NNPCL Sacks Bala Wunti, Other Top Officials 27 Days after Kyari’s Exit
Okowa: For Stable Nigeria, Tinubu Should Complete Eight-year Tenure
Refers secretaryship
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has
Mr Mele Kyari.
SANWO-OLU PRESENTS BUSINESS SUPPORTS TO BENEFICIARIES...
L-R: Head of Service, Lagos
the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, at De Blue Roof, LTV,
After 22 Years, NCC, House of Reps Initiate Review of Telecoms Act 2003
Twenty-two years after the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 was enacted and activated, the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, yesterday, began a two-day colloquium in Lagos to appraise the Communications Act by discussing its impact and challenges since 2003, with a view to reviewing it in line with technology evolution.
The colloquium, themed, “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003; 22 Years After - Challenges, Opportunities and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” brought together telecoms operators, industry stakeholders, NCC, and legislators, to discuss the Communications Act and its challenges.
The participants stressed the need for a review that would bring about the development of new strategies that would empower NCC and make it an independent regulator.
They were of the view that the new Act should be able to strengthen the cybersecurity framework, enhance innovation, address the regulatory overlaps between NCC and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and also address the issue of protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII), among others.
They added that the Communica-
tions Act 2003 was no longer in tune with modern realities in the telecoms sector.
In his remarks, Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, said the digital economy in Nigeria had grown rapidly, with financial inclusion made possible through digital banking and payment systems.
Abbas, who was represented by Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, added that the development had also come with its own challenges that needed to be addressed.
According to him, the colloquium will further generate incisive contributions and information to strengthen the work of the House committee on communications and provide necessary input to the legislative actions of the House on the Communication Act 2003 amendments.
In his welcome address, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Hon. Peter Akpatason, said Nigeria had achieved monumental growth and development in all sectors since the Communications Act was enacted.
Akpatason, however, said there was need to reassess the Act’s effectiveness in promoting the growth and development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, “Stakeholders seek to reassess the Act’s challenges, opportunities, and future directions for a digital Nigeria.
“Undoubtedly, exponential progress has been recorded in the last 22 years. However, significant digital divide remains, with many Nigerians lacking access to digital services.
“Therefore, the colloquium aims to: review the impact of the Nigerian Communication
Act 2003 on our telecommunications sector; identify challenges and opportunities arising from technological advancements and changing market dynamics; and discuss future directions for a digital Nigeria, leveraging insights from industry experts and stakeholders.”
Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, in his opening remarks, said the colloquium would help to shape the future of communications in Nigeria.
Maida stated, “When the Nigerian Communications Act was enacted over two decades ago, it heralded a new era for our nation’s telecommunications sector. By dismantling monopolistic barriers and establishing a transparent, independent regulatory framework, the Act empowered NCC to midwife a sector that has become a bedrock of Nigeria’s economic and social progress.
“The colloquium offers a rare opportunity to take stock of the
Act’s strengths, address its gaps, and re-imagine its role in powering Nigeria’s digital future.”
At a panel session, the chairman of Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, stressed the need to address the issue of multiple taxation in the new telecoms Act. Adebayo called for the establishment of industry working group that will make relevant input in the reviewed telecoms Act.
NBS Releases Maiden Prices Dashboard for Realtime Guide to Policymakers, Researchers, Others
Clarifies crowd-sourced prices different from CPI equivalent
James Emejo in Abuja
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday announced the release of its maiden prices data, compiled through crowd-sourcing initiative.
The innovative approach to data collection marked a significant milestone in NBS’ efforts to provide timely and accurate statistical information to policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
President Mourns Demise of Shariah Council Leader, Sheikh Abdur Hadiyyatullah
Condoles Yemi Edun over passing of family matriarch, Adunni Edun
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah Iwo.
Sheikh Hadiyyatullah, also the founder and director of Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria in Iwo, Osun State, who died on Monday at the age of 81, will be buried later on Tuesday at the college after Janazah prayers.
The president, in a release issued on Tuesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Sheikh Hadiyyatullah as a respected Islamic scholar who devoted most of his life to Islam and humanity.
“As President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, he provided uncommon leadership and direction to the Council. As a cleric, he lived by the way of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). As a human being, he lived an impactful life, touching many lives through his
Shariah College,” President Tinubu remarked.
He recalled the invaluable support the Shariah Council, under Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s leadership, offered him during the 2023 electioneering as it stood for truth and justice and denounced lies and propaganda.
The President commiserated with Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s family, the people of Iwoland and the Islamic Ummah in the country, particularly the eminent leaders of the Shariah Council.
According to President Tinubu: “Muslims in Nigeria will sorely miss Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s humility, deep knowledge, and devotion to Islam”.
He urged the Council to continue propagating the ideals of justice, religious tolerance, unity, peace, and harmony that the organisation stands for and that Sheikh Hadiyyatullah also stood for in his lifetime.
The President beseeched Allah (SWT) to forgive the late Sheikh, have mercy upon him and grant
him the best part of Jannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for strength and grace for all those Sheikh Hadiyyatullah left behind, offering his heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Also on Tuesday, President Tinubu sent condolences to CEO of Daniel Ford International, Adeyemi Edun and other family members on the demise of their beloved matriarch, Olufunmilayo Adunni Edun, at the age of 84.
The President commiserated with the friends and associates of the late Madam Edun, whose exemplary life, compassion, service and commitment to the well-being of others touched and inspired many.
He urged the family to find comfort in the remarkable impact she made in her lifetime through her devotion to prayer, charitable works, and wise counsel.
President Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God will grant peaceful repose to the departed soul and bring strength and comfort to the Edun family during this grieving time.
The release was conveyed in a statement in Abuja by NBS Head of Public Relations, Mr. Folorunso Alesanmi.
Alesanmi said data collection was done in all the 36 states, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and in all the senatorial districts.
He said the crowd-sourcing initiative, which started several months ago, aimed at compiling prices data on a daily basis from a wide range of sources, including open markets, supermarkets, neighbourhood shops, bulk and discount stores, street outlet and large shops.
Leveraging the power of crowdsourcing, he said the statistical agency had been able to collect a vast amount of data that would help provide a more accurate picture of price movements in the economy.
Statistician-General of the Federation (SGF), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, said
the crowd-sourcing initiative sought to modernise data collection, and provide timely and accurate statistics.
Adeniran described the initiative as a “major step forward in our efforts to harness the power of technology and innovation to improve the quality and timeliness of our statistical data”.
According to him, the data provides insights into prices of essential food items, such as local rice, beans, maize, garri, yam, among others, which are commonly consumed by Nigerians, offering a snapshot of daily food costs.
The SGF, however, explained that prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing was not comparable to those compiled for Consumer Price Index (CPI).
According to him, prices data for CPI computation are collected on a specific or predetermined outlets every second and third week of the month.
But prices data collected via crowd-
sourcing were collected randomly from different respondents every day, he explained.
Adeniran said, “We are thrilled to release our first prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing.
“The Bureau hereby invites citizens to participate by submitting price data and feedback to build a robust statistical system for a rapidly changing economy.
“NBS is committed to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected through crowd-sourcing. To this end, the agency has implemented a range of quality control measures, including data validation and verification processes, to ensure that the data is reliable and trustworthy.
“The release of the crowd-sourced prices data is a significant achievement for the NBS and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.
FG to Inject N110bn Intervention Fund to Curb ‘Japa’ Syndrome
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government has announced a N110billion intervention fund to upgrade infrastructures of key tertiary institutions across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The decision, according to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is to curtail the trend of medical professionals leaving the country for greener pastures abroad.
Alausa disclosed this while inaugurating the Ministerial Monitoring Committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools Rehabilitation across the Six Geo-Political zones at the TETFund headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Explaining the sharing formula,
he said out of the Funds, N70billion will be spent on rehabilitating all the medical schools to be at par with international standard, while N15billion will go for building hostels for the medical students.
Recall that in recent times, there had been growing concerns of neglect of medical colleges across the country, a development that has been attributed to many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
He said President Bola Tinubu has mandated key universities in the country to increase their admission quota for medical students, as a means of curbing brain drain in the medical profession.
According to Alausa, the idea behind the policy is to train more
medical personnel both for local and international job opportunities. The minister said the intervention will be sustained over a period of five years, by the federal government. Earlier, chairman of the Board of TETFund, and former governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, blamed Vice Chancellors for contributing to decay in the university system.
He said if this kind of intervention is sustained over a period of five years, the positive impact will become more glaring, because the results will trickle down to more medical personnel to serve the local population and well-equipped human capital for export to the international community.
Emma Okonji
State, Mr. Olabode Agoro; SSG, Barr. ’Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a beneficiary of hair barbing kits; Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of WAPA, Mrs. Rinanat Onigbanjo; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Sam Egube, during the presentation of the business supports to beneficiaries by the governor, organised by
Agidingbi, Ikeja, yesterday
DONATION OF FOOD ITEMS TO VULNERABLE GROUPS IN OYO...
L-R: Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI),
Makinde; and His wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, during the RHI Social Investment Programme (Food Outreach Scheme) donation of food items to vulnerable groups in Oyo State, held at the Local Government House, Secretariat, Ibadan, yesterday
NACCIMA: Why Nigerians Are Not Benefitting from Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Wants private sector to drive needed changes
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), yesterday argued that Nigerians were not benefiting from the current economic reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration because the private sector has been relegated.
Speaking on Arise Television, NACCIMA President, Dele Oye, called on the Nigerian government to step back from trying to directly manage economic solutions and instead empower the private sector to drive sustainable poverty reduction and economic growth. According to Oye, the government’s economic policies have been very harsh on the private sector and
the Nigerian population, explaining that NACCIMA has already proposed a 13-point action plan to the government.
The World Bank had recently painted a gloomy picture of some countries in Africa, projecting that for instance, more Nigerians are likely to be impoverished by 2027.
“The poverty index has been growing, which means the real people, the real Nigerians, are not getting any benefit. And with the current projection, it’s alarming, and there’s something in that report to say the government needs to move gently.
“Since they’ve been doing it alone by themselves, it did not work. They need to work with the private sector, and stay as regulators, providing the enabling environment for businesses
Says public sector deficit, unbridled borrowing threat to Nigeria’s $1tn economy goal
to thrive. If they do that, they can sit back and collect their taxes from our profits,” Oye said.
The NACCIMA boss highlighted the need for targeted training and employment programmes, microfinance expansion, and improved agricultural productivity through the deployment of modern tools and practices.
“We should look at it sector by sector. Instead of sending money, N50,000, the way they’ve been doing it to people who have no identity, you can use our cooperatives. Train 5 million Nigerians within this space and make sure you put them on stipends,” he argued. He decried the harsh business environment, stressing that businesses in Nigeria virtually provide their
Dangote Sugar Grows Turnover
By 51%, to Provide 75,000
The chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote has revealed the company’s turnover increased by 51 per cent to N665.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, as against the corresponding figure of N441.5 billion recorded for the 2023 financial year.
Speaking at the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, Mss Bennedikter Molokwu, who chaired the AGM in an acting capacity, to represent the Aliko Dangote, noted the company’s performance in 2024 was impacted by various macro-economic challenges, but that despite that, the future of the company is very bright.
Dangote said the company’s outlook for 2025 and beyond is to build a sustainable business, target the production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually and at the same time generate over 75,000 employment opportunities, in the company’s value chain.
In the same vein, shareholders at the AGM, applauded the Board and management of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc for maintaining its leadership in the Nigerian sugar industry, despite prevailing economic challenges.
The shareholders acknowledged Dangote Sugar as one of the largest sugar refineries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the leading player in Nigeria’s sugar sector.
This position is underpinned by a combined installed refining capacity of 1.49 million tonnes per annum. President of the Association for
the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Farouk Umar, commended the company’s performance in its 2024 report.
He highlighted that despite numerous economic hurdles the company has remained on a solid growth trajectory.
“Our turnover of N665.6 billion represents a 51% increase compared to N441.5 billion in the same period in 2023. Earnings per share rose from N6 to N15.80. In the current economic climate, many companies are struggling to grow revenues or maintain profitability.
“We must commend the Board for their efforts in expanding operations and increasing shareholder value. Alhaji Dangote has pledged that the company will make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar production,” he said.
President of the De-Impressive Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, Pastor Olagoke Samson Olusegun, praised the chairman, Aliko Dangote, and the executive team for steering the company to higher levels of success.
Also speaking, chairman of the Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria (TSAN), Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing businesses in Nigeria.
He described Dangote Sugar’s performance as commendable and expressed shareholders’ confidence in continued profits and dividends.
Another shareholder, Mr. Patrick Ajudua, attributed the company’s sustained success to its adaptability
Jobs
and ability to weather economic headwinds.
He congratulated the company on its 25th anniversary, remarking that Dangote Sugar has come of age and is poised for even greater achievements.
Several shareholders also lauded the company’s impact on broader society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which they said have benefited not only shareholders but Nigerians at large.
own infrastructure and accused the government of crowding out private investment in agriculture and overburdening businesses with taxation and high-interest loans.
“All of us pay a form of implicit tax. We virtually provide the infrastructure which we work with. And the government still comes in again to collect tax,” he said, noting that current interest rates are not conducive for industrial growth.
He added: “If the government can reduce its deficit financing, reduce its borrowing, they will even cap the borrowing for the public sector. The interbank rate will fall and the interest rate will fall. And the central bank supporting that, you will see that we have a different ecosystem where everyone can access loans.
“Government doesn’t even have the money to give. So, there are ways we have a strategy as a private sector where we can encourage the government to reduce their own borrowing and deficit financing and give us space, so they don’t crowd us out of the market.”
To him, the government is also competing with the private sector by going abroad to order for equipment and materials without input from the private sector, advising that there should be industry input before some decisions are taken.
Oye advised the government to partner with the private sector in the management of targeted interventions and also took a swipe at the $220m fine imposed on Meta by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
“The issue of unnecessary fines, like the FCCPC fine of $220 million
on Meta. How can you justify that? That can only scare our investors. And they’ve only told us in six months, we won’t have access to WhatsApp. So we need to have a coordinated approach,” he argued.
Calling for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors, the NACCIMA president highlighted the role of government in providing policy and law, and even the incentives to encourage investments.
“ So that’s why I say the government should work with us. They shouldn’t try to do it alone,” he advised.
Meanwhile, NACCIMA and the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) have said Nigeria’s massive public sector deficit is the biggest threat to the federal government’s goal of transforming the country into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
In a statement, NACCIMA President, Oye, charged the federal government to adopt and implement a more rigorous public financial management strategy, emphasising the need to prioritise capital over recurrent spending, aggressively expanding the tax base rather than raising tax rates, improving expenditure efficiency, and plugging leakages across all levels of government.
He said: “While structural reforms are essential, we must confront a hard truth: persistent public sector deficits and continual borrowing, much of it to finance recurrent expenditure, continue to crowd out private investment and exert inflationary pressures.
“We urge the federal government to implement rigorous public financial
management by: prioritising capital over recurrent spending; aggressively expanding the tax base rather than raising tax rates; improving expenditure efficiency and plugging leakages, and accelerating the sale or concessioning of underperforming public assets.” Oye, also chairman of the OPSN noted: “These are critical steps not only for restoring macroeconomic stability, but for rebuilding investor and business confidence.”
He also commended the federal government, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, for their candor in acknowledging the formidable macroeconomic and social challenges currently confronting the nation, as reiterated at the just concluded IMF/ World Bank Spring Meetings.
The NACCIMA boss further applauded the government’s willingness to collaborate with development partners on job creation and youth empowerment, describing it as timely and commendable.
According to him: “We recognise the government’s laudable commitment to single-digit inflation, job creation, digital infrastructure development, and the ambition to transition to a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”
He however noted the recently released Africa Pulse report by the World Bank is a stark reminder of the urgent threat of deepening poverty in Nigeria, with the national poverty rate projected to surge to 56 per cent by 2027.
Dike Onwuamaeze
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over the reported plan by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to re-introduce the four per cent Free-On-Board Levy (FOB), stating that it is a recipe for de-industrialisation.
MAN warned against the inevitable catastrophic effect the reintroduction will have on the manufacturing sector, in particular, and the business community and the people of Nigeria, in general.
It said the manufacturing sector
was being stretched beyond its resilience capacity.
In a press release yesterday, signed by Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the association said it viewed the new development as unfortunate and retrogressive, because it had not taken into consideration the affected stakeholders, which, to a large extent, were manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir stated, “It is imperative to warn that the Nigerian manufacturing sector is increasingly being burdened beyond its well-known resilience thresholds. The results of
our quarterly manufacturers CEO confidence index has continued to show less optimism about the outlook of the sector. De-industrialisation stares us in the face.
“We should not be heading in a different direction when most governments across the world are aggressively promoting their industrialisation agenda and pushing highly nationalist agenda to grow their domestic production.”
He stated that the re-introduction of FOB would be an additional burden to the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision
Scheme (CISS) fee being paid by manufacturers at a time all government agencies should be seeking ways to de-escalate cost of doing business in Nigeria, as it was being done in other climes and economies. The MAN director-general said, “It is equally worrisome that this is coming at a time when there is still a looming danger of the unwarranted 15 per cent hike in port charges; our members are struggling with the astronomical increase in the effective import duty calculations rate and contending with unprecedented rise in the cost of energy.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
PrEss briEFing For thE 21st AnnuAl AVCA ConFErEnCE AnD VC summit...
