

INDUCTION CEREMONY OF TOP SALES STAFF...

L-R: Deji Tunde Anjous, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Investments Ltd; Kunle Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc; Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc; Tope Adeniyi, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health, during the induction ceremony of top sales staff members into the AXA Prime Club, for their outstanding performance in Lagos... recently

EU Releases €2.3m to African Countries for Cholera Fight, Nigeria Gets €1.5m 61,888 cases, 1,230 deaths recorded across continent in five months

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The European Union (EU) has released €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Nigeria and three other African countries to contain the spread of cholera, as the disease continues to pose a major public health threat across the continent.

Nigeria is to receive the largest share of the intervention, put at €1.5 million, to strengthen its response to the outbreak, including the deployment of

additional intervention teams, provision of cholera kits, and intensified water, sanitation, and hygiene measures.

European Commission announced the funding yesterday, saying the money would also support epidemiological surveillance, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, improve case management, and strengthen risk communication and community sensitisation.

The intervention comes against the backdrop of a significant cholera

burden across Africa.

The World Health Organisation reported 61,888 cholera cases and 1,230 deaths across 16 African countries between January 1 and May 31, 2026.

Nigeria alone recorded 6,860 cases and 80 deaths during the period covered by the WHO report.

WHO’s data showed that Nigeria recorded 5,798 new cases and 54 deaths in May alone, making it one of the countries reporting the highest number of cases in the African Region that

month.

The latest EU intervention is expected to provide additional resources for Nigeria’s efforts to prevent further transmission and reduce deaths from the disease, particularly in communities where access to safe water, sanitation and healthcare remains limited.

Under the Nigerian component of the funding, EU said intervention teams would be increased, while essential cholera supplies would be provided to affected communities.

15 Ethnic Regions Proposed as PANDEF, Citizens’ Group Demand Restructuring

Seek state police, resource control, 50% derivation Blame 1966, 1968 decrees for over-centralisation, insecurity Demand devolution of powers, local government autonomy

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and a coalition of concerned citizens have intensified calls for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria, with a proposal for the country to operate as a federation of 15 autonomous regions anchored on consent, fiscal federalism and devolved powers.

The proposed framework, unveiled at a Conference on Restructuring Nigeria in Abuja, envisages the emergence of Akwa Ibom, Igbo, Anioma, Bendel, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ijaw, Kanem, Niger, PlateauGurara, Rima, Rivers, Savannah and Yoruba regions.

The groups said the proposed “Federated Regions of Nigeria” would provide a framework for addressing the country’s worsening insecurity, economic dependence on the federal government and persistent agitations over resource ownership and political representation.

All the leaders of the proposed regions were present on the occasion and gave their consent to the idea.

National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said state police, resource control and a return to fiscal federalism had become imperative if Nigeria was to overcome its current challenges.

Igali, who spoke on the theme,

“Thoughts on Moving Nigeria’s Democracy Forward,” traced the country’s present political and security problems to military decrees promulgated after independence, particularly Decree No. 34 of 1966 and Decree No. 43 of 1968.

According to him, the decree signed by the then Head of State, Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, abolished the country’s regional structure and concentrated enormous powers at the centre, while the subsequent decree under General Yakubu Gowon transferred control of petroleum resources to the federal government.

He said the development progressively weakened the derivation principle, which had stood at 50 per cent, reducing it eventually to as low as 1.5 per cent.

“That is how we moved from a federation of producers to a federation of beggars,” Igali said, arguing that the present structure was fundamentally different from the federal arrangement negotiated by Nigeria’s founding nationalists, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello.

The PANDEF chairman maintained that Nigeria could remain united while allowing its constituent regions greater control over their resources, security and economic development.

He cited the federal systems of the United States, Canada, Germany and India as examples of countries where sub-national governments exercise substantial powers without threatening national unity.

Igali proposed a five-point reform agenda, including the devolution of policing, power, railways, ports, mines and land administration from the Exclusive Legislative List.

He also called for an increase in derivation to 50 per cent, with states empowered to collect Value Added Tax and other taxes, as well as the restoration of resource ownership to

the federating units, with royalties paid to the federal government.

Other proposals included local government autonomy and the establishment of regional economic blocs capable of driving infrastructure development, economic integration and security cooperation.

He argued that excessive concentration of political and economic authority in Abuja had made the federal government responsible for virtually every aspect of national life, while weakening the capacity of states to respond effectively to local challenges.

The funding would also support the treatment of public water points and household water, intensify disease surveillance in inaccessible areas, and strengthen measures for detecting and managing cases.

Risk communication and community sensitisation will equally be expanded to help communities understand how cholera is transmitted and the steps required to prevent infection.

Out of the fund, Cameroon will receive €100,000 for outbreak containment and case management.

The allocation will support additional humanitarian personnel, essential medicines, additional cholera treatment units, and oral rehydration points in some of the country’s worst-affected villages.

Central African Republic will receive €500,000 to scale up case management and vaccination, alongside water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.

The funds will also strengthen risk communication, community engagement, surveillance, and case detection, while supporting dignified and safe burials.

Chad will receive €200,000 to help break the chain of transmission through improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as community support for surveillance and case management.

EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said the emergency funding was necessary because cholera continued to threaten lives in communities without adequate access to safe water and healthcare.

Lahbib stressed, “Cholera is prevent-

able and treatable. Yet it still threatens lives when people lack something as basic as safe water and healthcare.”

She stated that the intervention was coming at a time when humanitarian needs were increasing while available resources were shrinking.

Lahbib added, “Europe is not looking away. This emergency funding will help our partners act quickly, contain the outbreaks and protect the communities most at risk.”

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is most commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water and can cause severe dehydration and death within hours in serious cases if treatment is not provided.

WHO has warned that cholera outbreaks are increasingly difficult to control because of factors including conflict, population displacement, climate-related events, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural and flood-affected communities.

The scale of the 2026 outbreak has also highlighted the continuing vulnerability of African countries to diseases linked to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.

WHO data show that the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded the highest number of cases in Africa between January and May, with 28,567 cases and 815 deaths, followed by South Sudan with 7,712 cases, and Mozambique with 7,500 cases. Nigeria’s 6,860 cases placed it among the countries with the highest reported burdens during the period.

Senator Remi Tinubu Leads Govs, First Ladies, Others to Ogun for Zonal Launch of National Community Food Bank Programme

Governors from across the country, First Ladies and other dignitaries will converge on Ogun State on Tuesday for the zonal launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme, featuring the distribution of food items to vulnerable and indigent residents of the state.

The programme which will commence at Makun, Sagamu, is expected to attract major stakehold-

ers from across the country as part of efforts to strengthen the federal government’s social intervention initiatives and provide support for vulnerable households.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will lead the distribution exercise and other activities scheduled for the visit.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and

Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Senator Tinubu will also commission the 108-unit Muhammadu Buhari Estate at Kobape, Abeokuta.

She will also commission the Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, a 250-bed ultra-modern hospital in Abeokuta, designed to provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighbouring communities.

As part of her itinerary, the First

Lady will hold an engagement with major stakeholders at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The visit is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the Federal and Ogun State Governments in the areas of social welfare, housing and healthcare delivery, while reinforcing the commitment of both governments to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

33

THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

NEWS

NATIONAL TRAINING AND VALIDATION OF THE VAW...

L-R: Data Manager, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Sunday Agbabiaka; Head of the SGBV Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Yewande Gbola-Awopetu; GBV Policy and Strategy Development Specialist, ESGBV Programme, International IDEA, Ms. Melissa Omene; National Consultant; VAW Reporting System, International IDEA, Mr. Agharinma Ehiedu; and Program Manager VAW Reporting Programme, IIDEA, Mrs. Sophia Miebeka, during the National Training and Validation of the VAW in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Locals Kill 13 Lakurawa Terrorists in New Attack on Sokoto State, Soldiers, Others Die Atiku: Condolences no longer enough, tackles FG

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto At least, about 13 members of the Lakurawa Terrorist group were killed by locals in Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following a fresh attack.

Although about 32 residents of the community and four soldiers were reportedly also killed by suspected bandits in an onslaught that held over two-day and sent shockwaves across the state.

The attack, which began during Jumu’a prayers at about 2:15pm on

Friday, August 14, 2026, saw gunmen storm the village on motorcycles, disperse worshippers at the mosque, and open fire on civilians.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants first killed five people, left, and then returned to continue the killing spree, surrounding the community and shooting indiscriminately until the early hours of Saturday.

A community leader, who participated in the burial on Sunday, however, said residents recovered and buried 32 bodies, while also claiming that 13 of the attackers were killed by locals during the

prolonged gun battle.

According to him, the bandits instructed their men to kill every man they found while sparing women and children, before turning their guns toward residents who had fled to hide on a nearby hill.

The attackers also set fire on seven houses, two shops and three vehicles, but the downpour reportedly prevented the fire from causing extensive damage to the community.

The violence was not limited to Ungushi. Residents said the same group invaded Umbutu, Maikurhuna,

Gwandi, Girkau and Zugu communities, where they stole large numbers of livestock and valuables without recording deaths.

