TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2025

Stock Market Loses N246bn, Nigeria’s Bonds Fall, Over Trump’s Threat, Analysts Allay Fears

Ndubisi Francis in Abuja, Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede in Lagos

The Nigerian stock market lost

N246 billion yesterday as investors traded cautiously following U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”

over alleged widespread killings of Christians, rising religious intolerance, and his further threat of military action if the government fails to curb the

violence.

Following the development, financial analysts have called for calm, stressing that the fundamentals of the Nigerian

economy remain strong.

At the stock market, investors’ profit-taking in fundamental stocks dragged the market capitalisation to N97.583

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Amupitan: Anambra Election is My First Test, We Will Deliver a Credible Exercise

IG warns IPOB, ESN, says attempt to disrupt poll will be met with stiff resistance Soludo: all candidates are my friends, we’ll abide by peace accord

Chairman of Independent

tan, SAN, has said the Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, will be his first major test in office, and he is ready to deliver a credible exercise.

Amupitan gave the assurance yesterday during a peace accord signing ceremony for all the 16

Continued on page 23 political parties in the contest,

Trump Says US May Deploy Airstrikes, Ground Troops in Nigeria

Service chiefs, NSA declare Nigeria welcomes all support to crush insurgency Abdullahi Sule refutes genocide claims ADC, Obi blame Tinubu ACF calls for judicial panel of inquiry, says Nigeria not US colony NNPP cautions leaders on utterances against Nigeria

AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM’S COURTESY VISIT TO ARISE CHANNELS...

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu; Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channels, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, National Executive Council of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Mike Mamman Osuman, SAN; and Deputy Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Ibrahim Ida, during a courtesy visit to ARISE Channels by the Arewa Consultative Forum in Lagos, yesterday (See story on page 23)

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka and Linus Aleke in Abuja

National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupi-

AIGBOJE @ 59: CELEBRATING PHILANTHROPY AND DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION...

L–R: Founder and President, Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), H.E. Toyin Saraki; 16th Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON; Executive Vice Chair, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede; Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Mottley; Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; Former President and Chairman, Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah, CON; Former President of Nigeria, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Former Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON; and Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Mansur Mukhtar, at the 59th birthday celebration of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, held in honour of his impact in philanthropy and development, in New York… recently

Oyedele: Low-income Earners, SMEs to Reap Benefits of Tax Reforms Effective January

Pension assets, minimum wage earners, capital gains, education, agriculture, others to enjoy exemptions

James Emejo in Abuja

Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Com- mittee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has said the new tax laws will provide several reliefs and exemptions for low-income earners, average taxpayers, and small businesses, from January next year.

In general, Oyedele said there were about 50 tax exemptions and reliefs designed to benefit the masses.

He said pension funds and assets under the Pension Reform Act (PRA) were tax-exempt, including pension, gratuity or any retirement benefits granted in line with PRA.

Compensation for loss of employment up to N50 million will also not be liable to tax under the new regime, he said.

In addition, under the Capital Gains Tax (CGT), sale of an owner-occupied house, and personal effects or chattels

worth N5 million are tax exempt, he said.

Others, according to Oyedele, included sale of two private vehicles per year, gains on shares below N150 million per year or gains of about N10 million, pension funds, chari- ties, and religious (non-commercial),institutions as well as gains on shares above exemp- tion threshold, if the proceeds were reinvested.

An update by the presidential tax reforms committee further clarified that the new tax dispensation also provided for allowance deductions and reliefs for individuals.

Among others things, pen- sion contribution to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), National Health Insurance Scheme, and National Housing Fund contributions will not be subjected to tax. Similarly, interest on loans for owner-occupied residential housing, life insurance or an-

Gov Aiyedatiwa: We’re

nuity premiums are tax free.

Also, 20 per cent of annual rent of up to N500,000 will be exempted from tax obligations.

Furthermore, effective January, individuals earning the national minimum wage or less, and annual gross income

of N1.2 million (translating to about N800,000 taxable income) are tax Oyedeleexempt. said the reforms further reduced PAYE tax for those earning annual gross income up to N20 million as well as exempted gifts from tax.

Small companies whose turnover are not more than N100 million and total fixed assets N250 million will pay zero tax, while eligible start-ups are tax exempt, he said.

He said there was also compensation relief – 50 per

cent additional deduction for salary increases, wage awards, or transport subsidies for low- income workers, as well as employment relief, involving 50 per cent deduction for salaries of new employees hired and retained for at least three years.

FG Urges Resident Doctors to Call off Strike as Talks to Resolve Dispute Continue

Task force to ensure normal services at hospitals To pay salary increment arrears within 72hrs

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has appealed to striking Resident Doctors to return to work and allow both parties to use the opportunity of the ongoing negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues holistically and sustainably. It stated that the Ministry was setting up a Task Force

Investing in Digital Education Infrastructure, to Meet Global Standard

Declares open 69th National Council on Education Summit

Fidelis David in Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday disclosed that his administration is committed to investment in digital infrastructure in the edu- cation sector and repositioning it to meet the global standard.

The governor who made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, held in Akure, highlighted the infrastructure development and recruitment of digitally-skilled tutors as part

of the efforts.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Olayide Adelami, said: “We are happy that this 69th summit of NCE is taking place here in our Sunshine state. Ondo state is known for its legacy of excellence, innovation and commitment to human capital development.

Education remains the most reliable instrument for social, economic and technological transformation of any society.

“The government of Ondo State recognises the centrality of education in sustainable

development. This has been the driving force propelling policy reforms and implementation in the education sector of the state.

“Efforts have been directed at enhancing access and quality of education in Ondo state. Such efforts include but not limited to investment in digital education infrastructure, such as gradual introduction of smart classrooms, digital literacy programmes and technology-based learning tools to prepare our learners for the demands of the 21st-century knowledge economy” the governor reiterated.

to monitor service delivery at various federal government- owned health facilities nationwide, to ensure that the strike does not cause majorHowever,disruptions. the Resident Doctors have insisted that they would not suspend the industrial action unless their demands are met.

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the government has substantially addressed most of the items contained

in the 19-point demand by the Resident Doctors.

“Mr. President has expressly directed that we should do everything possible and legitimate to ensure that doctors are brought back to their duty posts,” he said.

Salako took time to explain efforts being made by the Ministry to address most of the issues agitating the minds of the doctors.

On the payment of arrears of salary increment, the min- ister said: “We agreed that we are owing them seven months arrears of this, 25

percent and 35, percent Wage Award. And I’ve explained to you that in August, the total sum, I think, comes to about N41 billion, and we have paid N10 billion. As of Thursday, N21 billion has been paid. Another almost 12 billion is being processed from it, so that covers the entire arrears that is being owed.” On the whole, Salako said the federal government has paid 66 percent of the total arrears and was processing the remaining arrears of about 33 percent to be paid within the next 72 hours.

Tinubu Appoints Five Permanent Secretaries for FCT, Imo, Regional Political Zones

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of five new Permanent Secretaries to fill existing vacancies in the Federal Civil Service.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, according to the Director

Information and Public Relations, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Eno Olotu, are Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi (Federal Capital Territory), Ezemama John Chidiebere (Imo State), Garba Abdul Sule Usman (North Central Geo-Political Zone), Mohammed Musa Ishiyaku (North East Geo-Political Zone) and

Ukaire Binyerem Chigbowu (South East Geo-Political Zone).

It said the new Permanent Secretaries would bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, which will further strengthen the delivery of Public Services and support the government’s development agenda.

CIBN FELLOWSHIP INVESTITURE CEREMONY...

L–R: The Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi; President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, STL Trustees Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo; Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Chief Executive Officer/General Partner, Future Africa, Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, at the 2025 CIBN Fellowship Investiture ceremony where Mrs. Ekundayo was conferred with Honorary Fellowship of the Institute in Lagos… recently.

LCCI Urges FG to Postpone Implementation of 15% Petrol, Diesel Import Tax

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the federal government to postpone the implementation of the 15 per cent import tax on petrol and diesel.

The LCCI also urged the government to seek a balanced and measured strategic rollout

that could ensure a sustainable economic impact.

The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, stated yesterday that, “we recommend that the implementation of this tax policy be postponed and that, during the transition period, the government demonstrate its commitment through action by empowering local

refiners through an efficient crude-for-Naira supply chain that ensures sufficient crude.

“With this, refiners can boost their refining capacity with a stable supply of crude and adequately meet domestic demand at competitive rates.

“At this point, the imposition of an import tax will directly discourage importation and boost demand for the locally

refined products.

“With zero importation achieved, the benefits will be seen in the creation of jobs, the conservation of FOREX, a strengthened exchange rate, and increased revenue for the government.”

Almona said while this policy direction aligns with the nation’s long-term objective of achieving energy

Wike: Alleged Christian Genocide Politics Taken Too Far, Chides Makinde over PDP

Says no law forbids his children from travelling with him

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the desig- nation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump, fol- lowing alleged genocide of Christians by Islamic militants in several parts of the country as politics taken too far.

Trump had in a tweet at the weekend, threatened the President Bola Tinubu administration that the US War Department would not hesitate to invade the country and impose economic sanctions on her if the attack continued.

Wike, who spoke last night on Channel TV Politics Today, described the American government’s allegation as laughable.

He said: “Before I came for this interview, so many people were sending me messages telling me not to speak about Trump, and I just laughed.

I’m a full-blooded Nigerian and a Christian. My father is a pastor, and my family are all Christians. This is politics taken too far.

“The Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the

DSS, present and former Chief of Defence Staff and even the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are all Christians. Tell me how all of these people will sit in this government and will support the killings of Christians.”

The FCT Minister also rubbished claims that he betrayed his political associate, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State by truncating his ambition to run for the office of the President under the PDP.

Rather, he accused Makinde, who was a member of the G5 of destroying the PDP and foisting the prevailing crises on the party.

He rubbished Makinde’s presidential ambition, saying, “When we are talking of fresh animal, you should not be talking about a crab.”

According to him, the abil- ity of a person to govern the country should not be about being an engineer or having a doctorate degree or waking up in the morning and wanting to be a presidential candidate.

Wike claimed that when Makinde was bereaved, he led a delegation, including former Governor of Benue

State Governor, Samuel Ortom, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and former Governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu and Senator Mao Ohuanbunwa, where they went to pay Makinde a condolence visit on the death of his senior brother.

“I told him, ‘Seyi, the way you are going, you will destroy the party. The way you are going, it will not help us. You are my friend, you are my brother, melembe, melembe. (Calm down. Take it easy)

“Look at the crisis now. Look at it. What do you want me to do? Ask the former governor of Enugu, whether we sat down with him one day, sat with him, said ‘listen, the way we are going, let’s not do this way. Let’s walk this way’. I have never, and I cannot betray. And nobody can say. He has also not told me he is running for president.”

Wike also accused the PDP leadership of acting against the court’s judgement on the party’s internal crisis by suspending four principal members of the party’s working committee, including

the National secretary and the National Legal Adviser over the weekend.

Wike accused PDP National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum of incompetence and overwhelming corruption, asking him to remove his ego and stoop to conquer to salvage the party from sinking further.

self-sufficiency and strengthening the Naira, the chamber emphasides the importance of a measured, strategic rollout to ensure a sustainable economic impact.

She added: “Nigeria is already experiencing cost-ofliving pressures, supply-chain, and inflation challenges.

“The business community will be sensitive to further cost shocks. Increased fuel costs affect transportation, supply chains, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing – this, in turn, disproportionately impacts SMEs and trading firms.

“The chamber recognises that discouraging fuel importation is a necessary step towards achieving domestic energy security, stimulating investment in local refineries, and deepening the downstream petroleum value chain.

“However, the chamber expresses concern about the current adequacy of local refining capacity to meet national demand.

“A premature restriction on imports, without sufficient domestic production, could lead to supply shortages, higher pump prices, and inflationary pressures across critical sectors.”

The chamber, therefore, calls on the federal government to prioritise the full operationalisation and optimisation of local refineries, both public and private, including modular refineries and the recently revitalised major refining facilities.

It stated that a comprehen- sive framework for crude oil supply to these refineries in Naira rather than foreign exchange will significantly enhance cost efficiency, stabilise production, and strengthen the local value chain.

“Our interest lies in a diversified downstream sector where multiple refineries, modular plants, and logistics firms thrive.

“A level playing field and transparency are key,” Almona said.

Ajanaku: Nigeria, Vietnam MoU Game-changer for Cashew Industry

Folalumi Alaran

National President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Dr. Joseph Ajanaku, Monday, declared the recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Vietnam a gamechanger for Nigeria’s cashew industry.

Ajanaku described the MoU as historic, saying the Vietnamese government is highly interested in technology transfer to galvanise the Nigerian cashew industry based on the high cashew production

by Nigerian farmers annually.

He said the MoU signing took place on October 28 at the 14th Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025, celebrating 35th VINACAS Anniversary (1990-2025), held in Hanoi City, Vietnam.

Ajanaku said at the occasion, President of VINACAS, Mr. Pham Van Cong, signed on behalf of Vietnam, while, he (Ajanaku), President, NCAN, signed for Nigeria.

According to Ajanaku, Vietnam has imported over 300,000 metric tonnes of cashew

from Nigeria between January and October.

The signing of the MoU had Vietnamese government officials and cashew industry players and the Nigerian government representatives, including the Federal Ministry of Industrial Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, representative of Nigeria Export and Import Bank (NEXIM) Bank, Kogi State Government representative, and technical partner to Kogi State on Agriculture, Agro-Trading Consort, and a team from NCAN.

Dike Onwuamaeze

THIRD ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING SERVICE...

L-R: First Civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Governor Segun Oni; Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Governor Ayodele Fayose, and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at the thanksgiving service commemorating the third anniversary of Oyebanji in Ado-Ekiti…recently

FG: With 95% of Nigerians Using Road Transport, Pressure on Infrastructure Growing

Says heavy traffic volume causing rapid deterioration of pavements

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government has disclosed that approximately 95 per cent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country, raising the amount of pressure on the available infrastructure.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Olufunsho Adebiyi, spoke while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure.

“The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” a statement by

the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, quoted him as saying.

Adebiyi emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State,

Biodun Oyebanji, for hosting the event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure develop- ment strides.

He also lauded the Minister of Works, David Umahi and Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, for their leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and

management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice.

The theme of the 30th National Council on Works: “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,”, he said, underscored the federal government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery.

According to Adebiyi, the theme reflected the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, open-

ness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure.

He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the technical sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks.

The meeting brought together Commissioners of Works from all the 36 States of the Federation

and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors.

In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Emily Sounde, emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

FG Seeks World Bank’s $150m for ACE Innovative Project

In an effort to advance the cause of African Centres of Excellence (ACE) in the fields of research, innovation, and development in universities, the federal government has submitted an expression of interest for development funding amounting to $150

million (N217 billion) for the implementation of ACE Innovate Project.

The ACE project represents one of the most transformative initiatives in the history of higher education in sub-Saharan Africa. It was conceived by the World Bank, in partnership with participating governments,

NAAPE Unveils Insurance Cover for Members Without Operating Licence

National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has pioneered a welfare package with insurance cover for its members whose operating licences have been withdrawn due to incapacitation occasioned by ill-health or related factors, to ensure they are paid stipends to sustain them while they are out of work.

In order to actualise the initiative, NAAPE developed a welfare scheme, in partnership

with First Standard Insurance Brokers, aimed at protecting the pilots and engineers who lost their professional licences due to medical incapacity or other qualifying conditions that rendered them unable to continue flying or maintaining aircraft.

The association explained that the scheme would provide financial compensation, based on policy terms, to affected members, helping them manage career interruptions or medical recovery without financial distress.

Speaking on the initiative, President of NAAPE, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, said the association reached the decision after extensive consultation with stakeholders in the aviation industry.Gindeh said the move reflected NAAPE’s commitment to improving members’ welfare and promoting professional stability within the sector.

Gindeh stated, “Loss of licence insurance for aviation professionals has long been a standard benefit in developed aviation markets worldwide.

and Association of African Universities (AAU), and cofunded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in the ACE Impact phase.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the official launch of the ACE Alliance and compendium of key achievements of ACEs in Nigeria, Executive Secretary of Na- tional Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi

Ribadu, said the government will continue to engage other development partners to explore new collaborative frameworks that could build on the lessons of the ACE Project and NUC’s goal of ensuring a university system at par with its contemporaries globally.Ribadu stated that some of the partners, with whom the government was currently

in talks included African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and Arab Bank for Economic Develop- ment in Africa.

He said that was important because the government aimed at sustaining excellence, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the structures and systems established under ACE continued to thrive beyond the project’s lifecycle.

KACRAN Asks NEDC to Prioritise Livestock Development in 2026 Policies, Programmes

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KA- CRAN), a critical stakeholder in the North East region, has called on the North East Develop- ment Commission (NEDC) to significantly incorporate Livestock Development into its 2026 policies and programmes. The group in a signed state- ment by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, while appreciating NEDC’s

efforts, acknowledged the tireless efforts and significant achievements of the Commission since its inception in rebuilding and rehabilitating the North East. It also commended the Commission for its successes in infrastructure, renovation and construction of schools, houses, hospitals, health centres, roads, reconstruction of bridges destroyed by insurgency and provision of accommodation to displaced persons.

KACRAN also commended NEDC for the training of thousands of forest guards and the distribution of utility vehicles to security operatives to help combat insecurity; the prompt provision of support and assistance to victims of various incidents, including the vital role played during the major floods in Maiduguri last year and for the consistent distribution of relief materials and palliatives to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Chinedu Eze and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

‘Ogun Committed to Sustainable Urban Devt’

sunday Okobi

Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting and actualising its vision of a sustainable and safe environment and urban development through the advancement of safe and enduring building practices to ensure orderliness and a good living environment aimed at solid urban and rural development plans.

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, disclosed this in his message to commemorate the 2025 World Habitat Day in Ogun State.

According to Odunlami, in a statement, first Monday of October, last month, has been set aside by the United Nations through the UN-Habitat to draw attention to the many challenges facing human settlements, especially the urban areas, and find solutions to them.

The commissioner stated that the yearly focus on human settlements was as a result of the projection that by 2050, the world population would reach 9.8 billion human beings, and nearly 70 percent of which would live in urban areas, which according to him, could lead to inadequate and sub-standard housing,

lack of jobs, high crime rate, inadequate waste management, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services among others.

He said: “This year’s theme: ‘Urban Crisis Response’, is a continuation of the dialogue, fact-finding and solution-proffering efforts of the UN-Habitat, which started in 1986.

“The general objective of this yearly celebration is to continue to remind us that we are individually and collectively responsible for the urban crisis, and we are therefore also individually and collectively responsible for finding the solutions.

ASR Africa Inaugurates N350m Lecture Theatre at Adamawa University

The Abdul Samad Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art 500-seat capacity lecture theatre at the Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State.

This significant project, valued at N350 million, was executed under the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme, aimed at providing sustainable and impactful educational infrastructure.

The lecture theatre is a major boost to the university’s infrastructure, providing a conducive learning environment for

students and lecturers. Equipped with modern amenities, the facility is set to enhance the academic experience of students and staff.

While inaugurating the lecture theatre in Mubi, Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, alongside Prof. Babagana Umara Zulu, Governor, Borno State, and others, thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu for supporting the state’s educational efforts, describing the donation as commendable and worthy of emulation.

He said the project aligns with ASR Africa’s broader vision of delivering sustainable, long-term

impact in education. With over 30 institutions benefiting from the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme, the initiative is making a significant impact in the education sector.

He said the unveiling of the lecture theatre marks a new era for Adamawa State University, and the university’s management has promised to continue working towards academic excellence. ASR Africa’s support has been instrumental in enhancing the university’s infrastructure, and this project is a testament to the initiative’s commitment to education.

Senator Lado, Friends Donate N220m to Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom

Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke and his friends have donated N220 million to Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

This is even as the Chief Executive Officer of Lado Development Foundation, Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Lado, has pledged to offer fiveyear scholarship to indigent students of Iyin-Ekiti.

While Senator Danmarke donated N200 million, his friends contributed N20 million in solidarity with

Danmarke, who was conferred with a chieftaincy by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye.

The monarch conferred the chieftaincy title of Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Iyin Kingdom on Senator Danmarke and his wife, Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Lado, respectively.

Senator Lado, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State, is a philanthropist who is

investing heavily in youth, education, health, and social development across the 34 local government areas of Katsina State and beyond.

The former national assembly member, through the Lado Development Foundation, has provided scholarships to hundreds of students in tertiary institutions across different states in the country, while also covering examination fees for students taking the senior secondary school examinations.

Sinomart Unveils Retail Store in Lagos

Raheem akingbolu

The Sinomart International Limited has officially launched its flagship Sinomart Super Store at The Palms Shopping Mall, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event attracted dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders, business executives, and shoppers, who gathered to celebrate the arrival of a new shopping destination

designed to redefine consumer experience in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the super store, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sinomart International Limited, Sky Chunming Huang, expressed excitement about the brand’s entry into the Nigerian retail market.

He said that “Sinomart Super Store is more than just a supermarket — it represents our vision to bring global retail standards closer to Nigerian consumers.”

He added that “We are committed to offering an exceptional shopping experience defined by quality, variety, affordability, and convenience. Nigeria’s retail sector continues to show great promise, and we are proud to be investing in its growth, starting here in Lagos.”

daji sani in yola

LAWYER

'Inherited Colonial University Curriculum Requires Recalibration'

Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Olugbemi Fatula

Quotable

'I charge you as head of the Armed Forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, and not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace....Let's stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability....We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2909, to persist any longer.' - HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Page V

Extricating Nigeria from CPC Designation

Designation of Nigeria as a CPC

Last week, Nigeria was designated as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) by President Donald Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA). This is the second time this has been done to Nigeria under a Trump administration, the first time being during President Buhari’s administration in 2020, along with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries. The rumour that Trump would make this designation, had been rife from earlier this year, so, this action didn’t come as a complete surprise. What did Nigeria do, at least, from the inception of the Tinubu administration in 2023 to date, to counter this negative report? Are there any grounds for this CPC designation? Or are there just some circumstances, which appear to fuel an assertion that may be incorrect?

According to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Genocide is “an act committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”. While it cannot be denied that there are multiple cases of killings in Nigeria, both Christians and Muslims have been killed over the years, and in some cases, by religious extremists. But, is there a concerted effort by Muslims to annihilate Christians in Nigeria? Yes, Christians have been killed by Muslims, Christian clergymen kidnapped and also murdered, but, do these incidents meet the standard of the definition of Christian genocide? These criminals go for what they perceive to be soft targets, where they believe they can collect huge ransoms. So, for example, a clergyman, easily identifiable in his cassock would qualify as such, for obvious reasons - he’s unarmed, possibly travelling alone for Church work, and they believe the Church or the congregation will pay the ransoms they demand to secure the freedom of clergymen. For the criminals, it’s a business strategy, not guided by any desire to wipe out Christians, but to make money. Being a Christian in such circumstances, may simply be a mere coincidence.

The Complexity of Insecurity in Nigeria

The issue of insecurity in Nigeria, is no secret, and, it is complex. See Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution). There are different reasons for insecurity, depending on the circumstances - for example, in the Northeast, there’s banditry and insurgency, some which may have begun as religious extremism such as Boko Haram, have since metamorphosed into pure criminality; some insecurity is economic, due to poverty and unemployment; some as a result of illegal mining and land grabbing. There is also violence of the Southeast fuelled by IPOB, initially as an agitation for Biafra, but, has also largely evolved into terrorism and criminality. In short, Nigeria is plagued with different types of insecurity.

Allegation: Rare Earth Minerals

Some believe that the allegation of Christian genocide is an exaggeration. But, certainly, it cannot be said to be like that of Iraq during the time of President George W Bush, which was a false allegation based on unreliable intelligence that was contrary to that of experts, that Iraq still had a nuclear programme and weapons of mass destruction, which it didn’t. That, in the end, President Bush was just a war monger, consumed by US asserting herself as a global power and securing the oil benefits of Iraq, as the invasion was needless and based on falsehood. In Nigeria’s case, it’s undeniable that we do have a problem of insecurity.

It has also been alleged that the CPC is merely a way to put Nigeria under pressure, in order for USA to be able to easily secure some of Nigeria’s extremely valuable Rare Earth Minerals (REM), such as Monazite, Columbite, Bauxite etc used to manufacture so many hi-tech items, nuclear applications, electric vehicles, computers, medical equipment and phones, to mention but a few?

Several States across Northern Nigeria, including 6 of the Sharia States and Cross River State, have Monazite in abundance, a phosphate mineral which is important because of the variety of rare earth elements it contains, valuable for the manufacture of hi-tech items. The Southeast and further parts of the Southwest, are also endowed with REM. This however, doesn’t change the fact that Nigeria has a lingering problem of insecurity, which hasn’t been resolved in two decades.

