WEDNESDAY 21TH MAY 2025

Idris: Tinubu’s Reforms Initially

Hardship, Now Yielding Measurable Outcomes

Says renewed hope agenda laying groundwork for nation’s economic rebirth Eno: Nigeria’s economic problems not president’s creation

Putting Otti, Mbah on the Spot, Umahi Claims All

South East Govs Are Supporting Tinubu

PDP caucus in region formally re-presents Ude-Okoye for nat’l secretary, threatens to pull out if rejected Udenwa insists forces behind Anyanwu not bigger than them Deputy national chair promises party’ll discuss their resolution, submit it to NEC Our party still waxing strong, senators declare

James Emejo in Abuja and Nume

in Lagos

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, yes-

OBASANJO AND SOYINKA CLUTCHING HANDS IN NEW FOUND FRIENDSHIP...

L–R: Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo clutching hands with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole

at the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently

and Vice President

FG: Discos Have Failed Nigerians, Remain Weakest Link in Power Sector

Decries low remittances, says operators in north only paid 30% in 2024 Adelabu wants stricter anti-vandalism laws Reiterates FG’s N200bn monthly subsidy on electricity unsustainable

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has taken a swipe at electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) operating in the country, maintaining that they have not only disappointed Nigerians, but have become the weakest link in the power supply value chain.

Adelabu also decried the continued low remittances from the power distributors, especially the Discos from the northern part of Nigeria, revealing that they only paid 30 per cent of the expected revenues last year.

Adelabu, who spoke in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, at a two-day retreat organised by the Senate Committee on Power, explained that with a monthly subsidy shortfall of N200 billion, maintaining the current tariffs was “unsustainable,” and was constituting a strain on public funds.

A statement in Abuja by Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the minister, Bolaji Tunji, said Adelabu also called on the National Assembly to enact stricter legislations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s power infrastructure from acts of vandalism.

Speaking on the issue of chronic underinvestment in distribution infrastructure, persistent crisis threatening to derail progress in the power sector, Adelabu stated that this had continued to cripple service delivery nationwide, in spite of ongoing reforms in the electricity sector.

Adelabu revealed glaring disparities in Discos’ performance, with aging networks, rampant electricity theft, poor investment, deepening reliance on

unsustainable subsidies, and leaving millions in darkness.

He stated, “We need to get tough with the Discos, as they can easily frustrate all the gains we have made. They have disappointed us in performance expectations. Whatever we do in generation does not mean anything to consumers if it is frustrated at the distribution points.”

He stated that in the 2013 restructuring of the sector, the Discos were supposed to have technical partners, but stated that despite a lot of them confirming partnership with foreign companies for that purpose, it only lasted for about three months. According to him, immediately the Discos took over, the companies disappeared.

“So we need utility companies that can invest in the sector to improve infrastructure, improve service. A lot of them went to the banks to take loans to buy the assets. After taking over, instead of providing infrastructure they are taking out the money to pay the loans,” he stated. According to the minister, despite tariff adjustments that boosted market liquidity by 70 per cent, raising sector revenue from N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024, the distribution segment remained the weakest link.

He stated, “In the fourth quarter of 2024, Discos in the North remitted just N124.4 billion (30 per cent) of their N408.86 billion invoice, with Abuja Disco accounting for 85 per cent of Northern payments.

“Southern Discos fared slightly better, remitting N254.6 billion (67 per cent), though 70 per cent of this came from Lagos Discos alone.

These discrepancies are due largely to crumbling infrastructure outside economic hubs, where underinvestment has left networks dilapidated.”

Adelabu stated that the metering gap, a key driver of revenue loss and consumer distrust, underscored systemic neglect, adding that the government has launched a N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and a World Bank-backed programme targeting 4.3 million

meters by 2025, out of which 75,000 units were deployed in April 2024 while additional 200, 000 were expected in May.

“Closing this gap is fundamental to fair billing and financial sustainability,” the minister acknowledged. “But we are not there yet due to underinvestment and operational inefficiencies,” he stressed.

He said the sector also faced a N4 trillion subsidy backlog owed to

generation companies, including N1.94 trillion for 2024 alone, with monthly subsidy shortfalls now hitting N200 billion.

According to the minister, “To salvage the sector, we will soon embark on restructuring underperforming Discos and tightening enforcement of performance benchmarks.

“However, without urgent capital injection into distribution networks, gains in generation—including a

historic 6,003mw output in March 2025—and transmission upgrades, such as 61 new transformers deployed in 2024, it will fail to translate to reliable household supply.”

Emphasising the need for enhanced legal measures against vandals, Adelabu stressed that robust laws were critical to deterring the destruction of vital energy assets and ensuring the stability of the nation’s electricity supply.

House Urges FG to Regulate Importation of Foreign Textile Materials

Pushes for revamp of comatose textile industry Senate set to pass 30% minimum value-addition bill on raw materials

Juliet Akoje and Oghenevwede

The House of Representatives yesterday urged the federal government to regulate the importation of foreign textiles into the country to rejuvenate the production of local textile materials. This emerged same day the Senate expressed its readiness to pass the 30 percent Minimum Value-Addition Bill on Raw Materials soon and transmit it to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The resolution by the House followed the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Revamp the Nation’s Comatose Textile Industry,’ moved

by Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad at plenary.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Power to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to provide necessary facilities, especially power supply, to local textile manufacturing companies to enhance quality outputs.

The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministries of Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment and other related agencies to encourage local textiles by providing soft loans and easy access to credit facilities through the Bank of MuhammadIndustry.noted that the Nigerian textile industry, with over

180 mills in operation in the 60s and 80s, significantly impacted the manufacturing sector, employing nearly 450,000 people and generating 67 percent annual growth. This, he argued, made it the highest employer of labour.

He also noted that Nigeria possesses ample raw materials such as cotton and wool for textile production, which could boost local productivity and the economy.

“Revitalising the textile industry will create employment, reduce social issues, boost revenue, diversify the economy, and enhance socio-economic development in the country.

“The significant decline in the textile

industry over the last two decades resulted in the layoff of thousands of workers from companies like Kaduna Textile, Kano Textile, Aba Textile, United Nigeria Textile, and First Spinners, among others,” he added. The lawmaker raised concerns that the discovery of oil in Nigeria resulted in decreased cotton production, a crucial raw material for the textile industry, thereby significantly impacting the textile sector.

“Government policies such as higher taxation, expensive production costs and trade liberalisation leading to extensive importation of textile materials, have had a negative impact on the production of local textiles”

Ohwovoriole in Abuja

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OPENING SESSION OF THE ECOWAS PARLIAMENT...

Akpabio: Lawmakers Not Elected to Oppose Executive, But Mandated to Foster Policies

Faults claims legislature is appendage of executive, cites instances when they rejected presidential nominations Canvasses urgent need to revive nation’s manufacturing sector Describes Nigeria First policy as fantastic initiative deserving legislative backing

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said federal lawmakers were not elected to confront the executive, but to promote policies that stimulate national development.

A statement yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said Akpabio made the assertion in an upcoming feature documentary to mark two years of the President

Bola Tinubu administration. Reflecting on the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly and the executive, the senate president said, “When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves.

“It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria.”

The chairman of the National Assembly emphasised that the relationship between both arms of government had been cordial over the past two years, owing to a shared vision for the country’s progress.

“If you spend all your energy fighting the executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked.

Akpabio added that the current administration was unique in Nigeria’s history, with a President, First Lady,

and Vice President having served at one time or the other as senators.

Highlighting legislative priorities, Akpabio revealed that the National Assembly was working on a bill mandating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise procuring locally assembled vehicles over imported alternatives.

He stated, “We have started the bill for enacting legislation to enable us first purchase automobiles from

IsDB 2025: Nigeria is Open to the World for Investment, Says Finance Minister

Says youth empowerment, Infrastructure, social security high priority areas of govt Panel focuses on diversification strategies adopted by member countries to enhance resilience

Sunday Okobi in Algiers

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has invited investors from across the globe to come and invest in Nigeria, “because the government has created a conducive environment and massively reformed all the sectors for investments.”

The minister stated this yesterday during a panel session tagged: ‘Towards Resilient Economies: Diversification Strategies for Sustainable Development in IsDB Member Countries’, at the ongoing Islamic Development Bank Annual Meetings taking place in Algiers, Algeria.

Edun, who was represented by the Director of International Economic Relations in the ministry, Mr. George Stanley, told the private sector investors at the meeting that “we are open

to the world. You could move your resources and move them out at any time, no capital control. The economy has already taken off, and we invite everybody around the world to come and invest in the Nigeria economy.”

He stated that President Bola Tinubu has passion for youth development and private sector skills, “so his policies on economic transformation are anchored ICT, youth development, infrastructure, entertainment, and creative industry, having the demography of the country in mind. “First of all, skill development and ICT remain the backbone of the economy, using youth engagement to turn around the economy. In that regard, he appointed a handsome and hardworking Minister of ICT and Digital Economy who is doing everything humanly possible to change the landscape in terms of access to

ICT. We believe that skill development is the main game changer.

“We are aware of the benefits if the youths are directly participating in building the economy, and that is why the reform is taking place frequently so that we can bring in direct foreign investments where the youths can have gainful employment. Consequently, that’s why as soon as the government came in, it undertook various reforms. These reforms are especially to crowd in the private sector, for instance, build an enhanced competition in the sector.”

He added that there were ongoing reforms that took place in the monetary, foreign and petroleum sectors that can usher in investments through the private sector, especially the petroleum sector.

According to the minister, “Apart from the reset of different policies, the

Tinubu Returns to Abuja

After a Two-day Visit to Rome

Deji

Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to the nation’s capital, Abuja after a two-day visit to the Vatican City in Rome, where he attended the inauguration of the 267th Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. President Tinubu, whose official aircraft, Nigeria Air Force (NAF) 1, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at around 6:50pm, was received by senior members of the administration. On ground to welcome the President were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. While in Rome, President Tinubu held talks with authorities of the Vatican on diplomatic and religious matters, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to

interfaith harmony. During the Pope’s inaugural Mass on Sunday, Tinubu joined other world leaders to witness the solemn ceremony, after which he had a personal time with the new Bishop of Rome, exchanging handshakes and a brief chat.

After the inauguration ceremony, the President met with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by their President, who is also the Bishop of Owerri, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji.

president focuses on infrastructure, which remains a key priority of the government. The youths cannot be gainfully employed where there is no energy, and when the logistics sector is zero; so the president decided to embark massively on road construction. For instance, there’s a major Lagos-Calabar coastal rail line and expressway, which is over 2000 km.

“The idea is to make sure it opens up the entire space because food and other productions taking place in rural areas in the country need to be mobilized. There is also a massive investment in the rail sector in Nigeria.”

Nigerian companies before thinking of importing them. We lose billions of dollars annually importing vehicles and other items that can be produced locally.”

He underscored the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, citing the collapse of the textiles industry and cash crops, such as cotton, groundnut, and palm oil, which were once the bedrock of the economy.

“Over 50 textile companies have left Nigeria. The cotton industry collapsed. The groundnut industry collapsed. The palm oil industry collapsed. Look at countries like Malaysia that have leveraged palm oil to boost their economies,” he lamented.

Akpabio praised the “Nigeria First” policy championed by the Tinubu administration, describing it as a “fantastic” initiative that deserved legislative backing.

He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to promote laws ensuring Nigeria produces most of its consumption.

Akpabio said, “We are going to make laws and produce bills that ensure almost every item we consume that can be produced in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria. Taking Nigeria First means bringing industries back to the country to serve our population of over 200 million.”

Akpabio called for more significant support for local entrepreneurs, stating that even small-scale production ventures, such as vinegar or bread, could thrive in Nigeria’s vast consumer market.

He stated, “Even if you produce vinegar and bag it well, it will fly. If you produce bread, you will be a millionaire considering the kind of population that we have.”

The former governor of Akwa Ibom State assured Nigerians that the National Assembly was committed to passing the necessary legal instruments to sustain the industrial renaissance and reduce the country’s import dependence.

Regarding checks and balances, Akpabio refuted claims that the legislature was merely rubber-stamping executive decisions, stating that the National Assembly has occasionally rejected presidential nominees when necessary.

He said, “People forget that we have made enemies by rejecting some of the nominees that the president sent to us. It’s not everything the president brings that he takes back the same way.”

Akpabio maintained that the assembly’s role was to scrutinise, amend, and support executive actions that aligned with national interest. He stated, “Our job is to make sure we cross the T’s and dot the I’s to assist the president in having the best for the Nigerian population,” he said, assuring Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly would continue prioritising pro-people legislation supporting the president’s reform agenda.

“This government is not a government of theory; it’s a government of action. So, for us in the National Assembly, we are very focused on pro-people legislation.”

NCDMB Project: EFCC Begins Trial of Akindele

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the prosecution of an oil magnate, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, accused of complicity in the conversion of the sum of $35 million belonging to the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The said sum was said to have been converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment in the establishment of a modular refinery, a jetty, amongst others in Brass, Bayelsa State.

Akindele was arraigned alongside two others on a four count charge

on Alleged $35m Fraud

bordering on retaining and using several amount of the monies despite having knowledge that they emanate from an unlawful active.

The two other defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/ CR/ 641/2024, are Platform Capital Investment Partners Ltd and Duport Midstream Company Ltd.

He however, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail to enable him prepare adequately for his trial.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the anti-graft agency called its first prosecution witness (PW1), Hon. Isreal Sunny Goli, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The witness had last year petitioned the EFCC over the disbursement of funds for the

Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited and the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited under the immediate Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Kiyesi Simbi Wabote. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, R. U. Adagba, the witness told the court that his petition to the EFCC was predicated because nothing tangible was done at the project site 24 months after funds were disbursed to the relevant agencies.

According to him, the NCDMB secretary had informed them that the sum of $30 million for the project have been paid in full, unfortunately nothing tangible was done at the project site.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

L–R: 4th Deputy Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Billay Tankura; 1st Deputy Speaker, Jibrin Barau; Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatu Ibrahima; President of Senate and Chairman, National Assembly of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio and 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. Adjaratou Traore Coulibaly, at the Opening Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, yesterday

INDUSTRY MINISTER PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO SANWO-OLU...

L–R: Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment,

BudgIT:

The National Assembly inserted a total of 11,122 projects worth N6.93 trillion in the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget, notable civic tech organisation, BudgIT, has disclosed.

In a new report titled, “Insertions by the National Assembly in the 2025 Budget,” BudgIT described the development as an ugly trend that was accelerated in the ninth National Assembly.

According to the report, “A closer look at the approved budget shows that the National Assembly raised the recurrent non-debt budget proposal (which includes staff costs, operational expenses, pensions, gratuities, and other social benefits) by N299.75 billion, adjusting it from the proposed N8.58 trillion to N8.81 trillion.

“The recurrent debt budget (for debt servicing) was cut by N2 trillion, decreasing from the N16.32 trillion proposed by the executive to N14.31 trillion.

“On the other hand, the National Assembly increased the capital expenditure budget by N9.11 trillion, raising it from the initial proposed N14.85 trillion to N23.96 trillion.

“This indicates that the National Assembly introduced new projects or boosted funding for existing allocations by over N9 trillion.

“A total of 11,122 projects culminating in N6.93tn were inserted in the 2025 budget by the National Assembly, an ugly trend that was accelerated in the ninth National Assembly.

“The additional 3.18tn was added to the capital supplementation, which makes up N9.11tn in capital projects.

238 of the projects worth N2.29tn are in the range of values greater than N5bn in value.”

The organisation said, “We also noticed that 984 projects worth N1.71tn, and 1,119 projects within the range of N500m-N1bn, worth N641.38bn were inserted into the budget.

“We contend that the National Assembly has indiscriminately inserted projects into the national budget, many of which appear to serve narrow personal interests and political expediency rather than the broader public good.”

In what it called fragmentation of the budget, the report stated that 3,573 projects worth N653.19 billion were to be directly delivered in federal constituencies, while 1,972 projects with a value of N444.04 billion were directly in senatorial districts.

BudgIT said, “A deeper dive into project categories include 1,477 streetlights worth N393.29bn, 538 boreholes worth N114.53bn, 2,122 ICT projects with a value of N505.79bn, 319 health-related projects with a value of N420.09bn, and 6.74bn for the empowerment of traditional rulers.”

In its categorisation of supervising ministries, the organisation enumerated some anomalies in the budget insertions, including streetlights, boreholes, and ICT projects in various federal constituencies and senatorial districts, among others.

The report ascribed the ministries of agriculture, science and technology, and budget and economic planning with the highest number of insertions, with the ministry of agriculture getting approximately 39 per cent of all insertions.

It stressed, “Thirty-nine percent (4,371) of the projects worth N1.72tn were inserted in the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget, raising its capital budget from N242.50bn to N1.95tn.

“Recall that in a 2024 analysis, it was revealed that the National Assembly inserted 2,470 projects in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, including several MDAs under it. In 2025, the National Assembly inserted 1,777 new projects valued at N994.98 billion into the budgets of ministries such as Science

and Technology, while 90 additional projects worth N1.1 trillion were inserted into the budget of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.”

The report also revealed another anomaly as the allocation of projects to agencies that lacked jurisdiction over such projects, citing the Federal College of Fisheries in New Bussa, Niger State, which in 2024 spent almost N1 billion from its budgetary allocations for that year on the purchase of vehicles, tricycles, and other projects beyond its jurisdiction

for communities in Lagos and Ogun states, among others.

BudgIT said that had been recurring over the years and reared up its ugly head yet again in the 2025 budget.

According to the BudgIT report, lawmakers have targeted agencies like, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute in Lagos and Federal Cooperative College in Oji River for dumping politically motivated projects.

“These agencies lack the technical capacity to execute such projects, lead-

ing to rampant underperformance and waste,” it said.

However, reacting to the BudgIT report, a source in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), one of the ministries cited in the report, said the 1999 Constitution (as amended) conferred appropriation power on the legislature.

According to the source, it is wrong to deride that power as “insertion”. The source said, “BudgiT cannot arrogate to itself the power to interpret the constitution. It also cannot impose its perspective on the government.

N4.4tn Nigerian Sovereign Fund Cuts US Exposure, Looks to Asian, European Assets

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund, managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), reduced its exposure to the US at the beginning of this year and bought other investments to diversify its portfolio, a Bloomberg report said yesterday.

The fund, which had 4.42 trillion naira or $2.76 billion under management as of December, reduced the exposure of its Future Generation Fund to US markets and bought more Japanese, Australian and European assets.

LASG: 623 Licenced Money Lenders Operating in State

21 who defaulted last year sanctioned

Segun James

Lagos State Government disclosed that 623 money lending operators had been licensed by the government, saying 21 of them who defaulted were sanctioned last one year. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, who disclosed this yesterday, stated that in order to protect the interest of Lagosians, the state government carried out up-to-date oversight on the activities of the money lenders and those found to engage in sharp practices were sanction or delisted.

Layode said it was in the course of such oversight functions that the activities of the 21 erring lenders

were discovered.

He stated, “The complexities of the money lenders and also how the ministry has been able to cope with the issue. As we have said, we have a total number of 623 money lenders in the city.

“Out of that 623, a total number of 474 have reapplied while 147 have sent new applications. And if you add everything together, we have 623.

“If they don’t come to the ministry to come and renew their licences, we are trying to sanction them also.

“So far, we have been able to sanction them and seal their offices, with a total number of 21.

He added, “Like some of them

also changed the address of their offices they gave to us in the ministry. Because as a ministry, we also go there and do our routine supervisory role.

“Getting there, we know this one belongs to so-and-so and we found out Mr. Y money lender is no more here. So, as a government, we need to be able to get them sanction and let them come and do the right thing.

“The sanction by the ministry will show that they are not supposed to give their money. In this case also, we are not going to charge or sanction all this money. Also, we are also trying to protect their own business as well.

Chief Executive Officer of the NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, stated this in an interview with Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) in Doha.

Umar-Sadiq disclosed that the adjustment boosted the fund’s holdings of “growth assets as well as investment grade corporate bonds,” explaining that the move was a “diversification play”.

“It was important given where we saw the markets, and how buoyant it was, that we began to look elsewhere to ensure we had a robust portfolio,” he said.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, established the NSIA in 2011 to invest and manage excess funds earned from crude sales. It seeded the fund with an initial $1 billion when it began operations and has provided an

additional $971 million in several installments since then.

Umar-Sadiq said the NSIA also consolidated its equity portfolio into “fewer high-quality stocks” and will continue to retain an exposure to the US because of the depth of the market.

“The US has the largest companies and institutions, so irrespective of what is happening today, it goes without saying that it will continue to be in play,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has said that Nigeria’s currency has been stable in recent months, allowing investors to better plan for activities in Africa’s most populous nation.

The naira has hovered between N1,588 and N1,611 per dollar this month, after facing recurrent

volatility from 2023 because of devaluations intended to lure inflows and end dollar shortages in Nigeria.

“The naira is becoming quite stable,” Elumelu, who is the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council in Nigeria, said at the Qatar Economic Forum. “I’d like to see that continuing,” the tycoon said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policies that included clearing a backlog of dollar demand, offering fixed income securities at high yields to attract portfolio inflows and boosting dollar supply to the forex market in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s trade war helped stabilise the currency, Bloomberg reported.