Four soldiers were reportedly killed on Friday, a development locals said triggered the subsequent wave of attacks on Ungushi and neighboring villages.

The killings have forced thousands to flee as displaced residents have sought refuge in Kebbe, Jega, Koko, Tambuwal, Aleiro and other towns across Sokoto and Kebbi states amid poor communication networks.

General Officer Commanding,

8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, led over 200 soldiers on an assessment visit to Kebbe on Sunday and announced a rejig of the security architecture in border communities.

The Sokoto State Police Command said additional personnel have been deployed to affected areas, while the Army confirmed ongoing operations against the Lakurawa terrorist group believed to be behind the renewed attacks.

Community leaders have appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention, saying remote communities remained vulnerable, especially during the rainy season

when access and security were most difficult.

Atiku: Condolences No Longer Enough, Tackles FG Over Sokoto Killings Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the federal government over the recurring killings of Nigerians, saying expressions of sympathy after deadly attacks were no longer sufficient to address the country’s security crisis.

Atiku made the remarks on Monday while reacting to the killings in Ungushi community.

UK CHEERS ADELEKE, FLAGS BVAS, VOTE BUYING, ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN OSUN POLL

Osun State for exercising their civic responsibility and urged all political actors, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to embrace peace.

He particularly urged Adeleke to extend an olive branch to all political opponents and work towards healing whatever divisions might have emerged during the electioneering period.

Mohammed: Tinubu Demonstrating He’s a Democrat with Outcome of Osun Poll Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, commended President Bola Tinubu for allowing the people of Osun State to speak with their votes to elect the person of their choice among the candidates, including that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in last weekend’s gubernatorial election.

Mohammed made the commendation yesterday at his Yelwan Duguri polling unit while fielding questions from journalists, shortly after casting his ballot at the Bakin Dutse polling unit during the state’s local council election.

He stressed that the era of election results manipulation was gone, saying every serious politician must work for his or her electoral victory.

According to him, “You cannot sit at home and assume that the federal government will give you the advantage to win an election.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating that he is a democrat.

“You have seen what happened in Osun State, where the people voted and their votes counted. People should, therefore, understand that nobody is coming to install them.

This is not a monarchy; this is

democratic governance.”

Abiodun: Osun Poll Demonstrates Strength and Resilience of Nigeria’s Democracy Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, congratulated Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory at the August 15 governorship election.

Abiodun described Adeleke’s re-election as a reflection of the choice of the people of Osun State, stating that the outcome of the election has once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.

He commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election, urging all stakeholders to continue to place the peace, unity and development of the state above partisan interests.

The Ogun State governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating that he was a true democrat by ensuring a level playing field for all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election.

According to him, the president’s commitment to democratic values and the independence of the electoral process has further strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and demonstrated that the ballot remains the most important instrument for determining the choice of the people.

Abiodun also congratulated all the candidates who participated in the election for contributing to the democratic process, while

urging them and their supporters to accept the outcome in the spirit of sportsmanship.

He wished Adeleke a successful second term in office and expressed confidence that he would work with all stakeholders to advance the development and prosperity of Osun State.

Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to promoting democratic values, good governance, peaceful coexistence, and regional cooperation in the overall interest of the people of southern Nigeria.

Bamidele: All Contestants Must Accept and Respect the Decision of the Majority in Osun Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said all contestants must accept and respect the decision of the majority in the just concluded Osun State governorship election.

Bamidele urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the election, Bola Oyebamiji, to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and offer him policy ideas to improve governance in the state.

He stated, “Now that the people of Osun State have spoken, all contestants must accept and respect the decision of the majority.”

Bamidele stressed that the electorate remained “the true and ultimate arbiter of every democracy”.

Bamidele, who is also Chairman of the National Assembly’s Southwest Caucus, said the outcome of Saturday’s election had provided important lessons for APC ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly on the need to strengthen its campaign strategy and deepen

engagement with voters across the region.

In a statement yesterday, Bamidele said the election demonstrated the supremacy of the electorate in a democracy, stressing that all contestants should accept the decision of the people and work together for the development of Osun State.

Bamidele said the outcome imposed a greater responsibility on Adeleke to reunite the people of Osun State across political divides and pursue an inclusive administration.

According to him, while political parties operate on the basis of partisanship, governance must serve the entire population irrespective of political affiliation.

He called on Adeleke to extend a hand of fellowship to the other candidates and political parties in the state, stating that such an approach would promote peace, stability, and effective service delivery.

He said, “For me, the APC did not lose the election given the background that Governor Adeleke was coming from as a member of the APC before he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Governor Adeleke’s re-election, therefore, is not just the victory for Accord, but also for us in the APC.”

Adeleke’s Victory Signals Hope of Brighter Future for Nigerians, States Accord Chair National Chairman of Accord, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, yesterday, said with the party’s victory in the Osun State governorship election, Nigeria’s democracy had signalled hope of a brighter future for citizens, who desired and deserved

its promises and dividends for a better life.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Mgbudem said, “The victory of the Accord and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the 15th August 2026 governorship election is a powerful testament of the people’s resolve to freely and peacefully choose their governor and protect their votes in spite of all odds.”

He emphasised that the electioneering period was characterised by unusual harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, arrests, detention, killings and the use of federal might, particularly the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to subdue, suppress and oppress the party, the government, and peace-loving people of Osun State in a way never seen in this democratic era.

He recalled that anti-democratic forces had crippled the local governments in the state, the essential third arm of government by withholding the federal allocations due to them despite a clear order of a court of competent jurisdiction to release the funds for effective service delivery to the people.

The Accord chairman stated that the objective was to destabilise the government of Adeleke and make Osun State ungovernable to pave the way for a declaration of a state of emergency.

Mgbudem stated, “The people of Osun State who know the antecedents of their oppressors stood firmly with their amiable governor. They trooped out to all Accord’s campaigns across the state, volunteering to reach out

fellow residents anywhere they are found in the spirit of political participation.

“The achievements of Governor Adeleke are evident and the impacts of his transformative leadership is undeniable. The people identified with him and Accord in pursuit of a better, greater, brighter and prosperous Osun State.”

Mgbudem demanded the immediate release of all Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters arrested and detained in Abuja, Nasarawa and Osun states in flagrant violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

He stated, “It is in the interest of justice and equity to release them immediately. The election is over, there is no need for their detention.

“The Inspector-General of Police is urged to act accordingly.”

Aregbesola to Adeleke: Use Your Mandate to unite Osun and Govern with Fairness Former Governor of Osun State and National Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, urging him to use his renewed mandate to unite the state and govern with fairness.

Aregbesola, in a congratulatory statement on Monday, also commended the people of Osun for their participation in the election, in what he described as their political sophistication.

He urged political actors, supContinued on page 34

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

JP BATTERY WEST AFRICA DISTRIBUTORS’ MEETING...

L-R: Dr. Chris Brown Umeh, Sole Distributor for West Africa, JP Battery/Pinaco; Kwasi Bo-na Otuo-Srebour, Director of Vehicle Inspection and Registration at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA); a business representative; Onye Ndu Raymond Chukwuma Okadigbo (Ezebinugwu); and Merlyn Gaskin, Director of Research, Statistics and Infor-mation Management at Ghana’s Ministry of Transport, during the JP Battery West Africa Distributors’ Meeting held in Accra, Ghana... recently

UK CHEERS ADELEKE, FLAGS BVAS, VOTE BUYING, ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN OSUN POLL

porters and residents to allow the state to move forward in peace and unity.

Aregbesola called on Adeleke to extend the hand of fellowship to political tendencies across the state.

The ADC national secretary also praised members and supporters of the party for their steadfastness and commitment to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, throughout the election campaign.

Aregbesola said the party’s candidate conducted himself with dignity and maturity, particularly in his response to the outcome of the election.

He stated, “I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as the governor of Osun following the governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

“Now that the people of Osun have spoken through the ballot, their decision must be respected.

I therefore extend my best wishes to Governor Adeleke as he prepares to commence another term in office.

“I am particularly proud of your steadfastness, courage and commitment throughout this journey. You stood firm, worked tirelessly and remained committed to the ideals that brought us together, even in the face of enormous political pressure and an intensely competitive electoral environment.”

Regarding the ADC governorship candidate, Aregbesola stated, “Dr. Salaam has conducted himself with dignity throughout this contest. His campaign represented our tradition and conviction that politics should be about ideas, competence, character and service to the people.

“Let us, therefore, preserve the friendships, relationships and bonds forged during this journey. Let us continue to engage constructively, speak for the people, and hold government accountable while offering responsible alternatives wherever necessary.”

Salaam Urges Unity for Collective Devt of State, Transcending Party Affiliations The governorship candidate of ADC in Osun State, Hon. Najeem Salaam, appealed to all stakeholders to transcend party affiliations and unite for the collective development of the state.

In a congratulatory message personally signed, Salaam emphasised that the choice of the electorate must always prevail in any democratic society.

He stated, “At the end of the day, the choice of the people must prevail.

In any democratic process, there will always be choices, contestation, and differing views, but what matters most is that the people are given the opportunity to decide.

“Today, they have exercised that right, and their decision deserves our respect and support.”

