MONDAY 22TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Unreconciled Federation Funds: FAAC Awaits NNPC on $42.37bn, OAGF on N2tn Pending

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC)

Tinubu to Declare 2025 Editors’ Annual Conference

FOR UNITED REGULATION IN AFRICA...

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Eteng Williams; Director General of Petroleum and low carbon Hydrogen (DGPH), Mauritania, Chemsdine Sow Deina; Convener, Africa Oil Week, Paul Sinclair; (next is a man I cannot identify), CEO, Sudan Exploration and Production Authority, Alsadig Mahmoud Gabir; CEO, Ghana Petroleum Commission, Victoria Hardcastle; CCE, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe; and Deputy Director-General Gambia Petroleum Commission, Kanni Touray; at the signing of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) charter in Accra on September 18, 2025.

El-Rufai: Tinubu Planning Life Presidency, Not Genuine Democrat

Kekere-Ekun to Swear in 57 New SANs September 29 as Supreme Court Commences New Legal Year

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on September 29 swear-in 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) as part of programmes for the commemoration of the 2025/2026 legal year of

A former Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai at the weekend accused President Bola Tinubu of planning to stay in office for life, maintaining that there are already pointers to that effect from recent actions by the current All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration.

He also further took a dig at the President, describing him as a fake democrat, especially over the recent alleged attacks on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in parts of the country.

Speaking when former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja over the recent altercation that ensued during a meeting of the opposition party in Kaduna, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said that Tinubu intended to take after some sit-tight African leaders who have failed to vacate their seats after spending decades in power.

for over N2.03 trillion in outstanding payables relating to taxes and royalties.

Details of the disclosures were contained in the September 2025 report of the FAAC Post-Mortem Sub-Committee (PMSC), which highlighted persistent gaps in Nigeria’s oil revenue remittances.

The Committee noted that while NNPC insists its deductions are legitimate and in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other laws, state governments and fiscal authorities continue to contest the figures.

The $42.37 billion in question stems from alleged underremittances by NNPC, a matter that has been dragging on for years. Specifically, the alleged under-remittances cover 2011 to 2017, according to the document.

To resolve it, the SubCommittee had engaged a consultant, Periscope Consulting, but reconciliation

Hamas and challenge attempts by the Israeli government to erase the chance of a Palestinian homeland.

The UK, Canada and Australia formally declared their recognition of Palestinian statehood yesterday in separate but coordinated statements. The move marks the first members of the G7 advanced economies to take the step, the UK Guardian reported.

Portugal announced its move late on Sunday too.

Other countries also joining the list of 147 UN states that recognise Palestine are Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta and possibly New Zealand and Liechtenstein. The other nations are set to make

the apex court. This was made known on Sunday, in a statement issued by Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande.

The statement read partly, "In line with our age-long tradition, during the special court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria,

In the beginning, El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC threw his weight behind Tinubu in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election, mobilising support for him, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria.

However, after the victory, el-Rufai’s hopes of serving in Tinubu’s cabinet were dashed as his ministerial nomination was blocked, a development perceived by the former Kaduna governor and his supporters as betrayal. Since then, el-Rufai’s public commentary against the President has begun to harden, as he has ramped up his criticism of Tinubu’s style of governance and the short-term results of his economic reforms.

But at the meeting with Atiku, el-Rufai likened Tinubu to Cameroon's Paul Biya, who has been the country's leader for almost 43 years, maintaining that aside from planning to sit-tight, Tinubu was also centralising governance instead of devolving power. The

has yet to be concluded. At its last sitting, NNPC representatives reported that they were “almost done” with the review process and would provide a formal update within two weeks.

“This assignment is still a work in progress,” the report stated, reflecting the frustration of commissioners of finance who rely on FAAC inflows to fund state budgets.

“Recall that a meeting was conveyed by the SubCommittee with Periscope Consulting, the Consultant engaged by the Forum of State Commissioners of Finance regarding under-remittance of $42,373,896,555.00 by the NNPC to the Federation Account.

“Also recall that the Committee reported that NNPC requested for a minimum of 2 months grace to study the consultant's submission considering the period covered by the report (2011-2017) and to revert back.

their formal announcement on Monday (today) at a special UN conference to revive the waning cause of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

However, the delicate and partly symbolic move by as many 10 states, pioneered largely by the French government, has the potential to lead to a negative spiral of further confrontation amid fears Israel will respond by annexing parts of the West Bank, leading in turn to European trade sanctions and further political isolation for Israel, including an ultimate possible suspension from the UN.

“Canada recognises the state of

will deliver a State-of-the Judiciary address.

“This is with a view to highlighting the performance of the Supreme Court in particular, and the Nigerian judiciary, in general, in the 2024/2025 legal year.

"In the same vein, other leading stakeholders in the justice sector will present

video of the event was shared by the former Vice President, Atiku, on his social media handles.

“Honestly, to me, it's a disgrace, I mean, for people to behave the way they are doing. So it means that all the years of saying we are pro-democracy, NADECO, it was all pretence, it was all fake. And all the claims that we are fighting for true federalism and so on, it's all fake.

“Because this government is trying to centralise everything instead of devolving power to the lower levels. So the sum total of this is that we are facing an evil of such a large proportion in the history of this country that if we don't all come together and end this Tinubu administration by 2027, Tinubu will try to be our Paul Biya.

“He will stay, he will be president for life. All the signs are there. This is how Paul Biya started. All the signs are there. So we don't have a choice,” el-Rufai maintained.

“As at the Sub-Committee's last meeting, NNPC reported that they are almost done with their response and will report back within two weeks. The Sub-Committee awaits NNPC response to be able to close out on the matter. This assignment is still work in progress,” part of the document stated.

In addition to the $42.3 billion dispute, NNPC has recognised obligations of N2.032 billion covering unpaid Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) taxes and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) royalties for the period June to December 2023.

Breakdowns showed heavy accruals across several months.

In June 2023 alone, NUPRC royalties stood at N133.65 billion while FIRS taxes hit N173.08 billion, bringing that month’s total to over N306 billion. By December 2023, another N142.59 billion was recorded, bringing the sevenmonth total to N2.03 trillion.

Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future,” the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, wrote on X.

Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said Canberra’s move “recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own”.

The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: “In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment

speeches bordering on the state of the sector.

"These include: Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), amongst others."

He urged Atiku to deploy his experience to ensure that there's serious mobilisation to make sure that Tinubu does not return to power in 2027.

“You are our leader, you have done this fight, you have fought the military, you have experience in democratic governance, and when you and Olusegun Obasanjo were in charge of this country, no one was imprisoned because he had a different political view.

“Even President Muhammadu Buhari with his military background never did that. And here we are, we are facing full-fledged civilians. But they are worse than any military regime we have ever had. Your call that we must unite is a timely one,” the former minister emphasised.

According to him, Nigerians are looking up to the ADC to provide leadership that will see the removal of the government led by the APC at the centre.

“I think the people of Nigeria have made up their minds that

The Sub-Committee directed the OAGF to account for these liabilities during alignment meetings with stakeholders.

“The Sub-Committee is still awaiting a feedback from the Accountant-General of the Federation on the outstanding sum of payables being NUPRC Royalty and FIRS Tax for the period June to December, 2023. Recall that NNPC insisted that the OAGF should account for the N2,032,479,380,677.87 and NNPC recognized it as payables during the alignment Committee meeting,” the FAAC document showed.

The report also revealed that between January and July 2025, cumulative arrears of about N1.6 trillion were reconciled and paid into the Federation Account. These included supplementary arrears and NUPRC royalties converted into naira at prevailing Central Bank rates.

However, the SubCommittee noted that much larger sums remain

we have neither.”

The declarations with various conditions and emphases attached reflect the conflicting domestic pressures on governments as they face a backlash from Israel, and from hostage families that claim the move effectively rewards Hamas for its attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

António Guterres, the UN secretary general, urged states not to be intimidated by Israel’s threats to annex parts of the West Bank.

Germany, Italy and some of the Baltic states are the biggest holdouts to recognition, but pressure is rising within the Italian

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation, after a remarkably successful 2024/2025 legal year, on July 21.

All the programmes outlined to mark the formal commencement of the new legal year will start at 10am.

this government must go, APC must be voted out. What the people of Nigeria are looking forward to is us. We must provide the leadership and the unity of purpose that you talked about.

“I'm sure with your leadership, with your forbearance, and your diplomatic skills of bringing people together, I'm sure we will reach the promised land. That's it for me,” el-Rufai said.

Also speaking, Atiku lauded el-Rufai for being fearless, agreeing with him on the need for unity among the ranks of the opposition.

“Anyway, I know you are not the kind of person who is scared that we will not confront this situation.The more reason why we should come together to confront this situation headlong and make sure that, one, it doesn't happen anymore during the remaining part of this administration. And secondly, like you said, we will send them out by 2027. And not

pending. As of September 2025, outstanding revenues undergoing reconciliation stood at $79.77 million and N6.74 trillion.

Adding to the fiscal strain are legacy arrears of N2.53 trillion from periods before June 2023. These were referred to the Stakeholders Alignment Committee for further review, as NNPC had submitted updated figures to replace earlier estimates. The Committee warned that final amounts could vary depending on the outcome of technical reconciliation led by the Ministry of Finance.

The FAAC report also scrutinised NNPC’s deductions for frontier exploration funding. By law, the company retains 30 per cent of certain revenues to finance exploration in frontier basins.

At the meeting, NNPC presented details of exploration carried out from 1999 to date and outlined its 2025 programme. But stakeholders

coalition government to risk the ire of the US.

Macron, identified by Israel as the galvanising force behind the surge in recognitions, went on Israel’s Channel 12 to warn “the approach of your government and some ministers especially is to destroy the possibility of a two-state solution.”

He said “an emergency had been created” by the building of new major settlements that meant the world “is at the last minute before proposing two states will become totally impossible”. He insisted recognition was not a reward for Hamas, since the terrorist group wanted an Islamic state and the

through anything else but through the ballot box,” he stated.

Separately, on his social media handles, Atiku described the persons who allegedly attacked el-Rufai in Kaduna at the recent inauguration of the ADC in the state as ‘APC-sponsored thugs’. He reiterated that the activities of the Tinubu-led APC administration pose the greatest risk to Nigeria’s democracy since the return of democratic governance, positing that it is concerning that the administration has turned into a full-blown dictatorship. He noted that the party resolved to harmonise its strengths and stand united in its resolve to ‘rescue Nigeria’.

“The battle to save our democracy and provide a viable alternative platform that will enthrone purposeful governance is a response to the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians who are fed up with the incompetent and clueless Tinubu government,” Atiku stated.

demanded more clarity, directing the company to submit detailed financial accounts of both pre-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and postPIA projects by this September. Disputes over NNPC’s remittances are not new. Over the years, successive FAAC meetings have been dominated by arguments over the company’s deductions, especially during the subsidy era.

Beyond arrears and remittance gaps, the Committee raised questions about NNPC’s deductions for frontier exploration. Under the Petroleum Industry Act, the company is empowered to deduct 30 per cent of certain revenues to finance exploration in frontier basins. During the meeting, NNPC presented details of exploration activities carried out from 1999 to date and outlined its 2025 plans. However, stakeholders demanded greater clarity on the utilisation of the fund.

destruction of Israel, something a two-state solution would preclude.

The US and Israel have been boycotting the meetings leading up to Monday’s UN conference on a two-state solution. At the heart of their difference is the Israeli belief that the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by the 86-year-old president, Mahmoud Abbas, can never be a credible partner for peace.

The US state department has tried to block Abbas from speaking from the rostrum at the UN in New York by denying US visas to the PA, a move that triggered a 145 to five vote at the UN general assembly to allow him to speak via a video link.

WEDDING OF YARI’S SON IN KADUNA...

L-R: Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senate Abdulaziz Yari; Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the

Shettima, Senate, Northern Govs, Ododo

Celebrate First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at 65

Shettima, wife, Gbajabiamila: First Lady is compassionate, loving, caring for children, women, the elderly Senate: she is pillar of nation-building Obanikoro: you're a reliable support system

Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Vice President Kashim Shettima, his wife, Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have felicitated the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she clocked 65 on September 21.

In separate statements issued on Sunday, the trio celebrated Mrs. Tinubu's service to humanity and the nation.

Shettima, in a birthday tribute, titled, "Celebrating 65 Years of Grace, Service and Compassion," stated, "Our Dear First Lady and inestimable mother of our great

nation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Happy 65th birthday, Ma.

"Words cannot define what this day means to us all - from my family, staff, and indeed the entire nation. Sixty-five might be a figure, but to us it is a reflection of countless years of brilliant motherhood, exemplary service to nationhood, and a reflection of the brilliance, compassion, and unwavering support that a First Lady can provide to her husband and an entire nation.

"Indeed, when the history of this great nation and, in particular, President Tinubu's administration is written, your name will be inscribed in gold, for you have earned it with your passion, good heart, service, sense of decorum,

and strength that you have brought to bear on our nation's development and progress.”

The Senate, led by its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, poured glowing tributes on Mrs. Tinubu, as she clocked 65, describing her as a “pillar of love and strength” whose contributions to national development transcend politics and gender.

In a personally signed statement, Akpabio hailed the first lady’s enduring legacy in public service, philanthropy, and national support, stating that her life is a “testament to dedication, compassion, and service”.

Akpabio stated, “Your Excellency, our dear Mother of the Nation, Wife of the President

and First Lady, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a loving mother, the pillar of love and strength to her husband, the downtrodden, and the nation at large.”

He commended the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing it as a continuation of her long-standing humanitarian work that began during her time as First Lady of Lagos State and, later, as senator for Lagos Central from 2011 to 2023.

Akpabio said, “You've proven time and again that love and the milk of kindness flow endlessly in your veins.”

He added that the first lady had continued to provide "home support and love" that

Aniagwu: Delta’s Brazil Investment Mission Will Boost Food, Job Security

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has restated that the state government’s recent investment tour to Brazil would translate into food security, massive job creation, and enhanced security through large-scale farming and modernized ranching systems.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Asaba at the

weekend, Aniagwu assured that even before the business tour of Southern America's most successful agricultural giant, the state government had adequately prepared a background for the envisaged agricultural revolution by investing heavily in infrastructure to open up rural communities in all 25 local government areas of Delta, and create an enabling environment for investment.

According to him, the Brazil

mission, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was a strategic step to complement those infrastructural gains with agricultural and industrial partnerships. "The partnership will position Delta as a hub for agribusiness; it will also strengthen bilateral ties with Brazil, and, ultimately, improve the standard of living of the people.

“Every local government in Delta has not less than N2

billion annually in the budget for rural roads, aside from over N200 billion that goes into interlocal government roads. These investments have opened up our communities, and what we sought in Brazil was how to add value to that by attracting investors in agriculture, especially ranching,” Aniagwu said.

The commissioner noted that the visit was inspired by Brazil’s global reputation in agriculture and livestock management.

Osun 2026: Future of Osun State Lies in Bold Actions, Not Empty Promise

An All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain in Osun State, Olawale Adigun at the weekend posited that the future of Osun lies not in empty promises but in bold actions.

strengthened the president’s capacity to govern effectively.

Joining Akpabio in a chorus of senatorial accolades, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, extolled Mrs. Tinubu as “a patriotic Nigerian par excellence”, whose impact on democracy and nation-building had been “immense, sterling and novel”. According to Barau, “As First Lady of Lagos State, she touched the lives of millions through the New Era Foundation, and as a senator, she diligently addressed national challenges. Now, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, she continues to uplift vulnerable Nigerians.”

Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, also joined the first family, friends and well-

wishers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating the graceful and impactful life of Senator Tinubu on the occasion of her 65th birthday. In a goodwill message on behalf of his fellow governors from the northern region, Yahaya paid glowing tribute to the first lady, describing her as a symbol of dignity and a true matriarch of the nation whose quiet strength and compassion continue to inspire hope and touch lives across the length and breadth of the country.

According to a press release issued by Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, made available to journalists on Sunday, Yahaya extolled Senator Tinubu’s decades of public service; first as a Senator of the Federal Republic and now as Nigeria’s First Lady.

Nigerian Climate Advocates Demand Global Grants, Debt Relief, New Environmental Law

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Climate advocates in Nigeria are urging world leaders to provide grants not loans for climate adaptation across Africa, while urging lawmakers at home to pass a landmark environmental bill that will protect communities, ecosystems, and public health.

are grants, debt cancellation, and direct support for communities.”

He stressed that Africa requires an estimated $53 billion annually to build resilient infrastructure, support smallholder farmers, and achieve food sovereignty. “We cannot continue borrowing money for adaptation projects that are destroyed by climate disasters, while our people remain saddled with the debt. There should be zero loans for climate adaptation,” he added.

The APC loyalist who stated this while addressing supporters of former deputy governor of the state, Benedict Alabi on the build-up to the 2026 governorship race in the state.

According to him "Benedict Olugboyega Alabi is a foundation for future of Osun development".

He described the ex-deputy governor as an anointed candidate among the other 13 Aspirants that are warming up for the race, saying he is the only aspirant with bold actions.

He remarked that as Osun State looks toward its next electoral cycle in 2026, with Benedict Alabi himself seeking the governorship, his tenure as Deputy Governor offers both a record of achievement and a promise of what might be

accomplished under his continued leadership.

He said: "His legacy represents a powerful combination of visionary leadership and pragmatic execution—a rare blend in contemporary politics that offers a model for effective governance not just in Osun but across Nigeria.

Speaking at a civil society and media workshop on climate adaptation in Abuja, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Dr. Michael David, warned that climate change is already crippling agriculture and threatening livelihoods across Africa.

“Recurrent floods, shorter dry spells, and unpredictable rainfall are disrupting farming, driving food inflation, and putting millions at risk,” David said. “Loans are no longer a solution. What Africa needs

Citing reports that only $11 billion in adaptation finance has reached Africa since 2021, he described the figure as “far too small considering the scale of the crisis.”

He also called for funding to be shifted from mitigation to adaptation, noting that “for us to live through climate change, we must adapt and that requires the right financing.”

FOR A UNITED OPPOSITION AGAINST TINUBU...

Labour Demands N256,950 New Minimum Wage for Ondo Workers

Labour unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State Council, and its affiliate unions have called on the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to upwardly review the monthly minimum wage for the state’s workers to N256,950.

Ondo State Government currently pays N73,000 as minimum wage. But the labour unions said this could no longer meet the workers needs amid rising cost of living.

