TUESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2025 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Ojulari: Nigeria Lost over 600,000 Barrels of Oil to PENGASSAN’s 3-day Strike

Says 1.68mbpd of crude oil produced in September Gas output of 7bcf/day, highest in recent times achieved Attributes hike in LPG price to recent oil workers’ strike NNPC raises petrol price to N905 on union’s supply disruption

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has disclosed that Nigeria lost 200,000 barrels per day of crude

oil to the recent strike action embarked upon by the nation’s oil workers, culminating in a

total of over 600,000 barrels during the three-day supply disruption.

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Senate Resolves to Tackle US Govt over ‘Christian Genocide’ Talks, Resumes

Barau: North’ll Repay Tinubu’s Kindness in 2027

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has pledged that the people of Kano State and the entire

northern Nigeria would reciprocate President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill and developmental gestures with massive political support in the 2027 general election.

Barau, according to his Me- dia Aide, Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, gave the assurance yesterday during the launch of his annual undergraduate scholarship programme at the

newly renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

The statement explained that the event was attended by top political and academic

figures, including the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Others were the Kano State APC Chairman, Prince Abdul-

Chairman of ASUU, Comrade Ado Muhammad

President Rallies Support for Dangote, Highlights His Contributions to Economy

Declares Nigeria greater than PENGASSAN Describes Africa’s richest man as an institution, tasks NESG on industrial harmony Abubakar Bagudu: Poverty elimination, $1tn economy realisable by 2030

31ST NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT...

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule; and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja… yesterday

Petroleum and Natural

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Continued on page 10

lahi Abbas; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Tukur Kadage; and the

PRESENTATION OF DUMMY CHEQUE OF N14,250,000 TO BENEFICIARIES...

L-R: National President, University of Lagos Muslim Alumni Association (UMA), Dr. Mumini Alao; Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Prof. Luqman Adams; Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN); and representatives of UMA’s 2025/2026 academic session’s 23 scholarship beneficiaries, Ibrahim Amoo Bashir and Marufah Baruwa-Yakubu, during the presentation of a dummy cheque for N14,250,000 to the beneficiaries at the association’s 36th AGM held at the UNILAG Mosque Islamic Centre… recently

Senate Resolves to Tackle US Govt over

‘Christian Genocide’ Talks, Resumes Today

Determined to correct misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security situation globally

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate is set to resume plenary today with a motion to counter what it described as a “dangerous and misleading” narrative portraying Nigeria as a country where genocide is being perpetrated against Christians.

The motion, is being sponsored by a former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South).

It seeks to reject the recent categorisation of Nigeria by the United States Congress as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged systematic persecution of Christians.

The draft motion is titled: “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian

Genocide’ narrative in Nigeria and the international communities.”

The sponsors warned that such narratives, if left unchallenged could deepen sectarian divisions, distort international perceptions, and undermine Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and internal unity.

Ndume, in the motion sighted by THISDAY, in Abuja, yesterday, noted that while Christian communities have indeed suffered tragic and unacceptable attacks in some parts of the country, Nigerians of all faiths have been victims of the widespread insecurity caused by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

He argued that the mischar- acterisation of these complex security challenges as a religious war “does not reflect the reality on the ground,” stressing that both Muslims and Christians have suffered significant casualties in different parts of the country.

According to the motion, “Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation whose unity and stability depend on mutual understanding, responsible communication, and accurate representation of facts.”

It further expressed concern that the “Christian genocide” narrative, amplified by some

foreign media and advocacy groups, could inflame sectarian mistrust and be exploited by extremist elements to further destabilise the country.

The sponsors expected the Senate to adopt several resolutions rejecting the blanket description of Nigeria’s security situation as a “Christian genocide,”

and affirming instead that the ongoing crises are driven by complex socio-economic, ethnic, criminal, and terrorist factors that transcend religion.

It will urge the federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security agencies, to adopt a data-driven communication strategy that provides verified

casualty figures, context, and investigative outcomes to counter misinformation.

The lawmakers will also call on religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian media to show restraint and responsibility in their public commentary, avoiding narratives that could inflame sectarian tensions.

House Moves to Review Economic, Regulatory, Security Implications of Cryptocurrency, PoS

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has commenced the move to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and point-of-sale (PoS) operations in Nigeria.

To this end, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday, in Abuja, inaugurated an Ad hoc Committee to carry

Terminally Ill Retired AVM Dies Onboard British Airways

Aircraft makes emergency landing in Barcelona Crew battled to save his life

A retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal (AVM) has reportedly died on board a British Airways flight to Abuja as the crew of the airline battled to save his life.

The plane carrying the deceased made an emergency landing at the El Prat Airport, Barcelona, as they struggled to resuscitate the ailing military officer.

The airline’s Regional Com-

mercial Manager for Nigeria & Ghana, Mrs. Tutu Otuyalo, was reported to have confirmed the incident, saying that the deceased was terminally ill.

The flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11 pm on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land in Abuja at 5 am on Monday but made an unexpected detour to Barcelona after the incident.

It was, however, gathered that the terminally ill retired AVM was being transported

back to Abuja for further medication before his sudden demise.

British Airways had already apologised to traumatised passengers, even it disclosed that a new aircraft was to depart Barcelona for Abuja yesterday.

According to messages shared with the passengers, the airline apologised for the disruption and assured them that its Customer Care team would be available to assist with any questions or concerns.

out the task.

The Speaker, while speaking at the inauguration of the committee, became imperative following growing concerns of fraud, cybercrime, and consumer exploitation in the digital finance space.

He emphasised that there were real concerns about its susceptibility to terrorism financing and money laundering, considering its opaque nature, dubious regulatory framework, unclear governance structure, and lack of accountability.

Abbas, however, said the vulnerability inherent in

cryptocurrency operations cannot be underestimated.

He stated: “It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets.

“This Ad-Hoc Committee is therefore necessary. Its main job is to undertake public hearings to collate relevant

information from stakeholders that will guide the House in developing legislation for a regulatory framework for the adoption of the currency in our economy.

“Its work will also guide the House in its oversight functions as they concern the use of digital currency in Nigeria.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olufemi Bamisile, said the assignment is of national significance, aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.

Azu Ishiekwene Releases New Book on Midlifers and Technology

Journalist, columnist and author, Azu Ishiekwene, has released a new book, entitled A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in

light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said, “It shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity

to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.”

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to “Writing for Media and Monetising It,” published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

REMI TINUBU LEADS CHARGE AGAINST MEASLES, RUBELLA, POLIO, HPV...

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, presenting a certificate of vaccination after immunising one of the children at the National Flag-Off of the Integrated Campaign for Measles, Rubella, Polio, HPV, Routine Immunisation Vaccines, and Neglected Tropical Diseases, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, yesterday

Wale Edun: Nigeria Must Unlock Climate Funds to Develop Infrastructure, Green Energy, Jobs

Rallies stakeholders, unveils guide to ease access to financing World Bank seeks further inflation targeting to consolidate gains of reforms year, even though global climate spending in 2024 alone reached $2 trillion.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday said the country must align with global direction in financing for development by taking advantage of climate initiatives, which the world was prepared to fund.

Edun also pointed out that the federal government was

actively engaging with the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, G20, and will take a strong voice to development partners in COP30 in Brazil to seek more support for the country.

He said the federal government was supporting ministries and state agencies to prepare investment-ready proposals, stating that key reason funds often remain untapped is lack of readiness.

He spoke at a panel session on “Unlocking Climate Finance for Sustainable Growth”, at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31), with the theme, “Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” in Abuja.

Country Director, World Bank Group, Mathew Verghis, said the government must bring down inflation to consolidate the gains of the bold economic reforms

currently being undertaken.

However, stating that transparency remained critical, Edun disclosed that the government was currently reinforcing frameworks to track climate finance flows and record their impact.

The minister also launched the “Guide to Accessing Climate Finance”, a publication aimed at better educating stakeholders on ways to access climate resources.

Edun expressed concern

over the reduced support for developing countries, adding that to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global spending needs to reach $5 trillion annually between now and 2030.

He said the SDG goal remained unmet.

Edun stated that the $100 billion promised annually to developing countries for climate action had fallen short year after

Northern Elders Secure $10bn for Mining, Agriculture, Power

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday announced the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Council (NNEDC), a new coordinating body to drive industrialisation, attract investment, and harmonise development policies across the northern region.

The announcement followed the successful conclusion of the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS)

in Abuja, where participants pledged over $10 billion in new investments across mining, agriculture, and power.

In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the NEF Board of Trustees, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the Forum said the NNEDC would serve as the institutional framework for implementing a Northern Nigeria Economic Development Masterplan, focusing on security, policy coherence, and private capital as pillars for the region’s economic transformation.

The two-day summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power (MAP 2025),” brought together an extensive coalition of stakeholders, including Federal Government officials, northern governors, the NNDC, private sector leaders, development partners, financiers, academics, and civil society representatives.

He said: “The summit also featured exhibitions of investment opportunities by the 19 Northern Nigerian States’ Invest-

Top 5 Women Entrepreneurs Shortlisted for N20 Million Unicorn Project

Mary Nnah

SoMe Solutions, a leading PR and communications agency, in collaboration with Premier Business Network (PBN), has announced the top 5 finalists for the N20 million Unicorn Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women-led businesses in Nigeria.

The competition, which drew over 120 applications nationwide, seeks to identify and support innovative women entrepreneurs across various sectors.

The five finalists are Nancy Amaku from Chef Nahnah Foods & Confectioneries Ltd, Aderoju Dasola Elizabeth from Eliz-Bags & Accessories, Opey- emi Adebisi from Pemnia

Wellness, Kieva Chris-Amusan from Fertitude, and Abejide Oluwatosin Mercy from House of Rheevo Limited. These exceptional women were selected from a pool of 120 applicants, with 20 entrepreneurs initially shortlisted and admitted into the Unicorn Community, providing ongoing mentorship, networking, and business support.

ment Promotion Agencies and Corporate Sponsors and Deal Room/Matchmaking (B2B, B2G) sessions. Major investments across Mining, Agriculture and Power worth over $10 billion were pledged over the next 5 years.”

Delegations from Turkey, India, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia also attended,

expressing readiness to invest billions of dollars in the region’s growth sectors.

The summit featured strategic showcases, high-level addresses, panel discussions, and masterclasses exploring sectoral strengths, challenges, and investment opportunities in mining, agriculture, and power.

He said, “That’s where the money is—and that’s where we, too, must focus our efforts. Recognizing this, at COP28, we saw the trends clearly and immediately established a Green Growth Office and Facility in the Ministry of Finance. This was to align Nigeria with the global direction in financing for development—toward growth-oriented, job-creating projects that the world is willing to fund. It serves no purpose to be on a different page from the rest of the world.”

According to reports, severe climate vulnerability is impacting agriculture, water, and energy, with economic losses exceeding $100 billion since 2020. Despite rising climate finance, inflows of $2.5 billion in 2022 are well below the required $17.7 billion annually, the reports said.

Enoh: New Industrial Policy to Clear Obstacles for Foreign Investors

James

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has said a new industrial policy, billed to be unveiled at 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31), will provide direction and structure, and usher in a better business environment to attract more investments into theThecountry.minister spoke at the unveiling of the new edition of Glovo Academy in Abuja.

He said, “Many international investors have faced challenges entering or staying in the Nige- rian market due to the absence of a clear industrial policy. While there was an industrial plan, a policy was needed to drive that plan.”Enoh was represented by his Special Adviser, Ifeoma Williams. He told THISDAY, “This new policy has been validated and will be unveiled soon. I can assure you it will be a major driver of economic growth.”

The minister stressed that MSMEs remained the backbone of any economy, noting that current data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is derived from these small businesses. While also bemoaning poor access to loan facilities from the federal government for many SMEs, she attributed the challenge to a lack of proper structure and the right business plan.

Emejo in Abuja

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

ALL FOR NEW LOOK BEST...

L-R: Managing Director, NigerBev Limited, Dr. Obinna Ike; Group Managing Director, Westside Distillers and Vintners (the parent company of NigerBev), David Salmon; Group Marketing and Brand Coordinator, Marlies Immelman; and Commercial Director, NigerBev, Anselem Ikeotuonye, at the unveiling of the BEST portfolio packaging in Lagos… recently

Adelabu: With FG’s Reforms,

Discos’

Revenue to Hit N2tn By End of 2025

Declares over 700mw additional transmission capacity achieved Says average generation capacity grew to 5,300mw in 2024 from 4,200mw in 2023 N700bn secured from FAAC to deploy 1.1m meters by year end Nigeria in talks with China for $2bn supergrid loan, minister discloses

Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday gave what seemed like a scorecard in his over two years in the saddle, stressing that as a result of the federal government’s reforms, revenue collected by Distribution Companies (Discos) is set to hit N2 trillion by the end of 2025.

Speaking in Abuja during an ex- pert forum tagged: “Uninterrupted Power: The Industrial Imperative”, at a programme organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Adelabu said that over 700mw additional transmission capacity had been achieved under his watch.

Adelabu admitted that the federal government was acutely aware of the cost pressures faced by businesses as a result of inad- equate and unreliable grid supply, reason why the government is prioritising strategic investments in key infrastructure to ensure stable and predictable power delivery, particularly to commercial and industrial customers who are

willing to pay for availability, reliability, and quality of supply.

He highlighted the implementation of the ‘Light Up Nigeria’ project which is a federal government initiative to boost industrialisation by providing reliable electricity nationwide, noting that it aims to deliver stable power to key industrial clusters. The initiative, he said, has already been launched in Agbara Industrial hub in Lagos State and Enugu State.

In addition to scaling up supply to the industrial clusters, he stated that the government recognised the potential need for a differential tariff or a time-of-use tariff for industries especially at off-peak hours of the grid to encourage increased energy offtake, improved productivity in the economy, and increased job opportunities for our teaming population.

Currently, he stated that the federal government is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency, and growth, spanning critical pillars which include

legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development.

He pointed out that the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 remains a major milestone, providing a robust governance and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Electricity Supply

Industry (NESI).

The Act, he said, devolves regulatory powers to the states, enables subnational markets, promotes competition, and empowers private participation across the value chain, representing a clear shift towards a liberalised and investment-friendly electricity market.

Since its passage, he revealed

that 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalised, while stakeholders are working actively with the states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market.

According to him, the ministry has developed the Integrated

National Electricity Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February, with its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan now being finalised to harmonise existing policies and provide a coherent roadmap for sustainable sector growth.

Continues online

FG Committed to Ensuring Global Competitiveness, Relevance of National Education Institutions

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The federal government says it will not relent in making educational institutions in the country globally relevant and competitive in this digital, advanced age and the increasing relevance and impact of Artificial Intelligence.

The Chairman, TETfund Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, gave the assurance at

Launches

Cashless Universal Card at Abuja Airport

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Monday launched the airport contactless universal card at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

FAAN noted the contactless card is the physical embodiment of its “Go Cashless” vision, unified key to a seamless airport experience, noting it is prepaid and saves time.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive, FAAN,

Olubunmi Kuku, speaking during the launch in Abuja, hinted: “This is more than a new payment system, it is a fundamental upgrade to the passenger experience and a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to transparency and excellence.”

Kuku added that following its successful launch in the dynamic city of Lagos, she was proud to officially announce the full deployment of ‘OPERATION GO CASHLESS here in Abuja, the Centre of Excellence.

According to her, “This is a comprehensive, cashless, and contactless payment solution for all our airports. Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.

“For you, our passengers, this means faster, more secure transactions and an end to the delays of cash handling. It is a direct response to your call for modern, efficient, and world-class service.”

the inauguration of a project in Akwa Íbom State; stressing: “For us at TETFund, the inauguration of projects is a pointer to progress and success in aligning with TETFund’s vision of making our institutions globally relevant and competitive.”

Masari who launched a N1.3bn administrative block and ICT centre at Afaha Nsit College in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area said TETfund has appropriated N7.4bn for infrastructural development at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education.

His words: ‘’We are resolved as an agency of the Federal Government to keep pace with current advancements and are making significant efforts at ensuring that our beneficiary institutions are up to date, through support to acquire relevant tools of work for knowledge creation, learning, research and supporting teacher training, entrepreneurship and skills development.”

Masari, a former governor of Katsina State, said out of the N7.4bn spent for infrastructural development at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education,

a total of N6. 9bn has been accessed leaving a balance of N462.9m.

“The total cost of the projects to be commissioned today is N1,391,116,511.32. You may wish to know also that from the start of TETFund interventions to this College, the Fund has allocated a total of N7,388,131,247.96, for infrastructure-related projects only.‘’Out of this, a total of N6,925,204,879.46 have been accessed, leaving a balance of N462,926,368.50, most of which are already committed,”Masari said.

Union Bank Champions Employee Wellness with Stay Recharged Health Walk

The Union Bank of Nigeria held its first-ever Stay Recharged Health Walk, a dynamic event that affirmed the bank’s steadfast commitment to employee well-being and sustainable workplace development.

The walk kicked off at the Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office in Marina.

It concluded at the Bank’s Sports Complex, The Stable, on

Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, tracing an energising 7.5km route through Lagos’ vibrant streets.

The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from employees from diverse depart- ments and locations made it a celebration of physical fitness, mental health, and the power of community spirit.

Stay Recharged is a featured

event drawn from a cornerstone of Union Bank’s employee value proposition: employee wellness, thoughtfully crafted to foster a culture where health, happiness, and productivity flourish.

The initiative responds directly to the urgent need for purposeful wellness programmes that nurture both physical and mental health at work.

Emmanuel

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

NLNG: With 45mTonnes of New Global Supplies, Africa’s LNG Output May Hit 120MPTA By 2035

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has said that with ownership of at least 45 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MPTA) of potential new supply, Africa’s LNG output could rise from about 70 MTPA today to 120 MTPA by 2035.

Speaking during a keynote address titled: “The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market” at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in

Deji Elumoye and James Emejo in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday rallied Nigerians to support and appreciate the contributions of the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, especially given his contributions to the nation’s economy.Speaking at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31) with the theme: “Building a Prosper- ous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” in Abuja, Tinubu said Dangote remained the leading light in the country’s economic development trajectory, adding that “how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us”.

The President’s remarks came against the backdrop of a series of antagonism against Africa’s richest man

Abdullahi — all of whom lauded President Tinubu’s developmental initiatives in the North.

Barau expressed deep appreciation to the President for approving the upgrade of the institution from a college to a full-fledged university, saying the request had lingered for nearly a decade.

“I would like to thank Mr. President, the president of our country, the president that we are all proud of the president, who loves Kano, who loves Northern Nigeria, and who loves Nigeria,

“He graciously approved our long-standing request to upgrade this institution to a university, and for that, we remain deeply grateful.”

He added that President Tinubu’s approval reflected his administration’s strong commitment to education and human capital development.

Barau said, “The rain that beats you is the real rain. We have never asked or canvassed for anything from Mr President, and he said no. Why shouldn’t we love him? We have to reciprocate, and we are waiting for the time to do that, come 2027.”

He also commended Tinubu for approving the renaming of the university after the late

South Africa, the Company’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, stated that Africa was not a bystander in the conversation on energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

Osobu also said Africa remains a rising pillar of global supply, maintaining that Nigeria has a duty to lead. He urged Africans to move beyond the role of raw material suppliers and take their place as key players in the global LNG market. He stressed that with more

by some business interests and labour unions in the oil sector, the latest being the dispute between Dangote and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which has now been resolved.

Describing Dangote as an institution rather than an individual, Tinubu said: “I wish to call for caution, retrospection, and a sense of accountability from all the organised and independent private sector as they participate in defining and improving the relationship between people and industry, in the interest of maintaining and sustainably improving economic cultures.”

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shetima, the President further declared that “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.”

The president said: “If

Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, a revered statesman and former minister from Kano, noting that the gesture was a mark of respect for northern heritage and leadership values.

“When I presented a request to President Tinubu to name this institution after our elder statesman, he immediately approved it. This is how he continues to demonstrate love and respect for Kano and our heroes.”

Barau, who described Tinubu as the “grandfather of the institution” and himself as its “father,” announced scholarships for 1,000 students from Kano North Senatorial District, with plans to extend the scheme across the state.

“Education is the bedrock of every society. If I, as a grandfather and a PhD student, can continue to pursue learning, then there is no reason for any young person to relent,” he said.

He reaffirmed that sustained investment in education was the surest way to empower communities and secure longterm progress.

In his remarks, APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, commended President Tinubu for his interventions in Kano and the North, while Minister Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, described

than 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, about 6 per cent of the total global reserves, Africa has the resources, the position and the ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.

Osobu highlighted Nigeria’s role as the continent’s LNG pioneer, pointing to the NLNG Train 7 expansion project, which will grow the company’s capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA,

he (Dangote) had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, in Google, probably he might be worth $70 billion to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in this country, and we owe it to future generations to generously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this very “NigeriaNigerian. is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan. I’m coming to you as a person in search of solutions to our national challenges.”

This came as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said the federal government remained ambitious and certain to eliminate poverty as well as achieve the $1 trillion economy by 2030.

However, Tinubu vowed that the government will

the president’s actions as evidence of his inclusive leadership.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Kadage also hailed Barau for his “visionary leadership and unwavering support,” recalling that the university’s establishment originated from a bill sponsored by the Deputy Senate President in the National Assembly.

Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) had last month directed its members to embark on strike in the wake of a face off with the management of Dangote Refineries over the reported sack of 800 workers.

Reacting to the effect of the three-day strike action on the oil industry, Ojulari stated that the industrial action had a telling effect on the production capacity of the NNPC.

The GCEO who spoke with newsmen after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos while describing the strike action as unfortunate stated that Nigeria has recently achieved a 7 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of “Igas.think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGAS- SAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and

as a demonstration of sustained leadership, a statement by the company’s General Manager, External Relations & Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said.

“Our investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access. We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” he added.

Osobu noted that emerging

humanise governance so that every citizen feels respected and served.

He said: “I wish to reemphasise that in the interest of improving the cultures, the government is hereby task- ing the Nigerian Economic Summit Group to take more than a passing interest in the matter.

“The government will expect far-reaching recommendations from the NESG in addressing this issue, even as the government is also taking steps to protect the industry and ensure the industrial harmony for the whole population of Nigeria.”

Nonetheless, Tinubu said while the country’s challenges are daunting, they are not insurmountable, noting that the ticket to achieving inclusive and lasting prosperity depended on a series of sound policies, strong partnerships, and the commitment of the private sector.

He said: “We are not condemned to low growth, high costs, and low trust. We will stabilise. We will industrialise. We will humanise our economy. We will stabilise prices and the currency. We will industrialise through power, logistics, and technology. We will humanise governance so that every citizen feels respected and served.”

critical staff manning critical facilities are not available and optimum production is almost impossible. In this particular case, we actually lost significant production of over 200,000 bpd that was deferred.

“We also have gas production that was deferred, we also have power generation that was impacted by about 1.2 megawatts of power that was affected by that strike,” he said. He, however, expressed happiness that the crisis had been resolved through the timely intervention of the federal government via the Federal Ministry of Labour and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Ojulari added: “I’m very pleased that the federal government through the leadership of the Minister of Labour and

LNG frontiers across the continent collectively represent more than 45 MTPA of potential new supply. With these additions, Africa’s LNG output could rise from about 70 MTPA today to 120 MTPA by 2035, further consolidating the continent’s standing as a global LNG hub, he added.

While noting Africa’s strategic advantage, shorter shipping routes to both Europe and Asia, Osobu warned that competitiveness, financing, and domestic

The President said there’s a resounding consensus that recent reforms have stabilised the macroeconomic environment, with the economy expanding to N372.8 trillion in 2024, up from N309.5 trillion in 2023.

He said total revenue collection also rose from N19.9 trillion in 2023 to N25.2 trillion in 2024, adding that as of August 2025, it had reached N27.8 trillion, surpassing the revenue target of N18.32 trillion.

Tinubu further pointed out that these triumphs and projections are guided by his administration’s promise to the nation—to grow the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 per cent, where we met it, to a sustainable level.

He said: “Aside from the good news that this ratio has now reduced to less than 50 per cent, I am proud to share that this performance, in our early days in office, inspired Fitch to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign rating to B with a stable outlook, and Moody’s to lift our issuer rating to B3 with a stable outlook. Both praised our improved economic foresight and clearer policy direction as their barometers.

“The reforms championed by my administration have begun to yield tangible results across sectors and beyond the GDP growth of 4.23 per cent recorded in September 2025—a

full support of the National Security Adviser was able to put together everyone into a dialogue and brought everybody to the table and now there has been a communiqué that has been agreed on the way forward.

“We are all very hopeful that everyone will abide by the communique, since then we have been able to return production back to status quo, there has been one or two areas that we are still trying to catch up with. Overall, we have gradually gone back to restore lost production and the deferment that we have as of today,” he added.

Ojulari further stated that Nigeria has been able to step up crude oil production with effect from last month, saying 1.68 million barrels per day

responsibility remain Africa’s biggest hurdles.

number which surpasses projections from multilateral agencies and local think tanks. Non-oil revenues grew by 411 per cent year on year in the same month, while the tax-to-GDP ratio now nudges 13.5 per cent, up from barely seven per cent a few years ago.

“Our debt-to-GDP ratio now stands at 38.8 per cent, far below the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act at 60 per cent, and those of ECOWAS and the World Bank at 70 per cent. These numbers tell the story of a nation prepared for the present; they represent the promise we made to Nigerians.

“We came to office fully aware that the secret to a successful federation lies in empowering each federating unit with the resources and autonomy to pursue development peculiar to its needs. This is why we increased the states’ monthly allocations, giving them room to fund critical projects and social interventions.

“Simultaneously, our commitment to redeeming our industrial and infrastructural deficits has enhanced productivity across sectors. We are now producing an average of 1.8 million barrels of oil per day and are working towards achieving 2 million barrels per day by the end of the 2025

Continued on page 27

were produced in September, 2025 while 7 billion cubic feet of gas was also produced per day during the same period.

“We are making good progress. As you know, we recorded 1.68mbpd of oil production last month which was very good. That was the first in about five years. In terms of milestones, we also recorded the highest gas production above 7 Billion Cubic Feet per day which is also the highest in recent times.