George: It’s Affirmation of People’s Power Former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, described the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State as an affirmation of the power of the people.

George said the poll illustrated the importance of allowing the will of the people to prevail in a democracy.

While congratulating Adeleke on his victory, George said the peaceful conduct and outcome of the election should serve as an important example as Nigeria looked ahead to the 2027 general election.

According to the elder statesman, the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must remain at the heart of the country’s democratic process, while political actors and institutions must continue to demonstrate restraint, fairness and respect for the wishes of the electorate.

George also expressed satisfaction that the Osun election was concluded peacefully and without a crisis over the results.

He said, “Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually started from the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region — Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and others. That is the real West.

“I, therefore, want to commend the people of Osun for demonstrating that the ultimate civil, political and democratic authority belongs to the people and is exercised through the ballot.

“In exercising political power, those entrusted with public office must always remember that their mandate comes from the people. An incumbent may have the advantages of office, but ultimately it is the electorate that determines whether that mandate should be renewed.”

George added, “If you work in the interest of the people, they have the opportunity to reward you with their votes. Where they believe otherwise, they are equally entitled to make a different choice.

That is the beauty of democracy.

“Governor Adeleke worked, and the people have expressed their judgment through the ballot.

Today, we can see that there is peace across the state because the electoral process has been allowed to run its course.

“My appeal to President Bola Tinubu, as we look towards 2027, is to continue to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian who wishes to contest should be allowed to do so in accordance with the law.

Nigerians, through their votes, should be allowed to decide who they want to lead them.”

Ohanaeze to Tinubu: Don’t Depend on APC Govs Alone for Your Presidential Election The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide urged President Bola Tinubu to draw critical lessons from the outcome of the Osun State election and strengthen his 2027 re-election strategy around measurable achievements, credible performers, and leaders with proven records of service.

In a statement by Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged Tinubu not to depend exclusively on the political assurances of the APC governors forum, as the Nigerian electorate were becoming increasingly conscious and demanding accountability, visible development, and leadership that directly improved the lives of citizens.

Isiguzoro said that the Osun election outcome served as a significant warning signal to all political actors, including the ruling APC, that electoral victory in 2027 would depend largely on achievements that citizens could see, feel, and appreciate.

Ohanaeze advised Tinubu to build a stronger national campaign around high-performing individuals whose achievements represented the practical success stories of his administration.

The body specifically recognised Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, whose commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical federal highways had created a significant impact across the Southeast region.

The statement said, “The message from Osun is unmistakable: performance will shape the future of Nigerian politics, and only leaders with demonstrable achievements will secure the confidence of the electorate in 2027.

“The Nigerian electorate is becoming increasingly conscious, demanding accountability, visible development and leadership that directly improves the lives of citizens.

“The era when elections could be determined solely by political structures, financial inducements or party influence is gradually giving way to a new reality where performance and public confidence remain the strongest electoral assets.”

Isiguzoro said, “The performance of the APC structure in Osun State should encourage deeper reflection within the party, particularly on the need to strengthen grassroots engagement, reward competence and promote leaders whose records can independently inspire voter confidence.

“The organisation therefore advises President Tinubu not to depend exclusively on political assurances from party structures but to build a stronger national campaign around high-performing individuals whose achievements represent the practical success stories of his administration.”

SDP: Osun Voters Have Dismantled APC’s Aura of Invincibility Ahead 2027 Elections

Social Democratic Party (SDP) declared that the outcome of the Osun State election had shattered the perception of APC as politically invincible. SDP said the poll demonstrated that determined voters could overcome incumbency, political machinery, and financial inducements.

National Chairman of the party, Professor Sadiq Gombe, at a press briefing, said the Osun experience had sent a powerful warning to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gombe said the election had also provided important lessons for opposition parties, INEC, the security agencies, and the electorate, particularly on the power of voters to determine electoral outcomes.

According to him, the most significant lesson from Osun is that the distinction between “big” and “small” political parties has become less important when voters had made up their minds on the candidate they wanted.

Gombe stated, “The people of Osun have taught Nigerians a great lesson.”

He said electoral victory ultimately depended on voters’ confidence rather than the size, structure or financial strength of a political party.

“It is a warning signal to the ruling party to know that they are not sacrosanct. They will be defeated,” he declared.

Gombe, Eze Congratulate Adeleke, INEC Factional leader of ADC, Nafiu

Bala Gombe, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, saying the victory reinforces democratic values and deepens constitutional governance in the country.

In a statement, Gombe described Adeleke’s victory as well-deserved, stating that the outcome reflected the sovereign will of the people of Osun State.

Gombe said, “The authentic and legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the tutelage of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, heartily congratulates His Excellency, Governor Nuruddeen Ademola Adeleke, on his welldeserved re-election as Governor of Osun State.

“We note that this victory reinforces democratic values, deepens constitutional governance and reflects the sovereign will of the good people of Osun State.”

Gombe added, “We also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its diligence and commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State. The transparent exercise in which the election was conducted is a clear testament to INEC’s independence and its role as an impartial electoral umpire.”

Another chieftain of ADC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the power of the electorate to shape political outcomes through the ballot box.

Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), in a statement in Port Harcourt, congratulated the people of Osun and Adeleke, saying the election has reinforced the importance of voter participation and protection of electoral mandates.

According to Eze, the Osun experience should serve as a lesson for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

NDC Hails Gov, Rejects Endorsing Tinubu Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) hailed the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing it as a victory for democracy and the triumph of the people’s will.

But the party faulted the governor’s reported pledge to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election demonstrated that voters could resist “tyranny”, “civilian dictatorship”,

and attempts to suppress their democratic choices through the electoral process.

Director, in his reaction to the election, commended the people of Osun for turning out to vote and insisting that their votes must count.

He said the outcome was particularly significant because it showed that federal power could not determine an election when voters were determined to exercise their franchise.

Director stated, “The victory of the Accord Party in the Osun State governorship election is a victory for democracy. It is a triumph of the people’s will over any authoritarian leadership.

“It is a befitting crowning of the dogged efforts of the great people of Osun who resisted tyranny, who resisted civilian dictatorship, who resisted oppression and refused to be silenced and insisted that their vote must count.”

CODER Commends INEC, Stakeholders Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) commended INEC, the security agencies, and the people of Osun State for the successful conduct of the governorship election.

CODER, in a statement by Comrade Michael Ajayi and Alhassan Adamu, stated that with its observation of the electoral process, INEC did very well in the election.

Adamu said there was significant improvement in the organisation and performance compared with challenges the electoral umpire experienced in previous electoral exercises.

He stated, “We particularly commend INEC for its performance across the various stages of the electoral process, including logistics and deployment of electoral materials and personnel, voter accreditation through the BVAS, the professional conduct of its personnel, prompt collation of results, uploading of polling-unit results on the IReV portal and the eventual declaration of the election result.”

It stated that the effective deployment and utilisation of technology, particularly the BVAS and IReV platforms, contributed to greater transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The group stated that there might still be areas requiring improvement, but believed that the overall performance of INEC demonstrated that the commission was capable Continued on page 35

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

NEWS

2026 EDITION OF NSA AWARDS...

L-R: Mal Samaila Sani; Senior Technical Assistant to Borno State Governor on Print and Digital Communications, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi; and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Alhaji Yushau A. Shuaib, during the 2026 edition of NSA awards in Abuja on Thursday

UK CHEERS ADELEKE, FLAGS BVAS, VOTE BUYING, ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN OSUN POLL

of learning from past experiences and progressively improving the quality of election management in Nigeria.

CODER also commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, for the professional manner in which they handled security concerns before, during and after the election.

It said, “This commendation is particularly significant given the heightened tension, apprehension and concerns over possible violence in the days preceding the election.

“The ability of the security agencies to maintain relative peace and order enabled citizens to exercise their democratic rights without widespread disruption.”

Kwara APC Stakeholders Urged to Take Lessons from Osun over Internal Disputes A chieftain of APC in Kwara State, Femi Araba, yesterday, urged party stakeholders in the state to draw useful lessons from Osun on the need to manage internal differences through dialogue, fairness, and reconciliation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Araba, a governorship aspirant of

the party in the recent primaries of APC in the state, said, in a statement in Ilorin, “Every political family will have differences, and the strength of a party lies in how it manages those differences.

“There is a time to win and a time to lose. Politics requires the wisdom to win some and lose some, because today’s winner may need yesterday’s loser tomorrow.

“The concerns being expressed by different stakeholders within APC Kwara should not necessarily be viewed as opposition to the party or its leadership.”

Araba said, “They should be given a fair hearing and assessed on their merits, with the overriding objective of strengthening the party.

“I, therefore, believe that the National Working Committee should look carefully into the various concerns and positions being expressed, listen to all sides and determine what is in the best interest of the party.”

concern over the violence and loss of lives that characterised the Osun election as well as the continuing deterioration of national security.

The lawmakers, under the aegis of Save Democracy Group, a bipartisan platform, also called for an investigation into a widely circulated video in which Fadahunsi was heard making comments encouraging supporters to kill members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.

The legislators maintained that while Fadahunsi had denied inciting violence, the denial should not prevent an independent investigation.