Breach of Section 10 of the Constitution

We cannot deny that there are some valid reasons, that have promoted this narrative of religious intolerance in Nigeria. In the last 30 years, there have been about 7 or 8 widely reported instances of mob killings perpetrated ostensibly by Muslims, mostly for blasphemy, apart from 9 months pregnant Harira Jubril and her four daughters aged between 2 & 9, killed in Anambra

for that reason.

onikepo braithwaite

onIkePo BrAIThwAITe

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

“The first thing that the FGN must do to reverse this narrative of religious intolerance, is to uphold Section 10 of the Constitution, and take a firm stand against the adoption of Sharia/practise of Criminal Sharia Law in the 12 Sharia States….a Nigerian Ambassador to USA … must be appointed forthwith….. perpetrators of some of the aforementioned heinous crimes must be prosecuted… Technical assistance from US for the destruction/ annihilation of these criminals and terrorists…can be helpful to Nigeria….the killing of one Christian alone, or indeed, the unlawful killing of anybody, is a death too many”

State by ‘unknown gunmen’ in 2022. The fact that none of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes were punished, undoubtedly portrays a narrative about religious intolerance on the part of Muslims, and a tolerance of their intolerance by the Nigerian State that turns a blind eye, and allows such killers to go scot free.

Section 10 of the Constitution prohibiting the adoption of any National or State religion, breached by the 12 Sharia States, and their breach, ignored and condoned by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), is, undoubtedly also an accelerant to this CPC designation for Nigeria.

Since I became Editor of this esteemed publication in 2016, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have shouted from the rooftops to all who care to listen, that the practise of Sharia Law in the 12 Northern States beyond the implementation of Islamic Personal Law for issues of marriage, divorce and inheritance (see Section 38(1) of the Constitution; Agbakoba v AGF & Anor (2021) LPELR-55906(CA) on freedom of thought and religion), is unconstitutional, and must be stopped. That Sharia criminal law, cannot co-exist with a democratic setting. That the Constitution doesn’t confer criminal jurisdiction on Sharia courts, yet, they have exercised same unconstitutionally since 1999, without a challenge from the FGN. This omission appears to make the FGN somewhat complicit in the unconstitutional activities of the Sharia States, by standing by while the States’ Hisbah Police breach the rights of people, and the Sharia Courts without the requisite jurisdiction, prosecute, convict and even sentence people to death for adultery, fornication and blasphemy. Adultery and fornication may considered as immoral, but they are not offences in modern society. See the cases of Amina Lawal and Yahaya Sharif

Aminu, both Muslims, both sentenced to death for adultery in 2002 and blasphemy in 2020, respectively. Also see Madukolu v Nkemdilim 1962 2 S.C.N.L.R. 341 on the consequences of a court lacking jurisdiction to hear a case.

Firstly….

The first thing that the FGN must do to reverse this narrative of religious intolerance, is to uphold Section 10 of the Constitution, and take a firm stand against the adoption of Sharia/practise of Criminal Sharia Law in the 12 Sharia States, by going to the Supreme Court to secure the necessary declarations and repeal of any State Laws allowing same. If any of those Sharia State Governors has love for country, they wouldn’t wait until they are dragged to court to do the needful. After all, both President and Governors, in their Oaths of Office, swore to uphold and defend the Constitution, act in the interest of the solidarity of Nigeria, not to endanger the continuance of the FGN, and not to allow personal interest to influence their conduct or decisions (see the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution).

The violence experienced in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, perpetrated largely by Herdsmen against Farmers and locals, was referred to by the Attorney-General of Plateau State in our recent interview of him as genocide based on land grabbing. Some would respond that, genocide is genocide, irrespective of the underlying causes, and Government has done a poor job of protecting the Middle Belters. The AG talked about ethnic cleansing, in order for some to seize the lush lands of Plateau State which he described as also pregnant with precious metals. This isn’t to say that part of the violence, wouldn’t be based on religion, and to deny same would be an insult to those who have been killed

Before the Sharia declaration spearheaded by the then Governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Yerima in 1999, even if there was trouble between Muslim and Christians in parts of the North, it wasn’t on the scale of this Boko Haram terrorism and the like, that we see unleashed on the people today. The truth of the matter is that these so-called Muslim terrorists are Muslim in name only, and they kill people, irrespective of their faith. They do everything unIslamic such as stealing, killing, raping, consuming alcohol and taking hard drugs. They are nothing but criminals.

Just as the Chibok Girls were kidnapped in 2014, so also, in 2021, 136 Muslim pupils and students ranging from age 3-14 and 3 Teachers were kidnapped from Salihu Tanko Islamic School in Niger State. 6 of the children, died in their captivity. Kidnapping of children from schools became less about Western education being prohibited by Islam, and more about a money-making criminal enterprise of kidnapping children for ransom, the religion of the abductees being irrelevant. The Chibok girls were simply used as sex objects, forcibly married to their abductors, as some of those who were rescued or released, came back with children they bore in captivity.

Just like there was an attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State leaving about 40 worshippers including children dead, less than than two months ago, on September 15th and 26th, there were attacks on two Mosques in Zamfara State, during the early morning Fajr prayer. In the first attack in Gidan Turbe Village, about 40 Muslim worshippers were said to have been abducted, while in the second attack in Yandoto Village, 5 Muslim worshippers were killed, and others, abducted and taken into the forest.

Senator Ted Cruz and Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Bill of 2025

Senator Ted Cruz is also pushing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Bill of 2025 (NRFAB) which was introduced to the US Senate in September (and a corresponding Bill introduced to the US House of Representatives last month), a retrospective/retroactive law which is to take effect 10 years prior to the enactment of the NRFAB (roughly in the early days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration) (see Section 2(2)(A) of the NRFAB), imposing sanctions on corrupt officials or those involved in human rights abuses, and of course, Federal officials and State Governors, who amongst other acts, have promoted, enacted and maintained blasphemy laws or tolerated violence of non-State actors using religious justification to perpetuate violence. Even judicial officers who have enforced blasphemy laws, are not to be spared. So, for instance, those who prosecuted, convicted and sentenced musician, Yahaya Sharif Aminu to death in Kano State in 2020, would be culpable under the NRFAB. Similarly, the Kano Attorney-General who entered a Nolle Prosequi in 2017 in Betty Agbahime’s case, thereby releasing some of the Defendants identified as her murderers, as a result of allegations of blasphemy levelled against her, would also be caught by the NRFAB.

Conclusion

I don’t think anybody is deceived or under the illusion that President Trump or Senator Cruz are acting out of altruism, or out of love for Nigerian Christians. But, be that as it may, insincere or hypocritical, it’s rather shameful that it is them, the Americans, and not the FGN, that have decided to take decisive action in this matter, to ‘secure’ Nigerian lives.

It is imperative that a Nigerian Ambassador to USA be appointed forthwith (and to all the other countries too). It may not have come to this, if Nigeria had a seasoned Diplomat representing her interests in US, engaging with their Government. Apart from taking the aforementioned steps involved in upholding Section 10 of the Constitution, which will be seen as enhancing religious freedom, perpetrators of some of the aforementioned heinous crimes must be prosecuted; insecurity must be tackled head-on and the more vulnerable people, protected. Governors of the Sharia States, must be called to order. It mustn’t always be about politics and losing Muslim votes; if President Obasanjo had nipped the Sharia declaration in the bud then, maybe Nigeria wouldn’t be in the rut it is today. There must also be Police reform. And, all these measures must be commenced immediately, because within the next 90 days, President Trump will review his course of action, following the CPC designation. Technical assistance from US for the destruction/annihilation of these criminals and terrorists who have made life hell for Nigerians for almost 2 decades, displacing people from their homes, could be helpful to Nigeria. Finally, the killing of one Christian alone, or indeed, the unlawful killing of anybody, is a death too many. Nigeria is in dire need of peace and security.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President

Donald Trump

Whether Proof of Resulting Trust Can Invalidate Legal Title to a Property

Fact

s

The appeal challenges the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, in Appeal No. CA/L/362/14 delivered on 30th March 2016 against the Appellant. The dispute centred on the validity of the title transfer of Flat 5 Block A 78, LSDPC Low-Cost Housing Estate, Dolphin, Anikantamo, Lagos, from the late Mr Olayinka Aina to the late M.A. Julogbo. Believing the 1st Respondent, who is Mr. Olayinka Aina’s wife was frustrating the sale, Mr. Aina and Mr Julogbo’s late father initiated Suit No. LD/3276/94 at the High Court of Lagos State, seeking a declaration that Mr Aina was the legal and beneficial owner of the property, that the title transfer to Julogbo was valid, and that Julogbo was entitled to possession. The 1st Respondent also filed Suit No. LD/769/97, claiming a trustee relationship existed between Mr Aina and herself, and that she is the beneficiary of the trust. She asserted that though the tile document of the property is in her husband’s name, she provided the funds for purchase of the property which was held in trust for her. She thereby, sought to set aside the sale to M.A. Julogbo.

The cases were consolidated for trial. On 19th November, 2004, the trial court found that a trust relationship existed between the 1st Respondent and Mr Olayinka Aina. The court, accordingly, set aside the sale. The Appellant’s late father and Mr Aina appealed, but, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on 30th March, 2016. Dissatisfied, the Appellant, on behalf of other beneficiaries of Mr Julogbo’s estate, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

Two issues were raised in the Appellant’s brief for determination, thus:

i. WHETHER the court processes filed by the 1st Respondent in the consolidated suits, are competent as to vest the lower court with jurisdiction to determine her right over the property in dispute?

ii. WHETHER from the evidence before the lower Court, a Resultant or implied Trust, can be implied to exist in favour of the 1st Respondent? If the answer is in the negative, whether the lower court, having found that the legal title resides in the 2nd Claimant, should not have held that the said Claimant validly transferred the legal title to the 1st Claimant?

Counsel for the 1st Respondent on his part raised four issues for determination of the appeal, while Counsel for the 2nd Respondent formulated two issues. The Supreme Court opined that the central question in the appeal is – Whether the lower courts were right to have granted the 1st Respondent’s title over the disputed property, on the principle of resulting trust.

Arguments

Counsel for the Appellant argued that there is no evidence, explicit or implied, demonstrating that Mr Olayinka Aina intended to transfer the property to the 1st Respondent on trust. He posited that at trial, the 1st Respondent produced no documentary title, but relied solely on oral testimony, which was outweighed by the substantial documentary evidence of title presented by the husband. Counsel supported this position with the authorities EZENNAH v ATTA (2004) 17 W.R.N. 1 S.C., MADU v MADU (2008) 2-3 S.C. (PT. II) 109, and FAGBENRO v AROBADI (2006) 19 W.R.N. 1 S.C. He submitted further that the 1st Respondent failed to establish any of the five recognised methods enumerated by the Supreme Court, to prove ownership of the disputed property. Conversely, the husband presented documentary evidence supporting his ownership. The Appellant placed reliance on the documents emanating from the 2nd Respondent, and there is no single document of title registered in the

Honourable Jamilu Yammama Tukur, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja on Friday, the 14th day of april, 2025

Before their lordships

Ibrahim muhammed musa Saulawa emmanuel akomaye agim Chioma egondu Nwosu-Iheme Stephen Jonah adah Jamilu yammama Tukur Justices, Supreme Court SC.1049/2016

mICHaeL aFoLaJImI JoLuGbo

(Suing on behalf of himself and other beneficiaries of the estate of m a. Julogbo)

Between

And

1. mrS o a aINa

aPPeLLaNT

reSPoNdeNTS

2. LaGoS STaTe deveLoPmeNT aNd ProPerTy CorPoraTIoN (L.S.d.P.C) (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Jamilu Yammama Tukur, JSC)

name of “Mrs Aina”, the 1st Respondent. Counsel relied on the authority of OJOH v KAMALU (2006) 6 W.R.N. 110 S.C. and AGBAREH v MIMRA (2008) 1 S.C. (Pt.3) 88, to buttress his submission.

Counsel contended that, Mr Aina had legal authority to transfer title to the Appellant. He argued further that, even if the 1st Respondent’s claim of a resulting trust were to succeed, the Appellant would still qualify as a bona fide purchaser for value without notice—be it actual, constructive, or implied - as the Appellant duly conducted a title search at the 2nd Respondent’s office, which confirmed allocation to the said Mr Aina, with no indication of any trust affecting the property. Lastly, he argued that the 1st Respondent’s evidence regarding payments for mortgage and repairs, does not override the superior title evidence adduced by Mr Aina, and does not support her claim to a resulting trust. Furthermore, these documents are inconsistent with her testimony, where

“….when property has been acquired in such circumstance that the holder of the legal title may not in good conscience retain the beneficial interest, equity converts him into a trustee….Constructive trust is neither granted nor accepted, but it is foisted upon the parties by the operation of law”

notice would not succeed, because the Appellant’s father failed to exercise due diligence. The father did not demand the original title documents before the purchase, and admitted he neither inspected the flat nor investigated the tenancy, which would have revealed that the property belonged to the 1st Respondent. It was contended that Mr Aina acted in bad faith, and colluded with the Appellant to deprive the 1st Respondent of her proprietary interest.

This argument referenced CLAY INDUSTRIES NIGERIA LTD v AINA (1997) 8 NWLR (PT. 516) P. 208; FASESIN v OYERINDE (1997) 11 NWLR (PT. 530) 552; GBADAMOSI v AKINLOYE (2013) 15 NWLR (PT. 1378) P. 455; ABBA v S.P.D.C.N LTD (2013) 11 NWLR (PT. 1364) P. 86; and ORONTI v ONIGBANJO (2012) 12 NWLR (PT. 1313) P. 23.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In resolving the issue of whether, given the circumstances of the case, a trust exists between Mr Olayinka Aina and the 1st Respondent (Mrs. O.A Aina), the Supreme Court distinguished between express trust and implied trust. Their Lordships explained that an express trust is evidenced by a trust deed, which clearly identifies the parties to the trust. In the case of an implied trust, resulting or constructive trust, an implied trust arises when the court infers the existence of a trust from the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the property. In such cases, the beneficiary of the trust is recognised as the true owner of the property, even though the legal title is held by the trustee. As a result of this, “the trustee must deal with the property in a way that would corrode the interests of the beneficiary.” The Supreme Court relied on its earlier decision in HUBNER v AERONAUTICAL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CO. LTD (2017) LPELR 42078(SC) (Pp 10 – 11 Paras D-E) where it was held that “when property has been acquired in such circumstance that the holder of the legal title may not in good conscience retain the beneficial interest, equity converts him into a trustee … Constructive trust is neither granted nor accepted, but it is foisted upon the parties by the operation of law”.

she expressly stated that she had no direct dealings with LSDPC and LBIC.

On the part of the 1st Respondent, Counsel contended that during the trial, the 1st Respondent, through both oral and documentary evidence, successfully established the circumstances giving rise to a presumption of a resulting trust in her favour. This formed the basis for the concurrent findings of the trial Judge and the Court of Appeal Justices, that a resulting trust indeed, existed in favour of the 1st Respondent. It was argued that the 1st Respondent paid the initial fees, contributed significantly to the property’s development, made mortgage repayments, and paid for the mandatory insurance policy on the flat, with her father acting as Guarantor, despite her husband’s father being alive during the relevant period. Counsel clarified further that the 1st Respondent did not dispute that legal title to the property was vested in her husband, as his name appeared on the title documents; however, she maintained that the equitable interest belonged to her, given her financial contributions toward the purchase and related expenses, thereby, creating a resulting trust for which she is the beneficiary.

Counsel submitted that the Appellant’s claim to ownership based solely on the title document bearing the name of Mr Aina was misplaced, as proof of a resulting trust invalidates the title. Counsel argued that the defence of a bona fide purchaser without

Applying the above principles of trust to the facts of this case, the Supreme Court held that “the circumstances were one in which a trust relationship could be validly read into between the 1st Respondent and her deceased husband, the 2nd Claimant at trial, to the effect that she advanced money to her husband to buy a house on her behalf, so that even though he is the legal owner and his name appeared on all documents of title, her right is superior because she is the ultimate beneficiary and the true owner.”

The court noted further that the Appellant’s argument, relying on the existence of legal title documents and the 1st Respondent’s failure to prove ownership by conventional means, was misplaced. The issue was not about legal ownership of the property, but rather whether the legal owner (the 2nd Claimant at the trial court) held the property in trust for the 1st Respondent. The Supreme Court emphasised that the 1st Respondent’s status as beneficial owner, is supported by the fact that she funded the purchase and made mortgage payments on the property.

The court concluded that the Appellant failed to give concrete grounds, for the Supreme Court to abrogate from the concurrent findings of the lower courts. Consequently, the court dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Oladele Ojogbede for the Appellant. Micheal A. Aribisala for the 1st Respondent. Olugbenga Ajala for the 2nd Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

L-R: Olasupo Shasore,

ALP NG & Co.(ALPi Nigeria)

DG

Battle for Ownership of 9mobile Moves to the Court of Appeal

Stories by Steve Aya

A businessman, Alhaji Abubakar Ismaila Isa, has filed a Notice of Appeal challenging the Ruling of Honourable Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on the 24th day of September, 2025 in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ.CS/1971/2024.

Alhaji Abubakar Ismaila Isa had earlier sued Seltrix Limited & 8 Ors with respect to illegal transfer of 43 million ordinary shares in the capital of Teleology Nigeria Limited. The Notice of Appeal was filed on the 13th day of October, 2025 at the Registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Respondents in the appeal are Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadejia, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, Emerging Markets

Telecommunication Services Limited, Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, LH Telecommunication Limited, and Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. The Judge struck out the Suit of the Appellant on the ground that the Appellant has no locus standi to institute the Suit. The Court in its Ruling held “I carefully perused the said exhibit to see if the allegation of the Plaintiff is substantiated, I did not find any. Nowhere was there any figure of the 43 million

ordinary shares held in trust for the Plaintiff by the 1st Defendant mentioned…”. However, the Appellant, Alhaji Abubakar Ismaila Isa faulted the decision of the Court in his Notice of Appeal, as contained in his two principal grounds of appeal. The Appellant insists that locus standi (the legal standing to sue) should be determined solely from the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim, as per established case law (Pharmatek Ind. Ltd. v Trade Bank Nigeria Plc).

‎Abubakar Isa, through his legal team led by Femi Atteh, SAN, states that the lower court failed to recognise that when locus standi is challenged, all claims in the Statement of Claim should be accepted as correct. ‎The Appellant also raised the ground of improper consideration of substantive issues, at the preliminary stage.

‎Abubakar Ismaila Isa is contending that, the trial Judge incorrectly delved into the substantive issue of trust between the Appellant and the

1st Respondent, in his Ruling on the preliminary objection. ‎The Appellant said whether a trust existed regarding 43 million shares or not is a substantive issue, not to be decided before full trial.

‎The Appellant asserts that the 1st Respondent holds the shares in trust and has breached that trust, establishing the basis for locus standi. The Appellant is relying on Sections 10 and 11 of the Federal High Court Act.

‎Abubakar Ismaila Isa is, therefore, praying the Court of Appeal to

allow the appeal and set aside the Ruling of the Federal High Court dated September 24, 2025. ‎He is also praying the Appellate Court to remit the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for reassignment to another Judge to hear and determine the Suit properly.

‎The Registrar of the Federal High Court has summoned all parties to appear on November 5, 2025 for the settlement of the Record of Appeal at the Federal High Court Headquarters in Abuja.

EFFI & Associés Joins ALPi as Group Expands into Francophone WA

Effi & Associés, a business law firm based in Abidjan, has officially become the tenth

The Nigerian Legal Awards 2025,

Slated for November 9

The ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2025 returns this year to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the legal profession; celebrating Lawyers who power businesses and shape economies.

The Publisher of Esquire Legal Magazine, Mr Lere Fashola, said in a release that “This year’s edition reinforces our commitment to spotlighting the transformative role of legal excellence in shaping commerce, justice, and national progress”.

Honouring Excellence, Integrity, and Impact

Among this year’s distinguished and very special honourees are:

• Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Lawyer and Former Minister of Works of Nigeria

• Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

• Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation

• Alhaji Hamed Raji, SAN, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, Honourable Attorney- General of Ondo State

• Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, honoured as Legal Amazon of the Year, a recognition dedicated to exceptional female Lawyers.

Institutional Awardees include: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zenith Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Rendeavour Nigeria & Alaro City, and Oando Plc, among others.

A Tradition of Credibility and Distinction

Since its inception, the Nigerian Legal Awards has established itself as a legacy event within the legal and business community, celebrating exceptional individuals and institutions that exemplify

professional excellence, ethics, and innovation.

Over the years, the Awards have honoured legal icons such as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Aare Afe Babalola, SAN; the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN; late Hon. Justice Muhammed Uwais, CJN (Rtd) and Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, CJN (Rtd). The Law Firm Practice Area Categories

This flagship segment celebrates law firms and practice groups that have demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and commercial impact over the past 18 months. The category is deal-driven, assessing how legal solutions have directly influenced the success of clients’ businesses.

The Nigerian Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Category

The Nigerian Rising Stars Award recognises 40 exceptional Lawyers of Nigerian descent under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and remarkable promise early in their careers. These are young professionals whose reputation, influence, and intellectual brilliance embody the finest ideals of the legal profession. Nominees are drawn from both local and international organisations — including law firms, corporations, NGOs, and regulatory agencies.

The Editors’ Merit Awards

This prestigious category honours distinguished individuals who represent the highest ideals of the legal profession - integrity, excellence, and enduring impact. The Editors’ Merit Awards celebrate legacies that transcend legal mastery to include transformative contributions to governance, policy, and national development.

Event Details

The event will hold on 9th November, 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

member firm of Africa Law Practice International (ALPi), a fast-growing Pan-African legal and professional services network.The on-boarding ceremony took place at the offices of Effi & Associés in Abidjan, and marks a major milestone in ALPi’s strategic expansion into Africa, generally, and Francophone

West Africa, in particular. With this addition, ALPi now operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Namibia, Mauritius and Côte d’Ivoire.

Founded and led by Dr Serge Effi, Effi & Associés is a corporate and tax law firm based in Abidjan-Plateau,

Côte d’Ivoire. Dr Effi holds a Doctorate in Law from Université Paris I PanthéonSorbonne, with earlier degrees in Economic Law (Université Paris XIII) and the CAPA qualification from the Paris Bar. He is admitted to both the Paris Bar (since 1996) and the Abidjan Bar (since 2006). Before founding his law

firm, he worked with Ernst & Young Abidjan and SCP Boineau-Soyer Paris. The new Côte d’Ivoire member will be formally introduced at the ALPi Annual General Meeting scheduled for February 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where partners from all nine other countries will meet.

Legal Minds Seek Stronger Rule of Law, Digital Reform at PSDDF Dialogue

Legal and business experts have called for bold reforms, digital innovation, and institutional integrity to strengthen the rule of law and drive sustainable development in Nigeria. They made the call on Friday, at the 2025 Dialogue on the National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS), a landmark conversation dedicated to advancing judicial reforms and innovation in Nigeria. The dialogue, organised by DigitsLaw in partnership with the American Business Council, the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and NACCIMA, was held in Lagos under the theme: “Strengthening Specific Democratic Agencies: The Judiciary, Media, Electoral Bodies and Accountability Agencies”. It aimed to foster collaboration among policymakers,

legal professionals, and private sector leaders towards a more transparent and technology-driven justice system.

Delivering his paper titled “Justice, Innovation, and Stability: Strengthening the Judiciary and Rule of Law for a Resilient Democracy”,Professor Bankole Sodipo, SAN, Dean of Law at Babcock University, emphasised that innovation and justice must go hand in hand. He highlighted the need to modernise legal education and courtroom procedures, including the adoption of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency. “Innovation in justice is not about technology alone”, he said. “It is about rethinking how justice serves the people - swiftly, fairly, and transparently.”

In his Keynote Address, Dr

Anthony Idigbe, SAN, Chairman of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, underscored the central role of institutional integrity in sustaining the rule of law. He cautioned that without a strong ethical foundation and judicial independence, no technological reform would succeed. “The rule of law cannot thrive in an environment where systems are compromised by human weakness”, he said, urging stakeholders to strengthen judicial training, case management, and court infrastructure.

Speaking earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDDF), Mr C.A. Candide-Johnson, SAN, described justice as the backbone of democracy and social progress.

He called for the creation of a transparent and efficient justice ecosystem, that can attract investment and restore public trust. According to him, “A country’s justice system is the ultimate reflection of its values. When people believe in the courts, they believe in their nation”.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of NACCIMA, Mr Olusola Obadimu, said the dialogue was convened to generate practical ideas for justice sector reform, and foster a culture of accountability and inclusivity in governance. He noted that Nigeria’s justice system must evolve with the realities of a digital economy, stressing that “the rule of law is not just a legal aspiration, but a development imperative”.