L-R: Founding Partner, Ventures Platform, Mr. Kola Aina; Non-executive Director, British International Investment, Mr.Andrew Alli; Chief Executive Officer, of African Private Capital Association, Abi Mustapha-Maduakor; Managing Partner, Verod, Mr. Danladi Verheijen; Co-Managing Director, African Infrastructure Investment Managers, Mr. Olusola Lawson; and Partner, Alterra Capital Partners, Genevieve Sangudi, at the press briefing for the 21st Annual AVCA Conference and VC Summit, held in Victoria Island, Lagos ... recently
Shettima Reiterates Nigeria’s Commitment Towards Sustaining Stronger Ties With EU
Welcomes partnership with Asian Consortium to manufacture electric cars, solar equipment in Nigeria European Reconstruction Bank sites first regional office in Lagos
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The Nigerian government has reiterated its deep commitment to strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos.
Nigeria officially became the EBRD’s 77th shareholder in February 2025, following the bank’s limited and incremental expansion to subSaharan Africa approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday while playing host to the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot at the State House, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment.
“You are our natural partners and allies. Beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries,” Shettima said.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic openness under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who he said took bold steps from day one to dismantle key structural challenges.
According to him: “Some of the dysfunctions in the Nigerian
economy – the opaque exchange rate regime and the fuel subsidy –President Tinubu had the courage to remove them. All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated.”
Welcoming the EBRD’s expansion into Nigeria, Shettima said the opening of its Lagos office is a symbolic and strategic development for both parties, as “it will send a message across the borders.
“More than ever before, Nigeria is ready for business,” he added, emphasising that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU extended beyond economics, just as he made reference to the EU’s significant humanitarian and stabilisation efforts in conflictaffected regions such as Borno State, where he served as governor.
“I know the prominent role that the EU played in stability and humanitarian support in Borno State. You deserve commendation, not condemnation. We will always stand by those who stood by us in our hours of need,” the Vice President said.
Shettima also spoke on migration cooperation, expressing satisfaction with ongoing engagements under the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, and called for a revitalisation of youth-focused programmes like the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
“There is a need for us to recalibrate the programme for the good of our young men and
women,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mignot, said given the turmoil and very difficult political climate globally, it is important to have a reliable relationship with Nigeria, noting that the European Union sees Nigeria as a key partner in the 21st century.
Mignot explained that all the EU ambassadors in Nigeria have met to reaffirm their partnership with Nigeria.
He stated that the EU is a strong supporter of the UN Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals, and global gender equality initiatives of the international community.
“The EU believes in free and fair trade, international partnerships as relations among equals, mutual benefits and respecting sovereignty. West Africa and Nigeria are priorities for us because we are neighbours and our destinies are closely linked.
“Therefore, we are determined to keep our commitment globally and here in the region and Nigeria in terms of partnerships, cooperation and humanitarian aid,” the EU envoy said.
In another development, the Vice President applauded the proposal for partnership between Nigeria and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of South Korea
for solar equipment and electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as for advanced Information Technology for security enhancement in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria was ready for partnerships that would advance the industrialisation agenda of the administration of President Tinubu and improve the lives of the citizens.
Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the AEDC South Korea led by its Chairman, Mr Yoon Suk-hun, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He added that Nigeria is open to and interested in any form of arrangements that would lead to
the transfer of technology and the establishment of industries for solar equipment production and electric vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria, among others.
The Vice President reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to creating the enabling environment for private investments in the country, assuring the delegation of the government’s cooperation.
His words: “This government wants to be the facilitator for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. We will create a safe passage and a conducive environment for private businesses like yours to thrive.”
Minister Backs Africa’s First Gemology, Gemstones Dept at Abuja Varsity
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has pledged unwavering support for the newly established Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
The initiative, first of its kind in Africa, aligns with the minister’s strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.
Hosting a delegation from the department led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Alake described the new department as a vital hub of knowledge for professionals in the gemstone and jewelry-making value chain, emphasizing that the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth.
Alake hailed the establishment of Africa’s first formal curriculum in Gemology as a milestone, stating: He said: “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By
building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”
Prof. Adesugba, in his remarks, praised the minister’s ongoing reforms, noting they have significantly repositioned the sector for sustainable growth.
He appealed for ministerial support in securing formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, and pledged the department’s commitment to supporting the ministry’s goals, particularly in enhancing mining’s contribution
to Nigeria’s GDP. In response, Alake pledged full backing for the proposed affiliation and called on other institutions to follow Yakubu Gowon University’s lead in incorporating mining-focused courses.
“If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewelry production. We are also working toward establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable,” he added.
Tinubu Felicitates Ex-CEO of Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, Tony Attah at 60 African Airlines’ Record of Cargo Demand Slumps to 13.4%, Lowest Across Regions
Lauds Oriwu Sun’s publisher, Olowosago on paper’s 40th anniversary
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr Tony Attah, on his 60th birthday.
Mr Attah, former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria E&P Company (SNEPCo), and accomplished industry leader with decades of experience and a legacy of impactful leadership across global energy markets played a significant role in aligning key stakeholders and the federal government of Nigeria in delivering
NLNG’s $10 billion growth agenda through the Train 7 Final Investment Decision (FID).
The President, in a release issued on Tuesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged Mr Attah’s remarkable leadership and groundbreaking accomplishments, particularly his brilliant steering of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in the successful $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s assets in Nigeria — a feat that stands as one of the most significant energy transactions in recentPresidenthistory.Tinubu celebrated Mr Attah on this milestone and wishes
him good health and many more years of success and exemplary service to the nation.
The President also rejoiced with prominent journalist and publisher of Oriwu Sun community newspaper, Chief Monsor Olowosago, on the publication’s 40th anniversary.
Reputed as the most enduring community newspaper in the country, the Ikorodu-based Oriwu Sun has weathered the storms and remains on the newsstands till now.
President Tinubu praised Olowosago for his pioneering work in community journalism and contributions to the growth and development of the Ikorodu community and Lagos.
African Airlines’ cargo demand has slumped to 13.4%, which is the lowest among the regions and a significant drop when compared to the same period last year.
This update was disclosed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for March 2025, noting that capacity however increased by 10.5% year-on-year.
Globally, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4 percent compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5 percent for international operations), a historic peak for March.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded
by 4.3 percent compared to March 2024 (+6.1 percent for international operations).
According to Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration.
“The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade. In the meantime, the lower fuel costs - which are also a result of the same uncertainty - are a short-term positive factor for air cargo.
“And within the temporary pause
on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains.”
IATA explained that March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends.
Also, jet fuel prices dropped 17.3 percent year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines.
The global body indicated the sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the 2 May ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees.
Chinedu Eze
$410bn for Net-Zero: Nigeria Seeks Foreign Investment, Global Partnerships
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday, stressed the need for foreign finance and international cooperation to meet the substantial investment, estimated at $410 billion by 2060, to achieve net-zero emissions and universal access to clean energy. Bagudu stated this during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of Global South Peer Learning Workshop on Country Platforms for Climate Action and Just Energy Transition, organised by Africa Policy Research Institute, with support from the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCC), Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, among others.
Bagudu pointed out that Nigeria had already identified $23 billion in
Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Former governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, maintained that for a stable Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu should do eight years of two four-year tenures.
Okowa also disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might be on his way out of PDP, stating that there is uncertainty about a socalled coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) being spearheaded by Atiku.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Okowa also took a swipe at former Senate President Bukola Saraki, saying the ex-Kwara State governor has no moral right to question his political decisions, having himself left PDP at some point in the past.
Okowa stated, “The politics today may not be about the north and south, because I believe that both from the north and the south, people are competing, and in all political parties, you’re likely going to have people from the north and the south.
“But beyond all this, for the stability of this nation, I also do believe that,
of the oil and gas industry, plus its equity holdings in Joint Venture (JV), Production Sharing Contract (PSC), and Service Contract (SC) companies.
Besides, NUIMS, a powerful unit in the company, oversees the Nigerian Petroleum Exchange (NipeX), an electronic platform for contracting in the upstream sector.
Others who were affected by the sackings included: The Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, Ibrahim Onoja as well the Chief Compliance Officer and former Managing Director of NNPC Trading, Lawal Sade.
But a source who confirmed the development to THISDAY, sought to downplay it, describing it as ‘routine’ and stressed that a number of those who were asked to leave their posts were already on their way out due to retirement; “Some people with 18 months to retirement were giving the option of early exit, other were giving lump sums to go while some were promoted to fill the vacant positions.”
Some have however insinuated that some of the firings had do with their closeness to the former GCEO Kyari who was fired by the President early this month. Wunti, for instance, was particularly close to Kyari when he held sway at the oil company. Aside from the top officials who were asked to leave, over 200 other employees were impacted, THISDAY understood.
Furthermore, Maryam Idrisu has now taken over as Managing Director of NNPC Trading, the unit responsible for all crude oil transactions, while Obioma Abangwu is now Chief Liaison Officer for board matters.
Apart from recent changes in
investment opportunities in sectors, such as power generation, transmission, and clean cooking, and was working to secure financing commitments to kick-start implementation.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s national development plans, particularly emphasising the country’s energy transition and economic growth strategies.
Bagudu also underscored the importance of collective national commitment and hard work in realising Nigeria’s development goals.
The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to align with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which aims to tackle energy poverty and climate change while promoting sustainable economic growth.
He stated that Nigeria had historically contributed to global
yes, President Bola Tinubu was elected president in 2023, and for the stability of Nigeria, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure. Then the presidency can move back to the north. I believe that is the right thing.”
Okowa, along with the entire PDP machinery in Delta State recently defected to the ruling APC, citing, among other reasons, the need to align with the central government.
The ex-Delta State governor, who was running mate to Atiku in the last general election, said his vice presidential bid in 2023 failed because he moved against the prevailing political sentiments that power should return to the south.
He pointed out that before he left PDP alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and others, there were several consultations with stakeholders.
But Okowa hinted that there was no need to discuss the matter with former Governor James Ibori, one of the most prominent political figures in the state, because at the time they were not in the same political party.
Okowa also stated that his defection to the ruling party had nothing to do with his matter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
the leadership of the company, the last time a mass purge took place was in September 2023, when the NNPC announced the exit of several employees and some management staff.
institutions and was now focused on leveraging financial investments to support climate action and energy transition, including renewable energy projects and clean cooking solutions.
He also addressed the challenges posed by climate change, including floods and environmental degradation, linking these issues to the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
Bagudu emphasised the government’s resolve to modernise the economy, improve infrastructure, and ensure inclusivity in development efforts. He highlighted ongoing policies, such as National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) unveiled by the Ministry of Power.
The minister called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to embrace national commitment and hard
(EFCC). He denied ever speaking with ex-governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, who was rumoured to have assured him that his “sins” would be forgiven once he left PDP for APC.
Okowa said PDP did not appear to be preparing for the 2027 general election. He believed that PDP’s recent outright rejection of collaboration with any other party was a recipe for failure.
On the criticism by Saraki, Okowa said, “First, we did defect to the APC. I did not watch Senator Bukola (Saraki) speak, but I heard about what he said. Ordinarily, I believe that we’re a political family in Delta State, and once we take decisions together, I have to go with my political family, because without that family, I have no politics to play.
“Two, I did not expect that somebody like Senator Bukola Saraki should be able to speak concerning me, because he knows that he had also moved to the APC before and eventually returned, so he has had movement to and fro. I don’t think he has the moral right to even speak about my defection at all. But I don’t want to join issues with him.”
According to him, PDP is no longer a proper political vehicle for Delta
work as essential drivers of progress, reiterating that every state in Nigeria has value to contribute to the national pool.
He praised the resilience of Nigerian women and the government’s focus on inclusivity and empowerment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Bagudu concluded with a call for coordinated action, innovation, and sustained investment to realise Nigeria’s vision for a prosperous, sustainable future, and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s just and equitable energy transition.
In his remarks, Lead of NESG’s Special Task Force for Climate Action, Dr. Eugene Itua, emphasised the critical role of private sector investment and innovation in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Itua highlighted the need for businesses to drive low-emission
State, and it does not also appear that the party is ready to compete in the 2027 elections, especially with the many pending court cases.
Okowa said, “If I had the confidence on my own, and if the governor had the confidence that the PDP as it stands today is prepared to compete favourably and be very competitive at the 2027 elections, we would not have needed to move. But the signs are not there, because if you’re going to compete, it is necessary to reach out to people. We are not spending our time reaching out to people.
“There’s a lot of internal wrangling within the party. And as I said, I do not want to join issues with any of their leadership, because they are doing the best they can within their own thoughts. But those thoughts do not seem to go well with us, because we believe that for us to be truly competitive, we must stretch out our hands to embrace a lot of people.”
Although he admitted that Atiku had invited him last year to discuss the issue of forming a coalition, Okowa stated that he offered his advice to the former vice president, which he was not willing to discuss it publicly.
growth and unlock climate finance, citing Nigeria’s $1.9 trillion funding gap to achieve net-zero by 2060.
He stressed the need to learn from Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in South Africa, Indonesia, and Senegal to design Nigeria’s Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA).
Itua advocated stronger publicprivate partnerships to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, including carbon market development and solar project aggregation.
He said Nigeria’s transition must balance economic development with climate resilience, leveraging lessons from Global South peers to avoid replicating outdated models, and reaffirmed NESG’s commitment to translating workshop outcomes into actionable strategies, particularly in bridging financing gaps and ensuring an equitable shift from fossil fuels.
“He did invite me, and I discussed the matter with the governor. I discussed the matter with some of the leadership of our party, and they were not quite comfortable with a coalition that was being built. The primaries of the parties will start from next year.
“So we’re just one year away from competitive elections, and it does not appear that a vehicle has been confirmed for that coalition, nor does it appear to us as a state and as a political family that the coalition was going to be able to build strength within the short period of time available.
“And to that extent, it became worrying for both the governor and the leadership of our political family in Delta State. And we felt that it was difficult to move into that coalition.”
Okowa also disclosed that he had communicated to Atiku the fact that he was no longer comfortable in PDP, and affirmed that the former vice president’s body language was that he might be leaving PDP, too.
EFCC case. He stated that he was only invited by the anticorruption body, and he honoured the invitation. According to him, “In the first instance, there are no sins to be forgiven, because no sins were committed. That is number one. Two, I was not arrested by the EFCC. A communication was sent to me, and that communication arrived at my place. I was overseas at that time, and when I returned, I reported to the EFCC to answer their queries.
“I am not afraid of being investigated because I worked for Delta State, and the people.
The large majority of the people understand that I did work for them, and because of the work that I did, I have nothing to fear.”
PDP to challenge Defection of Okowa, Gov
The National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP directed the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, to file a court action for the purpose of reclaiming the office of the governor of Delta State from APC.
At the time, the company, in a statement, said the reorganisation was in line with its commitment to scale up its capabilities “through targeted talent management and equal opportunity for all Nigerians”, noting that only staff members with less than 15 months to retirement will be affected.
female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank. I would like to thank you for your confidence and support that has placed me in this position today”. She further said that “Zenith Bank is committed to, not only meeting your expectations, but exceeding them. We are focused on running a very efficient and sustainable institution that is resilient and will ensure that our institution outlives many generations to come”. Talking specifically about dividend, she emphasized that “If you look at our dividends trajectory, payments over the period have always increased and we will continue to maintain this record. We have successfully completed our recapitalization exercise, achieving 160% subscription. Therefore, we are not under any pressure to go back for the second time to raise funds. Zenith Bank has sufficient capital buffer to do business and we will continue to delight our shareholders. We are committed to growing our topline organically while adhering to our strict corporate governance culture.”
Dr. Faruk Umar, President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), applauded the Group Managing Director for her efforts in ensuring the growth of
Earlier in the month, President Bola Tinubu removed Kyari as the GCEO of NNPC, replacing him with Bayo Ojulari. He also dissolved the NNPC board and appointed a new 11-man board led by Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.
the bank’s financial indices. He said, “We are very happy that the bank is paying us N5. Most importantly the GMD/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, has done so well. In the past year, she won the award for the Banker of the Year which is very commendable, and all the bank’s indices have gone up; we are now experiencing trillions in profit against N676 billion the previous year, and the shareholder’s funds, the gross earnings – everything now is in trillions. I think this is very commendable. The bank has won so many awards – no bank in Nigeria has won such qualitative awards like they have. They also surpassed the capitalization threshold of CBN by 160% - this is unprecedented. We are very happy with their performance.”
Speaking on the dividend payout, Alhaji Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar, Chairman, Trusted Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said “The consistency of Zenith Bank dividend payout has never been matched in Nigeria. Since the inception of this bank, they have kept giving shareholders a consistent dividend payout, and this has made shareholders to be richer, happier, and more excited at the hardwork, performance and commitment of the bank. We are
He stated, “I don’t think it’s exactly true that I was side-lined in the coalition talks, because I know that Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, did invite me sometime last year, and I sat with him, and he talked about this coalition. And I did offer my advice at that point in time.
“And as they progressed, we met once again, and I actually did offer my own advice. The advice I gave to him was personal, and I do not think that it’s something that I have to talk about in public. But the real truth is that it’s not a question of being side-lined, but it’s a question of our people.
very happy. If you look at the Profit Before Tax (PBT) and the Profit After Tax (PAT), they have been able to cross the N1 trillion threshold. They have given us a Profit Before Tax of N1.3 trillion, which is very commendable. The shareholders, as you have seen at the meeting, have expressed their happiness and joy about this performance. I am grateful to the Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, the Management and the Board for such an outstanding performance.”