House C’ttee Canvasses Independent Probe Into 2025 UTME Errors

Issues public apology

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies has urged that an external inquiry be launched to investigate the human errors that disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Oforji Oboku, announced the Committee is collaborating with the Joint Admissions and Matricula-

tion Board (JAMB) on vital reforms to help restore the integrity of the examination system.

He revealed that a major reform under review includes assigning independent monitors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to promote openness and ensure accountability in subsequent UTME sessions.

“We extend our deepest apologies to the candidates, their families, and the general public. Such a disruption is without precedent

in JAMB’s history and must not recur,” Oboku remarked. He acknowledged the openness and apology of JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, but emphasized that the issues could have been avoided and highlighted broader systemic shortcomings.

“While the Registrar’s willingness to accept fault is commendable, we must be honest, this failure was preventable. Nigerian students and the education sector deserve far better,” he asserted.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole with Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday

In Major Win for Anti-graft War, EFCC Transfers 753

Houses Seized from Emefiele to Housing Ministry

Dangiwa says property to be sold to public, used for govt needs Anti-graft agency vows to monitor openness of process

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development yesterday took delivery of some 753 Housing Units in an Abuja housing estate, recently confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). form former Governor of the Central Bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, handed over the documents to the housing estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.

At the event, Dangiwa commended the leadership of EFCC under Olukoyede for the sustained efforts in the fight against corruption and the recovery of public assets, a statement by the Director Press and

Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In what seemed like setting up Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said all the five South-east governors were already supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, in spite of their political affiliations.

This came just as the south east zonal executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, formally re-presented as their nominee for the office of National Secretary, Sunday Ude-Okoye, or the zone would massively pull out of the party.

Also, a former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has declared that the forces behind the embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel

visible results across critical sectors.

“Permit me to posit, with every iota of conviction, that the Renewed Hope Agenda is steadfastly paving the way for Nigeria’s economic renaissance,” Idris declared.

He urged public relations professionals to match the moment by strategically deploying persuasive, values-driven and inclusive communication mechanisms in galvanising the population, home and abroad, to participate in the reawakening of an economic giant.

Idris explained that the economic reset began on the first day of the inauguration of the Tinubu administration, with the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rates, describing the move as the bedrock of the nation’s economic transition or renaissance.

He stated that although the reforms initially triggered hardship, they had started to yield measurable outcomes through improved exchange rate stability, increased state revenues, revived local oil refining, and a strengthened fiscal position.

Ahead of the second anniversary of the administration, the minister said Nigerians were now witnessing a period of unprecedented investment in infrastructure, agriculture, security, and human capital.

He highlighted the landmark developments to include: N2.5 trillion being invested in road infrastructure in 2025, the highest in the country’s history; creation of new ministries for regional development and livestock, to accelerate regional economic growth and unlock billions in agricultural opportunities; and the launch of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), which had already benefitted over 300,000 Nigerian students in tuition and upkeep support.

Others, Idris said, were earmarking of N200 billion for economic assistance to nano businesses, outfits typically owned and operated by one or two persons, and are significantly smaller than micro businesses, and large manufacturers; direct investment of over $450 million in Compressed

Public Relations in the ministry, Salisu Badamasi Haiba, said.

“This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use in ways that directly benefit the Nigerian people.

The housing estate recovered from the former Governor of the Central Bank is a case in point” he stated

A federal high court had earlier ordered the forfeiture of the massive estate seized from a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefielie, to the government.

During the ceremony, Dangiwa informed that following the formal handover of the estate by the EFCC, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will conduct a joint familiarisation tour of the facility alongside the EFCC team to properly assess the state of the facility.

Anyanwu, were not bigger than the South-East caucus of the party.

But the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, who stood in for the acting National Chairman, Amb Illya Damagum, told the South East delegation that the National Working Committee (NWC)would look into their request and forward the outcome to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting holding May 27.

At the same time, the PDP senators yesterday declared that contrary to claims by their colleagues, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), their party remained strong and would continue to wax stronger.

According to a release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the minister made the

Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure under the Presidential CNG Initiative; establishment of CreditCorp, allowing Nigerians to access credit for housing, healthcare, and other essential needs, among other milestones.

Idris stated, “Today, Nigeria is a vast construction site, with over N2.5 trillion worth of road infrastructure projects approved this year alone, the highest ever in Nigeria’s history.

“The government is linking cities through signature projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar and Badagry to Sokoto superhighways, and in all parts of the country.

“There are several other ongoing works as we speak. From the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries that have come back to life, to the approval of N80 billion for the reconstruction of the failed Alau Dam in Borno, to the progress on the construction of the Kano-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway Line, no part of Nigeria has been left behind in this massive allocation of infrastructure investments under President Tinubu, who has now been described as ‘The Road Master’.”

He also highlighted other encouraging macroeconomic indicators, underlining the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April 2025, recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics, which indicated that headline inflation rate for April stood at 23.71 per cent, representing a decrease of 0.52 per cent from the 24.23 per cent recorded in March 2025.

The minister said the indicators could only have happened because the president’s deliberate policy interventions gradually being made manifest, were well-nurtured and paying off.

He urged public relations professionals to take their place as central agents of national renewal by helping in shaping and projecting Nigeria’s rising economic profile to the world.

“Nigeria is on the rise. It has attracted over $50 billion in new foreign direct investment commitments, diaspora

“ We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation” the minister stated

He further explained that a comprehensive technical evaluation will be undertaken to determine the cost of completing all outstanding infrastructure and ancillary facilities, including perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage systems, a police post, shopping areas, recreational centres, and other essential amenities.

“The ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and for special government needs. For the public sale component, we will adopt a transparent and competitive process. This will include nationwide advertisement and the use of the ‘Renewed Hope Portal’ where interested Nigerians can

statements in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second year in office.

Umahi, who called on opposition figures in the zone, like Obi, to join the train and back the president, disclosed that a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was nearing completion and users would have to pay a toll effective December 2025.

Umahi said, “All the governors in the South-east, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the president.”

Of the five governors, those of Imo and Ebonyi belong to All Progressives Congress (APC), the Enugu governor is a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor of Anambra is of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while the Abia governor belongs to Labour Party (LP).

According to Umahi, the South-east

remittances are at $21.9 billion, and Nollywood contributed over N730 billion to GDP. These are not just statistics. They are stories waiting to be told effectively, professionally, and patriotically,” he said.

Idris also reiterated his ministry’s commitment to strategic and coordinated national messaging through the newly-conceived National Strategic Communication Framework (NSCF).

Eno: Nigeria’s Economic Problems Not Tinubu’s Creation, Seeks Support for Him

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo

Eno said Nigeria’s economic problems preceded the Tinubu administration. Eno said the president deserved

at 30 per cent.

Addressing journalists after the 300th meeting of the MPC in Abuja, Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, acknowledged the relative improvements in some key macroeconomic indicators, which were expected to support the overall moderation in prices in the near to medium term.

Cardoso identified specific areas of improvement to include the progressive narrowing of the gap between the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and Bureau De Change (BDC) windows, the positive balance of payments position, and easing price of premium motor spirit (PMS).

Cardoso, who read the committee’s communique, said MPC was satisfied with the progressive moderation in food inflation. He commended the government for implementing measures to increase food supply and stepping up the fight against insecurity, especially in farming communities.

The committee encouraged the security agencies to sustain the momentum, while government

submit their Expressions of Interest” he remarked.

Dangiwa also stated: “We are committed to making this a model of accountability and public benefit, and we look forward to working closely with the commission to bring this effort to a successful conclusion”.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the anti-graft commission, Olukoyede, stated that the handing over of the forfeited property was a demonstration of the impact of the fight against financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria as pronounced in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He recalled an investigation into the property which started last year, leading to a civil forfeiture of the asset due to the belief that no one could have owned it legitimately.

He also emphasised on the need for accountability and transparency in

is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under Tinubu.

He said, “The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Tinubu is doing.

“Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State.”

Umahi stated that while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South-east, the current administration had made significant progress in addressing longstanding concerns about infrastructure and appointments.

national support to steer the country through difficult times.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday after meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at State House, Abuja, Eno described Tinubu’s first two years in office as “wonderful” and marked by determined efforts to address inherited challenges.

According to him, “President Tinubu didn’t create the problems we are in right now. For me, I believe he is doing his best, and he should be supported to finish strong.”

With his own administration nearing the two-year mark, the governor highlighted achievements across key sectors in Akwa Ibom State, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and rural development.

provided necessary inputs to farmers to further boost food production.

The CBN governor, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said headline inflation (year-on-year) declined to 23.71 per cent in April 2025, compared with 24.23 per cent in March 2025.

On a month-on-month basis, it also declined to 1.86 per cent in April 2025, from 3.9 per cent in the previous month, he said.

He pointed out that both food and core components contributed to the decline in inflation in the period.

While food inflation eased further to 21.26 per cent in April 2025, from 21.79 per cent in the previous period, the core index also declined to 23.39 per cent in April 2025, compared with 24.43 per cent in March.

Nonetheless, Cardoso acknowledged underlying inflationary pressures driven largely by high electricity prices, persistent foreign exchange demand pressure and other legacy structural factors.

He said new policies were being introduced by the federal government to boost local production, reduce foreign currency demand

managing forfeited assets, informing of the directive from the president to hand over the asset to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for completion.

“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime that we have recovered in the course of our work, the application of that will be made transparent to Nigerians so that we will not allow looted assets to be looted again”, he said.

The EFCC chairman stressed that the estate contained hundreds of apartments on a parcel of land measuring 150,462.86 square meters and located at plot 109, cadastral zone, co9, Lokogoma district, Abuja.

He further stated that the commission would monitor the project completion by the ministry for periodic reports and feedback to the president.

He stated, “Today, the South-east has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The president has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.”

He also hinted of plans by South-east leaders to endorse Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

Umahi said, “We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-east leaders to endorse the president for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.”

Umahi urged key regional opposition figures to align with the president for the greater good of the South-east.

He stated, “Leadership is not about self – it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.

“He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election.

I say it boldly: the South-east is happy with the president.”

Providing updates on four major national projects—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor—Umahi described them as transformative investments designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration.

On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the minister revealed that

pressure, and lessen the pass-through to domestic prices.

Cardoso said given the relative stability observed in the FX market, the committee urged the CBN to sustain the implementation of ongoing reforms to further boost market confidence.

MPC also called on the fiscal authority to strengthen current efforts at enhancing foreign exchange earnings, especially from gas, oil and non-oil exports.

The committee, however, expressed concerns about the recent decline in crude oil prices, attributable to increased production by non-OPEC members as well as uncertainties associated with U.S. trade policy, which presented new challenges for fiscal receipts and budget implementation.

The committee reaffirmed the continued stability of the banking system following notable improvements in key performance indicators and observed the appreciable progress in the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

The committee further urged the CBN to sustain its effective oversight of the industry to ensure compliance

Olukoyede thanked Tinubu for creating a conducive environment for the fight against corruption to thrive in Nigeria, as well as the judiciary for standing by the fight, ensuring that people don’t get away with proceeds of crime in Nigeria.

Highlight of the meeting was an official handover of a document of the forfeited asset to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dangiwa, by the chairman of the EFCC, Olukoyede.

over 80 per cent of Section 1—spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and terminating at Eleko Junction—had been completed.

He said work was also progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres, from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

According to Umahi, “By December, we will toll Section 1 of the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.

“It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.

“Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.”

On the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the minister explained its historic significance, and stated that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.

“The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life,” he said. Commending the president’s leadership and foresight, Umahi said, “God gave him the vision for

Continued

with regulatory and macro-prudential guidelines.

Cardoso pointed out that it was based on the strength of those considerations, and driven by the continued uncertain policy environment, exacerbated by ongoing global shocks, that MPC weighed the available policy options. He said members were unanimous in their decision to hold policy to enable a better understanding of near-term developments.

MPC also reaffirmed its commitment to prioritise policies targeted at anchoring inflation expectations and easing exchange rate pressure. The apex bank’s boss also disclosed that gross external reserves increased by 2.85 per cent to $38.90 billion as at 16th May 16, 2025, from $37.82 billion at the end of March. He said this represented an import cover of 7.6 months for goods and services, while Balance of Payments (BOP) recorded a surplus of $1.10 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $4.21 billion in the preceding quarter, on account of moderation

Emefiele

WORKING VISIT BY THE INDICES AND DISBURSEMENT COMMITTEE, RMAFC...

L–R: Director of Administration, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Enugu State Office, Mrs. Ijeoma Ezenago; Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Enugu State, Nathaniel Urama; Federal Commissioner, RMAFC, Mr. Ismail Mohammed Agaka; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Federal Commissioner, RMAFC, Hon. Ozo Obodougo; and Deputy Directors, RMAFC, Suleman Bappa and Mrs. Uche Obekpa during a working visit by the Indices and Disbursement Committee, RMAFC, to Government House, Enugu, Tuesday

Elon Musk Signals Plans to Cut Political Spending, Focus on Tesla

Addeh in

Elon Musk has said he expects to dial back his political donations, a major shift from the figure who shook up the 2024 election as a top donor to President

Donald Trump. Musk, who ultimately spent more than $250 million (£187 million) in support of Trump’s campaign, told an economic conference in Qatar that he planned to do “a lot less” spending in the

future, BBC reported.

He also said he was committed to leading electric car company Tesla for another five years.

The comments come just a few weeks after he said he would step back from leading the controversial

White House effort to slash federal spending, commonly called Doge. Musk was dealt a political blow earlier this year after the candidate he backed to join the Wisconsin Supreme Court was defeated, despite receiving more than $20

WHO Adopts Historic Agreement on How to Tackle Future Global Pandemics

Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday formally adopted by consensus the world’s first pandemic agreement.

The agreement’s adoption followed three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in national and global COVID-19 response.

A statement by the organization said the agreement will boost global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics.

It said that next steps will include negotiations on pathogen access and benefits Sharing system.

According to the statement: “Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement.

“The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19

pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics”.

Speaking about the agreement,

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our Member States to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement.

“The agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during COVID-19.”

Governments adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement today in a plenary session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s peak decision-making body.

WHO said the adoption followed yesterday’s approval of the Agreement by vote (124 in favour, 0

objections, 11 abstentions) in Committee by member state delegations.

“Starting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments from all corners of the world acted with great purpose, dedication and urgency, and in doing so exercising their national sovereignty, to negotiate the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement that has been adopted today,” said Dr Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Health, and President of this year’s World Health Assembly, who presided over the Agreement’s adoption.

“Now that the Agreement has been brought to life, we must all act with the same urgency to implement its critical elements, including systems to ensure equitable access to life-saving pandemic-related health products.

“As COVID was a once-ina-lifetime emergency, the WHO Pandemic Agreement offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on lessons learned from that crisis and ensure people worldwide are better protected if a future pandemic emerges.”

NOA Rivers State Embarks on School Sensitisation Programme in Ahoada East, Omuma LGAs

As part of efforts to instill civic values and social responsibility in young Nigerians, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Rivers State Directorate, has launched a robust school sensitization programme in selected local government areas of the state.

The sensitization outreach, held on the 14 and 19 May, covered schools in Ahoada East and Omuma local government areas, respectively.

The programme focused on promoting core national values and addressing critical issues affecting students and their communities.

Key themes addressed included the National Identity Project, the National Anthem and Symbols, the National Value Charter, security consciousness, personal

and environmental hygiene, the dangers of sexual and drug abuse, the consequences of examination malpractice, the growing menace of the “get rich quick” syndrome, respect for authority and elders, fuel scooping hazards, and the importance of immunization.

The schools visited during the programme were Rivers State University, Ahoada Campus, G-Give International Technical School, and State School Umudu. During these visits, the NOA team engaged both students and school management on ways to contribute positively to national development through character and civic responsibility.

In a separate engagement at State School Umudu, the Community

Orientation and Mobilization Officer (COMO) led a session with teachers, emphasizing good work ethics, dedication to duty, and the crucial role educators play in nation-building.

Key officials who met during the programme included Dr. Boma Omubo-Pepple, Staff Students Adviser at Rivers State University Ahoada Campus; Mr. Godsgive Nwankwo, Proprietress of G-Give Int’l Technical School; and Mr. Stephen Nwankwo of State School Umudu.

This initiative underscores NOA’s commitment to nurturing a society that is orderly, responsible, and disciplined, a cornerstone for national harmony and sustainable development.

The WHO Pandemic Agreement sets out the principles, approaches and tools for better international coordination across a range of areas, in order to strengthen the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. This includes through the equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Regarding national sovereignty, the agreement states that: “Nothing in the WHO Pandemic Agreement shall be interpreted as providing the Secretariat of the World Health Organization, including the Director-General of the WHO, any authority to direct, order, alter or otherwise prescribe the national and/or domestic law, as appropriate, or policies of any Party, or to mandate or otherwise impose any requirements that Parties take specific actions, such as ban or accept travelers, impose vaccination mandates or therapeutic or diagnostic measures or implement lockdowns.”

million from Musk and groups he supports.

Asked whether he expected to continue his political spending at scale, Musk told the conference he felt he had “done enough”.

“If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it,” he said. “I do not currently see a reason,” he added.

Musk had largely stayed out of the political arena until last year, and his high-dollar entry raised scrutiny of his companies, which also include rocket firm Starlink and social media company X.

Concerns about conflicts of interest bubbled up as he became an influential figure in Trump’s White House, given some of his companies have contracts with the federal government while some have been investigated by the government.

There were also protests and boycotts of Tesla against his steps to get rid of thousands of federal workers and to give his Doge team access to government information, the BBC report added.

As sales sank, Tesla’s board and investors began to worry publicly that he was not focused enough on the company that helped make him a billionaire. With public opinion souring, Musk also ran into limits to his political influence.

Trump forged ahead with tariffs, against Musk’s advice, while Doge’s spending cuts have fallen short of the trillions in dollars in savings

Musk originally pledged to achieve. At the conference, Musk defended Doge’s performance, noting it has little power over spending. “We are simply the adviser,” he said. “In that context we are doing very well.”

He also disputed reports by the UN and others that Doge’s cuts have had a devastating impact on people helped by initiatives previously backed by the US, such as HIV/AIDS prevention.

Musk said he had taken the backlash, which included violent attacks on Tesla cars, personally. But when asked if he had any regrets about his political activities, Musk said: “I did what needed to be done.” He brushed off worries about the impact on Tesla, saying it was doing well outside of Europe.

“It’s already turned around,” he said, noting Tesla’s share price has risen recently. “We see no problem with demand,” he said.

The BBC said Bloomberg journalist, Mishal Hussain, who conducted the on-stage interview at the conference, pressed Musk about whether his commitment to Tesla was contingent on pay.

The world’s richest person has been pushing to receive a record-breaking compensation package, which has been twice rejected by a federal judge. “It’s not a money thing,” Musk said. “It’s a reasonable control thing,” he added.

Senate Leader: Food Security Key to Tinubu’s Govt, Empowers Ekiti Farmers

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has declared that making Nigeria assume a food-secure status remains a cardinal focus of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Bamidele said that accounted for why the federal government was investing hugely in agriculture to bring down the prices of food stuffs as well as banish hunger and poverty out of the country.

The Senate Leader said this in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, while empowering some farmers with modern implements to buoy food production in the state.

Items distributed include one big tractor, 10 power tillers and cartons of liquid fertilizers.

The Senate Leader, represented by a prominent All Progressives Congress chieftain, Mr. Remi Oguntuase,

pledged continued support to the wellbeing of farmers, not only in his district, but across the state.

Bamidele said the empowerment was in tandem with the cardinal objectives of Tinubu’s administration and the Ekiti State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji to make lives more abundant for the people.

“This gesture is to improve food production in Ekiti State. Improved food production will help in stamping out hunger and poverty among our people.

“The implements we are donating are modern ones, we need to improve our methods of production.

We can’t continue to do things the old ways.

“I appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji’s commitments to improving agriculture in Nigeria and Ekiti State through adequate support to our farmers.

“This is the line every level of government must follow because over 60% of our population depends on agriculture”.

Meanwhile, farmers have been told to ensure proper use of empowerment equipment to improve food production in the state.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, said judicious use of the equipment will justify the purpose for which they were meant for, which was to ensure increased food production in Ekiti.

The gesture, according to the Commissioner, was to improve the farming methods through injection of commercial farming to the state. The commissioner advised the farmers that regular servicing of the equipment will ensure they last long, urging them to embrace best practices to contribute to the state’s efforts towards food sufficiency.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Emmanuel

Abuja Billionaire

FG Deploys 744 Officers to Monitor Performance of PHCs

Unveils new programme to empower community health workers Move will instill accountability, says NPHCDA’s boss

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As part of ongoing efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s health system and advance the presidential priorities on health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) said it was implementing strategic reforms to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

The reforms aimed to improve accountability, ensure value for money and strengthen service delivery at the primary healthcare level.

Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, said a key aspect of the health sector reforms was the nationwide deployment of 774 Performance, Financial Management Officers (PFMOs), one to each of the 774 local government areas of the country.

In another related development, NPHCDA on Tuesday flagged-off a workshop on the redesigned Community Based Health Workers programme in Abuja.

