SATURDAY 10TH JANUARY 2026

With New MoU, Jersey to Return Over $9.5 Million Stolen Funds to Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government of Nigeria is set to receive

more than $9.5 million in recovered funds following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with the Bailiwick of Jersey, marking another milestone in international cooperation against corruption.

A statement yesterday, disclosed that the MoU was signed in December 2025 by His Majesty’s Attorney

General for Jersey, Mark Temple KC. It provides for the return of funds adjudged to be proceeds of corruption

and forfeited by the Royal Court of Jersey to Nigeria. The repatriated money Continued on page 5

Lagos Named Among World’s Top Seven Art Destinations for 2026...

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Nwodo: Poverty, Unemployment, Insecurity Enough to Oust APC in 2027 Linus Aleke in Abuja

Elder statesman and former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo,

has said that the worsening levels of multidimensional poverty, astronomical unemployment rate and growing insecurity across

Nigeria provide compelling reasons for voters to remove President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in the 2027

general election. He argued that the current administration has failed to tackle the country’s deepening socio-economic

challenges, noting that widespread hardship, job losses and persistent security threats have continued to erode public confidence in

the government. Nwodo maintained that Nigerians deserve a credible Continued on page 5

NigeriaVows to Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity as Trump Threatens More US Strikes Experts urge stronger collaboration to defeat terrorists Deji Elumoye and Linus Aleke in Abuja

more strikes by the U.S. in Nigeria if Christians are killed in the West African nation, even Nigeria has vowed to intensify as Nigeria has previously denied its fight against rising insecurity, that Christians there are subjected signaling a renewed commitment to systematic persecution. to protecting citizens amid Reuters quoted Trump to have escalating threats. said this in an interview with The pledge comes as US the New York Times. Trump President Donald Trump has made the remarks when asked warned of potential further air about Washington's Christmas strikes if what he termed as Day military strike in Nigeria. attacks on Christians continue, The U.S. military had said at raising the stakes for the nation’s the time it carried out a strike security strategy. Continued on page 5 Trump said there could be

Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to MOU FOR MASS HOUSING ESTATE AND AGRICULTURAL SETTLEMENTS... of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite (left), with Governor of Niger State, Mohamed Umar Bago, during the signing of an MOU for the Construction of Mass Surpass 10 Billion Streams On Spotify... Page 5 Minister Housing Estate and Agricultural Settlements in Niger State between the federal government and the State held in Abuja…yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

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SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to Surpass 10 Billion Streams On Spotify

Erizia Rubyjeana

Grammy-nominated Nigerian superstar, Wizkid, has made history by becoming the first African artiste to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify, underlining his global reach

and enduring influence. Latest figures as of January 2026 showed Wizkid leading Africa’s most-streamed artists on the platform, ahead of Burna Boy, who has recorded more than 9.5 billion streams. Rema ranked third with

5.6 billion streams, while Tems has crossed 4.4 billion. South African star Tyla follows with 3.7 billion streams, with Ayra Starr close behind at 3.3 billion. Much of Wizkid’s streaming success was driven by global hits,

including ‘One Dance’ with Drake, which has amassed nearly four billion streams, and ‘Essence’ featuring Tems, which has surpassed 334 million streams. His third studio album, ‘Made In Lagos’ (Deluxe), remains his most-streamed

project on Spotify, with more than one billion streams, reinforcing its status as a defining Afrobeats release. Beyond streaming milestones, Wizkid has earned international acclaim, including a Grammy Award for his collaboration with

Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack, alongside multiple BET, Soul Train, and Billboard Awards. The milestone further cements Wizkid’s position as one of Africa’s most successful and globally influential music artists.

NIGERIA VOWS TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY AS TRUMP THREATENS MORE US STRIKES against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government. Nigeria said then that the strike was a "joint operation" targeting "terrorists," and had "nothing to do with a particular religion." "I'd love to make it a one-time strike ... But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike," Trump was quoted as saying. When asked about his own Africa adviser, having said that Islamic State and Boko Haram militants were killing more Muslims than Christians, Trump responded: "I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it's mostly Christians." Trump, in late October, began warning that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he said was its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities. Nigeria's population of over 230 million people is roughly

evenly divided among Christians, who predominate in the south, and Muslims, who predominate in the north. While Nigeria has had persistent security problems, including violence and kidnappings by Islamist insurgents in the north, it strongly denies that Christians are subjected to systematic persecution. The Nigerian government had responded to Trump's past threats by saying it intended to work with Washington against militants, while rejecting U.S. language that suggested Christians were in particular peril. Nigerian authorities note that militants have killed many Muslims as well as Christians.

Shettima: FG Ready to Empower Military to Subdue Security Challenges Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday reaffirmed

the firm resolve of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to empower the Nigerian Armed Forces to subdue the security challenges bedeviling the country. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers who paid the supreme price to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as well as the lives and properties of the citizens. Shettima gave the assurance during a special Juma'at Prayer to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the National Mosque, Abuja. January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government to honour the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The nation's armed forces recently renamed the January 15 observance as “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day”, replacing the former “Armed Forces Remembrance Day," with a view to reflecting its dual purpose of honouring serving personnel, while

remembering fallen heroes. Speaking during the special prayers, the Vice President, who acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces and other security agencies, expressed optimism that, under the dynamic and purposeful leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria will witness enduring peace and prosperity in the coming days. According to Shettima: "Our prayer is for Allah to forgive the rest of our deceased officers and men, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. “And we pray to the Almighty Allah to continue to protect and empower our armed forces to subdue all the crises that are bedeviling our nation. And in sha Allah (by God's grace) in the fullness of time, we shall have an enduring peace and prosperity in Nigeria".

Experts Urge Stronger Collaboration

Security and international relations experts have stressed that any planned second phase of US airstrikes against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria must be formally authorised by the Nigerian government. They argue that unilateral military action would violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and could undermine the country’s ability to manage its own security operations. According to analysts, joint operations between Nigerian forces and the US military, conducted with proper oversight and approval from Abuja, are acceptable and could be effective in tackling persistent terrorism and banditry. Experts emphasised that such cooperation should be strategically targeted at areas where criminal elements are most active, ensuring that interventions remain both lawful and operationally efficient. Reacting to the comment by

NWODO: POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT, INSECURITY ENOUGH TO OUST APC IN 2027 alternative that prioritises economic stability, job creation and the protection of lives and property. Speaking in an interview with THISDAY in Enugu, the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed confidence that the opposition would prevail in 2027, insisting that once Mr. Peter Obi secures the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the contest would effectively be decided. “We will help Peter Obi to get the ticket in the ADC, and once he gets it, the fight is over. With the North and the East, I do not know where Tinubu will be looking for votes to win a second term,” he said. According to Nwodo, the growing wave of defections

by governors to the APC is less important than the daily realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. “It is not about governors defecting to the APC; what matters is whether Nigerians are happy with this government. Are they going to bed thanking God that the country is being well governed, or are they in pain? Are poverty, hunger, unemployment and insecurity increasing at a geometric rate? These are the issues that make voters reject a government, and that is what we are relying on,” he stated. Responding to a question on whether available data supports claims of worsening socio-economic conditions, Nwodo pointed to personal experiences as evidence of

the deepening crisis. He said many individuals who once supported extended families and sponsored indigent students are now struggling to feed themselves. “They call me and send messages saying, ‘Your Excellency, we have not had a meal in this house for three days. Please help us with something to eat.’ When people at that level abandon their pride to beg, you cannot tell me poverty is not increasing,” he said. He further painted a grim picture of life in rural communities, recounting frequent deaths linked to hunger and lack of access to basic healthcare. “In my hometown, I cannot recall a market week—Nkwo, Eke, Orie

and Afor—without at least seven deaths. Every day, you hear that someone has died, another will be buried tomorrow, and another funeral will follow. These have become the only social activities you can be certain of every weekend. People are dying because they cannot afford treatment for simple illnesses like malaria,” he lamented. Nwodo added that international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have documented the scale of the crisis, including millions of Nigerians trapped in multidimensional poverty, a growing population of out-of-school children, widespread unemployment

and soaring inflation amid stagnant incomes. On concerns that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party state amid mass defections to the APC, Nwodo said the situation underscores the need to build a strong alternative. “If we do nothing, we risk creating a dictatorship, and history has shown that dictatorship never helps any nation, especially not a country of over 200 million people. That is why we are determined to give Nigerians a real choice,” he said. He recalled that in the 2023 election, Obi contested without the backing of sitting or former governors, senators or other prominent politicians, yet recorded an impressive performance. “Despite that, he still

Trump, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Benue State University, Makurdi, Atah Pine, said he does not support a unilateral US operation in Nigeria because it would violate the principle of Nigerian sovereignty and question the country’s ability to manage its own affairs. “Therefore, if it is going to be a unilateral airstrike, my answer is no,” Pine said. He added, 'However, regarding the airstrike carried out on Christmas Day in the North-West, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the decision to carry out the strikes was jointly taken by Nigerian authorities with authorisation from the President. If it is a joint military operation between Nigeria and the United States, then by all means I support it. Continued online

scored the highest votes in many places, but was placed second to make it difficult for him to reclaim his mandate. Today, he has the support of former governors and sitting senators. About 18 of us attended his declaration, and more politicians from the South-east are joining him. It is no longer a oneman project; he now has a formidable team,” Nwodo said. He concluded by predicting a repeat of the 2023 political upset, recalling how several incumbent governors failed in their bids to move to the Senate. “We saw it in our state, and the same thing happened in Abia and Benue. That tsunami is coming again,” he added.

WITH NEW MoU, JERSEY TO RETURN OVER $9.5 MILLION STOLEN FUNDS TO NIGERIA would be applied to the completion of a major infrastructure project in Nigeria. Court documents showed that on November 29, 2023, the Attorney General of Jersey filed a civil forfeiture application under the Forfeiture of Assets (Civil Proceedings) (Jersey) Law 2018, targeting funds held in a Jersey bank account. Also, the statement showed

that on January 12, 2024, the Royal Court granted the forfeiture order, ruling that the funds were more likely than not linked to a corrupt scheme involving the diversion of public resources by contractors for the benefit of senior Nigerian officials and their associates. The latest recovery builds on previous agreements between Jersey and Nigeria that have led to the

repatriation of more than $300 million over the years. Those funds were deployed to finance strategic infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, and the Abuja-Kano Road. While the LagosIbadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge have been completed, the newly returned funds will be channeled towards the final

stages of the 375-kilometre Abuja-Kano highway, a critical route linking Abuja to Kano. Speaking on the development, Temple KC said the successful recovery and return of the funds underscored the strength of Jersey’s civil forfeiture framework as an effective tool in combating financial crimes. He also praised the collaboration between Jersey

authorities and Nigerian institutions throughout the recovery process. For his part, Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, welcomed the repatriation, describing it as evidence of Nigeria’s growing partnerships with international jurisdictions to ensure that illicitly acquired assets find no safe haven

abroad. He assured that the recovered funds would be transparently and responsibly utilized in line with the terms of the MoU. The latest agreement reinforces ongoing global efforts to trace, seize and return stolen public assets, while supporting Nigeria’s drive to strengthen accountability and deliver critical infrastructure for its citizens.

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T H I TSTH DHIAY, TAY, H ET TH STHISDAY, AT RAT DUAY N ESATurDAY W S EPA RP E •R SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026 SI SDDAY, E ESUS AT RTHe DD AY NN E PA WW SPS PA JUNE H U R AY E P E R• SATURDAY • SATURDAY MAY14, 10, 2025 NewSpAper •February 3,2025 2024

NEWS

News Editor: Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

COURTESY VISIT... STrATeGIC TO SANITISe FXInvestors MArKeT… L-R: Director-GeneralPRAYER of theALLIANCe Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; CEO, FORCES Impact Foundation, Etemore Glover; Chair of GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Minister of JUMA'AT FOR 2026 ARMED REMEMBRANCE DAY... Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; CEO of GSG Impact, Ms. Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen, and Market Development Manager at GSG Impact, Ms. Atieno Otonglo, at the courtesy the Federal Ministry RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATION... L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede andvisit the Governor, Central L-R: Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia; Chairman, National Drug Lawto Enforcement Agency

of Budget andand Economic Planning Abuja… recently Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, inAlhaji aBabatunde Strategic Alliance to Stimulate theofforex market in Abuja…yesterday L-R: Akarigbo Paramount RulerinOf Remoland, Ajayi; representative Minister of Trade Investment, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Ogun StateJUMA'AT Governor, Dapofor Abiodun; Group Managing Codicand Pharm Ltd, Sammy (NDLEA), Mohammed Buba Marwa; Etsu Nupe, Muhammed Abubakar, andof Chief Army Staff,and Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during Prayer the 2026 Armed ForcesDirector, Celebration Remembrance

Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic FG, Niger Sign MoU on Mass Housing, President Tinubu Welcomes New over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect Agricultural Settlement Project Qatar Investment Initiatives from

Ogunjimi; ofMosque, Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate Muhammad, and Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of Codix Bio Limited held along the Sagamu-Benin expressway, Ogun State…yesterday Day at theMinister National Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

“In his infertile rambling, Tenebe stupendous as N9 billion for the state Governor, Mr. Godwin has been swindled by Obaseki-led captured. Umahi says100,000 FG investing trillions inat theconstruction of roads Nigeria State donates hectares of land, CofO ready MOFI, REA,across others partners made wild and completely off-theObaseki all sectorsare of the strategic fathom projects which onlyacross "Information behest of the Monday administration with an unassailmark comments suggesting that

Adibe emenyonu in Benin City

Affirms Nigeria's readiness for strategic partnership

Ndubuisi Francis ininAbuja Olawale Ajimotokan Abuja and Edo State chapter of theHarcourt All ProBlessing Ibunge in Port gressives Congressin(APC), yesterday, Deji Elumoye Abuja The federal government urged Governor Godwinand Obaseki to Minister of Information National yesterday signed stop securing loans, noting that thea President Bola Tinubu yesterday Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said N9 billion loan recently approved Memorandum of welcomed new initiatives by the country was on Assembly the path towards by the House of was Understanding (MoU) with Qatari investors to explore economic recovery, restating federal needless and will plunge the state thefinancial Niger commitment State government’s to restoring opportunities in thegovernment agricultural into distress. investors’ and sector thatdeepening Nigeria under the anchorage and But and in confidence aassured swift reaction, the democratic remains open to strategic Edo State values. Government saidthe it strategic guidance of This was as his to counterpart, partnerships. was perplexed learn ofMinister what Federal Ministry ofhasFinance, of Works, David Umahi, disclosed it termed “laughable andgave incredibly The President for the implementation ofthe that the federal is investing ridiculous tantrums attributed toa assurance atgovernment the State House, trillions of naira in the construction mass housing and agricultural the new acting chairman of the Abuja while receiving a special and rehabilitation ofof roads the Edo State chapter APC, settlement in Amir the state. envoy from the of across theJarret State country. Tenebe where he made baseless Describing the partnership of Idris Qatar, Dr. allegations Mohammed bin reaffirmed this yesterday in and on the Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi as interview aspurious perfect marriage between an with Forbes Africa to fiscal management of our dear Qatar's Minister of celebration State for the federal government, state mark the Democracy Day state by the Governor Godwin Foreign Affairs, Dr.the Al-Khulaifi, Obaseki-led government.” and unbroken 26and years oflegislature, democratic government, conveyed Amir's strongconference interest in Addressing a press rule in Nigeria. Niger State Governor, expanding bilateral yesterday, Tenebe had cooperation, said state He defended President Bolathe Tinubu’s Mohammed Umaru was already suffering aBago, debt announcing that aunder high-level declared thatbillion the state was profile of N135 and $35.6 Qatari business delegation will billion. providing 100,000 hectares of visit Nigeria in the coming He said, it isopportunities a monumenweeks to "While explore land for the project, with the tal that Edo State patrimony in disaster agriculture, food security, and

able, humongous profile of The MoUdebt signing bold reform agenda, which included N135 billion and $35.6marked billion, ceremony, which the removal of fuel subsidies and the the is unyielding and Nigeria's readiness to buildofon theunification of foreign exchange rates thegovernor official launch the unstoppable insignificant his characteristic momentum generated by his state two of the most policy shifts federal government-initiated design leave State inhistory. ruin, visit toto Qatar inEdo 2024, pledging to in Nigeria’s recent economic by asking for a facility of N17.5 Sustainable Integrated implement all difficult bilateraldecisions agreements “These were that billion few days ago, which was Productive Communities between the countries. had to They caused some said tobe bemade. N9two billion." ((SIPC) project, and Niger turbulence, but like an aircraft taking He directed the Minister of Tenebe, said "It is important off, we are now stability. The Budget Planning, State asand theEconomic pilot phase, was to state, that itreaching is now in public World Bank noted ourthat returnthe to Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and political space signed byhasthe Minister of growth levels not seenState in over a Minister ofFinance, Information and fiscal budget of Edo was State for Dr. Doris decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa.the passed few weeks agoMohammed before National Orientation, Uzoka-Anite, onyear’s behalf of the HeState noted this observance Edo House of Assembly Idris; and that Minister of Foreign of the Democracy Day not just federal government and proceeded on leave without the Affairs, Ambassador Niger Yusuf warranted celebration, buttogether sober commencement of the execution State Governor, Mohammed Maitama Tuggar, to work reflection onBago. the journey democratic of the budget by theofexecutive. Umaru to ensure the execution andtimely economic renewal. Itconsolidation is most disheartening that the of Idris these agreements. In her address at therecovered event, explained that funds Edo State Government now is said, "To the members of theHeminister said the ceremony from the fuelfor subsidy removal were requesting aallfacility of N17.5 the delegation, Idirectly want tointo say a big being reinvested critical billion with nomore corollary ofa project represented than formal thank you for coming to Nigeria. attached there to the- including said facility infrastructure projects two agreement, adding that it was We are tocorridors God for and alsograteful that the facility iswhat not expansive highway that will a powerful demonstration contained as loan to be in we have experienced astaken partners ofprogress. cooperative the 2024 fiscal budget just in I am also federalism, gladrecently that the passed. cursory perusal of the strategic alignment, and shared Amir ofAQatar greatly remembers entire budgetdiscussed does not where the issues during my commitment to reveal inclusive the project for the facility is ever visit last year. economic development, in "Let me commend the brotherly line with President Bola relations between and Ahmed Tinubu Qatar Renewed Hope” and improving the lives of the people of Ondo State. among the youthful population. “Today, takegovernment yet another bold He saidwethe is step in our ongoing to worried that aboutcommitment 72 per cent improving the youthful welfare ofpopulation our people, of the nation’s ensuring social inclusion and fulfilling have becomeofforeigners the promise Renewed through Hope for the influence of cartoons and Tinubu the support given to the all,” he for declared. movies which areHumanitarian foreign in According to Aiyedatiwa, a total commission and the Lemo, who said that Nigeria’s contents, values and across cultures. of 16, 255Ministry. beneficiaries all 18 Affairs economy is gradually Issa-Onilu saidAreas as a stabilising way out Local in the state HeGovernment revealed that Nigeria and that we are seeing light of the malaise, NOA would soon will receive N75, 000 each, disbursed has concluded plans to host launch Mobile App containing in installments of N25, 000 atmonthly thealeaders end of to the tunnel. global discuss issues for three months, indigenous cartoons appreciating this of “In migration anddirectly how through itthrough affects their debit cards. which local contents, national countries under the membership statement, we want toinjected add He said theculture total amount values and would be of the Euro-African Dialogue on clearly that the light at the into the scheme is N1, 219,125, 000, promoted. Migration and Development. end of the tunnel is already providing direct economic support According to him, "These variPopularly known as the Rabat to thousands of households. shining. ous policies are gearedwould towards Process, the meeting be The governor recalledand thatthe in developments changing the narratives the“These first thematic dialogue November 2024, a total of 8,637under debit wrong impression the outside validate the that Nigeria’s chairmanship, which cards were distributed toPresident’s beneficiaries, world is having about the country insistence tough is being co-chaired byreforms Nigeria amounting tothat N647,775,000, making. and theunavoidable Kingdom Spain, and the phase ofa if significant werecurrent Nigeria expansion theyouth, social economic safety net. is focusing on education was to ofescape “We understand the economic and innovation. collapse. indicated thatmany Governor Seyi challenges that of holds our people The meeting, which May “The N100 trillion NGX Makinde approved the suspension face and this programme is a clear 13th 14th, 2025, is2024. expected to on 1sttoof February, milestone, the decelerating demonstration that the government feature discussions that would The letter read in part, "I wish to stands with you,” the governor added. inflation figures and renewed guide policy direction, shape inform you that His Excellency, the He further disclosed that efforts investorGovernor confidence are cooperative efforts among Executive of Oyo of are ongoingoftoorigin, expand theState state’s countries transit and not coincidences. They are Nigeria, in exercise of the powers social register to accommodate more conferred onofhim by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive outcomeshouseholds, deliberate and vulnerable that 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger courageous leadership. no vulnerable household should be Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo andbehind. sustained dialogue that can left State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue reshape migration positively. of all other enabling powers in

members of1,700 the Edo State House of span over kilometres - aimed Hope Agenda. Assembly is to the effect that they at unlocking economic activity and were recalled from their holiday She, therefore, invited Nigeria. The Ambassador knows bridging regional divides. or leave by Qatar the Speaker on the developers, financial institutions, that I take very seriously. “The aim is not just connectivity, request of the state governor for but economic opportunity,” he said. We are willing to go further pension funds, real estate the immediate approval of thein “Nigeria is really retracing its steps. our bilateral relations." investors and agribusiness said facility which according to Itinvestors isThe becoming an important nation once said the Qatari them isPresident said to be N9 billion to be part of the again the comity of nations. government had demonstrated but asamong event unfolded, after innovative The respect thatproject. Nigeria used to have maturity and foresight in working the mammoth request by the With the Federal Ministry of is now gradually returning. Investors opposition the and House as to for global in peace deserves have more confidence in our country,” Finance serving as the anchor, the rationale for a facility as commendation. he said. sheAccording said thetoinitiative benefits him, "I am proud from strong coordination, of your effortspolicy to bring peace and

existed in the reiterated imagination of The minister the Uzoka-Anite notedthatthat the governor, it was ongoing reforms by discovered the Tinubu that the facility notjust N9 housing awas fundamental stability to isthewere world. Ieven seeabout your administration not billion but a figuredevelopment, wrapped in pillar of development, adding efforts in human economic arithmetic, but about secrecy as much as N17.5 billion creating a new foundation for inclusive peace and prosperity. Like you, that in Niger State, housing to which the opposition in the growth, accountability, and we areintersects sandwiched between the also directly with house rejected and orsustainable refused development. challenge of terrorism and helping to be part of the approval. agriculture, food security, In another development, Umahi who our neighbours. We areeconomic conscious But in its reaction, the Edo rural stability, and disclosed this while inspecting of who is yesterday our friend and those State Government stated that productivity. the ongoing of federal the Edo APC “obviously helping usconstruction towas ameliorate the roads in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta "This project is therefore pained by the achievements of problems." states, dismissedTinubu the claims trending deliberately designed not just President also noted as a housing intervention, but ongoing reforms to streamline

state over the federal past seven years.” online that the government improving livelihoods “Tenebe has beenprojects on a across frenzy is concentrating more in the looking for lies to tell sinceit the state. Nigeria's tax system, making South than northern areas of the nation. he assumed office as Acting "Niger State remains one easier for foreign investors to of do Responding to questions from Chairman. Rather than focus journalists who observed his inspection business in the country. Nigeria’s most agriculturally on reawakening his completely of the Zarama section of the Westto "We are making efforts endowed states. Yet, challenges comatose party, which isEast unable Road rehabilitation in Bayelsa State, reform our tax system. Going to provide constructive criticisms such expressed as insecure settlements, Umahi satisfaction with and the by experiences of the past expected of a viable opposition, rural-urban migration, and ongoing projects across Delta thehas need to depart from old he resorted toRivers, spreading inadequate infrastructure and Bayelsa. misinformation in a have desperate ways, our reforms been He said that Bodo-Bonny continue tothe tough limit popularity. the Road full attempt curry cheap hard. Itomade decisions construction by Julius Berger potential of our farming so that wehandled could grow. We are

isand aboutwell-planned 85 per cent complete projects housing Edo State is owing $35 billion. handled by Rock Result along Ahoada Even if that was what was written settlements for farmers, end of the tunnel."You can't find section of East West Road is atknown 60 per for him, he should have strategically located to support a better partner than Nigeria. cent completion, adding that RCC, that the figure is wrong and can't Setraco have follow shown commitment in I always global issues agricultural production, be true. their and your have to storage, processing, "Injobs. reality,efforts. our debtYou stock isand not Addressing the journalists, Umahi more inin Nigeria help fight ado secret and fact, wetoare ‘under market access. said, "We havein just inspected thewould work poverty the humanitarian borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe "ByResult anchoring farmers ofhave Rock have multiple area. You where have done well in known this ifwe he understood in stable communities concrete culverts the East with West the economics governance, fiscal developing aofover knowledge-based Road failure between Rivers and access to basic infrastructure, responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. economy in Qatar, but what Bayelsa. this will aboutproject Nigeria?", the enhance President