“What we are also expecting is that with some Turnaround Maintenance we have done in August and September and all of those are meant to come back this month, we are hoping that by the end of the year we should at least be clocking 1.8mbpd,” the NNPC chief

Continued on page 27

B A r A u: NorTH ’ll r epAY T IN u B u’ S K INDN e SS IN 2027

Olakunle Osobu

LAWYER

’Gender Sensitivity in Kwara Cabinet is Sacrosanct’

Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman

LAWYER

’GenderSensitivity in Kwara Cabinet is Sacrosanct’

Proof of Murder Where the Victim’s Body Cannot be Found

Page IV

UNILAG

Celebrates 43 Law Graduates Who Made 1st Class in 2024 Bar Exams

Page V

Quotable

‘Islamism is not aimed at seizing power on any particular platform; Islam is after good governance in society.’ - His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the 20th Sultan of Sokoto

Tinted Glass: NBASPIDEL Threatens Contempt Proceedings Against Police Spokesman Page V

Zarephath Aid

Founder Calls for Audit of Inmates in Correctional Facilities

Page V

Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman

Nigeria: A Disappointing Nation at 65

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary? No, Not With Somtochukwu’s Death

The tragic death of Arise TV’s beautiful 29 year old Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, is an indication that 65 years post- Independence, things are not the way they should be for Nigerians. As a mother of children who are her age mates, her death hit me like a bolt of lightening. May our learned colleague, Somtochukwu’s soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. I express my condolences to her Parents, Mr & Mrs Ifeanyi Maduagwu, her Siblings, the Chairman of Arise TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, and her colleagues. Similarly, I express my condolences to the family of Mr Barnabas, the security guard who was shot by the armed robbers in this same incident, and also lost his life.

When Arise TV featured Somtochukwu last Tuesday, I cried as I saw what was an already promising life cut short, as a result of the failures of the Nigerian system, 65 years on. I cannot deny the fact that, globally, the world, and not just Nigeria, has become a more dangerous place to live in - today, in London, people are knifed on the streets, robbed on Oxford Street, even in Knightsbridge, the Apple Store in Brent Cross Shopping Mall robbed in the full glare of customers in broad day light, while in USA, numerous shootings and killings of students in schools by their fellow students, have almost become a regular occurrence.

But, still, Somtochukwu jumped to her death, out of fear of 15 armed robbers in her compound. Who wouldn’t be afraid, particularly after hearing gunshots? Gunshots meant that the intruders weren’t ordinary burglars, but violent criminals who were quite prepared to kill and maim. Imagine young Somtochukwu having to make such a hard decision, literally between a rock and a very hard place? If she stayed, the armed robbers were likely to harm her as they did Mr Barnabas; if she jumped, she could be seriously injured or die. Either way, her life was at risk.

Somtochukwu being put in such a position shows the failure of Government to fulfil its primary purpose - the security and welfare of the people (see Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution). Secondly, Somtochukwu and Mr Barnabas, were denied their right to life guaranteed by Section 33 of the Constitution, due to Government’s failure to secure their lives.

What then, is happy about Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, if people cannot go to bed safely, even in such an urban area in the nation’s capital? To put it into visual context, the Gishiri/ Katampe area is a very short distance from Maitama/ Maitama Extension. Just a short bridge at the end of Maitama/Maitama Extension divides them, like the Falomo/Victoria Island Bridge that divides Kingsway Road, Ikoyi and Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, if not shorter.

Scenarios of Failure

If anything, Nigeria has regressed in practically every sphere possible, and the country appears to have begun this downward spiral since we attained independence in 1960, but the deterioration which was previously steady, became more rapid and pronounced with the inception of the Fourth Republic (1999). Today, the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Human Rights contained in Chapters II & IV of the Constitution respectively, do not appear to be worth much more than the cost of the paper the Constitution is printed on! Even though there have been different accounts of “How Nigeria happened to Somtochukwu”, whether it was that she was constrained to jump down to avoid armed robbers, thereby sustaining serious injuries therefrom; whether she died on the spot, or in the hospital that was alleged to have failed to provide she and Mr Barnabas with emergency care because their identification wasn’t readily available (pray tell, who in such dire circumstances, would remember to take their passport or driver’s licence, while trying to jump for dear life?); or there was no adequate emergency care available at the Maitama Hospital they were taken to; or it was that the Nigeria Police who could have intervened and possibly saved the day, but allegedly failed to respond to the distress call of the residents of Somtochukwu’s building timeously, contrary to the mandate of the Police to protect the lives and property of the people as provided by Sections 214 of the Constitution and Sections 2 & 4 of the Police Act 2020 (PA); or the fact that armed robbers even attacked their building - every conceivable scenario in this circumstance, points to failures in the Nigerian system.

The healthcare system in Nigeria, has also deteriorated badly 65 years on, due to lack of adequate funding of the sector amongst other factors, and is more or less a failure today. Many Medical Doctors and Nurses started leaving the country in the 1980s, first to places like Saudi Arabia, UK and USA, seeking greener pastures to practice their profession, since

onikepo braithwaite

onIkepo BraIThwaITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com

onikepob@yahoo.com

The Advocate

“Imagine young Somtochukwu having to make such a hard decision, literally between a rock and a very hard place? If she stayed…if she jumped…. Either way, her life was at risk….we see that, 65 years on, Nigeria has definitely not become a better place….using most of the available indices of measurement of development, particularly those related to Somtochukwu’s incident - security and medical care, shows that Nigeria has been on a downward spiral for ages….Disappointing 65th Independence Anniversary! (Renewed) hopefully, Nigerians expect a better 66th”

the working conditions in Nigeria weren’t conducive for them.

Ironically, in the 1960s, the Saudis came to UCH, Ibadan for treatment. Today, UCH is a dump, said to lack adequate electricity supply and running water. A hospital that is supposed to be the epitome of cleanliness and sterilisation, without running water? Yuk! So, those who can afford good treatment travel abroad for medical tourism; high on the list of medical tourists are top Nigerian Government officials who should be concerned about restoring our hospitals to their former glory, but, instead, have sought medical care outside Nigeria, including our Presidents - President Babangida - France; President Yar’Adua - Saudi Arabia; President Buhari - UK; President Tinubu - France.

I feel particularly pained that, unlike King Faisal of Saudi Arabia (and other members of the Saudi Royal Family) who came to receive treatment at UCH Ibadan, and took a cue to improve upon the medical facilities in his country, Nigeria let hers deteriorate to ground zero, to the point that today, the tables have turned and we are now seeking medical assistance in Saudi, and even other African countries like Egypt and Ghana, instead of being way ahead of them in this regard considering our head start.

Admonition

To every Nigerian hospital, hospital worker, and Nigerian, for the avoidance of doubt, I state unequivocally thus: 1) Sections 1 & 2 of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 (CTCVGA) provide inter alia that, every victim of a gunshot wound shall be accepted and received for treatment with or without a Police clearance, and with or without an initial payment deposit, and not be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment (see Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution); and 2) Section 20(1) of the

National Health Act 2014 (NHA) prohibits the denial of emergency medical treatment to any person for any reason.

Punishment

Section 20(2) of the NHA prescribes a punishment of 6 months imprisonment or a fine or both for any worker found guilty of denying emergency treatment. I would go further to say that, Section 20(2) should also provide that where the denial of treatment results in the death of a patient the punishment should be more severe, as this kind of denial of treatment that results in death contains elements of involuntary manslaughter such as criminal negligence - reckless or negligent behaviour resulting in the death of another. See Sections 222(7) & 224 of the Penal Code Act 1960 (PCA) and Sections 317 & 325 of the Criminal Code Act 1916 (CCA), on culpable homicide not punishable with death and involuntary manslaughter respectively, which carry upon conviction up to life imprisonment or fine or both under the PCA, and life imprisonment under the CCA. See Adebayo Adeyemi v State (1991) LPELR-172 (SC) per Uche Omo, JSC. In Mebele v State (2022) LPELR-57156(CA) per Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JCA (as he then was), the Court of Appeal defined Involuntary Manslaughter thus: “Involuntary manslaughter occurs where a person causes the death of another under such circumstances that he did not intend to kill and did not foresee death as a probable consequence of his conduct but there is some blameworthiness, such as gross negligence, in this conduct….”. In the circumstance of denying a gunshot victim treatment, can we really say that death wasn’t foreseeable as a probable consequence? I think not, unless of course, maybe the bullet just grazed the victim and didn’t penetrate any

organs. What kind of injuries did Mr Barnabas sustain from his gunshot wound? How many days later, where are the Police and Autopsy Reports from the incident? Have they been released?

Even if a hospital took on an emergency patient, they may not have the facilities to save them, and this may be a reason to insist that a Patient is taken to another hospital, if the first port of call hospital doesn’t have the equipment to offer proper medical care to a Patient. Would this be an exception to the interpretation of Section 20(2) of the NHA’s “any reason”, seeing as the lack of adequate facilities in many medical institutions may unfortunately, be a reason to reject patients.

In July 2017, I had written an article titled “And Nigeria Kills Elijah”, in which Elijah had been hit on his head by an assailant and rendered unconscious. His Parents had rushed him to the General Hospital nearest to their home, but the so-called General Hospital lacked even basic medical facilities, so, they were referred to LUTH. LUTH’s CT Scan machine was out of order, and Elijah, though admitted to LUTH, was referred to a private hospital in Gbagada for the CT scan. By the time Elijah was taken for the scan, 3 hours had already been wasted. He was then returned to LUTH, but unfortunately, he died overnight. At the time, I had asked myself if Elijah would have survived, had he been in Dubai or UK where immediate emergency treatment would have been administered using modern medical equipment, instead of the 4-5 precious hours that were wasted ferrying Elijah between 3 hospitals. This issue may not always be straightforward. But, a General Hospital like the Maitama Hospital that Somtochukwu and Mr Barnabas were allegedly taken to, has an emergency department and would have no reason to reject either patient for any reason.

Section 11 of the CTCVGA prescribes upon conviction a punishment of a N500,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment or both to any person, Authority, Police Officer or other security agent who allows the unnecessary death of a gunshot victim by standing by and failing to perform their duty. It is arguable that, even if a person who denies treatment to the victim of a gunshot wound or one who sustains serious injuries didn’t set out to kill them, only a fool wouldn’t have seen death as a probable consequence, and therefore, five years imprisonment upon conviction or an option of fine, cannot be enough punishment for such negligence coated with active wickedness that results in death.

Conclusion

Using the unfortunate incident that resulted in Somtochukwu’s death as the basis of this discussion, we see that, 65 years on, Nigeria has definitely not become a better place - if anything, life here is worse. Most of the milestones set in Chapter II of the Constitution remain a mirage, while using most of the available indices of measurement of development, particularly those related to Somtochukwu’s incident - security and medical care, shows that Nigeria has been on a downward spiral for ages. Corruption has become endemic, and instead of cohesion, the level of division amongst Nigerians, appears to be unprecedented. Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world in 2018, and though South Sudan may have taken over that position today, Nigeria still has one of the highest number of people living in extreme poverty, and the highest number of out-of-school children in the world.

As a child, I remember when our houses had no fences or gates. In the 1970s, when I was between age 10 and 12/13, we got our first short brick fence with barbed wire on top, followed by a full brick mind-your-own-business fence. Then we got a generator, and life continued to go downhill thereafter. In the last decade and a half, insecurity in Nigeria appeared to have reached its peak. The level of Industrialisation has also declined over the years, turning Nigeria into an import dependent country. And, now that businesses such as Dangote Refinery are trying to not only put Nigeria on the map of industrialisation, but reduce the price of fuel for Nigerians, instead of encouragement, it is facing incessant obstacles, challenges and resistance. How will Nigeria attract FDI, if this is what local investors are facing?

Though I cannot absolve President Tinubu from all responsibility since the buck stops at his table, blaming him for all Nigeria’s woes seems rather unfair, seeing as Nigeria has been on this negative trajectory for decades and he assumed office about 2.5 years ago, with these failures already firmly entrenched in the system. Most importantly, not much can be achieved if the Governors do not play their part, as much of what affects the daily lives of the people are in the hands of the State and Local Governments. Whether or not Nigeria has potential, if that potential isn’t matched with performance, we will continue to regress. Disappointing 65th Independence Anniversary! (Renewed) hopefully, Nigerians expect a better 66th.

Proof of Murder Where the Victim’s Body Cannot be Found

Facts

The Appellant was the first accused before the trial Court on four counts: conspiracy to steal a child, conspiracy to commit murder, child stealing, and murder. It was alleged that the Appellant abducted one Ifueko, a child of about three years, and handed her over to the second accused for a money-making ritual. Subsequently, the child disappeared and was never seen again. The Appellant, who was apparently in custody of the child, failed to provide any satisfactory explanation for the child’s disappearance. This matter was reported to the Police, who investigated and arrested both the Appellant and his co-accused. The Appellant and the co-accused persons made confessional statements at the Police station, which were tendered in evidence and admitted after the conduct of a trial-within-trial to test their veracity.

The Appellant and other accused persons were tried and convicted on all four counts. Dissatisfied with the conviction, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the appeal. The Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Appellant and the Respondent raised two similar issues for determination of the appeal, thus:

i. Whether the learned trial Judge was not in error when he admitted Exhibit “B 1” in the main trial (after the mini trial), even when the Plaintiff’s witness who testified as PW 1 in the mini trial admitted that one Inspector Ogunsare was the maker or recorder of same, and no proper foundation was laid as to his whereabouts?

ii. Whether the learned Justices of the Court below were not in error, when they affirmed the position of the trial Court that the Respondent proved beyond reasonable doubt the four count charge against the Appellant, considering the totality of the evidence led in this case at the trial Court?

Arguing the appeal, Counsel for the Appellant submitted on issue one that the trial court erred in admitting Exhibit B1, an extra-judicial statement, without properly determining its voluntariness through a mandatory trial-within-trial. Citing cases such as DAURA & ANOR v THE STATE (1980) 12 NSCC 334 AT 345, Counsel emphasised that whenever voluntariness is questioned, the trial Judge must assess the statement’s admissibility by hearing evidence on whether it was made voluntarily and free from duress, threats, or undue influence. Counsel submitted further that, the prosecution bears the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was voluntary, and the accused need only raise doubt on voluntariness to challenge admission. He contended that in this case, the prosecution failed to discharge this burden, noting that PW4, who testified on voluntariness, lacked proper foundation as he was neither the recorder of the statement nor shown to satisfy the conditions under Section 39 of the Evidence Act, 2011. The absence of the actual recorder’s testimony and any explanation or evidence negating torture or coercion, further undermined the prosecution’s case. In response, the Respondent maintained that the statement was properly admitted after a valid trial-within-trial, highlighting that the Appellant volunteered the statement in English, which was also recorded in English, removing the necessity to call the original recorder. PW4 was part of the Police team involved and competent to testify on the voluntariness of the statement. The prosecution was not obliged to call multiple witnesses, when one eye witness suffices. Counsel referred to relevant authorities such as MICHAEL OLOYE v THE STATE (2018) LPELR-44775 (SC), to support this position. The Respondent submitted further that the assertion of torture by the Appellant was contradicted by the circumstances, noting the signing of the statement and hospital visit afterward. Hence, the confessional statement was rightly admitted and properly relied upon by the courts in convicting the Appellant.

On issue two, it was argued for the Appellant that the prosecution bears the burden to prove the

Honourable Haruna Simon Tsammani, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 7th day of March, 2025

Before their lordships

Helen Morenikeji Ogunwumiju emmanuel akomaye agim Haruna Simon Tsammani Habeeb adewale Olumuyiwa abiru Muhammed Baba Idris Justices, Supreme Court SC/1051/2018

Between

BeTTy STePHeN aPPeLLaNT And 1THe STaTe ReSPONdeNT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Haruna Simon Tsammani, JSC)

guilt of the accused person beyond reasonable doubt, and this burden never shifts. Citing ONUGBOGU v THE STATE (1974) 9 NSCC 356 and AIGBADION v THE STATE (2000) 7 NWLR (PT.666) 686, as well as Section 36(5) of the Constitution oF Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011, Counsel argued that the evidence of the Respondent was conflicting, insufficient, and raised reasonable doubt. It was contended that the testimony of PW1 was inconsistent with his earlier Police statement (Exhibit A), and no explanation was given for these contradictions, relying on authorities including UKPONG v THE QUEEN (1961) 1 SCNLR 53 and NWANKWOALA & ANOR v THE STATE (2006) 14 NWLR (PT. 1000) 663. Also, PW2 and PW3 did not implicate the Appellant in their evidence, with PW 3 notably not making any statement to the Police. Citing OHWOVORIOLE v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2003) 3 NWLR (PT. 803) 176 and GBOKO v

“…. the fact of death can be proved by circumstantial evidence, even when neither the body nor any trace of the body could be found”

(PT.1106) 72. The Respondent maintained that the offences of conspiracy, child stealing, and murder were proved beyond reasonable doubt under the Criminal Code Law applicable to Edo State. Circumstantial evidence and the presumption of death were appropriately relied on, guided by the decision in MUSTAPHA MOHAMMED & ANOR v THE STATE (2007) LPELR-1894 (SC). PW1’s minor inconsistencies were immaterial to the overall evidence, citing OGUNBAYO v THE STATE (2002) 15 NWLR (Pt.789) 76. Counsel urged that the Police investigation was proper and sufficient, to support the convictions.

THE STATE (2009) 17 NWLR (PT. 1063) 272, the testimony of PW 5 was described as hearsay, and therefore, inadmissible under Section 38 of the Evidence Act, 2011. Counsel also criticised the Police investigation led by PW4 as incomplete and shoddy, referencing Section 214(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, the Police Act, and OLATINWO v THE STATE (2013) 8 NWLR (PT. 1355) 126. He posited that the prosecution failed to conduct further investigations after the Appellant’s denial, relying solely on the confessional statement (Exhibit B1). Counsel argued that no prosecution witnesses were eyewitnesses to the commission of the offence, and urged that the case was built on inadmissible hearsay. Regarding the victim’s presumed death, Counsel submitted that under Section 164(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011, death cannot be presumed death until the end of seven years, and since the case commenced within that period, the trial court erred in its presumption. Reacting to the submissions above, the Respondent argued that the confession was voluntarily made and properly admitted after a trial-within-trial. It was stressed that the lower courts made concurrent findings of fact, which the Supreme Court should not disturb except if perverse or unjust, citing ARCHIBONG v STATE (2006) 14 NWLR (Pt.1000) 349. The confession was corroborated by credible evidence, and it is settled law that a direct, positive, and unequivocal confession may ground a conviction alone, in line with the decision in AKPA v STATE (2008) 14 NWLR

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the first issue, the Supreme Court first clarified the point that an accused may be convicted solely on his confessional statement, so long as the statement is shown to have been made voluntarily, and is direct, positive, unequivocal, and duly proved at trial. It is the reasoning of the court that PW 4 in whose presence the confessional statement was made is competent to testify on the circumstances under which the statement was made, even though PW 4 was not the person who recorded the statement. Regarding the Appellant’s argument that the prosecution’s failure to call the recorder amounted to withholding evidence under Section 167(d) of the Evidence Act 2011, the Supreme Court held that “it is the duty of the prosecution to call such number of material witnesses as it requires to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and it is not within the power of the defence to dictate for the prosecution, which witness to call or not to call.” Their Lordships reasoned that since there is another witness to give testimony on the Appellant’s voluntariness in making the statement, the evidence of the recorder of the confessional statement is dispensable, and failure to call the recorder did not amount to withholding of evidence. The court concluded that based on the trial-within-trial evidence, the Appellant’s confessional statement was voluntarily made, as the Appellant did not successfully challenge the evidence of PW 4. Regarding the second issue on evaluation of evidence, specifically on whether the charge of murder could be sustained even though the victim, Ifueko Stephen, was not found. The Supreme Court held that for the fact of death to be proved by circumstantial evidence, the evidence relied upon must clearly, positively, and unequivocally suggest that the victim of the offence charged is dead. The fact of death, may be presumed by circumstantial evidence - OTKIR v A-G OF BENDEL STATE (1986) 2 NWLR (PT. 24) 648. The court held further that the fact of death can be proved by circumstantial evidence, even when neither the body nor any trace of the body could be found - ADEPETU v STATE (1998) 9 NWLR (PT. 565) 185 AT 207.

In the present case, the Court found that the Appellant confessed to delivering the victim to the second accused person for ritual purposes involving mutilation of the victim’s body, including the cutting of the victim’s fingers and removal of hair, in exchange for the sum of N1,500,000.00. Since the child could not be found, the Court reasoned that “the only reasonable and logical conclusion is that, the child died and the remnant (body) secretly discarded where it has not been found.” Their Lordships, therefore, concluded that based on the circumstantial evidence and Appellant’s confessional statement, the offences for which the Appellant was charged were proved beyond reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the court dismissed the appeal and upheld the judgement of the lower courts. Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

O.T. Okeke (Legal Aid Pro bono Counsel) for the Appellant

S.M. Iteinmo (On the fiat of the HAG of Edo State) for the Respondent.

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

UNILAG Celebrates 43 Law Graduates Who Made 1st Class in 2024 Bar Exams

Stories by Steve Aya

The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos last Wednesday, October 1, 2025, celebrated 43 exceptional alumni of the Faculty who made First-Class at the 2024 Nigerian Law School Bar Examinations.

The remarkable feat, one of the highest numbers recorded by a single University in Nigeria, was celebrated in the Faculty’s Boardroom by a distinguished crowd of the honourees, Faculty members, students, and alumni.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bola Oboh, who represented the ViceChancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, at the event, commended the Faculty’s consistency in academic excellence, and described the achievement as an affirmation of the institution’s enduring academic culture and steadfast commitment to excellence. She charged the new Lawyers to uphold the highest ideals of the legal profession, in character and practice.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, described the graduates’ performance as “stellar, reflecting the Faculty’s rigorous academic standards”. He also shared updates on recent Faculty milestones, including a strategic partnership with the University of Dundee in

the United Kingdom.

In their goodwill messages, Dr Oduwole and Professor Oyewo emphasised the need for the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and national service, while remaining loyal ambassadors of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The high point of the ceremony was the formal recognition of the 43 honourees, with each receiving a commemorative medal and heartfelt congratulatory handshake from Dr Oduwole and Professor Oboh; a moment that symbolised not just personal achievement, but institutional pride.

Tinted Glass: NBA-

SPIDEL Threatens Contempt Proceedings Against Police Spokesman

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBASPIDEL) has warned that it may commence contempt proceedings against the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, if he continues to make statements perceived as undermining the authority of the courts.

In a press statement, the Association accused Hundeyin of issuing a “contemptuous” press release suggesting that the Nigeria Police Force would proceed with enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, despite a pending lawsuit challenging its legality.

NBA-SPIDEL described the comments as a “brazen act of disregard” for judicial authority. “The action of Mr Hundeyin, inciting the enforcement of the policy which is sub judice, is an egregious act of contempt for the majesty of the court”, the statement read. The Association warned that it would not hesitate to initiate contempt or committal proceedings against the Police spokesman, if such statements continued.

The Association also addressed its concerns to Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services and a senior Lawyer, urging him to provide proper legal

advice to the Police Force.

NBA-SPIDEL stressed that such guidance should ensure respect for the rule of law, and not encourage the enforcement of a disputed policy.

It further cautioned that it could initiate disciplinary action against AIG Ehiede before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), if he failed to uphold professional responsibility. “NBA-SPIDEL will not hesitate to commence disciplinary proceedings against him, if he encourages disrespect to the authority of the court”, the statement noted.

Referencing binding judicial precedents, the Association argued that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal had

consistently affirmed that the filing of a suit automatically restrains parties from acting in a way that prejudices the subject-matter. It stressed that the pendency of Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, challenging the tinted glass permit policy should halt enforcement until the matter is determined. NBA-SPIDEL concluded by urging the Police to desist from any further attempts to enforce the policy, while it remains under judicial consideration. “We admonish your good office to allow the rule of law to prevail, by halting enforcement of a policy whose legality is a subject for judicial determination”, the statement declared.

Tinted Glass: NBA-SPIDEL Threatens Contempt Proceedings Against Police Spokesman

In a press statement, the Association accused Hundeyin of issuing a “contemptuous”

press release suggesting that the Nigeria Police Force would proceed with enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, despite a pending lawsuit challenging its legality. NBA-SPIDEL described the comments as a “brazen act of disregard” for judicial authority. “The action of Mr Hundeyin, inciting the enforcement of the policy which is sub judice, is an egregious act

of contempt for the majesty of the court”, the statement read. The Association warned that it would not hesitate to initiate contempt or committal proceedings against the Police spokesman, if such statements continued.

The Association also addressed its concerns to Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services

and a senior Lawyer, urging him to provide proper legal advice to the Police Force.

NBA-SPIDEL stressed that such guidance should ensure respect for the rule of law, and not encourage the enforcement of a disputed policy.

It further cautioned that it could initiate disciplinary action against AIG Ehiede before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), if he failed to uphold

Zarephath Aid Founder Calls for Audit of Inmates in Correctional Facilities

The Founder of Zarephath Aid, Mr Ben Abraham, has called for a comprehensive audit of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities to determine the actual number of persons currently held in custody. Abraham made the call on Friday during a press conference at the Ikeja High Court Press Centre, where he stressed that reliable data is essential for meaningful criminal justice reform.

Zarephath Aid, a nongovernmental, non-political and non-profit organisation, has been at the forefront of advocacy for criminal justice reform, with a focus on legal

aid, prisoners’ welfare, and rehabilitation. Abraham said the absence of accurate statistics on prison inmates has continued to hinder effective policy making. “How can we address congestion and injustice, if we do not even know the real numbers?”he asked.

He noted that prison congestion remains one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s justice system, with thousands of inmates reportedly awaiting trial for years. According to him, many detainees are firsttime offenders or persons held for minor offences,

who could benefit from alternatives to incarceration such as community service, restorative justice, or plea bargaining.

He further emphasised that an independent audit would provide clarity on the ratio of awaiting-trial inmates to convicted persons, highlight cases of unlawful detention, and help identify those eligible for release under the prerogative of mercy. “The system must not continue to keep people behind bars, without due process. A proper audit is the first step towards accountability and fairness”, he said.

Mr Abraham also urged government agencies, the Judiciary, and civil society to collaborate in ensuring transparency in prison administration. He argued that effective rehabilitation of offenders, cannot be achieved in overcrowded facilities where inmates lack access to legal representation, vocational training, and basic welfare.

Highlighting Zarephath Aid’s interventions, Abraham said the organisation has consistently provided legal support to indigent inmates and facilitated reintegration programmes for ex-prisoners.

He stressed that reforming correctional facilities was not only about decongestion, but also about ensuring that released inmates can return to society as productive citizens.

The press conference ended, with a call to action.