The group made the call on Monday in a statement jointly signed

by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (NDC, Rivers), Hon Abubakar Kusada (APC, Katsina); and Hon. Mansur Jega (ADC, Kebbi).

It stated that the loss of Nigerian lives must not be treated as an acceptable cost of political competition.

It also commended the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights despite the tension, intimidation, and violence that preceded the election.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability over Osun Election APC Chieftain Urges Members Violence, National Insecurity Concerned members of the Not to Be Discouraged, House of Representatives expressed Commends President Tinubu

A chieftain of APC in Osun, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, urged members and leaders not to be dismayed by the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Osogbo.

He said the election outcome should not be viewed solely from the perspective of victory or defeat, but as an opportunity for APC to consolidate its gains, strengthen its structures, and address areas requiring improvement ahead of future elections.

Oyintiloye urged party members to remain united, disciplined, and focused, calling on them to return to the grassroots, listen to the people and build on the momentum generated by the election.

He commended the intervention and support of President Bola Tinubu before and during the election, describing it as a significant demonstration of leadership and commitment to the growth of the party in the state.

Oyintiloye said Tinubu struck a balance between his role as party leader and Head of State, demonstrating the traits of a true

democrat without being partisan.

According to him, the president’s intervention provided the APC family in Osun with renewed confidence and stronger hope, while energising the party’s various organs and structures across the state.

Police Commissioner Cautions Against Forceful Takeover of LGAs in Osun State Commissioner of Police (Election), CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, cautioned against forceful takeover of local government areas in the state.

There have been controversies running into several months over who controlled the local government areas in the state.

Erale also congratulated the people of Osun State on the successful and peaceful conclusion of the recent gubernatorial election, and commended all stakeholders for their participation in the democratic process.

The command, however, stated with concern reports of plans by some individuals or groups to forcefully take over the affairs and premises of local government areas in the state, notwithstanding that the matter remained before the court.

The command stated, “The police command wishes to state clearly that no individual, political group, or association has the right to resort to self-help or the use of force to assume control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing.

“All parties are urged to exercise patience and allow the courts to determine the matter in accordance with the law. Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities will be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, including arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable.”

It said, “Parents, community and traditional leaders, political and youth leaders, and other stakeholders are enjoined to counsel their supporters against acts capable of undermining the peace and security of the State.

“The Commissioner of Police calls on all citizens of Osun State to remain calm, respect the rule of law, and allow the judicial process to run its course, while assuring that the Police will continue to protect lives and property and maintain peace and public order throughout the State.”

NECONDE/NESTOIL RESPOND TO ‘MALICIOUS, DESPICABLE’ REPORT ON ALLEGED $60 MILLION EFCC RECOVERY conversations in good faith in a convivial atmosphere and firm decisions were reached as to how the commercial relationship between Nestoil/Neconde and the lenders will progress in terms of mutual obligations in the period following. f. After the meeting, Nestoil/ Neconde’s lead counsel agreed with the lenders’ lead counsel (in communication between them to concretize the settlement) that the agreements reached at the meeting should be documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and one was immediately originated

by Neconde’s Counsel for the lenders’ review. Parties (and their counsel) have engaged in extensive reviews of the MOU and our lead counsel firm had indicated to us that they already reached significant alignment with the lenders’ counsel who had informed our counsel that the lenders’ final revision of the MOU will be communicated

in the week of 17 August, 2026 and a subsequent meeting afterwards towards execution. g. Coincidentally, both our lead counsel and the lenders’ counsel agreed that all parties should refrain from any engagement by adverts or sponsored publications in the media.

The sponsored publications of August 17, 2026 in multiple print and electronic media outlets at the instance of one of the lenders is therefore clear cut evidence of bad faith almost bordering on dishonesty. h. Nestoil/Neconde has been consistent from the beginning of the disputes that this particular lender who has been sponsoring different character assassination campaigns in the media, is driven by ulterior motives especially because its new so-called majority investor and Holding Company Chairman had made an offer in writing to the Chairman of Nestoil/ Neconde to be allotted shares in

Neconde. Neconde outrightly rejected the plea for obvious reasons including the notorious reputation of this investor of running failed businesses in the past and leaving organizations he invests in worse off. Nestoil/Neconde are companies that have been built based on long term consistent sacrifice and commitment and thus incompatible with a corporate raider principle where an investor wants to make quick returns and exit.

It was shortly after Neconde rejected this investor’s offer to buy some Neconde shares, that the onslaught against our companies started in a manner akin to an attempt to grab the companies from their owners.

Nestoil/Neconde has intelligence that the negative actions against our companies were led by this particular lender and its Holdco Chairman without the concurrence of other lenders; and this is corroborated by the

fact that one of the lenders had initiated separate proceedings divorced from that led by this lender. i. The publications pretend to be patronizing of the EFCC, whereas the lenders have communicated to Nestoil/ Neconde that their preference is for payments not to be routed through the EFCC ,despite the fact that it was a subsidiary of one of the lenders that wrote the petition to EFCC purportedly on behalf of all lenders. The strategy is a characteristic case of divide and rule and pitching parties against each other which is a manifestation of utter bad faith. In a characteristic show of cowardice, the sponsor of the publication freely bandied the name of the EFCC Chairman and officials of the EFCC in a bid to use their names to obtain validation for the sponsors and contrary to the discreet, measured and covert disposition of the EFCC in carrying out its

statutory duties.

As responsible corporate organizations, Neconde and Nestoil have refrained from putting fine details of their commercial engagements with the lenders in the public space. We believe that those details are not for public consumption and despite any provocation or infantile conduct, we will retain a mature disposition. Nestoil/ Neconde remain committed to an amicable resolution of the commercial issues. We must state that this latest action sponsored by this lender is a serious setback for the resolution process. The publications were deliberate, coordinated and premeditated. Nestoil/Neconde got hint that this lender was disseminating and shopping the publication to various media houses about 48 hours before it was published and protested but the lender remained recalcitrant and unrelenting. We reserve all our rights in the circumstances and urge other lenders not to allow this particular lender (with

a different unaltruistic interest to serve) to lead other lenders by the nose and scuttle all the hard and genuine work that have gone into this resolution process. The sponsoring of this publication on the eve of the execution of an MOU amongst other reciprocal commitments due for August, 2026 is proof of everything inconsistent with good faith by a party bent on scuttling the resolution or obsessed by an over bloated ego and false impression of self-worth and importance.

Neconde/Nestoil categorically deny the assertions of criminality and crime related recovery implicit in the publication. The lingering question is what exactly was the purpose that the publication was meant to serve aside cheap blackmail, reputation maligning, falsehood , egotistic mudslinging that are products of a juvenile or infatuated mind?

SIGNED: MANAGEMENTS OF NECONDE ENERGY LIMITED AND NESTOIL LIMITED

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T H I S D AY • TUESday AUGUST 18, 2026

POLITICS

The Unending Political Feud Between Obasanjo and Osoba

The relationship between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba remains one of the most consequential variables in the Gateway State’s political equation. Will their political preferences converge or diverge? Jonathan Eze asks.

Obasanjo

Osoba

I

n the history of Nigerian politics, few rivalries have been as enduring, complex and consequential as that between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.

Unlike political feuds driven by personal insults or ideological extremism, the ObasanjoOsoba rivalry has always been rooted in competing visions of political leadership, influence, and power within Ogun State and the wider Yoruba political establishment. It is a rivalry that has survived military rule, the return of democracy, shifting party loyalties, and changing national political alignments.

Even today, decades after both men occupied the highest offices available to them, the echoes of their political contest continue to shape Ogun

politics.

Two Different Political Schools Although both men are proud Egba sons from Ogun State, their political upbringing could hardly have been more different.

Obasanjo emerged from the military establishment. His political authority has always rested on executive power, national stature and his reputation as a strategic political operator. Whether as military Head of State (1976–1979) or civilian President (1999–2007), Obasanjo projected himself as a national leader who often placed national considerations above regional political sentiments.

Osoba, by contrast, built his influence

through journalism before entering politics.

Having risen to become one of Nigeria’s most respected investigative journalists, he entered partisan politics through the progressive tradition of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His political identity became closely associated with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Afenifere and the Yoruba progressive movement.

This divergence created the first philosophical fault line. Where Obasanjo believed in a strong central authority, Osoba remained committed to regional consensus, party loyalty and progressive federalism.

1999: Allies by Circumstance, Rivals by Design When democracy returned in 1999, both men emerged victorious. Obasanjo became President

on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Osoba became Governor of Ogun State under the Alliance for Democracy.

At first glance, the emergence of two influential Ogun sons should have strengthened the state’s political relevance.

Instead, it produced one of Nigeria’s most fascinating political rivalries.

While many expected Obasanjo to protect the political interests of the Southwest despite belonging to another party, he increasingly sought to expand the PDP into territories controlled by the AD. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Why W’Africa Must Rethink Its Security Beyond Battlefield

Raheem Akingbolu, who attended a recent security retreat convened by the Amandla Institute in partnership with the Open Society Foundations, argues that West Africa can not shoot its way to peace but rather govern its way there.