Chinedu Eze

was told that he would not board the flight because boarding had closed. Charge d'Affairs, US Embassy, In another development, the David in and his Aerospace office on MinisterGreene, of Aviation Thursday, lauded the United Development, Festus Keyamo, known Alake at the opening ofhasa States’ commitment toshould fostering ordered that a probe be two-day Induction and Strategic cooperation with in diverse conducted on theNigeria incident. are under scrutiny and processing," Retreat organised held in Lagos. sectors of the economy, Spokesman of AONstating and that the Oloyede He said. noted thatNigeria itChairman underscores significance of the the ofthe United “The 2025 UTME showed the smooth bilateral relations between engagement is designed Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in a press prevalence of some particular types of both countries. conference Lagos yesterday called to inductinwhich newly appointed infractions, suggests systemic “Ithethank youAirports for your visit. I on Federal Authority Commission Members vulnerabilities or gaps in registration met the US(FAAN) Assistant Secretary of of Nigeria to bring out the and Resident Electoral State forvideo Energy Resources, Geoffrey and examination administration or/ CCTV of the incident, saying Pyatt, on thevideo sidelines ofFAAN the Mines anditmonitoring. Commissioners into INEC’s that is the from that and Money in London “The newconference trends observed were institutional framework, past and weand hadExamination a fruitful in theyear, Registration administrative structure, engagement. I didwere analyse allinour processes and they mainly the communication processes and issues, andcategories: fundamentally, we just following Identity Fraud, want to diversify our economy ethical standards. and Biometric Fraud oftheCombined A statement anti-graft's from oil.chairman Notposted just on for our own The stressed Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said. social media X, noted thethat duo economic handle survival butthatalso to Other he trends said,charge, were were arraigned onglobal a six-count be in tuneinfractions, with for bordering on toWe the impersonators at laundering the point of reduction inmoney global warming. tune of $12 with million. registration the active involvement defendants according to the of The few CBT centres, double registration, EFCC's statement, and attempted substitution ofpleaded self by 2nd applicants /however, complainants “not guilty” to all the charges when they candidates. in the suit marked: NICN/ readOloyede to themadded following which the lead that 244National candidates ABJ/06/2026, the prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo, were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp Association of Residents SAN, thetoreadiness of the runs,”announced subscribing rogueDoctors groups

would clear the air on what really happened, since the Senator and the also want to be available part of the airline have made theirmove own to reduce emissions and put videos thatglobal covered the incident. our mining sector on the global Okonkwo stated the operators’ while the 2027 general election map. We on have critical minerals viewpoint theultimate incident and saidit remained its goal, that are in commercial demand that passengers have their but Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, rights Tambuwal must first successfully navigate globally,"Alake said. airline operations areState. guided by LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto several key electoral milestones. The minister partnerregulations and itwelcomed is the responsibility Oloyede added that 80 "These suspects ship with the US on investments in Amupitan stated, of airlines and passengers to abide were beingvalue interrogated by the the mining chain, expanding by those regulations. elections will serve as important police fortechnology theirhad involvement in the access to infull extracting “AON had thefor brief of testing grounds refining examination malpractices and and processing minerals and Air Peace on this incident. Andmost as voter management, mining areas. ofmatter themregistry would prosecuted. asecuring of fact,beas much as we Throwing light onand reforms “The Board has identified the election logistics the appreciate and understand that embarked upon by the federal govpresence of extraneous fingers in deployment of technology ernment, the minister highlighted the registration details of some of such as the Bimodal Voter revised Community these candidates. ThisDevelopment raises concerns Accreditation System (BVAS).” Agreement (CDA) guidelines regarding potential strategies for geared towards reducing friction in He reaffirmed its impersonation. prosecution to proceed with theplans trial host communities; on-going commitment to delivering of 3,656 candidates fall hearing within this and prayed for accelerated of forl new security architecture to category. Consequently, the results of the case. natural secure resources; efforts defence J.J. theResponding, candidatesthe have beencounsel, withheld.” to generate big geo-data; the Usman, SAN, on on underage his part reminded the Speaking candidates, court of subsistingthat bail following applications the of he explained the defendants, 27, 2025 Ministry of Education’s decision While thedated suitMay filed by and the prayed that the acourt should uphold to enforce minimum age theof federal government, challenging applications and admit the defendants 16, an exception was granted for the decision of the doctors, was to bail. “exceptionally gifted” underage still beforeinthe court, Thepending prosecution counsel his response, students. theThe complaints approached the bordering on terrorism murder. registrar said thatand of the 41,027 court forcandidates an they orderwho halting the Although, pleaded not underage registered, guilty to all the the judge planned strike. only 467 met thecharges, high-performance however, ordered they criteria, onedefendant. disqualified duebe to "Upon reading thethat application, and onewith other remanded at malpractice. the Kuje Correctional examination At the lower court, Justice Raliatu the claimants vide the Motion Center, pending the hearing of said that the remained Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC ExHe parte and theBoard affidavit in their bail application fixed for committed toas providing the necessary had established a prima facie case February 2, well as the motion support dated January 7, 2026, support for persons with disabilities on some of the counts and ordered of thefiled 1st and 2nd defendants and onthe January 8, 2026; Akpobolokemi and his co-defendant aspiring to pursue tertiary education. challenging jurisdiction of and upon Maimuna to open their defence. He said that for the 2025 UTME, the court tohearing entertain the suit throughtowere his Lami of Counsel the against them. a Akpobolokemi, totalShiru of 501 candidates lawyers Collins Ogbonna and Ezebalike and had successfully examined by Kunle JAMB claimants; and theOladele Court being Gbolahan, appealed ruling, argued that by the provisions Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) satisfied that isitthe aisfailed proper arguing that thethis EFCC to of the Terrorism Act, only the across 11 centres nationwide. case for the grant of an interim link him to any wrongdoing and Attorney General of the Federation According to Oloyede, the results relied onfileinadmissible evidence that any released charge ofbut terrorism are can also being sadly, against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman

every passenger has a right, your right is limited to what is within the formalisation of artisanal miners ICAO (International Civil Aviation into cooperatives amongst others. Organisation) regulation and the "Theindustry. mining sector provides aviation amount elections thatThere areis no free, fair, veritable avenue for ofacredible, any disappointment, if atincreased all, from transparent and trade between Nigeria and the United any airline that gives you any rightin one of them was also involved inclusive, as it intensifies States, especially in thebeen area of value for self-help. We have talking impersonation. institutional preparations addition, which implies processing about unruly behaviour. So, what The registrar also said that due to of extracted and of setting up towards the 2027 general you saw wasminerals a typical case substandard performance, fourunruly centres factories here. We would also require behaviour. It is not acceptable. Air election. had been delisted and blacklisted for financing from multilateral institutions Peace is aChairman respected airline. No matter The stressed that technical deficiencies. He listed the for our local operators. We are providwhat you think about it, they carry the Commission isAssociate, deliberately ing for investments like centres Adventure Behind 40 toincentives 50as: percent of all the domestic tax waivers mining equipment, Sheshe Supermarket, Saadatu strengthening its Kano, leadership passengers infor Nigeria. policy of full repatriation ofZaria. profits Rimi College of Education, capacity, operational systems, to home countries amongst others," On how to check the UTME results, and institutional coherence Alake emphasised. Oloyede said: "To check the 2025 in to the rising public Inresponse his remarks, US AmbasUTME results, candidates should send sador commended the renewed expectations of the electoralas by text message “UTMERESULT” described theNigeria May 27, 2025 bail application interest of in solid minerals, process. one to 55019 or 66019has using the ofstressing theword defendants as incompetent, given that the sector huge same they had used that thephone defendants neither underto potentials tonumber rivalwere the contribution arrest, inthe detention, nor have appeared register the registration process. of oilnortoduring nation's economy. before court,will being the grounds Resultthe printing be available later." provided by thereacting Administration of Meanwhile, to the poor Criminal Justice“Is Act,students (ACJA) that should performance of inordered the 2025 injunction; hereby precipitate a bail application but rather UTME, the company explained that as follows: An Interim Order applied for bail from the comfort of their the Glo Examination Preparatory of Injunction is hereby granted homes officesstudents when noronaction has Serviceortrains practical restraining the defendants / been taken against them. ways to excel in Computer-Based respondents, servants, agents, Fagbemi, that examinationsSAN, such assubmitted Joint Admissions privies ... from calling, the having beendirecting, filed by andcharge Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Inspector General of Police, was organising, in, and Junior and participating Senior West African incompetent and asked theform courtof to Examination Council examinations embarking upon any and unreliable witness testimonies, strike counts 1,3,4,5,6, and 7 of as wellout asthose IELTS. including of PW9, PW10, and industrial action including but the charge or strike strike out the 2025 UTME results released PW11, as well as Exhibits P59–P61. notThelimited to: strike, work entire suit for been incompetent. byThe JAMB on of May 5 had elicited Court Appeal agreed, Responding, Police lawyer, Mr. stoppages, go-slows, picketing, widespread concerns asurged morenot than holding that the appellant was a Simon Lough, SAN, the or other form ofapplication industrial member theof VIMSAS 1.5 any million out 1.9 million candidates court toofdismiss the Committee; protest disruption, well and notresults aor signatory to anyasof the whose were scored for lacking in merit.released Committee’s accounts. as taking to According to preparatory Lough, besides below 200. Asteps breakdown of the results Theform court held he Sections and 66Monday of thethat Police released by4JAMB on showed any offurther industrial action neither signed nor approved any Acts that empower them to that 983,187 candidates (50.29 perbring cent) from the January 12, by withdrawal instructions or2026, internal the charge against the defendants, scored between 160 and 199, while the order of the Court." memos related to the alleged Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) fraudulent transfers. Act, shows that theand police have scored between powers to also 140 initiate 159. terrorism charges against the defendant.

Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, US Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership financial credibility, and institutional oversight at the highest level.

N100trn Market Cap Milestone FG to Repatriate 15,000 Confirms Tinubu’s Nigerians StrandedReforms Abroad

communities. gradually seeing the light at the "This initiative seeks to address these challenges by providing structured, secure,

productivity, reduce postexplained. harvest losses, improve security, and encourage youth participation in agriculture.

INEC: Ekiti, Osun Guber Testing Ground for 2027 Elections PlacesFCT 1,426Polls, results under scrutiny

lid Operators Minerals ofDevelopment, Airline Nigeria (AON) Dr. hasthedescribed said Dele that byAlake, disrupting operations the United States of Air Peace when itasdenied Adedayo Akinwale inNigeria’s Abujahim longstanding and strategic boarding for theally Lagos-Abuja flight, partner forinthe nation’s mining former governor of Edo National State and Kuni Tyessi Abuja The Independent sector development. currently Senator representing Edo Electoral Commission (INEC) Speaking while receiving North District, Adams Oshiohole, The Joint Admissions and has said that the Federal Capital violated aviation regulation. Matriculation Board (JAMB) has Senator Oshiomhole who had Territory (FCT) Area Council officially announced release of 6:30a.m. LagosAbujathe flight on Air elections scheduled to hold in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Peace last Wednesday was denied February as well asthis the “We when are2026, establishing, Examination (UTME) results. boarding he arrived at 6:05a.m., year, 37,000 Brigade Following poor performance off-cycle governorship elections 25 minutes to Citizens’ departure time and inof each candidates in the1,000 2025inwould UTME, inPrimary Ekiti andSchool. Osun states state, including FCT, Abuja. These telecommunications and testing digital serve as an important Citizens’ Brigade are going tosaid be solutions company, Globacom, ground the 2027 elections. like Boys’ for Scout and Girls’ Guild its Examination Preparatory Service INEC Chairman, Prof.toJoash of the olden was specifically designed help Alex Enumah indays. Abuja Amupitan, made this “Acrossexcel theSAN, world, Nigerians students in Computer-Based are known to be the smartest examinations. The Economic and Financial Crimes people on earth. is abriefing positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at aThis press in the Managing Director/Chief Executive development but someof people Abuja yesterday, Registrar JAMB, Officer of SunTrust Bank Halima mischievously tend toLtd, portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the Buba the bank's Executive Director/ Board withheld the results 39,834 us inand negative light. Butof this is Alex Enumah in Abuja Chief Compliance Officer, candidates outare of the over 1.9Innocent million not who we as a people. Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite applicants that the sat for the exam. “ToNational change negative narThe Industrial Court of the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for According to thesetting JAMB out of ratives, we are up the in Abuja, has stopped medical alleged fraud. the figure 96 candidates' were Citizens’ Brigade to results produce doctorsNigerians in the froma withheld over examcountry malpractices, young and create proceeding with their planned decrease from 123 into therebuild previous the year. positive models industrial action, scheduled to Oloyede said the Board remained national values." resolute in from its commitment commence January 12.to Wale Igbintade eliminating of examination Justice any E.D.form Subilim made malpractice, adding that 1,957,000 The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, the order yesterday, while that regard,were has and approved your candidates verified to sit for has discharged acquitted a delivering ruling in an ex suspension as the Onido ofof Idothe in the examDirector while 71,705 were absent. former General parte brought by the areaapplication of authority of Ido Local Nigerian Maritime According to him,Administration 2,157 candidates Government Area ofrejections Oyo State." the federal government. and Safetyfingerprint Agency (NIMASA), experienced due directed Obathe Babalola to hand Patrick Akpobolokemi, ofFederal alleged While to Itsuspected registration infractions, over all million government properties in N754.8 fraud. aGovernment figure, he said, was far above of the Nigeria and his possession to Chairman In a unanimous decision delivered acceptable and currently theIdoAttorney-General the of localmargins government. Incourt the yesterday, the appellate of under investigation. meantime, the state government Federation are the 1stappeal, and allowed Akpobolokemi’s "Avowed total ofto39, 834 results remain has hard atthe anyone, set aside the hit Ikeja unreleased. Ofruling these, of 1,426 results no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Globacom: how our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams

Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo, Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) other Nominates Commissioners to becritical signedsectors. and delivered to President Tinubu NOA DG: FGemphasised to Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

the minister onAkure Monday. Fidelis David in Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his The Director General, administrationAgency will continue Orientation (NOA),to prioritiseLanre socialIssa-Onilu, inclusion has and Mallam economic empowerment of vulnerable announced plans to launch Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships aKuni 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade in with the federal government. Sunday Ehigiator primary schools across the country . Also, Aiyedatiwa has forwarded to The federal government yesterday He made theHouse disclosure whilea the Ondo State of Assembly said there are ongoing discussion speaking with journalists in Ibadan The Arewa Think has list of 12 nominees for theTank position of on how Nigerians stranded during a15,000 working visit to Oyo commissioners in the State Executive described the N100 trillion in Cameroon, Niger, Chad and State. Council for confirmation. market capitalisation milestone other parts of the world would He saidgovernor 1,000 Brigade The made this be returned to Citizens’ Nigeria safety. recorded by the Nigerian commitment during the of official would be Commissioner, set up in each the Federal National capital market as confirmation flag-off of the second phase 36 statesceremony andfor theRefugees, Federal Capital Commission Migrants that economic reforms of of thethe Conditional Cash Transfer Tand erritory (FCT) to promote national Internally Displaced Persons disbursement to beneficiaries in Ondo President Bola Ahmed Tinubu values as of old, stating that the (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, State, held atthe theBrigade Akure South Local essence ofthis was to are producing disclosed at aresults. mediayesterday. briefing Government Secretariat revive and rebuild the national In a statement yesterday, in Abuja. At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa values and create positive models the Convener of thethat group, Ahmed no launched therevealed distribution of the fewer thanHope sixAlhaji million people Renewed Debit Yakubu, Cards to Muhammad thousands of beneficiaries aswhile part were in Nigeria,shows said displaced the development of theNigeria federalofgovernment’s National thousands refugees arebeyond living that has moved Kemi Olaitan inProgramme Ibadan Social Investment (NSIP), elsewhere across the world. mere optimism and is already implemented in collaboration with “We haveState 15,000 Nigerians who The Oyo Government, yesexperiencing recovery. the Ondo State Government through want to return to the country terday, suspended Obahim, Gbolagade the National Social Investment According to “We voluntarily, and we alsoOnido have Muritala Babalola, as the Programme Agency (NSIPA). want align ourselves with not lessto 100,000 foreigners of Ido inthan Ido Local Government Addressing the gathering, the living in the this country asand refugees. the position of joy the former Area of state. governor expressed a deep The government, in letter dated All these are the responsibilities Deputy Governor ofathe Central sense responsibility, noting that 2nd ofof February, 2024 and signed of the commission, tostep give them Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Tunde the initiative is a bold towards by the Commissioner for Local support,” hepromise said. of “Renewed fulfilling the Government andPresident Chieftaincy Ahmed thanked Bola Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

as a settlement framework for farmers, aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and

Working, Says Arewa Group Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO, Executive

Court Halts Planned Doctors' Nationwide Strike

BurningofRiversAssemblyComplex:CourtDismisses Application Challenging Competence of Charge (NARD), NARD's President, Alex enumah in Abuja promising leaked questions. Mohammed andbeen Dr. He said theirSuleiman, results had also Justice Bolaji of a FedShuaibu areexample. 1st, 2nd withheld toIbrahim setOlajuwon a stern eral Court inhe Abuja, yesterday, InHigh some cases, said, the entire and 3rd respondents respectively. High Court which had dismissed dismissed the application bycentres two syndicates colluded with CBT his no-case submission, and quashed It would be recalled that Rivers State indigenes challenging to register using multiple fingerprints. the 12-count charge filed against members of NARD hadtolast the jurisdiction of the court try According to him, as aFinancial result of him by the Economic and them over alleged complicity in the week threatened to proceed this, 3,656Commission candidates with “extraneous Crimes (EFCC). burning of the Rivers State House of on a nationwide strike over The EFCC accused fingerprints” have in had their results Assembly complex Port Harcourt, alleged worsening welfare Akpobolokemi of CBT conspiracy, withheld, and some centres Rivers State. stealing, forgery in connection conditions and systemic neglect Chimeand Eguma Ezebalike and implicated will face sanctions. with illegal transfers from the Prince Lukman Oladele, were Healleged identified thethem centres as which according to “have account of thepersons VIMSAS Committee. among five charged with Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon affected morale and healthcare He wasand originally arraigned with terrorism murder. The others International School, Maitama, delivery”. several others, but the charges were are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Donald and Ochueja Thankgod. later amended to include only him Technology. Kano State and They wereWudil, last week arraigned on a seven-count criminal charge

Appeal Court Acquits Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi in N754.8m Fraud Case

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan

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SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT...

Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa (left), and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, during a visit by the Senator to Ukwa in his country home in Abia State…yesterday

IPMAN Rejects Fuel Imports as Dangote Refinery Denies Supply Disruption Claims Dangote takes corruption allegation petition against ex-NMDPRA boss to EFCC Peter Uzoho The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed opposition to the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country. This comes as the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has filed a formal corruption petition against former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). IPMAN also distanced itself from reports suggesting that the surge in petrol imports in November 2025 was linked to a breakdown in supply arrangements between Dangote Refinery and petroleum marketers, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

According to IPMAN, the report does not reflect the reality experienced by its members. The association emphasised that the commencement of supply from Dangote Refinery has significantly improved product availability nationwide. Speaking on the issue, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Garima, stated: “Our members fully support Dangote Refinery. Since supply began, marketers have consistently lifted products without any complaints. We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet the country’s entire PMS demand.” Garima further noted that members are satisfied with the reliability of supply and welcomed the refinery’s commitment to direct delivery to filling stations—a move he described as critical to stabilizing distribution and benefiting consumers. He stressed that improved access to locally

and efficiency. The refinery disclosed that supply under the marketers’ arrangement began in October 2025 with an agreed offtake volume of 600 million litres of PMS. This was later increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December. “In line with market growth and absorption capacity, volumes were scaled up accordingly. Subsequently, and in line with downstream market liberalisation, we opened PMS supply to all qualified marketers, bulk consumers, and filling station operators,” the statement signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer,

Anthony Chiejina, read. Since December 16, 2025, Dangote Refinery has consistently loaded between 31 million and 48 million litres of PMS daily from its gantry, subject to market demand. These figures, the refinery noted, are verifiable against depot and loading records maintained under routine regulatory oversight. To broaden participation and improve distribution efficiency, the refinery introduced several measures, including reducing minimum purchase volumes from two million litres to 250,000 litres and offering a 10-day credit facility backed by bank guarantees. These

initiatives aim to enhance liquidity, support small and medium-sized operators, and reduce reliance on imported fuel. The refinery added that this expanded access framework has driven higher utilisation of locally refined PMS and contributed to more competitive retail pricing, with domestic products priced significantly lower than imported alternatives. It also dismissed claims that marketers withdrew due to pricing concerns, affirming that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive, market-responsive, and aligned with import parity indicators while meeting all regulatory and quality standards.

Lagos Named Among World’s Top Seven Art Destinations for 2026 Sunday Ehigiator

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and cultural hub, has been named one of the seven must-visit art destinations in 2026 by global travel and arts observers. The city joins international and fairness in the system, capitals such as Venice, and marginalised non- Doha, Sydney, Bangkok, physician professional health Philadelphia, and Malta in workers. recognition of its vibrant and JOHESU called for President rapidly growing art scene. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s The recognition comes as intervention to ensure that Lagos prepares to host several no group is discriminated against in such delicate human capacity management policy. In the document addressed to President Tinubu, JOHESU expressed grave concern Deji Elumoye in Abuja over the sudden reversal in policy which it claimed The federal government has was in favour of one cadre established Nigeria House in within the health system, Davos ahead of the 56th Annual stressing that healthcare is Meeting of the World Economic a multidisciplinary endeavour Forum (WEF) 2026, scheduled and no single cadre can to take place from January 19 to function independently of 23, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. others. The landmark initiative,

JOHESU Demands All-Inclusive Retirement Policy Health workers under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have protested the revised retirement age policy announced by the federal government, describing it as discriminatory. Reacting to the development, it said the policy is selective and favours one cadre within the system, and warned that that would erode teamwork and effective healthcare delivery in the country. In a document jointly signed by National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir and Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the body argued that the selective circular undermines equity

refined products has eased supply pressures and boosted confidence among independent marketers, reaffirming IPMAN’s commitment to domestic refining as a sustainable solution for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in a statement, has dismissed the media reports as baseless and inaccurate. In its statement, the refinery clarified that no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed, adding that its engagement with the downstream market was deliberately structured to meet rising demand and enhance access, competition,

major art events this year, including the fifth Lagos Biennial, the launch of the Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the 11th edition of ART X Lagos. The Biennial, curated by Folakunle Oshun, is themed ‘The Museum of Things Unseen’, a reflection on ancestry, cultural history, and museology through innovative exhibitions in non-traditional spaces. The Lagos Biennial is

scheduled to run from October 17 to December 18, 2026, while ART X Lagos will take place from November 5 to 8. The Àkéte Collection will officially open in October 2026, adding a permanent institutional anchor to the city’s contemporary art landscape. Events are spread across Lagos, reflecting the city’s dense and dynamic urban fabric. The Àkéte Collection will serve as a central repository for African modern and contemporary art, while galleries including

Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery continue to support and showcase emerging and established artists. Additionally, institutions such as the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History ground contemporary work in Nigeria’s rich historical and cultural narratives. Lagos’ inclusion among top global art destinations reflects its growing influence as West Africa’s leading contemporary art hub.

Ahead of 56th Annual WEF 2026, FG Establishes Nigeria House In Davos according to a release issued yesterday by Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, marked Nigeria’s first official National House on the Davos Promenade and represents a strategic national platform to project Nigeria’s economic reforms, investment

readiness, institutional strength, and cultural identity on the global stage. Nigeria House Davos is designed to strengthen foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, deepen strategic partnerships, and advance Nigeria’s global economic positioning in alignment with

the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria House Davos is the result of a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework involving relevant Ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Finance and Foreign Affairs, and the private sector.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026

NEWS

UNVEILING OF NIGERIA HOUSE DAVOS...

L-R: Inalegwu Ejembi of UFAM Services Nigeria Limited; Umar Ali Mustapha of UFAM Services Nigeria Limited; Minister of Trade & Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Omowunmi Imoukhuede of Eviola & Co Integrated Services Limited, and Collins Nzekwe of Lex-Con Advisory Services Limited, at the unveiling of Nigeria House Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum, in Abuja…yesterday

Rivers: PANDEF Sets Up Reconciliation Committee to Avert Political Crisis Wike urges unity for Rivers’ progress Elders, CSOs, George fault planned removal of governor

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt With political tensions rising in Rivers State, following the move by the Rivers House of Assembly to impeach Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex sociopolitical organisation of the South-South, yesterday stepped in to prevent a full-blown crisis by initiating high-level intervention efforts. Specifically, the group has set up a reconciliation committee chaired by former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). This emerged as FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, clamoured for unity of purpose for the growth and progress of Rivers State.

Rivers State elders under the aegis of the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum as well as some civil society groups condemned the impeachment notice issued to Fubara and Odu. However, findings from Rivers showed that the State has remained peaceful and quiet, despite the looming political tension, even as reactions continue to trail the legislative action. Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaehwule, on Thursday, accused Fubara and Odu of gross misconduct, including misappropriation of public funds, obstructing the Rivers State House Assembly from performing her duties, others. The Speaker, adopting the motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, and Silvanus Nwankwo, had mandated an investigation into the governor’s financial and

I Am Still In PDP, Dickson Declares

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has dismissed as false reports circulating in sections of the media alleging that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement issued yesterday by his media aide, Ajiri Daniels, Senator Dickson categorically stated that he remains a committed member of the PDP and has not decamped to any other political party. The Senator explained that he is presently in mourning following the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He noted that, as a mark of respect, he has since

stepped back from political activities during this period of mourning and has been busy receiving condolence visits from friends, political leaders, allies and well wishers all over the country. These visitors cut across political leaders from different political parties and persons from all spheres of life. While noting that he is keenly following developments in the political space, Dickson assured that after the burial, he will consult widely with friends and political allies across the country before taking any decision, which will be formally announced. But in the meantime he still remains a key leader in the PDP, hoping that the party will get its act right in view of its legacy contribution to Nigerian politics.

administrative actions. He further directed the transmission of the notice of the allegations to Fubara and Odu. PANDEF has set up a reconciliation committee headed by Agabi. The group expressed

concern over the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the state’s top executive officials, warning that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could

escalate into wider instability. In a statement issued after a meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, PANDEF noted that Rivers State occupies a strategic position not only

in the Niger Delta but also in Nigeria’s overall political stability and economic wellbeing, given its role in the oil and gas sector and its diverse population, including a sizeable expatriate community.