Ambassador Dr. Olatunde Okelana, the Balogun Olugbon of Orile- Igbon, Oyo State, also commented on the bank’s dividend payout. In his words, “Zenith Bank investment has been the best for me. I want to believe that whoever has not invested in Zenith Bank has lost. Their dividend policy is very palatable, very beautiful in the banking industry and the lady at the helm of affairs is performing wonderfully well. She is one of the best female CEOs in the banking Industry in Nigeria. I am a capitalist, so I invest where my money can give me beautiful returns. I want to tell you that Zenith Bank has been the best in the capital market and it is the best investment. Dr. Jim Ovia,
He explained, “Actually, I did communicate with him (Atiku) that we’re going to have stakeholders’ meetings, and I did communicate that we’re going to have the stakeholders meetings this week, that is, in the last week.
“And that it was going to be a leadership meeting, and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path, because we are no longer comfortable with the PDP. And I also know that he was already heading out of the PDP from the communications that he has passed on to me, and that we, Nigerians, also know already.”
He further clarified that his defection was unconnected with the
CFR, the Founder & Chairman, is a benefit to mankind, he has done the best by giving us Zenith Bank. 99.9% of my savings is in Zenith Bank, because I have confidence in them and in the Management led by Dame Dr. Adaora. I want to encourage many Nigerians to invest in Zenith Bank so that they too can reap the fruit of their labor as soon as possible. I am very happy to be a shareholder of this bank.
Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Shareholders Solidarity Association of Nigeria, praised the Chairman and Management of Zenith Bank for their consistent delivery of value to shareholders. He noted, “The dividend we received this year of N5 has been a promise which they have given to us at several forums which they have called at different times, and we thank them for not failing us in their promise. I am very proud to be a shareholder of Zenith Bank, and also their customer. The bank is a very reliable bank - if you keep your investments in Zenith Bank, you can go to sleep because there is always somebody there watching your investment for you.”
The bank’s robust financial performance in 2024 alluded to
The NWC also referred the secretaryship struggle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday UdeOkoye to the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting expected to hold May 27, for final adjudication. Addressing newsmen after its over five hours meeting, acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said the NWC resolved that the national legal adviser should file a process in court to recover the office of governor and those of other elected officials who defected last week to APC
its commitment to continually delivering value to its investors in spite of challenging macroeconomic conditions. Zenith Bank Group achieved a remarkable double-digit growth of 86% in gross earnings, from NGN2.13 trillion in the previous year to NGN3.97 trillion in 2024. This was driven by a 138% increase in interest income, supported by investment in high-yield government securities, and growth in the Bank’s loan book. Customer deposits grew by 45%, reflecting the bank’s market leadership and customers’ trust. Total assets rose by 47%, underpinned by a strong liquidity position and effective balance sheet management. Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognized as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; and Best Bank in Nigeria for four times in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards.
SACkS
“At the NESG, we firmly believe that a sustainable and economically vibrant future for Nigeria hinges on our ability to proactively address climate change and strategically navigate the complexities of a just energy transition,” Itua said.
Senator Bagudu
NIGERIA, MOROCCO SIGN MOU ON PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION...
L-R: President of the Senate and Chairman, National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Councillors of Morocco, Mohamed Ould Errachid, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Parliamentary Cooperation, in Rabat, yesterday
At Morocco Forum, Akpabio Canvasses South- South Unity to Confront Global Challenges
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio yesterday at the third edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, advocated unity, solidarity, and action among
nations of the Global South.
A statement from Akpabio’s Media Office explained the senate president spoke before an assembly of lawmakers, diplomats, and development leaders.
The forum was themed - “Interregional and Continental Dialogues
in the Countries of the South as a Fundamental Lever to Address the Emerging Challenges of International Cooperation and Achieve Peace, Security, Stability, and Common Development.”
Akpabio urged southern nations to move beyond rhetoric and forge
a new era of cooperation, industrial growth, and political resilience.
He said: “We meet here today not merely to exchange words, but to forge weapons - of ideas, of solidarity, of bold policy, and brave cooperation.
“The storms we face - economic upheavals, climate crises, political
Award-winning US News Executive, Stacia Philips, to Visit Nigeria
Set for week-long engagement with media CEOs
From May 3 to 10, former U.S. News Executive, Stacia Philips, will visit Nigeria for a U.S. Speaker Programme on Journalism Innovation and Sustainable Media Business, a statement by the US Consulate General in Lagos said yesterday.
The U.S. Speaker Programme, organised by the Channels Academy, with support from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, aims to equip media leaders with the skills to foster resilient, financially sustainable newsrooms across Nigeria.
An award-winning former senior media executive with over 30 years of experience, Philips played a pivotal role in shaping the editorial, strategic, and creative cross-platform direction at ABC News where she served as executive vice president.
While at the outlet, the statement said she also oversaw business development and operations for their radio division. Prior to that, Philips worked at CNN as the director of news planning and coverage. She is currently the President and CEO of Philips Strategic Insights.
During her week-long visit,
Philips will lead intensive two-day workshops in both Abuja and Lagos sharing insights from the U.S. media industry with leading media CEOs, managing directors, editors-in-chief, and executive editors.
According to the press release, workshop topics will include how to lead through disruption, explore innovative business models, grow engaged audiences, diversify revenue streams, and plan for effective leadership succession.
Through panel discussions, breakout groups, and interactive sessions, the U.S Speaker Programme, it said, will equip 100 Nigerian media leaders with the practical tools needed to navigate the dynamic media landscape in an era of changing business models and operating environments.
Reflecting on the upcoming visit, Philips said: “I couldn’t be more excited about my first trip to Nigeria, especially as we gather to tackle the critical issues shaping the future of our industry.
“No matter where we are in the world, no matter the size of our newsroom or the medium we work in, we’re all facing many of
the same challenges — from rapid technological shifts and the rise of AI to the disruptions of a digital-first world and the ever-evolving media landscape.”
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay noted that a free and independent media is vital for a healthy and resilient democracy. She explained that the overarching goal of the programme is to advance ongoing efforts aimed at improving access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for citizens by promoting the business sustainability of independent newsrooms.
“We’re honored to welcome a seasoned U.S. media leader like Stacia Philips to Nigeria,” said McKay. “Her expertise comes at a critical time, as media leaders around the world are exploring opportunities to innovate—not only in how they report the news, but in how they sustain their business operations.
“This programme is about equipping Nigerian media leaders with the tools to lead confidently in a fast-changing global media landscape,” McKay added.
General Manager of the Channels Academy, Kingsley Uranta,
Tinubu Redeploys Four Permanent Secretaries
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the redeployment of four permanent secretaries in line with ongoing efforts to strengthen operations of the Federal Civil Service and reposition it for greater efficiency and service delivery.
highlighted the timeliness of the workshop and how it aligns with the Academy’s mission to strengthen the editorial independence of Nigerian news outlets.
“As media executives face growing pressure from operational and commercial pain points, this workshop offers timely and strategic guidance on how to navigate the challenges,” Uranta noted.
“At Channels Academy, we are committed to equipping leaders with the knowledge to safeguard editorial independence and preserve journalistic integrity and survival,” he said.
The U.S Speaker Programme on Journalism Innovation and Sustainable Media Business, the statement said, is the latest example of the U.S. Mission’s long-standing engagement with and support for the Nigerian media.
Segun James
The Lagos State Government, as part of measures to alleviate poverty, has invested over N8.4bn to support more than 12,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises in the last four years.
instability - will not be conquered by isolated efforts, but by united resolve.”
Akpabio hailed Morocco as a symbol of bridging continents and traditions, praising the host nation for offering not just hospitality but “a fulcrum upon which we may turn the heavy wheels of history.”
He reminded the gathering that apartheid fell not by isolated goodwill but by united, determined action across nations and peoples.
He called on the South to summon that same collective strength against today’s challenges.
“No fortress of difficulty - economic, political, or social - can withstand the force of our unity and determination,” he asserted.
Akpabio also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to the cause of regional integration through platforms such as ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He stated that true development would be driven not by isolated national efforts but by collaborative South-South action anchored in trust, shared vision, and strategic partnerships.
Akpabio emphasized that nations of the South must choose collective endurance over short-term ambition.
He challenged the Forum not to let the Rabat gathering be remembered merely as a symposium of speeches but as the historic moment when the Global South “rolled up its sleeves, joined hands across oceans, and lit the torch of common development
that no darkness could extinguish.”
Akpabio said, “Let it be said of us, in the chronicles of tomorrow, that when history beckoned, we did not falter; when the moment demanded courage, we stood as one; and when the world doubted the strength of the South, we proved that unity forged in purpose is a force no power on earth can defeat.”
Chairman of the Forum, Mohamed Ould Errachid, Speaker of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco and Chairman of ASSECAA, emphasized the urgent need for deeper South-South cooperation in confronting global economic and security challenges.
He commended the participating nations for their commitment to dialogue, describing the gathering as “a living testament to the will of the Global South to take its destiny into its own hands and build a future of shared peace, prosperity, and dignity.”
The third edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum continues in Rabat, with participants deliberating on practical frameworks to bolster interregional cooperation, economic resilience, security, and sustainable development among southern nations.
The senate president led a delegation of eight senators to the conference, consisting of Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Senator Samaila Kaila, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Salihu Mustapha, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and Senator Titus Zam.
of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we’re taking bold strides to make that vision a reality.
“This initiative is a key part of our administration’s mission to empower women and combat poverty through the development of micro-enterprises.
commitment to fostering an economy where businesses can thrive and no one is left behind.
A statement Tuesday by Director, Information and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, listed the affected permanent secretaries and their new postings: Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe, from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to the Ministry of Regional Development to understudy the Permanent Secretary who will be retiring on May 7, 2025; Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, Ministry of Budget and Economic Development to Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Special Duties Office, OHCSF to Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, emphasized the redeployment was a routine administrative process designed to reinvigorate the civil service by leveraging the expertise of top officials in critical sectors.
The statement added the reassignment was also part of continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation and strengthen service delivery across the federal civil service in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
She urged the affected Permanent Secretaries to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new roles, ensuring seamless service delivery and sustained progress in their respective ministries.
The directives added that all handover and taking-over processes are to be completed on or before May 2, 2025
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who made this disclosure during the 2025 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, MESI, for vulnerable and indigent residents of the state at Blue Roof, Ikeja, Lagos, said over 1,700 residents who had undergone training at various vocational centres benefitted in the latest series of the empowerment programmes.
Sanwo-Olu in his speech said: “I envision a Lagos where every woman, every young person, and every aspiring entrepreneur has the tools, resources, and confidence they need to turn their dreams into successful businesses.
“With the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, organized by the Ministry
“This year, we’re ramping up funding, focusing on skills development, and enhancing support for women-led businesses - all driven by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s commitment to unity, innovation, and effective service delivery.
“When we uplift one entrepreneur, we uplift an entire family, a whole community, and ultimately, the future of Lagos. The positive impact of your success will resonate in every market, every neighborhood, and every home.
“Over the last four years, this administration has invested over N8.4 billion to support more than 12,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, showcasing our steadfast
“Today, we’re thrilled to empower 1,700 dedicated individuals - women, men, and youth - who embody the future of our state’s economy. This significant increase in beneficiaries compared to previous years is made possible by the additional funding allocated to these programs.
“Through this support, we’re not just providing start-up capital; we’re unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and opening doors to brighter, more prosperous lives for many across the state.”
The 2025 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative items distributed are: hairdressing kits such as hair dryer and attachments, two phase burners, sewing machines, stoning machines, aluminum fabricating machines, smoking kilns, pepper grinder, barbing kits such as clipper, sterilizer and generator.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
SIGNING OF MOU BETWEEN CIPMN AND SIMPLIFIEDIQ ON TECHNOLOGY STANDARDISATION...
L-R: Head, Legal Department, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Barr. Itanyi Arinze; Registrar General/CEO, CIPMN, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe; and Founder/CEO, SimplifiedIQ
Ltd, Mr. Samuel Obi, during the MoU signing ceremony between CIPMN and SimplifiedIQ to leverage technology to standardise, secure, and enhance CIPMN certificate examination enforcement exercise, in Abuja, yesterday
Tunji-Ojo: Harmonised Centre to Prevent Immigration Document Fraud Underway
A harmonized centre to prevent immigration document fraud will soon be established in the country, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said
The minister disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja when he received in audience the United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Home Affairs, David Hanson.
Tunji-Ojo said: “One of the key issues we also realized with border control is what we call immigration and document fraud. It is very key and we realized that one of the reasons why this is quite on the rise is because there is no centralized pool of authentication and verification of documents in real time.
“So today, if people submit 20 documents, you might need to go to 20 issuing agencies to verify 20 documents belonging to one person. So, if you have 1,000 people per day, you might need to look for 100,000 verification and authentication systems.
“That breeds inefficiency. And for us, we sincerely believe, and I will not shy away from this fact, and I will say this very clearly, that
the unfortunate situation is that the bad reputation of a few is being magnified, is being amplified at the expense of the great reputation of the majority of Nigerians. But we are not blaming anybody for that.
We are taking responsibility.
“Nigerians have a responsibility, and as such, as a country, we have decided to be able to create a real-time pool where authentication and verification of all documents, may it be bank statement, may it be passport, may it be birth certificate, may it be any document, just to one centre, where verification will happen.
“So, we are already working on that because we care about our image, and we care about our relationship and we want to be able to give people the opportunity to know what is right at any time that they wish to know it.
“It is not just about integration. It also affects investors. If somebody wants to invest in Nigeria, he will want to know who he is dealing with. As a government, we are trying to be more proactive than reactive, and we don’t want to judge our performance in terms of fraud by virtue of recoveries or convictions, but rather by the number of crimes
or frauds that we prevented from happening.
“We want our performance to be based on our preventive measures and not just on our reactive measures. So, we are also working on that.”
On his part, Hanson said Nigeria and the UK have to improve performance on criminal justice outcomes.
He said: “There is a great common agenda that we can share and I am
particularly keen to look at how we are working together closely. My visit this week will also look at the new Joint Centre that you are undertaking. I will meet with other colleagues in government departments.
“We obviously have key issues coming up in terms of our new government’s approach to drawing up new policies on migration issues, looking at how our new visa system is working, looking at how we can
extend opportunities to develop skills, trade and business with Nigeria - and I know that my colleagues from the High Commission are very keen to support continual engagement with the Nigerian government and with yourselves on a range of issues as a whole.
“I think it is really important and I know that you visited recently and met with the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and that there is a
willingness and a hope that we can further engage and that you want to organize regional conferences along the lines that we have been trying to do in the United Kingdom to raise some of these criminal justice issues within your sphere of influence here in Nigeria and beyond”.
The UK Minister was accompanied by officials from the UK Home Office, the National Crime Agency and the UK High Commission in Nigeria.
Obasanjo, Gowon, Anyaoku, Govs, Monarchs, Others to Honour Late Edwin Clark in Lagos on May Day
As Edwin Clark’s widow, family, associates celebrate life and times of late Niger Delta leader
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Ahead of the scheduled obsequies for late Niger Delta Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed on in February at 97 years, Associates, friends and family members of the late elder statesman will be holding a major tributes and prayers ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, 1st of May to
UNICEF Calls for Urgent Action to Boost Routine Immunisation Amid Polio Resurgence
Funmi Ogundare
The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, yesterday called for renewed political commitment and community action to strengthen routine immunisation in Lagos State, warning that a resurgence of polio poses a serious threat to children across the region.
Speaking at the World Immunisation Week and Polio Awareness Walk, themed, ‘Humanly Possible: Saving Lives through Immunisation’, Lafoucriere revealed that two million Nigerian children remain zero-dose, having never received a single vaccine dose, despite decades of global progress in immunisation.
“Right here in Lagos, we are detecting a resurgence of polio,” the UNICEF Chief said, attributing the threat to low immunisation coverage, poor sanitation, and malnutrition, stressing “routine immunisation is our best bet.”
She emphasised the life-saving power of vaccines, saying im-
munisation has saved over 150 million lives since 1974 and the global use of the oral polio vaccine alone has prevented 24 million cases of paralysis.
“Before the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 1,000 children were paralysed every day. Thanks to collective action, we have achieved a 99.9 per cent reduction in polio cases. But we are not done yet,” Laforcriere stated. She also called for intensified efforts in health education saying the challenge is no longer awareness but belief.
According to her, “everybody is aware. Does everybody truly believe in the validity of vaccines? I don’t think so,” she said, pointing to persistent misinformation and vaccine hesitancy as key obstacles.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who flagged-off the campaign, explained that immunisation is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every child.
“Let us make a collective pledge today: That no child in Lagos will suffer from a disease we can prevent. That we will reach the unreached. That we will end polio, once and for all,” she stated.
Under the campaign, which will run from May 3 to 6, she noted that all children aged 0 to 59 months will receive two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) free of charge.
“Vaccination teams will be deployed across public health centers and directly to communities through house-to-house visits, schools, religious centers, and markets.”
She however warned against vaccine misinformation, calling on parents, caregivers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society to stand united in fighting myths and hesitancy.
“Vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving,” she stressed, reaffirming her office’s commitment to advocacy, grassroots education, and empowering community leaders.
celebrate the life, times and legacies of the nonagenarian The event, being put together at the instance of EK Clark’s Widow, Dr. (Mrs) Abisola Shodipo-Clark in collaboration with associates of the Niger Delta leader, is in recognition of the huge network of friends and associates of the former federal Commissioner of Information and Second Republic Senator who served the country from Lagos in the 70s and 80s respectively.
In a statement by Baroong Tony Uranta, for the organising Committee Lagos TRIBUTES For Edwin Clark, said the event expected to host eminent nigerians, statesmen and women, including leaders of ethnic nationalities and the civil society from across Nigeria will hold at the Lagos
Sunday Ehigiator
Veteran Journalist and CEO of Reb360, a real estate company in Lagos, Tope Mark-Odigie, popularly known as TMO, has revealed that she will be sponsoring IVF procedures of 40 families in need, with collaborations with certified IVF clinics and other interested partners.
Speaking through a statement, TMO said her parents struggled with childbearing before they had her, and their inability to afford an IVF procedure motivated her to embark on such a gesture.
Compassionate and empathetic towards families with a similar situation, especially those who have waited for at least five years without a child,
Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, from 2pm on Thursday, 1st May, 2025.
A short tribute lecture on True “Federalism and Resource Control in Nigeria will be delivered on behalf of The Patriots by Prince Fafaa DanPrincewill, a lawyer, businessman and experienced political activist from Rivers State, while Songs of Praise and Prayers will be conducted by The Trinity House led by a renowned Christian Leader in Nigeria, Itua Ighodaloh
The statement said some key associates and political leaders invited to grace the occasion are; Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and wife, leader of the Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Godknows Igali, acting leader
TMO has decided to partner with willing sponsors to fund the IVF of 40 families who cannot have babies organically.
According to the statement, over the past five years, TMO has volunteered and partnered with Quiverfull, a reputable registered foundation in Lagos, to fund successful IVF procedures; two years ago, her company, Reb360, joined her to fund the same project. This year, she is soliciting at least 39 more people to join her to fund the IVF of 40 families.
“As an only child, I know how tough it is to be an only child. But what was worse was observing my parents’ hopes of having another child dashed many times till they passed the age of childbearing.
of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, General Ike Nwachuckwu, Obong Victor Attah, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Chief (Mrs.) Maiden Ibru, Chief Goodie Ibru, Chief Wale Babalakin, governors of the six Southwest States, key traditional rulers in the Southwest and prominent Niger Delta leaders and groups in Southwest Some members of Organising Committee of the event include; Senator. Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, Chief Paxy Alakeme, High Chief John Odeyemi, Mrs. Barong Uranta, Mr. Olumide Ajayi and Olawale Okunniyi, among others, while Dr Abisola Shodipo Clark, widow of late Chief Edwin Clark, is the chief host of the ceremony
“Thank God they have me! However, many other families do not have a single child of consolation like my parents do. This is why, to commemorate my 40th birthday, my greatest desire is to help 40 families achieve their dream of having a baby through IVF funding.
“Currently, the average cost of an IVF is between N5,000,000 and N6,000,000, if there are no additional complications of surgery. This is why I need all the support I can get from individuals, organisations and reputable IVF clinics who are willing to partner with me to put a smile on the faces of the 40 families who will be selected from the 1,000+ families who have shared their touching stories.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
FOCUS
Second Anniversary: 50 Achievements That Will Guarantee Tinubu’s Reelection
Reno Omokri
In exactly one month, President Bola Tinubu will mark his second anniversary as President, God sparing his life. Here are fifty achievements that will guarantee his reelection.
1. Reducing our debt from the $108 billion TInubu inherited from Buhari to $94 billion
2. The Nigerian Stock Exchange achieved her highest record of crossing the 100,000 All Share Index in January of 2024, thus briefly overtaking Argentina as the world’s most profitable market. It later hit another all time high of 109850.83 ASI in February of 2025
3. Student loans given to an unprecedented 200,000 students
4. Local Government Autonomy achieved as promised
5. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project
6. The Sokoto-Badagry Express Way Project
7. Capital inflow into Nigeria increased by 66.27% under this administration
8. Federal allocation to states increased by 300%
9. There has been no ASUU strike under Tinubu.
The last ASUU strike in Nigeria ended on October 17, 2022, after eight months
10. The Federal Government facilitated a Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, to secure daily direct flights to London, which crashed ticket prices on that route
11. Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024
12. Achieved a 3.84% quarterly GDP growth in 2024
13. Lagos’ GDP expanded from $100 billion to $259 billion
14. Fuel importation was reduced by 70%, with daily imports dropping from 44.6 million litres to 14.7 million litres, a decrease of 29.9 million litres
15. Local refining increased by more than 200%
16. Port Harcourt Refinery revived and operational
17. Wage support of N35,000 to all federal employees
18. Naira stabilised and is now among the world’s best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. In April 2024, Goldman Sachs rated it the world’s best-performing currency
19. The New Minimum Wage Bill passed and signed into law with N70,000 minimum wage
20. Nigeria increased her oil production to 1.5 million barrels, from barely a million barrels inherited, and has set a new target for 2.5 million barrels per day
21. Transparency and efficiency enhanced in Nigeria’s oil sector as the collector of oil receipts moved from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. PLC to the Central Bank of Nigeria, in line with global best practices
22. Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s economy to a Stable B
23. Nigeria came a close second at this year’s
AFCON
24. Secured rights for the Nigerian Television Authority to broadcast the AFCON live, an unprecedented achievement
25. The Federal Government cleared all outstanding monies owed the Super Eagles and other sporting teams of the country by previous administrations
26. Nigeria broke her power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energy [output] of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria
27. Achieved peaceful Executive-Legislative and Judicial relations throughout the subsistence of this administration
28. Achieved balance and federal character in the National Security Council, with all geopolitical zones represented, especially and including the Southeast, a significant departure from previous regimes
29. Reduction in financial crimes due to increased NIN-SIM linkage
30. Ended passport scarcity and waiting time for passport application, renewal and collection period to less than two weeks through the new online passport portal
31. President Tinubu displayed zero tolerance for
even perceptions of corruption by immediately suspending a minister, pending investigations when corruption allegations arose
32. E-Gates facility installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and entry into Nigeria is now seamless from that port
33. The Federal Government rehabilitated the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, even equipping it with speed cameras to increase road safety and expedite traffic
34. This administration took corrective action at the Central Bank of Nigeria by suspending and investigating, then charging the former CBN Governor to court, thereby restoring confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector and monetary policy
35. The Central Bank of Nigeria has repositioned Nigeria’s banking sector by establishing new capitalisation requirements to increase service delivery and prevent bank failures
36. Due to a substantial increase in capital inflow, Nigeria’s foreign reserve hit a year-to-date high of $40.877 billion at the end of 2024.
37. N50 billion was released to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in the first half of 2024, which is more than double what was allocated by the previous administration
38. The Nigerian government facilitated with Meta
to enable Nigerian content creators to monetise their content on Facebook beginning in June 2024
39. Significant improvement in commercial air safety in Nigeria, as there have been no civil aviation incidents during the pendency of this administration
40. Wastage reduced in the Presidency by the President’s executive order reducing his and the vice President’s entourage and security details during foreign and domestic trips
41. Further wastage reduction at the Presidency with the decrease in the Presidential Air Fleet by listing three planes for sale
42. The administration displayed increased service delivery by acting immediately on the six weeks degree for cash scandal and suspending the affected institutions
43. In the international arena, Nigeria projected her status as the regional power by intervening to restore law and order in Sierra Leone after a failed coup
44. Nigeria achieved a record increase of 67% in non-oil revenues in the first six months of the Tinubu administration, reaching N3.98 trillion. In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil revenue grew even further by 24.75 at $1.79 billion
45. There has been no incident of insecurity or attacks on the national rail infrastructure, as used to be the case in the recent past
46. President Tinubu Signed the 2023 Electricity Bill into Law to end federal monopoly in the power sector and empower states and the private sector to generate, distribute and transmit power.
47. Four Nigerian ports are now equipped to accommodate Very Large Ships, including Lekki Port, Apapa Port, Tin-can Island Port, and Onne Port in Port Harcourt
48. On Friday, May 3, 2024, Nigeria added 625 Megawatts of electricity to the national grid
49. Neutralisation of the most notorious bandit kingpins, including Ali Kachala, Boderi Isyaku, and Sani Dangote, which has resulted in a marked decrease in incidents of insecurity
50. The Federal Government has initiated and begun payment of the N50,000 Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to nano businesses
51. As a result of the Federal Government’s monetary and fiscal policy, which led to significant upgrades of our economy, American Express introduced its first ever business credit card in Nigeria, thus, expanding access to credit to Nigerian businesses.
•Reno Omokri, Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.
2027: CSOs Allege Plans to Replace INEC Chair, Six RECs With Loyal Party Members
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Civil Society Organisations have raised the alarm over alleged plan to replace the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood
Yakubu, and six Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) with loyal party members when their tenure expires by November.
The stakeholders made this known yesterday in Abuja at the Conference of Thought Leaders on
Civic Space, Poverty and Elections in Nigeria, organised by Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in collaboration with African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).
The political move, which had been set in motion, the stakeholders said, would be actualised in six months time when Yakubu and the six RECs would have served out their statutory terms.
The stakeholders, however,
warned against a repeat of what happened in the 1964 and the 1965 federal elections, which put the country on the edge due to a deliberate attempt to tamper with and influence the federal electoral culture at the time to the extent that
three or four members of the NEC had to resign.
While delivering his keynote address, Professor of Political Science at the University of Lagos and former commissioner in the National Election Commission (NEC), Prof. Adele Jinadu, said the CSOs must be vigilant to oppose and prevent appointment of loyal party members in the electoral body.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
A former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, yesterday, said he was not perturbed by the gale of defections that has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),because defection has been characteristic of the average Nigerian politician. This was as the Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has alerted the people of Delta State of a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use coerced defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to their party as a gateway for total control of the treasury and resources
of the state.
But the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has attributed the mass movement to the APC to the persistent internal crisis within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Igbinedion, who said he foresaw the defectors coming back to the party or another party that would hold sway in the nearest future, spoke to journalists shortly after leading leaders of the party and others to the residence of former Chief Whip of the Senate, Sir Rowland Owie on a condolence visit over the death of his wife, Lady Helen Owie. On his entourage were the state
chairman of the party, Dr.Tony Aziegbemi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi; former Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre and others.
He said, “I don’t worry so much (about the defections) because I know Nigerian politicians, they swing from one side to the other. If anything happens tomorrow, those people that defected, you will see them coming back to the PDP.
“There was a time when the PDP had the highest number of governors in this country and we saw PDP both in the south and in the north and now it is APC’s turn, they will be deflated sooner or later
and whether it is going to be PDP or a new party, only God knows.”
On the move for a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, the former governor said, “I have always been in the PDP since 1998 and I am not contemplating leaving PDP. But one thing for sure is that I believe in equity and that equity means that it is the turn of a southerner to be president.
“So, if any other southerner comes tomorrow from the PDP of course I will support the southerner. After that, in the year, 2031, it will now be the turn of the north. I will also look at the possible candidate for that job.”
Igbinedion said they were in
Owie’s house to commiserate with him being an ally.
“We have known for many decades and somebody who is full of life and, I also admire him a lot because to be married for fifty years is not a joke and to lose a life partner can be very saddening and we came to condole and wish him continuous God’s strength, God knows best and we came to give the necessary support to carry on without her.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation earlier, Aziegbemi told Owie that despite the pain of death, his wife living to be 71 years was a consolation since the bible records 70 as an acceptable time to die.
“I’m saying this now, because I can clearly see attempts to invade INEC. You don’t want to say it, forgive me, but those of us who have our ears on the ground, we know that the process is going on now, and we have seen images of it already.
“When party members were nominated as RECs and within one day, they were all confirmed. Pressures are being mounted so that the process for registering new parties will be used against those who want to start to use them to form a new government.
“I think the role of civil society is very important. There has to be a lot of vigorous resistance against that kind of thing.In the next six months, by November, the present leadership of INEC will have to step aside. I think we need to be vigilant and prevent that from happening.
President BolaTinubu
Kayode Tokede
In a bid to bridge the 2025 budget deficit, the federal government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) has borrowed an estimated N2.5 trillion from the FGN bond market in the first four months of 2025.
This is about 22 per cent drop when compared to N3.15 trillion borrowed in the four months of 2024.
The federal government is projected to borrow approximately N13 trillion from the bond market in 2025, to finance its projected budget deficit, with a significant portion expected to be raised through a mix of new and reopened bonds.
Last year the government borrowed an estimated N5.84 trillion from the FGN bond market to bridge its 2024 budget deficit.
So far, the total subscription across the nine bonds offered by DMO
stood at N1.17 billion in first four months of 2025 as against N4.04 trillion in first four months of 2025.
DMO auction results showed that the total amount offered stood at N1.45 trillion in first four months of 2025, about 61 per cent decline from N3.76trillion offered in four months of 2024.
However, the DMO in its latest FGN auction result for April 2025 said it successfully allotted a total of N520.898 billion (including non-competitive allotment) across two re-opening issues—the 19.30% FGN APR 2029 (5-Year Bond) and the 19.89% FGN MAY 2033 (9-Year Bond).
The auction held on April 28, 2025, and the settlement date is scheduled for April 30, 2025.
According to the DMO’s official data, the auction saw mixed investor interest across the two maturities.
The 2033 bond was oversubscribed significantly, while the shorter-dated 2029 note witnessed modest demand.
Investor appetite was clearly skewed toward the longer-dated 2033 bonds, which attracted N452.16 billion in total bids—more than triple the N150 billion on offer. This resulted in a competitive allotment of N376.77 billion and an additional N73 billion via non-competitive bids, pushing total allotments for the 2033 paper to N449.77 billion.
In contrast, the 2029 bond saw subdued demand, attracting bids worth N43.79 billion against an offer size of N200 billion. The DMO allotted only N21.13 billion competitively and N50 billion noncompetitively, totalling N71.13 billion.
Both issues were allotted at marginal rates of 19.00 per cent for the 2029 bond and 19.99% for the 2033 bond. However, the original coupon rates of 19.30 per cent and 19.89 per cent, respectively, will be maintained, the DMO stated.
The strong oversubscription of the 2033 paper suggests investors’ preference for longer-dated
instruments in the current rate environment, likely driven by expectations of future monetary easing by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or sustained inflation hedging.
The April 2024 auction results also signal continued confidence in the FGN bond market, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, as institutional investors position for yield and duration in anticipation of market shifts.
The FGN bond continues to attract strong participation as Nigerians seek safer and more predictable returns amid broader market uncertainties.
The relatively high interest rates for the April 2025 offer underscore the government’s bid to raise domestic capital while offering attractive yields to encourage savings.
FGN bond is issued with a minimum subscription of N50,001,000.00 + multiple of N1,000.00 thereafter.
The DMO in January 2025 auction had successfully raised a total of
N669.94 billion, with N601.03 billion allotted across three bond tenors. The debt management had seek investors support to raise N450 billion.
The January 2025 FGN bond auction had marked another significant milestone in the government’s bid to finance critical infrastructure projects and support budgetary needs through domestic borrowing
The DMO said the robust subscription levels highlight continued investor confidence in the government’s debt instruments, driven by attractive yields and Nigeria’s stable credit ratings.
Analysts stated that the lower bond yields typically indicate that investors perceive reduced risks and are willing to accept lower returns in exchange for safety.
Also, the strong participation in first four months of 2025 auction suggests that large institutional investors, such as pension funds and asset managers, had excess liquidity
to deploy, further compressing yields. Meanwhile, analysts stated that the strong demand for FGN bond is as a result of attractive yield, which offers investors high returns on their investments, stressing that the oversubscriptions also revealed that investors have confidence in the federal government’s ability to meet its debt obligations.
Analysts at Coronation in a report titled, “2025 year ahead,” said “As we have seen, there was considerable pain in the bond market during the period from 2020 onwards, including 2024. Taking the Bloomberg Nigerian Local Currency Sovereign Absolute Return Index, which is based on a selection of medium and long-dated FGN bonds, recent returns have been poor. The index has returned just 10.8per cent in Naira over the past two years and a meagre 1.4per cent, mark-to[1]market, in 2024.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria(OPSN) have said Nigeria’s massive public sector deficit is the biggest threat to the federal government’s goal of transforming the country into a $1 trillion economy by 2030. In a statement, NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., charged the federal government to adopt and implement a
more rigorous public financial management strategy, emphasising the need to prioritise capital over recurrent spending, aggressively expanding the tax base rather than raising tax rates, improving expenditure efficiency, and plugging leakages across all levels of government. According to him, “While structural reforms are essential, we must confront a hard truth: persistent public sector deficits and continual borrowing, much of it to finance recurrent expenditure, continue to crowd out private
investment and exert inflationary pressures. We urge the Federal Government to implement rigorous public financial management by: prioritizing capital over recurrent spending; aggressively expanding the tax base rather than raising tax rates; improving expenditure efficiency and plugging leakages, and accelerating the sale or concessioning of underperforming public assets.”
Oye, who is also the Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria noted, “These are
critical steps not only for restoring macroeconomic stability, but for rebuilding investor and business confidence.”
He also commended the federal government, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, for their candor in acknowledging the formidable macro-economic and social challenges currently confronting the nation, as reiterated at the just concluded IMF/World
Bank Spring Meetings.
