TiNUBU wElComES fUBara To THE Villa... President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) received Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday
deji Elumoye in Abuja Reinstated Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, declared that he had made peace with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
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Marketing Department; Ronke Aneyo, Brand Specialist; and Sola Arowogbadamu of Marketing Department, all of Globacom at the unveiling of two
L- R: Dr. Charles Nwoko, FCMA CGMA, Head, Finance & Control, Chapal Energies Offshore Limited, Mrs Tariro Mutziwa, Regional Vice President Africa, AICPA & CIMA, Dr. Saad Abdulsalam, head of enforcement, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ijeoma Anadozie, Country Director, Nigeria, AICPA & CIMA, Dr. Oluseyi Olanrewaju, FCMA CGMA, Chief Financial Officer , Abuja Electric Distribution Company and Mrs. Omolara Okubajo, FCMA CGMA, Group Head, MSME funds, Bank of Industry at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Convocation held in Lagos, Nigeria at the weekend
Festus Akanbi, Nume Ekeghe, Dike Onwuamaeze and Kayode Tokede
Nigeria’s banking landscape is bracing for a seismic shake-up as the country hurtles towards a digital future that could redefine how its 200 million citizens shop, trade, and bank.
The Lagos Business School (LBS) projected that Nigeria’s online marketplace could vault beyond $16 billion by 2030, fuelled by a tech-savvy youth population, surging smartphone penetration, and a surge of daring start-ups that are rewriting the rules of business.
Speaking at the 35th an- nual conference of Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos, LBS Dean, Professor Olayinka David-West, represented by Professor Akintola Owolabi, said Nigeria stood “on the brink of a digital revolution capable of reshaping com- merce, livelihoods and service delivery”.David-West
warned that what was unfolding was more than a technological shift, saying, “It is a fundamental realignment of how Nigerians live, work, and prosper.”
Across the country, homegrown innovators are making online retail part of everyday life. Platforms, like Jumia and Konga, are luring millions of consumers into virtual storefronts once thought out of reach.
Meanwhile, app-driven banks and fintechs are chipping away at the dominance of traditional lenders, offering instant payments, microloans, and savings tools without the overhead of marble halls and paper slips.
David-West compared the present moment to the demise of postal banking in the early 20th century, cautioning that banks unwilling to retool for a mobile-first world risk obsolescence.
“Digital banks must work
hard to build trust capital,” she said.
According to her, “Once they achieve that, they could rival the asset base of today’s major banks.”
Some forward-thinking lenders are already blending branch networks with agile digital models, while
others may have to pursue mergers with fintechs to stay competitive.
“This is an offshoot of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” she stated, adding, “You either follow or you’re left behind.”
The revolution is spilling far beyond shopping carts and banking apps. New-age
logistics companies, from Kwik to GIG Logistics, are reshaping supply chains, ensuring goods move faster and more efficiently across the country.
David-West highlighted how these businesses were bringing opportunities to rural areas long disconnected from modern commerce.
“Such developments promise exponential employment gains, diversification away from oil dependence, and transformative service delivery,” she said. “They are rewriting the rules of how people earn a living,” she added.
James Emejo in Abuja
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), yesterday said it has commenced verification of disputed crude oil wells and gas fields in the Niger Delta region.
The exercise, which began on September 22 in Asaba, is being carried out by a technical team
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the House’s full support for President Bola Tinubu’s borrowing strategy, stating that such was essential for financing critical infrastructure and stimulating economic growth.
Speaking at the 8th Annual African Network of Parliamentary Budget Offices (AN-PBO) Conference yesterday, Abbas addressed recent controversies, clarifying that the House’s
stance on government borrowing was misrepresented.
He emphasised that the legislative body remains committed to responsible borrowing that serves the nation’s developmental priorities.
The event, hosted by the Nigerian National Assembly and the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), focused on “The Role of PBOs in African Parliaments’ Fiscal Oversights: Contribution to the African 2063 Development Agenda.”
Abbas referred to earlier
statements he made at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), where he had expressed concern over Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio climbing to 52 percent, surpassing the 40 percent statutory threshold.
“The speech, delivered by House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, also urged West African parliaments to enhance oversight on borrowing practices to protect their nations’ futures”
with officers drawn from the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the National Boundary Commission under the leadership of RMAFC.
The development was contained in a statement issued Head, Information, and Public Relations, RMAFC, Maryam Umar Yusuf, in a strategic and proactive measure to ensure equitable allocation of resources.
Chairman RMAFC, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu announced the commencement
of the exercise.
He said, “We announce the inauguration of the Inter agency technical committee and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to accurately identify the locations of crude oil and gas fields and wells within the disputed areas and the newly drilled crude oil and gas wells.”
He disclosed that the exercise was informed by the petitions from the governors of Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo and River seeking to establish the rightful ownership and territorial boundaries of specific crude oil and gas assets. Shehu noted that the goal of the exercise was to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of oil revenue grounded in accurate data while addressing long-standing disputes over the location and rightful ownership of these vital energy assets. He said the team would verify the Aneize oil field within OML 143; the Eyine and Ameshi fields, examine the identified locations and verify the coordinates of newly drilled oil and gas wells within the area spanning from 2017 to date.
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is charting a bold new course to unlock the vast economic potential of Northern Nigeria, with a renewed focus on investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Forum’s spokesperson, Abubakar Jiddere, highlighted
the paradox of Northern Nigeria: a region that has produced global icons like Aliko Dangote and Amina Mohammed, and one that is rich in mineral resources, arable land, and youthful energy yet still struggles to showcase its full economic potential.
To address this, Jiddere announced that the Forum is set to host the Northern Nigeria
Investment and Industrialization Summit, in collaboration with the 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
According to him, the summit represents more than an event it is “an unveiling of a fresh vi- sion, an economic call to action, an appeal to conscience, and a strategic plan to unlock the promise of Northern Nigeria.
Day 2 of FNITCC Atlanta featured a range of exciting programmes including keynote addresses, panel sessions, exhibitions and more.
Here are some photos from the activities:
Location: Primero Nicon Estate, Platinum Way, Lekki Peninsula, Igbokusu, Lagos. (Next to Nicon Town Estate)
Composition:
• 2 Bedroom Maisonettes
• 3 Bedroom Maisonettes
• 4 Bedroom Town Houses To Light, To
Total collections rise by N22.03 billion m-o-m FG restates commitment to enabling investment in oil, gas sector
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Com- mission (NUPRC) remitted a total of N745.2 billion to the Federation Account in August 2025, reflecting a performance level of 61.85 per cent against its monthly revenue target.
This was contained in the commission’s revenue performance report seen by THISDAY and presented to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) at its meeting on September 17, 2025.
The report provided a snapshot of royalties, gas flare penalties, rents, and licenses collected during the period,
highlighting both improvements and persistent challenges in the nation’s oil sector earnings.
According to the figures, the commission had a monthly bud- getary projection of N1.2 trillion but realised N745.2 billion. This resulted in a negative variance of N459.6 billion, equivalent to 38.15 per cent below the approved target. However, it was an improvement of over N22 billion on July’s remittance.
The underperformance, ac- cording to the document, was largely attributed to fluctuations in international crude oil prices, production shortfalls, and weaker-than-expected collections from concession rentals.
In its explanation, the NUPRC noted that August’s shortfall mirrored recurring structural
issues in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Oil production has been undermined by pipeline vandal- ism, crude theft, and technical constraints, while global oil market volatility continues to pose fiscal uncertainties for resource-dependent economies likeDespiteNigeria.the setback against the budget, August’s revenue outturn represented a marginal improvement compared with the previous month. Total col- lections rose by N22.03 billion, or 3.05 per cent, above July’s N723.1 billion remittance.
A breakdown of the August receipts showed that oil and gas royalties accounted for the lion’s share at N682.28 billion. Gas flared penalties contributed N52.9 billion, while rentals,
licenses, and miscellaneous revenues added N10 billion.
The report confirmed that the entire N745.2 billion collected for the month was duly transferred to the Federation Account, as statutorily required. In addition, cumulative transfers by the Central Bank of Nigeria from January to August 2025 amounted to N5.47 trillion.
From January to August 2025, the commission’s total performance stood at N7.1 trillion. This figure included joint venture royalties, Production Sharing Contract (PSC) receipts, and payments under Project Gazelle, a long-term crude oil productionHowever,arrangement. the commission stressed that some receipts remain outstanding. Specifically,
there were no inflows in August from Project Gazelle royalties due for December 2024 and February, July, and August 2025. NNPC’s joint venture royalty payments also remain pending for the period October 2022 to August 2025, amounting to N6.61 trillion.
The existence of such arrears underscores the fiscal vulnerabilities associated with delayed remittances and the need for tighter compliance monitoring in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The report also indicated progress in recovering out- standing obligations. The commission received $41.89 million in August from cumulative debts owed by PSCs, Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Contracts, and Risk
Service Contracts. However, an outstanding balance of $1.42 billion remained unrecovered, highlighting the challenge of enforcing fiscal discipline in the upstream industry. NUPRC boss, Engr Gbenga Komolafe
Pre SID e N c Y: T IN ubu A c o MMITT e D De M ocr AT, No Pl AN T o S TAY IN Power b e Y o ND 2031
Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh and Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Presidency yesterday described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a committed democrat with no plan to stay in office beyond 2031. It described as baseless and absurd claims by a former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, that President Bola Tinubu was harbouring plans to become Nigeria’s life Presidentialpresident.spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was reacting to
Fubara also stressed that Wike and he were now working together for the development of the oil-rich state.
Speaking with newsmen after meeting behind closed-doors with President Bola Tinubu at State House, Abuja, Fubara stated he had agreed with his “principal” to forge ahead for the unity of Rivers State.
Asked if the peace accord between them was real or it was merely peace on paper, the governor said, “I don’t know what you mean by if this is a paper peace.
“As far as I’m concerned, we have made peace. Fubara and his principal are working together.”
On what prompted his visit to Tinubu, Fubara stated that he was at the seat of power to brief the president and tell him he was back from suspension and had since last week resumed duty.
He added that the president also used the forum to guide him on how to go about governance, again, in the state without crisis.
Fubara stated, “You’re aware that suspension was lifted midnight September 17, and I came in on the 19th. Ideally, it’s proper for me to see Mr. President and to tell
el-Rufai’s weekend accusation that Tinubu was planning to stay in office for life, maintaining that there are already pointers to that effect from recent actions by the current All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration.
Taking a dig at the President, el-Rufai had described him as a fake democrat, especially over the recent alleged attacks on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in parts of the country. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) spoke when former Vice
him that I’m back, and I’ve also resumed my responsibility as the governor of Rivers State. It’s not much. It’s father-son discussion, telling him thank you and the areas where, if at all, there should be any issue for him to guide me properly so we don’t be in any situation of crisis. That’s all.”
Asked what specifically Tinubu told him, the governor said the president gave him guidance on how to go about things in the state.
“What he said to me? He advised me on what to do and how to go about it in the right direction,” Fubara said, Tinubu had on Wednesday, September 17, announced an end to the six-month emergency rule declared on March 18, which ended the tenure of ex-naval chief, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), as Rivers State sole administrator.
The president, in a statement on the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, directed Fubara, the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, to resume work in their offices from September 18. He commended the renewed spirit of unity and the collective commitment
President, Atiku Abubakar paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja over the recent altercation that ensued during a meeting of the opposition party in Kaduna.
Besides, el-Rufai posited that Tinubu intended to take after some sit-tight African leaders, like Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has failed to vacate his seat after spending over four decades in “Honestly,power. to me, it’s a disgrace, I mean, for people to behave the way they are doing. So it means that all the years of saying we are pro-democracy,
of all stakeholders in Rivers State to restore democratic governance.
Tinubu emphasised that peace, order, and effective leadership were fundamental pillars for delivering meaningful governance to the people.
The president urged the executive and legislative arms in Rivers State to always be guided in their actions by the spirit of cooperation and understanding.
as 96.49 per cent in Q2 2024.
According to the GDP Q2 report, which was released by the statistical agency yesterday, in nominal terms, aggregate GDP at basic price stood at N100.73 trillion, compared to N84.48 trillion in Q2 2024, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth of 19.23 per cent. Real GDP stood at N51.20 trillion.
NBS explained that following the rebasing of GDP using 2019 as the base year, previous quarterly GDP estimates were benchmarked to the rebased annual estimates to align the old series with the new rebased estimates.
Thus, the procedure provided a new quarterly GDP series, which was compared to the 2025 second quarter estimates.
The non-oil sector, which grew by 3.64 per cent in real
NADECO, it was all pretence, it was all fake. And all the claims that we are fighting for true federalism and so on, it’s all fake.
“So the sum total of this is that we are facing an evil of such a large proportion in the history of this country that if we don’t all come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya,” el-Rufai stated.
But in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1955, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the allegation was nothing but panic propaganda by the opposition, stressing that Tinubu remains an avowed democrat with no intention of exceeding the constitutional two-term limit.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who does not intend to stay in office beyond May 28, 2031, when re-elected in 2027,” the presidential aide wrote, describing el-Rufai’s alarm as unfounded and a product of political hallucination.
He argued that el-Rufai’s narrative of northern disaffection with the President had collapsed under the weight of reality, maintaining that el-Rufai was
terms in Q2, compared to 3.19 per cent in Q1, and 3.26 per cent in Q2 2024, was largely driven by contributions from agriculture, crop production; information and communication (telecommunications); real estate; financial institutions; trade; construction and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply.
On the other hand, the oil sector contributed 4.05 per cent to real GDP, in the review period, up from 3.97 per cent in the preceding quarter, and 3.51 per cent in Q2 2024.
The real growth of the oil sector was 20.46 (year-on-year) in Q2, compared to 18.59 per cent in Q1, and 10.08 per cent in Q2 2025.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of 6.01 per cent
clearly shocked by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North, especially in Kaduna where he (el-Rufai) hails from.
“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, el-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President,” Onanuga wrote.
He further stated that el-Rufai’s claims of a “life presidency” plot was nothing more than a desperate attempt to distract from the futility of efforts by the former governor and his new political associates to derail Tinubu’s anticipated re-election in 2027.
The presidential media aide also suggested that the Kaduna state Governor, Uba Sani, should intervene with a view to counselling his predecessor on how to maintain decorum in the political space.
His words: “Governor Uba Sani may wish to reach out to his predecessor, as el-Rufai could
in Q2, NBS stated.
The country recorded an average daily oil production of 1.68 million barrels per day (mbpd) compared to 1.62 mbpd in the preceding quarter and 1.41 mbpd in Q2 2024.
However, agriculture contributed 26.17 per cent to aggregate GDP in real terms in Q2, higher than 23.33 per cent in the preceding quarter but lower compared to 26.53 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
The manufacturing sector contributed 7.81 per cent to real GDP in Q2, lower than 9.62 per cent in the preceding quarter, and 8.01 per cent in Q2 2024.
In addition, trade contributed 18.28 per cent to GDP in Q2, compared to 18.21 per cent in Q1 and 18.81 per cent in the
benefit from some professional counselling to steer him away from his recent hallucinations and political fabrications on Tinubu and 2027”.
Besides, Onanuga maintained that President Tinubu remained committed to true democratic principles and will leave office at the end of the constitutional mandate given to him by Nigerians.Meanwhile, a political activist and former lawmaker, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has insisted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo “did everything within his power” to extend his tenure and retain power, despite denial that he had no third term ambition. Bugaje also said the 2027 general election might turn out to be a sham, should Tinubu be allowed to appoint the next chairman of the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The current INEC chairman is expected to proceed on his terminal leave in October 2025.
Obasanjo, while speaking at a democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Founda-
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corresponding period of last year.The information and communication sector contributed 11.18 per cent to GDP, compared to 10.59 per cent in Q1 and 10.93 per cent in Q2 2024. The finance and insurance sector contributed 3.23 per cent to the economy, compared to 3.60 per cent in the preceding quarter, but higher than 2.89 per cent in the second quarter of 2024.
Moreover, the construction sector contributed 3.60 per cent to GDP in Q2 compared to 4.74 per cent and 3.57 per cent in the same quarter of the previous year. Real estate services contributed 12.80 per cent to GDP in Q2, lower than 13.30 per cent in the preceding quarter and 12.85 per cent in Q2 2024.
The Elebute Family of Ijebu-Ode announce the passing of our dear Wife, Mother, Grand Mother and Great Grand Mother
FEBRUARY 16, 1934 – SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 (Aged 91 years)
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
CHRISTIAN WAKE KEEPING AND NIGHT OF TRIBUTES:
Thursday September 25, 2025 at Harbour Point, 4 Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos from 5pm prompt (Colour -SILVER on WHITE)
FUNERAL SERVICE:
Friday September 26, 2025
Chapel of Transfiguration at School of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba at 11a.m. (Colour pale GOLD on BABY BLUE)
INTERMENT:
Private Family Interment
She is survived by:
CHILDREN
Adekunle & Omolara Elebute
Modupe & Bolaji Odunsi
Adebimpe & Alain Nkontchou
Folashade & Adetokunbo Laoye
GRAND CHILDREN
Ademola Elebute
Yemisi & Ani Osakwe
Adedeji Elebute
Aderinsola Elebute
Neema Nkontchou
Moyo Nkontchou
GREAT GRAND CHILDREN
Adaora Osakwe
Amarachi Osakwe
Meido Nkontchou
Gbadebo Laoye
Oluwatosin Odunsi
Omodara Laoye
Omotara Odunsi
With total submission to the will of God, we announce the call to glory of our wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother
Mrs Veronica Martins who rested in the Lord on the 22 of August 2025 at the age of 88. nd
She is survived by her husband Amb. Edward Martins, and children: Louis & Kess, Tony & Eliana, Rita & Yemi and Kcalio.
She is cherished grandma to Wani, Esi & Ahovi, Temi, Yemi, Keisha, and Tuviya.
And precious great grandmother to Julius, Eli, Levi, Raya and Arya.
Signed: Dr Yemi Olatunde
Te n ( 1 0 ) y e a r s m a y h a v e passed, but it still feels like yesterday.
Your love, joy, and kindness l i v e
t
touched.
We miss you deeply, love you always, and thank God for the beautiful life you lived.
Our consolation is that you are with our Lord.
(October 18,1967 - September 23, 2015)
Forever loved, forever missed
‘We must all remember the saying that, the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.’ - Siminalayi Fubara, Governor, Rivers State
‘We have a dysfunctional society, that celebrates Dictators.’ - Rufai Oseni, Anchor, Arise TV’s Morning Show
Tali Shani v Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome: Background
This is a particularly strange and somewhat difficult piece for me to write, as it involves Chief Ozekhome, SAN, who is one of our Columnists. In the past week, the media has been awash with news of the British case of Tali Shani v Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome [2025] UKFTT 01090 (PC) Case No. REF/2023/0155 per Ewan Paton J, concerning the application for the transfer of a property situate at 79, Randall Avenue, London, UK from Tali Shani to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN. The controversy stemmed from the fact that though the property was purchased by late Lt General Jeremiah Useni (Rtd), he registered it in a false name, Tali Shani, which in itself was suspicious. It is possible that Useni used a false name, because the property may have been purchased with illegitimate funds (see Paragraph 26 of the judgement). Although Chief Ozekhome claimed to have been introduced to Mr Tali Shani in 2019, Useni in his oral testimony stated that Mr Tali Shani had nothing to do with the purchase of the property (see Paragraph 40-41 of the judgement). These accounts, appear to be incompatible. Another twist in the story, however, is that a lady showed up and also claimed to be the Tali Shani who owned the property. She filed an objection at the Land Registry, to Chief Ozekhome’s registration application via Mr Tali Shani.
Questions arose, such as, who was the real Tali Shani, whether there was really a Tali Shani, or whether it was Useni or Ms or Mr Tali Shani who owned the property. However, the evidence given by all the parties in response to these questions, were riddled with contradictions which Paton J. highlighted throughout the judgement.
Findings of the Tribunal
Paton J. found that Useni, and not either of the Tali Shanis was the owner of the property - see for instance, Paragraphs 174, 183, 184, 189, 200, 207, particularly 214 of the judgement where Paton J stated inter alia that “Neither “Tali Shani” was who they said they were, and neither was the person who purchased this property in 1993. The real owner, via a false name, was General Jeremiah Useni”.