Macron Presses French Companies to Revive Investment in Africa President Emmanuel Macron has called for a renewed push by French companies and financiers into Africa, arguing that excessive regulation and corporate caution have allowed rivals to displace France from markets it once dominated. Partnerships with African economies must be part of

France’s growth strategy, spanning entrepreneurship, finance and the role of the diaspora, Bloomberg quoted Macron as having told French ambassadors at a conference in Paris. That objective would be discussed at a summit in May in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi,

to which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have been invited, he said. “There is a timidity on the part of many that is no longer understandable,” Macron said. “I have asked the minister to really take an in-depth look at this. And basically, let’s bring

more and more French groups to Africa.” A number of French banks and corporations have retreated from Africa over the past decade, despite France having been a financial force in the region as recently as 15 years ago, reflecting longstanding ties as the former colonial power.

NBA Tasks Police on Arrest, Prosecution of Killers of Abuja Female Lawyer, Princess Chigbo Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has tasked the Nigeria Police Force on the prompt arrest and prosecution of persons responsible for the death of a female lawyer, Princess Mediatrix Chigbo. The lifeless body of the former treasurer of the Abuja branch of the NBA, was found dead a few days later along the Kubwa Expressway within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident occurred a few days after the body of a

health worker with the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, was also discovered in the FCT, raising serious concerns over the rising menace of "one-chance" in the city centre. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Abuja branch of the NBA, while condemning the dastardly act, demanded swift action against the perpetrators. The statement signed by both the chapter's Chairman and Secretary, Steve Emelieze and Onyeka Obiajulu, urged relevant authorities to put machinery in place for the security and

safety of residents of the FCT. "The NBA Abuja Branch acknowledges and commends the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in combating crime within the FCT. "However, the continued occurrence of these heinous crimes raises grave concerns about the safety of residents, particularly commuters who rely daily on public transportation along major routes such as the Kubwa Express Road. "Abuja must not be allowed to degenerate into a city where

citizens live in constant fear for their lives while commuting," the statement read in part. The NBA subsequently called on the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and relevant security agencies to "urgently intensify intelligence-driven investigations, dismantle “one chance” syndicates, increase visible and strategic police presence along identified hotspots, and ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the death of Princess Mediatrix Chigbo and similar crimes."

Army Raises Alarm Over Fake COAS Accounts on Social Media Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian Army has warned the public about the activities of a cybercriminal impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant

General Waidi Shaibu, on various social media platforms. The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to disregard any messages, requests or communications purportedly originating from

the COAS through unofficial channels. In a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the development

as a growing concern, noting a disturbing increase in fake social media accounts operated by unscrupulous individuals falsely claiming to represent or be associated with the COAS.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026

NEWS

FREE HEALTHCARE OUTREACH...

L-R: Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies, Chief Razak Akanni Okoya; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwakemi Ogunyemi; Nigerian industrialist and businesswoman, Mrs. Folashade Nimota Okoya, and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District 3, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, during the official flag off of an eight-day free healthcare outreach sponsored by Chief Okoya to mark his 86th birthday in Lagos... recently

Akpabio: Leadership by Example, Best Way to Resolve Nigeria’s Social, Political, Economic Crisis

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said leadership by example remains the most effective way to address Nigeria’s social, political and economic challenges, as he announced a New Year resolution anchored on forgiveness, faith and reconciliation. Akpabio disclosed this in a statement yesterday following his

decision to forgive all individuals who had offended him and to withdraw all pending defamation suits he had instituted in various courts. The decision was contained in a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh. According to the statement, the resolution was inspired by events during a New Year Day church service at Sacred Heart

Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where Akpabio worshipped on January 1, 2026. The parish priest, Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, in his homily, called on worshippers to let go of grievances, embrace forgiveness and pursue peace. Akpabio was quoted as saying that the sermon had a personal impact on him and influenced his decision. Following this, the Senate

President directed his legal team to withdraw about nine defamation suits pending in different courts. Among them is the N200 billion suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which arose from allegations Akpabio had previously denied. Other cases involving individuals and some of his associates were also affected by the directive.

2027: Mbah Vows to Make Nkanu Proud After Royal Fathers’ Endorsement Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the people of Nkanu land and Enugu State in general that he would continue to make them proud, serving with integrity and the full measure of his capacity.

Mbah gave the assurances yesterday, at the 50th coronation anniversary celebration of the traditional rule of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area (LGA) HRM Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, who is also the Grand Patron of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

The Governor was reacting to his endorsement through the presentation of an ofo staff, the Igbo symbol of authority, truth and justice, by Igwe Nwatu and traditional rulers of Nkanu land, assisted by the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Ruler Council, HRM Igwe

Samuel Asadu. “I would like to begin by thanking our elders and our revered royal fathers for the event of today and what has just happened. The weight, import and significance of the ofo I have just received cannot be lost on me as an Nkanu man.

Mikano, Changan Emerge Platinum Infrastructure Partners for Lagos Cycling Event Sunday Ehigiator

Mikano International Limited and Changan have been named the Official Platinum and Founding Infrastructure Partner for the inaugural Lagos Gran Fondo ‘EKO 170’, Nigeria’s first 170-kilometre cycling challenge, scheduled for January 11, 2026.

This was disclosed yesterday through a statement from the organisers, describing it as a major boost for delivering a world-class, safe, and sustainable sporting event in Lagos. “The EKO 170’ is fully endorsed by the Lagos State Government and is expected

to become a landmark sports tourism event in Nigeria,” the statement said. “Under the partnership, Mikano and Changan will provide critical in-kind infrastructure, including official lead, commissaire, and support vehicles, on-site power generation for the

festival village, medical support services, and rider sustenance.” The organisers said this support will form the operational backbone of the cycling challenge. Event Organiser, Olalere Odusote, described the collaboration as more than a sponsorship.

Edo Doctors Threaten Strike Over Abduction, Killing of Colleagues Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin Doctors, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State chapter, have threatened to down their tools over the abduction of two of their colleagues and the subsequent killing of one by gunmen suspected to be

kidnappers. State chairman of the association, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, disclosed this in a statement in Benin, yesterday. Oseghale said the withdrawal of medical services across the state would commence at 8a.m. today due to the abduction of two doctors between January

1 and 2, 2026. He said the kidnapping incident raises concerns about healthcare professionals' safety in the state, threatening their lives and undermining healthcare delivery. "We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives

should take this seriously, as they'll be held responsible for the consequences of our action," he said. This was as doctors in Auchi, Edo North senatorial district, yesterday marched through the streets demanding the release of their colleague in Kidnappers' den.

The statement noted that Akpabio had, in the past, maintained that public office holders were entitled to seek legal redress against defamatory claims, and that the withdrawal of the suits was a voluntary decision taken in line with his New Year resolution. Akpabio was quoted as saying that Nigeria’s challenges require leaders who are willing to demonstrate restraint, tolerance and moral responsibility in the discharge of their duties. He stated that leadership by example was essential to rebuilding trust and promoting unity in the country. The Senate President’s action comes during his tenure as head of the 10th National Assembly, which, according to official records, has passed more than 96 bills within two

years, with over 58 of them receiving presidential assent. The statement added that the Senate under his leadership has focused on legislative productivity and institutional stability. Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has consistently referenced his Christian faith in public engagements. The statement also highlighted that his political career has combined governance responsibilities with religious activities, both at the state and national levels. According to the statement, the withdrawal of the lawsuits was intended to reduce tension, promote reconciliation and allow greater focus on national legislative responsibilities.

EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Alleged N2.28bn Currency Non-Declaration Wale Igbintade

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned an Austrian, Kavlak Onal, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged non-declaration of foreign currencies totalling $800,575 and €651,505, valued at about N2.28 billion. Onal was arraigned before Justice Yellim Bogoro on a two-count charge bothering on failure to declare the funds as required by law. Prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on December 13 during the defendant’s outward clearance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while he was en route to Australia. She said Onal was arrested by operatives of the Anti-

Money Laundering Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after he was found in possession of the foreign currencies, which he allegedly failed to declare. According to the prosecution, the alleged acts contravened Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the same law. When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts. Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending trial. However, defence counsel, Sterlin Imhemuro, who led Temilehin Olushola, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of the defendant and duly served on the prosecution.

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JANUARY 10, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

F

The Question Before Tambuwal As former Sokoto State governor AminuTambuwal clocks 60, JOHN DANIEL asks: what next?

rom a largely unknown lawyer and teacher in Sokoto, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal just didn’t happen onto our political consciousness; he hit us like a high-speed freight train. First as a Special Assistant on Legislative Matters to the-then Senate Leader, then a member and later Speaker of the House of Representatives before culminating in the governorship of Sokoto State. His rise through the political ranks has largely been propelled by a combination of several factors chief among which are his strength of character, strong political conviction and exceptional leadership qualities. Tambuwal is also a very simple and humble politician, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. His innovative approach to leadership and his ability to collaborate with others to achieve the larger good sets him apart from others. Overall, his leadership style is characterized by vision, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of the electorate as exemplified by his run-away success as the governor of Sokoto State. Throughout his political career, Tambuwal has been defined by his purposeful and result-oriented leadership. He is a politician who is neither obsessed with self-glorification nor engaged in self-adulation. Rather, his focus is on policy and institutional reforms, delivering democratic dividends, and leaving a footprint of enduring legacy. His achievements in office were not just visible; they were measurable. However, the question on the lips of his associates, admirers, followers and political opponents alike today is whether Tambuwal can parlay his successes so far and his goodwill among his people onto a higher realm of political ascendancy. Citizens want to see if he can ride the wave of national acceptance he has garnered over the past decades to the highest office in the land. What are his chances? What obstacles – political and administrative – stand in his way? Which one of his impressive attributes will help in scaling the hurdles of a presidential primary and, subsequently, national elections? Will the acceptance he has enjoyed from a section of the polity translate into a wider, general acceptance needed to win the ultimate prize? To be sure, an election into the National Assembly isn’t the same as a presidential run. While one is local and confined to his local constituency, the other is national, far-reaching, and definitely more expansive. And election into the governorship office, even though state-wide, is still incomparable to an election into the presidential office. It, therefore, needs no saying that what has worked for Tambuwal in his political career so far may prove not to be enough to carry him over the finish line in a presidential contest. When he contested his party’s presidential primaries ten years ago, one glaring but hardly noticed drawback was this: every single person that has won a presidential election in the entire period of the 4th Republic had an experience in executive administration. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and former two-term governor of Lagos State, continues the unwritten practice of winners of the presidential election having prior executive experience. In 2015, Aminu Tambuwal didn’t have that executive experience. Today, however, the story has changed. Now, he can boast of having the

HIS CALM DEMEANOUR AND ABILITY TO DEFUSE TENSIONS – A CHARACTER TRAIT THAT HAS EARNED HIM MUCH RESPECT ACROSS PARTY LINES – WOULD BE A CURRENCY THAT COULD COME IN HANDY IN A PRESIDENTIAL BID

single thread that connects every president in the 4th Republic: executive experience. But will that be enough to earn him the coveted office? Not if the fate of other politicians with executive experiences is anything to go by. Becoming the president of a country as vast, as diverse and as fragmented in its fabled unity as Nigeria, takes a whole lot more than a mere executive experience. But it helps that Aminu Tambuwal has that experience under his belt. What he also has under his belt that could help his course if and when he throws his hat in the presidential ring again are his track record of performance and achievements over the years. His admirers believe that his leadership skills, integrity and understanding of Nigeria’s complexities, in addition to his key strengths as a visionary leader, a unifying force, and a man of integrity and transparency who has a clear vision for Nigeria’s development, would make him a difficult candidate to beat. His focus on security, economy, education and healthcare, and his ability to promote dialogue and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups would also be a clear advantage, they claim. Other assets that he could deploy in a presidential bid are his track record of consensus-building and his adeptness at navigating fractious party dynamics. It is also believed that his calm demeanour and ability to defuse tensions – a character trait that has earned him much respect across party lines – would be a currency that could come in handy in a presidential bid. In addition, his stated policy proposals focused on restructuring Nigeria, promoting fiscal federalism, and addressing security and economic challenges, could also be an advantage he could hang his presidential ambition hat on. Tambuwal believes in the Nigerian project and would expectedly deploy every political arsenal at his behest to see him become the country’s president. Some of the key policy thrusts he has proposed, and which may help his presidential cause, include fiscal federalism, security, and inclusive economic growth. He advocates restructuring Nigeria’s federal system to give more autonomy to states and emphasizes the need for improved security measures to tackle banditry and kidnapping. He has also harped on plans to address economic challenges and promote development. Despite this array of admittedly impressive CV, the road to Aso Rock will certainly not be an easy one for Tambuwal should he try. His immediate challenge would be the political platform on which to deploy for such aspiration, considering that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is more or less the special purpose vehicle for the 2027 aspiration of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. But perhaps the greatest obstacle to Tambuwal’s 2027 ambition will be the current President Ahmed Bola Tinubu–a man who, against all expectations, has continued to go from strength to strength–if he goes ahead to contest for a 2nd term. As things stand, there is nothing to indicate he won’t, so Tambuwal’s chances may lie in 2031 election, that is assuming he is still in active politics by then. But as he clocks 60 today, I wish Tambuwal happy birthday. Daniel is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst

Re: Bola’s Tax: When ‘Simple Logic’ Becomes Simple Misdirection

T

he Emmanuel Orjih's essay being circulated is rhetorically powerful, but its “simplicity” is achieved by subtracting the very provisions that determine the outcome. That is not clarity; it is selective accounting. Let’s dismantle the argument on its own terms—calmly, sequentially, and with arithmetic that actually follows the law. One, the core confusion: pension and health insurance are not taxes—they are deductible contributions. A tax is a compulsory payment to government for general public purposes with no direct ownership claim by the payer. A pension contribution is a deferred wage placed in a worker’s Retirement Savings Account—owned by the worker, regulated by law, and paid out to the

TANIMU YAKUBU argues that the piece amounts to more or less selective accounting worker later. Under Nigeria’s contributory pension framework, the employee contribution is commonly 8% (with an employer minimum contribution alongside it). Likewise, national health insurance contributions/premiums are risk-pooling payments for defined health coverage, not a general revenue levy; and (crucially) they are among the items treated as deductions in personal income tax computations. So when someone frames pension/ health insurance as “proof the poor are being taxed,” they are committing a category error: • A deduction is not a tax. • A contribution you own (pension) is not a levy you lose. • A premium that buys coverage is not

a payment for “government enjoyment.” If anything, the presence of these deductions is evidence of an attempt—however imperfect—to avoid taxing the portion of income being set aside for welfare/ insurance. Two, the decisive arithmetic the essay avoids: the ₦800,000 tax-free threshold. Under the new regime described in multiple reputable summaries, the first ₦800,000 of annual income is taxed at 0%. That is not a footnote. That is the hinge. Now apply it to “Joseph”: Monthly income: ₦75,000 • Annual income: ₦75,000 × 12 = ₦900,000 Under a system where the first ₦800,000 is taxed at 0%, Joseph is not “squarely inside” some punitive bracket. He is

₦100,000 above the zero band. Even before deductions, the portion potentially exposed to tax is ₦100,000 per year. If the next band is taxed at 15% (as these summaries indicate), then Joseph’s gross annual PIT exposure is: • ₦100,000 × 15% = ₦15,000 per year • ₦1,250 per month Now add pension: If Joseph contributes pension at 8% (even using the essay’s own assumption), that is: • 8% × ₦900,000 = ₦72,000 in pension contributions annually (simplified) That reduces the portion above ₦800,000 from ₦100,000 to ₦28,000. Tax becomes: Yakubu is Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation continued online

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JANUARY 10, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Waiting the Trophy... What afor waste!

Praise of President CommunityIn Held Hostage By Fear Buhari

IW

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Eric Anyamene’sStop Philanthropy Ritual Attacks and Killings

by thefor EFCC, President successfully brought back to hen President Muhammadu the reins and of n December, I visited my Buhari took over I asked inquired details to Buhari by his action richas Nnamdi Anyamene has has endeared himself to the masses. the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly ano broken state Iinmet people hometown in southeastern avail. who told imprinted his name in the His disposition for helping the of transparency and accountability. many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad Nigeriagovernance and, for first in government me partial or stroke, dia- looters on their toes After keeping treasury and at bay through of the the andthe untold leveltime of corruption, couldparalysis not he Advocacy Alleged Witches collective psyche needy people for in our society is (AfAW) a decades, and spent toover a and week betic at sores were sent; werePresident not Buhari moved EFCC,they particularly, to curb of unnecessary live up to its financial obligations citizens service providers both the urges the publicnurture. to stop ritual people Idemilispending North function of Nigerian nature and He habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part federal state levels. where I was born. attacks and killings because the notion in theand community natural or some medical conditions. and South LGAs in Anambra State had a strict parental upbringing, the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried of ritual money and wealth is completely Iout was shocked by the pervasiveness Some people told of me that enemies execution acts having been born to Chrisfrittered away billions in foreignthrough currency byhis importing goods, of which canof baseless. AfAW is making thiscatholic call following the was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state of superstition and asparanoia. I salaries. Granting used this theirat home. parents be kill produced One of such items was rice, aNot majoronly stapledoes amonghe reported suspected ritualists Oyo State governors pay something basic as workers’ thosepoison bailout to philanthropy. tians,arrest whoofare martinets foringood came face-to-face thesecurity dark because theor otherof relatives. And in By most cases, Nigerians. banning rice importation into the country, the President on one Nigeria. Theinculcated local media reported funds was a huge boost with to national pressure arrears distribute food items to them during in southern behaviour. They in him hand had savedat theother nation billions in foreign currency annually. that members of the Western Nigeria Security of unpaid salaries building dangerously the country was accusing a and toxicmonthly effects of irrational fears all overthey pointed finger festive periods, but his foundation, the virtues of hard work, charity, And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists ticking bomb. and anxieties. Upon arrival at the family members. In my community, Eric Nnamdi Foundarighteousness, andman. honesty. of rice and in the process had nudged the country Anyamene into self sufficiency in with the body parts ofhumility, a 73-year-old Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it family compound, I noticed that the dies to a natural death. Anyone food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people the rice TheAgain, suspects, were for apprehended in the took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and howno thatone contributed tion (ENAF), sponsors theintertiary thewho streak helping the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim collapseof of our the economy as if,housekeeper without ministers, governance frozen. awayvalue hand family's whowas passed waschain. killed. In education of brilliant students, who down-trodden people inheres in him. What is most President Buhari and his government is cleric asked them to procure some human body But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, was swollen. I asked him what most cases, people would say:admirable "They aboutcome from poor homes. And ENAF As he is possessed of the virtue of its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole happened, and he said that he have killed him" or "They have organizes, periodically, health empathy, he is conceptions moved to of pity whenRecall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped in Nigeria. Irrational how to story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state had picked somein poison while gotten him at last".abysmally Who are 'they'? as if to sabotage himoutreaches knowing all theso bigas promises he made money or become wealthy and President Buhariup inherited 2015. to offer freetohealth make ever he sees a person, who issuccessful in dire his campaigns. with the little resources that trickle in, the these atrocities. Nigerians It was therefore for him toup takesome stock against the background working on a necessary farm. Picked Their neighbours, citizens their during brothers and But treatment to ailing people in Idemili undergird circumstances. So it Many can be seen that President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could strongly believe in blood money, known in of the fact that the departing government didup not, reportedly, cooperate poison? Does one drink or pick sisters. Theirfullrelatives. North and South LGAs. By carrying some thelocal aspect of hisaspersonality, which not dream of. languages Ogun Owo (Yoruba) well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover poison? I asked himGoodluck what Jonathan he meant LeoinIgwe the Advocacy for out acts offrom philanthropy to And alleviate or Ogwu is about people, to Today, the trains are up and running daily Abuja to Kaduna. egohelping (Igbo). They think owes that they notes. Although President was gracious defeat, directs many by that. He said was over what Witches from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new track was started completed; rich, or successful through of his appointees were that still sulking what they saw Alleged as their personal therail suffering of theand people and offer could thebecome strict parental upbringing heritual citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the Unfortunately, this is not the case. losses said. and therefore the stops to make they Whopulled said?allHe could not things difficult for the hope to people, who are destitute, he sacrifice. received and his genetic make-up. country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, Buhari government. specifically say. The following day, I That is why he is fittingly to the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would or reality. Home movies known as referred Africa Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP saw a motorcyclist in the leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic magic or Nollywood films of have not helped appointees and their supporters stillcompound in government hell-bent on making as the quintessence philanthropy. praying forfor him and the on with his methodical repair advantages. matters. These movies continue to reinforce things difficult Buhari, thepressing President moved Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowuluthese mistaken notions and other superstitions. of a brokenpart country. thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja swollen of The hisfirst hand, which T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R Obosi, churches, Anambra State and other public Families, mosques, of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA caused more inflammation. I was institutions do not encourage the interrogation paid into one single account in line with the policy of DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU outraged, I told him to get ready, to thebeliefs. Scales of theseTipping traditional occult There are Single Treasury Account (TSA). MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO H E S AT UDIRECTOR R DAY NISRAEL E W S IWEGBU PA P E R visit no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these Thethe TSAhospital. policy, interestingly, was mooted by the DEPUTYTMANAGING EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE Upside Down CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI irrational and paranormal claims in schools, PDP government but its penchant for imprudence The following day, we went to DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN colleges, and universities. So millions of lack of accountability denied it the courage of MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO aand hospital, where he is currently was interested to see Robert F Kennedy THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they implementing the policy. What the President literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU undergoing some CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI has taken my approach to food couldJrmake moneyon through ritual sacrifice of did was to gather all the treatment. nation’s moneySome into one box EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN human body parts. belief ledpleasant many and locked it upmembers with a big padlock and watched community confirmed thatfor selection withThe all of the has more MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI Nigerians tofoods commit perpetrate any thief to come close. people could pick up or step on tasting at crimes the topand of the pile now. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed Who can blame the President for almost developing T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D I have been following his 'more healthy' 'poisons' that some enemies or evil or are undergoing court trials due to ritualparanoia over the safeguard of the national treasury EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA plan for a long but unfortunately it people kept.and And thatof could causelooting GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, related attacks andtime murder. with revelations reports mind-boggling ISRAEL IWEGBU hasn't am very overweight, Not worked too long for ago,me. theI police arrested some that took place in the 16 years or of the PDP? With diabetic sores, stroke, death. A T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE young Nigerians for stealing female pants, such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting my hip is stuffed and the clothes I buy EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA woman told me that one could buy DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTORENIOLA OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, require more material so they are much them at local markets or from some SNR. ASSOCIATE ERIC OJEH ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMADIRECTOR NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK more expensive. Where haveritual I gone wrong? DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETEREIMIUHI IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE occult experts. Nobody was able Buhari to ritual-related abuses because money bare hands and on empty stomach, President CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO,DIRECTOR UCHENNAOJOGUN DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL VICTOR DANBOYI Surely Government advice is scientifically beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian was duty bound bringnature sanity and explain to meto the oraccountability compo- back SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO media, schools, and colleges should help in national valid and should be followed? ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI nents of spending. these poisons, what they TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com educate and reorient the public. They should Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia looked like, or how they worked. assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

T

I

remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

saturDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY

Happy

81t hd st

B ir

ay

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Happy 81st Birthday Sir, Wisdom comes with age, but you’ve clearly set the bar. A father to many, a leader for all seasons. May your laughter, stories, and energy keep inspiring us all. HBD. Sir!

CHIEF SENATOR

DAUZIA

LOYA ETETE. THE NDAGBUDU KEME KENI OF IZON-IBE

Signed: Your Sons, DR. DAKUKU ADOL PETERSIDE DR. IFIESIMAMA SEKIBO BOLOUMBELEMOWEI OLUKUTU

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026

NEWS XTRA

81ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION...

Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Dr. Koye Jolaoso (left) and pioneer Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Ronke Folarin, during a courtesy visit to Folarin on her 81st birthday... recently

Trump’s Venezuela Obsession Worries Aides Ahead of Midterm Elections Sunday Ehigiator with agency report

President Donald Trump's focus on the brazen U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is frustrating some White House aides and Republican lawmakers, who want him to address economic and healthcare concerns in an election year, according to three people familiar with the matter. With voters disgruntled about rising prices and Trump's handling of the economy, some allies fear the President's intense focus on foreign policy could jeopardise the party's tenuous control of Congress in November's midterm elections, Reuters reported. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, her deputy, James Blair and Vice President JD Vance are pressing Trump to prioritise domestic concerns, said two White House officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. Vance has been the most persistent voice in meetings, repeatedly steering conversations back to kitchen-

table issues, they said. In the wake of last week's Venezuela operation, some top White House aides are "openly frustrated" that Trump and many senior officials continue to talk so much about foreign affairs, one of the officials said. Despite easing inflation, many voters remain focused on affordability as they face high costs for housing, food and health insurance. Asked for comment, the White House said Trump has always made the economy his top priority, citing his announcements this week aimed at lowering home prices, and said his foreign policy has "consistently put America First." "The President will always work to bring investments and deliverables back to our country," said spokeswoman Anna Kelly. Wiles and Blair did not respond to requests seeking comment. A spokeswoman for Vance declined to comment. The concerns about Trump's priorities are not new, as his focus on foreign policy predates the Venezuela operation. In recent weeks he has made veiled threats to

Premium Trust Bank Empowers Entrepreneurs with N24m The 2025 Young Ministers Retreat (YMR) concluded at the Redemption City with a landmark shift in its mission as N24 million was given to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs as grants. The four-day event, traditionally known for its rigorous spiritual focus on fasting and prayer, pivoted this year to address the economic realities of Nigeria’s youth through a strategic partnership with Premium Trust Bank. According to a statement, empowering the ‘New

Army,’ Pastor Daniel Olawande, who was the convener and pastor in charge of RCCG Youth Province 20, described the initiative as a move to equip a "New Army" that is holistically prepared for societal impact. "While we ensure spiritual growth, we must ensure young Nigerians are financially capable of growing their businesses," Olawande stated. He added, "This is how we contribute to the economic growth of the country."

invade Greenland and Panama, bombed targets in Syria and Nigeria, and pushed for peace between Ukraine and Russia. But the officials say the concerns have taken on greater urgency as the administration enters a pivotal election year, when the White House had planned to shift more aggressively toward domestic messaging and travel.