SAN, ALP NG & Co. (ALPi Nigeria); Dr Serge Effi, Effi & Associés (ALPi Cote D’Ivoire); Gabby Otchere-Darko, Africa Legal Associates (ALPi Ghana) and Uyi Giwa-Osagie,

L-R: Alaba Osho;

NACCIMA, Olusola Obadimu; Nnenna Irebisi Prof. Bankole Sodipo, SAN; Mrs Lola Adekanye; Joy Lawal; Isioma Idigbe and Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN

L-R : Eseoghene Onwuezobe; Edoka Onyeke; Akin Adesomoju, SAN; Cordelia Eke (President of the 1995 Call Set of the Nigerian Law School and Chairman NBA Port Harcourt Branch); Tola Oshobi, SAN and Andrew Malgwi, SAN all of the 1995 Call Set of the Nigerian Law School at the handing over ceremony of the Solar Power System donated by the Call Set to power the Library of the Nigerian Law School Lagos Campus, as part of the activities to mark the 30th Anniversary of their Call to Bar

Members of the 1995 Call Set with the Deputy Director-General of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School

'Inherited Colonial University Curriculum Requires Recalibration'

The obafemi awolowo university is not only one of the oldest in Nigeria, but, also has one of the oldest Law Faculties. The Faculty has birthed some of the most distinguished legal minds, including Judges, Senior advocates, academics, businessmen, Politicians, and still counting. This has no doubt been without some challenges. Last week, the new Dean of this famous first generation Law Faculty, Professor Olugbemi Fatula had a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi on a wide range of issues, expressing his optimism about taking the Faculty to a higher academic pedestal, despite the obvious challenges

Prof, you became the Dean of the Faculty of Law of Obafemi Awolowo University, one of the oldest Law Faculty's in the country, a few months ago. But, a few years ago, OAU lost full accreditation. Has this challenge been overcome? What is the present status? What are your plans/agenda to restore the Faculty to its former glory?

Yes, the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, did experience a temporary setback when it lost accreditation some years ago. That experience was painful, but also purgative, because it compelled

introspection and renewal. I often say that institutions, like individuals, sometimes go through seasons of pruning, in order to yield richer fruits.

I am pleased to say that, through the collective effort of the University management, my predecessors, and our committed Faculty members, the Faculty has long regained its accreditation. National Universities Commission (NUC) visited us last year for accreditation, and we were granted full accreditation. As you know, Law Faculties have two regula-

“As Dean, my vision is anchored on three interlocking pillars: academic excellence, institutional renewal, and strategic partnerships. We are reviving and expanding the Ife Law and Allied Publications Series….The book publication project is very dear to my administration, because it presents us another opportunity to showcase the intellectual strength of the Faculty through the publication of high-quality and up-to-date law books”

tors – NUC and Council of Legal Education (CLE). The latter was to visit us shortly after I assumed office as Dean, but the visit was postponed through what I can term divine and transcendental intervention because our readiness was not complete. While some requirements and conditions for accreditation of the two bodies overlap, some notable differences exist in their expectations. For us to sustain the current wave of victorious accreditation outcomes, we are quite hopeful that when the re-scheduled accreditation visit eventually takes place, the outcome will meet our wishes, by the grace of God and the assistance of our distinguished Alumni and other well-wishers.

As Dean, my vision is anchored on three interlocking pillars: academic excellence, institutional renewal, and strategic partnerships. We are reviving and expanding the Ife Law and Allied Publications Series, under which a textbook on Legal Methods has already been published, with

chapters contributed by our lecturers. The next in line is Introduction to Law, and subsequently, other core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Law of Contract etc.

The book publication project is very dear to my administration, because it presents us another opportunity to showcase the intellectual strength of the Faculty through the publication of high-quality and upto-date law books. Our targeted audience goes beyond our students. It covers the broader Nigerian and international markets. However, we are constrained by funds. While the books are to be sold with minimal returns, raising the initial capital for production has been tough. Presently the Faculty can boast of five journals which are regularly produced, featuring well researched articles contributed by scholars within and outside the Nigerian state. In addition we are introducing another journal: Ife Journal of Law, Society and Developments. This review is intended to showcase our Faculty’s members contributions

Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Olugbemi Fatula

'Inherited

colonial University curriculum requires recalibration'

to discourse on contemporary topical issues of fundamental impact on law, society and development.

Again, we have set the machinery in motion to motivate our M.Phil./Ph.D. students to establish their own journal and submit, some of their already graded seminar papers for publication in the journal to be named Ife Postgraduate Students Law Journal. We are hoping that the maiden volume or part of the journal should be out in 2026.

Furthermore, we are revamping and repositioning the Obafemi Awolowo University Law Reports for productivity and viability. This Law Report, established in the Faculty by our Fathers, must not be allowed to go into extinction. Part of our plan is to engage the participation of private investors, in the production and sale of the journal. We also intend to encourage our students, particularly our postgraduate students and our alumni all over the world, to patronise the journal. Surely, the glory of the journal must be revived and solidified to the glory of God, the Supreme Essence.

Our administration also has certain programmes that we intend to implement, but, because we are yet to start, we wouldn’t want to mention them now, because of our belief as a transcendental Christian mystic that a plan not revealed has a better chance of success when implemented, than a plan revealed before any implementation.

We are also strengthening practical learning through the construction of a Clinical Legal Education Centre, which is being graciously sponsored by one of our eminently distinguished Alumni, who is a well known, public spirited Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. This centre will bear his name upon completion. Apart from the above, we have also presented a proposal for the establishment of a CENTRE FOR LABOUR LAW AND INDUSTRIAL STUDIES to be named in honour of another highly distinguished Alumnus of this great University. These are just a few of the steps, taken so far.

Several prizes and endowments have been instituted, to encourage academic excellence among our

students. We intend to do more on this.

However, one of my key goals is to reinvigorate our alumni network. We are reaching out to our alumni across Nigeria and in the diaspora, to reconnect with their intellectual home. With their support, we will not only restore Ife Law’s glory - we will surpass it.

Recently, the Minster of Education announced that Mathematics would now be made compulsory for admission into any University, even for those who seek to study courses that aren't related to Mathematics, such as Law. Has this policy been implemented by your Faculty? What are your views on the policy itself? Why would Law require Mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission?

I have followed the conversation around the compulsory inclusion of Mathematics for all university admissions, including Law, with deep interest. The policy, as far as I know, is not new in my Faculty.

“The curriculum we inherited from the colonial era has served us well in many respects, but, the time has come for a deep recalibration to reflect new realities - technology, artificial intelligence, environmental justice, gender dynamics, and global governance….. we need a curriculum that integrates law, technology, ethics, and leadership. Regarding the Nigerian Law School, I would not call it redundant, but, rather, ripe for reform”

Mathematics is not central to the study Law in reality. I believe that as far as Law is concerned, the status quo should remain.

In my O’ Level and A’ Level, I was in science courses before switching over to pure arts subjects due to several factors, in which inability to cope was not one of them. In fact, I considered and still consider mathematics and mathematically based subjects like Physics, to be easier than pure Arts subjects. The compelling factor is what I now call “Uncle Factor”. As you know, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. My Late uncle of blessed memory, a very kind hearted man, insisted that the family needed a Lawyer more than an Engineer. And, I became the family donation to the legal profession. So, to me, Mathematics is not a big deal. But, the question is:

Is introducing Mathematics as a requirement for admission into Law the solution, and what positive impact would that make on the quality of the legal profession?

It is true that Lord Denning, MR, and a few others, had their foundations in Mathematics and the Sciences. Indeed Roscoe Pound, the respected leading light of the American school of Sociological Jurisprudence had his background in Botany, where he had a Ph.D. But there are many equally great legal and judicial minds who had no background in Mathematics and related subjects. To me therefore, introducing mathematics makes no additional sense. Our policy makers should engage their minds on issues that would make positive

impact on the profession. Introducing Mathematics at this stage is not one of them.

I must confess that I wouldn’t know the extent to which my years of flirtation with Mathematics, Physics, Additional Mathematics and Statistics has helped to shape my appreciation of Jurisprudence and Legal Theory. It could be that these subjects sharpened my analytical reasoning faculty, enabling my deep understanding of the logic and science of Law.

Some have argued that the curriculum for Law Students in Nigeria may be outdated. Even the Nigerian Law School, it has been suggested by some that Law should be made a second degree, or in the alternative, Law School should be made a two-year programme. It has also been argued that Law School may fast be becoming redundant, and that maybe it's time to replicate what is done in US, where students prepare for the exams on their own and take the exams without a formal 'Law School' after obtaining the degree in Law. Kindly, comment on this

The debate about the adequacy of Nigeria’s legal curriculum and the structure of the Law School, is both timely and necessary. Law, as a living discipline, cannot be static. It must evolve with society. The curriculum we inherited from the colonial era has served us well in many respects, but, the time has come for a deep recalibration to reflect new realities - technology,

Dean, Faculty of Law, obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor olugbemi Fatula

'Inherited colonial University curriculum requires recalibration'

artificial intelligence, environmental justice, gender dynamics, and global governance.

As a polyvalent thinker and transcendental mystic, I view legal education, not merely as professional training, but as civilisational formation. Our graduates must be philosophers of justice, architects of social order, and innovators in human governance. To that end, we need a curriculum that integrates law, technology, ethics, and leadership.

Regarding the Nigerian Law School, I would not call it redundant, but, rather, ripe for reform. The idea of making Law a second degree, as practiced in the United States, or extending the Law School to two years, has its merits. However, such proposals must be weighed carefully against Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.

Perhaps, the future lies in a hybrid model - where University Law Faculties are empowered to provide robust clinical and vocational training, and the Law School focuses on professional refinement, standards setting and ethical grounding. What matters most is not the form, but, the transformative quality of the legal mind we produce.

Left to me, the Council of Legal Education should be retained as the regulator and overall examination body. In other words, the point I’m trying to make is that private entities including established and reputable law firms as well as Universities’ Faculties of Law should be allowed to run law school’s programmes, while examinations, qualification criteria, practising requirements, among others, should reside within the purview of the Council of Legal Education. The Nigerian Law School should not be abrogated, but should also be part of the institutions or centres to be supervised and regulated by the Council, as it is currently. In view of the huge capital that the Nigerian State has spent on the establishment of the various campuses and their running, I won’t advocate for its cancellation, but, that it should have competitors while the Council of Legal Education should be the overall regulator. What we are advocating here is a sort of liberalisation of the professional legal education sector, with players drawn from public and private segments.

With this, the Nigerian State

“The

would be able to maintain high standards of legal education and practice.

The issue of sexual harassment is one that is everywhere - in the work place, in educational institutions, so much so that a University Lecturer of OAU was convicted and imprisoned a few years ago for harassing a female student. Even within our profession, some senior Lawyers are accused of harassing their female juniors, As a seasoned University Lecturer, can you tell us why this evil has become so prevalent in tertiary institutions? Do you think the laws enacted to curb sexual harassment in tertiary institutions have been effective? What more can be done to stem this ugly tide, which obviously is not peculiar to Nigeria alone?

Sexual harassment is a moral and institutional pathology, that thrives wherever power is abused and conscience is silenced. It is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is a global challenge that reveals the darker side of human relations - the misuse of influence, trust, and authority.

In Universities, the vulnerability of students and the authority

conditions of service for Lecturers in Nigerian universities are, frankly, less than ideal… ASUU has been consistent in drawing attention to this reality. Its grievances, which include poor funding, salary stagnation, lack of autonomy, non-implementation of collective agreements, and infrastructural neglect, are not frivolous”

of lecturers creates a delicate power dynamic. When ethical restraint collapses, exploitation can occur. But, beyond moral weakness, there is a deeper crisis of values - a failure to see others as sacred beings deserving of respect and dignity.

At Obafemi Awolowo University, we have taken strong measures to curb this evil. The University has policies and mechanisms for reporting and investigating sexual misconduct, and our Faculty upholds a zerotolerance stance. The conviction of a former Lecturer, was a painful but necessary moment of institutional accountability.

However, laws alone cannot heal moral decay. There must be cultural renewal, ethical education, and spiritual reawakening. Students must be empowered to speak up without fear; Lecturers must be reoriented to see their vocation as a sacred trust, and their relationship with students as that of loco parentis; and society must stop normalising the trivialisation of sexual misconduct.

As a transcendental Christian mystic, I see this as a call for the restoration of conscience in the academy - the rediscovery of human decency as the foundation of knowledge. When we teach law, we must also teach love, justice, and respect - for without those, the law becomes hollow.

Tell us about the conditions of service of Lecturers? What are ASUU's grievances? Are they germane? Presently, they have threatened to go on strike again, why?

The conditions of service for Lecturers in Nigerian universities are, frankly, less than ideal. To be a University teacher in Nigeria today, is to live perpetually

between vocation and sacrifice. Lecturers are not merely employees; they are the custodians of a nation’s intellectual future. Yet, the economic and infrastructural support that should sustain that sacred duty is often inadequate.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been consistent in drawing attention to this reality. Its grievances, which include poor funding, salary stagnation, lack of autonomy, non-implementation of collective agreements, and infrastructural neglect, are not frivolous. They are germane, and speak to the soul of the University system.

When ASUU threatens to go on strike, it is less out of rebellion than desperation, a cry for institutional dignity. However, strike is avoidable when the Government is more responsive, and truly prioritises the education sector.

As a Faculty, we continue to motivate our staff intellectually and morally. We believe that, even within constraint, we can sustain excellence, but only if the nation rediscovers the value of the mind as its most precious resource.

Cultism has become the bane of most Nigerian Universities. What has been the experience of OAU? How do you control this in your Faculty? How effective is your screening process for new intakes into your Faculty?

Cultism is a tragic paradox. It represents the corruption of youthful idealism into destructive secrecy. The Obafemi Awolowo University has had its own difficult history with cultism, but, we have also developed one of the most resilient systems of prevention and response in the country.

At the Faculty of Law, we emphasise character as much as intellect. Our admission screening

Dean, Faculty of Law, obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor olugbemi Fatula

'Inherited colonial University curriculum requires recalibration'

process is meticulous; we look beyond grades to the moral and psychological disposition of students. During orientation, we engage new intakes in mentorship programmes, introducing them to the noble ideals of justice, discipline, and community responsibility.

Our students also operate under the close mentorship of the Faculty Student Affairs Committee, in addition to Course Advisers who are close to students and attend to their needs promptly. We equally maintain an open-door policy, where students can confidentially report suspicious or troubling behaviour.

In the final analysis, cultism thrives where there is a vacuum of meaning. Our task, as educators, is to fill that vacuum with purpose, to show young people that greatness does not come from secrecy or violence, but from service and excellence.

Most Law Faculties in Nigerian Universities require their students to attend lectures in court regulation colours of black and white. Does your Faculty have this policy? What is the reason for this policy? Should Law students not be allowed to wear what they like, instead of being forced to dress as if they are still in secondary school?

Yes, our Faculty, like most Law Faculties in Nigeria, requires students to attend lectures in black and white attire. This is not a matter of authoritarian control or aesthetic preference; it is a symbolic discipline, part of the intellectual conditioning of a Lawyer.

The law is not only learned, but lived. It is a culture. The black and white dress code reminds students daily of the solemnity, order, and decorum required of members of the legal profession. It is a pedagogical tool, in character formation.

However, I agree that enforcement must be humane and intelligent. The goal is not uniformity for its own sake, but internal discipline and respect for professional ethos. A Lawyer who learns order in attire, is more likely to express order in reasoning and conduct.

As a Faculty, we also encourage freedom of thought and innovation. But, freedom without form becomes chaos; form without freedom becomes oppression. The black and white attire is our way of inculcating both, that is discipline without dullness.

What is the ratio of pass

of OAU graduates at the Nigerian Law School?

The record of OAU Law graduates at the Nigerian Law School, has been consistently commendable. We maintain strong academic rigour at the undergraduate level, ensuring that our students develop not only legal knowledge, but also the critical and moral intelligence required for legal practice. While performance may vary across years, our graduates often rank among the top achievers.

However, we are not complacent. We are strengthening our pre-Law School preparatory sessions, integrating more clinical and problem-based learning, and maintaining mentorship relationships between our alumni in practice and current students. Our ultimate goal is not just to produce students who pass examinations, but Lawyers who transform society.

A few years ago, the Government came up with a policy that University Lecturers are required to earn a Doctorate Degree to become Professors. PhD Professors are said to be seriously depleted. What is the position in your Faculty/ University?

The policy requiring a Doctorate Degree for appointment

"At Obafemi Awolowo University, we have taken strong measures to curb this evil. The University has policies and mechanisms for reporting and investigating sexual misconduct, and our Faculty upholds a zero-tolerance stance for sexual harassment"

as a Professor, has long been entrenched in our Faculty. Undoubtedly, a Doctorate Degree promotes depth of scholarship and research culture. Today, I can authoritatively state that about 95% of our Lecturers have Ph.Ds, while all our Professors are Ph.D holders. As a matter of fact, this has been the tradition at OAU from the early 1960s, when the Faculty prided itself with the presence of legal juggernauts in the likes of Professors Ijalaye, Fabunmi, Oretuyi, Kasunmu, and Dr Akinola Aguda.

Interestingly, the Faculty enjoys the presence of Ph.D holders who received their postgraduate training within the Faculty and in some from other Law Faculties within the country, while some obtained theirs outside the shores of the country, thereby bringing diversity and depth to our teaching and research.

Post-UTME tests now come with an option to either take the test online or physical test. Which option does OAU Law Faculty adopt? Which is most reliable, and which option does your Faculty prefer, and why?

Technology is reshaping education globally, and universities must adapt intelligently. At OAU, the post-UTME process has evolved and now, it is done entirely online, though with strict monitoring and verification.

The future belongs to the University that can embrace innovations. OAU is positioning itself, to be that University.

The brain drain has become quite exacerbated, with a mass exodus of experienced Law teachers from Government Universities to Private Universities. Also, many have

moved abroad. To what extent, has this affected your Faculty?

The brain drain phenomenon, is one of the most painful realities of our time. Many of our finest minds - in law, science, medicine, and the humanities - have sought better opportunities abroad or in private universities. This exodus has thinned the ranks of experienced teachers in public institutions, including ours.

At the Faculty of Law, OAU, we have indeed, felt the impact. Some of our valued colleagues have left. Today, our Faculty is grossly under-staffed and unless urgent steps are taken to rescue the ugly situation, it may constitute a serious threat to our future accreditation. But, not only that, the quality of teaching and research is bound to be negatively impacted, when lecturers are overwhelmed by official responsibilities.

Without exaggerating, our Faculty is the least staffed throughout the country especially in comparison with contemporary Law Faculties of ABU, UI, and UNN. This is in relation to the population of students vis-à-vis that of the teaching staff.

Sadly, the challenge that the Faculty currently faces is not limited to the shortage of academic staff, but, also paucity of funds. Without mincing words, the Faculty needs all the assistance it can get at the moment, especially from the alumni body to surmount the challenge of funds.

Ultimately, I believe no mind that truly loves truth ever leaves the University permanently. They may travel physically, but spiritually, they remain with us. Our task is to build a Faculty so excellent, that even those who left will long to return - to teach, to mentor, to give back.

Thank you Prof.

Dean, Faculty of Law, obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor olugbemi Fatula

Bamise’s Death and Conspiracy

On Friday, May 2, 2025, the High Court of Lagos State delivered judgement in the case of a driver in the employment of Lagos State, who raped and killed a lady passenger in cold blood. He was convicted and sentenced to death ,after a protracted trial that started in 2022. The deceased, Oluwabamise Toyosi Ayanwole was a young Nigerian lady who left her hometown in Ekiti State in search of greener pastures in Lagos, like many other Nigerians. She was 22 years old and the last child of her parents, Joseph and Comfort Ayanwole. She had nine other siblings and worked as a fashion designer, before her untimely death.

On February 26, 2022, after leaving work at Ajah area of Lagos State, Bamise boarded a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system at Chevron, Lekki heading to Oshodi on the Lagos Mainland around 7:30pm, with the intention of going to visit her elder brother’s family to spend the weekend. After boarding the bus, the driver flirted with her and told her to sit at the back. At the time, she was the only passenger in the bus and she observed that the interior was dark. She also noticed that, at least two other male passengers entered the bus afterwards. The driver did not pick more passengers. There were no CCTV cameras, in the bus. She immediately sent voice notes to her friend via WhatsApp, revealing her concerns. She also sent some video recordings of the bus interior with the bus plate number identifier to her friend, who advised her to alight as soon as possible at the next bus stop. Afterwards, further attempts by her friends and relatives to contact her via phone calls were unsuccessful. Prior to this, one of her last recorded conversations with her friend was "... Please, pray for me". After several failed attempts to communicate with Bamise via her phone, the last known sound heard after a caller picked her phone revealed her struggling with an unidentified man. The following day, she was reported missing. On March 7, 2022, her lifeless body was discovered naked near the Carter Bridge on Lagos Island. An eyewitness stated that Bamise was still alive after she was thrown out of the BRT bus, but, she couldn't be treated or rushed to the hospital before she died. There are conflicting reports in the media, as to whether her corpse was found whole or mutilated.

Arrest of the Culprit

The driver of the BRT was eventually traced and identified, as 50-year-old Andrew Nice Omininikoron. He kept mute after the incident. After Bamise's disappearance was made public, he fled and went into hiding in neighbouring Ogun State. He was tracked down and arrested by the Department of State Security Operatives, and handed over to the Police for questioning and custody. He initially confessed to raping Bamise and abandoning her, but, he later changed his story, denying any involvement in her murder. He claimed that his bus was hijacked by armed robbers (referring to the men who entered the bus), who also kidnapped Bamise at gunpoint. His claims were challenged by Bamise's relatives, friends and Nigerians. Accusations of rape and sexual assault were brought to light, by at least two other female victims of Andrew in similar circumstances. His suspected accomplices are also yet to be identified, to date. Public protests led to the suspension of BRT Transport operations in Lagos State, for some days.

The Criminal Trial

There was considerable public outrage regarding the circumstances leading to Bamise's death, and demand for justice on her behalf. Initially, some mystery was woven around the incident which tended to mask the truth of what transpired, but, due to the vigilance of Bamise’s family, protest by Nigerians and extensive, relentless media coverage, the Lagos State Government swung into action. Working with the Police and the family, investigation was expedited and the rapist killer was

Wanted: Holistic Justice for Bamise

This article by learned Senior advocate ebun-Olu adegboruwa, discusses the sad case of 22 year old bamise ayanwole who was raped and murdered by Lagos State brT driver, andrew Nice omininikoron, who was convicted and sentenced to death after a protracted three year trial. aside from explaining the lessons learned from this unfortunate incident, the Senior advocate believes that for there to be holistic justice for bamise, her family must be compensated by the Lagos State Government

arraigned in Court on a five-count charge of conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, rape and murder. At the arraignment, the Honourable Attorney-General of Lagos State made a personal appearance, and vowed to ensure dutiful prosecution. He led the first prosecution witness, one Madam Odezulu, who narrated the vivid details of how Andrew (BRT driver) picked her up in Ajah the previous year on November 25, 2021, and forcefully raped her inside the same bus. In demonstration of the commitment of the Government to the trial, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions was also involved in the trial, as well as other experienced Counsel from the Ministry.

I was present in court on one occasion, to witness the trial proceedings. The Police and the other law enforcement agencies teamed up with the Ministry of Justice, to ensure dutiful prosecution. Mr Kayode Aluko, a Fleet Operational Manager with the Lagos State BRT, also testified in court and identified Andrew as the driver of the bus in question. He was employed in 2021, through an outsourcing company. The case of the prosecution was very detailed and well packaged, such that one could reasonably predict the verdict of the court. On the other hand, the defence was very weak and porous. This resulted in delay tactics and filibustering by the defence to weary the prosecution and prolong the trial, leading to several adjournments, but: the public kept vigil with the court proceedings.

Upon the close of the prosecution’s case, the defence made a feeble no case submission which was promptly dismissed by

“In its judgement, the trial court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the deceased’s dying declarations to establish Omininikoron’s guilt”

the trial Court, prompting the Defendant to mount the witness box to testify in his defence. His case was very porous, weak and rather unconvincing. It therefore, did not come as a surprise to all that he was given the maximum sentence by the court, to give a sense of justice to Bamise’s family, to act as deterrent to other Andrews who may be lurking around, and also as a reward for the painstaking investigation and prosecution of the case. In its judgement, the trial court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the deceased’s dying declarations to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.

The Lessons from Bamise’s Case In the course of investigation of this case and the trial, several issues were thrown up, which deserve to be addressed. First, is that there are many unreported rape cases, due mainly to negative public perception and profiling, cultural limitations and religious constraints.

Had the first victim Odezulu reported her case to the Police and the BRT authorities, Andrew may have been promptly checkmated. Second, is the mentality of the Police, and their lame responses to citizens’ complaints. Usually, the Police should be a friendly institution that will encourage victims to speak out, but, that has not been the case. Indeed, there is a trending story that Complainants are forced to pay N50,000 before they are permitted to submit their petitions at a Police formation in Lagos. Then the Complainant has to fund the investigation, which has no standard measure, but is always dependent on the benevolence of the investigating Police Officer and the status of the Complainant. When Odezulu was asked by the defence Counsel during her cross-examination if she reported the case at the Police station, she said she did not do so because she had had a bad experience with the Police at Jakande Police Station, and that if she had reported, they would have insulted her. The common experience of rape victims is to be accused of indecent dressing, prostitution and such other degrading epithets.