In a letter dated September 19, 2025, addressed to Aiyedatiwa, NLC also demanded an upward review of pension for retirees in the state.

In the letter signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, NLC, however, commended Aiyedatiwa for

BRIPAN:

2025

ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as timely promotion of deserving workers by the state government.

The NLC letter read, "We write on behalf of the workers and pensioners of Ondo State to make a formal and urgent demand for a comprehensive upward review of the new minimum wage in the state. This demand is based on multiple compelling factors rooted in economic reality, rising cost of living and a moral obligation to protect the dignity and welfare of workers and retirees.

"Your Excellency, it is no longer news that the Nigerian economy has been severely battered by inflation, currency devaluation, removal of fuel subsidy and skyrocketing costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare. These factors have eroded the value of wages and left the average worker and pensioner

Conference to Examine Implication of New Tax Regime, Investment & Security Acts on Insolvency Processes

Oluchi Chibuzor

With Nigeria currently witnessing a significant overhaul and reform of its tax law framework, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has said its forthcoming 2025 conference will examine implication of the new tax laws and give insight into the New Insolvency Carve-Outs in the Investment and Securities Act 2025.

This is as the Association also pledged their commitment to work with the judiciary to deepen insolvency tools in resolving commercial and financial disputes in the country.

Speaking recently in Lagos ahead of their forthcoming conference coming up on 25th to 26th September, 2025, BRIPAN’s Vice President, Mr. Albert Folorunsho, explained the association’s commitment to educating businesses, stakeholders and the public on insolvency tools. According to him, a raft of

tax bills has been signed into law and some of the laws are to become operative in January 2026.

“There appears to be an air of uncertainty as to the full implications of these tax laws. A session on Nigeria's New Tax Regime: Implications for Insolvency Processes, will examine the implications of these tax laws on insolvency processes,” he said.

According to him, BRIPAN has assembled judges, local and international practitioners to share knowledge and support Nigeria’s efforts to address financial and commercial recovery challenges.

He noted that judges were included to enlighten them not only on legal provisions but also on the possibility of company recovery during case reviews.

He added that a dedicated judicial roundtable would allow judges to discuss challenges encountered in handling debt recovery, insolvency and turnaround management cases.

in a state of perpetual economic suffocation.

"Despite this, Ondo State, as an oil producing state, has continued to experience a tremendous increase in its internally generated revenue (IGR) and, particularly, federal allocations, due to the improved oil earnings, favourable market conditions and subsidy funds.

"This reality was part of the understanding and commitment made by the Ondo State government during the last minimum wage negotiation, that whenever there is an upward shift in the state's revenue profile (inflow), worker's welfare will be

reviewed accordingly."

The union cited the example of Imo State, which recently approved and commenced the payment of a new minimum wage of N104,000 to workers and pensioners, despite not being a non-oil producing state.

The letter said, "This sends a clear signal across the nation that governments must prioritise the well-being of their workforce if they are to ensure sustainable governance and social stability. It is only just and reasonable that Ondo State, which is blessed with oil wealth and resource potential, does not lack behind but instead leads in setting progressive standards

for others to emulate.

"Your Excellency, Ondo State is not just any state, it is a critical contributor to Nigeria's oil revenue. As such, it is unacceptable that its workers and pensioners continue to live under wages that do not reflect the state's strategic and financial status.

"Workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity and pensioners are citizens who had served with loyalty during their better years and deserve to live the remainder of their lives with dignity.”

The union stated, "In light of the above, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ondo State

Council and its affiliate unions are formally demanding the immediate upward review of the minimum wage for Ondo State workers to the sum of #256,950. This figure will form a realistic reflection of the current economic indices and the prevailing cost of survival for an average.

"We respectfully urge the Ondo State government to, without further delay, set up a negotiation committee composed of government officials, labour representatives and stakeholders to deliberate and negotiate on the proposed wage structure in a timely and responsible manner."

CBN Grants Operating License to Apices Finance Company to Deepen Credit Access, Inclusion

James Emejo in Abuja

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Apices Finance Company Limited an operating license to operate as a licensed finance company.

The approval adds to the growing number of licensed financial institutions to support the economy through access to credit.

The apex bank's nod was conveyed via a letter signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Dr. Rita Sike.

The correspondence confirmed that Apices had met the regulatory requirements to commence operations under

the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the CBN Act of 2007.

The central bank stated, “This licence is granted subject to strict adherence to the provisions of the CBN Act 2007, BOFIA 2020, and rules and regulations issued by the bank from time to time.”

It stressed that non-compliance with the letters of the license could lead to revocation.

The approval comes at a time when the country is pushing to deepen financial inclusion and diversify access to credit through non-bank financial institutions.

Reacting to the approval, Managing Director, Apices Finance Limited, Daniel Odoviano

Oniko, hailed the CBN's approval, assuring that the company will effectively play its role in empowering businesses.

Oniko said, "My joy knows no bounds when Apices Finance Company Limited was approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate as a Finance Company in Nigeria.

"Our vision is that Apices Finance Company Limited is out to champion financial excellence and empower Africa's next generation of business leaders."

He said the company was wellsuited to deepen the credit market for retail, SMEs and commercial businesses, and ready to be a key player in Nigeria's evolving financial landscape. The company said Oniko's passion to empower others was rooted in over two decades of expertise in consumer, retail, SMEs, Investment, Enterprise Risk Management, corporate, and commercial banking. It said Oniko remained a tireless advocate for lifting Nigeria—and Africa—from poverty to prosperity, explaining that he believes that small businesses and young entrepreneurs hold the key to sustainable economic growth.

According to Oniko, "SMEs and startups are not just businesses—they are the lifeblood of our economy.

Yakassai Hosts BAT Ideological Group as 36 State Coordinators Unveil Handbook in Abuja

Sunday Ehigiator

Director General of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai, recently hosted members of the BAT Ideological Group in Abuja, during a courtesy visit that culminated in the official unveiling of the group’s handbook.

The event brought together coordinators of BAT Ideological Group from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighting its nationwide structure and reach.

In his remarks, Yakasai commended the convener of the group, Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi, for a laudable initiative

to institutionalise the ideology of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through structured political education and grassroots sensitisation.

“I am impressed with the group’s commitment to promoting awareness of government policies and strengthening political participation across the country,” Yakasai said.

Similarly, present was Alhaji Tejumade Suleiman, patron of BAT Ideological Group and a long-time associate of Tinubu, who described the handbook's unveiling as a milestone and pledged continued support for the group’s mission.

2025 NATIONAL DAY OF IDENTITY...

L-R:

CPPE: Cardoso-led

CBN’s

Bold

Reforms Have Achieved FX Improved Liquidity, Transparency, Credibility

Canvasses balanced policy stance that supports growth, preserves macroeconomic stability

Dike Onwuamaeze

Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has declared that the leadership of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Mr. Yemi Cardoso has achieved improved liquidity, transparency, and credibility with reforms that liberalised and unified the foreign exchange (FX) market. This was stated by Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, during the weekend in a press statement titled, “Two Years of Yemi Cardoso as CBN Governor: Achievements and Emerging Concerns.”

Yusuf pointed out the leadership of Cardoso had brought about significant transformation of Nigeria’s financial system, which had yielded transparency, credibility, and stability.

He said the next phase of reform must focus on achieving a more balanced policy stance that

supports growth while preserving macroeconomic stability.

According to him, addressing structural financing gaps and sustaining governance reforms would be critical for unlocking the financial sector’s full potential as a driver of inclusive economic development.

Yusuf said, “Over the past two years, under the leadership of Cardoso, the CBN has embarked on a comprehensive transformation agenda aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening governance, and repositioning the financial system to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

“Nigeria’s financial system has historically faced challenges including foreign exchange market distortions, weak corporate governance, excessive monetary financing, and limited access to affordable credit.

$375,000 Funding Unleashed for 15 Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs Tackling Global Healthcare, Food Security Crises

The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award has announced its 2025 winners, recognising 15 exceptional women from Latin America, Africa & the Middle East, and Asia Pacific who are pioneering innovative solutions in healthcare and food security. Nearly 295 million people globally face acute hunger, and 2.33 billion live with food insecurity, according to the United Nations and World Health Organisation. Against this backdrop, the Bayer Foundation's initiative is a beacon of hope, supporting women entrepreneurs who are driving scalable solutions to these critical issues.

Selected from 1,763 applicants across 117 countries, the 2025 winners are advancing groundbreaking innovations, including AI-powered health diagnostics, climate-resilient farming, community-led nutrition

models, and circular economy approaches.

Collectively, the 2024 and 2025 winner cohorts have reached 3.68 million people with better healthcare, supported over 69,000 smallholder farmers, and generated $3.93 million in additional rural income.

"We believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurial power to drive systemic change", Executive Director of Bayer Foundation, Chitkala Kalidas stated in a press release made available to THISDAY.

The Award provides each winner with a €25,000 cash prize, a six-month Accelerator Program, strategic mentorship, and entry into a global network through the Impact Hub Network.

The 2025 winners build on this track record, addressing systemic challenges with solutions designed for global impact. Their profiles can be found on bayerfoundation-wea. com.

“These issues contributed to macroeconomic instability, inflationary pressures, and suboptimal economic performance, which the Cardoso-led CBN has sought to address through bold reforms that are focused on transparency, stability, and credibility.”

He added, “One of the most significant reforms under Cardoso has been the liberalisation and unification of the foreign

exchange (FX) market, whose key outcomes include transparency and credibility.”

He also stated that the elimination of multiple FX windows had “reduced opportunities for arbitrage and corruption and enhanced greater confidence, which have attracted higher inflows from autonomous sources”.

Yusuf said Cardoso had achieved market efficiency, improved price discovery, and more efficient

allocation of FX resources.

He asserted that CBN had made progress in improving governance and autonomy of the apex bank by strengthening oversight mechanisms and internal controls, improving professionalism and reducing political interference in monetary policy decisions.

Yusuf said the progress had “curtailed unrestrained monetary financing, reduced fiscal dominance and macroeconomic distortions”.

He added that other achievements of Cardoso’s leadership included maintaining confidence in the financial system as a core priority, ensuring banking sector resilience with the introduction of recapitalisation measures to enhance the soundness of banks and strengthened regulatory frameworks to safeguard stability in the face of global and domestic shocks.

Gov Abiodun: Creative Industry Now Global Economic Powerhouse

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated the creative industry is no longer a side attraction, but a global economic powerhouse. Abiodun said this informed the commitment of his administration to building an enabling environment where talent was nurtured.

The governor stated that while declaring open the “Creative Youths Experience”, themed, "Framing the Future Bootcamp," held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, on Saturday.

He stated that President Bola Tinubu's policies on youth development had continued to

open doors of opportunity across varying sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly in the creative industry, saying it clearly demonstrates his commitment to building a generation of empowered Nigerians.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot SalakoOyedele, said the programme was not just an event, but a movement that placed youths at the centre of creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation.

He stated that it aligned perfectly with the vision of his administration's “Building Our Future Together Agenda” and

the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.

While promising that his government will continue to support the youth with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to ensure they led Africa's creative relations, Abiodun charged them to allow their passion and creativity to be their propelling force.

Appreciating the organisers for putting the event together, the governor said vocational training in the creative sector was not just about survival, but about economic viability, self-determination, and global recognition.

He added that the youth must

see photography and videography as needed modern skills that mirrored windows into lives, opportunities, and destinies.

Also speaking, film producer and director Tunde Kelani urged photographers and videographers to use their cameras with conscience, challenge authority, celebrate beauty and hope, while also charging youths to embrace culture, as photography and videography are all about shaping the future.

Kelani stated that technology had been democratised because content could be sent all over the world within a few seconds.

2025 Olojo Festival: Ooni Stresses Benefits of Festival

Praises MTN,

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the weekend described Olojo Festival as the strongest Yoruba heritage that was creditably natural.

Olojo Festival is a culture event in the calendar of Ile-Ife.

Ooni offered special prayers for the development of the country in all ramifications, while heralding this year’s Olojo Festival, at a press conference in his palace. He called for development partnership from corporate organisations and

Adron Homes for sponsorship

well-meaning Nigerians for the development of the yearly festival.

Ooni, who spoke on the “Spiritual Significance of Olojo Festival”, stated that the festival held immense spiritual importance for the people of Ife and Yoruba race worldwide.

According to him, “Yoruba race remains the largest race worldwide, with the Olojo Festival as the strongest heritage, which is creditably natural.”

Ooni emphasised that it commemorated the creation of the world, according to Yoruba

mythology, and paid homage to Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

Olojo Festival is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ife, and the Yoruba race at large.

The festival will feature a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances, music, and performances.

The organisers said, “The Olojo Festival dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the history of Ife.

“According to Yoruba mythology, it was during this festival that

Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people, descended from heaven with a chain symbolising his authority as the first king of Ife.”

During a stakeholders meeting with the festival’s partners, the monarch acknowledged the outstanding sponsors and thanked them for their support and presence.

Sponsors, such as Adron Homes, MTN Nigeria, and Seaman Schnapps, were well represented at the event, which took place inside His Imperial Majesty’s Palace in Enuwa, Ile-Ife.

50TH IKOYI LADIES OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT LOGO UNVEILING...

FG Revokes 1,263 Mineral Licences for Annual Service Fees Default

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Not less than 1,263 mineral licenses will be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral System of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) following their revocation by the federal government. These included 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining

leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases. By opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the revocation is expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.

Approving the revocation, following the recommendation of MCO, Minister of Solid

Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector would make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.

Alake stated, “The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder while financially capable

and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites is over.

“The annual service fee is the minimum evidence that you are interested in mining. You don't have to wait for us to revoke the license because the law allows you to return the license if you change your mind."

Tinubu to Declare 2025 Editors’

Annual Conference Open

Meeting set to hold in Abuja in November

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the elite professional body of Managing Directors, Directors of News and Editors of print, broadcast and corporate online organisations, will hold its 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) from November 3-6, 2025 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to a press statement on Sunday by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, NGE President and General Secretary respectively, the annual conference, which will be declared open by President

Bola Tinubu has as its theme: "Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors."

The conference's sub-theme will focus on "Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027." The statement said that the conference will examine the role of editors in promoting democratic governance and national cohesion.

The Guild added that the conference will discuss "challenges and opportunities facing editors in promoting democratic values and national cohesion” and will

be "identifying best practices and strategies for editors to promote democratic governance and national cohesion."

On the background to the conference, the Guild said that Tinubu, leaders of the opposition political parties in the country and major stakeholders have "consistently emphasised the importance of media support in the promotion of the bonds that unite Nigeria's diverse populations, fostering a sense of unity, and collective purpose despite political, ethnic, religious, cultural differences."

The Guild said that in the face

of socio-economic challenges, there was the need for unity in diversity, shared values, inclusion, dialogue and understanding, which would go a long way in bringing about national cohesion.

The NGE said that the conference, on the first day, would have an opening ceremony to be attended by the President; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, other ministers, governors, members of the diplomatic corps and the organised private sector.

Sterling Bank Celebrates First Cohort of N2bn Beyond Education Scholarship

Oluchi Chibuzor

In a bold investment in Nigeria’s next generation of leaders, Sterling Bank has unveiled the first 99 beneficiaries of its N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship Fund.

This, the bank said, signaled the rise of a movement to reimagine education as the engine of national transformation.

Speaking during the Sterling Leadership Series (SLS) held recently in Lagos, Chief

Operating Officer of Sterling Bank, Temitayo Adegoke, described the unveiling as a clarion call for a new era.

“At Sterling, we see education as the most powerful tool for transformation. We have invested, and will continue to invest, in programs that extend access to quality education and create pathways for real-world opportunities,” Adegoke said.

Launched earlier this year, the Beyond Education

Scholarship Fund is set to provide full tuition scholarships to deserving Nigerians, marking one of the boldest private-sector commitments to higher education in the country’s history.

Anchored on Sterling’s HEART strategy (Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation), the initiative underscores the bank’s belief in education as the most powerful driver of national progress. On his side, Managing

Director and Chief Executive of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman said the Sterling Leadership Series was designed to set a standard.

According to him, “Tonight, that standard is clear. Our young people have the talent, the curiosity, and the courage. What they need are the right opportunities and we are creating the platforms, the tools, and the pathways to unlock Nigeria’s greatest dividend: its people.

He warned that the revocation did not mean the federal government had pardoned the annual service debt owed by licensees, adding that the list will be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that debtors paid or faced the wrath of the law.

"This is to encourage due diligence and emphasise the consequences of inundating the license application processes with speculative activities," he said.

In the recommendation to the minister, Director-General of MCO, Engr. Simon Nkom, disclosed that there were 1,957 initial defaulters when MCO published the intention to revoke licences in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025.

Nkom informed the minister

that the gazette was distributed to MCO offices nationwide to sensitise licensees and encourage them to comply within 30 days in compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and relevant regulations.

He observed that the delay in the final recommendation was due to complaints of several licensees who claimed to have paid to the federal government through Remita and had to be reconciled.

The latest revocation brings the total mineral titles revoked under the current administration to 3, 794, including, 619 mineral titles revoked for defaulting in paying annual service fees, and 912 for dormancy last year. It is part of ongoing efforts at sanitising the sector since the inception of the Tinubu administration.

NAS Commemorates World Cleanup Day, Sensitises Host Community to Healthy Environment

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

In commemoration of World Cleanup Day 2025, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrate Confraternity, at the weekend, sensitised its host Okilton Community in Port Harcourt, on the benefit of healthy environment.

Led by the Capoon, Olympus Marino Deck of NAS, Ilochi Nnamdi, the humanitarian group embarked on cleanup exercise in the area and its environs.

According to Nnamdi, the comprehensive cleanup exercise which started at about 7:30am Saturday morning to 11:00am, was in collaboration with Okilton Landlords Association.

During the exercise, the leader of Olympus Marino Deck, explained that "the day serves not only as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, but also as a call to action to rise, educate, clean, and to sustain".

Nnamdi explained that the initiative mobilised over 100 volunteers, residents, youth and environmental advocates, who came together in unity to clean, educate, and inspire change within the community.

He said "Our activities included: Intensive community clean-up exercises, recycling and waste sorting demonstrations, environmental awareness campaigns for both adults and children".

He continued that prizes were awarded not just for participation, but for excellence in understanding and applying proper waste disposal methods because at Olympus Marino Deck', expressing believe that knowledge leads to sustainable action.