A

t a recent West Africa Security Retreat convened by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, in partnership with the Open Society Foundations, some of West Africa’s most experienced diplomats, former intelligence chiefs, military strategists and policy experts confronted a question that has become impossible to ignore: why does insecurity appear intractable and continue to spread despite decades of military operations, expanding defence budgets and increasingly sophisticated security architecture?

While the conversations took place behind closed doors, one conclusion stood out with remarkable clarity. West Africa must begin to rethink security beyond the battlefield if it hopes to secure lasting peace.

That conclusion deserves wider public attention because the region stands at a defining moment. For more than three decades, West Africa has battled one security crisis after another. Governments have deployed troops, acquired sophisticated weapons, strengthened intelligence capabilities and entered regional security arrangements in a determined effort to contain violent extremism, organised crime and insurgency. Yet, despite these enormous investments, insecurity has become more adaptive, more organised and increasingly transnational.

The security threats confronting the region today bear little resemblance to those of two decades ago. What began as isolated insurgencies has evolved into a complex web of terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking, illicit mining, cyber-enabled crime, banditry and communal violence. Criminal organisations no longer operate within clearly defined national boundaries. They recruit in one country, finance their activities in another and execute operations elsewhere, exploiting porous borders

Tinubu

and weak institutional coordination with alarming efficiency.

It was against this backdrop that the retreat became particularly significant. Rather than producing another communiqué filled with familiar recommendations, the retreat created a rare platform for honest reflection among practitioners who have spent decades shaping Africa’s security landscape. Their

discussions were neither academic exercises nor political speeches. They were informed by experience gathered from intelligence operations, diplomacy, military command and regional policymaking.

One lesson echoed throughout the retreat.

The region’s greatest challenge is no longer simply defeating armed groups. It is building institutions capable of preventing violence before it erupts, restoring public confidence in government and creating conditions where

peace can endure long after military operations have ended. Winning battles and winning peace, participants agreed, are fundamentally different objectives.

For too long, public discourse has tended to equate security almost exclusively with military capability. Whenever violence escalates, governments understandably deploy additional troops, intensify operations and procure new equipment. Such actions remain necessary. No responsible government can surrender communities or territories to terrorists or criminal organisations. Yet experience across West Africa repeatedly demonstrates that battlefield victories alone rarely translate into lasting stability.

Time and again, armed groups have been dispersed only to regroup elsewhere. Communities liberated through military action have sometimes relapsed into violence because the underlying drivers of conflict remained unresolved. Where poverty persists, governance weakens and justice becomes inaccessible, insecurity often returns in new and more dangerous forms. Military force can suppress violence temporarily, but sustainable peace requires something far more enduring.

That broader understanding formed one of the most valuable outcomes of the retreat.

Participants repeatedly returned to the relationship between governance and security. Weak institutions, corruption, youth unemployment, fragile public services, social exclusion and declining confidence in government were identified not merely as development challenges but as strategic security concerns. Extremist organisations and criminal networks thrive where citizens lose faith in the ability of the state to protect them or improve their lives.

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

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tuesday August 18, 2026 • T H i s d ay

NEWS

GLOWFUX @10 MEDIA UNVEILING…

L-R: Tope Adegbola of Vanguard Newspaper; GLOWFUX Young Ambassador, Hiradat Aroyewun; GLOWFUX Life Patron, Alhaji Taiwo Oshikoya; Advisory Board Member, Bundle of Hope Child Care & Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Babatunde Amakaiye Olowu; Member, Fanafillit, Adesola Adeleke; Project Lead, GLOWFUX Charity Concert, Olubode Mac. Oserinde; GLOWFUX’s Ambassador Parent, Damilola Edwards; GLOWFUX Young Ambassador, Ayodeji Eseleh; Mr. Damilola Oloyede of Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation;and Coordinator, GLOWFUX @ 10, Chisom Oparaugo, and Publisher, Impact Newspaper and Advisory Board Member, Bundle of Hope Child Care & Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Olukunle Adelabu, during the GLOWFUX @10 media unveiling in Ikorodu, Lagos…recently

Lawyers Demand End to Years of Secret Detention of South-east Youths, Others Ask FG, UN, AU, US, UK to intervene over alleged disappearance of youths

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

The coalition of independent lawyers in the South-east region last Sunday decried what they called years of prolonged and secret detention of youths allegedly arrested during security operations in the region, saying that they should produce them in court or free them.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, the legal practitioners working with human rights group, Fiat Justicia Juris, said families have been left in agony with no information on the whereabouts or condition of their relatives for years.

Reading the statement, the lead counsel, Mr. Olusegun Adekoya, said the group was acting on the instructions of Mazi Chris Nwaogu, the head of the Directorate of State of IPOB, insisting also that their intervention was anchored on the constitution and the rule of law, not politics.

The lawyers declared that: “Detention must not become a substitute for trial.

“Produce them. Charge those against whom admissible evidence exists.

Try them before competent civilian courts. Release those against whom there is none.”

The team raised the alarm over allegations that suspects

Rivers Guber: Group Endorses Dumo Lulu-Briggs Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Orashi National Congress (ONC) has endorsed the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs ahead of the 2027 Rivers State governorship race, with the group describing its decision as a strong statement on political equity and the aspirations of the people.

The ONC resolved to support Lulu-Briggs at a Special Convention held in Erema, Ogba/Ebgema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State, after deliberations on the political, developmental and security challenges confronting the Orashi region and the state at large.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media, to Lulu-Briggs, Nia’Bari Fakae, the endorsement was described as “more than another political endorsement,” saying it reflected a growing desire among communities to have a meaningful voice in determining who leads the state.

Fakae said the ONC decision was anchored basically on political equity and the conviction that Rivers West Senatorial District should have the opportunity to produce the next governor of Rivers State.

He, however, said the significance of the endorsement went beyond senatorial rotation. “It speaks to a growing democratic instinct in Nigeria: the desire of citizens and communities to have a meaningful voice in determining who leads them,” the statement said.

Fakae said the endorsement was particularly significant against the backdrop of increasing debates over internal party democracy, political monetisation, godfatherism and the influence of powerful political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

He argued that the Orashi decision demonstrated that communities could independently make political choices based on their aspirations and assessment of leadership.

arrested in the Southeast are being transferred to distant military detention facilities, including the Wawa facility in Niger State, and held indefinitely without arraignment.

They argued that the proscription of IPOB does not suspend the constitutional rights of

individual Nigerians.

According to them, an allegation of association with a proscribed group cannot justify indefinite detention without due process.

The lawyers said the human cost is already being felt by families. They cited the case of Mrs. Calista Ifedi, who they said has been in

detention since 2021 over alleged IPOB links, and was later reported to have died in custody.

They demanded that her remains be released to her family and that the circumstances of her death be investigated.

To strengthen their case, the legal team announced

plans to compile a comprehensive register of missing persons based on affidavits from families. The document, they said, would be submitted to the United Nations, African Union, European Union, the United States, United Kingdom, and other international human rights bodies.

2027: Parties Yet to Unveil Campaign Councils Hours to August 19 Commencement of Campaigns Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Less than 24 hours to the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, major political parties are yet to fully constitute and unveil their campaign councils.

However, this seems to be traced to internal intrigues, consultations and legal disputes.

The development implies that President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other presidential candidates could enter the formal campaign period without clearly defined campaign structures unless last-minute decisions are reached.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 19, 2026,

for the commencement of presidential and National Assembly campaigns, while governorship and state Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9.

The ALL Progressives Congress (APC) National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, told journalists that the party’s campaign council would be announced by the National Working

Committee (NWC), adding that attention had recently been focused on the Osun State governorship election which was held last Saturday.

He said that the August 19 date only opens the campaign window and does not compel parties to begin activities that day, saying that the APC would unveil its council once the NWC concludes its deliberations.

Niger Delta Leader Advocates 70% Revenue Retention

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A Niger Delta leader, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, has called for the restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to enable states to retain 70 per cent of revenues from local resources.

Ambakederimo made the call last weekend at a birthday breakfast media chat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to mark his 65th birthday.

The chat with the theme: ‘Federalism with Equity: Fair Resources, Fair Opportunities’, focused on resource control, fiscal federalism and equitable development.

Ambakederimo, who is the convener of the SouthSouth Reawakening Group (SSRG), said that Nigeria’s current federal structure was incapable of delivering the rapid development required by the Niger Delta region

and the entire country.

He said that states should have greater control over their natural resources, while contributing an agreed percentage to the federal government.

According to him, the arrangement will promote healthy competition among states and enable them to develop according to their resources and priorities.

“The 1963 Constitution

provided for 50 per cent derivation, but my recommendation would be 70 per cent retained by the state,” he said.

Ambakederimo said that the agitation for resource control remained relevant, particularly because oilproducing communities continued to bear the environmental and economic consequences of resource exploitation.

PDP Guber Candidate, Anosike, Launches Abia Champions Boniface Okoro inUmuahia

The Kelechi Anosike Foundation (KAF) Abia Champions League, sponsored by the Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, last Sunday commenced at the Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area

of the state, with a promise to use sports as a tool to engage Abia youths and tackle unemployment.