Abraham urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service, to prioritise a nationwide inmate audit as part of broader reforms. “Prison is not meant to be a dumping ground. With accurate data, we can begin to humanise our correctional system”, he concluded.

professional responsibility. “NBA-SPIDEL will not hesitate to commence disciplinary proceedings against him, if he encourages disrespect to the authority of the court”, the statement noted.

Referencing binding judicial precedents, the Association argued that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal had consistently affirmed that the filing of a suit automatically restrains parties from acting in a way that prejudices the subjectmatter. It stressed that the pendency of Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, challenging the tinted glass permit policy should halt enforcement until the matter is determined.

NBA-SPIDEL concluded by urging the Police to desist from any further attempts to enforce the policy, while it remains under judicial consideration. “We admonish your good office to allow the rule of law to prevail, by halting enforcement of a policy whose legality is a subject for judicial determination”, the statement declared.

The UNILAG 43 and Lecturers

Introduction

On April 9, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice (ECJ) made a landmark judgement, holding certain aspects of the Kano State's blasphemy laws in Nigeria to be incompatible with international human rights standards, more particularly, the right to freedom of expression. The decision has caused great controversy over balancing international human rights obligations and national laws, particularly in places like Northern Nigeria where religion and cultural values are supreme.

Overview of the ECOWAS Court Judgement In a landmark judgement, the ECJ held that certain provisions of Kano State Criminal law were incompatible with Nigeria's international human rights obligations. Specifically, the Court invalidated Section 210 of the Kano State Penal Code and Section 382(b) of the Kano State Sharia Penal Code Law (2000), which both make it a crime to do certain things that are understood to amount to blasphemy, for instance, insulting religious figures like the Prophet Muhammad. The Court held that the said provisions are badly drafted, too general, and too repressive, particularly as they invoke excessive punishment in the guise of the death penalty. Based on Nigeria's international obligation under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Court's argument was based on the doctrines of necessity, proportionality, and rule of law in criminal law. In its ruling, it ruled that the law had failed these fundamental tests and thus, violated the right to fair trial as well as freedom of expression. Kano State was thus, ordered to repeal or amend the offending legislation in line with international legal expectations.

Placing Blasphemy Laws in Context in Nigeria Nigerian blasphemy laws are most robust in Nigeria's twelve Northern States where the Sharia legal system coexists with the common law and customary law. They make it a crime to say what appear to be insulting words about Islam and its hallowed leaders, and have been the source of controversy for decades.

The Sokoto State murder of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the danger. She was lynched by her fellow students for her allegedly blasphemous remarks about the Prophet Muhammad on a WhatsApp chat group - something that left the nation aghast and drew global condemnation. Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a 22-year-old musician in Kano State, was in 2020 convicted and sentenced to hang for blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad in a song he uploaded to WhatsApp. Similarly, in 2022, Mubarak Bala, the President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was sentenced to 24 years' imprisonment on charges of blasphemy for uploading atheist views to the social media. These cases refer to the humiliating fate of those living under Nigeria's blasphemy laws, including mob violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, and draconian judicial punishments. These cases capture the need for Nigeria to find an equilibrium, between religious sensitivity and international and constitutional guarantees of free speech and due process. Legal reform, apart from helping to acquire protection for human rights, is also needed to deter religiously motivated violence and extrajudicial killings.

Refusal of Kano State Government to Accept the Judgement

In response to the ECJ toppling a number of the blasphemy provisions of the Penal laws of the State of Kano, the Kano State Government flagrantly defied the judgement. In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, the Government reaffirmed its constitutional right to protect the moral and religious sentiments of its majority Muslim population. Waiya argued that the State laws are an expression of the religious sense and identity of the people of the State, and hence, must necessarily be preserved. In his analysis, maintaining the decision of the Court would mean to impose extraneous values that destroy

ECOWAS Court Judgement Nullifying Blasphemy Laws in Kano State

This article by lazarus chinwokwu discusses the eCOWaS Court’s Judgement declaring certain aspects of Kano State’s blasphemy laws incompatible with international human rights standards, Kano State Government’s blatant refusal to accept or abide by the judgement, and the international struggle between universality of human rights and indigenous cultural and religious beliefs

indigenous tradition and religious teaching. This statement issued by the Kano State Government, is characteristic of blanket opposition in the North of Nigeria where Sharia law codes are written into the sociolegal code. The denial itself, is characteristic of continued friction between Nigeria's international obligations and the sovereignty of the State Governments in its Federal system. It has the effect of raising serious questions about the enforceability of the sub-regional human rights judgements, and the capacity and willingness of the Nigerian State to seek compliance, especially where such judgements conflict with deeply entrenched religious and cultural values at the subnational level.

Enforceability of ECOWAS Court Decisions in Nigeria

The enforceability of the ECJ judgements in Nigeria, is a doctrinal and constitutional dilemma. Notwithstanding that Nigeria had signed the Revised ECOWAS Treaty in 1994 and joined the Protocols expanding the jurisdiction of the Court to cover human rights in 2005, Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that no treaty is capable of being brought into force of law in Nigeria save to the extent adopted into law by the National Assembly. However, even after ratification, the ECOWAS Protocols remain un-domesticated, and as such, questions about the justiciability and enforceability in Nigeria's domestic law of the ECJ judgements persists. However, the ECJ has decided in some

“In response to the ECJ toppling a number of the blasphemy provisions of the Penal laws of the State of Kano, the Kano State Government flagrantly defied the judgement ….According to a 2021 Report of the Open Society Justice Initiative, over 70% of the Court's judgements go unenforced in ECOWAS member States, and Nigeria is among the worst defaulters”

cases, for example, Moukhtar Ibrahim Aminu v Government of Jigawa State & 3 Ors (Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/02/11) that ratification generates binding obligations under international law, irrespective of incorporation domestically. This is in accordance with Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), which prohibits States from invoking internal law as a basis for avoiding compliance with obligations under a treaty.

Despite these pillars of law, enforcement remains ineffective. According to a 2021 Report of the Open Society Justice Initiative, over 70% of the Court's judgements go unenforced in ECOWAS member States, and Nigeria is among the worst defaulters. ECOWAS lacks any supranational enforcement mechanism, but relies on voluntary compliance by States - its primary limitation, that undermines the authority and credibility of the Court in regional accountability.

International Human Rights Implications and Cultural Relativism

The ECJ's judgement holding some of the provisions of the Kano State blasphemy laws as unconstitutional, refers to the sensitive intersection of international human rights commitments and domestic cultural and religious heritage. The substance of this case is the international struggle between the universality of human rights - such as freedom of speech under the ICCPR - and cultural relativism, whereby it is assumed that rights must be interpreted within the context of individual cultures or religions.

In Northern Nigeria, blasphemy law is regarded by the majority as necessary to Islamic morals and social cohesion. The ECJ’s judgement demands that such laws be abolished or reformed by local authorities, is thus, viewed not as a matter of law but as an intrusion into deeply rooted convictions and identity. Such intransigence relates to the greater political conundrum of applying international human rights standards to sovereign States, and particularly Federal States like Nigeria, whose subnational governments have significant autonomy. While Nigeria is a signatory to

ICCPR and ECOWAS treaty, implementation of such international rulings is dependent largely on domestic political will and institutional readiness. Kano State's refusal to respect the Court ruling is an example on how international juridical norms are vulnerable to derailment by domestic politics, religious extremism, and nationalist rhetoric. It is also a cause of concern how effective regional human rights mechanisms are, when their jurisdiction is challenged by domestic actors defending cultural sovereignty against universal rights.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The ECJ’s judgement is a fundamental step forward, in the effort to harmonise the Nigerian legal framework with international human rights norms. However, a comprehensive strategy would have to be devised for this end to be achieved. There exists a proactive role for the Nigerian National Assembly, to undertake in domestication of the ECOWAS protocols. Formalising the bringing into the nation's legal jurisdiction of the jurisdiction of the ECJ would make the enforcement of the Court's decrees easy, and simultaneously ease State-level legislative reforms, especially in the North. These should include an equal re-examination of laws against blasphemy to harmonise with international human rights standards, while ensuring that the balance remains equal between safeguarding religious feelings and enhancing freedom of expression. Public education is key to this transformation. State actors and civil society must step up education campaigns to raise public awareness, regarding the universality of human rights and its application in multicultural societies. ECOWAS itself must also think about strengthening its enforcement process, even to the point of creating a central authority to guarantee member nations comply with court decisions.

Finally, urging ongoing discourse among religious leaders, lawmakers, and human rights activists can foster a rapport for greater understanding and bridging the gap between cultural practice and international legal norms. Combined, these efforts can help Nigeria not only fulfil regional obligations, but also promote a culture of protection of human rights across the federation.

Lazarus

Chinwokwu, Legal Practitioner, Lagos.

ecOWaS court, abuja

Introduction

Sometimes, we use electoral terminologies interchangeably, when they actually mean different things and suggest different scenarios. These include bye-elections, re-run elections, court-ordered re-run elections, inconclusive elections, and supplementary elections. The language and acronyms used in the electoral process can be confusing, which can lead to false narratives that create distorted conclusions. That is why voter and civic education are crucial during election periods and in off-season times — to inform voters and the public about new issues, changes in the electoral calendar, and electoral terminology.

Civil society groups and organisations play a vital role in civic and voter education, by supporting the efforts of the electoral management body. The National Orientation Agency and the Federal and State Ministries of Information, are also important agencies for mass mobilisation and civic education. The absence of a clear explanation of the nature and tone of elections conducted by the electoral management body, often leads to narratives that lack evidence, and analyses that fail to address the core issues and dynamics of the election. This can be prevented, if people are properly educated and informed on these topics. So, what are the facts and issues at stake?

On Thursday, 26 June, 2025, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, informed leaders of political parties during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting about the Commission’s plans to hold byeelections and court-ordered re-run elections in various Senatorial districts, Federal constituencies, and State constituencies. He clarified that these bye-elections are necessary due to vacancies in two Senatorial districts - Anambra South and Edo Central—five Federal constituencies, and nine State Assembly seats, caused by deaths, resignations, and legal disputes. A total of 3,553,659 registered voters across 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units would participate, with INEC assigning 30,451 officials to manage this electoral process.

He further informed party leaders that, despite the declarations of vacancies, elections will not be held in two constituencies: Khana II in Rivers State, due to the state of emergency, and Talata Mafara South in Zamfara State, where legal challenges are ongoing. He added that the Commission would, however, conduct two outstanding court-ordered re-run elections in Enugu South I (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano State), which had previously been disrupted by violence. These re-runs would be held concurrently with the bye-elections on 16 August, 2025.

Bye-Election: Meaning and Legal Context

When a member of the Senate, House of Representatives, or a State Assembly resigns, is removed, or dies, the Commission conducts a bye-election to fill the resulting vacancy. In such cases, pursuant to Section 28(3) of the Electoral Act, the Commission shall, “not later than 14 days before the date appointed for the election, publish a notice stating the date of the election.”

There is no specific statutory definition of a byeelection in the Electoral Act. However, Hon. Justice Oseji of the Court of Appeal in Aja v Odin & Ors (2010) LPELR 9131 stated that, “in the absence of any specific statutory definition of a bye-election, I am inclined to agree with the learned Senior Counsel for the Appellant that the definition given in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 6th edition, at page 151—to mean an election of a new member to replace another who has died or left parliament and different from a general election—is correct and brings into proper perspective the import of Section 31(3) of the Electoral Act 2006”. Hon. Justice Nimpar, J.C.A., in Inc. Trustees of United Visionary Youth of Nigeria v Sukubo (2021) LPELR 52916(CA), also stated that: “In comparison, the word bye-election is an election to fill a vacancy created and generally, such situations are created by death, incapacitation, resignation or removal for acts of misconduct. It is not an election that comes periodically, after the expiration of tenure”. The Supreme Court in Labour Party v INEC (2008) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1103) 73, relying on the definitions of “bye-election” and “general election” under Section 164 of the Electoral Act, clarified the meanings of a bye-election, a general election, and a re-run election under the Act. It held (pp. 102–104) that “A general election involves an election at regular intervals to fill all the seats available in the entire constituency, whereas a bye-election refers to an election to fill a particular vacant seat or position created either by death, resignation or impeachment”. The Court

Electoral Terminologies and their Legal Import

In this article, Festus Okoye explains the meaning of several electoral terminologies, particularly those which the public mistakenly use interchangeably though they are actually different, so as to avoid what he describes as false narratives that can create distorted conclusions. He also underscores the importance of voter education, so that the public has a better understanding of the electoral process

further explained: “Where a general election has been held and there is a false start - for example, a candidate who ought to be part of the election was unlawfully excluded or there was no level playing ground for all the candidates - and that election is subsequently either cancelled by the regulating authority like INEC or nullified by an order of court or tribunal, and a re-run, a restart is ordered, it is in my humble view that the re-run or re-start refers to that general election cancelled or nullified, and not a bye-election”.

Inconclusive and Supplementary Elections

The Electoral Act, in its interpretation section, does not define either “inconclusive” or “supplementary” election. Black’s Law Dictionary (9th edition, p. 833) describes “inconclusive” as “not leading to a conclusion or definite result”.

The Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus provides a fuller understanding: “indecisive, unresolved, unproven, unsettled, still open to question/doubt, debatable, unconfirmed, moot, vague, ambiguous, up in the air, left hanging.” Conversely, “supplementary” is defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary as “completing or enhancing something.” See the case of Igbekele & Anor v INEC & ors (2019) LPELR-48536(CA).

Furthermore, in the same case, Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud, JCA (Pp 21-30, paras. E-D) conducted a comprehensive analysis of inconclusive elections, general elections, and supplementary elections. She stated that all parties involved agreed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, 2019. The results of the election in 53 polling units in the Ondo South Senatorial District were cancelled in accordance with Section 26 of the Electoral Act, 2010, and the election was declared inconclusive in line with Article 37(b) of INEC Guidelines for the 2019 General Elections. Consequently, a supplementary election was ordered and held on March 9, 2019, in the affected 56 polling units

“The absence of a clear explanation of the nature and tone of elections conducted by the electoral management body, often leads to narratives that lack evidence, and analyses that fail to address the core issues and dynamics of the election. This can be prevented, if people are properly educated and informed on these topics”

to conclude the election and declare a winner. The Appellants provided no evidence that there are only 56 polling units in the Ondo South Senatorial District, to imply that the election did not take place across the entire district. Even if such evidence exists and the election in certain units was cancelled due to over-voting, violence, etc., the postponed election cannot be regarded as a new election for a pre-election dispute following the general election held on 23 February, 2019.

She opined that, according to Article 37 of the INEC Guidelines for the 2019 General Election, the returning officer is permitted to conduct a supplementary election in a Senatorial district where the election was cancelled or not held, in accordance with Sections 26 and 53 of the Electoral Act, 2010. The guideline also states that the returning officer shall not make a declaration until polling has taken place in the affected areas, and the results have been recorded for declaration and return. This further demonstrates that a supplementary election due to an inconclusive result is not a new election requiring a 14-day notice as per Section 46 of the Electoral Act, as argued by the appellant’s counsel. She further surmised that “Assuming without conceding that it was indeed, the whole of the Ondo South Senatorial District election and not the results of some polling units that were cancelled, the Appellants would still not be able to sustain their argument that this is a pre-election matter. This is because the Apex Court seems to have settled this question when it provided a guide for the Courts to follow, thus: "That if the originating summons/process was filed prior to the conduct of the general election, it remains a pre-election issue which can be challenged up to the Supreme Court. But, if filed after a general election, only the election proper is to be questioned, and in that case, the exclusive jurisdiction to do so lies with the Election Tribunal. See the cases of OHWAVBORUA & ORS v PDP (2013) LPELR 21026 (CA) and SALIM v CPC (2013) 6 NWLR, PT 1351, 501 AT 523-524

PARAS E-B. In the case of OLUBUKOLA & ANOR v A-G OF LAGOS STATE & ORS (2016) LPELR - 41451 (CA), this Court held that elections can only be invalidated by a Tribunal set up to determine post-election issues. It is clear to me and based on these authorities, the nature of the appellants' claim and the fact that this matter was predicated on a supplementary election following a general election, that this is not a pre-election matter. I find

that the lower Court properly declined jurisdiction in this matter.”

Funding, Logistics, and the Limits of Reruns For the Commission to conduct bye-elections, supplementary elections, or rerun elections, funding must be allocated. As a Federal executive body, the Commission relies on the appropriation and release of funds to perform its constitutional and statutory duties. It is also important to note that, in some supplementary elections, votes are retained, and depending on the number of affected polling units, at least 70% of voters in those constituencies must vote for a single candidate to overturn the stored votes.

Additionally, new contestants are not allowed to enter a supplementary or re-run election. It does not matter where the candidates are; the election must be completed before any challenge can be made regarding whether one of the candidates is serving a prison sentence.

The constituency for holding bye-elections, supplementary, and re-run elections may be small, but they pose serious security and logistical challenges. Candidates and political parties often have more opportunities to infiltrate a small constituency and manipulate the electoral process. That is why, during one such election, 288 suspects were arrested in a small constituency. There have also been reported incidents of violence, thuggery, vote-buying, and manipulation in other parts of the country where bye-elections and court-ordered re-run elections took place.

Those who blame violence, thuggery, vote-buying, and manipulation during these elections on the electoral management body are avoiding responsibility by denying the real causes: political parties, candidates, and security agencies.

Conclusion

Essentially, the electoral management body must do more to explain electoral terminologies to the Nigerian public, particularly those used in various types of elections. Civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association have a responsibility to clarify these issues, as some of the false narratives and misinformation during recent bye-elections and court-ordered re-run elections arise from a lack of understanding of electoral terms and their significance. This confusion over terminology causes the phrase ‘inconclusive election’ to seem as serious as the death penalty. More effort is needed to explain electoral terminologies, and improve our understanding of the electoral process.

Festus Okoye, Legal Practitioner, former INEC National Commissioner

Festus Okoye

’Gender Sensitivity in Kwara Cabinet is Sacrosanct’

In a country like Nigeria, there are the ever present challenges of maintaining a balance of administering justice within the precincts of the Constitution, grappling with the intricate relationship between the Centre and the Federating units, and of course, dealing with issues within each State itself. The Kwara State Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman is an a-G who serves in a multi-religious State which operates Sharia law alongside Commin Law, and has been able to maintain a good balance amongst them without much ado. In a chat with onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi last week, the Kwara a-G spoke about his strides in administering justice in the State vis-à-vis access to justice, updating and codifying Kwara State laws, emphasising that Sharia Law is only applicable to Muslims on issues of Islamic personal law like marriage, inheritance, and guardianship. The a-G also mentioned the fact that under Governor Abdulrazaq, Kwara State being the first State to enact the Gender Sensitivity Law in the country, was not only committed to maintaining a gender balance in their cabinet, but had gone beyond the 65%/35% threshold by making their cabinet 50% female and 50% male

Kindly give us a brief overview of the agenda that you set for yourself and your Ministry, in terms of improving justice delivery in your State

Our agenda in Kwara State Ministry of Justice is ensuring access to justice, promoting the

rule of law, enforcement of fundamental human rights , equity and fairness. We are committed to ensuring a democratic society where the Nigeria Constitution as the groundnorm of law in the land is observed, both in its letter and spirit. What have you achieved

“One of such laws is the Governor and Deputy Governor (Payment of Pension) (Repeal) Law, 2021 which repealed the Kwara State Governor and Deputy Governor (Payment of Pension) Law, 2010, thereby abolishing the payment of pension packages to former Governors and former Deputy Governors in the State”

so far, in this regard? What have you done regarding access to justice for the common man and legal aid?

As regards access to justice, we have our functional and accessible website, which has collections of substantially all our laws with periodic updates; they are accessible to the public free of charge. We also do periodic sensitisation against human trafficking, child abuse, gender and sexual based violence, and the ways the victims of these menaces can get justice within a reasonable time. Equally on the issue of access to justice, we have the Office of the Public Defender saddled with the responsibility of defending indigent Defendants in criminal cases pro

bono. Between the 2019 and 2025, 480 Defendants have been defended, 50 were discharged and acquitted, while 37 have been convicted thus far.

Finally, in line with the spirit and the letters of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended which mandates compliance with all judgements of our courts, we have ensured compliance with all orders and judgements of courts in Kwara State.

What have you done regarding legal aid for the common mam?

We equally have the small claims courts in Kwara State, and we have been sensitising the general public on it; that pursuant to the Practice Direc-

Kwara State Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman

’Gender Sensitivity in Kwara cabinet is Sacrosanct’

tion of the Small Claim 2023, graciously passed by My Lord, the Chief Judge of Kwara State, claims of N3 million and below, can be determined within 60 days, using the prescribed forms, without necessarily needing a legal practitioner. We have continuously been engaging the general public on it. This is a major step, in our ease of doing business initiative.

Have you embarked on law reform, codifying and updating Kwara State laws?

Yes, we have. With https:// kwaralaws.ng housing virtually all our extant laws, codified with periodic updates, reflecting amendments and repeals, as the case may be.

Law reforming is a continuing process. One of such laws is the Governor and Deputy Governor (Payment of Pension) (Repeal) Law, 2021 which repealed the Kwara State Governor and Deputy Governor (Payment of Pension) Law, 2010 Pension Law, thereby abolishing the payment of pension packages to former Governors and former Deputy Governors in the State.

This initiative of Governor Abdulrahaman AbdulRazaq was warmly welcomed by all . In this era of digitisation and Artificial Intelligence, how up to date is Kwara State Ministry of Justice?

I will start by saying that the legal profession is a conservative one, as reiterated by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman Body of Benchers, His Lordship Justice Ariwoola, in his Address at the recent call to bar ceremony of new Lawyers; artificial intelligence is to supplement, but cannot be the foundation for the practice of law. However, since we are products of the society, we must respond to emerging societal innovations and circumstances. So at Kwara State Ministry of Justice, we have electronic gadgets with 24 hours Internet facility with subscriptions to access electronic law reports and artificial intelligence platforms , these tools have been assisting in the discharge of our duties as law officers.

What is your take on virtual court hearings?

Well, it is now a settled as

“We

decided by the Supreme Court in the case of AG of Lagos State v AG of the Federation(2020) LPELR50046(SC) that virtual sitting is now part and parcel of our legal jurisprudence. It is commendable, because during the Covid-19 lockdown or partial lockdown, some schools were operating virtually, so it is commendable that the courts are now looking in the same direction.

Would you say, Nigeria is ripe for it, particularly to make the administration of criminal justice more efficient? Is Kwara State prepared to embark on this?

Nigeria is ripe and due for it, and Kwara State is not an exception, we are prepared for it.

Recently, there have been news reports that a Terrorist group, Mahmuda has launched attacks on indigenes of Kwara and Niger State. Kindly, shed some light on this. Does

equally have the small claims courts in Kwara State, and we have been sensitising the general public on it; that…. claims of N3 million and below, can be determined within 60 days, using the prescribed forms, without necessarily needing a legal practitioner”

Kwara have its own group like Àmòtèkun fighting against such criminals?

As you know, security is a very sensitive issue, and our State Governor is on top of it in collaboration with the Office of the NSA and the Security agencies, all of whom are synergising to overcome the security challenges in Kwara and indeed, the entire nation. We do not have a security outfit like a uniform Àmòtèkun, across the South West. However, we have organised and well structured vigilante groups and local hunters, who have been collaborating with the conventional security outfits to fight the insecurity in the State. We have also recently enrolled nearly thousands of able-bodied men and women as forest guards, to complement what we have on ground. What are your views about State Police?

I am indifferent; the efficiency of our policing may have nothing to do with either having State or Federal Police. What is the numerical strength of the Police, as we have it today? What is the population of the country? Are we not underpoliced? How often are they trained? What are the equipments, ammunition and other logistics at their disposal? Once we answer some of these questions correctly, we are already on the right track; regardless of either being State or Federal Police.

Kwara State, the State of

Harmony, is on record to be somewhat ethno-religious and diverse, as even if Kwara North and Kwara Central comprising Ilorin Emirate indigenes are predominantly Muslim, many of those who come from Kwara South are not. People often wonder how justice administration works smoothly, despite this perceived diversity. Does your State operate the Sharia system alongside common law system? If so, how do you operate same, vis-à-vis the provisions of Section 10 of the Constitution, which the Northern Sharia States appear to be observing in the breach?

Yes, in Kwara State, we operate the Sharia law system alongside the common law. We have to appreciate the fact that Chapter 7, Part 2, Section 275 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) established the Sharia Court of Appeal for any State that requires it. However, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prohibits State religion. The Constitution that permits Sharia Court, knows its existence is not synonymous to having a State religion. Particularly, when in the States that have Sharia courts, it is only applicable to Muslims on issues of Islamic personal law like marriage, inheritance, guardianship; it is not applicable to a non-Muslim, except he or

Kwara State Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman

’Gender Sensitivity in Kwara cabinet is Sacrosanct’

she consents to it. So, I do not see how it breaches Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Kwara State, under Governor Abdulrazaq was the Nigerian pioneer in passing the gender sensitive law and ensuring that at least 35% of the cabinet are women. Has the Kwara State Government kept this up? Now that this issue has been on the front-burner of debate, even at the recent constitutional reform outing of the House of Representatives, what are your views about reserving seats for women in the Legislature seeing as women appear to be the highest number of voters, yet, their number in the Legislature appears to be dwindling after each electoral cycle?

Kwara State has not only kept to it, but has gone beyond the threshold. In fact, the State has 50% male and female cabinet members apiece. That is the highest, in any State today. My view is that the National Assembly should design a template that adequately gives voice to all and adopts gender inclusion, thereby following the Kwara State model.

Last month you made a very powerful exertion in line with Governor Abdulrazaq’s policy, to the effect that Kwara State has zero tolerance to human trafficking, sexual exploitation and domestic violence. Kindly, share your achievements with regard to these vices in the State

The Kwara State Government has consistently expressed its willingness, to tackle human trafficking and sexual exploitation head on. These vices are major contributors to the increasing crime rate, and abuse of fundamental human rights in Nigeria. The State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, in collaboration with National Orientation Agency, offers a comprehensive radio programme which creates awareness about human trafficking and related offences on within the State, in a bid to sensitise the public on the ills of the vices and how to join forces with the Government to curb the menace.

Within the year under review, the Ministry of Justice and the Kwara State Task Force on Human Trafficking have recorded 18 traffickingrelated cases, 11 of them went to trial resulting in 5 convictions (two of which involved incidence of organ trafficking). These achievements reflect our resolve to hold offenders accountable, and safeguard vulnerable individuals.