"But more importantly, today isn't just about picking up waste; it is about picking up the pieces of our collective responsibility. We are committed to building a future where clean environments are not the exception, but the standard.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

As Apex Court Draws Curtain on Ondo Guber Legal Battles...

Relief, surprise, disappoinment and reprimand were the hallmarks of the proceedings seeking to unseat Governor Lucky a iyedatiwa of Ondo State, writes Alex Enumah

Relief and succour last week came the way of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa following the closure of all legal battles challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.

Legal fireworks had hardly commenced at the apex court before all contenders to the number one office in Ondo State, to the surprise of many announced the withdrawal of their respective cases before the Supreme court.

But for sheer providence, lawyers as well as the political parties and their governorship candidates who had gone to the Supreme Court to seek redress over what they perceived as miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal and the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal would have tasted the wrath of the Supreme Court, for filing what the respondents and the apex court termed frivolous cases before the court.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on November 17, 2024, declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the state governorship election it conducted last November, after scoring the highest number of lawful votes cast at the polls across all the 18 Local Government Councils in the state.

According to the INEC State Returning Officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, the APC and Ayedatiwa scored a total of 366,781 votes to defeat its closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) who scored 117,845 votes while the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr Abbas Mimiko, younger brother of the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, came a distant third with 2,692 votes.

Displeased with the results of the election, the candidates of the Action Alliance (AA), Allied People’s Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and PDP, had approached the tribunal, seeking an order nullifying Aiyedatiwa’s victory at the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

However, the tribunal in a unanimous decision held that the petitions lacked merit and subsequently dismissed them all.

The three-member tribunal in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Benson Ogubu, on June 4, 2025 voided the petition of the AA on the grounds that the party failed to field any candidate for the election and as such lacked the necessary legal rights to file any petition against the outcome of the election. According to the tribunal, AA’s claim of unlawful exclusion was no longer a valid ground for challenging election results, because the provision it anchored its case on had been repealed with the enactment of the 2010 Electoral Act.

On the allegations of corrupt practices and vote buying, the tribunal noted that the AA , APM, SDP, and PDP failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate their allegations. It was the position of the panel that the allegations of voting without accreditation, over-voting, corrupt practices, and substantial noncompliance with the Electoral Act were not backed by any verifiable facts.

The tribunal further held that the allegations of non-compliance with electoral procedures, such as missing serial numbers on result sheets and over-voting were not proved by any of the petitioners.

With regards to the SDP’s petition,

the tribunal held that the petition was based on speculation and not supported by concrete evidence, adding that the reliefs cannot be granted on the basis of hearsay, propaganda, or emotions. Besides, the tribunal described the case of the SDP as “baseless” and a “waste of judicial time”.

Also delivering judgment in the PDP’s petition, the tribunal observed that the issue of alleged certificate forgery against the deputy governor, was not only a matter which had been settled in earlier court rulings but a pre-election matter, not suitable for the tribunal.

Not satisfied, the petitioners took their grievances to the appellate court, asking the Akure division of the Court of Appeal, to set aside the decisions of the tribunal, for wrongfully affirming the election that produced Aiyedatiwa as Governor.

But after listening to the argument of the appellants and supporting documents, the Court of Appeal, agreed with the tribunal that the appellants failed to provide cogent and convincing evidence as to why the November 16, governorship election should be nullified.

The three-man panel of the appellate court led by Justice Nimpar Yargata unanimously struck out the appeals, one after the other, for being incompetent and lacking in merit. It was also the position of the appellate court that the appellants abandoned their cases as there were

But for sheer providence, lawyers as well as the political parties and their governorship candidates who had gone to the Supreme Court to seek redress over what they perceived as miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal and the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal would have tasted the wrath of the Supreme Court, for filing what the respondents and the apex court termed frivolous cases before the court.

no credible witnesses called at the tribunal to back claims of widespread irregularities in the various polling units.

To this end, the court affirmed the judgments of the tribunal on all the cases and declared Aiyedatiwa and Adelami as the elected Governor and Deputy Governor of the state, respectively and awarded the sum of N1.5 million as cost against the appellants.

Still not satisfied, the appellants lodged complaints again at the apex court, hoping that the Supreme Court would agree with them that their case has merit and void the judgments of the two lower courts.

But, when the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, a mild drama played out as the appellants took turns to withdraw their separate appeals challenging the decision of the appellate court which had earlier upheld the judgment of the tribunal. First was the PDP and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor under the late former governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu. Their lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba told the court that his clients instructed him to withdraw the appeal, which informed why he filed a notice of withdrawal on September 16.

Following no objections from the respondents, Justice Okoro who led a five-man panel of Justices of the apex court subsequently struck out the appeal of PDP and Ajayi. The former governor had in a letter dated September 16, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Registrar of the apex court claimed that he was aware of the appeal filed on his behalf against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others.

He however said that after a thoughtful discussions with family, party members, associates, and legal advisers, he had resolved to discontinue the case.

Ajayi disclosed that his decision to withdraw from the suit was also guided by principles of good governance and peaceful coexistence, stressing his commitment to contributing positively to the state and national development.

Monday September22, 2025

www.thisdaylive.com

AFRICA’S PATH BEYOND UNGA

The future lies in partnerships that reinforce accountability, transparency and local ownership, argues ALLAN PAMBA

See page 21

NIGERIA’S STOCKBROKERS: MISUNDERSTOOD OR FEARED?

SOLA ONI writes that the 2025 conference is an opportunity to redefine the identity of the stockbroker

See page 21

EDITORIAL GUARDING AGAINST EBOLA OUTBREAK

page 22

opinion@thisdaylive.com

Leaders who adopt long-term thinking create organizations that endure crises, and outlast competitors, argues LINUS OKORIE

WHY LEADERS MUST EMBRACE STRATEGY OVER SPEED

Speed and immediate execution look attractive in leadership. It gives the impression of progress, shows up well in quarterly reports, and keeps people busy. But leadership is not about speed, but speed in the right direction. And direction comes from strategy. Without it, you may be running fast but heading nowhere.

Leaders who prioritize longterm strategy over quick wins build organizations that last. Those who chase speed at the expense of foresight usually burn out credibility, people, and resources along the way. Short-term results can be misleading. A boost in sales, a trending campaign, or a sudden expansion feels like success. Yes, it is success. But without a strategy, these moments are usually fleeting. It could have just been a lucky break, especially when you can’t exactly pinpoint what factor contributed significantly to the success.

When leaders do this repeatedly, customers will eventually notice, employees lose faith, and competitors catch up. The “win” that once looked impressive becomes a liability. Some companies chased quick revenue by cutting corners by cheapening products, overpromising to customers, or expanding too fast. They have crashed inevitably. This is because strategy is not just about what you achieve today but a factor to guarantee sustainability for tomorrow.

Shortcuts often feel efficient, but they come at the expense of discipline. Leaders who consistently choose speed over thorough decision-making unconsciously breeds a culture that execution matters more than quality. Teams eventually follow suit; work becomes rushed, standards slip, and small cracks progressively widen into major failures. Shortcuts are expensive in the long run.

History is full of companies that made this mistake, only to collapse. WeWork raced to dominate global office spaces, and blindly grew faster than the required strategy. Its multibillion-dollar valuation evaporated almost overnight. Blackberry clung to short-term wins from its secure email service but failed to think ahead about the smartphone revolution. Their speed in one era blinded them to the strategic pivot they needed.

Growth demands patience, which involves investing in people, refining processes, and honoring commitments. Sustainable organizations are built on resilient systems and disciplined execution. On the other side are organizations that mastered the art of patience. Amazon famously operated at

a loss for years, reinvesting profits into infrastructure, logistics, and innovation. The patience was mocked at first, then revered. Apple spent years refining the iPod and iPhone behind the scenes, refusing to release half-baked versions. The result was category-defining products. Strategic leaders don’t ignore urgency or the need for immediate execution. They know some fires must be put out immediately. But they never confuse urgency with direction. They act quickly when needed, but always in alignment with the bigger picture. Think of it as zooming in and out: urgency requires the zoom-in, but strategy demands the zoomout. Great leaders toggle between the two seamlessly.

Some leaders thrive on speedy execution. They believe in acting quickly, refining ideas and processes as they go. This approach keeps momentum alive and avoids the trap of endless planning. But speed without foresight can lead to wasted effort, repeated mistakes, and half-baked results. On the other hand, some leaders lean heavily on strategic reflection. They want to think deeply, analyze every angle, and ensure decisions align with long-term goals. This reduces risk and creates clarity. But overthinking can stall execution, delay opportunities, and paralyze teams. Both approaches have value, and both have blind spots. Speed without strategy lacks sustainability. Strategy without execution lacks impact. The healthiest organizations don’t rely on one type of leader. They encourage executors and strategists to complement one another. The executors keep things moving. The strategists ensure direction. Together, they create a balance where efficiency and sustainability can coexist.

A strategy only matters if it shapes behavior. Too many organizations draft ambitious plans that never reach the ground floor. Leaders must translate strategy into routines:

· Weekly check-ins tied to strategic goals

· Performance reviews that measure

contribution to long-term outcomes

· Simple rules of thumb for decisionmaking

When the big picture lives in small habits, strategy stops being abstract. Strategic leaders aren’t necessarily the loudest or the fastest. They are the ones who ask better questions before making moves, see connections others miss, stay patient when others panic, and keep teams anchored in purpose during chaos.

Satya Nadella’s turnaround of Microsoft is a perfect case. By shifting the company’s focus from software development to cloud computing and collaboration, he repositioned an aging giant for longterm growth. He speedily executed well-research strategies for Microsoft’s continuous growth and development.

Strategic thinking is not a responsibility reserved for CEOs and senior executives. It is a myth that hurts organizations. Emerging leaders and mid-level managers must also learn to think strategically. Strategy is a mindset, and a muscle anyone can build or train for by trying these daily practices:

· Ask “why?” three times before approving a project.

· Review yesterday’s actions if they aligned with long-term goals?

· Block 30 minutes weekly for reflection on future priorities.

· Encourage your team to challenge assumptions during meetings.

Young leaders can start by connecting their daily work to the long-term vision, challenging assumptions, and practicing foresight in small decisions. Strategic maturity grows from the ground up. When strategy becomes everyone’s mindset, not just leadership’s role, organizations grow stronger at every level.

Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.

The future lies in partnerships that reinforce accountability, transparency and local ownership, argues ALLAN PAMBA

AFRICA’S PATH BEYOND UNGA

As the world gathers for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the global health agenda is once again under the spotlight. And how the playing field has changed in just one year! For Africa, UNGA is an unmissable opportunity to ensure that the continent’s priorities are placed firmly at the centre of global commitments. Having said that, however, we must also seize the moment to look inward, prompting Africa’s decision-makers to take custody of their own destinies at country level. The last few years have shown that progress cannot be taken for granted. Funding shifts, pandemics and political uncertainty have exposed the fragility of many health systems. But they have also revealed the ingenuity of African governments, communities and partners at the edge of a cliff. If there is one lesson to carry into this year’s UNGA, it is that Africa’s health future will not be secured through external dependence, but through partnerships that are co-created, sustainable and grounded in sovereignty. Partnerships and co-creation Health systems are strongest when they are shaped through trust and shared responsibility –and collaboration on the road to universal health coverage is not just about funding streams or technical capacity. It is about bringing together ministries, industry, civil society and communities to design solutions that reflect local realities and priorities. We have seen new healthcare cocreation models work in practice. In Zambia, when global funding disruptions threatened continuity in HIV and HPV testing, the Ministry of Health convened a national task force and worked alongside partners, including Roche Diagnostics, Pact (Private Agencies Cooperating Together) for HPV and CHAZ (Churches Health Association of Zambia) for HIV to protect services. By coordinating across government, civil society and industry, the program kept lifesaving testing available and ensured patients remained at the centre of care. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a strategic private-sector partnership between Roche Diagnostics and the Ministry of Health secured direct procurement of HIV tests for the first time – a significant step towards greater domestic ownership and resilience. By working hand-in-hand with local leaders, the private sector here provides technical support and unlocks essential resources. But it was the government’s leadership that ensured continuity of care, particularly for women and children. These cases demonstrate that partnerships succeed when they reinforce national leadership and political will, building confidence in longterm resilience. Domestic financing and optimisation. The sustainability of Africa’s health systems rests on financing models that are innovative, predictable and locally anchored. Global commitments will always be part of the picture, but they cannot be the whole picture. For too long, external dependency has left essential services in Africa vulnerable to shifting glob-

al priorities. Domestic financing — whether through direct procurement, innovative tax structures or regional pooled mechanisms — is one of the clearest routes to sovereignty. When Ministries of Health take the lead in securing essential diagnostics, they demonstrate to citizens and funders alike that Africa can chart its own course. Optimisation is equally important. Every resource must be stretched to maximum impact. This means smarter procurement practices, leveraging existing infrastructure and prioritising preventive diagnostics that reduce the need for costly treatment later. Optimisation is not about austerity but about making sure each investment delivers the most value for patients and communities. Sovereignty and sustainability: Health sovereignty is the capacity to decide, fund and deliver care without being at the mercy of external forces. It is not a rejection of global collaboration but a recalibration of how collaboration works.

At its heart, sovereignty means that partnerships and financing mechanisms must strengthen Africa’s leadership, not replace it. This UNGA presents an opportunity to advocate for financing models that move beyond temporary solutions. Emergency responses may bridge immediate gaps, but they are not a substitute for durable systems. The future lies in partnerships that reinforce accountability, transparency and local ownership. The role of data and evidence. Data underpins every aspect of this conversation. African health systems cannot achieve sovereignty without the ability to generate and interpret data locally. Data sovereignty ensures that solutions are relevant, that investments are targeted and that progress is measured in ways that reflect African realities. Reliable diagnostics and strong data pipelines turn investment into insight and insight into action. As leaders gather in New York, the call from Africa is clear. Place partnerships and financing at the centre of commitments. Back domestic innovations that show promise. Support Ministries of Health in building sustainable systems.

Dr Pamba

is Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa, at Roche Diagnostics

SOLA ONI writes that the 2025 conference is an opportunity to redefine the identity of the stockbroker

NIGERIA’S STOCKBROKERS: MISUNDERSTOOD OR FEARED?

As Nigeria charts its course toward becoming a $1 trillion economy, the credibility of its capital market has become more crucial than ever. At the heart of this transformation are stockbrokers. They are professionals who remain widely misunderstood, often viewed with skepticism, and frequently undervalued. Also known as securities dealers, these individuals are licensed, regulated, and professionally trained to act in the best interests of investors. They are far more than just traders; they are trusted advisors, financial educators, and vital enablers of capital mobilisation. Many Nigerian stockbrokers hold globally recognised credentials and bring extensive industry expertise to the table. They are versatile, strategic professionals. Yet, despite their pivotal role, public awareness of their function and accessibility remains limited. The Market’s human interface in a financial world increasingly shaped by fintech, AI, and blockchain, one truth remains: technology cannot replace trust. Stockbrokers provide the human interface between the market and investors. They interpret, advise, and reassure and offer far more than transactional support. At a time when fraudulent investment schemes and Ponzi platforms threaten financial security, stockbrokers serve as a reliable counterforce. Under the leadership of Dr. Emomotimi Agada, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying enforcement against unregulated operators. But enforcement alone is not enough. Nigerians need to know where to turn for professional, ethical, and regulated financial guidance and stockbrokers should be their first point of call. Charting the Future: CIS 2025 Conference. Recognising the shifting dynamics in global finance, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has chosen the theme “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, and Sustainable Era: Charting Pathways for Economic Transformation” for its 2025 Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference, to be held in Abuja from October 16–17. This theme reflects the current global capital market agenda: expanding access through digital innovation, restoring trust through ethical governance, and aligning investments with sustainability goals. Yet, none of these goals can be achieved in Nigeria without well-equipped, empowered, and ethical stockbrokers leading the charge. Restoring trust through policy support credibility in the capital market cannot be legislated; it must be earned daily through ethical conduct, transparency, and meaningful investor engagement. Stockbrokers play this role consistently, but they require government and regulatory support to operate at full capacity. Public policy should prioritise greater visibility and recognition of licensed stockbrokers, technology access and infrastructure support, stronger investor protection frameworks and incentives for ethical

practice and financial literacy campaigns. Stockbrokers must be seen as partners in national development, particularly in areas such as retail investor inclusion, SME financing, and long-term capital formation. Technology Needs Trust While digital platforms continue to reshape financial access, technology alone is not a solution. Trust remains the true foundation of any financial system and trust is built by people. As Nigeria moves into areas like ESG investing, green bonds, and digital asset markets, stockbrokers must be empowered to guide both institutional and retail investors through this evolving landscape. Redefining the Profession. The CIS is already laying the groundwork by promoting capital market education, engaging students, and showcasing stockbroking as a viable and impactful career path. These longterm efforts are vital to restoring public confidence and creating a financially literate generation of investors. The 2025 Conference is more than a professional gathering. It is a national opportunity to redefine the identity and purpose of the Nigerian stockbroker. With the right tools, a strong ethical foundation, and strategic support, stockbrokers can become central figures in rebuilding investor trust and powering sustainable economic growth. Time for Action. It is time for government, regulators, and financial institutions to recognise the stockbroker not just as a market participant, but as a catalyst for economic transformation. A strong presence by top-level government officials, especially stockbrokers, at the upcoming CIS Conference would be a meaningful step in bridging the gap between policy and practice. In an era where trust is the most valuable currency, Nigeria’s stockbrokers should not be feared or sidelined. They should be understood, supported, and elevated as vital partners in the nation’s economic future.

Oni,

an Integrated Communications Strategist, Chartered Stockbroker, Commodity Broker and Capital Market Registrar, is the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

GUARDING AGAINST EBOLA OUTBREAK

The prompt response of the health authorities is commendable

Health authorities in the country are on the alert mode for Ebola in response to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the disease has already claimed no fewer than 31 lives. This was heightened by a Nigerian lady who flew in from Rwanda, a neighbouring country to Congo, with fever and checked into an Abuja hospital. Fortunately, she tested negative for Ebola. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had earlier in September alerted the world to another outbreak of Ebola disease in the DRC, the 16th since the disease was identified in 1976. Aside from the number reported dead from the viral disease, many others were placed under surveillance in the central African nation.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had earlier confirmed that recent suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in two different hospitals in Abuja have tested negative for Ebola and Marburg Virus. The FCT Mandate Secretary, Health and Human Services, Adedolapo Fasawe commended the patient who went straight to the hospital after arrival from Rwanda. We also commend the health authorities in Abuja for their swift and coordinated response to the alarm.