Trump, who campaigned on curbing inflation, has recently said the issue of affordability is a Democratic "hoax." In multiple White House meetings focused on the economy since November, officials have shown him polling, surveyzs and social media posts highlighting voters' concerns about the cost of living and his handling of

the economy and have urged him to focus his public remarks on economic issues, the White House officials said. Trump, one official said, has countered that the economy is strong, warned that focusing on it could play into a Democratic trap to downplay his achievements and maintained that high inflation stems from his

predecessor Joe Biden's policies. After the President announced on Saturday that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela, Republican lawmakers inundated the White House with calls insisting the "only country Trump should be running is the United States," one official said.

Zulum Inaugurates Remodelled School for Vulnerable Girls Disburses N1bn to SMEs in five LGAs

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday inaugurated a fully remodelled "Second Chance School" for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area. Governor Zulum also disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five local government areas in Southern Borno. The newly inaugurated facility

now operational, Zulum’s administration has established three such schools across the state, with existing centres already operational in Maiduguri and Bama. Meanwhile, the targeted LGAs for disbursed N1 billion to SMEs include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar, with the funds intended to support entrepreneurs and enhance business sustainability. Zulum explained that the

direct injection of capital into the SME sector is essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase. In a related development aimed at tackling youth restiveness and promoting social stability, Zulum has ordered immediate employment of 200 young individuals from the Biu Local Government Area.

Baba-Ahmed to Atiku: Stop Contesting for President

I formerly known and addressed as ONONYE OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as EKI OLUCHI CHRISANNE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as OmORUYI ImONLE JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as JOY ImONLE JOSEpH. All former documents remain valid. The General public should please take note.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has asked former vice president Atiku Abubakar to stop contesting for president, saying Atiku had already started contesting to become Nigeria’s President while he served as a member of the National Youth Service

is part of a strategic initiative designed to offer adult women, including those who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to prevailing challenges, a pathway to selfreliance. The school’s curriculum is tailored towards providing comprehensive skills' acquisition, critical digital knowledge and basic literacy, and numeracy training. With the Biu centre

Corps (NYSC). He called on the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate to allow the younger generation to take over the political space and seek ideas to solve the country’s problems. Baba-Ahmed said that the likes of Atiku, with their expensive style of politics, are discouraging younger

politicians with better ideas. Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed said, “When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was an aspirant and in 2018, we contested primaries together. In 2023 we contested again, I was a vice president elsewhere when his vice president had left him. For God’s sake in 2027 again?

Loveworld Invests $1.5 Million in African Youth Leadership Development in 13 Years Sunday Ehigiator

Loveworld Incorporated, through the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), has invested not less than $1.5 million in prize money

into the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) over the past 13 years, as part of efforts to promote youth leadership and development across the African continent.

This was disclosed during a press conference and public presentation of the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Award Winners and Ambassadors, held recently in Lagos.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as GBEmISOLA FOLAKE OmILABU, now wish to be known and addressed as GBEmISOLA FOLAKE GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADA CYNTHIA LAKEm now wish to be known and addressed as ADA ENYINNAYA NWAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

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Expression

‘Yesteryear’ Uncountable

A

carryoverfromlastyeartoyesterdayby Globacom Unlimited: “Dear customer, your existing data plan has been exhausted/expired. To continue browsing, dial…to buy data plan (a data plan or data plans)….” More critical: “…has been expired”? This is offensive and demonstrates stark illiteracy! This serial schoolboy howler must be stopped. “…on his emergence as the vice chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors (Governors’) Forum.” “…speak volume (volumes) of your capabilities.” This error-ridden advertorial was signed by five lawmakers! “…despite the fact that our party performed creditably well.” Delete ‘well’—it is an overkill. You either use ‘creditably’ or ‘well’ as both cannot co-function. “…the financial institutions, especially those listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (another comma) are positioning to….” “This emerged as the SEC yesterday, released its framework to….” Either a comma before ‘yesterday’ or none at all to avoid a disruption of the subject and the verb—there must be a joint relationship. “…as listed commercial banks give investors opportunity (an opportunity or opportunities) to own a….” “…is renowned for her electric music genre, comprising of soul….” Electrocute ‘of’! Daily Independent online of December 28 fumbled abysmally: “There are times necessity breed (breeds) invention….” “…uncontrolled contract awards and flagrant disobedience to (of) financial regulations….” Lastly from the above edition: “Proffer solution to Boko Haram menance first” Spell-check: menace. Vanguard of December 26 indulged in Boxing Day malapropism: “Gbagi itches (inches) closer to becoming first African in Rotary’s Arch Klumph Society”

“We wish to announce the sudden death of our friend…which sad event took place on… in a ghastly motor accident.” (THE GUARDIAN, December 23) When an accident results in death, it is fatal (not ghastly). A recurrent blunder: “4 arrested over 62-yr-old man’s death” (Vanguard, December 23) No tiresomeness from error regularity: ‘arrest’ takes ‘for’ (not ‘over’). “Why we’re promoting artistes of yesteryears” Nigeria’s weekly magazine: yesteryear. The same thing applies to ‘heyday’. “Our grouse against NHIS, by community pharmacists” (THE GUARDIAN, December 10) My grouse about (not against) media language abuse…. “Before it used to be between 40 to 60.” (THE GUARDIAN, December 17) Even The Flagship? Either from 40 to 60 or between 40 and 60. No muddle, gentlemen. “Explosions in the African continent” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: Explosions on the African continent. “In the presidential polls (a comma) President… failed to score the mandatory 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outrightly elected” ‘Outrightly’ is perverse American English. The standard version is ‘outright’ which functions both as an adverb and an adjective. We cannot continue agonizing over semantics. “On December 29, the governor added another feather to his cap when….” (Daily Trust, December 31) Stock expression: added (no need for another) a feather in (not to) one’s (his) cap. “Solutions that create more social trauma and dislocations than is (are) currently the case will not be preferred over (to) solutions that minimize the same.” I prefer compere to (not over) master of ceremonies. “The three parties that demanded for the restructuring of the electoral body are….” (Daily Independent, December 16) As a verb, ‘demand’

does not take ‘for’ except in a noun form. “Given the robust profiles of majority (a majority) of the INEC commissioners, there is every hope that the commission may get its acts together in the next elections.” A review: a majority of…and the fixed expression: get its act (not acts) together. The following blunders are from Leadership of December16: “Hong Kong, as a colony, is made up of the harbour that is reputed to be one of the busiest in the world comprising of some outlying settlements, ceded to Britain by China in 1842.” This can’t be a challenge: ‘comprising’ does not require ‘of’. “I feel the permanent solution is not in importing fuel from abroad….” (Vanguard, December 16) The importation couldn’t have been from within these shores! “Their roles and participation in the furtherance of dictatorship has (have) seriously.…” (Source: as above) “Issues bothering on meeting employers’ obligations to employees in form of salary….” There is a sharp distinction between ‘bothering’ and ‘bordering’, which applies here. “While contesting the alleged sale of the bakery and its ultra-modern equipments….” ‘Equipment’ is uncountable. “The frequency with which administrations are changed at the grassroot level makes it difficult for any sustainable development to be accomplished.” Immutable: grassroots makes. “Given the robust profiles of majority of the INEC commissioners, there is every hope that the commission may get its acts together in the April elections.” A review: a majority of…and the fixed expression: get its act (not acts) together. “The impression seems to have gained ground that the voter registration was just another white elephant project, a wasteful jamboree.” Get it right: just white elephant. All the trash about ‘project, a wasteful jamboree’ is simply pleonastic.

Taxing Poverty: When Policy Becomes Punishment

T

here is a Nigerian proverb that says when the soup is tasteless, the salt should not be blamed alone. Today’s economic soup is not just tasteless; it is thin, bitter, and served in broken bowls. Yet, at this exact moment, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has chosen to add a new ingredient: a hydra-headed tax regime whose stated intention is fiscal responsibility, but whose practical effect is to chase the poor into a shrinking corner. Let us begin from ground level, not from airconditioned conference rooms in Abuja. Joe is not an abstraction. He is real - and his story, originally shared by policy analyst Emmanuel Orjih, is painfully familiar across Nigeria. The young man earns ₦75,000 a month, lives modestly, feeds sparingly, and dreams cautiously. He is the gateman who is also a gardener. The shop assistant who is also a student. The village nephew who keeps a house from collapsing into weeds. He is unmarried, lives rent-free in a village house, tends a garden, and keeps a human presence where abandonment would otherwise reign. Policy rarely sees Joe, but Joe will feel policy - first, hardest, and longest. The official assurance is that the poor are protected. Arithmetic, however, has no respect for press statements. At a recent tax explainer session with senior officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Orjih posed a simple question: would Joe pay tax under the new regime? The initial answer was no. But when the officials were invited to walk through their own framework - line by line, deduction by deduction - the mathematics betrayed the reassurance. Once the imaginary reliefs were stripped away and only what Joe actually qualifies for was retained, the picture changed. Pension contributions shaved off a modest amount, leaving him with a taxable income of about ₦69,000 a month. That figure places him squarely within the new tax bracket. The officials reportedly reversed themselves. Quietly. Reluctantly. Joe, they conceded, would pay tax. That moment matters. Because when Joe

Tinubu becomes taxable, a line is crossed. Nigeria’s poor enter the tax net. Let us clear the fog. Poverty is not a sentiment; it is a metric. By the World Bank’s poverty threshold for lower-middle-income countries, anyone earning below roughly ₦190,000 a month in Nigeria is classified as poor. By that yardstick, Joe is not “almost poor” or “temporarily strained”. He is poor - unmistakably so. If the state taxes him, then the state is taxing poverty. No press release can negotiate with arithmetic. No rhetorical gymnastics can reverse that conclusion. We are told this is about “widening the tax base”. Fine words. Neutral words. Technocratic words. But words, like fishing nets, must land somewhere. Nigeria’s wealthy are already inside the tax net - at least on paper. If the net is widening, it can only stretch downward. It will not catch goats already in the pen. It will catch the barefoot child running past. And so Nigerians are entitled to ask an uncomfortable question: to what end?

We have seen money before. Plenty of it. Budgets passed with ceremony. Loans collected with speed. Fuel subsidy “savings” announced with drumrolls. Oil revenues sold forward. VAT raised, widened, normalised. Loot recovered and displayed. Internally generated revenue flowing daily like a stubborn tap. Development funds received with smiles and communiqués. Yet, here we are. Electricity largely remains a private arrangement between citizens and generators. Water is a personal project. Security is outsourced to prayer warriors, vigilantes, and luck. Healthcare is a gamble; education is a luxury. Roads are commissioned more often than they are completed. Poverty is not retreating; it is advancing. Wisdom, not cynicism, demands that governments be judged by patterns, not promises. If previous pools of public money did not translate into public relief, why should money squeezed from Joe’s already thin wallet perform a miracle? Economics, too, has its own stubborn truths. Raising taxes is not sinful. Timing, however, can turn policy into punishment. When inflation is high, taxes eat purchasing power. When real wages are falling, taxes deepen desperation. When unemployment is rising and informality dominates, taxation pushes survival further underground. When safety nets are weak, taxation becomes naked extraction. Nigeria today is not suffering one of these conditions. It is suffering ALL of them at once. To ignore this is not reform; it is recklessness. In such circumstances, orthodox economics - not ideology - advises restraint. Stabilise prices first. Support incomes. Grow the economy. Protect the vulnerable. Build administrative capacity. Then, and only then, broaden taxation fairly. Reverse the sequence, and you do not raise sustainable revenue; you shrink trust, encourage evasion, and harden poverty. The cruel irony is that the same poor being asked to “contribute” already self-provide what taxes should ordinarily supply. They pay for power in diesel. For water in sachets. For security in contributions. For education in school fees.

“Just imagine if all the money which was sunken into the Ajaokuta steel project.…” Tense mix-up: yank away ‘sunken’ for ‘sunk.’ “I escaped death by a hair’s breath” No lexical mayhem: a hair’s breadth. “I detest the idea of somebody being nun talk less of my own daughter.” ‘Talk less’ is Nigerian English employed in place of ‘not to talk of’ or ‘let alone’ which are standard entries. “The PDP has expressed serious concern at the fire outbreak, describing it as suspicious.” Just delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of redundancy. “Nigeria in search for (of) an enduring political structure…” “NGO sensitises (sensitizes, preferably) girls on (to) engineering, STEM-related activities” “…or through these number….” EFCC please take note: this number or these numbers “We urge that that it will (should) be sustained.” “For instance, NLC would (should) have opposed land border closure by the immediate past government when it was clear that in Nigeria….” “Zamfara, C’River, Adamawa, Ogun top cholera cases (case) list” “Chief Whip stages walk out (walkout) to protest Senate president’s out-of-order ruling” “The management of the radio station, in a statement (how else?), said his body has (had) been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre….” “The trustees of Royal Sports Club International, Abuja (another comma) felicitate with (felicitate) you as you mark the Golden (sic) age of 50.” Write right: ‘of 50’ is an overkill! “13 teams battle for glory as activities build-up (build up)”

COUNTERPOINT

femi

Akintunde-Johnson

fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

For healthcare in cash and hope. Now they are asked to pay again, this time directly to a state whose presence they mostly encounter through demand notices. Naturally, suspicion follows. Is this rush to tax about efficiency, or about sustaining an expensive political culture?. When convoys grow longer while stomachs grow emptier, when allowances expand while classrooms collapse, when public-funded medical tourism thrives while local hospitals decay, when palliatives travel faster into warehouses than into kitchens, trust evaporates. This is why the growing resistance to the new tax regime is not rebellion; it is self-preservation. It is not anti-government; it is pro-survival. The poor are not rejecting responsibility; they are demanding fairness, sequencing, and evidence that sacrifice travels upward as well as downward. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. One road insists that the poor must keep tightening belts that have no more holes. Hunger deepens. Resilience frays. The nation weakens quietly. The other road pauses, reassesses, and fixes leakage before squeezing throats. Families breathe. Survival stabilises. The country regains a fighting chance. This is not a call to disorder. It is a plea for sense. Citizens can remain within the law by understanding their rights, demanding clarity, and insisting on transparency. Knowledge, not protest, is the first remedy - it’s lawful. Questions are legal. Scrutiny is patriotic. And the simplest question remains the most devastating: if government has been collecting money all this while and your life did not improve, why should this one be different? In economics, as in life, hope without evidence is not optimism. It is gambling - and it is always the poor who are asked to stake what little they have left.

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super saturday

George Moghalu: Nigeria Cannot Become One-Party State

In Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, few issues generate as much debate as the question of power, incumbency, and opposition strength. As political parties realign and defections continue to reshape the balance of forces across the country, the challenge of unseating those already in office has become increasingly complex. It is against this backdrop that the governorship candidate of Labour Party in the 2025 guber election in Anambra state, Chief George Moghalu, said although the implosion of the ruling All Progressives Congress remains a possibility, considering the recent defections of political bigwigs into the party, removing an incumbent in power is not a tea party. In this wide-ranging conversation, Moghalu also argued that while the right to switch parties is personal, it cannot override the mandate of the people who elected an official. For Moghalu, democracy is fragile, and the integrity of the electoral process must be respected above individual ambition. On the larger stage, he asserts that Nigeria can never become a one-party state. Drawing lessons from the rise and eventual decline of previous dominant parties, Moghalu demonstrates that political dominance is transient, and real power lies in accountability, internal party democracy, and an engaged electorate. Adedayo Akinwale brings the excerpts

A

lot has been happening in the political scene. A lot of defections from one party to the other. As an experienced politician and one who has been in the ruling party before, I want you to tell us how you see this. Do you think a one-party state can function in Nigeria? It is of great concern for me and for every democrat. When you talk about who is losing, for me, I would say that democracy is losing. And something has to be done about it. I agree in all honesty that the right to defection is a personal right. And anybody can exercise such a right. But what gives me concern is that those who are defecting, did they consult those who sent them to office for you to defect. That is why I am one of those who strongly believes that the only way for you to test a defection is for you to lose the position you are occupying. If you defect, you lose that position. And then go and test your popularity or your acceptability or the general acceptability of that decision in the minds of those who actually sent you or who elected you. So, if you look at it in a very simple form, where you are going to, certainly the party you are going to become the beneficiary. One, party politics is about numbers. It’s about influence. So if, for example, a governor is defecting to a party, the party you are defecting into certainly will benefit. Because apart from the number, the governor doesn’t go alone, when a governor is defecting a lot of people usually go with him. Either those who are elected on the same platform or those who are benefiting from the government or those who see the governor as doing their bidding or the bidding of the people or meeting with the expectations of the people. But it’s a moral thing. It’s a moral question. Is it morally justified? And I would like the person who is defecting to answer that question. Then going to the issue of whether one party, there is no way we are going to be one party in Nigeria. We have seen this situation clear out before. There was a time in this country when PDP had 29 governors, approaching 30. I remember my personal encounter with my late brother, late Chief Vincent Ogbulafor who was chairman of PDP then. I remember him telling me, oh no, we are going to be in government for 60 years, uninterrupted. And we laughed. Where is PDP today? After three terms, PDP crumbled. From that 29 states then, we are talking of six now. Or less than six. So this is not new. What is happening now, to the benefit of APC is not new. So are you foreseeing the APC going the way of the PDP? One thing I have never arrogated to myself is that of a soothsayer, or a native doctor, or a prophet. Those three titles I have never arrogated to myself. Neither have I aspired to be any of those. You see, nobody can predict the future, to the best of my knowledge, and predict it correctly. So I can’t sit here now and tell you that APC will go the same way. You never can say. APC may survive it, APC may not survive it. You never can say. Even some people have said there may be implosion. Yes, it’s a possibility. You see, one thing about politics is that it’s a game of interests, particularly party politics. Because one thing you must give to political parties is that they do not have a gateman. It’s like a Church or a Mosque. It doesn’t have a gateman, and you can’t question anybody from entering. So as they come, you keep registering them. Because you’re looking for numbers. You’re looking for people. So where you have disagreement is when interests clash, where ambitions clash. So these are issues you cannot put under the carpet, because they most certainly clash. Interests must clash, because it’s all about self. Rarely do people even think about the nation or the people. It’s about self. And that is why you find that the most political parties today, they practically preach the same thing. The political parties are like vehicles for actualisation of political power. That is what we have today. Unlike in developed democracies, where political parties are built on ideology. You can say this man is a leftist, this man is a centrist, this man is a rightist. You can’t say it here because we’re in a country, we’re in a political system where somebody can be PRP in the morning, in the evening he’s KRC. The next day, he might be NPN. And you never can say it. So it’s a matter of personal comfort. Which

Moghalu

one will make it possible for me to realise my ambition? I know that for lawmakers, the rule is that except if or when there is division in their party, if a lawmaker defects, he’s likely to lose his or her seat. Would you want to advocate such a legal provision for executive office holders like governors, for them to lose their seats when they defect? Oh, yes! There’s nothing wrong with that. We are talking about being elected on a particular platform. Because if you check, the ballot papers you have today do not bear the name of the candidate. It bears only the name of the party. And what the people are voting for is the party. Though represented by Mr. A or Mr. B. But it’s the party. So if now, for example, George Moghalu is elected on this platform, and for a lot of reasons, which is personal to me, I decide to defect from that particular political party that elected me and go to another political party. Morally speaking, I cannot justify taking the mandate of the people to another platform without getting their consent. And the

only way you can get their consent for them to endorse your action is by subjecting their mandate to an election. Throw it back to the people. I said, I now want to go to this platform. Vote for this platform because I’m going there and if the people now vote for this platform, it becomes a matter of you. If they insist on where you’re living, it becomes a matter of the party. And since nobody can elect himself into office, the people have the right to say where they want you to go. It is not morally justifiable for you to take another people’s mandate to another platform. So that’s my position. You may want to share your own opinion about developments around the political system in Nigeria. People attribute their defection to the fact that the government of the day is performing. What will you say about the Nigerian economy and if the government of the day is delivering dividends of democracy? This question would have been better if I could boldly ascertain the mindset of those who are defecting. Because those who defected, a

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

super saturday

Moghalu: Removing An Incumbent Not Tea Party lot of them are giving different and varied reasons for defecting. Some say they want to connect to the centre.Idon’tknowhowtheyweredisconnectedbefore. Some have said they want to be part of the federal system. So they have given various reasons why they are defecting. I have no problem or quarrel with that. That’s why when I started, I said, defection is a personal decision and the individual who is defecting must have a reason. For example, I defected from APC to Labour. That’s my first time. I’ve never defected before. That’s the first time. I went there strictly for a purpose, to find a platform that I will use to run for the governorship of my state, having been short-changed in my (former) party, that I’m a founder. Because I’m amongst those who founded APC. Having been short-changed and unfairly treated, I now looked out for another platform that will enable me to actualise my ambition. That was my reason. So for those who are defecting at various levels, they also may have different reasons for defecting. Some may be personal. Some may be group interests. Some may also be for their individual ambitions. We don’t know what they are, each and every one of us like my Bible would tell me that as our faces vary, so are the desires of our heart. So what we desire may vary from Mr. A to Mr. B. So if that is the case, it is when such a person asserts why he or she is defecting, then it will provide me a proper opportunity to analyse in particular terms what my views are with regards to the person. But what I don’t really buy is when somebody says he wants to connect his state to the centre. And I usually ask, was your state disconnected before? Becausestatutorilyspeaking,constitutionallyspeaking, you are a sub-national. In terms of your location, the statutory amount you will get, it’s not about whether you are the centre or not. There was an analysis I gave sometime when I had the opportunity to present a paper. I said that the dividing line between the party in government and the party in opposition is so thin, just like the dividing line between an idiot and a gentleman. Both of them sit quietly. Both of them are calm. An idiot is very calm. A gentleman is very calm. When you come to a meeting, both of them are very calm. They don’t argue. They can only make their point, whether responsibly or irresponsibly. But they speak at their own time. So the dividing line is so thin. And you can mistake an idiot for a gentleman. You can also mistake a gentleman for an idiot. So is the same thing with the dividing line between government and the opposition. One is in government to fulfil promises made. The other is also in government to ensure that promises made are kept. Because that’s a sensible position to make sure that everything you promise, you keep it. If you don’t keep it, we’ll wait for you at the next election to remind the people that you did not keep those promises. Meanwhile, the one in government has a responsibility to fulfil those promises made. So all of them are in government. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party

Moghalu just left the party and moved to the ADC. Are you moving along with him to the ADC? And in your view, do you think he will pose a good opposition? Okay, your question has two legs. One is about the presidentialcandidatemovingtotheADCandwhether I’m moving. And the other leg of it is whether he will make a strong opposition to the party in government. Regarding the first question, I have a personal, very close relationship with His Excellency, Peter Obi. His decision to move to ADC is actually his. And for me, what I’ve been doing is consulting. I am a politician who tries as much as I can within the limits of possibility to go with people I have respect for, people I relate with. Before I took the decision to leave APC, I consulted widely. Before I took the decision to join the Labour Party to run for the election, I consulted widely. And now that the elections are over, I’m still consulting. And the moment I finish my consultation, because I must consult even those who left with me, I can’t just wake up and take a decision without involving them. On the 4th, for example, I had a very large meeting of my critical supporters, critical stakeholders. We discussed this issue extensively. Yesterday, I met with a group who discussed this issue. Today, I’m having a dinner appointment with two very critical players. I’m also discussing this issue. So by the time I finish my consultation, I will come out and make a statement with regards to what my position in this political dispensation will be because for now I have not made up my mind on the next move to make. Then coming to the second question, but before then, I must also be honest enough to say that even before

2027: Kalu, Orji Lead Abia APC Plot to Unseat Otti

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Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

wo former Governors of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, alongside other former political leaders, have formed an alliance whose sole objective is to unseat Governor Alex Otti and win all elective positions in Abia for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election. The duo, leading other key political figures who served in various capacities in Abia State between 2009 and 2023, met in Umuahia, yesterday, and resolved to forge a common front they christened, ‘The Team,’ a platform for their political battle against Otti and other anti-APC interests. The group also resolved to institute a legal action against Otti for allegedly running Abia from his Nvosi country home instead of the Government House, Umuahia. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, while addressing the gathering, described the assembly as a platform for experienced leaders who want to reclaim their relevance in the state’s political landscape. Kalu proposed expanding the group to include all former political office holders from the specified period, emphasising that their

present a formidable opposition. Because by then, our leader in ACN, who is the present president now, our leader in CPC, who was the former president, our leader in ANPP, late Onuh all came together and agreed that if we go individually, we lose. It’s not a case of merger. It’s not a case of alliance. It’s a case of everybodydroppingyourambition,everybodydropping your individual egos, everybody dropping your own individual ambition. Let us come together, present a formidable platform and we made meaning. We were able to now confront the opposition. The same scenario is playing out again and it will continue to be the same. Anytime opposition is fragmented, there’s no way you can win. So basically, the field is open. If the opposition decides to work together, that’s welcome. In fact, it will even make the incumbent sit up and do things better. Because the moment opposition is very formidable, it is the people that benefit. Not even the opposition leaders. It is the people that benefit. Because the people now become an issue. Because the opposition will be presenting themselves as defenders of the oppressed. And the incumbent will do everything to make sure that there is nobody to be oppressed, not less of defending the oppressed.

collective contributions to Abia’s development should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Kalu rejected narratives portraying previous governments as ineffective, insisting that their legacies live on. According to him, governance was a continuous process, likening leadership to a relay race. “Leadership is a relay,” the Abia North Senator said, adding, “I handed over to Senator T.A. Orji, who handed over to Okezie Ikpeazu. No single individual can claim we achieved nothing. If we did nothing, where would our people be today?” The senator underscored the group’s clear objective: to effect political power change in Abia State come 2027 general elections. He highlighted that the platform transcends party lines and was open to alliances and collaborations, irrespective of political affiliations. In addition, the group resolved to institute legal action seeking to compel Governor Otti to relocate from his private residence in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South local government area, to the Government House in Umuahia, Abia’s seat of power. The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued in Umuahia at the end of the second meeting The Team, an interest group of Abia APC. The communiqué was signed by former Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as chairman, Senator Theodore Orji as First Vice Chairman, and former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as Second Vice Chairman.