On Page 47 Paragraph 206, Paton J. also held thus: “I consider that the elaborate evidence of the Respondent, his son Osilama Ozekhome and Mr Shani on this issue was an invention and contrivance. It was invented in an attempt to provide a plausible reason why Mr Tali Shani, the alleged 1993 purchaser of this property, would have transferred it to the Respondent in 2021. I find that this attempts fails”. This is rather disturbing, as Paton J. appeared to be alleging that Chief Ozekhome and his witnesses engaged in some sort of identity fraud or impersonation, by ‘inventing’ a man who was presented as Mr Tali Shani, to take up the role of the fictitious name that appeared in Land Registry as the owner (see Paragraph 2 of the judgement). Also see for example, Sections 380-382 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (CLLS) on impersonation.
On Page 46 Paragraph 202 of the judgement, Paton J. had held thus: “I do not, however, need to find precisely whether (and if so, how much) money was owed. The transfer may have been made out of friendship and generosity, or in recognition of some other service or favour. The one finding I do make, however, is that it was the decision of General Useni to transfer the property to the Respondent” (the Respondent being Chief Ozekhome).
The allegations of lying under oath (perjury) and fabrication of evidence, which many have levelled against Chief Ozekhome are troubling, though Paton J. didn’t refer to Chief Ozekhome, his son and Tali Shani’s testimonies in those particular terms. Under the CLLS, Sections 85-88, Perjury (giving false testimony in a judicial proceeding, whether written or oral) and Fabrication of Evidence with intent to mislead a court or tribunal are felonies, each liable upon conviction to 7 years imprisonment; see also the UK Perjury Act 1911. See Omoregie v DPP (1962) LPELR-4096(SC) per Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola, JSC (former CJN) on the definition of perjury. While these are serious allegations against Chief Ozekhome, a SAN, Paton J. stated clearly in Paragraphs 200 and 202, that 1) it was certainly not an attempt by Chief Ozekhome to steal Useni’s property without his knowledge; and 2) Useni intended to transfer the property to Chief Ozekhome. Nevertheless, it appears the Paton J. took the view that Chief Ozekhome tried to get what Useni intended to be his through an illegal act, that is, perfect his title through one Tali Shani who was
onikepo braithwaite
oNIkepo BrAIThwAITe
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com
“The controversy stemmed from the fact that though the property was purchased by late Lt General Jeremiah Useni (Rtd), he registered it in a false name, Tali Shani, which in itself was suspicious…. Paton J. found that Useni, and not either of the Tali Shanis was the owner of the property…. While these are serious allegations against Chief Ozekhome, a SAN, Paton J. stated clearly in Paragraphs 200 and 202, that 1) it was certainly not an attempt by Chief Ozekhome to steal Useni’s property without his knowledge; and 2) Useni intended to transfer the property to Chief Ozekhome”
determined not to be the real owner, and could even have been a fictitious person. This appears to have been one of the reasons why Paton J. instructed the Chief Land Registrar to reject Chief Ozekhome’s application for transfer (Paragraph 210), and directed that the property be left in the estate of the late Useni. The Messenger and the Message I have mostly refrained from commenting about Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), I mean the misconduct of some of them, because I had applied to be elevated to the rank in 2021 and 2022. I was shortlisted both times, but wasn’t elevated. Had I made comments which may have been uncomplimentary about SANs, some myopic people may have mistaken my comments as some kind of vengeance for not being elevated, when in actual fact, the issues that some of the SANs have been involved in over the years are quite disturbing, and majority now understand that some things must be said, in the hope that the Body of Senior Advocates (BOSAN) will indulge in some serious introspection coupled with better and more effective self-regulation, while the LPDC and LPPC will bring accountability and discipline into the legal profession. For those who are narrow minded, I enjoin you in this circumstance to look at the message, and not necessarily the Messenger, should you wrongly believe that it’s a revenge mission on my part!
2017: “SANship: Becoming Integrity Deficient?”
Interestingly, about eight years ago, in 2017, four years before I applied to be a SAN, I wrote an article titled “SANship: Becoming Integrity Deficient?” In that piece, I cited
Section 16(2) of the then Guidelines for the Conferment of SAN, in which the category of Integrity had the highest percentage of 25% out of 100% ascribed, even over and above general knowledge of law which was 15%. I had said thus: “The purport of the Guidelines, is that a candidate for SAN must have a flawless and unimpeachable character. Sadly, it seems that what should be a pre-condition before the other requirements kick in, so that our Honourable Profession is not brought into infamy and disrepute, may be the most unimportant to the Privileges Committee”. That flawless and unimpeachable character shouldn’t just be for SAN Candidates, but for SANs and indeed, all Lawyers, and without enforcement of ‘fit and proper behaviour’ by the appropriate bodies, we will continue to see the decline of standards in our profession.
2017 Examples: Candidate A and SAN B I used examples of two individuals in my 2017 piece, one, a SAN Candidate (Candidate A) and the other, a substantive SAN (SAN B). Candidate A was indicted for professional misconduct/infamous conduct by a Disciplinary Panel, while the court had inter alia made a pronouncement of “professional impropriety and moral impropriety” on Candidate A’s character sometime before Candidate A applied to be elevated. I then asked: “….how does a person indicted by the Disciplinary Panel in 2014 for professional misconduct and infamous conduct contrary not just to the Guidelines, but to conduct expected from a candidate for SAN, suddenly become eligible, of good character and impeccable integrity
in 2017?”; eventually, the Candidate was elevated. The second example, was about SAN B, who I called ‘The King of Fake Service’ of court processes. I said thus: “His chambers purported to effect personal service of a court process on my client. Unfortunately for them, aside from the fact that the signature on the acknowledgement was certainly not that of my client, my client who has more than one office in Lagos, had not visited the particular office where he was alleged to have received the court process, in at least 5 years prior to the fake service! My client’s signature had been forged on the acknowledgement, and quite badly, I might add. I was shocked when I saw the same SAN, who is famous for his unbecoming conduct and underhand tactics, in court last year (2016), still using the fake service tactics. The Lawyer on the opposing side, vehemently denied that his client had been served by the Unlearned SAN” To date, SAN B is notorious for sharp practices. In my client’s case, SAN B’s firm was involved in Forgery, a felony contrary to Section 363 of the CLLS and punishable under Section 365 thereof, with imprisonment of at least 3 years. The fact that I subsequently witnessed SAN B having the same exchange about fake service of court processes in court, was an indication that fake service is part and parcel of SAN B’s practice. In spite of that, instead of facing disciplinary action for misdeeds, SAN B is still a SAN. Of course, such undesirable behaviour isn’t limited to SANs alone; it runs through other members of the legal profession too.
Something I pointed out in my 2017 piece was that, when the names of the shortlisted SAN Candidates were published in the newspapers, two different parties had petitioned against Candidate A. To their shock, their petitions which contained weighty allegations against Candidate A hadn’t been considered - the Petitioners had not been called to give evidence, and Candidate A’s name appeared on the final list of successful SAN Candidates. It was after that, that both parties were constrained to publish their petitions in the form of advertisements in the newspaper, to get the LPPC’s attention. This points to the fact that, either the petitions were suppressed by the LPPC Secretariat so that the then LPPC Members didn’t get to see the petitions, or in the alternative, the LPPC Members saw the petitions and chose to ignore them until they were forced to address them, when they became public knowledge in the newspaper.
One of my conclusions was that: “I hope that the esteemed rank, will not be turned into ‘Senior Advocate of Nefariousness’, making most deserving and decent Lawyers shy away from it”! “The essence of having a Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, is not for decoration, but to hold Lawyer’s accountable for their actions, and discipline them where necessary. The fear of being apprehended and disciplined, and in the worst case scenario, being disbarred or prosecuted for criminal acts, will serve as a deterrent against professional misconduct and impunity”. Unfortunately, a good number of those who are petitioned against, simply receive a small slap on the wrist, and this lack of accountability and discipline has been the perfect stimulant for sharp practices, even bordering on criminality.
As the 2025 set of SANs are set to be elevated in the coming week, this is as good a time as any for SANs to examine some of the pertinent issues relating to themselves, and for them to do some soul searching. The fact that in Chief Ozekhome’s case, the pronouncements were made by a foreign Tribunal, thereby exposing the rank and Nigerian Lawyers in general to international embarrassment and ridicule, is unfortunate. Why must it take foreign courts, to be the ones to make such pronouncements where necessary? This is an indictment on the Nigerian legal system. The truth is that, not just SANs, but the Nigerian legal profession as a whole, including the Judiciary, need to look inwards, and undertake to do better.
Last year, I saw a news report, a statement attributed to Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC stating that some of those vying to be elevated to the rank of SAN are involved in the unethical practice of copying the briefs of argument of other Counsel and submitting them as theirs, in order to meet the SAN requirements. These cheaters are then elevated to the rank, meaning that even from the foundation of becoming a SAN, bad behaviour is not just tolerated, it is accepted. What then does one expect from such people, when they become SANs, if not sharp, Jankara tactics?
Fact
s
The Appellant commenced the action at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, alleging that the Respondent invaded the locations where he displayed cars for sale and impounded and carted away fifteen vehicles for no reason. The Appellant alleged that neither himself nor his company was under criminal investigation, and that he was not at any time invited by the Respondent. He contended that the Respondent breached his right to own movable property guaranteed under the provisions of Sections 43 and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The Appellant claimed several declaratory and injunctive reliefs against the Respondent, as well as damages for the illegal seizure of his cars.
The Respondent replied with a counter affidavit containing very copious and detailed depositions, wherein it averred that the vehicles were seized and impounded in the course of an investigation into a case of money laundering of huge sum of money belonging to Niger State Government. The Respondent stated that investigations showed that the cars in question actually belonged to a main suspect involved in money laundering and that its officers were taken to the location of the cars by the right-hand man of the said main player. The said man was the person in charge of the cars and was said to have volunteered an extra-judicial statement.
The Respondent averred further that the vehicles were taken with the consent of the persons in charge of same and that the Appellant was indeed invited in the course of the investigation, but he failed to honour the invitation. This was supported with several documents including - statements of account showing movement of funds to the Appellant, letters written to different Banks and extra judicial statements taken from witnesses in the course of the investigation.
The trial court delivered judgement in favour of the Respondent. The appeal by the Appellant to the Court of Appeal was also dismissed. The Appellant further appeals to the Supreme Court. In its brief of argument before the Supreme Court, the Respondent raised the issue of jurisdiction of the trial court and the court below to determine the reliefs before it, particularly the relief restraining it from forfeiting the cars seized, without due process of law.
Issues for Determination
The preliminary issue of jurisdiction raised by the Respondent was couched thus: Whether looking at the reliefs by the Appellant before the trial court and the court below, the courts had the jurisdiction to grants the reliefs sought, particularly relief 3 therein.
Issues in the substantive appeal are:
i. Whether the lower court was right to have affirmed the judgement of the trial court, by relying on extraneous inadmissible evidence culled out of the Respondent’s brief of argument and counter-affidavit to dismiss the Appellant’s case.
ii. Whether the action of the lower court was right when it failed to consider all the issues for determination and processes filed before it by the Appellant in the determination of the appeal, which amounted to a breach of the Appellant’s right to fair hearing.
iii. Whether having regard to the facts and circumstances of this case, the seizure and carting away of the Appellant’s vehicles from his premises by the Respondent was not illegal and/or unconstitutional.
Arguments
Arguing the preliminary issue, The Appellant posited that there is nothing in the reliefs sought by the Appellant which shows a violation of the rights and freedom contained in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and that the court lacked jurisdiction to enforce non-existent right – RAYMOND DONGTOE v CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, PLATEAU STATE (2002) 2 CHR 95 AT 116. The Appellant challenged the competence of this issue in his Reply Brief on the ground that the issue was framed in contravention of the principle that where a Respondent has not filed a cross appeal, the issues for determination formulated by him must arise from
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 31st day of January, 2025
Before their lordships uwani Musa abba aji Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Chioma egondu Nwosu-Iheme Obande Festus Ogbuinya Habeeb adewale Olumuyiwa abiru abubakar Sadiq umar Justices, Supreme Court SC. 1112/2017 Between
OLaLeKaN OLaKeHINde aPPeLLaNT And eCONOMIC aNd FINaNCIaL CRIMeS ReSPONdeNT COMMISSION (eFCC)
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC)
the grounds of appeal filed by the Appellant. The Appellant therefore argued that jurisdiction was a fresh issue which the Respondent could only competently raise either by way of cross appeal or filing a Respondent’s Notice – OSHO v ADELEYE (2023) LPELR-59976 (SC).
Arguing the substantive appeal, the Appellant submitted on issue one that the lower court fell into grave error by relying on extraneous materials not borne out of the grounds of appeal, but from the Respondent’s incompetent brief of argument as the brief was totally at variance with the issues agitating from the Appellant’s Grounds of Appeal – Order 9 Rule 3 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2016. And that the Respondent fundamentally premised its action against the Appellant on the term “reasonable suspicion” which does not amount to prima facie evidence – ABACHA v THE STATE (2002) 7 SCNJ 35. In response, the Respondent argued that even in the absence of the Respondent’s brief and the Reply brief, the Appellant’s appeal before the lower court was allegedly a non-starter and was deemed to fail.
On issue two, the Appellant argued that the lower court abdicated its duties, when it
“…. the court is endowed with every discretion to either adopt the issues as formulated by the parties, or formulate issues that it believes could conveniently and appropriately determine the real grouse (grievance) of the Appellant vis-à-vis the Notice of Appeal”
defend the vexed decision or judgement of the court below, which supposedly was given in his favour. As such, where the Respondent in his wisdom decides to challenge the said decision or judgement of the Court below, he has an onerous duty to file a cross-appeal, thereby proving the grounds of his complaint against the decision – NSIRIM v AMADI (2016) LPELR-26053(SC). Consequently, the Apex Court upheld the Appellant’s argument that the Respondent’s preliminary objection was incompetent, and struck out same.
On the merits, resolving issue one, Their Lordships held that the findings of the lower court were not predicated on the incompetent Respondent’s brief of argument which was filed out of time, but upon the pleadings and affidavit evidence on record. The Supreme Court held further that the Appellant’s claim being declaratory in nature, the Appellant had the onerous duty to prove same on the strength of his case, and not merely on the weakness of the Respondent’s case. It is a well settled fundamental doctrine that a declaration of right is purely declaratory remedy; it is never granted as a matter of course. Indeed, the court must be satisfied of the desirability of granting same – EDOZIEN v EDOZIEN (1998) 13 NWLR (PT. 580) 147. In the circumstances, the court adjudged that the Appellant had not fulfilled this condition. The court therefore, resolved issue one in favour of the Respondent.
On issue two, the Supreme Court found that from the Record of Appeal, the three issues formulated by the Appellant in his brief were intertwined, and the lower court could not be faulted in deeming it expedient to determine the appeal on the Appellant’s issue two, and that non-consideration of the Appellant’s issues 1 and 3 of the Appellant did not amount to a breach of the Appellant’s right to fair hearing. The Apex Court held that the court is endowed with every discretion to either adopt the issues as formulated by the parties, or formulate issues that it believes could conveniently and appropriately determine the real grouse (grievance) of the Appellant vis-à-vis the Notice of Appeal – OBIUWENBI v CBN (2011) 17 NWLR (PT. 1247) 465 AT 490-491
It is equally settled, beyond per adventure, that where a Judge’s discretion apparently has not been exercised recklessly, arbitrarily or capriciously, but judicially, an appeal court lacks the competence to disturb same, merely: because it would have exercised the discretion differently – BAKARE v ACB LTD (1986) NWLR (PT. 26) 47. On issue three, the Supreme Court found that, contrary to the Appellant’s vehement submissions, the facts and circumstances surrounding the case clearly showed that the discoveries made in the course of the investigation conducted by the Respondent implicated the Appellant, thereby warranting the Respondent to extend its investigation.
prevaricated from considering issues 1 and 3 of the Appellant’s brief duly formulated (from) the grounds of appeal and the failure to consider all the issues amounted to a denial of fair hearing. In response, it was argued by the Respondent that the issues formulated by the Appellant before the lower court were intertwined, thus the adoption and determination of the second issue by the court below was in order and rendered the other two issues superfluous.
On issue three, the Appellant argued that the seizure of the vehicles from his premises was done under the false premise that the vehicles belonged to a different individual who had earlier been arrested and that this had been debunked by the findings of the trial court who had resolved the ownership of the cars in favour of the Appellant. The Respondent rebutted this argument on the grounds that the seizure of the Appellant’s cars was on temporary basis for investigation purposes, which is lawful based on Section 44(2)(K) of the 1999 Constitution. The court was urged to resolve this issue in favour of the Respondent.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale
Resolving the issue of jurisdiction first, the Supreme Court agreed that the issue of jurisdiction can be raised at any material time in the course of the proceedings of appeal, however, not as a matter of course, as the issue of jurisdiction can only be raised on appeal, subject to veritable rules of procedure of the court duly designed to aid parties in the pursuit of justice in the Court of Law. The primary role of a Respondent in an appeal is to simply
Their Lordships quoted Section 44(2)(K) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which provides that Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as affecting any general law - relating to the temporary taking of possession of property for the purpose of any examination, investigation or enquiry and held that the temporary seizure of the vehicles by the Respondent for investigation purposes was reasonable and valid. Therefore, this issue was resolved against the Appellant. Postscript, the Supreme Court condemned the attitudinal disposition of the Appellant’s Counsel for the use of the word prevaricated in his Appellant’s brief. The court noted that the term meant “liar, an equivocator” or “someone who betrays another’s trust, such an advocate who aids the opposing party by betraying the client”, and was tantamount to scandalising the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, that legal practitioners have a duty to always treat the court with respect, dignity and honour.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court resolved the three issues on the merits against the Appellant, and upheld the judgement of the lower court.
Appeal Dismissed.
M.J.N. Numa, SAN with Dayo Ayoola-Johnson, and Solomon Tunyan, for the Appellant.
Aliyu Bokani Usman for the Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)
Stories by Steve Aya
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed September 25 for the hearing of the appeal filed by Yahaya Sharif Aminu, a Kanobased Musician, sentenced to death by hanging under Sharia law for alleged blasphemy. The case, which has drawn intense domestic and international attention, is expected to become a defining moment in the country’s jurisprudence on freedom of religion and expression.
Aminu, 24, was convicted in 2020 by a Kano Sharia court for sharing lyrics on WhatsApp, said to be offensive to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Although the
Kano State High Court later upheld the conviction, Human Rights Lawyers argue that the sentence violates Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights treaties, to which the country is a signatory. His legal team, supported
by advocacy groups, contends that the death penalty for blasphemy is inconsistent with both the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations, particularly under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. “This is not just about one man. It is about
whether Nigerians can speak freely, without fear of death”, said a Lawyer involved in the case.
On the other side, Kano State authorities insist that the conviction was lawfully secured under the Sharia Penal Code, which operates in several
Northern States, and reflects the will of the local legislature. The State Government is expected to argue that, the appeal is an attempt to undermine the cultural and religious values of millions of Nigerians.
Observers note that, the Supreme Court has rarely been confronted with such a direct clash between State-level Sharia law and Federal constitutional rights. Legal analysts believe the judgement could set a precedent on the balance of religious autonomy, human rights, and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Babalakin & Co., last Wednesday, convened a high-level breakfast meeting in Lagos, bringing together leading entrepreneurs, investors and financial experts, to explore how Mauritius can serve as
a hub for cross-border expansion and international financing.
The event, tagged Finance Roundtable 1.0 and themed “Structuring for Growth: Leveraging Mauritius for Cross-Border Expansion
and Financing”, was organised in partnership with Intercontinental Trust Limited (ITL).
Speakers at the session included Mabel Okereke, Partner at Babalakin & Co.; Azeez Abiodun, Chief
Representative Officer (Nigeria) of Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB); and Kesaven Moothoosamy, Chief Executive Officer of ITL.
Okereke said the forum was designed to help
The Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Lintex Ogale, accused of killing 26-year-old Benue-born Interior Decorator, Deborah Moses, popularly known by her brand name Deb’rah Porsche.
Ogale was brought before the court on Wednesday, to face charges over the fatal stabbing of Moses at her Lagos apartment earlier this month.
After reviewing the case file, the presiding Magistrate directed that he be held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further proceedings. Court officials noted that the next hearing date will be communicated, once administrative processes are completed.
Moses was killed on September 3, 2025, in what Police investigators described as a case of domestic violence. According to reports, the suspect, who was said to be her former boyfriend, was subdued by neighbours at the crime scene and later handed over to the authorities.