The disease has most of the

Adadevoh of the First Consultant Hospital, Lagos. The index case in Nigeria was a Liberian national who flew into the country with the virus and died in July 2014. There were no suspected cases in Abuja in 2014 as there were no confirmed cases in the country’s federal capital city. But Nigeria's swift and coordinated efforts were instrumental to containing the virus as the WHO declared the country Ebola-free on 20 October 2014.

symptoms of malaria: fever, sore throat, headache, and vomiting

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Ebola is a deadly viral disease which kills victims within a week of infection, leaving little or no time for treatment. Essentially because it takes between two days to three weeks before the complete symptoms manifest. The disease has most of the symptoms of malaria: fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, etc. And the virus spreads through close contact with blood and bodily fluids of infected persons or animals such as fruit bats.

The outbreak of the disease in 2014 spread panic in the West African sub-region and led to the death of some 11,300 people mostly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. In Nigeria, Ebola also claimed eight lives, including Dr. Ameyo

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

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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

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Since the Ebola viral disease is not indigenous to Nigeria, it could only be imported into the country through the borders: land, sea and airports. However, since there are no direct flights to Nigeria from the DRC, it is important that all passengers coming through our borders be thoroughly screened. The federal government did all this in 2014 by strengthening its response team and increasing surveillance at major points of entry into the country. Passengers were screened amid following up on individuals who had travelled from affected areas. Indeed, there was effective mobilisation of trained health workers in addition to widespread public awareness campaigns on containment measures against the disease.

For these, the international community commended the federal government and health authorities in Lagos State for the adequate response in dealing with the deadly disease. The appropriateness of the response saved the lives of many Nigerians. The current Abuja response is therefore an indication that the lessons learnt from the earlier incidents are not lost. The hospital handled the case according to specified protocols. “We had a possible one case that we were determined would not spread further than that one case,” said Fasawe. “We had gone as far as to get the manifest on that airline; everybody she had had contact with before coming into this place… we are free.”

While the FCT response on this matter has been good, we urge health stakeholders in the country to remain vigilant.

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

NIGERIA’S ENDLESS OIL NIGHTMARE

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, continues to grapple with the ghostly presence of its once-celebrated refineries.Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. Once hailed as engines of energy independence, these refineries now sit in ruins, rotting away despite successive governments committing over $3 billion in turnaround maintenance contracts that have yielded nothing but disappointment.

Instead of boosting local production, Nigeria today relies almost entirely on the privately owned Dangote Refinery and limited imports from independent marketers for petrol supply. The grand promises of state-run refineries reviving the nation’s oil fortunes have faded into silence, leaving citizens to question the sincerity of government efforts.

Former NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele

Kyari, had repeatedly assured Nigerians that the refineries would return to life. In the end, after a brief and token production that lasted only a few days, the refineries slipped back into their idle state. Silent, rusting monuments to mismanagement and corruption.

Observers argue that Nigeria does not need to spend another kobo on these facilities. If the billions of dollars already poured into them have not yielded results, then clearly the path forward lies elsewhere. With the amount already squandered, a brand-new, modern refinery could have been built.One that would actually serve the nation’s needs instead of draining its resources.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, jimobi83@gmail.com

PISS POOR EFFORT

The latest Trump executive order creates the Gold Card Visa at the reduced price $1 million, originally priced at $5 million. There have been a number of concerns expressed about access, ethics, inappropriate candidates and basic fairness. The card, as shown in a number of papers and online, appears not to be gold colored but more urine colored. This might be appropriate symbolism.

There are other special visa schemes including the H-1B "…that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, as well as fashion models,..." (thanks wikipedia). Approx 250 models, including the now First Lady, Melania Trump, have received this visa.

Whatever the color, it is more important that the visas go to people who will be of benefit to the country.

Earn you visa, don't just buy it.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Kayode tokede

Following the increase in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 50 per cent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), deposit money banks’ mandatory deposits with the CBN has continue to rise with shareholders demanding interest payments on the deposits.

For instance, just seven banks reported N18.16 trillion mandatory deposits with Central Banks as of half year ended June 30, 2025, representing an

increase of 6.9 per cent when compared to N16.99 trillion reported in 2024 financial year. Last year, the CBN hiked Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 50 per cent, and so far in H1 2025, Zenith Bank Plc, and First Holdco have recorded double-digit growth in mandatory reserve deposits.

However, there are some exceptions as analysis of banks’ audited/unaudited accounts for H1 2025 revealed that Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Wema

bank Plc and FCMB Group Plc recorded decline in mandatory deposits with the CBN.

Extracts from the H1 results revealed that Zenith Bank, followed by First Holdco and five other financial institutions reported the highest mandatory deposits with CBN.

As of H1 2025, Zenith Bank declared N6.23 trillion mandatory reserve deposits with the CBN, nearly 17 per cent increase over N5.33 trillion reported in 2024FY, while

First Holdco reported N4.2 trillion mandatory reserve deposits with CBN as of June 30, 2025, representing an increase of nearly 13 per cent when compared to N3.74trillion reported in 2024FY.

Furthermore, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) announced N3.97 trillion mandatory reserve deposits with central banks as of June 30, 2025, representing an increase of 0.99 per cent from N3.93 trillion in 2024.

On its part, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

(ETI) announced N2.04 trillion mandatory deposits with CBN as of June 30, 2025, a growth of 4.3 per cent from N1.95 trillion in 2024FY.

However, FCMB Group as of June 30, 2025 declared N1.02 trillion mandatory deposits with CBN, down by nearly 18 per cent from N1.24 trillion in 2024, while Sterling Financial Holdings Company posted N666.7 billion mandatory deposits with central banks as of June 30, 2025, a drop of nearly 15 per cent when

compared to N777.09 billion in 2024.

In addition, Wema bank said its mandatory deposits with central banks stood at N23.69 billion as of June 30, 2025, a drop of 14.4 per cent from N27.67 trillion in 2024.

The seven financial institutions as of June 30, 2025 declared a sum of N47.5 trillion loans & advances to customers, a growth of 4.01 per cent from N45.7 trillion reported in 2024.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), is collaborating with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Synergy Initiative to create greater awareness about insurance and engage Nigerian youths in the implementation of the SDGs.

The collaboration agreement was endorsed during a courtesy visit of the SDGs team to NAICOM in Abuja.

In his address during the visit, the Executive Director SDGs, Mr. Usman Lawan, disclosed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was a support

partner of the SDGs initiative, disclosing that it had prepared to host a youth summit in partnership with the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN). He noted that the aim of the summit was to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation in achieving

the SDGs.

He added that NAICOM will foster collaboration between Nigerian youths and the Brazilian Embassy in supporting the SDGs.

He highlighted the specific roles of youths in the implementation of the SDGs.

He called for NAICOM’s support in sensitising

young people on the importance of insurance, stressing that the summit intended to engage critical stakeholders to ensure its success.

In his response, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ekerete Ola GamIkon, highlighted the

Commission’s ongoing initiative with the Federal Ministry of Youth to engage one million youths in capacity building. He commended the SDGs Synergy Initiative for its forward-looking proposal and assured them of NAICOM’s collaboration to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria.

^14.55

L-R: Associate, KENNA, Chidera Ezenwanne; Partner, Nimma Jo-Madugu; Corporate Data Lead, Seplat Energy, Njideka Egbo; Senior Partner, KENNA, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole; Head, Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Ibukunoluwa Owa; General Manager, Legal, MTN Nigeria, Ifeoma Utah; Deputy Manager, Litigation, Arbitration & Claims, Antan Producing, Dr. Adenike Esan; General Counsel, Quantum Capital, Emeka Anyaeji; Head, Dispute Resolution, Stanbic IBTC, Uyi Uhunmwangho; Managing Partner, KENNA, Ituah Imhanze and General Manager, Mane Nigeria, Floriane Cantegrit, at the presentation of the KENNA-authored book, Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Data Protection in Lagos…recently

Experts: Boards, Executives Must Lead Data Protection Culture

Business leaders, regulators, and governance experts at the KENNA Data Protection Dialogue have warned that the growing importance of data and data processing in business operations will create digital vulnerabilities unless boards and executives take proactive ownership of data protection obligations.

The event, held in Lagos, gathered regulators, executives, legal practitioners, and governance

specialists to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving data protection landscape.

Speakers stressed that compliance can no longer be treated as a back-office function but as a strategic priority championed at the highest levels of corporate governance.

In his address, KENNA’s Senior Partner, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, underscored that boards now have an even greater responsibility in shaping organisational culture by embedding sound data protection practices

Betano, FCMB Partner to Launch N50m Reality Show

Mary

Betano and FCMB have partnered to launch Season 10 of Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurship reality TV show, The Next Titan. The show, now in its 10th anniversary edition, features 20 vibrant and unconventional contestants

competing in various business tasks and challenges over 10 weeks for a total prize of N50 Million.

The winner will take home N40 million, while the 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, and 3rd Runner-up will receive N5 million, N3 million, and N2 million, respectively.

and providing effective governance direction.

He said: “Boards and management now serve as intermediaries between the company and its stakeholders, including regulators, and are responsible for

Group Business Editor

Eromosele Abiodun

Deputy Business Editor

Chinedu Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Asst. Editor, Energy

Emmanuel Addeh

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James Emejo (Finance)

Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter

Peter Uzoho (Energy)

According to Executive Producer of “The Next Titan,” Mide Akinlaja, the show aims to demystify entrepreneurship and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of young, talented Nigerians.

“The show is designed to practically engineer entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths through identifying the best business minds and supporting their entrepreneurial acumen. We are excited about the new season of The Next Titan, and would like to appreciate our sponsors and partners who have made this possible,” he said.

Kayode Tokede

In the bid to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) new capital requirement, Sterling Financial Holdings Company (Sterling Holdco) Plc, has commenced an N87.067 billion public offer

The Company is offering 12.581 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at

providing governance and strategic oversight. They must embed data protection into corporate strategy and ensure it is clearly documented, communicating that it is just as important as financial performance in order to drive accountability.”

Delivering the keynote address, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, ably represented

by the Head of the Commission’s regulations unit, Ibukunoluwa Owa, explained that the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, is aligned with the view that data protection should be within the purview of senior management.

Recapitalization: Sterling Holdco Commences N87.067bn Public Offer

N7 per share. The offer for subscription opened on September 17 and is scheduled to close on September 30.

The public offer is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the capital adequacy of Sterling Bank Limited, capitalising SterlingFi Wealth Management, and supporting the Group’s strategic expansion

opportunities.

Speaking on the offer, the Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Yemi Adeola said, “further to our shareholders’ approval at the 2024 annual general meeting, I am pleased to report that we have completed two rounds of capital raise. In 2024, we completed a N75 billion private placement and N28.79 billion right issue,

which was significantly oversubscribed by our shareholders.”

He added that, following receipt of the relevant regulatory approvals and the distribution of the proceeds from the capital raise to our banking subsidiaries, Alternative Bank has fully complied with its minimum regulatory capital requirement.

Private Sector Actors Commit to Scaling Action on SDGs

In a bold move to accelerate Africa’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notable private sector actors in the country have pledged to scale initiatives that deliver real change in communities

across Nigeria.

This was disclosed during the Africa Social Impact Summit 2025 Partners Connect high-level event organised by Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning,

and British Council Nigeria, that united private sector leaders, development partners, and policymakers to drive measurable social impact.

Speaking at the event, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, who underscored the event’s

purpose said, “ASIS has always been about catalyzing impact through collaboration. Partners Connect ensures that the energy from the Summit translates into measurable outcomes that uplift communities and address Africa’s most pressing challenges.”

Atiat Limited, one of the leading firms in the automotive leasing and finance sector, has unveiled its multidimensional hub facility aimed at democratising access to growth and creating an innovation-focused culture for its workforce to serve its clients better.

The move, it said, marks its evolution from

a leasing and finance company into an integrated financial service ecosystem spanning finance, insurance, technology, and mobility.

Speaking at the opening of the state-of-the-art headquarters in Lagos, the Managing Director/ CEO Kanayo Eni-Ikeh noted that the next chapter turns their experience in leasing and lending into an ecosystem of integrated solutions for Nigerian

businesses and families.

He said that Atiat’s new strategy directly addresses various gaps in the financial sector, technology and automobile leasing by bundling a wide range of solutions into one trusted brand.

According to him, “Nigeria’s growing economy and teeming young population create enormous opportunities for this transformation.

With over 200 million people and a GDP around $472 billion, Nigeria is Africa’s largest market and a tech-savvy leader – its fintech sector alone makes up about one-third of all African fintech activity. Yet key services remain scarce: roughly half of Nigerian adults are still unbanked, and insurance coverage is less than 0.5 per cent of GDP.”

Oyetola Woos Investors to Nigeria’s Marine, Blue Economy

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on international investors to seize the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, describing the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.

He made the call in London, United Kingdom, where he is participating in the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, one of the world’s premier maritime gatherings.

Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly, held at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as part of the LISW, Minister Oyetola, represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of investing in

Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.

Delivering a keynote address on the topic “Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade,” he underlined Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernisation, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices as

critical pillars that make the country an attractive investment destination.

“Our oceans and inland waterways are our lifeblood, our highways to prosperity, and the very arteries that will fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Oyetola said, stressing that Nigeria is committed to unlocking the full potential of its marine resources.

Google to Invest $9m for Connectivity across African Universities

Emma Okonji

Google has announced a new set of investments in Africa, reaffirming its nearly two-decade commitment to the continent’s digital transformation. The latest commitments focus on empowering Africa’s next generation through Artificial Intelligence (AI), unlocking opportunities and expanding on the innovation capacity of young Africans. They cover internet connectivity; youth-led learning and innovation; and

skills training.

According to a statement from Google yesterday, the tech giant is announcing four strategic subsea cable connectivity hubs in the north, south, east and west regions of Africa. The investment covers free one-year subscriptions to Google AI Pro plan for college students (18 or older) across the continent - starting with Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Eboma: EmoSIM Makes Connectivity in 180 Countries Simple, Affordable

A telecom, banking and fast moving consumer goods digital solutions expert, Jimmy Eboma, is the Founder/ Chairman of EMOSIM, a mobile virtual network operator. EMOSIM is Nigeria’s first outbound travel digital SIM service, allowing users to connect to mobile networks in countries without needing physical SIM cards or paying roaming charges. In this conversation with Nume Ekeghe, Eboma speaks on his vision to revolutionise global connectivity and other initiatives that align with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. Excerpts:

You have often said EmoSim was born out of personal experience. Can you take us back to that moment?

Yes, absolutely. EmoSIM was born out of very personal experiences. For me, traveling has always been something I deeply enjoy, whether for work, family, or just to explore new places. But one consistent hurdle I faced was the stress of staying connected. There are already enough challenges when traveling, especially as Africans;visas, long queues, unfamiliar environments, and I felt connectivity should not be one of them.

At the same time, I strongly believe that Africans are solutions providers. We cannot always leave the responsibility of solving our problems to others; we also have the creativity and capacity to build solutions that enrich our own economies and serve the world.

So really, EmoSIM was born from these two personal realities: my need to have the basic luxury of seamless connectivity while doing the things I love, and my conviction that Africans can create innovative solutions that simplify life for travelers everywhere.

So that frustration became the seed of EmoSim?

Yes, you could say that frustration became the seed of EmoSIM, but it was also a case of perfect timing. Around that same period, the conversation around Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) was beginning to gain ground in Nigeria. I realised that if we were truly going to deliver a solution at a global standard, it would require not just vision, but the right technical backbone.

That is where the partnership with Tata Communications came in. Tata themselves saw the value in what we were building and were eager to collaborate with us. Having one of the world’s leading digital ecosystems backing our idea gave EmoSIM the credibility and technical strength it needed.

So, it is really no surprise that when the MVNO licences opened up in Nigeria and nearly 48 companies got commissioned, EmoSIM has remained strong. It is the combination of a clear goal; to create a world-class solution out of Africa, and the strength of a world-class partner that has kept EmoSIM thriving.

What was your vision at the time?

The vision at the time was very simple: to create an eSIM for every destination and every traveler. Whether you are a businessperson traveling to close deals, a student pursuing opportunities, a pilgrim on a sacred journey, a digital nomad, or even just a leisure traveler seeking new experiences, EmoSIM was designed to make connectivity seamless throughout those journeys. That is why today, with EmoSIM, you can connect in over 180 countries. And beyond that global reach, we have been very intentional about building a strong footprint. Within our first three months, we already had physical presence and country managers on the ground

in Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Kenya. And truly, this is just our starting point.

Let’s talk about how EmoSim works in practice. How does a traveler use it?

The process is simple. Just download the EmoSIM app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit our website, sign up with your email, and choose a plan for the country you’re visiting. Payment can be made in any currency with any local bank card. Once payment is complete, a QR code is sent to your email. Scan it to add EmoSIM to your phone. On iPhone, open Settings, select Cellular, then Add eSIM and Use QR Code. On Android, open Settings, select Network or SIM Manager, then Add eSIM and Scan QR Code. Label it “EMOSIM” so it’s easy to find.

Once you arrive at your destination, simply turn on data roaming and you are connected instantly. The EmoSIM app makes it easy to track usage, recharge, and monitor balances.

Affordability seems central to your strategy. How competitive are your prices?

Very competitive. For instance, where a competitor might charge $6 for a seven-day package, EmoSIM offers the same for $5. Beyond that, we have gone a step further by introducing a global plan, one number that works seamlessly across more than 180 destinations for calls, SMS, and data. And importantly, we do not just price competitively; we make it convenient. With EmoSIM, you pay in your local currency, which means

no hidden conversion costs. It is part of our commitment to make global connectivity not just accessible, but also affordable and stress-free.

Security is always a concern with new technology. How do you ensure trust?

Security is built into the system. The system is designed so that the QR code is delivered only to the subscriber’s email, and activation is fully controlled by the user. If a device is stolen, the eSIM can be deactivated instantly and restored on a new device as soon as you log in again. Unlike physical SIMs, which can be removed and used by anyone, an EmoSIM cannot be transferred unless both your device and your email are compromised, a scenario that is highly unlikely. This makes EmoSIM significantly more secure than traditional plastic SIMs, giving users confidence that their identity and connectivity are protected at all times.

You mentioned eSIM earlier. Many Nigerians still don’t fully understand it. Can you explain simply?