As part of the Kwara Government’s proactive interventions, Kwara State now has a budget line for the implementation of the laws on Human trafficking. The State has been supporting the State Task Force on Human Trafficking with funds to ensure targeted awareness and sensitisation campaigns across the State, especially in areas identified as a critical highrisk zone due to proximity to international borders. We are committed to extending these outreach efforts to every Local Government Area across the State, in the coming months.

It must be said that combating trafficking and its related vices, is a collective responsibility which requires a united voice. Every member

“The Kwara State Government has consistently expressed its willingness, to tackle human trafficking and sexual exploitation head….As part of the Kwara Government’s proactive interventions, Kwara State now has a budget line for the implementation of the laws on Human trafficking”

of the public, is urged to join in this fight. How are you handling the issue of illegal mining in your State? Recently, it was reported that across most of the Kwara Local Governments, Chinese citizens were arrested for illegal mining. Is it that they are in cahoots with Nigerians? What have you done to stop the plundering?

Mining is on the Exclusive List, and it is only the Federal Government that regulates it; within the ambit of the law, we have been collaborating with the relevant Federal agencies to curb illegal mining.

The infamous 2018 Offa robbery case which claimed many lives, drew national attention. But, the conviction and sentence of the accused persons within 6 years, though still not quick enough, raises some hope that speedy trials are possible in this jurisdiction, if there is a will. How was it achieved? Or is it because of the national attention, that the court made an effort to try not to allow the case to drag?

We have to appreciate the fact that, justice delayed is justice denied. However, justice rushed is justice crushed. Each case has its own peculiarities, for instance, the case was inherited from the previous PDP Administration of Kwara State, the number of witnesses involved, availability of the witnesses, exhibits tendered, the workload of the particular

court. Nonetheless, we secured their conviction. Incidentally, in this jurisdiction we have got many criminal trials concluded between three months, sometimes six months. So, by and large, we are getting it right in Kwara.

Further to the above, the convicts in the Offa case were sentenced to death by hanging. Do you believe in the death penalty for any offence? If so, why?

Yes, I believe in it, to serve as deterrent to others. It is a simple logic that whoever believes he will be killed if he murders someone will not do it, for fear of losing his life as well. What are you doing to improve the welfare and conditions of service of judicial officers in your State? Should Judges be given judicial/clerical assistants to ease their work and research? How can this be attained?

As at today, we have a Bill at the House of Assembly, which specifically deals with the welfare and condition of service of judicial officers. When passed, it will be a model for other States to emulate. In Kwara, Judges already have clerical assistants to assist their work, and we organise workshops to broaden their legal horizon.

How has the landmark Supreme Court Local Government decision been working in your State?

It is work in progress along with other States of the Federation in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Justice and Finance.

Thank you Honourable Attorney-General.

Kwara State Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman

Hamzat Urges Nigerian Businesses to Adopt Innovative Technologies

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerian businesses to adopt innovative technologies in order to remain competitive and avoid being left behind.

This is as he has stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to drive the global economy over the next two to three decades,

Speaking at the 10th FATE Business Conference with the theme: “AI-Powered Business: Innovate, Automate, Accelerate,” Hamzat, noted that AI has moved from academic theory to everyday reality, redefining industries from agriculture and finance to healthcare, logistics, and entertainment.

“AI is the ultimate innovation multiplier. It allows us to take raw material or data and transform it into new products, new services, and new business models,” he said.

According to Hamzat, small entrepreneurs can now use AI tools to predict demand, manage inventory, and design campaigns, while farmers can apply AI to determine the best planting and harvesting periods. Politicians, he added, are even leveraging AI to anticipate public opinion.

He warned, however, that while AI accelerates innovation, it does not replace human thinking.

“In the AI age, playing it safe is probably the riskiest thing you can do. Businesses

that dare to experiment and innovate faster than the competition will thrive,” he stated.

Earlier in her welcome address, President, FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi reflected on the journey of the conference, which has now run for a decade.

“This conference started as an idea to bring entrepreneurs together. It was initiated by members of the FATE alumni community who wanted a space to connect, to network, to learn, to be inspired, and also to inspire,” she said.

Also, the President, FATE Alumni Executive Committee, Oluwatoyin Bakare described the 10th conference as a defining moment.

InfraCredit Appoints Khoo as Independent Non-executive Director Month

InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’ rated specialized infrastructure credit guarantee institution has appointed Mr. Boo Hock Khoo to its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Khoo is a recognised leader in development finance with nearly three decades of experience establishing and managing credit guarantee institutions that have strengthened local capital markets and expanded access to infrastructure finance across Asia and other emerging economies.

He is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Development Guarantee Group (DGG), an institution that brings together global expertise to design and operate guarantee solutions that mobilise private capital for sustainable development. Through DGG, he helped

establish the Green Guarantee Company (GGC), the world’s first solely climate focused financial guarantor.

Boo Hock commented, “What an honor indeed to support InfraCredit’s continued progress as it is now the global leader in the renaissance of guarantors; recovering the use of guarantees for the developing world. Its success in Nigeria is an inspiration to many countries around the world.”

Speaking on Boo Hock’s appointment, Chairman, Board of Directors, InfraCredit, Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, stated: “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Khoo to our Board. As cofounder of the Development Guarantee Group and a pioneer of guarantor institutions across Asia and other emerging markets, he brings deep expertise in credit

enhancement and market development.

His appointment strengthens InfraCredit’s mission to unlock long-term local currency financing for sustainable infrastructure and paves the way for meaningful sharing of experience and expertise across frontier markets that are seeking ways of mobilising domestic capital for economic development.”

Mr. Chinua Azubike, Chief Executive Officer of InfraCredit, noted: “With nearly three decades in finance spanning credit ratings, project advisory, and guarantee operations, with extensive expertise in credit enhancement and market development, Mr. Boo Hock Khoo brings firsthand expertise from Asia’s success stories to support InfraCredit’s growth.”.

ISACA Celebrates World Community Day with Medical Outreach

Esther Oluku

The world’s largest association of professionals in technology, ISACA, has celebrated the World Community Day, with free medical outreach in Lagos.

The event, which held at the weekend, brought together healthcare professionals and over 50 volunteers from the ISACA team offering free medical consultation and drugs to members of Shogunle community and its environs.

President, ISACA Lagos chapter, Mr Justus Osuji, explained that with October earmarked as cyber security awareness month globally, ISACA chapters around the world have chosen this year’s world community day to address healthcare in communities where it operates. He stated that this choice was driven by the need to create positive impact beyond its niche and close gaps in healthcare access.

“Globally, October every

UBA Celebrates Customer Service Week 2025

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has officially flagged off its annual Customer Service Week for the year 2025, embracing the global theme: ‘Mission: Possible’ to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to making the impossible possible for its customers

across Africa and beyond.

Every year, Customer Service Week celebrates the vital role of service excellence and customer engagement, and UBA joins the rest of the world to mark this all-important event, given its Customer 1st philosophy which states that

year is cyber security awareness month and for us at ISACA, this week is our cyber security awareness week with today being World Community Day.

“We decided to do something that the whole community can benefit from. This is our own way of giving back to the society and also creating awareness not just in technology but in an area where the wider public may be having one challenge or the other, which is health,” he said.

the customer at the forefront of all its activities.

This year’s theme resonates deeply with the bank’s vision of turning challenges into possibilities, consistently going beyond expectations to deliver innovative solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo),

(Equatorial Guinea),

(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).

Stock Market Gains N786.3bn on Investors Demand for MTN Nigeria, Seplat Energy, Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) gained N786.3 billion to commence the second trading week in October 2025 positive on investors’ demand for MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Seplat Energy Plc and 46 others.

Following a 3.53 per cent increase in MTN Nigeria, and 10 per cent growth in the stock price of Seplat Energy, the market capitalisation of listed companies on NGX gained N786.3 billion or 0.86 per cent to close at N91.922 trillion from N91.135 trillion the stock market opened for trading in the new week.

Also, the NGX All-

Share Index advanced by 1,238.74basis points or 0.86 per cent to close at 144,822.78 basis points from 143,584.04basis points it closed for trading last week with the Year-toDate(YtD) return climbed to 40.71per cent from the 39.50per cent recorded in prior week.

Sectorial performance revealed that the NGX

Banking index gained 0.64 per cent to close at 1,536.38 basis points, while the NGX Insurance Index appreciated by 3.13 per cent to close at 1,250.72 basis points.

The NGX Consumer Index advanced by 0.12 per cent to close at 3,401.32 basis points as the NGX Oil & Gas leads other indices after gaining 3.34 per cent

to close at 2,671.70 basis points. In addition, NGX Industrial Index inched up by 0.01 per cent to close at 5,078.03 basis points.

The market sentiment was positive with 48 advancing and outnumbering 23 losers.

Mansard Insurance Plc, followed by Seplat Energy appreciated by 10 per cent each to close at N15.84

per share and N5,917.20 per share, respectively.

SFSREIT followed with a gain of 9.97per cent to close at N381.10, while Ellah Lakes rose by 9.97 per cent to close at N14.81 per share.

In addition, Chams Plc joined the top five gainers, when its stock price appreciated by 9.87per cent to close at N4.23 per share on NGX.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER /6/25

FEaturEs From Ruins to Hope: How Host Community Trust is Rewriting the Story of Nigeria’s Oil Communities

From dilapidated schools and “death trap” hospitals to modern classrooms, health centres, and job-creating enterprises, oil-bearing communities in Rivers State are witnessing a new dawn of transformation. For decades, places like Ogbogu and Akabuka were defined by neglect despite contributing the bulk of Nigeria’s export earnings. Pupils studied under leaking roofs, residents travelled long distances for medical care, and unemployment forced many youths into despair. Today, however, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), through the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is rewriting that story. Backed by settlors like TotalEnergies, the Obagi HCDT has delivered modern schools, upgraded hospitals, gas plants, and water factories, projects that have restored hope and dignity to communities once left in ruins. Uzoma Mba reports

Benjamin Goodness is from Ogbogu town and attends Comprehensive Secondary School Ogbogu, Ogba, EgbemaNdoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. She is in her teens, but despite being born in an oil-rich community, the teenager has not derived the benefits of being born in an area that accounts for about 90 percent of Nigeria's export earnings.

Her education has been frustrating, particularly having to learn in a dilapidated school with classrooms exposed to rain and scorching sun.

The 15-year-old has never experienced a Universal Basic Education (UBE) standard classroom. Goodness has never been exposed to a well-furnished school with digital facilities.

"It was not easy for us to learn under that harsh environment. Teachers used chalk, some of us had to sit on the floor because the chairs were bad or not even available, and the bad condition of the classrooms exposed us to danger," Goodness lamented. This condition affected her mental health and her performance in class. At some point, she considered leaving her community school for Port Harcourt.

Ishmael Precious, a student of Comprehensive Secondary School Ogbogu, had a similar experience. The teenager has never been exposed to ICT facilities in his school or even a library.

Precious decried, "The school was very tattered. It was not suitable for humans at all."

Pupils in their kindergarten suffered a similar fate. The Community Primary School at Akabuka South had hundreds of children enrolled, but they were subjected to harsh learning conditions. Some of them were forced to learn in classrooms with open roofs and no seats.

The proprietor, Ade Fatimo Osademe, described the plight of her pupils as "hell," adding, "Our children learn under leaking roofs.”

"When I was first transferred to this school, I felt discouraged. People asked me how I would cope. I felt for the children

because even as an adult, it was not easy. They were subjected to the worst learning condition," she said.

Children No Longer Learn Under Leaking Roofs

The story has changed with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)backed implementation of OML 58 Obagi Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), operated by TotalEnergies.

Obagi HCDT was established under the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to support the development needs of the communities. Obagi HCDT is specially grouped into Egi Cluster, Idu-Ama Cluster, Ekpeye Cluster, and RumuekpeCluster.

With the Obagi HCDT, the dilapidated school structure has been demolished and replaced with a two-story building with classroom blocks containing 18 fully furnished standard classrooms of 56 square metres each, in line with UBE standards, at Ogbogu Community.

Goodness said she can now boast of quality education with the intervention of Obagi HCDT.

"Most of us have never experienced something like this. Now, we have access to good education and things have changed. No one wants to leave. Personally, my education is no longer under threat," Goodness said with excitement.

Now, the Community Primary School, Akabuka South, has taken a new shape. The Obagi HCDT has renovated the school and procured writing desks and other modern facilities. The renovation was also extended to Community Primary School at Akabuka North.

“This seems like a miracle to us, especially those who saw the condition of the school. We are happy for the PIA and the NUPRC that ensured oil companies comply with the HCDT,” the proprietress said.

From Death Trap Hospitals to Modern Healthcare

Healthcare was another challenge that plagued the communities in Obagi. The poor system left villagers with no choice but to travel 77.2 kilometers to Port Harcourt for proper medical attention. Ogbogu Community had one medical facility, the Cottage Hospital, but villagers described it as a "death trap."

Now, the hospital has been remodeled into a 20-bed facility with modern medical equipment. It boasts a fully equipped diagnostic centre, functional doctors’ and nurses' quarters, a 60KVA generator, and an ambulance.

A middle-aged patient at the remodelled hospital, who does not want to be named, said her condition was critical and she would have been forced to seek care in Port Harcourt without the intervention.

"Most of us were scared to be treated in the old Cottage Hospital because it was dilapidated and lacked facilities. You won't even get a bed space. It was that bad. Today, we even have X-ray machines," she added.

Gas Projects, Pure Water Plant Create Jobs in Oil Communities

At Erema Community, the villagers lacked clean cooking fuel. In fact, they burned firewood, which they traveled kilometersto buy. Most of the trees in the area were used for firewood, a growing environmental threat, according to one of the community leaders.

Just this September, Obagi HCDT intervened based on their need for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant. EremaCommunity now has an 8.5MT gas skid plant with a solar-powered borehole to cool the facility. The woman leader of Erema Community said the gas plant would transform their lives.

"The gas plant will meet our energy needs. We will no longer travel a

distance to buy gas. This will also provide jobs for our youth."

Unemployment was another long-standing challenge in Amah Community, Egbema Ndoni LGA.

In response, Obagi HCDT addressed the decade-old issue by setting up a bottling company factory — Amah Bottling Water Factory. The facility was carefully designed with a semi-automated production line and a capacity of 1,500 bottles per hour. It also has a PET bottling moulding machine with a production capacity of 800 bottles per hour. The factory includes a sachet water production line with a capacity of 2,000 sachets per hour. These infrastructure projects were delivered within three to six months and handed over to the communities. These life-changing interventions are a testament to how effective implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust under the PIA can impact the lives of oil-producing communities that have been neglected for decades.

NUPRC Delivering on its HCDT Mandate

The implementation of the HCDT provisions under Sections 232 and 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 stands as a testament to Engr. Gbenga Komolafe-led NUPRC'scommitment to delivering on its mandate.

The Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Komolafe, has on several platforms reiterated the Commission's commitment to fully implementing the HCDT. Obagi HCDT is just one out of 150 incorporated trusts by 102 settlors. These Trusts have remitted N111.52bn in naira, while dollar contributions stand at over $157.3m as of July 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of N351.01bn at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) exchange rate of N1535.08 per dollar. The 150 trusts approved by the NUPRC are expected to play critical roles in addressing the development needs of oil-producing communities.

NOTE: story continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Remodelled Community Primary School at Akabuka South learning Under Leaking Roof

Remodelled Cottage Hospital

How the FCT is Using Data-driven Solutions to Tackle Unsafe Childbirth, Indoor Air Pollution

In line with the mandate of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) to safeguard lives and promote public health, the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, recently championed two groundbreaking, data-driven solutions aimed at tackling unsafe childbirth and indoor air pollution across the Federal Capital Territory. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the initiatives- Renewing Hope, One Baby at a Time and Renewing Hope, One Home at a time, which aligned with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, reflect the renewed commitment to save lives, strengthen families, and ensure a healthier, cleaner Abuja

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) celebrated not just with fanfare, but with meaningful action that could change thousands of lives. At the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of state for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives: Renewing Hope, One Baby at a Time and Renewing Hope, One Home at a Time.

Both programmes were built on a common purpose, which is to save lives, strengthen families, and build a healthier, cleaner Abuja through practical, data driven interventions. For Dr. Mahmoud, these are not symbolic projects but decisive moves to address two of the most pressing public health challenges in the territory: unsafe childbirth and indoor air pollution.

“Every mother deserves a safe delivery, and every household deserves clean air,” she said during the launch, describing the initiatives as “bold, data-driven solutions” that will touch lives “one baby and one household at a time.”

Renewing Hope for Safe Motherhood

At the centre of the health intervention is the Renewed Hope Baby Care Kit, which is a simple but life-saving package that provides mothers with essential medical items to ensure safe, infection-free childbirth and proper postnatal care. The initiative, which targets vulnerable women in underserved rural and peri-urban communities, supports the Administration’s ongoing zero tolerance drive for maternal and child mortality.

The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the distribution of the Baby Care Kits as a “clear demonstration of the Administration’s commitment to safe motherhood and child survival.”

While she acknowledged the progress made in maternal health, she pointed out that “too many women still die during childbirth, and too many newborns fail to reach their first birthday.” She explained that the kits were specially designed to guarantee safe and hygienic deliveries, particularly for vulnerable women who might otherwise resort to unsafe, unassisted births.

Each kit, according to her, contains medical consumables that safeguard both mother and child during the critical period before, during, and after delivery. The initiative also builds on ongoing successes such as free health insurance for pregnant women tied to antenatal attendance and facility-based delivery, as well as a unique incentive scheme known as “pluses,” which rewards mothers who keep up with their immunisation schedules.

These interventions, combined, have already produced measurable results.

“We have recorded a 102 percent increase in health facility deliveries,” Dr. Fasawe revealed, adding that the Renewed Hope Baby Care Kit will help consolidate these gains by making home deliveries less attractive.

For many beneficiary mothers, the kits are not just material support but a sign of care from a government that listens. At the event, several women expressed gratitude, promising to become ambassadors for safe delivery within their communities.

Tackling Indoor Air Pollution, One Home at a Time

While unsafe childbirth has long been a public health challenge, the FCT is also confronting another silent killer — indoor air pollution.

The Renewing Hope, One Home at a Time initiative, also known as the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Programme, was designed to address this largely overlooked but deadly issue.

Data from 14 FCTA-owned hospitals revealed a troubling trend: 48 percent of paediatric ward beds and 29 percent of adult ward beds are occupied by patients suffering from respiratory illnesses linked to household air pollution. These include pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases.

To combat this, the FCT Administration, in partnership with IHS Nigeria, is distributing thousands of free smart LPG cookers to households across the territory. The aim is to replace the use of firewood, charcoal, and kerosene

with cleaner, safer energy options.

“This is about saving lives and promoting environmental sustainability,”

Dr. Fasawe said, commending IHS Nigeria for its collaboration. She noted that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s health sector reforms under the Universal Health Coverage framework and with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on health and well-being.

The Abuja Breathe Clean Air Programme is expected to drastically cut down emissions, reduce respiratory diseases, and contribute to Nigeria’s climate action targets. The partnership with IHS also represents an important step toward corporate responsibility, as the company seeks to offset the carbon footprint from its over 16,000 telecom sites nationwide.

“IHS Towers has shown what responsible corporate citizenship looks like,” Dr. Fasawe said. “Their partnership in this programme demonstrates how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to public health and environmental protection.”

Data at the Heart of Innovation

Behind the simplicity of these interventions lies rigorous planning and data analysis. According to the mandate Secretary, both programmes were conceived after detailed assessment of health data across the FCT, which highlighted maternal mortality and household air pollution as two major areas of concern.

“These interventions are not ceremonial projects but bold, datadriven innovations,” the Secretariat stated. “They were conceived after rigorous analysis of FCT health data, revealing where the need is greatest and where intervention can save the most lives.”

By leveraging health data to drive decisions, the Administration aims to ensure that every intervention is evidence-based, targeted, and measurable. The approach also allows for continuous monitoring and evaluation, ensuring accountability and impact tracking.

Partnership, Expansion, and Long-term Impact

The Permanent Secretary of HSES, Dr. BabaGana Adam, assured that both programmes will be scaled up to all six Area Councils within six months. He explained that the Administration’s goal is to ensure that no community in the FCT is left behind in the effort to improve maternal health and reduce indoor pollution.

“We are determined to reach every mother and every home,” Dr. Adam said. “No family in the FCT should have to choose between unsafe delivery and a healthy baby, or between cooking and breathing clean air.”

The launch event, attended by top officials including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdullahi Kauran-Mata; Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi; and acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanthi, underscored the Administration’s commitment to a coordinated, inclusive approach.

Beneficiaries also expressed optimism that the initiatives would not only improve health outcomes but also promote behavioural change across communities. Many described the programmes as timely, practical steps towards safer homes and stronger families.

A New Chapter for Public Health in the FCT

The launch of the Renewed Hope Baby Care Kit and the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Programme on Independence Day symbolises more than just government action. It represents a renewed social contract between the Administration and the people it serves.

In the words of Dr. Fasawe, “Governance in the FCT is about touching lives, saving lives, and securing the future — one mother, one baby, and one household at a time.” Through data-driven planning and strategic partnerships, Mrs. Bola Ajao, the SA Media FCT- HSES, told THISDAY that the FCTA is setting a new standard for public health delivery, one that recognises the link between environment, health, and sustainable development.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, the message from Abuja is clear: the future of the nation’s health begins with smart, evidence-based action that protects every life, from the first breath to the home environment where that life begins.

s ome of the beneficiaries of the r enewing Hope, One Baby at a t ime and r enewing Hope, One Home at a sokoro General Hospital in a buja

r -L: Minister of state for the f Ct, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; Mandate s ecretary of the f C t Health s ervices and e nvironment s ecretariat (H ses ), Dr. a dedolapo f asawe; Permanent s ecretary of H ses , Dr. Baba-Gana a dam; and others with one of the beneficiaries

POLITY

Independence Day Speech: Has President Bola Tinubu Forgotten Us?

By Capt. Denis Omesa

Ido not know how many Nigerians tuned in to the Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2025. Did you? It was one of the most pensive moments. Have you ever felt like giving up? Have you ever felt like losing hope? Has hope ever eluded you? Have you ever hoped, yet still feel hopeless? Has your life ever been suspended for decades without denouement amid a crisis of integrity in the call for justice and compensation? Have your illustrious strides been paused in the stream of time?

We do not know for sure how long we will remain in limbo. Perhaps we must continue to tell our story until the right people truly feel sorry for the untold injustices and hardships that have plagued us for decades and are rectified. The buck stops on the president’s desk.

Let me repeat our story.

The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, plunged Nigeria into a political crisis.

1995 and 1997: Under General Sani Abacha’s regime, the government announced the discovery of coup plots. Dozens of military officers and civilians were arrested and accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Many of us were subjected to torture, sham trials, and harsh sentences. The “phantom coups” became infamous as examples of state repression.

In 1998, Abacha died suddenly. Nigeria began its transition to civilian rule. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president of Nigeria. He established the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (the Oputa Panel) to investigate abuses under military rule.

Between 2001 and 2002, the Oputa Panel held public hearings, uncovering the truth behind the phantom coups. Its report exonerated the accused and recommended compensation, restoration of ranks, and public apologies. Between 2009 and 2011, the Council of State approved compensation and relief for the victims, but implementation stalled.

Today is a gift. Tomorrow is a promised present. What manner of justice and compensation will President Bola Tinubu bequeath us, the unstated and unlikely heroes of June 12?

Amidst Nigeria’s tumultuous journey toward democracy, a silent cohort of heroes remains shackled by the injustices of the past. Nearly three decades after the dark era of phantom coup allegations under General Sani Abacha, the scars of torture, wrongful detention, and shattered dreams still haunt the lives of those military officers and civilians falsely accused. Their stories—of midnight arrests, brutal interrogations, and careers cut short—are not merely footnotes in the nation’s history but living testaments to resilience and unyielding hope.

On October 1, 2025, Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Day anniversary. President Tinubu seemed silent about us. Yet, as the country celebrates its hard-won independence, a shadow lingers—a legacy of injustice that continues to haunt the lives of military officers and civilians falsely accused in the so-called “phantom coups” of the 1990s. Their stories, marked by torture, wrongful imprisonment, and shattered dreams, remain a sobering testament to the unfinished business of Nigeria’s democratic project.

The 1990s were among the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s post-independence history. Abacha’s

military dictatorship ruled with an iron fist, silencing dissent and eliminating perceived threats with ruthless efficiency. In 1995 and 1997, the regime announced the discovery of coup plots—allegations widely dismissed as fabrications designed to justify the purge of Abacha’s opponents within the military and civil society.

Dozens of high-ranking officers and civilians were rounded up, accused of plotting to overthrow the government. The list of victims reads like a roll call of Nigeria’s finest military minds: Colonels Lawan Gwadabe, Olusegun Oloruntoba, Gabriel Ajayi, Emmanuel Ndubueze, Rowland Emokpae, Bello Fadile, Edwin Jando; Navy Captains Lawrence Fabiyi and Denis Omesa (that’s me); Lt-Colonels Martin Igwe, Sam Oyewole, Happy Bulus; Majors Akinloye Akinyemi, Kayode Olowomoran, and many others. These men, once destined for the highest echelons of military leadership, saw their careers—and lives—irreparably derailed.

The methods used to extract confessions and secure convictions were as brutal as they were inhumane. Victims were “soaked in muddy water, dead in the night, blindfolded, handcuffed, shackled and left naked in the open air for hours.” Torture chambers became their reality: upper limbs chained to lower limbs, bodies suspended “characteristic of a fowl prepared for roasting,” wrists, armpits, and ankles battered beyond recognition. Many were left with permanent physical and psychological scars.

The consequences of these abuses have been devastating. Some of the accused succumbed to the physical and mental degeneration wrought by years of torture and wrongful imprisonment. Others have died, their remains interred without ever seeing justice. For those who survived, the trauma endures—manifesting as shame, social isolation, and a gnawing sense of betrayal by the nation they once served with pride. Our families, too, have borne the brunt of this injustice. Children grew up without fathers, spouses struggled to keep families together, and the stigma of being associated with “traitors” lingered long after the regime that persecuted them had fallen. For nearly three decades, these men and their loved ones have waited—sometimes in hope, often in despair—for the nation to acknowledge their

suffering and make amends.

With the return to civilian rule in 1999, hopes for justice were rekindled. Obasanjo, himself a former military head of state and victim of Abacha’s repression, established the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission—popularly known as the Oputa Panel. Its mandate was clear: to investigate the abuses committed during Nigeria’s years of military dictatorship and recommend redress for the victims.