The killing sparked outrage
across social media and within Lagos’ creative community, where Moses had built a reputation as an emerging talent in interior design. Her brand, Deb’rah Porsche, was gaining recognition for innovative residential projects, before her life was cut short.
Family members and friends expressed relief, over the court’s decision to remand Ogale. “This is just the beginning. Deborah deserves justice, and we will follow this case to the end”, a relative told Journalists outside the courthouse.
Women’s rights advocates have also weighed in, calling for the trial to be expedited and for stronger legal protections against genderbased violence. “Deborah’s death is another reminder that, domestic violence remains a deadly crisis in Nigeria. The justice system must
send a clear message that such crimes will not go unpunished”, said one activist.
Legal observers expect the case to attract close public attention as it moves through the courts, with both prosecutors and rights groups pledging to ensure accountability.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong concern over the invitation of Chinedu Agu, former Secretary of the NBA Owerri Branch, by the Imo State Police Command on allegations of “criminal defamation” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace”.
Agu was directed to appear before the Police X-Squad Unit on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in connection with the charges. The NBA, while acknowledging the
constitutional powers of the Police to investigate criminal complaints, described the move as an attempt to intimidate and silence citizens, particularly legal practitioners who have exercised their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association warned against the persistent reliance on criminal defamation laws, which it described as “a dangerous relic of authoritarianism, with no place
in a democracy founded on the rule of law”.
“The criticism of government policies, institutions, or officials is not a crime”, the NBA President said. “Any action that seeks to muzzle this right is not only unconstitutional, but also deeply inimical to democratic governance”.
The body stressed that freedom of expression, guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, remains the bedrock of accountability and civic engagement. It
vowed to resist any attempts to use State machinery, to stifle dissenting voices.
To that end, the NBA announced that a team of senior Lawyers has been mandated to monitor Agu’s appearance before the Police, and ensure his rights are fully protected.
The Association also urged the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, to resist being used as “an instrument of oppression or political persecution”.
Nigerian businesses understand how best to access global capital. “The goal is to bring international finance to our shores, by equipping entrepreneurs with the structures they need to thrive across borders, while remaining competitive locally”, she noted.
Abiodun of MCB highlighted the advantages of using the Mauritian International Financial Centre, as a platform for African businesses. “Mauritius has become a bridge for connecting capital to opportunities in markets like Nigeria, with regulatory frameworks that support investors and protect assets”, he said.
Moothoosamy added that, Mauritius’s growing network of double taxation treaties and investment protection agreements made it attractive for structuring investments.
“Fiduciary services, trusts and compliance mechanisms in Mauritius, are built to lower risks and improve access to international partners”, he explained.
The meeting sought to reactivate and deepen the long-standing relationship,
The delegation of the Bar Issues Commission on International Trade in Legal Services (BICITILS) of the International Bar Association, held a high level meeting with H.E. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the WTO and her team at the DG's office in Geneva on Friday, September 19, 2025.
between the WTO and the IBA which is the global voice of the legal profession. Both parties agreed to engage in discussions on matters related to trade in services generally, and in particular, trade in legal services. The delegation included, Mr Iain Sanford (Chair); Mrs Mfon Usoro (V/ Chair); Mr George Etomi (Member) of the International Trade in Legal Services
Committee of the Bar Issues Commission of the IBA. Also present were Dr Bright Okogu (SA to the DG), and other members of the WTO team that met with the IBA representatives.
Speaking early while declaring the event open, Mr Wale Akoni, SAN, the Managing Partner of Babalakin & Co., urged the business sector members present to take advantage of the opportunity to expand their business to the world.
ALondon Tribunal, in a recent decision delivered almost two weeks ago, halted a daring move by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to take ownership of a residential house in Neasden, North London NW2 7SX.
The judgement, delivered on 11th September, 2025 by Judge Ewan Paton of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), brought to an end several years of extraordinary courtroom drama, marked by allegations of forgery, impersonation, phantom identities, and conflicting testimonies.
In August 2021, Chief Ozekhome, SAN applied to transfer the said property at 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, into his name. He claimed it was a gift from a man who presented himself as Mr Tali Shani, said to be the property’s owner, in appreciation for legal services that had been rendered. But, the application was challenged in September 2022, by Westfields Solicitors, claiming to represent a certain “Ms Tali Shani”, who insisted she was the registered owner of the property since 1993. She claimed that she had never signed any transfer, and was “outraged” by Chief Ozekhome’s application. At the centre of this dispute was the late General Jeremiah Useni, a retired Military officer and one-time Minister of the FCT, under the former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
In its verdict, the tribunal held that the case was built on a network of fraud, impersonation, and forged documents, but concluded that General Useni was the genuine purchaser of the property back in 1993, even though he did so with a fictitious name.
The Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio Doctrine
Although the Judge in the hearing of the above matter at the London Tribunal did not specifically make reference to this long established doctrine, there can be little doubt that the principles of the doctrine which are now firmly embedded in English law almost certainly influenced the Judge’s thinking and decision making. There is a long-standing common law principle, that the courts will not assist a party whose case is based upon an immoral or illegal act.
This principle can be traced as far back to an old common law case of Holman v Johnson (1775) 1 Cowp 341 at 343 where in the words of Lord Mansfield: "No court will lend its aid to a man who founds his cause of action upon an immoral or an illegal act".
This common law principle, is known as the principle of “Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio” meaning that, "No action can arise from an illegal act". It is also presented as the "Illegality Defence Principle", or the "Defence of Illegality". Defendants can sometimes raise this as a defence, to defeat a claim, on which the illegality of the claim is based.
The traditional court’s response when the Claimant tried to rely on illegality to prove his claim, was that, "Let the estate lie where it falls“.
In effect, the claimed property remained where it stood. No balancing considerations were taken into account. The moral and ethical approach of the case, was the dominant factors which influenced the decision.
This area of the law and those principles established hundreds of years ago as far back as 1775, were redrawn initially with the case of Tinsley v Milligan (1994) 1 AC 340, which adopted a mechanical, rule-based approach to the defence of illegality, the so-called "reliance test". The question was, whether the Claimant relied on an illegal act in order to advance their case. Once there was reliance on the illegality, it was sufficient to defeat the claim without considering any other policy or public interest factors, or balancing proportionality issues of granting or rejecting the claim.
Tinsley v Milligan departed from the strict moral approach of Holman v Johnson and granted equitable relief to the Claimant, despite the illegality participated in, because the Claimant could base their claim on a cause of action not tainted with the illegality. Tinsley v Milligan was a case of resulting trust on which the property was returned t o the Claimant, despite the illegality involved in the overall transaction.
Tinsley v Milligan (1994) 1 AC 340
The facts of this case were as follows: Kathleen Tinsley and Stella Milligan, were a couple who had acquired a guesthouse together. Both of them contributed to the purchase price to acquire the house, and lived in it. They ran the guesthouse, as a joint business venture. It was decided between them that the property would be put in Tinsley's sole name, so that Milligan could attempt to defraud the social security system by claiming entitlement to housing benefit, on the basis that she had no rights in any property. Milligan was subsequently, convicted of a criminal offence as a result of this illegal act.
At some stage, the relationship broke down, and Tinsley claimed absolute title on the house. Milligan claimed that the house was held on trust for both parties in equal shares, due to the contributions on the purchase price by both of them. Tinsley raised as a defence the illegality involved, and alleged that Milligan, in order to prove her claim, must rely on the illegality, and that equity should not give Milligan any benefits due to the fraudulent background. The property, Tinsley alleged, must remain there where it was registered, despite the fact that she was also part of the illegal operation and conspiracy.
It was held by the House of Lords (now the UK Supreme Court (UKSC)), that Milligan was entitled to an equitable interest in the property on a resulting trust basis, in proportion to her contribution to the purchase price. The court, though applied the strict reliance test, but the decision was that Milligan was able to prove that her interest arose from the contribution of the purchase price, a lawful act, and not from the fraud on the social security system that was an unlawful act.
Subsequently, the UKSC in a pioneer decision handed down in Patel v Mirza [2016] UKSC 42 overruled Tinsley v Milligan, not as to the outcome, but as to its reasoning, rejecting altogether the reliance test that was followed.
When considering the illegality defence principle in the case of Patel v Mirza, the majority of the UKSC Judges, warned against the mechanical application applied in Tinsley v Milligan, emphasising instead the need to consider a "range of factors", looking at the specific policies behind the relevant law which was infringed, the particular conduct of the Claimant, and to consider whether it would be a disproportionate response to the illegality involved to deny relief to the claimant
“Despite the illegality of acquiring the property in question with a fictitious name, the Judge using his discretion and probably the principles outlined above, rather than allow the property to remain where it falls, ruled that the property be transferred to the estate of late General Jerry Useni on what could only have been a resulting trust basis, rather than leave the property in limbo under a fictitious name”
Patel v Mirza also showed that, there is a close similarity between the operation of equity and of common law in this area, and, in a case where the relevant conduct of the Claimant was unlawful, it has been noted that: "it is not obvious why the public policy considerations relied on in Patel v Mirza, should not equally apply to the equitable maxim, "One who comes to equity must come with clean hands”.
The UKSC in Patel v Mirza, established a discretionary approach where illegality is concerned, balancing various considerations and adopting a proportionality test. It was unanimously held in Patel v Mirza, that Tinsley v Milligan was no longer representative of the law, and that a person who satisfies the requirements for unjust enrichment, should not prima facie be prohibited from recovering his property, even though that person was involved in an illegal act related to the claim.
In essence, the UKSC held that in cases of illegality, the court shouldn’t limit itself to consider whether the Claimant has to base its property rights/claims on its illegal acts as in Tinsley v Milligan. The Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio principle must be observed, but the reasoning in Tinsley v Milligan, should not be followed. The UKSC considered that the case Tinsley v Milligan was correct as to the outcome, but not as to the reasoning to reach that result.
Patel v Mirza [2016] UKSC 42
The facts of this case are as follows: Mr Patel paid £620,000 to Mr Mirza pursuant to an agreement, under which Mr Mirza would bet on the price of some shares in Royal Bank of Scotland on the basis of insider information Mr Mirza had from his contacts at the bank, some insider information about a pending government announcement that would affect it. Using advance insider information to profit from trading in securities is an offence under Section 52 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993. It was in effect, a contract for the commission of a crime. The scheme did not come to fruition as the expected insider information was mistaken, and Mr Mirza did not return the money to Mr Patel as promised, but kept it for himself instead.
Mr Patel brought a claim based on contract and unjust enrichment, for the return of his £620,000. It was argued by Mr Patel that the money could be recovered, on the basis of a resulting trust.
Mr Mirza argued that no such obligation could be enforced because the whole contract was illegal, and any claim would be precluded by the principle of Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio. The illegal purpose prevented a resulting trust, an equitable remedy being born and used, and the money should stay there, where it was.
The UKSC held unanimously, that the Claimant, Mr Patel, could recover the money transferred based on an illegal purpose, and that the former test in Tinsley v Milligan was no longer representative of the law. Mr Patel was held entitled to restitution of the money paid, because that was the result reached by applying a flexible structured approach which considered both the policies involved and proportionality.
This UKSC judgement, has become one of the
fundamental decisions of the English legal system. Applying the Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio Doctrine to Tali Shani v Chief Mike Ozekhome
Now that we are fully acquainted with the law and guiding principles the Judge probably took into consideration, let’s see how they were utilised in this case.
As earlier mentioned, although the London Tribunal didn’t in its judgement refer to the above doctrine directly, perhaps, because it was a referral from the UK Lands Registry, there can be little doubt that the underlying principles now firmly established under English common law influenced the Judge’s reasoning. Under the initial application of the doctrine in Holman v Johnson (Supra), the courts would have simply ruled that let the estate remain where it falls.
This in effect would have meant that the property would have remained in the name of Tali Shani and become un-transferable, since Tali Shani was held to be a fictitious name. This may well have resulted in the property ultimately becoming bona vacantia and thus, being forfeited to the UK Government in the future. As for Ms Tali Shani, the application of the principle doesn’t apply since she either died trying to prove her claim to the property, or abandoned trying to do so. In any case, the tribunal did not believe her testimony at all, and discountenanced it.
As for Chief Mike Ozekhome’s claim to the property, the tribunal stated as follows “I consider that the elaborate evidence of the Respondent, his son Osilama Ozekhome and Mr Shani on this issue was an invention and contrivance. It was invented in an attempt to provide a plausible reason why Mr Tali Shani, the alleged 1993 purchaser of this property, would have transferred it to the Respondent in 2021. I find that these attempts fails”. In other words Chief Ozekhome failed the discretionary approach test established in Patel v Mirza, enabling a Judge to adopt a discretionary approach balancing various factors such as the conduct of the of the party and the need to apply a proportionality test and take cognisance of public policy considerations.
However, if we are to compare and contrast the Judge’s application of the above test to the late General Jerry Useni, a different outcome emerged. Despite the illegality of acquiring the property in question with a fictitious name, the Judge using his discretion and probably the principles outlined above, rather than allow the property to remain where it falls, ruled that the property be transferred to the estate of late General Jerry Useni on what could only have been a resulting trust basis, rather than leave the property in limbo under a fictitious name. A remarkable application of the principles of law and equity, in reaching a resolution to the intricacies of this case.
Conclusion
In recent years, there has been an over-reliance on the procedure aspects of law at the expense of its substantive aspects. As a consequence, legal practice here in Nigeria is now beginning to lag behind other common law jurisdictions. The newly established principles on illegality and the changes in the Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio doctrine, ought to be firmly rooted in our laws by now. The legal profession looks to the likes of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN to help introduce these principles into our daily law and practice and improve standards, rather than make himself a victim . This itself is not only telling, but damning.
The Alumni and Staff of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors commiserate with the family on the passing of Sir Cosmas Ikechukwu Enweluzo SAN, a beloved friend, colleague, and alumnus whose life reflected the highest standards of the legal profession.
Sir Cosmas Ikechukwu Enweluzo SAN walked our path and excelled.
We pray that the good Lord grant his worthy servant eternal rest at his return. Farewell, our distinguished Alumnus.
Remembered byAlumni
1 Chimezie Victor C Ihekweazu SAN
2. Tochukwu Onyiuke SAN
3. Emonye Adekwu SAN
4. Emmanuel Iloba
5. Chugbo Enwezor
6. Oluseyi Olukoga
7 Dr Tochi Nwogu
8 Chiwe Chiwete
9. Azubuike Ezeh
10. Eric Otojahi
11. Vitalis Ihedigbo
12. Benjamin Agili
13. Mary Edeh
14 Kolawole Raheem
15 Ebi Akeke
16. Damola Adewale
17. Emuobonuvie Majemite
18. Adekola I. Olawoye
19. Peter Edolpayi
20 Ebuka Ekeanyanwu
21. Tochukwu & Nkeonye Chikwendu
22. Betty Adetomiwa
23 Mathias Oguta
24. Ugo Nwaokike
25. Samuel Soladoye
26 Patience Obiagbaoso
27. Nnamdi Ben-Igwenyi
28. Tobi Adeyemi
29 Sharon Juwah
30. Sandra Ufondu
31. Amenawon Odiase
32. Elizabeth Olojede
Staff
1 Nnamdi Oragwu
2 Angela Ezenweani
3 Okorie Kalu
4. Tobenna Nnamani
5. Onyeka Ehiwuogwu
6. Adeyinka Abdulsalam
7. Ezekiel Onilude
8 Tayo Ogunbadewa
9 Benson Okoro
10 Lovelyn Aniekwe
11. Tolulope Asa
12. Kent Chima
13. Decency Nkume
14. Japhet Olayemi
15 Hussein Adebanwo
16 Adannaya Okwara
17 Susan Ofuasia
The slogan ‘Farming is our Pride’ sat comfortably in the hearts of the people of Zamfara, until some years ago when the nefarious activities of insurgents and bandits negated that epithet. although, over the years, Zamfara State has suffered misgovernance and misplacement of priorities in so many sectors, today, the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal appears to be changing that narrative, and the State which was on the cusp of losing its pride of place in the comity of States, is becoming a force to be reckoned with, even in the area of education where it had previously lagged behind. The Zamfara State Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani, SAN, PhD, in a chat with onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi recounted the progress the State has made so far in combatting banditry, insurgency and illegal mining, while discussing their efforts to modernise the laws of the State, and improve the conditions of service of judicial officers
What agenda have you set for the Justice Sector in Zamfara as AG? Kindly, share the highlights of your agenda, and what you have been able to achieve so far, particularly regarding justice sector reform, modernising and digitisation/ digitalisation, and protecting the rights of the people of Zamfara,
particularly those who have been affected by banditry.
From the scratch, it was apparent that Zamfara State suffered misgovernance and misplacement of priorities in so many sectors, example of which include but not limited to banditry, terrorism, unpaid salaries of over three months prior to the coming of the Dauda Lawal’s administration, denial of upkeep allowance to the Judiciary, multitude
"The most effective medium I adopted, aimed at enhancing the Justice Sector of Zamfara State, is modernisation of the judicial process"
of court cases over unpaid contracts dating back to 2008, unpaid pensions dating back to 2011, rotten/non-existent basic infrastructure, poor healthcare services and most importantly, teeming inmates awaiting trial in the penitentiary living under the worst imaginable conditions, amongst whom are terrorists and bandit kingpins’ suspects. Already, the Governor has rolled out a 7- point Agenda targeting these problems as follows:
1. Education
2. Health Care
3. Agriculture and food Security
4. Empowerment 5. Security 6. Economy
Consequent upon the above,
he proffered a way forward. From the onset, the Governor made is crystal clear that unlike what obtains before, there will be no negotiation with the terrorists. In spite of this, a window was left open for surrender.
These enormous tasks cannot be tackled without, of course, a robust legal system that conforms to a modernised and efficient legal system. The most effective medium I adopted, aimed at enhancing the Justice Sector of Zamfara State is modernisation of the judicial process; first of all His Excellency the Governor, remodelled the entire Ministry of Justice to modern standards so as to provide a befitting and conducive working environment
which includes constant running water, solar electricity alternative, state of the art library and constant sanitary activities. More so, we are in the process of digitalisation of the processes encompassing all the courts of the State, to enhance electronic case management system.
We have also worked to ensure that the issue of banditry is taken and treated seriously unlike before, as currently those cases are treated strictly as enshrined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Zamfara State. In the event of conviction of an accused, in addition to sentencing, his estate is utilised to compensate the victims of his dastardly act.
Have you embarked on updating and codifying your laws and law reform?
This is another painstaking area, ever since its creation in 1996, Zamfara State has been resorting to the Laws of Sokoto State from whence it was created to fill the gaps in its own laws as passed by its state House of Assembly, and since then, the Laws remain uncodified and scattered. However, with the coming of Dauda Lawal, the Law Reform Commission along with the State House of Assembly and the Legal Drafting Department of the Ministry of Justice have been mandated to carry out this stupendous task, and currently, we are in the process of collecting, compiling, reviewing and codifying the Zamfara State Laws. We are in contact with the Law Reform Commission and even recently, attended the engagement by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation with Lexis Nexis in South Africa, and participated in the Law Reform Committee’s deliberation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State recently, in furtherance of this objective.
Its on record that there has been heightened insecurity in Zamfara, with the continued nefarious activities of insurgents and terrorists. It is also on record that the number of bandits there are in tens of thousands, with numerous camps. How has your State Government handled them and the insecurity in the State?
On the issue of heightened insecurity, I met jurisdictional problems in the sense that initially the suspects arrested could not be tried due to the fact that the Penal Code Law in operation at the time did not contain such offences.
More so, offences such as Terrorism are Federal offences, that could not be tried at the High Court. To solve this impasse, we launched the updated and recently passed Penal Code and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022 which contains Banditry and Kidnapping as capital offences punishable under the said Law. In the same vein, the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation has been prompted to take over the suspects accused of terrorism, which they have done.
Concomitant to the foregoing, the Zamfara State Government Constituted the Civilian Protection Guard Corp outfit to complement the effort of the conventional security forces in the fight against banditry and kidnapping. This is further complemented by the signing of Executive Orders restricting movement of motorcycles, selling of petroleum by filling stations beyond 8pm, unauthorised use of tinted glasses on cars and over-stuffing of bread on motorcycles believed to be transported to criminals in the bushes. Additionally, there is the provision of emergency reliefs by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to victims, in collaboration with Non-Governmental
"....the Zamfara State Government constituted the Civilian Protection Guard Corp outfit, to complement the effort of the conventional security forces in the fight against banditry and kidnapping. This is further complemented by the signing of Executive Orders restricting movement of motorcycles, selling of petroleum by filling stations beyond 8pm...."