The NACCIMA boss further applauded the government’s willingness to collaborate with development partners on job creation and youth empowerment, describing it as timely and commendable.
According to him, “We recognize the government’s laudable commitment to singledigit inflation, job creation, digital infrastructure development, and the ambition to transition to a $1 trillion economy by 2030.” He however noted that the
recently released Africa Pulse report by the World Bank is a stark reminder of the urgent threat of deepening poverty in Nigeria, with the national poverty rate projected to surge to 56 per cent by 2027, adding, “The dramatic growth in the number of Nigerians living below the poverty line, surging inflation, youth migration, and the expanded fiscal deficit, underscore the need for even faster, targeted, and pragmatic policy action.”
Eromosele Abiodun
Dantsoho’s Transformational Leadership at NPA
Less than a year since his appointment as the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Dantsoho has has redefined the course of port management in West and Central Africa, posits Eromosele Abiodun
In the intricate theatre of maritime administration, where commerce, diplomacy, and infrastructure intersect with national development, few figures have risen with the poise, purpose, and profound impact of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho. Since his landmark appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, July 12, 2024, as the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Dantsoho has not only steered the ship of the NPA through complex waters—he has redefined the course of port management in West and Central Africa.
In a year replete with remarkable milestones, none is more emblematic of Dantsoho’s ascent than his historic election as Chairman of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA). Earning this honour in November 2024, during the closing ceremony of PMAWCA’s 44th annual council in Conakry, Guinea, he became the first Nigerian ever to hold this prestigious position. This singular achievement not only underscores his personal credentials but also signals the rising influence of Nigeria within continental maritime governance.
This honour was not gifted; it was earned through deft diplomacy, technical acumen, and an unwavering commitment to elevating port standards and cooperation across the region. It reflects the collective confidence of member nations in Dantsoho’s ability to advance the shared aspirations of West and Central Africa’s maritime economy.
Perhaps the most staggering testament to Dantsoho’s leadership is the transformation of the NPA’s revenue profile. In a single fiscal year, the Authority’s earnings surged from N424.2 billion in 2023 to an astounding N893.6 billion in 2024—a 111 per cent leap that has not only outpaced projections but also revitalized national conversations around the economic potential of Nigerian ports.
Such an exponential increase is no accident. It is the product of a deliberate strategy anchored in digital transformation, strategic investments, and fiscal transparency. Under Dantsoho’s stewardship, the NPA has aggressively pursued the digitalization of port operations and the introduction of a robust Port Community System (PCS)—a twin initiative that is rapidly closing the leakages through which corruption once seeped and productivity once waned.
Beyond the balance sheets, Dantsoho’s legacy is being etched into the very fabric of NPA’s institutional culture. His tenure has catalyzed a revolution in employee welfare and industrial relations, breaking through bureaucratic inertia to address long-standing grievances.
With the unflinching support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Dantsoho facilitated a decisive intervention into the chronic issue of employee stagnation. The greenlight for long-delayed promotion examinations has rejuvenated morale within the ranks, earning commendations from labour unions, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSACGOC).
In a letter that resonates with genuine gratitude, SSACGOC President Comrade Akinola Bodunde hailed the increase in productivity bonuses, distribution of end-of-year welfare items, and a timely review of the Financial Guide to the Condition of Service—a document now sensitively attuned to Nigeria’s inflationary realities.
Dantsoho, ever the statesman, attributed these successes to collective synergy—especially praising both the leaderships of both SSACGOC and MWUN for their unwavering dedication to industrial harmony. Underpinning Dantsoho’s broader vision is a commitment to national competitiveness through port rehabilitation and modernization. Guided by the Federal Government’s overarching blueprint, the NPA under his charge has embarked on infrastructure renewal that prioritizes logistics efficiency, channel deepening, and the accommodation of larger vessels—thereby positioning Nigeria as a formidable maritime hub on the Gulf of Guinea.
Equally transformative has been the simplification of export procedures through the creation of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs). By streamlining what was once an arduous and opaque process, the NPA is unlocking new frontiers in non-oil export promotion—a vital lever in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and a favourable balance of trade.
As the NPA sails into deeper waters, guided by the steady hands of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, it does so with newfound purpose and poise. His leadership is not just a chapter in Nigeria’s maritime history—it is a turning point. From regional prominence and revenue windfalls to technological modernization and humane governance, Dantsoho’s tenure is sculpting a legacy of vision, integrity, and transformational impact.
At a recent capacity building workshop for journalists organised by Medallion Continental Alliance in Lagos, NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Sir Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said Dr. Dantsoho envisions Nigeria as a maritime logistics hub within Africa, particularly under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Onyemekara said by re-engineering operational
structures and supporting initiatives like the National Single Window, the NPA aims to improve cargo dwell-time and trade efficiency, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime community.
“Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority heralds a new era of efficiency, innovation, and regional leadership. Through strategic reforms, digital transformation, and a steadfast commitment to employee welfare, he is not only redefining Nigeria’s maritime landscape but also setting a benchmark for excellence in port management across Africa,” he added.
Just last week, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority, launched the Ports and Customs Efficiency Commitee (PCEC), a move aimed at enhanced efficiency and ease of doing business at the nation’s sea ports.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the PCEC, in Lagos, the director general, PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha, said improving efficiencies at the nation’s seaports would reduce cargo dwell time, vessel turnaround and turnover for Customers.
According to the PEBEC boss, the committee was launched to change the narrative of missed opportunities in the maritime sector and as well unlock potential opportunities, and enhancing Nigeria’s economy.
“By improving efficiencies in our ports, we can drastically reduce the average cargo dwell time and turnover time for customers, eliminate duplication of documentation and manual processes, and ensure customers’ satisfaction.
“This is not just another one of our reforms, but this is about resilience, it’s about unlocking potential opportunities, and enhancing Nigeria’s economy. This is not just a committee made up of government force for a difference, this also has a lot of private sector stakeholders.
“It is a call to action for terminal operators to improve infrastructure and for shipping companies to increase efficiency so as to reduce delays, for freight forwarders to uphold compliance, and for regulators to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks. It is a call for shared ownership of our shared problem and a commitment to deliver a shared solution,” she stated.
Speaking on missed opportunities, Audu stated that Customs Committee was established to go beyond identifying the problems but to begin implementing the solutions that are long overdue.
According to her, “Nigeria loses a lot every single day due to some of our inefficiencies. These are not just numbers, these are missed opportunities. They represent jobs not created, goods not delivered, investments not realised, and economic growth that is unnecessarily delayed. The Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee has been established to change this narrative, to go beyond identifying the problems we already know and begin implementing the solutions we all agree are long overdue.
“At PEBEC, our mandate has been very clear to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that will allow people do business at Nigerian seaports. Since 2016, we have driven over 200 reforms across sectors, collaborating with ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector and since I came on board, I’ve taken it one step forward. So beyond passing or helping pass reforms or policies, it’s time for us to focus on implementation and practical output of what
these reforms can translate into. This is why this committee is important to us.”
“The Parts and Customs Efficiency Committee is not an observer group, it is an action-oriented, high-impact one, charged with driving sustainable improvement in service delivery at the Nigerian ports working hand-in-hand with agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Customs Services, and other government agencies within the ports, technical operators, shipping companies, freight haulers, logistic providers, exporters, manufacturers, and policymakers, this is a reform ecosystem that accommodates everyone,” Audu stated.
Speaking, Dantsoho, said the NPA is currently adressing four major pillars that are critical to repositioning the nation’s seaports and make
it compete effectively with regional counterparts.
According to the NPA boss, investment in infrastructure, equipment, technology, and human capacity would improve competitiveness and operational efficiency of the nation’s seqports. Dantsoho noted that port infrastructure, particularly in Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, is aged and in dire need of rehabilitation. “Tin Can was constructed about 48 years ago, Apapa almost 100 years ago—yet no major rehabilitation has taken place all these years,” he said. He added that recent government approval for the reconstruction of both ports would significantly improve berth depth and cargo handling capacity.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Oyetola
Dantsoho
Education
Adegbulugbe: How Nigeria Can Strengthen Institutions to Boost Research, Industry Collaboration
Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, the Chief Executive Officer of Green Energy International Limited, is an academic and policy advisor. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, the Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, who recently clocked 70 years, explained why it is imperative for Nigeria to reinforce its institutional frameworks, recognise and build on existing successes to drive impactful research, foster stronger ties between academia and industry, and enhance national and state-level development. Excerpts:
You have had a remarkable academic journey from OAU to MIT. How has this shaped your life and career path?
What has shaped my life to all extent is the grace of God that I have received along my pilgrim journey here on earth. I have been blessed by a supportive family, my parents, who encouraged me and imbibed deep spiritual values of trusting in God. I have a very understanding wife who helped and encouraged me along the way. I have children who are a source of joy to me. Specifically, to your question, OAU laid the foundation of my academic pursuit. The university that I attended was very exciting and competitive. The academic atmosphere drives you to be the best you can be. The confidence gained at OAU helped me to face the challenges of studying at one of the best universities in the world. Studying at MIT and doing well further gives you the confidence that you can surmount any challenge if you apply yourself to it.
In the history of OAU, you have so far been the graduate with a perfect CGPA of 5.0, a no small feat. What personal values or systems helped you excel academically?
I thank God for the system and the many wonderful lecturers that I had in Ife. In terms of the personal values system that helped me, I can only say that God gave me the grace to understand concepts easily. One way or the other, I find it relatively easy to break complex physical or mathematical concepts into simpler subsets in my mind. And when my classmates saw that attribute, they would always come to me so that I could explain the concepts we had learnt in class to them. So even though it seems I was not studying much, the time I spent explaining things to my classmates made up for the time I did not study.
Many students today feel disconnected from the practical applications of their studies. What do you think is missing in Nigeria’s higher education approach? Without a doubt, there is a disconnect between our academic curriculum and what is needed to propel our country forward into
the technological space. The problem is not that our students or lecturers are not good or competent, but what is missing is the linkage and the structural defect in our economy that is not geared towards industrialisation and other technology-driven services.
How can institutions encourage more industry-academic collaboration to better prepare students for the real world?
We need to strengthen our institutions and create good examples and templates for people to see and emulate. We need institutions that can bring the universities and industry together. A good example in the oil and gas sector is the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which facilitates the interaction between the
university and oil and gas companies as one of its mandates. For example, they facilitated the collaboration between my company, Green Energy International Limited and Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure. Both of us worked on a programme that is relevant to what we are doing, and in the process developed some capacity in the university. I know this is not an isolated case, as some other universities are already doing that with other universities.
As a former director of the Centre for Energy Research and Development at OAU, what are your views on the state of research and innovation in Nigerian universities?
The level of research and innovation in Nigerian universities is not where it should be. There are some challenges faced, and they must be addressed. Without a doubt, funding research and innovation is the number one problem. I
remember the capital grant we received when I was the director of CERD, which was a joke compared to other institutions with similar mandates in the developed country or some other developing country. Management of the meagre financial resources to address some pressing national issues is another challenge faced. All in all, I believe universities should do better with the various interventions that are put in place.
What motivated you to transition from academia to founding Green Energy International Limited?
By the time I spent 40 years in academia, I became a bit restless. I was looking for the opportunity to put some of the ideas I have come up with from my research and those gained from attending international conferences and workshops into practice. By disposition, I am an entrepreneur. Utilising my academic expertise in the real world has been a most rewarding experience for me.
What legacy do you hope to leave in Nigeria’s energy sector?
The legacy I hope to leave behind in the Energy sector is that my team at Green Energy International Limited have demonstrated that a can-do spirit and reckless courage by embarking on a project that people would consider beyond the capabilities of indigenous players in the oil and gas industry. We constructed Nigeria’s first onshore terminal and export infrastructure, the first of its kind in over five decades. We delivered this infrastructure in less than two years, ahead of the sanctioned project schedule, thus demonstrating that Nigerian indigenous operators can deliver complex E&P infrastructures ahead of schedule.
What is your advice to young Nigerians aspiring to reach global academic heights like yourself?
They should stay the course and be focused. Avoid situations or people who would want to tell you it cannot be done. Of course, be ready for hard work and sacrifice for what you believe in or dream about. Above all, be spiritually grounded, as you will have to cross many rivers and steep mountains to climb.
Furore Over Fresh Appointments at Nigeria Maritime University
A fresh crisis is rocking the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State, over recent appointments in the specialised tertiary institution.
Apart from not meeting the requirements outlined in a public notice published in selected national dailies, including Vanguard Newspaper February 11, 2025 edition page 35, the appointments are said to be tilted in favour of a section of the country.
Also, the appointments did not meet the extant laws of the land, especially the provisions of
ALX Launches ‘Creative
In a bid to rewrite the narrative for Africa’s creative talent, ALX has launched the Creative Tech Lite (CTL), a future-forward programme designed to bridge the gap between creativity and technology.
The launch event, held at ALX Nigeria’s flagship hub in Costain, Lagos, welcomed industry insiders, creators, and community leaders to witness a bold step towards inclusivity in the digital economy.
With CTL, the organisation says it is unlocking new pathways for graphic designers, content creators, music producers, and storytellers, ensuring that African creatives are included in
the Federal Character Commission (FCC), which, among other things, provide that appointments in ministries, departments and agencies, especially top management positions, must reflect a spread in the six geo-political zones in the country.
The hullaballoo over the appointments in NMU is coming on the heels of the emergence of Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as registrar.
Two other principal officers were appointed to strategic administrative
positions in the specialised tertiary institution.
The other appointees include Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril as the librarian and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin as the bursar.
In a statement, NMU said the decision to appoint the registrar, librarian and bursar was reached during the university’s 21st Governing Council meeting, held on April 15, 2025, in Warri. Bebenimibo, until his appointment, was the head of the Department of Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies at the Delta State University, Abraka.
He was a Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality at the Delta State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
A statement by the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of NMU, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi, stated that the appointments followed due process in accordance with the university’s statutory regulations. However, some concerned stakeholders under the auspices of ‘Let The Right Be Done Advocates’ argued that the eight-member interview panel constituted by the university did a shoddy job of their assignment.
Tech Lite’ to Equip African Creatives with In-Demand
the tech revolution and leading it.
“Creative Tech Lite is our way of saying every skill set matters in the future of work,” said Ruby Igwe, the Country General Manager of ALX Nigeria. “Whether you’re creating beats, telling stories, or designing visuals, this programme gives you the tools to scale your passion into a global career. No creative is left behind.”
CTL is a seven-month intensive programme, offering hands-on learning across four major creative tracks: Graphic Design, Content Creation, AI for Creatives, and Music Production. Participants are
equipped to compete and lead in the global creative tech space with a curriculum rooted in digital fluency, AI tools, and real-world applications.
Igwe added that the launch of Creative Tech Lite marks an expansion of ALX’s mission to connect young Africans to opportunity, no matter their background or discipline.
“With a track record of transforming tech talent across software engineering, cloud computing, data analytics, and entrepreneurship, ALX is now extending its impact into the creative industries, ensuring that Africa’s artists, designers, and digital storytellers have the same access to skills, community, and career growth,” Igwe stated.
Tech Skills
Participants of CTL will also gain access to a vibrant network of like-minded creatives, professional development support, and exposure to potential job and freelance opportunities, all within the ALX ecosystem.
“Africa has always been rich in creativity. Now we’re matching that creativity with the tools to thrive in a tech-driven world,” Igwe explained. “Whether you are an emerging creative or a seasoned professional looking to level up, Creative Tech Lite is your launchpad into the future of creative work.”
Interested applicants are advised to visit www. alxafrica.ng for more details.
Adegbulugbe
Private Investors Harp on Increased Capital Injection in Nigeria’s Economy
Kayode Tokede
The African Private Capital Association, (AVCA) and the Private Equity and Venture Capital Association of Nigeria (PEVCA) have called for increased capital injection into Nigeria’s economy.
Both disclosed this at the 21st Annual Africa Venture Capital Association Conference held in Lagos with the theme: “Bold Moves: Powering 10x in Africa.”
Speaking at the event, Founding Partner at Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, hinted on the importance of Lagos. State as the heart of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
He stated that the city is not only a hub for innovation but also a critical destination for investors seeking to capitalize on Nigeria’s evolving market. He called on local investors to act swiftly and deploy capital
into sectors that stand to benefit from Nigeria’s recovery.
The Co-Managing Director at African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Olusola Lawson, echoed Aina’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and logistics as key sectors for investment. Lawson also shared insights into AIIM’s $3.2billion infrastructure portfolio, highlighting the firm’s commitment to long-term investments in Nigeria despite ongoing economic challenges.
The Managing Partner at Verod, Danladi Verheijen, spoke about the role of private equity in driving growth in Nigeria. He noted that while the country faces challenges, sectors such as technology and consumer goods present significant opportunities for investors with a long-term focus. Additionally, the Non-
Executive Director at British International Investment, Andrew Alli, reaffirmed his firm’s continued commitment to Nigeria, where it has invested $700million in sectors including financial services, agribusiness, and infrastructure. Alli expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and encouraged investors to remain confident despite the country’s recent economic volatility.
In her remarks, the Partner at Alterra Capital Partners, Genevieve Sangudi, stressed the importance of resilient investments, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI). She pointed out that despite current challenges, Nigeria’s potential remains strong, and investors should focus on opportunities that promise long-term growth and sustainable returns.