The opening match of the inter-local government football tournament was between Umuahia North LGA and Umuahia South LGA. It ended in a 1-1 draw after a fiercely contested encounter.

Umuahia South drew first blood, scoring within the first two minutes of the match.

Umuahia North, despite dominating possession with an estimated 80 per cent, only found the equalizer in the last two minutes of added time.

Speaking to journalists after performing the kickoff ceremony, Dr. Anosike described the match as “very interesting and engaging,” and said the league is designed to discover new talents across the state.

“For me, it is a very

interesting and engaging football competition. It is the first of its kind, and we have seen stars.

“This is the Kelechi Anosike Foundation, Abia State Champions League. 17 local government areas, One League and One Champion. So, this is where stars are born. We have witnessed some, and we have picked some stars already, and with time, we will engage them further,” Anosike stated.

tuesday august 18 , 2026 • T H i s d ay

38

NEWS

BUILDING LEADERS OF TOMORROW…

L-R:Assistant Governor, Rotary International District 9127, Zainab Omowumi Owonikoko; the District Governor, Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko; the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande; the Chairman of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), Kayode Olushola Fasua; and past District Governor, Larence Okwor, at the opening of RYLA Camp for 600 youths in Abuja...recently

Kingibe Links Abuja Flooding to Construction on Green Areas, Drainage Channels Funmi Ogundare

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, yesterday, blamed the worsening flooding in Abuja on the construction of buildings and other structures on green areas, floodplains, gullies and natural drainage channels,

warning that the continued development is increasing the FCT’s vulnerability to flooding.

She stated that several natural waterways and drainage corridors across Abuja had either been blocked, narrowed or built over, leaving rainwater with fewer channels through

which to flow.

Speaking in an interview on AriseTV Primetime, the senator explained that she had written to the Development Control Department, Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), demanding that the agencies identify the affected areas and provide both immediate and long-

term solutions to the problem.

The request, she noted, was prompted by her inspections of several locations where she observed developments allegedly taking place on drainage and sewage corridors.

“There’s a channel in Maitama that’s now being built over,” Kingibe said, adding that she had also visited Wuse Zone six,

where she found sewage allegedly coming out of the ground around a residential development.

She further cited a flood channel in Asokoro, a floodplain in Mabushi and areas around Jabi Park, among others, where she alleged that construction activities were encroaching on spaces originally intended to accommodate

water flow.

According to her, the situation has become particularly dangerous because Abuja’s terrain allows water to flow rapidly from surrounding rocky areas during heavy rainfall.

“When the water starts coming down, there’s nowhere for them to flow into because all their paths are blocked,” she said.

2027: Oyo SDP Guber Candidate Promises Fresh Ideas APM Wins All 20 Chairmanship, 319 over the years, stating that the KemiOlaitaninIbadan The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, yesterday said his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election was informed by what he described as a “divine call” and the need for fresh ideas and purposeful leadership in the state.

He stated this while speaking with journalists at the SDP Secretariat in the Bodija area of Ibadan, shortly after he was formally introduced to party leaders, members and the public as the party’s governorship candidate.

Agboola said although he had not traditionally been a politician, he had supported, assisted and promoted politicians

prevailing situation in the country had made it necessary for people with genuine commitment to public service to become directly involved in governance.

According to him, his aspiration was also driven by the desire to give back to the community that raised and supported him, saying: “This is the time for us to also give back to the community that raised us, to the people that noticed us, promoted us and gave us life.”

The SDP candidate said he intended to approach governance differently by moving away from what he described as “pedestrian thinking” towards the development of sustainable systems that would benefit future generations

AfCFTA Chief Wamkele Mene to Headline PMI Global Summit in Cape Town Africa’s trade integration agenda takes centre stage this September as the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Mr. Wamkele Mene, will lead the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Summit Series Cape Town, South Africa, from 14 to 15 September 14 to 16, 2026.

Hosted by PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, the summit will bring together government, development finance, energy, tech and infrastructure leaders under one urgent mandate: Africa Delivers M.O.R.E. Together.

Mene’s keynote gives weight to the theme. As the architect of the world’s largest free trade area, his work embodies the very idea of African nations delivering

together.

“Africa’s integration will depend on how well we connect our markets, move goods and people, power our economies and make it easier to do business across borders,” the Summit programme notes.

“Behind all of this is the ability to deliver — having the right institutions, skills and project capability to turn continental ambition into real progress.”

The summit will move from policy to practice with leaders tackling Africa’s most critical delivery challenges. For instance, in the area of energy, Chair of Eskom, Mteto Nyathi, will lead conversations on delivering reliable energy access to power growth.

Councillorship Seats in Bauchi LG Polls Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has won all the 20 chairmanship seats contested in yesterday’s Bauchi State Local Government elections.

The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) declared the results last night.

Announcing the results, the Chairperson of BASIEC, Hon. Hajiya Jummai S. Abubakar,

declared the candidates of the APM winners of the chairmanship elections in the 20 local government areas.

“Following the conclusion of voting, counting, collation and verification, I, Hon. Hajiya Jummai S. Abubakar (Gimbiyar Dass), Chairperson of BASIEC, hereby declared that all 20 APM candidates emerged victorious as chairmen of the respective Local According to

the commission, Bappah Aliyu Mohammed won Alkaleri LGA with 107,482 votes; Umar Mohammed Aliyu won Bauchi LGA with 125,170 votes; while Zakka Luka Magaji emerged winner in Bogoro LGA with 25,282 votes.

In Dambam LGA, Iliya Isah polled 19,730 votes; Ya’u Samaila Sade won Darazo with 67,276 votes; and Mohammed Abubakar Jibo

emerged victorious in Dass local government Chairman with 35,264 votes.

Other winners include: Ali Babayo in Gamawa LGA with 54,423 votes; Mohammed Idris M in Ganjuwa LGAwith 24,150 votes; Mustapha Alhaji Musa in Giade with 33,864 votes; Dankawuwa Ya’u in Itas/ Gadau with 24,989 votes; and Inuwa Abdullahi in Jama’are with 36,766 votes.

Philanthropist Donates 20 Water Projects to Ijebu-Ode Communities

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A prominent businessman and philanthropist, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo, and his wife, Olori Abayomi Onabanjo, have donated 20 additional boreholes to communities in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, as part of efforts to address water scarcity and provide access to potable water.

The latest donation, which

is the second batch in the series, comes barely two weeks after 12 communities benefited from boreholes donated by the entrepreneur and Ijebu royal prince.

The communities that benefited from the second batch include Olode Isale (Imupa), Idepo (Ijasi), Obalende 1 (Porogun), Obalende (Seicko), Oju Koti, Alawa, Ojofa, Ita Osu New Market (Ikongba), Ayegbami

(Idomowo Community), Ipamurin and Ishado.

Others are Imoru, Ariyo Street (Moborode), Eleru Gbeda (GRA Festac), Oniworo, Onirugba, Itaajana, Sabo 2, Idomila and Ijagun Road.

Speaking last Sunday during the inauguration and handover ceremony in Ijebu-Ode, the donor’s representative, Funmilayo Ayanwusi, said the initiative

was aimed at addressing the water needs of the community.

She said the initiative was targeting 52 boreholes across different parts of Ijebu-Ode. Ayanwusi stressed that the project was purely philanthropic and driven by the benefactor’s desire to contribute to the development of his community, rather than by any political ambition.

Experts Urge New Approach to Maternal, Adolescent Health in Nigeria Daji Sani inYola

Health experts have called for a renewed focus on maternal and adolescent health, describing the two areas as closely interconnected and requiring an integrated, life-course approach to improve outcomes for women, newborns, and young people.

At a training session for journalists in Yola Adamawa State Capital organised by Adamawa State Government

in Collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on maternal and adolescent health, facilitators outlined key objectives, explaining why maternal and adolescent health is different and complex, identifying opportunities for improvement, and understanding major challenges affecting both groups.

Participants were urged to define maternal health as more than survival. It includes

respectful and dignified care, prevention and management of complications, physical and mental well-being, and positive pregnancy and childbirth experiences.

The session emphasised that a woman surviving pregnancy is important, but surviving without preventable injury, disability, trauma, or disrespect is equally important. Care must cover preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal

period.

UNICEF Health Officer, Bauchi, Oluseyi Olusunde, called for greater involvement of community and noted that poor maternal health can lead to severe consequences including maternal death, disability, severe bleeding, infection, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, and unsafe abortion. Indirect causes such as anaemia, malaria, and heart disease also contribute significantly.

39

THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

NFF’s Hammer Falls on Super Falcons Head Coach, Others Duro Ikhazuagbe

As fallouts from Nigeria’s disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign and the failure of the Super Falcons to

WA F C O N 2 0 2 6 FA L LO U T

qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the technical crew of the team headed by Justin

Madugu has been asked to step down from their roles.

The sacking of the coaches was

announced on the official social media platforms of the Super Falcons on Monday afternoon. The post read: “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of

Coventry Sign Forest Striker Awoniyi for £9m Coventry City have signed Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for £9million.