The conference, themed, “Optimised Community Health Workforce, Key to Strengthening PHC and Achieving Universal Health Coverage,” sought to secure sub-nationals’ buy-in, support and ownership for effective implementation of the Community Based Health Workers programme.

On the strategic reforms to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the executive director NPHCDA said in order to ensure efficient deployment of the PFMOs, the agency engaged the services of Innovious Nigeria to coordinate the recruitment and engage-

ment of 774 officers, each per local government area, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Aina said the PFMOs, who were to operate under the guidance of NPHCDA, had been trained to independently verify financial and programmatic activities at the various Primary Healthcare Centres and to support them in meeting compliance standards and performance targets.

He said their functions were to enhance monitoring, financial oversight and programme tracking at the Primary Healthcare Centres.

“This is not just a policy; it is a transformational effort aimed at securing the future of healthcare in Nigeria, where young people not only participate but lead,” he stated.

Aina explained that more than 60,700 health workers had been retrained under ongoing reforms, while PHC facilities were being revitalised with solar power, modern equipment, and upgraded infrastructure.

He said the flag-off of the implementation was being done simultaneously nationwide, covering all 36 states and the FCT.

He also said the involvement of traditional institutions reinforced grassroots collaboration in driving healthcare reforms.

In his remarks, a health economist with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Francis Ukwuije, commended Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring value for money in health investments.

He listed the five pillars for achieving value in healthcare as equity, efficiency, effectiveness, ethics, and dignity.

“The appointment of PFMOs is a commendable step. We must also emphasise the importance of ethics and dignity in care delivery, principles central to WHO’s values,” Ukwuije said.

Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, drew parallels between the new initiative and the earlier Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), which pioneered direct facility financing over a decade ago, describing the new approach as better focused.

“PHCs are often underfunded and poorly managed – not because health workers lack commitment, but because they’re not trained as managers,” Ezire explained.

He stressed the need for continuous technical assistance to empower health workers with skills in accounting, planning, leadership, and data management to deliver quality care.

Speaking on his experiences, Mallam Mohammed Gana from Niger State said the initiative was helping to rebuild trust in the system.

Gana said, “For the first time, we have dedicated eyes and ears on the ground to ensure funds are spent where they matter most. With PFMO support, we now feel more confident managing our facility’s finances and can focus more on care delivery.”

Similarly, Ms. Farida Mohammed from Kogi State reported visible improvements in her health centre.

Okpebholo: We’re Overhauling State Local Vigilante Corps to Check Kidnapping, Cultism

Emenyonu

The Edo State Government said it was overhauling the local vigilante group known as Edo State Security Corps to check the menace of cultism and kidnapping that is becoming rampant. In recent times, the issue of kidnapping and cultism across Edo State has continue to create anxiety and draw concern among the people, the government stressed.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, said the overhauling is being handled by very senior retired military officers in the state, adding that Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to eradicate or bring to the barest

minimum, the twin challenges of kidnapping and cultism to ensure that expected investors into the state were not scared away.

Ohonbamu who also assured the people of the state that the full complement of the state executive council would soon be composed by the state governor, further noted: “On the issue of herdsmen, it is part of the training the vigilante is going through now, under those retired military officers. Once these ones are out, you will see a brand-new Edo State Security Corps which is to check kidnapping because from the point of entry, they will be stationed.”

On why the efforts in the state were not being felt unlike what other groups like Amotekun is doing in the West, the Commissioner

said: “The reason the system in the South Western States is working is because there is synergy and that is what you will get now. But I praise our governor for his boldness.

“You see other governors lamenting, come to our aid, come to our aid but our governor is taking bold steps while others are complaining. He heard from the police; he bought brand new Hilux vans, 100 in number and gave to them and the other security operatives.

“He bought 1,000 power bikes for people to comb the bushes. He ensured there was arms mop up; they have collected illegal arms from people, about 5,000 recovered. He has put things in place that will make security agencies, you know, work effectively.

Mohammed said, “We now have more drugs, the staff are more responsive, and there’s always someone ensuring things are working properly.

“Before now, many of us struggled with budgeting and reporting. The

PFMO training and support are bridging that gap and helping us better use the BHCPF funds.”

Meanwhile, addressing participants at the workshop that took place yesterday in Abuja, Aina said the

redesigned programme was intended to streamline and formalise the work of community health workers to ensure quality healthcare services to people living in remote and underserved areas of the country.

Akpabio to ECOWAS Parliament: Let’s Build United West Africa

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, urged lawmakers in West Africa to renew their pledge to build a united West Africa.

Akpabio stated this in his keynote address titled: “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa,” which he delivered at the opening of the 2025 First Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, held in Abuja.

Akpabio told the regional lawmakers to seize the opportunity of their gathering, “to renew their pledge to build a united West Africa.”

He said doing this would make economies of the sub-region thrive, their cultures flourish, and allow the children to inherit a legacy of peace, prosperity, and unshakable unity.

The Senate President said, “ECOWAS was never meant to be a concept, it was meant to be a clarion call to every West African – that

our journey to greatness has just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region.

“As we gather here in Abuja, the beating heart of our great region, we must remind ourselves of the foundational vision of ECOWAS – a vision of a united, economically robust, and politically stable West Africa.

“It was this dream that inspired our founding fathers to create a community where the barriers of borders would dissolve into corridors of collaboration, where our economic strength would fuel prosperity for all, and where our political unity would stand as a bulwark against external interference.

“Today, as we face challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, this vision remains as critical as ever. Yet, we must also confront the hard truths of our present reality.

“Despite the undeniable strides we have made, significant challenges

persist – challenges that demand our immediate attention and decisive action.

“One such challenge is the quest for economic stability in our region. The strength of any economic community lies in its ability to foster trade, attract investment, and create prosperity for its people.

“However, currency volatility, inflation, economic disparities, and the pressures of global financial markets continue to hinder the full realisation of our collective potential.”

According to Akpabio, “the promise of a unified regional currency, a cornerstone of our economic ambitions, holds great potential for simplifying trade, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing the global competitiveness of our businesses.

“Yet, we must be clear-eyed about the path to achieving this – it demands fiscal discipline, monetary coordination, robust financial infrastructure, and mutual economic trust.

Hammed Shittu in

Munduate said that, “UNICEF introduced the child nutrition fund to boost investment in policies and programmes and UNICEF is committed to partnering with the Kwara state to combat malnutrition, particularly during the critical first 1000 days of life.

“The challenge of over 40 percent of children being stunted and nearly 300,000 children affected by wasting, requires urgent attention to address these issues.”

L–R: Programme Officer, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, African Union Development Agency, Eyram Amouin-Assagba; Industrialisation Division, AUDA-NEPAD, Etami Akinnuoye; Coordinator, Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge, Lysiane Lefebvre; and Country Agribusiness Partnership Framework, Obinna Igwebuike; during the nutrition dialogue in Abuja, yesterday

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Adibe

in Benin City

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Plateau: Despite Security Challenges, Mutfwang Raises Governance Bar

In this piece, seriki Adinoyi writes that despite security challenges facing Plateau state, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has raised the bar of governance in terms of developmental strides.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has battled a myriad of security challenges since he assumed office in May, 2023. Indeed, he had surmounted it in 2024 with a few incidents of attacks before the recent resurgence that claimed over 100 victims.

Despite the challenges, the Governor has made salutary impacts across the length and breadth of the state touching all the sectors and all the citizens so much that even the opposition gave a glowing appraisal of his achievements. A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state recently said “let’s put politics aside, Mutfwang surpassed all his predecessors in the area of transportation; he has brought succor to citizens since the removal of fuel subsidy.”

Although from the outset, the Governor had it rough when he inherited decades-old security challenges with bandits and terrorists running riot across the state, he did not relent in deploying different strategies to bring the persistent attacks to barest minimum.

Two years on, the Governor has etched a commendable legacy, marking a significant chapter in the state’s development journey, a development that has been attributed to his multifaceted approach to governance and rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

At the helm of his administration’s agenda christened ‘The Time Is Now’ are three pillars - Peace, Security and Good Governance; Sustainable Economic Rebirth and Robust Physical and Infrastructural Development. This is aimed at enhancing security measures, promoting social inclusion, reinforcing good governance and; revitalizing and diversifying Plateau state’s economy as well as constructing and maintaining comprehensive infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for Plateau citizens and visitors.

The tangible outcome of this strategic focus are becoming increasingly apparent, underscoring a resolute commitment to propel Plateau State towards unprecedented growth and prosperity.

The Governor had from the beginning prioritized the holistic development of the state when he immediately set to work rather than going after predecessor. His efforts have now ushered in a new breath of deep-seated love, trust, and confidence among citizens.

His leadership has successfully traced back the developmental missing-link in the state and laid a solid foundation that bolsters the current economic and infrastructural transformation. Despite occasional setbacks, remarkable successes have been recorded in peace and security initiatives.

The Governor’s deliberate campaign to build trust and confidence is rapidly uniting people across faith and ethnic lines, while his infrastructure development strategy has created durable road networks within Jos/ Bukuru Metropolis and across all 17 local government areas.

Security, Tourism, Agriculture, and Mineral Development—the key economic drivers of Governor Mutfwang’s administration have been revolutionized and integrated through technological innovation to drive meaningful change and accelerate development. Transportation, Education, Health, and human capital development have not been left out, as these vital sectors have been given new life and enhanced using global best practices to speed up development.

Despite meeting a deeply distressed civil service; where salaries were not only delayed but had accumulated into a staggering backlog, plunging workers’ morale to an all-time low, with long overdue outstanding promotion and years of unpaid pensions and gratuities, the Governor has turned around the fortune by approving the payment of outstanding gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears dating as

far back as 1986.

Pensions have been increased by 100%, and overdue staff promotions have been effected to boost morale.

Regular remittance of check-off dues to workers’ unions has also resumed.

The debt profile of the state has now been lowered from over N400 billion to N94 billion, and workers’ salaries are now consistently paid after the outstanding five months salaries owed them were cleared.

He acknowledged the sacrifices and support of workers and retirees, which led to the suspension of the strike and the commencement of salary and pension payments.

One area the Governor has really made a tremendous impact is transportation. On the day the new government was being sworn in at the centre, President Bola Tinubu declared that fuel subsidy was gone. The pronouncement threw the entire nation into confusion with sudden hike in transport fare by over 200%. It was particularly daunting in Plateau as the state transport ministry was in comatose due to neglect under the previous administration. The transportation infrastructure across the state—road, air, and rail—had virtually collapsed, contributing nothing significantly to Plateau State’s economic downturn.

In pursuit of revitalizing the state’s economy and attracting investors to harness its vast potential, Mutfwang implemented a comprehensive transportation revival strategy across multiple domains.

He took a decisive step by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ValueJet Aviation Limited to develop critical air routes; Abuja-Jos Route and Lagos-Jos Route

The development drastically reduced travel time between Jos and major cities, established daily flights on the Lagos-Jos route, and breaking the monopoly on ticket pricing, making air travel more affordable.

Similarly, Mutfwang has made significant investments in inter-state transportation, setting aside 15 buses for long-distance travel, now serving major routes including Bayelsa, Warri, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Kaduna. He also acquired 20 Toyota Sienna vehicles and 20 14-seater Toyota Hiace buses with security enhancements and tracking devices and audio surveillance capabilities for the Jos-Abuja route at subsidized rate.

With the first and second phases of the Tin City Metro initiative now launched, the state has 30 modern MAN-Diesel intra-city passenger buses equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, secure card payment systems, comprehensive video monitoring systems, and enhanced passenger safety features.

Government has also brokered a deal with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to rejuvenate

With so much achieved in just two years despite the avalanche of security challenges, it is only hoped that peace will be given a chance in the next half of Governor m utfwang’s tenure to allow him transform the state into the Plateau of everyone’s dream.

the dormant rail transport and mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the populace. The envisaged train service is anticipated to invigorate economic activities, attract investments, bolster commerce, enhance tourism and create direct and indirect jobs.

The Governor has consistently affirmed his unwavering commitment to revamping the education sector with a strong emphasis on restoring public confidence in governmentowned schools and prioritizing science and technology.

In his first 100 days in office, the Governor announced a landmark 50% tuition fee reduction for indigenes in state-owned tertiary institutions, easing the burden exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies. This policy was effectively implemented through the Plateau State Scholarship Board.

The administration has pursued course accreditation across several tertiary institutions, and has paid the IJMB examination fees for 2022–2024 at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Kurgwi, and settled Law School fees for indigenes for 2023–2025. Notably, scholarship funding has seen a significant 300% increase for Plateau students pursuing higher education nationwide.

Through partnerships, including one with Liberty University, USA, the state has secured MSc and PhD Engineering scholarships. The Ministry has also addressed long-standing salary arrears of ad hoc staff—some dating back 44 months—thereby reducing the incidence of industrial actions.

Institutions such as the Colleges of Health Technology have cleared backlogs in student indexing, enabling students to proceed with final exams.

The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has significantly advanced infrastructure and human capital development with construction and renovation of 148 classrooms and the provision of boreholes across all 17 LGAs, creating conducive environments for teaching and learning.

The Board has also prioritized safety and efficiency, erecting perimeter fencing for schools, constructing administrative offices, and providing motorcycles to improve school monitoring and supervision.

E-Universal Basic education, capacitybuilding for education managers, EMIS officers, and data masters. Through the deployment of the BAMIS software and the distribution of iPads, laptops, and desktop computers, the Board is equipping educators to thrive in a digitalized educational environment.

Teachers welfare remains central to SUBEB’s agenda. The Board has addressed salary arrears and facilitated professional development programs.

In the area of heath, Plateau Specialist Hospital is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a beacon of medical excellence and a future hub for medical tourism in Nigeria. The hospital has significantly strengthened its workforce with the recruitment of 22 top-tier medical consultants across various specialties, including Surgery (Urology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology), Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pathology, and Psychiatry.

Key infrastructure developments include the completion of the long-abandoned laboratory complex and the injection of N2 billion for state-of-the-art equipment—an investment that underscores the administration’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare. The implementation of a robust Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, powered by a local server, marks a leap forward in healthcare administration, enabling efficient patient management and data security.

mutfwang

Wednesday May 21, 2025 Vol

www.thisdaylive.com

FINANCIAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF SERVICE BY NETWORK OPERATORS

Telecoms operators are suffering series of setbacks which are impacting on their services, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

See page 17

FAREWELL, LADY HELEN OWIE JOSEF

OMOROTIONMWAN pays tribute to Helen Owie, a woman of substance

See page 17

EDITORIAL

STILL ON RECHARGING LAKE CHAD

opinion@thisdaylive.com

Nyesom Wike’s tenure marks a turning point in Abuja’s governance trajectory, contends ABIODUN OLUWADARE

WIKE AND THE POLITICS OF URBAN FEDERALISM

When President Bola Tinubu appointed Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in August 2023, many saw it as a strategic political choice—one aimed at rewarding loyalty, securing regional balance, and injecting political dynamism into the capital. What few anticipated, however, was the sheer assertiveness with which Wike would wield his authority. Less than two years into his tenure, Wike has not only transformed parts of Abuja’s infrastructure but has also reignited deep questions about the capital’s governance model. In effect, Wike is turning Abuja into a realtime test case for Nigeria’s evolving experiment with urban federalism.

Importantly, Wike's performance thus far demonstrates not just the instincts of a seasoned administrator but the dexterity of a politician who understands the pulse of power. Even as a prominent member of the opposition before his appointment, he has managed to build consensus around the FCT’s development without stirring excessive partisan resistance—a testament to his political skill.

Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states—each with an elected governor and legislature—the Federal Capital Territory occupies a unique legal status. Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution declares that the FCT "shall be treated as if it were one of the States of the Federation," yet it lacks key instruments of statehood. It has no governor, no local legislature, and no elected city mayor. Instead, it is managed by a minister appointed by the president, who exercises executive powers supported by technocratic agencies like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

This design was meant to preserve Abuja’s neutrality as a nonpartisan capital. But in practice, it has created a governance gap. Abuja residents do not vote for their chief executive, nor can they hold one to democratic account. Over time, this has led to slow decision-making, regulatory uncertainty, and unchecked sprawl, particularly in satellite towns.

A de facto Governor Wike has brought a distinctly assertive and state-like style of governance to the FCT. Drawing from his experience as the combative former governor of Rivers State, Wike has treated the FCT not as a passive administrative zone but as an active political and developmental theatre. He has reintroduced strong political will into FCT governance—sometimes to applause, other times to criticism.

Despite criticism, one must concede that Wike has proven that opposition figures can deliver highimpact governance when given responsibility. He has not merely occupied office; he has redefined it.

Under Wike’s leadership, demolition exercises targeting illegal settlements and unauthorised developments have increased sharply. From informal communities in Kuje and Lugbe to unapproved estates in Maitama, these demolitions are part of an attempt to reassert the integrity of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan. Wike has defended these actions as essential to restoring urban order, preventing flooding, and improving security.

Yet, critics have raised alarms over the social cost: mass displacement, accusations of selective targeting, and inadequate resettlement plans. The delicate balance between urban renewal and human rights is a longstanding issue, but Wike’s uncompromising approach has thrust it back into national focus.

Still, even his critics grudgingly acknowledge the

Minister’s decisiveness—a rare trait in Nigeria’s often lumbering bureaucracy. Wike’s ability to act swiftly, despite political sensitivities, is part of what sets him apart.

Perhaps the most visible symbol of Wike’s interventionist style is the revival of the Abuja Light Rail. Originally launched in 2018 but later abandoned due to funding and vandalism, the project was resurrected under Wike through ₦15 billion in emergency allocations. Now operational, the light rail covers a 45-kilometre route connecting key areas of the city and the airport.

This infrastructure push, along with road rehabilitations and expansion of public utilities, suggests a vision of Abuja as more than a federal seat; it is being built as a modern capital for a modern Nigeria.

Again, this is not just administration, it is politics with vision. Wike understands that in Nigerian politics, visibility counts. Rail lines and resurfaced roads are not just conveniences; they are symbols of control, efficiency, and modernity.

While Wike serves officially as the Minister of the FCT, it is no secret that he is also a seasoned political figure whose decisions often resonate far beyond Abuja. His visibility within the ruling party, continuing influence in Rivers State, and high-profile public engagements indicate a political actor fully aware of national optics and the power of visibility. Projects like the light rail or aggressive revenue reforms are governance milestones, but they also elevate his national profile. That does not necessarily mean a bid for higher office is underway. But Wike governs with an eye on both performance and political positioning.

Indeed, his role in the Tinubu administration reveals a rare political balancing act -- an opposition heavyweight delivering effectively in a ruling-party cabinet. It is a bold experiment in Nigeria’s often rigid partisan divides.

In a move that shocked many, Wike championed a ₦1.78 trillion FCT budget for 2025, tripling past allocations. Over 70% of it is earmarked for capital projects—a reflection of his infrastructure-heavy development model. Simultaneously, he has cracked down on tax evasion, increased enforcement of business licenses, and reorganised revenue collection systems.

This fiscal activism suggests a vision of the FCT as an economically viable entity.-- if not yet a state, then certainly acting like one.

This boldness, too, is political. It signals ambition of an administrator who not only spends, but plans. Wike's approach marks a departure from the caretaker mentality often associated with FCT

ministers.

The governance of Abuja has always presented a constitutional dilemma. While the FCT is not a state, it houses millions of Nigerians who often feel they have limited say in the administration of their affairs.

Wike’s assertive leadership style has revived calls for reforms, ranging from more structured public accountability mechanisms to increased citizen participation in local governance. However, any proposal to democratise leadership in the FCT must be approached with caution and national sensitivity. Ethnic plurality, federal character principles, and geopolitical balancing are critical issues in a diverse country like Nigeria.

Rather than a wholesale constitutional overhaul, a more pragmatic route could involve the creation of local consultative councils, enhanced civil society oversight, or a hybrid governance model— preserving federal oversight while expanding civic inclusion.

“The strength of Nigerian democracy lies not only in votes cast, but in the governance frameworks we build for every part of the country, including the capital,” said a political science professor.

Wike may be a bold face today, but lasting change depends on systems, not personalities. For the FCT to truly evolve, institutional frameworks must be deepened. This includes digitising land registries, formalising tax systems, creating resettlement protocols, and establishing regular stakeholder consultations.

Abuja’s growth will demand both structure and sensitivity—a governance model that balances national interest with local needs.

Nyesom Wike’s tenure (so far) marks a turning point in Abuja’s governance trajectory. Without necessarily setting out to do so, he has reinvigorated the debate on urban federalism and compelled the nation to confront unresolved constitutional questions. Whether by design or disposition, Wike has forced a national conversation on how Abuja is governed. His tenure may ultimately be judged on whether it catalysed sustainable reform or simply stirred the waters. But one thing is clear: the FCT can no longer be treated as an administrative afterthought. It is a political, economic, and symbolic space, and it needs a governance framework that reflects that complexity.

His bold approach has delivered infrastructure, increased fiscal capacity, and enforced regulatory discipline. At the same time, it has reopened vital conversations about democratic accountability and institutional reform. As he marks his second anniversary as Minister of the FCT, Wike stands not just as a political actor but as a reformer whose legacy may shape the future of Nigeria’s capital. Whether history views him as a transitional figure or a transformative one will depend on how these bold steps are institutionalised, and whether Abuja ultimately evolves into the democratic and efficient capital Nigeria deserves.