Sterling Bank Doubles Down on Push for Free Bank Transfers
After sparking a national movement with its Zero Transfer Fees campaign, Sterling Bank has once again pushed the boundaries of what corporate citizenship can mean to everyday Nigerians.
Last week, regular Lagosians stepping out after long workdays were met with an unexpected gift: Sterling OneBank-branded buses waiting to take them home, free of charge.
Starting as a push against bank transfer fees, the initiative has now taken to the streets, as the bank began offering free bus rides to customers across major Lagos corridors, a gesture that will continue through May 2025 to ease the return of workers after the May Day holidays.
“For customers who have to choose between transport fare and groceries, this is more than a ride, it’s hope,”
said Chidimma Okoli, Masterbrand Marketing Lead at Sterling. “When we said we were tearing down the barriers to moving your money, we meant it. But we also meant the barriers to moving yourself, to moving your dreams, to moving your life forward. This isn’t just about banking apps. It’s about freedom, in every sense of the word.”
Mary E., a market trader from Oshodi, stepped off a Sterling bus last Friday and captured the mood perfectly. “This is the first time a bank is not just advertising but acting,” she said, beaming. “I have saved on transfers all month because of OneBank. And today, I saved on my transport. Sterling ehn, dem sharp. Dem dey move.”
Across town, a young professional shared his own
experience on LinkedIn: “Every naira matters o. I already saved money on bank transfers using OneBank. Today, Sterling saved me time, money, and stress after a brutal day at work. They just get it.
Another rider, Amaka I., a single mother and hairdresser from Ajah, described the free rideas “a blessing nobody told me was coming.” She added, “We Lagos people work so hardjust to move. Today, I didn’t have to count Naira for my bus fare. That is dignity. That is respect.”
Chidimma Okoli emphasized that this initiative was never about fanfare, but about putting philosophy into action. “Financial systems have for too long extracted from Nigerians,” she said. “At Sterling, we are making a different choice. We are giving back, not just in naira and kobo, but in opportunities, in relief and in real dignity.”
Consumers to Changemakers: Terra Ambassadors Unwrap Joy
Terra Seasoning Cube has once again proven that brand engagement goes beyond just celebrity endorsements by unveiling its new set of ambassadors from everyday consumers. This initiative, which follows an open call for participation, temporarily places three everyday consumers in the spotlight, allowing them to embody the brand’s value of “Unwrapping Joy” before Terra’s main ambassador, Chioma Akpotha, resumes her role. Through this campaign, Terra is reinforcing its dedication to celebrating and empowering its consumers while maintaining strong connections with the communities it serves.
Among the newly unveiled ambassadors is Franca Eze, a cervical cancer survivor who has turned her pain into purpose. With a firm belief that awareness saves lives, Franca has dedicated herself to educating women on the importance of early detection and screenings. As her pet project for Terra, she took breast cancer awareness to Ajegunle, organizing free breast cancer screenings for women in the community in commemora-
tion of International Women’s Day. Through Terra’s support, Franca has been able to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved women, spreading awareness and bringing hope.
Another inspiring story comes from Joel Abayomi, who was moved by the dedication of Lagos drivers who keep the city moving. Understanding the long hours and challenges they face daily, Joel set out to show appreciation by distributing special care packages to drivers across the city. With Terra’s support, his initiative not only brought smiles but also highlighted the importance of recognizing everyday heroes who contribute significantly to society.
Victoria Onyenweama, the third ambassador, chose to focus on medical students, acknowledging the immense stress they undergo during training. Recognizing that these future doctors have little time to unwind, Victoria organized a special relaxation and appreciation event at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). With games, gifts, and delicious food provided by Terra, she created a space for laughter and bonding, offering a much-
needed break from the rigors of medical school. The selection of Franca, Joel, and Victoria as Terra Cube Ambassadors reflects the brand’s commitment to making an impact in local communities and “unwrapping joy” in everyday life. Rather than limiting brand representation to celebrities, Terra is engaging real people who embody this value and mission of unwrapping joy. By supporting initiatives that bring smiles and make a difference, Terra is not just selling a product, it is fostering a movement of kindness, empowerment, and shared experiences.
Speaking on the success of the campaign, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, emphasised the brand’s dedication to putting consumers first. “At TGI Group, we believe that our consumers are the heart of our brand. Their love and loyalty inspire us, and we are committed to involving them in every step of our journey. This initiative is a testament to that commitment, and the massive engagement we’ve received reaffirms how much our brand means to people.”
Saharan Blend
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)
Merey (Venezuela).
Stock Market Down N117bn on Profit-taking in MTN, 19 Others
KayodeTokede
Trading activities on the stock market yesterday closed negative, as investors profit-taking in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) Plc with a 6.1 per cent drop and 19 others pulled the market lower by N117 billion.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) lost 185.00 basis points or 0.17 per cent to close at 105,931.18 basis
points. Accordingly, the NGX ASI in its month-to-date and year-to-date returns moderated to +0.3per cent and +2.9per cent, respectively. Also, market capitalisation declined by N117 billion to close at N66.577 trillion.
Sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Banking index (+1.3per cent), NGX Consumer Goods index (+0.5per cent) and NGX Oil & Gas index (+0.1per
cent) closed higher, while the NGX Insurance Index (-0.5per cent) declined. The NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat.
However, investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed positive as 33 stocks advanced, while 20 declined.
Legend Internet emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent to close at N8.25, per share.
ABC Transports followed with a gain of 9.94 per cent to close at
N1.88, while Cadbury Nigeria rose by 9.91 per cent to close at N32.15, per share.
Champion Breweries increased by 9.79 per cent to close at N4.71, while Eterna up by 9.46 per cent to close at N48.00, per share.
On the other side, Livestock Feeds led the losers’ chart with 9.71 per cent to close at N7.72, per share. Multiverse Mining & Exploration followed with a decline of 9.62 per cent to close
at N7.05, while McNichols lost 9.47 per cent to close at N1.72, per share.
Omatek Ventures depreciated by 9.23 per cent to close at 59 kobo, while MTNN down by 6.07 per cent to close at N240.00, per share. Also, the total volume of trades increased by 46.44 per cent to 733.052 million units, valued at N35.288 billion, and exchanged in 16,619 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank led
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF APRIL/29/25
FORMALISATION OF SHIPPING JOINT VENTURE...
L-R: General Manager, Stena Bulk USA, Mr. Eric Johan; Chief Operating Officer, Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola; Chief Executive Officer, Stena Bulk, Mr. Erik Hannel; Chief Financial Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Dapo Segun; Chief Executive Officer, COSG, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola; Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari; Executive Vice-President, Downstream, Mr. Mumuni Dangazau; Mr. Panos Gliatis of NNPCL E&P Limited; and Managing Director, NNPCL Retail Limited, Mr. Huub Stokman, during the formalisation of NNPC shipping joint venture, UNITY Shipping Worldwide, a collaboration among NNPCL, Caverton, and Stena Bulk in Abuja, yesterday
Afreximbank Launches Facility to Finance $14bn Intra-Africa Oil Trade
Initiative to cut $30bn annual refined products import costs Set to create over 1.3
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched a $3 billion petroleum products financing programme to help fund the trade of up to $14 billion of fuel produced on the continent and the Caribbean.
The initiative seeks to address Africa’s persistent reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which accounted for an amount of $30 billion annually in petroleum import costs due to inadequate
refining, the bank said. The programme expected to finance between $10 billion and $14 billion of intra-African petroleum imports is also designed to foster investments for transport of the fuel across the continent.
According to the bank, the programme seeks to leverage the growing refining capacity that Afreximbank has helped establish across the continent, while aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which
includes facilitating intra-African trade, promoting industrialisation, and creating jobs on the continent. By deploying innovative trade finance and supply chain solutions tailored to key stakeholders’ needs in terms of tenure, price format and logistics requirements, it stated that this initiative supports Afreximbank’s strategic goals of advancing energy security, strengthening regional value chains, and fostering economic resilience within the continent and the Caribbean.
To buttress the extent of its activities in weaning the continent from imported fuels, Afreximbank said it is the largest financier of the Dangote refinery which commenced operations in January 2024.
In addition, it stated that it is also supporting the financing of the 200,000 bpd Lobito Refinery development, building on the progress made on the 60,000 bpd Cabinda Refinery, which it also supported.
Besides, the bank said it has financed the refurbishment of the
Tuggar Canvasses Revitalisation of Nigeria/Brazil Trade Relations
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for the revitalization of Nigeria-Brazil trade relations.
The minister addressed a gathering of high-net-worth investors and business leaders at a Brazil–Nigeria Business Roundtable held in Rio de Janeiro.
At the event organized under the auspices of ApexBrasil, Brazil’s leading investment promotion agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil and the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Tuggar noted that relations is rooted in shared historical and cultural ties.
The roundtable featured key figures including José Luis Pinho Leite Gordon, Director of Produc-
tive Development, Innovation, and Foreign Trade at BNDES; Raphael Cittadino, Executive Chief of Staff at ApexBrasil; and Marcelo Salum, Head of Investment Promotion at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). Notable Brazilian companies like Petrobras and Embraer were also in attendance.
While calling for the revitalization of Nigeria-Brazil trade relations, rooted in shared historical and cultural ties, Tuggar emphasized that renewed economic engagement must leverage both countries’ comparative advantages, with private enterprise innovation and robust governmental support as critical drivers.
The minister who highlighted Nigeria’s reforms and the government’s commitment to de-risking investments particularly through
insurance mechanisms, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness for strategic, long-term partnerships.
He said: “Our countries share a legacy of cooperation. Now is the time to translate that legacy into tangible economic progress,” noting that: “Nigeria presents vast opportunities across energy, agriculture, aviation, and digital technology, and stands open for business.”
Speaking on behalf of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Salum, also echoed this sentiment. He noted that Brazil values the role of Nigeria’s growing tech sector including its unicorn companies and sees opportunities for mutual benefit through initiatives such as the Green Imperative Project and expanded sugar and ethanol trade.
FG Launches e-Invoicing System to Curb Tax Evasion, Boost Transparency
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The federal government through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), yesterday launched a new electronic invoicing platform, Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS) e–Invoicing system, to modernize fiscal and transactional processes in Nigeria, while also promoting transparency and accountability in tax management. Speaking during the formal unveiling and inauguration of the steering committee for the National Electronic Invoicing Initiative, the Technical Lead, National
e-Invoicing, Sadiq Arogundade, said the platform is designed to standardize invoice creation and exchange across sectors - public and private - under the broader umbrella of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework.
“We are working to ensure invoice exchange and creation conform to the DPI framework, which includes components such as identity, data exchange, and payments, and the system allows for seamless, interoperable data sharing - enabling cross-border invoice interchange and integration with existing Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) systems.
“Identity is key. We know who the invoice originates from and where it is going. This offers a new level of integrity and oversight to commercial transactions,” he said.
The initiative, piloted in collaboration with both government institutions and major private sector players, includes representatives from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Nigeria Customs Service, the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation, and private corporations such as MTN, UBA, CEPLAT, United bank of Africa (UBA), and Huawei.
Also participating were Ambassador Basil Okolo, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Brazil, and Ms. Aisha Rimi, CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), who joined virtually.
The event marks a significant step toward deepening Nigeria–Brazil economic ties, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive trade and investment partnership.
Damagum stated, “The 1999 Constitution is clear, you don’t defect when there is no crisis in the party. The national legal adviser will challenge the defection in the court immediately. They cannot take away the fortunes of this party.
“We cannot just be left in the hands of our adversaries; we will take legal action to retrieve those mandates as far as the Electoral Act says whenever you leave you must leave the chair that you have occupied.
‘’No, the party did nothing wrong rather than their wish, according to them, to join the party, which, to me, has taken place. We’ve taken it with all sorts of regret and the pains that have gone down with us.
“I want to also use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that election is not done by the NWC. The election will be between Nigerians and them.
‘’And I believe this should not wear us down. Rather, it should make us roll up our sleeves so that we come to the point that we wouldn’t need to reconcile against each other.’’
Damagum further said, “They
million bpd refining capacity
210,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery, and recently approved financing in support of the development of Bua Refinery and Azikel Refinery, all in Nigeria.
Through these investments, and the continual trade finance support for Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Cote d’Ivoire, Afreximbank explained that it is on its way to creating over 1.3 million bpd refining capacity and helping to convert the Gulf of Guinea from an exporter of crude oil into an important refining hub for the continent and the world.
Key products to be traded under the programme are refined petroleum products, including but not limited to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Jet Fuel, and Kerosene, with the eligible exporters being refineries operating in Africa.
The $3 billion Revolving Intra-African Oil Import Financing Programme is intended to mainly provide critical trade finance to oil traders (both African and international), banks, and governments represented by their Ministry of Finance or Ministry of Petroleum Resources/Energy and state-owned enterprises.
These institutions are mandated to import refined petroleum products and seek to source refined products from African refineries for onward consumption within the continent and export opportunities as may be applicable.
can coerce, like I said earlier, cajole and intimidate our members into joining there. But they can only do that because they feel they have what it takes.
“Nigerians, when the time comes, they will receive the result from Nigerians. It has happened before, and it will repeat itself.
‘’The parameters that will make Nigerians revolt against them are all in place. This government has been so insensitive to the yearnings and feelings of people.
‘’They have nothing so far. They have not shown any remorse. We are not conquered people. We are Nigerians, tax-paying Nigerians, law-abiding citizens. And we have rights. And when the time comes, Nigerians will show them that they have rights.”
Damagum stressed, “2027 is between Nigerians and Tinubu and the FEC. So, I want to urge our supporters to remain calm. We’ve just instructed the zonal caretaker committee to oversee the party in Delta after dissolving all the structures
Afreximbank pointed out that its affiliated trading entity ATDC Minerals (ATMIN) will also participate actively in the trading and financing activities of the leading African oil trading companies with long term relationship with Afreximbank who are also expected to support the effort.
Commenting on the launch, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, said that the programme would galvanise efforts towards making the Gulf of Guinea a key refining hub.
“Whilst the programme will have a direct impact on the volume of the refined petroleum products produced and consumed in Africa, it will also have a multiplier effect on the downstream petroleum value chain as it will catalyse critical investments in shipping and marine logistics for intra and extra African trade of crude oil and refined products.
“The multiplier effect will also be seen in marine cargo insurance and other ancillary businesses within the sector. We want to see an increased proportion of the about 4 million bpd of crude oil produced in the Gulf of Guinea refined in Africa,” Oramah added.
Also commenting on the initiative, President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, said the programme was a clear demonstration of Africa’s resolve to take charge of its own energy future.
that have already been there, since the majority of them have shifted. And in no time, we’ll constitute a caretaker committee.
“We’ve also approved the zonal congresses that have so far taken place in the three zones, South-west, North-east, and South-east, and also approved a caretaker committee of North-central zone, pending when they will have their election soonest. With this, I want to urge our teaming supporters. I mentioned, I want to ask our teaming supporters to support the party.”
Emmanuel Ogidi was appointed to lead the South-south zone as the vice chairman, and directed to go to Delta State to recover all PDP property.
On the leadership struggle over the party’s national secretary, Damagum said the NWC had resolved to send the matter to the NEC meeting to resolve.
Anyanwu, who attended the meeting on the invitation of the NWC to state his position, said NEC would hold on May 27.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
BEYOND BOUNDARIES YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE...
L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Events, Princess Atika Ajanah; GCEO, Transnational Corporation Plc, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo; AVP Branding & Storytelling, Flutterwave, Ms. Yewande AkomolafeKalu; Minister for Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship & Leadership and Founder of the Young Women’s Leadership Conference, Ms. Rinsola Abiola; Founder, BMPro, Mrs. Banke Meshida-Lawal; and Founder of Beyond Boundaries and CEO, Alami Capital, Mrs. Olu Olufemi-White, at the Beyond Boundaries Young Women’s Leadership Conference in Abuja, yesterday
Alleged Money Laundering: Achimugu
Surrenders to EFCC After Court Order
Agency arrests Lagos socialite, E-Money, for allegedly violating currency regulations
A renowned businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, yesterday, surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Achimugu, according to her lawyers, submitted herself to EFCC around 5am, shortly after she voluntarily arrived Nigeria from London.
Her arrival was sequel to an order of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which had ordered her to appear before EFCC yesterday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.
The anti-graft agency had declared the businesswoman wanted over alleged money laundering and fraud.
But her lawyer had informed the court that she would visit EFCC today, Tuesday, in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had in a short ruling on Monday, ordered Achimugu to present herself to the commission in respect of a case of money laundering involving her.
Ekwo also directed that Achimugu must be present before his court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.
The judge gave the directive while delivering ruling in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Independent Corrupt
Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), EFCC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
However, EFCC, through its lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that Achimugu was under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of property reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.
Achimugu had initially honoured the commission’s invitation on February 12, 2024, during which she made a written statement and was subsequently granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.
But she was said to have failed to report back as agreed, choosing instead to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the commission.
In the counter affidavit filed against the businesswoman’s suit, the anti-graft agency disclosed that Achimugu, in her statement, explained that the inflow of N8.71 billion into her corporate bank accounts was an “investment fund” for the acquisition of an oil block. She claimed the funds were transferred to the federal government’s account through her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, referencing documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory
Commission (NUPRC).
Further investigations, according to the commission, showed that Achimugu’s company actually acquired two oil blocks, Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO at the cost of $25.3 million.