The 29-year-old joins Coventry before Friday’s Premier League opener at champions Arsenal, with the club returning to the top flight after a 25-year absence.

Awoniyi was given a guard of honour by the Forest squad and staff before the second half of their final pre-season friendly against Brest on Sunday to allow him to say goodbye at the City Ground, where he spent the past four seasons.

“He was probably one of the loveliest guys I’ve met, always friendly, always smiling,” said Forest boss Oliver Glasner, after a 2-0 win over the Ligue 1 side.

“Everybody in the club likes him and I could see everybody in the stand likes him because this is what everybody appreciates.

“He always gives 100% for the team, he always gives 100% for the bench, and that’s why he deserves such a farewell, such a guard of honour.

That’s why we decided we would give it to him and I wish him all the best at his next club, just not when they play us.”

Awoniyi became Forest’s record signing at the time when he joined from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2m.

He scored 23 goals in 103 games for Forest but has been behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order and was left out of last season’s Europa League squad.

Awoniyi started just three games

Taiwo Awoniyi...completes switch from Forest to Coventry last season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.

In May 2025, he was placed in an induced coma, rupturing an intestine when he collided with a post during a game against Leicester.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “Taiwo will always have a special

place in the history of Nottingham Forest. He has been one of the defining figures in our journey and given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten.”

Coventry are in Premier League for the first time in 25 years and have already re-signed midfielder Gus Hamer

from Sheffield United and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, following his successful loan from Brighton.

Winger Loum Tchaouna has joined from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi signed from Nordsjaelland.

Gusau Inaugurates NFF Fact-finding Committee on Football Setbacks President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON on Monday inaugurated the Federation’s newly-composed Fact-finding Committee on Nigeria Football Setbacks, urging the members to do a thorough job with sincerity of purpose and diligence.

Following the senior women national team, Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, the NFF had on Friday last week set up a Fact-finding Committee to unravel the root cause of Nigeria’s dismal showing in international

competitions of recent, with specific reference to the Falcons’ ouster.

Gusau said: “You are to probe into the direct and remote causes of the poor outings of the National Teams in recent times, but with specific reference to the unexpected failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the World Cup. You will have two weeks to do the job and submit your report.

“We have composed this committee believing that you will come up with solutions to the present malaise, having played crucial roles in the Nigeria game in one way or the other for a very

long time.”

The Chairman of the committee, Ambassador Fanny Ikhayere Amun, MON pledged that his committee will do its job with a high sense of responsibility, and speak to persons connected with the issues at hand, while entertaining memoranda from concerned members of the public.

Other members of the committee are former Super Falcons’ captain, four-time Women AFCON winner and FIFA World Cup star Desire Oparanozie; former Super Eagles’ captain, winner of AFCON gold, silver and bronze and

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reinforced his his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots initiatives by approving the 17.5km 2026 Ikogosi Road Race scheduled for October 31.

The race capable of stimulating the local economy will create opportunities for young people and open new avenues for small and medium-scale businesses across the state.

With date now confirmed, the organisers of the Ikogosi Road Race are working to make this year’s race bigger, better and fully aligned with

international standards by consolidating on the success of the last edition, which received international commendation for its organisation, athlete welfare and prompt payment of prize money.

The race route, from the scenic terrain of Ilawe to the world-famous Ikogosi Warm Spring, will provide more than a competitive sporting experience as it will showcase Ekiti’s natural attractions, culture and infrastructure while placing the state on the map as an emerging destination for sports tourism, adventure and investment.

In addition the race will present

opportunities beyond the race itself for the people of Ekiti, particularly for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders, artisans and other small businesses, who will benefit from the influx of athletes, officials, visitors and spectators, while young people can gain opportunities in event management, hospitality, logistics, media, security, sports services and other areas.

It will also provide a major platform for youth engagement in the form of talent discovery, particularly for athletes from Ekiti State.

FIFA World Cup star Mutiu Adepoju; former Nigeria U20 team strategist and President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso and; former FIFA referee and former head of department of Management Studies at the National Institute for Sports, Dr Alex Mana. The secretary is former Nigeria international and deputy director in the NFF Technical Department, Nasiru Jibril.

the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect.”

The announcement followed the uproar in football circles in the country, where Nigerians expressed their displeasure over the inability of the Super Falcons to go beyond the quarterfinal stage of the 2026 WAFCON as well as failure of the team to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. It was the first time that the team will not reach the semifinal as well as the first time that Nigeria will be missing from the women’s World Cup tournament since the inaugural edition in China in 1991.

The Super Falcons’ campaign in Morocco ended in disappointment after they failed to secure the qualification ticket for the 2027 global tournament, despite entering the competition as one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.

Madugu who won the 2024 WAFCON and was handsomely rewarded along with his wards by the Federal Government has become the subject of discussion in football circles, with many questioning his tactics, squad selection, player management and the overall direction of the national team.

Although there is no formal statement from the NFF executive committee yet on the matter, the directive also remains not clear yet if some of the coaches will be retained or a complete cleanout. No interim arrangement or name of a replacement for the outgoing technical leadership has been revealed.

Justin Madugu...fired along with his other Super Falcons coaches The development leaves the NFF with the immediate responsibility of finding a new technical direction for the Super Falcons, particularly with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign approaching.

Nigeria’s Olympic qualification campaign is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with the Super Falcons set to face Comoros.

Okocha Lists Nigeria’s Football Problems as off the Pitch

Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has thrown lights on some of the issues responsible for the free-fall of Nigeria’s football.

Okocha believes the biggest of them is off-the-pitch activities mainly caused by the administration of the game by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking on John Obi Mikel’s Obi One Podcast yesterday, Okocha insisted that: “our biggest problems are off the pitch activities. It’s how we manage our FA’s because they don’t see those things that we see as footballers as being important.”

He emphasised further that proper preparation of teams start with having suitable camping facilities. Okocha therefore revealed that Nigeria’s lack of quality camping sites, unpaid hotel bills and delays in players’ bonuses often create tension within the team

during tournaments.

Instead of resigning to fate, Okocha who is Nigeria’s best player to wear the Number 10 Super Eagles jersey, said players of his generation with right exposure and experience were available to help in addressing them.

He refused to accept that they are not issues that cannot be solved, particularly when working towards a better future for the next generation.

He also acknowledged that taking up leadership responsibilities in Nigeria would be a difficult decision, one that would come with significant risks.

On his part, Mikel expressed concern over Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualification struggles, warning that failure to address the underlying issues ahead of the next qualifying campaign could see the Super Eagles miss out again.

Talents Showcased at Efunkoya Table Tennis Oyebanji Endorses Ikogosi Road Race for Oct 31 Championship Thrill Lagos First Lady The closing ceremony of the 7th Efunkoya Table Tennis Championship proved to be a celebration of youthful talent and enduring legacy, leaving Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, deeply impressed.

Represented by Ola Ibitoye, she expressed delight at witnessing the energy and discipline of the young athletes, noting that opportunity, support, and resilience can transform raw potential into remarkable achievement.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the Efunkoya Sports Foundation for sustaining the tournament in honour of the late Adegboyega Efunkoya, whom she described as a distinguished medical

professional and sports administrator whose contributions shaped the growth of table tennis in Nigeria.

His legacy, she said, is measured not only by personal accomplishments but by the opportunities he created for future generations.

She emphasized that sports instill discipline, teamwork, focus, and courage in young people, while also teaching them to overcome setbacks. Every child, she noted, deserves an environment where talent can be nurtured and allowed to flourish.

Linking the initiative to her Lagos Boy Child project, she highlighted the

importance of mentorship, education, and constructive engagement, urging parents, coaches, and sponsors to invest more in grassroots sports.

Winners, she advised, should remain humble and work harder, while those who lost must not be discouraged. She also stressed the need for athletes to balance education with sporting pursuits, reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth development and healthy living.

The ceremony also carried emotional weight for Adesegun Efunkoya, eldest son of the late Adegboyega Efunkoya, who attended for the first time in decades.

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Adeleke: Winning The Battle For Osun T he success of the Gubernatorial election held in Osun State on Saturday, August 15, 2026 had implications that went beyond the boundaries of the state. The lead up to the election had been marked by highly febrile conflict, violence and so much anxiety. Being the last major election to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), before the 2027 general, nationwide elections, it was a major litmus test for INEC’s preparedness, a dress and technical rehearsal, and the panic was by no measure small especially as 12 local governments out of the 30 local governments became killing fields. As the elections drew closer there was hardly a day without reports of thuggery, killings, mayhem and arrests. The ruling, incumbent Accord Party in the state, and the Governor’s campaign organization, the Imole Campaign Council consistently accused the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Abuja, and its local agents – specifically the former Governor, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and also former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of using Federal Might to intimidate and harass the Accord Party and its supporters in Osun State. The language of politics became violent. The Accord Party had to petition the Inspector General of Police to redeploy the State Commissioner of Police for turning the State Police Command into a branch of the APC. When IGP Tunji Disu eventually visited Osogbo for an on-the spot assessment, he told the state Governor that the report on his table was that the State Government House had become a hiding place for criminals in the state. That sounded really like the IGP referring to the Governor himself as a criminal – were it not for the immunity that he enjoys, he could have been arrested.