Think of an eSIM as your regular SIM card, just without the plastic. Instead of inserting a chip, the SIM is already embedded inside your phone and activated digitally with a simple QR code. It does exactly what your current SIM does, calls, SMS, and data, only without the stress of queues or swapping Sim cards.

Globally, the shift is already happening. In the United States, the latest phones come only with eSIM. In Dubai, plastic SIMs are being phased out entirely. And even though Nigeria recently opened its first SIM card factory, the reality is that

the future is digital. Of course, adoption here will require some education, but one thing about Nigerians is that we are fast learners. Once we see the value and the convenience, we adapt quickly.

Beyond affordability, what differentiates EmoSim?

Three things: ease, convenience, and affordability. Those are our pillars. Ease because the process takes minutes.

Convenience because everything happens right from your phone. No paperwork, no physical SIM swaps, no standing in queues. Affordability because ur pricing is fair and transparent, pegged to official rates in your local currency, not inflated by black-market forex.

Infrastructure is key in telecoms. How do you handle it without massive towers like traditional operators?

Unlike traditional operators, we do not rely on massive towers. Instead, EmoSIM is built on a cloud-based system. Our technical partner, Tata Communications, provides the backbone with over 200 facilities worldwide, which means the heavy infrastructure is already in place. This approach frees us from having to invest billions in physical towers and allows us to scale on demand. The result is flexibility and resilience, while traditional networks often struggle with congestion as subscriber numbers grow, we are able to maintain consistent service quality for our users anywhere in the world.

Looking ahead, what’s next for EmoSim in Nigeria?

The next big step for EmoSIM is our mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) rollout. While EmoSIM started as a travelfocused solution, MVNO licensing gives us the opportunity to go further, offering local numbers, starting with +234, and eventually expanding across Africa and other markets.

What about challenges?

One of the main challenges right now is device compatibility, not every phone supports eSIM yet. But technology is moving fast. More and more models are being released with eSIM functionality, and it is only a matter of time before physical SIMs disappear altogether.

Finally, what drives you personally in this journey?

For me, it is about creating world-class innovations from Africa. The world is moving fast with AI, IoT, automation, and eSIM is very much part of that digital future. My question has always been: why should Nigerians, or Africans, be left behind?That is what drives me.

Our mission with EmoSIM is clear: to make connectivity simple, affordable, and borderless. If we can empower people to travel without the stress of staying connected, then we have achieved something meaningful. That is the legacy EmoSIM wants to leave, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world.

Oduwole, Norfund, Siemens Energy, Others to Drive Regional Industrialisation

Oluchi Chibuzor

West Africa holds vast untapped opportunities for a rapid and sustainable industrial revolution, from leveraging abundant raw materials for value-added production to unlocking regional trade under the AfCFTA and addressing the huge demand for reliable infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. Yet, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and power, limited access to affordable finance, and skills gaps continue to hinder the region’s industrial ambitions.

To address this, the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit & Exhibition, will take place

in Lagos,

The Summit, the organisers said, will serve as a platform to examine how the region can accelerate industrialisation, strengthen manufacturing ecosystems, and expand intra-regional trade in ways that create jobs and enhance global competitiveness.

Speaking on the line-up of speakers and what stakeholders should expect at West Africa IMT 2025, Country Director – Nigeria & Portfolio Director – Energy for dmg Nigeria events, Wemimo Oyelana, emphasised, “From infrastructure development and reliable power for industries to access to affordable capital, our speakers represent the leaders driving transformation in policy,

finance, and enterprise. Delegates should expect not only robust discussions but also opportunities to forge meaningful partnerships that can accelerate the region’s industrial future.’

“With its focus on industrialisation, manufacturing, and trade, the West Africa IMT Summit 2025 is set to become a defining forum for leaders to move from policy vision to practical implementation. By convening decision-makers and innovators from across the region, the Summit will help shape strategies that foster economic resilience, create jobs, and position West Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.”

FCMB,Truecaller Partner to Elevate Customer Communication

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), one of Nigeria’s leading and most innovative customer-centric financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Truecaller, the global platform for trusted communication, to transform the way it engages with customers across the country. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing customer trust, reducing fraud, and ensuring that communication between FCMB and its customers is both safe, trusted, and seamless.

Chief Information Officer at

FCMB, Rotimi Famuwagun said: “At FCMB, our customers are at the heart of every innovation. Through our partnership with Truecaller, we are strengthening communication security and fostering greater trust. When customers see the verified FCMB name along with our brand identity on incoming calls, they can be assured of transparency, authenticity, and care behind every interaction.’’

Global Head, GTM & Developer Products at Truecaller, Priyam Bose,

shared: “At Truecaller, our goal is to help brands build meaningful, secure, and transparent communication at scale — especially in sectors like financial services where trust is everything. FCMB’s commitment to customer safety and trusted communication by embracing Truecaller Customer Experience Solution, FCMB is setting a new bar for what responsible, modern customer communication should look like — and we’re excited to support them on this journey.”

PNC Forum to Spotlight Investments, Others in Oil and Gas Sector

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is entering a defining new chapter, marked by bold policy reforms and renewed investor commitments. In May 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed the Upstream Petroleum Operations (Cost Efficiency Incentives) Order, 2025, introducing tax credits of up to 20 percent for operators who achieve costefficiency targets. The reform is designed to enhance competitiveness, encourage capital inflows, and deepen local participation across the energy value chain.

Themed, “Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content, and Scaling Energy Production,” the 14th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum will convene senior government officials, regulators, industry executives, financiers, and service providers to explore how these structural changes and enabling policies can be harnessed to drive sustainable growth. Taking place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa,

the forum will address three critical industry priorities: mobilising investment capital at the scale required for transformation, ensuring that the benefits of these investments are retained within Nigeria’s economy, and expanding energy production in ways that create lasting employment opportunities, enable meaningful technology transfer, and build indigenous industrial capabilities that can compete in global markets.

Lagos to Host Landmark Celebration of Nigeria’s Art Legends

Organisers of the Icons Masters 2025 exhibition, scheduled to take place in Lagos, has said that the event designed to celebrate Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and cultural legacy.

According to a statement, the organisers describe the event as a vibrant showcase of creativity that reflects the depth and diversity of African art, bringing together some of the

continent’s most influential artistic voices.

The exhibition is based on Lagos being a thriving hub for contemporary African art, nurturing talents who have shaped Nigeria’s cultural identity and artistic legacy.

As the Nigerian art scene continues to expand globally, there is a renewed commitment to honouring the pioneers whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for today’s creative expression.

Founded by renowned artist Abiodun Olaku, Icons Masters is a platform dedicated to celebrating true mastery while spotlighting the enduring contributions of Nigeria’s art legends.

Now sponsored by Arkland Group, this year marks the beginning of a five-year collaboration, unveiling the first edition of the series titled ‘The Legacy Series’.

Stock Market Gains N822bn W-o-W Amid Impressive H1 2025 Results

Kayode Tokede

On the backdrop of impressive fresh half year ended June 30, 2025 result and accounts by two major banks, the stock market section of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) last week gained N822

billion to extend its positive momentum for the second consecutive week.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) gained 0.92 per cent or 1,299.66basis points to close at 141,845.35 basis points from 140,545.69 basis points it opened for trading.

Also, market capitalisation

gained N822 billion to close at N89.744 trillion from N88.922 trillion it opened for trading.

Nevertheless, portfolio rebalancing efforts and selective positioning continued, with investors factoring in the latest macroeconomic data showing headline inflation

easing to 20.12 per cent in August 2025. With this backdrop, all eyes are now on the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where speculation about a possible rate cut is heightening.

Market breadth was slightly negative, with only 40 gainers against

41 decliners. Guinness Nigeria led the gainers table by 28.60 per cent to close at N183.90, per share. Multiverse Mining and Exploration followed with a gain of 21.30 per cent to close at N13.95, while Eunisell Interlinked went up by 20.28 per cent to close to N30.55, per share.

On the other side, Omatek Ventures led the decliners table by 18.18 per cent to close at N1.08, per share. Cornerstone Insurance followed with a loss of 15.42 per cent to close at N6.20, while Secure Electronic Technology declined by 12.79 per cent to close at 75 kobo, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF SEPTEMBER/18/25

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 18 September 2025, unless otherwise stated.

FEaturEs

Shema @68: Spotlight on His Patriotism and Belief in Nigeria's Potential

Oluwabusola Olawale

Each year, I take the liberty to pen a tribute to His Excellency, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, on his birthday on September 22nd. It’s one of the few occasions I write about him without his prior knowledge or input, a privilege that comes with full responsibility for every word.

Born in 1957, Shema is a rare breed of politician: intelligent, humane, sincere, and a master of governance. I vividly recall a sunny afternoon in February 2021, sitting in his office discussing personal matters when he suddenly said, “I pity whoever will take over Nigeria from President Buhari in 2023.”

The room fell silent. I didn’t press for details, but knowing him for over two decades, I understood the weight of his words. Shema is not one to speak carelessly. He’s a deep thinker, guided by wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility. His public statements are rare but always profound.

As the 2023 elections approached, he reiterated his earlier sentiment: “Wale, I’ve decided to give my total support to Asiwaju as President and Dikko as Governor of Katsina State.” Yet again, he expressed concern for Tinubu, saying he pitied him for the challenges ahead. This time, I asked what prompted such a view. His response was sobering—too grave to share publicly. If he chooses to reveal it, it will be on his own terms. Since then, he’s consistently urged those around him to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizing the enormity of the task before him.

Shema’s patriotism runs deep. He believes in Nigeria’s potential and sees its diversity as a strength. His commitment to the country is unwavering—he lives, dreams, and breathes Nigeria. Not one of his immediate family members resides abroad, a testament to his belief in the nation’s promise. He’s allergic to divisive politics and champions unity.

In early 2022, I visited Chief Segun Oni, former Governor of Ekiti State, at his residence in Ifaki Ekiti. Speaking about Shema, he said, “Shema is a refined politician, a special breed, an honest, perfect gentleman. His type is rare in Nigeria’s political space.”

From afar, one might mistake Shema’s refined taste for extravagance. But he is anything but wasteful. Professor Abdelrasaq Na’allah once told me that as an MBA student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Shema drove one of the most luxurious cars on campus. Yet, he remains meticulous and prudent. He abhors unjustifiable spending. Before installing solar energy in his home and office, diesel expenses were carefully budgeted monthly. Every usage was accounted for. He practices strict energy management—unused appliances, including light bulbs, must be switched off.

His generosity is thoughtful and measured. He might support someone with a million naira but decline a request for fifty thousand if it lacks justification. He operates on principle, assessing needs before acting.

This same discipline defined his tenure as governor, where he managed public funds with integrity and accountability. Dr. Shema never awards any contract unless he is convinced there will be adequate value for the money spent.

This principle contributed significantly to the execution of numerous laudable and legacy projects during his administration, despite the meagre resources available to the state throughout his eight-year tenure as governor.

These projects included the construction of 3,000 km of roads, 361 clinics across the state’s political wards, a 250-bed orthopedic specialist hospital, 3,500 housing units, 200 new secondary schools, a 35,000-seat Olympic-size stadium, and a new Government House.

These accomplishments were considered remarkable, especially in a state like Katsina, which has low internally generated revenue, a large civil service, many institutions of higher learning, and a sizable population. All these massive infrastructural projects were achieved without a single loan—local or foreign—thanks to Shema’s frugal nature.

To further illustrate his character: despite becoming a successful international lawyer and businessman at an early age, with properties in prime locations across Nigeria before assuming office as governor, he insisted that any of his children wishing to study abroad must first prepare for and pass the JAMB examination and gain admission into a Nigerian university.

This was a prerequisite before he would sponsor their education abroad. Additionally, while studying overseas, his children were only permitted to travel to Nigeria at the end of each academic session.

The discipline, moral values, and self-reliance he instilled in his

before him. He has a strong penchant for excellence and zero tolerance for failure. Trust and loyalty are values he holds dear.

He remains deeply committed to the family of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, attending to their matters with utmost dedication. He prioritizes public interest above personal gain. His love, passion, and commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress are extraordinary. He rarely travels outside Nigeria more than twice a year.

Shema’s political style is principled, not transactional. Despite playing a crucial role in the 2023 general elections to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Umar Dikko Radda as Governor, and despite not holding any political or public office two years into the new administration, he has maintained unwavering support for both leaders—privately and publicly.

He consistently affirms that President Tinubu has been fair and supportive of Katsina State, and therefore, there is no justification for any Katsina indigene to oppose his government.

children are admirable.

It’s no surprise that one of them, Yamani Shema, is already the chairman of a conglomerate under Yamani Holdings, with interests in construction, security, property, consultancy, mining, and more.

Dr. Shema is highly impressed with Governor Umar Dikko Radda’s leadership in Katsina State. He firmly believes Governor Dikko is a sincere and compassionate leader.

Time and again, he has commended the governor’s innovative projects and programs, as well as his commitment to building on the legacies of previous administrations.

He often notes that Governor Dikko does not politicize issues affecting the welfare of the people. Whenever he speaks of Dikko, he usually concludes with the prayer, “May Dikko succeed.”

Although Shema was called to the bar in 1984 at the age of 27 after completing the mandatory law school program, his assiduity and tenacity for excellence enabled him to establish his law firm—Shema S. Ibrahim & Co.—in 1987, just three years later.

The firm was initially located at No. 28/30 Yakubu Gowon Way, Jos, Plateau State, where he practiced for several years and quickly built a reputation for success. He is known for handling tasks with sincerity and distinction—traits that endeared him to his clients.

Those who know him were not surprised by the probity, industriousness, indefatigable spirit, and patriotic zeal he displayed while in public office. Except for urgent national assignments, he rarely stayed away from the office as governor. He typically resumed work between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and closed late in the evening.

His former staff can attest to his attention to detail and precision in addressing every issue brought

Although President Tinubu appointed Shema as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in a letter dated May 22, 2025, with a directive for immediate effect, the inauguration is yet to take place four months later.

Nevertheless, Shema’s support for the President remains strong and unwavering. His appointment also underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law.

Tinubu may be the first Nigerian President to fully enforce the law establishing the Federal Capital Territory. Section 3(1) of the FCT Act clearly states: “There shall be established an authority to be known as the Federal Capital Development Authority, which shall consist of a chairman and eight other members to be appointed by the President.”

Tinubu is the first leader to act on this provision. It’s no wonder Shema often tells his followers that the President means well for Nigeria. He has repeatedly told me that anyone who studies President Tinubu closely will recognize the good intentions behind his actions and decisions.

For Shema, this is the true measure of a good leader.

To reinforce this view, when former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away and President Tinubu announced a state burial, Shema later disclosed to me that the President’s commitment and sincerity went far beyond what was publicly known.

For example, Buhari died in a London hospital, and Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a delegation to bring the former leader’s remains home using the presidential aircraft.

•Olawale is the Head of Media Team to former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema

POLITY

El-Rufai’s Tenure Elongation Claim: Why Nigeria Cannot Become Another Cameroon

ormer Kaduna State Governor Nasir

FEl-Rufai has sparked controversy by alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbours ambitions to extend his tenure beyond constitutional limits, likening him to Cameroon’s longruling President Paul Biya. Such claims, however, collapse under the weight of Nigeria’s democratic structures, constitutional safeguards, international commitments, and Tinubu’s reformist track record. Beyond this, the remarks reveal more about El-Rufai’s political bitterness than about Nigeria’s democratic reality.

This report examines the issue in depth — through historical, constitutional, comparative, and political lenses — to demonstrate why Nigeria is structurally protected from tenure elongation, why Tinubu’s focus is legacy not dictatorship, and why El-Rufai’s words are better understood as political blackmail than credible warning.

Nigeria’s Constitutional Order and the Finality of Term Limits

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous: a president can serve a maximum of two fouryear terms. Amending this framework requires a rigorous process: two-thirds approval from both chambers of the National Assembly, followed by ratification from at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

Unlike Cameroon, where constitutional changes in 2008 scrapped term limits under a compliant legislature, Nigeria’s federal structure makes such manipulation highly improbable. The National Assembly is often fractious and independent; state assemblies reflect diverse regional interests; and civil society remains vocal.

Attempts at elongation have failed before. In 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged “third term agenda” collapsed spectacularly despite the support of some political elites. Legislators, civil society groups, media outlets, and the general public rejected the idea outright. That rejection remains a touchstone of Nigeria’s democratic culture — a reminder that tenure elongation has no legitimacy here.

Lessons

from Nigeria’s Democratic Trajectory Since 1999

Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 has produced important precedents:

Obasanjo (1999–2007): Handed over power after two terms despite immense influence. His third-term attempt failed, reinforcing the sanctity of constitutional limits.

Yar’Adua (2007–2010): His untimely death saw power transition constitutionally to Goodluck Jonathan, proving resilience under stress.

Jonathan (2010–2015): Despite incumbency, conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 — the first time an African incumbent voluntarily acknowledged electoral loss.

Buhari (2015–2023): Stepped down after two terms without hesitation, reinforcing the institutionalisation of democratic norms.

President Tinubu inherits this trajectory. Far from breaking it, his record as a NADECO activist who fought against military dictatorship shows his long-standing commitment to democratic principles.

Why Paul Biya’s Cameroon Is Not a Useful Analogy

Cameroon under Paul Biya illustrates a very different political system. Since assuming office in 1982, Biya has entrenched himself through constitutional manipulation, weak opposition, and heavy centralisation of power. The 2008 constitutional amendment removed term limits entirely, facilitated by a pliant legislature. Opposition parties were fragmented and civic freedoms curtailed,

leaving little room for resistance.

External dynamics also mattered. France’s continued control over Cameroon’s foreign reserves created an environment of external dependence that reinforced domestic authoritarianism.

Nigeria is structurally different. It is a federal state with 36 semi-autonomous states and strong opposition parties. Civil society is active, the press is robust, and elections are fiercely contested. The judiciary has in several instances overturned flawed election results, reinforcing its independence. Nigeria controls its financial reserves and does not rely on external colonial structures in the way Cameroon has.

The conclusion is clear: the Nigerian system — with its federalism, institutional checks, and democratic culture — makes Biya-style longevity structurally impossible.

Comparative Lessons from Africa

Elsewhere in Africa, leaders have sought tenure elongation with mixed results:

Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni scrapped term limits in 2005 and later age limits in 2017, remaining in power since 1986.

Rwanda: Paul Kagame extended his tenure through a 2015 referendum that approved constitutional changes.

Côte d’Ivoire: President Alassane Ouattara controversially ran for a third term in 2020, citing constitutional revision.