Peter Obi came out to endorse me, to support me for the election, it was also clear as to the fact that he said, and if you remember, that he was going to make a statement with regards to his next move before the year ends, but after the Anambra election, he was clear about that. And he moved on the 31st of December which means he kept to his promise to move before the year ends. So that goes to that. Then the next question is about opposition. Let me repeat what I have consistently said: removing an incumbent is not a tea party. We must be clear about that. And the only way you can remove an incumbent or present a credible, formidable opposition is when there is unity of purpose amongst the opposition political parties and leaders. It has happened before in this country. Because I try to use experiences and lessons to draw an analogy of issues confronting us. In this country, if you remember, when ANPP, CPC, ACN, all were running independently, even though we presented Buhari in 2003, we presented Buhari in 2003 and 2007, he lost those two elections. He now left ANPP and ran on CPC in 2011, he also lost. Because in that election, the support base of the opposition was fragmented. ANPP had their own chunk, ACN had their own chunk, CPC had their own chunk. At the end of the day, the portion that was PDP happened to be more. So we all lost. But the moment there was an amalgamation of forces, ACN, CPC, ANPP, a fraction of APGA, then joined, even DPN also joined. We had a very formidable opposition. That was what produced APC and then when all these forces came together, then we could

When a governor leaves, for instance, leaves PDP now and jumps into APC, he automatically becomes the leader of APC in his state. And this has created a lot of issues between such governors’ camp and the existing leaders of the party in those states.What’s your view? It’s unfortunate. That’s how our politics plays out. Because the incumbent governor has resources. And that’s the driving force, truth be told. He’s not being the leader because he’s the most qualified. He’s not. He’s being the leader because he has something to give. He has something to share. He has power. He has favour to dispense. He can decide to come in today, become the leader, dissolve his cabinet and appoint 20 fresh people. He can decide tomorrow to get the State Assembly to change the constitution or to change their by-laws and make the term of local government chairman three months or six months or one year, bringing it down from whatever number so that he can bring in new captains at those levels. So he has a lot and he has leverage. He has influence. You cannot take it away from an incumbent governor. These are privileges that are attached to the office that he’s occupying. He’s not being the leader of the party in the state because he’s the most qualified. Not because he’s the most educated or the most politically suave. No!. Because he’s the one power revolves around. So every party needs to have a governor and that is why to assess the strength of a governor or a party in any state, they ask you who are those that are in office and what platform are they in the office. Read full Interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

Mararaba–Keffi Road: FG Redeploys Works Controller, Sets February Deadline

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Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

he federal government yesterday removed the Controller of Works in the FCT, Yakubu Usman, who was supervising the Mararaba–Keffi expressway, for allegedly generating certificates that led to the payment of contractors without commensurate work. The government also issued a February 28, 2026, deadline to the contractor handling the construction for the completion and handover of the project. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the decision during an inspection of the ongoing expansion of the 43-kilometre Mararaba–Keffi corridor. Umahi accused the affected official of issuing questionable certificates that resulted in payments for jobs that were either incomplete or not executed, including earlier palliative works. He directed the permanent secretary of the ministry to immediately redeploy the officer and appoint a new controller of works to take over supervision of the project. The minister said supervising officers have the authority to withhold certificates and escalate cases of non-compliance by contractors, adding that the sanctions would remain unless

overturned by President Bola Tinubu. Umahi also ordered the project contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, to submit a detailed work programme and a written commitment indicating readiness to meet the February deadline. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work, attributing the delays to both the contractor and supervisory lapses within the Ministry of Works. During the inspection, Umahi directed the immediate removal of hand-moulded caps along the road, ordered the commencement of median concreting, and instructed that solar-powered streetlights be installed along the entire stretch. “I am giving you the end of February to hand over this job. You must come to my office with your timetable and a commitment to complete the project by then,” the minister said. He noted that repeated inspection visits had not produced significant improvement and warned that indiscipline, negligence and failure to enforce directives would no longer be tolerated. The minister also inspected key sections of the corridor, including the Keffi flyover, where he stressed that both contractors and ministry officials must carry out their responsibilities diligently in the interest of Nigerians.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

•Tourism •Arts&Culture Santos: Nigeria’s Rich Diversity Bestows Each Region with Distinct Tourism Identity

Charles Ajunwa

• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Martins Santos, has said Nigeria’s diversity is its biggest tourism and cultural asset. He also disclosed that his best Nigerian delicacy is Jollof Rice, among other salient issues. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

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hat is your impression of the Carnival Calabar? I arrived on Saturday just on time to also witness the beautiful children’s carnival. The First Lady was there and it was a beautiful parade. Today, I’m here with the bikers. What I’ve seen so far really can’t get much better than this. I know that you have been doing this for 20 years but it looks like you’ve been doing it for 200 or 2, 000 because of the level of professionalism and the attendance that you have here, the enthusiasm, makes me believe that you’ve been doing this forever. So as the chairman (Chief Gabe Onah) was saying, for me this is like a comeback experience. The Portuguese people have been in this part of the world more than 550 years ago in the 15th Century. Back then this part of the world, the geography, the people living here, there was not much information about this area in Europe or the rest of the world. And when we came here, we introduced this part of the world to the rest of the other continents and the other peoples, sharing information on who lives here, how does this place look like, and others. We also left here a mark that is still very visible today in the names of the cities, the caves, rivers, in all the geographic names that you still use today. Calabar is one of those examples. Calabar means the quiet harbor in my language. So it’s of course a place where the Portuguese ships found refuge after struggling with the waves of the ocean. When they come here up the Cross River they could finally rest. So it has this very beautiful symbolism to us today. In that sense, it’s very good really for me to be back home. It’s like a privilege and I hope to be to be able to come back here and what I can also tell you is that I will convince also other embassies, ambassadors in Abuja to come here because they don’t know what they’re missing. The next year (2026) they should cancel their holidays. Usually many of my colleagues go home over Christmas and New Year, but I think this is a very good reason for them to stay here in Nigeria also during this season. I say thank you to the governor, and chairman.

So far, it can’t get any better than this. Again, I just arrived a day ago. But the opportunities that I’ve been given by the people here who have been hosting me and accompanying me are really interesting. I’m already getting a good glimpse into what this city and what this state represents. I also went briefly to Akwa Ibom State. So, I already had even the opportunity to see a bit of the countryside of this country. So I already left the capital city. I’m very impressed. It’s a beautiful place. Of course, the fact that it’s near the coast and the ocean, for us Portuguese, it’s always a big plus because we are maritime people. I couldn’t feel better than what I’m feeling now.

Santos Any cultural shock coming into Calabar? No. I’ve been living in Nigeria more than two years now. So no cultural shock whatsoever. I’ve been travelling in this country. But again, I think I can tell you that even when I arrived, I really didn’t feel a big cultural shock. You know that Portugal and the African continent in general have a very long history, including Nigeria. As I said, we were the first Europeans that visited this area. This happened more than 550 years ago. Of course, as you can imagine, after all this time, there’s a lot of shared experiences and shared history that makes Portuguese people really don’t feel much of a cultural shock whenever we come to Africa. In my case, having been living here more than two years, I got used to all the Naija way of life and I feel very well in all corners of this country. Having spent a few days in Calabar, how can you assess the hospitality of the people down here?

This is the 20th edition of the Carnival. What do you think the government can do to make it more globally acceptable to the people? I know it’s now been 20 years, it’s still relatively short time for a tradition like this. Of course, it needs some more years for the festival really to take hold globally and people know about it. But what I can tell you is that I would recommend, more of a global campaign so that people are more made aware of this. People are aware of the carnivals in Brazil, of course, first and foremost, very big events. Also some of the Caribbean festivals. But I think a lot of people, for instance, in Europe, they are not aware that this festival exists. That would be my recommendation to really try and make a sort of a global campaign to raise awareness that this festival exists and how good it is to see if we can attract also more of a global audience to it in the next editions. Did you have anything in Portugal that is similar to this? Oh, yes, of course. Carnival in Portugal is a very big thing. And that’s actually the reason why in Brazil it became so big. As you know, Brazil used to be part of the Portuguese expansion. We were there for 300 years. And it was mostly through us and our traditions that the Brazilians made it a big event. Now much bigger than what it is in Portugal. But in Portugal, it’s the original carnival that we have been celebrating since the Roman Empire. The carnival is a really very, very old

holiday in that part of Europe. It comes from the Roman Empire tradition. It’s 2,000 years old tradition. It’s very old. In terms of culture and tourism, what strikes you the most about Nigeria? Diversity. I think that’s the key word here. As I was telling you, I already had the opportunity to travel, I would say, a lot. I’ve been now to by far the majority of the Nigerian states. And to me, the most attractive things in terms of culture is really this diversity of this country that makes each state and sometimes even regions within the states to be very unique. So whoever thinks that Nigeria is monolithic, that person is very wrong. There’s a huge variety, a big palette, of cultural manifestations here. And this is, of course, very much because of the structure of this country with all its different languages, religions, ethnicities. That’s, for me, the most beautiful thing about Nigeria, and that it’s then reflected in its culture. What’s your best Nigerian delicacy? I like jollof rice. I really got used to it. I can’t live without it now. It’s true. Are you recommending this to your fellow countrymen? And is there a possibility of their participating here as a float or something? I will be telling them about this. We have a relatively big community of Portuguese people here. They are not so much in this part of the country with just maybe two or three exceptions. Because mostly they are up North building this new railway from Kano to Niger Republic. So that’s where I have a lot of people. They are, of course, a bit far away from here. Then, of course, we have a big group in Lagos. I will definitely tell them about this and recommend them to come next year. What would be your recommendations for all the floats used during Carnival Calabar? In Portugal, we usually keep the structures that we used for carnival that are really relevant in terms of symbolism and history. We keep them in museums. So most of it, of course, they are reused and recycled. But if some structure is really symbolic and relevant, we keep it in a museum.

Akwa Ibom International Airport Status, Major Boost to Tourism, Says Onung Charles Ajunwa

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resident of Experience IBOM and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereweum Onung, has described the Akwa Ibom International Airport in Uyo as a major enabler of Nigeria’s cultural tourism growth. He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his strategic influence in positioning the state as a major tourism destination. Onung, who is also the immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), noted that the airport would attract travellers from across the world, expanding cultural tourism opportunities within the South-south region, creating jobs, and stimulating socioeconomic and tourism-related trade. “Pastor Umo Eno has shown that he is a professional, a cultural tourism ambassador, and a strategic reformer. His infrastructure initiatives will not only enhance tourism and hospitality in Akwa Ibom State but also serve as sustainable drivers of economic growth and improved security.

At Experience IBOM, we are proud and eager to partner with the state’s airport management authority to ensure these facilities are effectively utilised and protected,” Onung said. He revealed that Experience IBOM, a tourism promotion company, will soon roll out marketing campaigns with local and international partners to promote Akwa Ibom— and by extension Nigeria—on the global tourism stage. According to him, infrastructure investments such as the Akwa Ibom International Airport intentionally open populous nations like Nigeria to expanded travel, commerce, and tourism opportunities, thereby boosting local community development. Onung also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his leadership and for elevating Nigeria’s presence within the global aviation community. The airport recently designated an international facility by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo—is located adjacent to the state’s domestic terminal and features cutting-edge aviation and travel technology, five-star lounges, recreational amenities, and modern shopping arcades. It is the first of its kind in the South-south economic region.

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

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auto World

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

2026 Energy Solutions: JéGO Presents Toyota, Coscharis, Weststar Dominate EVs, Customised Charging Solutions at NAJA Auto Awards As 2026 dawns, energy transition, renewables, electric mobility solutions will be prominent in Nigeria. On account of this, Frederick Akpoghene, founder/CEO of JéGO Technologies Inc, speaks with auto journalists on local manufacturing, electric mobility, renewable energy, and the personal experiences that shaped his vision. Bennett Oghifo reports

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Let’s meet JéGO Technologies Inc. éGO, is a Mobility as-a-service platform using self-driving technology to enable enterprises to provide services on-the-go, while reducing their carbon footprint. We aim to save lives, drive businesses forward, and empower individuals to embrace clean, shared, and innovative e-mobility opportunities.

What is the inspiration behind the name ‘JeGO’? ‘JeGO’ resonates across cultures. In Yoruba, it suggests ease and movement; in Wolof, it means purpose or a big step; in Filipino, it means energy; and in Igbo, it refers to journey or destination. The name reflects the two core elements of what we do: energy and mobility. Who is Frederick Akpoghene, and how did his background influence JeGO? I am a Lagos-born Nigerian who grew up witnessing instability, poor power infrastructure, and the need for people to create their own energy solutions—generators, boreholes, candles. My childhood experiences, including a house fire caused by a candle during a power outage, deeply shaped my thinking about energy and safety. These experiences are central to why I am

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Akpoghene and JeGO Zero Carbon EV doing what I do today. How did your professional journey begin? I started coding at 16 at the Microsoft IT Academy, University of Lagos, before moving to the US, where I studied Global Business and Technology in Boston. I also took courses at institutions like

Harvard and MIT. After graduation, I worked in New York, building software and later working with companies like IBM, as well as Italian manufacturers involved in global automotive brands. Read full Article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Mahan: Why Carloha’s After-Sales Model Is Redefining Auto Ownership in Nigeria arloha Nigeria, the authorised distributor and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, has been awarded the “Most Outstanding After-Sales Car Company in Nigeria 2025” by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), one of the industry’s most respected and discerning bodies.

General Manager, Marketing Carloha Nigeria, Felix Mahan said, “This recognition did not come as a surprise to us at Carloha; rather, it serves as a strong affirmation that our commitment to redefining vehicle ownership in Nigeria through an unprecedented after-sales model is delivering real impact and has earned the acknowledgement of even the most critical industry observers.” Mahan said, “In a market long challenged by fragmented service networks, rising maintenance costs, and inconsistent customer experiences, Carloha is redefining what it means to own a vehicle in Nigeria. More than a vehicle distributor, the integrated automotive and mobility company is setting new industry benchmarks through a robust after-sales model built on transparency, accessibility, and trust.” For decades, Nigerian vehicle owners have grappled with unclear service pricing, poor service delivery at independent garages, limited access to

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genuine spare parts, and minimal post-purchase support. These challenges have not only increased the cost of ownership but also eroded confidence in formal automotive channels. Carloha is addressing these gaps head-on with a customer-first after-sales strategy designed to deliver worry-free, predictable, and value-driven ownership, he said. A Customer-Centric After-Sales Vision At the core of Carloha’s approach is the belief that vehicle ownership should be empowering rather than stressful. This philosophy has shaped a comprehensive after-sales ecosystem that supports customers long after purchase. Nationwide Service Accessibility

Chery Tiggo 8

Carloha has invested in a growing national servicing network comprising owned and collaborative service centres staffed by certified local and expatriate technicians and equipped with modern diagnostic tools. From Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, and Port Harcourt to emerging urban centres, customers can expect consistent service standards and quality nationwide. CarlohaCare 6-6-7 for New Chery Vehicles A standout feature of Carloha’s after-sales offering is the CarlohaCare 6-6-7 service package. With the exception of the Himla model, every Chery vehicle purchased from Carloha comes with a 6-year warranty, 6 years of free service, covering labour and parts, and a 7-day repair promise, with a courtesy car provided if repairs exceed the stipulated 7 days. This industry-leading package removes uncertainty around maintenance costs, eliminates surprise bills, and delivers true peace of mind for owners. CarlohaCare for Pre-Owned Vehicles Carloha has also redefined confidence in the pre-owned vehicle segment with CarlohaCare for Pre-Owned. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous 149-point inspection to meet strict functional and aesthetic standards. In addition, customers enjoy a 3-month warranty, uncommon in the pre-owned market, and a 7-day repair promise, reinforcing reliability and trust.

NADDC DG Osanipin, Nord CEO Ajayi Emerge Nigeria’s Auto Personalities of 2025 wo transformative leaders in Nigeria’s burgeoning auto ecosystem were recognised at the 18th Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, one of the most celebrated nights on the country’s automotive calendar. Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors were conferred with the prestigious awards of Auto Personality of the Year — in the public sector and the other in the private sector, respectively. The awards, held at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, gathered policymakers, industry executives, manufacturers, assemblers, media professionals and automotive innovators to honour excellence across Nigeria’s automotive value chain, from vehicles and service providers to visionary leaders driving structural change.

Public Sector: Osanipin’s Strategic Leadership Ushers Industry into Growth Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), was honoured as Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector). NAJA highlighted his remarkable leadership in steering policy frameworks, galvanising local vehicle assembly, and championing alternative energy solutions that position Nigeria’s auto industry as a reliable engine for industrialisation and economic progress. Under Osanipin’s stewardship, the NADDC has focused on: Policy advocacy and industry development promoting Nigeria’s automotive vision. Support for local vehicle assembly and capacity building for domestic value chains. Strategic thrusts on alternative fuels and green mobility, complementing Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals. In his acceptance remarks, Osanipin praised

NAJA’s vital role in amplifying industry narratives and reinforcing transparency, innovation and accountability. He underlined the importance of automotive journalism in informing the public and shaping policy debates, urging deeper collaboration between media and government to accelerate growth pathways. Private Sector On the private sector front, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Motors, clinched Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector), cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Ajayi’s journey from Mercedes-Benz Nigeria, where he rose to Head of Vans Division, to cofounder of Jetvan and eventually CEO of Nord Motors illustrates a blend of engineering insight and entrepreneurial brilliance. His leadership has been marked by a unique commitment to local production, technological innovation and home-grown brand building in a market long dominated by imports.

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n a night celebrating excellence across Nigeria’s booming automotive market, Toyota Nigeria, Coscharis Motors and Weststar Associates emerged among the biggest winners at the 18th annual Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, underscoring their market dominance, brand strength and service excellence. Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, the December event has grown into a critical industry barometer — spotlighting innovation, market performance, and contribution to the local automotive ecosystem. Toyota Nigeria: Three Wins in Commercial Vehicle Segment Toyota Nigeria was a standout performer, taking home three major awards at the ceremony: Minibus of the Year – Toyota Hiace, a long-standing favourite among commercial transport operators. Pick-Up of the Year – Toyota Hilux, cementing its reputation for durability and performance in Nigeria’s challenging road conditions. Workshop of the Year – Toyota’s ultra-modern Isolo workshop in Lagos was recognised for after-sales excellence and technical competence. These wins reflect Toyota’s sustained appeal among commercial and private buyers, as well as its investment in service infrastructure that enhances customer confidence in vehicle ownership. Coscharis Motors: Luxury and MultiBrand Prowess Rewarded Coscharis Motors also captured significant attention with two accolades: Multiple Brand Auto Company of the Year, recognising Coscharis’s diversified brand portfolio and impact across segments. Luxury Auto SUV of the Year, awarded to the Range Rover Autobiography, a model that combines premium performance with luxury appeal. The company’s success signals the strength of luxury automotive demand in Nigeria, driven by rising consumer expectations for comfort, status and technology in high-end SUVs. Weststar Associates: Setting the Standard in Luxury Motoring Weststar Associates Limited, Nigeria’s franchise holder for Mercedes-Benz, added to the night’s big winners with two prestigious titles: Luxury Car of the Year – MercedesBenz E-Class, recognised for its blend of innovation, comfort and performance. Luxury Brand of the Year – MercedesBenz, reinforcing the marque’s enduring desirability and brand strength in the Nigerian luxury segment. While these corporate giants were rightly on the spotlight, the NAJA awards also highlighted the broader dynamism of Nigeria’s automotive industry. The Jetour Dashing was crowned Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year in a fiercely contested category, while local and emerging players — including JIM-ISUZU, JéGO EV and Nord A9 — were celebrated as New Entrants of the Year, illustrating the market’s increasing diversity and competitiveness. Industry stakeholders at the event emphasised the role of automotive journalism in promoting professionalism, accountability and consumer awareness, as well as the importance of local assembly, technological adaptation and after-sales excellence in driving sector growth. Bottom Line: Toyota’s commercial reliability, Coscharis’ luxury appeal, and Weststar’s premium leadership dominated this year’s NAJA Auto Awards — a clear signal of the evolving priorities of Nigerian car buyers and the competitive strength of these industry leaders.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

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Focus

2026 and Beyond: Nigeria’s Next Wave of Tech Innovation Nigeria’s tech revolution is unfolding quietly. Across the country, disciplined founders are building globally relevant infrastructure and platforms that are redefining value, influence, and economic power. Without hype, borrowed models, or unnecessary noise, these innovators are focusing on scale, resilience, and long-term impact. Adedayo Adejobi reports LekeeLekee - Prince Nduka Obaigbena

What distinguishes Macaulay is his operator mindset. Rather than chasing consumer-facing visibility, he focuses on backend systems that power entire value chains. His experience navigating regulatory, infrastructural, and commercial complexities across multiple markets reflects a rare blend of technical competence and boardroom discipline.

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ekeeLekee is the most unconventional and distinctive new entrant into Africa’s emerging social platforms not because of what it does, but because of where it comes from. In an ecosystem shaped largely by Silicon Valley templates, Asian platform clones, and global technology archetypes, LekeeLekee, whose unveiling date will be announced soon, represents a meaningful convergence of Africa’s established media heritage and next-generation social technology. It is a platform informed by decades of narrative leadership, cultural intelligence, and continental vision, now expressed through a purpose-built digital ecosystem. Backed by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, founder of the ARISE and THISDAY Media Group, LekeeLekee is neither speculative nor incidental. It reflects the deliberate maturation of a long-held vision. Obaigbena is advancing a model few African media founders have attempted at scale: a homegrown social and super-app platform conceived with longevity, relevance, and African centrality at its core. The name itself carries meaning. LekeeLekee draws inspiration from “Lekeleke,” the cartoonist pseudonym Obaigbena adopted during his university years, well before the emergence of THISDAY, ARISE News, or global broadcast studios. This reference is both personal and philosophical, signalling continuity rather than departure. LekeeLekee is not a shift into technology, but an evolution of enduring commitments to storytelling, expression, and voice. In this sense, it represents a full-circle moment. LekeeLekee is built from the ground up to reflect how Africans communicate, create, and connect. Its architecture prioritises efficient data use, fast-loading experiences, voice-led communities, creator monetisation, embedded payments, and mini-app functionality. These are not supplementary features, but foundational design choices informed by lived understanding and long-term observation of African social and economic behaviour. The platform’s aspiration to connect over 1.5 billion voices across Africa and the diaspora reflects a clear continental outlook. Obaigbena’s career has consistently operated at scale. From redefining Nigerian print journalism in the 1990s to amplifying African perspectives globally through ARISE News. LekeeLekee carries that same ambition into the digital era, where influence is shaped by platforms, data stewardship, and governance models. More broadly, LekeeLekee speaks to a growing confidence in Africa’s capacity to design, own, and steward its digital public spaces. It reflects an understanding that platforms are not neutral tools, but cultural and economic infrastructure. By anchoring platform ownership and governance closer to the societies they serve, LekeeLekee contributes to a more balanced and representative digital future. Obaigbena’s legacy as founder of THISDAY and ARISE brings with it credibility, reach, and institutional knowledge. LekeeLekee enters the digital space with a strong foundation of trust, networks, and narrative authority. Its arrival affirms a long-standing belief in African media self-determination and the value of building enduring institutions. There is also a quiet confidence in the platform’s philosophy. At a time when technology discourse often emphasises speed and novelty, LekeeLekee underscores the value of continuity, cultural memory, and experience. It demonstrates that Africa’s digital future can be built by extending its media traditions forward, rather than replacing them. In this light, LekeeLekee is not simply participating in the social media marketplace; it is helping to redefine it. It raises important questions about ownership of attention infrastructure, cultural representation, and the design of platforms that reflect Africa’s languages, rhythms, and economic realities. For Obaigbena, LekeeLekee represents a coherent progression, from Lekeleke the cartoonist, to THISDAY the agenda-setter, to ARISE the global broadcaster, and now to a digital commons envisioned at continental scale. The conversation it

Balance and HUGE Solutions Kelvin Bawa

Balance represents one of the most ethically ambitious technology plays emerging from Nigeria, positioning inclusive data as the foundation of future healthcare AI. Founded by Kelvin Bawa, It is solving a foundational failure in medical AI for clinicians, regulators, and life sciences companies working with diverse patient populations. Today, most diagnostic models are trained on datasets that are nearly 95 percent white, leaving darker skin tones underrepresented, under-performing, and increasingly non-compliant with regulatory expectations.Balance provides the missing ground truth. Their work differs from consumer-facing tools built on unverified images. It operates as a clinical data engine, sourcing biopsy-verified dermatology data for Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI through NDPR-certified partnerships with Nigerian teaching hospitals. This produces regulatory-grade datasets that pharmaceutical and health technology companies can trust. Over the past year, it has secured hospital partnerships, digitised large pathology archives, and completed early validation pilots with industry partners.

Nduka Obaigbeina

ModAstera - Joshua Owoyemi

Deji Macaulay

Wale Adegoke

invites is no longer about the presence of ideas, but about sustaining the frameworks that allow African platforms to grow, mature, and lead. LekeeLekee is more than a platform. It stands as a compelling demonstration of African digital sovereignty in practice.

Acumen Digital- Ayo Onasanya

Acumen Digital exemplifies the maturation of Nigeria’s product and venture studio ecosystem, where design, engineering, and venture building converge into repeatable value creation. Founded by Ayo Onasanya, the company operates across Africa, the United States, and Europe, working with global brands while quietly launching proprietary ventures. Products like Karla, a contactless payments solution, and Tendar, an AI-powered lending management platform, show how Nigerian startups are moving beyond single-product bets into platform thinking. Acumen’s strength lies in execution depth, user-centered design, and enterprise-grade delivery, qualities increasingly demanded by African financial and digital institutions. The company reflects a broader trend of Nigerian startups exporting expertise rather than just products. It also illustrates the difficulty of scaling such studios continentally, as each market demands regulatory fluency, localised design, and patient capital.