Third, is the distrust for public commuting

and public transportation generally. If what befell Bamise could happen in a Government facility, what then is the fate of commuters who patronise private operators daily? Hear Madam Odezulu: “After the incident, whenever I’m coming back from work and see any BRT bus, I used to look inside to see if it was him. I have seen him like four times at the Chevron Tollgate when he passed”. Imagine the trauma!

Another major lesson to learn from the Bamise case, is the intolerable delay in the administration of criminal justice. The trial started in 2022 and it was not concluded until 2025, spanning a long period of about three years. In the usual chequered history of trial of cases in Lagos, Bamise’s case is considered to have enjoyed accelerated hearing, perhaps, due to the direct involvement of senior officials of the Ministry of Justice and the public attention given to the case. The lesson here is to develop a mechanism of speedy adjudication of cases in the courts, so that parties will know their fate within a reasonable time.

Holistic Justice for Bamise

Justice in the Bamise case cannot and should not end with the verdict of the court, but should be extended to the family and her survivors. During the trial, the Defendant was confirmed to be an employee of Lagos State, which brings the issue of vicarious liability of the employer into focus. The crime took place right inside the BRT facility, owned and operated by the Lagos State Government. All worthy commendations go to the Governor, the law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Justice for following up with the case to the end. However, a life has been lost and it cannot be replaced. The concept of justice will not be complete in this case, if there is no compensation for the Ayanwole family, in very reasonable proportions. Governor Sanwo-Olu paid compensation for all victims of #EndSARS, caused primarily by Police officers not under State control. It should therefore, not be difficult for the Governor to pay Bamise's family in a case which is directly connected to and perpetrated by an agent of Lagos State Government. That will be real justice for Bamise.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

ebun-Olu adegboruwa, SaN

late Bamise ayanwole

Kaduna Peace Model: How Uba Sani’s Non-Kinetic Strategy Turned Fear into Hope

By Sani Liman Kila

For years, Kaduna’s name struck fear into the hearts of travellers and traders. Once-vibrant local economies in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru and Kauru became graveyards of opportunity — haunted by abductions, bloodshed and despair. The old “force-first” method — military raids, aerial bombardments and curfews — brought temporary relief but no lasting peace. Instead, it hardened resentments and deepened the gulf between government and governed.

The numbers told a grim story. By the time the kinetic approach reached its peak, hundreds of innocent civilians had been killed or displaced, thousands of children were out of school, and entire markets had collapsed. The countryside was silenced by fear.

Between 2015 and 2023, Kaduna recorded 1,660 security incidents, resulting in 4,876 deaths. In 2021 alone, 1,192 people were killed, 3,348 kidnapped, and 891 injured. The first quarter of 2022 saw 360 killed and 1,399 abducted — in just three months. In frontline LGAs such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru and Chikun, fatalities ranged between 400 and 800 lives per area over the eight-year period. These were not mere statistics — they were human tragedies that tested Kaduna’s endurance and spirit.

But a new doctrine was on the horizon — one that would upend the conventional wisdom of fighting terror with terror. When Governor Uba Sani assumed office, he refused to accept that Kaduna’s destiny was perpetual conflict. Guided by his conviction that “you cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust,” he launched what is now widely referred to as the Kaduna Peace Model — a bold non-kinetic approach that is transforming the state’s security landscape and winning back hearts long lost to violence.

A Joint Blueprint: Kaduna Govt and ONSA Rewrite the Script

At the heart of this transformation lies a powerful collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government. Together, they established a joint technical committee made up of stakeholders, social scientists, and local administrators. This team didn’t arrive with tanks or drones — they came with empathy, dialogue and data.

In their first major engagement, 58 captives were released by bandits without a single gunshot. Encouraged by trust-building measures, over 80 more hostages were freed in the following weeks. Today, that number has risen to over 500 captives — all released unhurt, a historic milestone in Kaduna’s long quest for peace.

“The peace we are building in Kaduna is rooted in dialogue, not dominance,” Governor Uba Sani once pointed out.

The Turning Point: Dialogue and Demands

The breakthrough came during the second round of sittings between the ONSA–Kaduna special committee and leaders of the armed groups. It was an unconventional negotiation, but one anchored on realism.

The bandits, weary of endless clashes

Uba Sani

and displacement, tabled their conditions:

1. Re-opening of local markets;

2. Access to schools for their children;

3. Access to medical facilities — particularly in Birnin Gwari, Giwa and parts of Southern Kaduna.

Rather than dismiss these as mere tactics, the government saw them for what they were — the basic needs of citizens trapped between survival and surrender. Governor Sani swiftly approved the reopening of markets and directed the restoration of normal life in affected communities.

The results were immediate and visible.

The once-ghostly corridors of Giwa and Birnin Gwari now bustle with activity. Travellers testify that one can journey through these areas “no matter how late” and still arrive safely — something unthinkable two years ago.

Clerics, Turji and the Wider Context

Separately, clerics led by Sheikh Musa Yusuf (Asadus-Sunnah) publicly disclosed that they had held deep-forest meetings with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and other commanders.

According to a Vanguard report dated August 5, 2025, the cleric revealed that “32 captives were freed and arms surrendered” after dialogue engagements with Turji. The Ripples Nigeria follow-up article on August 6, 2025, noted the initial peace gesture also included granting farmers access to fields previously sealed by insecurity.

This reporting matters for Kaduna’s model because it illustrates how local stakeholders and local administartors are creating openings for broader, state-level peace-building: releases, permissions for farmers to return to their fields, and limited disarmament that reduce immediate harms on the ground.

From Bandits to Peacekeepers

Perhaps the most striking evidence of this turnaround is the emergence of repented bandits now acting as protectors of the very peace they once shattered.

In Birnin Gwari, the once-dreaded ‘Jan

Bros’ now patrols the same forests that hid his men, ensuring no new threats arise.

In Southern Kaduna, a notorious figure known as ‘Yellow 1 million’ has become a mediator and peace advocate, preventing violence from resurfacing.

These conversions may sound improbable, but they are the real, raw fruits of a peace process that dared to engage rather than exterminate. As one security analyst put it, “Kaduna has done what many states only dream of — turning former adversaries into custodians of peace.”

Ongoing Engagement: A Living Model

The Kaduna Peace Model is not a one-off experiment; it’s a living, evolving process. Just last week, the special committee met again — this time with bandit leaders, district heads from Kajuru, Kauru, Kagarko and Kachia, alongside traditional rulers and local government chairmen. The meeting, chaired by Asadus-Sunnah, focused on consolidating existing gains and preventing any relapse.

This continuity — of dialogue, trust and surveillance — distinguishes Kaduna’s approach from earlier, short-lived peace efforts elsewhere in Nigeria.

Economic Rebirth: When Peace Pays Dividends

Peace has begun to yield tangible rewards. Farming in Giwa and Birnin Gwari and Southern Kaduna is at its most productive in years. Cattle trading, once crippled by fear, has roared back to life — with 20 to 30 trucks of cattle now plying routes that were sealed off by insecurity for decades. The revival of commerce is not just economic; it’s symbolic — a reflection of dignity restored.

“Every reopened market is a victory over fear,” Governor Sani declared. “Every child back in school is proof that dialogue can defeat despair.”

The African Parallel: Peace Beyond the Gun

Kaduna’s model resonates far beyond

Nigeria. Across Africa, nations have grappled with the futility of purely military solutions. From the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme to Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation and Uganda’s talks with the Lord’s Resistance Army, the lesson is the same: lasting peace is never born from the barrel of a gun — it is cultivated through inclusion, empathy and justice.

Governor Uba Sani and the ONSA team have localized this wisdom. Their approach demonstrates that soft power, guided by trust and backed by policy, can reclaim even the most hardened terrains.

Why the Kaduna Model Works

Three core principles underpin the Kaduna Peace Model:

1. Shared Ownership : Peace is co-created by communities, not dictated from government offices. Traditional rulers, youth, women, and security agents sit at the same table.

2. Socio-economic Inclusion : Reviving markets, schools and clinics removes the oxygen that fuels insurgency.

3. Trust through Consistency : Dialogue is ongoing, not episodic. ONSA’s involvement ensures institutional memory and continuity across agencies. These principles align with public observations by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who, in an interview with Channels TV on July 29, 2025, praised the unified non-kinetic strategy and confirmed that “hundreds of captives have been freed nationwide through coordinated peace-focused interventions.” Ribadu also noted that the “red-line now is credible intelligence, community involvement and permanent disengagement” rather than simply raids and arrests.

The Road Ahead

Even if sporadic threats still exist, the foundations of peace in Kaduna are firmer than before. Governor Uba Sani remains resolute: “We are not declaring victory; we are declaring commitment. Every day we sustain this peace is a day closer to permanent stability for our people.” His words now echo across the oncedesolate valleys of Birnin Gwari, other parts of Southern Kaduna and Giwa — places where gunfire has given way to the laughter of children and the hum of commerce.

Finally: A Lesson for Nigeria and Africa

The Kaduna Peace Model stands as living proof that even in Nigeria’s most volatile corridor, peace can be brokered through dialogue and sustained through development. It affirms a simple but profound truth — security without humanity is insecurity in disguise. By partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Governor Uba Sani has shown that the war for peace is not won in forests or airstrikes, but in hearts willing to forgive, leaders ready to listen, and communities bold enough to rebuild. In Kaduna today, the guns are quieter, the roads are open — and hope is audible again.

•Malam Sani Liman Kila is Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State

How UBA is Investing in Africa’s Future through GMAP

Through its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), United Bank for Africa is redefining youth empowerment and leadership development across the continent, equipping hundreds of young professionals with the skills to drive Africa’s financial and economic transformation. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has once again reaffirmed its leadership in youth empowerment and talent development with the graduation of over 700 young professionals from its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP).

The ceremony, held at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos on Sunday, October 19, 2025, brought together participants from Nigeria and other African countries where UBA operates. It was a vibrant showcase of optimism, ambition and the bank’s enduring commitment to nurturing a new generation of leaders for the continent’s economic and financial transformation.

Since its inception just over three years ago, the GMAP has graduated more than 4,000 banking and finance professionals across Africa. The programme equips young entrants with practical knowledge, leadership skills and hands-on experience to enable them to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the financial sector’s growth.

A Celebration of Promise and Purpose

The Lagos event was graced by the bank’s Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke; board members; senior executives; and faculty members, who together welcomed the newly trained professionals into what they call the “UBA Tribe”.

Addressing the excited graduands, Elumelu affectionately described them as “lions and lionesses”, emphasising that UBA’s greatest strength lies in its people and its belief in the transformative power of youth.

“We are happy to have you as part of this tribe,” he told them. “At UBA, we strongly believe in the transformative power of young people, and that is why we designed this programme that allows us to transfer the baton of knowledge and experience onto others. A few decades ago, I started out just like you, fresh out of the university, and I am glad that this organisation is providing for you that same opportunity that I got. I look forward to seeing you prove your worth.”

Elumelu drew parallels between his early career and the journey of the graduates, noting that the essence of UBA’s mission goes beyond financial gain. “UBA’s role is not only about making profits,” he said, “but also about being relevant to the environment and helping to catalyse economic prosperity for Africa.”

Shaping Leaders, Building Legacy

For UBA, GMAP is more than a corporate training scheme; it is a strategic initiative to raise leaders who will sustain the bank’s legacy and contribute to Africa’s development.

Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke, representing the Group Managing Director, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, echoed this sentiment in his remarks.

“This ceremony is a celebration of potential, perseverance and purpose,” he said. “You all are not just graduates; you are our next generation of innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of an enduring legacy. This programme reflects our belief that Africa’s future will be shaped not by chance, but by capable and courageous leaders like you.”

He explained that the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme is an intensive six-month journey that blends classroom learning, digital simulations, field assignments and mentorship from

senior executives. According to him, the programme’s success lies in its ability to transform young graduates into professionals who are ready to lead with integrity and confidence.

“The GMAP is a platform that demands commitment, but it also rewards ambition,” Nweke added.

“It prepares you to think critically, act ethically, and lead decisively. What you have learned here will define your career journey.”

Expanding Horizons Beyond Africa

UBA’s dedication to human capital development is matched by its ambition to expand Africa’s financial reach to the rest of the world. With a workforce of over 25,000 employees serving more than 45 million customers globally, the bank continues to strengthen its operations across 20 African countries and in key international markets such as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.

As part of its broader strategic vision,

UBA is now setting its sights on tapping into the financial power of the African diaspora while deepening its presence in Asia, particularly in Dubai.

During the GMAP Cohort 17 and 18 graduation, Elumelu explained that these markets are crucial to the bank’s next phase of growth. “We believe that the African diaspora and Asian markets offer significant opportunities for UBA to grow its business while also contributing to the economic development of Africa,” he said.

“So we are improving our expertise. As we improve, we can now export it to some of these more advanced markets. In the area of trade, we want to do more. That is why we started in Dubai.”

Supporting Reform and National Growth

Beyond banking, Elumelu also voiced his support for the Federal Government’s new tax law, which comes into effect on 1 January 2026. He described it as a transformative step in Nigeria’s

fiscal reform journey.

“I support it wholeheartedly,” he said. “But there might be areas that require fine-tuning. You hardly ever have a policy that is 100% effective, but I support it for a variety of reasons. Number one, tax-to-GDP in Nigeria is one of the worst in the world. So long as the money can be channelled to the right purposes, it will make a real difference. Personally, it’s going to affect me very, very hard, but this is where personal interest and national interest take precedence.”

A Generation Poised to Lead

As the new graduates step into their roles within the UBA Group, they carry the responsibility of shaping the future of Africa’s banking and financial landscape. They represent a generation that blends innovation with integrity and ambition with purpose.

Through initiatives like GMAP, UBA continues to strengthen its identity as not just a financial institution, but as a catalyst for growth, nurturing Africa’s next generation of thinkers, builders and leaders.

L-R: Directorate Head, North Bank, Mr. Abdulai Ibrahim; Executive Director, Abuja & North Central, Mr. Alex Alozie; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi; Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke; Group Head, Human Capital Management, Mrs. Modupe Akindele; and Company Secretary, Mr. Bili Odum, flanked by graduands of the 2025 Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) class of United Bank for Africa (UBA), at the graduation ceremony held for over 700 trainees from across Africa in Lagos, recently

L-R: Group Head, Human Capital Management, Mrs. Modupe Akindele; Directorate Head, North Bank, Mr. Abdulai Ibrahim; Executive Director, Abuja & North Central, Mr. Alex Alozie; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi; Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Group Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke; and Company Secretary, Mr. Bili Odum, flanked by GMAP graduands

Group Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke and Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, flanked by the graduands

Standard Chartered Meets CBN’s N200bn Minimum Capital Requirement

Kayode Tokede

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has announced that it has successfully fulfilled the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) N200 billion minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks, in advance of the regulatory deadline.

This achievement highlights the bank’s formidable financial foundation and steadfast commitment to deeply contribute to Nigeria’s economic advancement and financial stability.

Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Dalu Ajene in a statement stated that: “Delivering on the CBN’s recapitalization

directive ahead of schedule underscores our unwavering confidence in the resilience and potential of the Nigerian economy. This achievement reaffirms Standard Chartered’s enduring partnership with Nigeria and our steadfast commitment to foster sustainable growth, support clients, and play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s financial and economic transformation.”

With a distinguished global heritage spanning over 170 years in Africa, and 26 years of dedicated service in Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited continues to harness its global expertise with local insights to provide innovative banking solutions that empower individuals, businesses,

and communities to prosper.

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited Dayo Omolokun added: The recapitalisation of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited ahead of the March 2026 deadline reinforces the Group’s commitment to Nigeria, as an important and strategic market on the African continent.

“Since returning to Nigeria to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in 1999, the Bank has supported clients and customers with structured financial solutions running into billions of Dollars, combining differentiated cross-border capabilities with leading wealth management expertise.”

Nigerians Urged to Comply to Tax Reforms to Boost Economy

The International Friendship League (IFL), a non-denominational fellowship founded by the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Dr William Kumuyi, has urged Nigerians and residents of the country to comply with the newly enacted tax reforms for the growth and stability of the nation’s economy.

The call was made at a monthly evening variety

meeting with the theme, “The New Tax Reforms Act: Its Implications on Individuals and Corporate Entities in 2026”, held in Port Harcourt.

In his message titled “Faithfulness to Our Civic Responsibility”, Coordinating Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, South South, Pastor Pius Idume, urged Nigerians to be patriotic, noting that the tax reforms are meant for the benefit of every citizen of the country.

In his presentation, Professor of Law and Taxation, Prof. Uche JackOsimiri, noted that the

new reform streamline taxation, stressing that it introduced modernisation of taxation by capturing digital transactions that escaped taxation before. Dismissing fear of unnecessary multiple taxation, during an interview with Journalists, Prof Jack-Osimiri who was a former Dean of Law, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, said; “multiple taxation is advisable, it must necessarily, because there is taxation due to the federal government, also taxation due to the state, also due to local government.”

‘Clean N Classy Stronger on Puality Service Delivery’

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Chief Executive Officer of a leading provider of cleaning, pest control, and facility management services, Clean N Classy, Mr Olumide Obembe, has disclosed that the firm has earned a reputation for professionalism, compliance, and quality service delivery. This is just as he urged Nigerians to prioritise hygiene both at home and in their communities, describing sanitation as essential to public health and economic progress. Obembe while addressing journalists to mark the first

anniversary of the branch of the company in Ibadan, said its vision is to foster an eco-friendly environment in the country, noting that within a year of its operation in Ibadan, it has recorded remarkable progress and achieved 100 per cent customer satisfaction.

While noting that Clean N Classy, is duly registered and licensed by the Federal Ministry of Environment, he explained that the firm’s expansion reflected its rapid growth, commitment to environmental sustainability, and dedication to client satisfaction.

He said, “Cleanliness is everybody’s responsibility. The government cannot do it alone. If we all take ownership of our environment, the results will be visible and the impact, far-reaching. When homes and surroundings are clean, the chances of diseases spreading are greatly reduced. A cleaner environment means fewer hospital visits and healthier citizens.

“We must change our national attitude to cleanliness. If properly managed, public hygiene could drastically reduce disease outbreaks and health crises within just a few years.”

Parallex Bank Boss Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

The University of Lagos, Faculty of Arts has honoured the the MD/CEO of Parallex Bank Limited, Dr. Olufemi Bakre with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The faculty said the award recognised his exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and outstanding contribution to the Nigerian banking and financial sector.

Bakre, an alumnus of the University of Lagos, has carved an impressive career marked by innovation, integrity, and transformative leadership.

As the pioneer Managing Director/ CEO of Parallex Bank, he has led the institution to remarkable growth, steering it from inception

L-R: Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Doris Uboh;

to profitability in under three years.

In his acceptance remarks, Bakre expressed profound gratitude to the University of Lagos for the honour, dedicating the award to the Parallex Bank team and reaffirming his commitment to excellence, innovation, and nation-building through ethical banking.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Managing Director, REA, Mr. Abba Aliyu; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Divisional Head, Business Banking, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. George Ogbonnaya and Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, at the FCMB pavilion during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum held in Abuja...recently

Caverton Group Grows Gross Profit by 16%, Scales Down Losses in Q3

Kayode Tokede

Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Nigeria’s leading provider of marine, aviation, and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies, has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, showing continued operational improvement and

strong recovery momentum despite a difficult business environment.

The group’s financial figures for Q3, 2025, made available to investors on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, showed that Gross profit rose by 16 per cent to N10.9 billion in the review period compared to N9.4 billion in the same period of 2025.

Operating profit improved to N9.8 billion as against the

N34.9 billion loss printed in Q3 2024 while Loss Before Tax scaled down to N4.6 billion compared with N41.6 billion in Q3 2024.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) though still in the negative, appreciated to-N1.38 up from -N12.42 in Q3 2024.

Revenue dropped by 66.8 per cent from N34.2 billion in Q3, 2024 to N20.5 billion in Q3, 2025.

Furthermore, the group’s profitability ratios look more promising with gross margin rising to 55.6 per cent in the review period compared to 15.2 per cent in 2024. Net Profit(loss) Margin stood at – 18.9.per cent as against -19.7 per cent in 2024. EBIT/Interest Expense rose to 28.1.per cent from 23.1 per cent in 2024. Capital Structure ratios showed that Net debt/ Equity recorded -1.1x (2.4x in

2024). Long-Term Debt/Total capitalization is -1.1x (-5.6x in 2024), Asset turnover is 0.3x (0.3x in 2024) and EBIT/Capital Employed is -0.2% (-0.1% in 2024).

Commenting on the results, Group CEO, Caverton Group, Olabode Makanjuola noted that the Q3 2025 performance underscores the strength of Caverton’s business fundamentals and the positive trajectory of its

turnaround strategy.

“While we acknowledge the current loss position, the significant reduction in pre-tax losses and strong operating profit demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives to stabilize operations, enhance cost efficiency, and strengthen earnings quality. Our focus remains on repositioning Caverton for longterm, sustainable growth,” said Makanjuola.

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 30 October 2025, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price:

BUSINESS WORLD

RATES AS AT Nov E mb ER 3, 2025

FG, States, LGs Share N16.4tn

Revenue Surges Nearly

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s three tiers of government collectively received about N16.44 trillion from the Federation Account between January and September 2025, according to official data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The figure marked about 40 per cent increase over the roughly N11.9 trillion shared during

the same period in 2024, reflecting improved oil receipts, stronger non-oil revenues, and exchange-rate adjustments that boosted naira inflows.

However, the paradox of higher earnings by the federation and decaying infrastructure as well as deepening poverty levels remain. This is because the fiscal windfall has not translated into tangible improvements in public utilities, education, healthcare, or road networks

across most states.

A month-by-month review of FAAC data showed steady growth throughout the period, with the sub-national governments getting N1.703 trillion in January this year. February followed with N1.678 trillion; March saw N1.578 trillion; April N1.681 trillion and May N1.659 trillion.

Besides, in June of this year, N1.818 trillion was distributed; in July it was N2.001 trillion;

August N2.225 trillion; and September N2.103 trillion. Together, the nine-month total stood at N16.446 trillion, making it one of the highest cumulative disbursements in Nigeria’s fiscal history.

Of the total amount, the federal government received about N5.66 trillion, state governments collectively took N5.52 trillion, while local government councils got around N4.04 trillion.

The oil-producing states received an additional N1.23

trillion under the 13 per cent derivation principle, a 27 per cent increase from the comparable period in 2024.

A THISDAY review showed that the surge in allocation reflected stronger revenue inflows, largely driven by improved oil production and stricter tax administration, as oil output averaged about 1.5 million barrels per day in the third quarter of 2025, up from 1.3 million barrels per day a year earlier.

The rebound was aided by tighter enforcement against crude theft, reopening of key export terminals, and relative stability in the exchange rate, which lifted the naira value of dollar inflows. However, the surge in allocations, also means that most states are now more financially vulnerable, as dependence on federation funding has inevitably heightened.

Abia Govt Targets Turkey, European Investors for Revival of Moribund Textile, Ceramic Industries

The Abia State Government is targeting Turkey and other European investors to revive moribund textile, ceramic and other industries in the state.

The state government revealed this last week when the Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State, on Promotion of

Public Private-Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Jerome Green-Amakwe and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu, hosted a press conference in Lagos State to announce the forthcoming “Abia Turkey Investment Summit/ Product Exhibition.”

Speaking during the conference, the

Technical Adviser to the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Abia State, Dr. Fidelis Uchenna Offor, said that the strategy is for the investors to come and partner with local companies, “for the things we already have capacity to produce.”

Offor said: “One of the things they are coming to do is not just to bring new

investments. We have a lot of moribund industries thar we expect their owners to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors from Turkey to revive.We want to use it to transfer technology and they are coming with technical know-how. They are also coming with capital to revive those companies.

“They are going to work

with our people and train them while we agree on technical management agreement. That is one. So, they are not just coming to invest on new industries, they are also coming to help us to revitalise those ones that dead. For instance, we have ceramic company in Umuahia, We have Abia Textile, machine tools factory and quite a

number of them that are scattered there.”

He said that the purpose is for them to partner with local entrepreneurs and bring those industries back to life.

“We are going to midwife whatever agreement they will reach to ensure a winwin situation,” Offor said.

Dike Onwuamaeze

Police File Charges against Property Developer Over Plot Dispute in Ikoyi

Wale Igbintade

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has filed a fivecount criminal charge against businessman Alhaji Hameed Kasumu and his company, Kings County Property Investment Limited, at the Lagos State High Court, over allegations relating to forcible entry, unlawful possession, and conspiracy concerning 15 Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi.

The charges follow an investigation into complaints lodged by Muhammadu Dahiru Wada.

The case is being prosecuted by police officers; Kyeue Roland Aban and E.U. Uzowuru, citing provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and the Lagos

State Properties Protection Law, 2016.