Organisations. These measures have drastically curtailed incessant attacks by bandits, and has greatly scuttled from daily occurrences to isolated incidences and propaganda. I will therefore, advise other States to emulate this, because it hinders the free movement of criminals who usually resort to motorcycles because of their manoeuvrability and ease of escape. The ban on motorcycles has the effect of precise monitoring of the movement of criminals for quick action notwithstanding the criticism of this measure, the law is trite that Fundamental Human Rights can be curtailed to preserve the peace of the society.
Governor Dauda Lawal recently signed an Executive Order banning motorcycles from moving between 8pm and 6am. Although this ban came with a lot of criticism, how effective has it been in ameliorating the crime rate in the State? Would you advise other States to emulate this?
The Executive Order banning movement of motorcycles is very effective, as criminals now find it difficult and have no capacity to invade towns or villages as they used to. The same applies to proliferation of arms and rustling of animals, as vigilance has caused same to drastically reduce. Hence, I will advise other States to emulate same.
Zamfara State has large gold and lithium deposits, and a considerable amount of the criminal activity there is linked to illegal mining. How has the State Government been able to tackle this problem of
illegal mining? It seems that some years ago, foreigners, particularly the Chinese who appear have come to Nigeria to exploit our mineral resources by engaging in illegal mining in various parts of the country, were banned from mining sites. What is the situation now? Mining being under the Exclusive Legislative List, is under the Federal Government. However, due to incessant abuse of the process through artisanal mining and its resort by criminals to fuel banditry activities, same was banned through an Executive Order prohibiting the allocation of land by Traditional Rulers of whatever status for that purpose. Subsequent to which the practice has been institutionalised in collaboration with expatriates from within and from without, with the hope that it will sanitise the process. There is also the Mining Task Force whose duty is to monitor the environment, and either arrest or report the activities of illegal miners for further necessary action. With the lifting of the ban on mining by the Federal Government, so many firms have applied for and obtained licences prelude to resumption of the practice and are under scrutiny. The challenges of insecurity led some States/Regions to create local security outfits. We have Àmòtèkun in the South West and Ebubeagu in the South East. Since State Police is not yet lawful under the Constitution, does Zamfara have any security outfit to augment the efforts of security agonies in the battle against banditry and
The Civilian Protection Guard Law was passed by the Zamfara State House of Assembly and assented to by the Governor, pursuant to which the Civilian Protection Guard Corp were trained, armed and commissioned. More so, licensed vigilantes have also been employed to complement this effort, which explains the reason behind the relative peace being enjoyed currently in the State. We are also hopeful that the issue of State Police will receive Legislative blessing, to further boost security outfits.
Kindly, give an update on the eight lawmakers who dragged you as AG to court, over their alleged unlawful suspension
The matter of the suspended eight lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly is sub judice before different courts and to the best of my knowledge, effort is underway to put the matter to rest. Additionally, it is not correct that they dragged me to court; rather, I dragged them to court and charged them for convening an illegal sitting of the House which contravenes the rules of the House, and for vandalising and destroying properties of the State House of Assembly during their rampage of the vicinity. Their case is actually against the Speaker who suspended them from the House for offending House Rules, and since then, cases have been filed for and against which are still pending. As such, it will be best to just say that the issue is sub judice and beyond comment, until decided by the court one way or the other.
Sharia law is in effect in your State, despite the provisions of Section 10 of the Constitution. As the Chief Law Officer of your State, whose primary mandate is to uphold the rule of law, how do you reconcile the practice of Sharia Law, more particularly its criminal aspects, with this unequivocal provision of the Constitution, especially when the Constitution doesn’t confer criminal jurisdiction on the Customary and Sharia Courts?
The provision of Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the prohibition of adoption by any State of any religion as a State religion. Contrary to popular conception, by virtue of the provision of Part 1 Third Schedule and Section 38 of the Constitution (supra), Shariah and its injunctions are permissible and applies only to Muslims. Even at that, the application of Shariah is only to the extent permitted by the Constitution and nothing more. In Zamfara State, the High Court of the State retains exclusive jurisdiction over capital offences. See the case of Olisa Agbakoba v Zamfara State Government (2002).
In 2002, Dr Agbakoba, SAN challenged the introduction of Shariah in Zamfara State, but his locus standi to institute the case was challenged and the Supreme Court upheld the objection.
Local Government autonomy is an issue that has gone to the Supreme Court,
"However, due to incessant abuse of the process through artisanal mining and its resort by criminals to fuel banditry activities, same was banned through an Executive Order prohibiting the allocation of land by Traditional Rulers of whatever status for that purpose....There is also the Mining Task Force whose duty is to monitor the environment, and either arrest or report the activities of illegal miners for further necessary action"
and despite the judgement of the Apex Court, some States have been adamant about complying. What is the position in your State?
I was part of the case in context, though all the States of the Federation contested same, yet, the decision of the Apex Court in the case of AG Federation v AG Abia & Ors (2024) LPELR-62576(SC) remains supreme, and Zamfara State has since given effect to the decision of the Supreme Court by conducting Local Government elections, security challenges notwithstanding. As such Zamfara now has democratically elected local government officials, and is not contesting the autonomy of Local Governments regarding direct remittance of their finances to them.
What are your views on State Police? Do you believe it is a viable solution to arresting the insecurity in your State and Nigeria generally?
The constitution of the State Police is a welcome development, hence, we are in full support and even advocated for same at the 2025 hearing on Constitutional reform. As can be inferred from various media chats by the State Governor, his lack of authority over the Police and the Army, is one of the factors crippling the fight against banditry and insurgency. But, I strongly believe that a
State Police in the full grasp of the State Government can be rapidly deployed and effective before the conventional Police and Army wrap up bureaucratic hassles and engage, as it is a well known fact that bandits and insurgents leverage on the bureaucratic nature of the security to perpetrate crimes before they are deployed or ordered to engage.
But, with the State Police, this bridge is gapped as this fact is evident with the constitution of the Civilian Protection Guard Corps; their rapid deployment has enhanced rapid response, and thwarted attacks on communities.
What is the Zamfara State Government doing to improve the condition of service of judicial officers in the State, particularly those of the lower courts like the Magistrates who are so poorly paid?
As I stated earlier, there is general infrastructural decay of public offices and poor conditions of service including the Judiciary in Zamfara State. The current leadership of Dr Dauda Lawal has devised measures such as payment of bonus salary, payment of backlog of entitlements to Judges, refurbishing and total remodelling of courts to modern standards, including gradual deployment and provision of technology, trainings, payment of outfit allowances and provision of working vehicles for all Judges, including the Magistrates.
Thank you Honourable Attorney-General.
The Board of Partners, Management, and Staff of PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors
mourn the passing of our dear alumnus, friend, brother, and associate, Sir Cosmas Ikechukwu Enweluzo, SAN. A consummate advocate and man of integrity and simplicity, who rose to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria with extraordinary determination, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, honesty and humanity that touched colleagues, clients, and friends alike.
Gone from our sight too soon, but we are comforted by how well you lived
You remain forever a beacon of excellence in law and in our lives.
Signed. Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe Managing Partner.
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Francis sardauna writes that while the overtures of repentant bandits in Katsina State offer a glimmer of hope for peace, genuine and lasting stability depend on their complete and verified disarmament, not empowerment.
Katsina State, nestled in Nigeria’s North-West geo-political region, has for too long grappled with the insidious grip of banditry and other security challenges. The pervasive insecurity has claimed lives, disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities and crippled the local economy of the state.
For years, communities in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Sabuwa, Kurfi, Musawa, Dutsinma and Faskari Local Government Areas have endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of these hoodlums. Homes have been razed, farms abandoned, and countless lives lost or irrevocably altered.
In recent times, however, there have been glimmers of hope because communities in some of these local governments have signed a peace deal with the armed bandits, which resulted in the return of relative peace and farming activities in their ancestral homes.
From the beginning of this “communityowned initiative” to date, only 14 out of the hundreds of the repentant bandits from Batsari, Danmusa and Jibia local government areas had visibly laid down their arms, including AK47, G3, pumping machine, PKT rifles and ammunition.
While these overtures are undeniably positive, the journey from repentance to lasting peace in the state hinges critically on three non-negotiable steps: the complete and verified disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the former combatants who are roaming the streets with their sophisticated firearms.
Recently, Kachalla Isiya AkwashiGarwa, whose name is 19 on Nigeria’s most-wanted terrorists’ list, was seen with ammunition strapped around his waist, striking a peace deal with communities in Faskari Local Government Area of the state in the presence of security operatives and top government officials.
Kwashi-Garwa, flanked by other notorious bandit kingpins such as Ado Aleru, Babaro, were seen in a viral video promising to halt attacks on villages and release captives in their custody in exchange for peace in Faskari and other neighbouring local governments.
While condemning the stereotyping of Fulani herders as criminals during the peace accord, Kwashi-Garwa said: “They call Fulani herders bandits. But tell me, which tribe in the world does not have criminals among them? You Hausa people, who say we are bandits, don’t you have bandits among you? Yet, nobody addresses you as bandits.”
After addressing the gathering of traditional and religious leaders, government officials and security personnel, KwashiGarwa and his co-conspirators left for their enclaves via motorcycles without surrendering their sophisticated firearms to government or the security personnel.
To many, the peace accord in Faskari and six other local government areas sends the troubling message that Kwashi-Garwa and other violent actors are now dictating the terms of peace, while law-abiding citizens in the state are left to live with fear and uncertainty in their ancestral homes.
Dictating the terms for the ongoing peace agreements in the state, the outlaws have made a series of demands, including the construction of schools, hospitals, grazing reserves and support for animal husbandry.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, who confirmed the bandits’ demands in an interview with BBC, said their requests
emerged from community-led negotiations in Danmusa, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Faskari and Musawa Local Government Areas.
He told the BBC that the bandits had tabled a list of demands.
“These demands include the construction of schools, the construction of hospitals and support for animal husbandry,” Mu’azu said.
Perhaps, the commissioner’s revelation has confirmed that the hoodlums are dictating to the state government the terms for ongoing peace agreements. Thus, security analysts said Mu’azu’s revelation indicates that Katsina could only enjoy sustainable peace when the demands of the criminal elements are met.
But as this continues to stir widespread debate among residents and security observers in the state, Governor Dikko Radda-led government has promised to provide business support packages, cattle and industrial tools for the repentant bandits to “prevent violence relapse.”
In a statement jointly signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango and the Director-
General, Media, Maiwada Dammallam after a closed-door state-wide consultation on security and governance at the Government House, Katsina, Radda vowed to build 152 homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia.
“The governor announced plans for 152 IDP homes in Jibia for displaced families, plus business support packages, cattle, and industrial tools for repentant individuals preventing violence relapse”, the statement added.
Radda, who confirmed negotiation with bandits but termed it community-driven initiative, said: “From the onset, we have ensured that community voices, especially those of women, youths and persons with disabilities are central to planning and implementation. So, the state government has already gone far in this.
“I can assure you that due to this locally made community peace initiative, we are able to resolve crises in four of our frontline local governments out of the eight that we already have, and negotiation is going on in two additional frontline local governments.”
With this confirmation and proclamation of 70 per cent reduction in banditry, the Radda-led government should adopt the disarmament phase of the potential peace dividend to avert perpetuating the cycle of violence and eroding the already fragile trust between most communities,
By disarming the repentant bandits, they cannot readily resort to violence, kidnapping, or cattle rustling if their reintegration efforts fail or if they are enticed back into criminal activities. History of failed peace deals in the state shows that when bandits retain their weapons, they often regroup and intensify their attacks.
his government and security operatives. This is imperative because the sight of a former bandit, even one claiming repentance, if still armed, will inevitably breed suspicion, fear and a deep sense of the protracted insecurity orchestrated by the marauders.
Pundits further argued that disarmament is the only powerful and tangible act that signals genuine commitment to peace and allows traumatized communities to begin the long process of healing and rebuilding trust.
Without it, fear will continue to stifle economic activities and social cohesion in the state. Also, without relinquishing the tools (weapons) of their former trade, the bandits’ sincerity to repentance remains questionable and the risk of backsliding remains unacceptably high.
By disarming the repentant bandits, they cannot readily resort to violence, kidnapping, or cattle rustling if their reintegration efforts fail or if they are enticed back into criminal activities. History of failed peace deals in the state shows that when bandits retain their weapons, they often regroup and intensify their attacks.
Communities that have suffered years of violence, displacement and extortion need to see tangible proof that the threat is gone. Therefore, a visible surrender of weapons by these reportedly former combatants will help rebuild confidence in the peace process and the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
The disarmament will also allow the state government to provide support like vocational training, financial assistance, and psychological counseling, giving the former bandits a viable path to a productive life and reducing the incentive to return to crime.
When combined with broader and revolving security measures, the disarmament approach can help disrupt the illegal arms trade and reduce the overall number of firearms in circulation, making it harder for new criminal groups to emerge or for existing ones to rearm.
However, the disarmament process must be transparent and verifiable, involving independent bodies if possible, to ensure all weapons are surrendered and accounted for. The government should also ensure post-disarmament monitoring to prevent re-armament.
Communities must be actively involved in the disarmament and reintegration process. Sensitization campaigns can help manage expectations, address fears, and foster acceptance of former combatants who have genuinely embraced peace. While the overtures of repentant bandits in the seven local government areas of the state offer a glimmer of hope for peace, genuine and lasting stability hinges on their complete disarmament.
This is not merely a logistical step but a fundamental requirement for building trust, strengthening the rule of law and paving the way for a future free from the shadow of violence.
The path to peace is indeed a doubleedged sword and only by ensuring that repentant bandits truly lay down their arms can we grasp the hilt of lasting reconciliation and leave the blade of conflict behind in the state.
Disarming repentant bandits is crucial for lasting peace in Katsina State because it directly addresses the primary source of violence and instability: the proliferation of illegal firearms. Without disarming these individuals, a peace agreement is fragile and can easily collapse, leading to a resurgence of violence.
By Dan D. Kunle
Nigeria’s energy sector is entering a transformation long dismissed as unattainable, yet now defining the nation’s future. With the Dangote Refinery now operational, the country has, for the first time in decades, a real chance at energy self-sufficiency and long-term stability.
This is no ordinary industrial project. By its sheer size and scale, the refinery has the potential to be catalytic for the domestic economy. It is designed to produce not just petrol and diesel, but also critical by-products such as sulphur, carbon black, polypropylene, and butane. These derivatives are the building blocks for industries ranging from tyre and ink manufacturing to fertilizer, plastics, and packaging. The multiplier effect is clear: the refinery is not only solving an energy problem, it is creating a pathway for Nigeria to expand its industrial base across multiple value chains, generate employment, and retain billions of dollars that previously leaked out through imports.
Yet, as history has often shown, entrenched interests rarely yield easily. Calls for new committees and oversight structures, often dressed in the language of accountability, risk becoming instruments for those who once thrived on inefficiency. Nigeria must resist this old pattern. The refinery should be protected, not politicised.
For decades, the country’s fuel supply chain was shaped by import dependency, a regime that bred subsidy abuses, rent-seeking and distortions. Depot operators and the powerful DAPPMAN lobby built their model around this system. At its height, it enabled billions of dollars in questionable subsidy claims while leaving ordinary Nigerians with unreliable supply, endless queues, and inflated prices. Some continue to argue that depots are vital for jobs, but the truth is sobering: a typical depot employs a handful of workers, while a single filling station sustains dozens. The argument for clinging to the old system is weak at best, self-serving at worst.
The economics are shifting quickly. Nigeria already has more than four million metric tons of storage capacity, much of it sitting idle. With a domestic refinery now producing at scale, the old import-and-store model is not just inefficient, it is redundant. Globally, the same pattern has played out: depots in Amsterdam or Houston were designed for export economies, not for countries refining and consuming locally. The lesson is simple, when local production rises, import-reliant infrastructure becomes obsolete.
Nigeria’s cement industry offers a close parallel. Once local cement production scaled up, the bulk carriers that had dominated imports were scrapped or sold off. An entire ecosystem that profited from imports disappeared, while a stronger domestic industry emerged. The fuel business
is moving in the same direction, and resisting this shift only delays the inevitable.
Importantly, the Dangote Refinery promises more than energy independence. It is modernising the downstream chain itself. Investments in a new fleet of fuel-efficient trucks are already underway to replace the rickety, polluting tankers that have long defined Nigeria’s roads. This upgrade is critical for both efficiency and the ecosystem. It signals that this project is not just about filling tanks, but about retooling an entire logistics ecosystem, making supply chains safer, cleaner, and more reliable. There will always be those who seek to frustrate progress, cabals whose influence depends on imports, subsidies, or opaque privileges. But Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of rent-seeking. The nation has lost too many opportunities because vested interests strangled reform at birth. If depot owners and old operators wish to remain relevant, they must adapt. They should redirect investments into retail
outlets, petrochemicals, or emerging value chains such as lubricants, plastics, or renewable energy. Some may even consider acquiring and rehabilitating dormant state refineries if they believe in true competition. What they cannot do is freeze the clock on change or attempt to cripple a facility that holds so much promise for the wider economy.
The Dangote Refinery is not the problem; it is part of the solution. It represents a chance to anchor industrial growth, create jobs across new sectors, and finally insulate Nigeria from the volatility of international fuel markets. It also strengthens the country’s fiscal position by reducing the outflow of scarce foreign exchange, while opening space for exports into West Africa. The regional implications are just as important: a strong Nigeria with energy stability benefits its neighbours and reinforces its leadership role on the continent.
For ordinary Nigerians, the benefits are tangible: stable supply at the pumps, potential reduction in the long-term cost of fuel, and new industries springing
up from by-products that will create jobs for thousands. This is what energy security should mean: not just the absence of scarcity, but the presence of opportunity.
To undermine such an asset through politics, sabotage, or misguided regulation would not only squander private capital but also sabotage national progress. The Dangote Refinery has come at great cost and risk, but it has also come at the right time. Nigeria cannot afford to let cynicism and vested interests derail what is arguably its biggest industrial breakthrough in a generation.
The country has delayed too many opportunities in the past, for example, Iron and steel industry development opportunities, aluminium smelting, the petrochemical industry and textile. This one must not be lost. Protecting the refinery is not just about safeguarding Dangote’s investment; it is about securing Nigeria’s energy future, rebuilding its industrial base, and ensuring that the promise of self-sufficiency finally becomes reality.
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in separate statements yesterday have called on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to implement the suspension of the controversial 4.0 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) Levy as directed by the Minister of Finance and Controlling Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edu, without further delay.
The LCCI made its call in a press statement titled, “End The 4% FOB Levy Now: LCCI Urges Swift Action From NCS,” in which it expressed concern that the NCS has continued to enforce the 4.0 per cent FOB levy despite the Honourable Minister of Finance’s formal directive suspending it. Meanwhile, the NCS could not confirm that it has commenced the
implementation of the suspension of the FOB Levy when THISDAY sort the comments of its public relations officer, who pleaded for time to get update on the matter.
The statement, which was signed by the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said that the NCS has cited Section 18(1)(a) of the NCS Act 2023 as the basis for the levy.
Almona said: “While we respect the legislative process, the Minister of Finance is the constitutionally empowered authority for fiscal policy. (Therefore) a duly issued ministerial suspension should take immediate effect unless overturned by the National Assembly or a competent court.”
She argued that “the continued collection of this levy raises import costs, erodes competitiveness, and undermines investor confidence,” adding that the “LCCI, therefore, calls on the NCS to recalibrate its systems
without delay to reflect the ministerial directive and to issue a public notice confirming compliance. We also urge the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly to engage promptly to remove any legal ambiguity.”
The LCCI said that the “Nigeria’s business community needs policy clarity and institutional coordination to sustain trade, jobs, and economic growth.”
Speaking in the same vein, the Director General NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, told THISDAY that NECA appreciated the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, whose directive as regards the suspension of the 4.0 per cent FOB aligned with the overall economic objectives of the current administration.
Adewale said: “It is, therefore, surprising that the NCS that should facilitate trade and enterprise competitiveness will treat the directive with levity.”
Kayode Tokede
Union Bank of Nigeria has completed the full redemption of its Series 2 15.75% Bond Issue with the payment of both principal and coupon totalling N6.3bllion September 3, 2025.