These cases share similarities: weak opposition, constitutional pliability, and limited checks on executive power. Nigeria differs sharply, with stronger legislative independence, federal dispersal of power, and a politically engaged electorate that would resist such manoeuvres.

International Implications of Tenure Elongation

Nigeria’s standing in the international community is another deterrent. As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria plays a leadership role in ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations. It contributes troops to peacekeeping missions, mediates regional crises, and anchors West African stability.

Were Nigeria to attempt tenure elongation, the consequences would be swift and severe: ECOWAS Sanctions: The bloc has consistently punished unconstitutional power grabs in Mali, Guinea, and Niger.

AU Suspension: The African Union has a zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional changes of government.

Western Isolation: Nigeria’s partnerships with the United States, UK, and EU — vital for trade, security, and investment — would be jeopardised.

These diplomatic realities alone make tenure elongation an unthinkable path for Tinubu, who has cultivated strong international relationships to support his reform agenda.

Tinubu’s Reform Agenda: Building Legacy, Not Dictatorship

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on bold reforms that reflect a focus on legacy rather than personal entrenchment:

Economic Reforms: Removal of the decadeslong fuel subsidy (previously costing $10 billion annually), unification of the exchange rate, and efforts to stabilise public finances.

Immigration Modernisation: Launch of digital passport production lines capable of 24-hour service, solving years of backlog complaints.

Food Security: Declared a state of emergency on food security, mobilising resources for agricultural support, fertiliser distribution, and mechanisation.

Health Sector: Announced plans to expand universal health coverage and invest in primary healthcare systems.

Education: Committed to boosting student loans and funding to universities, while promoting vocational training to address youth unemployment.

Industry and Infrastructure: Pushing reforms in power, manufacturing, and transportation to make Nigeria more competitive globally.

These actions, though politically costly, are consistent with a leader seeking to secure a long-term legacy. To dismantle democratic institutions through tenure elongation would destroy those gains — an irrational contradiction to his vision.

Nigeria vs. Cameroon: The Comparative Fact Sheet

Nigeria’s Constitutional Safeguards Fixed Term Limits: Two four-year terms, changeable only by rigorous amendment. Federal Separation of Powers: 36 states with independent legislatures and courts. Democratic Culture: Peaceful transfers of power since 1999; public resistance to elongation.

International Role: ECOWAS anchor, AU member, global credibility at stake.

Cameroon’s Political Trajectory under Biya Constitutional Manipulation: 2008 amendment removed term limits. Centralised Power: Unitary system with limited checks.

External Dependency: France’s control over reserves reduced internal accountability. Weak Civil Society: Opposition suppressed, protests curtailed.

Key Insight: Nigeria’s dispersed federalism, vibrant civic culture, and international commitments ensure that Biya-style entrenchment is politically and structurally impossible.

El-Rufai’s Political Motives

El-Rufai’s claim is less about constitutional reality and more about personal rivalry. After being denied a ministerial position in Tinubu’s administration, reports suggest he vowed to obstruct Tinubu’s 2027 re-election. His current rhetoric appears designed to blackmail voters by painting Tinubu as an aspiring dictator.

El-Rufai’s professional background as a technocrat and surveyor does not carry the same grassroots political depth as Tinubu’s career. Unlike Tinubu, who built his political base as a Lagos governor and national party leader, El-Rufai’s politics often relied on elite positioning. His remark about tenure elongation betrays either a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s democratic institutions or deliberate mischief aimed at stirring doubt.

The Dangers of False Narratives

Dangerous claims of tenure elongation are not harmless political banter. They risk undermining public confidence in democratic institutions, fuelling unrest, and creating unnecessary polarisation. The Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have a responsibility to caution public figures against incendiary rhetoric that could destabilise the country. While free speech is guaranteed, spreading deliberate misinformation that could incite unrest crosses the line into national security concerns. Nigerians should ignore such distractions and focus on holding leaders accountable through democratic means, not speculative rumours.

Conclusion: Legacy, Not Elongation

Nigeria is not Cameroon. Its constitutional safeguards, vibrant democracy, and international commitments ensure that tenure elongation is politically unworkable and diplomatically disastrous. President Tinubu’s track record shows a leader focused on reforming the economy, modernising institutions, and leaving a legacy of renewal. El-Rufai’s remarks, therefore, should be seen for what they are: political theatre driven by personal grievance. Nigerians should not be misled. Tinubu’s presidency will be judged not by rumours of elongation but by the reforms and legacies he leaves behind.

•Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR. The National Patriots.

INSPECTION TOUR OF NEWLY-BUILT CENTRALISED PASSPORT CENTRE...

FCT Minister Wike Authorises New Demolitions at River Park Estate

Ajimotokan

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has directed the Department of Urban Control to demolish new construction being carried

out by Paulo Homes at River Park Estate, Abuja. Wike stated this to reporters at the weekend during an inspection of the estate. He said the other party in the raging disagreement in

the estate, Ghanaian company, Jonah Capital possessed an expired Development Lease Agreement that prompted the revocation of Certificate of Occupancy in line with clause 9.2 of the DLA.

He also insisted that Paulo Homes was a third party that had no business with FCT Administration, adding that for the Canadian firm to enter into an agreement with a third party was also a contravention

Two Brazil Returnees Excrete 116 Wraps of Heroin, Cocaine in NDLEA Custody

Businesswoman conceals 1.4 kg meth in butt pad underwear

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Two Brazil returnees: Ofoma Sunday and Ukachukwu Ikechukwu have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine they ingested after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The spokesman of the antinarcotics agency Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday said one of the suspects, 46-year-old Ofoma was arrested last Tuesday at terminal 2 of the Lagos Airport upon his arrival from Laos, Brazil on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. He was taken for body scan which confirmed ingestion of illicit drugs.

He added that Ofoma had left Nigeria for Brazil on 3rd September to courier the consignment to Lagos for a reward of $2,500 upon successful delivery.

He said a swift follow-up operation was conducted at Eliata Hotel in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos where Ofoma was instructed to meet Nweke Chukwudi who was designated to oversee the excretion of the drugs at the hotel and recover them.

The 55-year-old Nweke was arrested in the process. A total of 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452 kilogrammes were egested in eight excretions by Ofoma. Babafemi said similarly, another Brazil returnee Ukachukwu Ikechukwu, was arrested at the Lagos Airport during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines

passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa last Friday.

He was taken for body scan which confirmed illicit drug insertion, and under excretion observation, he expelled five big wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grammes.

Ikechukwu in his statement, confessed to have bought nine wraps of the class A drug in Brazil and inserted all into his anus, a process he claimed took him nearly two hours.

He was said to have stated that during his transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he began to experience severe anal pain and decided to remove the wraps from his body.

He stated that in an attempt to meet up with his connecting flight to Nigeria, he could only manage to reinsert seven wraps,

after which he flushed the remaining two wraps in a toilet.

The suspect revealed that while on board his flight to Nigeria, he felt pressed and uncomfortable, which compelled him to use the lavatory.

During the process, he expelled an additional two wraps, leaving him with only five wraps in his anus.

He claimed to have been into clothing business before traveling to Brazil in 2017, adding that in 2020, he moved to the United States, where he was arrested for immigration offence and was detained for over a year before being deported to Nigeria in 2022.

He added that in March 2025, he returned to Brazil, where he currently works, having already obtained a Brazilian residence permit.

Lagos Assembly Wades into Royal Gardens Estate, EKEDC Dispute

The Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped into the protracted crisis between residents of Royal Gardens Estate, Ajah, and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), following a petition by the Royal Gardens Residents' Association (RGERA).

In a letter signed by the Clerk of the House, B. Onafeko, the Assembly’s Committee on Housing invited RGERA representatives to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 23 at the Assembly

Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

The session is expected to bring all concerned parties to the table for deliberations on the lingering electricity and governance disputes.

The crisis, which has rocked the once-model estate for over a year, escalated after EKEDC disconnected the community from the national grid on May 26, 2024.

Residents have since been forced to rely on diesel generators and solar alternatives. At the heart of

the dispute is the controversial bulk metering system imposed on the estate, which residents say violates the Electricity Act of 2023.

Under the bulk metering arrangement, the estate is billed collectively, leaving individual residents powerless to reconcile their own energy payments with EKEDC. Despite EKEDC’s stated willingness to switch to direct metering, the estate’s developer, Trojan Estates, has resisted the change, fueling allegations of manipulation

and abuse of authority.

Beyond electricity, residents accuse the developer of undermining democratic governance in the estate, imposing decisions without consultation, stifling the residents' association and interfering in community projects.

Complaints of indiscriminate service charges, power disconnections despite valid payments, and failure to manage sanitation have deepened tensions.

of one of the clauses of the lease agreement.

Wike said: “And when I said, I think the lease agreement had expired, no more developments. And what one of them Paulo Homes did was overnight, because he started to do construction in order to tie the hands of the administration, which of course you know we will not succumb to such.

“And so, we sent the Department of Urban Control to come here and demolish every construction going on.

And that will continue to do.

“I appeal to those who do not understand, or who may

not have known, not to be fooled. Anybody who is doing anything here now, is at his own risk. It will go down.

“No amount of blackmail will stop us. You know, people are going to use government to make money. We are saying that everybody should know. We are not saying that people should not make money, but do things in a way that is supposed to be done”. He stated that the FCTA had agreed to give back the C of O to all Nigerians who may have either fraudulently obtained or built houses in the estate, saying no body intended to claim their property.

Benue Attack: Police Apprehend Six Suspects, IGP Deploys Additional Tactical Assets

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force yesterday disclosed that operatives of the Benue State Command have apprehended six suspects linked to the deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/ Ukum Local Government Area of the state, during an ongoing response operation.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical resources to the area to reinforce ongoing operations.

In a statement, Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin alleged that the suspected attackers were armed herdsmen and local militias.

Hundeyin further stated that the attack, which occurred on Friday, 19 September 2025, resulted in the deaths of three police officers, while seven others are still missing.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command,

Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation aimed at rescuing the missing officers and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

Decrying the senseless attack on the police tactical team, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the incident as cruel, unwarranted, and an affront to the good people of Benue State.

He assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in restoring peace and security in the state.

Hundeyin added that the arrested suspects are in custody and are providing useful information to investigators.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, as efforts continue to rescue the missing officers, apprehend the perpetrators, and dismantle the criminal networks behind such reprehensible acts.

PRESENTATION OF LETTER OF NOMINATION...

Olukoyede Advocates Elaborate Reforms to Reduce Foreign Investment Risks in Africa

Wale

Igbintade

Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, called for sweeping reforms to reduce investment risks and unlock Africa’s economic potential.

Speaking at the EBII Group African Leaders & Partners Forum in Washington D.C, the United States, at the weekend, Olukoyede said Africa must strengthen institutions, improve the ease of doing business, and uphold the rule of law to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI).

According to him, lowering investment risks in Africa requires broad-based and radical reforms that would make the continent a beautiful bride to investors around the world.

Olukoyede stated, “De-risking Africa requires us to pay attention to reforms that improve business processes, respect for the rule of law and human capital development.

“Our huge potential in agriculture, renewable energy and solid minerals can only be harnessed if we build strong, credible institutions.”

He pointed to EFCC’s track

record as an example of how reforms could boost investor confidence. Since its creation 22 years ago, the commission had secured more than 13,000 convictions, including 4,111 in 2024 alone, he said.

He added that EFCC regularly issued investor advisories and recently exposed 58 Ponzi schemes operating in Nigeria.

Olukoyede also pointed to recent achievements under his leadership, such as monitoring the $50 million Pi-CNG project with a 95 per cent delivery rate, the arrest of 792 internet fraudsters

in Lagos in a single operation, and the forfeiture of 753 properties in Abuja.

On digital assets, Olukoyede cited EFCC’s ongoing prosecution of masterminds behind the $500 million Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud and earlier investigations into Binance, which revealed “the quantum of resources controlled outside Nigeria’s financial system”.

The EFCC boss stated that that commission worked closely with FBI, the UK’s National Crime Agency, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police on joint operations.

Saraki: Peaceful Conduct of LGA, PDP Congresses Positioned Party to Restore Good Governance in Kwara, Nigeria

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Senate President and chairman Peoples Democratic Party Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the weekend said the peaceful conduct of the PDP local government congresses across the state has positioned the party as an alternative platform capable of restoring good governance in the state and Nigeria come 2027.

Saraki stated this in Ilorin in a statement issued to express his joy at the peaceful conduct of the ward congresses without rancour.

The statement signed by Saraki's Press Officer on Local Matters, Mallam Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir

Unlawful

however congratulated the PDP in the state for the peaceful and successful conduct of its Local Government congresses across the 16 LGAs of the state.

Saraki said the outcome of the congresses has once again demonstrated the PDP’s unwavering commitment to inclusiveness, fairness, and internal democracy.

He noted that, "the exercise has further positioned the party as a credible alternative capable of restoring good governance, not only in Kwara State but also across Nigeria".

The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin commended the maturity, unity, and sense of responsibility displayed by delegates, stakeholders, aspirants, and

party members during the exercise.

According to him, "the peaceful nature of the process reflects the resilience of the PDP family and its readiness to offer purposeful leadership at all levels of government".

Saraki also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media for their presence and professionalism, which ensured that the exercise was transparent, orderly, and credible.

The former Senate President charged the new local government executives to see their election as a call to service and an opportunity to strengthen the party at the

grassroots.

He urged them to work collectively with other stakeholders to deepen the PDP’s reach, mobilize the people, and reinforce the values of accountability and inclusiveness.

Saraki further emphasized that, "the successful conduct of the congresses in the state is not just a victory for the PDP family in the state but also a pointer to the growing confidence of Nigerians in the PDP as a party of hope and renewal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP has once again shown that it is the party that provides a level playing field and prioritizes the will of the people.

Withdrawal: Yushau Shuaib Slams N1 Billion Suit against NIPSS

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The founder of PRNigeria, Malam Yushau Shuaib, has slammed a N1 billion damages suit against the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.

The suit filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, is demanding the said sum as

compensation for his alleged unlawful withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 of the Institute. In the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1329/2025, the renowned Public Relations expert, is claiming that the action of the respondent caused him emotional trauma and reputational damage.

Besides the N1 billion for general, special and aggravated damages, Shuaib is also seeking for an additional N100 million as litigation costs, having issued a pre-action notice on June 16, 2025, to the Institute’s Director General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, which was allegedly ignored by the management.

The case, filed on his behalf by

his lawyer, Yunus Abdulsalam (SAN) is also seeking an order of court setting aside his withdrawal from SEC 47 and reinstating him with full rights, benefits, and privileges.

Shuaib is also asking for a perpetual injunction restraining NIPSS, its agents, or officials from further harassment, intimidation, or cyberbullying.

He stated, “There can be no greater incentive to investors than assurance of due process and rule of law. From a background of zero conviction for financial and economic crimes, we have achieved over 13,000 convictions in 22 years of operation.

“In 2024, the commission secured 4111 convictions. This rekindles confidence that investors who for whatever reason felt cheated can seek redress and get justice.”

Olukoyede stressed that the commission also offered advisory service, on demand, to foreign investors seeking information to navigate potential risks in Nigeria’s investment landscape.

He said, “At intervals, EFCC issues alerts, to put the investing public on notice regarding trends in the investing environment that

could expose them to unmitigated risks. An example was the notice on 58 Ponzi Schemes masquerading as investment schemes, which was published in March, 2025.”

Referencing his reforms and initiatives since he assumed office about two years ago, the anti-graft head affirmed that the corruption prevention aspect of EFCC’s mandate was enhanced in 2024 by the activities of the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control. He said the department, created in 2023, and mandated to deploy risk-based approaches in preventing corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), had recorded major milestones in tracking the disbursement and utilisation of public funds.

Ex-Guber Candidate Princewill Becomes Paramount Head in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A former gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Princewill, has been installed as the Da Abbiye-Ogo VI, paramount head of Da Ogo Polo, Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state.

Tonye Princewill who is the son of the immediate past Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, His Serene Majesty King Theophilus J.T Princewill, Amachree XI, was crowned at the weekend, at Da Ogo Memorial Hall in Buguma.

Nominated by majority of the Chiefs and very popular amongst the rank and file, it was a jubilation when the acting head of the family Chief Akodu Harrison Princewill declared “We have a new Polodabo!! The people have spoken.”

It would be recalled that the production of an Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom since after the reign of King Kariboye - Abbi Benebo Princewill Amachree IV was between male biological descendants of two wives of the King Kariboye-Abbi Benebo Princewill Amachree IV namely

Queen Eleba Bene and Queen Burowita.

Da OGO Polo headed by the chieftaincy of Da Ogo carries the burden of leadership of the Eleba Bene Group of houses which as a matter has produced four out of the Seven kings after King Kariboye-Abbi Benebo Princewill Amachree IV.

By assuming the throne, Prince Princewill becomes the 6th head of the Da Ogo Elebabene group of House, taking over the seat from his father who was the 5th head before he went on to become King.

Those present at the event celebrated way into the night.

“Finally, we have leadership the people of Da Ogo can rally around” exclaimed HRH Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, the Amanyanabo of the Source and prominent member of the Da Ogo family.

In his acceptance speech, the Prince stressed the importance of unity and culture in leaving behind a legacy.

He promised to make a positive impact in the lives of the people and warned that nobody was bigger than the family, including himself.

CASAVA AT INSURANCE MEETS TECH...

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Casava, Nigeria’s first 100 percent digital micro-insurance provider, Bode Pedro; former McKinsey Partner and Insurtech Innovator, Per Lagerström; and Convener of Insurance Meets Tech, Odion Aleobua, at Insurance Meets Tech 4.0 event held in Ikeja, Lagos…recently

2027: Tinubu Challenged in S’West, as Osun Grassroots Leaders Canvass Gbenga Hashim Presidency

A seeming political earthquake is rumbling in the South West as former presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, through his fast-rising platform, the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), launched a blistering push against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

At a massive gathering in Osogbo, Osun State Capital, leaders from across the 31 local government areas, party executives, community voices, and a surge of restless youths declared that the era of APC dominance is coming to an end in Nigeria and that the man to lead Nigeria’s rescue is Gbenga Hashim.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo, Hashim did not mince words, “This heartless government has bled the people enough.

Gbenga Hashim’s mission is to restore dignity, justice, and

accountability to governance. Nigeria’s democracy cannot breathe under corruption and mediocrity. It is time to take back our country,” Adebayo thundered, to roaring applause.