The Oputa Panel’s findings were unequivocal. The so-called phantom coup plotters were innocent, their confessions extracted under duress, and their punishment a grave miscarriage of justice.

The panel recommended a series of measures to right these wrongs (see below).

A formal apology from the federal government.Compensation for the suffering endured. Restoration of ranks and benefits.

Promotion to the positions they would have attained had their careers not been interrupted. Comprehensive rehabilitation for all victims. These recommendations were not merely symbolic. They represented an opportunity for Nigeria to confront its past honestly and offer tangible redress to those who had suffered the most.

Yet, more than two decades after the Oputa Panel concluded its work, the victims of the phantom coups are still waiting. Successive administrations—those of Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari—failed to implement the panel’s recommendations fully. Files gathered dust in government archives, and the hopes of the victims rose and fell with each new administration.

Despite repeated approvals by the Council of State in 2009 and 2011 for compensation and other forms of relief, no meaningful action was taken. The victims’ experiences were described as “unjust, inhuman, satanic and callous acts of impunity” that remain alive not only in Nigeria’s official records but in “international libraries” as well.

Many of the accused have since died, their remains interred without ever seeing justice. Those of us who survive do so with the weight of trauma, shame, and disillusionment. They

speak of careers cut short, reputations ruined, and families left to bear the burden of their suffering.

Despite decades of disappointment, the victims have not resorted to protest or violence. Instead, they have placed their faith in the promise of justice and the goodwill of Nigeria’s leaders. Their hope, though battered, remains unbroken.

As Nigeria marked another Independence Day, the surviving victims and their families have renewed their plea to President Tinubu. We are still shackled in the past, forgotten in the present, and hopeless for the future. We are pointing to the clear-cut facts and resolutions contained in the Oputa Panel’s report, as well as the Council of State’s approvals, and ask for one thing: implementation.

Our demands are straightforward:

Immediate implementation of the Oputa Panel’s recommendations.

Promotion to the appropriate higher ranks in the Armed Forces, in line with their coursemates.

A formal apology for wrongful detention, torture, and deprivation.

Comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation for the trauma and psychological stress endured over 22 years.

We deserved to be honoured too.

Justice delayed should not be justice denied. For us, the promise of June 12—the day that symbolises Nigeria’s democratic aspirations—is not just a date to be celebrated but a call to action.

The struggle of the phantom coup victims is not merely a personal quest for redress. It is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and democratic principles. As President Tinubu himself acknowledged during the 2024 Democracy Day address, the path to democracy was “hard and dangerous,” marked by the sacrifice of many heroes and heroines.

The victims of the phantom coups are among those who “bravely surrendered their futures so that our nation might have a better one.” Their sacrifices, like those of Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others, should never be forgotten. Implementing the Oputa Panel’s recommendations would send a powerful message: that Nigeria is willing to confront its darkest chapters, to acknowledge the suffering of its citizens, and to make amends. It would also serve as a deterrent against future abuses, reaffirming the principle that no one is above the law.

The stories of these men are a testament to both the brutality of the past and the human spirit’s resilience. One former officer described the torture he endured: “Soaked in muddy water, dead in the night, blindfolded, handcuffed, shackled and left naked in the open air for hours.” Others recalled being chained in unnatural positions, suspended, “characteristic of a fowl prepared for roasting,” their wrists and ankles battered beyond recognition.

Despite these horrors, the victims have maintained a quiet dignity, hoping for restitution from the federal government. They have not resorted to protest or violence. Instead, they have placed their faith in the promise of justice and the goodwill of Nigeria’s leaders. Their hope, though battered, remains unbroken. But for how long does a dying soul hope?

Continues online

President BolaTinubu

•Former Navy Captain Denis Omesa, one of the alleged phantom coup plotters, writes from Badagry, Lagos.

BUSINESS WORLD

Report: Nigeria’s Growth Momentum May Slow in H2 Amid Weak Buying Power

Anticipates oil production growth

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After a promising start at the beginning of the year, Nigeria’s economic momentum is expected to slow in the second half of 2025 as household spending power weakens and private consumption falters, according to the latest BMI sub-Saharan Africa Monthly Outlook.

The report showed that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

expanded by 4.1 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2025, up from 3.8 per cent in the first quarter, driven largely by stronger oil production and modest improvements in the services sector. However, BMI projected that the growth would moderate in the coming months as elevated inflation, high interest rates, and tight credit conditions continue to constrain domestic demand.

The BMI sub-Saharan Africa Monthly Outlook, published by BMI – a Fitch solutions company, provides independent economic, industry, and risk analysis across emerging markets. The September 2025 edition assesses growth trends across Sub-Saharan Africa, drawing from national statistics and proprietary data to forecast shortand medium-term performance.

The publication noted that while Nigeria recorded an expansion in Q2, the overall outlook for the remainder of 2025 is less optimistic due to structural challenges that continue to weigh on consumption and investment.

According to the report, much of the Q2 growth stemmed from an acceleration in oil sector activity, supported by improved production volumes that rose from around 1.7 million barrels

per day in Q1. The rebound followed earlier supply disruptions and was aided by stable oil prices during the quarter.

However, BMI highlighted that the oil sector’s influence on the broader economy remains limited, as the benefits have not translated into stronger household consumption or private investment.

Performance across key non-oil sectors was uneven, it said, stressing that transportation,

financial services, and ICT recorded gains, while domestic trade and real estate continued to contract, reflecting ongoing pressure on consumer spending.

According to the report, rising prices and reduced purchasing power have resulted in subdued retail activity, with many households prioritising essential goods and services.

Seplat Targets over 1 Bcf/d by 2030, Ties Africa’s Prosperity to Gas Devt

Seplat Energy Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading independent energy companies, at the weekend, said domestic gas would remain the engine of prosperity for Nigeria and Africa in general, disclosing its plans to raise its gas production to 1 Bcf/d by 2030.

A statement from the company stated that this informed the company’s heavy investment in gas processing capacity devoted to the domestic market, including the ANOH gas plant which is expected to come on stream before the end of the year.

The Director, New Energy at Seplat, Mr. Okechukwu Mba, said this at the 2025 Africa

Energy Week (AEW) held in Cape Town, South Africa. Mba spoke during a panel discussion themed: ‘Beyond Exports: Developing Commercially Viable Domestic Gas Markets’.

He said stakeholders needed to ensure that the challenges in the gas to power value chain from molecules at the wellhead to electrons in homes are addressed for Nigeria to

realise the goal of increased power supply to Nigerians.

He also emphasised the importance of a commercially viable power sector which is critical to achieving growth in the domestic gas market.

He said: “Bankable anchor customers are needed to underpin the development of new gas projects whilst identifying infrastructural challenges in power transmission

and distribution as well as the liquidity crises in the power sector as two areas that require urgent attention in order to unlock new gas projects.”

Mba highlighted that Seplat Energy currently supplies gas to five power stations in Nigeria which underscores its commitment to the power sector, noting that gas is well positioned to provide reliable and affordable base load energy to drive economic growth. According to Mba, Seplat Energy has adopted a comprehensive approach to growing the domestic gas market. “Beside investments in pipeline gas projects, Seplat is also investing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities,” he added.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Anohu Advocates for Pan-African Mobilisation of Climate Finance

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mutandis Africa Group, Chinelo Anohu has called for a collaborative, continent-wide mobilisation of African capital to power

the global green transition. She made the remarks during a high-level panel, tagged, “Accelerating Climate Action Through Global Trade,” convened by the University of Oxford Climate Alumni Network (OxCAN), the New York

OPEC Opts for Modest Oil Output Hike as Glut Fears Mount

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies will raise oil output from November by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd), it said on Sunday, opting for the same fairly modest monthly increase as in October amid persistent worries over a looming supply glut.

The group comprising OPEC plus Russia and some smaller producers has increased its oil output targets by more than 2.7 million bpd this year, equating to about 2.5 per cent of global demand.

The shift in policy after years of cuts is designed to regain market share from rivals such as U.S. shale producers, a Reuters report said.

Power Consumers Demand Improved Electricity Supply

Stories by Peter Uzoho

Consumers of electricity have urged the new distribution firms in Lagos State - IE Energy Lagos Limited and Excel Distribution Company Limited to prioritise improvement in billing and collection efficiency to enable them raise more revenue and reduce the illiquidity issues in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The consumers also urged the new utility companies which took

over from the existing Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) to increase investment in network upgrade and metering system, adding that why striving to ramp up revenue, they must ensure improvement in power supply and general service to customers.

The President, Nigeria Electricity Consumer Protection Network, Mr. Kunle Olubiyo, made the demands during an exclusive chat with THISDAY.

Climate Exchange, and Pace University.

The session, held as part of deliberations during the New York Climate Week, alongside the 80th Session of United Nations General Assembly examined how trade and finance can be

harnessed as levers for decarbonization rather than barriers to growth.

Anohu, who previously led the African Development Bank’s flagship investment vehicle - the African Investment Forum and

Nigeria’s National Pension Commission (PenCom), challenged the prevailing narrative that Africa must remain a passive recipient of climate finance.

“Africa’s challenge is not an absence of capital, but a dearth of deal structuring

and origination capabilities.” she said. “We receive less than 4 percent of global FDI, yet carry some of the world’s highest climate burdens. It behoves on us, therefore, to reimagine ways of ameliorating those burdens.

Umahi Inspects Roads in Abia, Says Tinubu Reviving South-east Economy

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the weekend, inspected federal roads in Abia State, stressing that President Bola Tinubu aims to revive the Southeast economy through investment in key road infrastructure in the region. Umahi, who

commissioned the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road and seven other clusters of roads in Aba, reiterated that the Tinubu administration remained committed to transforming the transport corridors of all zones, including the South-east, to enhance

productivity, trade, and competitiveness.

He said: ‎“Let me assure you that Abia State is very important in the economic development of our nation. Presently, we are completing the 56 kilometres dualised Umuahia-Aba road,

costing us N66 billion done by gallant contractors.” A statement in Abuja by Umahi’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the President has given priority attention to the transformation of the major transport corridors of South-east Nigeria.

Renaissance Unveils Continental Business Strategy, Eyes Expansion

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of Nigeria’s largest upstream oil and gas joint venture, formally introduced its pan-African operational strategy at the just concluded Africa Energy Week (AEW), signalling a new phase of regional expansion and leadership in the energy sector.

Speaking during a dedicated session at the conference, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Attah, described Renaissance as a transformational force in Africa’s energy landscape.

“We are Renaissance, not just in name, but in purpose. Our ambition is

to catalyse a new beginning for Africa, one that delivers energy security and industrialisation through sustainable practices”, Attah said Renaissance, formerly The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renaissance Africa Energy

Holding Company, and operator of the NNPC/ Renaissance/TotalEnergies/ AENR Joint Venture with assets spread across 18 oil mining leases in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

Attah described the acquisition of the shares of Shell in the former SPDC by Renaissance’s parent company, as a bold move.

Phoenix Steel Boosts Productivity with Customer Programme

Phoenix Steel Mills, a major high-quality steel manufacturing company in Nigeria, has announced significant improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and energy stability following its participation in the

Eligible Customer Programme of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

Through the programme, the steel company said it now enjoys direct access to reliable electricity supply from NDPHC’s

generation assets, drastically reducing its reliance on unstable grid supply and costly self-generation alternatives.

According to the company, this intervention has minimized powerrelated disruptions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced production output— positioning Phoenix Steel Mills to expand its capacity and strengthen its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Oluchi Chibuzor

L-R: Founder/CEO, Mutandis Africa Group, Chinelo Anohu and CEO, New York Climate Exchange, Dr Stephen Hammer, at a panel convened by the University of Oxford Climate Alumni Network (OxCAN), the New York Climate Exchange, and Pace University during the New York Climate week held on the sidelines of UNGA 80 in USA… recently

Iruobe: Our Partnership with NABTEB Provides Internationally Recognised Certification

In this interview, the Chief Operating Officer, Chemical and Allied Products Plc, Jethro Iruobe, speaks on CAP’s partnership with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, how the academy has evolved from a training initiative into a community development platform that uplifts livelihoods, fosters entrepreneurship, empowers youth, and enriches neighborhoods through skilled craftsmanship. Excerpts:

The Painters Academy just marked its five-year milestone, with over 5,000 painters trained. Looking back, what stands out to you most in terms of the impact on painters and their communities?

From both a technical and professional standpoint, one of the most remarkable outcomes of the academy has been the heightened capability of our painters. They are now more skilled in their craft, better positioned to take on larger projects, and able to command higher earnings.

Beyond financial growth, we have seen a transformation in mindset. Painters have become more confident and passionate about their work, with a renewed sense of pride. They no longer see themselves as mere artisans but as professionals and entrepreneurs. Many now run their own apprenticeship and coaching programs, creating a powerful multiplier effect that extends the academy’s impact across the industry.

This ripple effect has gone beyond individual painters to touch entire communities. By raising standards and creating a new generation of painter-entrepreneurs, the academy has stimulated local job creation and youth empowerment, particularly through our Catch Them Young programme. Young people, including Gen Z, who might otherwise have struggled to find sustainable employment, are now establishing small-scale painting outfits, contributing to the local economy, and inspiring peers to pursue productive careers in the tradeImportantly, the Academy was founded to address a critical gap in the industry: application techniques. While our products are excellent, we recognized that poor application was a recurring issue. By training painters on proper application techniques, we have seen a drastic reduction in customer complaints related to paint application. This improvement not only enhances customer satisfaction but also enables painters to deliver better service and strengthens CAP PLC’s reputation in the market. Overall, the academy has evolved from a training initiative into a community development platform — one that uplifts livelihoods, fosters entrepreneurship, empowers youth, and enriches neighborhoods through skilled craftsmanship.

Vocational work in Nigeria is often perceived as an informal, low skill profession. From your experience, is the Academy helping to shift perceptions of painting into a more respected and dignified profession?

The Academy has redefined how painting is perceived by combining technical training with business education, helping painters see themselves not just as artisans but as entrepreneurs.

Our partnership with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) is particularly transformative. Painters who complete the Academy program can now earn the prestigious NABTEB Modular Certificate, recognised both locally and internationally. This certification not only enhances their professional standing but also opens doors to broader opportunities, empowering them to take their careers to new heights.

Another example is one of our Business Growth Grant winners. He entered through our Catch Them Young Program with no prior paint experience, and today, while still an undergraduate, he runs his own painting outfit and employs apprentices. His journey demonstrates how painting can become a

genuine pathway to entrepreneurship and upward mobility.

We are witnessing this shift across the industry. As Painters gain both technical and business skills, their confidence grows, their earning potential rises, and they command greater respect in their communities. Painting is now increasingly seen as a profession that creates jobs, drives value, and transforms lives.

Beyond the numbers, what would you say has been the most significant impact of the Academy on painters and the wider paints & coatings industry in Nigeria?

Two things stand out: customer satisfaction and mindset change.

On the customer side, painters are better trained in the end to end paint coating system which includes surface preparation, finishing, and modern techniques. This has raised industry standards across the board, building loyalty and trust in the profession.

On the painter’s side, their mindset has shifted from survival to growth. Many now run apprenticeship schemes, mentor others, and expand their businesses.

Importantly, We are seeing more women and young people enter the field, groups that were historically underrepresented. Women are now stepping confidently into a space once dominated by men, bringing fresh perspectives, discipline, and professionalism. Their presence is not only breaking stereotypes but also inspiring the next generation of female artisans to view painting as a viable and rewarding career. By opening doors for women and youth, we are reshaping industry culture and building a new generation of professional, entrepreneurial painters who reflect the diversity and potential of our communities.

Entrepreneurship seems to be a recurring theme in the Academy’s training. Why is it important to combine technical skills with business knowledge for painters?

Entrepreneurship is a critical part of the Academy’s training because technical skill

alone is not enough to secure long-term success for painters. While mastering application techniques, surface preparation, and finishing ensures quality delivery, it is the combination with business knowledge that truly empowers painters to grow and thrive. At the Painters Academy, we are deeply committed to our painters’ growth because we believe that as CAP Plc grows, they should grow with us. Over the past four years, our compound annual growth rate has been 35.1% per year, but this success matters more if it reflects in the lives of our key stakeholders, especially painters and we drive this growth by helping painters shift from seeing themselves as artisans to thinking and operating like entrepreneurs. That is why we combine business training with technical skills because we want painters to view themselves not only as skilled artisans but also as job creators. The balance between craft and commerce is what drives lasting growth and productivity.

The construction and housing sectors are evolving rapidly. How is CAP Plc ensuring that painters trained at the academy remain globally competitive and future-ready?

At CAP Plc, our goal is to ensure that painters trained at the Academy remain competitive not just locally, but globally. A key part of this is our partnership with NABTEB, which provides internationally recognised certification and gives our painters professional credibility wherever they work. Through our longstanding partnership with AkzoNobel, the leading global paint company, we have access to world-class research, advanced coating technologies, and international training standards. This enables us to continuously update our modules with the latest application techniques, colour trends, and environmentally friendly practices that align with global benchmarks. This way, our trainees are always in step with the industry’s evolution. Equally important, we have transformed the way training is delivered. What started as a purely physical program has evolved into a hybrid model that blends in-person

classes with digital learning and real-time engagement platforms. This makes training more accessible, flexible, and future-ready, preparing painters to thrive in Nigeria’s rapidly growing housing and construction sectors.

At the anniversary, the NABTEB partnership was announced. In addition, the Academy has worked with groups like ITF and the Painters Guild. How do partnerships like this strengthen credibility and ensure the Academy remains relevant?

Strategic partnerships have been critical in strengthening training quality and credibility. Working with recognised industry bodies ensures our curriculum is constantly reviewed and aligned with the highest standards. A key focus has been safety, and through collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), we emphasise safe practices so painters not only deliver excellent work but also return home safely to their families after a day’s work.

Our partnership with NABTEB further strengthens the Academy by providing certification that enables painters to compete locally and internationally. These collaborations have elevated the Academy’s credibility, transforming it from an in-house initiative into a nationally recognized training hub with a clear pathway to global recognition.

From a corporate perspective, what role does this Academy play in CAP Plc’s broader strategy for human capital development and industry leadership?

From a corporate perspective, the Academy is a central pillar of CAP Plc’s broader strategy for human capital development and industry leadership. As Nigeria’s No. 1 paint company, we recognize that our long-term competitiveness depends not only on producing high-quality products but also on cultivating the skills and professionalism of the people who apply them.

We were the first in Nigeria to establish an academy of this scale and to provide painters with recognised certifications like NABTEB, positioning them to compete both locally and globally.

This has enhanced painter capabilities, raised customer satisfaction, and elevated the perception of the profession. Our painters now carry themselves with greater confidence and professionalism, and the transformation is evident in their outlook and delivery.

The Academy has become a cornerstone of our human capital development strategy. Its impact extends beyond CAP PLC—creating a ripple effect that drives industry growth, supports sustainability, and strengthens our long-term business performance.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for the Academy not just in Nigeria, but in positioning Nigerian painters to compete on the global stage?

Our long-term vision for the Academy is to position it as more than a training hub — we see it as a platform for transforming the identity and competitiveness of Nigerian painters both locally and globally. In line with CAP PLC’s vision of creating a new Africa inspired by colours, the Academy is equipping painters not just with technical skills, but with the confidence, innovation, and global perspective needed to thrive on international projects.

Iruobe

Nigeria’s Shea Sector Rebounds as Local Processing Spurs Revenue Growth

Market data has revealed that shea nut prices in Nigeria are stabilising after a brief dip following the federal government’s ban on raw exports. Prices, which fell sharply in the days immediately after the announcement, have steadily rebounded as domestic processors step in to absorb supply. Today, average prices are approaching pre-ban levels, signaling growing confidence in the policy.

Market data showed that shea nut prices in Nigeria are stabilizing after a brief dip following the Federal Government’s ban on raw exports. Before the policy was announced, prices averaged around N850 per kilogram. In the days immediately following the announcement, prices fell sharply to about N570 per kilogram as traders and middlemen adjusted to the new market

realities. However, by mid-September, prices had rebounded to N710 and N800 per kilogram towards the end of Septmener, indicating renewed confidence and an emerging balance between supply and demand. As of today, the average market price for shea nuts stands at approximately N1,000 per kilogram, reflecting both recovery and growing stability.

The policy is anchored in the Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria First Economic Policy, which prioritizes domestic value addition as the pathway to growth. Though the country supplies more than a third of the world’s shea, it captures less than 1% of the $6.5bn global market because raw nuts have historically been exported with minimal processing. By securing raw material for over 20 local plants — many of

which had been operating below 30% capacity — the ban is strengthening industries, safeguarding jobs, and boosting economic resilience.

“This policy gives us the stability we’ve long needed to plan, invest, and expand,” said Sadiq Kassim, PRO Nigeria Agribusiness Group

(NABG). “Before now, the unregulated export of raw nuts drove unpredictable price swings and squeezed processors out of the market. With the ban in place, raw materials are staying in-country, market prices are becoming more stable, and we can run our factories closer

to full capacity. This means better income for rural women, steady demand for farmers, and a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s shea value chain.”

This direction aligns with the 30% Value Addition Bill, championed by the Raw Materials Research & Development

Council (RMRDC) and passed by the Senate in July 2025. Now awaiting concurrence in the House of Representatives and Presidential assent, the Bill mandates that no raw material of Nigerian origin be exported without at least 30% domestic processing.

Ogunlesi Backs Tinubu’s Reforms as Adedeji Highlights Export-led Growth Path

Kayode Tokede

Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Adebayo Ogunlesi has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as a solid foundation for renewed international investment in the country.

Ogunlesi, a Nigerian-

LegendInternetReceivesInvestmentgrade Rating from Agusto & Co

Legend Internet Plc, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of “Bbb-” and a short-term rating of “A3” with a Stable Outlook by Agusto & Co., West Africa’s foremost credit rating agency.

This marks Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represents a strong validation of the Company’s

business fundamentals and growth strategy. The rating also reflects Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage. It also reflects robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active,

improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9% in for year end 2024/25. This exemplary rating is the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including its planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

Nestlé Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Skills Development, Graduates 20

Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of 20 young trainees from the 8th cohort of its Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara. This initiative, the company said in a statement, is part of the broader Nestlé Needs YOUth program, a global commitment launched in 2013 with the goal of enabling 10 million young people

worldwide to access economic opportunities by 2030.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said: “Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center. Many of our graduates have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one

who now serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola, and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors. From this class, five outstanding graduates will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland starting this October, under the framework of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.”

born global investor made the remarks after a high-level meeting with the President at his Lagos residence where discussions centred on deepening private sector participation in key industries including energy, aviation, and ports.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Ogunlesi commended the

administration’s economic direction, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, ongoing tax reforms, and the revival of the national refinery, which has commenced export of aviation fuel, as signs of genuine policy progress.

“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed strategies to put Nigeria front and centre for global

investment. The President was very encouraging, and we exchanged valuable ideas on driving economic growth,” he said.

While declining to disclose specific investment figures, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and evaluating new opportunities across multiple sectors.

Oluchi Chibuzor

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

High Expectations as N’Assembly Resumes from Vacation Today

The National a ssembly will today return to a crowded agenda, from economic frameworks to security motions and constitutional reforms. sunday Aborisade provides insight into what Nigerians expect from the Senators as they resume plenary after their annual vacation.

After barely three-month long annual vacation, the 10th National Assembly will reconvene today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025 to resume plenary. The return of the federal lawmakers comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with mounting socioeconomic challenges, worsening insecurity, and the unrelenting demands of governance. Expectations are therefore high that the upper legislative chamber, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, will move swiftly to set a clear legislative agenda that addresses urgent national priorities.

The upper chamber’s resumption is not just another routine legislative return; it comes against the backdrop of critical political, fiscal, and security developments that will shape the trajectory of the country in the coming months. Issues such as that of Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, the 2026 appropriation bill, the ongoing constitution review process, rising insecurity across the country, and anticipated formal defections on the floor of the Senate, will dominate the legislative space.

One of the most sensitive political issues awaiting the Senate’s attention is the outstanding issue of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan . The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has endured a tumultuous journey in the Red Chamber, facing challenges to her mandate through protracted litigations and political hostilities. Her case has transcended local Kogi politics, becoming a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the sanctity of electoral mandates. As the courts continue to affirm her victory, pressure mounts on the Senate to fully integrate her role without further distractions. Her case symbolizes the broader struggle of women in politics, especially in male-dominated legislatures, and resonates with ongoing advocacy for gender equity in governance.

The 10th Senate is therefore expected to use her situation as a springboard to strengthen internal mechanisms for protecting the integrity of its membership and defending democratic mandates against undue political manipulation. Failure to do so could erode public confidence in the institution.

Sooner than they expected after resumption,

the Senate will confront one of its most constitutionally significant tasks, which is the consideration and approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2026–2028.

The MTEF/FSP is the fiscal template upon which the President will base the 2026 appropriation bill, expected to be presented in November. This year’s fiscal projections will be particularly delicate, given the country’s precarious economic realities.

With inflation hovering in double digits, the naira still under pressure, and debt servicing consuming a frightening proportion of national revenues, Nigerians are looking up to the National Assembly for robust scrutiny of the executive’s proposals.

The Senate Finance Committee and its counterparts on Appropriations, National Planning, and Public Accounts are expected to rise to the occasion by interrogating the assumptions underpinning government revenue forecasts, crude oil benchmark, exchange rate parameters, and expenditure priorities.

Moreover, Nigerians expect the Senate to demand greater transparency and accountability in the management of subsidies, borrowing, and intervention funds. The legislature cannot afford to be a rubber stamp at a time when every kobo of public funds counts. When the 2026 budget is eventually presented

by President Bola Tinubu, probably before the end of November, the Senate’s handling of the appropriation process will be closely watched. Timely passage is important, but not at the expense of thorough scrutiny.

Nigerians expect the 10th Senate to balance speed with depth to ensure that the budget truly reflects national priorities and delivers relief to the helpless, struggling citizens.

Another pressing item on the legislative agenda is the ongoing constitution review exercise. For years, successive assemblies have embarked on constitutional amendments with limited success, often recycling the same debates on devolution of powers, state police, fiscal federalism, and local government autonomy.

The 10th Senate has an opportunity to break this cycle of endless motions without tangible outcomes. Nigerians are clamouring for reforms that bring governance closer to the people and restructure the federation to reflect equity, efficiency, and inclusiveness. Particular attention should be on proposals for state policing, given the rising insecurity nationwide. Equally critical are demands for judicial reforms, gender equality, and true financial autonomy for local governments.