The lawyer said investigations further revealed that the payments were allegedly made in cash via bureau de change operators and that the ultimate sources of the funds could not be traced to any legitimate business income or partnerships. He stated that the
acquisition process was fraught with corruption.
The anti-graft agency described Achimugu’s current suit as a calculated attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation, despite a previous court decision in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024 dismissing her claim of fundamental rights violations.
Following the dismissal of the earlier suit, EFCC continued its investigation by dispatching inquiry letters to various banks and the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Services,
Land Authorities, Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, Central Bank of Nigeria, to gather more evidence.
In a related development, a popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, also known as E-Money, was grilled by operatives of EFCC for allegedly violating the country’s currency regulations.
E-Money was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos for allegedly spraying U.S. dollars at a public event, an act said to be in violation of the Foreign Exchange
Act and an abuse of the Naira. Shortly after his arrest, he was said to have been flown to Abuja for further interrogation and would be charged accordingly if found to have been in breach of the currency laws.
“Yes, he is in our custody and is being interrogated by our investigators,” a source at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja confirmed to our correspondent on Tuesday. The source added that investiga- tions would be concluded before the anti-graft agency would know the next line of action.
Nnamdi Kanu: FG Calls First Witness in Fresh Terrorism Trial
Court allows witnesses to testify behind Camera Call for self-determination not a crime, says accused
The federal government, yesterday, commenced its fresh prosecution of detained Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, by calling its first witness, an operative of the Department of the State Service (DSS).
Kanu, who has been in custody of the DSS for nearly four years, was last month arraigned afresh before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a seven count charge bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.
His re-arraignment was due to
the withdrawal of the former judge, Justice Binta Nyako, who stepped aside after Kanu accused her of bias.
He pleaded not guilty to all the seven count charges, following which the court fixed April 29 and May 2, for trial.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the witness, code-named, PWAAA by Justice James Omotosho, for security reasons, narrated how the secret service, acting on intelligence, deployed an 8-man team to a hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 15, 2015, where Kanu was first arrested.
According to the witness, items
found on the defendant at the point of his arrest included IPOB pamphlets, IPOB complementary cards, laptops, IPADS, microphones, microphone stand, flash drives, power adaptor for mixers, various brands of phones, perfumes, ATM cards, and wrist-watch, among others in his hotel room and recorded.
The said items in four bags were presented before the court and admitted as exhibits since Kanu’s lawyers did not objected to their admittance. Speaking further, the witness informed the court that the interrogation of Kanu was video recorded
COAS Charges Officers to Evolve Local, Ingenious Solutions to Emerging Threats
Kwara gov meets first class monarchs over insecurity Russian Federation pledges support for Nigeria’s war against terrorism
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged strategic-level officers to go beyond doctrinal exercises and evolve indigenous and ingenious solutions to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops across theatres of operation.
This was as the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, held a meeting with first class traditional rulers in the state to discuss different state matters, including security.
Also, the Russian Federation has pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, while recognising Nigeria’s significance as a major stakeholder and power in the West African region.
Oluyede gave the charge to participants of the Combat Arms
Training (CAT) Week 2025, co-hosted by the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and the Armoured Corps in Bauchi. He also urged the combat arms and all other arms and services of the Nigerian Army to continue exploring ingenious and workable ideas to mitigate emerging threats while making maximum use of the available resources at their disposal.
A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Oluyede also tasked the officers to demonstrate purposeful leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to mission objectives, stressing that such approaches were veritable ways to attain success in ongoing operations.
Oluyede added that the success of Nigerian Army operations was dependent on the ability of the combat arms to harness their strengths in cohesion.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Hon. Mohammed Jatau, expressed appreciation to the COAS and the entire Nigerian Army for their continuous support to the state.
He noted that such invaluable sacrifices were key to keeping the nation safe and united.
According to him, Bauchi State was one of the most peaceful states in the country, even as he attributed the peaceful nature of the state to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state.
He assured them of continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies to keep Bauchi State safe.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Commander of the Armoured Corps, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, disclosed that the CAT Week was a
platform to evaluate and appraise ongoing operations so as to proffer workable solutions to existential challenges.
AbdulRazaq Meets First Class Monarchs
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has held a meeting with first class traditional rulers in the state to discuss different state matters, including security.
The meeting focused on socioeconomic development and improved security of lives and properties.
A statement in Ilorin by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that, “The government is taking a multiagency approach to bring more development, strengthen security in the state, and curtail the activities of cross-border violent nonstate actors fleeing from the neighboring Kainji
Park and other military campaigns.”
He said the government had approved a deeper involvement of local hands in grassroots security architecture.
“We thank you for what you have been doing. And we need Your Royal Highnesses to talk to our people on the efforts all of us must make to protect our communities from being infiltrated,” he said.
The Governor called for improved local support for the security agencies to better safeguard lives and properties, including offering actionable intelligence.
Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Oba Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, commended the governor for the detailed briefing.
“We will always support your administration as you are doing a good job,” the Etsu said.
which was also played in the open court and admitted as exhibits along with his written statement. However, in his written statement read in the open court by the witness, Kanu admitted fighting for emancipation of his people and that the call for self-determination was his fundamental right and not a crime. He insisted that his fight for the emancipation of the South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi States was his fundamental right and not terrorism as alleged by the federal government.
Kanu, in the statement made to DSS in Lagos on October 15, 2015 made it clear that freedom fighting was not a crime in any part of the world including Nigeria because it was a fundamental right, citing relevant laws in the statement.
He also wrote in the statement that he made it to DSS without the presence of his lawyer as required by law.
In the statement and video clips, Kanu admitted establishing and operating Radio Biafra in London, where it was registered.
He admitted not registering the radio station with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Nigeria because there was no need for it having not established in the country.
In concluding his evidence, the witness told the court that Kanu admitted to DSS to be founder and leader of IPOB.
He also said the defendant admitted establishing, operating Radio Biafra and that he did not register the radio station with NBC in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho has fixed May 2, 2025 for cross-examination of the witness.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Tribu T e
Ayo Adebanjo: Life, Times and impacts
by Chinedu Okeke
French philosopher, writer and social theorist, Simon de Beauvoir, once captured the human journey thus: “every living moment is a sliding towards death.”
Like him, Punch columnist, Tunde Odesola, in a 2018 essay titled: ‘Obasanjo ambushes Soyinka on Olumo Rock,’ painted a picture of the never-ending struggles between contradictions.
He expressed: “Humanity oscillates between extreme opposites; darkness paints the beauty of light; fear skirts the periphery of bravery; ugliness envies beauty; falsehood stalks truth, death ambushes life; good wrestles evil; all in an everlasting tussle.”
In fact, Christians holy book, the Bible, explains this inherent balance in Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, stating: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
Though Baba Ayo Adebanjo’s watch in the land of the living has ended, everyone who crossed paths with him on this side must take solace in the fact that his 96 years were extremely impactful as his best days were long and spectacular. Virtually every one of his 96 years was marked by purpose and principle as well as commitment and fairness to an egalitarian society.
Early life
In 1950, Chief Ayo Adebanjo started his career in public service, when he took a clerical role in the Ministry of Health in Lagos. At the time, he was posted to a department charged with registering births and deaths.
But what began as a routine civil service job was soon disrupted by his deepening involvement in anti-colonial protests, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
Adebanjo’s political awakening had started even earlier, in 1943, when he became a Zikist, a loyal disciple of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and an active participant in the growing movement for Nigeria’s independence.
Between 1947 and 1953, he worked as a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune, a paper founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Awolowo, who would later become the leader of the Action Group, AG, used the Tribune as both a platform and a tool in his political battles. It was within the pages of this newspaper that Adebanjo sharpened his writing skills, political thinking and rights advocacy.
His stint in journalism eventually opened the door to full-time politics.
Adebanjo joined the youth wing of the Action Group and rose to become its organising secretary. This period laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and the restructuring of Nigeria’s
political framework.
Disciplined, intellectually curious and guided by a strong sense of social justice, Adebanjo was heavily influenced by Nigerian finest nationalists – Azikiwe and Awolowo.
While they represented different political traditions, both leaders shaped his nationalist ideals, which became evidential as he got older.
In 1953, Adebanjo left Nigeria for the United Kingdom to study law, a decision motivated by his desire to arm himself with the intellectual tools necessary to advocate for federalism, constitutional governance, and social justice back home.
He completed his legal studies and was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1961.
Travails
For a man with strong convictions on what he sees as a just cause, it did not matter to Pa Adebanjo that personal sacrifices would be made in the pursuit of what he believes to be just.
Not for him the deflection to sentiments fueled by the pursuit of filthy lucre.
During the First Republic, Second Republic, Ibrahim Babangid’s ill-fated Third Republic and this Fourth Republic, Pa Adebanjo had always spoken his mind and made sacrifices in the pursuit of justice and fairness.
Intent on forging a united southern front, his involvement in the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, as well as his presence and support for activities of Ohannaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, presented Pa Adebanjo as an individual in whose mind the need for southern unity took primacy of place.
Uniquely, during the run up to the 2023 presidential elections, Pa Adebanjo aupppoeted Peter Obi, an Igbo, of Labour Party, LP, against Bola Tinubu, a Yoruba son.
He premised his decision on the need to ensure that the Igbos are meant to be properly integrated politically.
Death
Having passed on at the age of 96 at his Lekki residence in Lagos, there was an outpouring of grief
over his demise.
Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai, who conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the entire members of the family, described the death as a colossal loss not only to the immediate members of his family and the entire Yaruba people but to the entire country, Nigeria. He said: “A dedicated patriot, Chief Adebanjo was a committed nationalist who maintained cordial relationships with other fellow Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.”
On his part, a South-West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, stated that the country has lost yet another true nationalist and great politician. He said: Baba was an epitome of truth and a passionate advocate of true federalism, restructuring, and devolution of powers, which are the only workable templates of effective governance, political stability, and more peaceful coexistence in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society such as Nigeria.”
He also played a greater role in the formation and activities of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, which fought for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election believed to have been won by the late business mogul, Chief M. K. O. Abiola.”
Meanwhile, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi, said: “The last time I spoke with him, his words left a lasting impression: ‘Always stand on the path of justice.’ That advice remains a guiding principle in my life, and I reaffirm my commitment to upholding it in honour of his memory. In my association with Pa Adebanjo, I come to appreciate Nelson Mandela’s words, like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.
“As we mourn his departure, let us also celebrate a life well-lived in service to humanity and commit ourselves to upholding the values he so passionately championed. May his death not be in vain. “Instead, let it serve as a renewed call to action for all who believe in justice and FAIRNESS.“
*Okeke is a public policy consultant based in Abuja
utuama: The eagle Goes Home
by Oma Djebah
“We should all give our best to public service, and be grateful because it is a privilege to be called upon,’’ he would cheerfully declare, every now and then, at our weekly meetings of the Delta State Executive Council. Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and deputy governor of Delta State (2007-2015), an erudite scholar-administrator, was a towering legal figure, with congenial demeanor, whose infectious smile, hearty fatherly figure, and moral leadership, animated meetings. I had the pleasure of being a member of the Delta State Executive Council as the State’s Honourable Commissioner for Information, and worked under Utuama when he was the deputy governor of the oil-producing State. However, it wasn’t at the Council Chambers of the Delta State Executive Council that I first met the inimitable professor whose life was a testament to the power of service, integrity, and leadership. I have had the privilege of knowing the late highly accomplished legal scholar-jurist, for more than three decades.
This explains why I find myself in the midst of an ocean of emotional grief as I pen this tribute in honour of the legacy of the esteemed Professor and revered administrator. He was a mentor, friend, leader and a guiding star. His passing on November 2, 2024, at the age of 77 has left a huge void in our families, communities, Delta State, and the larger Nigerian Society. Utuama, whose funeral service holds on April 30, was an eagle in legal Scholarship, a giant in law, a lofty figure, and above all, a genial, good-natured personality. His sad death marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s legal and political history. He was an intellectual icon, a pleasant legal practitioner, forthright politician, and top-notch administrator, whose contributions to the tapestry of legal scholarship and public service were phenomenal and compelling. Indeed, Utuama’s colossal legal stature as a scholar-jurist was like an eagle, king of the birds. Like an eagle, he possessed expansive knowledge, adept administrative acuity and soaring professional proficiency. I would like to say without any equivocation that Utuama, a sublime professor of law, admirable public administrator and a unique politician, was Nigeria’s Professor William Blackstone, one of Britain’s most globally reputed and accomplished jurists who was an embodiment of the rich virtues of public service, noble politics, sound legal practice and deep knowledge of the Bench. Oxford-educated
Blackstone, famous for his excellent legal commentaries on the Laws of England, whose biography has been translated into about 31 languages, was a public administrator of note, a distinguished member of Parliament, representing the Borough of Hindon in 1761, and a very successful legal scholar-jurist. Like Blackstone, Utuama’s illustrious and noble career traversed the intersection of worthy Legal practice, Scholarship, Politics and public administration. At different times, he was an outstanding professor of Law at the University of Lagos whose groundbreaking scholarly works stood him out; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State (1999-2007); deputy governor of Delta State (2007-2015) and founder of Prime Chambers. He helped to bridge the domains of law, politics and academics.
He was one of the most esteemed legal minds in the legal profession in the global south. His intellectual prowess, honesty, loyalty and calm comportment stood him out like a shining lighthouse. He had a very unique perspective as an elderly figure at the Delta State Executive Council, where his stellar interventions on tricky, delicate subject matters were always well-received. His rich contributions to many public policy matters in Delta State cannot be overestimated. In fact, his chairmanship of critical State Committees to
address knotty issues underscored this point. I was privileged to work under him as the Honourable Commissioner for Information (2007-2011) during the administration of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, a calm, and visionary administrator; his unique capacity to identify brains and put them to the patriotic service of Delta state was equally unique, and applaudable. The benefits Delta State gained from Utuama’s towering legal stature, priceless knowledge and cherished contributions, were to my mind, crucial to key successes of the Delta State government at different times. He was AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice of the State during the administration of Chief James Ibori. And many may recall with nostalgia how Utuama’s sterling expertise and pragmatism, addressed tricky aspects of the knotty legal quandary over 13 per cent derivation vis-a-vis revenue allocation as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. I have known late Professor Utuama for over three decades. I met him for the first time at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he was teaching Land Law. Apart from hailing from the same ethnic demographic, Utuama was a mentor to me and many others. As a practicing journalist in Lagos, I wanted some clarity on an issue relating to land law, and a colleague, asked that I meet the eminent professor as an acknowledged subject matter expert. He was very warm, fatherly and most welcoming. Another thing that struck me about him was that he had a strong admiration for men of the pen. Consequently, we struck a life-long relationship. Thus, during my time as a Master’ s Student in International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, I would customarily bob into his office. He was without doubt, one of the most erudite, humble and compassionate Scholars-public administrators I ever knew. Utuama was always a go-to-person on tricky, complicated public policy matters. He was not only a quintessential legal mind but also profoundly analytical. His rigorous analytical skills and profundity of thought were valuable assets that many of us in the Delta State government benefitted from. These fine attributes resonated far and wide. I am convinced that anyone who encountered Utuama would agree with me that Nigeria has lost one of her most brilliant legal minds. He was a rare asset to Delta State, and a great gift to Nigeria. Utuama evinced both forthrightness and uprightness. Sometime in 1994, I had cause to visit him once more. A team of accomplished experts drawn from various fields; notably engineering, geology, geo-environmental studies, law, media,
architecture, diplomacy, medicine, economics, accountancy, had put together a Consortium to engage the then Niger Delta Environmental Studies (NDES) chaired by late Boardroom guru, Dr Gamaliel Onosode. I had approval of the body to reach out to Professor Utuama if he would like to be involved in the Consortium notwithstanding that the team already had very formidable professors of Law. He welcomed the idea with open arms. However, he politely nixed the invitation on grounds that it would amount to a conflict of interest as he was already part of a similar group assembled by the University of Lagos under the leadership of Professor Jelili Omotola, to equally submit a bid to the Onosode-led NDES. My respect for him grew astronomically. That was typical of Professor Utuama. This explained why public service could take Utuama into politics but politics could not snatch the humanity and morality out of him. Similarly, politics could take him out of the classroom but it couldn’t take teaching, and mentoring out of him. Throughout his long and treasured career trajectory in the Delta State government which lasted for about 16 years (Eight years as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, 1999-2007; and eight years as deputy governor, 2007-2015), Utuama, stayed true to himself.
Whether Utuama was in the classroom teaching at the University of Lagos or he was presiding over the Delta State Tenders Board which he was Chairman between 2007-2011, or he was deputizing for the governor of Delta State, Dr Uduaghan at that time, his understanding and conduct, radiated excellence and geniality. His love for the people was glorious. He exuded great brilliance, candour and committed patriotism. As Stephen Covey espoused, “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.’ The late former deputy governor had the fire from within him. He was humble but classy. Prof, as I used to address him, was also a man of humble beginnings. Utuama’s string of accomplishments in the field of legal scholarship cum practice as well as public administration are gladdening and meritorious. His phenomenal academic papers and works are well documented. In an age of opportunism, where integrity and honesty seem to have taken flight, Utuama remained committed to his age-long principles of honesty, moral conviction and rule of law. He would rather deploy the instrumentality of the law to test, resolve complicated matters than resort to circumvented process.