In the end, Abuja under Wike will be viewed not just as a construction site, but as a constitutional mirror held up to Nigeria’s federal experiment. And behind it stands a man who, whatever one thinks of his methods, has made his mark. Wike is not just a landmark administrator, but as a political force with a national imprint.

Professor Oluwadare writes from Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna

Telecoms operators are suffering series of setbacks which are impacting on their services, reckons SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

FINANCIAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF SERVICE BY NETWORK OPERATORS

In March 2024 Mobile Network Operators (MNOS) lamented losses of revenue when services were negatively impacted as they suffered internet outage due to damage to some fibre optic cables.

Earlier in 2023, MTN Nigeria suffered more than 6,000 cuts on its fiber cable. The operator relocated 2,500 kilometres of vulnerable fiber cables between 2022 and 2023 at a cost of more than N11bn —enough to build 870 kilometres of new fiber links in areas without coverage.

In August 2024, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, while speaking during an industry forum, said the telecom company had been recording an average of 1,000 cases of fibre cuts every month. All of these cost money and avoidable losses of revenue.

Both operators which are believed to be dominant service providers suffered a series of setbacks so much that even some of their Mobile Switching Centres (MSCs) and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) were also affected thus creating negative impact on Quality of Service (QoS).

While they swallowed the bitter pills of trying to resolve the infrastructure issue, some of them have not been able to meet the QoS threshold effectively,as expected by industry regulators, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Globacom Limited and 9mobile, though not publicly quoted, have no figures available in the public space on their financial losses but both too have suffered losses in that regard.

Each of the four MNOs has suffered incalculable losses so much that these have affected QoS and while subscribers groan over the poor quality of service and depleting data in the face of unavailable network and where available in poor coverage especially in some areas of the country, the operators appear helpless.

Vandalism by miscreants is another cross many operators bear. There are also frequent instances of official high handedness by certain categories of government officials who are empowered by cruel legislations to go after operators for payments on Right of Way (RoW) fees and illegal taxes not known to any law. And the operators have had to contend with these too. And so the operators are trapped inescapably between the vandals and government officials.The subscribers suffer in all of these.

In all of these, the subscribers swallow the bitter pills as they are made puns in the vicious cycle of the gods- vandals, none state actors and regimented state and local government officials riding on crooked legislation to fleece the operators.

Apart from frequent harassment operators encounter in the hands of vandals and alleged unscrupulous government officials at state and local council areas across the country, there have been reported cases of revenue losses sustained by the operators through the burden of high operational expenditure.

Some of them have even lost millions of subscribers in the last 20 months so much that these have led to dwindling revenues.

For instance in the first eight months of 2024, Globacom Nigeria experienced a significant loss of 42 million active subscribers, representing a 73% reduction thus losing its market share by moving from number two to three on the subscriber chart.

While the telecommunication sector in Nigeria has shown resilience, Globacom's subscriber decline is worrisome.

By pioneering per-second billing—unlike the ₦50-per-minute norm—it immediately disrupted the market, forcing rivals to return to the drawing board to rejig their billing templates. “If per-second billing was a game-changer for the industry, Globacom pulled off another stunt in October 2004 by offering free Subscriber Identification Modules

(SIM) cards—at a time competitors were selling theirs for ₦2,000 per SIM card.

“This too rocked the market with aggressive price war and in spite of its late market entry status ,Globacom backed it with hefty marketing campaigns, signing Nigeria’s biggest celebrities as ambassadors” according to an analyst. MTN Nigeria reported a N400 billion post-tax loss in 2024, marking a significant financial setback. “

But the company bounced back last week when it announced a profit after tax of N133.7 billion for first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2025, from a loss of N392.7 billion declared in the first quarter of 2024. MTN announced a total revenue of N1.06 trillion, representing an increase of 40.5 per cent from N752.96 billion in Q1 2024.

The telecommunication giant listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) said it invested N202.4 billion in Q1 2025, a 159 per cent increase year-onyear, to upgrade and expand network infrastructure, enhancing service quality and capacity.

Airtel Africa reported a loss after tax of $89 million for the full year ended March 2024. This loss was primarily attributed to foreign exchange (FX) headwinds in Nigeria and Malawi. Airtel Nigeria's revenue also fell by 40.34% to $738 million in 2024, mainly due to the devaluation of the naira.

Despite the revenue decline, data usage per customer in Nigeria increased by 37.2% accounting for 8.4 Gigabyte (GB)per month.

Airtel has a subscriber base of 56.6 million, as the second largest operator by numbers.

To mitigate further foreign exchange induced losses, MTN and Airtel cut FX liabilities.

MTN Nigeria slashed its outstanding letters of credit (LC) dollar obligations from $416.6 million as of 31 December 2023 to $20.8 million by the end of 2024. Airtel Africa, on its part, repaid $739 million in foreign currency debt over the last year, reducing its foreign currency debt exposure.

Both companies believe that reducing their foreign currency obligations is key to strengthening their financial positions.

With over 10 million of its subscribers lost to other networks out of its 13m subscribers base,and a desperate quest for $3billion loan to stay afloat, 9mobile is clearly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the telecommunications sector.

Its pathetic situation is almost beyond redemption after it managed to scale through its initial hiccups as a result of over a billion dollar debt overhang to a consortium of Nigerian banks.

It survived through the interventions by the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which offered a reprieve for new owners to take over. It rebranded from Etisalat to 9mobile with a lot of promises which later turned out to be mere pipe dreams as the company is now comatose.

Aragba-Akpore

is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN

pays tribute to Helen Owie, a woman of substance

FAREWELL, LADY HELEN OWIE

I write this tribute with a sense of trepidation and a deep sense of loss, which feelings flow from the fact that for too long, some of us struggled with the illusion that good people would remain with us forever.

But we have come to understand that it is not the will of God. His will must prevail!

Perhaps unwittingly, the public service in Nigeria has become a veritable ground for matchmaking. Many successful marriages have emerged from there. A case in point is the perfect union between Senator Roland Stephen (RS) Owie and the late Mrs. Helen Owie (née Pemu), from Ilobi in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State and Jakpa Town in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State respectively. Their relationship started in the early 1970s in the public service of the defunct Bendel State where they were engaged.

I first met Mrs. Owie in October 1979 at the National Assembly, where RS represented the Greater Orhionmwon Federal Constituency. Since that time, our two families have become inextricably intertwined. During this period, I found her to be a person of enviable character. She brought the greatest happiness to the greatest number. There was never a dull moment in her life.

She believed that nothing good could be achieved on an empty stomach. That philosophy was evident in the way she generously provided food to all who visited their Medical Stores Road residence in Benin City. Even without knowing it, Helen provided a soup kitchen of sorts. For over half a century, she was in the business of cooking for Roland and his friends and relations.

There is an open invitation to all who call. No matter how early you get to the house, you are welcomed by the aroma from those drums and big pots which are constantly steaming on those burning fires fueled by forest wood from the Isi clan. You are promptly ushered into any available space, and in no distant time, the food begins to report—and is promptly followed by our choice of drinks. The kitchen and the bar never close. This is more so during the electioneering campaign, where Lady Owie insists that we must be properly loaded before we embark on the campaigns.

On our return to Benin, we were always brought back to the Owies’ residence, where hot meals awaited us. She believed we needed solid nourishment to balance the ogogoro we had consumed throughout the day. Only then were we certified fit to return to our individual homes. Madam was, indeed, a jolly good fellow.

As happened with the dells, we thought it couldn’t be done—but Helen did it!

Before she came into Roland's life, Roland was perhaps the undisputed heavyweight champion of the occult world and the world of “Otumokpor.” Helen took a blind gamble on him, and like the biblical Esther, Helen probably maintained, "If I perish, I perish." Her gallant gamble paid off—she brought Roland out of utter darkness into the limelight!

She was a winner all the way. RS had long been a clear leader of the campaign trail. Before Helen came into Owie's life, his opening hymns at our campaigns were chants “l Evbare-evbare-o wa ghegia gbe mwen evbare” OR “otuhia bun vbo rere… sokpan okpo ron mwon niya maya du gie oghomwan.” But once Helen came into his life, his life changed and his tune also changed to Erhan ghi dien ikhimwin … Orisa oro odoin, signifying the supremacy of Almighty God. Those who view this as a minor achievement

miss the point. To us, this transformation represents the greatest evangelism of our time. Since RS began burning for Christ, there is no telling the number of people— especially women—who have joined the army of Christ.

Particularly in the elite class of our society, the word out there is, "If RS can do this, we, too, can."

The silent revolution going on here is that people are quietly dumping their old ways and embracing the new.

Even without knowing it, the Owies are fast depopulating the kingdom of darkness to the credit of the Kingdom of Light! Helen was a rare combination of beauty and brain. Her smiles were simply radiant. She was an exponent of human kindness; a total embodiment of humility; and a philanthropist extraordinaire. She rendered service to humanity without counting the cost.

From very early in life, Lady Owie was at grips with the fact that everyone's life is a gift from God, and our service to humanity is the rent we pay for being on earth.

These beliefs informed her principle that in every situation you find yourself, you should use it to make friends, not enemies. When she was the Executive Director of the Royal Links Transport Company, the company soon became a link to a new world in which all the people—Managers, Messengers, Drivers, Transporters, Passengers, etc.—were treated as if they were the most important people on earth In justice, she was simply just. She administered justice with universal equality to all people, regardless of the background. We will miss her dearly.

Helen was certainly a most detribalized Nigerian. She lived a good life; she ran a good race; she fought a good fight—a fight of faith; and she finished her course.

As with the great Apostle Paul, there is no doubt in our minds that a crown of righteousness already awaits her in the bosom of the Lord.

It only remains for us to fervently pray to Almighty God to give those of us she left behind the fortitude to bear the temporary separation from her.

Accordingly, we so pray… AMEN. Adieu, Helen. Adieu!

Omorotionmwan writes from Lagos

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

STILL ON RECHARGING LAKE CHAD

All the stakeholders should do more to ensure the lake is functional

At a three-day international conference on how to recharge the drying and shrinking Lake Chad held in Abuja in 2018, then President Muhammadu Buhari warned that the world would pay dearly if the lake was allowed to go into extinction. He said the shrinking of the lake and intensification of desertification had caused several people who were dependent on it for irrigation, farming and drinking water for cattle to leave the area. But despite all the talk, for the eight years he was in office, the Buhari administration made no serious commitment in that direction.

Buhari’s warning was re-echoed last week by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, who emphasized the strategic importance of recharging Lake Chad to the military’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Northeast region.

“We are looking forward to holding another meeting focused on clearing all obstacles in Lake Chad and recharging it. This is very important to our ongoing efforts against insecurity,” Musa stated while underscoring the dual security and economic significance of the Lake that supports the livelihoods of more than 50 million people across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

(once famous for being one of the largest water bodies in Africa), has become a shadow of itself. Experts have blamed the shrinkage of the lake on a number of factors including climate change, overgrazing, excessive and inappropriate demand for water resources, as well as poor enforcement of environmental legislation.

It is particularly noteworthy that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has linked the rise of the insurgency in the Northeast to poverty as a result of the failing fortunes of the lake

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

Unfortunately, there seems to be no commitment to changing the narrative despite the obvious danger to the nation and the region. A decade ago, a report titled, ‘Environmental Audit of the Drying Up of the Lake Chad’ had similarly warned of dire consequences for Nigeria and neighbouring countries should the Lake Chad basin be allowed to dry up. The key message in the report which noted that there is a correlation between the shrinking of Lake Chad and the current insecurity in the Northeast of the country was that “Lake Chad is drying up very fast - from 25,000 Square Kilometre in 1963 to just 1500 Square Kilometre at present.”

Situated on the extreme northern part of Borno State and bordering three other countries, the lake

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S

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

Letters to the Editor

A combination of these factors has adversely impacted the lake such that apart from occupying less than a twentieth of its original size, there is now receding shoreline, desertification, and a threat to livelihood among the surrounding communities drawn from Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad and Niger. With lack of water for irrigation leading to crop failures, livestock deaths because of desertification, collapsed fisheries, soil salinity, wilting plants, withered trees and shrubs, Lake Chad is fast losing its traditional staples of water and vegetation which had sustained livelihood and bourgeoning economic activities for about 30 million people in the area.

Understandably, the shrinkage has also led to some tension and communal clashes among the remaining communities as they struggle to control what is left of the water body. Nigerian communities have had several clashes with Nigerien communities, as a result. Since many people who had drawn livelihood from the Lake Chad area are moving southward in search of the proverbial greener pasture, this has also promoted clashes between herdsmen and host communities.

It is particularly noteworthy that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has linked the rise of the insurgency in the Northeast to poverty as a result of the failing fortunes of the lake. What that suggests is that the federal government and other stakeholders must muster the will to implement the relevant recommendations in the many reports on how to resuscitate the economic activities associated with the lake. This is the time to move from empty rhetoric to concrete actions.

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.

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATE VISIT TO ANAMBRA

It is difficult to resist the temptation to conclude that the current APC government isn’t really concerned about how it is perceived in the country. The feelers out there appear to hint that the APC couldn’t care less about how Nigerians perceive it. With crucial elections drawing closer with each passing day, the APC is casting anxious glances over its shoulders.

On May 8, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarked on a historic visit to Anambra State. The visit, the first since Goodluck Jonathan visited the state, was at the instance of then Governor Peter Obi. Incredibly, the visit which saw the commission, was to be the last in a while, especially as the PDP soon proceeded to lose the 2015 general elections.

Despite the loss, a hammer blow to the PDP and its self-acclaimed legacy of ruling Nigeria for the next 60 years, President Muhammadu Buhari, the winner, was left in no doubt about the disposition of the Southeast towards him. It was in the state that he suffered his heaviest loss in the region, a humiliation he never forgave or forgot.

His pointed comments at the beginning of his presidency that those who did not support him should not expect equality with

those who did stunned many, setting the tone for the role of outlier the region and the state played during the eight years he was president. If Anambra State has generally remained suspicious of the government at the center and especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), President Tinubu’s visit sought to warm relations between the presidency, his political party and the people of the state.

For all his flaws, and there are many, none less his membership of the much loathed APC, President Tinubu has remained a master strategist in politics, one who builds political bridges. He doesn’t build emergency political bridges that collapse under slight pressure from political currents and undercurrents, but strong bridges fashioned out of the conviction that bridges have more political value than walls. He has shown by his appointments and willingness to work with those from outside his immediate political circle that he knows that politics more than being a pilgrimage of power is a homage to people.

While in Anambra State, the home state of Mr. Peter Obi who is today his most formidable opponent, President Tinubu was draped in his charm offensive. He was in a relaxed mood throughout as he

received a chieftaincy title, joked about retiring to the state after his time in office, before commissioning the Emeka Anyaoku Center.

In a single visit to Anambra State, President Tinubu has held out both hands to the state and the entire Southeast for longer than his predecessor ever held out a single finger.

Where his predecessor sought to exclude, President Tinubu has embraced; where his predecessor sought to asphyxiate, he has sought only to amplify. The president’s next itinerary in the Southeast appears certain to take him to Abia State, where Governor Alex Otti is conjuring up pure political and economic sorcery to challenge and reverse decades of underdevelopment and neglect. The minds of the electorate in the Southeast may be made up about the APC but everyone who knows a thing about politics and political participation knows that they are not at all averse to dynamic change.

In taking steps his predecessor never dreamt or dared to take, President Tinubu is showing himself not a perfect president but a pragmatic, and crucially, a prudent one.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

Kayode Tokede

Eespite the tough operating emvironment in Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and 19 other companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) recorded combined revenue of N6.4 trillion in the first quarter ended March 2025.

The firms’ combined revenue is 63.7 per cent more than the N3.92 trillion recorded in the same period in the first quarter of 2024.

The 21 firms comprise: cement manufacturing companies, telecommunication, power generating, oil & gas, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), among others.

To survive the economic chaos,

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has said the service is committed to enforcing fiscal measures that will promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency in line with the country’s goal in achieving net zero emission by 2060.

In view of this, he said the service launched an import and export procedure handbook for renewable and efficiency technologies.

Speaking at a Trade Facilitation Stakeholders Consultative Forum 2025, themed, “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies,” in

it was learn that the companies transferred the cost of prices of goods and services in the period under view to their customers which further drove revenue.

Companies operating in Nigeria in 2024 were faced with low purchasing power amid hike inflation that spread across Africa, weakened naira, insecurity and bad road networks that prolonged delivery of goods and services across the country.

The topline performance indicated that the corporates have shaken off the adverse impact of the inflation that contributed to high cost of buying raw materials and weakened purchasing power.

The Stanbic IBTC Nigeria Purchasing Managers’ Index

Lagos, Adeniyi said that in alignment with this year’s theme, the NCS proudly supports the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Green Customs Initiative, which aims to facilitate the trade of environmentally sustainable goods.

He noted that the NCS plays a pivotal role in supporting these national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies.

According to him, “As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria is committed to transitioning towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government continues

(PMI) for March 2025 reached 54.3, signalling strong private sector growth driven by rising new orders and softer inflation.

The recovery in the Nigerian private sector gathered strength in March 2025, with output, new orders and employment all increasing to greater degrees than in February 2025.

Firms were helped to some extent by softening inflationary pressures, with input costs increasing at the slowest pace since May 2023. The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

The headline PMI posted 54.3 in

to champion policies that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).

“The NCS plays a pivotal role in supporting these national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency, with a view to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. As we commemorate the first anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme, which has provided greater transparency and predictability in trade, I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the

March, up from 53.7 in February and above the 50.0 no-change mark for the fourth consecutive month. Moreover, the latest improvement in business conditions in the private sector was solid and the most marked since the start of 2024.

Also, Oil & Gas companies benefited from the federal government’s reforms in the sector, a critical factor that impacted on their revenue. For the cement companies, the hike in prices to an average N10,000/bag boosted revenue

In its unaudited results account posted on the NGX, Seplat Energy during the period under review declared N1.22 trillion revenue, about 356.97 per cent increase over the N268.62 billion declared in corresponding period of 2024.

Nigeria Customs Service—together with our global partners—to ensuring efficient, secure, and sustainable trade operations.”

He noted that with the increasing volume of global trade, expanding global value chains, and the rise of e-commerce and Just-In-Time services, they will continue to adopt seamless mechanisms to facilitate trade.

“It has become imperative for Customs administrations to adopt mechanisms that support the seamless flow of legitimate trade. Such mechanisms are essential not only for sustaining international commerce but also for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from cross-border

MTN Nigeria Communications also reported N1.06 trillion revenue in Q1 2025, representing an increase of 40.5 per cent from N752.98 billion reported in Q1 2024.

The CEO of MTN Nigeria Communication, Mr. Karl Toriola said, “We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter of 2025, which reflects the continued execution of our strategic priorities and the resilience of demand for our services. Building on the momentum from Q4 2024, our Q1 results place us firmly on the path to restoring profitability and achieving a positive net asset position within the current financial year, while increasing our investments to improve network and service quality.

“Challenging but improving

trade,” he said.

Speaking, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, said cooperation with Nigeria in the energy sector specifically, technical expertise has proven instrumental in developing renewable energy policies, supporting rural mini-grid establishment, and enhancing nationwide energy efficiency standards.

Wagner, represented by Head of Programme, Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), Duke Benjamin, said that, collaborative effort between them and NCS have significantly improved operations.

“Our collaborative sensitization programmes for importers and

operating conditions Although macroeconomic uncertainties persist, we are encouraged by the relative stability of the naira during the period and the moderation in inflation following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January 2025. The exchange rate remained relatively stable at N1,537/US$ at the end of March 2025, while reported inflation was 24.2 per cent.”

Dangote Cement came third in the top three firm with highest revenue in Q1 2025, generating N994.7billion in Q1 2025, about 22 per cent increase from N817.35billion declared in Q1 2024.

customs officers on renewable energy and energy efficient technologies classification and valuation have significantly improved operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. Complementing these efforts, your digital reforms in documentation and processing have accelerated trade in sustainable energy products throughout Nigeria,” he said.

For the Vice Consul, Economic and Cultural Affairs , Consulate General of the Republic of Germany, Jochen Schindelarz, coordinated effort is required for sustainable energy.

Brand Finance Rates UBA Strongest Nigerian Brand, 13th Banking Brand Globally

Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation consultancy, has rated United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) as the strongest financial institution in Nigeria for 2025, and becoming 13th strongest banking brand globally among the top 500 banking brands.

The Brand Finance in an independent report revealed that the Pan-African financial institution

moved from 9th spot to become the strongest Nigerian Brand with a covets score of 92.4/100 and corresponding AAA+ Rating.

According to Brand Finance, the Nigeria 25, 2025 ranking highlights considerable shifts in the country’s strongest brands, with banking brands rising through the ranks to dominate the top 10.

The top 10 firms are: Access Holdings Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company

Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. Others are UBA, First Holdco Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holding Company Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Glo.

“This demonstrates a growing recognition of the sector’s resilience and adaptability, particularly as financial services play an increasingly crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economy forward,” the firm explained.