The Senate must work more collaboratively with the House of Representatives and state assemblies to ensure that passed amendments achieve the required two-thirds concurrence. Beyond that, public engagement is key. Nigerians want to see more town halls, consultations, and openness in the constitution review process, not a closed-door affair dominated

As the s enate resumes plenary therefore, Akpabio must rally his colleagues around a unifying legislative agenda that transcends partisan divides. The people want a senate that is assertive, not subservient, collaborative but not compromised. How he manages internal dissent, committee efficiency, and executive-legislative relations will define his legacy.

by political elite.

Perhaps no issue resonates more painfully with Nigerians than the escalating insecurity in various parts of the country. From banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, to herderfarmer clashes in the Middle Belt, militancy in the Niger Delta, and separatist agitations in the South-East, insecurity continues to undermine national stability and development.

More worrisome is the alleged use of bandits by some foreign miners to perpetrate killings in areas where precious natural resources are being discovered in many parts of the North Central, the very latest being that of the Oke Ode community in Kwara State.

The Senate had, over time, debated countless motions on insecurity, often ending in mere resolutions that fail to translate into tangible action. Nigerians are weary of what they perceive as legislative rhetoric without follow-through. This time, the 10th Senate must go beyond motions. It is expected to use its constitutional powers of appropriation, oversight, and investigation to press the executive and security agencies for measurable results.

For instance, how are the billions allocated to defence and security being spent? Why is intelligence-sharing still weak? What reforms are needed to make policing more effective? Furthermore, the Senate should revisit stalled legislative proposals such as the Police Reform Bill and laws that strengthen community security initiatives. Nigerians want a Senate that matches words with deeds in the fight against insecurity.

As is customary in Nigerian politics, the resumption of plenary may witness formal announcements of defections by some Senators. Already, there are indications that lawmakers from opposition parties are under pressure to switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress, in line with ongoing political realignments. Senate President Akpabio himself hinted penultimate week that more governors and political leaders were preparing to join the APC. Such defections will naturally reflect in the composition of the Senate, strengthening the ruling party’s dominance.

Akpabio Tajudeen

Bamidele

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

BETWEEN RHETORIC AND REALITY

Tinubu’s economy boasts ring hollow amidst bloodshed, argues KALU OKORONKWO

ASUU VS FGN: RENEWED HOPE, RENEWED STRUGGLE Government should honour agreements, urges JEFF GODWIN DOKI

CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU argues the need to give more attention to education See

EDITORIAL

NPF AND TINTED VEHICLE GLASSES

24 MILLION REASONS TO FEAR THE FUTURE?

When Olusegun Obasanjo took over in the middle of 1976 from the slain Murtala Mohammed as Nigeria’s military Head of State, the regime was already committed as a matter policy to transition power to an elected civilian administration in 1979. This was a big deal alright but not one over which he had much say as such. As military Head of State, General Obasanjo identified two issues to define his personal legacy.

One was food security. To address that, he launched “Operation Feed the Nation”, better known by the acronym (OFN). Those were the same initials of Obasanjo Farms Nigeria, the name of the company under which the General would later pursue his post-retirement vocation in agriculture. The coincidence was not lost on many.

The other issue was education. To pursue this, General Obasanjo launched the Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1976. Some 40 years later, an independent study determined that the UPE had “a statistically significant impact on schooling attainment of beneficiaries” but there were questions as to its reach and coverage. Quite apart from the usual dysfunctions associated with centrally dictated government programmes, the UPE also faced opposition from traditional and religious leaders in some parts of Nigeria, who reportedly felt “that it is a Christian brainwashing which alienates their children from their own religious beliefs.” Those were also people who largely opposed the education of the girl-child.

The three and a half years of the Obasanjo military regime were too short for such an ambitious programme as the UPE to prove itself. The best he could hope for was that his civilian successors would continue with the idea.

At the launch of the UPE, the country was in the middle of what its rulers believed would be an interminable Oil Boom. In hindsight, the onset of the UPE coincided with the beginning of a bust. The programme became one of the casualties of the rampant corruption and the subsequent Austerity that bedevilled the administration of Obasanjo’s chosen successor, President Shehu Shagari.

The military regime that toppled Shehu Shagari four years later paid no heed to basic education. Chronically careening from the twin crises of balance of payments and elite banditry of the Nigerian political class, the system never quite rediscovered the will to invest in basic education as a duty of the Nigerian state. By the time Obasanjo returned as

civilian president 20 years after his first tour of duty, the country had begun to reap whirlwind from decades of costly omission.

President Obasanjo appeared to understand this but arguably waited too long to address it. In the fifth year of his eight year tenure, he enacted the Universal Basic Education Programme (UBE), which made basic education compulsory for all children in Nigeria. Basic education under the law was defined as nine years of formal education – six years in primary school and three years of junior secondary education. It also became a federal crime to deny a child in Nigeria access to such education. To encourage uptake by the states, the Federal Government offered generous co-financing incentives to the states. Many failed to take it up.

Two years later, in 2006, President Obasanjo launched a National Policy on Education. By this time, a diagnosis had indicated the depth of the emergency. Of 42.1 million Nigerian children eligible for primary education at the end of 2005, “only 22.3m were in the primary schools. This figure implies that about 19.8m or 47% Nigerian children that should [have] been in primary schools [were] not.”

It is no surprise that this period coincided with the onset of what would later become an Islamist insurgency founded on an ideology opposed to Western education.

As with his first tour of presidential duty, the policy measures implemented by President Obasanjo on his second coming equally relied for their durability on his successors sharing his sense of mission and urgency. It was a tall hope. In the two decades since Obasanjo’s National Policy on Education of 2006, successive administrations neglected it to a point where the country has become the most natural recruiting ground in the world for

radicalisation.

On Monday, 13 November, 2017, Muhammadu Buhari, another Nigerian ruler on his second tour of presidential duty, hosted a Cabinet retreat on education. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, himself a teacher of considerable stature and Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, also addressed the retreat which, however, involved little deliberation and ended with an inconclusive communique.

A high point of the Buhari Cabinet retreat was the presentation of Minister Adamu Adamu’s “Education for Change: A Ministerial Strategic Plan, 2016-2019.” Launched in August 2016 and better known under the acronym MSP, its title was a play upon the “Change” mantra of the then government, and the United Nations’ Education for All campaign. If it had been launched today, the plan would probably have been called “Education for Renewed Hope”.

At over 120 pages, most Nigerians, including senior staff of the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), were unlikely ever to read the MSP. In his foreword, Minister Adamu promised to “welcome rigorous discussion with all levels of stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and enduring document.” It never happened.

The MSP offered the government’s vision for education in Nigeria, setting out three strategic outcomes namely: improving access, enhancing quality, and strengthening sectoral systems. The scope covered ten major areas. Under access, in particular, the MSP focused on out-ofschool children (OOSC).

The MSP identified a priority in the twin challenges of OOSC and mass illiteracy. The plan estimated the number of OOSC at 10.5 million and illiteracy at 38% or 60 million Nigerians. With reference to OOSC, it proposed “a state of emergency on education in the states most affected by the (Boko Haram) insurgency.” This was an implicit recognition of the relationship of cause and effect between policy failure and national security consequence. By 2019, the plan hoped to reduce by half the number of illiterate people in Nigeria through the deployment of 170,000 instructors, 100,000 of whom will be mobilised by the Federal Government and another 70,000 by the States. For the first time, the MSP offered a plan for a preprimary (nursery) education curriculum. Not much has been heard of these since then.

Tinubu’s economy boasts ring hollow amidst bloodshed, argues KALU OKORONKWO

BETWEEN RHETORIC AND REALITY

On Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu delivered a familiar scorecard of economic “victories” growth figures, fiscal reforms, and selective statistics packaged as progress.

Yet for millions of Nigerians who bury loved ones lost to bandits, kidnappers, and robbers, these numbers ring hollow. What good is economic growth when the roads to work, school, and home have become corridors of death?

The dissonance between celebratory economic rhetoric and the daily reality of violent insecurity is not an accidental oversight, it has become the Tinubu-led administration’s defining failure. The claim of economic high points during the 65th independence anniversary speech while treating security as a secondary operational problem rather than the foundational political economy issue that it is, leaves much to be desired.

The government’s self-praise of economic revival sounds muffled in a country where the value of life continues to plummet faster than the naira. “Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%, Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs” the President said.

When open markets for food items and other essentials cannot operate safely, the informal economy on which most Nigerians depend suffers. When roads are unsafe, supply chains fail and food inflation escalates, neutralizing the value of GDP growth.

The alarming frequency of kidnappings, armed robberies, and ethnic violence paints a picture of a country at war as citizens live in fear.

The tragedy that befell Peace Onyeka, a young law graduate freshly called to the Nigerian Bar, and her sister Gift Onyeka illustrates this national nightmare. The sisters were kidnapped along the Okene–Auchi road while returning from Abuja after the Call to the Bar ceremony on Friday September 26, 2025. This euphoria of the occasion was still very much in the air as the young lawyer took a journey back to her base in Edo State to celebrate with her family and friends.

Instead, her life and that of her sister were thrown into the morbid uncertainty of captivity with their family left to plead and pray for mercy. They were eventually released near Okpella in Edo State, but their trauma in the hands of their abductor is better imagined.

Equally tragic was the gruesome death of Somtochukwu (Sommie) Maduag-

wu, a bright young Arise TV anchor and lawyer, who lost her life on September 29, 2025 during a brazen armed robbery attack in Abuja. Her story, heartbreaking and senseless, exposes how insecurity has metastasized, reaching even into the Federal Capital Territory, once considered the safest part of the country. In the same city where the government flaunts macroeconomic gains, its citizens die fleeing criminals who roam unchecked.

These incidents are not isolated. They represent the daily reality of millions who travel in fear from sun rise to sun set.

The Tinubu administration’s focus on economic optics, while the nation bleeds, is a tragic misplacement of priorities. Economic reforms, no matter how ambitious, cannot take root in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.

No foreign investor will pour capital into an economy where movement is perilous, logistics are unsafe, and insurance companies balk at underwriting risks.

Security is not just a social issue; it is an economic pillar. Every killing, kidnapping, and act of banditry is a blow to productivity and national morale. The informal economy, the backbone of Nigeria’s workforce thrives on mobility and stability.

Traders cannot move goods across states if roads are ambushed by criminals. Farmers cannot tend their fields if bandits rule rural communities. Professionals, like Somtochukwu and Peace, cannot fulfill their dreams if the highways to opportunity have become highways to hell.

Globally, history teaches that no economy thrives amidst chaos. In Colombia, for instance, the government’s decisive push to reclaim its territories from armed militias in the early 2000s paved the way for economic resurgence and foreign investment. In Rwanda, post genocide security stability became the foundation for an impressive developmental turnaround. Singapore, once plagued by crime and instability, achieved its economic miracle only after instituting strict security and governance reforms. The lesson is simple but profound; security is the bedrock of economic transformation.

Okoronkwo is a communications strategist, a leadership and good governance advocate. kalu. okoronkwo@gmail.com

Government should honour agreements, urges JEFF GODWIN DOKI

ASUU

VS FGN: RENEWED HOPE, RENEWED STRUGGLE

One can say with considerable justification that our politicians do not know the meaning of honor. And this is because honor is a very expensive gift, and that is reason you cannot find it among cheap Nigerian politicians. For example, some of the salient attributes of honor include integrity, honesty and the keeping of a promise or an oath. No where is this idea of honor illustrated with more completeness than in the poem, ‘The Franklin’s Tale’ written by Geoffrey Chaucer (1342-1400), the first English poet. The story goes like this: Dorigen’s husband had traveled out of town when a young man came earnestly asking for her love. Jokingly, Dorigen gave the young man an almost impossible condition which is that: he can only get her love if he is able to clear away all the rocks from the sea. Now, the young man took his assignment very seriously because he was in love and through the use of magic and astronomy, the young man was able to clear all the rocks away from the sea and thereafter he returned to Dorigen’s door asking her to make true her promise. Now, Dorigen’s husband had returned and when she informed him of her rash promise, he views what she had told the young man, not as a joke but, as a promisefor-a promise contract from which there is no honorable withdrawal. Accordingly, Dorigen’s husband gave his wife permission to go and keep her promise with the young man. This is the real meaning of honor. In other words, a promise is a matter of honor and integrity. Once it is given it must be fulfilled. Can Nigerian politicians borrow a leaf from Dorigen’s husband?

Now to our beloved country Nigeria, the giant of Africa, that turned 65 years some days ago. During electioneering campaigns in Nigeria, it is fashionable to see Nigerian politicians on the pulpit. They usually put sugar and honey in their tongues in order to win votes from the electorate. They give us empty promises: ‘We will build schools and hospitals’, ‘we will provide water to every backyard’,’ we will drive poverty away from the land’, ‘strikes in the University system will become a thing of the past’,’ we will turn all nights into day,’ ‘we will give the farmer the best for his sweat’, ‘Our children in the universities will complete their degree programs on record time’…

The list of their promises could be as long as a railway line. Some times, they even promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. They give the electorate so much hope. They persuade us to hold on to the belief and the conviction that there is a better life, a better world beyond the horizon. But truth is that with Nigeria politicians, we are only facing a future that holds the hope of a thousand mirages.

The most recent example of this deceit and falsehood is the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government. All our hopes were raised even during electioneering when we were told at rally after rally that there will be no more strikes in Nigerian Universities if Nigerians vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

We had high hopes and we voted. But,It is more than two years now since our hopes were raised and renewed. To his credit, Mr President, is a very experienced politician having served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and as Senator representing Lagos West in the third Republic. With such a vast experience in leadership and Nigerian politics, one expects that the Government in power should be more democratic by honoring agreements especially the re-negotiated 2009 agreement between ASUU and the FGN submitted by Yayale Ahmed some months ago. This very agreement is at the heart of the face-off between the FGN and ASUU. One expects that Renewed Hope should mean respect for the Collective Bargaining Principle as enshrined in the laws of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Renewed Hope should mean making progress and not making excuses. For example, what steps has the present government taken to ameliorate the rot in Nigerian public Universities since it assumed power in 2023? Even the Students Loan Scheme (NELFUND), the government boasts about cannot get to the real Nigerians and, by that, I mean indigent students. Very recently, the government announced a loan scheme for staff of the tertiary education sector. But is that the solution to the incessant strikes in the tertiary education sector? Why is the government behaving like the absurd man in the proverbs who left his house on fire to pursue a rat fleeing from the flames? In any case, it is common knowledge that the same Nigerian government is owing University teachers about four months withheld salaries. As a matter of fact, the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme represents a queer irony: you are owing some one and you are still offering your debtor another loan? What an upside-down-way of thinking. The whole loan project is balderdash and it smacks of deceit and folly. The sad truth is that the Nigerian government has arrogantly betrayed everything for which our people struggled for because it has been able to count on the silence of the Nigerian people. Not even under past military juntas has there been such a deliberate and carefully organized strategy of pretense, sham and renewed deceit.

Doki is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Jos

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

NPF AND TINTED VEHICLE GLASSES

The Police should act within the law

In line with the directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) last Thursday commenced the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit on vehicles. According to a statement by Mohammed Halima, the operation is being carried out in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004. “Vehicles with tinted glasses must now present approved permits during checks or face sanctions,” the statement warned. But we fail to see how the NPF can continue to enforce the controversial policy that is already facing legal challenge from several stakeholders.

Last Friday, the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, ordered the NPF and the IGP to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit by vehicle owners. The court asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.” Although the case was from an individual, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had last month also instituted a public interest suit against the police to challenge the legality of the policy. The directive, according to the NBA, violates rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property, noting that the police appear to rely on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a 1991 military decree that may not be “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society”.

the money that would be accrued from the registration. With or without any special permit, occupants of such vehicles should always be made to stop and wind down their window glasses for identification.

Besides, it is one thing to issue a directive as in the present case, and yet another to implement without needless consideration for some sacred cows. The same NPF is silent on the indiscriminate use of Police Supernumerary (SPY) plate numbers on highways across the country, including by people of questionable character. A former IGP once confessed that several individuals have turned the use of SPY number plates and tinted glass into a status symbol with “reports that some criminal elements are also utilising them as cover for their nefarious activities.”

While we endorse measures that would help in tackling the security challenge in the country, we enjoin the police not to take the law into their own hands

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

Ordinarily, we would have considered the measure a welcome development especially in the face of the clear and present danger posed by the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, and sundry criminal elements. But within a few hours of the enforcement of the policy, there were reports of some unscrupulous police officers harassing and extorting money from innocent motorists. Besides, there are questions about what a special permit can achieve beyond

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

There is no doubt that in a status-obsessed society like ours, people who consider themselves as “Very Important Personalities” would always seek to flaunt their “importance” by appearing different from the rest of society. Ironically, the Police have made itself a willing collaborator. Local Government chairmen and their spouses; traditional rulers; councillors and their wives; and indeed, anyone who can afford the fee do apply for and obtain these special police courtesies and privileges. It is therefore no surprise that criminals have equally leveraged access to these privileges and now hide under them to perpetrate their heinous acts. It is clear that enforcing the policy would not apply to those who already have contingents of police personnel as escorts.

While we endorse measures that would help in tackling the security challenge in the country, we enjoin the police not to take the law into their own hands by seeking to enforce a policy that the court has halted. The proper thing to do is to appeal the judgment. But beyond that, the NPF must work to redeem its public image. The perception that the policy was designed for extortion and not for security is rife.

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

BANDITRY AND ABDICATION OF DUTY IN NIGER

There are moments in history when governments prove themselves not merely negligent but spectacularly absent. Niger North, tragically, is living through such a moment. For three unbroken days, bandits turned Borgu, New Bussa, Ibeto, Salka, Atabo, and Magama into their playground— kidnapping lawyers, carting away citizens, looting cattle, and leaving entire communities traumatized. A war-like campaign, executed in broad daylight, without a whisper of interruption from those sworn to protect us. And what did the Federal and State Governments do? Absolutely nothing. Not a statement. Not a condemnation. Not even the tired and recycled assurance of being “on top of the situation.” For three days, silence reigned supreme—louder than the gunfire that echoed across villages. Two lawyers of noble standing, Ahmed Mohammed Borgu and Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma, were among the abducted, just few days after a Magistrate and a Prison Warden were shot on the legs by bandits

on the outskirts of Kontagora. If the abduction of legal practitioners, custodians of justice, does not stir the conscience of government, one wonders what possibly could. Or is it that the kidnappers have now joined the exclusive club of “untouchables” in our nation’s political economy?

The Niger-North Senatorial Zone is not merely disappointed; it is outraged. Outraged that a government that swore to defend lives can maintain such robotic indifference while its citizens are dragged into captivity. Outraged that banditry has become so normalized that operations lasting more than seventy-two hours attract neither intervention nor alarm. Outraged that Niger North has been turned into a laboratory for insecurity, where citizens provide the specimens and bandits conduct the experiments.

One might think this is satire, but it is not—it is Nigeria. In Shiroro, Tegina, Kontagora, Mariga, Magama, Ibeto, and Borgu, bandits now operate with the confidence of tax col-

lectors. They determine who travels, who stays, who pays, and who vanishes. Meanwhile, the government’s presence in these zones is limited to campaign seasons and ribbon cuttings. Security agencies? They arrive only when the damage is complete, to count the bodies and pose for press briefings. This is not governance. This is abdication dressed in official uniforms. It is betrayal, broadcast daily, with citizens as the audience and victims alike.

The citizens must therefore raise their voice, not merely in protest but in thunderous condemnation. Government must be told, without equivocation, that this silence is complicity, and this inaction is endorsement. Citizens are not pawns to be abandoned on the chessboard of insecurity. They are human beings whose lives are sacred, whose dignity must not be traded for indifference.

Baban Khalifa, Minna , Niger State

OPENING CEREMONY OF IBOM IGNITE CONFERENCE...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, T2, Obafemi Banigbe; Rector, Dakkada Acquisition Centre, Prof. Enoidem Usoro; Youth Advocate, Imaobong Akpan-Akpan; Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, O’tega Ogra; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi; and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, during the opening ceremony of the Ibom Ignite Conference 2025 in Uyo, yesterday

First Lady Takes Bold Step to Protect Lives and Future of Nigerian Children

Launches measles-rubella vaccine campaign to end devastation caused by the diseases

Pate: President repositioning health as central pillar for national development of the HPV vaccine.

Wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the much-anticipated Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign.

The campaign, representing a clear commitment of Mrs Tinubu to child health and national progress, is the largest health initiative in Africa history aimed at immunising millions of children and adolescents against measles, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the flag-off ceremony held at Banquet Hall of State House, Abuja, the first lady said the campaign was a bold step towards protecting the lives and future of Nigerian children. She said, “This flag-off signals a collective national resolve to end the devastation caused by measles and rubella. These diseases steal the future of our sons and “Measlesdaughters. can cause blindness, permanent disability, and in too many cases, death. Its twin disease, rubella, though often silent,

is equally harmful, especially to unborn children of infected pregnant women who may be born with blindness, deafness, or serious heart defects.”

Mrs Tinubu highlighted the consequences of the diseases, not only on families but also on communities and the country. She urged Nigerians to embrace the vaccine wholeheartedly, stressing, “A vaccine in a vial does not save a child.

“A vaccine in a clinic does not protect a community. Protection only becomes real when that

vaccine is injected into the arm of a child.

“Mothers, take your children to be vaccinated. Fathers, support your wives and families to ensure your children are protected. To our revered traditional rulers and religious leaders, your voices carry immense weight—use your influence to spread the truth, dispel rumours, and ensure no child is left behind.”

The first lady expressed appreciation for the pivotal role traditional and religious leaders played in the successful rollout

FCCPC Approves Coca-Cola’s Sale of CHI Limited to UAC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reportedly approved Coca-Cola’s sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) to UAC of Nigeria Plc.

The transaction was disclosed by the Coca-Cola Company, which stated that the transaction had now been closed.

The deal, first announced on July 30, transfers ownership of CHI Limited, a Nigerian food and beverage producer whose portfolio includes juice and value-added dairy brands.

Though terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed, Managing Director of Chivita|Hollandia, Eelco Weber, in a statement said, “We are pleased to have received regulatory approval for this transaction.

“We look forward to a smooth transition and to seeing Chivita|Hollandia thrive under UAC’s ownership.”

Coca-Cola initially acquired a 40 per cent stake in CHI in 2016 and completed the full acquisition by purchasing the remaining shares in 2019, gaining 100 per cent ownership of the company.

The Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, said, “We are excited to officially welcome the Chivita|Hollandia team and brands into the UAC family, and we are eager to work together to build on their strong legacy and market leadership.”

UAC is a holding company focused on domestic manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of leading consumer brands in Africa.

The company operates nine manufacturing facilities and several logistics and distribution hubs across Nigeria, with 5,000 employees.

Incorporated in 1980, Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) was established as a local producer of high-quality food and beverage products for Nigerian

consumers.

Chivita|Hollandia champions innovation and supports economic growth through state-of-the-art, ISO 22000-certified manufacturing.

However, UAC had entered into an agreement to acquire CHI Limited from The Coca-Cola Company.

In a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited then it was revealed that the transaction is still subject to regulatory approval.Chivita|Hollandia is a food and beverage player in Nigeria, with a portfolio across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks, and snacks. They are the owners of the Hollandia and Chivita brands.

Commenting on the transaction, the Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, then said, “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth. We are pleased to announce the acquisition of

Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), a leading dairy and juice business in the region.

She said, “These vaccines are safe, effective, and free.

“They are among the greatest gifts of modern medicine, saving lives, preventing disease, and al- lowing our children the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.”

Mrs. Tinubu, then, officially flagged off the campaign, setting into motion a nationwide drive expected to reach approximately 106 million children aged between nine months and under 15 years in two phases.

The campaign also integrates vaccination efforts against polio and the rollout of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, combining resources to optimise health

Earlier,impact.Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, stated that Nigeria was witnessing a historic moment in its health system with the launch of the largest integrated health campaign

on the African continent and the second largest in the world.

Pate described the initiative as a bold re-imagination of how health services were delivered to Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the president’s vision is repositioning health as a central pillar of national development, bringing healing, unity, and inspiration to the country through improved healthcare delivery.

The minister commended Tinubu’s leadership and the unprecedented progress in strengthening primary healthcare services across the country.

He stated that the number of Nigerians accessing care at primary health centres had increased almost fourfold in the last two years, while thousands of women had benefited from free emergency obstetric care under the president’s health intervention programme.

NDDC Tasks Legal Directorate Personnel on Conflict Resolution

Innovative strategies for service delivery, region’s devt, others

Sunday Okobi

The Directorate of Legal Service (DLS) of the Niger Delta Develop- ment Commission (NDDC), as part of its efforts to build capacity for its personnel, has urged them to imbibe the principles of innovative strategies and conflict resolution aimed at effective service delivery in meeting the main objectives of the NDDC towards facilitating rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. With the theme: ‘Exploring Innovation for Effective Legal Service Delivery in the Public

Sector’, of this year’s retreat, which took place in Lagos yesterday, the leaders of the directorate said it resonated deeply with their collective mandate to embrace innovation as a pathway to excellence in legal service delivery and effective conflict resolution, especially in today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape.

In his paper presentation, one of the resource persons and keynote speakers, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), said the retreat aimed to “enhance the capacities of personnel of DLS for effective service delivery in the Niger Delta

region.”

He noted the theme was aptly within the main objectives or focus areas of the NDDC, which include: “Enhancing infrastructure in the Niger Delta; improving healthcare access for people of the Niger Delta; empowering Niger Delta Communities through Education, Skills and Jobs; sustainable environmental management of the Niger Delta’s environment and resources; facilitating agricultural development and supporting agro allied industries, as well as fostering social welfare programmes for all of the Niger Delta’s people.”

James Emejo in Abuja

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

2025 NBC YOUTH EMPOWERED TOUR IN KADUNA...

L-R: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Specialist, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Eriifeoluwa Banjo; Senior Manager, External Communications, NBC, Samuel Iboroma; Commissioner for Youth Development, Kaduna State, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim; National Programmes Manager, Mind the Gap, Odetayo David Mayowa; and Internal Communications Manager, NBC, Mojisola Odumosu, during the 2025 NBC Youth Empowered Tour in Kaduna… recently

Marwa: Nigeria’s Next Drug Control Master Plan Must Address Emerging Threat

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 20262030) to ensure the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the advice on Monday in Niger State in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country.