The National Coordinator of GHSM, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, struck an even sharper tone, likening Hashim to a Moses for Nigeria’s troubled times.

“Nigerians have been pushed to the wall. Hunger has become a national policy, insecurity a daily horror, and hopelessness a state religion. But Gbenga Hashim is ready to lead the crusade out of this wilderness. He is free from corruption, full of ideas, tested in global best practices, and bold enough to crush APC’s state capture,” Hamzat declared.

The South West Coordinator, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, placed the blame squarely on the Tinubu’s government.

“This administration has failed to deliver. It has reduced

UNICEF, LSPHCB Host Football Tourney to Kick Away Zero Dose,

Funmi Ogundare and Esther Oluku

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, weekend, partnered with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB) to host the Vaccinate Your Superstar Football Tournament, with the theme, 'Kick Away Zero Dose and Polio'.

The two-month long tournament, the first of its kind to be hosted in Lagos, climaxed after 23 matches and over 60 goals achieved.

Vinod Football Academy won the first-place position after defeating Great Olympic Football Academy in the finals. The team smiled home with a cash prize of N500,000.

The second to fourth place winners received cash prizes of N 300, 000, N250,000 and N150,000, respectively.

UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, explained that the initiative was aimed at stimulating male awareness and involvement in routine vaccination.

Polio

"The whole essence of this football tournament is to kick away zero dose and polio by having men to be more active in routine immunization and vaccinations for children. We believe that men are decision makers, men have authority within their families and within their community.

The authorities, she noted, should not just be for provision of basic services for their children, but also to become the most valuable protectors of children and their health when it comes to vaccination.

"When men support immunization, we see a double leap in terms of uptake and access, reduce zero dose and also champion immunization to reduce the circulation of vaccine preventable virus amongst our children,"Akinola-Akinwole stated.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, urged Nigerians to take advantage of routine vaccination to support the dreams and aspiration of their children.

governance to the service of a few privileged interests, while the people wallow in poverty.

From Osun, this movement will spread like wildfire across the South West. The people are hungry for integrity, principle and vision, and Gbenga Hashim is the answer,” Olaniyi affirmed.

The GHSM, already gaining traction in Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti,

and Ondo, welcomed the PDP’s decision to throw open its 2027 presidential ticket, insisting that Hashim now has a straight road to Aso Rock by the Grace of God.

The Osun State Coordinator, Hon. Tajudeen Hassan, issued marching orders to ward and local government coordinators.

“Take the gospel of Gbenga Hashim to every street, every

household, every corner of Osun. Nobody must be left behind. This is the people’s movement, and 2027 is our date with destiny.”

Analysts warn that if the momentum is sustained, the South West, long the stronghold of APC, could become the epicenter of Tinubu’s downfall. With inflation crushing households, unemployment rising, and

insecurity spreading, the Osun launch is already seen as the first organized revolt against Tinubu’s grip on the region. One of the speakers at the event captured the sentiment more appropriately, “the downfall of Tinubu’s government begins in the South West. Osun has fired the first shot, and nothing can stop the storm that is coming.”

2027: Group Launches Nationwide Crusade for Power Rotation

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

As political permutations for the 2027 general elections intensify, a formidable advocacy group, the South-North Progressive Forum (SNPF), has commenced a nationwide campaign, demanding the presidency be zoned to the Southern part of Nigeria to correct a historic power imbalance and foster national unity.

To this end, the group has also vowed to mobilise 10 million votes for the Southern Presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Chairman of SNPF, Festus Onyekwulisi, while addressing a press conference on Sunday in Abuja called on the National Assembly to enact laws formalising power rotation for elective positions.

It also urged all political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which is yet to zone its candidacy, to embrace zoning to the South in 2027, for the sake of national stability.

Onyekwulisi noted: “It is not enough for few political elites to agree to the zoning of 2027 presidency to the South; there must be a conscious mobilization to ensure that millions of citizens across southern states as well as the nineteen northern states actively buy into this idea and we are quietly leading the building of a national consensus that would impact the voting process in 2027.

“As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the South-North Progressive Forum is positioning itself as a potent, issue-based movement

determined to ensure that the next election is fought on the tenets of equity and justice, potentially reshaping the nation’s political landscape.”

Onyekwulisi argued that allowing the South another fouryear term in 2027 is not a matter of political favour but a necessary step to reinforce the principles of fairness, federal character, and national cohesion.

He added: “This is not about mere politics, it is about national integration, equity, justice, and fairness, it is about ensuring national cohesion so that we have peace in this nation; our vision is a Nigeria where no group dominates, but where every section has a genuine sense of belonging,” he stated.

Onyekwulisi detailed a

sophisticated "mobilisation framework" that has already seen the appointment of coordinators in over 30,000 of Nigeria’s 58,300 identified communities, towns and villages.

To combat voter apathy and the menace of electoral malpractices, Onyekwulisi said the group is running simultaneous sensitisation programs, warning that politicians who are planning to weaponize insecurity, hunger, or religious and ethnic sentiments will be disappointed in 2027.

He noted: “Those antics have expired. The 2027 election is not going to be politics as usual; any politician who wants to coerce Nigerians will fail woefully and Nigerians will vote their conscience.

Party accuses commission of bias, says democracy under threat ADC: INEC undermining electoral integrity

Folalumi

Alaran in Abuja

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described as a “premature and biased” recognition of the David Mark-led faction of the party, despite a pending court case challenging its legitimacy. In a communiqué issued after

an emergency joint meeting of the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Saturday in Abuja, the party accused INEC of undermining its leadership structure and threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

The ADC, led by its National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, said INEC’s decision to upload the David Mark leadership on its official portal “raises significant questions

about the commission’s neutrality and credibility.”

While calling on its members to remain calm and united, the party stressed that it would not allow its platform to be hijacked by “idle politicians” seeking refuge for their ambitions.

According to the communiqué: “The ADC members convened in light of INEC’s hasty recognition and posting of the David Markled leadership of the party on its official portal, despite a pending

legal proceeding that challenges the legitimacy of this leadership.

“This act raises significant questions about the impartiality of INEC and its commitment to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution. The ADC vehemently condemns this premature action and demands an immediate rectification, asserting that we will not stand idly by as our party’s legitimacy is undermined.

IMMERSION SESSION ON E1 LAGOS GP...

Fubara: Peace Brings Devt, Seeks Spiritual Support for Fresh Start

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has appealed to Rivers people to hold peace as a key symbol of unity and development for the State.

Fubara made the appeal yesterday, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, where he attended a thanksgiving service which was his first public outing since resumption of duties.

The governor who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Valerie Fubara, Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie; and other stakeholders, emphasised that "the greatest thing anybody can wish for in life is peace" stressing that peace in the community brings development to the people.

Wema Bank to Boost Efficiency with Instant Payment Settlements

Bennett Oghifo

Wema Bank has enhanced its digital payment gateway, ALATPay, with Static Wallets and Instant Settlement capabilities.

According to a statement by the bank, ALATPay is designed to simplify payments, enhance operational efficiency, and foster business growth.

The statement said the introduction of Static Wallets and Instant Settlement capabilities on ALATPay reflects the bank's commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and innovative financial solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various sectors.

The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, stressed the financial institution’s strategic focus on delivering innovative solutions that empower businesses and customers alike.

"ALATPay embodies this vision by simplifying the processes of payment collection, management, and reconciliation across various industries. The integration of Static Wallets and Instant Settlement on ALATPay aims to remove obstacles hindering business growth while reinforcing the principles of transparency, security, and operational efficiency," he said.

Divisional Head of Payments Business at Wema Bank, Mr. Damola Bolodeoku, elaborated on the rationale behind these enhancements, indicating that they were driven by

the imperative to address critical pain points related to reconciliation complexities and cash flow delays encountered by businesses.

"Through the creation of dedicated account numbers simplifying reconciliation and ensuring instantaneous transfers, we are empowering businesses with enhanced control over their transactional activities," Bolodeoku explained, acknowledging the collaborative input from partners and customers in shaping these solutions.

According to the statement by the financial institution, Static Wallets on ALATPay provide businesses with dedicated account numbers assignable to specific entities such as users, branches, vendors, or projects.

“This functionality is intended to facilitate streamlined reconciliation processes, enhance transaction tracking transparency, and to mitigate fraud risks, thereby strengthening financial control for businesses.

“The Instant Settlement feature ensures that merchants receive immediate access to funds upon customer payments, effectively addressing the longstanding challenge of settlement delays commonly experienced by businesses. This capability is anticipated to enhance cash flow management, facilitate more agile operational decision-making, and bolster customer confidence through the provision of real-time payment confirmations.

According to him, "Peace with yourself is good health and the most important thing. So, I key into this special International Day of Peace to urge everyone to make sure that they hold peace as a symbol of unity and development for our dear State".

The governor noted that

though he wanted to quietly attend the church service to glorify God for His benevolence towards him, his family and the State, at his home church and not necessarily for a big thanksgiving but promised to return at a later date for such Thanksgiving.

Fubara urged the church and people of the state to remain steadfast in prayers as he begins afresh the journey of governance.

The governor, who resumed official duties following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule, said prayers and intercessions have been the

pillar of his strength and will remain critical as he works to fulfill his mandate to the people.

“I am here together with my wife this first Sunday after the suspension of the state of emergency. We cannot thank God enough as a family. Our being here is private; we came simply to worship in our home church. When my story ends, this church will lead me to my next journey.

“So, it is important that I come here to say thank you quietly before the Almighty God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue

to do, not just for me and my family, but for this State and Nigeria,” he said.

Fubara thanked the people of Opobo for years of fasting and intercession on his behalf, stressing that their prayers had been answered. He likened prayers to deposits in a bank, whose dividends manifest in due season.

The governor further underscored the importance of peace in fostering unity and development, aligning his remarks with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.

Army Denies Allegations of Harassment in Ochon Community

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has denied allegations that its troops are harassing residents of Ochon Community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The allegations stemmed from a land dispute between Ochon Community and Alesi Community in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, described the allegations as false, misleading, and clearly aimed at discrediting the efforts of troops working tirelessly to maintain peace in the area.

Colonel Ayeni stated: "Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has observed with concern

a recent report alleging that troops of 245 Battalion are harassing and intimidating residents of Ochon Community in Obubra Local Government Area in relation to a land dispute with Alesi Community of Ikom Local Government Area, both in Cross River State.

"These reports are false, misleading, and clearly aimed at discrediting the efforts of troops working tirelessly to maintain peace in the area. 82 Division categorically refutes the allegation in its entirety."

He explained that troops of 245 Battalion are currently deployed in the general area for internal security operations to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain a peaceful environment for all law-abiding citizens.

Their presence, he said, is strictly to assist civil authorities in preserving public order, in full

compliance with constitutional provisions.

"Following renewed clashes between the Alesi and Ochon communities on 19 September 2025, troops under 82 Division responded swiftly to prevent escalation and restore normalcy across the affected areas of Ikom and Obubra Local Government Areas.

"82 Division wishes to reaffirm its absolute neutrality in all communal, ethnic, political, and land-related matters. The Division has no stake or interest in the ownership, control, or settlement of land disputes between Alesi and Ochon or any other communities. Our mandate is solely to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order that could endanger lives and property."

The Division also reassured the good people of Cross River

State—particularly residents of Alesi and Ochon communities—of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.

The military establishment urged community leaders and other stakeholders to continue embracing lawful and peaceful means of resolving disputes.

The Division further requested the public to disregard false reports intended to undermine its peacesupport efforts, adding that it will continue to work closely with other security agencies, civil authorities, and traditional institutions to ensure lasting peace and security throughout Cross River State.

The spokesperson encouraged the public to provide credible information on any security threat or possible misconduct by personnel through established reporting channels for prompt action.

Starline Terminates Appointment of Group Operating Coordinator

Wale Igbintade

Starline Nigeria Ltd has announced the termination of the appointment of Mr. Clement Ikechukwu Owunna Jr. as Group Operating Coordinator, effective August 18, 2025.

In a statement, the company

said the decision was made as part of efforts to strengthen corporate governance and ensure smooth operations.

The Federal High Court in Lagos had earlier, on August 29, 2025, issued an interim injunction restraining Mr. Owunna Jr. from acting or

taking any steps as a director or agent of Starline Nigeria Ltd pending the determination of a suit before the court.

Directors of Petsow Holdings Limited, Starline’s majority shareholder, expressed support for the termination and reaffirmed their commitment to restoring compliance with corporate governance requirements. They added that legal steps are underway to reverse the unauthorised changes and restore compliance with corporate governance requirements.

BUILDING BEYOND YOU CONFERENCE…

L-r: Chief operating officer, I-Invest, tobi olusoga;

s

tara Fela-durotoye, and Creator/ storyteller salem King at the building beyond you conference in Lagos… recently

Troops Recover 45,000Litres of Stolen Petroleum Products, Arrest 17 in N’Delta

Blessing Ibunge in port Harcourt Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, have arrested 17 suspects allegedly involved in oil theft and other crimes in across the Niger Delta area.

The troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, also deactivated nine illegal refining sites, and recovered over 45,000 litres of stolen products across the region.

their operations between September 8 and 20 2025.

In a statement by the acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah, yesterday, said the operatives recorded the achievement during

Delta Community Sends SOS to NDDC over Failed Road

Omon-Julius Onabu in asaba

People of AmuokpokporElume community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to rehabilitate the only road connecting the mainly agrarian community to other parts of the local government area.

The community lamented that the road had practically collapsed barely one year after the contractor reportedly completed it, noting that the deplorable condition of the road has caused incalculable harm, including loss of lives as well as valuable property and the crippling of economic activities in the area.

Mr. Daniel Ogbodo, the community chairman, told

journalists that the contractor obviously used substandard materials in executing the project, which started in 2020, as evidenced by the failure of the road only one year after its completion.

The excitement the people felt at the commencement of the project has since disappeared following the nightmarish experience engendered by the failed road.

He said that the community was left with no other choice but to cry out for help as the road now constitutes a death trap for both the people of Amuokpokpor-Elume and visitors, “because the poorly drained road is riddled with heaps of loose stones and exposed iron rods used for the construction of the road, a situation worsened by lack of any drainage.”

Danjuma said in Delta State, around Ogwu Community in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), the troops discovered a metal storage facility

containing over 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), three pumping machines, three metering machines, and 25 litres of engine oil.

Other items recovered in the operation, according to

him, include two empty tanks and a 20,000-litre capacity tanker truck with registration number BEN 223 ZW (Edo State), loaded with over 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

Similarly, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, the troops uncovered two illegal refining sites and three dug out pits containing over 7,000 litres of stolen products, which were appropriately destroyed.

Kwara Lawmaker Bemoans Energy Deficit in Rural Communities

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The lawmaker representing Owode/Onire state constituency in the Kwara state of Assembly, Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, has expressed deep concern over the energy deficit in the nation’s communities The lawmaker, who is the

youngest in the country, said such ugly development has continued to hinder socio economic growth of the grassroots and slow pace of industrialisation that capable to create jobs for all.

Hon. Shittu stated this in Ilorin while participating at the public hearing on the Kwara State Electric Power

Sector Bill, 2025.

The bill was personally sponsored by Hon. Shittu and has passed through first and second reading at the state House of Assembly.

The legislation, now set for its third reading, seeks to repeal the outdated Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006 and replacing them with

a modern, people-centered framework that empowers Kwara to take charge of its own electricity future. It will also domesticates the Electricity Act, 2023, which decentralised Nigeria’s energy sector and granted states the authority to establish their own electricity markets.

Entrepreneurs Urged to Separate Personal, Business Finances

Nume Ekeghe

The Chief Operating Officer of the fintech platform, i-invest, Tobi Olusoga, has identified the commingling of personal and business finances as a primary obstacle preventing founders from building enduring enterprises. She delivered this insight at the ‘Building Beyond You Conference’, convened by Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara, in Lagos recently.

the foundational importance of financial discipline.

During a panel discussion titled: ‘What’s Next After You?’, Olusoga emphasized

According to her, “The first step in building a sustainable enterprise is to create a clear separation between your identity and the business. Too often, a founder’s financial security is completely enmeshed

Kogi Tasks Private Schools on

The Kogi State Government has urged private schools in the state to key into the implementation of a new curriculum recently introduced by the federal government as part of efforts to improve the standard of education. This appeal came on the

heelss of the engagement by the state government with proprietors of the private schools,, which aim at ensuring a smooth transition and effective implementation of the new curriculum that s expected to enhance the quality of education in the state.

This was stated when the state Commissioner

FG’s New

for Education, Wemi Jones, engaged with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) at the weekend in Lokoja.

During the meetingJones commended the NAPPS’ contributions to the growth and development of the state education sector.

He solicited their collaboration to enhance the

with the company’s. It is crucial to pay yourself a consistent salary, no matter how modest. This discipline allows you to allocate a portion of your earnings toward a personal financial plan, securing your future and establishing a healthy boundary with the business.”

Curriculum

seamless implementationof the curriculum, and pledged itheirsupport to private schools operating in the state.

The meeting was a followup on the government’s ban on incessant graduation ceremonies in basic and secondary schools across the state on September 3, 2025.

Alkaleri Residents Hail Bauchi Gov for Roads, Schools, Projects

Segun Awofadeji in bauchi

Communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have testified that the state Governor, Bala Mohammed-led administration has executed key developmental projects in various sectors of health, education,, and road

infrastructure. Speaking to journalists yesterday during the ongoing state-wide facility tour, some of them, Abubakar Umar Panti and Yusha’u Adamu Yashi, noted that the construction of roads and provision of other basic amenities by the state government have improved

their economic activities and general well-being.

Also speaking, Malam Abdullahi Ibrahim Pali highlighted some of the projects that have benefitted their communities, include the total rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, and the provision

of essential working materials. Some of the projects inspected by the team include the ongoing construction of the permanent site of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy,, Alkaleri, completed Alkaleri and Duguri township roads,, as well as palaces of district and village heads of Alkaleri.

Ademola Lookman Back from the Wilderness, Plays in Atalanta’s Win

ITALIAN SERIE A

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Embattled Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, came out of wilderness to play his first match for Atalanta since he tried to force a transfer to Inter Milan in the summer transfer window.

The Super Eagles forward was introduced into squad in the 87th minute as substitute for Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana.

All Atalanta’s three goals were scored in the first 38 minutes of the clash with Torino.

This was the first time he was named on the matchday squad

since the long-drawn transfer saga during which he turned in a transfer request and went AWOL.