Kasumu and his company are accused of conspiring to commit trespass, intimidation, and acts likely to cause a breach of peace, as well as unlawfully occupying property legally owned by Wada.

The charge sheet lists five alleged offenses occurring between 2021 and 2023, including conspiracy, forcible entry, unlawful possession of land, intent to cause fear, and illegal occupation of property at Plot 15, Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi.

The first count alleged conspiracy to commit trespass, intimidation, forcible entry, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Oil Prices: Shell’s Q3 Profit Falls 10%, TotalEnergies’ 2%

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Shell and TotalEnergies have posted quarterly profit falls of 10 per cent and 2 per cent respectively, dragged down by lower oil prices, though Shell beat expectations helped by better trading results in its huge gas division.

While Shell, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas trader, is keeping its $3.5 billion buyback pace, TotalEnergies said it would scale back in the fourth quarter, under pressure to

keep a lid on its debt.

Shell’s buybacks have topped $3 billion for the last 16 quarters. By the end of the year, it will have bought back more than a quarter of its shares in four years, Reuters reported. The buybacks, together with $2.1 billion in dividends, take Shell’s shareholder payouts over the last four quarters to 48 per cent of operating cash flow, within the company’s 40 per cent to 50 per cent target range.

Shell’s adjusted earnings, its definition of net profit, fell to $5.4 billion in the quarter to September 30 but beat the $5.09 billion expected by analysts in a poll provided by the company.

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

French major TotalEnergies’s adjusted net income slipped to $4.0 billion from $4.1 billion a year earlier.

Shell reported quarterly cash flow from operations of $12.2 billion, down from $14.7 billion a year earlier.

Profits at Shell’s integrated gas unit and oil-focused upstream division both beat expectations but were down from last year.

Total’s downstream results jumped by 76 per cent. European margins on refining fuels have soared more than 300 per cent buoyed by a European Union (EU) ban on fuel imports made from Russian oil.

The second count charges forcible entry, with the defendants accused of entering Plot 15 with the intent to disrupt peaceful possession.

The third count charges

unlawful possession of the land, while the fourth alleges the use of intimidation against the lawful owner.

The fifth and final count accused Kasumu and his company of illegal

occupation, with refusal to vacate the property despite the owner’s legal rights.

According to a police investigation report dated April 23, 2025, Kasumu had previously obtained a

court judgment in favour of his company for Plot 16, Alexander Avenue.

However, the execution of this judgment reportedly involved Plot 15, which belongs to Wada.

Africa Must Control its Cocoa Destiny, Says Cocoa Farmers

African Heads of State have been urged to take the future of their cocoa industry into their hands, stating the urgency to transform the continent’s cocoa industry from dependency to prosperity.

President of the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA), Adeola Adegoke who said this at the African Cocoa Summit and Awards 2025 held in Ghana, said Africa must move from being a mere exporter of raw

cocoa beans to becoming a ‘producer of finished cocoa products and a controller of its own destiny.

“Cocoa is not just a commodity; it is a livelihood, a legacy, and a lifeline for millions of African families. If Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa, then Africa can and must claim its rightful share of value, dignity, and prosperity,” he said.

Adegoke lamented the imbalance in the global cocoa

economy, where African farmers earn less than $2 per day while major multinational processors and chocolate manufacturers capture over 90 per cent of the profits.

“This is not just an economic injustice; it is a moral one. The hands that grow the cocoa should not live in poverty. The same farmers whose sweat sustains a $130 billion global chocolate market must begin to share in that wealth.”

He warned that unless bold structural reforms are

implemented, African cocoa producers risk losing their global leadership position to emerging competitors such as Ecuador and Brazil, who are rapidly increasing both production and value-chain integration.

“The era of exporting 100% raw beans and importing finished cocoa products and derivatives to Africa for consumption must end. Africa’s cocoa story must be rewritten by Africans, for Africans,” Adegoke declared.

FG Seeks IMF’s Support to Strengthen Fiscal Resilience in Oil Sector

The federal government has sought the technical support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in designing a transparent and resilient price modulation mechanism to help cushion domestic price shocks, insulate markets from extreme global volatility, and preserve fiscal discipline. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources,

Dr. Vitalis Obi, who made the request reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its fiscal and energy frameworks through sustained collaboration with international development partners.

Obi spoke in Abuja during a joint engagement between the ministry, its regulatory agencies, the

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and IMF Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) technical assistance mission on climate policy.

A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit in the ministry, Chris

Ugwuegbulam, explained that permanent secretary described the IMF mission as both timely and strategic. According to him, it aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework amid global energy market uncertainties, post-pandemic recovery, and growing climaterelated fiscal pressures.

NLNG Targets Young Nigerians with $20,000 Prize for Creative Arts

NLNG has stated that the new ‘The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts’ will target young Nigerians with the aim of inspiring them to tell stories that redefine the nation’s image.

In a statement, the company announced that the prize, a new category under its sponsored ‘The Nigeria Prizes’ will target emerging Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35 and challenge

young Nigerians to produce documentary films that celebrate the nation’s identity.

The prize’s cycle which will commence in February 2026 with a call for entry, alongside the other prizes like The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature and comes with the award money of $20,000.

General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable

Development, Sophia Horsfall, explained that the initiative reflects NLNG’s deep commitment to nurturing creative capital as part of national development.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to show the world our complexity, our brilliance, and our resilience through film. This Prize symbolises NLNG’s belief that

storytelling is nation-building that every frame, every voice, and every perspective matters in the shaping of who we are and who we aspire to be,” Horsfall said.

She emphasised that the initiative bridges Nigeria’s dynamic youth population and the broader creative industry, strengthening the nation’s voice globally while promoting unity and understanding through storytelling.

Gennex Trains 1,500 Engineers

Gennex Technologies, a Nigerian renewable energy company which specialisesin the sales, distribution and installation of solar energy products has trained over 1,500 indigenous engineers and technicians as part of its contribution to addressing the high skills gap in the solar

industry.

The training of the 1,500 engineers and technicians through the Gennex Academy over the last 10 years of the company’s existence, was also aimed at boosting the employability of the beneficiaries who were majorly youths.

The Chief Executive Officer of Gennex Technologies, Mr. Patrick Ilo, disclosed this at the company’s 10th anniversary and 10th Gennex Colloquium held in Lagos, with the theme: “A Decade of Innovation: Reflecting on 10 Years of Solar Energy Progress.”

Ilo added that solar power is

currently recording significant growth in Nigeria owing to some enabling policies introduced by the federal government, citing the expansion of his company’s products and service offerings in Nigeria and other countries, especially in the Pacific region.

Market Stall Millionaire: How Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 Transformed My Life

Until she became a millionaire through the Fidelity Bank Plc GAIM 6 promo, Mrs. Francesca Ogbonnaya was just a Fufu-dough made cassava used as a staple food in parts of West and central Africa, seller. In this interview, Ogbonnaya who is from Delta State, narrates how winning the promo changed her life. Oluchi Chibuzor presents the excerpts

Mrs Ogbonnaya

Let’s start this interview with a general introduction of yourself. Tell us about yourself as a customer of Fidelity Bank?

My name is Mrs. Francesca Ogbonnaya and I am from Delta State while my husband is from Ebonyi State, South – East Nigeria. I was born here in Kano State, which means I have been in the state for so long. I am a trader and as you can see, my business inside the market is trading. I sell fufu to different customers who buy and then resell in their restaurants or feed their families at home. I started banking with Fidelity Bank, about a year ago, that is sometime in 2024. And I have been with the bank since then.

Talking of banking with Fidelity Bank, may we know what inspired you to register with the bank instead of any other bank?

I think that my relationship with my former bank was not satisfactory enough. I had been hearing about Fidelity Bank and what I heard was encouraging. And so, when it was time to change my bank, Fidelity Bank naturally came to my mind. And I can tell you that I have not been disappointed. This is because all those good things that were said about the bank before I opened an account, I have experienced them while banking with them. Their staff attend to customers very well, and whenever I call my account officer, he attends to me very well. Each time I call on him regarding my account, he is on standby to help me.

When did you open an account with the bank?

Like I said earlier, I opened an account with the bank last year, around January or February 2024. And I opened a Savings Account.

What is your experience with the bank? Is it wonderful? And if yes, why?

My experience with the bank can only be described as wonderful.

Apart from all other services, this is the first time I am experiencing a thing like this. I have never experienced any bank in Nigeria where I won in a savings promo. With this alone, I will say that my experience with the bank has been wonderful, really wonderful because I never expected anything like this. I also never knew of the GAIM 6 promo. I just woke up one day and found that I have won such an amount of money from the bank. This is why I will repeat that they are a wonderful bank, they are a bank for the people.

You mean you didn’t know about GAIM 6 or any promotion, that you were just putting in your regular money and you won?

Yes! I had no idea of an on- going promotion by the bank. I deposit money with them every day. Every day, at the end of business, I put in something into my account, no matter how small. I make sure I put money every day and I withdraw when I want to withdraw. Any amount I

seek to withdraw, they give to me without wasting time.

I really didn’t know about any promo. As you can see in the market, I don’t have time for myself, talk less of having time to know about the Fidelity Bank’s Get Alert In Millions promo. I didn’t know of it. All I know is that one day, they called me on my phone number to inform me that I had won an amount of money in season 6 of GAIM. And that is all.

When you received the news that you had won some money from the bank, how did you feel?

The truth is I was sick on that day; I was actually lying on a sick bed when they called me to announce that I had won the sum of N1million from them. It was incredible. I was very, very happy and surprisingly, I jumped up and ran to my business outfit here to tell them the good news from the bank. At first, people around me did not want to believe, that it might be a scam. I told them that I trust my bank. And all they asked me to do was to go their branch to claim my money, which is what I did.

Moving forward, what do you intend to do with the money you just won from the bank? Or put another way, what have you done with your money?

Well, I have added it to my business capital and that has made my business bigger than what it was before the GAIM 6 promo money. I followed

the advice of the bank when I won the money and I can tell you they did not just leave me. They told me what and what I should do and I can tell you that my business has recorded an improvement. We are now doing better than we were doing before the promotion money came.

What is your message to the management of Fidelity Bank?

First, I want to thank the bank for the efforts they are putting in ensuring that their customers are satisfied. I pray that they continue to support their customers and I beg them to continue. This is because if they extend this sort of promotion money for a longer time, they would be making more people to become rich. They would be helping hands. So, I am begging God that they should not stop or halt this promotion. It should continue and it should touch the poor, so that more customers will be made rich by the help of the bank.

What is your message to Nigerians that are not yet banking with Fidelity Bank? What is your advice drawing from your experience?

Well, I will say that Fidelity Bank is a good bank. It is a place you bank and you don’t have to worry about the safety of your money. Instead, your money can even make you a millionaire. The Get Alert In Million Season 6 promo can change their lives as it has changed my own. So, I urge my fellow Nigerians to come and join us at Fidelity Bank because Fidelity Bank is a bank you can trust and we their customers are proud of them.

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Anambra Guber Poll: Soludo, Five Other Candidates in Show of Strength

By this Saturday, November 8, 2025, eligible voters in anambra State will go to the polls to elect a new governor. David-Chyddy Eleke presents an analysis of how some of the candidates for the election stand.

On Saturday, November 8, 2015, 15 candidates from various political parties will slug it out to replace Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Anambra State. The professor of econometrics, who is the incumbent governor of the state is also fighting hard to retain his seat, as he stands as the defending champion of the game, where others are trying hard to topple him.

Among the 16 candidates in the election are; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Paul Chukwuma of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Mr John Nwosu of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr George Moghalu of Labour Party (LP), Oti Echezona of Allied People’s Movement (APM), Ms. Chioma Ifemeludike of AAC, Jeff Nweke of Action Alliance (AA), Charles Onyeze of Accord, Geoff Onyejegbu of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Jude Ezenwafor of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Chukwududem Nweke of Action Peoples Party (APP).

Others are Jerry Okeke of Boot Party, Ndidi Olieh of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Martin Ugwoji of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Vincent Chukwurah of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Among the 16 candidates however, only about six of them have strong presence in Anambra state and have been noticeably carrying out campaigns. Even though the ruling party, APGA has an overwhelming presence in the state, the other parties have continued to work to ensure that they come out victorious, just as their candidates are hoping to carry the day at the poll.

Chukwuma Soludo - He is the incumbent governor of the state, a position that already affords him a privileged edge over the others, placing him far ahead of other candidates. Soludo is running on the platform of APGA, the party that has for about two decades held away in the state. He is running with Dr Onyeka Ibezim, younger brother of the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese. Considering the trend of religious politics in the state, both men are well placed, with Soludo a Catholic, a faith that has continually produced the

governor of the state. Soludo is from the Southern senatorial district; the zone favoured by the rotational arrangement in the state. The chances of Soludo and his party, APGA in the election is very high, especially as a greater number of people in the state believe he has done well in his first term.

Nicholas Ukachukwu - The businessman, serial entrepreneur and real estate mogul is the candidate of the APC. His chances in the election are also high, especially considering the fact that he is running on the platform of the ruling party in the country. He is paired with Senator Uche Ekwunife, a grassroot politician who is also known to have given the top seat a shot. She is popular in the state too, and her popularity will complement that of Ukachukwu in the election. However, Ukachukwu’s poor academic qualification has been a major campaign point for Soludo and his APGA members, who insist that a state with a large number of literate people can not allow a poorly educated person like Ukachukwu to lead.

On the other hand, Ukachukwu believes that Anambra under

Soludo has broken irretrievably and needs to be fixed. He promised to fix it, alongside his running mate. He is from the favoured southern zone, but not so favoured by the denominational politics that is rife in the state as he is of the Pentecostal stock.

Paul Chukwuma - Many believe that he is the best candidate which APC never had. Chukwuma left the APC after he lost the primary election and moved to YPP. He is brainy, full of ideas and seen as the only one who can match Soludo’s intellect, but two things stand in his way. They are the obscurity of his party and his root. He hails from northern zone, which had just finished their eight years tenure with Chief Willie Obiano. Chukwuma however does not see any of these as a barrier. He is one of the most noticeable candidates in the election and has visited every nook and cranny for campaigns. He believes that good governance should not have any origin, and has argued strongly against zoning and cited examples of those who violated it, including the incumbent, who contested against Peter Obi in 2010. He also believes that what is good for Anambra is good governance, irrespective of party. He is running with Uzu Okagbue, former Chief of Protocol to ex-governor Obiano.

John Nwosu - He is a fine gentleman in the mould of the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2021 presidential polls, Mr Peter Obi. Nwosu like Obi does

Among the 16 candidates however, only about six of them have strong presence in Anambra state and have been noticeably carrying out campaigns. Even though the ruling party, APGA has an overwhelming presence in the state, the other parties have continued to work to ensure that they come out victorious, just as their candidates are hoping to carry the day at the poll.

more thinking and less talking. He was in the Labour Party and enjoyed the support of Obi and members of his Obidients Movement until after the primary election of the party, when he moved to ADC. Nwosu’s candidature is believed to be popular among the bigwig politicians who signed up for the ADC coalition, and the forces are expected to show up for him during the election. He is among one of the few in the race who have a well documented manifesto for use in developing the state. Be that as it may, many factors may determine who carries the day, and Nwosu’s chances are not looking so bright in the forthcoming election.

George Moghalu - Immediate past Director General of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is the candidate of the Labour Party. Moghalu, an Nnewi indigene has fought so hard to keep the ticket of the party. This is because of the controversy surrounding the national leadership of the party. He is a veteran governorship contender and started the journey long ago during the days of APP, when he also ran for governor. He has secured the support of the leader of the party, Mr Peter Obi, but that is not all he needs to secure victory. Moghalu is an Anglican by faith. His campaign has been more against the incumbent, and putting the flaws of the current administration in full glare, than advertising his own programmes for the state. His chances for the election are not so bright.

Jeff Nweke - If there is any candidate that has played the role of a mediator since the electioneering, it is Nweke. He has been an advocate of a peaceful campaign, devoid of mudslinging. The security expert and real estate mogul hails from Awka in Anambra Central zone. Even though his aspiration violates the unwritten zoning arrangement in the state, he has a cult following among his Awka folks. He has pledged to solve the teething problem of security bedeviling Anambra State. He is better known as ‘the bad boy governor’, and dresses in robes and attires from American thriller movies. His chances of victory against Soludo can’t be adjudged bright, but he is making a mark with his campaigns.

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NIGERIA AND THE CPC DESIGNATION

The designation demonstrates a breakdown in both strategic foresight and diplomatic response, contends CHETA NWANZE

HER FATHER’S DAUGHTER

BASHIR IBRAHIM

HASSAN pays tribute to Hadiza Bala Usman,former managing director of NPA

opinion@thisdaylive.com

AFRICA’S QUIET REVOLUTION

The 21st century will not be defined by which nations have the most oil, gold, or gas. It will be defined by those that can govern well, unlock the potential of their people, and build institutions that endure. Around the world, power is shifting, not through military might alone, but through mastery of data, governance, technology, and trust. As artificial intelligence reshapes labour markets, climate change transforms economies, and global alliances realign, one question grows ever more urgent: which nations will lead the future, and which will be left behind? Africa sits at the heart of this moment. Today, 1.4 billion people call the continent home, a number set to reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050. Forty percent of the world’s youth will soon be African. Africa is not just rising; it is becoming impossible to ignore. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What will determine Africa’s path is the quality of its leadership, the strength of its institutions, and the courage of its public servants. Without these, opportunity can slip through even the most ambitious governments. This belief drives the AigImoukhuede Foundation. Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, the Foundation works quietly but strategically to improve lives across Africa by transforming public service delivery. It doesn’t fund projects from the outside. It invests from within, developing ethical, high-performing leaders who can shape institutions from the inside. Africa has ambition, creativity, and resources in abundance. Yet too often, potential is held back by governance gaps. Policies exist on paper but are rarely implemented. Budgets are approved but not optimised. Institutions struggle under outdated systems or leadership that cannot adapt to a rapidly changing world. These gaps don’t just slow progress; they erode public trust, discourage investment, and leave citizens underserved. The Foundation’s approach is different. It invests directly in public servants, giving them the skills, networks, and confidence to drive change from the inside. Its philosophy is simple: sustainable development can only happen if the people and systems delivering it are capable. Roads may connect cities, but it is strong institutions that connect citizens to opportunity. Learning from the Best, Bringing it Home. A central part of the Foundation’s strategy is its partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, a global leader in public policy education. Emerging African leaders study, learn, and gain exposure to international best practices, but with one mandate: they will return home to transform their institutions. The goal isn’t to create expatriates; it is to create reformers. Leaders who see their

work not just as administration, but as shaping Africa’s future. The AIG Scholar: Learning to Lead, Committed to Return Scholarships are often awarded for personal advancement. The AIG Scholarship flips that expectation. Fully funded by the Foundation, it allows exceptional public servants to pursue a Master of Public Policy at Oxford but with a twist: they must return home to transform their institutions. Since its inception, 33 scholars have stepped from classrooms straight into the engine rooms of governance, equipped not to observe change, but to lead it. Take Abdul-Fatawu Hakeem, Head of Debt Policy and Risk Management at Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. His Oxford training translated directly into Ghana’s national debt restructuring programme, shaping the country’s economic stability and fiscal strategy. Or Oluwapelumi Olugbile, the current 2025 scholar from NIGCOMSAT, who arrived at Oxford recently with one mission: to make every naira spent by government deliver real value. For her, finance is not administration, it is public service. The AIG Fellow: From Knowledge to Transformational Action The 2025 AIG Fellow, Funke Adepoju, Director-General of Nigeria’s Administrative Staff College (ASCON), exemplifies this mission. For decades, public sector training across Africa has leaned heavily on theory, producing graduates who know concepts but lack the tools to implement meaningful change. Mrs. Adepoju is determined to rewrite that story. Her fellowship research at Oxford focuses on a single transformative question: how can Africa’s public training institutions evolve into engines of real reform? She is designing models that integrate digital transformation, measurable performance outcomes, and innovation-driven curricula into public service training. Her vision is to reposition ASCON as a national reform hub, not merely a school, but an institution that drives Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25). Beyond curriculum redesign, Mrs. Adepoju is creating handson programmes that immerse trainees in real governance challenges. By embedding performance metrics, digital tools, and peer learning, graduates return to their ministries as active reformers, capable of redesigning systems, improving service

delivery, and fostering transparency. The AIG Fellowship is not about producing scholars; it is about producing institutional transformers, leaders with the mandate, skills, and authority to execute change at scale. The AIG Public Leaders Programme: A Network of Changemakers. Real change doesn’t come from lone heroes; it comes from strong teams and capable institutions. The AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP) builds networks of reform-minded public servants and ensures learning translates directly into action. Participants identify real challenges in their agencies and implement solutions as part of their training. The impact is clear. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi in Lagos created a secure digital platform to protect survivors and evidence, strengthening the justice system. Thousands of survivors now have a safe way to report abuse and access justice. Idowu Bakare at the National Assembly built a dashboard to track bills, automate legislative processes, and make data accessible to the public. Millions of Nigerians can now follow the lawmaking process and hold their representatives accountable. Abraham Oludolapo designed a nationwide policy to combat sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps, safeguarding over 400,000 corps members and staff each year. Other projects reach even further. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency developed Africa’s first standardised onthe-job training manual for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel, improving aviation safety for millions of passengers annually. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control automated its dossier review process, resolving a 15-year backlog and accelerating access to essential medicines for millions of Nigerians. At Lagos’s Isheri Olofin Primary Healthcare Centre, patient wait times fell from 82 minutes to 31 minutes, improving healthcare access for thousands of citizens every month.

Bright-Uhara is Communications Team lead, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR and Ofovwe AigImoukhuede, Co-founders of the AigImoukhuede Foundation

The designation demonstrates a breakdown in both strategic foresight and diplomatic response, contends CHETA NWANZE

NIGERIA AND THE CPC DESIGNATION

The designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States government, citing egregious violations of religious freedom, did not arrive as a surprise. It was the predictable climax of months of clear, publicly telegraphed warnings from US congressional figures and human rights groups. Yet, this inevitable consequence still caught the Nigerian leadership completely off balance, exposing a profound crisis in Abuja’s foreign policy apparatus. This crisis marks a collapse from a position of principled assertion to one of outright denial, diplomatic ineptitude, and a fundamental failure of the Nigerian security state. The CPC sanction is not merely a diplomatic rebuke; it is a stark indictment of a political elite fatally separated from the existential security crisis plaguing its citizenry. This dramatic fall from grace is best understood by contrasting the current administration’s failed response with the strategic, proactive diplomacy of two former eras. Nigeria’s diplomatic ‘Golden Generation’, active in the 1970s and early 1980s, built a formidable international reputation on the foundation of Africa as the “centrepiece” of its foreign policy. Diplomats like Emeka Anyaoku, Jaja Wachuku, Leslie Harriman, and B.A. Clark were not merely skilled negotiators; they were representatives of a state projecting political cohesion and economic purpose. Their power was rooted in a willingness to take principled, decisive action. At the United Nations, Nigeria earned global respect by spearheading the battle against apartheid, combining moral authority with decisive political and financial leverage. This generation understood that a nation’s strength abroad is directly proportional to its stability and moral integrity at home. When they spoke, the world listened, because they were backed by a state perceived as a regional leader with a clear mission. The generation that followed, spanning the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, retained significant intellectual capacity but operated under increasing political pressure. Figures such as Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, with his visionary but ultimately constrained idea of a Concert of Medium Powers, and highly successful multilateralists like Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Ignatius Olisaemeka and Dr Joy Ogwu, who recently passed away, were technically worldclass. However, their brilliance was repeatedly hampered by the era’s political instability, characterised by military coups and

corrosive economic crises. Nigeria’s foreign policy often became reactive, primarily dedicated to seeking international legitimacy for unstable regimes rather than setting a global agenda. The internal crisis was the handicap that slowly eroded the ability of Nigeria's diplomats to project unassailable power. The state still produced great diplomats, but they were working for a state whose foundations were crumbling. The current crisis, exemplified by the CPC designation, demonstrates a complete breakdown in both strategic foresight and diplomatic response, proving a distinct failure when measured against the standards of the two preceding eras. This failure is twofold. First, there is the catastrophic failure of the security state. The US action was not an arbitrary diplomatic move; it was a judgement on the fundamental inability of Nigerian security forces to protect all its citizens from persistent, bloody sectarian and communal violence. This domestic failure to guarantee security, particularly for religious communities such as Christians, stripped Nigeria’s diplomats of any moral ground to argue against the impending sanction. Diplomacy, no matter how expertly executed, cannot paper over the reality of unchecked killings. Second, there is the failure of diplomacy itself, where propaganda has been chosen over proactivity. In the face of months of clear warnings, the Nigerian government’s response was reported to be one of political denial rather than proactive, strategic engagement. There was a conspicuous absence of high-level, pre-emptive diplomacy designed to secure the nation’s interests. This paralysis is thrown into sharp relief when contrasted with the response of the South African government. When President Trump publicly complained about the “large scale killing of farmers” and what he termed “white genocide”, the government in Pretoria immediately dispatched a delegation led by President Ramaphosa that included prominent white businessmen and farmers to the White House. This strategic move was swift, nuanced, and materially representative of its affected interests, successfully countering the narrative and staving off adverse reactions. Nigeria, however, failed to deploy a similar, sophisticated response. Our government was unable to leverage its economic partnership with the US, unable to present a credible plan for securing religious communities, and ultimately, unable to prevent the CPC designation. The failure was not a loss of expertise, but a loss of strategic political will and an alarming reliance on denial. This diplomatic vacuum has been exacerbated by the prolonged absence of confirmed ambassadors in key capitals, ensuring the state lacks the necessary high-level representation to coordinate an effective crisis response. The situation is further complicated by the reported nomination of politically polarising figures for ambassadorial roles, which confirms the extent to which diplomatic posts are viewed as political rewards rather than tools of statecraft.

Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence

BASHIR IBRAHIM HASSAN pays tribute to Hadiza Bala Usman,former managing director of NPA

HER FATHER’S DAUGHTER

Hadiza Bala Usman is, to use a popular Nigerian parlance, truly “her father’s daughter“. Although her father, the late Yusufu Bala Usman, the fire-brand history teacher at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, didn’t earn his popularity on the terrain of partisan politics, he did belong to Aminu Kano-led Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) during Nigeria’s Second Republic and was, indeed, briefly the Secretary to the Kaduna State government in the Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa administration. It was rather in the realms of academic scholarship and social activism that he flourished. He founded the Centre for Democratic Development and Research Training, popularly known as CDD. His daughter Hadiza may not readily evoke the image of a firebrand activist of the leftist persuasion, but she co-founded the Bring Back Our Girls movement. Like her father, she has not been in the more (self-acclaimed) progressive faction of Nigeria’s political divide, being a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) axis, But, unlike her father, she has not had a shortage of political appointment -- chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016; managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 2016 to 2021; and special adviser on Policy and Coordination Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) to President Bola Tinubu since June 2023. Born on 2 January 1976 in Zaria, Her paternal grandfather was the Durbin Katsina. Her grand uncle was Usman Nagogo, the Emir of Katsina and her great grandfather was Sarkin Katsina Muhammadu Dikko (father to her paternal grandfather). She is by blood too, deeply related to the Kano royals (Gidan Dabo) through her maternal grandparents. She obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2000 from ABU and a master's degree in Development Studies from the University of Leeds in 2009. She has worked at the Bureau of Public Enterprises and, as a hiree of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Federal Capital Territory Administration as a special assistant to the Minister on project implementation. In 2015, following his election, Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai appointed her as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, thus becoming the first female to hold that position. When you thought that her suspension as the managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), following a public spat with then transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, she staged a comeback to prominence when she became the Deputy Director-General Administration of the Tinubu/Shettima APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 presidential election. In June 2023, she was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Always in power

circles, Hadza was married to economic analyst Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, who served under the former (late) President Umaru Musa Yar'adua as economic adviser. Together they have two boys. In 2011, Usman campaigned and lost for the federal constituency of Musawa/ Matazu as a candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change. Her book, Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at Nigerian Ports Authority, published by TheCable Books in April 2023, copiously detailed her resilience. Urged to blow her trumpet on account of the many positions she has occupied, she says with infectious modesty: “It’s difficult for me to talk about myself. I prefer my work to speak for me. I do have my curriculum vitae, which I can share, but I’m generally one of those who don’t enjoy talking about themselves. What truly matters is recognising the experience one brings to governance.” She readily admits, however, that “For over two decades, I’ve been part of the governance process - both at the federal and state levels - and have developed a deep understanding of how government should function. Through my career trajectory, I’ve experienced governance firsthand. I know what needs to be done, where the challenges lie, and the key ingredients necessary for a government to perform effectively.” Hadiza is proud of her accomplishments as chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State, where she was deeply involved in deploying effective governance structures and pioneering special initiatives aligned with the governor’s commitments. Among these were the implementation of the Single Treasury Account (TSA), introduced zero-based budgeting, and improvement of personnel across ministries to enhance productivity. “But more importantly,” she recalls, “my role was about translating vision into reality.” It was then easy for her to apply those principles to the national level, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, where she curbed revenue leakages and ensured that third-party contractors delivered on their mandates. Her present position enables her to operate across two main domains: policy coordination and delivery of highimpact results.

Hassan is a Journalist

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

OCHANYA OGBAJI: A CRY FOR JUSTICE

The outcome of the trial encourages impunity

Echoes of the 2018 tragic rape-todeath of a 13-year old girl, Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbaji has resurfaced on social media. But the renewed public outrage is not merely about one case. It is about a justice system that has repeatedly failed victims of sexual violence, particularly minors, and created a culture where perpetrators believe they can act with impunity. When a father and son can rape a child for five years until she develops Vesicovaginal Fistula and dies at 13, and yet face no consequences, we must ask: What message are we sending to other predators?

The 51-year-old lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic who serially raped his ward along with his son, was reportedly acquitted by a Benue State High Court in April 2022. His son, the co-accused who fled at the time, is now said to be pursuing a music career despite an active arrest warrant. Meanwhile, his wife was convicted for negligence and sentenced to a mere five months in prison. If we ignore the slap on the wrist, it is scandalous that she is being punished while those who committed the crime are walking free, with one acquitted on technicalities while the other remains a fugitive. For five years, beginning from 2013, Ogbaji was allegedly molested, defiled, drugged, and abused before developing the health complications that eventually led to her death in 2018. According to reports, there were attempts to treat the crime as a family matter that could be hushed up. In our editorial at the time, we called on the authorities to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice if only to send a message that those who take pleasure in destroying the lives of children under their care would not go scot-free. Regrettably, that did not happen, and it is a serious indictment on the administration of

justice in Nigeria.

However, beyond the current tragedy, it is important that we create a legal framework for children welfare services so that we can deal with complex social problems and protect them from predators. The insensitivity of the authorities and fear of stigma have contributed to the rise in a culture of impunity on the part of the perpetrators, including in the case of Ogbaji who reportedly bore the indignities and the associated health challenge for years. More importantly, the family institution, which is the most natural place for protection of children, needs to be strengthened.

It bears repeating that the only way citizens can feel safe and secure is where the response to such a heinous crime is swift and proportional

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

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

As we have repeatedly said on this page, diligent prosecution and swift and exemplary sanctions would certainly send a strong signal to the perpetrators to desist from these acts. It bears repeating that the only way citizens can feel safe and secure is where the response to such a heinous crime is swift and proportional. Our courts must be more proactive and stringent in applying sanctions while the police must be educated to understand the implications of such a crime.

While the sordid details of how father and son serially violated a girl put in their care are already in the public space, what the tragedy also revealed is the increasing manner in which it is easy to get away with domestic crimes. Sadly, these bestial violations have become rampant and the authorities, at all levels, must find a way to deal with them. The insensitivity that allowed Ogbaji to suffer in silence for five years, the legal failures that have allowed her killers to walk free, and the broader culture of impunity around sexual violence represent a multi-layered failure, familial, institutional, and moral. Until we address each layer with the seriousness it demands, we will continue to fail children like Ogbaji.

THE TRAGIC CASE OF OCHANYA OGBAJI

Ochanya Ogbaji, the 13-year-old girl who died after being repeatedly raped by her cousin and her aunt’s husband, remains one of the most painful episodes in Nigeria’s history. The public was again thrown into discomfort when news broke that the two men accused of the abuse were freed by the court for lack of evidence, while her guardian who happens to be wife of one of the abusers was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment for failing to protect her. Is that not contradictory, and does it not expose the Nigerian judiciary as inconsistent and unjust?

That the men responsible for Ochanya’s agony and death were acquitted raises deep questions about justice, fairness, and transparency. Once again, the already-eroded public trust in the judiciary was further shattered. This case could have been a defining moment to rebuild confidence in the system, yet it turned into another miscarriage of justice, destroying whatever hope Nigerians had left in the courts.

Ochanya was not only dehumanised while alive but continues to suffer indignity even in death. The conflicting verdicts in her case reveals how the judiciary and government trivialise the trauma of rape victims. It shows how little value is placed on the lives of citizens, especially women and children. With such a ruling, victims of sexual violence will lose hope in ever finding justice.

The judgment also underscores how patriarchy still dominates Nigerian society. Only the woman, Ochanya’s guardian, was punished, while the men who committed the actual crime walked away free. This reflects the deep-rooted belief that men are beyond reproach while women must bear the blame. It highlights how oppressive marriage and gender roles can be in a patriarchal culture where the man’s authority is protected at the expense of fairness and truth.

It is frightening that in the 21st century, women, who make up half the world’s population, remain endangered

by primordial, primitive and violent sexual practices. Sexual violence has become so normalised that some even justify or downplay rape. Such moral decay reveals a society that has lost compassion and respect for human dignity. The pervasiveness of rape culture in Nigeria calls for urgent attention. Across the country, violence against women occurs daily, often unreported because of fear and stigma. Hardly does a day pass without a Nigerian woman being violated or harassed somewhere. This violence appears in many forms such as intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual assault, sexual exploitation, trafficking, harassment, and female genital mutilation. Each act strips women of dignity and reinforces the belief that their bodies are not their own.

Kazeem Olalekan Israel, Ibadan

25th Anniversary: ACF Meets ARISE News Channel Leadership, Seeks Support

Obaigbena calls for fair, equitable Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday visited the manage- ment team of Arise Television in Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, to call for support for its forthcoming 25th anniversary.

Led by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Bashir Dalhatu as well as the organisation’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Chairman, Mamman Othman; Vice Chair, BoT, Mai Sule;

National Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, among others, the ACF noted that although it remains a pro-north group, it will continue to back any development that enhances Nigeria’sDalhatu,unity. in his comments, highlighted the commendable role played by Arise Television and its Founder, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, in enlightening Nigeria and promoting national unity, positing that the station remains very dear to the heart of Nigerians.

“This organisation is so

deployed to Nigeria or carry out air strikes to stop what he called the killing of large numbers of Christians.

US President, Donald Trump, yesterday doubled down on his claim that Christians are being killed “in very large numbers”, and hinted at military intervention, noting that airstrikes as well as having US military boots on the ground in Nigeria were options that were being considered.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump maintained that the US military “could be”

their candidates, and state chairmen.

Inspector General of Police (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented at the signing ceremony by Deputy Inspector- General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo, assured the people that the police would ensure maximum security during the election.

Egbetokun warned separatist groups, like Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), say- ing any attempt to disrupt the election will be resisted.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who spoke on behalf of the governorship candidates, as- sured that the parties and their candidates would adhere to the peace accord. Soludo said Anambra had a history of fight- ing dirty during elections, but the candidates would always meet at the weekend to wine and dine together.

The peace accord signing ceremony, a pre-election ritual in Nigeria, was organised by National Peace Committee (NPC), under the Kukah Centre. It was aimed at ensuring that all participants in the Saturday election abided by peaceful conduct.

The INEC chairman, who expressed happiness at the peace accord signing initiative, said, “As INEC chairman, I’m proud to be part of this peace accord signing for Anambra 2025 off-cycle election.

“I was appointed recently

The comments followed his posting on Truth Social last week claiming that radical Is- lamists were committing “mass slaughter” and Christianity is “facing an existential threat” in the West African nation.

Asked whether he envisioned troops on the ground or air strikes in Nigeria, Trump responded: “Could be. I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things. They’re killing record numbers of Christians

and this is going to be my first assignment and I’m committed to ensuring that this election is fair, credible and free. As much as we are committed to peace, we can only succeed if we have corresponding support from all the stakeholders.

“After witnessing the national peace accord signing five years ago, we decided to devolve it to involve not just the presidential election but states. This was because of the violence that had followed some elections in the “Wepast.have had this several times and this is the second time it is happening here in Anambra. Parties have always honoured the accord and we have always had peaceful election.”

Amupitan added, “Today, we gather just days to the election and as an election body, I want to assure you that INEC is ready to deliver global best practices. It is not the signatures on this papers that bring peace, it is the commitment of those involved.

“So as you append your signature to this, ensure that the message cascades to all your supporters. By signing the peace accord, you are not only agreeing to this but showing that democracy can only thrive where peace prevails.

“Let us work together to ensure that the coming elec- tion is remembered for peace. Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria and this election will be significant to other elections that are coming up.”

The INEC chairman urged

dear to us. And we cannot but pay tribute to you and thank you very much for what you have been doing for this country. And we know we are still on the way up. We are very proud of what you are doing. We are very proud of your team. We are essentially very happy to be here this afternoon to say well done,” he stated.

Besides, Dalhatu said the meeting was to intimate the station about the upcoming 25th anniversary of the ACF, stressing that Arise Television

in Nigeria...They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”

Trump made the comment as he headed back to Washington after a weekend at his vacation home in Florida.

But Nigeria has said that while it welcomes help tackling Islamist insurgents, America must respect its sovereignty, pushing back against the claims of religious intolerance and defending the country’s efforts to protect religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant

voters to expect significant improvement in election day logistics, saying the election would be an improvement in every area.

According to him, a total of 2.8 million voters would decide the winner of the election, and the commission would ensure full participation by extending the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Sunday.

Amupitan assured that his mandate was to deliver credible election and any individual trying to subvert the will of the people would be firmly resisted.

Egbetokun pledged maximum

the stock market opened for trading this week.

Consequently, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) closed for trading at 153,739.11basis points, a 0.25per cent or 387.35 basis points decline from the 154,126.46 basis points the stock market closed for trading last week.

Capital market analysts attributed the downward movement in the Nigerian stock market to speculative trading by investors.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump had said he had instructed the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” and warned of an immediate suspension of United States aids to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and an OPEC

will be critical to the success of the event.

He stated that the ACF, established in 2000 by northern governors, Emirs and chiefs, is essentially a socio-cultural, non-partisan organisation that is charged with overseeing, protecting and promoting the economic and social development of the north within the context of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“So while we are supposed to be a sectional group, we do so so that this country

does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the govern- ment to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” President Bola Tinubu said in a statement, at the beginning of the matter.

Already, the US has placed Nigeria on the list of countries “of particular concern” due to the alleged violations of religious freedom. The list also includes North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and China.

However, the threat by the

security by the police during the election. He warned separatist elements to steer clear, as they will be resisted.

He stated, “This address is to show that the police are committed and ready to present a free, fair, level playing ground to all. Ahead of the forthcoming election, we will ensure order.

The Nigeria Police Force stands prepared to ensure that the exercise happens under a free fair and credible atmosphere.

“We will be civil, yet firm and any attempt to undermine public peace will be met with stiff resistance. We remain alert, and we warn the proscribed

member.

In his reaction, President Bola Tinubu had rejected Trump’s comments, calling them a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s “consistent and sincere efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.”

To the Managing Director, Globalview Capital Limited, Mr. Aruna Kebira, who spoke in a chat with THISDAY, investors’ profit-taking in Aradel Holdings Plc, among others impacted on the stock market performance.

“If the stock market maintains its downward trend throughout this week, it can easily be linked to threats by President Donald Trump.

“The stock market is meant to react to market forces as witnessed in investors’ profittaking in Aradel Holdings and

can remain one, indivisible entity and can continue to be united, cohesive, and can together move each and every one of us, whether we are north or south, or Yoruba or Hausa, forward,” he added.

He opined that the aim of the sub-regional groups should be to de-emphasise their prominence and emphasise the importance and oneness of Nigeria.

“And the best way forward is unity and cooperation and mutual respect. And that’s what we are hoping this 25th

US President to intervene militarily in the alleged kill- ing of Christians in Nigeria continued to attract mixed reactions yesterday, with several prominent Nigerians as well as institutions expressing divergent views on the matter.

Service Chiefs, NSA Seek Support to Crush Insurgency

Also yesterday, Nigeria’s service chiefs said that every support meant to crush the insecurity in parts of the country will be welcome by Nigeria, but insisted that no

IPOB and ESN that the peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.”

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Soludo said, “The candidates are all my friends. The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday and by Sunday we will all go for thanksgiving. It is the Anambra way. When we fight, we fight as if there is no tomorrow, but after that we get back and begin to dine and wine together.

“I thank the Kukah Centre for initiating this. This is my second time participating in this, and reading through the

Continued on page 28

38 others.

“We cannot conclude that investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s threats. Pos- sibly it is going to happen is uncertain,” Kebira added.

Speaking also, the Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori, stated that investors on the NGX traded with caution, stressing that the Nigerian market, currently dominated by local investors, could withstand external shocks.

A Bloomberg report yesterday indicated that Nigeria’s dollar bonds suffered losses following remarks by Trump.

It had revealed that, “Nige- rian dollar bonds fell across the maturity curve, comprising all 10 of the worst performers in emerging markets worldwide

anniversary will give us the opportunity to do. We have invited prominent southern

Continued on page 27

Christian is being singled out for persecution in the country. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, who spoke shortly after a meeting coordinated by the The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated that although Nigeria continues to face some level of insecurity, especially terrorism, the security apparatus was doing its best to checkmate theHavingproblem.reorganised the leadership of some of the military heads, Oluyede noted that Nigeria is now more than ever, ready to tackle the chal- lenges head-on, describing his colleagues as seasoned and not- ing that they will add impetus to the war against insurgency.

“I want to assure Nigerians that going forward, we are going to add more to what we have done and ensure that we checkmate these acts of terrorism within Nigeria. Terrorism is a global problem, there are several countries that are challenged in that respect and it calls for collective efforts.

“So, if we have countries out there who are ready to sup- port Nigeria, we are willing to have them on board to help us checkmate the acts of terrorism

Continued on page 29

as of 9:50 a.m. in Lagos. The notes maturing in 2047 were down most, falling 0.6 cents on the dollar to 88.26 cents.” However, traders and analysts who spoke to THISDAY said the initial market reaction was largely emotional and short-lived, stressing that the underlying fundamentals of Nigeria’s economy remain intact.

A fixed-income trader who preferred not to be named explained that the selloffs, though noticeable, presented an opportunity for bargain hunters.

“Yes, there were selloffs, but they created good entry points for investors who understand the market. The initial panic

Continued on page 28

Trump S AYS u S mAY D

plo Y A I r

ES , g roun D Troop S I

Prince Nduka Obaigbena

Emmanuel Addeh, Chucks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos and Yinka Kolawole in Oshogbo

STRATEGISING FOR FOOD SECURITY...

FG Targets $20 Billion Additional Upstream Oil Investments by 2029

Verheijen: Why Tinubu ended petrol, FX subsidies

The federal government has announced that it is expecting about $20 billion investments in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry by 2029 in a bid to boost crude oil and gas production in theSpecialcountry.Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, speaking on the theme: “Seeds of Reform, Fruits of Renewal”, at the Southwest Summit in Akure, Ondo State, also noted that President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel and foreign exchange subsidies because they had become a drain on the nation’s resources.

Over the past two years, the presidential aide argued that Tinubu has been sowing the seeds of reform so that the ‘harvest of prosperity may reach every family, every farm, and every school’.

“The fuel and foreign exchange subsidies were like weeds that drained our soil, consuming trillions that could have built schools, roads, and clinics,” Verheijen maintained. By removing them, she explained that Tinubu cleared the field so that new crops could grow, pointing out that these reforms have increased allocations to states, giving the South-west more resources to invest in communities, infrastructure, and“Thepeople.government is expanding pipelines such as the Escravos– Lagos System, delivering gas to industries in Sagamu, Ibadan, and Ilorin, with Ondo State directly benefiting as the network spreads across the South-west.

“Over $8 billion in new upstream gas investments have already been unlocked, with another $20 billion expected by

2029. Gas is not just for electricity. It is the raw material for fertilisers, methanol, and petrochemicals. These are the nutrients that make our farmlands more productive, our factories busier, and our exports more competitive.

“New gas projects will feed fertiliser and petrochemical plants that support farmers in Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo, reducing fertiliser costs, boosting crop yields, and powering local agro-processing industries,” she stated.

These value chains from gas to fertiliser, and farm to factory, she emphasised, will deliver cheaper food at home as local production expands and transport costs fall; while exportable agro-products such as cassava starch, cocoa butter, and ethanol that can compete globally.

For too long, the special adviser stated that Nigeria exported crude oil only to import refined petrol

Says

reforms beginning to bear fruits

at higher cost, maintaining that those days are ending.

“Through bold fiscal reforms, specifically the deregulation of private sector-led investments in refineries, Nigeria is now achiev- ing self-sufficiency in petroleum products. This transformation means that the fuel powering our cars and tractors is increasingly refined at home for Nigerians, by Nigerians creating and keeping the jobs here.

“The recent announcement that the Dangote refinery will scale up operations marks a turning point. We are moving from being an import-dependent nation to a regional energy supplier. This shift reduces foreign-exchange pressure, stabilises fuel prices, and opens new export revenue streams that strengthen the naira and the national budget,” Verheijen added.

For farmers, she noted that

available and more reliable fuel means lower logistics costs from farm to market; for civil servants, it means a more stable economy that protects purchasing power; while for universities and polytechnics, it means new opportunities for research and innovation in refining technology, supply chain management, and energy systems.

“We have planted reforms in our oil and gas fields, and the fruit is energy independence, new jobs, and pride in what we make with our own hands,” she stressed.

Through the Presidential Me- tering Initiative (PMI), Verheijen stated that millions of electricity meters are being deployed across the country, ending estimated bill- ing, promoting fairness, helping measured consumption and improving liquidity to attract fresh investment.

According to her, targeted

Tinubu Hails Nigerian Scholar, Prof Ademola Adenle, for Winning Inaugural World Academy of Sciences Award for Food and Peace

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Monday received in audience

Professor Ademola Adenle, a Nigerian scholar and sustain- ability expert who recently won the inaugural World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace. Tinubu, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, congratulated Adenle on win- ning the award and bringing glory to TinubuNigeria.commended Adenle for his work in the fields of agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, which focused on sustainable solutions for rural and marginalised

populations across Africa and beyond.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari. Adenle made history as the first-ever recipient of the prestigious global honour, presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Confer- ence in New Delhi, India.

Widely described as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize”, the award was established by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in memory of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist known as the “Father of India’s Green

Revolution.” His pioneering work revolutionised India’s food systems and inspired generations of scientists across the developing world.

Adenle, who currently serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to food security, climate justice, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities.

Earlier, Adenle said he would soon launch the Women in Biosciences Initiative, which aims to enhance rural agri- cultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

He said the programme

will also address malnutrition and waterborne diseases, and promote the adoption of

renewable energy, particularly solar power, to reduce energy poverty.

electricity subsidies ensure that the poorest households continue to access affordable power, while wealthier consumers pay their true share.

New investments through the Power Sector Debt Reduction and Distribution Reform Programmes (PSDRP), and others, she affirmed that Nigeria is expanding generation and transmission infrastructure.

“Soon, our farmers and small businesses and industries will enjoy more reliable power to preserve produce, process cas- sava, and power small shops and factories. That is what harvest feels like,” he reiterated.

Acknowledging the hardships that come with reforms, Verheijen expressed the view that “the yam does not sprout the same day it is planted,” explaining that when it does, the farmer smiles because he remembers the sweat that made it grow is fruitful.

“We have planted reforms that are already sprouting in energy, in jobs, in stability. The rains are gathering: more investments, more local industries, more power. The harvest will be rich, not just in Abuja and Lagos, but in every village and town across the South-west and the nation,” she stressed.

Governor Yahaya Constitutes Task Force to Revitalize Basic Education in Gombe State

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved the constitution of a high-level Task Force for the Revitalization of Basic Education, as part of efforts to reposition the sub-sector and ensure quality learning outcomes across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor

Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who announced the governor’s approval yesterday, explained the Task Force, which comprises renowned educational resource persons and administrators, is to be chaired by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari, with Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, OON, Mr. Mataimaki Tom Maiyashi, Engr. Dr. Muhammad Nuru

Yakubu, OON and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as members. The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Esrom Toro Jokthan will serve as Secretary, while the Permanent Secretary, Special Services and Political, is to act as Assistant Secretary. All the appointments are with immediate effect.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L–R: Ademola Adenle, Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation to Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Securit; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during an audience with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday

ARISE WOMEN CONFERENCE...

L–R:

Women, Dr. Siju Iluyomade; Founder/CEO, Bolmus Group International, Mrs. Bola Shagaya; and Mrs.

Court Fixes February 2026 for Final Addresses in Dispute over Late Ajayi’s Estate

Wale Igbintade

Justice Oluwatoyin Odusanya of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has fixed February 10, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses in the dispute over the estate of the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, the Managing Director of First Foundation Medical Engineering Company, who died on April 26, 2020.

The judge adjourned the mat- ter after the cross-examination of Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi by Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN), counsel to the claimants.