The residential retreat was funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to him, “The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The

NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

“It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.”

Marwa reminded stakeholders that the workshop offered a rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

He said, “It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future.”

He urged participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but

charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians. Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new master plan was not only developed but also effectively implemented.

He said, “I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both

Nigeria’s

within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders.”

He thanked ECOWAS Commission “for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners - the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector - for their continued collaboration. Together, we

are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure”.

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Repre- sentative, Cheikh Ousmane, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

Ousmane stated, “Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues

to evolve. Global and regional dynamics - whether related to new psychoactive substances, organised crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures - all shape local realities.

“Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

Anglican Church Rejects Appointment of New Archbishop of Canterbury

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The leadership of Anglican Church in Nigeria has distanced itself from the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the church worldwide.

The orthodox group of the Anglican communion, comprising 80 per cent of Anglicans worldwide, including the Church of Nigeria under the auspices

PASAN Leadership, Aggrieved Members Clash Over Alleged Planned Picketing at NASS

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Fresh tension is brewing within the National Assembly over a deepening rift between the leadership of the Parlia- mentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, and a fac- tion of aggrieved members who have announced plans to embark on peaceful picketing of the legislative complex, today, October 7.

In a memo dated Septem- ber 25, 2025, the PASAN chapter chairman, Comrade

Sunday Sabiyyi, dissociated the union from what he described as a “purported protest by the so-called ‘Concerned Staff,’” insisting that the recognized union leadership was not involved in the planned demonstration being circulated on internal messaging platforms.

Sabiyyi warned all PASAN members to stay away from the protest, urging them to remain at their duty posts and continue with their legitimate assignments. He stated that management

had substantially complied with most of the workers’ welfare demands, while a committee was already in discussion with the National Assembly authorities to resolve remaining issues.

“We strongly advise all PASAN members to remain on their duty posts and go about their legitimate business within the complex. We do not support or condone any form of protest or picketing that disrupts the functioning of the National Assembly,” the memo read.

Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON), had earlier deplored the appointment of a female – Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of ACanterbury. statement by the Arch- bishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, described news of the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as insensitive “ to the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who are unable to embrace female headship in theTheepiscopate”.statement, which was

the response of the Church of Nigeria to the election of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev. Sarah Mullally, said the news of her appointment on Friday, October 3, 2025 as the next Archbishop of Canterbury is a devastating one that ignored the current situation and challenges being faced by the Anglican Communion.

The statement said, ‘It is a double jeopardy; first, in its insensitivity to the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate, and second, more disturbing that

Bishop Sarah Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage as evidenced in her speech in 2023, after a vote to approve the blessings of homosexuals when she described the result as a moment of hope for the Church.”

The Church of Nigeria added, “It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion by the contentious same-sex marriage, which has caused an enormous crisis across the entire Anglican Communion for over two decades.

Redeemer’s University Breaks Record with 185 First-Class Graduates, Earns TETFUND Recognition

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has recorded its highest number of First-Class graduates since inception, with 185 students attaining the top academic honour in the 2025 graduating set. Also in a major development for Nigeria’s private education sector, the Vice - Chancellor,

Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele announced that Redeemer’s University has been selected by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) as one of the only eight private universities in the country approved to train government-sponsored postgraduate students.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, made this know yesterday

during a press briefing to mark the university’s 17th convocation ceremony and 20th anniversary celebration.

Akindele described the milestone as “a reflection of the institution’ s commitment to academic excellence and character development,” adding that the 2025 convocation represents a season of “double honour” for the faith-based institution.

Homecoming reception for ibi Sofekun...

L-R: Publisher Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Sam Amuka; Power Bike Rider, Ibi Sofekun; Chairman Board Of Trustees, Boys Scout, Lagos, Sen. (Dr.) Bode Olajumoke and State Scout Commissioner, Lagos State Scout Council, Alhaji Adebesin Olohuntoyin Oyeyemi at the Homecoming reception for Ibi Sofekun aka “Firekiss” who completes his 40 countries in 99 Days Advocacy ride for the Mental Health of the Boy Child on a power-bike at J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos ... yesterday

Nigerian Child Rights Act: FG Pledges to Work with Stakeholders Once Review Concluded

As Tinubu, Hanatu, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Kanyeyachukwu artistic

Foundation seeks training of more professionals, funds to support

The federal government has said it will work with necessary stakeholders once the current Nigerian Child Right Act is reviewed to provide the necessary regulatory framework to better attract investment and the right infrastructure to unlock opportunities.

Speaking Sunday at Exhibi- tion of the Guinness World Record Artwork, organised by Kanyeyachukwu Autism

Society, in partnership with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and Eko Atlantic City, the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, praised the resilience of the Nigerian child.

Represented by Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Mrs. Tinubu said Kanyeyachukwu (Kanye) Tagbo-Okeke’s achievement was proof that, indeed, impossibility was a myth, while praising his strength.

She stated, “I am delighted to join you this evening at this special arts exhibition which celebrates the boundless creativity and the vision of a remarkable young Nigerian, Kenya Chukwu Togo Okeke.

“Our Child Rights Act is 23 years old. But under Mr. President’s watch, they are all undergoing review. And I look forward to partnering with all of you so that we can have an emergence of a strong response for our children in the Federal

Republic of Nigeria.

“By painting the largest art canvas in the world, he has not only broken a Guinness World Record, but he has also broken barriers of perception. His achievement is proof that indeed impossibility is a myth.”

The first lady said, “When I had the honour of receiving Kanyeyachukwu at the State House on May 25th of 2025, I was struck by his artistic genius and his courage and determination.

capabilities

families with autistic children

“With autism, he has demonstrated to us that, and to the entire world, that our differences are not limitations. Rather, they are sources of unique strength, creativity, and purpose. I salute the parents of Kenya Chukwu for their love and support.

“Today’s exhibition is a bold statement of Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, technology innovation, and environmental consciousness. It reflects the renewed vision of His Excel-

UN Women, NCCC Call for Gender Inclusion in Climate Policies

michael olugbode in Abuja

UN Women Nigeria, in partnership with National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), has launched the Gender Integration Toolkit and Strategy for Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), calling for the inclusion of gender in climate policies.

The Toolkit is designed to include gender considerations into climate planning, financing, implementation, and monitoring across all levels ofItgovernance. provides practical guidance to ensure that climate policies, projects, and investments are not only effective but also Deliveringgender-responsive. the keynote address, Director-General of NCCC, Bar. Mrs. Tenioye Majekodunmi, underscored the urgency of embedding gender considerations into climate“Genderpolicy.equality is not just a social imperative - it is a climate imperative,” Majekodunmi declared.

She added: “When women have equal access to resources, farm yields rise, household resilience improves, and communities become more sustainable.”

The launch cames amid Nigeria’s efforts to implement its updated NDC 3.0, guided by the Climate Change Act of 2021 and the Long-Term Low Emission Development StrategyMajekodunmi(LT-LEDS).stated that the new toolkit aligned with the frameworks and helped to institutionalise

gender-responsive approaches across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, industry, and waste.

“We are building an institutional architecture that integrates gender considerations across all sectors,” she said.

“The NDC Gender Integration Toolkit we launched today is a cornerstone of that

effort,” she added.

The Toolkit, developed by UN Women Nigeria, is designed to equip national, state, and local institutions with tools to identify gender gaps, integrate gender-sensitive approaches in project design, and monitor results through MRE-ready (Monitoring, Re- porting and Evaluation) and sex-disaggregated indicators.

lency, President Bola Tinubu, who believes deeply in the limitless potentials of our young people to shape the future of our nation and the world at Ministerlarge.” of Art, Culture Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, said Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement represented a national honour. Musawa reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to increasing support for artists on the autism spectrum and for persons with special needs. According to her, “As Min- ister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, I see in this record not merely a personal achievement, but a national statement of who we are and who we can be.

“I, therefore, reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to increasing support for artists on the autism spectrum and for persons with special needs. More access to resources, training, mentorship, exhibition platforms.

Saudi Varsities Say Schools Open to Muslims, Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

Mental Health

69-Year-Old Nigerian Adventurer Traverses 40 Countries in 99 Days Power-Bike Ride for Boy’s

mary nnah

In a monumental display of endurance and advocacy, 69-year-old Nigerian adventurer Ibi Sofekun, aka Firekiss, has completed his “Ride for the Boy Child” journey, covering 40 countries in 99 days across Europe and Africa on his power bike. The power bike rider

rode into Lagos on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to a hero’s welcome, after embarking on this mission to shine a light on the mental health struggles faced by young boys.

The journey, which began on June 28, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, took Sofekun through diverse terrains and cultures, spreading a crucial message: “It’s okay to not be okay.”

His advocacy campaign, inspired by Project HELP (Help Educate the Less Privileged), aims to encourage a global dialogue on providing better support systems for young boys.

Sofekun emphasised the importance of nurturing boys to become emotionally intelligent and confident individuals.

Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been advised to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries, Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad Daajim, said no fewer than 850 Nigerian

students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over 3,200 Nigerians graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in the last one decade.

The forum which was has as theme “alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”

Daajim said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi

Universities. Already, in the last one decade, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria.”

He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.

“We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector.”

michael olugbode in Abuja

oluchi chibuzor

ZULUM AT THE BORDER COMMUNITY OF KIRAWA...

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, at the border community of Kirawa, thanking members of the Civilian JTF, vigilantes, and hunters for their resilience and alertness in protecting the border community against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits, yesterday

Forgery Scandal: Pressure Mounts on Tinubu as Senior Lawyers, Activists, Others Demand Nnaji’s Sack

Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Alex Enumah, Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos

Embattled minister debunks reports, fingers political enemies ADC: Tinubu should remove minister He must come clean, say NBA, Peter Obi Odinkalu: He won’t be last to forge documents in Tinubu’s govt It’s a national embarrassment, insists Inibehe Effiong Minister’s suit against allegations stalled Ajayi (SAN) advised that the minister should “do the honourable thing and resign” if the allegations are substantiated after due inquiry.

Pressure has continued to mount on President Bola Tinubu to break his silence on the forgery case against the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, as senior lawyers, activists, as well as opposition political parties and leaders called for a thorough probe and resignation or removal of the presidential aide.

This followed revelations that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disowned the academic and service certificates he presented during his Senate screening in 2023.

But the minister yesterday refuted allegations of certificate forgery against him, alleging that

it was politically motivated, and well-crafted by a governor to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu state.

The alleged forgery gained national attention after UNN, in a letter dated October 2, 2025, stated that it did not issue the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree certificate in Biochemistry and Microbiology, which the minister claimed to have obtained in July 1985.

The letter, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, explained that while Nnaji was admitted into the university in 1981 to study Biochemistry and Microbiology, he did not complete the programme and therefore could not have been issued a graduation certificate.

“From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji

graduated from the University in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study,” the university stated.

Reacting to the development, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Seyi Sowemimo, de-

scribed the allegations as serious and called for an independent investigation.

“I don’t see how the minister would tender a forged certificate. That would be criminal conduct—something that should be

investigated. If it is found that the certificate is indeed forged, then this would amount to criminal conduct, and we would demand that he be removed from office,” Sowemimo said.

Similarly, Prof. Konyinsola

Continued on page 28

Akpabio, Kalu Lead Call for Overhaul of Nigeria’s Constitution to Rescue Democracy

Deputy speaker doubles down on APC’s plan to takeover Abia in 2027

Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Juliet Akoje In Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has addressed the growing demand for state policing, clarifying that it should not be viewed as rebellion.

Represented by Senate Chief

Tinubu Orders Reduction of 2026 Hajj Fare

Shettima gives NAHCON two days to carry out directive

Deji

Following a directive of President Bola Tinubu for an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days. This, the vice-president said, had become necessary considering continued appreciation of the naira

against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.

Shettima, who handed down the president’s directive during a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the State House in Abuja, called for synergy among national and state officials, including governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He also urged prompt action by all stakeholders

to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.

Fielding questions shortly after the meeting with the vice-president, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the vice-president was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.

Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the senate president urged caution to ensure that efforts to enhance national security do not infringe on civil liberties.

Also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasised the urgent need for a revised Constitution that not only permits democracy but also actively supports and empowers it.

They both made the call during a consultative session with political party leaders,

organised by the House Committee on Constitution Review yesterday in Abuja.

Akpabio reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to working with the Executive and other stakeholders to develop a Constitution that reflects Nigeria’s current needs.

He described the consultative meeting as historic, not merely procedural and a sign that Nigeria’s democracy remains responsive and evolving.

He also identified key constitutional issues under review such as judicial

reform, electoral reform, local government autonomy, women’s representation, state policing, and human rights, noting that these are central to a functioning democracy. He emphasised that compromised elections erode public trust, and delayed justice undermines confidence in the legal system.

Akpabio called for institutional reform, including strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and safeguarding the judiciary from corruption.

Court Orders IGP to Present Defunct SARS Operatives for Prosecution

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

An Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to present for prosecution operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) found culpable in the 2017 abduction of John Anozie.

In a judgment delivered

on the 24th day of Septem- ber 2025 in Suit No: FHC/ ABJ/865/2025 between: Mrs Nnenna Anozie v. Inspector General of Police, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the IG to furnish the applicant,Mrs Nnenna Anozie, with reports of the investigation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force on petitions submitted to it on

the abduction and disappearance of Mr. John Anozie, the applicant’s husband. While ordering the IG to forward the case file and report of investigation to the Attorney General of the Federation, the court further directed the IGP to handover the erring officers to the Attorney General for prosecution.

Elumoye in Abuja

Signing of a US$10 million credit facility deal...

L-R: Investment Professional, TLG Capital Mr. Aum Thacker; Director, Corporate Services, Falcon Aerospace Limited(VivaJets), Wura Adetiba; Principal, TLG Capital, Mr. Zain Latif; and Chief Executive Officer, Falcon Aerospace Limited (VivaJets),Mr. Erika Achum, at the signing of a US$10 million credit facility deal between TLG and Falcon in London ... recently

Pre SID e NT rA ll I e S Su PPO r T f O r D AN g OT e, H I g H l I g HTS H

fiscal

“Asyear.experts in the economy, you know more than the average citizen that the stability in our foreign exchange market is not accidental. It reflects deliberate choices guided by the same economic wisdom that gatherings such as this embody.“Along with subsidy removal, these decisions have rescued our public finances, stabilised the economy, and reassured investors at home and abroad. We owe this progress to the sacrifices of Nigerians, whose patience and understanding have been the bedrock of our endurance. To them, I say: the better days we promised are already within sight.”Continuing, Tinubu said through these reforms, Nigeria’s external reserves have grown to $43 billion as of September 2025, while trade balance also improved to N7.46 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, up from N5.17 trillion in the first quarter.

“We have recorded a strong GDP growth rate of about 7 per cent. I admit that this growth has not yet fully translated into enough jobs for our people, but we are closing that gap. We are giving priority to agriculture and solid minerals, two sectors with great potential to create jobs and strengthen our economy. To move faster, we have entered into partnerships with other countries to bring in modern farming equipment, train our farmers, and expand extension services across the nation.

“Our reforms are deliberately cross-sectoral because we understand that diversification is the only pathway to sustainable growth. The contribution of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to the Federation Account has improved remarkably, with the sector generating N12.58 billion in 2024 through mineral title applications and related fees.

This is a sign of the sector’s awakening and the result of

deliberate reforms aimed at unlocking its full potential,”

heAsemphasised. a people-oriented government, he said the priority remains restoring hope to the unemployed, the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable, as the government has created pathways for young Nigerians to access grants, loans, and equity investments of up to $100,000 to scale their enterprises, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.

“We established a N200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises and manufacturers, helping them overcome structural challenges and enhance competitiveness.

“Our expansion of digital micro-loan access has improved financial inclusion, empowering small businesses and stimulating community- level productivity. These efforts underline our commitment to an economy that works for all Nigerians,” he pointed out.

The President resident further pointed out that the four Tax Reform Acts recently signed into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—represened a bold recalibration of our fiscal architecture.

He said the new tax regime will boost domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce depen- dence on oil, and simplify compliance, explaining that these reforms protect low- income earners, ensure fairness in corporate taxation, and strengthen digital innovation in tax administration.

He said: “By promoting transparency and coordination among all tiers of government, we are laying the foundation for a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria.

“To improve connectivity and ease of movement, we are constructing highways, bridges, and rail lines across

states, including interstate terminals, with over 440 ongoing road projects covering more than 2,700 kilometres of superhighways nationwide. These investments in infrastructure are the arteries of national prosperity, facilitating commerce and strengthening unity.“The government has also unveiled the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme, a people-centred initiative designed to empower citizens at the grassroots. By targeting all 8,809 wards across the 774 Local Government Areas, the programme seeks to map local economic activities, human capital, infrastructure, and resource endowment, ensuring no community is left behind.

“Modelled after successful frameworks in China, India, and Kenya, it represents a bottom-up approach to addressing multidimensional poverty through participatory development. Community leaders, residents, and ward representatives will identify local priorities that feed into Local Government, State, and National Plans to ensure alignment and sustainability.

“To realise these noble goals, sub-national governments must play an active role. At the federal level, our commitment remains unshaken. We continue to strengthen coordination, policy coherence, and implementation across institutions. We therefore call on states to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda in the collective pursuit of a future where every Nigerian can thrive.”

Besides, in his opening remarks at the summit, Bagudu further reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable inclusive economic growth, enhancing macroeconomic predictability, and improving the welfare of allTheNigerians.minister said the economic reforms and policy

TIONS TO eCONO m Y

initiatives being implemented are designed to address structural weaknesses, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria for long-term prosperity, noting that “results of the last two years have given us confidence”.

He said: “While we recognise the short-term hardships on our people, we are confident that our policies will yield tangible benefits over time. The stabilisation of the exchange rate, declining inflationary pressures, and improvements in fiscal management are already setting the stage for a more resilient and diversified economy.

“Our focus remains on driving job creation, reducing poverty, increasing non-oil revenue, and improving our external financial position. We are taking development to the grassroot via the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.”

The minister called on the private sector, development partners, and all Nigerians to

executive stated.

He attributed the current hike in price of cooking gas to the artificial scarcity caused by the recent PENGASSAN strike, but expressed hope that the price will stabilise before long with the resolution of the crisis.

“The increase you saw was relatively artificial because for the period of the strike, movement and loading were delayed for about two to three days and because of that you see that impact and as things return to normal it takes sometimes for distribution to fully return and you see with that delay some of the people that have existing resources in reserves had to put up the price.

“My expectation is that now that things are back to normal prices it should return to what they were before the strike,” Ojulari added.

Asked the purpose of his visit to the President, Ojulari said it

support these efforts, adding that the journey towards economic transformation required collective commitment, innovation, and perseverance.

He said: “We are committed to a measured and deliberate path forward, ensuring each step is meticulously assessed. We must, therefore, remain resolute in our current strategy. While the necessary exchange rate unification policy led to a significant 125.2 per cent depreciation of the naira, from N672.85 per dollar in 2023 to N1,515.43 in 2024, stability is emerging.

“The exchange rate averaged N1,534.82 per dollar in De- cember 2024 and strengthened to N1,493.99 per dollar by September 2025. This reflects an appreciation of 2.71 per cent, signaling the effectiveness of our stabilisation measures and a positive outlook for the economy.”

On inflation and cost of living, Bagudu said that despite persistent inflationary pressures, recent data

was a routine visit to update him about developments in the oil sector, especially the task given to him to attract investors.

“It is quite an important opportunity to update the president on the progress in NNPC particularly in terms of production performance, in terms of progress we are making in terms of attracting investment.

“As you recall, the President gave us a clear mandate which is to grow production to at least 2 million bpd by 2027 and up to 3 million bpd by 2030 as well as grow gas production as well. So, how are we progressing this year and how are we preparing for next year in terms of ensuring we deliver this growth? So, that was one of my updates to the President,” the engineer noted.

Meanwhile, the NNPC has once again raised the pump

presents encouraging signs of moderation.

He affirmed: “Headline inflation, measured year- on-year, decreased to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, a notable reduction from 32.15 per cent in August 2024 and 21.88 per cent in July 2025.

“This downward trend, reflected in the newly rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI), suggests a gradual easing of the cost of living. Particularly significant is the deceleration in food Inflation, which declined to 21.87 percent in August 2025 from 37.52 per cent in August 2024

“This trend will be sustained with deliberate policies to al- leviate pressure on household budgets, stimulate consumer spending, and create a more conducive environment for economic growth. The reduction in inflationary pressures could also lead to more predictable economic planning, and a higher chance of increased investment, both domestic and foreign.”

price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at its retail outlets, as light queues returned following the PENGASSAN and Dangote It was learnt that NNPC stations in Abuja, especially in Wuse Zone 6 and Zone 4 areas had adjusted their pump price from N890 to N905 per litre, representing a N15 increase, or roughly 1.7 per cent upward review.

The President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, attributed the latest price hike to recent supply disruptions caused by the standoff between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery.

He said: “It is due to PENGASSAN’s strike disruption. However, our members are still selling between N885 and N895 per litre,” the IPMAN chief said.

Ojul A r I : N I ger IA lOST Over 600,000 B A rrel S O f O I l TO P e N gASSAN’S 3- DAY ST r I ke

TINUBU BACK IN ABUJA...

L-R: National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, welcoming President

Ahmed Tinubu back to Abuja at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday

ForgerY Sc A n DA l: Pre SS ure Moun TS on T I nubu AS Sen I or lAw Y er S , Ac TI v ISTS

Similarly, in a statement by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdul- lahi, on Monday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) blamed President Bola Tinubu for the continued stay in office of the minister, saying that if the minister is not honourable enough to resign, the Tinubu administration should remove him from office.

“A ministry whose mandate is to drive innovation, research, and the advancement of knowledge is now tainted by the dubious credentials of the man that President Tinubu has found fit to serve,” it added.

Also, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN) has said that any public officer accused of certificate forgery owes Nigerians a duty to come clean.

Also, the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, described forgery as a serious offence which should not be treated with kid gloves.

Osigwe, responding to a question, said that while he may not want to comment on the issue because he was not seized of the facts of the allegation, any public servant accused of forgery should prove his innocence.

“However, where the minister or whoever is alleged does not come out openly to either rebuff or prove that the certificate he is carrying is authentic, the matter should be referred for investigation because the public has the right to know whether the certificate being used by such a person is indeed forged or authentic,” he said.

Also, Obi, the LP presidential candidate, in a post on his X handle, said the country was not firm enough on public office holders, who were found to have forged their certificates.

According to him, whenever he talks about Nigeria being a crime scene, those who are part of the criminality and their hirelings will quickly start their noise-making, attacking and blackmailing him.

He said: “How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest

and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?

Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.”

Speaking further on the need for proper verification of certificates, Obi alleged that many public office holders today are parading forged certificates backed by fraudulent affidavits, which they used in 2023, after “scaling through” both INEC, security and Senate screening with forged documents.

“How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?

Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished,” he said.

The former Anambra State Governor referenced Indonesia where if there’s forgery of educational qualifications required to participate in elections from local government to the state legislature, governorship, and up to the presidential level, they will be prosecuted.

“But in my country Nigeria, though the laws are same as in other countries, that forgery is punished by immediate disqualification, the INEC makes no effort to scrutinise certificates before the elections, overlooks complaints of forgery and when you challenge them after the elections, court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

“INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election. The other concerning issue from all these is how criminals and dishonest people scale through all the scrutiny layers -security, parliament and government apparatus set to handle such.

“Even more disturbing,

amounting to double tragedy, is that most of these dishonest people swore an affidavit before a law court attesting to the authenticity of the documents they presented. We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.

“Our electoral amendments must include that anyone intend- ing to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.

“These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied, and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days. This process must also apply to appointed officials, ministers, and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now,” Obi argued.

In his intervention, human rights advocate Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, commented on the broader implications of the case:

“This story might shock the rest of the world, but in Nigeria, it seems par for the course. The Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology appears to have decided that innovation should start with himself—by allegedly forging a university degree and claiming one from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“In reality, he is a university dropout. Importantly, Nigerian law does not require Ministers to hold a university degree, making this a gratuitous act of deceit rather than a legal necessity.

“He is neither the first nor likely the last in the current administration to present questionable credentials. The government is reportedly full of individuals with forged documents, criminal records, or sometimes both. Ultimately, this administration may be remem- bered for making it abundantly clear that, in its view, the only standards that seem to matter

are criminal ones,” he stated.

However, Nnaji, has refuted allegations of certificate forgery against him as reported by a section of the Nigerian media.

Nnaji, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, alleged that it was politically motivated, and well-crafted by the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Media, Dr. Robert Ngwu, the minister threatened legal action against those he said were spreading what he described as fake news.

Ngwu stated that the minister was admitted into UNN to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 and graduated in 1985 with Second class Honours (Lower Division) contrary to some media reports that he did not obtain any certificate in 1985.

The media aide flaunted a document dated December 21, 2023 issued from the office of the UNN Registrar, Dr. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, and signed by IAS Onyeador on behalf of the former.

The document, he stated, was in response to an inquiry by Samuel Ogundipe of the People’s Gazette seeking for the minister’s academic records.

The document read: ”This is to confirm that Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji with registration number 1981/30725 was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/ Biochemistry in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985 with Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/ Biochemistry, Second Class (Hons) Lower Division.”

He added that the document was the official position of the university, noting that it remains very much valid.

The ministerial aide added that the document relied upon by the online platform for its “malicious and false narrative” was issued in May 2025, allegedly written by the university claiming that

there were no records of the minister’s graduation.

He said: “Starting from May 2025, a purported letter surfaced allegedly written by the university suddenly claiming that there were no records of the ministers’ graduation. The question every Nigerian should ask is simple and logical: what changed between December 2023 and October 2025?”

He accused the then acting VC and the incumbent VC of orchestrating the purported new document, alleging that they are card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hired by the governor to do a hatchet job.

“By Academic convention worldwide, the Registrar and not the Vice Chancellor is the custodian of all examination and graduation records. Any attempt by the Vice chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in the university protocol and in his case an obvious political overreach,” he said.

The minister’s spokesman said that when his principal got wind of an attempt to tamper or alter his academic files, he immediately sought legal redress by approaching the Federal High Court In Abuja in suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/1909/2025, presided by justice HJ Yilwa.

According to him, on September 22, 2025, the court granted a series of protective orders, including an injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of UNN from tampering or continuing to tamper with Nnaji’s academic records.

The second order, he said, was an order of Mandamus compelling the university to release his academic transcripts, while a third order was a directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance through their disciplinary power.