A section of the Atalanta fans has expressed its disappointment with the Super Eagles star, describing him as “ungrateful”.

In Lookman’s absence, Atalanta has struggled in Europe, losing their opening Champions League opening clash to PSG 4-0 in Paris.

Before yesterday’s victory over Torino, Atalanta have only won one game and drew two in the domestic season.

Ikoyi Club Ladies’ Golf Section Unveils 50th Anniversary Tourney Logo, Lists Gains

The Ikoyi Club Ladies’ Golf Section, at the weekend, in Lagos, unveiled its 50th anniversary tournament logo.

The theme of the 50th anniversary tournament which will hold from November 12 to November 15, 2025, is: “Go Beyond – Golf and Golfing.”

It is mainly aimed at communicating the reach and impact of golf beyond the fairways on the course and into the fairways of life- preserving our environment, promoting biodiversity and creating a mindset of positivity; healthy, self-regulated and disciplined.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mrs lyabo Attah, a pioneer member of the club and Past Ladies’ Captain, relived her experiences as a golfer, as well as the progressive metamorphosis the club and tournament have undergone in the last 50 years.

She further urged more women to take up golfing, adding, “It is my desire therefore, to see that more women have taken up the game of Golf and also get their children / ward to also learn the sport.

Speaking in the same vein, the 2025 Ladies’ Captain, Mrs. Peggy Onwu, said: “this unveiling of the Open tournament logo is a milestone, given that it is 50 years of commitment, skills development and building connections with ladies across Africa and beyond”.

Similarly, members of the 50th Anniversary Open Tournament Organising Committee, Rerhe Idonije and Yemi Afariogun, respectively, further amplified the

significance of including secondary schools in this prestigious milestone. They said that: “The students’ creativity and commitment not only enriched the process but also transformed the 50th anniversary logo unveiling into a defining moment; a Golden Swing powered by Grit and Grace”. In his remarks, the Publisher of BusinessDayNewspapers, Mr Frank Aigbogun, who equally chaired the logo design review, lauded the Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section ladies for the 50th tournament anniversary milestone.

He further stressed the significance and relevance of a Women’s Golf, adding “You know, I’ve been around golf long enough, the landscape has changed dramatically, and much of that change started right here with pioneers like Mrs Iyabo Attah who refused to accept that golf was just a man’s game. The ladies who took part in this tournament 50 years ago – they weren’t just playing golf. They were making a statement. They were building something that would outlast them. And look around today – their vision has become reality”.

While echoing Price Waterhouse’s (PWC) role as partner of the Ladies Golf tournament, Mr Femi Osinubi, Consulting and Risk Services Leader, said the initiative was in consonance with the accounting firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is aimed at not only promoting, but deepening gender equality and other environmentally friendly activities.

Remo Stars Fly High, Kwara Utd, Abia Warriors Falter

It was a mixed bag of fortunes for Nigerian teams in continental campaigns yesterday as Remo Stars got off to a flying start in this year’s CAF Champions

League after they trounced Zilimadjou of the Comoros 4-0 in a first leg first round tie, but not so for Rivers United, Kwara United and Abia Warriors.

Rivers United were held FC Les Aigles of DRC Congo to a goalless draw in another Champions League clash, while Kwara United fell 4-3 to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko

Olojo Festival 5km Road Race Promises World-class Experience in Ile-Ife

Organisers of the inaugural Olojo Festival 5km Road Race have assured the public of a world-class event this week in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland.

The race, scheduled to hold during the iconic Olojo Festival, is the first road race recognised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to be organised alongside a major cultural celebration.

Olojo, meaning ‘Day of the First Dawn’, honors Ogun, the god of iron and war, and celebrates the

mythical first day of creation in Yoruba cosmology.

Conceived by Sooko Adeleke Odewade in partnership with the Alade’fa Athletic Family Initiative, and endorsed by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the race aims to empower youth, promote healthy living, and diversify the festival’s offerings.

“We want a race that is open to all Nigerian elite runners and everybody in and around Ile-Ife. A 5km distance is achievable for

most people, making it inclusive for amateur runners and youth,’ said Race Director, Tony Osheku, a renowned track and field coach and former Nigerian distance running champion.

“Road races generate excitement and coverage, amplifying the festival’s reach. The race can draw spectators, sponsors, and tourists, boosting local businesses and hospitality sectors,” added Osheku who organised the first world-class cross country race in Nigeria in Jos in 2023.

FirstBank Partners Lagos for E1 Lagos GP

In line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organisers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between October 3 and October 5, 2025.

Disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting

initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.

“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians.

We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years and we recognise that sport drives us as a country, which is why through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people.

“We have been supporting legacy sport tournaments like

the Georgian Polo Cup which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship for 64 years now,” Ijabiyi said. With the event slated for start in the fourth quarter, FirstBank is aligning its partnership with the annual DecemberIssaVybeinitiative, a campaign that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Nigerians during the festive season by curating unforgettable experiences that blend culture, entertainment and lifestyle.

Maritime Challenge on the Fairway of Ikoyi Golf Club

The inaugural edition of the Maritime Golf Challenge held last Thursday at the Ikoyi Golf Club. DURO IKHAZUAGBE reports...

Thursday, September 25, 2025 is World’s Maritime Day. Here in Nigeria, the body saddled with regulating maritime activities, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) kicked off the celebration last Thursday in Lagos at the Ikoyi Club. NIMASA pulled out stakeholders in the maritime sector to the Golf Section of the foremost club in the commercial capital of the country for the maiden edition of the Nigeria Maritime Golf Challenge (NMGC). It was a perfect opportunity for those in the maritime sector to network while playing golf.

With the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” the golf challenge presented another window to showcase Nigeria’s maritime industry through sport.

As was expected of any event associated with the maritime sector, the day kicked off with torrential downpour right from the early hours on the Lagos Island. While some parts of Lagos did not witness any form of rain, parts of Ikoyi got flooded. There were fears that all the plans to have a smooth golf kitty may not go as planned. The tee-off planned for 8:00am had to be moved forward by two hours. And then, the drizzle stopped. Top executives of the maritime sector and some guest players numbering over 80 players that had gathered in the Club House moved to the Tee-Box few minutes past 10am to kick off the golf challenge. The rains obeyed the supplications of a few of the players who prayed for the event to hold as planned. After weeks of planning, it would have been sad for the golf challenge not to hold.

And so began the quests by the guest players from the maritime sector to challenge for the trophies at stake in the seven competitive categories namely: Longest Drive (All participants), Nearest to Pin (Male and Female), Female Winners (Winner and 1st Runner-up), Veterans Category (Winner, Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), General Category Winner Nett (Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), Maritime Category Winner (Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up), and Overall Best Gross.

According to the organisers of the golf challenge, winners of all the competitive categories received trophies with cash prizes.

The tournament structure accommodated golfers of various skill levels and ensured broad participation from both maritime industry professionals and the wider golfing community.

It featured guest appearances from top executives and management of Nigeria’s leading maritime agencies, including representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Speaking after returning to the Club House from the course that wet afternoon, Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr Isichei Osamgbi told THISDAY that the idea behind the golf challenge was to create a social network, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in the maritime business.

“This is the maiden edition of the Maritime Golf Challenge. We planned it in such a way to allow most members from the maritime sector to participate in it. It is meant to celebrate the

World Maritime Day which is September 25, 2025. With the support of others in the maritime sector like the Shippers Council, NTA, Avalon Intercontinental Ltd, Qubes Media, Asfa Group, Bricks Ltd, THISDAY Newspaper, Tven Communications, Aqua Dana Water, TVC Entertainment, Ocean Sands, Rising Golfers and we in NIMASA, the maiden edition of the Golf Challenge has become a reality for us to network and we hope that it becomes a yearly event,” observed the NIMASA Admin and HR Director.

Dr Osamgbi is particularly grateful to President Bola Tinubu for bringing the blue economy to the consciousness of Nigerians.

“Most importantly, we want to thank Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bringing the consciousness of the blue economy to us in Nigeria. By creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, it brought it to our consciousness that there’s a lot to harness from our huge maritime resources. And I can tell you that from records there’s no great nation anywhere in the world that is not a maritime nation. So, we have really not been able to harness that potential and that consciousness. So for a golf tournament like this, we can network with others in the sector to create a synergy to move the marine sector forward. So we in NIMASA have keyed into the dream.”

He insisted that the tournament represents a strategic initiative to project the Nigerian maritime industry onto both global and sporting stages as a key sector in the nation’s economic development.

Asked why golf and not any other sport, Dr Osamgbi stressed that the value in golf and the network opportunities it creates are timeless.

“We are into sports to say, hey, every maritime worker, every maritime stakeholder,

everybody in the industry, let’s come together to see how we can create more awareness through sports.” Golf, for us, is a game that brings people of great minds together. Top professionals, captains of industries and so on. Where else if not golf? There’s a great nexus between maritime and golf. They share the same values and perspective of life. If you saw the messages we put out in the fairway, you will understand how that play out. We want cleaner ocean, we want things to happen. This is part of the message that we are putting out there for all to key into.

He hinted that instead of the 72 players that were earmarked initially to play in this edition, they ended up having more entries.

“We thought we could just have like 72 golfers but we ended up having over 100 playing here today,” concludes the NIMASA director.

Interestingly, the overall winner of this inaugural edition was a royal father, HRM, Oba Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde, the Onigemo 1 of Owa Igbajo in Osun State. Oba Makinde is a consummate golfer who before his ascension to the throne was formerly a finance director at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and officially received his staff of office in March 2024. Oba Makinde who played with handicap 13 won with 81-gross.

Other winners include; Maritime David Adeniran who came first in the Net Category with a net score of 68 while former Club Captain, Frank Gboneme came second, carding 73-net score. Abiodun Adeoye with score of 77-net duck in the third position..

Araoluwa Popoola won the Guest Category followed by Elias Abdul with Ruxi Huang completing the top three of that category. B.A. Raji won the Maritime Veteran Net while J.B. Mohammed was

the runner up. Aniete Udo won the Nearest to the Pin Hole 11 while Ladies Longest Drive Hole 11 award went to Pat Ozoemene. Men’s Longest Drive Hole 9 award went to Moses Jemuel.

Ladies Net winner was Timi Roland while Eby Moses Madu was runner up.

Oba Makinde in his remarks, commended NIMASA, Shippers Council and all the other supporters of Maritime Golf Challenge tournament, stressing that it created opportunities to network.

“One beautiful thing about this game of golf is the fact that the cream of the society that you are looking out for, they are readily available here. We are talking of the Captain of industries, the traditional rulers and the military top brass all of them and top civil servants are all here. He stressed that the health benefits of playing golf far outweighs all other considerations.

“We still have a lot of papas here that are over 80, some are 85 years that still play golf. I have an uncle that lives in Magodo, (Lagos) and well over 85 now and he plays twice every week. And initially, well, I used to believe that golf was equally expensive, but when compared with other sport like polo, it is not. The health benefits are greater that any other consideration,’ concludes the royal father.

The one-day tournament was rounded up with a dinner for all the players and guests that thronged the club. A former President of Ikoyi Club, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu and Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr Eniola Bello, were amongst distinguished personalities that presented trophies and prices to winners and runners up at the closing ceremony.

Most of the golfers that spoke about the tournsment were all full of appreciations to NIMASA and all other stakeholders that made the Maritime Golf Challenge possible and and are looking forward to the second edition next year.

MAYOR OF ISLINGTON VISITS

SENATE PRESIDENT...

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Wanted: Albania-style AI Ministers

Ihave personally taken little interest in the affairs of Albania since the death in 1985 of its long time Communist ruler Enver Hoxha and the dissolution in 1991 of his Albanian Party of Labour. As students, we bought the Collected Works of Enver Hoxha at the ABU Bookshop and read it from cover to cover. Nothing inspiring came out of Albania since then.

Until last week, when Enio Kaso, head of Albania's Department of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency Licensing, unveiled the country new, and the world’s first, Artificial Intelligence [AI] cabinet minister in Tirana, the country’s capital. Albania’s Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama made the appointment in order to tackle the country’s chronic corruption. He said the minister, named Diella, which means “sun” in Albanian, will be a “member of the cabinet who is not present physically” but will ensure that “public tenders will be 100 percent free of corruption”.

Wonderful. This is the first time in nearly 2,000 years that a non-human got a top government appointment. Roman Emperor Caligula, who was known for his eccentric leadership style, appointed his favourite horse, Incitatus, a senator. He gave the stallion all the paraphernalia of office including a marble stable, an ivory manger, purple blankets and even gold-plated oats for meals, enough to make today’s National Assembly Principal Officers green with envy.

The Albanian AI minister is a she. They very carefully assigned the minister to the feminine gender, and dressed her in traditional Albanian women’s clothing. This must be because, like most other parts of the world, they have had bitter experiences with the masculine gender. Most cases of fraud, scams, theft and violence are perpetrated by men. In Nigeria here, we see little hope of improvement in the future because most of the Yahoo Yahoo boys paraded by EFCC and ICPC over the years are young men, meaning they fully intend to hold aloft the criminal banner hoisted by their male predecessors.

The advantages of appointing an AI minister are too many to recount. Diella does not need a salary. She does not need any allowances. She does not have closing hours from work; she does not skip work because of weekends, public holidays, sick leave, summer vacation, annual leave or six months’ maternity leave. She does not menstruate, so not for her the low mood at the end of every month. She never gets pregnant, never needs to see a gynaecologist, not to mention going for ante-natal.

Minister Diella is blind to all the human foibles that make for selfish decisions. She belongs to no region; has no tribe; speaks only pre-programmed languages; is neither young nor old; and if women expect preferential treatment from her because she is called a she, they are in for a shock. If it were in Nigeria, she must be sent to the Senate for screening. Our senators will demand to see her school certificates; which certificate when AI is the master of all learning and intelligence? Some Nigerian senators will even ask for her NYSC certificate. Which national service is there which is higher than AI, which can answer any question and solve any puzzle in the twinkle of an eye? One senator here will even stand up and demand that Diella must belong to a political party, as a constitutional requirement. Party, my foot! Which “Tinubu delegate,” “Atiku delegate” or “Obi delegate” at the last major party conventions could stand up to Diella on any political matter?

Very cleverly of the Albanians, they assigned their new super minister to be in charge of public procurement. They put their finger on it! Pervasive corruption in the country is one of the obstacles to Albania being admitted into the European Union. Which aspect of public service is more amenable to corruption than procurement, where Due Process is a sham and no objection certificates are too a penny? If the rules of public procurement are strictly adhered to, why is it that too many people want to become contractors? Why do people reap riches by becoming contractors when the

rules say that the profit margin for a contractor is a maximum 10%? Contractors tend to believe that they can get past any procurement rule by greasing the palms of the officials in charge. Even though civil service’s founding fathers installed all kinds of procurement, financial, administrative, audit and political checks and balances in order to protect public funds, most of them are now observed in the breach. I remember a television debate during the SAP saga in the 1980s, when then Secretary to the Federal Government Chief Olu Falae said the cumbersome public sector financial rules and processes are meant to protect public funds but they also slow down service delivery. In later years these processes not only slowed but they killed service delivery, while they never got round to protect public funds from conspiracies. A conspiracy can get around any system. There was an occasion in 2008 or 2009, during the Yar’adua presidency, when ten top officials of a federal ministry, including the minister, minister of state, perm sec, director of finance, chief auditor and several other directors were said to have conspired and shared N300 million unspent funds rather than return it to the Treasury at the end of the year. Which check-and-balance system can beat that?

Hence the need for an AI minister in charge of procurement. No contractor can grease Diella’s palms because she has no need for money, whether naira, cedi, pound, euro, dollar, rupee, yuan, yen, kwacha, dalasi or ruble. What will she do with money? She has no bills to pay; no hospital charges, no children’s school fees, no landlord’s rent, no bills from the milkman, grocer, baker, butcher, newspaper vendor, insurance salesman, tenement rate collector, vehicle particulars or even the funeral undertaker. We must therefore hurry up in Nigeria and borrow a leaf from Albania before others steal the show. In our own case, we need AI ministers not only in charge of procurement but Defence as well. If only we had an AI Defence Minister, would we have caved in to American hoodwink and bought Tucano jets, which are of little use in fighting bandits? An AI Defence Minister, who is extremely logical and will make all the calculations within a split second, would have said, “Let’s go for Apache helicopters. If the Yanks will not give us Apaches, let’s go to Russia and get Mi-24 helicopter gunships. They are just as good.” Nigeria needs an AI Minister of Education. Such a minister will be extremely logical and will make educational decisions solely based on data, not sentiments. She will say, “Look, let us

replace all the human lecturers with AI ones. AI lecturers will not ask for earned academic allowances; they will never form a union and they will never go on strike.”

In fact, we should go beyond the cabinet and appoint AI key government officials. Such as, an AI Inspector General of Police. Even Omoyele Sowore will not be able to fight an AI IG. What can he allege? That the AI IG has stayed beyond his retirement age? Which retirement age is there for an AI IG? The only thing that will slow her down is when her battery needs charging, but these days there are powerful UPS batteries and power banks. Why not have an AI CBN governor? In which case, there will be no need for quarterly Monetary Policy Committee meetings, stuffed as they are with managing directors of top banks. Who trusts such a body to make decisions in the overall interest of the people, when all they are concerned about are bank balance sheets and fat dividends for their shareholders? All the things that the top bankers will say in the course of several hours’ meeting, an AI CBN governor will calculate it within a few seconds. With no sentiments; no ifs or buts; no margins of error and no Ways and Means.

In this country, we will only begin to believe government figures when the next Statistician General is an AI person. Anytime the Bureau of Statistics [silently prodded by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy] does GDP “rebasing,” many citizens shake their heads in disbelief. Similarly, when it says that “inflation is down last month” and you know that the price of meat in the market nearly doubled, don’t you see the need for a cold-calculating AI Statistician General who does not care to call a spade a spade, no matter which ruling party’s ox is gored?

Right now, ambassadors’ chairs in Nigerian embassies all over the world are gathering dust. We hear that it is because the government has no money to post human ambassadors and high commissioners, who must be paid hefty salaries and allowances. Simple solution: let’s appoint AI ambassadors. They will be far cheaper and will also do the work more efficiently.

If our experiment with AI ministers and agency heads succeeds after some years, we must move ahead to install AI labour leaders, AI civil society chiefs, AI student union leaders, AI television newscasters, AI newspaper editors and even AI columnists. The next time you are reading this page, it must have been written by an AI “Mahmud.”