On UBA becoming the strongest

Nigerian brand, Brand Finance explained that, “United Bank for Africa has risen from ninth position in 2024 to become the strongest Nigerian brand in 2025, with a BSI score of 92.4/100 and a corresponding AAA+ rating, the highest accolade for brand strength awarded by Brand Finance.

“UBA performs strongly across all key research metrics, earning notably high scores in brand familiarity, preference, and

Nigeria’s Gross External Reserves Peak at Two-month High of $38.38bn

Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria’s gross external reserves climbed to a two-month high of $38.38 billion on May 16, 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This marks the highest level since early March, 2025 and follows a consistent five-day streak of daily growth in the reserve position.

The recent upward trend began on May 9, when reserves stood at $38.12 billion. By May 12, the figure had risen to $38.21 billion. It continued to gain, reaching $38.30 billion on May 14 and $38.33 billion on May 15, before closing the week at $38.38

billion on May 16.

This steady increase reflects a net gain of over $260 million within a single week and signals a modest improvement in Nigeria’s external buffers.

This growth comes after several weeks of downward movement that had kept reserves in the $37 billion range for most of April and early May. On May 8, the reserves were recorded at $38.01 billion, while on May 7 and 6, they hovered around $38.09 billion and $38.10 billion, respectively. Just a few days earlier, on May 2, the level was $38.01 billion, showing limited movement before the recent pickup.

Throughout April, Nigeria’s reserves maintained a relatively flat trajectory but largely stayed below $38 billion. On April 30, gross reserves were at $37.93 billion. They fell slightly to $37.79 billion by April 25 and stood at $37.83 billion on April 22.

Earlier in the month, April 15 saw the figure at $37.91 billion, while April 10 registered a slight increase to $38.03 billion. The highest point in April was observed on the 4th, when reserves rose to $38.13 billion, before slipping to $38.17 billion by April 2.

March witnessed steeper declines. On March 28, reserves were at $38.31

billion, down from $38.57 billion as of March 20. This represented a drop of over $260 million in just under two weeks. The trajectory between late February and early March further confirmed the weakening trend. The year began on a strong note, with reserves above $40 billion through much of January. The highest point was recorded on January 20 at $40.15 billion. However, by February 18, reserves had dropped to $38.82 billion, shedding more than $1.3 billion in a single month. The losses continued into March, with reserves falling to $38.35 billion by March 7 and further dipping as the month progressed.

Sanlam, Allianz Insurance Nigeria Conclude Merger Talks

Ebere Nwoji

Global insurance, non-banking and finance giants, Sanlam and Allianz Nigeria, have concluded talks on merger of their operations in Nigeria.

This, according to the firms, follows a wave of coordinated digital communication activities which have been going on between the two. Currently, there are strong indications of completion of the expected merger of their operations in Nigeria.

The firms, which have already merged operations in 27 African countries, including Ghana and

Rwanda, under the SanlamAllianz banner, are now widely believed to be ramping up their alliance in Nigeria as the next significant step in their partnership.

Recent posts on both companies’ digital platforms featuring their logos side-by-side and joint thematic messaging have drawn attention across financial and business circles.

The coordinated activity mirrors pre-merger patterns observed in other African markets where their collaboration was subsequently formalised.

A statement from the two firms

said the partnership has taken concrete shape in countries like Ghana, where existing operations have been unified and rebranded under the SanlamAllianz name.

The goal has been to offer more relevant, inclusive, and tech-forward financial solutions for individuals and businesses in these markets.

The statement noted that Nigeria was the continent’s most populous nation and its largest economy, yet despite recent progress, its insurance penetration remained under one percent.

It noted that in 2023, the industry

crossed the N1 trillion gross written premium mark for the first time, indicating untapped potential and growing consumer interest in financial protection.

Given these dynamics, the statement said Nigeria was a natural next step in the SanlamAllianz expansion journey.

“The presence of both logos in coordinated messaging has been read as a signal of intent. Both brands already operate in Nigeria, and a merger of local operations would represent a formidable alliance and substantial consolidation,” it stated.

Motor Insurance: Stakeholder, Operators Kick off Awareness Campaign

Nwoji

In a deliberate effort to ensure broader understanding of

awareness campaign tagged, “Third-Party

Get It,

It.” The campaign, which kicked off in Lagos, is spearheaded by the Insurers’ Committee through its Communication and Stakeholders Management Sub-committee. Insurers’ committee is the biggest committee of the insurance sector made up of all insurance underwriting

Chief Executive Officers and Management staff of National Insurance Committee (NAICOM).

Speaking at a press briefing to announce the campaign take off, the sub-committee head and Managing Director Rex Insurance Limited, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, said the three-week initiative would complement ongoing enforcement efforts by the Nigeria Police and drive mass

sensitisation across the country.

“The aim is to educate motorists on the importance of buying authentic third-party insurance, where to get them, and how to verify their validity. The public should know that third-party policies can be verified instantly and are legally accepted across all ECOWAS countries. You don’t need to buy another policy once you cross borders,” she said.

consideration, indicating strong consumer trust and loyalty. Notably, the bank scores exceptionally well on price acceptance, outperforming other leading African peers - such as Capitec in South Africa and Equity Bank in Kenya - on this metric.”

The report added that, “During this past year, UBA has prioritised digital banking, innovation, and technology investments, which are crucial drivers of brand strength in Africa’s banking sector. The focus is aimed at improving the customer experience and deepening engagement with consumers going forward.”

Commenting on the ranking, the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, UBA, Alero Ladipo in a statement said, “This year’s ranking is no

coincidence; it is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investments, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. We remain steadfast in our mission to adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring we consistently deliver exceptional value and keep our customers delighted. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.” Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), has inducted 42 commodities brokers, increasing the number of practitioners to over 300 through its capacity-building initiatives aimed at deepening the talent pool in the commodities ecosystem.

Among the new inductees in the 5th series, were the Registrar and Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Ayorinde Adeonipekun and a Monarch in Osun State, Oba Jacob Esan.

In his welcome address, Chairman of Induction Committee and Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sam Onukwue challenged the inductees to develop innovative products and specialize in different asset classes.

“I urge you to unleash your creativity by developing products that will attract high net worth investors and create value for all stakeholders . The future growth of the exchange depends significantly on your ability to innovate , educate and advocate for the commodities market .

“As the market evolves, consider specializing in different asset classes to deepen your expertise and enhance your value proposition to clients.

The Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the commodities market,” Onukwue said.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, the Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama,

congratulated the inductees on the new certification and urged them to leverage their expertise to deepen the commodities space. Agama, who was represented by the Director of the Lagos liaison office of the Commission, Mr. John Briggs advised the inductees to study the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 to understand their roles and obligations as commodities brokers in order to avert sanction . The LCFE’s Managing Director, Akin Akeredolu-Ale, emphasised the pivotal role commodities brokers play in Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

He said, “We are expanding our strategic relationship with all stakeholders in the commodities value chain to create sustainable benefits for the entire ecosystem. Our collective efforts are geared toward putting Nigeria on the global revenue map and enhancing the flow of foreign currency into our economy. To our inductees today, you are joining a distinguished community of professionals at a pivotal moment.”

The 13th President and Chairman of Council, CIS, Oluropo Dada, represented by a Council Member, Nkoli Edoka, expressed optimism that commodities brokers would enhance the development of the commodities ecosystem.

Dada also congratulated the Board and Management of LCFE on its strategic focus to ensure that commodities sector contribute to the Gross Domestic Product

Nigeria.

Ebere

Kayode Tokede

(GDP) in

L–R: Deputy General Manager, Business Development, Scib Nigeria & Co. Ltd., Gboyega Olanbiwoninu; Managing Director, Leadway Assurance, Gboyega Lesi; President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Prince Babatunde Oguntade; and Senior Sales Executive, Leadway Assurance, Olawale Alao, at a dinner held in honour of the Doyen of Insurance in Nigeria, Olola Olabode Ogunlana, who was presented with an International Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) Conference in Manchester, United Kingdom… recently

Assessing Nigeria’s Shifting Oil, Gas Landscape

On May 29, President Bola Tinubu will mark the halfway point into his tenure. Midway into his first term, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, a long-standing cornerstone of the nation’s economy, stands at a critical juncture.  Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has embarked on a series of policy reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at revitalising the industry, enhancing revenue generation, and attracting foreign investment.  But in the midst of some crowning moments, there still remain mountains of challenges. Emmanuel Addeh examines the strides and struggles in the last two years.

When President Bola Tinubu campaigned for the presidency, he pledged bold reforms to transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, from ending fuel subsidies and boosting local refining capacity to restructuring the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) for transparency and efficiency.

Tinubu outlined an ambitious agenda to overhaul the sector. He promised to phase out fuel subsidies, incentivise investment in domestic refining, unlock the full potential of gas as a transition fuel, and ensure the national oil company operated with profitability under the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Two years into his administration, the sector remains both a pillar of economic hope and a flashpoint for public scrutiny, remaining the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and sitting at the centre of both high expectations and persistent structural challenges.

In the wake of those promises, his administration swiftly took major steps, most notably, the controversial but decisive removal of fuel subsidies in his first week in office. The move was hailed by economists as long overdue but met with public backlash due to the immediate rise in transportation and living costs. Meanwhile, efforts to boost local refining by the rehabilitation of state-owned refineries have made headlines, but questions remain.

Halfway through Tinubu’s tenure, questions persist: Has the administration delivered on its reformist outlook? Are investments increasing? Is the NNPC transforming into a truly national oil company? And perhaps most crucially, are Nigerians seeing the promised benefits of a restructured energy economy?

The answers to these questions may not be as straightforward as many would want, whether in terms of policy actions, implementation outcomes, stakeholder reactions, and the broader impact on national revenue, energy security, and the daily lives of Nigerians.

But what cannot be denied is that there has been a systematic and methodical push by the Tinubu administration to overhaul the sector, reduce bottlenecks to growth, put round pegs in round holes, depoliticise critical sector decisions and make the general oil business environment more attractive for both local and foreign investment.

Broadly speaking, Tinubu’s targets for the immediate overseers of the oil and gas sector were to increase crude oil production, accelerate completion of ongoing critical gas projects, increase local production of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, naphtha  and others by ensuring availability of crude for domestic refining. He also directed them to facilitate an increase in gas production, especially for power, industrial and domestic uses as well as initiate and implement citizens and stakeholder engagement sessions to communicate government activities which will serve as a feedback mechanism.

Raising Oil Output

Nigeria has experienced a notable increase in crude oil production over the past year, largely due to enhanced security measures and strategic government initiatives aimed at curbing oil theft and boosting output.

The Nigerian government has set an ambitious goal to increase crude oil production to circa 3 million bpd

President BolaTinubu

by December 2025.  Achieving this target is deemed crucial for meeting the nation’s budgetary requirements and enhancing economic stability.

Indeed, there have been some improvements. In 2024, the daily average of crude oil production (without condensate) stood at 1.34 million bpd and 1.56 million bpd inclusive of condensate, with the highest monthly production of 1.69 million bpd in November, and the lowest of 1.23 million bpd in March 2024. Nigeria therefore produced a total of 566.8 million barrels of crude oil and condensate in 2024 as follows: January: 1.64 mbpd; February: 1.53 mbpd; March: 1.44 mbpd; April: 1.45 mbpd; May: 1.47 mbpd; June: 1.50 mbpd; July: 1.53 mbpd; August: 1.57 mbpd; September: 1.54 mbpd; October: 1.54 mbpd; November: 1.69 mbpd and December: 1.67 mbpd.

Besides in 2025, Nigeria hit a milestone in January, recording a production of 1,73 mbpd; while in February, March and April, output data were: 1.67 mbpd; 1.60mbpd and 1.68 mbpd respectively.

Although a lot more needs to be done, this showed a relatively consistent increase in crude oil production over the year 2023 where the daily average of crude oil production (without condensate) was 1.23 million bpd and 1.47 million bpd inclusive of condensate. With these numbers, the country retained its position as the largest oil producer in Africa.

Growing Gas Production

In this area, the objective was to meet the rising demand for power, including industrial and domestic

scandalous. The way things are moving, there may not be any opposition come 2027. How sad!

To make sure we are firing at the same target- a few definitions are necessary: The new Penguin English Dictionary defines harlotry as a female prostitute. In Nigeria we also include male prostitutes. The internet is less charitable and defines harlotry as the practice of prostitution or uninhabited sexual behavior.

The Albatross on the other hand is a web-footed seabird with a large wing span which makes it difficult for the bird to fly.

It is more than 60 years since 1st Oct, 1960 and Nigeria is yet to fly at all. The current political goings-on must send shivers down the spine of anybody who has interest in the survival of democracy (or any variant of it) and by extrapolation to the rest of Africa. One gets the impression some people are determined to auction Nigeria for less than 30 pieces of silver.

The current treacherous practice where some state governors with their cabinet and members of House of Assembly move like sheep from the party that elected them to the ruling party is not only shameful also

The blame must be squally placed on the shoulders of so-called educated elites who are betraying Nigeria that trained them. There is neither integrity nor vision not to talk of conviction.

No wonder Nigeria is drooling along and a crash is inevitable unless there is a change of trajectory. Democracy must not let this happen. The great Winston Churchill said democracy is still the best and preferred form of government until we try those systems where the gun is supreme.

For better understanding, let us recap a few years back. Carpet crossing started after the regional elections in 1954 when in the Western Region, the party that won the election (NCNC) suddenly found itself as the opposition because the Action Group under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo brought the NCNC parliamentarians.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe had to go back to the East where they now tried to force the Professor Eyi Ita Government to resign. When they refused, they were labeled “sit tight ministers”.

uses. The total gas production in 2024 stood at 2,508,327.51 (mmscf), comprising 1,440,742.48 mmscf for associated gas and 1,067,585.02 mmscf for non-associated gas.This was an increase from the 2,491,481 mmscf recorded in 2023.

In the same vein, The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund Council (MDGIF) in line with Section 52 of PIA 2021, also approved seed investment in six projects to the tune of N122 billion that will accelerate Nigeria’s “Gas to Prosperity Agenda” across various parts of the country.

This was a critical first step and it is expected that more approvals and project monitoring will be carried out to ensure these projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Besides, there was the commissioning of the AHL Gas processing plant; ANOH Gas processing plant; and the 23.3kmx36 inch ANOH-OB3 gas pipeline projects in Delta and Imo states, projects expected to enhance Nigeria’s domestic gas processing capacity, ensuring that more natural gas can be processed and utilised for both domestic consumption and industrial use.

The construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline and Oben-ObrikomObiafu (OB3) Projects is also ongoing. The projects are primarily focused on boosting domestic gas supply, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing energy security. Specifically, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Natural Gas Pipeline and Oben-Obrikom-Obiafu (OB3) projects were at about 76.73 per cent and 98.47 per cent completion at the end 2024, according to information available to THISDAY.

The completion of the AKK and OB3 Gas pipeline projects is expected to help to ensure a more reliable and sustainable supply of natural gas across the country. This is crucial for both economic development and environmental sustainability.

Restarting PH, Warri Refineries

The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have been central to Nigeria’s efforts to revitalise its domestic refining capacity, although both facilities have faced some challenges in their recent rehabilitation and operational phases.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery resumed operations in 2024 after undergoing extensive rehabilitation. The refinery has a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), with the old plant processing 60,000 bpd and the new plant 150,000 bpd. It’s currently partially functional.

On the other hand, the Warri Refinery also resumed operations after over half a decade-long closure. The refinery has an operational capacity of 125,000 bpd. The NNPC has confirmed that the refinery currently works at 60 per cent capacity.

Capacity Development

Working in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the ministry of petroleum has prioritised the completion of the Centre for Skills Development and Training (CSDT) in Port Harcourt, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to technical and vocational training for Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.

That government had some brilliant minds such as A.C Nwapa who baptized his favorite Jonnie Walker Whisky golden water; R.I Uzoma, one of the earliest advocates of universal education; Dr Okoli Arikpo, who later became a federal minister. This rot progressively continued until 1965 when we had the “Wetie Election” when people were doused in petrol and set ablaze. This was a precursor to the January 15th 1966 coup. General Ibrahim Babangida recently at his book launching told Nigerians that January 1966 coup was not an Ibo coup. Nigerians must be circumspect and discerning because “the ides of elections” is around the corner. Electioneering is gradually supplanting governance.

Nations can be likened to a piece of metal. You can apply as much tension as you like but it will get to a point when the metal can no longer take more beating and it snaps. This is the elastic limit. People of a nation can absorb so much suffering and but also get to a point when the endurance stops. There are irrefutable laws of physics and life.

Of the bills, I introduced during my brief stint in the House of Representatives, two stand out. The first is to make it compulsory for any member who wants to flip

CSDT offers hands-on training programmes in pipeline maintenance, offshore operations, safety, and environmental management, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. The project is expected to be completed in December, 2025.

The centre is meant to enhance Nigeria’s local workforce capacity, reduce reliance on expatriates, and promote local content development, aligning with the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) objectives.

Besides, the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK) in Kaduna strengthens Nigeria’s local content aspirations by equipping students with practical, industry-relevant knowledge and skills.

The current administration has championed the completion of the college, a premier institution focused on training future industry leaders and technical experts. CPESK offers specialised programmes in upstream, midstream, downstream, and renewable energy technologies. It is set to commence full operations by July 2025.

Petroleum Supply Stability

In this vein, the Tinubu administration seeks to prevent fuel scarcity, ensure nationwide product availability, and reduce smuggling. The scarcity of petrol now appears to be a thing of the past. Through close monitoring of the downstream sector and proactive interventions, the government ensured stable petroleum product supply across Nigeria. The ministry, through coordination with NNPC, marketers, and regulatory bodies, has ensured seamless refining, distribution, and pricing stability. This was further strengthened by the Crude-forNaira policy with Dangote Refinery which mandates the transaction of crude oil and refined petroleum products in Naira. The objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s economic sovereignty, enhancing local refining capacity, and stabilising the foreign exchange market by reducing the demand for dollars in domestic petroleum transactions.

Strengthening Community Relations

By addressing grievances and ensuring host communities benefit directly from oil operations, the ministry of petroleum has fostered peace and operational stability, prioritising building trust between oil companies and host communities through consistent engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and community development projects.

Most communities now have their Host Community funds set up and they are assessing it right now. This improved relationship reduced pipeline vandalism and production disruptions, ensuring smooth operations. This community-centered approach strengthens Nigeria’s social license for oil operations, aligning with the PIA’s emphasis on sustainable community development.

Policy Reforms

In terms of policy reforms, the government says its agenda is to accelerate full implementation of the PIA and implement additional favourable policies to attract investment in deepwater assets.

from party A to party B to go back to the constituency and face a by-election. It is when he wins that he can return to the house. That did not progress because as some friends of mine later told me it was like shooting in the foot. Many of them will go where the price is highest. Terrible for a country.

The second important bill was to make education compulsory and mandatory up till SS3. If a parent refuses to send his child to school we shall put him in prison. The sage Nelson Mandela said education is the strongest weapon we can use to change society. This bill was very well received and went through first and second reading and public hearing. Due to the very slow pace of processing, it didn’t get to the statute book before life of that parliament expired. It may take up 25 years to get to that level and also to meet 40% budgetary allocation to education as recommended by UNESCO. Until we achieve this, all the palliative and tinkering now going on are like a conversation between the deaf and dumb and nothing but hog wash. Development or stagnation? The choice is clear and well-defined. It is as simple as that.

•Rt. Hon. Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe writes from Abuja

Eddie Mbadiwe

ICIEC, Credendo Sign MoU to Expand Risk‑sharing Capacity in OIC Markets

Sunday Okobi in Algiers

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Credendo on the sideline of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

The agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, and the Deputy General Manager and Head of Sales and Account Management at Credendo, Mr. Jean-Paul Steenbeke, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions and delegates at the annual meeting.

The MoU, according to them, establishes a framework to enhance cooperation in credit insurance and reinsurance by developing new risk-sharing schemes that enable larger trade transactions for multinational corporations operating in ICIEC Member States. It

The

also seeks to reinforce joint underwriting capacity, introduce shared retention models, and formalise coordination through a Joint Working Group, while safeguarding confidentiality and remaining non-binding.

In his remark, CEO of ICIEC, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla said: “Partnering Credendo strengthens our ability to de-risk trade and investment flows across our member states. By combining our Shariah-compliant risk mitigation expertise with Credendo’s global reach, we can mobilise greater capacity for transformative transactions and accelerate sustainable growth in high-potential markets.”

Speaking, Mr. Jean-Paul Steenbeke: said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our longstanding partnership with ICIEC. Together, we have supported businesses in ICIEC Member States, fostering trade growth and economic development. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration and exploring new opportunities.”

He disclosed that the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance

of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) commenced operations in 1994 with a mission to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investment through credit and investment insurance.

According to him, “The Corporation is the world’s only Islamic multilateral insurer, and has been at the forefront of delivering a comprehensive suite of risk mitigation tools to support cross-border trade and investments for its 50 Member States.

“For the 17th consecutive year, ICIEC maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating (IFSR) from Moody’s, positioning the Corporation among the leaders in the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. In addition, ICIEC was assigned a first-time ‘AA-‘ long-term Issuer Credit Rating with a Stable Outlook by S&P. ICIEC’s resilience is anchored in its prudent underwriting practices, robust reinsurance arrangements, and sound risk management framework.

Alternative Bank Revolutionises Digital Transfers With Initiative

The Alternative Bank (Altbank) is set to redefine the rewards space in Nigerian banking, as it launched a new campaign that allows users to earn real Gold simply by transacting through its innovative digital banking platform, Altbank.

The campaign, tagged, “Altbank Gold Rewards,” will run until the end of 2025 and aims to promote awareness and adoption of the bank’s mobile application, while rewarding users with tokenized Gold (small units of real Gold, stored digitally in the app) for performing routine financial transactions.

“For every interbank transfer,

Access

Holdings

that is, transfers to other financial institutions made through the Altbank app, users automatically receive one gold token, equivalent to 25 micrograms of Gold. These tokens accumulate in the user’s in-app wallet and can be liquidated into Naira at the prevailing market rate for Gold on the day of liquidation. It is an unusual proposition in a market dominated by airtime giveaways, cashback offers, and discounts,” it said in a statement.

According to the bank, the initiative is part of its wider strategy to attract financially and digitally savvy users who are looking for more value and

long-term benefits from their banking relationships.

“This is not your typical loyalty program,” Mohammed Yunusa, Director, Digital Business and Innovations, said. “We are literally putting real value in the hands of our users, one transfer at a time. The goal is to create a direct, tangible benefit for simple actions people are already doing, sending money.”

Beyond the Gold rewards, he said the Altbank app also allows users to send and receive funds, pay bills, purchase airtime and data, and request both virtual and physical debit cards.

Sets Benchmark in Fraud Prevention With Tech Investment

As global financial fraud surges to over $485 billion in annual losses, Access Holdings Plc is setting a new standard in Africa’s banking industry through aggressive and strategic investment in technology aimed at combating the growing threat. With Nigeria’s financial sector experiencing a spike in digital fraud, particularly through mobile and online channels, Access Holdings has emerged as a front-runner in fraud prevention through innovation.

In 2024, Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, recorded a landmark N193.5 billion ($120.5 million) in technology investments, a 147% increase

over the previous year and the highest IT spend in Nigeria’s banking industry. This bold move has paid off significantly.

The Group reported a 73% drop in fraud-related losses, falling from N6.15 billion in 2023 to just N1.64 billion in 2024.

“Our customers’ trust is our most valuable asset,” said Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc. “In a world of rising digital risks, we have chosen to lead with innovation and resilience. Our sustained investment in cybersecurity, AI-driven fraud detection, and biometric authentication is delivering real results, and

reinforcing confidence in our digital banking platforms.”

Globally, banks like JPMorgan Chase are increasing technology budgets to combat fraud, with a record $17 billion in 2024.

Nigeria is not left behind. Among local peers, Access Holdings has demonstrated the strongest correlation between strategic tech spending and measurable fraud reduction.

Access Holdings’ investments include AI-driven transaction monitoring, biometric verification systems, enhanced core banking upgrades, and real-time fraud analytics, all designed to detect and respond to threats with speed and precision.

AQT to Foster Business Empowerment, Global Music Collaboration

Sunday Ehigiator

In a first-of-its-kind event, Houston-based Nigerian Afrofusion artist and entrepreneur, Abdul Quam Tadese (AQT), recently launched ‘Camp Lagos’, an innovative initiative designed to promote business empowerment and global music collaboration between African and international music industry professionals.

The event brought together a diverse group of artists, executives, and industry experts for

an immersive experience focused on music production, cultural exchange, and business strategy.

AQT, in partnership with Scorp, a multi-platinum American producer, created a multifaceted program that extended beyond music production to provide critical guidance on music business laws, contracts, and intellectual property.

The camp’s creative roster featured an impressive lineup of talent from the African music scene, including Ayanfe, Ceeza Milli, and Tunde Phoenix.

Executives from Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa also participated, sharing their expertise on artist development and strategic planning.

In a statement, AQT said, “The creative roster featured an impressive lineup of talent from the African music scene.

Ayanfe, a standout affiliated with Davido’s DMW collective, contributed his melodic finesse.

Ceeza Milli, a well-respected singer-songwriter closely linked with Wizkid, added lyrical depth.

Saharan Blend

(Gabon),

Basrah

(Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

Neimeth Grows Sales by 86% to N1.21bn in Q1 2025

Kayode Tokede

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc has said that it recorded strong growth in sales and profitability in the first quarter, raising optimism that the company would achieve impressive performance in the 2025 business year.

Interim report and accounts of Neimeth for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025

released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that turnover rose by 86 per cent from N648.26 million in first quarter 2024 to N1.21 billion in first quarter 2025.

Gross profit increased from N505.11 million to N639.72 million, a 27 per cent increase. Operating profit doubled by 114 per cent from N210.14 million in first quarter 2024 to N449.87 million in first

quarter 2025.

Profit after tax rose from N77.65 million to N115.76 million, representing a 49 per cent increase. Earnings per share thus improved from 2.0 kobo to 3.0 kobo.

The balance sheet of the Company also improved considerably with total assets rising from N11.99 billion by December 31, 2024 to N12.41 billion by March 2025.

Shareholders’ funds rose from N1.65 billion in December 2024 to N1.77 billion by March 2025.

Managing Director/ CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals., Pharm. J. Valentine Okelu, said the first quarter results showed the continuing growth in the company’s business amidst ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at boosting sales and

cutting costs.

He said the Company remains focused on implementing its five-year strategic plan, which is aimed to consolidate the Company’s operations as a dominant brand out of Africa.

“We remain focused on our 2025-2029 strategic growth plan. The first quarter 2025 results lay out our path towards substantial growth in

revenue and profit. We will pursue these strategic goals with vigour, building strong partnerships and leveraging market opportunities to drive sustainable expansion,” Okelu said.

He assured that the Company is making concerted efforts to create value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader healthcare industry.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF m A y/20/25

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19 May-2025, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

L-R: Member, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN),  Prof. Nelson Alino; President, BRIPAN,  Chimezie Victor Ihekweazu (SAN); and Co-chair Special Projects Committee, BRIPAN,  Amala Umeike, at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group V (Insolvency Law) Session in New York, USA… recently

L-R: Director, AREWA24 Studio Productions, Aisha Lawal; CEO, AREWA24, Celestine Umeibe; Kannywood veteran/Special Adviser to the Kano State Government on Youth and Sports Development, Sani Danja; and Producer, Climate Change Africa Show, Zainab Aliyu during the AREWA24 environmental sustainability with CSR Initiative in Kano State…recently:

CEO, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim, and DG, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbeleyi, during the oversight visit of the Committee to Egbin Power Plant in Ikorodu, Lagos… recently

Chairman, Welfare Committee, Ijebu Boys Convention 2025, Otunba

,

Boys Convention 2025 in Lagos… recently

L-R,

L-R;

Niyi Awonaike;

President, Mr Olagbuyi Oduniyi;, Chairman Infrastructure Development Committee, Mr Olutola Ashiru and, Head, Media, Omoba Adetola Odusote all of Ijebu Boys Association during the press conference, Flagging off the Maiden edition of the 5-Days Ijebu

L-R; Chief Executive All Occasions Events Rentals , Bolaji Makanyiola;  MD Relish Events Rentals , Olayinka Thomas; Chief Executive Jason David Rentals, Taiwo Oderinlo; MD Stylista Events and Rentals , Mrs Bunmi Adeboye; MD Kart Events and Rentals , Mrs Okunade Damilola; MD Luxury Rentals By Berry , Mrs Bukola Uviase at Rental Professionals Society of Nigeria annual general meeting held in Yaba, Lagos… recently

L-R: Member, Order of Preacher (OP) of Dominican, Fr. Rapheal Ameh; Representative of Hale and Hearty,Mr.  Chika  Agughasi;2nd Winner, Music and Chorale Competition, Rev. Fr. Felix Isedu; Coordinator, The Trinity Chorale and 1st Winner, Nnamdi John Amadi;Coordinator, SS Peter and Paul Choir and  3rd Winner, Chison Umeh; Director, Dominican Media, Rev. Fr. Judemary Owoh;and  Rev.Fr. Felix Boateng, during the presentation of  prizes to the winners of  Music and Chorale Competition tagged   ‘’Easter Glory 2025’’ organised by Dominican Media held in Yaba, Lagos… ecently

Spotlight on Neveah Limited’s Grit to Glory Trajectory

Neveah Limited, a leading Nigerian export and commodity trading company, has earned a prestigious spot on the Financial Times 2025 list of Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies, ranking 21st overall and 1st in the Metals and Mining category. Precious Ugwuzor writes that this recognition highlights Neveah’s remarkable growth, strategic resilience, and unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness

Neveah Limited, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s export and commodity trading sector, has been ranked 21st on the 2025 edition of the Financial Times Africa’s FastestGrowing Companies list, and notably, 1st in the Metals and Mining category. This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, affirming its position as one of the continent’s most dynamic and resilient enterprises.

Founded with a bold vision to transform Africa’s participation in global trade, Neveah has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth, strategic agility, and a deep commitment to innovation. The company’s rise to prominence is not merely a story of numbers, but one of purpose-driven leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, Neveah has expanded its footprint across international markets, strengthened its operational capabilities, and delivered consistent year-on-year revenue growth, all while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and value creation.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is the context in which it was realized. In a period marked by economic uncertainty, currency volatility, and inflationary pressures, Neveah not only weathered the storm but thrived. The company made a bold and forward-looking investment in a multi-billion naira aluminum and copper recycling plant, an ambitious project that underscores its commitment to industrial innovation and environmental stewardship. This strategic move, while capital-intensive, reflects Neveah’s long-term vision to drive sustainable development and create highimpact opportunities within Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

Despite the challenges posed by the fluctuating naira and broader macroeconomic instability, Neveah’s performance has

remained resilient. Its ability to maintain momentum and deliver value in such a volatile environment speaks volumes about the strength of its leadership, its workforce's dedication, and its business model's soundness.

According to Ibidapo Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of Neveah Limited,

“This recognition by the Financial Times is a powerful validation of our journey. It reflects not just our growth, but our grit. We are proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Our mission remains clear: to build a globally competitive African enterprise that delivers value, empowers communities,

and champions sustainability.”

As Neveah looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, impact, and inclusive growth. The company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, proving that with vision, resilience, and integrity, African businesses can lead on the global stage, even in the most challenging times.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Commends Charterhouse Lagos on Outstanding Educational Vision

Charterhouse Lagos on Friday, 09, May 2025 welcomed His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, on a special visit to its state-of-the-art campus in Ogombo.

The Governor was accompanied by a distinguished delegation including Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube; Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Muslim Abiodun Ogunbo, Oba of Ogombo, among other esteemed dignitaries.

Together, they experienced first-hand the world-class learning environment and exceptional educational standards that Charterhouse Lagos offers.

During a guided tour of the school’s cutting-edge facilities, the Governor engaged with students, responded to their thoughtful questions, and lauded the school’s learnerfocused approach to education.

“It’s clearly a wonderful educational institution, well thought out and deeply learnercentred,” said Governor SanwoOlu. “What Charterhouse Lagos has done is place the students at the heart of everything. You can see from every detail that the environment has been intentionally created to

support true learning. It is a place where pupils thrive, and where parents can feel confident that meaningful education is taking place.”

He added, “As a government, we commend this level of private sector investment in educational infrastructure. There’s room for both public and private

contributions, and it’s important that we work together to build a strong educational ecosystem. I’m here to show support and will be closely watching the progress made by Charterhouse Lagos.”

John Todd, Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, expressed gratitude for the visit, saying: “It was an absolute

honour to host His Excellency and other distinguished guests. Our mission has always been to deliver a transformative learning experience, one that nurtures curiosity, character, and global mindedness. Today’s visit reinforces our belief that great education is a shared responsibility.”

Angela Hencher, Chief Operations Officer, also reflected on the milestone: “Charterhouse Lagos is more than a school, it is a statement of commitment to excellence. We are proud to be part of the educational transformation taking place in Nigeria, West Africaand excited about what the future holds for our students, families, and the wider community.”

The visit marks a significant moment in the journey of Charterhouse Lagos, as it continues to redefine educational standards in Nigeria, blending British heritage with a bold, modern vision for learning.

L-R: Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube; His Royal Majesty, Oba Muslim Abiodun Ogunbo, Oba of Ogombo; Director of Education, Charterhouse Lagos, John Todd; His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Chief Operations Officer, Charterhouse Lagos, Angela Hencher; Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun and Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi

INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK

L–R: Managing Director of Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Dr. Olabanjo Obalaye; Executive Director of Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Dr. Nkechi Bibilari; Company Secretary, Mrs. Tolu Osho; Board Chairman of Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Okwa Ene Iyana; Managing Director and CEO of Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Ngozi Glory Chukwu; during the

TIME Names Aliko Dangote among

World’s Top 100 Philanthropists

Says he gives N50bn through his foundation annually

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and President/ Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has been named in the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list. The list recognises the 100 most

influential leaders shaping the future of philanthropy worldwide. Dangote is the only Nigerian on this distinguished list.

Published by TIME Magazine on Tuesday, it featured Aliko Dangote, whose Foundation spends an average of $35 million a year on programmes across Africa, alongside other global

figures in charitable work, such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates, all of whom are recognised as Titans.

Other prominent names on the list included: David Beckham; Dolly Parton; Lisa Yang; Michael Dell and Susan Dell; Tsitsi and Strive Masiyiwa; Jack Ma; Alex Soros, Prince William

and Catherine, Princess of Wales, among others.

A total of 100 influential individuals from 28 countries were honoured for their philanthropic efforts in four categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators, with Dangote emerging as one of the 23 Titans.

TIME highlighted Dangote’s

Egwu Counters Wike, Says You Won’t Produce Another Governor After Fubara

Former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for his uncomplimentary remarks on SouthEast leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as reckless and unguarded.

South-East leaders in PDP had at a recent meeting frowned on the inability of the national leadership of the party to resolve the lingering crisis over the position of the National Secretary of the party, threatening that it would be compelled to reconsider its relationship with the party if the stalemate is not resolved.

However, while reacting to what was supposed to be the collective position of South-East PDP, Wike descended into name-calling by singling out Sam Egwu and Achike Udenwa for vilification.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike had dismissed the threat from South-East PDP as empty, wondering why former governors like Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu who produced neither governors nor

National Assembly members and could not deliver three percent of votes in their states to the PDP should threaten the party.

Egwu said he was embarrassed by Wike’s vitriol and wondered why the collective decision of PDP leaders of the South-East should be narrowed down to one or two persons.

In a statement, Egwu said Wike’s aggression was misplaced and uncalled for. He reminded the former Rivers State governor that he produced his successor while leaving office in 2007.

Egwu held further that if Wike is beating his chest as someone who produced a governor in his state, it is simply because he left office as governor less than two years ago.

He said Wike is living on borrowed time as his influence will soon burn out.

He challenged Wike to make it possible for the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to return to office and see whether he (Wike) will be in a position to produce the next governor of his state in the near future.

According to Egwu, Wike did nothing extraordinary by producing his successor. He reminded Wike again that he (Egwu) did not just produce his successor in 2007, he, eight years after leaving office as governor, played a leading role in producing the governor that succeeded Martin Elechi, his immediate successor.

He also said that Wike’s boastfulness was misplaced, describing it as the effusions of a new comer who thinks that everything about the system is rosy.

He said Wike will begin to see clearly by the time he spends a reasonable length of time in the inclement weather of politics.

For now, he can afford to bask in the glory of his new office and the powers that come with.

He challenged Wike to give his successor the chance to operate freely just he (Egwu) did, pointing out that it was Wike’s insistence to still be in charge after leaving office that led to the political crisis in Rivers State.

Egwu’s statement read in part: “My attention has been drawn to

Senate Panel Summons NNPCL External Auditors for Shunning Invitations

Threatens arrest if fresh notice is ignored

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC) yesterday summoned the external auditors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it or risk arrest.

The threat followed the failure of the management of the four audit firms to appear before the SPAC to answer questions relating to the NNPCL financial statements from 2017 to 2023.

Chairman of SPAC, Senator Aliyu

Wadada, issued the threat at a media briefing at the National Assembly. He said it was completely unacceptable that citizens saddled with public trust would consistently breach same.

Wadada and members of his panel were visibly angry when they discovered that none of the four external auditing firms engaged by NNPCL appeared for questioning yesterday.

He lamented that despite being formally invited to clarify what the committee described as, “contentious

issues” in the NNPCL’s annual and political financial statements, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) appeared on their behalf, claiming he had been delegated to represent them.

The committee, however, rejected the appearance of the SAN, describing it as inappropriate and inconsistent with the rules of engagement. According to the committee, only the actual auditors—those who prepared the reports— were deemed fit to provide answers and clarifications.

the unsavoury remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike wherein he described the demand by South-East leaders on the national leadership of the PDP as empty.

“Particularly worrisome is Wike’s personalization of what was supposed to be the collective position of PDP stalwarts in the south east. It is in bad taste for Wike to have singled out Achike Udenwa and myself for vilification. This attack is not only embarrassing to me, it is unwarranted.

“As a political family, the PDP in the South-East zone has the right to take a position on matters that affect it, one way or the other. That was simply what we did. It is not up to Wike or any other person for that matter to use that as a launchpad for personal attacks and name-calling.

remarkable rise to wealth, having built a fortune of $23.9 billion through ventures in cement, agriculture, and oil refining in Nigeria. However, it said his philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy.

In 2014, he endowed the Aliko Dangote Foundation with $1.25 billion, with the aim of giving back to the continent that played such a key role in his success. The foundation spends on average of $35 million each year on various initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.

“Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success,” Dangote remarked, reflecting the foundation’s core priorities.

Among the foundation’s ongoing efforts is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition.

Furthermore, an earlier vaccine programme in Nigeria, developed in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others, contributed to the World Health Organisation’s 2020 declaration that polio had been eradicated from Africa, Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa and the last country to eradicate the disease.

Education is another area where Dangote is making a significant impact. He recently announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, based in Kano State.

The conglomerate has provided a wealth of infrastructural support to the country’s tertiary institutions. In 2019, the Federal Government revealed that the N1.2 billion hostel donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was the largest donation ever made by an individual to a university in Nigeria’s history at that time.

As a member of The Global Business Coalition for Education, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has also focused on early childhood education. Through the Mu Shuka Iri (Let’s Plant a Seed) programme, local women - known as “Aunties” - are trained in Montessori-style education to become community educators in Kano.

The foundation’s investments in education include providing vocational training and providing scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, in addition to offering annual fellowships through the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme.

“We need to create the next generation of African leaders,” Dangote says, underscoring his commitment to long-term societal change.

“My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago. I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact. I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist,” he added.

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has revealed it is taking strategic steps to harness the power of space science and artificial intelligence for the enhancement of national security and sustainable development.

The Service also noted that it embraces AI and Space Science not for its ease but because it understands what is at stake: “the safety of our nation, the sovereignty of our skies, and the security of our cyberspace and domains.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this disclosure at the ongoing International Colloquium on Artificial Intelligence and Space Technology, organised to commemorate the NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja. Expressing delight to join forces

with the Bradford Redunchinta la Centre for Space Artificial Intelligence, Abubakar further revealed that since the launch of Nigeria’s 25-year Space Roadmap in 2005, space science and technology have gained significant mileage, with tangible results to show, although there is a lot of room for improvement.

He said the Centre is an institution at the forefront of AI-enabled space technologies and renowned for its pioneering work in satellite systems and real-time analytics.

The CAS stated the pursuit of his vision “to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments” is an undertaking that demands partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations with

shared aspirations. According to him, “Let me assure you that the Nigerian Air Force is not resting on its oars but marching forward with stronger resolve and higher aspirations.

“The topics we shall be discussing today speak to the scale of our ambition. We begin with ‘The Employment of Space Science and Technology in a Joint Operational Environment’, followed by ‘Leveraging AI-Enabled Satellite Communication for National Security and Economic Advancement’, and conclude with ‘AI in Earth Observation Data Analytics and Intelligence Gathering.’

“Each of these topics compels us to rethink the battlefield - not as a fixed arena, but as a dynamic, data-driven environment where AI is not optional, but essential.

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Linus Aleke in Abuja

MARITIME BORDER SECURITY WORKSHOP...

L–R: Head, Border Security Management, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, Mr. Rocco Messina; Representative of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Akogun Kola Onadipe; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap; Hon. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Representative of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi; The Consul, Consulate General of Italy, Lagos, Ugo Boni; Representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Captain J.O. Okoafo; and Representative of the Director General, Department of State Services, Shehu Shehu, at the International Maritime Border Security Workshop organised by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Lagos, yesterday

Obi: If We Fail to Protect Borno,

We Fail the Idea of Nigeria Itself

Says rising insecurity in Marte calls for emergency action, hails Zulum’s courage

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the general 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, warned that “If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself”, echoing a recent alarm raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum about rising threats of invasion of parts of the state by insurgents.

Obi said the rising insecurity in Borno State, especially in the Marte area, was unsettling and called for emergency action.

He said, “I have always maintained that Nigeria works best when leadership is driven by compassion, competence, and courage. Governor Zulum has shown all three. The federal government must now do the same.

“If we fail to protect Borno, we fail the idea of Nigeria itself.”

Stating that the issue of insecurity in

in current account surplus.