This payment fulfils the Bank’s obligations to bondholders in accordance with the regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Series 2 Bond was issued under the Bank’s N100 billion Debt Issuance
Programme and was fully subscribed, with the final coupon payment also settled on September 3, 2025.
This completion represents a significant achievement for Union Bank, particularly following the recent merger with Titan Trust earlier in early September.
The timely execution of coupon payments and the full redemption of the bond significantly enhance investor confidence in the Bank’s governance and financial stability, setting a positive precedent for future
investment opportunities.
The Bank’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Mr. Tosin Ibikunle in a statement said, “The successful conclusion of the Bond Issue repayment process signals Union Bank’s commitment to meeting all obligations to our financial stakeholders. This accomplishment not only enhances investor confidence but also underscores the Bank’s robust financial position as we continue to innovate and support Nigeria’s growth.”
Sunday Ehigiator
Wemy Industries, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of healthcare and hygiene products under the Dr. Brown’s and Nightingale brands, has made its historic debut at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025, held in Algeria, showcasing its innovations on one of the continent’s biggest trade platforms.
A statement form the company revealed that, the biennial event, organised by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union, convened top business leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, and investors from across Africa and beyond.
“This year’s fair attracted
strong participation from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Italy, Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal, and Nigeria, transforming Algiers into a vibrant hub of collaboration and innovation.
“The opening ceremony was graced by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Finance, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, among other dignitaries.
“Leading the Wemy Industries delegation were Managing Director/CEO Mr. Paul Odunaiya, Sales Director Mr. Adeola Oyeyipo, Export Development Manager
Ms. Nathalie Senaya, and Deputy Export Development Manager Mr. Richard Okegbola.
“Together, they highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality hygiene and healthcare solutions across Africa.”
According to Wendy’s PR and Communications Manager, Doris Sulieman, as quoted in the statement, “Participating at IATF 2025 marks a defining moment for Wemy Industries as we proudly showcase our African innovations on an international platform.
“This opportunity has allowed us to engage with key stakeholders who share our vision for growth, quality, and accessibility across diverse African markets.”
Kayode Tokede
The stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday resumed the trading week on a profit-taking note, as losses in Nigerian Breweries Plc and 21 others pulled the overall capitalisation
lower by N219.63 billion. With Nigerian Breweries dropping by 7.6 per cent and Oando Plc down by 5.8 per cent, the NGX All-Share Index depreciated by 347.13 basis points or 0.24 per cent to close at 141,498.22 basis points from 141,845.35 basis points it closed for trading last week.
Consequently, the Monthto-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at +0.9per cent and +38.2per cent, respectively.
Also, market capitalisation shed N219.63 billion to close at N89.525 trillion from N89.744 trillion it opened for trading.
Market sentiment was weak, reflected by a negative breadth with 22 stocks advancing compared to 28 declining. Royal Exchange emerged the highest price gainer of 9.80 per cent to close at N2.24, per share. Secure Electronic Technology followed with a gain of
6.67 per cent to close at 80 kobo, while Chams Holding Company rose by 6.13 per cent to close at N3.29, per share.
Prestige Assurance increased by 5.75 per cent to close at N1.84, while DAAR Communications advanced by 5.66 per cent to close at N1.12, per share.
On the other side, McNichols led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent to close at N3.33, per share. Ikeja Hotels followed with a decline of 9.80 per cent to close at N20.70, while FTN Cocoa processors shed 8.33 per cent to close at N5.50, per share.
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 18 September 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
Raheem Akingbolu
As a result of the proliferation of the digital media space and the need to serve niche audiences very effectively, marketers have started renewing their interest in traditional media in some markets, including Nigeria, fresh fidings have revealed.
According to a survey carried out by THISDAY in some media buying agencies, brand owners
were said to have started increasing their advertising budget for traditional media channels like TV, radio, and print because of increasing consumer frustration with digital advertising clutter and rising costs of online advertisement. As a result of the belief that traditional media offers credible and higher brand building potential that digital-only strategies can struggle to achieve, some experts are
proposing a strategic rebalancing as businesses discover that traditional and digital strategies can be more effective when used together to reach consumers in a more fragmented media landscape.
Group Executive Director at Omnicom Media Group and faculty member at Alphabet Media Academy, Yinka Adebayo said Traditional media still holds
tremendous value for communicators as highly effective, especially when combined with digital strategies. In an exclusive interview with THISDAY at the weekend, Adebayo admitted that traditional media faces challenges like declining readership and the need to adopt digital strategies for survival, he however argued that the players in the industry should prepare for more demand
because of the relevance of their platforms in the area of credibility and in-depth content that digital platforms may lack.
He said, ”While digital media excels at breaking news and engaging specific audiences, traditional sources like television, radio, and print maintain trust and provide comprehensive analysis, making them essential for a balanced
communication strategy. “Interesting, there has been a major decline in traditional media budget and increase in digital media and is expected really. I think what has happened for most brands is that they’ve gone ahead to embrace the digital media because of the younger generation that many of the brands seek to address.
Nigeria’s solid minerals sector paid a total of N44.65 billion into the Federation Account between January and August 2025, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has reported to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The September FAAC
document seen by THISDAY showed that revenue in the first eight months of this year exceeded the N38 billion collected in the entire 2024, a significant improvement in the potential of the barely untapped sector. Besides, the figure, drawn from a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) schedule attached to the submission, confirmed the
sector’s most buoyant eightmonth run in recent years and puts receipts 21.1 per cent above the ministry’s full-year approved revenue budget of N36.88 billion as of August.
THISDAY’s checks revealed that the N38 billion revenue in 2024, was up from just N6 billion the previous year (2023), despite receiving only 18 per cent of its N29 billion
budgeted allocation.
According to the document, N6.23 billion was credited in August, up from N5.84 billion in July—a month-on-month rise of 6.7 per cent. August’s outturn was split between royalties of N3.53 billion (56.6 per cent) and fees of N2.70 billion (43.4 per cent) derived from service charges, registration, and the issuance of mining
licences.
In the same vein, against its monthly target of N3.07 billion, August revenue produced a positive variance of N3.16 billion, meaning it exceeded the target by 102.7 per t.
“The positive variance is attributable to strategic licensing practices, increased revenue tracking, continuous inspection and auditing of records,
and curbing of illegal mining, amongst others,” the ministry noted in the FAAC brief.
A review of the collection schedule showed a broadly firm trend despite normal fluctuations across the first half. January opened the year with N4.18 billion, followed by N3.78 billion in February.
The approval by President Bola Tinubu to commence the amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to effect some key changes to whittle down the powers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) as concessionaire of oil blocks in the country is generating controversy and calls for caution amongst stakeholders in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Among the issues currently unsettling some of the stakeholders is the proposal by the federal government to vest the power and role of concessionaire of all oil and gas exploration and production assets and representative of the
Federation in all agreements with the international oil companies (IOCs) and independent companies in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) thereby displacing NNPC.
Another key change contained in the government’s proposal is the removal of the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI) as a shareholder of NNPC, while making the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) the sole shareholder of the national oil company.
THISDAY learnt that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi had notified several of the country’s federal agencies of Tinubu’s approval
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that one of its towers along the Kaduna town line I and II in Rigasa community has collapsed due to a severe downpour and windstorm.
The tower collapse caused a cut in the transmission of bulk power to some Kaduna Electric distribution load centres, particularly the ones through which they supply some parts of Kaduna South.
While inspecting the site of the incident, however, TCN’s linesmen discovered that vandals had carted away some of the tower members,
making it susceptible to collapse, a statement by the company’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said.
“The incident primarily affected power supply to parts of Kaduna South, causing power interruption in some communities. However, to ensure that the impact of the incident is curtailed, TCN has advised Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to link its 33kV Mogadishu feeder with 33kV Abakwa feeder to enable electricity customers in Mogadishu have access to power supply.
of the proposed amendment to the PIA 2021 with the title: “The Petroleum Industry Act
(Amendment) Act 2025.”
The federal government holds equity stakes in JV,
Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), Sole Risks and other contractual agreements in oil
operations with the IOCs and independent firms through NNPC.
Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has called for unity and cooperation among stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, urging the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to set
aside rivalry in the interest of Nigeria.
The association which made the call in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua, stated that these exchanges, which have played out in the media, have sparked intensive debates that risk polarising the industry at a time when national interest demands collective focus.
The current tension between the Dangote Refinery and DAPPMAN follows disagreements over pricing, supply arrangements, and market structure.
DAPPMAN has raised concerns about product availability and competitive practices, while the Dangote Refinery insists that domestic refining must be allowed to stabilize without undue pressure.
It stated: “CORAN notes with concern the ongoing bickering between the Dangote Refinery and DAPPMAN. While disagreements are expected in a competitive market, the current rift risks distracting the nation from a more urgent reality: Nigeria is on the cusp of a refining revolution that must not be stifled by primordial sentiments or vested interests.
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has inaugurated its Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) for the forthcoming National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030.
The event, held in Abuja, was in line with
the federal government’s directive to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to commence early preparations for a seamless transition from the current NDP 2021–2025, a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Chris
Ugwuegbulam, said.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Vitalis Obi, represented by the Director, Midstream and Downstream, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, described the exercise as
both timely and significant. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to aligning with national directives and ensuring that the oil and gas sector continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s socioeconomic transformation.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Oida Energy Limited have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Nigeria’s first in-country oilfield shaped
charge manufacturing facility.
The deal marked a significant advancement in realising the government’s aspiration for enhanced local capacity development and industrialization.
The MoU which was signed at the Armed
Forces Officers’ Mess & Suites, Abuja, also indicates a major step by the technical units of the nation’s military forces towards civilian collaboration in solving operating challenges in the petroleum industry.
The partnership further
signifies a momentous initiative and strategic stride towards strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base, deepening local content in the petroleum sector, and enhancing national security by reducing reliance on imported oilfield explosive technologies.
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The state administration is steadily rebuilding trust among communities, and restoring the sense of security that underpins development, reckons GYANG BERE
See page 21
BEYOND THE LAGOS OFFICE FLAMES
TUNDE OLUSUNLE pays tribute to the former Inspector General of Police who passed at 69
I first met Solomon Arase at the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, (NPF), - Louis Edet House - Abuja, over two decades ago. I was an aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and had a good relationship with Tafa Balogun the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), at the time. It does seem that once you're in a privileged position in Nigeria you're construed as all-powerful. Acquaintances and friends in the police who needed the assistance of the IGP in sundry ways regularly swarmed around me and often got me to see him on their behalf. Arase, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP) at the time was Principal Staff Officer, (PSO), to IGP Tafa Balogun. Short of personally passing on correspondences I brought to him to relevant top officers and departments, Balogun often invited Arase to his office to take up the issues. This was until I developed a relationship with him and could engage directly with him.
the typically humorous Towuru said as he rehashed the famous slogan and laughed, shaking hands with me. I responded with a guffaw.
workshops across the world, many of which were published in books, journals and monographs. *Policing Nigeria in the 21st Century* published in 2024, was one such monograph.
See page 21
Our workplaces are a ticking time bomb, argues KENE NWANKWO EDITORIAL END OF EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE
On one of those evenings after work when I swung by *Capital Bar* in the highbrow Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, I was surprised to see DCP Arase as he then was, in the glassed enclosure. He was in the company of a police officer friend of mine, his younger colleague, Jonathan Towuru, who recently retired as Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DIG). Tony Adejoh Olofu with whom I underwent the imperative one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), in Owerri, Imo State, between 1985 and 1986, and who retired as Assistant InspectorGeneral, (AIG), a few years ago, is largely responsible for my broad network of friendships in the police. Olofu and Towuru were course mates in the Police Academy and were commissioned the same day in 1990 and I've long been fully adopted into their fold. *Capital Bar* was the top-end watering hole for the nouveau riche and political class in Abuja at the time.
I would subsequently encounter Arase on other occasions, informally. Even as DIG, Arase would show up unannounced where his younger colleagues were loosening up. You would be right to call him "King of the Boys," he was comfortable among people not necessarily his age. He would stop by to socialise with Towuru, Biodun Alabi, Ben Okolo, (both DIGs), younger officers like Victor Erivwode, Emmanuel Inyang, and indeed their broader mix of friends who were not necessarily police officers. He remained himself through and through even when he rose to the apex of the police as Inspector-General, (IGP), in 2015. Arase would take his phone calls and would call back if he wasn't available at the time of your call. You didn’t have to be a police officer to get his attention. He replied text messages, and was ever so ready to illuminate issues and inquiries, attributes alien to the trademark standoffish arrogance of the Nigerian big man.
All of these underscored Arase's intellectual disposition, even as he remained an eternal quester for knowledge and more knowledge, despite his background as a political scientist. He proceeded to earn a degree in law which served as veritable enablement for the humanistic slant of his policing ethos. For reminders, under his watch as IGP, the *Operational Manual of International Human Rights Protocols and Guidelines for the Nigeria Police Force,* was launched in 2016. By the very title of the document, Arase sought to extend the frontiers of the standardisation of the human rights operations of the Nigerian Police, to bring it to parity with global expectations. Especially in a milieu where the police was infamously notorious for human rights infractions.
Following the unfortunate demise of my good friend, Donald Ngongor Awunah an AIG and younger colleague to Arase in 2022, the former IGP called me to get a description of Awunah's home. He desired to pay a condolence visit to his family and I indeed volunteered to be on hand to receive him on his visit. He spoke glowingly about Awunah who was an ACP when he, Arase, was Police Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State. He described him as a crack, unobtrusive detective who helped to make light of his job on that beat. He comforted Awunah's wife, Dooshima, her children and Tivlumun Nyitse, through whom I met Awunah several years ago. Arase assured on that occasion that he was just a phone call away, should the family have any need.
page 22
I confess my surprise seeing Arase, a senior cop in such a public place, albeit in the anonymity of his plain clothing. Recall the awe and mystique around officers of the law in olden times. Arase received me with a smile as soon as I approached the part of *Capital Bar* he was seated with Towuru, and the latter tried to introduce me to him. "I know him nau," Arase told Towuru. "He's Mr President’s man, he's my Oga's friend," in reference to the IGP. I made to find a section of the bar to set up for my orders. Towuru pulled me back. "Where you dey go?," he asked in pidgin English. "Oga say make you stay with us," implying that Arase desired I sat with them. "The police is your friend,"
That Arase cultivated positive relationships during his years as a top law enforcement officer was most manifest at the public presentation of his book, *Law on Prevention and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria,* in 2017. He pulled the cream of the society to the *Congress Hall* of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, for the auspicious event. Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, chaired the event which was attended by all surviving former IGPs at the time. Arase equally authored *Readings on Election Security Management* and *Selected Readings on Internal Security Management,* both of which were publicly released early this year. Not forgetting the many papers he presented at conferences and
On a few occasions, I visited his Jabi, Abuja office from where he oversaw the operations of the Police Service Commission, (PSC), which he chaired for a few years. For the records, Arase it was who led the Commission to take possession of its present office complex and operationalise it, after it was abandoned and disused for years because it was not fully completed and the access road, just earth. "We will continue to develop and improve on the facilities now that we have moved in," he told me on my first visit. "Or else, it will become totally decrepit and become a waste."
Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja
The state administration is steadily rebuilding trust among communities, and restoring the sense of security that underpins development, reckons GYANG BERE
At the heart of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration lies an unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property in Plateau State. Since his inauguration in May 2023, the governor has consistently emphasized that peace and security are not just constitutional obligations but also the foundation upon which social and economic recovery must be built. He recognizes that without security, there can be no meaningful industrialization, innovation, or job creation that guarantees wealth and prosperity for the people.
In his inaugural address, Governor Mutfwang vowed that security under his leadership would not be reduced to rhetoric. He pledged to be “firm, fair, and just to all, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious inclination.”
Barely weeks after his declaration as Governor-Elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in April 2023, the state was thrown into turmoil. His hometown, Mangu, and Riyom Local Government Area, home of his Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo came under devastating attacks aimed at making the state ungovernable.
Rather than engage in blame games, Mutfwang took decisive action. He visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos, some of whom had lived in camps for nearly two decades. His presence and assurances brought renewed hope to traumatized families, who for the first time felt that government genuinely cared about their plight.
Governor Mutfwang also reframed the narrative of Plateau’s insecurity. Instead of the often-repeated rhetoric of “herder-farmer clashes,” he courageously defined the killings as genocide against defenseless rural communities. Security experts and public commentators have since upheld this perspective, noting the systematic and coordinated nature of the attacks that left behind deaths, destruction, and displacement.
Understanding the magnitude of the crisis, the governor personally embarked on a strategic tour of security institutions in Abuja. He engaged the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Inspector-General of Police, DSS, Immigration, Customs, Civil Defence, Correctional Service, NEMA, and ultimately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His mission was clear: to present the true narrative of Plateau’s decades-long violence and to extract firm commitments from national security leaders. The outcome was remarkable. For the first time in years, top security chiefs visited Plateau and deployed access to threatened communities, averting imminent disaster.
This engagement led to the establishment of new Police Mobile Force squadrons in Gashish (Barkin-Ladi) and Bassa LGAs, alongside MOPOL 81 in Kwall now regarded as one of the most equipped
mobile squadrons in Nigeria. These units are currently active in Bassa, Riyom, and Jos South, safeguarding communities and deterring crime.
Governor Mutfwang also revived Operation Rainbow, a state-owned security outfit established under former Governor Jonah Jang but left dormant for years. Initially, 600 trusted youths and community leaders were recruited, trained, and equipped from vulnerable communities in Mangu, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, and Jos South. Their intelligence-gathering efforts have already foiled several planned attacks. Plans are underway to recruit an additional 1,450 youths to strengthen grassroots security in the Operation Rainbow across the 17 local government areas.
To enhance mobility and response capacity, the administration repaired dozens of abandoned operational vehicles, procured new Hilux vans, and supplied motorcycles, raincoats, and boots to security personnel. Through collaboration with local governments, 17 brand-new Hilux vehicles were also acquired for Operation Rainbow.
A State Security and Information Centre was launched with a toll-free line to enable citizens to report threats or suspicious activities, ensuring swift and coordinated responses. The government also established a Plateau Special Activities Centre, equipped with modern surveillance technology, to monitor movements across all 17 LGAs.
Beyond immediate security, Governor Mutfwang is focused on restoring dignity to displaced persons. In 2024, he set up a Resettlement Committee to plan the safe return of IDPs to their ancestral homes. Its recommendations emphasized the need for enduring security before resettlement begins in full.
In May 2025, he inaugurated a fact-finding committee tasked with identifying affected communities, ASSESSING level of destruction, tracing attack routes, unmasking perpetrators, and recommending comprehensive interventions.
Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
Our workplaces are a ticking time bomb, argues KENE NWANKWO
The smoke has cleared from the recent fire at the UBA corporate office in Lagos, but the tragedy's most chilling lesson lingers in the air. Reports suggest many of the lives lost were claimed not by the fire itself, but by asphyxiation— suffocation from the toxic fumes of an electrical fire. This horrifying detail is a damning indictment of our nation's approach to workplace safety. We are not just failing to fight fires; we are failing to anticipate the real dangers of the modern work environment, and our outdated laws are, quite literally, suffocating us.
This incident was not a freak accident; it was a symptom of a systemic crisis rooted in a legal framework completely unfit for purpose. While a welcome step, the National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy of 2020 has yet to translate into meaningful change on the ground. In practice, our safety culture remains governed by the principles of the outdated Factories Act of 1987—a law conceived for industrial warehouses, not for the glass-and-steel high-rises that define our 21st-century cities. It fails to adequately address the specific risks of modern corporate buildings, from complex electrical systems to highdensity office layouts.
But even the best laws are useless without enforcement. The deeper problem is a pervasive culture of superficial compliance. We see "pencilwhipped" safety reports, where boxes are ticked without any meaningful checks. We see fire extinguishers that haven't been serviced in years and emergency exits that are blocked or locked. Ask yourself: when was the last time your office conducted a realistic, mandatory evacuation drill that wasn't just a brief interruption? For most Nigerian employees, the answer is never. This isn't just negligence; it's a catastrophic failure of implementation that leaves millions of workers exposed every single day.
We don't have to reinvent the wheel; we just need the will to adopt global best practices. Look at the United Kingdom's Building Safety Act, a robust framework established in the wake of its own tragedies. It enforces clear lines of accountability and mandates a "golden thread" of digital information—a live, transparent record of a building's safety features and history. It proves that a culture of rigorous, data-driven compliance is not only possible but essential.