Justice Odusanya com- mended both counsel, Mr. Adegoke for the claimants and Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) for the defendants, for their professionalism and decorum, describing their conduct as worthy of emulation by younger lawyers.

The claimants, Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi and her children, Tomi Deru, Olumide Ajayi, Omolade Soetan, Mayowa Okeowo, and Bisola Ajayi, filed Suit

No. ID/3364LM/21 against Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi and her daughter, Tomisin Ajayi.

They are seeking declarations on inheritance rights and the administration of the late doctor’s estate.

The defendants contend that Mrs. Adenike Ajayi had been estranged from the deceased for over 35 years before his death, and that Dr. Ajayi validly married Mrs. Helen Prest, under Kalabari native law and custom.

While under cross-examination, Mrs. Prest-Ajayi insisted that her marriage to the late Dr. Ajayi followed Kalabari traditional rites.

She had said the deceased told her he had been living alone for about 10 years before they met, adding that he was the “longest-staying resident” at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

She testified that she met Dr. Ajayi in 1996 while practicing law, and denied that he maintained any relationship with Mrs. Adenike Ajayi thereafter. Mrs. Prest-Ajayi also con-

firmed writing to the Ministry of Interior to verify a marriage certificate dated July 6, 1974, purportedly presented by Mrs. Adenike Ajayi.

She said the Ministry replied that the document could not be authenticated without the original copy.

On the wedding of the fifth claimant, Mayowa, she said

she co-arranged the seating plan with the bride and sat beside Dr. Ajayi throughout the ceremony.

“A wedding planner will not sit beside the father of the bride. I attended the wedding as his wife, and I sat beside him in the presence of the first claimant without challenge,” she told the court.

She further stated that she was neither a shareholder nor a director in any of Dr. Ajayi’s companies.

The claimants had maintained that Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi is the only lawful surviving spouse of Dr. Ajayi and seeks declarations that she is entitled to his personal effects and one-third of his estate. But the defendants insist that under Kalabari customary law, Mrs. Prest-Ajayi, having performed all traditional marriage rites with the deceased, is entitled to inheritance rights. Justice Odusanya adjourned the case to February 10, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.

Law Firm Sues NDIC Over Unpaid

N2.9bn

Wale Igbintade

A Lagos-based law firm, A.O.S. Practice, has sued the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), liquidator of the defunct Heritage Bank Plc, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged unpaid legal fee of N2.93 billion.

The firm, through its counsel Chief Ajibola Aribisala, SAN,

Communication Infrastructure Firm Boosts Capacity of 100 Journalists

A leading communication infrastructure services provider, IHS Nigeria, has promised rewarding a session and continued partnership with the journalists in Ogun State with the aim of producing a vibrant media community.

The company expressed its commitment at the opening of a two-day training program for journalists practicing in Ogun State.

The training which drew professionals from print, electronics and online media,

was organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council.

No fewer than 100 journalists participated in the training programm, which featured presentations by seasoned journalists and from the academia.

The training focused on enhancing the capacity of journalists in areas such as new media, legal defense, and financial and economic reporting.

Speaking at the event, Yemisi Diya-Salawu, Director, Legal,

IHS Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

She emphasized the critical role the media plays in society, particularly in keeping citizens informed, deepening democracy, and developing national life.

Diya-Salawu outlined IHS Nigeria’s sustainability strategy, which is delivered across four key pillars, ethics and governance, environment and climate change, education and economic growth, and people and communities.

Heritage Bank Legal Fee

is seeking interlocutory injunctions restraining the NDIC, its agents, or privies from enforcing its letters of April 4 and 11, 2025, which directed the firm to return all files and documents relating to Heritage Bank’s delinquent loan portfolios.

It also seeks an order barring NDIC from interfering with its custody of those files pending the determination of the suit.

In an affidavit by Akintomide Oyewole, the firm’s litigation manager, A.O.S. Practice stated that it was appointed by Heritage Bank in October 2015 to provide

legal services under a formal agreement.

The firm claimed the bank, acting on directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), breached and prematurely terminated the contract.

Dissatisfied, the firm filed a suit in 2023, seeking damages of N1.78 billion and $751,820.89.

On February 20, 2024, the Federal High Court ruled in its favour, awarding a total judgment sum of N2.93 billion, including the naira equivalent of the dollar claim.

Despite the judgment, Heritage Bank allegedly failed to pay.

Although it applied for a stay of execution, the court on May 24, 2024, granted a conditional stay, subject to depositing the judgment sum in an interest-bearing account with the Chief Registrar.

The bank reportedly ignored this directive.

Following continued noncompliance, the firm wrote to Heritage Bank on May 31, 2024, demanding compliance but received no response. Shortly after, on June 3, 2024, the CBN revoked the bank’s licence under Section 12 of BOFIA 2020 and appointed the NDIC as liquidator.

Imo Govt Urges NDDC to Extend Life-ND Project to 27 LGAs for Increased Food Production

Amby Uneze in Owerri

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has made a passionate appeal to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to extend the benefits of the FGN/ NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE-ND) to

all the 27 local government areas of the State in order to increase food production and improve the living standard of the people in the grassroots. Declaring open a threeday orientation training for the third batch of incubatees and incubators in Owerri, capital of Imo State over the weekend, the governor,

represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Chief Cosmas Maduba, emphasised the need for the programme to spread across the 27 local governments of the state as well as capture more participants as a way of empowering the grassroots to be self-sufficient in food production.

Wife of Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Tokunbo Alabi; Former Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Omotayo Omotosho; Convener, Arise

Omolara Fashola, at the Arise Women Conference in Lagos, on Sunday

James Sowole in Abeokuta

INSTITUTE OF CAPITAL MARKET REGISTRARS CONFERENCE...

L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) Dr. Catherine Nwosu; immediate past President , ICMR, Mr. Oluseyi Owoturo; Keynote Speaker & Vice President, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Olakunle Alake, and Chairman , NGX Group Plc, Alhaji Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, during the ICMR 14th Annual Conference & Presidential Investiture in Lagos…recently

Police, Thugs Take over PDP Secretariat, as Mohammed Resumes as Acting Chairman Damagum, Arapaja, others absent

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

There was heavy security presence at the national headquarters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, as the party’s former Vice Chairman (Northcentral), Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, assumed office

as acting National Chairman. Mohammed and his supporters had earlier gathered at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office of PDP, where he addressed them, announcing that he would be taking over as the acting national chairman

The national chairman, Am-

bassador Illya Damagum’s camp that suspended the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser, Kamalfeem Ajibade; and National Organising Secretary, Bature Umar, were nowhere near the PDP office.

Mohammed was named as acting national chairman

of PDP by the Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC), after it announced the suspension of Damagun and the national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

The police later released teargas canisters, as some staff of the party tried to evict Anyanwu from office.

Fayose to Oyebanji: Ignore Blackmailers, Your Good Work’Il Speak for You at Poll

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday, told Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to ignore social media rants and cheap blackmail by those he branded “blackmailers and players of morbid politics” attacking his government on social media platforms.

The former governor also said the recent governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has exposed some betrayers among people who were close to the governor, urging the governor to be magnanimous and forgive such people.

He said such a develop- ments was a normal occurrence in any political system.

Fayose spoke in Igbara Odo Ekiti, while commissioning the 14-kilometer Igbara Odo-Ikogosi road, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Biodun Oyebanji’s government.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the venue of the ceremony, Fayose warned those attacking the governor to be wary of

their actions, saying collective success of Ekiti was dear to the heart of the current number one citizen.

Fayose saluted Oyebanji for uniting Ekiti leaders and citizens across party lines, saying this has further accentuated his mastery of politics, governance and management of people of diverse interests and idiosyncrasies.

“I am not here today to praise you, but to celebrate with you. We are now in Ekiti under your reign celebrating unity of purpose among leaders and our people. We thank God that we have a governor like you with capacity to turn things“Don’taround. be bothered about blackmailers and wailers barking at your backyard, especially those making negative narratives on the internet. Allow them to be there.

“The people of Ekiti are not moved by their rantings. I experienced serious crises during my tenure, but you are taking things easy, turning things around and uniting everybody.

“The array of works

you have done speak for themselves. I reconstructed this road 21 years ago, likewise the one that links Igbara Odo to Ikere. You have done well and I am happy about your popularity among the masses.

“Your product is selling and marketing itself. Like I said on Sunday, the siege is over. Thank God for your magnanimity, humility and simplicity to accommodate people.”

Predicting victory for Oye- banji in the 2026 governorship poll, Fayose said, “In my mind, we have already concluded the voting. With what is happening here today, whoever is opposing you will be disgraced. We are to unite and not to divide. Let other parties bring out their candidates for Ekiti to see. Nobody comes near Governor Oyebanji.

“I have no apology supporting you. They said I was the one handling the flyover contract, I am not a contractor, that was part of their blackmails. For me and everything I represent, I will continue to support you. To all the former governors

supporting you, I appreciate them, but let us do it till the end, so that Oyebanji can achieve collective success.”

Oyebanji, in his response, was enthralled with the quality of job done on the road and the expeditious spate at which it was delivered, saying it attested to the proficiency of the contractor that prosecuted the project and the supervising authorities.

Mohammed was taken round the PDP office by the embattled national secretary as part of efforts to show him the offices and staff of the party.

In his maiden address, Mohammed said, “We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members. From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to being an opposition party for over 10 years now at the national level, from being a formidable opposition to a now humbled opposition owing to the unconscionableunexplainable, defections of Governors, Legislators and Council Chairmen, et al.

“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through the mercy of God and instrumentality of very critical stakeholders of this party. My job here as Acting National Chairman is simple: ‘Heal

the party of its wounds and end factionalisation. Reposition the party and make it law-abiding.

“And to plan an all-inclu- sive National Convention, and hand over to a properly elected National Working Committee (NWC), after concluding all the outstanding congresses at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels.

“Hand over this our beloved party back to her true owners, the Nigerian people. I want to assure all PDP faithful, critical stakeholders and Nigerians at large, that a new dawn has come and with it the renaissance of the PDP.

“I cannot do this seemingly difficult job alone, I will need all your support, prayers and genuine commitment to join hands on lifting our party, the PDP upwards. Consultations are already ongoing and in due course we will have our NEC meeting.”

APC Delta North Endorses Creation of Anioma State as Sixth S-East State

Anioma ready for statehood

Louis Achi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta North Senatorial District has fully backed the creation of Anioma State, proposed to become the sixth state in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone.

In a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on State Creation, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno,

the APC Delta North Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, declared that Anioma is “ready for statehood.”

Dated November 3, 2025, the three-page letter stated that the APC Delta North and the people of the zone are united in their support for the move, describing it as both a matter of fairness and a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s federal structure.

“The APC Delta North Senatorial District is fully

and unequivocally in support of the creation of Anioma State. The realization of Anioma State stands as both a matter of fairness and strategic advantage for the federation,” Chief Eluaka said. He stressed there was no dissenting voice within Delta North against the creation of Anioma State, noting the proposal aligns with principles of equity, justice, and historical continuity.

ACF VISITS DANJUMA...

Chairman, Board of Trustees(BoT); Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu; Chairman, National Executive Council(NEC), Mamman Mike Osuman

Deputy Chairman, NEC, Sen. Ibrahim M. Ida;Vice Chairman, BoT, Amb. Ibrahim Mai-Sule; General Theophilus Danjuma(rtd), his Wife, Sen. Daisy Danjuma; Secretary Contact and Mobilisation Committee, Murtala M. Aliyu; Nasir Isa Abubakar; Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee Nasirud H. Danu and Member, BoT, Hon.

Shettima Receives Diri, Others into APC

Hails Bayelsa people for choosing light of national integration over shadows of political isolation Says governor’s entry into ruling party at the centre a political reunion with progressive mind We tried to save PDP, governor explains

The renewed hope train ar- rived Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, yesterday amid pomp and circumstance, as Vice President Kashim Shettima formally received the state governor, Douye Diri, his teeming supporters into the ruling All Progressives CongressShettima(APC).described the occasion as one of “those rare and redemptive moments” in Nigeria’s political history, saying the governor has demonstrated the people’s preference for the light of national integration over the shadows of political isolation.

Speaking during the grand reception at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, Yenagoa, the vice president, who represented President Bola Tinubu, welcomed the governor into the party at the centre, which he described as “the house of progress” where Diri’s vision belonged.

Shettima stated, “Your Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, this gathering is a homecoming party for you. We are here not for a

monarchs and I’m happy to say a lot of them have agreed to come. We want to create a Nigeria for those three days so that we are not seen as ACF.

“That gathering is going to be a Nigerian gathering. Those topics that we are hoping to discuss will be Nigerian topics. We are hoping in the process that the north can learn a lot from the perception of other people, the way they see us.

“And we are hoping that they can assist us to point

ceremony of convenience but for a celebration of your conviction.

“Yours is the story of a leader, who has chosen the harder right over the easier wrong. Today, you have shown us that Bayelsa State has chosen the light of national integration over the shadows of political isolation.”

Shettima said while Tinubu had demonstrated repeatedly that politics was not war, but the “art of building bridges across rivers of difference”, Diri had shown profound understanding of that metaphor.

He stated, “The All Progressives Congress is the party of those who believe that progress can only be guaranteed when we stand together, when we answer the call of the people.

“And, in many ways, Your Excellency, your story mirrors that of your people. You have led with calm dignity, but beneath that calm has flowed a restless commitment to development, to unity, and toThepeace.”vice president described Diri as “a son of

out areas that we may not be looking at so that we can use those conclusions of the meeting to benefit our people and to benefit the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This visit, therefore, is to invite you,” Dalhatu added, highlighting the need to de-emphasise sectionalism.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NEC of ACF, Othman, described Arise Television as a veritable electronic machine that speaks truth to its audience, not just to power.

“We are a socio-cultural

the creeks, who has built literal and political bridges across the waters of the Niger Delta”.

He stated that Diri’s defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the governing APC “is a political reunion with a progressive mind whose ideals have always aligned with the philosophy of the governing party”.

He said, “We are not a house of strangers; we are a family bound by the shared belief that Nigeria can,

and must, work for all her citizens. And we know you, Your Excellency. We know you as a builder — a builder of infrastructure, a builder of peace, a builder of trust, a builder of the Bayelsa dream.”

Shettima assured the governor that he would not be judged by where he was coming from, but by where he was going to. He observed that Diri’s arrival in APC “is not the depletion of the opposition” but the “confirmation of the

pulse and constitutional clarity of Africa’s largest democracy—the freedom of choice”.

Stating that Diri and his supporters were now part of a progressive family that “thinks and acts together,” the vice president assured the governor of the party’s support, as he championed purposeful governance.

“From the health reforms that give hope to the sick, to the schools that have opened the gates of opportunity to thousands of children,

we are here to restore the confidence and dignity of those who have lost faith in government,” he stated.

Shettima told the people of Bayelsa that it was their faith in governance that brought the governor to APC, a house ofHeprogress.added, “This is about the roof over all our heads — the roof called Nigeria. We have found out, through experience, that no one prospers under a leaking roof. The house must stand strong, united, and inclusive.

Akiin Shuga, Live-Band Grandmaster, Dies at 50

Adedayo Adejobi

The Nigerian music community was yesterday thrown into mourning following the death of one of its most beloved figures, Akinloye Tofowomo, popularly known as Akiin Shuga, who passed on October 30, 2025, in New Brunswick, Canada. He was 50.

In a statement announcing his death, the family described him as a “revered

organisation. Our emphasis and priority is the north, what we call our region. We believe in unity. We are the voice of the north. We have no prejudices amongst ourselves. The membership is open to every person of northern extraction.

“Our pursuit is remedial, conciliatory, satisfying details for our people because of our proximity to our people. And we do this within the context of one Nigeria,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of

music icon, Grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”

Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Akiin Shuga’s life was a remarkable story of music, resilience, and purpose.

Stricken by polio at the age of five, he rose above physical limitation to become one of Nigeria’s most dynamic live-band performers and music

THISDAY-ARISE Media Group, Obaigbena, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, saying the country can work better if anchored on justice, fairness, and prosperity.

“What we need is a fair and equitable Nigeria, founded on justice and prosperity. And we will continue to fight for justice. We will support sensible reforms, which are happening now. We simply need to lift more people out of poverty, and that is the direction,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the televi-

entrepreneurs. His journey from performing in small clubs to building a nationally recognised band mirrored Nigeria’s own rediscovery of live music as an art form.

In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began performing at Pintos in Ikeja, Lagos. Over time, it grew into a 14-piece ensemble of instrumentalists, vocalists, and technicians famed for electrifying performances at

sion station’s commitment to responsible journalism and national development, noting that Arise Television will continue to speak truth to power.

“At Arise News, we speak truth to power to make Nigeria a better place, and we will continue to work with you for the greater good of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Obaigbena stated, calling on citizens to unite behind initiatives that promote fairness, progress, and opportunity for all Nigerians.

corporate events, weddings, and state occasions.

His company, Shuga Entertainment, became a benchmark for professionalism in live performance—combining artistry with discipline, and passion with polish.

Akiin Shuga was also the Founder and President of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), where he championed the profession- alisation of the live-music ecosystem and fair standards for musicians.

“Akiin was more than a performer; he was a reformer,” a very close colleague of the Late musician, said in a statement.

“He brought dignity to a profession that was often misunderstood. He insisted that a live band was not just an accessory to parties but a pillar of our cultural economy. His leadership helped many of us see ourselves as entrepreneurs and brand custodians, not just entertainers.”

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Julius Osahon in Yenagoa

S.A.N;

Beni Lar, during a visit to Danjuma in Lagos....yesterday

25 TH Ann I ver SA r Y: ACF Mee

SIGNING CEREMONY OF MOU BETWEEN NIGERIAN AND VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENTS...

L–R: President of Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), Mr. Pham Van Cong; Vice President, Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), Nguyen Minh Hoa; National President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku; and National Financial Secretary, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Alhaji Muhammad Kabir, at the official signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between Nigerian and Vietnamese Governments at the 14th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025, celebrating the 35th VINACAS Anniversary (1990–2025), held in Hanoi City, Vietnam… recently

Akpoti-Uduaghan: Fear Silenced Colleagues, Couldn’t Break Me

Recounts suspension ordeal, inaugurates model schools for Fulani child

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed how fear of political persecution silenced many of her colleagues in the senate during her period of suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said she turned her ordeal into a springboard for service to hu- manity through transformative constituency projects.

A statement by her media office on Monday explained that the senator spoke at the commissioning of a new market in Okene Akpoti-Uduaghan described

was more of a knee-jerk reaction than a reflection of Nigeria’s true risk profile,” the trader said.

Echoing this view, Head of Consulting at Agusto Consulting, Jimi Ogbobine, said markets are naturally jittery over geopolitical statements of this nature but added that such tensions are typically resolved diplomatically.

“President Trump’s comments, focusing on Nigeria’s security crisis and leaving room for speculation around military intervention, are certainly unsettling to markets.

“However, we believe this will be settled diplomatically. Nigeria and the U.S. have long-standing trade and security relations that are too strategic to be derailed by rhetoric,” Ogbobine noted.

her suspension as “illegal,” stat- ing that the experience exposed the deep undercurrents of fear and political intimidation that often shape behaviour within the corridors of power.

She said, “When a govern- ment official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally. Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted.

“Many senators stood by me quietly. They called, they visited, but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”

According to the lawmaker, her suspension did not only test her personal resilience but also

private sector have historically maintained strong ties with the United States, particularly in oil, gas, and investment sectors.

“America remains one of the leading players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and both countries share significant economic interests. These will continue to guide engagement on both sides,” he added. In a similar vein, the Chief Executive of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, urged the federal government to respond through strategic diplomacy rather than public confrontation.

created ripple effects that stalled the execution of constituency projects in Kogi Central.

She disclosed that contractors handling projects in her district faced delays and obstacles due to political interference that accompanied her Akpoti-Uduaghanordeal. said, “The 2025 budget only became ac- tive during the course of my illegal suspension. A number of contractors struggled to get their award letters because the projects were allocated to Kogi Central. It wasn’t easy getting these awards and commencing construction because of politics.”

Despite the challenges, Akpoti- Uduaghan said she refused to

allow her constituents suffer on account of her political persecution.

Instead, she doubled down on efforts to deliver projects that directly impacted lives, a resolve that birthed some of her most ambitious interventions yet.

One of such landmark initiatives was the construction and commissioning of state-of-the-art model schools for Fulani children in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

marginalised communities.

The statement explained that the schools represented “a landmark step toward bridging inequality in access to education across rural and nomadic settlements”.

The newly built facilities included both primary and secondary schools, each with six classrooms, two dormitories for boys and girls, staff offices, and solar-powered lighting systems.

a privilege reserved for a few but a right accessible to every child.

She said, “Education must not be a privilege; it is a right. I want every child, whether from Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, or Ogori-Magongo, to learn in a safe, modern, and dignified environment. That is what this project represents.”

The schools also feature water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring a conducive environ- ment for learning.

He further observed that Nigeria’s government and

“Nigeria must adopt a strategic and proactive diplo- matic response. This should include immediate high-level bilateral discussions with the U.S. government to clarify facts and de-escalate rhetoric.”

He urged that Nigeria deepen collaboration with Washington and regional partners on intelligence, counterterrorism, and peacebuilding, while strengthening domestic policy fundamentals to reinforce resilience against external shocks.

“While Nigeria must continue to strengthen internal security architecture and governance, any external engagement should be cooperative, not coercive,” Yusuf emphasised.

“Unilateral military action would destabilise Nigeria’s economy, threaten regional stability, and aggravate hu- manitarian conditions. The way to go is dialogue, not threats. We must project calm, reinforce investor confidence, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability through proactive diplomacy.” S T ock mA rk ET lo SES n 246bn, nI g E r IA’ S b on DS FA ll, o v E r Trump’ S T H r EAT, An A lYSTS All AY F EA r S

The statement said the project launch, which formed part of activities marking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s second anniversary in office, under- scored her determination to bridge educational inequality and promote inclusion among

wordings, it is quite important to our democratic process and we hope that we internalise all the“Towordings. my colleagues, what we signed today is something we should go home with and give to our campaign partners. What we have signed today is a secret oath. As we go home, let us try to domesticate the oath we have taken.

“We will cooperate with the INEC to ensure that this is the best election ever in terms of transparency, due process, integrity and all. “To the police, I say we have 5,720 polling units. You will secure the state and secure the electoral process.

“We are committed to one man, one vote. Let people vote, count the votes and announce

At the commissioning cer- emony attended by community leaders, education officials, and Fulani Akpoti-Uduaghanrepresentatives, declared that education should not be

the votes. My party, the APGA, and I, will be happy to abide by this.”

Earlier, the chairman of NPC, Gen. Abdulsalami Abukakar (Rtd.), who was represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, called for peace throughout the period of the process.

He said, “We are gathered here above all rising ambition and party interests, but for the security, dignity of Anambra people. Democracy can only thrive where there is restraint and where life is held sacred.

Anambra is a special place in our country, rich in heritage and innovation.

“As an example of maturity, today’s commitment is not in words only but in discipline and actions. To our respected

She lamented that children in nomadic and rural settlements had long been excluded from mainstream education due to neglect and geographical barriers.

To address this, she said her long-term vision was to promote literacy, inclusion, and self-reliance among populations often described as “the forgot- ten.”

traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognise your role as custodians of wisdom and unity.“Your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities. To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and not reporting that fuel division.

“Let us all remember that democracy is at its best when it truly reflects the will of the people. It must be expressed freely, peacefully and with dignity. When we honour these principles, we protect not only the value but the peace and stability of our society.” All 16 candidates of the political parties contesting the election and chairmen of their parties signed the peace accord.

Amup

CATCHING THEM YOUNG...

L–R: Special Guest, Pastor Johnson Sehinde; Second Runner-up at Talent Symphony Praise Worship, SPAW Talent Quest, Isioma Charles; Winner, Praise Moses; Convener, Dr. Ajoke Ogunsan; CEO/Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; and First Runner-up, Dhamie Hilz, during the presentation of cheques at the competition in Lagos… recently

within the space of Nigeria. So, we welcome everybody’s support,“ Oluyede, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said.

THISDAY learnt that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, coordinated the high-level meeting with the service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies in Abuja, amid growing international attention on Nigeria’s internal security situation.

Although the details of the closed-door session were not immediately made public, the meeting was believed to have focused on recent reports suggesting that Trump directed American defence authorities to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria.

Gov Abdullahi Sule Refutes US Genocide Claims, Adeleke Seeks Peaceful Engagement

In a reaction, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who spoke with Arise News yesterday, dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria as false and damaging, maintain- ing that the country’s internal security challenges have nothing to do with religion.

Sule stressed that the recent allegations of killings and genocide circulating in the US pushed by certain elements in the US were based on wrong information shared with foreign legislators.

He stressed: “Unfortunately, they got the wrong information and are working with it… There is definitely nothing like religious genocide in Nigeria. These claims often come from politicians or frustrated indi- viduals who don’t understand the consequences of their statements. When you go to the root of most conflicts, you find they are not as presented. Everybody knows there is no genocide of any religion anywhere in Nigeria.”