Cardoso said although global output growth was expected to remain positive, despite existing and emerging headwinds, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its global growth forecast to 2.8 per cent in 2025 and 3.0 per cent in 2026, compared with 3.3 per cent in 2024 due to the uncertain policy environment.

MPC members were unanimous in their resolution to maintain close surveillance of developments in both the domestic and global environments to enable appropriate policy response to emerging shocks, the CBN governor added.

Addressing concerns that despite approvals from ratings agencies in recent times, Nigerians were yet to feel the impact of improvements in the macro economy, Cardoso assured that the reform initiatives that had been widely celebrated will “begin to yield greater results as time goes on”.

He stated, “Let me make the comment that the Fitch upgrade is particularly important because it was coming at a time when there were global economic headwinds and shocks, and there was a lot of uncertainty.

“So, it’s important for us to realise that in spite of all that, there was a move by Fitch to upgrade, and I think that is a very positive signal.

“Now, in terms of how these whole macroeconomic fundamentals are playing out in spite of the fact that there have been positive endorsements from all kinds of bodies that make it a point of duty to observe and critique the moves that various

the Marte area of Borno State “is not about politics,” Obi said, “it is about people. It is about protecting the soul of our nation. Let us act quickly, decisively, and justly.”

He commended Zulum for the courage to relocate to the troubled area, writing on his X handle that Zulum’s choice to “spend the night in a town under threat” was a “challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action”.

According to him, “The security situation in Borno State is concerning and very unsettling. What is happening in the Marte area of the state is not just a local emergency; it is a national alarm bell that must not be ignored.

‘’Governor Babagana Zulum, by choosing to spend the night in a town under threat, has once again demonstrated what leadership should look like: present, proactive,

countries are making to ensure they have stability in their economies.”

He added, “I think it’s important to say that investors and let’s face it, without investments, economies don’t grow.

“Investors don’t go to where there’s instability. So, i think that is the first thing to understand on the journey, and this is a journey.

“Investors don’t go out to invest to lose money. They go out to invest because an economy is stable, and they can plan. With that stability comes confidence, with confidence comes investment, and with investment comes growth and outputs.

“I think that’s the trajectory that you will find in all countries of the world. We obviously have been through a long period of instability.

“And I think that clearly what is being recognised is that the Nigerian economy is now stable, and there’s interest in those who want to invest to now invest.”

Cardoso said, “Clearly, the inflation numbers, they speak for themselves. The overall trajectory is in the right direction. Not one particular aspect of managing the economy is a bullet that will solve all the problems.

“It’s a multiplicity of different endeavours, and that is why the combination of the efforts that are being made and are yielding results in terms of stability—and don’t forget, the central bank is the custodian of stability in an economy.

“If you look at the exchange rate, for example, volatility has reduced from over four per cent a year ago to less than half of one per cent around now.

and people-centred. His courage is not for commendation alone; it is a challenge to those in authority to match words with decisive action.

“We cannot claim to be building a secure and united Nigeria when one

of our own, a sitting governor, is left pleading for federal support to prevent an entire local government from falling into the hands of terrorists.

‘’Over 300 communities stand exposed, while more than 20,000 of

our fellow Nigerians are displaced yet again. These are not just numbers, they are families, children, and communities whose hopes are hanging by a thread.

“Governor Zulum has raised critical concerns: that insurgents are regrouping

around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills; that Marte is on the verge of collapse; and that the window for action is closing. These are facts. And it is not enough to acknowledge them; we must respond with urgency and sincerity.”

FG: Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with the Spirit of National Anthem

Says it oppresses most vulnerable Nigerians

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has said environmental degradation was not in tandem with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem as it oppressed the

“So, that’s an indication of stability, and with the increasing collaboration between the fiscal and the monetary side the journey that we are going through will begin to yield greater results as time goes on I have no doubt about that.”

The CBN governor also addressed Naira’s depreciation amid global economic uncertainties in recent times.

Cardoso said a lot of the measures taken by CBN to stabilise the economy helped to moderate depreciation of the local currency, adding that devaluation has been modest compared to other countries during the period of global uncertainty.

He said, “I dare say that if those actions had not been taken when they were, the results would have been a lot more disastrous. So, it’s a good thing that we started these reforms early and that we stayed the course to the point where we built buffers that are able to withstand shocks that come in.

And that dovetails into your issue of reserves.

“If you look at and make the comparison between Nigeria during the last month or two when the whole issue of global tensions got heightened. Let’s face it—right now, we’re in a period of heightened uncertainty.

“And if you are all observing, you’ll find that the various currencies of the world were under attack and were having to defend themselves.

“You’ll find that relative to other countries, Nigeria came out very well engaged. We were able to ensure that our depreciation was very modest and that the stability

most vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking at the Circular and POPS-free Plastics in Africa Project Inception Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said, “As we reflect on the words of our national anthem, ‘Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed’, we must recognise that environmental degradation is indeed a form of oppression.

“It disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups in our midst and limits opportunities for future generations. This project represents our collective determination to break free from this oppression and build a Nigeria where both people and nature can thrive.”

Lawal, while declaring the workshop opened, said, “I wish to express my profound appreciation to all critical partners,who have made this initiative possible, namely: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for financial support; UN Environment, the Implementing Agency, for providing technical support; and BCCC-Africa, for its resourcefulness

in providing guidance for the project implementation.

“To NESREA, the performing environmental police in Nigeria –your commitment to environmental protection and your role as the National Executing Partner is deeply appreciated.”

He noted that Nigeria, as one of the five beneficiary-nations in Africa, has an ample opportunity to, among others: reduce the import, production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastics-containing products in the automobile, construction and electronics sectors) and the generation of unintentionally-produced POPs (UPOPs).

This he said was with their attendant burdens of pollution and morbidity in the environment, identify safe, eco-friendly and effective alternatives to POPs – containing plastics as well as suitable technologies to manage POPs-contaminated waste in an environmentally sound manner; and adopt and enforce upstream policies and financial instruments, to implement circular economy

practices and eliminate or replace problematic products with more sustainable alternatives.

He said the cross-cutting dimension of POPs Management and plastic pollution, including the magnitude of associated challenges called for collective responsibility among all sectoral stakeholders.

“It is, therefore, heartwarming to note an equitable representation of high-level policy makers, the dedicated presence of ‘Basel Centre’, the Industry, Academia, Civil Society Organisations, and our Development Partners, whose expertise, vast wealth of experience and solemn commitment wil be brought to bear in actuating successful delivery of the project.” He decried that while plastics have brought undeniable benefits to modern life, in the absence of an effective waste management strategy and circular economy system, more than three-quarters of scrap plastics get discarded and dispersed in open dumps, burnt, clog the drainage system and ultimately discharged into the marine environment as microplastics.

NUJ Boycotts Taraba Govt’s Activities over Exclusion from Covering President’s Visit

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, has announced an indefinite boycott of Taraba State Government’s activities following the shut out of its members from covering President Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.

Commissioner for Information, Zainab Jalingo, had issued a statement on Monday to emphasise that only accredited journalists would be allowed to cover the president’s visit and the Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) slated for Wednesday, 21st May, 2025.

Efforts by members of the chapel to get accredited for the event were futile as the commissioner became inaccessible.

Rising from an emergency Congress meeting held at its Secretariat in Jalingo, the Chapel condemned the government’s failure to accredit its members for the events as a calculated attempt to gag the press and a blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency.

In a resolution signed by Charles Akpeji of Guardian Newspaper, the Union described the government’s action as anti-democratic, stressing that shutting out journalists from covering government activities has

become a recurring decimal.

Subsequently, the Union said it would henceforth boycott all government activities until the government took practical steps to reverse the situation.

As part of its resolution, the Union passed a vote of no confidence on the Commissioner, Jalingo, whose actions, conducts and management of the media affairs, had created a wild gulf between the government and the media in the state. The union affirmed that journalists would continue to report issues affecting citizens and continue to hold government accountable regardless of any intimidation or exclusion.

PDP Senate CauCuS Briefing...

Members of PDP Senate caucus in a group photograph after a press conference on the issues concerning their party

To End Insecurity in Gulf of Guinea, Immigration, Customs, Police, Others Meet

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other international security organisations were currently in talks on strategic moves to combat terrorism and other criminal activities on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Speaking in Lagos at the opening ceremony of ongoing Regional Workshop on Maritime Border security organised by the NIS, yesterday, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said the workshop emphasised the collective resolve of governments in West and Central Africa to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes.

Nandap also noted that the Atlantic coast of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly near Nigeria, was notorious for piracy and other maritime crimes.

At the workshop themed: “Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.” the NIS boss stated that maritime insecurity from illegal oil

bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes was threatening vessel and crew safety, adding that these threats undermined regional stability and hinder economic growth and integration.

She said: “The theme of this Workshop, Maritime Border Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea, is apt and timely in evaluating and rethinking security under the present circumstances of evolving maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

“In addition, the ECOWAS SubCommittee of Chiefs of Naval Staff meeting was held in Praia, Cabo Verde, from February 25 to 27, 2025, to discuss critical maritime security issues in the region.

“This Workshop further emphasises our collective resolve to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes. We aim to achieve this through sound policies, capacity building, community engagement, collaboration, and regional partnerships.

“Along West Africa’s Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Guinea is known for piracy, especially near Nigeria.

It spans several countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and Ghana. Due to its offshore oil and gas reserves, the region plays a crucial role in the global energy sector.”

The Comptroller General of the

Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, on his part, also emphasised the need to close existing gaps in the country’s financial system, noting that terrorists have exploited these loopholes to fund their activities.

Speaking to journalists at the workshop, the Inspector General

of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that the Police have finalized plans to strengthen marine security operations.

On his part, the minister for interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the event opened, appreciated the NIS for taking the

lead in the needed move to review the country’s border strategic policy. He emphasised the importance of border security in the general wellbeing of Nigerians, while reiterating the readiness of the federal government to take difficult decisions in protecting the Nigerian border.

Gbajabiamila: Varsities Must Seek Ways to Boost Profiles to Attractive International Students

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday, said nation’s public universities seek ways to increase their international profiles to become attractive destinations for international students willing to pay fees that might otherwise be practically and politically inexpedient for native students.

Speaking as a guest lecturer at the first Osun state University annual lecture titled: “Interrogating Funding of Education, Global versus

Pu TTI ng OTTI , Mb AH O n TH e S POT, uMAHI Cl AIMS All S O u TH

the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.”

He reaffirmed that the legacy projects were economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking.

S’East PDP Re-presents UdeOkoye for Nat’l Secretary, Says It Will Quit If Rejected

The south east PDP zonal executive committee has re-presented as their nominee for the office of National Secretary, Sunday Ude-Okoye, or the zone would massively pull out of the party.

Senator Osita Ngwu, who read the communique of the Southeast caucus read and handed over their position to Arapaja said, “Mr. Chairman, on the 14th of May, 2025, the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee met at Enugu State Government House and a forum was fully formed.

“After the meeting, a committee was raised and the reason why we visited here today is to make a presentation of the communique that was issued at the end of the meeting.

‘’Mr. Chairman, if you recall, on March 31st, 2025, the Supreme Court, which is the apex court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, brought to a closure the protracted issue surrounding the puzzle of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Following that judgment of the Supreme Court, the PDP Governors’ Forum also met in Oyo State on the

14th of April, 2025, and passed a resolution. You can also recall that here, at the National Office on April 29th, the National Working Committee met and adopted that resolution of the governor’s forum.

“And what is that resolution? The resolution is that the South East Zonal Executive Committee should meet and nominate a candidate that will fill in the position of the National Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I need to remind us, or make it clear, that the position of the South East on this issue has always been to find a pathway to a lasting resolution of the impacts and crisis in the PDP.

“And also, in all intent and purpose, to ensure that this party continues to progress well. We are looking for a lasting peace so that we can perform better in the upcoming and subsequent election.

‘’Mr. Chairman, from our communique, which is in this report that I am going to hand over to you, and in the meeting that was recently held by the South East Executive Committee of the party at the Zonal Office, we unanimously agreed and nominated the former youth leader of the party, Rt. Honorable S.K. Ude-Okoye, to be our nominee for the position of the National Secretary of our great party, the PDP.”

Continuing, he said, ‘’Mr. Chairman, we are going to give you this report, and our prayers and our urge and our appeal is that this party should carefully look through even other precedents that have been set in replacement of National Working Committee members or other officers of the committee of the PDP that has been done. We are

not trying to set a precedent. We are not trying to do a new thing because precedent has been set.’

‘’We are asking you to look at a zone, who has been the backdrop and backbone of the PDP, a zone who has delivered all the National Assembly members, all governors to the PDP in the past, a zone that is eager to redeem its past glory. We are praying that the request of this zone should not be jeopardized. Let us look at it based on the point of its merits.

‘’Let it be a stepping stone in our urge and our drive to reposition our party. We are not here to make another request, but we are speaking to our consciences so that whatever decision that is taken at the end should be for the interest of the party and a position that is going to support us, a position that is going to lift the morale of the members of this great party towards a sustainable growth and a path of recovery.’’

In the last paragraph of the communique, the caucus however threatened that there would be a mass defection, if their request was not heeded.

Receiving their position, Arapaja said, ‘’This resolution will be discussed at the end of the day, during our next meeting. We will decide on the way forward, and that decision will be forwarded to the NEC which I am quite sure you know is fast approaching. We will look at it, we will do justice to it, we will do our best.

‘’But, you know, when we transmit it to the NEC, which I am quite sure most of the members are present there, some of our leaders who are not here as well, who are members of NEC as

Nigerian Perspectives”,Gbajabiamila stressed that the financial contributions of international students were a significant revenue stream for universities worldwide, helping to subsidise university education for the citizens of those countries. He noted that policymakers and university administrators in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and even Africa have long implemented policies and strategies to boost the enrollment of international students because they could charge those students tuition and other fees that they couldn’t realistically charge

well, so we can find a lasting solution jointly to it.

‘’But there is something that I read somewhere, but I will ask that you will consider your position with the PDP. You didn’t mention it here but I think everybody already read it. Well, I know you are not happy with the situation, and it’s inevitable in any political party, as big as it this. It’s a natural political practice. We are able to speak, to express our opinion.

‘’I know you are not happy and I understand why you are not happy, but even as you are angry out there, we can find a solution. It’s like a landlord running out of his own house, because the house is leaking. So, we’ll do our best. What we’ll do is to fix the problem, and I know we can do it, together we can do it. There is a solution.

“This is the only party that belongs to the people. Yes, it doesn’t belong to anybody. It’s the only party where you can feel peaceful, you can express your opinion. It’s just like that in any family. So, I want to appeal that. We can do it. We can resolve it. And I know we will resolve it. And I know, and I’m quite sure, that PDP will overcome.

‘’As I said, the resolution will be thoroughly discussed. We’ll do our best and as you know, NEC has the final say,’’ Arspajs stated.

Meanwhile, Udenwa, has declared that the forces behind Anyanwu were not bigger than the South-East Caucus of the party.

Udenwa made the remark while insisting that the South-East Caucus of the PDP stood with Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.

Featuring on Arise Television’s Programme, Morning Show, the former

their citizens.

Gbajabiamila also stated that for Nigeria’s universities to compete favourably in this arena, they would require a dramatic and sustained increase in quality across the board.

“It will also require reforms of curriculum and teaching methods, investments to ensure technology access and comfortable and suitable lodgings, among others.

“It would require us to embrace a culture of zero tolerance for unethical conduct and a coordinated effort to eradicate such ills as plagiarism, cultism and sexual

governor faulted the decision of the committee led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki to recognise Anyanwu as National Secretary.

He insisted that Anyanwu’s tenure ended when he opted to contest the governorship election in Imo State.

“For some time, for over one year, we have been on this issue. The South-East zonal executive committee kept nominating Ude-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary.

“If we are to continue on that line, it’s our prerogative to continue on that line and we have been asked severally to present a candidate and we have done it. If there is any contrary recommendation, then we are left to present our own candidate.

“We do know that the committee should be able to resolve the crisis and it should not come up with what is contrary to the recommendation as this is our candidate.

“As far as we are concerned, Anyanwu’s tenure ended when he opted to contest for governorship. He gave up his position as National Secretary and it’s left for us as the South-East Caucus to represent another candidate.

“We have done that three times now – if our presentation is being turned down, it means nobody wants us to make presentation again and we have made our position very clear.

“I don’t believe that whatever forces are behind Anyanwu are stronger than the South-East Caucus of the party. It can never be because the South-East Caucus is an established zone within the party. If that caucus takes a decision, it’s binding and our recommendation to the national can’t be taken away.

“Wike is a member of the party, NEC

harassment from our universities,” he said.

According to him, true reform would require a fundamental shift in how these institutions operate, which might involve stronger accountability measures, independent oversight, and a culture of transparency, where abuse was not just punished after the fact but prevented in the first place. He further stated that universities should not be places where power was wielded unchecked but exercised responsibility for the benefit of the academic community.

and a former governor of the party, so that is as far as his own power goes. I don’t know what extra power he has but whatever such powers may be can never equate to a zonal caucus of the party.

“This party has a constitution and a way of doing things; we can’t arrogate to one man the powers to override what a zone can do. I don’t know any man within the party with such powers,” Udenwa said.

PDP Senators: Our Party Waxing Strong

PDP senators have declared that contrary to claims by their colleagues who recently defected to the ruling APC, their party remained strong and would continue to wax stronger.

Rising from its meeting at the National Assembly, the Senate PDP Caucus, in a statement, assured the people that there was no crisis in the main opposition party.

They specifically said, “Contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, our party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger. The PDP Senate Caucus observes that the current conflicts in the PDP is not unique to the party.

“All the other parties such as the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, among others, have their own shares of crisis and conflicts.

“The Senate Caucus of the PDP, therefore, urges all our teaming members to remain resolute in their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the Party.

Photo: JuliuS Atoi

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

INAUGURATION OF SCHOOL PREFECTS…

L-R: Member, Board of Governors, Ansarudeen Grammar School (ADGS), Alhaja Risikat Olokodana; Assistant Head Boy, Aminu Abdulwahab; Vice Principal (Administration), Mr. Hakeem Adeyemi; Head Boy/ Speaker, School Representative Council (SRC), Salim Adeyemi; Member, Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Alhaji Lawan Umar; Barr. Mahmud Adeshina (SAN); and Vice Principal (Academics), Mrs. Zariyat Olapade, at the 11th inaugural session of prefects of the school ADGS, Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos…recently

Protest in Ibadan as Police Stray Bullet Kills Student Going for WAEC Exam

Kemi OlaitaninIbadan

Angry youths in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday protested at the state Government Secretariat over the killing of a student by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman.

The student, said to be writing the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was hit by the stay bullet around Gbagi market road.

It was gathered that the student was on his way to write the examination in company with his sibling and father when the incident occurred.

It was learnt that the stray bullet was fired by a police officer who was pursuing a suspect.

The victim was immediately rushed to Welfare Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The protesters took his lifeless body to the state Government Secretariat, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene.

President of Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, who condemned the killing in a statement made available to journalists, urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode

FRSC Advocates Bicycle Lanes on Roads

Becky Uba Umenyili

The Corps Marshal of the Nigeria Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has advocated the inclusion of separate lanes on major roads in the country, for use by cyclists in order to safeguard them from the busy traffic and other risks.

Speaking on the occasion to mark the United Nations (UN) scheme which was jointly co-ordinated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) that was set up in 2007 to biennially create awareness on road traffic deaths and injuries, Mohammed noted that his suggestions is in line with the theme for this year’s event tagged ‘Make walking safe,

make cycling safe.’

He raised the alarm over the rise in the rate of traffic crashes resulting to loss of lives in recent years and urged all road users to be more responsible in the use of road and traffic signs as well as advised drivers to be cautious of vulnerable road users like children, the aged and physically disabled persons.

The FRSC boss remarked that the commission is working with government agencies, communities and partners to construct more pedestrian bridges, sidewalks, zebra-crossing and bicycle lanes on Nigerian roads (like the BRT lanes in Lagos state), in order to protect pedestrians and cyclists and indeed all vulnerable ones from preventable road accidents.

Entourage Integrated Trust Expands to New Regions

Entourage Integrated Trust, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing microfinance institutions, has announced bold plans to expand beyond its current 29-state footprint, with the first step being a feasibility study in Maiduguri, Borno State. This move reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and empowering businesses through financial inclusion.

Commenting on this development, the Chief Executive Officer of Entourage Integrated Trust, Mr. Seyi Asagun, said:“At Entourage Integrated Trust, we believe in the power of financial access to change lives and uplift entire communities. Expanding into new regions like

Maiduguri is not just about growth— it’s about creating new opportunities, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every entrepreneur, no matter where they are, has a chance to succeed.”

According to him, for years, Entourage has been a trusted financial partner for thousands of small businesses, offering innovative products that empower entrepreneurs to overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals.

He noted that this expansion signals a deeper commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent many from accessing formal financial services, particularly in underserved areas.

Egbetokun, to investigate the matter.

He said: “Dear IG and stakeholders, kindly investigate the above case as allegedly reported that a man was taking his children

to school this morning and some alleged police officers and OYRTMA officials, while chasing Yahoo boys, and traffic law offenders, started shooting indiscriminately and a

bullet hit this little boy and killed him.