Cyberpedia Internet GovernanceSowemimo Abiodun Cyberpedia represents one of Africa’s most advanced plays in AI-powered due diligence, cybersecurity, and digital risk governance. Founded by Sowemimo Abiodun, the platform functions as a real-time intelligence engine for identity verification, compliance, and misinformation control across more than one hundred countries. Its recognition by global institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the African Union, and the United Nations ecosystem underscores the growing global relevance of African-built governance technology.

At its core, Cyberpedia reflects a broader shift: African startups are increasingly exporting trust infrastructure to the world. Operating complex, capital-intensive data systems at global scale from an emerging market demands technical depth, regulatory fluency, and long-term discipline. Cyberpedia’s continued expansion highlights the capability required to sustain such systems while navigating evolving regulatory environments and competitive talent markets. Abiodun’s ascent is defined not by hype, but by architecture—the rare capacity to build trust systems that operate reliably across borders. Cyberpedia is more than a technology company; it is a governance engine informing identity, compliance, and digital risk decisions at a time when trust has become one of the world’s most valuable digital assets.

ModAstera captures the rise of deeply technical Nigerian founders trained in global innovation hubs and returning to solve structural problems at home. Led by Joshua Owoyemi, trained in Tokyo, the company is automating the development of medical grade AI through its Medical AI Engineering Agent across Asiam Europe and Africa. By reducing cost and development time dramatically, ModAstera lowers barriers for hospitals, researchers, and startups to deploy healthcare AI responsibly. Its focus on tooling rather than end user apps reflects a maturation of Africa’s AI ecosystem toward infrastructure level innovation. ModAstera embodies a second trend, African startups building horizontal platforms for global use. Yet it also highlights the persistent difficulty of selling complex health technology across fragmented regulatory environments on the continent. Owoyemi is a fast-rising Tech Titan because ModAstera transforms healthcare AI development at infrastructure scale. By automating medicalgrade AI, reducing costs, and enabling responsible deployment, he positions African innovation as globally relevant—demonstrating technical mastery, strategic vision, and the ability to tackle structural challenges in complex health systems.

2AM Technology- Deji Macaulay

Wow Effect -Williams Popoola

Williams Popoola

2AM Tech, under the leadership of Deji Macaulay, represents a quiet but consequential force in Africa’s enterprise technology and insurtech evolution. With deep roots in ICT and telecommunications across Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Botswana, and extending into Eastern Europe, Macaulay exemplifies the breed of operators who build infrastructure before hype. His career spans the deployment and management of complex, multi-million-dollar commercial projects across telco, healthcare, gaming, and now insurance technology—industries where scale, uptime, and trust are non-negotiable. The launch of Cube Cover, 2AM Tech’s insurancefocused subsidiary, signals a strategic convergence of technology and financial risk management at a time when Africa’s insurance sector is under pressure to modernise. With over 16 million insurance transactions managed, 150,000 claims processed, and 99.95% system uptime, Cube Cover positions itself not as a disruptor by noise, but by operational depth. This is enterprise-grade innovation—optimising claims processing, underwriting workflows, and digital reliability in a sector historically resistant to change.

Wow Effect Communications sits at the intersection of digital strategy, innovation, and venture creation, representing how agencies in Nigeria are evolving into startup foundries. Under the strategic leadership of Williams Popoola, the company has transitioned from Nigeria’s numero uno leading digital agency into a launchpad for new technology driven ventures. From Medvisit which provides telemedicine and international second medical opinion services, to AI-focused Qunskill, Wow Effect demonstrates an ability to identify underserved needs and build commercially viable solutions. Its footprint across three continents highlights Nigeria’s growing export of digital services and ideas. The company mirrors a key trend in the ecosystem, creative firms no longer waiting for startups to emerge but actively engineering them. Popoola is a fast-rising Tech Titan because Wow Effect transforms a digital agency into a global venture foundry, creating commercially viable, tech-driven solutions across continents.

Read full Article online - www. thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Top 10 Fast-rising Nigerian Music Artistes

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Juno

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Juno is a rising Nigerian Afro-soul/Afro-pop singer-songwriter, known for her emotionally rich music. Juno, after posting a freestyle snippet in 2023, grabbed attention, but it was her 2025 collaboration ‘Toy Girl’ with Odumodublvck that really announced her presence. The song showed she could step outside her established sound while keeping her artistic identity intact.

n a crowded Nigerian music scene dominated by superstars with hitmaking prowess, a cult following, and vast resources, emergence has become increasingly tasking for some up-andcoming artistes, showcasing infectious music and distinctive style. Yet amidst this stiff competition, some have risen to stardom, while others have gone from relative obscurity to mainstream success.

Fola

Fola’s style blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, appealing to younger fans. His 2024 debut EP, ‘What A Feeling’, featured tracks like ‘Alone’, earning recognition across streaming platforms. In early 2025, Apple Music listed him among its Africa Rising Class of 2025, boosting his profile globally. Fola’s latest album, ‘Catharsis’, has also surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.

Wavestar

Fola

Fido

Llona

Shoday

Shoday made waves with debut hits ‘Caution’ and ‘Dey 4 You’, quickly racking up Spotify streams and followers. In 2025, ‘Hey Jago’ with Poco Lee and Rahman Jago went viral, and his features on Adekunle Gold’s album and Rybeena’s ‘Mr Bee’ EP continued to boost his presence. His first number one on Apple Music Nigeria came with ‘Nakupenda’. Consistency in singles, collaborations, and streaming numbers confirms Shoday’s rise is built on both quality and sustained impact.

Mavo

Juno

Mavo

Mavo solidified his emergence to global attention, thanks to the ‘Kilometer II’ EP and the viral single ‘Escaladizzy’, featuring Wavestar. The snippet went viral prior, fueling anticipation and a chart-topping debut. A remix with Zlatan, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi only amplified its reach. And featured DJ Tunez, DJ Maphorisa, Wizkid, and Ckay, kept him consistently

Afropop singer-songwriter LIona is known for his introspective lyrics, blending traditional African rhythms with modern sounds, and telling stories about resilience, mental health, and his nomadic upbringing in Kogi and Kano states, gaining significant traction with his debut album Homeless and a major nationwide tour in 2024. His debut Homeless (2024) explores his emotional turmoil from a transient childhood, featuring hits tracks like “Another Day” and “Cold War”.

Elestee

Fido

Fido has shown his rise is quite grounded. In December 2024, he released ‘Joy is Coming’, which went viral and hit No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, while also reaching No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Chart. Fido started gaining attention in August 2024 with his debut single ‘Awolowo’. The track quickly gained Shazams and extensive airplay.

Wavestar, real name, Praise Chiedozie Okechukwu is making his marks as a bold and unfiltered voice for his generation. The teenage rapper has fast become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about artists, using freestyles, storytelling to reflect the struggles of Nigerian youth. His breakout track, ‘Tales of a Yahoo Boy,’ captured attention for its honesty and rawness.

Shoday in the spotlight.

Zaylevelten

Rapper and producer, Zaylevelten has been steadily building a name for himself with his style, credited for blending Nigerian hip hop

Elestee with influences reminiscent of Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. His sound has truly recently reached mainstream ears. Collaborations with Mavo, Odumodu, and Seyi Vibez expanded his reach, entered charts like Apple Music Nigeria, peaking at number 2.

Elestee is what happens when talent and patience align. From opening for Ladipoe to releasing projects like ‘Lifesize Teddy’ and ‘POISN’, she’s consistently sharpened her sound. Tracks like ‘Space’ featuring Ajebo Hustlers have become some of her most-streamed songs, helping her cut through the noise. Her recent EP ‘Mentally I’m Here’ shows clear artistic growth with tighter writing, stronger vocal control, confidence across rap and Afropop lanes.

Sewà

Sewà makes music for people who actually listen and feel. Her debut album ‘Detox’ was rooted in Afro-soul, with sprinkles of R&B, jazz, and pop. It is a fully realised body of work, not just a collection of songs. She has sold out shows in Nigeria, Toronto and shared stages with Asa and The Cavemen. Sewà is building longevity, the kind that fills theatres while filling playlists.

African Music, Culture Take Centre Monalisa Chinda Talks About Stage as 9th AFRIMA Wraps-Up Farm Boy, An Advocacy Project

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu

he buzz about Falz as host of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) ceremony tomorrow at Eko Hotels, Lagos has buoyed the excitement around the celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration. The Nigerian rapper is joined by French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune. The event will broadcast live, featuring a red carpet, electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest music stars, and ensuring the excitement reaches global audiences in more than 80 countries. Falz, real name Folarin Falana, is believed “to bring intelligence, strong ideas, and a powerful African voice that connects with both young and old audiences.” On her part, the delectable “Liliane embodies elegance, diversity, and the contemporary African woman with international influence. Together, they

clearly show the strength and richness of African music and culture.” With a rousing theme “Unstoppable Africa”, the 2026 edition fits a landmark celebration of African music, culture and entertainment, some comments noted.

Falz

“I

Ferdinand Ekechukwu am not focusing on me. Currently, I focus more on what I can do to give back to society as a CSR. So, for me, advocacy is the way forward. So if I have to bring advocacy into storytelling, I will do it,” says Nollywood screen goddess, Monalisa Chinda, about her new film project – The Farm Boy. Adding that Advocacy for her is everything, and that has been what has inspired her type of storytelling in the last ten years. The advocacy movie, which screened to a select audience in Abuja and Lagos recently attracted several heavy weights within and outside the industry. Monalisa, however, hinted in an exclusive chat that the film might take a while before berthing at the cinemas. “But because The Farm Boy is such a huge project, I will first tour with it before a date is set for it, and that will take our time.” The Farm Boy explores the story of oil and politics. It follows Jude Katung, an

Chinda urbane tech innovator who returns home to bury his father — a visionary farmer whose faith in the soil was a sacred covenant. Confronted by the weight of legacy, betrayal and the promise buried in the soil, Jude is forced to rethink everything he knows about success and legacy. Farm Boy is a deeply human story of rediscovering value, rebuilding hope and finding a nation’s future where it all began -- in the soil.

Laolu Gbenjo Hosts Gratitude Concert

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Tosin Clegg

enowned gospel artiste, Laolu Gbenjo, successfully hosted ‘Gratitude: The Concert’ in Lagos on December 29, 2025, drawing an enthusiastic audience for an evening of worship, praise, and thanksgiving. The concert featured ministrations and performances from an impressive lineup of gospel ministers and musicians, including Chigozie

Wisdom, Adeyinka Alaseyori, BeejaySax, BBO, Ibitayo Jeje, Kemisings, Akintayo, Dieko, and Laniyi MBL. Together, they delivered a spiritfilled experience marked by heartfelt worship, vibrant praise, and moments of deep reflection. Speaking after the event, Gbenjo expressed profound appreciation to attendees and supporters for making the night memorable. “Thank you so much for coming out to support our concert. Your presence, energy, and love made the event truly special. We’re grateful for every moment you stayed. Gratitude 2025 would have been nothing without you. Thank

you, Ese Modupe,” he said. And as it has gotten to its 3rd edition with last December’s showcase the event has gradually become a part of the Detty December line up of events. The concert got many from different parts of the world who came back to Nigeria in attendance as well as other Nigerians who have since come to look forward to the experience. The concert once again reinforced Gbenjo’s commitment to using music as a vehicle for thanksgiving and spiritual upliftment, leaving attendees inspired and expectant for future editions.

Gbenjo

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •January 10, 2026

PERSPECTIVE

How Owen Odigie Is Building a Global Black Prestige Storytelling Platform Ikenna Ukwa

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wen Odigie is not interested in telling small or limited stories. The Nigerian-American writer, producer, and entrepreneur is carving out a bold new path in global entertainment, with a focus on ambition, power, and the lived experiences of Black professionals worldwide. Through his company, Opulence Entertainment, Odigie operates at the intersection of creativity, capital, and culture. His goal is to redefine what it means to be a modern creator in today’s global film and television industry, one who combines artistic vision with business discipline and long-term ownership. At the center of his work is a clear conviction: Black stories deserve the same level of creative sophistication, financial backing, and strategic intent as the world’s most prestigious dramas. Odigie tells stories about Black professionals navigating elite global spaces, characters shaped by pressure, ambition, identity, and reinvention. These are stories that move across countries and continents. Growing up, he rarely saw these experiences reflected on screen, and that absence now drives his creative vision. Before transitioning fully into entertainment, Odigie built a career in finance, starting at Goldman Sachs and later holding various investment and strategy roles, including early-stage venture capital. He went on to earn both an MBA and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from

Odigie Columbia University in the United States. While there, he stood out as a driven leader, serving as Student Body President and later as Commencement Speaker. Navigating elite institutions where Black representation was limited became both an emotional and intellectual foundation for his flagship project, Osa’s Vantage. Inspired by his personal journey from Nigeria to Wall Street to Hollywood, Osa’s Vantage is a dramedy series

that explores ambition, belonging, and power within elite environments, including an international business school in New York City. The series follows young Black professionals as they attempt to build careers and identities on a global stage. Odigie says the project began with a simple but expansive question: What does ambition look like from a global Black perspective? The answer became a story about the pressure, humor, and quiet negotiations that accompany success across cultures. What sets Odigie apart is not only the ambition of his storytelling but the way he structured the project from the outset. By combining creative development with financial participation and ownership, he is building Osa’s Vantage as both a cultural asset and a long-term media platform, an approach that remains rare for a first-time creator. With a background in finance and early-stage investing, Odigie approaches storytelling with the mindset of a builder and capital allocator. His projects are designed to balance creative ambition with scalability, durability, and long-term value. ThisphilosophyledhimtocreateOpulenceEntertainment as a global media company focused on three core pillars: original IP creation, strategic financing, and globally resonant narrative building. Rather than relying solely on traditional studio structures, Opulence develops projects internally, co-finances them, and retains meaningful creative and economic control. Osa’s Vantage is supported by a cinematic visual treat-

ment directed by Forbes 30 Under 30 filmmaker Sterling Hampton, underscoring the premium ambition behind the series. Odigie also serves as co-executive producer and showrunner alongside Ben Cory Jones, known for his work on HBO’s Insecure and BET’s Boomerang. The project has received early backing from Jean-Marc Chapus, co-founder of Crescent Capital Group, a leader in global private credit markets. The journey has not been easy. Odigie acknowledges that stories centered on the Black diaspora are often undervalued or overlooked. Yet he believes the diaspora is one of the most globally connected communities in the world, with shared ambitions that transcend borders. To advance the project, Odigie independently developed the series, assembled top-tier talent, designed a global financing strategy, and organized private screenings in New York, London, and Los Angeles. The response, he says, has confirmed strong international demand. For Odigie, the success of Osa’sVantage extends beyond any single project. He sees it as part of a broader cultural movement, one that positions Africa and the diaspora as complex, powerful, and globally relevant. Looking ahead, Opulence Entertainment remains open to partnership, but only on strategic terms. The company is built to stand independently, bringing original stories, capital participation, and a global vision to any collaboration. With Osa’s Vantage leading the way, Owen Odigie is emerging as a new voice in global entertainment, helping to shape a future where Black stories are not defined by borders, but by ambition, excellence, and scale.

Highways of Life, Not Death Tunde Akanni

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y far impacting the most devastating effect on Nigerians, home and abroad as 2025 began to wind down was the fatal accident involving the UK-based Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, fondly hailed,AJ.Thetragedyinstantlyclaimed the lives of two of AJ’s associates, Sina Ghami and Lateef Ayodele, otherwise, Latz. Inalilai wa inailei rajiun. May their precious souls rest in eternal peace, amen. Fromavideorecordingofthetragedy,thehypermediaconsuming street boys and others readily recognised AJ even as trapped within the badly mangled remains of the SUV they were all travelling in. The car bore no marks to reveal anything yet they shouted ”na AJ ooo!”. Thus commenced rescue operations. But his two friends had breathed their last. Dead. Governments of both Lagos and Ogun states responded promptly and marshalled all available facilities to support AJ, ensuring his immediate evacuation to DuchessInternationalHospital,IkejaGRA.Dulydischarged, he managed to fly out to go pay his last respect to the departed lofty souls of his late associates eventually interned Sunday January 4, 2025. What a huge and painful loss, at once, to our dear AJ. AJ’s accident provoked boundless reactions oozing assorted perspectives including those laced with political colouration with the simplistic thesis that Nigeria happened to Team AJ. But the simpletons were immediately countered. The more sober voices dismissed the unfounded sentiments and also ensured their own voices counted as much as those of the nation’s relentless disparagers. Notably, Ambassador Designate Reno Omokri cited similar previous incidents around the world including that of Princess Diana of the UK in which the son of the Egyptian born British billionaire, Dodi Fayed died. According to Reno, taking AJ to hospital in government ambulance took far fewer minutes than it took victims of similar accidents around the world. He went further to challenge whoever had contrary information to volunteer such. None since! This does not amount to an absolutely perfect official attention to such incidents. There are probably countless others compelling some pleasantly revisionist intervention from responsible government agencies like the Tunji Bello-led Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.This Commission is, for instance, doing its best with its campaign slogan of Demand and Insist to alert Nigerians to their statutory entitlement in emergency situations to treatment in public health facilities before being asked to make any payment. If only the rule of law as being advocated by FCCPC, accompanied by compassion, had always prevailed…

Tragic trajectories all the way. In April 2010, Nigerians suddenly woke up to the tragic news of the shocking death of that fast rising rapper, Dagrin. He rammed his car into a stationary truck in Mushin, apparently while returning from an all-night show. Dagrin held so much promise, according to his fans making his death send ripples to far and near. Barely one year later, yet another star, of the comedy genre, CD John, died in a similar manner. As recently as October 7, 2025, still in the showbiz world, Chris Jeyibo a music producer, had a collision with a truck park. Similar contexts for all, as obvious. No mechanical dysfunction in any of their vehicles. Misuse of road spaces sticks out in all but there is also a peculiar angle especially in AJ’s case. Reinforcing an earlier claim by a Facebook user, a renowned broadcaster, Anike-Ade Funke Treasure who claims to live in Nigeria by choice cautions against heaping all the blames on the bad road conditions. Ironically, according to her, the good condition of some roads tempt into tragedies. “Over speeding kills. I ply that road often, it’s a recently reconstructed road. Such a ghastly accident has no other explanation than over speeding.” Apparently also endorsing Omokri, She continues: “I feel for men of the FRSC who beat the traffic build-up by running to the scene…”. The earlier commenter, a Sayo Aluko, argues: I mean this was a multi-lane expressway with a shoulder…A stationary trailer parked on the shoulder does not , by itself cause a catastrophic collision: such outcomes are shaped by speed, control and judgement on the point of impact. Roads do not create speed, drivers do…this accident could have occurred in (sic) anywhere under the same conditions of speed and recklessness, and the trailer in that could have been a fat oak.” Incidentally, highway remains the flagship physical accomplishment of the PresidentTinubu’s administration amply signposted by the innovative duo of the LagosCalabar Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. Add that to the ingenuity of the enhanced use of local content of cement for the roads most popularised by a tested engineer himself, the incumbent Works Minister, David Umahi, when he was Ebonyi State Governor. But the human factor holds sway always, head or tail, with the possibility of harvesting negative results even when positive outcomes are glaringly low hanging fruits. Soyinka’s play,The Road, offers a most convincing, unnecessary mystification of Ogun as killer on the road even as its susceptibility to manipulation by human beings is limitless. Drivers are quick to accuse Ogun, being the Yoruba god of iron embodying vehicles, of being murderous when accidents happen on the road. Forever, they want to wash their hands clean from automobile accidents, in spite of the total control of automobile technology that humans have.The debates could have been endless and in fact globally so with

Tinubu the (dis)advantage of the global spread of the naïve nitwits, if only to be exhibitionist about their fandom for AJ or sheer gullible criticism of the government they loath without limit. With this global dimension added to the series of the road tragedies in Nigeria in this internet age will probably come some succor to unfounded fault finding with the nation’s road condition. There are bad roads but there are probably as many bad road users. It is inconceivable for instance how, unlike Lagos, drivers in Abuja relish defying traffic lights in the nation’s capital with impunity. Even in Lagos where it is public knowledge that there are CCTV cameras overlooking highways, unpleasant situations such as had claimed the lives of some of the music producer, Chris Jeyibo, still happen. Notwithstanding the predictable, largely online criticism of it, the Lagos-Calabar Highway has turned out to be a most precocious or rather ambitious project. Even as it remains far from being fully completed, it now helps to relieve the pre-existing roads on Lagos Island connecting outward, inter-state roads for vehicles heading for southernly Western and Eastern regions of the country. That road project has clearly earned Nigeria a lofty ranking on the world road rating scale with all resultant positive projections of economic benefits beyond what were earlier anticipated thus recommending it easily for robust international funding support But we cannot continue to sit back without accompanying our civilisational advancement with required

or appropriate knowledge democratisation efforts. And we can never have enough of these. From the relevant state actors at the national level like the FRSC to those at the subnational level like the Lagos State TransportManagementAuthority,LASTMA,effortsmust be stepped up to be more proactive in the discharge of duties. While public education campaigns, especially during festive periods must not be deployed as sheer cosmetic interventions, they must not be seen as yet another opportunity to extort innocent road users either. Equally strategic in this context are the unmistakably well resourced non-state actors who only need to be properly inspired by relevant state actors to reinforce relevant official activities.The likes of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, and some others with membership encompassing grassroots operators like drivers of tricycles as well as commercial bikers will do well to ensure due percolation of the new consciousness that must accompany the renewal agenda of the Tinubu administration. The doability is pretty real especially with the readiness of the federal government to be demonstrative with attention to even affairs at the very base ward level. Non state actors must also seek out allies in the corporate operators of the emerging car rental service companies such as often patronised by the likes of the unfortunate Team AJ. With the acknowledged, unprecedented road development now, even in the regions, perhaps most exemplified in Imo and Osun states, obviously deriving from substantially improved funding allocation from the revenue mindful federal government, safety concerns deserve urgent attention. Indeed, offering a commendable example from Osun State is the Ede ThinkTank, a cell of Ede Descendants Union. Populated by intellectuals with diverse academic and professional leanings, it is currently led by the Obafemi Awolowo University Professor of Medicine, Abubakar Abefe Sanusi. As proactive as ever, the model group formulated a dedicated campaign for enhanced road safety for the community following massive road development. Ede is better for it now even as Ede Think Tank, while monitoring that, has moved on to engage with tech-driven multi-sectoral productivity taking advantage of its social clout. For the group, no national or international official is unreachable. Fundamentally however, for the group led by a medical veteran, the right to life is supreme. Highways therefore must support better lives, not snuff them.

Prof. Akanni is a LASU-based Development Communications expert currently on sabbatical tenure at FCCPC, Abuja. Follow him further online on medium.com

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T H I S D AY, T h e sat u r day N e w s pa p e r J A N U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 6

PERSPECTIVE

Quintessential Ribadu: Engine Room of Renewed Hope Performance Sunny Hemebrim Amadi

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ust as every organism has a nucleus, so does any enduring organisation an engine room and that truism has manifested in the way the office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has been silently intervening in matters initially thought to be outside the purview of the office but still returning with impressive results. Like they say in corporate parlance, the reward of hard work is more work, so it is no brainer that he has been involved in every facet where the administration is making giant strides, so much that those that questioned the rationale and the judgement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in choosing Ribadu as the NSA have begun to see what informed the choice while doffing their caps for him as one adept in choosing the best for each position. The level of reduction in banditry in the country has astounded even naysayers, with the menace only happening in-between and no longer the order of the day, where deaths from such made it seem as if they were mere numbers without involvement of human lives. Added to that is the reduction in terrorism and the improved coordination of all security agencies whose rivalry was blighting the results and compromising the much-needed cooperation that made them to work almost at cross-purposes. This coordination is the reason hostages are being released without payment of ransom and with increasing rapidity. Though he has since left the anti-graft agency where he headed, his imprints are still very visible in tackling economic sabotage through the decisive tackling of oil theft, which benefited illegal oil bunkerers than the federal government. Times were when the country was losing so much of the oil that we couldn’t meet the Oil Producing Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota. Prior to that, when Ribadu headed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where in trying to solve the issue of the menace, and had done the fingerprinting of Nigeria’s crude with the plan to track it so that wherever stolen Nigeria’s crude is taken to, it would be identified. So now that he is astride entire security architecture, he has shown it could be solved and has doubled the effort and Nigeria’s economy is better for it. He has also strategically cleaned up the financial system and by going after financial stalkers like the Binance executives by launching disciplined and intelligence-led operations that have emboldened the interception of online fraudsters that have been denting the image of the country. As we talk, bandits are being killed in droves while kidnappers have been largely apprehended through tracking and arrests, especially in the North-east and North-west where it was endemic. As of the last count, over 5000 hostages have lately been freed. Prior to the time of Ribadu, Nigerians did not know that they had a national Counter Terrorism Center because they were never effective or missing in action when duty called but that center has now attained international collaboration and intelligence sharing that partners like INTERPOL as well as advanced countries now share intelligence and the country is benefitting from his skills and reputation. Because of his personal standing and clout in the international circles owing to his transparency and office, the government has increased security spending, which has also worked across the board and enabled

Ribadu

investment in platforms and technology for effectiveness, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence. This has given Nigeria clout and bettered our reputation thereby enhancing the image of President Tinubu’s administration in international circles. His control of affairs also manifested when President Donald Trump threatened to rain bombs on Nigeria on account of alleged Christian genocide, which spread panic across the country. Men worried, and despite assurances, it appeared Trump was not swayed. Then entered Ribadu into the arena, he led a delegation to Washington, and within a few days, there were changes. This came on the heels of the vitriolic umbrage of detractors of the Tinubu regime who questioned the usefulness and relevance of a Ribadu-led delegation. Articles flooded the media space while it formed topics of programmes in the airwaves, but in the end, he appeared with a list of areas of cooperation between Nigeria and the United States of America. At last, we are on the same page in the rage against criminality and terrorism. A master strategist, he operates the tactic of diversion, which has set him apart in making his enemies to look in

the wrong direction. At a point, Ribadu appeared to have been meddling on having his hand in every pie of government, often appearing too political for his office, but unknown to the ordinary citizen, he was using it to make those working against the state to look in a different direction while he routed them. Across the regions of the country, he forged in different but relevant responses in the crucibles of superlative finesse so that while he is loud in areas irrelevant to his security strategies, he was very astute with pinpoint accuracy in routing enemies of state. In the South East which had become a slaughter field for both civilians and military personnel, without issuing any threats, he, within months of appointment, strategically calmed the zone. In the South West he strategically busted criminal and terrorism cells, making high profile arrests. For the first time, international criminals and felons who came to hide in Nigeria were smoked out, arrested, and repatriated to face the law in their various countries or places they were wanted. He also calmed the region. At the time he was appointed NSA, the North Central region had turned into a killing field from the clashes between herders and farmers. While many argue

that it was a calculated onslaught against the natives for land grabbing, the effect was both chilling and telling but gradually, like his approach brought calmness and security to the Kajuru area of Kaduna State, the Benue region that was worst hit has transited to safety so that the once revered food basket of the nation has started knowing peace. Plateau State, which also suffered the same fate with daily onslaughts, are only seeing small skirmishes once in a while as against the mass slaughter that use to be the order of the day. It was so bad then that human lives lost in such attacks and conflicts wore the toga of mere statistics. The North West and North east regarded as hotbeds of banditry and terrorism have since his assumption of office enjoyed some peace and quietude. Both informants and kidnappers have been put on the run while military offensives have recorded unprecedented successes. His underground synergy with neighbouring states has seen a new handshake across the Sahel states, while the Maghreb corridor, once regarded as a terror route, has assumed a level of sanity and safe passage. His dispute resolution mechanism may have informed the decision by President Tinubu to vest him with the knotty Ogoni oil resolution issues. The region had adopted passive resistance to checking the exploration of oil in their region, which occasioned despoliation of their environment as well as the divide and rule tactics which oil majors adopted that pitched them against authorities. However, with the loss in human and material resources by the Ogonis, they became iron-clad resolute in stopping oil and gas related activities in their region. On assumption of office by Tinubu, he handed over the Ogoni issue to Ribadu to resolve and pronto, he mapped out an approach that enabled consultation based on community levels so that when aggregated, it formed a broad-based and down-to-earth position of the Ogonis. A committee was set up to harmonise the positions and before long, an agreement was struck, paving way for the resumption of oil and gas activities in the once volatile region to the extent that intellectuals of the region admitted that their fears and concerns had been addressed and that what was left was for their people to position themselves for the best gains of resuming production. Before that, remediation activities in the area had gone comatose as projects stalled while the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, which had become a cash cow for politicians, was revived and put back on track so that the trust of the people was restored. Added to that, other federal projects which had either been shoddily handled or abandoned were revived and completed, so the region felt the Ribadu effect and reasoned that nothing from him, like a good Chinese meal, would ever go wrong, so they acquiesced. His successes have been so loud that detractors who worked so hard to blight his good works have been left prowling without success so that their charge now remains that he was working in order to be made president in the future. What such statements fail to take into account is that Ribadu’s records is an incontestable proof that he has ever been a go-getter whose motivation is achieving the best for his country in service. To those afraid he might join politics and head the country, the question to ask them is, what are their fears?

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features

Rewriting Future of Nigerian Education

For years, Nigeria’s universities bore the scars of neglect, their promise dimmed by darkness, decay, and departure. In 2025, that familiar narrative fractured as resources arrived, systems shifted, and ambition returned to classrooms and laboratories, through TETFund’s intervention, writes Festus Akanbi

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y any fair reckoning, 2025 will be remembered as the year Nigeria’s tertiary education sector rediscovered its compass and, for the first time in decades, was handed the resources to follow it. In a modest laboratory tucked inside a federal university campus, a group of young Nigerian researchers gather around a curious piece of equipment known as the Jolly Fryer, an innovative heat exchanger designed to optimise food processing. It is not the sort of invention that usually commands headlines. Yet, in its quiet efficiency lies a powerful metaphor: Nigerian ingenuity, long suppressed by neglect and scarcity, finally finding expression within a system willing to nurture it. Only a few years ago, such a scene would have bordered on fantasy. An epileptic power supply darkened laboratories. Research equipment was more present in proposals than in practice. Talented academics either abandoned innovation or joined the steady exodus to foreign universities. But by 2025, the story had begun to change, not incrementally, but decisively. At the heart of this unfolding renaissance is the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), whose interventions over the past year have reshaped both the material and intellectual landscape of Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.

The Money That Changed Everything

When the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono announced the Fund’s 2025 intervention envelope, and even hardened stakeholders were momentarily stunned. The figure of N1.6 trillion represented not merely an increase but a seismic shift in ambition. To appreciate its scale, one must trace the recent trajectory: N320.3 billion in 2023; N683.4 billion in 2024; and then, within two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, a fivefold surge that redefined the parameters of possibility. More than N700 billion was channelled directly to public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the six geopolitical zones. Crucially, this was not money sprayed across campuses in the old, familiar pattern of abandoned projects and half-finished edifices. It came with a new philosophy: rehabilitate first, expand later. For decades, Nigerian campuses had resembled construction sites frozen in time, with skeletal buildings standing as mute testimonies to misplaced priorities. In 2025, TETFund insisted on a different logic: fix what exists, modernise what is broken, and extract value before adding new layers. Education experts long argued for this shift. In 2025, policy finally caught up with wisdom.

When the Lights Stay On

If funding provided the muscle, electricity supplied the lifeblood. One of the year’s most transformative interventions was the N70 billion solar power initiative, approved by President Tinubu and implemented through TETFund. For anyone familiar with Nigerian tertiary education,

the implications were immediate and profound. Across 18 beneficiary institutions, solar mini-grids now power lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, and hostels. The impact goes far beyond convenience. Research experiments that require stable temperatures can now run uninterrupted. Libraries remain open after sunset. Digital platforms function without fear of a sudden blackout. Students study in silence, no longer competing with the roar of diesel generators. Speaking on the initiative, Aminu Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, framed it as both a necessity and a source of foresight. “The future of education is digital,” he said, “and TETFund is equipping institutions with the tools needed to streamline administration, improve accountability, and facilitate e-learning.” This was renewable energy deployed not as fashionable rhetoric, but as a practical response to a problem that had crippled academic productivity for generations.

The United Nations Comes Calling

In December, Nigeria’s tertiary education reforms received an unmistakable international endorsement. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a landmark partnership with TETFund to launch the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme. The targets are ambitious: eight University Innovation Pods and one Polytechnic Pod; upgrades to nine TETFund-funded innovation facilities; up to 20 Technology Transfer Offices; digital and innovation skills for more than 500,000 students and researchers; support for 2,000 university-linked startups; and the commercialisation of 5,000 research outputs. Yet the partnership’s real value lies beyond the numbers. It connects Nigerian institutions to UNDP’s Timbuktoo pan-African innovation ecosystem, opening pathways to continental collaboration, private capital, and global markets. For Nigerian researchers long isolated from international innovation networks, this represents a long-overdue bridge to relevance.

From Laboratories to Marketplaces

Perhaps the most unmistakable evidence of transformation can be found in TETFund’s flagship research programmes — TETFAIR (TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research) and R4i (Research for Impact). Here, innovation has moved beyond conference papers and dusty shelves. Over 200 prototypes with commercial potential have emerged. Seventeen patents have been secured. Nine hundred and thirty-nine researchers have been trained in the difficult art of translating ideas into products. The Jolly Fryer is only one among many. I-GEL is a reusable technology that harvests atmospheric water for agricultural use. Aqua-rite is a water purification system that requires no electricity, with significant implications for rural communities. Airvolt is a

Why Oxford’s Lassa Vaccine Trial Matters for Millions at Risk in West Africa

For decades, Lassa fever has haunted West Africa as a deadly disease, causing yearly spikes in illness, deaths, and fear. In Nigeria alone, over 900 confirmed cases and about 170 deaths have been recorded this year. Against this backdrop, the OxfordVaccine Group’s new Lassa vaccine trial, backed by CEPI, offers a rare glimmer of hope for millions at risk, writes Sunday Ehigiator

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or millions of people across West Africa, Lassa fever is not an abstract health threat discussed in policy papers or laboratories; it is a recurring reality that returns with unsettling predictability. Each year, as the dry season peaks, hospitals in Nigeria and neighbouring countries begin to see a rise in cases. Healthcare workers steel themselves for difficult months ahead, and communities in rural areas confront a disease that has long been overshadowed by global health priorities. The recent vaccination of the first human volunteer in a Lassa fever vaccine trial by the Oxford Vaccine Group marks a quiet but potentially transformative moment in this long struggle. Funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the trial represents the first time a Lassa vaccine candidate has been tested in humans, offering hope to a region that has lived with the virus for more than half a century without a licensed vaccine or targeted treatment.

A Critical First Step

For CEPI, the trial is far more than a scientific milestone. CEPI’s Lassa Disease Programme Lead, Dr Katrin Ramsauer, describes it as a turning point built on years of groundwork. “Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa and poses a persistent public health threat, yet there is no licensed vaccine,” she explains. “The start of this first-in-human trial led by the Oxford Vaccine Group is a critical step. We need several vaccine candidates moving forward at the same time to ensure we eventually have a licensed and accessible vaccine for the region.” According to Ramsauer, Oxford’s work strengthens a growing global pipeline that includes other candidates already in later-stage trials, including in Nigeria. “This is about increasing the chances of success,” she says. “No single effort can carry the weight alone.”

Built on Proven Vaccine Science

At the centre of the trial is the ‘ChAdOx1 vaccine’ platform, the same technology used to develop the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Chief Investigator of the VITAL01 Lassa vaccine trial and Professor of Infection and Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, Professor Maheshi Ramasamy, says the decision to use the platform was driven by experience and evidence. “This vaccine uses a harmless chimpanzee adenovirus that has been modified to carry genetic material from the Lassa virus. It does not contain the whole virus, but it trains the immune system to recognise and respond to Lassa.” The platform’s track record, she notes, is reassuring. “More than two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines using this technology have been given worldwide, so we understand its safety, how it stimulates the immune system, and how it can be manufactured at scale.” According to her, that familiarity allows scientists to focus on the unique challenges of Lassa fever itself, “particularly the fact that researchers still do not fully understand what protective immunity against the virus looks like.”

Sonny Echono , Executive Secretary, TETFUND low-cost wind turbine designed for off-grid power generation. These innovations were supported by a $250,000 international research grant, secured by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, and funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Each solution aligns neatly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, local in relevance, global in significance. For once, the oft-repeated promise that Nigerian universities could solve Nigerian problems found concrete expression.

The Digital Backbone

While buildings and equipment attract attention, the most consequential reforms often unfold quietly. In 2025, TETFund accelerated the digitalisation of tertiary education administration through integrated research and project management platforms. Processes that once relied on paper files and personal networks are now automated, traceable, and auditable. Project monitoring has improved. Accountability has sharpened. Teaching staff spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time engaging students and conducting research.

Why First-in-Human Trials Matter

Administering the first dose of a vaccine to a human volunteer is a critical and meticulously controlled moment in medical research, marking the transition from laboratory and animal studies to human testing. Prof. Ramasamy stresses that Phase 1 trials are primarily about safety, not proving efficacy in the broader population. “Before reaching this stage, the vaccine underwent extensive testing in animals, including mice, guinea pigs, and non-human primates, to evaluate safety and the ability to stimulate an immune response. “When we move into human trials, we proceed very cautiously. We start with one participant at a time, monitoring them closely for any side effects, local reactions at the injection site, or changes in blood markers. “Participants are observed for both immediate and long-term responses. We follow volunteers for up to a year, conducting regular blood tests to assess liver, kidney, and bone marrow function, as well as detailed immunological studies. “Phase 1 studies are deliberately small and methodical. Without this careful first step, we cannot ethically or safely progress to larger trials in the regions where Lassa fever is endemic. “The Oxford trial currently involves 31 healthy volunteers in the UK, representing a diverse cohort aged 18 to 55. “A second Phase 1 trial is planned in Ghana early next year, bringing research closer to affected communities and providing essential data on how the vaccine performs in populations with potential exposure to Lassa fever. “Conducting trials in endemic regions is crucial,” Ramasamy adds. “It allows us to evaluate safety in a population that may have prior exposure to the virus and builds the groundwork for eventual Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies that can determine effectiveness.” The first-in-human dose is thus both symbolic and practical; a scientific milestone that demonstrates years of rigorous preparation, while laying the foundation for future trials aimed at protecting millions across West Africa.

Beyond a Single Trial

The Oxford Lassa vaccine trial is not simply a standalone scientific experiment. According to Dr Ramsauer, it is part of a deliberate, multilayered strategy to build a sustainable ecosystem for disease control in West Africa, extending far beyond the immediate goal of producing a vaccine. “Funding vaccines alone is not enough. We are investing in the broader ecosystem around vaccine development,” she explains. CEPI’s support has strengthened both clinical and diagnostic capacity at key treatment centres, such as the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Edo State, long recognised for its expertise in managing Lassa fever, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBTH) in Bauchi State.

SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2026 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION LETTER FROM ALUKO TOLULOPE ABAYOMI back to the minister to present the new narrative. Before that I had considered possible solutions because, one thing about Chikelu is that the whole point of identifying problems and genuine leadership is to find and propose possible solutions to specific and identified problems. He would want to know all the detailed issues involved and, above all, look for how to ensure that the best of any set of proposed solutions was applied. The issue now shifted to how to get Aluko a job. I sought out a hotel for their lodging, because it was now about 5pm. In the end, Aluko was given a job at the Federal Radion Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Below is his letter of a few days ago; which is followed by my concluding comments, plea and and observations on his current predicament and how he might be helped. Please read:. “I respectfully write to you, Sir, with a deep sense of humility and hope, to present my current situation and to seek your kind and compassionate intervention, as you have remained a rare pillar of support in my life and I am indeed indebted to you. As I once told you, I became blind at the tender age of five. Despite this life-altering condition, and with the encouragement of my family, friends, and well-wishers, I resolved early in life that blindness would not define my limits. Through perseverance, discipline, and faith, I earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) and later obtained two Master’s Degrees in Mass Communication and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan and Leeds City University, respectively. It was through your rare act of kindness and belief in my capacity that I secured employment at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan Zonal Station, where I was deployed to Gold FM, Ilesha, in February 2005 as a Producer and Reporter. During my time at FRCN, I produced and anchored two programmes dedicated to Persons with Disabilities, with a strong message that disability is not inability. These programmes focused on education, empowerment, and social inclusion for persons living with

disabilities. In my unrelenting quest for knowledge and self-improvement, I proceeded for postgraduate studies, earning my first Master degree in 2009 (University of Ibadan) and second Master degree in 2017 (Leeds City University). In 2008, I joined the Federal College of Education (Special). Sadly, despite my qualifications and dedication, I experienced deep-rooted discrimination linked to my HND background, which eventually compelled me to leave the institution. Subsequently, I was absorbed into the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, in the Department of Mass Communication in 2019. Despite having risen to the rank of Assistant Chief Instructor, I was required to restart my career on a lecturing line from the lowest level. Determined to prove that blindness does not diminish competence, I personally procured assistive technologies such as a scanner, Perkins Brailler, and other accessibility tools to enable me to teach effectively. Because the institution could not provide these tools, I took a bank loan from Fidelity Bank to finance them. Unfortunately, repayment of this loan became extremely difficult. Out of desperation, not ill intent, I accepted a parttime appointment at Osun State Polytechnic to meet my financial obligations. In May 2024, the Executive Governor of Osun State graciously offered me a job at the institution, which I thought was an adjunct appointment on compassionate grounds. However, after seven months, I was informed that this amounted to dual employment. Upon realizing this, I voluntarily resigned on 1st February 2025 without hesitation. Two weeks later, I received a query from Federal Polytechnic, Offa, regarding dual employment. I responded honestly, explaining that my action was borne out of ignorance and financial distress, arising from loan obligations incurred to support my teaching work. Regrettably, the Rector was dissatisfied with my explanation and ordered that my salary be stopped immediately. This was despite my resignation from Osun State Polytechnic. Consequently, both salaries were stopped, plunging me into

severe financial hardship and making loan repayment nearly impossible. Several appeals made through friends and well-meaning individuals were unsuccessful. On 8th September 2025, members of the Association of Visually Impaired Persons accompanied me to the Rector’s office to appeal peacefully. Sadly, this visit was misconstrued as a protest. As a result, I was suspended for three months and placed on half salary from 10th September 2025, a situation that has now lasted about five months. I have since been living in acute financial distress, struggling for daily survival. On 29th October 2025, I appeared before the Staff Disciplinary Committee, where representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) were present. I explained my situation exhaustively, and I genuinely believed that the committee resolved to show mercy in view of my circumstances. However, to date, my matter remains unresolved, and I continue to live under uncertainty and suspicion. Prof, this is not the time in my life when I should be reduced to begging. I am not lazy, dishonest, or insubordinate. I am only a blind man who has consistently worked hard to prove that disability does not equate to inability. I therefore humbly appeal to you, Sir, as my benefactor and father figure, to kindly intervene by appealing to the Rector to temper justice with mercy and allow me to regain my dignity, stability, and means of survival. Though I remain hopeful and not bitter, I wait anxiously to know my fate. Thank you, Sir, for taking the time to read my story. May God continue to reward your kindness and humanity”. I spoke to Aluko after reading the above letter. I reminded him of how I once took him to the office of the chairman of Thisday Newspapers Editorial Board, Olusegun Adeniyi, some three years ago, when he came to Abuja simply to visit me. I told him that it was because of how impressed Segun was at his resilience and deep sense of industry that he gave him fifty thousand Naira to add to the cost of his transportation. “You cannot afford the luxury of falling into depression at this point in your life”,

RIVERS STATE: ONE WEEK, MANY TROUBLES

as “untenable” and warned against actions capable of destabilising the state government. “We concede that the legislature is an independent arm in the tripod of governance, and the constitutional responsibilities of checks and balances are within its democratic purview. “Our position as of today on this matter is that we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment process against our Governor and his deputy. “It will be totally untenable for our party to keep quiet when an obvious hangover from the strifes that occurred within the PDP is allowed to resurface in our great party,” they wrote. It is worth noting that this is the third attempt to impeach Fubara, a telling reminder of the deepening power struggle between the Governor and his godfather. The first was in October 2023, and it took the intervention of President Bola Tinubu for the lawmakers to halt the process. However, few months after, hostility resumed again, leading to a

second attempt to impeach Fubara in March 2025, which saw the President declaring a state of emergency in the State and appointing a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), who was in charge for six months. Now, in less than four months after his resumption, Fubara is faced with another attempt to remove him from office, a move that has sharply divided the political class, deepened tensions within the state, and further unsettled governance in Rivers State. The FCT Minister is not backing down. Wike, who controls both a faction of the APC and the PDP in the State, through his ‘rainbow coalition,’ has told anyone who cares to listen that his political career would come to an end if Fubara secures a second term in office in 2027, hence the urgent need by the Rivers House of Assembly, which is dominated by his loyalists, to ensure the Governor is removed before the primaries of the party. “If we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically.

I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again. So everybody should know we have made a decision,” he told his supporters recently. It is disheartening to see how the lust for power and the desperation to control resources of the State continue to fuel instability in the oil-rich Rivers. Political instability has persistently been a significant factor in Rivers, as despite efforts of well-meaning Nigerians to ensure peace, it continues to dot the State’s political landscape. Political instability impacts economic development and overall progress negatively. Politicians must see politics as a noble calling to serve the people and distribute resources fairly, and not to enrich or enlarge the political base of a godfather. For citizens to actually reap the dividends of democracy, the culture of godfatherism must be eliminated. While the political elites battle over who controls the State’s resources, unfortunately, the plight of the common man in Rivers is completely ignored,

I warned him after reading the letter. Then, going to the substantive issues raised in his letter, I drew his attention to the fact that there seemed to be a legal angle to the Matter and that I was glad his approach had so far not been combative or confrontational. I also told him that my major concern is to see how he can be rescued from the very situation of material dependency he had been doing everything possible to avoid for over forty years. What I did not tell him was that I was going to bring up this matter in the public domain through my column in the newspaper; as I am doing today. I am doing this not to sensationalize the matter, or to bring any of the respective actors into disrepute. Quite the contrary! It is easy for an outsider to draw conclusions about issues of this nature without having all the facts. To the best of my knowledge, the Rector who has given limited the limited penalty of half salary, and the principal officers of the institution, do not seem to have any personal quarrel or misunderstanding with Aluko. The main purpose of my intervention here is more like a payer of intercession, pointing to a visually challenged but educated person who needs help and who should be helped. It is for the institution concerned, or any individual or organization reading this intervention, to see whether they can help Aluko in any way whatsoever. I look back with joy at what has so far happened since I met Aluko 22 years ago. I made sure that his sister’s ambition of training to become a hair dresser after her O’Level examinations was aborted. She is working today, with a Higher National Diploma Certificate. I also ensured that another younger sister, a science student with good secondary school O’Level grades, ended up in the university and came out with a degree in computer science. The latter sister is living outside the country today, with her husband and two children. Let us think of Aluko as a man who should be helped to earn a living by his own skills and sweat. Let whoever can reach out. I rest the matter here. and governance is sidelined for political battle. Public services are neglected, and when the conflict degenerates, as we have seen in the past, properties are destroyed, and even lives are lost. Wike, who appears to be on a relentless quest for political dominance ahead of the 2027 elections, needs to have a rethink and stop prioritising personal ambition over the collective good. Ultimately, President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC must step in decisively to halt the impeachment proceedings against Fubara, in the broader interest of party cohesion and democratic stability. Allowing the impeachment process to be driven to its conclusion would set a dangerous precedent, in which a non-member of the party and political outsider effectively determines who controls the APC in a key state. If Wike is allowed to have his way, it will not only deepen internal fractures but also weaken the moral authority and electoral credibility of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

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ANALYSIS

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CBN: Steering Nigeria’s EconomyThrough Challenges Omolabake Fasogbon

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s Nigeria enters 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set the stage for a cautiously optimistic economic trajectory, reflecting both the resilience of the domestic economy and the bank’s proactive policy measures. While unanticipated headwinds may affect the inflation outlook, the institution’s approach emphasises preparedness, monitoring, and strategic interventions to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. In its recently released ‘Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria, 2026, titled: ‘Consolidating Macroeconomic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty,’ the apex bank pointed out that global commodity markets remain a key determinant of domestic prices, and recent geopolitical tensions in America, Europe and the Middle East have underscored the interconnectedness of economies. Fluctuating oil and gas prices, while posing potential inflationary pressures, also present opportunities for increased export earnings and fiscal revenue. The CBN’s forwardlooking policies are designed to mitigate risks to domestic prices, including targeted interventions in the foreign exchange and monetary sectors, ensuring that any global shocks are absorbed without destabilizing the economy. Trade dynamics, too, are evolving. Rising protectionism in some parts of the world may increase costs and disrupt supply chains, but Nigeria’s growing focus on local production, import substitution, and strategic partnerships positions the economy to weather these challenges. By encouraging domestic manufacturing and agricultural development, the CBN is not only safeguarding the nation from external price shocks but also stimulating job creation and economic diversification. Domestic fiscal activity, particularly pre-election spending and extra-budgetary outlays, has historically influenced inflation. The CBN remains vigilant, coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and other regulatory agencies to monitor expenditure patterns and prevent destabilizing excesses. By promoting prudent fiscal-monetary collaboration, the bank aims to support economic growth while maintaining price

stability, a balance critical to sustaining consumer confidence and investor interest. Food security, a major determinant of inflation in Nigeria, is also a key focus area. Security challenges in food-producing regions, as well as potential adverse weather conditions, could impact food supply and prices. The CBN, however, has partnered with stakeholders across agriculture, transport, and trade to strengthen supply chains, improve storage facilities, and provide financial support to farmers. Such measures not only mitigate potential price shocks but also enhance the resilience of the food sector, reinforcing the nation’s long-term economic stability. The CBN’s 2026 outlook highlights a commitment to sustained disinflation, even in the face of unpredictable headwinds. By leveraging data-driven monitoring tools, advanced modeling, and international best practices, the bank is able to anticipate risks and respond effectively. This proactive approach ensures that inflationary pressures remain manageable, preserving purchasing power for households and stability for businesses. Investment climate and market confidence are central to the bank’s strategy. The CBN continues to foster an environment conducive to both local and foreign investment, emphasizing transparency, predictable policy frameworks, and financial sector reforms. Such measures strengthen the resilience of the economy, encourage capital inflows, and support job creation across key sectors. Nigeria’s banking sector, under the guidance of the CBN, remains a pillar of economic stability. With strengthened regulatory oversight, improved risk management practices, and innovative financial instruments, banks are well-positioned to support credit growth and liquidity in the economy. These developments ensure that businesses and households have access to the financial resources necessary to thrive, even amid external and domestic pressures. The CBN’s economic outlook also underscores the importance of technological adoption. By embracing digital finance, data analytics, and fintech innovations, the bank is enhancing efficiency, reducing transaction costs, and improving financial inclusion. These efforts not only support monetary policy implementation but also empower citizens and businesses to participate fully in the modern economy.

Cardoso Importantly, the 2026 projections recognise that challenges, while real, are manageable and provide opportunities for strategic growth. Elevated commodity prices, pre-election spending, and supply disruptions, if addressed proactively, can catalyse reforms, strengthen local production, and encourage investment in critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. For 2026, the Olayemi Cardoso-led CBN has said it will prioritise four strategic pillars to achieve monetary and price stability, financial sector resilience, and external sector strengthening, to sustain a market-determined exchange rate, reserves, and support stable and predictable growth this year and next. Additionally, the central bank would partner with fiscal authorities to ensure fiscal sustainability and structural transformation of the Nigerian economy. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

As Customs Strengthens Nigeria’s Non-oil Revenue Donatus Eleko

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t a time when Nigeria’s public finances remain under severe strain, non-oil revenue has become increasingly critical to sustaining government operations across the federation. With crude oil earnings fluctuating and production challenges persisting, attention has shifted to agencies whose performance now carries broader macroeconomic significance. Within this context, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged as a central pillar in the country’s evolving revenue architecture. Beyond its traditional role of border control and trade facilitation, the Service has assumed heightened fiscal importance as the government seeks to plug widening budget gaps and stabilize public finance inflows. Recent figures underscore this changing dynamic. The NCS remitted about N3.7 trillion to the Federation Account between January and November 2025, reflecting both increased trade activity and more aggressive revenue collection measures. The inflows highlighted the growing weight of customs and excise revenues at a time when oil receipts remain weak. The development signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s fiscal conversation, which is one that places greater emphasis on efficiency, enforcement, and institutional performance within revenue-generating agencies. As Customs strengthens its contribution to the Federation Account, questions are also emerging about sustainability, reforms and the long-term role of trade-based revenue in supporting national development. The Nigeria Customs Service plays a vital role in the country’s economic framework, serving as a gatekeeper for revenue collection and national security at the borders. Since assuming office, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has spearheaded a wave of institutional transformation, blending professionalism with innovation to modernise Customs operations and reposition the agency as a critical enabler of economic growth. Under Adeniyi’s watch, the NCS has witnessed significant improvements in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security. His emphasis on digitisation, transparency, and compliance has helped close loopholes, enhance efficiency, and boost stakeholder confidence in the agency’s processes. Specifically, data from the latest presentation made to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total collections for the first 11 months of last year stood at about N3.697 trillion, reflecting performance anchored largely on import duties, which continued to account for the bulk of inflows. The figure placed customs as one of the most reliable non-oil revenue contributors in 2025, at a time the government is pushing aggressive fiscal reforms to shore up revenues and narrow the budget deficit. However, for the entire 12 months in 2024, the NCS’ total federation remittance was N3.6 trillion. This means that if the 2025 trend continued in December, other things being equal,

Adeniyi remittances to the federation alone may have hit N4 trillion. “The total 2024 revenue collected comprises three main components. The first was the federation accounts and we had about N3.6 trillion. The second was the non-federation accounts levies where we had N816.9 billion and the third component was the value-added tax where we collected N1.6 trillion,” Adeniyi, said while giving a breakdown of the 2024 operations in January 2025. An analysis of the latest figures showed that import duty alone contributed roughly N3.03 trillion during the period, representing more than 81 per cent of total customs revenue. This dominance highlighted Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imports for consumption and industrial inputs, even as policymakers reiterate commitments to import substitution, local production and export expansion. Besides, excise duty followed distantly, generating about N257.5 billion; Common External Tariff (CET) special levy was N252.4 billion while other revenue lines made comparatively marginal contributions. For instance, fees constituted N158.6 billion while auction sales raked in

N82.5 billion. There were no penalty charges during the period under review. The data indicated that customs collections were relatively robust across most months, with January opening the year strongly at about N400.3 billion, the highest monthly inflow recorded within the period under consideration. This early surge set the tone for the year and reflected a combination of exchange rate adjustments, higher customs valuation of imports and improved enforcement at the ports and border posts. February recorded N299.5 billion; March posted N283.4 billion while April was N358 billion. In May, total revenue paid into the federation account was N359.4 billion; N315.29 billion in June; N353.23 billion in July; N322 billion was recorded in August; N349 billion in September while October and November also recorded performances of N370.2 billion and N287.1 billion respectively, underscoring the volatility but overall resilience of revenue flows. Excise duty collections accounted for just under seven per cent of total revenue, fees contributed roughly 4.3 per cent of total receipts, while auction sales generated just over 2 per cent and CET accounted for nearly 7 per cent of the total, reinforcing the importance of regional trade arrangements in Nigeria’s customs revenue profile. Part of the presentation during the hybrid meeting held on December 11 and 12, showed that:” The collection of N287,174,969,532.50 in November 2025 accounts for 89.43 per cent of the 2025 monthly budget of N321,116,460,253.23. He added: “This is attributable to the decrease in the volume of dutiable imported goods, excisable goods, fees and CET levies in the month under consideration. The collection for November 2025 is lower than the October 2025 revenue collection of N370,281,129,180.31 by N33,941,490,720.73 or 22.44.” Commenting on the feat, Adeniyi said no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without timely, credible and well-applied intelligence, adding that these remain critical to the success of modern customs operations. Adeniyi referenced recent global and domestic security developments, particularly military and security interventions across different regions, including the interception of arms and ammunition across the country. The CGC noted that intelligence remained the common thread behind every successful military or paramilitary operation, stressing that customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theory. Under his watch, the NCS has also intensified efforts to modernise its systems—expanding digitalisation, improving risk management, and emphasising intelligence-led operations. These initiatives are not only aimed at improving efficiency but also at aligning Nigeria with the standards required for full AfCFTA participation. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

GLOBAL SOCCER

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THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper • april 24, 2011

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weekly pull-out

10.1.2025

news

SENEGAL, MOROCCO ON COURSE

2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON...

Eagles Vs Foxes

Revenge or Consolidation?

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2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON... 2025 AFCON...

Eagles Vs Foxes

Revenge or Consolidation? Today’sAFCONquarter-finalencounterbetweentheSuperEaglesofNigeriaandtheDesertFoxesof Algeriainthe45,000-capacityGrandStadedeMarrakechwillnodoubtbeveryexplosive,considering therivalrybetweenthetwocountriesatthebiennialcompetition.TheMarrakechconfrontationwillbe the 23rd senior-level meeting between both teams since their first clash at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos 55 years ago.With the last-minute goal from Riyad Mahrez that knocked out the three-time African champions of the 2019 edition still fresh in the memories of many Nigerian fans, nothing short of a revenge will be pleasing to soccer loving Nigerians

M

atchesbetweenNigeriaandAlgeria over the years have often been dramatic, producing surprising results, late twists, memorable comebacks and standout performances from

top players. The game in Marrakech will mark the 10th time both countries are meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations. Out of the previous nine encounters, Nigeria have won three, Algeria have won four, while two ended in draws. One of the draws was the controversial Bouake match in 1984, where both teams were accused of deliberately playing out a scoreless draw to qualify for the semi-finals and knock out defending champions Ghana. Nigeria beat Algeria to win their first AFCON title at home in 1980. Ten years later, Algeria returned the favour by defeating Nigeria to win their first AFCON title on home soil. Ahead of today’s 35th Africa Cup of Nations between the Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors, ‘Son of the Devil and Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez has admitted that his side’s clash with Nigeria won’t be easy. According to Mahrez, anything is possible when Algeria tackles Nigeria in today’s quarterfinal tie. The last time Nigeria and Algeria met at the AFCON was in the 2019 edition, it was Mahrez’s dramatic last-minute free-kick in the semifinal that knocked the Super Eagles out of the tournament. Speaking after Algeria defeated DR Congo in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, Mahrez told reporters that the North Africans know Nigeria well. “Nigeria? We know them well, the match won’t be easy,” the former Leicester City player, said. “Another last-minute free kick? We will see, anything is possible.” Meanwhile, one of the team’s standout players so far, Samuel Chukwueze has said the Super Eagles are fully focused and determined to win the competition. Chukwueze, who plies his trade with Fulham in England, was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the group stage. The winger provided two assists in the Super Eagles’ 3-1 victory over Uganda. Chukwueze highlighted the unity, depth, and mental readiness within the squad. “We are very calm and we know we are ready to face any team. The players from the bench, everybody is ready to give everything. It doesn’t matter who will play,” he said. The 25-year-old emphasised that the team’s mindset has been consistent throughout the tournament, pointing to their collective ambition. “You can see in the last three games the team is ready to push to our goal, which is the AFCON title,” Chukwueze added. As a way of boosting the Super Eagles for today’s confrontation with the Foxes, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite confirms that the team match bonuses are on track. Uzoka-Anite provided an update on X on Thursday, detailing the steps taken to ensure that players receive their entitlements without delay. “I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match

Ademola Lookman scored Super Eagles opener against Mozambique in the Round of 16

bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025,” she wrote. “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay. Going forward, the process will be fully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice.” Interestingly, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, had earlier clarified that all financial entitlements for the Super Eagles were approved and in process. “The president approved the entire AFCON budget on November 14, 2025. From our end, the funding has been fully cleared,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria. He added that discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), team captain, co-captain, and senior players had ensured clarity on tournament bonuses. “We sat down, negotiated and agreed on what the players are entitled to up to the final. Everybody is clear,” Dikko said. With both the NSC and the Finance Ministry coordinating closely, the Super Eagles have now focused fully on maintaining their unbeaten run and pursuing AFCON glory. Both countries, with five African titles between them, will throw everything into the encounter as they seek a place in the last-4 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous AFCON tournament in the competition’s 69-year history. Both teams have been landlords elsewhere. The Eagles flew from Fès – where they had played all their group phase and Round of 16 matches – to Marrakech on Thursday afternoon, while the Fennecs also had to travel from Rabat, where they also played all their previous four games. Nigeria’s twin-terrors, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and new face Akor Adams, who is highly motivated by his first AFCON goal against Mozambique in the

Round of 16 and the steady recuperation of his mother, look too hot to handle for the 1990 and 2019 champions. Osimhen and Lookman were the driving force behind Nigeria’s runner-up accomplishment in Cote d’Ivoire two years ago, and have proved equally impactful here with each netting three goals. However, the truth is that the Fennecs have their own pack of match-winners, who have proven over the years to be highly dependable and can eke out a result when it is least expected. Baghdad Bounedjah scored the only goal of the 2019 Final against Senegal in Cairo, which handed Algeria their second AFCON trophy, and has remained one of the most potent strikers in the history of the Fennecs. Captain Riyad Mahrez has turned out to be as brutally efficient as Rabah Madjer, (who carried the nation on his shoulders as the North African country hosted and won the AFCON trophy in 1990), Lakhdar Belloumi and the nifty Abdelhafid Tasfaout. Ismael Bennacer is another tricky customer, though he operates from the midfield, and defender Ramy Bensebaini, who scored the only goal when the Fennecs pipped Nigeria in a friendly in Austria in October 2020. Adil Boulbina netted the scorcher that ended the hopes of Leopards of DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also beware of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, as well as striker Anis HadjMoussa. Nonetheless, Nigeria has looked very capable in this championship, with the group playing with purpose, grit, pride and passion, and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have delivered energetically and with panache. Osimhen’s brace against Mozambique took him within three goals of Nigeria’s alltime record of 37 goals, and Lookman now has six AFCON goals, with his brace against Cameroon and strike against Angola in the

knockout rounds of the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire. Both forwards will be eager to add to their tally here. Paul Onuachu is galvanized by his strike against Uganda in the group phase, turning out to be the 150th AFCON goal for Nigeria, and could play some part in today’s duel. The winner of the encounter will take on the winner of the second semi-final, between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and Morocco’s Atlas Lions, which took place yesterday in Rabat.

Q’Finals Results

Mali 0-1 Senegal Cameroon 0-2 Morocco

Fixtures

Algeria vs Nigeria Egypt vs I’Coast

Head-to-Head

10/01/73: Nigeria 2-2 Algeria 28/07/78: Algeria 1-0 Nigeria 22/03/80: Nigeria 3-0 Algeria 10/10/81: Nigeria 0-2 Algeria 30/10/81: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria 10/03/82: Nigeria 1-2 Algeria 11/03/84: Nigeria 0-0 Algeria 23/03/88: Nigeria 1-1 Algeria 02/03/90: Algeria 5-1 Nigeria 16/03/90: Algeria 1-0 Nigeria 03/07/93: Nigeria 4-1 Algeria 08/10/93: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria 14/07/95: Nigeria 2-0 Algeria 21/01/02: Algeria 0-1 Nigeria 03/07/04: Nigeria 1-0 Algeria 04/09/05: Algeria 2-5 Nigeria 30/01/10: Nigeria 1-0 Algeria 12/11/16: Nigeria 3-1 Algeria 10/11/17: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria 14/07/19: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria 09/10/20: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria 27/09/22: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria

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Éric Chelle

Moroccans celebrating their first goal against Cameroon yesterday

Revenge Not on Super Eagles Mind, Says Moses Simon

Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon has revealed that Nigeria is not seeking revenge ahead of the quarterfinal clash againstAlgeria at the ongoingAfrican Cup ofNations(AFCON)tournament in Morocco. Nigeria lost 2-1 to the Desert Foxes during the semifinals of the 2019 AFCON tournament in Egypt and later secured the bronze medal during the thirdplace match. Speaking during the press conference, the Paris FC winger dismissed talks of revenge, emphasizing that the Super Eagles are focused on mental strength and consistent performance. “We don’t have anything about revenge in our mindset.

AFCON 2025

We just want to play. We are a team that works every day to progress and to win due to the mentality,” he said. The Nigerian international disagrees with the notion that NorthAfrican teams are a threat to the Super Eagles at AFCON. “I cannot tell you the North African teams are teams that are giving us trouble because we, too, are a team that gives them trouble because we just kick them out.” The 30-year-old cites the Super Eagles’ 3-2 victory over Tunisia during the group stage as evidence of their competitive

edge. “I think not the last game we beat the Tunisian team. Of course, the Tunisian team is one of the best in Africa. So, it is not the time to talk about teams or not teams, every team is really good in this competition,” he added. “You can see every African team now; they are good, and they have progressed a lot. So, there are no small teams, and there are no big teams anymore.” Simon, who is one of the players that witnessed the loss to Algeria in 2019, will hope Nigeria secure a win and progress to the semifinals.

My Last Minute Freekick Against Nigeria in 2019, A Defining Moment of AFCON, Says Mahrez Algeria Captain, Riyad what they meant to Algeria on the final. Looking back on that night, Mahrez has reflected on one the international stage. “Well, obviously when you the Algeria captain described the of the most iconic moments in Africa Cup of Nations history think about Nigeria, we played occasion as a defining experience, involving Nigeria, recalling them at the African Cup in both personally and collectively an encounter that remains 2019, we played them in the in for his national team. “It was an unforgettable for him, his the friendly. The rest of course incredible moment,” he said. Despite the painful memory teammates, and his country. you cannot forget that moment Mahrez spoke during a for me and for the team, for our for Nigerian supporters, Mahrez spoke with respect about the pre-match press conference country,” Mahrez said. The moment Mahrez Super Eagles, acknowledging on yesterday ahead of today’s quarter-final fixture against referred to came during the their status and strength in the Super Eagles at the 2025 2019 Africa Cup of Nations African football. semi-final, a match that has He emphasized that playing Africa Cup of Nations. The Algerian captain ref- since become one of the com- against such opposition is an important part of competing at the erenced Nigeria as a familiar petition’s defining games. In that encounter, Algeria highest level of the tournament. opponent, pointing to previ“But it’s always good to play ous meetings at the Afcon and defeated Nigeria 2–1, with Mahrez scoring a dramatic against a big team, a strong in friendly matches. According to Mahrez, those stoppage-time free-kick that team,” Mahrez stated. “And I’m encounters, particularly at the secured victory for the Desert so happy to arrive at this stage continental tournament, left Foxes and ended the Super again and to play against this lasting memories because of Eagles’ hopes of reaching type of team.”

Senegal, Morocco Book AFCON 2025 Semifinals Tickets Teranga Lions of Senegal and hostMoroccoyesterdaybooked their semifinal tickets for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), after defeating Mali and Cameroon respectively. Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half tap-in was enough for Senegal to beat 10-man Mali. The Everton forward was on hand to convert from five yards after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to gather Krepin Diatta’s low ball from the right. Diarra tipped a shot from

El Hadji Malick Diouf on to the Lassine Camara’s dipping volley bar in first-half stoppage time, on to the right-hand post in added just before Eagles captain and time. Tottenham midfielder Yves Bis- Mali exit at the quarter-final souma was sent off for a second stage for the second tournament bookable offence. in succession, with their talented Senegal keeper Edouard squad rarely displaying their full Mendy deniedAbdoulaye Diaby potential in Morocco, while Pape in the second half in Tangier Thiaw’s Senegal will remain in before Diarra made saves from Tangier for a heavyweight Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss. showdown against Egypt or Ciss spurned another chance the Ivorians. for the 2021 champions, shooting Meanwhile, a goal in each half, straight at Diarra after capital- scored by Brahim Diaz and Ismael ising on a defensive error, and Saibari, was enough to see off their the Eagles keeper then diverted opponents,whorarelythreatened.

Plateau Utd Unveil Ogunbote New Technical Adviser Yemi Kosoko in Jos

Plateau State has taken a decisive step toward revamping its sports sector as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang received the newly appointed Technical Adviser of Plateau United Football Club, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, marking the beginning of a new technical direction for the former NPFL champions. The unveiling, held at the Old Government House, Jos,

is part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition youth and sports development for human capacity growth and economic sustainability. Governor Mutfwang said the mid-season restructuring of Plateau United was approved after extensive consultations with supporters and stakeholders, noting that football is a performance-driven industry where timely decisions determine success.

“Our objective is not just to stabilise the team but to ensure it excels and reclaims its place among the top clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League,” he said. Describing Ogunbote as a seasoned professional with deep familiarity with Jos and Plateau State, having tinkered defunct GiwaFC,theGovernorexpressed confidence that the new technical leadership would usher in a fresh era of discipline, teamwork, and competitive excellence.

Chelle, Petković Confidence Ahead of Marrakech Clash

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AFCON 2025

are irreproachable. We have the reliability and the quality. “Tomorrow, we need to be just as good defensively as offensively. That will be paramount. All the details will matter against Nigeria. Nothing should be left to chance. We have the quality. We believe in ourselves and we just have to play a big game.” Today’s match will be the 25th clash between both teams at senior level, with the Fennecs having won 10 times and the Eagles having clinched victory on nine occasions in regulation time. Five previous confrontations have ended in draws, but the Eagles claimed a penalty shootout win in one of them – a semi final encounter at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations also hosted by Morocco. After the regulation and extra time ended 1-1, Nigeria won 9-8 in a penalty shootout that went into sudden death and saw some players kicking twice.

oach Eric Chelle has insisted that the Super Eagles have put behind them everything else and will focus hard on achieving victory in today’s Africa Cup of Nations duel with Algeria’s Fennecs, which will set alight the Grand Stade de Marrakech, in Morocco’s fourth largest city, from 5pm. “It’s crucial for me to maintain focus on the pitch. While energy matters, the mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united. “This match is critical against a formidable opponent. We are in the process of determining our gameplan. I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team; their staff operates with exceptional professionalism. I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019. My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification.” Algeria trumped the last

AFCON clash between both teams – a 2019 semi final encounter at the Cairo International Stadium that ended with Riyad Mahrez scoring the winner from a free-kick at the edge of the box in added time, leaving goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi with no chance. On his part, Bosnian-Swiss Vladimir Petkovi, the Fennecs’ manager, believes his team has the quality to extend its winning streak against the Super Eagles, who have not tasted victory against the North African country since a 3-1 triumph in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in November 2016. “The most important thing is the state of mind. It all starts from there, and from that point of view, we

Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, have resumedcampinginAbujaahead of their forthcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against their Senegalese counterparts. The team opened camp on Saturday, January 4, 2026, at the Westpoint Hotel, marking the start of an intensive preparation programme. A total of 17 players are currently in camp, with additional invited players expected to arrive in the coming days to complete

the roster. Training activities have emphasis on tactical discipline, commenced in earnest, focusing on game intelligence, and overall team cohesion, tactical organiza- team organization, as preparations tion, and physical conditioning, as progress toward the qualifier. the technical crew works to ensure Nigeria will host the first leg optimal readiness. of the third-round qualifying Head Coach, Mr. MosesAduku, fixture, which is scheduled for the confirmed that the team’s prepara- Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on tions are on course, with ongoing Saturday, 7th February, with the assessments of players and struc- return leg already determined for tured training sessions aimed at Saturday, 14th February in Dakar, ensuring tactical readiness and Senegal. optimal performance levels. The This year’s FIFA U20 Women’s technical crew continues to fine- World Cup finals will be hosted tune training programmes with by Poland.

Poland 2026: Falconets Begin Preparations for Clash with Senegal

Pamodzi Boss Sees Great Nigeria Basketball Growth with NNPC Deal The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi, Chief Mike Itemuagbor, is excited by the details of the deal on the table for the Nigeria Basketball Federation and NNPC Limited. Itemuagbor, who has been a key player in Nigerian and international sports marketing, says the package is the answer to Nigeria’s basketball growth, especially in the domestic scene. Itemuagbor, who spoke on the deal by midweek, said, “The very good aspect of this package

is that the players and teams are Itemuagbor, who is using a the real sister company to Pamodzi, beneficiaries. When we get M4S, to package the basthis through, players and teams ketball deal and some other will celebrate it. events, has therefore asked “We can have a system all basketball stakeholders where the teams earn good in the country to put their money and have greater oppor- passion towards things that tunities for further marketing will engender the growth and for themselves. Basketball is a development of the game in huge platform across the world, Nigeria. and that is the way it should be “The plan to get NNPC on in Nigeria.Apart from football, board should be embraced I don’t see any other sport that by everyone who truly loves can outshine basketball here, basketball in Nigeria. This deal and that is the understand- will help the league here, and ing we are all leveraging on when we get this right, many and working with.” other things will follow.

Five NBA Players with African Ties to Feature at Under a new NBA All-Star Game format, two teams of 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles U.S. players and one team In the West, San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (France; ties to DRC) ranks fifth behind Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Doni and Giannis Antetokounmpo (ties to Nigeria) remain the leaders in their conferences in the second fan returns in NBAAll-Star Voting 2026, released recently. In the East, led by Antetok-

ounmpo at No. 1, is followed by of international players (the Eastern Conference Finals MVP World team) will compete in a from Cameroon Pascal Siakam round-robin tournament featurwith the Indiana Pacers at No. 10; ing four 12-minute games. The O.G Anunoby (ties to Nigeria) NBA All-Star Game will take with the New York Knicks at place on Monday, Feb. 16 at No. 13, and 2023 NBA MVP Joel 12:00 a.m. from Intuit Dome in Embiid from Cameroon at No. 17. Inglewood, California, home of NBAAll-Star voting concludes the LA Clippers. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Fans in Africa can catch the at 06:59 a.m. CAT, and starters NBA All-Star Weekend action will be announced on Monday, on SuperSport, ESPN, Canal+, ZAP TV, and NTV. January 19.

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PAYING FINAL RESPECTS...

L-R: Chief Kingsley Ekeoba; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, at Ekeoba’s country home during the burial of his mother in Umukabia Okpuala, Ohuhu Land, Abia State...recently

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Letter From Aluko Tolulope Abayomi

H

e was a visually challenged young man whom I call “Okurin Meta”. I first heard this Yoruba expression (literally "three men" in one) back in 1989, when I was still a lecturer at the University of Lagos. It was the late Chief Adewoyin, my neighbour and much older friend, who often so enjoyed my visits and long conversations on various subjects that he inflicted the "title" on me based on his strange belief that there was nothing in the world I could not explain. I, in turn, transferred the inflicted title on Aluko, whom I first met sometime Chikelu in 2004. This was at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Information and been friends since. The circumstance of our meeting was that National Orientation, Abuja; and we have

the minister to whom I was Chief of Staff paid forty thousand Naira to the ‘agent’ and Special Assistant, Chief Chukwuemeka of the prominent politician, who then Chikelu, called on the intercom to tell me he gave him the letter, assuring he would be was sending a letter addressed to him and automatically employed once he took the also referring the bearers of the document to letter to the Minister of Information and me; to look into what looked like a criminal National Orientation in Abuja. matter of forgery. Rather than Aluko and his sister being The letter was a badly forged document criminals and forgers of documents, theirs from a “prominent” person from the South was the case of a visually challenged person West. The bearer of the letter, Aluko, was swindled by a conman in faraway Ilesha. led into my office some ten minutes later The man needed a job and had certificates by one of his younger sisters because he for the purpose. could not see. Before going back to the minister, I was The two visitors looked perched, bewildered able to confirm that Aluko had a Higher and very apprehensive; but they were also National Diploma, (HND) in Communication confident in an unusual sort of way. I asked Arts. So, rather than call the police, I got that they be given something to drink, and Continued on page 27 then listened to their full story. Aluko had

OBINNACHIMA EDGY OPTIMIST

obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

Rivers State: One Week, Many Troubles

R

ivers State has once again become a theatre of political turbulence, exposing the depth of a long-running power struggle that has refused to abate. At the heart of the crisis, once more, is the escalating confrontation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been described as a ‘bad child’ by his predecessor, erstwhile godfather and rival, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. This feud has been on since October 2023. The latest battle that blends personal rivalry with raw political control appears to have been ignited after Fubara announced publicly that he now wears the ‘001’ crown in Rivers State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) after he defected to the ruling

party, a few days after most members of the State Assembly announced joined the APC. The move, which appeared not to have gone down well with his godfather, saw Wike embark on what he termed a ‘thank you tour’ of the local governments in the state, culminating in an impeachment notice served on Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the State’s House of Assembly. During Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, who described the Governor as a “mistake,” the Majority Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor. Relying

on Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Jack reeled out seven points of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara. The accusations are not different from what he was accused of in the past, which included the demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and a refusal to obey the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy of the House. Twenty-six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly signed the notice. After Jack laid his notice before the Speaker, who said the notice would be served on the Governor in seven days, the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, also brought forward a notice of alleged gross misconduct against Odu. Some of the

gross misconduct she was alleged to have committed included reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House of Assembly from performing her constitutional duties as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, and conniving to allow unauthorised persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly. While the reaction of the national leadership of the APC is being awaited, a faction of the Rivers State chapter of the party has rejected the impeachment moves by the State House of Assembly. The spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, described the development Continued on page 27

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