But the IGP’s visit did not stop the spread of violence.

At a point, over 70 election-related violent incidents were reported, with a total of about 30 deaths. The state was caught under a climate of fear. Observers were worried about the possibility of voter apathy, more so as some party chieftains such as Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East), Mr. Francis Eniade (APC), Hon Wole Oke, the APC Osun campaign Director-General, who accused the Accord Party of killing his nephew, Dele Ayegbo in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area were at the centre of the allegations of violence. There were reciprocal accusations and the situation got worse. Tension has never been far from Osun elections. The stakes were high. The anxiety was legitimate.

But now that the elections have come and gone, there is a palpable sense of relief across the nation that the worst did not happen. The police Headquarters had deployed over 15, 000 personnel, with a designated Commissioner of Police for the election, and an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) at the Headquarters overseeing the process. The Police Service Commission also deployed a high-powered delegation to monitor the conduct of police officers. Other security agencies deployed over 10, 000. INEC recruited 30,000 ad hoc officials to man the polling units - 3, 763 units, 332 wards, over 2.3 million registered voters, 15 political parties vying for one seat – the Governorship. On the eve of the election, a joint military and para-military parade on the streets of Osogbo was so long and so intimidating, it seemed as if war was afoot.

On Saturday, election day, the people were not discouraged, they trooped out en masse to vote, not because the President had called on them not to be afraid but because of the people’s own enthusiasm for democracy as well as

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State resilience. Yiaga Africa, in its preliminary assessment put the turn-out figure between 42.5 – 44-8 % - an achievement of the August 15 election. INEC’s official figure is 43%.

By 8.30 am 3, 556 of the polling units had opened for voting across the state: young persons – a major dynamic, women, the elderly and physically challenged persons all came out to have their say. They not only voted; they stayed behind to protect their votes Most members of the Middle Class were conspicuously absent. At the polling units were ordinary people, the educated class that is always very vocal was nowhere to be seen, the members hiding in the safety of their homes. This is a trend that must be discouraged. But there were other issues too.

Vote buying was very rampant. Voter inducement was common. Some voters were given as much as N50, 000.

Many of them collected money from more than one political party. It was alleged that top security officers also received between N2 m and N5 million in each of the local government areas. Vote buying is an assault on the right of the people to choose freely. The intimidation of voters before or during an election is a major offence that should be taken seriously. There were glitches at some of the polling units. In Ife Central, Ilare IV/PU 016, Akodi Apeejiogo, the thumbprint pad was faulty. In Ilesa East, PU 009, Kajola Junction, the BVAS failed as it did in many other polling units across the state. It could not capture the face of majority of the elderly people. In Atakumosa West, PU: Ifewara II, thugs beat up whoever refused to follow their instructions. In Irewole and Ifelodun, young people at polling units openly consumed alcohol and hard drugs. In Osogbo, Gulf Unit, ward 5, Boripe Ward, PU 002 and in other places, hoodlums tried to snatch ballot boxes. The IREV worked smoothly from 8.48 -10.00 am but then failed until about 11.50 pm. Three days after, there have been no serious complaints about the conduct of the security agencies. Voting on election day is as important as the institutions that execute the process, and in the just concluded Osun governorship election the various state institutions deserve a pass mark. The security officials for relatively good conduct – which is very unusual, the electorate for their resilience and INEC for its confident organization and high operational standards.

The success that we refer to, should however be a wake-up call and a caution for all the stakeholders. In

2027, INEC would be managing a much larger electoral process: 176,000 polling units in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The scale of its responsibility will be different. It may not be possible to deploy up to 30, 000 ad hoc staff in every state. It may also not be so easy to handle the kind of emergency that came up in Osun when the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had to be added to the ballot paper at the last minute. There will be little scope for excuses about technical glitches. In 2027, IREV and BVAS must work, thumbprint pads must be available, INEC’s BVAS should not discriminate against the elderly by failing to recognize their faces. There will be more than 14 political parties in the 2027 elections chasing different positions, and the terrain will be diverse. INEC has a lot more to do to upgrade its standards.

By the morning of Sunday, August 16, the INEC returning officer in the election, Professor Joshua Ogunwole had announced the winner in what turned out to be a three-horse race. Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the incumbent Governor was declared winner with 511, 067 votes. He won in 19 LGAs. Second was Bola Oyebamiji of the APC with 444, 815 votes. He led in 11 LGAs while Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC got 17, 180 votes. On the whole, Adeleke won with a margin of 66, 252 votes, a better performance than he recorded in the 2022 election when he defeated former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Since the announcement, there has been dancing in the streets of Osun. What has been demonstrated in Osun is that whereas political parties are important, a strong politician with grassroots appeal like Ademola Adeleke can gain the electorate. Adeleke was locked in a David vs. Goliath battle. He took on the Nigerian Leviathan, the APC whose members threw everything at him. When he sought to pitch his tent with the APC much earlier in the journey and leave the PDP when that party imploded, he was rejected by the likes of Minister Oyetola. A big mistake apparently. Adeleke then joined the little-known Accord Party which he built into a major force in Osun State.

Days to the election, a man associated with the Accord Party who has now been dismissed as an impersonator rejected Adeleke and chose the APC candidate. It didn’t matter. More than a year earlier, March 26, 2025, the Federal Government withheld statutory local government funds to Osun State, following a dispute over local government chairmen elections between the state government and the Abuja-backed opposition APC. On August 5, 2026, barely 10 days to the Governorship election, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) placed a Post-No-Debt restriction on the main account belonging to the Osun State Government. The President had to intervene personally to direct that the freeze be lifted. By then, the popular opinion was that Adeleke did not stand a chance. Some people even said that Tinubu could not afford to lose Osun state, because that is his ancestral home state, traceable to his roots in Iragbiji. Before August 15, a total of 22 APC Governors and Federal Lawmakers descended on Osun State to hold a mega rally. The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinmma and their henchmen launched an aggressive campaign against Adeleke. The former in a colourful jab condemned Adeleke for his tendency to dance at every occasion. Akpako’s chorus men said he had arrived to drive him, Adeleke, out of Osun Government House. But in the end, the Governor lived up to the true meaning of his name. Adeleke means: “the one who arrives and triumphs” or the “crown triumphs”. By

Sunday morning when Adeleke was declared winner, and Goliath had been slain, it was observed that the Akpako of Edo State quietly sneaked out of town Nicodemously, in the dead of the night. Adeleke has since resumed his dancing, which he says does not stop him and has never stopped him from being a people-oriented, productive Governor.

Nigerians love the underdog. Adeleke won by a wider margin than previously because he had the people behind him. Even if anybody wanted to rig in Osun, it would have been impossible to do so. The people’s vigilance is the strongest safeguard for democracy. Adeleke also had the support of his family, a formidable political establishment in Osun State, starting from Adeleke’s late father, Senator Raji Adeleke, who was a Senator in the Second Republic, to his late brother, former Osun Governor, Senator Isiaka Adeleke (Serubawon) to his elder brother, the multibillionaire, Dr. Deji Adeleke, and his nephew, the international artiste, Davido. He was also helped by the failed strategy of the Osun APC. There were also other politicians in Osun who did not want the APC to win. Senator Iyiola Omisore, who was denied the APC 2026 Governorship ticket, did not do much to help his own party’s candidate, making it easier for Adeleke to win the Ife axis, his political stronghold.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor and Minister, is the leader of the ADC in Osun State and National Secretary General of the ADC. His party’s candidate got a mere 17, 108 votes. He could have done much better, but Aregbesola was probably more interested in making sure neither Tinubu nor Oyetola got a foothold in Osun state for the next four years. He is pragmatic enough to know that if his bitter political rivals were to win, he would be driven out of the state into exile! Adeleke was also helped by the Town Hall Meeting organized by the Arise News channel, on the Tuesday before the election tagged “The Battle for Osun.” Out of all the five governorship candidates that participated, Accord Party, AAC, PRP, APC and ADC, he stood out the most. He put up a performance and exhibited such confidence and eloquence that most people never thought he was capable of. He had grown considerably since 2022 when he was elected for his first term. He also had the support of the traditional rulers in Osun, notably the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Ooni of Ife, the Timi of Ede, and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo.

Governor Adeleke has received congratulatory messages from all and sundry with the notable exception of his main challenger, the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among the first persons to congratulate him in a mature spirit of sportsmanship. President Olusegun Obasanjo visited on the day of the victory and danced along with the winner.

But APC Osun is threatening to go to the Election Petitions Tribunal after reviewing the Osun election results. The proverbial Federal Might that could not be imposed on August 15 should not be smuggled in through the legal process. Members of the Osun APC would do better to listen to one of their chieftains, Alhaja Falilat Yusuf, popularly known as Ero-Arike, who has told her own colleagues that an election is meant to be won and lost and there are uncertainties in politics – the harsh reality of the game. Meanwhile, Adeleke is waving the olive flag.

He wants to work with everyone to move Osun state forward and secure the victory of President Tinubu in 2027, whom he says deserves a second term because he is a Yoruba man and “a son of Osun state.” Let there be peace and progress in Osun.

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