“These are not speculative claims, they are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and that alone should settle the matter. Unfortunately, instead of adhering strictly to the valid court order, the Vice

Chancellor of the UNN, a lawyer by profession, resorted to cyber bullying and politically-motivated media trial against Chief Nnaji,” the media aide alleged.

He stressed: “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity, it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry. The timing, the sources, the false documents and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics. But Nigerians are wiser than that.

“The facts are before the court, the document is in public domain and the truth cannot be buried under political propaganda.” The minister, he added, cannot be distracted by those who want to weaponise institutions and media platforms for political He said that this was also reflected in the institution’s convocation brochure which remains part of the UNN archives, stressing that any other claim or document to the contrary is false, malicious and politically motivated.

However, there was a seeming inconsistency in the names presented in the document and the university convocation brochure.

In the document presented, the minister’s name was given as Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, while the brochure had Nnaji GG Uchenna, which the media aide dismissed as inconsequential. When pressed further on the need to make his certificate public to clear any doubt on the controversy, he claimed the minister had made it public by submitting to the Department of State Services(DSS) during the ministerial screening .

In the same vein, hearing in the suit filed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Nnaji, before a Federal High Court in Abuja, failed to proceed as scheduled, due to the inability of the lawyer to the UNN and its officials to file their responses against the suit. Trial judge, Justice Yilwa subsequently adjourned the matter until November 10 for hearing.

Bola

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

PROJECT iNsPECTiON...

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left), and Area Manager, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Mr. Hui Huaxing, fielding questions from journalists after inspecting the 6.5km Asaba Storm Drainage Project in Asaba…yesterday

Insecurity: Niger North Youths Threaten Legal Action against FG

Laleye dipo in Minna

Bothered by the continued attacks by criminals across the Niger North senatorial district of Niger State, a coalition of youths in the eight local government areas that constitute the zone have threatened legal action against the federal government if the situation is not checked within one week.

cattle.

The zone had come under persistent bandit attack, especially in recent times resulting in the loss of lives and property, as well as rustling of hundreds of

2027: Lawyer Asks Court to Stop Jonathan from Running

alex Enumah in abuja

An Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja, for an order of perpetual injunction, restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in the country for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election. The plaintiff in addition, is seeking another order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from accepting from any political party, Jonathan’s name or publishing same as a duly nominated candidate for the presidential contest.

Besides Jonathan, INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) are the 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively. The plaintiff in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/2102/ 2025, is specifically asking the court to determine, “whether in view of the combined provisions of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and their conflated interpretation, the 1st Defendant is eligible, under any circumstances [whatsoever] to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

Global Photo-walk Holds in Abuja

Folalumi alaran in abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend hosted the 2025 edition of the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk at the World Trade Centre in Abuja, an event that also marked the official unveiling of Africa Shooters, a creative network dedicated to promoting African photographers and visual storytellers on the global stage.

The photowalk, powered by Adobe Lightroom, and held simultaneously in more than 18 locations worldwide, brought together professional and emerging photographers from across

Nigeria to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and showcase the nation’s creative potential through the lens of visual storytelling.

Speaking to THISDAY, Adobe Ambassador and Founder of Africa Shooters, Ebuka Mordi, described the Abuja edition as a defining moment for the continent’s creative community.

“This is the beginning of a movement that positions African photographers on the global stage. Africa Shooters was created to ensure our voices and stories are represented globally, and this event marks the start of that journey,” he said.

The spokesman of the coalition, Malam Sahabi Mahmuda, told journalists in Minna last Sunday

that it had reached an agreement with the Niger State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate the legal action.

“We are giving the federal government one week to end the insecurity and compensate victims who have lost their lives,

property, and paid ransoms, failure which we shall seek legal redress in a court of competent jurisdiction,” Mahmuda declared.

Group Faults Tinubu’s Claims on Economic Performance

sunday Okobi

A group, Activate Nigeria for Good Governance (ANGG), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim on October 1 that “the worst is over” for Nigeria’s economy. The sharp criticism from

the Convener of the ANGG, Ken Agala, who described the president’s optimism as akin to “celebrating the gift of crutches to a man whose legs you broke,” was contained in a statement made available yesterday in Lagos.

In the scathing critique,

Agala argued that Tinubu’s administration has deepened Nigeria’s economic crisis, citing a plummeting naira, soaring inflation, and widespread hardship.

According to him, “The president’s speech was a highlight reel of statisticsGDP growth, rising reserves, non-oil revenue- but for Nigerians, the reality is higher prices, fewer jobs, and daily insecurity.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent past, Agala praised the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015) for fostering hope and opportunity.

Increase Health Workers’ Salaries to Reduce Brain Drain, Odili Urges FG

Blessing ibunge in Port Harcourt

Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, has urged President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to invest more on the health sector

an increase the salaries of health workers to reduce brain drain witnessed in the country’s health sector.

Odili, who made the appeal yesterday, at the Induction/Oath-taking of 65 newly graduated

medical doctors from PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, lauded President Tinubu for his bold intentions in the health sector.

This was as the Chief Executive Officer of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof Fatima Kyari, has commended the management of Pamo University for their commitment to shaping the healthcare system.

NUPENG Slams Oshiomhole over Alleged Anti-Labour Comments

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed dismay over the recent comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on national TV, describing it as a reprehensible assault on the fundamental rights of Nigerian workers and a gross distortion of established labour laws.

The first Vice President and Vice-Chair of the Governing Council of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Mrs Eneni Oduwole, has emerged winner of the Africa Risk Management Award at a

The leadership of NUPENG said that it has declared Senator Adams Oshiomhole Persona Non Grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for the undistinguished denunciation of the PENGASSAN strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers as punishment for exercising the fundamental right of unionism.

To practical effect to this decision, the union said that henceforth, it will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole.

CRMI Vice President Wins International Award

prestigious international ceremony held in South Africa.

A seasoned risk management and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) professional and the Founder/Chief

Executive Officer of Alter-Ed Limited, Mrs Oduwole’s recognition underscores her outstanding contributions to advancing risk management practices, corporate governance and institutional resilience across the continent.

The Africa Risk Management Award honours individuals and institutions who have demonstrated innovation, integrity and significant impact in promoting effective risk management frameworks in Africa.

Dangote Group Showcases Products at Abuja Fair

The pavilion of the Dangote Group attracted many visitors, who expressed interest the group’s wide range of products at the recent 20th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) had projected that the 2025 Fair will attract over 100,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

And when Dangote Group

marks its Special Day at the weekend, visitors to the company’s pavilion expressed interest in Dangote Refinery and the group’s wide range of products.

For instance, a visibly

delighted visitor, Peter Abdul, who spoke to newsmen at the Dangote booth, said he was particularly fascinated by the company’s range of products, especially its sugar, cement, fertiliser, and salt.

UNN, N NA j I ’ S Cer TI f ICAT e A ND A Tro U ble D N ATI o N of the NYSC who signed as a non-existent “National Director”. Nnaji’s critics claim that his so-called NYSC certificate is non-existent. They have provided in the public domain details of his submissions to the Senate for screening. The evidence is overwhelming.

The other question is: how many other persons in high places have submitted to the Nigerian state false documents and false claims as alleged? This false representation amounts to a false pretence, a “419” offence against the state. When persons in positions of authority tell lies to get to power, what quality of leadership can anyone expect from them? But this is not just a question of paper qualification or morality, it is also about the character of leadership and Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process. It is an indication, a fresh grim reminder that there is something terribly wrong with Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process. Why do we have a country where only the worst of us are most privileged in finding their ways to power and the best are mostly left on the sidewalks? The system itself is the problem. In cases like this and Adeosun’s before now, security agencies are supposed to carry out checks on all nominees for high positions. How effective are those agencies? They missed it with Kemi Adeosun. They have also missed it apparently, again with Minister Nnaji. Is the Nigerian state epileptic? It looks like we are indeed in the throes of epilepsy, to the disadvantage of the rest of Thosesociety. who moralise would be disappointed

that the Nnaji case may not necessarily end up like Kemi Adeosun’s. His alleged infractions may not be proven beyond every reasonable doubt, even in the court of public opinion. It could in fact be said that as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, he is merely carrying out

an “innovation” with his credentials to prove a theory that lesser mortals are yet to figure out, this being science and the application of technology, not law. Those calling on President Tinubu to look for another Minister from Enugu State may be reminded that the President is too busy to worry

about certificates, a controversy he is all too familiar with. In Enugu state, Nnaji’s supporters may come forward to claim that his problem stems from his political tussles with the state Governor Dr. Peter Mbah. They would conveniently forget that it was this same Minister Nnaji who had a hand in allegations that the Governor had certificate issues! True to type Minister Nnaji has now said what was expected of him: he claims that his current travail is a political witch hunt by Governor Mbah. It has also been said that the Vice Chancellor of UNN is a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP. We are told that the media is also politically motivated or that all parties involved are in “a co-ordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics”.

It is an embarrassing show on all fronts. Present and future political figures should learn one lesson from this: do not claim what you do not have. mere evidence of having attended a secondary school is enough to be President of Nigeria, you don’t even need to pass, you need evidence that you at least managed to attend school and either failed or dropped out. That is the state of the law. False claims throw up legal and moral issues, whereas under the law, Nigeria is not looking for educated persons with big certificates to become leaders. This is the sad reality, even when those who have more money than brains believe that they are smarter than those who have brains but have no money to buy and rig their way into high places. Nigeria We Hail Thee!

Wike Blasts Past Govts for Infrastructure Deficit in Abuja

Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has condemned preceding administrations of neglecting and not making enough provisions for the infrastructure development of the nation’s capital until the coming of the President

Bola Tinubu administration.

Wike attributed the blame yesterday at the flag-off the construction of Mohammed Isa Road extension in Asokoro District, Abuja.

The minister noted that the outlook of the capital city two years ago was not the way it is presently and

credited Tinubu for changing the global perception of Abuja as a beautiful city.

“For those who have had the opportunity to travel overseas, it is not as if it is magic, but because of commitment and a leadership that wants to do the work. And that is what the president is doing today.

Abuja is a beautiful place.

“Let us tell ourselves the honest truth: if these things were done before now, probably we would have channeled our resources to other things. But because they were not done, we cannot close our eyes and say it should not be done.

South Rejected Tinubu in 2023, North and South Will Reject Him in 2027, Says Group

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), has declared that President Bola Tinubu, who was rejected by voters across Southern Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election, would face a nationwide rejection in 2027 from both the North and the South.

Reacting to a recent statement by the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

the South West Coordinator of GHSM, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, said APC’s usual arrogance and false sense of invincibility would once again lead to its downfall at the polls.

“In 2023, it was in this same manner that the Lagos APC dismissed opposition elements as ‘online politicians,’ only to lose the presidential election in Lagos to the very people they mocked.

“The APC not only lost

the presidential election in Lagos State, Tinubu also lost across Southern Nigeria. He was merely rescued by the APC in Northern Nigeria, a base that has now completely evaporated,” Olaniyi added.

According to the movement, the northern bloc that supported Tinubu in 2023 has since “fractured beyond repairs” due to what it described as the catastrophic economic and security failures of his

administration.

He criticised the APC economic management, accusing the party of presiding over a decade long collapse that “defies logic.”

His words: “For ten years under APC leadership, Nigeria’s economy has suffered a collapse that defies logic. The economy has shrunk by almost 50% within a decade, an economic disaster unprecedented in Nigerian history.

Ex-President Obasanjo Approves Creation of Centre for Conflicts Resolution in Nigeria

James Sowole

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has approved the establishment of “Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Conflict Resolution”, likened to Nigeria’s version of Chatham Housein London.

Equally, the former president has approved the launch of a book: “The Conflict Resolution Strategies of President Olusegun Obasanjo”,

which was described as the latest volume in the Eminent Nigerians Series. The plan to hold the two events was disclosed by a United Kingdom-based Organisation, the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) and the African Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (ADDIS), at a news conference addressed at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library

(OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The two events scheduled to hold in conjunction with Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute in Abuja, was billed for November 27, 2025.

Addressing journalists, the NDDIS founder, Bimbo Robert Folayan, said the book was published in honour of the former president like the planned establishment of the Conflict Resolution Centre.

Flanked by the Deputy Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, Prof Adedeji Daramola, Folayan said the two events were planned based on the conviction that it is important to honour our heroes while still alive.

He said the organisation started the programme with the late foremost educationist and Social Crusader, Dr. Tai Solarin in 1993.

“It looks as if nothing is going on because people who had the opportunity to carry out these activities refused to. Now this government has come and made sure that all these things are done, putting Abuja in a proper perspective to the world.

“All we owe is to continue to support the administration that has shown leadership and commitment to change our life,”he said.

He added that it would be disingenuous to also allude that the FCT is working and the President not working, noting that through him, the FCT Administration carries out the vision of the president that Abuja must compete

favourably with other cities of the world.

“Look at the topography, look at the landscape. By the time these roads are completed, the drainages are put in place, the street lights are on-what are we talking about?

“Look at the employment that is being created everyday. One company carrying out one construction or the other. Tomorrow, we’ll be in another place where another company will be carrying out construction.

“Wednesday the same thing. Thursday, the same thing. And our teeming youths are all engaged in this. That is creation of employment,” Wike said.

Tinubu Felicitates Long-time Ally And Solid Minerals Minister, Dele Alake At 69

Describes him as a consummate strategist, outstanding journalist and an accomplished public servant

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated his long-time ally and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, on his 69th birthday anniversary.

The President, in a statement issued on Monday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Alake as a dependable ally, a consummate strategist, an outstanding journalist, and an accomplished public servant whose commitment to national development and good governance has remained unwavering over the decades.

President Tinubu recalled

his long years of friendship and partnership with the celebrant, noting his exceptional public communication and national development service.

The President commended the Minister’s ongoing efforts to reposition the Solid Minerals sector as a significant revenue earner for Nigeria through policy innovation, investment promotion, and integration of artisanal miners into the formal economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Dele with good health, wisdom, and strength.

Uche Nnaji

Olawale

in Abeokuta

Seven Super Eagles Stranded over Visas into South Africa

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

Even in the midst of uncertainties, handlers of the Super Eagles now have the additional headaches of likely going to miss some of the invited 23 players for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. The affected players may not able to secure visas into South Africa.

Lesotho play their home games in South Africa since the beginning of the qualifying series. And they have chosen to play Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.

According to SCORENigeria, “There’s a major organisational hiccup as it concerns entry visas to South Africa – at least seven players cannot be in that country before Wednesday because of this.

“It means there may not be full squad training until possibly a day to the match.

“This is catastrophic!”

Further investigations showed that while the bulk of the squad from last month’s qualifiers were granted three-months multiple entry visas, the new invitees (due to injuries, late withdrawals and recalls) are now those not so lucky!

Although a dependable source from the South African capital confided in THISDAY last night that the number of players having visa issues may

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

not be more than three.

“Yes, some of the players that were recalled to the team and were not in the squad that played Bafana Bafana are the ones having this visa problem. I think about three of them. Let’s see how the matter plays out in the next two days. We remain positive,” observed the top source on diplomatic matters.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles

camp opened at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane yesterday with only the coaches and backroom staff. Early birds were expected to trickle into the facility late yesterday via Johannesburg.

Training is expected to begin today with those who arrived as scheduled.

The Super Eagles will take on Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, before they welcome

group leaders Benin Republic to Uyo four days later.

Eagles need to win both matches and hope both front runners Benin and South Africa stumble in their own final qualifiers for Nigeria to stand any chance of featuring at next year’s Mundial.

Nigeria are third on 11 points, three points behind Benin and South Africa with two rounds of matches to the end of the qualifying series which

Flying Eagles Hold Colombia, to Face Argentina in Round of 16

Seven-time African champions Nigeria put up an impressive 1-1 draw performance against Colombia in the early hours of Monday to reach the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made big saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scoreline pristine in Talca, but the Flying Eagles were the more adventurous side as they hit the upright on a number of occasions, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani in full flow for large swatches of the encounter. Colombia went ahead in the 51st when Kener Gonzalez swept the ball in off an assist by Neyser Villareal, but the Flying Eagles were undaunted and launched onslaught after onslaught against the South Americans at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

Defender Odinaka Okoro was denied by the goalkeeper as he headed the ball from a pull-out

by Maigana in the 76th minute.

However, the two-time silver medallists got their breakthrough with four minutes left in regulation time, when captain Daniel Bameyi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after a shot by Maigana

was handled in the box.

Nigeria came close to earning the winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in the box.

The draw sets up Nigeria against Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Marti-

nez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday, in what is a repeat of the quarter-final pairing of the last championship hosted by Argentina, which Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.

Colombia will confront another African side, South Africa, while Norway will take on Paraguay in the Round of 16.

Lakowe’s Golf Management Carves a Devt Path for Nigeria

Amid a rise in golf enrolment and facility development, the operators of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate have been commended for their deliberate grooming of local expertise to deliver excellence at the world-class Lakowe Lakes Golf Club in Lagos.

Kelvin Alonzo, a passionate golfer and leading member of the club, noted that after the contract of the global management firm, IMG (International

Management Group), concluded, a local team was already in place.

To everyone’s surprise, Mixta Africa had groomed a team that has since exceeded all expectations.

“I have played golf all over the world, and to see what the local team—led by Femi Olagbenro, who took over from the international team—has done with this facility, we should be proud of them,” said Alonzo.

He made this statement against the backdrop of a common scarcity of local expertise needed to manage an international-standard golf course of Lakowe Lakes’ calibre.

Last weekend in Lagos, a golf event was staged to celebrate the Olagbenro and many feats around the game, including his pioneering effort in managing an international facility. It was also his 50th Birthday celebration.

provides for the group winners to automatically advance to the World Cup, while the runners-up could be offered a second lifeline through an intercontinental playoff.

Amaju Pinnick Hails Gusau, Mustapha, Falode on Appointments into Key FIFA Committees

Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the Deputy Chairperson of the prestigious FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, has extended his congratula- tions to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau; legal luminary, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN); and seasoned football executive, Ayishat Falode on their appointments into key FIFA Standing Committees.

In a landmark development that further solidifies Nigeria’s growing influence in global football governance, these appointments place Nigerian expertise at the heart of FIFA’s decision-making structure: Ibrahim Musa Gusau joins the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee while Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) has been appointed to the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee. Ayishat Falode takes a seat on

the Media & Communications Committee.

These roles, alongside Pin- nick’s own continued service, reaffirm the country’s contribution to the sport’s leadership at the highest level.

As the Deputy Chair of the committee that oversees the organization and management of all FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions, a central strategic role in global football, Pinnick commended the trio for their recognition.

He described the appointments as “a reflection of Nigeria’s strategic relevance and intellectual capital within the international football community.”

Pinnick expressed particular admiration for Ms Falode, noting her trailblazing achievements in sports journalism, women’s football administration, and media leadership.

Bendel Insurance Coach, Ikhenoba, Suspended, Bazuaye Takes over

The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has approved the suspension of the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club Greg Ikhenoba.

Enabulele directed Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, (MON), to hold forth as the Head of the technical crew of the NPFL club till further notice.

The suspension takes effect from Monday, October 6,2025.

The Edo State Sports Com- mission boss took the decision following the poor performance of Bendel Insurance Football Club in the current season coupled with the 1-0 home

Eric Chelle...going grey over visa problems for some of the invited Eagles for the Lesotho clash on Friday

Ayisha Falode...praised for appointment into FIFA’s Media Committee

Baldwin Bazuaye...takes over Bendel Insurance FC from suspended Coach Greg Ikhenoba

loss to Nasarawa United in the match-day seven of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Saturday.

2025 WoRLD TEAChERS’ DAy CELEBRATion...

L-R: Minister of State, Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu Ahmad, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa ,President, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Titus Amba; NLC President Joe Ajaero and Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr Ronke Soyombo, during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja ...yesterday

REUBEN ABATI

UNN, Nnaji’s Certificate And A Troubled Nation

Uche Nnaji is Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is currently in the eye of the storm over claims by him that he graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a B.Sc degree in Biochemistry/Microbiology in July 1985. He reportedly made the claim during his screening by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his swearing in as Minister. In addition, he is accused by investigative online journalists of having forged his NYSC certificate which he also added to his official documents. It is an interesting case because it is all too familiar. During the Buhari administration, the Minister in charge of the country’s Finances then, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun was asked to resign, after being pushed, because she purportedly presented a forged NYSC certificate. Forgery, fraud and perjury are serious offences in Nigeria. It is frowned upon in Sections 362(a) and 366 of the Penal Code, Section 135 (1) of the Evidence Act (2011) and Section 467 of the Criminal Code. But it has to be specifically pleaded and proven beyond reasonable doubt as seen in the latter as well as in APC & Anor v. Obaseki & Ors (2021) and Maigida Kuzalo vs. Bank of Agriculture (2025). Perjury is a similarly serious offence, even more seriously so, punishable for up to 14 years under Sections 117 and 118 of the Criminal Code Act for up to 14 years or a life imprisonment. Perjury is just as serious under judicial proceedings and outside of it. Beyond legalese, however, the imputation is that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has committed both a moral and a legal infraction. His traducers want him relieved of his position post-haste, and they point to the Kemi Adeosun precedence. Some of them insist that the law must take its course.

Leading the charge are the investigative journalists of Premium Times, People Gazette and Sahara Reporters. For two years, they have been on his trail and his neck, and indeed both People’s Gazette and Premium Times wrote to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) for clarifications. It seems to me that the first major part of the problem is the integrity of UNN itself, a university whose alumni proudly proclaim their university as the only university named after the country, Nigeria. UNN was established in October 1960, the first indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria. Indeed, over the years, UNN has produced generations of graduates who are proudly Nigerian and have gone ahead to make giant strides in their chosen professions. But in the handling of the Uche Nnaji case, I think UNN has raised questions

about its own integrity as a reputable institution. Universities award degrees for achievements in learning and character. These are two issues in question in the Uche Nnaji case, and that must be a serious embarrassment to everyone who holds a UNN certificate. The university owes us a public explanation.

Nosey journalists asked the authorities at the UNN a simple question: is Uche Nnaji your graduate? This seems like a very simple question. But the University is on record as having offered two different answers speaking from both sides of the mouth, an utterly despicable behaviour by a university that claims to be distinguished. In a letter dated December 31, 2023, the University admitted that Nnaji graduated with a Second Class (Hons) Lower Division in Biochemistry/ Microbiology. The same UNN would in response to another enquiry on the same subject signed personally by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya report that Nnaji never completed his studies. This gets all the more curious as Nnaji later went to court to block the Federal High Court from demanding the release of his academic records. Justice Hausa Yilwa declined. This must be very embarrassing to all graduates of the UNN. What has their university turned into? It is easy to say that Nigeria has happened, negatively to the UNN, as it has happened in every facet of national life, but it must be terribly disturbing indeed that such a revered university is setting a bad example for its students and products. It is a saddening indication of how the lines between town and gown have been blurred. Whoever is using the name of that university to play games with the public mind deserves to be sacked. The

entire education system is in need of reform to the extent that this is an indication of the rot within the system.

This speaks also to the character of the political system and society at large. Why do Nigerians claim to be what they are not? Everybody wants a big title. These days even mechanics refer to themselves as Doctor this, Doctor that. musicians announce that they are Professors. For some Nigerians, they would rather be addressed not as a Chief or Otunba, the appellation has to be High Chief, Double Chief, Triple Chief. Those who are lucky to get a National Honour appellation would return your letter to you if you fail to add the suffix of their often-unmerited titles. The worst part of it is the sheer madness with which politicians lie about their educational qualifications when it is not even necessary to do so. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out eligibility qualifications. For the position of President, Section 131 (d) thereof says a candidate for President would be deemed qualified if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

The same applies to Governors in Section 177 (d), and members of the Houses of Assembly in Section 106 (c). The phrase “equivalent” as interpreted in Section 318 (1) of the same Constitution provides a flexible context. Nobody needs to have a university degree to be a President or a Minister or to become anything in Nigerian politics. A candidate’s ability to read and write English is enough. Even a failed secondary school student can become anything of his dream. We are obsessed with paper qualifications in this country because we are all sick with public validation. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Jessica Alba, great actress and entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey, distinguished broadcaster and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta all dropped out of school. They ended up in life employing very brainy people with multiple degrees. These school drop-outs have helped to lend more meaning in the 21st century to human civilization. There are others like them in Nigeria who are celebrated daily but they have no certificates to brandish. Uche Nnaji however is the source of his own problem. He should not have claimed to have what he does not provide. He had no business doing that.

In this country, we have had Presidents who did not even know the schools they claimed to have attended. We have seen Presidents for whom political associates have had to manufacture stories and parade themselves as schoolmates. This is one country where it is possible to rent a

classmate! Uche Nnaji is probably more qualified than all of such persons even with his controversial educational background. He can douse the fire by simply apologising. He only needs to say that there has been a mix-up which he regrets, and that this is the handiwork of his enemies. He can go further and claim that this is coming from his political opponents in Enugu State where he is doing his best to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. He can even get his aides to organise a crowd of placard-carrying, slogan-chanting noise-makers on the streets of Abuja who will praise him and remind everyone that he is a Tinubu man. This is the least expensive thing to do in Nigeria today. Rent a crowd, tell the ever-ready political contractors what to say and they will do so with aplomb. Play the ethnic card too: Nnaji can argue that he is being targeted because he is not in the good books of the Governor of his home state, Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State. He can even arrange protests on the streets of Enugu. What he does not need to do is to hire spiritualists who will see visions and tell him what he wants to hear. Those ones will tell him that his travails will pass and he will soon become the President of Nigeria. The spiritual doctors of Nigerian politics are beginning to get ready and they will seek out victims and if not, their regular customers will seek them out too. They are all part of the problem in Nigerian politics.

As things stand, Uche Nnaji may not be removed as Minister. And many would be surprised that he may not even be queried any further at all. In some other countries, what has happened to him so far is enough embarrassment for him to throw in the towel. But he will not do that. This is not the end of the story. Nigeria is a country where moral issues do not really atter. They get lost in the vortex of politics and religion. But in Nnaji’s matter we see the power of the press and whistle blowers. They insist on very embarrassing questions: how for example can a man who reportedly graduated in July 1985 claim to have started his national Youth Service in April 1985, three clear months earlier? There is also a Supplementary Examination written in September 1984/85 session which the same man in question reportedly failed and he was required to re-take again in June 1986. How could the same man present an NYSC certificate that indicates that he served between April 1985 and May 1986, and yet the NYSC discharge certificate curiously bears the name of a wrong Director

Uche Nnaji