LateAdebanjo
Prof. Utuama
Napoli President Gives Condition on Osimhen’s Transfer to Saudi Arabia
Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report
Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has admitted that he will be open to sell Victor Osimhen to Saudi Arabian club, Al Hilal, for less than the striker’s release clause of 75 Million Euros.
According to Italian news outlet,II Mattino, Napoli will accept 65 Million Euros from Al Hilal for Osimhen, but on condition they get the cash not later than June.
In a report yesterday, II Mattino stressed that Napoli need the cash from Osimhen’s transfer to finance new signings for the new season.
It is now known fact that Napoli Coach, Antonio Conte, has been
unhappy that the former Serie A champions lost top star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG and failed to land some of their top transfer targets in January.
Osimhen who is not bothered about his future as he’s preoccupied with helping Galatasaray retain the Turkish Super Lig title, instead,
yesterday paid a touching tribute to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars on social media.
Osimhen gifted the club a generous sum of N10 million in celebration of their historic league title win.
He’s believed to have split the donation equally between the players
and the technical staff.
The gesture comes after Remo Starsclinched their first-ever NPFLcrown with a gritty 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday.
Osimhen, who has established a close relationship with Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede — also his assistant coach with the Super
Eagles — personally calledthe team on Tuesday to congratulate them on their triumph.
He praised their “tenacity” and said he was “deeply impressed” by their determination throughout a challenging season.
They sealed the league title with three games to spare, reaching an
uncatchable 68 points, 10 clear of second-placed Rivers United. Substitute Olamilekan Sulaiman Adedayo’s 84th-minute thunderbolt in Sunday’s match delivered the decisive blow, sending the Sky Blue Stars into raptures and finally ending their run of near-misses — having finished second in the last two campaigns.
Dembele Silences Gunners as PSG Gain Advantage at the Emirates
Stadium in London as Arsenal’s Champions
League dreams are now hanging by a thread.
The London Gunners who romped to a 2-0 win against the
Flying Eagles Target Maximum Points in Group B Opener with Tunisia
Flying Eagles Coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has said his team will gun for the maximum three points when they battle Tunisia in their opening Group B match of the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt on Thursday evening.
The seven-time African champions will on Thursday launch their campaign for an eighth Africa U20 title when they file out against the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo,
in the opening match of Group B. Kick-off time is 4pm.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead,” said coach Aliyu Zubairu
“That result (2-1 win over hosts Egypt in a warm-up game) has
provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians –another North African opposition.
Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted the first goal against Egypt on Tuesday, Germany-based Precious Benjamin and home-boys Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh are the key foremen that Zubairu will be hoping to deliver against each and every opposition.
Tunisia did not originally qualify for these finals, but sneaked through after original hosts Cote d’Ivoire pulled the rug on the Confederation of African Football with only weeks to the opening match.
All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.
FXTM Academy Hosts Unforgettable Charity Cycling Race
FXTM Academy recently gathered cycling enthusiasts from across the nation for an exhilarating charity cycling event.
Last Saturday, 19th April 2025, the cycling competition attracted 200 participants from cities including Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos, showcasing a strong spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement.
The event featured six categories— Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—providing opportunities for cyclists of all skill levels to compete.
Registration commenced at 6:30 am
and the race began at 8:00 a.m., with Juniors completing 10 laps, Veterans tackling 14, and Professionals racing an impressive 20 laps, each lap spanning 2.8 kilometers. Participants vied for significant cash prizes, with winners in the Professional categories receiving N800,000, N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000 respectively for the top four positions. Cyclists finishing in 5th to 15th places were also rewarded with N50,000 each. In the Junior Male and Female categories, the top three spots earned N200,000, N100,000, and N50,000, respectively. Veteran winners took home N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions
respectively.
It was a Celebration of Sportsmanship and Unity as participants and cycling fans praised FXTM Academy for organising an event that fostered unity and provided a platform for cyclists to showcase their talents.
Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part in such a well-organised and inclusive competition, eagerly anticipating future events.
The event also highlighted FXTM Academy’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting similar values that also align with cycling which are perseverance, discipline, endurance and continuous
improvement.
FXTM Academy’s Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu said: “FXTM Academy wants to empower communities and promote similar values that also align with cycling which are perseverance, discipline, endurance and continuous improvement.”
With its outstanding success, this charity cycling event has established a new benchmark for communityfocused initiatives in Nigeria.
FXTM Academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment has left a lasting impact, inspiring many to look forward to our future events
Parisienne last in October, were hoping for a similar result but were extinguished inside four minutes.
Dembele, who was axed for that league phase meeting, made his mark with the first kick of the game to silence the Emirates faithfuls.
Mikel Merino thought he’d equalised straight after half-time, but his header was chalked off following a lengthy VAR check.
PSG came close to doubling their advantage late on, but Bradley
Barcola and Goncalos Ramos both squandered gilt-edged chances. Arsenal, who famously have never won the European Cup, now face a season-defining night in France for the second leg next week.
yamal: I don’t Compare Myself to Messi
Teenage star, Lamine Yamal, has insisted that he is focused on his own game rather than comparisons with Lionel Messi as Barcelona aim to reach their first Champions League final for a decade.
Barcelona have not reached the showpiece event since they last won the title in 2015, with a team spearheaded by Messi.
They face Inter Milan in the first leg of their semi-final tonight, Barca’s first appearance at this stage since 2019 - again when they had Messi in their side.
The game at the Nou Camp is set to go ahead as normal despite nationwide power cuts affecting Spainon Monday and Tuesday.
Barcelona training and media conferences went ahead as normal, while a UEFA spokesperson told BBC Sport there is no impact on Wednesday’s game at present.
The Barcelona attack will feature Yamal, 17, on the right flank, the position played by Messi for the Spanish side with distinction for years.
However Yamal, speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, rejected comparisons with his fellow graduate
of the club’s La Masia academy.
“I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone - and much less with Messi,” Yamal told reporters, while also describing the Argentine as “the best player in history”.
“I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less - I’m going to enjoy myself, and be myself.”
Yamal is already a European champion with Spain - while he will make his 100th Barcelona appearance should he feature against Inter tonight. He picked up another trophy at the weekend, setting up two goals as Barca beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey finalon Saturday. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the euphoria from beating Madrid could help his side.
“There was big emotion at the end of the match,” said Flick. “This win against Real, it’s very important for the positive vibes, positive moments, it could push you on.” Flick said Wojciech Szczesny would continue in goal against Inter, despite the return to fitness of first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a long injury lay-off.
Nigeria to Celebrate King’s Baton Relay Ahead Glasgow Games
The King’s Baton Relay will be hosted in Nigeria between June 15 and June 18, 2025, under the auspices of Commonwealth Sport and the Commonwealth Games, Nigeria.
The baton will be presented to His Majesty, King Charles III, during the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on July 26, 2026.
For the first time, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories will receive its baton to customise and decorate, showcasing its unique cultural heritage. The King’s Baton has already arrived in Nigeria.
The baton usually carries a message from Her Majesty the Queen, uniting all nations and territories with a call to come together in friendly competition at the Games. Like the Olympic Torch Relay, the King’s Baton Relay symbolises the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.
However, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death on September 8, 2022, the baton relay was renamed the King’s Baton Relay in honour of her successor, King Charles III, for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. His Majesty the King, Patron of Commonwealth Sport, officially launched the inaugural Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday, March 10, 2025.
In an unprecedented initiative, Commonwealth Sport is collaborating with the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) for the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign. This partnership aims to spotlight ongoing ocean conservation efforts and innovative solutions to plastic waste. Nigeria and other African countries will participate in the festivities from June 15 to June 18, 2025.
U20 AFCON
Ousmane Dembele celebrating scoring the lone goal winner for PSG at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London...last night PHOTO: REuTERS
Ousmane Dembele fired Paris Saint-Germain to lone goal advantage over host Arsenal last night at the Emirates
14Th ChiEF EmEKA AnYAoKU LECTURE SERiES on GooD GoVERnAnCE...
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A Season of Defections
The collapse of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State could either strengthen or destabilize the APC, depending on how well old and new members integrate.
Interestingly, most of the original APC members in Delta were themselves former PDP members. So, the latest defectors are simply following a path previously taken by their predecessors.
In essence, the APC in Delta today is largely made up of former PDP members — from leadership to grassroots.
Make no mistake about it,there is nothing wrong in defection, per se.
After all the president of the United States of America, USA, Donald J Trump did not commence his political career as a member of the Republican party. Rather he registered as a Republican party member only in 1987, and later became a member of the lndependent party -the New York state affiliate of the Reform party in 1999. He was a Democrat in 2001 , and a Republican again in 2009 and he became unaffiliated in 2011 before finally returning to the Republican party in 2012.
Similarly, Robert F Kennedy Jnr defected from the Democratic party in the course of his presidential race in 2024 to contest as an lndependent party cancidate. He is currently the Health and Human Services secretary in President Trump’s administration after he colapsed his campaign into Trump’s Republican party campaign platform .
So, there is no big deal about defection in a democracy.
What should concern APC leaders in Abuja is whether the internal rivalries that fractured the PDP — and triggered the current wave of defections — might resurface and destabilize the APC if not properly managed.
The emerging APC, both in Delta and nationally, increasingly resembles the PDP of old — merely repackaged under a different banner.
Delta State, often described as a microcosm of Nigeria due to its diverse ethnic makeup, frequently reflects broader national trends.
Thus, the mass defection happening in the state that prides herself as the “Big Heart state” could signal the beginning of an even wider migration of politicians across the country, at a scale Nigeria has never witnessed before.
To ensure a smooth merger of the old and new party members, the APC State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, has directed all local government chairmen to collect registration booklets to formally enroll the new members, completing their transition into the party.
However, tensions from the 2023 elections, when the APC’s Ovie Omo-Agege contested against the PDP’s Sheriff Oborevwori, still linger. Although overt hostilities may be muted, old rivalries could resurface if not carefully managed — possibly requiring intervention from the party’s leadership in Abuja.
Among the old APC loyalists, who are politically weaker compared to the PDP’s dominance in Delta’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches, there may be a tendency to look down on the newcomers, branding them derisively as the “Taiwan APC.”
In local Nigerian parlance, especially among motor spare parts traders, “Taiwan” is used to describe imitation or inferior products — a reference to Taiwan’s early reputation for cheap manufacturing.
The use of “Taiwan” as a political insult gained prominence during the 2023 presidential elections,
reportedly popularized by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. Obi, who dramatically disrupted Nigeria’s political landscape, especially the PDP’s strongholds, allegedly dismissed Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa — Atiku Abubakar’s running mate — as a “Taiwan Igbo.”
By that, Obi implied that Okowa, being from the Ika-speaking region of Delta State (the Igbo-speaking area of Delta North), was not an authentic Igbo, but rather an imitation — a symbolic slight against the PDP’s choice of running mate.
It appears that, because they originate from west of the Niger River, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the people of Delta North are not seen by many eastern Igbos as authentic members of the Igbo ethnic group. Consequently, they are often perceived as “fake” or “Taiwan” Igbos — a term used locally to imply imitation.
Drawing a parallel from this sentiment, the recent influx of PDP defectors into the APC in Delta State could risk being seen in a similar light — as “Taiwan APC” — if tensions between old and new members are not properly managed.
To avoid such damaging divisions, the APC must ensure seamless integration. Fortunately, the party has significant experience managing mergers, dating back to 2013 when it successfully united the ACN, CPC, ANPP, and a faction of the PDP into the current APC platform. Given this track record, it should not be difficult for the party’s national leadership, particularly Chairman Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, to create a task force to manage the blending process — similar to how businesses handle mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Events unfolding in Nigeria’s political arena suggest that President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign will be anything but business as usual.
While the PDP is attempting to replicate Tinubu’s 2013 strategy — merging opposition forces into a special-purpose political vehicle to oust the ruling party — it is ironically being weakened by an aggressive takeover orchestrated by the APC.
Tinubu, much like a masterful Samurai or a Sumotori (Sumo wrestler), has disarmed and destabilized his opposition two years before the next election cycle.
It’s worth recalling that President Muhammadu Buhari himself once credited Tinubu for his eventual
success in the 2015 presidential election, after three failed attempts. Tinubu’s depth in political strategy has always been a major force in Nigerian politics.
To draw a clearer parallel, in the corporate world, a hostile takeover occurs when a stronger company seizes control of a weaker, underperforming firm — usually without the consent of its management — by directly appealing to shareholders.
Hostile takeovers are characterized by unsolicited bids, bypassing management, and fierce resistance from the target company’s leadership.
Some typical tactics used in hostile takeovers include:
• Tender Offers: Public offers to buy shares directly from shareholders, usually at a premium.
• Proxy Fights: Efforts to install new management by winning shareholder votes.
• Bear Hugs: Aggressive offers that pressure the target company’s board into acceptance.
There are also classic defenses against hostile takeovers:
• Poison Pills: Strategies that make the takeover financially painful for the bidder.
• White Knights: Seeking a more friendly acquirer.
• Golden Parachutes: Offering lucrative severance packages to executives to deter acquisition.
Applying these concepts to politics, the 2013 creation of the APC was similar to a business merger — parties voluntarily combined for mutual benefit.
In contrast, today’s scenario resembles a hostile political takeover: the ruling APC is absorbing members from weakened opposition parties like the PDP, without formal mergers — often without the defectors’ original leadership’s blessing.
Critics argue that this mass migration signals the alarming drift toward a one-party state, raising concerns about “state capture.”
However, I view it differently: it is part of the natural evolution of Nigeria’s democratic experiment — much like refining gold through fire.
If Nigeria never explores different governance models, how will we know whether multi-party democracy truly suits us? One-party systems have both strengths and weaknesses, just like multi-party ones.
As the saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Perhaps it’s time we stop relying solely on imported democratic templates and start developing a homegrown system that fits Nigeria’s unique cultural and social realities.
While the defection of the entire PDP political structure in Delta State to the APC last Monday made a major impact on Nigerian politics, the PDP’s decline has been a long time coming. It began in 2010, after President Umaru Yar’adua’s death, only two years into his term. Vice President Goodluck Jonathan took over and eventually ran for office himself, a move seen by many as a betrayal of earlier agreements. His election sparked a revolt within the PDP, led by Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and a handful of governors who later defected to the APC.
In a sense, history is repeating itself in 2025, with Ifeanyi Okowa — the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate — moving over to the APC, much like Atiku did before the 2015 elections. Similarly, Peter Obi, PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019, defected to the Labour Party (LP) to pursue his own presidential ambition in 2023.
As Atiku plans to create a coalition to challenge President Tinubu, similar to what he helped orchestrate in 2013 against Jonathan, he must recognize that Tinubu is a much savvier political operator than Jonathan was.
Tinubu appears proactive, unveiling new strategies to maintain his grip on power.
To second guess him, I its unlikely that he has exhausted his political options yet.
Despite the economic hardships — with inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic strain — there are signs of improvement: the Dangote Refinery promises an end to fuel scarcity, inflation is moderating, foreign reserves have grown, and initiatives like NELFUND are expanding access to education by democratizing university education in the manner the sage Obafemi Awolowo offered the western region free education and put the yoruba nation ahead of all other states in terms of education.
These positive developments may be enough to sustain voter support for Tinubu and the APC into 2027. Historically, inflation alone doesn’t determine electoral outcomes in Nigeria. Major political shifts usually stem from larger causes or organized movements. For instance, the opposition to Jonathan’s re-election was driven by perceptions of broken agreements on power rotation. Similarly, in 2023, the “Obidient” movement, fueled by discontent from the Southeast, weakened PDP’s chances, helping Tinubu emerge victorious.
Although there are signs of dissatisfaction in the North — particularly a sense of neglect despite the region delivering 62% of Tinubu’s 2023 votes — Tinubu’s political instincts may help him navigate this better than Jonathan did. His strategy seems focused on consolidating control over the southern states: Yoruba regions, the South-South, and the Southeast.
While critics point to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s inability to secure Lagos votes for Tinubu in 2023, other governors like Ademola Adeleke delivered Osun a PDP state to Atiku. Thus, having key governors on your side still matters. Now with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and political heavyweight James Ibori (leader of the Niger Delta region)aligned with President Tinubu, Delta State — and the wider Niger Delta — could swing towards APC in 2027.
In the South-South, other states could follow. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom’s current leadership could help flip that state too. Cross River is already under APC control. Enugu Governor Peter Mbah is cozying up to APC, hinting at a possible defection. President Tinubu’s visit and praises for him recently further suggest warming ties.
In Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) may also align with Tinubu, especially since he won’t face re-election stress after winning a second term. Similarly, Abia’s LP Governor Alex Otti, who has a strained relationship with Peter Obi and whose party is weak nationally, could also be swayed to the APC side, despite official denials.
Rivers State’s political crisis, led by the Wike-Fubara feud, could ultimately benefit Tinubu, especially now that most of Rivers’ National Assembly members have pledged support for his re-election. This political realignment across the South mirrors the 2013-2015 period, when northern politicians defected massively from PDP to APC to oust Jonathan.
Meanwhile, Imo and Ebonyi are already firmly APC, while Oyo and Osun are technically PDP but acted independently during the last election. It’s feasible that Osun, surrounded by APC states, could eventually flip too.
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa
R-L: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.); Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Former Foreign Minister and Later Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; and Former Foreign Minister and later Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, during the 14th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on Good Governance held in Enugu, yesterday