This is where Nigeria's challenge becomes its greatest opportunity. Our vibrant, world-class tech ecosystem holds the key to leapfrogging decades of regulatory failure. The same ingenuity that built our FinTech unicorns can be unleashed to save lives and build a new industry in SafetyTech.
Imagine our buildings equipped with IoT-enabled smart sensors that don't
just detect smoke but monitor air for toxic gases in real-time, sending instant alerts to every occupant's phone. Picture AI-powered compliance platforms that replace dusty logbooks, automatically tracking safety certifications, scheduling mandatory drills, and flagging risks before they become disasters. We can use Virtual Reality (VR) to train employees in immersive, realistic evacuation simulations that build lifesaving muscle memory. We can even create Digital Twins—virtual replicas of our buildings—to model and perfect emergency response plans.
This is not science fiction; this technology exists today. Deploying it would transform workplace safety from a matter of guesswork into a science of prevention.
The path forward requires a twopronged attack. First, we issue a clear call to action to our government and lawmakers: The time for amending the 1987 Factories Act is over, we also need to have a second look at National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy of 2020. We need a new, comprehensive "Workplace Safety and Health Act," drafted in collaboration with tech leaders, urban planners, and safety professionals, that is fit for the Nigeria of today and tomorrow.
Second, we challenge our nation's tech innovators: This is your moment. Look beyond the next payment app and see the multi-billion Naira opportunity in protecting our most valuable asset—our people. By building these solutions, you can create thousands of high-value jobs in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) sector and position Nigeria as the undisputed leader in African SafetyTech.
The victims of the Lagos fire deserved to go to work and come home safely. Let their memory be the catalyst that finally forces us to move beyond the flames and build a safer future for all Nigerians.
Nwankwo is Founder/CEO of Pro Serve Integrated Services Ltd., and a NEBOSHcertified health and safety expert
ISHAKA
All the actors should now work for the progress of the state
With the expiration of the six-month emergency rule last Thursday, a semblance of normalcy has returned to Rivers State. Now that the democratic structures have been restored, we urge Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the House of Assembly to work together in the interest of their people. The relative peace in the state in the last six months has testified to the inherent harmony of the civil populace which was only upset by the clashing interests and inordinate ambitions of politicians. On that score, the challenge of both sides in the crisis should now be to subordinate personal and political interest to service, peace and order in Rivers State.
In a televised broadcast last Friday, shortly after returning to office, Fubara said he resisted pressure to challenge the presidential declaration of emergency rule that suspended him from office in the interest of peace and progress in the state. He also admitted that the last six months have been enormously challenging for the state. “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.” We hope that these ‘hard lessons’ are sufficient for all the actors in this crisis to sheathe their swords and now work together. Nothing is gained in an atmosphere of acrimony, and it seems the governor recognises that. The onus is now on the other parties to accept his olive branch and give peace a chance.
Partisan interests
pointed a retired naval officer, Ibok-Ette Ibas as the sole administrator. He predicated his action partly on “disturbing” security reports detailing incidents of vandalism of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
There are still contentions about the constitutionality of a presidential suspension of a governor and members of the state house of assembly from their respective offices but only the Supreme Court can ultimately decide on that. It is the same with the controversial local government election conducted by the former sole administrator. As we pointed out recently, local government areas in the country represent the third tier of government with specified constitutional provisions on how their chairmen and councillors should be elected. The one conducted by Ibas was not preceded by the statutory 90-day pre-election notification as required by law at a period many unresolved issues around the status and powers of the state administrator were being adjudicated by various courts. Besides, it was the conduct of a toxic and contentious local government election last October by Fubara that led to the crisis that eventually culminated in his suspension.
In what we described as a treacherous borderline between impunity and political expediency at the time, President Bola Tinubu had on 18th March this year suspended Fubara for a period of six months in the first instance. Also suspended was the deputy governor, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly. In place of the elected officials, the president ap-
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
Given the foregoing, going forward would require a measure of compromises on the part of the political actors, including the governor in an environment where cleavages seem to have deepened in recent months. Since Fubara seems to have been humbled by the experience of the last six months, the swagger of some political emperors in the state must now give way to candour and respect for authority and modesty of expression. But there is also a lesson for the powers-that-be in Abuja. National security is not a fictional construct to be invented and weaponised by feuding political factions. It must be palpable enough to warrant the invocation of presidential powers. Partisan interests should no longer hawk emergency powers as a threat to frighten opponents.
In every thriving democracy, the involvement of young people in governance is not only essential but pivotal to sustainable development. Nigeria, with one of the largest youth populations in the world—estimated at over 60% of its 200+ million citizens— stands at a critical juncture. If harnessed correctly, this demographic asset could significantly reshape the country's political and socio-economic landscape. However, several barriers continue to hinder meaningful youth participation in governance, posing challenges to the nation’s growth and stability.
One of the foremost barriers is political exclusion. Despite their numbers, Nigerian
youths often find themselves on the sidelines of political power. The structure of political parties, which are largely dominated by older politicians, does not typically encourage youth representation. Even though laws like the "Not Too Young to Run" Act have reduced age restrictions for political office, young Nigerians still face resistance when attempting to occupy positions of influence.
Another major challenge is economic disenfranchisement. Participating in politics in Nigeria often requires significant financial resources—ranging from party nomination forms to campaign expenses. Many Nigerian youths, grappling with high
unemployment and underemployment rates, simply cannot afford to compete. This economic barrier effectively shuts out a vast majority of potential young leaders who might otherwise contribute fresh ideas and energy to governance. Additionally, lack of political education and mentorship further undermines youth involvement. A good number of young Nigerians are not well-versed in civic duties, governance processes, or policy development. This knowledge gap leaves many disillusioned or uninterested in political participation. Schools, civil society organizations, and community leaders need to do more to promote civic education and men-
torship among the youth. Cultural and societal perceptions also play a role in restricting youth involvement. In many Nigerian communities, leadership is traditionally associated with age and seniority. This perception, though rooted in respect for elders, often translates into marginalization of the youth in decision-making processes. Breaking this mindset requires a cultural shift that acknowledges the competence and capacity of young people.
Abigail Wapakta, Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University, Maiduguri
L-R: Executive Director, AfriGO, Mr. Ugo Obasi; Product Manager AfriGO, Mr. Lazarus Ihinose; Chief Executive Officer, AfriGO, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Juliet Momoh; Chief Executive Officer, Tango Brook Technologies Ltd, Obi Wemambu; and Chief Operating Officer, Tango Brook Technologies Ltd, Dubem Okafor, during the
of Tango Fuel Card, held in Lagos, yesterday
Says Shettima-led team to UNGA will push for Nigeria’s permanent
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to effective multilateralism and enhanced partnerships.
Briefs VP on arrival for week-long summit in New York Declares Nigeria committed to supporting efforts to drive inclusive devt we have to make sure that we promote this; we also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, because Africa has something referred to as the common African position.”
Speaking yesterday on Nigeria’s target for this year’s United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA), Tuggar, while briefing Vice President Kashim Shettima on his arrival in New York for UNGA 80, said Nigeria was championing the United Na- tions Global Convention on Taxation, which is very central to the ongoing push to reform the global financial architecture. Also yesterday, Tuggar reiter- ated Nigeria’s commitment to
supporting ECOWAS region efforts aimed at harnessing emerging technologies for inclusive development.
He made the assertion yester- day, in his remarks at the second 2025 ECOWAS Seminar/ExtraordinaryParliamentary Session, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers StateOncapitalparticipation at the UNGA,
Tuggar said: “This is something that has put Nigeria in the posi- tion of leadership, and you can see that during the briefing for the Vice President, there were Ministers present, senior govern- ment officials, and the whole idea of having this briefing is so that we will all be on the same“So,page.going out engaging,
The House of Representatives has mandated the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to provide the spreadsheet detailing the payments made to contractors in line with the N2.4 trillion approval for payment by the government for project implementation.
The demand followed the confirmation by the Office of the Accountant-General that about N2.4 trillion has been approved for payment to contractors.
Following the street protests previously embarked upon by the contractors over months of unpaid fees after project implementation, the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, had set up the committee to interface with all the parties and stakehold- ers involved.
The Committee first met on September 4, 2025 and brokered a truce, necessitating the payment of 25 per cent of the fees.
It later announced a subsequent appraisal meeting on September 21, 2025.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Budget implementation, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, had a marathon meeting with the leadership and membership of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.
At the meeting, the Direc- tor of Funds in the Office of the Accountant-General confirmed that N2.4 trillion had been approved for payment.
He also revealed that the Minister of Finance, Wale
A presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, has reacted to the request made by the wife of the Presi- dent, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her birthday celebration, asking for donations towards the completion of the National Library, Abuja.
Mrs. Tinubu recently requested that anyone, who wished to celebrate her with gifts or
newspaper adverts should divert such gestures to the completion of the national library.
This request did not go down with Obi, who pointed out that Nigeria did not need to wait for birthday gifts before completing its National Library.
Obi, who was the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in 2023, lamented that millions of dollars were being wasted on trips, jets and yachts while a
nation like Nigeria would now wait for the first lady’s well- wishers to make contributions for her birthday before completing a national asset.
In a post titled: ‘We Are Finished’ on X, Obi, who wished the First Lady more years on earth, slammed her for knowing that education was key, but still prioritised vanity, describing the situation as both shocking and tragic.
Edun, had further approved an extra N760 billion for warrant and cash backing for the remaining months, bringing the total to about N3.1 trillion.
Kalu, who chaired the committee in a statement issued yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, commended the government for the pay- ment of contractors amidst economic stress.
The Minister noted that Africa was the only continent or grouping that has a common position on what should be done regarding reforming the UN Security Council. He also insisted that Africa should have a minimum of two permanent seats based on what is referred to as the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
“We also have the issue of peacekeeping, you know, Nigeria has participated in one of the 60 peacekeeping operations that the United Nations has had.
“We want to ensure that when it comes to peace, the contributions to peacekeeping, not just troops, but the funding, we are not hit twice.
“Nigeria contributes not only on the African side but indeed also on the UN side. We reiterated Nigeria’s position on the
conflict in the Middle East, in Gaza, Palestine, the issue of Eastern Congo, and the conflict in Sudan.
“The Vice President will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Sudan, and he is also going to participate in the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting,” Tuggar said.
Also speaking, Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani, said Nigeria’s participation in the 80th UNGA would certainly further reposition the country as an investment destination and one of the leading economies in Africa.
According to him: “We are looking at areas of our strength. We are here with some ministers and governors. Some of the areas we are looking at have to do with solid mineral resources, in which Nigeria is really doing extremely well.
“We are also looking at other areas of investment that have to do with our economy; that is, the area of Agriculture and other areas of the economy, skills-based education in our country.
The Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, has said that cross-border collaboration and data accuracy remain tools to unlocking natural resources owned by Nigeria and other African countries.
The Oilserv boss spoke at a Local Content Plenary Session co-hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Ghana Petroleum Commission, themed: “Cross-
border Projects and Knowledge Exchange.”
In his presentation during the just concluded AOW Energy Week in Accra, Ghana, Okwuosa argued for visa restriction relaxation for professionals on the continent.
presented by the Managing Director of Frazimex Engineering Limited, Chuka Eze, Okwuosa stated that there was the need to understand the importance of continental synergy, as Africa’s true prosperity lies in its ability to work as one, sharing expertise, infrastructure, and ambition to
drive collective growth. According to him, continental synergy is not just important but indispensable, allowing nations to tap into existing expertise and proven technical capabilities rather than the need to “reinvent the wheel.”
He added: “Given the operational complexities of the upstream sector, there is a need for African countries to learn from those who have already mastered the process, leveraging their knowledge to extract resources efficiently and sustainably.
Kayode Tokede
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted a temporary forbearance on the asset allocation threshold for fixed income funds, moving from a 70 per cent:30 per cent ratio to a range of 50per cent:50per cent.
On behalf of the Director General, SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Head, Monitoring Department, Tarfa Makyur, in a signed circular addressed to Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) also approved a two-year transition period, starting September 22, 2025, for fund managers to fully adopt mark-to-market valuation of fixed income securities.
Normally, funds must keep a 70:30 split between mark- to-market and amortised cost, but for the next two years, managers can work with a more flexible 50:50 balance to ease the adjustment process.
While this hybrid method is permitted, all new fixed income purchases must immediately be valued on a mark-to-market basis, the
SEC stated.
The Commission in the circular said it considered FMAN’s request for a transition period to enable fund managers to comply with the mark-to-market valuation methodology for fixed income securities, as stipulated under Schedule VI of the SEC Rules on Collective Investment Schemes (December 2019).
To ensure that the impact of the change in the method of valuation is minimal, the Commission approved a two-year transition period.
“A transition period of two years is hereby granted to enable Fund Managers to fully implement the mark-to-market valuation methodology for fixed income securities,” it said.
During the transition period, SEC said fund managers are to adopt a hybrid valuation methodology in which part of the securities would be valued at mark to market and others at amortised cost.
“The size of the assets valued at mark to market would be increased gradually and steadily until full compli- ance is achieved within the
stipulated two-year period.
The two-year period starts counting effective, September 22, 2025,” the circular stated.
On investors’ education, the Commission said in collaboration with FMAN and all stakeholders, it would immediately carry out an intense investor education and awareness campaign prior to the full implementation of the mark-to-market valuation methodology.
“To give effect to these decisions, each affected Fund
Manager is required to submit a comprehensive implementation plan showing how it would achieve full compliance within the approved two-year transition period. This plan must be submitted to the Commission on or before October 2, 2025,” the circular added.
Responding, market analyst and former Head of Africa Equity Sales, Stanbic IBTC, Akinbamidele Akintola in a report stated that the lat- est SEC’s directive on the
valuation of fixed income mutual funds is one of the most important developments in Nigeria’s capital markets in recent memory.
“For years, the industry has operated in a way that allowed managers to hide behind amortised cost accounting. By simply holding bonds to maturity and reporting them at face value, funds were able to present a picture of stability even when market conditions had shifted dramatically. That era is finally coming to an end.
“The SEC has confirmed that fund managers must begin the transition to mark- to-market valuation for all fixed income securities. A two-year transition period has been granted, beginning this September. During this time, new bond purchases must be reported at fair value immediately, while existing portfolios will gradually shift from amortised cost to market pricing. By September 2027, the entire industry will be on a mark-to-market basis.
Yinka Olatunbosun
In response to the need of its customers, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous mobile telecom company, Globacom, has launched two products namely TalkMasta and Welcome Bonus for all subscribers.
The new products are part of Globacom’s commitment to enhancing communication experience and delivering
Sunday Ehigiator
value far beyond customer’s expectations.
TalkMasta offers additional free minutes on calls to encourage customers to have enriching conversations.
The second product chris- tened ‘Welcome Bonus’ is indeed a game-changer for every new subscriber joining the Globacom family. As the GLO line is activated, there is an instant welcome gift- a bonus on calls.
For Globacom, the launch is not just about infusing new products into the market but it is about delivering on a
promise.
The Head of Cluster Retail at Globacom, Abdulrazak Ande, explained the rationale behind the launch of these two offerings,“Wesaying:understand how important it is to stay connected in today’s fast paced world. Communication is the bridge that keeps us in touch with people and moments that matter the most. And with these new products, we are making sure that connection is not just affordable but accessible, seamless and enriching.
“As we march into the digital
future, Globacom will not just be about technology or numbers but also about people. Our mission is about connecting hearts, building relationships and enabling dreams.
“With Globacom, you are never just a subscriber; you are a part of a community. And with that, we invite you to be part of this journey with us.” Also speaking, Head of Retail Marketing, Data, Devices and Digital at Globacom, Viju Unnithan, said that every new customer will be welcomed with a two N2,000 free welcome bonus.
Standards Organisation of Ni- geria (SON) has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its remarkable contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. SON urged other industry players to emulate Dangote’s commit- ment to operational excellence and global best practices. The commendation followed the successful completion of Integrated
Management System (IMS) Certification Audit at Dangote Cement’s Obajana Plant in KogiTheState.comprehensive audit, which lasted over a week, was conducted by a team of seasoned auditors from SON. It assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, as well as environmental and occupational health and safety standards.
Leading the audit team, Mrs. Ijeoma Ohaemesi praised
Dangote Cement for setting a benchmark in the sector, stating that the company’s continuous drive for improve- ment across its operations has positioned it as a model for industrialOhaemesigrowth. said, “Dangote Cement’s commitment to quality and sustainability sets the pace for the industry. The company has demonstrated resilience and innovation, and we encourage other manufacturers to follow suit.”
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The National Vice Chairman, North Central, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Tunde Ogbeha, has urged state and federal gov- ernments to make stronger commitments to education, particularly universities, both public and private.
In his acceptance speech
at the weekend during his honourary doctorate at the Benson Idahosa University’s 21st Convocation Ceremony in Benin City, Edo State, Ogbeha stressed that gov- ernment at all levels must provide adequate support for the education sector.
“It is only qualitative education that can guarantee the future of our children and
nation. We must therefore consider it a task that the future leaders receive the best in education,” he said. He further called on the government to create an enabling environment that guarantees the security of lives and food production by curbing the activities of herders/farmers clashes, banditry, and kidnapping.
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to investors, empha- sising the need for partnerships to maximise the multi-faceted, multi-billion investment opportunities across the country.
This was just as the Vice President highlighted that Nigeria’s sovereign rating by platforms like Fitch and Moody’s implies the country is positioned as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) $3.4 trillion market. He also drew the attention of investors worldwide to the multi-billion, multi-faceted
economic resets across Nigeria, as embodied by President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope
Agenda’.Shettima, according to a release issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, stated this at the roundtable hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), with the theme: “Risk, Reform, Return,” held on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.The Vice President, represent- ing President Bola Tinubu at UNGA80, highlighted that in this interconnected age, the wealth of any nation is neither achieved through miracles nor inherited.
Showcasing the wealth of the nation, he began by saying that Nigeria remains West Africa’s largest economy and Africa’s larg- est consumer market, with 236 million people today, projected to reach 320 million by 2040.
Beyond being a demographic giant, Shettima pointed out that with a median age of about 17, more than 58 per cent of whom are under 30, Nigeria is home to one of the deepest talent pools in the world.
“When you add to this our geographic position as a natural hub for trade between Africa, the Americas, and Asia; our 44 distinct natural resources; our five tech unicorns; the largest oil reserves in Africa; and 210
trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, you see that Naija no dey carry last,” he added.
The Vice President told the global audience that since mid- 2023, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has embarked on one of the boldest economic resets in its history.
He cited the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rates, the removal of decades-old fuel subsidies that distorted the Nigerian economy, the mod- ernisation of Nigeria’s tax and customs regimes, strengthened fiscal oversight, and the overhaul of Nigeria’s trade and investment policies as shining examples of the Renewed Hope reforms.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday threw its weight behind the federal government’s decision to revoke 1,263 mineral licenses for failure to pay licensing fees and other statutory financial obligations. The licenses affected 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases, a statement by the Director, Communications & Stakeholder Management of NEITI, Obiageli Onuorah, stated.
With this move, the total number of mineral titles
revoked under the present administration has now risen to 3,794, including 619 revoked for non-payment of service fees and 912 revoked last year for dormancy.
NEITI described the government’s action as bold, timely, and fully consistent with its own audit findings.
A statement from NEITI House in Abuja explained that the agency’s 2023 Solid Minerals Industry Report found that 1,619 companies owed the federal government N680.3 million in unpaid fees and royalties.
Earlier reports, it said, had flagged similar trends, noting that in 2021, 238 companies holding 289 valid licenses
owed N1.06 billion, while the 2020 report revealed N2.76 billion owed by more than 2,000 companies.
Stressing that its earlier reports also followed similar trends, NEITI expressed concern that the trend of defaults has been a recurring problem.
It stated that in 2021, 238 companies holding 289 valid licenses owed N1.06 billion in service fees, while the 2020 report revealed liabilities of N2.76 billion owed by more than 2,000 companies. NEITI added that its earlier reviews had also flagged N654.28 million outstanding from 233 companies holding 284 licenses.
The NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji remarked: “These figures underline a persistent culture of non-compliance that has undermined revenue collection and sector credibility. By revoking the licenses, the government is sending a strong message that mineral titles are not speculative assets to be hoarded but legal instruments tied to clear obligations.”
Orji added that these sanctions will not only deter further defaults but will also open up fresh opportunities for credible investors willing to put capital and technology into genuine exploration and mining.
He said: “This reset includes full implementation of the Af- CFTA, the rollout of a National Single Window for trade, a new Investment and Securities Act, an upgraded PPP framework, and modernised bilateral investment treaties.
“The results are already visible. Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is ac- celerating, our external reserves are strengthening, and inflation is moderating. This is why investor commitments are also rebounding.”
Stressing Nigeria’s vast economic transformation and potential, the Vice President recalled that in April, Fitch upgraded Nigeria’s sovereign rating to B with a stable outlook, and Moody’s lifted its issuer rating to B3 with a stable outlook.
He highlighted that the two rating platforms cited Nigeria’s improved buffers and clearer policy direction as their barom- eter, adding that “This positions Nigeria as the natural hub for the AfCFTA’s 3.4 trillion-dollar market.”
He said: “We have also built a four-pillar incentives framework designed to reduce investor risk, accelerate cash returns, and make Nigeria one of the most competitive destinations for capital in the Global South.
“A simpler, predictable tax regime now offers clear capital allowances, research and development deductions, and export-linked rebates, while investors in priority sectors can achieve faster breakeven through five percent annual tax credits on qualifying capital expenditure.”
He also shared with the audience that in Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones, the federal government offers duty-free imports, rent concessions, rebates on non-oil export proceeds, and
integrated logistics platforms that unlock working capital for exporters.
“Cross-border protections now include updated bilateral investment treaties, investor promotion and protection agreements, structured repatriation pathways, and streamlined FX access. These give investors confidence that their capital and profits are protected,” he said.
The Vice President added that the nation’s Special Agro- Industrial Zones are reducing post-harvest losses by up to 40 per cent and linking farmers directly to processing and export hubs, transforming Nigeria from a fragmented producer into a continent-scale food system serving millions across West Africa.
On energy, Shettima disclosed that with 210 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves and one of the highest solar irradiation levels in Africa, Nigeria offers a $200 billion energy transition opportunity.
He stressed that fiscal incentives and Value Added Tax (VAT) waivers are de-risking investment in both traditional and renewable power assets, from gas-fired independent power plants to off-grid solar and clean hydrogen pilots.
Additionally, the Vice Presi- dent noted that while Nigeria faces a $1 billion annual gap in transport, ports, and power infrastructure, through InfraCorp and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the government is blending sovereign and private finance to fund metro lines, dry ports, and industrial corridors, building the backbone of West African trade and creating long-term revenue streams for investors.
L–R: Immediate Past President of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr. Olusegun Mojeed; National Treasurer of CIPM, Mrs. Ogochukwu Egbuonu; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Bibilomo Olayide Olushekun; President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir; Vice President of CIPM, Mrs. Chidinma Justina Obiejesi; and Registrar/Chief Executive of CIPM, Ms. Oluwatoyin Naiwo, at the 65th Specialised Induction Ceremony of CIPM, held in Alausa, Lagos…recently
Alex Enumah and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The commencement of the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime charges was on Monday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The trial could not go on as scheduled due to an objection raised by the suspended senator’s lawyer, Mr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN.
Justice Mohammed Umar had on June 30 fixed Monday, September 22, for commencement of trial, shortly after admitting the defendant to bail.
But a coalition of over 350 Nigerian women’s rights organisations, operating under the umbrella of Womanifesto, submitted a formal petition to the United Nations, accusing the Nigerian senate of retaliatory actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan following her sexual harassment allega-
tion against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition, addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Ms. Reem Alsalem, outlined what the coalition described as a pattern of institutional discrimination, suppression, and abuse of power targeting the female lawmaker.
The federal government had arraigned the Kogi Central senator on a sixcount charge, bordering on alleged transmission of false and injurious information intended to malign the person of the senate president and former Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello.
The six-count charge was filed by Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar.
When the case was called on Monday, prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, who
reminded the court that the business of the day was for the prosecution to open its case, disclosed that they were prepared and had their first witness in court.
The prosecution had also brought and mounted a television screen inside the courtroom for the commencement of
However,proceedings.defendant’s lawyer, West-Idahosa, raised concerns over the possibility of proceeding with the day’s business because of a motion (Notice of Preliminary objection) Akpoti-Uduaghan filed challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
According to the senior lawyer, the objection is not about the nature of the charge, but the alleged abuse of the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Besides, West-Idahosa complained about not being served with copies of the statements
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has stated she has secured a strategic partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Mrs. Soludo said the partnership came through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), and has unlocked opportunities for Anambra people, especially women in the state.
The wife of the governor stated this in a press confer-
ence held at the Light House, Awka to present some of the achievements of her NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo.
Commissioner for Health and Coordinator of the NGO, Dr. Afam Obidike who represented Mrs. Soludo at the event said: “For the very first time in our state, Her Excellency has secured a strategic partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria, unlocking opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra.
“These achievements are not
abstract or promises—they are real, measurable, and verifiable. They touch mothers, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and indeed every community.”
Obidike said the partnership was such that Mrs. Soludo was inspired by Senator Tinubu, and for every empowerment sent down to the state for women and the indigent, Mrs. Soludo adds equivalence of same amount of her own money to ensure that a wider range of persons benefit from it.
of the prosecution witnesses. Responding, the prosecution urged the court to proceed with the planned trial, adding that it would respond to the issue of jurisdiction.
The court, however, pointed out that it would be proper to determine the objection raised by the defence before taking any further steps in the matter.
Umar subsequently adjourned till October 20 for the hearing of the objection.
In the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, and brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan was alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means with the intention to malign, incite, and endanger lives and breach public order.
The senator, among others, was alleged to have, while addressing a gathering on April 4, 2025 in Ihima, Kogi State, alleged that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her killed in Kogi State.
She was also alleged to have, in a television interview, repeated similar claims, to the effect that the senate president and the former governor of Kogi State plotted to kill her in her state.
One of the counts read, “That on or about the 1st day of April 2025, while addressing a crowd of people at Ihima Community, Kogi State, you — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan — intentionally caused the following communication to be transmitted via a computer system and network, to wit: ‘…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by
what I have said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…’
“And you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan knew this contained a threat that could harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 (2) (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024 and punishable under the same Act.”
Meanwhile, the petition, addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, was signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Convener of Womanifesto and Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). The complaint urged the UN to intervene urgently.
The coalition stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment on February 20, 2025.
Shortly after, it added, the senate suspended her for six months over allegations of misconduct, charges her supporters argued were politically motivated and aimed at silencing her.
The women groups further alleged that although the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on July 4 that her suspension was uncon- stitutional and ordered her
reinstatement, the senate had, reportedly, failed to comply, citing procedural delays and contesting the binding effect of the judgement.
The petition read, in part, “This is not merely an isolated disciplinary matter. It represents a disturbing case of institutional retaliation against a woman legislator for reporting sexual harassment.
“It sends a chilling message to all women in public life and undermines Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.”
The coalition further stated that the senate’s ethics committee dismissed AkpotiUduaghan’s complaint without conducting an independent or impartial investigation, raising serious concerns about accountability mechanisms within the National Assembly. Womanifesto, therefore, called on the UN to issue an urgent communication to the Nigerian government, demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement, protection from further reprisals, and an independent inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
The petition also urged broader institutional reforms to establish impartial and transparent complaint processes within Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
Signatories to the petition included WARDC, Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Project Alert, WIM- BIZ, and hundreds of other civil society organisations committed to advancing gender equality and justice. Akpabio had previously denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
L-R: Consul General of Korean Embassy, Lagos, Mr LEE Sangho; and the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the K- Heritage Festival at Victoria Island... recently
Declares exercise will deepen federalism Abbas says amendments won’t put pressure on electoral calendar Kalu hints there are 87 proposed amendments for consideration Nigerians yearning for a deepening of democracy, states assembly speakers affirm UN, UK commend House over special seats for women Bill approve them under Section 9 of the Constitution.
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said amendments to the constitution, being the supreme law of the land, was necessary because as a living document, it must continue to respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of the people.
He commended the constitution review committee for providing an open and inclusive platform and bringing together citizens, civil society, professional bodies, traditional institutions, political parties, and other stakeholders, saying it gave true meaning to participatory democracy and nation-building.
“The constitution is the
The president, therefore, said the ongoing review exercise provided an opportunity to strengthen the country’s institutions, deepen federalism, guarantee fundamental rights, and promote justice, equity, and accountability. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, the president stated this yesterday in Abuja at the national public hearing on constitution review.
IGP:
supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people.
“The ongoing process of its amendment provides us with yet another golden opportunity to strengthen our institutions, deepen federalism, guarantee fundamental rights, and promote justice, equity, and accountability across all spheres of national life,” he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on his part assured the people that the House would
act decisively in order to give states assembly enough time to debate, deliberate, and endorse the proposed constitution amend- ment without putting pressure on electoral calendars.
The speaker said from the out- set of the review, the House had pledged that it would conclude the process in a timely manner.
“Nigerians are weary of constitutional reforms that drag on for years, losing momentum and eroding public trust.
“We recognise that, after the National Assembly votes on these bills, the State Houses of Assembly must also consider and
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that if Nigeria is to win the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry, kidnap- ping, transnational organised crime, and other emerging security threats, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must be faster, sharper, and more innovative than the threats theyHeconfront. also stressed that terrorist networks now rebrand and reorganise to avoid defeat, adding that local conflicts, once contained, now spill across borders, amplified by social media and transnational alliances.
Egbetokun stated this in Abuja while declaring open the Executive Capacity
Building Workshop for the top leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, organised by the Force in collaboration with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice.
The workshop, he said, speaks directly to the paradox of our times: conflicts that stretch across years, yet change form and intensity daily.
He stated: “Conflicts no longer wait. Neither can we. That simple truth defines the urgency and importance of our gathering today. Security challenges no longer unfold at a measured pace; they emerge suddenly, evolve rapidly, and persistNotingstubbornly.” that Nigeria faces adversaries who are not only persistent but adaptive, the IGP stated that criminal syndi- cates now exploit technology to expand their reach.
“Terrorist networks rebrand and reorganise to avoid defeat. Local conflicts, once contained, now spill across borders, amplified by social media and transnational alliances. This complexity demands more from us than courage alone.
“It demands foresight, creativity, and the agility to lead in an environment of constant flux. Our leadership must combine patience with speed, endurance with imagination, and strategy with unshakeable resolve.
“That is why this theme has been carefully chosen — to prepare you, as leaders, to anticipate, to adapt, and to act decisively in an environment where hesitation is costly and speed is survival,” he said.
The theme of the workshop is: “Managing Fast-Paced
Security Challenges in a Protracted Conflict Environment.”
“To honour this requirement, we have set clear timelines. We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and to transmit them promptly to the State Houses of Assembly so that concurrence can be secured within the current legislative session.
“Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. By acting decisively, we give the States enough time to debate, deliberate, and endorse the people’s will without the pressure of electoral calendars or political distractions,” Abbas noted.
The Speaker said Nigeria could not prosper by leaving half of its talent and energy on the sidelines.
“Today women hold less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly. That statistic is unacceptable for a country of our size and ambition.
“The reserved seats for women proposal will create additional seats in the National Assembly and State Assemblies to ensure that every state and senatorial district has women’s voices in lawmaking.
“This is not tokenism but a constitutional mechanism to accelerate gender inclusion until structural barriers are dismantled.
“Another amendment requires a minimum threshold of women in ministerial appointments to ensure gender balance. These measures will make our democracy more representative, our policies more responsive, and our country more just.”
He stressed that similar provisions ensure representation for persons with disabilities at the federal, state, and local levels, recognising their right to fully participate in shaping the laws that affect their lives.
The Lagos State Government has expressed its intention and readiness to collaborate and welcome would be investors in areas of municipal solid waste to energy, waste to wealth or liquid waste
The indication was given over the weekend by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, while featuring as a panelist at the Havard University Climate Action Week with the theme: “Rising Seas,
Resilient Communities, Climate Adaptation Strategies in West Africa.”
According to Wahab, the present administration in Lagos State has set up a climate adaptation plan and climate resilience plan which encapsulates its vision and policies.
He explained the state has already carried out two prefeasibility studies on waste to energy and waste water projects to demonstrate its commitment.
He added that with a population of over 20 million, generating 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, the state is adopting a very sustainable climate friendly approach which tends to see waste as a resource.
“We now see waste as a resource for wealth, a resource for energy because the quantum of waste that ends in our landfill sites will become very minimal whilst we convert our waste into a better resource.
L-R: President, Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), Aare Oladotun Hassan; Representative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote/Vice President, Oil and Gas Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry Limited, Mr. Devakumar Edwina; Member of the group, Prince Danesi Momoh; and Convener, Foods Not Bombs, Mr. Yinka Dada Sadam, during the press conference at the visit of YCW and other Civil Society groups to the Dangote Refinery on the rift between NUPENG, IPMANS, DAPPMAN and Dangote in Lagos…recently
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 17 political parties have fielded candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council election.
The electoral body had scheduled the FCT Area Council election for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed in a statement yesterday, following the publication of the final list of candidates.
He recalled that on August 18, 2025, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties.
He stressed that a total of 17 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline
of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 and at the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
“Consequently, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election,” Olumekun noted.
He added that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications, has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public information.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” Olumekun said.
Meanwhile, the commission has revealed that online registration for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) has hit 5,385,060 after the fifth week.
It said females constitute 2,799,844, while the males: 2,585,216; whereas the youths between ages 18 and 34
constitute 3,604,668; Students - 1,354,274 and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) constitute 114,713
The commission noted that a total of 764,695 online and physical registration were completed after week four, out
of which 418,750 were females, 345,945 males; Youths (18-34): 565,927; Students: 279,172 and PWDs constitute 10,838.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, has come hard on present leadership of the country, stating that, “Our leaders are no longer thinking. No more initiative. No more programmes.”
Gana, who was the Chairman at the 25th Year Anniversary of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Commemoration of the 2025 International Peace Day in Abuja, noted that leadership was very important and should be enlightened and trained, should be about “Compassionate leadership. Leadership full of ideas, since
Introduces revolution 2.0 to pilot health insurance coverage for retirees, others
Issues revised guidelines on appointment to board and senior management, corporate governance
James Emejo in Abuja
The Director General, National Pension Commisson (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, yesterday an- nounced the launch of “Pension Revolution 2.0 - Stronger Pensions, Stronger Nigeria”.
She said the initiative as a transformative programme of reforms that builds on two decades of progress to guide the country’s pension industry into its next phase of growth and resilience.
Oloworaran, had recently at the launch of the Pension Industry Leadership Council (PILC) hinted of bold reforms
which were underway.
The proposed pension revolution was communicated on her X (Twitter) handle @ Omololabo.
She said the first great turning point came in 2004 with the enactment of the Pension Reform Act, which introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and revolutionised retirement savings in AccordingNigeria. to her, that reform laid the foundation for confidence, discipline, and sustainability in our pension system.
She said, “Two decades later, we stand at another
defining moment. Pension Revolution 2.0 is the most significant advancement since 2004, bold in ambition, yet evolutionary in practice.
“It ushers in a new era of dignity for retirees, inclusion for every Nigerian worker, and resilience for our national economy.
*This programme is guided by the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has directed that our pension system must enable dignity in retirement, broaden access for all Nigerians, and mobilise long-term savings as reliable capital for national development.”
one idea can transform your whole country.”
He lamented that, “But our leaders are no longer thinking. No more initiative. No more programmes. Otherwise, a nation like the
tion in Ghana, last week, had dismissed the long-standing third-term controversy. Obasanjo said: “I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term.”
But speaking on Arise Televi- sion’s Morning Show, Bugaje, who served as a member of the National Assembly during Obasanjo’s administration, maintained that legislators at the time had first-hand knowledge of the former president’s alleged ambition.
“I can confirm to you that Obasanjo looked for a third term. He did everything that he could within his power to get a third term, he failed to do so. Now, the fact that he did not take a telephone to make a particular call to anybody is not sufficient evidence that he did not look for a third term.
“It’s just a matter of style, but all of us in the National Assembly at that time knew beyond any doubt that he worked day and night, and many of us were threatened by his own agents,” Bugaje recalled.
Bugaje narrated how some lawmakers allegedly suffered intimidation, citing Senator Victor Lar, then leader of the Northern caucus of the House of
Federal Republic of Nigeria, a nation full of these kinds of resources in Nigeria, will be having the kind of realities we are facing now.
“I don’t love going to the market again in Nigeria.
Representatives, who, according to him, had to hide in different locations before a decisive gathering was held to resist the third-term bid.
“Those people, who actually distributed the money and threat- ened us, are alive. Those who received the money are alive. Those who refused to receive the money are alive. There is sufficient evidence… This is a matter that is incontrovertible, there is no way he can deny it,” he said.
Bugaje, however, warned that Nigeria’s democracy could collapse if the credibility of INEC continues to be undermined and if the appointment of its chairman remained in the hands of the president.
“I think everybody is very aware that the INEC as a presidential constitution has lost a lot of credibility. And it is very important that the institution gains this credibility. Otherwise, the stability of the country is going to be threatened.
“Because when you have in- stitutions that are not delivering, and especially a key institution like INEC, and if this failure continues, then it will erode, not only confidence in INEC, but confidence in democracy itself. And when that happens, you know the consequences,” he stated.
Bugaje said reforms must
Because prices are changing almost every other day. And things are very, very difficult.” He advised leaders to be fair to all in order not to create disputes in the system that could affect peaceful living.
focus on insulating the electoral body from political manipulation. He stated: “I think the key issues are two. One, that INEC’s credibility is at stake. And two, we have got to insulate INEC from political interference. If that doesn’t happen, then it is the democracy that is hold- ing the country down. And when that happens, there are consequences.”
On the contentious issue of who appoints the electoral umpire, he warned that de- mocracy may not stand if the president remained in control of the process.
“I don’t think the president, and I don’t mean this president, any president, should have a hand in selecting the INEC chair- man. That’s the point. I think any election that the president will participate in and he will be the one to bring in who will be the INEC chair, I think it’s a sham election.
“It’s just like a football club. I support Chelsea Football Club. It’s just like Chelsea Football Club bringing the referee that will referee a match against Manchester United. That’s what it feels like,” he said.
Bugaje also dismissed the ongoing debate over zoning for the INEC chairmanship, saying the country needed competence, not geographical considerations.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ICOBA...
L-R: Mr. Bode Thorpe, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA); Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, new President; and Mr. Femi Olubanwo, Immediate Past President, at the Annual General Meeting of ICOBA held in Lagos…weekend
Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, instructed its legal team to immediately commence contempt proceedings against the Chairman and members of Edo State
Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), and the Attorney-General of the state for their willful disobedience of valid court orders, adding that the two must be held personally accountable before the law.
In a statement by the party Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris
Nehikhare and made available to journalists in Benin City, said the action became necessary because the two officers defiantly went ahead to stage a sham exercise in reckless disregard for the law.
Justice Mary E. Itsueli, sitting as a vacation judge, on Tuesday September 16, 2025 issued a
restraining order in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the PDP, challenging the legality of the planned elections bye-elections scheduled on Saturday.
Named as a respondent in the suit was the Edo State Attorney General and Commis- sioner for Justice; and EDSIEC.
James Sowole in Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe as an icon, hero, ardent patriot and one of God’s special gifts to the nation.
Late Akinkugbe whose pass- ing was announced yesterday was the late Professor Ladipo Akinkugbe’s elder brother, and bosom friend of Obasanjo, who passed on to eternal glory in 2020 at 87.
In a condolence message made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo noted that, “His demise got to me with the
feeling of a sense of personal loss as he was the elder brother of my late bosom friend, Professor Ladipo Akinkugbe, who passed on to eternal glory in 2020 at 87 and whose life and path intertwined with mine in many respects.
“Chief Olu Akinkugbe was an icon and a hero in the true sense of these words. We thank God for his illustrious life of exemplary leadership, ardent patriotism and life-long devotion to the cause of upholding the highest standards of conduct in his business endeavours and within our society.
“Chief Akinkugbe was one of God’s special gifts to
our nation, a rare breed who epitomised the finest tradition of African nobility. He lived an enviable, rich and fruitful life which many aspire to emulate and pray to attain.
“Those of us who saw him as an icon are awed by his formidable achievements, status and stature attained with patience, fortitude, equanimity and high dignity no matter the billows.
“His contribution in the area of pharmacology in Nigeria is legendary. He made a great change in the country’s crucial health sector in different capacities.
“He was the pioneer General-Secretary of the defunct Nigerian Union
George Okoh in Makutdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Benue State, has condemned a recent attack on security personnel in the Mbatyula/ Mberev Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The condemnation was made by the chairman of the
party, Chief Benjamin Omale, in a press statement he signed and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to the party, the attack, which occurred on Friday, 19th September 2025, at Agu Center near the Benue–Taraba border, was both reprehensible and unacceptable.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the affected officers,
as well as the security agencies that have continued to sacrifice in the face of daunting challenges.
“According to reports, the ambush led to the death of at least two personnel, while twelve others remain unaccounted for. In addition, patrol vehicles were torched and vital security equipment was looted by the assailants.
of Pharmacists (NUP) and brought international recog- nition to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) when he was invited to serve on the Council of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association (CPA).
“He was also the first Nige- rian Chairman of Procter and Gamble Nigeria Plc as well as former Chairman of Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline). We are proud of him for his achieve- ment and contribution to the socio-economic and political development of our nation.”
In the suit marked No. B/247M/2025, the PDP sought permission to initiate judicial review proceedings against EDSIEC’s decision to conduct bye-elections in 59 wards in the state, arguing that the tenures of the affected councillors remain valid until September 2026 and that any attempt to declare the seats vacant or conduct elections would be illegal.
Justice Itsueli, in granting the application, ruled that the PDP had presented sufficient grounds to warrant judicial intervention. She granted the party leave to pursue judicial review and ordered that all further steps towards conducting the proposed bye-elections beButsuspended. the election was still conducted in what could be described as clandestine and winners currently being sworn in their various councils.
Responding to the deviant disregard to the court order, the PDP said it “unequivocally
condemned the brazen illegality carried out on Saturday, September 20, 2025 by the Chairman and members of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), acting in collusion with the Attorney- General of Edo State.
“Despite clear and subsisting orders of the Edo State High Court and the National Industrial Court restraining them from conducting any local government election, these impostors defiantly went ahead to stage a sham exercise and, in reckless disregard for the law, are purported preparing to declare winners for the elections.
“This act is nothing short of contemptuous, a direct assault on the judiciary, and a calculated attempt to plunge Edo State into lawlessness. The deliberate disobedience of lawful court orders by public officers who swore to uphold the Constitution is shameful, irresponsible, and cannot go unpunished.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Actor, lawyer and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has said the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, risks having his constitutionally guaranteed four-year term cut short by six months if he leaves office on May 29, 2027.
Okonkwo’s remarks followed the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu, during which Governor Fubara was temporarily
removed from office and a retired naval officer, IbokEte Ibas, was appointed as administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
According to Okonkwo, Fubara has the legal right to seek redress in court to reclaim the six months lost during the emergency period, arguing that the time should be added to his tenure to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.
He insisted that Fubara’s tenure should legally end on November 29, 2027, in line with the Supreme Court’s
interpretation that a governor’s four-year term is sacrosanct and must not be abridged.
“This has nothing to do with antagonising whoever declared the state of emergency, it has something to do with the constitutional provision that he was elected by the Rivers people to serve them for four years, and the four years has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to be sacrosanct, that was why we had staggered election,” Okonkwo said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.
L-R: Chairman, De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; the celebrant and Udu of Agbon Kingdom, Chief Johnbull Ejovi, and his spouse, Chief (Mrs) Erhuvwu Ejovi, during 70th birth anniversary of Ejovi in Effurun, Delta State…recently
Kuni Tyessi in abuja
Nigerian women representing all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have submitted signatures of over one million women calling for, and in support of constitutional reforms that
seek to include passage of the special seats reserved for women.
This bill seeks to have one woman senator per state, one House of Reps woman member per state and one woman from the three senatorial zones in each state amongst other demands.
Laleye dipo in minna
In a bid to take development to the grassroots, the Niger State Government has disbursed over N1.6billion to 274 wards in the state for the execution of ward development projects. Under the ward development programme policy initiated by the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, two months ago, each of the wards initiates projects dear to their communities for executio,n with some of the projects executed being grading of rural roads and construction of culverts, renovation of schools, mosques,, and
churches, and sinking of boreholes.
The government has also set up a steering committee made up of “people of proven character” to monitor the execution of the projects to ensure that quality jobs are executed.
A member of the Steering Committee and Special Adviser on Political and Strategy to Governor Bago, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo, told journalists in Minna yesterday that the “scheme is the best thing that has happened to communities in the state because people determine the projects dearest to them for execution.”
ayodeji ake
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, is set to address Nigeria’s most influential creators, policymakers, and brands in October at the first dedicated podcast and storytelling festival.
She will open the festival with a keynote address at the one-day event, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, in Lagos. And will explore the
power of stories in shaping culture, inspiring innovation, and driving collaboration.
Envisioned as an annual creative convergence, PodFest Naija is designed as a vibrant space for celebration, learning, and exchange within Nigeria’s growing podcasting ecosystem.
The festival will spotlight creativity, foster collaboration, showcase innovation, and provide opportunities for discovery.
The women presented the signatures and memoranda to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu during the national public
hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja yesterday.
President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, NILOWV, Hon. Irene Awunah- Ikyegh, during the presentation said passing the bill will give the 10th National
Assembly an opportunity to put its name in gold because it is a legacy bill that had been endorsed by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all lovers of growth and development.
sunday Ehigiator
An elder statesman and President of Osisioma Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has raised the alarm over what he described as a dangerous conspiracy of silence surrounding the deteriorating health of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Obidigbo warned that the refusal to grant Kanu access to quality healthcare amounts to a calculated provocation of the Igbo people, warning that such neglect could plunge Nigeria into another crisis reminiscent of the civil war.
The elder statesman accused South-east politicians of turning a blind eye to the plight of Kanu, contrasting their silence
with the proactive steps leaders from other regions take to address social contradictions within their zones. He described the situation as hypocrisy by the political elite, arguing that Kanu’s worsening health condition should be a matter of urgent national concern.
He drew parallels with global struggles for justice, recalling that only the late
South African President, Nelson Mandela, endured long imprisonment under apartheid for fighting for his people’s freedom. Obidigbo lamented that Kanu is being punished for calling for restructuring through a referendum — a democratic process — while bandits and insurgents have been courted with amnesty and dialogue.
Governor Bassey Otu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to restore the pride of the Cross River State Civil Service, with a firm assurance to continue offsetting outstanding
retirees’ gratuities. He made this pledge yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Head of Civil Service of Cross River State, Orok Okon in Calabar.
Orok’s appointment as Head of Civil Service on September 19 followed the retirement of Dr. Innocent
Eteng the previous day, paving the way for his elevation as Head of Service.
Describing the Civil Service as the “superstructure” for implementing government policies, Governor Otu recalled its golden years when, between 2010 and 2013, no fewer than eight states visited Cross River to understudy its organic structure and operational efficiency. He lamented the decline that followed but assured the people that his administration was committed to restoring its lost glory.
yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has commenced his sevenday seclusion in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as part of the traditional rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival.
The monarch declared that this year’s spiritual holiness would be dedicated to prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable progress, admonishing relevant stakeholders particularly the traditional rulers across the length and breadth of the Oduduwa extraction
worldwide to embrace unity as the only veritable tool for achieving these goals.
The Olojo Festival, meaning “the day of the first dawn” is celebrated to mark the day the Almighty created the earth. It is one of the oldest and most respected cultural
festivals in Oduduwa land, symbolising creation, renewal, and the spiritual authority of Ile-Ife as the cradle of mankind.
Speaking before going into seclusion, the Ooni prayed for Nigerians across all regions to experience divine blessings healing, and national recovery.
Kemi Olaitan inIbadan
The leadership of the Abiola Ajimobi University (TECH-U), Ibadan, has congratulated its students who recorded remarkable achievements on international stages.
The Vice Chancellor of the
institution, Professor Adesola Ajayi, in a statement in Ibadan, said the successes recorded by the students did not only elevate the reputation of the university as a hub for science, technology, and innovation but also served as an inspiration to other students to embrace
opportunities, compete with confidence, and make their mark on the global stage.
He listed the students to include a 400-level student of the Department of Computer Sciences (Software Engineering Programme), Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Miss Daniella Abimbola
Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele has won the Ballon d’Or, the award for the best player in the world, for the first time.
The 28-year-old France forward scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in 53 matches for PSG last season as they won the treble, including their first Champions League.
In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, made history by becoming the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or three times. Bonmati, 27, took the award with her international team-mate, Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, coming second.
Nigeria’s senior women’s coach, Justine Madugu and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who were nominated in the coach and goalkeeper +ategory respectively lost out in the award.
Dembele was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals, and named the French top flight and Champions League player of the Andyear. he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final where they lost to Chelsea in NewDembele,Jersey.who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to the
award, was able to attend the ceremony in Paris - and was in tears as he stood on the stage - despite the fact his team were playing on Monday evening.
The forward is currently sidelined through injury, mean- ing he missed PSG’s 1-0 home defeat by Marseille in a game
which was rearranged because of a storm.
It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figures in a league campaign season since he was a teenager at Rennes.
PSG manager Luis Enrique – who was named coach of the
year - deserves huge credit for Dembele’s award because of a tactical switch in mid-December.
He moved Dembele from a wide right to centre-forward role against Lyon on 15 December, by which stage he had only scored five goals.
He is the sixth Frenchman
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Victor Osimhen returned to full team training yesterday but was not on the bench as
Galatasaray defeated Konyaspor 3-1 in a home fixture in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday evening.
Osimhen who copped the
Injury on duty for Nigeria with Super Eagles two weeks ago in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi, was generally expected to play in the Monday evening game in Istanbul.
It appears Head Coach, Okan Buruk, is not in a hurry to rush his prized striker back into action yet.
The 2023 African Player of the Year has missed a Super Lig fixture against Eyupsor as well as the UEFA Champions League tie at Eintracht Frankfurt after he injured his ankle in the qualifier against Rwanda
earlier this month.
The 26-year-old Nigerian striker has scored twice in three league appearances for the Yellow and Red this season. Galatasaray have maintained a perfect start to the new season in Turkey with a sixth straight win against Konyaspor. They are sitting at the top of the log on maximum 18 points with Goztepe and Fenerbahce ties on 12 points from same six games second and third on the log separated only by goals difference. Konyaspor are ninth on the table with seven points from five matches.
to win the award and only the second of the 21st century after Karim Benzema in 2022.
Lamine Yamal, 18, finished second – and also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.
PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha was third, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was fourth.
Chelsea and England’s Cole Palmer finished eighth.
Last year’s winner, Manches- ter City and Spain midfielder Rodri, did not make the shortlist this time after an injury-hit campaign.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi
Donnarumma, now at Manchester City, won the award for the best goalkeeper in 2024-25 for his performances at Paris St-Germain. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker finished second. The days of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominating the men’s award are over. The brilliant duo won the prize 13 times between them between 2008 and 2023. No one has won it more times than Messi (eight). Messi, 38, is now at Inter Miami while Ronaldo, 40, is playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr. Neither player made this year’s 30-name shortlist.
Having successfully provided a platform for the teeming football fans and brands in Nigeria to connect, engage, and create measurable consumer feedback in the last one year, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the apex domestic football league regulator in Nigeria, has officially endorsed ‘The Fanfest’ as the accredited fan zone platform for the 2025/26 league season.
Owned and powered by Oracle Experience Limited, The Fanfest debuted in 2024 as a vibrant gathering for thousands of football enthusiasts on NPFL matchdays. It quickly established itself as the premier destination for fans to share the excitement of Nigerian football outside the stadium—blending live match screenings with music, entertainment, culture, andWithcommunity. this endorsement, The Fanfest has secured the rights from the NPFL to host official fan zones across selected cities, covering 20 match days in the upcoming season. This partnership underscores the league’s commitment to bringing football closer to its
supporters while expanding the matchday experience beyond the stadium gates.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, CEO of Oracle Experience, highlighted how the approval strengthens the company’s mission to enrich fan engagement through world-class experiences.
He said, “By blending Naija Football, Naija Beats, and Naija Lifestyle, The Fanfest delivers an authentic, all-in-one celebration of the game and its culture—transforming every match day into a festival of sport, music, and community.” At the recently held NPFL Annual General Meeting, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the NPFL, described the landmark collaboration with Oracle Experience—Nigeria’s leading experiential marketing company and promoters of The Fanfest:
“Indeed, the partnership with Oracle in matchday fan zone activations across key cities hosting NPFL clubs and fixtures aligns with our matrix of innovation and growth through private sector collaboration.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday officially inaugu- rated and inducted members of the newly constituted Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The ceremony, held on Monday 22 September at the Media Centre, Moshood Abiola National Stadium,
Abuja, marked the formal establishment of the Commission’s internal watchdog against corruption in line with ICPC’s statutory mandate to promote integrity, transpar- ency, and accountability across Ministries, Departments, and AgenciesDelivering(MDAs). his keynote ad- dress, the Chairman, National Sports commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the
inauguration as a significant milestone in the Commission’s journey towards a more transparent sports environment. He said the establishment of ACTU marked not only a compliance step but a new chapter in strengthening the integrity framework of the Commission.
Highlighting the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sport Economy (RHINSE)
under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman noted that accountability and transparency were central to attracting investment and restoring public trust in Dikkosports.concluded with a call for all staff and stakeholders to see ACTU as a partner in progress, not an adversary, in order to collectively move Nigerian sports forward.
By some curious coincidence, the subject of tenure elongation and extension of Presidential term limits caught the headlines in the last few days in Nigeria. In Accra, Ghana, at an event organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the occasion, was reported as having said that he did not, ahead of the 2007 general elections, seek to have a third term in office, but if he truly wanted, he could have enacted such a constitutional coup against the Nigerian people, but he as President was more interested in getting debt relief for Nigeria. He had inherited a Nigerian economy that was neck-deep sunk in debt, a terribly run- down economy and a badly managed country. Obasanjo, a former military Head of State, had other things to say about how democracy in Africa is in urgent need of reform, and how “the government of the people, by the people, for the people” as defined by Abraham Lincoln in The Gettysburg Address (1863) should be truly so. He thinks the practice of democracy is the problem in Africa, specifically the wrong thinking that democracy should be the government of the majority, a recipe for minority rule and the politics of exclusion.
What has grabbed the headlines however, is Obasanjo’s statement about third term rule in Nigeria and the speculations, rumours, allegations about same in 2006. He threw a challenge: any Nigerian dead or alive “who will say I called him or told him I wanted the third term” should come forward and say so. Here in Nigeria, Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, an ex-PDP, ex-CPC, ex-APC, now ADC politician, and sworn opponent of Tinubu and the APC, while meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja during a solidarity visit dismissed President Tinubu as a fake politician who wants to remain President for life, like President Paul Biya of Cameroon. His evidence is that “this government is trying to centralise everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels.” He adds: “He will stay, he will be President for life. All the signs are there. This is how Paul Biya started. All the signs are there. So, we don’t have a choice.”
He advised Waziri Adamawa Atiku Abubakar to do everything possible to stop Tinubu. The biggest problem in Africa is the sit-tightism of its Presidents, the recourse to a monarchical syndrome by those who rule the countries, giving strong teeth to elite capture, creating dynasties and punishing the electorate in the
process. The democratization wave of the 70s and early 80s in Africa was meant to empower the people, promote accountability and integrity, and give the people a voice within the context of participatory democracy, but the pith of the Jonathan Foundation conference in Accra, and the observations of scholars, and analysts alike in general is that, at the moment, democracy is in retreat in Africa, and that old, initial expecta- tions have been defeated, denied, abbreviated in context, content and practice. The government of the people has been replaced by elite capture and lack of accountability - as President John Mahama observed, - desperation and manipula- tion by politicians as President Jonathan said, “the thing that killed the vegetable that is the insect in the vegetable”, as President Obasanjo opined, - and the tendency of African politicians to convert themselves into champions of ethnic and religious champions in a do-or-die battle according to Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.
But the big headache is the promotion of a monarchical, authoritarian, anti-people framework to replace and subvert the will of the people in Africa, either through the vehicle of military coups or the elongation of tenure via constitutional amendments and violations. There are at least about 10 examples which confirm how African democracy is in retreat, and the very bad, evil, selfish behaviour of African leaders.
The most recent example is that of Chad where President Mahamat Idris Deby (a.k.a. Kaka) has opted to rule indefinitely in violation of the country’s constitution. The National Assembly in that country has voted to extend presidential
terms limits from five to seven years, voting 171 to zero in favour of the extension. Idris Deby is like his father. He wants to consolidate his hold on power. His father Idris Deby Itno who was killed in 2021 while visiting troops in the North of the country, did exactly the same thing in 2016. The father wanted a fifth term in power. He spent 30 years as President (1990-2021). The son took over in 2021 as a military leader, assumed office as a civilian ruler after a disputed election in 2024, and now he wants to rule forever. The man who challenged him in the 2024 election former Prime Minister Succes Masra, is in jail. Maharat Deby, the first of the military rulers to emerge in civilian clothes Africa in recent times, did not only follow in his father’s footsteps, there are others like him who have been subverting the people’s will, the constitution, and democracy with impunity. Rwandan President Paul Kagame (President since 2000) has revised the constitution four times. He is serving as President for a record fourth time. Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni has been ruling Uganda since 1986. He is serving a sixth term. Dennis Sassou Ngueso of the Republic of Congo, 81 years old, has been President since 1997. He intends to die in office. Paul Biya of Cameroon whom Nasir El-Rufai referred to as Tinubu’s role model is the oldest serving ruler in the world. He has been President of Cameroon since 1982. He is the main candidate in the country’s October 12 Presidential election. He is 92. There is also Teodoro Obiang Nguema who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979, first as a soldier and subsequently as a civilian ruler since 1982. There is also Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea (President since 1983), Alassane Quattara of Cote D’Ivoire (since 2010), Ismail Guelleh of Djibouti (since 1999), Togo’s Faure Gnassingbe (Fourth President of Togo, President of Togo’s Council of Ministers, and the de facto constituted authority of Togo), Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Embalo (an up and coming sit tight ruler) and Gambia’s Adama Barrow who tried but failed. The common thread in all these instances is that the African rulers who seek to extend their tenures have no legitimate claims as they seek to amend and violate the people’s constitutions. No claims either in terms of their performance in office. African leaders in a democratic dispensation exhibit a village mentality, the thinking that they can rule until their walking sticks fail them as is the case in the villages and their homesteads. Democracy is the very antithesis of royalty. It is the people who choose and judge their leaders,
not heredity or any metaphysical, divine right. Africa is yet to imbibe this lesson and process it appropriately.
It used to be the fashion in these parts for Nigerians to argue and affirm that such a thing would never happen in Nigeria. When bad things happen in other parts of Africa, Nigerians are quick to say that Nigeria is far more enlightened and sophisticated than other parts of Africa. But coups have happened in this same country. And in 2005, we got dangerously close to the idea of Constitutional amendment to keep President Olusegun Obasanjo for another term in office. The 2005 National Political Reform Conference (NPRC) had on its plate a number of critical issues including derivation, the rights of minorities, federal character, tenure, state police, and resource allocation. The members may have been handpicked without a legisla- tive framework, but the discussion was robust, animated and useful. When the Conference failed, it was not necessarily because of those key issues but because of a so-called Third term Agenda which was subsequently taken up by the National Assembly where the proposal failed again. President Obasanjo in Ghana has now insisted again that he had no hand in it, and that if he wanted, he could have succeeded. Obasanjo now has the benefit of hindsight. Accordingly, he denounces tenure elongation. The problem then must have been with proxies, for there were persons who actively canvassed the idea of a third term, and there was Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as he then was, who stoutly mobilized opposition to his own President. It was the beginning of the crisis in the Obasanjo Presidency fully captured in a series of essays by this writer titled “The Bolekaja Presidency”. As to the challenge thrown by President Obasanjo in Ghana that whoever dead or alive that can disclaim his own version of truth, his affirmation of innocence, such a persons should speak up, only yesterday on Arise News, The Morning Show, Dr. Usman Bugaje, who was a participant in the drama of that season barely stopped short of calling the global statesman a liar. He said President Obasanjo wanted a Third Term, but it didn’t work because most of the lawmakers refused to collect the bribe of N50 million. I told Dr. Bugaje to expect Obasanjo’s push back. He said he was ready, and he would provide evidence! We would see.