“According to the report, it was confirmed that the officers conducted themselves unprofessionally which

led to the death of this

said

whose

taking care of them and refused to remarry since their mother left seven years ago.”

ECOWAS Raises the Alarm over Worsening Climate-related

Michael Olugbode in a buja Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has raised the alarm that the West Africa sub region is at the risk of worsening climate-related disruptions.

Disruptions in W/Africa

Speaking at the ECOWAS Hydrology and Meteorology Directors’ Meeting in Abuja yesterday, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs & Agriculture. Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, said according to the World

Meteorological Organisation (WMO)’s 2024 State of the Climate in Africa report, West Africa experienced a 1.2°C temperature rise above pre- industrial levels, and 2024 was among the five hottest years on record for

the Sahel. While some parts of the Gulf of Guinea saw above-average rainfall, the Sahel and northern regions experienced extended dry spells, disrupting planting cycles and water availability.

Activist: Etete Pioneered Nigeria’s Oil Sovereignty, Local Content

Peter Uzoho

An Ijaw environmental activist, Dr. Bolouowei Kurokeme, has called on the federal government and stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to urgently revisit and recognise the contributions of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Dan Etete

to further grow the nation’s hydrocarbon resources. Kurokeme described Etete as the architect of Nigeria’s oil sovereignty and a champion of indigenous participation in the energy sector, adding that he fought hard to introduce landmark reforms in the oil and gas sector despite oppositions.

The Ijaw-born activist, who made the assertions yesterday during an interview with journalists, also highlighted Etete’s enduring legacy, especially his bold policies in the 1990s that laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s present gains in local content development.

According to him, the foresight of Etete in pioneering local content is the foundation for the recent dynamic Nigeria First Policy by President Bola Tinubu. He said: “I wish to state with high sense of responsibility that Chief Dan Atete did not have direct interest in OPL 245. It was the directors of Malabu that appointed him as a consultant to the oil firm.”

Health Experts Decry High Maternal, Child’s Deaths in Nigeria

Medical experts from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, University of Port Harcourt and other institutions have decried high rate of maternal and child’s mortality in Nigeria.

The health experts expressed concerns over the challenge during the dissemination meeting to unveil the Maternal, Perinatal, and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) report for 2023 -2024, held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

In his remarks, Head of

MPCDSR for the State, Dr Douglas Pepple, recalled that Nigeria is among the top countries with the highest estimated number of maternal deaths, accounting for approximately 23 percent of global maternal deaths.

Dr Pepple, who is also the National

Trainer of Trainers of MPCDSR and Quality of Care for the country, stated that the aim of the meeting was to capture and disseminate to the world what Rivers state has done in the past one year, and find out how they can improve to reduce the mortality rates.

NCC Hands Over Multidisciplinary ICT Park to Federal University Daura

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NUC) has handed over a multidisciplinary Information and Communication Technology (ICT) digital park to the management of the Federal

University of Transportation Daura, Katsina State.

Situated in the university premises, the digital ICT park is equipped with a 100-seat capacity hall, 24-seater lounge with eight double computer workstations, five ICT hub halls, multiple workspaces and offices.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, while handing over the park to the university, said it was designed to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the ICT sector as well as the nation’s digital economy. He added that the digital ICT park will also enhance research and development through the transformation of ideas into market-ready solutions that will help the institution in the pursuance of its digital development.

Tanker Explosion: Ogun Assures Athletes, Others of Safety

James Sowole in a beokuta

The Ogun State Government, yesterday, assured athletes participating in the ongoing National Sports Festival(NSF) as well as the residents of their safety following a diesel

tanker explosion near Alake Sports Complex. The NSF is taking place in Abeokuta and other parts of the state and the complex is one of the venues for the sports festival.

The Special Adviser to

the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said that while there was an incident involving a diesel tanker that resulted in a fire outbreak, the fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage. Akinmade commended the promptness and proactiveness of the fire service in the state and the vigilance of officials at the complex, assuring participants at the sports festival of total safety.

NCoS Launches Manhunt for Six Escapees from Ilesa Prison

Michael Olugbode in a buja

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the

security of its facility at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State.

According to a statement yesterday by the NCoS spokesman, Umar Abubakar,

“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven inmates.”

Umar said: “Following the

incident, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.”

little boy

father

he has been

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

Balogun Sad Not Given Chance to Say Goodbye to Rangers’ Fans

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

TRANSFER NEWS

Former Nigeria and Rangers defender, Leon Balogun, has expressed his “sadness” that he was not given the opportunity to say goodbye to the Rangers supporters after he was announced as one of

Over 2,000 IBB Golf Club Members Distance Themselves from Lawsuit against Wike

The ongoing saga at IBB International Golf and Country Club assumed a twist yesterday after no fewer than 2,000 members stormed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where they signed a petition distancing themselves from a lawsuit, filed by three members of the club against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The leadership crisis led to the intervention of the minister, who constituted an Interim Management Committee (IMC) headed by Peter Deshi, and ordered the indefinite closure of the club.

The decision to sign the petition was taken last week at a stakeholders meeting held at the Golf and Health Signature, Abuja. The petitioners urged Wike to reopen the club.

The action by the petitioners indicated a significant divide within the club, with many members expressing their commitment to lawful engagement with public authorities and respect for the FCT Minister.

It would be recalled that Wike had on April 5, named an eightmember Board of Trustees, headed

by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica DongbanMensem to replace the former BoT headed by Gen. IBM Haruna. Wike had stressed that the FCT Administration decided to intervene in the matter because it was committed to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, embroiled with internal challenges.

The club’s leadership crisis had sparked concerns about governance and structural reforms, with some members drumming support for the minister’s intervention.

However, the trio of Ubong Esop Akpan, Tijani Abdulsalam Ogueyi, and Olalere Babasola, dissatisfied with the move by Wike, secured an interim court order restraining the minister from inaugurating a new BoT as well as restraining Justice Dongban-Mensem from presiding over the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for April 26.

In a bid to stabilize the situation, Wike ordered the IMC to oversee the club’s administration, while the federal government also deployed operatives of the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to secure the premises and avert further unrest.

Some members of the IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja led by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (seated) signing the petition distancing the over 2000 members of the club from the litigation against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike...yesterday in Abuja

GOtv to Broadcast Europa League Final Live Tonight

SPURS v MAN UTD

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in Bilbao tonight in the Europa League final, with both clubs seeking to rescue poor domestic campaigns and qualify for next season’s Champions League. The game is live at 8 PM.

For Manchester United, it has been a season of contrasts. While currently 16th in the league was nothing short of disastrous, their European form has told a different story. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, United have stormed through the knockout rounds, seeing off Real Sociedad, Lyon, and Athletic Bilbao with a combined score of 19-9.

The semi-final demolition of Bilbao, 7–1 over two legs, was particularly emphatic as seen on GOtv.

Tottenham’s domestic struggles were not far off. With a club record 21 league defeats, Ange Postecoglou’s side are 17th behind United on the table. Like United, their European form has offered a welcome distraction. Spurs edged out AZ Alkmaar and Eintracht Frankfurt before comfortably dispatching FK Bodø/ Glimt in the last four. For Spurs, this final represents more than a shot at silverware; it is a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy. For United, it is about revival and a return to Europe’s top competition. The Europa League final may yet deliver a fitting finale in a season of chaos. Catch the game live at 8 pm on SS Football (GOtv channel 61).

centre-back’s contract runs until the end of

May, but in an Instagram post, he expressed surprise that he would not be extending his

loan players Vaclav Cerny, Rafael Fernandes, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo are to return to their parent clubs. Balogun made 30 appearances this season, 21 of them starts, including the final four games under interim head coach Barry Ferguson.

“If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last, I would have made sure to say goodbye to you all accordingly,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t afforded that opportunity, which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my two stints.”

Balogun, who won every domestic trophy over two spells at Rangers, praised the fans and “people working for the club behind the scenes”, adding that it had been an “honour”, “privilege” and “pleasure” to play for “this massive club”.

Of the other departing players, Cerny was the most influential this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists but it is unclear what fee Wolfsburg would demand to bring the Czech Republic winger back to Ibrox next season, having paid around £7m for him in 2023.

Six Athletes Barred from National Sports Festival over Dope

The National Sports Commission (NSC), yesterday listed six athletes that have been disqualified from competing at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, which is currently taking place in Ogun State.

Director of Press at the NSC, Dr Kehinde Ajayi, said yesterday that the action was a sequel to the commission’s anti-doping stance.

The NSC cautioned that registered athletes with anti-doping issues cannot compete for scoring medals.

The NSC made it clear after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games on Monday.

The commission announced that this is in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

Guinness

GATEWAY GAMES

NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the Commission’s

commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very clean.

”The issue of antidoping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions.

”We are happy now that the National antidoping law has finally been passed by our Sports-loving President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our Sports, starting with the current Sports Festival”, he stated. Meanwhile, the following athletes have therefore been listed to have doping issues and cannot compete for medals at the Games.

state in kickboxing

Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in Para powerlifting

Wraps up Premier League Trophy Tour of Nigeria

Guinness, the bold and iconic brand from Nigeria’s foremost total beverage company, Guinness Nigeria, has successfully concluded its Premier League Trophy Tour - delivering unforgettable experiences to thousands of passionate football fans across Nigeria.

The three-day, two-city tour, held in partnership with the Premier League, marked a milestone celebration of the beautiful game and Guinness Nigeria’s

75-year legacy of inspiring boldness and connection.

Following a rousing start in Enugu, the tour closed out in Lagos, where fans had the rare opportunity to see and engage with the Premier League Trophy - the ultimate symbol of football excellence - up close.

But more than a showcase, the tour was a dynamic, immersive celebration of football, culture, and community.

Spanning both cities, Guinness curated its signature MatchDay experience - a multi-sensory football fan zone featuring 360-degree Guinness bars, personalized jersey booths, noise-cancellation headset replay zones, live performances, and interactive fan moments that brought the thrill of the Premier League to life.

Speaking during the press conference at the State House, Marina, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Guinness Nigeria for its enduring contributions to national development and culture.

Ikoyi Club Set for Zenith Bank Inter School

The 2025 edition of the Zenith Inter-School Swimming Competition will take place at Ikoyi Club 1938 on Saturday May 24th.

About 20 schools are expected to converge on Ikoyi Club’s swimming pool for the annual event which the 2025 edition is the 8th in the series.

The primary and secondary schools will compete for honours on the loaded day of interesting activities in the swimming pools of Ikoyi Club.

According to the Vice Chairman of

the Swimming Section, Trish Okereke, all preparations have been made to ensure a hitch-free event.

The technical officials and coaches have been working round the clock to ensure the draws for all the events capture the scope for both the primary and secondary school cadre.

Events to be competed for include; Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Individual medley, Relays and Team events.

The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, also

“It’s exciting to see Lagos as part of this historic tour. Guinness has long been a part of our story — from being the first destination for its brewery outside the UK, to its decades of social impact. It also feels great to have the real Premier League Trophy in Lagos.

Swimming

said the outfit was committed to sports development at schools and grassroots levels.

“We are intentional with our sports events especially for the youth which, are aimed at catching them young and this swimming event is one of such events. We expect the kids to enjoy themselves and we promise to make it better every year,” Umeoji said.

Competition

Chairman of the club’s swimming section, Akinbulejo Onabolu, said arrangements have been on for the youth swimming competition in the past weeks. “All the necessary things have been done to make the young swimmers enjoy themselves. We are committed to this event and we are very happy that our partners, Zenith Bank remain a strong supporter of our developmental initiatives.” In the 2024 edition of the Zenith Bank-Ikoyi Club Inter School Swimming, Grange School emerged champions in the Primary and Secondary School events of the competition.

five players leaving Ibrox. The 36-year-old

stay with the

Scottish Premiership runners-up. Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence will also leave the club, while

Leon Balogun...sad not given the opportunity to say goodbye to Glasgow Rangers fans

1. Marcus Okon representing Akwa Ibom state in Para Athletics 2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi representing Bayelsa State in Gymnastics 3. Kareem Shukurat representing Lagos state in kickboxing

4. Omole Dolapo Joshua, representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing

5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia, representing Bayelsa

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

TO p 10 Me DA ls TA ble

TinUBU RETURnS...

Nigeria is no Nation of Tribesmen

It was, perhaps, no surprise that when President Bola Tinubu spoke to newsmen after the coronation of Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Sunday, the theme that he chose was the diversity of the Nigerian nation.

The significance of the invitation and the symbolism of Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican were widely perceived against the background of the perennial question of diversity in this multi-religious and multi-ethnic country. Here was the President, a Muslim, leading the Nigerian delegation to the epochal Christian ceremony that attracted many leaders across the world. Tinubu said of his presence: “(It is) consistent in the true sense of unity in diversity… We must continue to work on it. It’s a work in progress…”

Now, identity politics is a global phenomenon. It is a challenge to nation-building in many countries. In the specific case of Nigeria, the manifestation of identity politics is more pronounced in the religious, ethnic and regional dimensions. In particular, the question of ethnic identity will be examined in this column. Virtually every issue in the polity and society is now ethnicised, thereby compounding the process of finding solutions.

To start with, a lot of conceptual problems becloud rational discussions. Terms are used without clarity about their meanings. So, during debates there is hardly any mutual understanding of the words being employed to advance arguments from opposite sides.

One of those often-misused words is “tribe.”

It is in this light of the foregoing that a revised copy of a piece entitled “So, where are the tribes?” published here on April 14, 2021, is being reproduced as follows: Simply put, there is no tribe anywhere in Nigeria today. There are instead communities, ethnic groups and nationalities making up the country. These categories are different from tribe.

Despite this obvious sociological fact, in official documents and public discussions ethnic groups comprising tens of millions of people are incorrectly referred to as “tribes.” Hence, from the professor to the senator and from the pundit to the roadside mechanic, comes the conclusion that the problem of Nigeria is “tribalism.”

When you make a statement at the police station, you have to indicate your “tribe” on the paper. A line in the Nigeria’s resurrected national anthem even says: “Though tribes and tongues may differ; In brotherhood we stand…” It’s often considered supremely charitable when you say a political personality is “detribalised.” But, this is grossly erroneous. To be “detribalised” is to be removed from a tribe. Here is the definition of “detribalise”, according to the Oxford Dictionary: “remove (someone) from a traditional tribal social structure.” The dictionary further gives the examples of usage of the word “detribalise” as follows: “these policies attempted to detribalise native people by extricating them from their land base; (detribalised as adjective): the 250,000 include many detribalised urban people. “

It is, therefore, a monumental insult to say, for instance, that an Igbo man belonging to an ethnic group of over 40 million people is “detribalised” when what you simply mean to say is that he is no ethnic chauvinist. When you describe a man as “detribalised” what you are saying unwittingly is that the gentleman has just been taken out of a primitive enclave and relocated, perhaps, in an urban civilised setting. And it doesn’t strike some pundits as strange that while the British discuss the issue of “Scottish

nationalism” Nigerians talk of “Yoruba tribalism” even though the Yoruba population in Nigeria is larger than that of the Scottish in United Kingdom. You will never read in British newspapers stories about Welsh or English tribalism. No, they don’t discuss “tribalism” because they know the implication of inferiority in the meaning. Rather, they talk of “nationalism” Britain.

It should obviously sound offensive that over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria are derogatorily referred to as tribes. Some persons talk of their “tribe” when the appropriate word should be nation, nationality or ethnic group.

It is amazing that some pundits seem not to be rankled by these conceptual contradictions.

Imprecision is a social and intellectual malaise in Nigeria. This is because the scientific approach is hardly adopted in solving everyday problems. Scientific method is not yet entrenched in the national culture. It takes discipline to do so. The imprecise use of terms is part of the deficit in the current debate of the Nigerian condition. Hardly is there any agreement on the meanings of many of the buzzwords used in discussing the nation’s problems. For instance, despite the legitimate impatience of some well-informed advocates of “restructuring” with those still ask for the meaning of the term, a lot of clarification is still necessary in some quarters. This may sound indulgent or pedantic; but it is important. In the specific case of the inappropriate use of the category “tribe,” the concern here transcends academic anthropology. The error is in a sense a measure of Nigeria’s social and political development. Historically, the colonialists in their perverted sociology used the word “tribe” to describe a people they regarded as primitive. It was part of the ideological hegemony of the racists to portray the colonised people as inferior with no social or political history. It didn’t matter that kingdoms and empires existed for centuries in places the colonialists later described as tribal enclaves. Imagine still describing Edo as a tribe centuries after the Benin Kingdom established relations with Portugal. Today, the Portuguese will not refer to any part of their

country as a tribe. Talking about sociological evolution, it was a racist insult to describe as tribesmen the producers of the masterpieces of art stolen by the white man during the colonial conquests.

The irony is that decades after independence well educated Nigerians continue to describe their ethnic groups and nationalities in the same pejorative term those sociologists in the service of colonialism describe black people in the 19th Century.

To be sure, members of a tribe belonged to one of the lowest rungs in the ladder of human civilisation; they were still at the pre-state stage in political evolution. The tribal space is the universe of some members of the tribe. As a member of a tribe you might not even be aware of the existence other tribes in the same region.

It is noteworthy that in the West, in contemporary discussions of inter-group relations the category “tribe’ is reserved only for those regarded as backward with all the socio-economic and political connotations. So the Aborigines in Australia are described as “tribal’” people. In the American context, ethnic and racial groups are not called tribes. The category of tribe applies only to some native Americans still consigned to the dungeon of underdevelopment by virtue of racist policies. Tribesmen as a group and as individuals are markedly separated from other people in terms of development and modernisation. The areas occupied by the extremely disadvantaged groups are still described as “tribal.”

However, none of the Nigerian ethnic groups, nationalities and, some would even say, nations, could be described as caves of primitive tribesmen. No part of Nigeria today could be said to be occupied by people completely detached from civilisation.

Regional disparities are, of course, undeniable. No ethnic group is immune to the socio-economic underdevelopment which defines the Nigerian society. Yet no group is excluded in the process of elite formation regardless of the size.

It was quite instructive watching a retired service chief on television the other day telling his remarkable life story which illustrates the point at issue. He belongs to “a minority group within a minority area.” Yet he rose to be a defence chief some years ago. Similarly, a former senator told his own story. If you use language as the yardstick of ethnic classification, his mother tongue is spoken by only a few hundreds of people. The distinguished senator became a reputable principal officer of the senate. There are several examples of citizens belonging to small ethnic groups who have gained national prominence on their

“It should obviously sound offensive that over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria are derogatorily referred to as tribes. Some persons talk of their “tribe”when the appropriate word should be nation, nationality or ethnic group.”

own individual merit. Certainly, these ladies and gentlemen cannot be described as tribesmen and women. In contrast, it was great news in the United States early four years ago when a native American was appointed into a high political office.

It is pertinent to draw attention to the error of calling ethnic groups tribes because of its consequences for the current identity politics. There is a way in which tribal identification tends to eclipse the factor of national integration in discussions. The description of ethnic groups as tribes is, perhaps, an unconscious denial of the currents of integration. Those who employ the category tribe in identifying themselves and others in puristic terms ignore these obvious currents.

For instance, the sensibilities of the products of inter-ethnic marriages are routinely ignored when some separatists beat the drums of war by peddling ethnic prejudice against members of other groups. The biological products of the cosmopolitan trends in the Nigerian society can definitely not be tribesmen by the very definition of their birth. A person may decide to identify with the ethnic group of his mother or father; but that doesn’t make him a tribesman or woman. The matter even becomes more absurd when the dynamics of integration is considered. Those who still talk of tribes and tribalism have static view of things. Take a sample. A citizen is born outside the homestead of his grandparents. He is of the third generation of his family members who have made the place outside their place of origin home. He has only visited the place of origin only on a few occasions. In every material sense the man is integrated into his place of abode where he works, pays his taxes and builds his family. But in this upsurge of identity politics in the land, the man described above would likely be told by some ethnic champions that he doesn’t belong to the “tribe” that owns the place in which he lives. To talk of tribe in this context is an insult to the man as well as those accusing him of being a stranger to the so-called tribe. It is astonishing that this racist categorisation is embraced in everyday conversations by Nigerians themselves in the playing identity politics.

Doubtless, identity politics will be enriched by bringing conceptual clarity to the issues in dispute. A requirement for this is a good understanding of the meaning of words and phrases used in the debate because of their implications. Far from being pedantic on this topic, it is worth stressing that precision in terms of the use of concepts is important for the urgent task of diversity management. Those employing categories to describe groups should be clear about what they mean precisely.

In sum, the Nigerian diversity is not defined by differences among tribesmen.

Among the diverse groups are ethnic groups and nationalities. Some even proclaim their own groups as nations. National integration is, therefore, not about forging an amalgam of tribes. Indeed, integration could be achieved with the instruments of well-articulated policies to promote equity in inter- ethnic and inter-regional relations and social justice for all citizens wherever they choose to reside in the country.

This should be an urgent task for all the tiers of government so that the promotion of national unity could be a legacy of this generation of leaders.

President Bola Tinubu

R-L: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; fCT minister Nyesom Wike; Secretary to the Government of the federation, George Akume and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje on hand to welcome the President back to Abuja from Rome...... yesterday PHoTo: GoDWIN omoIGUI