Also yesterday, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state appealed for renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the US over the recent security situation in the country.

In a statement issued over

the recent threat of security and diplomatic actions against Nigeria by Trump, Adeleke said: “I appeal to the Presidency of the United States of America to support Nigeria to fully imple- ment the recently developed national security strategy. The new strategy is comprehensive and capable of taking on the monster of banditry and ter- roristic killings in many parts of the country.”

The governor who com- miserated with families of victims across the northern region said the American intervention is a wake-up call to rigorously implement new security measures and forceful counter-terrorism actions in partnership with diplomatic allies, adding that “we need help from the United States and others to solve the terrorism challenge.

He added: “Nigeria suffers from unfortunate killings across Northern Nigeria which has claimed lives of many in- nocent citizens. We believe a high-powered engagement at the presidential level will particularly open to the Ameri- can government the ongoing security operations, successes and challenges Nigeria is facing in the fight against terrorism.

“We need our international partners to expand their sup- port for the Nigerian security agencies and its political leader- ship to face national security challenges. Peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key rather than military intervention by the American government.”

Adeleke lauded the Nigerian presidency for its diplomatic moves to douse the tension and address genuine concerns of its Western partners, especially the US.

“This is the time to unite as a nation to support the national leadership to frontally address internal and external threats for the protection of the citizenry. This is the time to back the President to enforce the letters and spirit of the constitution in all facets of national life. We need peace, not war to deepen our democracy and protect our citizens”, the governor said.

ADC Blames Tinubu for Ongoing Face-off

In its reaction, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has held Tinubu’s administration responsible for Nigeria’s recent designation by Trump as a ‘country of particular concern,’ blaming worsening insecurity and diplomatic failures for plunging the nation into global disrepute.

The opposition party said nearly 15,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to violent attacks since Tinubu took office in 2023, accusing his government of neglecting its most sacred duty to protect lives and property.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the US’ decision reflected deep international worry over Nigeria’s deteriorat- ing human rights record and security situation, as well as the administration’s seeming inability to respond with the urgency and empathy the crisis demands.

“We are guided by the pain- ful reality that what is truly at stake are the thousands of human lives lost to insecurity in Nigeria irrespective of tribe, religion, or region. We therefore seize this moment to honour the memory of all the victims and extend our deepest sympathies to their families,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC described Trump’s designation as a wake-up call, stressing that in today’s world, human rights and security concerns go beyond national borders and that a nation’s dignity is now measured not only by its economy but also by how it values human life.

“President Trump’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the global concern for the sanctity of human life and the fundamental duty of national governments to protect citizens within their borders. The dignity of nations is now measured by their willingness and capacity to protect their own people,” the party said.

The ADC expressed concern that under Tinubu’s leadership, insecurity had deepened across the country, with communities

displaced, worshippers killed in sacred spaces, and terrorist groups extending their reach beyond the North into the Middle Belt and other regions.

Citing the October 31, 2025, terror attack in Kwara State, claimed by the Al-Qaeda- linked JNIM, the party said the incident was evidence that the situation had spiralled out of control.

“Entire communities have been sacked; worshippers slaughtered in sacred spaces; and bandits now control vast territories, imposing taxes on citizens with impunity. Boko Haram, once declared ‘technically degraded,’ is regaining strength, while new interna- tional terror groups openly claim successful attacks on Nigerian soil,” the ADC stated.

While acknowledging that the insecurity problem predated Tinubu’s tenure, the party accused the President of worsening it through denial, poor accountability, and lack of compassion for victims.

“The insecurity crisis did not begin under President Tinubu, but he has failed to acknowledge its worsening under his watch or accept responsibility. Instead, Nigerians have been met with excuses, silence, indifference, and political posturing that mock the tragedy of victims and their families,” it said.

The ADC also criticised the government’s foreign policy direction, pointing to what it called ‘diplomatic inertia,’ noting that more than two years into Tinubu’s term, several key embassies remain without ambassadors.

“Why has the government failed to appoint ambassadors to key countries more than two years into its term? How can an administration boasting of record revenues still cite lack of funds as an excuse? Why has foreign policy become so personalised, focused on the president’s image rather than Nigeria’s interests?” Abdullahi queried.

The party further decried Nigeria’s waning influence in West Africa, saying the country’s leadership role within ECOWAS had weakened significantly.

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria’s leadership status in Africa has sharply declined. Nothing illustrates this more than the fracturing of ECOWAS under his watch. A region that once looked up to Nigeria for guidance on democracy and security now watches us fumble with our own crises,” the party lamented.

To restore stability, the ADC called for sweeping reforms, including an overhaul of the security architecture, the ap- pointment of qualified ambas- sadors, a foreign policy reset, and renewed economic focus anchored on accountability and institutional integrity.

“We must act now, with courage, clarity, and an unyielding commitment to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian. Certainly, Nigeria cannot continue like this,” the party added.

While appealing for interna- tional support, the ADC urged the US and other world powers to focus on strengthening Ni- geria’s democracy rather than imposing punitive measures.

“We appreciate President Trump and other world leaders for their concern about the security situation in our country. However, mobilising or threatening military intervention would be underminingcounterproductive, our democratic as- pirations and long-term unity,” the ADC said.

The party warned that with insecurity rising, global confidence declining, and what it described as a government ‘obsessed with propaganda and self-celebration,’ Nigeria was running out of time to prevent total collapse unless urgent, decisive action was taken.

CPPE: US Military Threat against Nigeria Unwarranted

Also, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has described the recent threat of military actions against Nigeria by the US as unwar- ranted, counterproductive and economically destabilising.

The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, said that unilateral military action would

destabilise Nigeria’s economy, threaten regional stability, and aggravate humanitarian conditions.

Yusuf pointed out that the constructive path forward lies in diplomacy, partnership, and shared commitment to peace, development, and mutual respect for sovereignty.

He said: “The US threat of military intervention in Nigeria is unwarranted, counterproduc- tive, and economically destabi- lising. It is a disproportionate response that fails to reflect the complexity of Nigeria’s internal security dynamics.”

Yusuf said that such statements would send unsettling signals to investors, heighten risk perception, and under- mine confidence in Nigeria’s economy. He advised the federal government to continue to strengthen internal security architecture and governance, adding that any external en- gagement should be cooperative and not coercive.

He added: “The recent threat of possible military action against Nigeria by the President of the United States, President Donald Trump, carries far-reaching implications for the Nigerian economy and investor confidence.

“Although the statement ap- pears to have been made on the basis of incomplete intelligence and misjudged assumptions, its source — the President of the United States — magnifies its potential impact.”

He emphasised that re- gardless of its inaccuracy, the pronouncement has already generated economic, diplomatic, and perception consequences for“TheNigeria.statement risks undermining the country’s image as a stable investment destination, unsettling financial markets, and eroding confidence among both domestic and international investors,” he said.

The CPPE argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, multifaceted, and asymmetrical and do not constitute a conventional war scenario but rather involve overlapping issues.

Trump S AYS u S mAY Deplo Y A I r ST r I ke S , Groun D Troop S I n nIG er IA

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Keystone Bank, Abubakar

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19 Bandits Neutralised, Two Soldiers, Vigilance Member Killed in Kano Clash

Army rescues 2 kidnap victims, recovers N3.8m ransom in Kogi

ahmad sorondinki in Kano and ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

In a fierce combat operation in Kano State, the Joint Task Force Operation MESA neutralised 19 bandits in Shanono Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two gallant soldiers and a local vigilance member.

Similarly, in renewed efforts to rid criminal elements from Kogi State, the troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Oguma, have successfully rescued

Woodhall Capital Eyes $50bn for Projects Devt in Nigeria

Woodhall Capital is spearheading efforts to attract $50 billion in global investments aimed at accelerating development projects across Nigeria.

The Founder of Woodhall Capital, Mojisola HunponuWusu, who disclosed, highlighted the firm’s growing momentum in mobilising international capital.

A key milestone in this journey was a pre-investor forum held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where representatives from all 36 Nigerian states engaged with global investors and

development finance institutions (DFIs).

She emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing large-scale infrastructure and energy projects.

According to her, in line with this goal, Woodhall Capital will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies (FoSIPAN) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to strengthen sub-sovereign and sovereign partnerships.

Osoba, Osunkeye Appointed Vice Patrons of Abeokuta Club

The Abeokuta Club, the foremost socio-cultural organisation of Egbaland, has appointed Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Akinrogun of Egbaland and former Governor of Ogun State, alongside Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Baba Laje of Egbaland, as vice patrons of the club.

two kidnapped victims and recovered N3.8 million ransom money meant for their release.

A statement issued by Captain Babatunde Zubairu of

Oke-Ogun PDP

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) drawn from the 10 local government areas of Oke Ogun Zone in Oyo State led by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, have reaffirmed that the party remained united, strong and loyal to Governor Seyi

the Nigerian Army that was made available to newsmen said: “The troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the bandits

and pushed them out of Shanono resulting in a heavy fire fight.”

Following a tip-off about bandit movements in

Shanono’s Ungwan Tudu and nearby areas, troops confronted the bandits in a gun duel that resulted in fatalities around 5:00 p.m.

Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence in Makinde’s Leadership

Makinde.

This is just as the leaders comprising former, current political office holders and representatives from the three federal constituencies in the zone such as Hon. Shina Peller, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Makinde.

At the meeting, the PDP leaders lauded the governor’s

efforts in developing Oke Ogun in particular and Oyo State in general, stating that party members and residents of the zone must reciprocate the governor’s good gesture in the 2027 general election.

The leaders described as a blessing the recent defection of a prominent member of the party, Senator Hosea Agboola, assuring them that

his defection could pave the way for renewed focus and strength within the PDP.

The deputy governor, who lauded the massive turnout at the meeting, which he attributed to the party’s unity and confidence in the leadership of Governor Makinde, called on PDP members in the zone to bring in more people into the party.

EFInA CEO Honoured for Promoting Financial Inclusion, MSME Funding

The Chief Executive Officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), Nigeria’s leading financial sector deepening organisation, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, has been honoured with The Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year Award at the second edition of the MSME Finance and CEO Awards 2025.

The prestigious event, organised by the Africa Global Economic Forum, serves as a platform to celebrate financial sector players and non-financial institutions, including

non-state actors that are making significant contributions to MSME finance, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship development.

The event brought together financial service institutions, Finance CEOs, Fintechs, policy makers, regulators, development partners and industry leaders across Nigeria’s MSME and financial inclusion ecosystem, who are driving access to finance and fostering the productivity and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

LG Election Fallout: APC Suspends Federal Lawmaker in Niger

Government Area.

The Life President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prof. Afolabi Soyode commended the honourees, describing Osoba as a beacon of truth and leadership, which continues to inspire generations of Egbas and Osunkeye as a man of integrity and generosity.

The two Egbas are men with long-standing commitments to the ideals of the Club, which includes unity, friendship, service, and the advancement of Egbaland.

Announcing the appointments, the Chairman, Publicity Committee, Mr. Tunde Oluwasola said the decision reflects the duo’s enduring contributions to the ideals of the club—unity, friendship, service, and the advancement of Egbaland.

The member representing Bosso/Paikoro federal constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Yussuf Kure, has been suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Paikoro Local

The alleged suspension is said to be the fallout of the APC Paikoro LGA primary election, where the candidate for the party for last Saturday’s election was selected.

Yussuf Kure, according to the suspension letter signed by the LGA Chairman of

the party, Alhaji Bala Achi, was accused of “anti-party activities, sabotage, and failure to attend meetings,” among others.

The suspension letter titled: ‘Formal Notice of Indefinite Suspension’, said: “This letter serves as a formal confirmation of your indefinite suspension

from our party following recommendations by the executives of the Amale ‘B’ polling units of Ishau Ward.

“This action is taken due to your confirmed engagement in antiparty activities, which is a violation of the party constitution.”

Tambuwal Recommits to Youth, Women Empowerment

Onuminya innocent in sokoto

The Senator representing Sokoto South senatorial district, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reiterated his commitment to youth and women empowerment, as he attended a trade

fair organised by young women entrepreneurs under the banner of The YHK Vibrant Fair, held at the K7 Mall premises in Sokoto.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting young women entrepreneurs and

promoting economic development in Sokoto State, commending the participants for their innovative products and entrepreneurial spirit, even as he urged them to continue to work hard and strive for excellence.

The fair, which featured

203 women-owned small businesses, showcased locally-made products, including fashion items, food products, crafts, and beauty accessories. The event highlighted the growing role of women in Sokoto’s business ecosystem.

Laleye dipo in Minna

and Communications Manager, Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), Oluchi Okafor; Chief Executive Officer, EFInA, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, and Executive Director, North & Public Sector,

Usman Bello, during

presentation of ‘The Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year Award’ to Akinjayeju in Lagos…recently

Rivers Utd Get Tough Draw as RS Berkane, Pyramids FC Set for Reunion

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s Rivers United were yesterday drawn in a tough Group A pairing of the CAF Champions League along with Morocco’s RS Berkane and Egypt’s Pyramids FC, winners of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League respectively.

The Port Harcourt-based team will also battle another continental heavyweight Zambia’s Power Dynamos in a group that has been rightly tagged “a rematch between reigning champions!”

In the draw ceremony conducted inside the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Africa, the Nigerian flag bearers are clearly the underdogs in the group and will need miracles to be able to book ticket to the last 16 round.

The draw set up what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of this season’s tournament, bringing together four clubs with strong continental ambitions.

For Rivers United, it marks a return to the CAF Champions League group phase with the hope of surpassing their previous continental outings.

Elsewhere, record 12-time winners, Al Ahly, anchor Group B, where they meet Tanzania’s

Young Africans, Moroccan champions AS FAR, and two-time African champions JS Kabylie, a pool steeped in history and rivalry.

Group C pairs perennial con- tenders Mamelodi Sundowns with Al Hilal, MC Alger and St Éloi Lupopo, clubs with rich pedigree and fervent followings.

Four-time winners Espérance de Tunis headline Group D, alongside Simba SC, Petro de Luanda and Stade Malien, setting up heavyweight duels across the competition.

The Group Stage will kick off on the weekend of 21–23 November 2025, with two

matchdays to be played before the start of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The competition will then pause during the continental showpiece and resume on the weekend of 23–25 January 2026.

The knockout phase will begin on 13 March 2026. The CAF Champions League winners will receive USD 4,000,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will earn USD 2,000,000.

CAF CHAMPIONS

LEAGUE GROUPS

Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)

Alexander-Arnold Returns to Anfield as Liverpool, Real Madrid Clash

Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Liverpool tonight for the first time since moving to Real Madrid, when he will discover if absence has made Anfield hearts grow fonder after the outpouring of illfeeling that accompanied his decision to leave his boyhood club.

Alexander-Arnold fuelled anger among many Liverpool fans by announcing he was

Napoli v Frankfurt

Sl’Prague v Arsenal

Atletico v Royale SG Bodo/Glimt v Monaco Juventus v Sporting Liverpool v R’Madrid

PSG v B’Munich Tottenham v Co’hagen

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

leaving at the end of his contract last summer, with supporters making their fury clear by booing him when he emerged as a substitute in the draw with Arsenal in May.

This was despite the 27-yearold - celebrated in song by the Kop as “the Scouser in our team” - having already played a pivotal role in bringing the Premier League title back to Liverpool.

He is in line to play for Real Madrid in the Champions League match after recovering from the hamstring injury that interrupted his start at the Bernabeu.

Alexander-Arnold will find out if time has healed wounds felt by Liverpool’s followers - and will also have the opportunity to show what they have missed as the champions’

form has faltered this season.

The smart money is on a mixed reception - with a section of Liverpool fans unlikely to forgive or forget the manner of his departure, initially on a free transfer, although Real later agreed a reported £8.4m fee to accelerate his arrivalso he

could play in the Club World Cup.

Feelings had cooled when Alexander-Arnold again came on as a substitute for Liverpool’s final home game against Crystal Palace, when the trophy was presented to captain Virgil van Dijk by legendary former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen.

Iwobi: It Will Be a Shame if Eagles Fail to Qualify for World Cup

Nigeria and Fulham star, Alex Iwobi, has said it will be a shame if the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup via the Playoffs.

The Super Eagles will feature in a CAF World Cup Playoffs

later this month in Morocco that also features Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon.

The overall winners of this mini-tournament will advance to an Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico in March, where two World Cup spots will be at stake.

“We have the players and belief to compete against any team in the world,” Fulham star Iwobi told CNN yesterday.

“It’ll be a shame if we don’t make it, but we have a lot of confidence. We just have to prove it to ourselves.”

“We’ve managed to rescue ourselves from the dead,” he admitted in reference to winning a final World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic at home to seal their passage to the Playoffs.

New Era for Niger Rep. Football as FIFA Opens Two Mini-pitches in Niamey

The West African country of Niger Republic witnessed historic moment in their football history after global soccer governing body, FIFA, on Friday inaugurated two mini-pitches as part of the FIFA Arenas project

The two pitches situated at the CES 22 Talladje and CES 9 Harobanda primary school, both in the capital Niamey, ensures Niger becomes one of the 11 Member Associations to benefit from the initiative which has one of key projects under the FIFA Forward programme.

The ultramodern sustainable

facilities will provide students with a safe and inspiring space to hone their football skills, giving a ray of hope to about 10,000 youth in communities within the two schools.

The project is expected to impact positively and allowing youth from surrounding com- munities to play football in ideal conditions, promoting social inclusion, personal growth, and passion for sport.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, cited the project as a watershed moment for football development in the West African country.

NSC Boss Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has promised to encourage Wushu in the Wushucountry. is a Chinese martial art and competitive sport that combines elements of athletics,

acrobatics, and combat techniques. It is practiced globally, with various styles and forms, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Wudangquan.

Wushu is recognised internationally, with competitions like the World Wushu Championships and the Asian Games. Its global popularity continues to

grow, with practitioners from diverse backgrounds embracing its unique blend of martial arts, athletics, and cultural heritage. Speaking at the finals of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja, Dikko who commended the Chinese Embassy for supporting the hosting of the tournament,

said the sport holds immense potential among Nigerian youth. He said: “Wushu is gaining ground in Nigeria, and with continued support, it will create another path for our youths to achieve their dreams. Now that it’s reaching the Olympic level, we will take it even more seriously.”

Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)

Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan),

MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Group D: Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)

Rivers United FC are in a tough Group A pairing with champions RS Berkeley; Pyramids FC and Power Dynamo of the CAF Champions League

Alex Iwobi... Super Eagles must qualify for 2026 World Cup

DEFECTion/RECEpTion oF DiRi inTo ThE ApC...

L–R: Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; and Imo State Governor/Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, during the formal defection/reception of Diri into the All Progressives Congress at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa… yesterday

TUESDAY

abati1990@gmail.com

REUBEN ABATI

Donald Trump ’s Plan To De-Stabilise Nigeria

Ihave chosen the provocative title of this piece deliberately knowing that some of the more patriotic elements among us in Nigeria would scream that it is impossible, because Nigeria is a sovereign nation. Indeed, since the end of World War II, the United States has refrained from portraying itself as a colonizing, conquering, destabilising power, sticking with what became known as the central pillars of the American foreign policy process namely: building global peace, promotion of democracy around the world, humanitarian assistance, liberalism and the projection of the United States as the world’s primary power, that is American exceptionalism. The tragedy of President Trump’s second term in power is that he has upended America’s foreign policy process, projecting himself wrongly as President of the world, and so from Kuwait, to the Middle East, Latin America, South America, and now instructively in Africa, he tries to call the shots. He throws up in the process intimations of unilateralism, egotism, hypocrisy and contradictions that are too loud to be ignored.

His latest gambit in this direction is his declaration, over the weekend that Nigeria is now a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its alleged persecution of Christians and its violation of religious freedom. He has asked President Tinubu to” better move fast” otherwise the US will invade Nigeria to protect those he calls “our Cherished Christians”. He has also directed the US Department of War to commence prepara- tions for action in Nigeria. Pete Hegseth, the Trump boot-licker who is Secretary of Defence has responded: “Yes Sir!” The Pentagon has also been put on alert to get ready to go “gun-a-blazing” to Nigeria. He has also threatened to stop US aid for Nigeria. Trump will always be Trump: he is an attention-seeking leader who seeks publicity almost to the same degree that children crave for candies. He says he is a peacemaker of the world, but with regard to Nigeria, he is trying to cause problems. What is his motivation?

There have been a number of conspiracy theories. They include first the argument that by defending Nigerian Christians, he would please the Christian evangelical constituency

in the United States, especially now that some of his self-seeking sycophants like Steve Bannon are pursuing a third term agenda for him, we also have Congressman Riley Moore, Tom Cole, and Senator Ted Cruz who see themselves as defenders of the faith, as well as Republican right-wingers who spew divisive rhetoric. They are all wrong about Nigeria. There is no religious genocide in Nigeria. Genocide is such a specific word, properly defined in the Genocide Convention (1948) and the Rome Statute as the deliberate persecution of populations, which under international customary law is a crime against humanity. I am a Nigerian. I live in Lagos. I know that there have been cases of attacks on Catholic priests and Christian communities in Southern Kaduna, the Plateau, Owo, Yelwata, Niger State and parts of the Middle Belt, which we all condemn. But Moslems are also being attacked in the North East. Most of the victims of terrorism and insurgency in the North East, the North West and the North Central are Muslims. The terrorist, the insurgent, the bandit in Nigeria does not ask for religion. He strikes. He kills. In the Middle Belt, the challenge is about land ownership. Further South, it is separatist politics and agitation in the South East. The reality that I see is that Nigeria is a pressure cooker country where we are all facing the challenge of insecurity. Kidnappers do not ask for their victim’s religion. They run an emergent economy in

human trafficking. To the extent that Nigeria is under siege, security-wise, it amounts to an oversimplification of the situation to assume that only Christian-Nigerians are in need of help. Terrorism, banditry and insurgency are international, cross-border problems, asymmetrical in character, and so the best that President Trump could have done was to have asked to assist Nigeria through mutually agreed co-operation.

This is not the first time he would declare Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern. He did the same during his first term in December 2020. President Biden saved Nigeria the agony of US sanctions on the basis of that classification. Now, Trump is back, and he has gone after Nigeria afresh. Trump by the way does not think much of Africa. He is harassing Nigeria and South Africa. These are two of the most prominent countries in Africa. Those who read conspiracy into Trump’s behaviour may have a point. Nigeria, like South is romancing the China-led alternative economic power alignment, the BRICS. Nigeria, like South Africa is supporting the two-state solution in Israel/Palestine which the US opposes. Nigeria has bluntly refused to serve as a dumping ground, a third country destination, for deportees from America. The Tinubu administration has introduced economic reforms which make the Nigerian economy less dependent on the dollar. Nigeria is a good friend of China.

I do not subscribe to the argument that Trump wants to seize Nigerian territory or the country’s economic resources. The US is no longer so dependent on our Brent crude or our gas. Where was everyone when the Dangote Refinery even had to import crude oil from the United States? We have some other mineral resources that we are just beginning to develop. The US can get those from elsewhere. Trump was most recently in Japan where he signed a deal with the first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, not missing the opportunity to acknowledge her as “a winner”, and he has also met, at a very warm summit, with China’s President Xi Jinping reaching some agreements for at least one year, that would serve the mutual interests of the world’s two largest economies.

It is important to look closely at the sub- text. What do the Americans want? What does Trump want? Is this an attempt at regime change in Nigeria? Ahead of the 2027 general elections, is it that Trump does not want Tinubu in power? The sub-text is often more important than what is spoken. Nigerians are part of the problem. Many of our compatriots out of spite have become very adept at running down, and demarketing their own country. For their own selfish reasons, when they are invited to events by foreign embassies, they talk too much, not knowing that they are being recorded. There are also elements in civil society looking for foreign grants, who specialise in maligning Nigeria and the government of the day. We are a country in need of patriots. This is a moment that calls for patriotism and unity more than ever. If Trump, exercising his powers under Article Two of the US Constitution deploys armed action against any section of Nigeria, the consequences would be tragic. Nigeria will never be the same again. The North vs South rhetoric at the heart of Trump’s belligerence can lead to another civil war. Nigeria as it is, cannot survive a second civil war. No country in living memory has survived a religious war. Nigeria cannot afford a war between Christians and Muslims. The West African region will be destabilized, creating grave humanitarian crisis.

Nigerians must come together and save their country. It must be clear to the United States, with its capacity for intelligence and all the futuristic devices at its disposal that whatever conflict that may exist in Nigeria is far more nuanced and complex. Both Muslims and Christians and animists have suffered losses. The other day, kidnappers seized human beings along Lokoja road. They did not ask for religious identity. There is no body of evidence to support President Trump’s claim that about 3, 100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria or that this is relatively the highest number in the world. Christians are being persecuted in China, and Gaza and Ukraine. Yet, the United States is supporting Israel and has remained ambivalent towards Russia.

US President Donald Trump

PHOTO: BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT