SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2026

After FTSE Russell Reclassification, Moody’s Upgrades Nigeria’s Outlook on Stronger External Position Stock market soars N1.38trn in one day External reserves hit $53.30bn, rise $12.08bn in one year

Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede

Nigeria’s economic and financial

outlook received a fresh boost yesterday as Moody’s Ratings

upgraded the country’s outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive,’

one day after FTSE Russell confirmed the West African

country’s return to the Frontier Continued on page 5

2027: Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson Move to Close Ranks for United NDC Campaign...

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546 Dead, Over 2,000 Missing in Massive Nepal-Tibet Flood...

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Fake Agencies: Tinubu Orders Forensic Sweep of IPPIS, Ministries, FG Institutions Declares securing lives non-negotiable, key to Nigeria's economic ambitions Urges united APC to ensure grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027 polls

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday

directed the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo

Oyedele, to oversee and coordinate a comprehensive forensic audit of Federal

Government systems. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement

yesterday, revealed that the audit would include a review of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll

Information System (IPPIS), Continued on page 5

Tinubu is 90, I Will Prove It in Court, Claims Atiku

Defends his own age, says president in panic mode Omokri: Tinubu is nowhere close to 90 Story on page 5 Presidency tackles former VP over vow to open borders Insists Nigeria’s borders already open

PA REUBEN FASORANTI CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY LECTURE...

L-R: Representative of Ekiti State Governor/SSG. Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Celebrant's son, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Governor of Ondo State. Lucky Ayedatiwa; former Governor of Ondo State. Dr. Olusegun Mimko and Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, during the Centennial Birthday Lecture organised by Afenifere for Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

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2027: Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson Move to Close Ranks for United NDC Campaign Party prepares to unveil nationwide campaign council

Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is moving to forge a united campaign front for the 2027 elections as its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, intensify consultations aimed

at consolidating the opposition party's national political machinery. The latest high-level meeting, which lasted several hours, was held at Dickson's Abuja residence, with Obi, Kwankwaso, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the two Deputy National Chairmen and other senior party officials in attendance.

The meeting came days after another extensive consultation involving Obi, Kwankwaso and Dickson, underscoring the growing urgency within the party to close ranks and establish a coordinated campaign structure ahead of the 2027 contest. Although the NDC said the latest meeting focused primarily on preparations for the unveiling of its campaign

council, the repeated consultations among its three leading political figures have heightened expectations that the party is moving to resolve outstanding issues and establish a more coordinated national campaign structure. The development comes as the NDC begins preparations to translate its leadership arrangements into an effective countrywide political

machinery ahead of the 2027 elections. The party recently directed its candidates across the country to commence campaigns in their respective states and constituencies, in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). With campaigns now underway, the latest consultations are expected

FAKE AGENCIES: TINUBU ORDERS FORENSIC SWEEP OF IPPIS, MINISTRIES, FG INSTITUTIONS federal government agencies, and their administration and internal controls. This comes as President Tinubu said national security remains the fundamental bedrock required to achieve Nigeria's economic ambitions and lasting prosperity, noting that his administration views safety and the protection of lives as the fundamental baseline for business expansion. The President also stressed the need for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as preparations intensify for the

2027 general election, with the party's 31 governors expected to take the lead in mobilising support across their respective states. The President's directive for the forensic audit of the federal government institutions was sequel to the Federal Executive Council's resolution on August 19, 2026, in response to findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on fake agencies, ghost workers, and other control failures. The exercise would establish

the nature and extent of weaknesses in government’s control system, and determine how such weaknesses have been exploited. According to the statement, the review would comprise two interconnected components. The first, which would focus on a forensic audit of government systems, particularly IPPIS and related payroll, personnel, pension and financial-management platforms, would examine reported cases of ghost workers and payroll fraud, reconcile the figures

to provide the framework for greater coordination among the party’s presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly candidates. The party’s immediate task is to harmonise its campaign activities and ensure that its candidates operate within a common political strategy as the 2027 contest gathers momentum.

identified by the ICPC, trace how fictitious or ineligible persons were enrolled, and review access, identity, biometric and bank-account controls. The exercise would also examine the interfaces between IPPIS and other government platforms, including GIFMIS, Remita, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Sub-TSA, to determine whether fraud resulted from system defects, process failures, inadequate segregation of duties or deliberate circumvention. The second component of the

audit, which would cover all federal government agencies, departments, commissions, councils, parastatals and other government bodies, would establish a definitive inventory of such bodies and verify their legal basis, while examining how entities obtain official recognition, budgetary consideration, correspondence privileges, office facilities and access to government systems. The exercise would assess governance, procurement, internal-audit, and oversight controls across Government

to close systemic weaknesses that could allow irregular entities or persons to access public resources. Tinubu directed that the exercise be conducted with the highest standards of independence, professionalism and forensic integrity. The audit team would have access to relevant government systems and records. It will collaborate with the ICPC to ensure that the review complements all ongoing investigations, prosecutions and recoveries.

these available for the service of my country,” he added.Atiku, however, said his age would not prevent him from effectively governing the country, stressing that what Nigerians should be concerned about was the ability of a president to provide competent leadership and address the country’s economic and security challenges. He also renewed his criticism of the Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to provide Nigerians with affordable transportation and cheaper fuel. According to him, the government’s recent announcement of 120,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres was inadequate, representing less than one per cent of the estimated number of vehicles requiring conversion. He described the government’s

approach to transportation policy as confused and “clay-footed”, arguing that Nigerians needed immediate relief from high transportation and energy costs rather than promises whose benefits would take years to materialise. Atiku further vowed that, if elected president, his administration would tackle insecurity and restore confidence in the country, while accusing the Tinubu administration of being in “panic mode”. He also repudiated claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, saying he was instrumental in bringing the group together. “That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else…I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said. According to him, most of

the politicians who started the coalition remained together, despite disagreements among some of the major opposition figures. He identified the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as the two major opposition figures who left the group. “It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said. Asked about Obi, he added, “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.” Atiku, however, said there was still a possibility of the opposition politicians working together before the 2027 election, adding, “Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace. One day you’ll see… we have

TINUBU IS 90, I WILL PROVE IT IN COURT, CLAIMS ATIKU Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday claimed that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old, insisting that he has evidence to substantiate the allegation and would present it in court, while dismissing concerns over his own age and fitness to contest the 2027 presidential election. Atiku made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa, while responding to a question on concerns that he would be almost 80 in 2027. But in reaction, Ambassadordesignate of Nigeria to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Reno Omokri, hit back at Atiku, saying the President is

nowhere close to 90 years. Omokri, in a statement posted on his social media platform yesterday, cited a photograph of Tinubu and Dele Momodu taken in London in 1996, arguing that the image raised questions about Atiku’s assertion on the President’s age. This comes as the Presidency yesterday opened another front against the ADC presidential candidate over his promise to “open the borders” if elected in 2027. The Presidency insisted that Nigeria’s land borders were already open and that Nigerians deserved facts rather than campaign slogans. The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the Federal Government reopened most of Nigeria’s land borders in March 2024 and had

not reversed the decision. Continuing, the former vice president argued that age should not be used to determine a candidate’s suitability for the presidency, insisting that he remained physically strong, healthy and intellectually alert. The former Vice President said, “You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” He alleged: “We have a President who is 90 years old and who is sick, and I am healthy and strong. So, why would I not make myself available to serve my fellow countrymen?” When told that the President was not yet 90, Atiku replied: “I have evidence, and I will present it in court.” “I have the experience, the competence and the patriotism. So, why would I not make all

Continued on page 16

AFTER FTSE RUSSELL RECLASSIFICATION, MOODY’S UPGRADES NIGERIA’S OUTLOOK ON STRONGER EXTERNAL POSITION Market classification. Owing to the positive news, the Nigerian equities market responded with a N1.38 trillion surge in market capitalisation. Moody’s affirmed Nigeria’s B3 long-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings, but changed the outlook to positive, citing a stronger external position, robust current account surpluses and betterthan-expected economic growth. The latest developments came as data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the country’s external reserves had climbed to $53.30 billion as of August 26, 2026, representing a $1.28 billion increase in just over a month and a $12.08 billion rise from $41.22 billion

recorded a year earlier. The combination of improving external buffers, stronger economic growth and renewed international market recognition signals growing confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic recovery, even as fiscal vulnerabilities remain. Moody’s said Nigeria’s gross reserves, excluding gold, Special Drawing Rights and the country’s position at the International Monetary Fund, rose to about $44.4 billion in June 2026, from $31.2 billion a year earlier. It also noted that Nigeria recorded a current account surplus of 5.1 per cent of GDP in 2025, projecting that this could widen to about 6.1 per

cent this year before moderating to 4.1 per cent in 2027. The ratings agency further pointed to stronger economic performance, noting that real GDP growth reached four per cent in 2025, compared with its previous expectation that medium-term growth would remain closer to 3 per cent. Inflation has also moderated significantly, falling to 15.4 per cent in July 2026 from 25.3 per cent a year earlier, while the CBN’s restrictive monetary policy stance has strengthened monetary policy transmission, Moody’s said. Despite the improved outlook, Moody’s retained Nigeria’s B3 rating, warning that fiscal pressures remain

significant because of the government’s limited revenuegenerating capacity and weak debt affordability. General government revenue stood at about 10 per cent of GDP in 2025, among the lowest levels globally, while interest payments continue to consume a substantial portion of government revenue despite a moderate debt-to-GDP ratio. Moody’s said Nigeria could receive an actual rating upgrade if the recent improvement in its external position is sustained or if revenue reforms succeed in substantially increasing government receipts over time. Conversely, the outlook could return to stable if Nigeria’s external buffers deteriorate

significantly or economic growth weakens materially. The positive outlook followed FTSE Russell’s confirmation on August 27 that Nigeria’s reclassification from “Unclassified” to “Frontier Market” status would take effect from the market open on September 21, 2026. The development triggered a strong reaction on the Nigerian Exchange yesterday, with investors pushing market capitalisation up by N1.38 trillion, or 0.9 per cent, from N154.442 trillion to N155.826 trillion. The NGX All-Share Index similarly gained 2,142.38 points, or 0.9 per cent, closing at 241,298.47 points, compared

with 239,156.09 points at the previous close. The FTSE Russell decision followed a further assessment of Nigeria’s transition from a T+2 to a T+1 settlement cycle, after international market participants raised concerns that the new arrangement could create a de facto prefunding requirement for foreign institutional investors. Following consultations with Nigerian market authorities and feedback from the FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee, FTSE Russell said it had observed no material settlement, operational or funding difficulties since the T+1 system was introduced.

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NEWS

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

UNVEILING REMODELLED PREMIER HOTEL IBADAN... L-R: Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Prof. Abibat Adubiaro; SSG to Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Secretary to the Government of the COURTESY VISIT... Federation, Senator George Akume; Group Director,TO Odu’a Investment Company Limited/Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. Seni Adio, SAN; Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru and SSG to the STRENGTHENING NIGERIA -GERMANY AGREEMENT... STrATeGIC ALLIANCe SANITISe FXAVIATION MArKeT… L-R: Director-General of theMrs. Budget Office Salu-Hundeyin, of the Federation, Tanimu CEO, Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover; Chair ofin GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Minister of Lagos State Government, Abimbola during theYakubu; inauguration of newly remodelled and redeveloped Premier Hotel Ibadan, Oyo State…recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA L-R: Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey, Walid Mahmud; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Senior Aeropolitical Relations Rights, Lufthansa Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, during the visit Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; CEO ofEconomy GSG Impact, Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen, and Market Development Manager at GSG Impact,and Ms.Traffic Atieno Otonglo, at theGroup, courtesy the Federal Ministry RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATION... L-R: Minister of Finance andSenator Coordinating Minister of the ofMs. Nigeria, Wale Edun; Chairman, Economic andManager, Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede andvisit theto Governor, Central of the Lufthansa Delegation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to strengthen Nigeria -Germany Aviation Agreement (BASA) in Abuja...yesterday

Bloomberg: Nigeria Draws First Tranche Edo APC, State Govt Trade Words 546 Dead, Over 2,000 Missing Idris: Nigeria on Path of Economic President Tinubu Welcomes New of $5 Billion Swap With UAE Bank over N9bn Fresh Loan Approval Renewal, Global Respect in Massive Nepal-Tibet Flood Qatar Investment Initiatives from of Budget andand Economic Planning Abuja… recently Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in aBabatunde StrategicAjayi; Alliance to Stimulate the forex market Abuja…yesterday L-R: Akarigbo Paramount RulerinOf Remoland, representative of Minister of Trade andin Investment, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Group Managing Director, Codic Pharm Ltd, Sammy

Ogunjimi; Minister of 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

Nume Ekeghe with agency reports

tranche of a $5 billion derivatives press time. drawn attention from market closing at N1,380.9/$ at the inflows, despite mounting deal with United Arab Emirates' The $5 billion facility, participants because of the official market yesterday, pressure from investors chasing largest ahead captured. approved by the National stupendous limited public disclosure compared with Mr. N1,380.1/$ “In his infertile rambling,assets, Tenebe state Governor, Godwin dollar-denominated as N9 billion for the has been lender, swindledpressing by Obaseki-led Adibe emenyonu in Benin City Among those still unaccounted in the Rasuwa district, inundating at least 62 miles downstream Thewild United States Geological recovered hundreds of bodies Sundayhas Ehigiator withthe agency made and completely off-theObaseki across all sectors of the fathom projects which only "Information at the behest of the with a transaction that has been Assembly earlier this year, is surrounding its terms. The the previous day, while holding falling international oil prices Nigeria accessed first administration with an unassailmark suggesting that state the paston seven years.” in theMonetary imagination of online of1,700 the Edo State House of existed for are 90 Americans, according communities along thethat Trishuli fromover the Nepal-Tibet border. isand Survey seismic while close 2000 people report Ajimotokan humongous debt profile of members scrutinized fortobeing opaque. part of the federal government's International Fund firm atthat N1,390/$ the parallel acomments pullback the domestic tranche of a proposed $5 able, span over kilometres - aimed The minister reiterated the the federal government about 85 perrecorded centin complete projects bold reform agenda, which included Olawale in Abuja and Edo State is owing $35 billion. “Tenebe has beenprojects on a frenzy the governor, it was discovered Assembly is to the effect that they Edo State chapter of the All ProN135 billion and $35.6 billion, to a US State Department River and sweeping away or Nepal's disaster authorities activity associated with the remained missing as of yesterday, at unlocking economic activity and ongoing reforms by the Tinubu is concentrating more in the handled by Rock Result along Ahoada planrecalled to diversify external (IMF) and was Fitch recently market for the thirdtoconsecutive equities market. billion derivatives the“The removalWest of fuelAfrican subsidies nation and the were Blessing Ibunge in Portfinancing Harcourt Even ifofthat was what was written looking for tell since the facility not N9 South from their holiday gressives Congress (APC), yesterday, the governor is unyielding and Nigeria. Thesources Ambassador knows that stability tostructures thewere world. Ieven see your Nigeria's taxlies system, making it section Nigeria's readiness to build on the- bridging end of the tunnel."You can't find Deji Elumoye in Abuja spokesperson. Five Americans burying in its path. said the flooding was landslide at magnitude 5.2. regional divides. administration not just about than northern areas of the nation. East West Road is at 60 per ABC News quoted the country’s At least 546 people have been unification of foreign exchange rates drew about $1.5 billion in the financing and reduce cautioned that while derivativeweek. The naira has come under arrangement with the United for him, he shouldthan haveNigeria. known assumed office as Acting but a figuredevelopment, wrapped in he leave by Qatar the Speaker on the billion urged Governor Godwinand Obaseki to unstoppable insignificant his characteristic that I been take very seriously. efforts in much human easier for foreign investors to doa cent momentum generated by his shifts state or aThe better partner “The aimthe is not connectivity, economic arithmetic, but about Responding totriggered questions from completion, that two ofcouple the most policy had evacuated by Friday, An financing analysis of verified video Chairman. reportedly by agency initially identified Minister of Information National National Disaster Risk Reduction killed and more than 2,000 remain that the figure isadding wrong andRCC, can't Rather than focus secrecy as ascan N17.5 billion of statejust governor for last ofEdo weeks from a request borrowing costs. Structured as based improve Analysts attributed pressure infollow recent sessions as Arab Emirates' largest lender, stop securing loans, noting that the design to leave State in ruin, but economic opportunity,” he said. creating a new foundation for inclusive journalists who observed his inspection Setraco have shown commitment in We are willing to go further in peace and prosperity. Like you, business in the country. visit to Qatar in 2024, pledging to I always global issues President Bola Tinubu yesterday inand Nigeria’s recent economic history. Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said by up from three reported the to footage and satellite imagery massive landslide about investors thetrue. event as a 4.4-magnitude be reawakening histocompletely which the opposition in the on the immediate approval ofFirst the Management Authority to missing following devastating N9 billion loan recently approved asking for a facility of N17.5 total return swap transaction a Total Return Swap with liquidity, such arrangements the resilience strong reposition ahead of the according to a Bloomberg “Nigeria is really retracing its steps. growth, and the Zarama section of theefforts Westto their our bilateral relations." we areaccountability, sandwiched between the of all difficult bilateraldecisions agreements "We are making and your You have to welcomed new initiatives by implement “These were that said thethe country was on Assembly the path towards "Injobs. reality,efforts. our debtcorrecting stock is not comatose party, which isEast unable rejected and orsustainable refused facility which according to house previous day. showed that the powerful 12 miles northeast of the dollar-denominated earthquake before its by House of was few days ago, which was have revealed. flash floods and landslides with First Abu Dhabi Dhabi proceeds are should be transparently macroeconomic fundamentals, fundraising report, marking first billion ItAbu isThe becoming anBank, important nation once development. rehabilitation Bayelsa State, Addressing the journalists, Umahi President said the Qatari challenge ofof terrorism and helping Road between the two countries. reform our tax in system. Going do more inin Nigeria toare help fight had to be made. They causedBank some them Qatari investors tothe explore economic recovery, restating federal a secret and fact, we ‘under to provide constructive criticisms to be part the approval. is said to be N9 billion needless and will plunge the state said to be N9 billion." The flooding began about surge ofdevelopment, and debris Rasuwagadhi assessment and confirming that At directed least 4,451the people have been that swept again the comity of at nations. In another Umahi who Umahi expressed satisfaction withpost the said, "We havein just inspected thewould work PJSC, according to people earmarked for refinancing debt managed towater minimise fiscal healthy external reserves still by Dangote Refinery and but anisaircraft taking reported underof turbulence, government’s commitment to parts restoring government had demonstrated our neighbours. We are conscious He Minister of but by experiences ofborder the past and poverty the humanitarian opportunities inthrough the agricultural borrowed’. Emperor Tenebe expected of a viable opposition, But in its reaction, the Edo asamong event unfolded, after into financialdrawdown distress. Tenebe, saidlike"It important 8:40 a.m. local time Wednesday caused destruction extending along the Nepal-China frontier. it was caused by the landslide. The respect that Nigeria used to have disclosed this yesterday while inspecting ongoing projects across Rivers, Delta ofPetrochemicals, Rock Result where we have multiple rescued or injured, including 129 Nepal-Tibet border region, off, we are now reaching stability. The investors’ confidence and deepening maturity and foresight in working of who is our friend and those Budget and Economic Planning, the need to depart from old area. You have done well have known this if he understood he has resorted to spreading State Government stated that sector and assured that Nigeria the mammoth request by the familiar with the transaction, and supporting infrastructure and debt risks. on a steadily upward trajectory prompting ain athe facility that has attracted But in a swift reaction, the to state, that it is now in public is now gradually returning. Investors the ongoing construction of federal and Bayelsa. culvertsaofover the East West World Bank has noted our return to opposition democratic the economics governance, fiscal in a have desperate Edo APC “obviously the and House as to the foreign nationals, while 8,380 triggering a massive for global in peace deserves helping us towas ameliorate the misinformation Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; ways, our reforms been concrete developing knowledge-based remains open to search-andstrategic Edo State values. Government said it and political space that the who asked not to be identified financing. Meanwhile, the naira has at $51.2 billion and sustained rotation of capital from naira scrutiny over its structure have more confidence country,” roads in by Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta He said that the tough Bodo-Bonny Road Road failure in between Rivers and growth levels not seenhave in over a the This was as his to counterpart, responsibility and debt-to-GDP ratio. curry cheap popularity. the achievements of attempt rationale for ain our facility as pained commendation. problems." Minister of of Information and hard. Itomade decisions economy Qatar, but what partnerships. was perplexed learn ofMinister what budget Edo State was police personnel been rescue operation, authorities said fiscal because they aren't authorised This transaction has, however, remained relatively resilient, foreign portfolio investment assets into dollars. and transparency. he said. states, dismissed the claims trending construction handled by Julius Berger Bayelsa. decade,” Idris told Forbes Africa. Works, David Umahi, has disclosed itoftermed “laughable and incredibly passed few weeks ago before the According to him, "I am proud President Tinubu also noted National Orientation, Mohammed so that we could grow. We are about Nigeria?", the President The President gave the deployed to support rescue and yesterday. toHe speak to the reported that noted this media." year’s observance thatBloomberg the federal is investing ridiculous tantrums attributed to Edo State House of of Assembly Idris; and that Minister Foreign of your efforts to bring peace and ongoing reforms to streamline gradually seeing the light at the explained. assurance atgovernment the State House, recovery operations. Theofacting disaster struck of the Democracy Day notYusuf just trillions naira in the construction Efforts byleave THISDAY to Nigeria drew about $1.5 billion the new chairman of theon proceeded on without the Affairs, Ambassador Abuja while receiving a special Across the border in Tibet, Wednesday morning in Nepal’s warranted celebration, but sober and rehabilitation ofof roads across the commencement Edo State chapter APC, Jarret of the execution independently confirm the over the past two weeks through MaitamaonTuggar, to work together envoy from the Amir of the State reflection the journey democratic country. Tenebe where he made baseless Chinese state media reported that the budget by theof executive. Rasuwa district along the ofto reported drawdown from anorthern Total Return Swap (TRS) ensure the timely execution of Qatar, Dr. allegations Mohammed bin consolidation and economic renewal. Idris reaffirmed this yesterday in and spurious on the Itofthree isthese most disheartening that the people had been confirmed border with Tibet, sending a huge agreements. Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Rescue workers from around the trapped under rubble before the buildings. Heavy machinery reported severe shortages of transaction with Abu Dhabi Idris explained that funds recovered an interview withFirst Forbes Africa to Edo fiscal management ofdebris our dear State Government now is world efforts was critical "golden window" arrived in some thewhat hardest-hit essential supplies, saying years dead and 558 others remained wall of water and down told72-hour thatinhe the would not board the would the airofon really every passenger hasNigeria a right, yourof Eze He said, "To all the members of Chinedu Qatar's Minister of State for Tinubu 2027 general Hisclear call came as opposition coalition with the Labour Chuksyesterday Okocha intensified and Sunday Finance were unsuccessful. Bankby PJSC, people familiar requesting from the fuelfor subsidy removal were mark the Democracy Day celebration state the citing Governor Godwin a facility of N17.5 to locate survivors trapped beneath for finding survivors begins to close, areas nearly two days after the underfunding had left the country' flight because boarding had closed. happened, since the Senator and the right is limited to what is within thes missing, according to local officials. the delegation, Idirectly want tointo asent big theunbroken Trishuli River destroying billion Foreign Affairs, Dr.and Al-Khulaifi, elections if they remain divided. parties continued to take Congress (NLC) and the Trade being reinvested critical Obaseki-led government.” Aborisade in Abuja and 26 years ofrequested democratic with corollary ofsay project Calls andno text messages with the deal who lid Operators Minerals formalisation of artisanal miners also want tobegin be available part of the move d'Affairs, US Embassy, InBBC another development, the airline have made their own ICAO (International Civil Aviation Airline ofDevelopment, Nigeria (AON) Charge collapsed buildings in Venezuela the reported. disaster to clearing massive healthcare system ill-prepared for a thank you for coming to Nigeria. conveyed Amir's strong interest in The number of missing people buildings, bridges and roads. The Addressing a press conference attached there to the said facility infrastructure projects including two rule in Nigeria. Duke, a former of videos divergent positions on the Organisation) Union Congress (TUC). to the Minister ofGod Finance and Dr. anonymity because they were Dele hasthe described into cooperatives amongst others. to reduce global emissions and put Greene, in hisgovernor office on Minister of Aviation and Aerospace that covered the incident. regulation and the that byAlake, disrupting operations David We are grateful for what expanding bilateral cooperation, yesterday, Tenebe had said the state and also that thetoas facility isteams not after two powerful earthquakes The worst-hit areas include the piles of debris. disaster of such magnitude. expansive highway corridors that will said He defended President Bolaextensive Tinubu’s has fluctuated rescue flooding has caused Cross River State, described proposed G100the meeting, Speaking during an of Monday’s opposition United States Nigeria’s "The mining sector provides mining sector on the global aviation Coordinating Minister of the Alake lauded the United notalready authorised to speak publicly. Development, Festus has our Okonkwo stated operators’ industry. There is nointerview amount ofAhead Air Peace when itasdenied him Thursday, was suffering a debt as loan to be taken in the we have experienced aspreviously partners announcing that aunder high-level killed more than 900 people and States’ capital, Caracas, theKeyamo, coastal state Among those awaiting Thedisappointment, tragedy has also reignited gain access to areas destruction on both sides of the contained longstanding ally and strategic veritable avenue for increased map. We have critical minerals commitment to fostering Tinubu as aaformidable political with theon African Democratic Symfoni television summit by theflight, G100 ordered that probe should be viewpoint the anxiously incident and said ofawith any if at all, from boarding forconvened the Lagos-Abuja Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, According to Bloomberg, profile of N135 billion and $35.6 the 2024 fiscal budget just recently in progress. I am also glad that the Qatari business delegation will left thousands injured in State one ofand the cooperation ofopponent La Guaira neighbouring rescue isCentre Natacha Diaz, criticism ofDuke Venezuela's fragile forinpresidential the nation’s mining trade between Nigeria andopposition the United that are in(ADC) commercial demand with Nigeria in diverse cut off floodwaters, mudslides Nepal-China frontier. coming conducted on theand incident. passengers have their2,the rights but any airline that gives you any rightin former governor of Edo who should not be that Congress and Tanimu yesterday, said in Abuja, candidate billion. Aby cursory perusal are under scrutiny and processing," Penta Mefforts &Amp; Tambuwal one of them was also involved Kuni Tyessi Abuja were responded toofasthe of partner "Nigeria has accessed first passed. Amir ofnot Qatar greatly remembers visit Nigeria in the the sector development. States, especially in the area of value globally,"Alake said. sectors of the economy, stating that country' s deadliest natural disasters communities, where hundreds of whose two daughters are believed emergency response system, with Spokesman of AON and the airline operations are guided by for self-help. We have been talking currently Senator representing Edo and damaged roads. In Nepal, authorities have He said, "While it is a monumenbudgetdiscussed does not reveal where Oloyede said. LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State. impersonation. underestimated, stressing that Turaki-led Peoples Democratic parties must recognise the of the Peoples Redemption Party the issues during my weeks to explore opportunities entire Speaking while receiving itChairman addition, which implies processing The minister partner- about underscores significance of the ofthe Unitedshowed Nigeria regulations and itawelcomed isshopping the responsibility unruly behaviour. So,towhat North District, Adams Oshiohole, tal disaster that Edo State patrimony the project for the facility is ever in more than a century. buildings were reduced to piles of trapped inside complex residents urging authorities allow “The 2025 UTME the Oloyede added that 80 suspects The registrar also said that due to The Joint Admissions and the advantage of incumbency Party (PDP) confirming their realities of incumbency and (PRP), Donald Duke, has called in agriculture, food security, and visit last year. of extracted minerals and setting up ship with the US on investments in smooth bilateral relations between Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, in types a pressof ofwere airlines and passengers toby abide saw was performance, avolunteers typical case of unruly violated aviation regulation. According to (JAMB) Venezuelan concrete and twisted steel. where they worked. Holding their more civilian to participate prevalence ofruling some particular being interrogated the you substandard four centres Board has both "Let me commend the brotherly Matriculation other critical sectors. factories here. We would also require the mining value chain, expanding countries. gives the All Progressives participation, while the Labour put aside personal ambitions for unity among opposition in Lagos yesterday called by those regulations. behaviour. It is not acceptable. Air Senator Oshiomhole who had conference infractions, suggests systemic police for their involvement in the had been delisted and blacklisted for officially announced the release of on authorities, at Abuja leastthat 920they people ofwhich grief unfolded acrossI access photograph, distraught mother in rescue operations as thousands financing from multilateral institutions to technology extracting “IScenes you for your visit. President Tinubu emphasised relations between Qatar and 6:30a.m. Congress (APC) significant Party said itthe would not attend, if they to mount a serious parties,Lagoswarning may thethank Federal Airports Authority “AON had had theinfull brief of Peace is ahope respected airline. No matter flight on Air Hope” and improving the lives of the Fidelis David in Akure vulnerabilities or gaps in registration examination malpractices and most technical deficiencies. He listed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation for our local operators. We are providand processing minerals and met the US Assistant Secretary of have been confirmed dead, while affected communities as desperate said they were "all I have." remain displaced. ofleverage Nigeria (FAAN) bring out the Air Peace on incident. Andin asa what you think about it, theyincarry Peace last Wednesday was denied overResources, itstoopponents. arguing thatthis itbewas already challenge against Tinubu 2027. struggle to defeat President Bola State the people Ondo State. Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan among theof youthful population. boarding “Wethan are establishing, this ing incentives for investments like mining areas. forvideo Energy Geoffrey and examination or/ asecuring of them would prosecuted. centres Adventure Associate, Behind Examination (UTME) results. CCTV of theadministration incident, saying matter of fact, as much as we 40 to 50as: percent of all the domestic when he arrived atsustained 6:05a.m., more 3,300 others families waited near collapsed Another resident, Andreina Meanwhile, international “Today, wethe takegovernment yet another bold The Governor of Ondo State, tax waivers for mining equipment, Throwing light on reforms Pyatt, on the sidelines of the Mines He said is year, 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade and monitoring. “The Board has identified the Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Following poor performance the numerous challenges Olawale Ajimotokan in that it is the video from FAAN that appreciate and understand that passengers in Nigeria. 25 minutes to departure time and injuries afterSchool. the twin2025 earthquakes, structures, hoping forin news of embarked Valerio, appealed to rescue assistance hasrepatriation pouring into step in our ongoing commitment to inof Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hasNational said his worried of full ofZaria. profits upon byfor thehelp federal govThe Director General, Money London that about 72 per cent Primary inUTME, each and “The newconference trends observed were presence of extraneous fingers in policy Rimi College ofbegun Education, candidates in the1,000 The Chairman of the National Abubakar Bello. confronting theof country, Abuja improving the youthful welfare our people, state, administration will continue to of measuring magnitudes 7.2 and past missing loved Many her registration one-and-a-half-year-old son, thehome country. Rescue teamsothers," from to countries amongst the minister highlighted year, andones. weand hadExamination asurvivors fruitful ernment, Orientation Agency (NOA), the nation’s population including FCT, Abuja. These in the Registration the details of some of On how to check the UTME results, telecommunications and digital social inclusion fulfilling Population Commission His previous political prioritise social inclusion (NPC), and ensuring urging them to and intensify emphasised. Community Development I didwere analyse our 7.5, struck barelyare aGlobacom, minute have also forced toallin sleep Santiago, who This remains trapped Alake Switzerland Mexicothe have Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has have become foreigners through Brigade going toapart be engagement. processes andbeen they mainly the revised these candidates. raises concerns Oloyede said:and "To check 2025 solutions company, said the promise of Renewed Hope for Citizens’ economic empowerment of vulnerable In his remarks, the US Ambas(CDA) guidelines issues, andcategories: fundamentally, we just Agreement Aminu Yusuf, has died at the experience also included prayers for President Bola The federal government announced plans to launch the influence of cartoonsserving on Wednesday night. The second outdoors after their homes were alongside other family members joined local emergency responders, and like Boys’ Scout and Girls’ Guild following Identity Fraud, regarding potential strategies for UTME results, candidates should send its Examination Preparatory Service Tinubu for the support given to the all,” he declared. Kuni Tyessi in Abuja citizens through strategic partnerships sador commended the renewed geared towards reducing friction in want to diversify our economy 1982 musical The Best Little cast that also included The Andy reporter Melvin P. Thorpe Ferdinand Ekechukwu age of Citizens’ 66 after a prolonged asAccording Chairman Wushishi Local Tinubu andand hisofthe administration. has asserted its unwavering awith 37,000 Brigade in movies which are foreign in of theEnumah olden and Biometric Fraud of Combined impersonation. by text message “UTMERESULT” as was specifically designed to help from quake is believed to be the strongest destroyed or declared unsafe. beneath the rubble. while the United States military is A statement posted on the anti-graft's prosecution to proceed with the trial described the May 27, 2025 bail application Alex indays. Abuja to Aiyedatiwa, a total the federal government. interest of Nigeria in solid minerals, commission Humanitarian host communities; on-going plans oil. Not justinfor Texas our ownas Griffith Show star Jim Nabors, (DeLuise) comes to town Whorehouse primary schools across countryto . contents, illness. Government Areaacross andallas18 a students He255 also expressed optimism resolve togovernment securing freedom values and cultures. the in world, Nigerians Thumbprint of Candidate,” he lDoctors of 3,656 candidates fall hearing withinzone this one to 55019 or 66019has using the excel Computer-Based social media handle X, noted that thesaid. duo and prayed for accelerated of ofstressing theword defendants as incompetent, given of 16, beneficiaries to“Across hit the South American nation In La Guaira, residents described in the disaster participating in humanitarian rescue that the sector huge Also, Aiyedatiwa hasthe forwarded for new security architecture to economic survival but also to Affairs Ministry. The federal yesterday well asinfractions, 1989 classic dramedy Golden Globe-winning Day intending to do anneither exposé on Asknown celebrations to mark be He made theHouse disclosure whilea Local Yusuf passed away yesterday, member ofsaid the Niger State are Other he trends said, were category. Consequently, theDog results of that same they had used to Issa-Onilu as a in way out toand becontinue the smartest examinations. were arraigned onglobal a six-count case. natural thephone defendants were under that ongoing security The Economic Financial Crimes for Nigerians held captive potentials tonumber rival the contribution Areas the state secure resources; efforts in tune with for the the Ondo State of Assembly HeGovernment revealed that Nigeria said there are ongoing discussion since 1900. widespread devastation ascharge, rescue warned that hospitals were operations despite longstanding speaking with journalists in Ibadan Steel Magnolias at the AMT Afternoon actor Charles Durning the brothel. The film was a the death of Dolly Parton, the bordering on money laundering to the Responding, the defence counsel, J.J. arrest, nor in detention, nor have appeared impersonators at the point of the candidates have been withheld.” register during the registration process. of the malaise, NOA would soon people on earth. This is a positive Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Speaking at a press briefing in of oil to the nation's economy. to generate big geo-data; the reduction in global warming. We will receive N75, 000 each, disbursed barely eight months after House of Assembly. He was list of 12 nominees for the position of operations and coordinated byhow bandits. has concluded plans to host on 15,000 Nigerians stranded Emergency workers are racing teams, police officers and military struggling to cope with the influx tensions between Washington during a over working visit to Oyo launch of $12 with million. Usman, SAN, on on underage his part reminded the before court, being the the Managing Executive Broadway theatre NYC. and frequent Reynolds sidekick box the office success andgrounds itlater." was registration the activein involvement Speaking candidates, Result printing will be available parade ofDirector/Chief tributes toof the late tune Mobile App containing but some people Abuja yesterday, Registrar JAMB, monthly installments of N25, 000of development commissioners inas thethe State Executive taking substantive also aaleaders member of the board interventions would yield global to discuss issues Secretary to the Government in Cameroon, Niger, Chad and in against to rescue those feared personnel searched damaged ofand casualties. Medical personnel and Caracas. State. The defendants according to the a court ofcomedy subsistinggreat bail Dom applications of provided by thereacting Administration of Officer oftime SunTrust Bank Ltd, Halima for three months, directly through Council for confirmation. few CBT centres, double registration, he explained that following the Meanwhile, the poor cartoons through tend to portray Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that While Parton was DeLuise. nominated for twoto Golden country icon will march onthe this of of migration and how itfor affects chairman theworld commission. the National Agency Food mischievously other parts ofofthe would indigenous positive results in the fight ofHe the Federation, Senator EFCC's statement, however, pleaded the defendants, dated May 27, 2025 and Criminal Justice Act,students (ACJA) that should Buba and the bank's Executive Director/ said 1,000 Citizens’ Brigade their debit cards. The governor made this and attempted substitution of self by Ministry of Education’s decision performance of inearning the 2025 Board withheld the results of 39,834 which local contents, national us in negative light. But this is well-established, cross-genre The movie tells the story Globes, with Parton weekend into movie theatres countries under the membership be returned to Nigeria safety. Born on April 15, 1960, in and Drug Administration and against kidnapping andinjected other George Akume, gave the values “not guilty” to all the charges when they prayed that the acourt should uphold a bail application but rather Chief Compliance Officer, He said theculture total amount commitment during the official would be Commissioner, set up in each of the candidates. toof enforce minimum age theof precipitate UTME, the company explained thata candidates outare ofTheatres the over 1.9Innocent million and would be who we as a people. of the on not music star by the 1980s, her applications Parton’s Chicken a nod for Best in Federal National when AMC revives two read Wushishi, Niger Yusuf promoted. Control (NAFDAC) between to them following which the lead and beloved admit thegranted defendants applied for bail from the Actress comfort of their Mbagwu, before Justice Emeka Nwite criminal activities. assurance yesterday when into theEuro-African scheme is N1,Dialogue 219,125, 000, flag-off ceremony ofFederal the State, second phase 36 states and the Capital Oloyede added that 244 candidates 16, an exception was for the Glo Examination Preparatory applicants that sat for the exam. “To change the negative narMigration and Development. Commission for Refugees, Migrants appearance in Whorehouse Ranch madame Mona Motion Picture — Musical of the Queen of Country’s most Rotimi Oyedepo, to“exceptionally bail. officesstudents when noronaction hasor of the Federal High Court,boss, Abuja for direct economic support was appointed toCash headnational the NPC 2005 2007. of thehosted Conditional Transfer Tand erritory (FCT) toDisplaced promote "Ourand mission he members of providing were caughtcounsel, engaging in “WhatsApp gifted” underage homes Serviceortrains practical According thesetting JAMB of prosecution According to him, "These vari- ratives, we to are upout the Popularly known asontheearth, Rabat Internally Persons SAN, announced the readiness of the The prosecution counsel in his response, been taken against them. alleged fraud. — which was based on the Stangely and the shake-up Comedy and Durning getting beloved big-screen appearances. to thousands of households. disbursement to beneficiaries in Ondo by President Bola Tinubu Yusuf's educational journey values as of Alhaji old, stating that thein ous ways to excel in Computer-Based the figure 96 candidates' were runs,” subscribing to rogue groups students. ourpolicies goal ongeared earth is be to Citizens’ towards Brigade to results produce the Federation ofSouth Muslim Process, theare meeting would (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, The governor recalled thatthe in young State, held at2025. theBrigade Akure Local 1978enumah stage musical — found bordering inTheher relationship an OscarSAN, nomination for best AMC Adam Aron essence ofthis the toin changing that onsecret terrorism and murder. in Abuja October He waswas formally began at LEA Primary promising leaked questions. registrar said that of the 41,027 Fagbemi, examinations such assubmitted Joint Admissions withheld overCEO exam malpractices, a Alex the narratives and Nigerians and create promote, to preserve, and Women's Associations the first thematic dialogue under disclosed at a media briefing November 2024, a total of 8,637 debit Government Secretariat yesterday. the charge having been filed by her co-starring with then box with local sheriff Ed Earl supporting actor for his role Although, they pleaded not announced that the chain revive and rebuild the national He said their results had also been underage candidates who registered, and Matriculation Board (JAMB), decrease from 123 in the previous year. wrong impression that the outside positive models to rebuild the sworn into office as the eighth School, Zungeru, after which to prolong life. toIt's not to Nigeria’s chairmanship, which Nigeria (FOMWAN), led cards in Abuja. were distributed beneficiaries, At the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa Justicegiant Bolaji Olajuwon of a Fedthe Inspector General of Police, was guilty to all the charges, the judge values and create positive models office Burt Reynolds in a Dodd (Reynolds) when TV as Texas governor. withheld to set a stern example. only 467 met the high-performance Junior and Senior West African Oloyede said the Board remained will be screening the raunchy world is having about the country . national values." conveyed government' s approval stakeholder participation in health the federal government’s Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja substantive chairman of the he proceeded to Federal is being co-chaired by Nigeria Ahmed revealed that no amounting to N647,775,000, making launched the distribution of the by its National Amirah, Dr. shorten it. The government resolute in its commitment to eralInHigh Court inhe Abuja, yesterday, incompetent and askedexaminations the court to however, ordered that they cases, said,Oversight the entire and criteria, with onedefendant. disqualified duebe to commitment Examination Council High Court which had dismissed onegovernance. other unreliable witness testimonies, at thesome 5th the Ministerial sector to1,3,4,5,6, strengthening and the Kingdom ofa Spain, and Wale Igbintade fewer thanHope six on million people current phase significant commission December College, Odogbolu, Renewed Debit Cards to2, the dismissed application bycentres two remanded strike out counts and 7 of isGovernment doing everything to secure at malpractice. the Kuje Correctional and Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza. syndicates colluded with CBT examination as well as IELTS. eliminating any form of examination his no-case and quashed At lower court, Justice Raliatu those of PW9, PW10, ofon theof social safety net. thousands of beneficiaries aseffort part expansion isthe focusing youth, education were displaced inthat Nigeria, while Committee (MOC) held in Abuja Center, Astheofpending efforts to reinforce health sector governance, The federal government has Rivers Statesubmission, indigenes challenging 2025. Ogun State. the charge or strike strike outand the the hearing of including release all who are He vowed no to register usingcharge multiple fingerprints. He bail said that the Board remained Theas 2025 UTME results released malpractice, addingLagos that 1,957,000 the 12-count filed against Adebiyi had ruled that the EFCC PW11, well as Exhibits P59–P61. The Court of Appeal, Division, the “We understand the economic of the federalhis and innovation. thousands ofgovernment’s refugees areNational living jurisdiction of the court to try entire suit for been incompetent. their application fixed for yesterday, said that the committee state financing compliance, deepening accountability across approved N32,880,443,906.25 Before appointment to the He obtained his Nigeria captured," he said. will be spared to facilitate the that regard, has approved your indicated that Governor Seyi Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan According to him, as a result of committed to providing the necessary by JAMB on May 5 had elicited candidates were verified to sit for him by the Economic and Financial had established a prima facie case The Court of Appeal agreed, has discharged and acquitted a challenges that many of holds our people Social Investment Programme over alleged complicity in the Responding, Policeinstitutions, lawyer, Mr. February 2, as well directed as the motion The meeting, which May under the second quarter, 2026 them elsewhere across thebuilt world. has so farthe disbursed aHouse total of the Committee the implementing NPC, Yusuf a(NSIP), career Certificate in Education as the Onido Idothe in burning Makinde approved the suspension of 3,656 diphtheria among children Agency (NPHCDA) has holding Thethat ministry charged the this, with “extraneous support for persons with disabilities widespread concerns asurged morenot than Crimes Commission (EFCC). some of the counts and ordered the appellant was a Ezigbo in of Abuja He lauded FOMWAN for theOnyebuchi examDirector while 71,705 were absent. former General of safe return ofhad captives, and this programme is a(NCE) clear implemented in collaboration with face ofcandidates Rivers State of on Simon Lough, SAN, the of the 1st and 2nd defendants 13th toof 14th, 2025, is2024. expected to suspension “We haveState 15,000 Nigerianswhile who The Oyo Government, yesthe area of authority of Ido Local on 1st February, N290 billion under thetheir initiative. MOC Secretariat to issue formal improving coordination among BHCPF disbursement memo Assembly inOndo public service andcountry politics demonstration from the College Education, The EFCC accused Akpobolokemi and his co-defendant the VIMSAS Nigerian Maritime Administration fingerprints” have had results aspiring to pursue tertiary education. 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates According to him, 2,157 candidates thatcontributions theofthat government the State Government through in parts of Katsina and Kano deployed 500,000 doses Taskforce to take immediate complex in Port Harcourt, and Ayodeji Ake in Lagos court toofdismiss the Committee; application challenging the jurisdiction ofof member its steadfast reaffirming the government's feature discussions would want to return to the terday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Area ofrejections Oyo State." Thewith letter read inFive part,years "I wish to Government Akpobolokemi of conspiracy, open their notresults a signatory to any of the and Safetyfingerprint Agency (NIMASA), TheState. meeting alsoCBT approved communication all2025 36and states to and stakeholders, and accelerating the governor added. withheld, and some centres to He said that fortothe UTME, whose scored in Niger State. Between 2019 stands inyou,” 1983. later, toItsustain implementation of Rivers the National Social Investment experienced due for lacking in were merit. the court to entertain the suit states. vaccines todefence. Katsina Kano measures to released strengthen toMinna, national development, commitment to we strengthening guide policy direction, shape voluntarily, and alsoOnido have Muritala Babalola, as the directed Oba Babalola hand stealing, inform you that His Excellency, the Patrick and forgery in connection Akpobolokemi, through his Committee’s accounts. Akpobolokemi, of to alleged He further disclosed that efforts Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Programme Agency (NSIPA). According to Lough, besides against them. implicated will face sanctions. a total of 501 candidates were below 200. A breakdown of the results to suspected registration infractions, modalities to commence inclusion reiterate responsibilities relating to implementation of ongoing and 2023, he served as Special in 1988, he earned a B.Sc. (Ed) healthcare services nationwide. efforts among not lessinthan 100,000 foreigners cooperative asillegal part transfers ofOladele, the immediate states to support intensified surveillance, close immunisation Theallfederal government describing the association as of Ido Ido Local Government national security. government properties has in withAlso, Executive Governor of Oyo of over alleged from the Collins Ogbonna and The court further held he N754.8 million fraud. Lukman were ongoing to expand theState state’s Sections and 66Monday of thethat Police Ezebalike and Oladele had health Addressing the gathering, theto are He identified the within centres as lawyers successfully examined by Kunle JAMB released by4JAMB on showed figure, he said, wasChairman far above Prince Adviser on Political Affairs Biology from Bello ofresponse, private sector actors the counterpart funding obligations sector reforms under the The Coordinating Minister countries origin, transit and a activated living in the this country asand refugees. Area of state. possession toemergency the Nigeria, inof exercise ofpromoting the powers the National Primary immunisation activities in gaps and ensure timely access an task ainvital partner inAhmadu The SGF underscored account of the VIMSAS Committee. Gbolahan, appealed the ruling, neither signed nor approved any In a unanimous decision delivered among five persons charged with Acts that empower them to bring argued that by the provisions social register to accommodate more his governor expressed joy a deep Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) acceptable margins and currently The government, in a letter dated Ido local government. Incourt the terrorism conferred on him by stressing Sub-section destination, explore inclusive All are theof responsibilities thethese then Niger State Governor, University, Zaria. Ministerial Oversight Committee and fund commitments. national agenda towarddefendants, achieving offorce Health and Social Health Care Development affected and at-risk communities. to charge treatment. He wasand originally arraigned with arguing the EFCC to withdrawal instructions internal to the tackle the Welfare, outbreak yesterday, appellate murder. The others the against of theequity Terrorism Act, it isfailed only the peace, advocacy, unity and the vital role faith-based households, that of sense ofFebruary, responsibility, noting that vulnerable International School, Maitama, across 11that centres nationwide. scored between 160the andor199, while under investigation. 2nd of 2024 and signed meantime, the stateAli government 1&2 of Section 26 ofcooperation the Chiefs policies, stronger of the commission, tostep give them no framework to strengthen broader In his remarks, Pate reaffirmed Universal Health Coverage. Prof. Muhammad Pate who several others, but the charges were link him to any wrongdoing and memos related to the alleged are Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga allowed Akpobolokemi’s appeal, Section 5 and 99 of the Terrorism Attorney General of the Federation vulnerable household should be the initiative is a bold towards social progress. organisations in addressing According to Oloyede, the results 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) "A total of 39, 834 results remain Abuja, Wudil Computer Information by the Commissioner for Local

Umahi says FG investing trillions in construction of roads across Nigeria Affirms Nigeria's readiness for strategic partnership

Ahead of Opposition Summit, Duke Harps on Air Peace Incident: Oshiomhole Violated Aviation Mining Development: Nigeria, US Death Toll in Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 920 Unity, Says Tinubu Not an Average Politician Regulation, AON Alleges, Minister Orders Probe UTME: JAMB Releases Results, Withholds 39,834 Explore Areas of Strategic Partnership Places 1,426 results under scrutiny Globacom: how our product can help students excel in JAMB, other exams

Aiyedatiwa Launches FG's N1.2bn Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo, Akume Assures Nigerians Nominates NPC Yusuf Dies NOA DG:Chairman, FGCommissioners to Launch 37,000 Citizens' Brigade Nationwide

in Captivity of Freedom After Prolonged Illness

FG to Repatriate 15,000 Nigerians Stranded Abroad

DollyMoney Parton’s Hits Resurge, Rack Up Massive Alleged Laundering: EFCC Arraigns SunTrust Bank CEO,Streams Executive

BurningofRiversAssemblyComplex:CourtDismisses Pate: FG Application Has Disbursed N32.88bn Challenging Competence of Charge

Basic for Q2Fraud 2026 Appeal CourtHealthcare Acquits Ex-NIMASA DGFund Akpobolokemi in N754.8m Case

Oyo Govt Suspends Monarch in Ibadan FG Raises EmergencyTeam to Respond to Diphtheria Outbreak In Katsina, Kano

support,” hepromise said. of “Renewed fulfilling the Government andPresident Chieftaincy Ahmed thanked Bola Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

Law,sustained Cap. 28 Vol I, Lawsthat of Oyo and dialogue can left Statebehind. of Nigeria 2000positively. and by virtue reshape migration of all other enabling powers in

has vowedthe to hit hard atthe anyone, set aside Ikeja unreleased. Ofruling these, of 1,426 results no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

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

relied onfileinadmissible evidence transfers. Act, shows that theand police have that any released charge ofbut terrorism are can also being sadly, fraudulent scored between powers to also 140 initiate 159. terrorism against them. Their lawyer, Mr. Lukman charges against the defendant.

7

SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 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

CEOS’ BREAKFAST FORUM...

L-R: Group Chief Operating Officer, Computer Warehouse Group, Afolabi Sobande; President and Chairman of the Board, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ije Jidenma; Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri; Chief Executive Officer, Seams & Stitches, Yemi Chukwurah; Group Managing Director, SO&U, Udeme Ufot, and Chief Executive Officer, BlackHouse Media, Ayeni Adekunle, at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum with the theme, “Building Local Content Together, 25 Years of Shared Growth,” Sponsored by MTN Nigeria in Lagos…recently

Adeleke Moves to Reconcile Osun, Reaches Out to Akande, Oyinlola, Aregbesola, Oyetola, Oyebamiji Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday used the occasion of the 35th anniversary celebration of Osun State to discuss state reconciliation with former Governor, Chief Bisi Akande in his continued drive for post- election peace. The governor who has initiated several steps to heal the wounds of the governorship election spoke at length to the former national chairman of the APC and an ex- governor of the state, urging restoration of elite interaction and consensus in the aftermath of the last polls. The governor briefed Akande on his reconciliation and peace moves and the need for all leaders to support a post-election peace agenda and the unification of the

people badly divided due to preelection violence among others. The governor also spoke with former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola and narrated his desire to reconcile all political groups even as he congratulated the former leaders on the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State. In the same vein, the governor also called former governor Gboyega Oyetola and the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji on phone even though there has been no response as at the time of this report. The governor spoke of his reaching out to several leaders in the state. “We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. So, it is customary

C’River Police Confirm Two Dead in Refuse Dump Collapse Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that two persons lost their lives following the collapse of a refuse dump at Ikot Effanga community, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State. The Police commented on the incident yesterday, in a statement it issued through its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah. The police attributed the incident which happened in the early hours of yesterday to the collapse of a refuse dump on a building located in a valley. “The Cross River State Police Command is aware of a reported incident involving the collapse of a refuse dump at Ikot Effanga, along the Old Odukpani Road, Calabar, in the early hours of Friday, 28th August 2026. “Police personnel responded

promptly to the scene, where it was discovered that the collapsed refuse had impacted a building reportedly constructed within a valley, resulting in the death of two occupants,” said the police statement. The police statement mentioned the names of the deceased saying, “The deceased, identified as Nfon Imé ‘m’, and a yet-to-beidentified female, believed to have been in the building at the time of the incident, have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary." The statement said, “The Command is currently conducting an assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident, while further investigation is ongoing." While urging members of the public to remain calm, and avoid any kind of rumour following the incident, the police said, “Further details will be communicated as soon as they are verified and available."

that I felicitate with leaders from various groups. I commended them for their contributions to state developments. “Then, my central message is to preach and act for peace and reconciliation. I repeated my earlier statement that there is no

victor, no vanquished. Election has come and gone and it is time for us to return to governance and healing of electoral wounds. “I am conscious of the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I should champion peace building and state reconciliation.

That is my preoccupation as reflected in my state address and that is my appeal to my predecessors and even my fellow contestants in the last guber election. “We must unite our people and prepare an enabling

environment for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy and continuous delivery of good governance. I will not stop in my peace drive to sustain development. This is a sacred task I am passionately committed to,” the governor noted.

Kebbi @35: Idris Says State on Path to Progress, Seeks Support

Onuminya Innocent

The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasiru Idris, has declared that the state has every reason to celebrate 35 years of its creation, citing the steady progress and development recorded under successive administrations since 1991. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Abdullahi Zuru, made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi yesterday, the governor described the 35th anniversary as a milestone worthy of reflection and gratitude. Idris noted that the journey of the state over the past three and half decades has been marked by “a lot of gains” across infrastructure, education, health,

exploration of solid mineral resources, results oriented economic empowerment programmes, agriculture and above all ensuring the security of lives and property, largely driven by the efforts of past leaders. According to him, the foundation laid by previous administrations has provided the current government with the platform to consolidate and expand on people-oriented policies aimed at improving the living standards of citizens. The governor, who assumed office in 2023, said as custodian of governance in the state, he has kept faith with the electorate by fulfilling key campaign promises made to the people during the last electioneering period. He listed some of the achievements to include massive

investment in rural roads, water supply, healthcare facilities, and empowerment programmes targeted at women, youths and farmers across the 21 local government areas. Idris further explained that his administration would not relent in delivering more dividends of democracy, stressing that his focus remains on projects that have direct impact on the grassroots. “I will continue to meet the yearning and aspirations of our people. We will embark on more people-oriented projects that will touch lives and stimulate economic growth in Kebbi,” he said. The governor, however, called on citizens to rally behind his administration and cooperate with security agencies to sustain

peace across the state. He emphasised that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability, urging residents to be law-abiding, vigilant and committed to sustainable development. “As we celebrate 35 years of Kebbi, let us recommit ourselves to unity, hard work and support for government policies. That is the only way we can reap the full benefits of democracy and secure a prosperous future for our children,” Idris added. He expressed profound gratitude to Allah for granting him the opportunity to selflessly served with divine wisdom and dedication to ensuring peaceful coexistence among the multi-ethnic and religious communities in the state.

Walson-Jack Retires, Enitan Assumes Office as Head of Civil Service Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has formally retired upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 and has passed the reins of leadership of the federal civil service to Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan. The handover, which took place

in Abuja, marks a new chapter in the leadership of the service and follows the swearing-in of Enitan by President Bola Tinubu, at the State House, as the new Head of Service effective 27 August 2026. The outgoing HCSF expressed deep gratitude to the President for the privilege and opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level of the federal civil service. Speaking at the handover

ceremony, she expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Office for their support, encouragement, patience and commitment throughout her tenure. She also appreciated the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies and the entire body of Federal Civil Servants for their support and partnership throughout her tenure.

Reflecting on her two years in office, she described the period as a journey marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges, noting that the collective efforts of the various teams, coupled with God’s grace, enabled the Office to navigate the challenges and make significant progress in advancing the reform agenda of the Federal Civil Service.

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NEWS

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE...

L-R: Mother of graduand, Mrs. Theodora Okafor; Sister of graduand, Miss Somto Okafor; graduand, Miss Chinaza Okafor, and her father/ Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Emeka Okafor, during Chinaza’s graduation from the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America...recently

Ojulari Rekindles Upstream Boom as Rigs Surge, Bonga Nears FID ·$20bn Bonga project nears FID, land rig deployment climbs to 52

Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry is showing renewed signs of activity as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) under its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, has recorded increased rig deployment alongside significant progress on the multibillion-dollar Bonga South-West/Aparo deepwater project. Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicate that Nigeria’s total rig count reached 73 in March 2026, up

from 72 recorded in January and February. The figures point to sustained activity across the country’s exploration and production landscape and suggest growing confidence in the investment prospects of the Nigerian petroleum sector. Land operations accounted for the largest share of the rig deployment, with 52 rigs recorded during the period. Offshore activity also improved, with the number of rigs increasing from 11 to 12, while swamp-based operations remained steady at nine rigs. The March figure

NIPSS Alumni Association Urges FG to Implement Institute’s Research Findings to Address National Challenges Linus Aleke in Abuja The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, has appealed to the federal government to take the implementation of research findings from the National Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies (NIPSS) seriously by translating them into concrete policies and actionable measures to address identified areas of national problems. Ambassador Okafor also pledged the association’s full support for the forthcoming National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy, organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies (NIPSS) in collaboration with Bruit Costaud. The AANI President made the

call in Abuja when he received the Organising Committee of the Summit, led by the former Minister of Information and Culture and Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the Alumni Secretariat in Abuja. He assured the delegation that the association would leverage its extensive network of members across the public and private sectors to mobilise the necessary support for the successful hosting of the Summit. Okafor said that given the enormous potential of the creative industry, President Bola Tinubu had mandated Set 48 of NIPSS to undertake research on the Orange Economy, with a view to identifying global best practices for effectively harnessing the sector’s potential for national development.

represented a 22.6 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The growth provides another indication that investment and operational activity are gaining momentum across the upstream segment. However, the NUPRC figures make an important distinction between rigs recorded in the country and rigs that were actively operating. Of the

73 rigs counted in March, 31 were active, while the remaining rigs were either on standby, stacked or undergoing mobilisation. The 52-rig figure therefore specifically represents land-based rigs rather than 52 active rigs. The upward movement in drilling activity comes as NNPC Ltd and its partners make important progress on the Bonga South-West/Aparo

deepwater development, one of the most significant proposed oil and gas projects currently advancing in Nigeria. NNPC Ltd recently signed key agreements with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Deepwater Limited and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited. The agreements are designed to

move the OML 118 project closer to a Final Investment Decision. The Bonga South-West/ Aparo project is expected to attract between $15 billion and $21 billion in investment over its lifespan. At peak production, the development is projected to produce approximately 175,000 barrels of oil per day and 140 million standard cubic feet of gas daily.

King’s College Parents, Students Reject Concession, Threaten Lawsuit, Resumption Boycott

Sunday Ehigiator

Parents and students of King’s College, Lagos, have rejected the federal government’s proposed concession of the 117-year-old institution to the King’s College Old Boys Association, threatening legal action and a possible boycott of the next academic session. The stakeholders staged a peaceful protest on Thursday across major roads on Lagos Island, demanding that the federal government retain ownership and

control of the school. The protesters, who commenced the march from the school gate, moved through General Hospital, Tafawa Balewa Square, the National Museum, Yoruba Tennis Club and other parts of Lagos Island, carrying placards with inscriptions including, ‘King’s College is not for sale. Beware!!!’ and ‘Federal Government, we say no to concession’. Speaking during the protest, Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association,

Peter Oluwaleye, said parents had repeatedly communicated their opposition to the proposed concession to the Ministry of Education and the Presidency but had yet to receive a response. He said the protest was organised to stop the proposed transfer of control of the institution to the old boys’ association, insisting that King’s College should remain under the control of the federal government. Oluwaleye said the PTA had formally expressed its position

at the school’s Annual General Meeting and through letters to the government. He also criticised claims allegedly made by members of the Old Boys’ Association that they now owned King’s College. “The Old Boys Association keep going around telling the whole world that they now own King’s College, Lagos. But it is not true. It is barbaric, satanic for old students to lay claim to the school that produced them,” he said.

Barau Seeks APC Unity in Kano, Backs Tinubu, Abba for 2027 Says political differences must not undermine development

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has urged members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District to close ranks and work

together ahead of the 2027 general elections. Barau, who specifically called for strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other APC candidates, said political differences must not be allowed to undermine the

development of the senatorial district. He made the appeal when he received two delegations from Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano North at his office in the National Assembly, Abuja. The first delegation, led by a former three-term member

of the Kano State House of Assembly and former APC primary aspirant for the Dambatta/Makoda Federal Constituency, Hon. Hafiz Sani Maidaji, comprised representatives from all 21 wards in the local government.

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COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Head, Advancement and Alumni Relations, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Dr. Eve Ikuenobe-Otaigbe; former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; National President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Amb. Emmanuel Obi Okafor, and Secretary-General, Dr. Khalifa Umar Mohammed, during the visit of the Organising Committee of the forthcoming National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy to the AANI Secretariat in Abuja …recently

Troops Dismantle ISWAP Camp in Hong, Kill 21 Terrorist Fighters Kwara reunites 146 Woro kidnap victims with families, gives cash support Troops neutralise 2 terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto Police rescue kidnapped NYSC members in Kogi

Linus Aleke in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The military said troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), dismantled an Islamic State West African Province

(ISWAP) camp in the Kopre Mountain general area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, as ongoing search-and-rescue operations intensify. The coordinated operation resulted in the killing of no fewer than 21 terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot

wounds Also, the Kwara Government yesterday reunited the 146 kidnapped victims of the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state with their families after 21 days of rehabilitation. This was as troops of the

Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two terrorists and recovered arms and motorcycles during a gun duel in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The Kogi State Police Command also disclosed that security operatives have successfully

2027: Two Kwara Assembly Lawmakers Resign from APC, Pick PDP Tickets

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, two serving lawmakers in the Kwara State House of Assembly have resigned their membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Consequently, the affected lawmakers have joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and picked the tickets to contest for 2027 election in the state. They are, Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon (Edu State

Constituency) and Hon. Olushola Odetundun (Irepodun State Constituency). The resignation of the two lawmakers according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with the ongoing political realignment ahead of next year’s general elections in the state. Already, a serving senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District of the state, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has resigned from APC and joined the opposition, PDP, where he picked the senatorial ticket of

the party. Apart from this, a chieftain of the APC from the Kwara North Senatorial District of the state, Hon. Kolo Jiya, also resigned from the party and picked the Kwara North senatorial district ticket of the PDP for the next year general elections in the state. Hon. Gideon who is also Chairman, House Committee on Livestock in his resignation letter addressed to his Ward Chairman, Tsaragi Ward 3 in Edu Local Government Area of the state read, "I hereby

formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately. "This decision follows careful reflection and consultations with my constituents and key stakeholders. "Recent developments within the Party, particularly concerning internal democracy, fairness, and inclusiveness, have led me to take this decision. "I remain committed to serving the people of Edu State Constituency, Kwara State, and Nigeria with integrity, dedication, and accountability."

FG Deploys NASENI’S NSEP to Boost Livelihoods, Productivity Across Nigeria Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

The federal government has said that the essence of the Sustainable Empowerment Programme being executed through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is to ensure that opportunities created by science, engineering and innovation translate into practical means of improving livelihoods and also enable Nigerians to participate in the country's growing innovation-

driven economy. The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated this on Thursday, during the Abia State edition of the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) held at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area. Halilu said NASENI’s mandate is ultimately about people and that science, technology and engineering

must move beyond laboratories to provide practical solutions. “Through this programme, we are taking NASENI directly to Nigerians, providing relevant skills, tools and technologies that can help people become more productive, build sustainable livelihoods and participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s growing innovationdriven economy,” he said. He noted that Abia State was chosen for the programme because of its reputation for enterprise, creativity and

manufacturing culture, qualities he said align with the “new NASENI” focused on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation. “Under our strategic direction, we are moving from research for its own sake to solutions that people can use, businesses can adopt and industries can scale. NSEP is an important part of that journey because innovation only becomes meaningful when its impact reaches the people,” Halilu stated.

rescued kidnapped 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The military said the wellcoordinated joint offensive against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, conducted by a joint force comprising the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team and newly inducted troops of 226 Battalion, recently deployed to Sector 4, Adamawa State, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, followed credible intelligence. According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the coordinated operation resulted

in the killing of no fewer than 21 terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. He said, “Navigating the difficult and rugged terrain, the joint force successfully penetrated the terrorists’ enclave and launched a precision strike on the camp in the early hours of 27 August 2026. “The operation was conducted in furtherance of sustained efforts to locate and rescue victims being held by terrorist elements, including persons abducted from Mussa community in May 2026 and the Lassa schoolchildren abducted in June 2026. “During the operation, troops successfully closed in on the terrorist camp and engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters. Following fierce engagements, over 21 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Alleged Child Exploitation, Sextortion: EFCC Facilitates Extradition of Two Nigerians to US

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerians; Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle to the United States of America (USA), to face prosecution over alleged sexual extortion of two teenage boys in the U.S. The alleged criminal act was said to have resulted in the death of the two teenagers. According to the EFCC, Olawale and Adekunle were identified in separate investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly those between the ages of 13 and 17, leading to the deaths of two minors. The commission in a statement

yesterday, observed that the schemes involved the use of Child Sexual Abuse Material, CSAM, to extort victims for money through various means, including money remitters, gift cards and cryptocurrency. The anti-graft agency said the FBI investigations linked the activities of the alleged perpetrators to two separate cases involving American minors, who died by suicide after being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion. "In one of the cases, a 13-yearold male victim received a direct message on Instagram from a subject who suggested an exchange of nude photographs. Investigations by the FBI revealed that the subject subsequently threatened to disseminate the minor’s photographs to his Instagram contacts and demanded money from him.

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NEWS XTRA

NBA ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE...

L-R: Dele Alesinloye, Bayo Alabidun, Oluwakemi Nurudeen, Ajibola Kaka, Yinka Okunade, and Adewunmi Adebayo, at the ongoing 2026 Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference AGC in Port Harcourt

Ekeh: 57% of Technology Products Procured by Nigerian Government, Corporates Refurbished

Emma Okonji

The Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has revealed that about 57 per cent of technology products procured by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and corporate

organisations in Nigeria are refurbished products presented as brand new. According to him, such practice has continued for a long time, yet unchecked because of a failure to respect the genuine local partnership structures established

Military Commits to Providing Affordable Housing for Personnel

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian military has expressed a renewed commitment to providing affordable housing for members of the Armed Forces, while strengthening its operations, expanding its real estate activities and advancing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of personnel. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Defence Properties Limited (DPL), Major General Isaiah Allison, expressed this commitment when he assumed office at the company’s head office in Guzape, Abuja. According to a statement by the General Manager, Strategy, Defence Properties Limited, Navy Captain JD John-Ogudire, the new Managing Director succeeded Brigadier General

Sebhil Adeyemo. He said the company’s vision was in line with the military’s strategic philosophy under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, which is to consolidate the capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported by improved welfare efforts and sound administration. This is aimed at ensuring that the Armed Forces maintains its core military fundamentals of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole-of-government approach. Captain John-Ogudire said the CDS’s command philosophy was built around greater jointness, sound administration and improved welfare.

by foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in Nigeria, insisting that the practice is fraudulent. He therefore called for appropriate sanctions against firms found culpable, adding that the revelation is coming at a time when Nigeria is seeking to build a more competitive, digitally driven economy. Ekeh gave the startling revelation at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian

at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community. The exhibition which will take place at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu Street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi, will open from September 5 to 11.

while building indigenous technology capacity in Nigeria and across Africa. His concern centred on Nigeria’s longstanding preference for foreign technolog products, even as many Nigerians send their children to some of the world’s best educational institutions. According to him, in the pursuit of foreign brands, organisations end up purchasing refurbished equipment presented as new, while indigenous technology

companies with the capacity to provide quality solutions receive limited consideration. “The issue, therefore, goes beyond brand preference. It raises important questions about procurement verification, transparency and value for money. For government, where technology procurement supports critical public infrastructure and services, ensuring that products are authentic and fit for purpose is particularly important,” Ekeh said.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as a strategic platform for solidarity, peace, development and the collective interests of Member States.

A statement from the minister's Media Office stated that Ambassador Enikanolaiye disclosed this while delivering Nigeria’s Official Statement at the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The minister commended the OIC leadership for convening the

Extraordinary Session, noting that Nigeria’s participation is informed by its Islamic heritage, domestic diversity, and broader commitment to multilateralism, peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter. On the election of the OIC Secretary General, Enikanolaiye

congratulated Ismaïl Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his emergence as the newly-elected Secretary General of the OIC. He stressed the need to adhere to principled criteria for the election, including competence, integrity, experience, geographical balance, rotation, consensus and equal opportunity.

NDLEA Moves to Standardise Drug Rehabilitation, Trains Over 100 Counsellors Michael Olugbode in Abuja

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Returns for Second Act has commenced a nationwide

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition. Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works. Titled ‘Young, Wild, Free’, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth. Taking aim

Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, during a session with the theme: ‘E-Commerce and Procurement: Transforming Public Contracting through Digital Systems, Transparency and Local Capacity Development’, held under the conference theme: ‘Beyond Limits’. Ekeh’s perspective is shaped by more than four decades of partnering with leading global technology OEMs, including HP, IBM, Dell, Cisco and Microsoft,

capacity-building programme for its counsellors as part of efforts to standardise treatment and rehabilitation services for

people affected by substance use disorders. The first phase of the training, being held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, has brought together more than 100 counsellors drawn from the agency’s formations across the country.

The exercise, coordinated by the Directorate of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (DCTR), is the first agencydriven training of its kind for NDLEA counsellors in several years. Speaking at the commencement of the

programme yesterday, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), said the initiative was designed to strengthen the agency’s rehabilitation pillar and ensure that clients receive evidence-based and quality interventions.

ADC National Chairman, Mark, Mourns Eagle Online Editor-in-Chief, Dotun Oladipo Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark,

has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of the Editor-in-Chief of Eagle Online, Mr. Dotun Oladipo. Senator Mark described

the death of the veteran journalist as a painful and shocking loss to the Nigerian media industry, noting that Oladipo made

significant contributions to the growth of journalism and the strengthening of democratic discourse in Nigeria.

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AUGUST 29, 2026 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT 13

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Highway of horror... What a waste!

In Praise of President Buhari Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway is Welcome

W T

O

UNIMAID StudentsStop and Fashion Trends Ritual Attacks

n the University of

and Killings

for students to see fashion trends

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of from different parts of Nigeria and the public consciousness the need to treat publicMaiduguri funds with the (UNIMAID) highest level power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in teachers, hanks to the newly introduced qualified’ I proposed, could of transparency and accountability. many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad campus, what students around the world almost instantly. ‘Accelerated Teacher Professioninclude alternative routes such as: After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bayisthrough the governance and untold level of corruption, government could not Advocacy for Alleged popular Witches (AfAW) wear increasingly A he style that becomes onalisation Pathway’ (ATPP) by the on-the-job training and development; EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual becoming more than a daily choice line can quickly appear on campus, Federal Ministry of Education, and allowing them to undergo profihabits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part federal and state levels. attacks and killings because the notion clothing. has become where students adopt, of the disclosures President’sof stock taking wasFashion how the country one of the first official assignments Buhari carried of ritual money and wealthmodify is completely theIndeed Teachers Registration CouncilthatofPresident ciency/competence-based testsof the regardfrittered away billions in foreign currency by of importing goods, which can AfAW is making thisclothing call following out was the(TRCN), approval ofuniversity billions of Naira in bailout funds less to enable state educational a form self-expression, a way baseless. or combine it with theythe Nigeria graduates of the qualifications items was rice, a major staple among reported arrest own. of suspected ritualists in Oyo State governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout be produced at home. One of suchof identifying with peers and an already In this way, social who areacurrently as teachthey currently possess, then,rice forimportation into the country, the President on one Nigerians.and By banning in southern Nigeria. The local media reported funds was huge boost toworking national security because the pressure of arrears through which young become important ers in Nigerian schools, but who doall over those who found to be hand had saved the nation billionsavenue in foreign currency annually. that media membershas of the Westernan Nigeria Security of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously the country wasare a eventually people respond to changing influence on how students on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production Network, Amotekun, arrested suspecteddiscover ritualists ticking bomb.education-related qualificanot have competent, trying And, to make a provioffor rice them and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency the body parts offashion. a 73-year-old man. Ask the naysayers andNational they would readily remind yousion/opportunity of how long it cultural influences. From inbaggy withand interpret tions (such as the Certificate to remain food production. He also created millions jobs jerseys for young to people in theoutfits, rice The For suspects, who were apprehended the took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to jeans ofand native many students, however,in folin Education (NCE), of governance in was thefrozen. teaching profession; value chain. or even Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim collapse of the economy as if,Bachelor without ministers, classicBuhari wears carefullyis selectedclericlowing fashion is notsome simply about Education can now earn a a famoussimply allowing them to admirable enroll about President What is most andand his government asked them to procure human body But buying that(B.Ed.), narrative would amount to what Nigerianby writer, accessories, students are goals. constantlypartscopying what popular. It is also its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum for rituals. Ritualisattacks are widespread Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the of a single story”. whole certification/licensing Postgraduate Diploma in danger Education forYet thetheTRCN Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the their saddle, appearance oil revenue dropped in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to story was that many of our citizens did not know a state to connected to identity and a desire (PGDE) qualification, go ahead to how decrepit exams without being required to have adjusting abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to make money or become wealthy andtheir successful President Buhari inherited in 2015. reflect contemporary trends while to feel comfortable within qualify for thenecessary TRCNforexamination, education-related qualification as But with the little resources that trickle in, the citizens during his campaigns. undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians It was therefore him to take stock against any the background maintaining their individual social environment. Dressing and obtain theirgovernment professional a prerequisite takingis achieving part in what the governments President that received oil windfalls could identi-strongly believe in blood money, known in in a of thethen fact that the departing did not, reportedly, cooperate full for ties. particular way can help students not dream of. some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover teaching license. TRCN qualifying exams. I strongly Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja nature to Kaduna.ofAnd ego (Igbo). They think that identify they notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many The changing campus or Ogwu express their personalities, This is a welcome development. advocated that the doors be left from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; could become rich, or successful through ritual of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal fashion is particularly noticeable with a particular group or feel This initiative as a things difficult openforfor those citizens are alreadywithout commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. losses and therefore certainly pulled all thecomes stops to make theall (including among young people who are more confident when interacting seamlessly as they the dividends of democracy. And with huge relief to, and a favorable answer education-relatedcountry qualifications) to reap from Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, Buhari government. way thiscertification government is going, constantly before 2023 when the President would styles or reality. Africatime, the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist of the PDP exposed to new with Home their movies peers. known At theassame to Even the with prayers of many teachers who behaviour participate in thetheTRCN linked by rail with allmedia. of its economic or Nollywood have based not helped appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making social Platforms magic students makefilms choices on do not possess education-related examinations. leave, the entire country would be through matters. These movies continue to reinforce things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair advantages. such as TikTok, Instagram and their cultural backgrounds, reliqualifications, but nevertheless have Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, these mistaken notions and other superstitions. of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja Facebook have made it possible gious churches, beliefs, personal preferences Families, mosques, and other public income to the directed that all inflows be Lagos aofpassion fornation the and teaching profession institutions do not encourage the interrogation paid into one single account in line with the policy of and the expectations of the society and desire to continue in that line of around these traditional occult beliefs. There are Single Treasury Account (TSA). them. of The work. And, we sincerely hope T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE that this newbut initiative and the irrational and paranormal claims in schools, PDP government its penchant for imprudence DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU Arobieke, Mass Communication colleges, and universities. So millions of and lack of accountability denied involved it the couragewill of processes/requirements T HMANAGING E SAT U RDIRECTOR DAY N EENIOLA W S PABELLO PER EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA Nigerians grow upUniversity blindly believing that they implementing policy. What the President literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Department, of Maidunot be too the difficult or expensive to CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN OGBU ADENIYI DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA could make money through ritual sacrifice of did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box guri follow-through Through several EDITOR NATION’SDIRECTOR CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING ENIOLA BELLO human body parts. The belief has led many and locked it up withwith. a big padlock and watched for MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU newspaper opinion articles, I have Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate any thief to come close. THE EDITORIAL OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed Who can blame the Presidentfor for almost developing extensively advocated policy EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN or are undergoing court trials due to ritualparanoia overregarding the safeguard those of the national treasury THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE flexibility who are news Meta will pay a relatedhe attacks and that murder. with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting generally referred to as “unqualified” fine of $US24 billion dollars has Not too long ago, the police arrested some that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D teachers simply because theyfordo not young been Nigerians female pants, such disclosures of how billions meant fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA seenforasstealing a significant step in which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. insurgencyeducation-related in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, possess qualificarecognising the effects of social TH I S DAY N E WNWOGWUGWU, S PA P E R S LEMMANUEL I M I T E D EFENI ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with tions. I have argued that experienced EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA media platforms but is it enough? DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE ritual-related abuses because ritual money bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLAOJOGUN BELLO, KAYODE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR VICTORKOMOLAFE, DANBOYI and competent teachers possessing beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back To me $24 billion is an amount beyond ISRAEL IWEGBU SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH single-discipline media, schools, and should help in national spending. degrees (like a pure comprehension butcolleges to these companies is DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORSASSOCIATE SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE educate and reorient the public. They should Thus,or under Buhari, Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI B.Sc. B.APresident without an the education DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI it just a line item in their budgets. assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO SNR.PRINTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH background) should be allowed to Generally a crime involving childhood killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com continue in their teaching career, and Leo Igwe would directs the Advocacy for Alleged its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted addiction result in significant jail CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Witches (AfAW) fundsbe andabruptly property recovered from corrupt politicians not disengaged from their DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO time rather than just money.

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work as teachers. Alternative options to the abrupt disengagement of ‘un-

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

The META Fine

Dennis Fitzgerald, 28 Landale St, Box Hill, Vic, Australia

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saturday AUGUST 29, 2026 • T H I S D AY

saturday AUGUST 29, 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 AUGUST 29, 2026

NEWS XTRA

DISCUSSION ON PREMIERE OF BLACK MARKET...

L–R: Producer, Black Market, Nora Awolowo; Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry ofTourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; Co-Producer/Executive Producer, Black Market, Omowunmi Dada; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; and Event Producer, Black Market, Damilola Osikoya, during an engagement meeting with the Ministry on the upcoming premiere of Black Market and its Guinness World Records attempt for the largest audience at a film premiere, at the Commissioner’s Office, Alausa, Lagos... recently

Badejo-Okusanya Takes Helm of NBA, Vows to End Lawyers’ Economic Struggles Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Mrs. Oyinkansola BadejoOkusanya (SAN) has assumed office as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), declaring that her administration will prioritise the economic welfare of lawyers, professional dignity, inclusion and a stronger institutional

voice for the legal profession. Badejo-Okusanya was sworn-in yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at a ceremony marking the transfer of leadership from the immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN). In her inaugural address, the new NBA president said her mandate was not a prize but a trust, promising to build

Adeleke’s Victory Result of Good Governance, Says Atoyebi

Bennett Oghifo

The convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group and political analyst, Bamidele Atoyebi, has said the outcome of the Osun State governorship election shows that good governance and grassroots acceptance, rather than namedropping President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are critical to winning elections. Atoyebi, in an analysis of the

what she described as “a bolder bar that works for everyone.” “Members first, always. We will build a bolder bar that works for everyone,” she

called lawyer, said she never imagined that 24 years later she would return to lead the association. She said her election was

particularly significant because it took place in Port Harcourt, a city deeply connected to the NBA’s history and its struggle for institutional survival.

Umahi: I’ve Told Obi He Won’t Win, APC, APGA Working to Deliver Tinubu David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said he has told his friend and presidential candidate of the Nigeria

Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that he would not win the 2027 election, insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance

(APGA) are working together to deliver President Bola Tinubu in Anambra State. Umahi, who spoke in Anambra, yesterday, while inspecting the Obosi-

Ogbunike-Ogidi interchange road linking the Second Niger Bridge, said the two parties were collaborating as progressive forces to ensure Tinubu's victory in the state.

PAGEIslamic 16 Cleric Faults Claim 500

election, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and described the result as a lesson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly its leaders in Osun State. He said Osun voters had consistently supported incumbent governors and parties associated with them when they believed the government was performing, stressing that the pattern had been evident in previous elections.

Northern Scholars Endorsed Tinubu Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse

An Islamic cleric who attended a meeting of Muslim scholars in northern Nigeria has disputed claims that more than 500 participants endorsed

TINUBU IS 90, I WILL PROVE IT IN COURT, CLAIMS ATIKU agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah,” he said. The former vice president also criticised the federal government’s handling of the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying savings from the policy had not been adequately accounted for. “I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” Atiku asked. He said the funds were supposed to help reduce poverty, improve education, address insecurity and create opportunities for young Nigerians. “Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” he said. Atiku also promised to restore petrol subsidy if elected president, while demanding that anyone who had stolen the money would refund it. “If elected, I will bring back the

declared. Badejo-Okusanya, who recalled attending her first NBA Annual General Conference in August 2002 as a newly

oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it,” he said. He further said the subsidy could have been removed without causing the level of hardship being experienced by Nigerians if the savings had been properly used. “The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different,” Atiku said. The former vice president also defended his decision not to sign a peace accord involving opposition politicians, saying he questioned why the incumbent government was not included. He said, “Why is it always only us in the opposition that you bring to sign, but you never bring the incumbent government to sign as well?” Atiku added that he saw little

value in the exercise if the ruling party was excluded. “So, if you don’t bring the incumbent government to come and sign, I see no point in going to sign it,” he said. While justifying his choice to contest the 2027 elections, the former vice president said there was nothing unusual about his continued participation in presidential contests, noting that his political career had been marked by repeated challenges. “So because I’m contesting the presidency two or three times, I mean, that’s not anything unusual in my life, in my political life. Why should you question me on my right? It is my constitutional right. I am strong. I am healthy. I am agile. Why do you bother about my constitutional rights?” Explaining why he believes he remains suitable to lead the country, Atiku said his experience, competence and patriotism were

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Sheikh Abdurrahman Abubakar Azzamfari said the endorsement was neither discussed nor agreed upon by the scholars who attended the

Muslim Intellectual Forum meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State. Azzamfari rejected that account in a video message circulated on social media. “The talk that 500 scholars at the meeting agreed to endorse

and re-elect Tinubu is not true. That was not discussed with us at all,” he said. He also disputed reports that the participants had given the President “100 per cent” support for a second term.

reasons he should be allowed to offer himself for national service. “I have the experience. I have the competence. I have the patriotism. So why would I not make all this available to the service of my country?” he asked. Atiku also recounted his earlier political struggles, saying he had contested for governor four times and was repeatedly disqualified by military authorities whenever he won.

and Dele Momodu taken in London in 1996, arguing that the image raised questions about Atiku’s assertion on the President’s age. He said that if Tinubu was indeed 90 years old, as alleged by Atiku, the President would have been 60 when the photograph was taken 30 years ago. “Look at the photo yourself. I have not altered it in any way. Dele Momodu is alive to testify to the authenticity of this photograph and the date and place where it was taken,” Omokri said. He challenged Nigerians to examine the photograph and determine whether Tinubu appeared to be 60 at the time. “If Asiwaju is indeed ninety years of age, then he would have been sixty when this photo was taken exactly thirty years ago. I urge objective Nigerians and citizens of the world to again look at this photo. Does the gentleman on the

right look sixty? Does he even look fifty?” he asked. The ambassador-designate also said Momodu, as a political supporter, remained free to support whichever candidate he chose in the 2027 election, but questioned whether he should remain silent while allegations were made about the age and health of someone he had previously described as a friend and benefactor.

Omokri: Tinubu Is Nowhere Close To 90 Ambassador-designate of Nigeria to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Reno Omokri, hit back at Atiku over his claim that Tinubu was 90 years old and suffers from ill health. Omokri, in a post on his social media platform yesterday, cited a photograph of Tinubu

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MOYANGA JOSEPH now wish to be known and addressed as MOYANGA JOSEPH IMOKHAI. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please take note I formerly known and addressed as AbIMbOlA GlOrIA YEtuNdE, now wish to be known and addressed as GlOrIA MAYOKuN IbItOYE. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please take note

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r • AUGUST 29, 2026

SHOWBIZ Praises, Tributes Continue to Trail Ògògó’s Passing

Ferdinand Ekechukwu- 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Stories by Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ith reels of his memorable scenes in films still circulating online, Nigerians have continued to celebrate veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His family had disclosed his health condition days before his demise and appealed for medical options, including traditional treatment, following an alleged refusal by a hospital to treat him. Worried by his health condition, a large number of his colleagues had intervened through prayers as they gathered in Lagos. The colleagues had days earlier appealed to people who had offered to treat Ògògó through traditional and other means not to take offence over their inability to move him from hospital despite receiving hundreds of offers of medical assistance. One of its most cherished legends, Ògògó, an actor whose presence towered above others helped put smiles on faces of millions through the screen. According to the actors, Ògògó required

specialised medical care, and they urged anyone with information about a qualified specialist or suitable healthcare facility to contact his family. His daughters also expressed fears about losing their father, saying they were desperate to secure the appropriate treatment for him as quickly as possible. His friend Yinka Quadri appeared teary in a video that made rounds. Quadri would later in a post recount the last moments he shared with his longtime friend and colleague. In his tribute shared on Instagram, Quadri thanked God for the outcome of Ogogo’s illness, noting that his friend did not suffer for too long before he found rest. He then recalled his final visit to Ogogo at the hospital. “You were lying in your sickbed, and when I saw you, I could not hold back my tears.” The sad news of his passing further triggered deeply emotional response across Nollywood community at home and in the diaspora, with heartfelt messages from the federal state governments, and industry leaders paying tributes. Notably he was lauded for his distinctive acting style, screen presence, and dedication, described not merely an accomplished actor with remarkable talent, discipline. Highlighting his craft entertained generations of Nigerians while helping to promote Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s broader cultural heritage, describing his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s

creative industry. Fans, colleagues, and industry leaders took to social media to celebrate a titan who, among others, shaped the golden era of home videos. Remembering his voice, timeless grace, and the indelible legacy he left behind, Hassan, fondly called Ògògó, was one of the most iconic Nollywood stars of the home video from the 90s to the recent streaming era. For over four decades, the Ilaro-born actor built a reputation as one of the most respected figures in Yoruba cinema. He was also one of the co-founders of the Odunfa Caucus, a prominent theatre group that produced several notable Yoruba actors. He appeared in numerous films and became known for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice, and memorable interpretation of characters. His screen presence inspired music legends, like Olamide’s 2016 song Owo Blow and Burna Boy’s Last Last. Now a pop culture phrase used by Nigerians to describe heartbreak before Burna Boy popularised the metaphor in his hit song ‘Last Last’, the line from Ògògós film has remained part of Nigerian pop culture, drawing renewed attention following the actor’s death. The famous movie quote specifically in Burna Boy’s song has given the actor’s old scene another layer of cultural relevance.

Ogogo

OkechukwuSuspendsFilmPremiere,DedicatesBudgettoLateOnyekaOnwenu,CynthiaOkereke

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t was the exclusive screening of Joseph Okechukwu’s comeback movie, ‘Properties of the Gods’, at The Jewel Aeida in Lekki, Lagos, last Tuesday and the filmmaker took the evening a notch up with the array of beautiful guests from across business, corporate, and entertainment spheres. The guests had looked forward to having a good time, with the film taking them on a historical journey. But something was up Okechukwu’s sleeves, one that got audience interested. He had hinted about something important to say at the end of the screening. Naturally, it aroused anticipation as he made it a highpoint of the evening. Not long after the credits roll, Okechukwu walked up the stage, welcomed with a rousing applause and compliments to the delight of his family, friends and colleagues. Immediately acknowledging the cast and crew, including Enyinna Nwigwe, and reality TV star, Maria Chike, Okechukwu delivered his “big announcement”. He has suspended the planned premiere of the feature film, just so to dearly honour deceased cast members who contributed to the making of the project, including late Nigerian music icon Onyeka Onwenu, recognizing the presence of Onwenu’s son. The well-researched historical drama which opens

Okechukwu

Maria Chike, Mrs. Okechukwu, Nwigwe

in cinemas on September 4, 2026, is distributed nationwide by Nile Entertainment. A decision that gladdens his heart, rather than a traditional red-carpet premiere, the production will take ‘Properties of the Gods’ to the palaces of different Igbo traditional rulers, with separate screenings planned across multiple states. Beaming with smile, Okechukwu, during the

private screening of the film revealed that the film will not have a conventional premiere, with the budget allocated for the event instead being redirected as support for the families of the late cast members Cynthia Okereke and Onwenu and the ongoing recovery of another veteran actor Zack Orji who recently underwent brain surgery twice. . A welcome development, premieres could

be way too expensive especially for movies that end up not doing so well in cinema. He said it would be morally inappropriate to organise a major celebratory premiere while some members of the cast and their families were grieving. “Two artists who featured in this movie are dead, and one more is still recuperating from double brain surgery,” Okechukwu said. He explained that the planned grand premiere “would instead be replaced with a series of activities, including visits to traditional rulers in the SouthEast and condolence visits to the families of the deceased artists. According to him, the project will be dedicated to Onwenu, with September 4, the movie’s scheduled release date, designated as “Onyeka Onwenu Day.” He said the activities would culminate in a night of tributes in honour of the late singer and actress on September 3. Okechukwu said ‘Properties of the Gods’ was inspired by his longstanding campaign against the Osu caste system in Igboland, which he described as a divisive practice that has subjected generations of people to discrimination and stigma. He recalled that his activism culminated in an abolition exercise at the Agukwu Nri Palace in Anambra State in 2018, after which, according to him, more than 75 communities began taking steps to abolish the practice.

Poco Lee Faces Charges of Alleged Rape in UK

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p until the news began circulating, with some early reports linking his said UK incident to an alleged sexual offence, Poco Lee’s reported detention was largely less reckoned with until it began to draw public discussion and gen­er­ate reac­tions across social media with some entertainers, and influencers weighing in on the issue which continues to gain traction. Media reports quoting a statement from the Snaresbrook Crown Court in the United Kingdom, said Poco Lee, a popular Nigerian dancer and entertainer is facing charges and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Reports of his alleged detention made the rounds on social media and major

news platforms between 18 and 19 August. By August 24, a source identified as Oluomo of Derby confirmed via social media that dance artist was being held on remand in a UK prison, with a plea hearing scheduled for the second week of September, where he is expected to pleading guilty or not guilty. A case under the name Iweh Odinaka aka Poco Lee was subsequently identified at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, confirmed in a report that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026. Baker, wrote, “OFFICIAL. Good afternoon. I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.

“Criminal Court hearings are open to the public. Precise times and courtroom information will not be available until the day before the hearing. Many thanks.” Meanwhile, his team has urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims about the entertainer. Poco Lee’s management addressed his UK sexual assault case, saying drink-spiking claims are not part of the allegations before the court. In a statement dated August 25, the team said it was aware of the ongoing public discussion around allegations against their client and urged the public, media and well-meaning individuals to exercise restraint while the matter proceeds through the legal process. A close friend of music artiste, Bella Shmurda, Poco Lee rose to stardom working with different artistes, brands, events, and con­certs organisers.

Poco Lee

Fola, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Ayra Starr Lead 2026 Headies’ Nominations

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he Headies, Africa’s most anticipated music awards, has released its nominations list ahead of the 18th ceremony, holding this October in Toronto, Canada. The list features 218 nominations spread across 35 categories, celebrating the biggest names and breakout stars who defined African music in the period

under review (August 1, 2024 – April 30, 2026). With this wave of musical excellence is stepping firmly into the spotlight, fast rising artist Fola is leading the charge. With 10 nominations at the 18th Headies, the rising star has announced himself among Africa’s biggest names. His showing signals more than personal recognition—it reflects the growing influence of a new generation of Nigerian artistes shaping Africa’s global sound.

Fola’s nominations span several major categories, including Album of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best Recording of the Year and Next Rated, following the success of his debut album, Catharsis. Omah Lay follows with eight nominations, while Mavo and Wizkid each received seven. Davido and Asake are also among the leading nominees with six nominations apiece.

Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage lead the female nominees with five nominations each. The 18th Headies, themed “Africa to the World,” is scheduled to be held in Toronto, Canada, on October 25, 2026. The international staging continues the awards’ effort to position African music on a wider global platform after previous editions were held outside Nigeria.

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r • AUGUST 29, 2026

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Charles Ajunwa

• 08064268968 • ajunwacharles@gmail.com

Niyi Agoro: People Are Our Greatest Investment, Staff Welfare Remains Priority mental-health sensitisation, healthcare Cluster Director of Human Resources for Lagos Continental Hotel and Abuja Continental Hotel, Niyi encompass support, childcare facilities, enhanced parental-leave and measures designed to promote Agoro, speaks on picketing of the hotel in Abuja by the Trade Union Congress, measures taken to provisions work-life integration. On compensation, management has consistently forestall future occurrence, and reassures guests on their safety. Charles Ajunwa brings the excerpts: reviewed remuneration against prevailing market

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realities, economic conditions, cost-of-living pressures, statutory minimum-wage requirements and relevant industry benchmarks. Ultimately, we believe a responsible employer must do considerably more than merely comply with labour legislation. It must create an environment in which employees are respected, fairly treated, listened to, developed and given the opportunity to build sustainable and rewarding careers. Accordingly, while we unequivocally respect the right to freedom of association, we equally maintain that the voice, dignity, welfare and voluntary choices of individual employees must remain at the centre of any conversation concerning representation. Our doors remain open to constructive engagement. What we cannot endorse, however, is any approach that substitutes intimidation, disruption or physical obstruction for meaningful dialogue.

hat is the current state of operations at Abuja Continental Hotel after the recent protest by the Trade Union Congress over non-unionisation of

staff members? Abuja Continental Hotel remains fully operational and continues to deliver the exceptional standard of hospitality and service for which it is renowned. While the hotel was subjected to a protest and blockade of its gates by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday, 24th August 2026, Management immediately activated appropriate security and business-continuity measures to safeguard our guests, colleagues, business partners and other stakeholders, while minimising any potential disruption to hotel operations. Let me be unequivocal, Abuja Continental Hotel strongly condemns the blockade of its gates in the strongest possible terms. We regard the action as unnecessary and completely inconsistent with the principles of constructive industrial relations. What makes the action particularly concerning is that it was entirely avoidable. Upon receiving correspondence from the TUC dated 3rd August 2026, Management responded in good faith and proposed a meeting date specifically to provide an opportunity for both parties to sit together, engage constructively and address whatever concerns the TUC wished to raise. The TUC did not respond to our correspondence, did not propose an alternative date and did not exhaust the opportunity for dialogue that had been expressly offered. Instead, the next development was the physical blockade of the hotel’s gates on Monday, 24th August 2026. We consider this conduct reckless and wholly unacceptable, particularly because blocking the gates of a five-star hotel has implications far beyond an industrial disagreement. It impeded the movement of guests, employees, emergency personnel, suppliers and business partners, while unnecessarily exposing innocent third parties to disruption. Industrial relations should be handled through dialogue, negotiation, lawful processes and mutual respect; not through actions that seek to paralyse business activities. Notwithstanding the incident, our priority remains unwavering: to protect our guests, workers, other stakeholders, preserve business continuity and ensure that every guest receives the safe, seamless and world-class hospitality experience Abuja Continental Hotel has always been known for. There have been concerns about working conditions and unionisation. What is the hotel’s position on freedom of association, and how is management ensuring staff welfare remains a top priority? Management fully respects the fundamental right

Agoro of every employee to freedom of association and voluntary choice, in accordance with Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). We equally believe that such choices must be exercised freely, voluntarily and without coercion, intimidation or undue influence. The workers spoke unequivocally right in the presence of the TUC that they needed no union representation. According to them, TUC blockade of our gates did not represent their interests. The Abuja Continental Hotel philosophy of labour relations is firmly anchored on respect for individual rights, constructive engagement, due process, and protection of the workers’ interests. Our employee welfare is neither an ad hoc initiative nor a discretionary undertaking. It is a structured and strategic pillar of our people-management philosophy. We have deliberately evolved towards a people-centric operating model in which employee experience is accorded the same strategic importance as guest experience. Our objective is clear: to create an environment in which our colleagues feel valued, respected, heard, supported and empowered to thrive. This commitment is demonstrated through tangible and extensive welfare initiatives. We provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, occupational health and safety measures, staff transportation, staff accommodation facilities, two daily meals with

Abuja Continental is undergoing major upgrades and transformation. What should guests and the public expect from the hotel in the coming months? We are presently navigating an important and transformative chapter in the evolution of Abuja Continental Hotel. Management remains resolutely focused on the comprehensive upgrading of our facilities, strengthening our operational capabilities and continuously elevating our service standards. Our guests and clients should expect an increasingly sophisticated hospitality experience, enhanced facilities, stronger service delivery and an even more formidable Abuja Continental Hotel. Our gaze remains firmly fixed on the future. We are focused on sustainable growth, operational excellence and creating increasing value for our guests, employees, business partners multiple meal options and other welfare benefits. We and other stakeholders. The temporary disruption have further strengthened our welfare infrastructure caused by Monday’s incident does not and will through additional staff layover accommodation not derail that vision. and enhanced transportation capacity. Our staff clinic also operates night-shift services to ensure What investments has the hotel made that colleagues working outside conventional hours recently to ensure that its facilities, technolhave access to appropriate medical support. ogy and service delivery remain best-in-class Employee voice and engagement are equally for international conferences, exhibitions and fundamental to our approach. Our Employee high-profile gatherings? Opinion Survey provides colleagues with a strucSince Abuja Continental Hotel was acquired in tured and confidential platform through which 2022, management has continued to make significant they can express their views, raise concerns and investments in infrastructure, technology, facilities contribute to organisational decision-making. This enhancement, operational systems and, most is complemented by monthly Town Hall Meetings importantly, our people. These investments are and regular departmental HR engagement sessions, designed to support sophisticated conferences, through which Management engages directly with exhibitions, diplomatic engagements, corporate employees and follows up on issues requiring meetings and high-profile social events while attention. delivering an unrivalled guest experience. From Recognition, learning and career progression also our meeting and event facilities to our hospitality remain central to our employee value proposition. operations and service teams, our objective remains Through our Recognition of Excellence programme, to ensure that Abuja Continental consistently meets competency-based career frameworks, learning and exceeds the expectations of discerning local platforms and leadership-development initiatives, and international guests. we continue to provide opportunities for our people Our ongoing transformation programme is to develop professionally and build meaningful positioning the hotel for an even higher level of careers. service delivery while strengthening our competitiveWe also recognise that employee well-being ness within Nigeria and the broader international extends beyond the workplace. Our initiatives hospitality and MICE market.

Tourism, Next Frontier in Delta’s Investment Drive Chibuikem Diala

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he Delta State Government deserves commendation for convening the 2026 Delta Economic and Investment Summit, InvestDelta, in Asaba. At a time when sub-national governments must compete for capital, jobs and new sources of economic growth, creating a platform that brings government, investors, development institutions and the private sector around one table is both timely and necessary. Under the theme, ‘Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials’, the summit made a strong case for economic diversification and investment in Delta. One area that deserves even greater attention in the next phase of this conversation is tourism.

Importantly, tourism was not absent from InvestDelta. The official investment platform identifies Tourism/Hospitality and the Creative Economy as an investment opportunity and highlights assets including McCarthy Beach, Mungo Park House, Maryam Babangida Leisure Park and the Film Village. The opportunity now is to move from identifying these and other assets to properly structuring them as investment propositions. Tourism is not simply about hotels, beaches and sightseeing. It is an economic value chain connecting accommodation, transportation, aviation, food and beverage, entertainment, culture, events, agriculture, retail, creative industries and thousands of small businesses. For Delta, the opportunity is particularly compelling. The State’s coastline, rivers, cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites and growing hospitality and creative sectors provide the foundations for a diversified

tourism economy. The economic possibilities are significant. According to data presented by InvestDelta, based on National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, Delta State’s 2024 GDP was estimated at N16.97 trillion. If tourism and its associated value chains were deliberately developed to contribute even 3 per cent of the current economy, that would represent economic activity of approximately N509 billion annually. At 5 per cent, the figure would approach N849 billion. The employment opportunity is equally significant. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Nigeria Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2023, Delta State recorded 1,999,112 employed persons. While newer national labour-force data are available, this published state-level figure provides a useful baseline for illustrating the scale Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori of the opportunity.

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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 A U G U S T 29, 2026

PERSPECTIVE

Architecture of African Growth: Building Systems That Turn Potential into Prosperity DupeOlusola

but by millions of positive experiences repeated over time. That is the pattern the rest of this architecture has to follow, in banking, in energy, in government, in every system where someone is being asked to commit today for a return that only arrives later. Where trust is thin, capital stays short-term and expensive. Where trust is deliberately engineered into institutions, capital lengthens, and everything else becomes possible to finance. For too long, Africa has been described as the continent of potential. Potential is not a strategy. Population is possibility. Productivity is what transforms possibility into prosperity. Resources are not wealth. Capital is not development. None of these matter unless they are connected by institutions people trust. That is the architecture Africa must build. Not because trust is idealistic, but because trust is productive. It lowers the cost of capital. It attracts investment. It rewards entrepreneurship. It survives elections. It compounds across generations. We often ask what Africa’s next competitive advantage will be. I believe it will not be something we discover. It will be something we deliberately build. Africa’s future will not be built by hope. It will be built by design. One trusted institution. One connected system. One generation at a time. Architecture is never built in a day. But every enduring structure begins with a foundation. The future is not something we inherit. It is something we build. If architecture is built by many hands, then every one of us has a role to play. Here is where we begin.

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very decade, the world rediscovers Africa. First it was oil. Then “Africa Rising.” Then mobile phones. Then fintech. Then Nollywood and Afrobeats. Storytellers carrying the continent’s culture onto the world’s stages. Today it is critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and the world’s youngest population. By now, most of us have heard the statistic: By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African. It is an extraordinary projection, but demographics are not destiny. Population is possibility. What determines whether that possibility becomes prosperity is the system built around it. Each wave arrives with the same bold predictions, and each one runs into the same quiet question. Why has a continent with so much potential struggled to convert it into prosperity at scale? The answers are usually different. Yet they often lead us back to the same place. For decades, the debate has centred on capital. Governments have searched for it. Investors have priced it. Development institutions have mobilised it. Yet perhaps the more important question has always been different. Africa’s greatest shortage is not capital itself. It is the institutional trust that allows capital to flow with confidence. Countries do not become prosperous because they discover resources. They become prosperous because they build institutions that allow people, capital, and opportunity to trust one another. We often talk about building roads, power plants, and ports. But before we build physical infrastructure, we have to build institutional infrastructure. Trust is infrastructure. Not the kind made of concrete or steel, but the kind every successful economy quietly depends on. It is the invisible bridge between savers and investors, entrepreneurs and banks, pension funds and power plants, today’s policies and tomorrow’s prosperity. You cannot photograph trust. Yet without it, every visible piece of infrastructure becomes harder to finance, more expensive to build, and more difficult to sustain. Trust is one of the few assets that compounds. Every honoured contract, every predictable policy, and every functioning institution reduces uncertainty and makes the next investment easier than the last. Across every sector I have worked in, from banking and private equity to hospitality and energy, I have come to the same conclusion: systems outperform moments. Institutions outperform individuals. Trust outlasts both. Every great building begins with a foundation. In the months ahead, we’ll explore the doorway that brings Africa’s invisible businesses into the formal economy. We’ll examine the beams that turn savings into long-term investment. We’ll look at the platform of reliable energy, the wiring of fiscal trust, and the load-bearing walls of institutions that outlive political cycles.

The First Build

Governments Create the conditions for trust to flourish. Build institutions that outlast political cycles. Digitise and simplify participation in the formal economy. Create stable, predictable policy environments.

Investors

Adenuga But before any of those can stand, we need the foundation.

Reward systems that strengthen confidence, not just projects that generate returns. Look beyond funding projects to strengthening the systems that make projects investable. Support local capital-market development alongside infrastructure. Partner with domestic institutions to build long-term confidence.

Trust

Trust is not built through declarations. It is built through consistent experience. Through systems that work so reliably that people stop questioning whether they will work tomorrow. Africa has already shown this is possible: an entire generation adopted mobile money not because they were told to trust it, but because it worked, every day, until trust simply became the default. Sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for more than half of the world’s mobile money accounts, moving over a trillion dollars a year, a system built not by mandate,

Olusola is the Founder & CEO of DOVA Capital, investing in energy and infrastructure across African markets. A former CEO of Transcorp Hotels, she is a Harvard ALI Fellow and MIT Kuo Sharper Advisor, and Harvard University alumna. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

How NIBSS is Rewriting Future of Nigeria’s Digital Payments

Felix Ifijeh.

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igeria’s financial system has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. From cashdominated transactions to instant transfers, mobile banking, digital wallets and fintech-driven financial services, the country has steadily built one of Africa’s most dynamic digital payments ecosystems. But as digital transactions continue to surge, the question is no longer simply how quickly money can move. The bigger question is whether the infrastructure supporting that movement can become smarter, safer, more interconnected and capable of supporting the next phase of economic growth. That is where the National Payment Stack (NPS) comes into focus. Developed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the NPS represents one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s payments infrastructure in recent years. Its early commercial performance is already impressive. Within its initial operational phase, the platform has processed 26.55 million transactions valued at N1.4 trillion across 48 participating institutions. Those figures tell an important story about adoption. But beyond the numbers lies an even bigger story about infrastruc-

ture, innovation and the changing role of NIBSS in Nigeria’s digital economy. The NPS is not simply another payment platform. It represents NIBSS’ attempt to build the infrastructure for what payments in Nigeria will look like tomorrow.

From Moving Money to Making Payments Smarter

For many years, the primary measure of a successful payment system was straightforward: could it move money from one account to another quickly and reliably? Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem has changed that equation. Businesses now expect automated reconciliation. Merchants require more efficient collection systems. Financial institutions need better fraud detection and risk management. Fintechs require interoperable infrastructure on which they can build innovative services. Customers, meanwhile, increasingly expect payments to be instantaneous, secure and seamless. The National Payment Stack has been designed around these changing expectations. Its architecture brings together transaction processing and payment intelligence, while consolidating payments, identity and data capabilities onto a unified infrastructure. At the heart of the NPS is an ISO 20022-compliant data architecture, an

important feature that enables richer and more structured information to travel with transactions. For the average consumer, the technical significance may not be immediately obvious. For banks, fintechs and businesses, however, the implications are substantial. Richer transaction information can support automated corporate reconciliation, more efficient merchant collections and request-to-pay invoicing. It can also help businesses reduce the manual processes associated with matching payments to invoices, tracking collections and managing large volumes of transactions. For a country with millions of businesses increasingly dependent on digital payments, such efficiency gains can translate into significant economic value. This is one of the areas where NIBSS deserves particular recognition: the organisation is not merely responding to the rapid growth of digital payments but anticipating the infrastructure requirements that will accompany the next stage of that growth.

Platform The Industry is Already Embracing

The strongest endorsement of a national digital infrastructure often comes not from publicity but from adoption. In the case of the NPS, the early response from the financial services industry has been significant.

Oiwoh First Bank of Nigeria currently leads in total transaction volume processed on the platform, while Fidelity Bank ranks highest in overall transaction value. Other major early adopters driving network activity include Guaranty Trust Bank, Sterling Bank, Access Bank and Moniepoint. The participation of both established banks and major fintech players is particularly important. It demonstrates that the NPS is being embraced across different segments of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and is already supporting meaningful commercial activity. The 26.55 million transactions recorded so far are therefore more than a performance statistic. They represent millions of instances in which the industry is beginning to

test, use and validate a new generation of payment infrastructure. And at N1.4 trillion in transaction value, the platform is already demonstrating considerable capacity.

Premier Oiwoh and Vision Beyond Transactions

The strategic thinking behind the National Payment Stack has been articulated by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIBSS, Premier Oiwoh, who sees the platform as an important catalyst for transforming the country’s financial infrastructure. Read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r • AUGUST 29, 2026

AUTOWORLD

Bennett Oghifo

• 07052343083 •Email: benett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

Chery Premium Mobility, EXEED Enters Nigeria's Automotive Market December

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ersat Automobile Limited is set to introduce EXEED, the premium automotive brand of Chery Automobile, to the Nigerian market, with its official debut scheduled for December 2026. EXEED enters Nigeria built on the philosophy of “Born for More”, a mindset for those who are not content with the ordinary and who push for greater possibilities in life, career and mobility. The brand pairs advanced technology, distinctive design and a driving experience developed for Nigeria's growing premium automotive segment. Drawing on Chery Automobile's extensive automotive research and development experience, EXEED is positioned at the intersection of sophisticated design, intelligent technology and contemporary premium mobility, an offering Versat believes is well suited to Nigeria's increasingly discerning automotive audience. “The arrival of EXEED represents an exciting new chapter for premium mobility in Nigeria,” said Christopher Irumudomon, General Manager, Sales, Versat Automobile Limited. “We are looking

forward to introducing Nigerians to a brand that challenges convention, embraces exploration, and is truly Born for More.” In the months leading up to the December debut, Versat Automobile Limited will share further details on EXEED, including the technology, design philosophy, and performance capabilities behind the brand, as it builds toward its official Nigerian launch. EXEED is Chery Automobile’s premium automotive brand, created around a vision of intelligent technology, sophisticated design and exceptional driving experiences. Guided by its “Born for More” philosophy and Spirit of Exploration, EXEED combines advanced automotive technology with distinctive design and a forward-looking approach to premium mobility. Versat Automobile Limited is a Nigerian automotive company established to deliver reliable, value-driven mobility solutions tailored to the Nigerian market. Established in 2024, the company made its Nigerian market debut in 2026 with C&C Trucks, focusing on performance, durability, quality, reliability, and strong customer support.

Chery Premium Mobility, EXEED

EV Fires Require Specialised Response, Says Fire Service

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he Federal Fire Service (FFS), Lagos Command, has warned motorists and emergency responders that fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) require specialised equipment, training and firefighting techniques, as Nigeria’s adoption of cleaner transportation technologies gathers pace. The warning was issued by the Chief Superintendent of Fire, Badmus Abdulsamad, while presenting the Lagos Command’s emergency preparedness strategy for electric and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles at the 3rd Auto Industry Summit in Lagos. Abdulsamad said although battery-electric vehicles were statistically less likely to catch fire than conventional petrol-powered vehicles, incidents involving EVs could pose more complex challenges because of the lithium-ion battery systems powering them. According to him, one of the major hazards is thermal runaway, a self-sustaining chemical reaction within a battery that produces extreme heat and can spread rapidly from one cell to neighbouring cells. He said EV battery fires could generate toxic and potentially explosive vapours, create projectile hazards and remain capable of reigniting long after visible flames had been extinguished.

Electric Vehicle fires “Firefighters must focus heavily on cooling the battery pack to prevent thermal runaway from spreading,” he said, adding that large quantities of water might be required for prolonged periods to bring such incidents under control.

The fire officer explained that EV fires could occur while vehicles were in motion, parked or undergoing charging, with possible triggers including road crashes, penetration of battery packs by debris, previous mechanical damage, extreme weather conditions and charging faults.

He stressed that the approach to extinguishing an EV fire was significantly different from that used for conventional vehicles. According to him, damaged electric vehicles could also reignite hours or even days after an incident, posing additional dangers in towing yards, storage facilities and fire stations. He identified the high-voltage electrical systems in EVs as another major concern, noting that they could remain hazardous even after a crash. Abdulsamad further warned that burning lithium-ion batteries could release toxic and corrosive substances, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. To reduce the risk of EV-related incidents, the FFS advised owners to use certified charging equipment, properly maintain battery systems, prevent physical damage to battery packs and avoid exposing vehicles to extreme heat. It also urged motorists to maintain safe distances from buildings when parking and warned members of the public against attempting to extinguish EV battery fires themselves. Instead, the Service advised occupants and bystanders to evacuate immediately and alert emergency responders. On CNG-powered vehicles, Abdulsamad said the major risks were associated with the high-pressure cylinders used to store the gas.

Naija Driver 2026: Nationwide Free Driving Challenge Targets Safer Roads

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otch Captains Limited, operating under the Approval in Principle and Safety Frameworks of the Automobile & Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), the sole representative of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI), has announced the global web launch of the inaugural Nigerian Drivers Challenge, Naija Driver 2026. According to a statement signed by Ingram Osigwe, Director of Media, Communications, Marketing and Public Relations of the Naija Driver 2026 Organising Committee, the initiative is designed to promote road safety through free driver education, testing and public enlightenment. The programme is open to licensed Nigerian residents aged between 18 and 65. Registration and safety screening will commence free of

charge on September 1, 2026, through the initiative’s digital learning portal. Participants will have access to digital study materials covering defensive driving, road-use regulations, crash-site management, emergency victim stabilisation during the critical “Golden Seconds” and preventive vehicle maintenance. The online learning phase will culminate in a nationwide Unified National ComputerBased Test scheduled for October 2026, with participants expected to take the examination simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Project Director and Managing Director of Notch Captains Limited, Adrian Egonu, said the competition would adopt a decentralised verification system to strengthen identity checks and eliminate logistical challenges. He explained that the three highest-scoring candidates from each state and the FCT would undergo document verification and practical screening in their respective locations

in October. The overall state champions will subsequently be invited to Lagos for the final live-action driving tests scheduled from November 7 to 10, 2026. The physical competition will test participants’ vehicle-handling agility, chassis control and emergency-braking precision before a live and televised audience. Ahead of the driving trials, organisers will host an Executive Road Safety Advocacy Gala Night expected to bring together state government representatives and senior executives of major Nigerian conglomerates to endorse a national highway safety advocacy pledge. The organisers have also partnered with Skinetics Med Spa to launch a Priority Waiting List ahead of the interactive portal’s activation. The partnership will feature gifts and vouchers under the “Glam n Drive” package throughout the tournament, subject to applicable terms and conditions. The initiative will also feature presentations

from leading motor insurance institutions aimed at improving public understanding of vehicle insurance and retail risk underwriting. As part of its social-impact programme, organisers said official charity visits would be made to hospitals where road-crash victims are undergoing rehabilitation. Egonu said gender inclusion would also be a key component of the initiative, with the organising committee committed to encouraging and incentivising female participation. Osigwe urged members of the public, corporate fleet managers, transport unions and e-hailing operators to take advantage of the free training and testing resources when the official information portal becomes operational. The organisers said Naija Driver 2026 is intended to combine competition with practical road-safety education while promoting safer driving habits among motorists nationwide.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R A U G U S T 29, 2026

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POLITY

Otega Ogra: Why Nigeria Cannot Afford Return to Subsidy Regime The subsidy debate has returned to Nigeria’s political frontline, with Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, warning against reviving a system he says could mortgage the country’s future. Oluchi Chibuzor brings the excerpts:

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he debate over Nigeria’s petroleum subsidy has returned to the centre of the 2027 political conversation, with former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, promising to restore the policy if elected. But the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has mounted a strong defence of the decision to remove the subsidy, arguing that the country simply could no longer afford a system that consumed enormous public resources while creating opportunities for rent-seeking and abuse. Otega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, has emerged as one of the administration’s most forceful defenders of the reform. Appearing on a recent television programme, Ogra challenged Atiku to explain how his proposed subsidy would be funded and questioned the economic logic behind returning to a system the government says had become financially unsustainable. “So, for Alhaji Atiku, my question to you here is, where are the barrels for your subsidy going to come from? Where is the money that you’re going to give to your billionaire friends using your own plan?” Ogra asked. His central argument is that the subsidy debate cannot be separated from the enormous fiscal cost associated with the policy. “I’ve not even mentioned before, your plan for subsidies, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, it will cost Nigeria N19.1 trillion, according to estimates,” he said. “You failed to put the estimates in your plan, you failed to put the cap in your plan, you failed to put how many barrels Ogra of oil Nigeria is going to need in your plan,” he added. According to the presidential aide, his estimate was based cheaper petrol was undesirable. It is arguing that Nigeria could no on a crude oil price of $80 per barrel and an estimated subsidy longer afford to maintain an arrangement in which the apparent requirement of about $40 per barrel. On that basis, he put the benefit to motorists came at the expense of the country’s wider potential annual cost at N19.1 trillion, equivalent to about N1.5 fiscal health. Ogra recalled the situation before President Tinubu assumed office trillion every month and N52.3 billion daily. The exact figures and assumptions cited by Ogra have not in 2023. “Before Mr. President came into office in 2023 and undertook been independently verified, but the broader question they raise his reforms, we all knew what was happening in the economy: is where will the money come from if Nigeria returns to petrol rent-seeking, with a few Nigerians taking the commonwealth of subsidy? That question is particularly important in a country Nigerians through various fraudulent schemes,” he said. He specifically referred to foreign-exchange arbitrage and the where government revenue is already under pressure and where states and local governments have enormous infrastructure and subsidy system as examples of an economic environment in which public resources could be captured by a relatively small number of social-service needs. “Cheap petrol will always feel good,” he said. “But the question beneficiaries. His concern is that returning to subsidy could recreate is, was Nigeria able to sustainably continue the scam and the the same incentives. “Can Nigerians afford, or could we afford, to continue that openfraudulent subsidy system and regime which have gone through ended subsidy scam in perpetuity without the country going broke various iterations over the past few years?” That is the heart of the argument in favour of the Tinubu and having to approach international lenders?” he asked. One of the strongest arguments against the Tinubu administration’s administration’s decision. The government is not arguing that subsidy removal is that it immediately increased the cost of living.

Ogra does not dispute that. “The impact of the reforms, especially at the initial stage, was very, very painful. We will not deny that. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not deny that. Instead, we acknowledge it,” he said. Ogra’s argument is that the starting point in 2023 was already unsustainable. “In an ideal situation, when you do things like that, you would have already put certain things in place,” he acknowledged. He cited CNG initiative as an example of what ideally should have been available before the subsidy was removed. “But where they’re wrong is that, as at 2023, Nigeria was not in an ideal situation,” he said. “Not only were we not in an ideal situation, we had also gotten to a point where we were borderline bankrupt as a nation—financially bankrupt.” “Nigeria needed a leader that had the political will and the courage to take a decision, not just on behalf of Nigerians today, but also on behalf of our unborn generations.” Ogra also challenged Nigerians to look beyond the price at the pump and examine what happens to public resources after subsidy removal. “If you are a Nigerian and your government is not paying subsidies, the money in the Federation Account gets extra money,” he said. “When the Federation Account gets extra money, it goes to your states, it goes to your local governments, it goes to your federal government.” Ogra said increased allocations give the subnational governments greater fiscal room to provide infrastructure and services. “You have more money. You have more fiscal space. You have more fiscal headroom to do a lot of work.” But this also places an obligation on governors and local authorities. “Let the people breathe,” Ogra said, urging subnational governments to ensure that increased revenues translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. Nigerians need to see roads, healthcare facilities, schools, agricultural infrastructure, public transportation and other services that demonstrate that the resources released by reform are being put to productive use. Ogra pointed to the Presidential CNG Initiative as an example of the shift from subsidising petrol consumption to investing in alternatives. According to him, the Federal Government provided the initial funding that helped accelerate the conversion of vehicles to CNG. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Chime Asonye: Nigeria Needs Dedicated Department for Mental Health Services

The Founder, Nigerian Mental Health, Chime Asonye, speaks on the Mental Health Commitment Policy Tracker, how to improve the National Mental Health Act, among other salient issues. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts: Can you tell us about Mental Health Commitment Tracker launched by your organisation?

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igerian Mental Health (NMH) launched the Mental Health Policy Commitment Tracker as an open-access accountability platform to monitor the implementation of mental health laws, funding allocations, and policy promises across Nigeria. Since the passage of the National Mental Health Act, several core mandates remain unfulfilled, including the creation of a dedicated Department of Mental Health Services and the statutory Mental Health Fund. We built this tracker to bridge the information gap, aggregating policy data, legislative updates, and budget releases to rate each government commitment so the public can track exactly where reform stands. Ninety per cent of Nigerians who need mental health support cannot access it. How will the tracker close this gap? While a digital tracker does not treat patients directly, it creates the transparency and pressure needed to unlock systemic resources. So, to close this gap, we need to enforce funding mandates. I mean, tracking and exposing delays in operationalising the Mental Health Fund, which is essential for subsidising care and community-level programs. Another step to close the gap, is through monitoring primary healthcare (PHC) integration. Evaluating state and federal progress on embedding mental

in distress does not automatically provide them with care. Alongside our #SuicideNotCrimeNG push, we are championing the enactment of a standalone National Suicide Prevention Bill. This legislation is vital to establish a legally mandated 24/7 national toll-free crisis helpline, standardise suicide prevention protocols, restrict access to high-hazard lethal means (such as toxic pesticides), and fund community crisis intervention centers. Immediate legislative action is now required. Executive approval of the decriminalisation amendment to the Mental Health Act must be swiftly passed by the National Assembly into law, alongside the National Suicide Prevention Bill, to ensure a complete transition from criminalisation to compassionate, structured care nationwide.

health services into local primary healthcare centres, making care accessible to the 60%+ of Nigerians living outside major urban centers. Also, through empowering data-driven advocacy. We equip civil society groups, journalists, and policymakers with verified metrics to hold leadership accountable to concrete delivery dates rather than vague promises. The federal government has approved the Mental Health Act amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria. What’s your take on this development? This approval marks a monumental victory for public health in Nigeria and affirms years of intensive advocacy led by Nigerian Mental Health through our #SuicideNotCrimeNG campaign. For decades, archaic colonial laws, specifically Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code, treated individuals surviving acute psychological distress as criminals subject to up to a year in prison. This punitive approach drove crises underground, promoted stigma, and prevented vulnerable individuals from seeking life-saving help for fear of prosecution. While executive approval to decriminalise attempted suicide is a massive step forward, decriminalisation is only half the battle: First, we must operationalise the National Mental Health Act 2021. It’s a proposed amendment to the Act — which itself has never been fully operationalised — carries a serious governance risk. Decriminalisation risks becoming a paper repeal: the offence

Asonye leaves the statute books while police continue to detain survivors and clinicians receive no guidance Second, pass the National Suicide Prevention Bill. Decriminalisation removes the penalty; prevention builds the support system. Stopping the arrest of people

Are there other legislations on Mental Health you would like the National Assembly to pass into law? Yes. Beyond adopting the decriminalisation amendment, our legislative priorities for the National Assembly include: Enacting the National Suicide Prevention Bill. Codifying national crisis hotline infrastructure, suicide prevention training for first responders, and emergency intervention protocols into federal law. We need state-level domestication. This is the legislative mechanisms that incentivise State Houses of Assembly to domesticate the National Mental Health Act and establish dedicated state mental health budget lines.

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T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r • AUGUST 29, 2026

Focus Chronicling Daily Times’ Century of Influence, Controversies, Survival

From a four-page colonial newspaper to a leading voice, Daily Times has spent a century at journalism intersection, politics, business and national memory. Its rise, domination, government takeover, decline, privatisation, controversies and attempted revival mirror the story of Nigeria itself, writes Sunday Ehigiator

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hen the first edition of the Nigerian Daily Times (DTN) appeared in Lagos on June 1, 1926, Nigeria was still a British colony, and the idea of an independent Nigerian state belonged largely to the future.Acentury later, the newspaper is still here. That simple fact is remarkable. Daily Times has lived through colonial rule, the nationalist struggle, independence, the First Republic, two military coups in 1966, the Nigerian Civil War, successive military regimes, the oil boom, the Second Republic, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the Abacha years, the return to democracy in 1999, privatisation, economic upheaval and the digital revolution that has fundamentally altered the newspaper business. Few Nigerian institutions can claim such a continuous relationship with the country’s public record. At its zenith, Daily Times was a publishing empire, a training ground, a commercial powerhouse, a generator of public opinion and, for generations of Nigerians, an indispensable part of everyday life. The newspaper’s centenary in 2026 therefore represents an opportunity to examine how an institution born in colonial Lagos became one of the most influential media organisations in Africa, why it subsequently lost much of its dominance, and whether its present owners can successfully translate its enormous historical capital into relevance for another century. The Centenary theme The centenary theme, ‘100 Years of Fearless Journalism, Championing the Future, 1926-2026’ captures that tension between heritage and reinvention. At a June 1, 2026 media briefing in Abuja, Publisher and Editorin-Chief, Fidelis Anosike, described the newspaper as a witness to Nigeria’s political, economic and social evolution. He said its centenary was a milestone not only for the publication but for Nigerian journalism and the country’s development. Colonial Lagos and the birth of DTN The corporate history of Daily Times reaches back to June 6, 1925, when the Nigerian Printing and Publishing Company was incorporated by Richard Barrow, Adeyemo Alakija, V. R. Osborne and others. The newspaper itself came into existence the following year. On June 1, 1926, the company published the first edition of the Nigerian Daily Times, a modest four-page newspaper in Lagos. Ernest Sesei Ikoli became its pioneer editor. Ikoli’s appointment was significant because the newspaper was being created in a colonial environment in which newspapers were already becoming important instruments of political mobilisation and intellectual debate. The early Daily Times initially pursued a relatively detached editorial position, with considerable attention to business, commerce and issues concerning Nigeria’s development. It soon attracted advertising from foreign companies operating in the colony, giving it an important commercial base. But its influence could not remain confined to commerce. By the 1930s, education and the question of how Nigeria should develop had become important editorial subjects. The newspaper criticised aspects of colonial educational policy and advocated greater opportunities for Nigerians. Theriseofnationalistnewspapers,particularlyNnamdiAzikiwe’s West African Pilot from 1937, forced established newspapers to compete in a rapidly changing political environment. The Daily Times responded by strengthening its editorial operations and bringing in additional capital and personnel. Its history was already becoming intertwined with the evolution of Nigerian nationalism. The Mirror years Adecisive turning point came in 1935 when R. B. Paul acquired the newspaper. Another transformation followed in 1947, when the London-based Daily Mirror Group, headed by Cecil King, bought the Daily Times and other West African publications. The new ownership brought capital, technology and a more sophisticated approach to mass-market journalism. The organisation introduced modern printing equipment and production techniques, including a privately owned rotary printing press, photo-engraving and improved typesetting and typecasting facilities. It also embraced a more accessible style of newspaper writing, using shorter paragraphs, photographs, illustrations and human-interest stories. The result was a spectacular growth. Circulation reportedly rose from about 25,000 copies daily in 1950 to 95,000 in 1959. The newspaper was no longer merely reporting the changing country. It was becoming one of the institutions helping to shape it.

•Osoba

•Jose

Ernest Ikoli and Other Pioneering Editors The history of Daily Times is inseparable from the succession of editors who gave the newspaper its voice. Ikoli was followed by editors including Adeleye Titcombe, Ayodele Lijadu, J. S. Ogunlesi, Joseph Oloyede, Ebun Adesioye and Gabriel Idigo. J. S. Ogunlesi is particularly remembered as the first graduate to edit the newspaper. Then came the man who would become synonymous with the golden age of Daily Times: Ismail Babatunde Jose. The long list of editors is itself an indication of the institution’s importance. According to a historical account tracing the newspaper’s editorial succession, editors before Onyema Ugochukwu included Ikoli, Titcombe, Lijadu, Ogunlesi, Oloyede, Adesioye, Idigo, Jose, Peter Enahoro,Alade Odunewu, Henry Odukomaiya, Areoye Oyebola, Segun Osoba, Tony Momoh, Martin Iroabuchi and Farouk Umar Mohammed. But no discussion of Daily Times’ editorial history can adequately begin or end without Jose. Babatunde Jose: The architect of the Times empire Jose joined Daily Times in 1941 as a technical trainee. He moved through the newsroom and eventually became editor in 1957. His rise represented something bigger than personal advancement. It demonstrated the growingAfricanisation of an institution that had initially emerged from colonial commercial interests. Jose became managing director in 1962 and chairman in 1968. In 1963, the then flagship newspaper adopted the name Daily Times Nigeria. Under Jose, the newspaper developed an extraordinary publishing ecosystem. He understood that a newspaper could be more than one daily title. It could become a media group serving different audiences, interests and markets. The result was a stable that eventually included newspapers, magazines, directories, specialist publications and weekend titles. Among the publications associated with the group were Sunday Times, Evening Times, Who’s Who, Sporting Record, Spear, Woman’s World, Lagos Weekend, Trade and Industry Directory, Headlines, Times Home Studies, Business Times, Fun Times, Times International, Poise, Timesweek, Saturday Times and Abuja Times. At its height, the organisation had more than 20 titles in its stable. That was not simply an expansion of newspaper products. It was the construction of a Nigerian media institution.

headline or publication. It was people. He recruited young graduates, trained them and gave them room to develop as reporters, editors and columnists. In 1965, he established the Times Journalism Institute, which became one of the important training grounds for Nigerian journalists. The list of journalists who passed through the Daily Times ecosystem reads almost like a who’s who of Nigerian journalism. They included Tony Momoh, Patrick Dele Cole, Stanley Macebuh, AladeOdunewu,SegunOsoba,TolaAdeniyi,GbolaboOgunsanwo, Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Lade Bonuola, among many others. The importance of this network is difficult to quantify. Journalists trained at Daily Times subsequently spread across Nigeria’s media industry, carrying with them professional habits, newsroom traditions and editorial standards acquired in the Times environment. The newspaper consequently became not merely a publisher of journalism but a producer of journalists. Safe to say that Daily Times birthed the pluralisation of professional journalists in Nigeria, which we all enjoy today. That may ultimately be one of its greatest contributions to Nigerian journalism.

Journalism as a profession Perhaps Jose’s most enduring contribution was not a particular

The newspaper that created newspapers The Times’ philosophy of diversification was evident in the breadth of its titles. Sunday Times, launched in 1953, pioneered Sunday newspaper publishing in Nigeria and developed a style different from the hard-news orientation of the daily. Evening Times, launched in 1955, was conceived partly around the everyday experience of Lagos commuters. Its reporters worked at police stations, magistrates’ courts and hospitals, providing a publication designed to meet the information and entertainment needs of workers returning home. Sporting Record catered to sports enthusiasts and betting audiences. Spear competed in the popular magazine market. Woman’s World addressed an increasingly educated and sophisticated female readership. Lagos Weekend became a training ground as well as a publication. Business Times addressed the expanding interest in business, finance, markets and ownership. Times International, Timesweek, Poise, Fun Times,Abuja Times and other publications further extended the group’s reach. The breadth of the stable demonstrated an understanding of media economics that remains relevant today: audiences are not

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Chronicling Daily Times’ Century of Influence, Controversies, Survival Cont’d from Pgs 22 one homogeneous mass, and a strong media organisation must develop products for distinct communities.

proceedings became complicated, with different judicial developments and competing claims involving other individuals connected to the controversy. The Federal High Court in Lagos quashed the charges against the Anosikes in March 2011, although subsequent litigation meant the dispute did not simply disappear from public view. Folio has consistently maintained that it acquired Daily Times through a legitimate government privatisation process and has publicly produced documents it says demonstrate its payment and ownership.

The Miss Nigeria phenomenon TheTimesempirealsounderstoodthepowerof popularculture.In1957,thenewspaperorganised the first Miss Nigeria beauty pageant. The competition became one of the country’s most prominent popular-cultural institutions for decades. Rosemary Anieze, winner of the 1960 contest, was subsequently associated with the title “Miss Independence”, linking the pageant to the mood surrounding Nigeria’s attainment of independence. This was a powerful example of the newspaper’s ability to move beyond political reporting into culture, entertainment and national identity. Independence and the newspaper of record The 1950s were the decade in which the Daily Times consolidated its position as a major Nigerian institution. As the country moved towards independence,newspapersbecamecriticalinstruments for political education and mobilisation. The Daily Times reported the constitutional conferences, political disagreements, nationalist campaigns and negotiations that eventually culminated in independence on October 1, 1960. Its pages became a running documentary record of the transformation from colony to independent nation. This is one reason the preservation of its archives matters so much. Anewspaper archive is not merely a collection of old papers. It contains the daily evidence of how a society understood itself at different points in history. The official Daily Times account describes its library and archives as the largest collection and repository of journalism materials inAfrica south of the Sahara, with digitisation efforts underway since 2012. If successfully digitised and made accessible, the collection could become one of Nigeria’s most valuable research resources. The 1970s circulation strength By the 1970s, Daily Times had reached extraordinary commercial and editorial strength. Its daily circulation reportedly reached about 275,000 copies in 1975, while Sunday Times reached approximately 400,000. Those figures represented a level of mass readership that few Nigerian newspapers have subsequently matched. The organisation had become one of the most successful locally owned businesses inAfrica. Its influence extended beyond journalism into the commercial and cultural life of the country. But the very scale that made the newspaper powerful also made it politically significant. And that would become its greatest vulnerability. The government takeover On September 1, 1975, the Federal Military Government acquired a controlling interest in Daily Times and also took control of its major rival, New Nigerian Newspapers. The government publicly insisted that the acquisition would not compromise editorial independence and declared its support for press freedom. But the takeover was widely viewed as a mechanism through which the military government could reduce criticism from powerful newspapers. Historical accounts describe the acquisition as controversial precisely because ownership by the state inevitably raised questions about editorial independence. The government subsequently increased its control, eventually assuming total ownership. For a newspaper whose influence had been built partly on its authority and independence, this was a fundamental institutional change. In March 1976, Jose was forced out. The golden era was beginning to give way to a more complicated chapter. The paradox of state ownership State ownership did not instantly destroy Daily Times. The newspaper retained talented journalists and continued to exercise considerable influence. Indeed, some of its most important journalism occurred during the period of government ownership. But the structural problem was obvious. A newspaper owned by government was expected to scrutinise the government. The conflict was built into the ownership structure. However, at different times, the paper demonstrated that professional journalism could survive even within that contradiction.

A newspaper fighting to return The physical newspaper went through periods when its flagship publication was not consistently on the streets. Following the acquisition, printing of the flagshipDailyTimesresumedduringtherestructuring period, including between 2006 and 2009. The newspaper subsequently returned to the streets in December 2014, according to the company’s historical account. But the business model changed. The era in which hundreds of thousands of Nigerians routinely purchased printed copies every day had passed. The internet has transformed the economics of journalism. Advertising migrated online. News became immediate. Social media became a competing distribution system. The smartphone replaced the newspaper stand as one of the principal gateways to information. For an institution built around printing presses, distribution networks, classified advertising and mass circulation, the transformation was existential.

Anosike One example was the Evening News libel case involving Chief Rotimi Williams after the newspaper published a report about a lawsuit against him. Williams successfully sued the government-owned newspaper. In the 1980s and 1990s, Daily Times also published editorials criticising corruption, indiscipline and the decline of public morality. In 1983, for example, an editorial condemned what it described as alarming levels of corruption, bribery, indiscipline, immorality, cheating, drug addiction, armed robbery, smuggling and other social ills. That contradiction, a government-owned newspaper criticising government and society, became one of the most fascinating aspects of its history. Tony Momoh and the battle for press freedom One of the most significant episodes in the history of Daily Times’ relationship with power involved Tony Momoh. Momoh became editor in 1976. In 1981, he was summoned before the Senate, then headed by the President of the Senate, Joseph Wayas, over allegations of contempt. Rather than simply submit to pressure, Momoh defended the newspaper’s right to protect its sources. Theepisodebecame‘acausecélèbre’inNigerian journalism and an important moment in the continuing contest between the press and political authority. Momoh’s tenure also demonstrated that the institutional culture developed under Jose had not disappeared completely despite government ownership. The newsroom still contained journalists prepared to test the limits of political authority. Onyema Ugochukwu and the military years Another major figure was Onyema Ugochukwu. After spending several years editing West Africa magazine in London, Ugochukwu returned to Nigeria in 1987 and became editorin-chief of Daily Times. By then, Nigeria was under military rule, and the relationship between the press and government had become increasingly difficult. Ugochukwu’s tenure came at a time when the newspaper was dealing with the pressures of political control, declining circulation and competition from more aggressive privately owned newspapers. Historical accounts describe his approach as methodical. He reportedly began his working day by reviewing newspapers and publications before proceeding to editorial conferences with line editors. He was also known for playing a conciliatory role between the press and military authorities. In 1990, following the arrest of the editor of The Punch over a publication relating to the failed Gideon Orkar coup attempt, Ugochukwu, as

president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, helped coordinate efforts seeking the editor’s release. He left Daily Times in 1994. The decline The 1990s were increasingly difficult. Military administrations tightened their relationship with the media. Privately owned newspapers became more aggressive, more colourful and, in many cases, more willing to confront the government. Titles such as The Punch, The Guardian, Concord and others competed aggressively for readers. Daily Times, weighed down by its ownership structure and institutional bureaucracy, struggled to respond. Its circulation declined. Its ability to compete commercially weakened. Its vast organisational structure became increasingly difficult to sustain. The newspaper that had once dominated the Nigerian market was losing its position in an industry that was becoming more competitive and more politically assertive. By December 1998, the crisis had become acute. Hundreds of workers reportedly embarked on an indefinite strike over salary arrears, with workers said to be owed five months’ wages. The crisis was no longer simply about journalism. It was about institutional survival. Privatisation: The second beginning With the return to civilian rule in 1999, the federal government began the process of privatising Daily Times. An initial attempt to offer government shares to the public in 2003 failed to attract a meaningful response. In 2004, the Bureau of Public Enterprises reopened the process. Folio Communications Limited emerged as the preferred bidder after the government privatisation exercise. According to Daily Times’ own account, Folio paid N1.25 billion for the acquisition and formally assumed ownership on September 3, 2004. But privatisation did not produce an instant revival. The new owners inherited a troubled organisation. Daily Times’ own account says the company’s assets were valued at about N2 billion against liabilities of about N1.5 billion. There were also disputes involving former employees, assets, ownership and the implementation of the privatisation agreement. The controversies surrounding the sale became part of the newspaper’s post-government history. The Folio controversy Folio Communications and its principal, Anosike, faced allegations concerning the management and disposal of Daily Times assets. In 2010, theAttorney-General of the Federation filed a 21-count charge against Fidelis and Noel Anosike alleging conspiracy and theft involving more than N3 billion in Daily Times property. The Anosikes denied wrongdoing. The legal

The digital disruption The crisis of Daily Times is therefore not solely a story of government interference or managerial failure. It is also a story of technological disruption. Newspapers across the world have struggled with the same forces: declining print advertising, changingconsumerhabits,risingproductioncosts, free online content, social-media competition and fragmented audiences. But legacy newspapers in Nigeria face additional pressures, including weak advertising markets, high production and distribution costs, unstable purchasing power and a media environment in which misinformation can spread faster than verified reporting. The centenary has consequently arrived at a crucial moment. The question is no longer whether Daily Times can recreate the 1970s. It cannot. The question is whether it can use the authority accumulated over 100 years to build a viable 21st-century media institution. The archive: Perhaps the greatest inheritance Of all the assets associated with Daily Times, none may be more important than its archives. The newspaper has recorded Nigeria’s history not from the distance of a historian writing decades later, but day by day. Abridge opened. Apresident was sworn in. A coup took place. A minister resigned. A market burned.Afootballteamwon.Auniversityreleased admissionlists.Agovernmentannouncedapolicy. Acommunity protested. Achild disappeared. A war began. Acountry celebrated independence. These seemingly ordinary stories collectively form the texture of national history. This is why the planned centenary digital archive is potentially one of the most important components of the anniversary. The project is intended to make a century of Daily Times editions accessible online to researchers and the public. If properly completed, indexed and preserved, it could transform historical research in Nigeria. It would also allow younger generations to encounter Nigeria not merely through textbooks, but through the headlines, photographs, advertisements, editorials and everyday reports that accompanied previous generations. This is why the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, described Daily Times in February 2026 as a flagship of Nigerian journalism and a training ground for some of the country’s finest media professionals. He specifically highlighted the contribution of Jose and the newspaper’s tradition of investigative reporting, editorial excellence and professional integrity. See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com

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FEATURES BeyondthePain:PreservingReform Gains,Ensuring PolicyConsistency In this piece, James Emejo writes on the subtle but important shift in the economic conversation during the recent 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum - about what happens after Nigeria’s current reforms have been concluded, and if the gains will outlive the present administration among other critical issues

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he debate is no longer simply about whether Nigeria needed difficult reforms but increasingly about what happens after the reforms have been undertaken. At the August forum with the theme, “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties” held in Abuja, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, observed that the next phase of reforms may prove even more consequential than the decisions that brought the country to its current point of relative macroeconomic stability. Calling for restraint, consistency and continuity, he said the country must preserve the gains of the reforms long enough for them to become the foundation for investment, production and jobs. Cardoso’s interventions at the forum, particularly his fireside conversation with Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had a central proposition - that economic credibility was not an achievement that can be declared once but has to be continuously earned. He said, “We have learned one lesson. Credibility is built intentionally—one right decision after another—and strengthened through consistent action.” The central bank governor’s remarks captures perhaps the biggest risk facing the country’s current economic transition, having already paid the political and social cost of difficult decisions. The exchange-rate regime had been overhauled, monetary financing of fiscal deficits curtailed as the CBN returned to its core mandate and the Foreign Exchange (FX) market had been largely repositioned around greater transparency and price discovery. Cardoso argued that these measures were beginning to produce results, including moderated inflation, stronger external buffers and a safer, better-capitalised financial system. But the gains, by their nature, remain vulnerable to policy reversals, a key concern for the apex bank governor, who argued for protecting the reform architecture. The Real Value of Credibility For years, Nigeria’s economic problem was not simply a shortage of resources but the uncertainty surrounding the rules under which those resources were deployed. Multiple exchange-rate windows, uncertainty in the foreign exchange market, monetary financing of fiscal deficits and weak policy credibility created distortions that affected businesses, investors and households. Cardoso pointed to the fact that CBN had spent the past three years of his stewardship trying to reverse that perception. He said, “We returned firmly to our core mandate. We unified the exchange rate, restored price discovery, ended monetary financing of fiscal deficits and rebuilt the foreign exchange market around transparency and settlement integrity.” The significance of that intervention lies in what it implies about the next stage especially given that a reform programme does not generate its full benefits immediately. A stable exchange-rate framework has to survive enough cycles for businesses to plan around it, according to Cardoso, as monetary discipline also has to become credible enough for inflation expectations to adjust. Investors have to see consistency before committing capital. And banks need confidence in the macroeconomic environment before expanding lending. Essentially, stability itself remains an investment as squandering it would mean asking the economy to pay the cost of adjustment again. This is why Cardoso’s insistence on consistency

deserves attention - the danger is not only that a reform could be reversed formally. It could also be weakened gradually through exceptions, policy inconsistencies or institutional compromises that recreate the very uncertainty the reforms were designed to remove. Adhering to rules-based international System Cardoso, on a broader intervention, identified fragmentation in global trade, more selective international capital and rapid advances in artificial intelligence as the three defining shifts confronting African economies. Speaking during the engagement with the WTO boss, he said, “The question is no longer whether the global order is changing. The question is how we turn that change from a source of vulnerability into a source of growth and shared prosperity. “The era of abundant liquidity chasing returns regardless of risk is over. Capital increasingly flows to countries that offer credibility, transparency, policy consistency and strong institutions. “Credibility is no longer only a central bank concern; it is a national economic asset.” Cardoso stated that Africa could no longer rely principally on foreign investment, stressing that “We must mobilise more of our own resources—our pension funds, insurance assets, domestic savings and diaspora capital—and channel them into productive investment.” He added said difficult reforms undertaken over the past three years were beginning to restore confidence in the economy. He stated that “At the central bank, we returned firmly to our core mandate. We unified the exchange rate, restored price discovery, ended monetary financing of fiscal deficits and rebuilt the foreign exchange market around transparency and settlement integrity.” Policy Consistency as Key Reform Ingredient The apex bank boss stressed that consistency had begun producing measurable outcomes, noting that “Inflation has moderated from high levels, external buffers have strengthened and the financial system is safer and better capitalised.” He said, “We have learned one lesson: credibility is built intentionally—one right decision after another—and strengthened through consistent action.” Cardoso agreed that execution—not policy announcements—would determine whether Africa capitalised on emerging opportunities. He said, “We recently resolved at the Central Bank that collaboration among economic institutions must move beyond rhetoric and become a practical reality,” he said. “We no longer have the luxury of time. Time is no longer on our side. We must reduce barriers to trade and investment and move beyond simply having good conversations. Cardoso also warned that African governments must prepare for a world of tighter global financing conditions, adding that “We cannot continue depending indefinitely on external financing”. According to him, “Foreign investment remains important, but we must also focus on generating and mobilising our own domestic capital”, adding that attracting foreign investors starts with winning the confidence of local businesses.” He said, “It is very difficult to persuade foreign investors to invest if local investors themselves are unwilling to do so. Our domestic investors should become our strongest ambassadors.” The CBN governor stressed that stability remained indispensable for attracting investment and expanding regional trade Cardoso reminisced his experience as former

Okonjo-Iweala and Cardoso Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, noting that understanding demographic pressures had informed difficult reforms undertaken in the state years ago, lessons he believed now apply across Africa. He further emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance to the continent, noting that the former accounts for about 60 to 70 per cent of West Africa’s GDP and about one-quarter of Africa’s economy. The apex bank boss said, “If Nigeria gets it right, the benefits will extend far beyond our borders. That is why we simply cannot afford to get it wrong.” He said, “Understanding the rules-based international system is being stressed and tested. For Africa and other emerging markets, the question is no longer whether the global order is changing, but how we turn that change from a source of vulnerability into a source of growth and shared prosperity. And we heard some of the answers to that earlier today. “Let me highlight, however, three major shifts that I expect will shape Africa’s opportunities in this changing global environment. First, trade is fragmenting. Geo-economic considerations are causing countries to look inward and to reorganize trade and critical supply chains around trusted partners and neighboring markets through nearshoring and friend-shoring. “For Africa, this change is both a warning and an opportunity. With intra-African trade still accounting for only about 16 percent of our total trade, we must build stronger regional value chains, produce more of what we consume, and trade more with one another. The African continental free trade area provides the platform and opportunity to turn this global shift to an African advantage.” According to him, “But we must go beyond the agreements and remove the practical barriers to trade by improving transport networks, harmonizing customs standards, and making cross-border payments faster and more affordable. Second, capital has become selective and impatient. The era of abundant liquidity, chasing returns regardless of risk, is over. “Investors now have more choices and less tolerance for uncertainty. Capital increasingly flows to a fullness that offers credibility, transparency, quality, consistency, and strong institutions. For Africa, this means that our development ambitions cannot depend solely on attracting foreign capital. “We must mobilize more of our own resources, including pension and insurance funds, domestic savings and diaspora capital, and channel them towards productive domestic investment. It also

means that there is a premium on the quality of Africa’s institutions. Investors must be able to trust our policies, understand our rules, and plan beyond the next political or economic cycle.” Cardoso further noted that “credibility is not only a central bank concern, it is a national economic asset. Third, artificial intelligence is reshaping economic activity. It is changing how goods are produced, how services are delivered, and the skills required to compete. “It is disrupting established industries while creating entirely new business models, services, and forms of work. And of course, thank you very much to Mr. Gail Dindonich for delivering such a lovely presentation earlier this morning on this particular topic. Africa must move beyond being consumers of technology. “We must become creators, developing African solutions to African challenges, and building businesses capable of taking those solutions to the world. To achieve this, Africa must invest in the foundations of an AI-enabled economy, including reliable electricity, affordable connectivity, digital infrastructure, and above all, a generation of AI-savvy young Africans ready to build solutions for the continent and to compete globally. Nigeria’s recent experience demonstrates how an emerging market economy can respond to these shifts. “Over the past three years, we made difficult but necessary policy decisions to restore stability, rebuild confidence, and strengthen the economy’s capacity to withstand shocks. At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we returned firmly to our core mandate. We unified the exchange rate, restored price discovery, ended monetary financing of fiscal deficits, and rebuilt the foreign exchange market around transparency and settlement integrity. “When the message was difficult. Today, the results of those sacrifices are evident. Inflation has moderated from high levels.” He pointed out that despite the energy shock, external buffers had strengthened, and the financial system safer and better capitalized to support the economy. He stressed, “We have learned one lesson. Credibility is built intentionally, one right decision after another, and strengthened through consistent action. “That same lesson holds at the continental level. If Africa is to benefit from these global shifts, rather than become inflicted often, we must convert our potential into tangible gains. That transformation would rest on four foundations. “One, the first, is macroeconomic stability. No surprises. No nation has industrialized under persistently high inflation and an unstable exchange rate.

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Rising Food Prices,Transportation Costs Redefine Everyday Survival For many people, the cost of being Nigerian is no longer measured only by the price of what they buy. It is measured by what they have to give up to afford it. Aminat Hassan reports

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y the time Christiana Bulus arrives at Gosa Market, the cost of getting there has already taken a bite out of whatever profit she hopes to make that day. Bulus, a trader who travels from Dikko in Niger State to the market, has watched the cost of her journey rise steadily. What once cost her about N1,500 in transportation now requires roughly N3,500. Carrying her goods to the market has also become more expensive. For Bulus, the journey to the market is therefore no longer simply about getting her goods to customers. It is a calculation of how much she must spend before she can make anything back. And even after paying the higher transport costs, there is no guarantee that customers will buy enough. “When the prices of goods were low, we sold more and got enough gain, but now people don’t patronise much because the prices are high. People are hungry but there is no money to buy food,” Bulus said. Her experience captures a growing contradiction in everyday Nigerian life: people need food, transportation and other basic necessities, but the money available to pay for them is increasingly unable to keep pace with their cost. The latest inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) illustrate the pressure. The Bureau reported that headline inflation moderated to 15.43 per cent in July 2026, from 15.91 per cent in June. Yet food inflation moved in the opposite direction, rising to 20.31 per cent year-on-year in July from 17.52 per cent in June. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation also increased to 5.56 per cent in July, compared with 3.75 per cent in June. The numbers may suggest that the overall pace of price increases is slowing, but for households standing in markets, waiting for buses or paying for fuel, the experience is more complicated. A slower rate of inflation does not necessarily mean that prices have fallen. It can simply mean that prices are rising more slowly than before.

Market For ordinary Nigerians, what matters at the end of the day is how far their income can go. Aisha Bello, a salaried worker Abuja, said her income has not increased at the same rate as the cost of everyday necessities. Food now consumes more of her money. Transportation takes a larger share. Other household expenses have also become harder to absorb. According to her, “Things like tomatoes, pepper and even proteins are all taking more money than before.” The adjustments have been gradual but significant. Bello said she now eats outside less frequently and has stopped buying some things she once purchased without much thought. At times, she has to choose between spending money

on food and keeping enough money for fuel. “I cannot say I’m living the same way I was living a year ago,” she said. Her comment describes a reality that is difficult to capture in inflation figures alone. When prices rise faster than incomes, households do not always respond with dramatic changes. Instead, they make small sacrifices repeatedly. Anthony Dorcas said that is what has happened to her. She now buys smaller quantities of food or delays purchases until they become necessary. A year ago, she said, the amount she spent on food each week was considerably lower. Her salary, however, has not risen at the same pace as the cost of living. She said, “My salary has not increased at the

same rate as the cost of living, so basically, my standard of living has reduced.” For her, the problem is not necessarily the desire for luxury. It is the struggle to maintain the standard of living she once considered normal. The pressure is not confined to consumers. Those responsible for moving people and goods across the country are also dealing with rising operating costs. For commercial drivers, the challenge begins before a passenger enters the vehicle. Chenidu Okafor, who has been driving commercially since 2018, said the economics of driving have changed significantly as fuel, spare parts and vehicle maintenance have become more expensive. Servicing, tyres, engine oil and other repairs now require more money, while drivers still have to contend with passengers who are themselves struggling financially. “You cannot just increase the fare anyhow because some people will complain or decide to use another means of transportation,” Okafor said. The consequence, he said, is that he sometimes has to work longer hours simply to earn what he used to make before. Ove Akao, a commercial driver who has been in the business since 2013, remembers a very different fuel market. He recalled that petrol sold for roughly N90 to N100 per litre around 2015. Today, he said, some filling stations sell it for more than N1,300. The difference is not merely a statistic for drivers. It determines how much they spend to put their vehicles on the road and, ultimately, how much passengers pay to move from one place to another. “If you look at it, the price of fuel affects every aspect of the economy,” Akao said. His observation points to the connection between the various pressures facing households. See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com

How NaijAidUK Expands Emergency Preparedness NaijAidUK and HealthAid Charity are expanding first-aid training, professional development and medical equipment donations across Nigeria to strengthen emergency preparedness and save lives, writes Funmi Ogundare

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hen an emergency strikes, the difference between life and death may not always be the presence of a doctor or an ambulance. Sometimes, it is simply whether someone nearby knows what to do. For NaijAidUK and HealthAid Charity, that simple reality has become the driving force behind a growing campaign to make first aid and emergency preparedness part of everyday life in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 2015, the UK-registered charity, which operates in Nigeria as HealthAid Charity, has trained more than 3,000 healthcare professionals and 5,000 non-medical citizens in first aid and emergency response. Its work has also extended to the donation of medical equipment and the professional development of healthcare workers. At a recent intermediate life support training for more than 70 healthcare practitioners from Lagos and Ogun states, and a first aid train-the-trainer programme involving more than 100 university students and first responders, that philosophy was on full display. For Dr. Lanre Nehan-Babalola, Chief Executive Officer/Founding Trustee of NaijAidUK and HealthAid Charity, the most sustainable way to build emergency preparedness is to train people who can teach others.

Dawodu, Nehan-Babalola, Babalola and Abisogun, at a first aid train-the-trainer programme for undergraduate and first responders in Lagos…recently “One of our most impactful programmes is the train-the-trainer model,” she explained. “Students and community members receive first aid training and return to teach others.” The model, she stated, creates a multiplier effect, allowing knowledge to travel from one trained individual to families, schools, communities and workplaces. That multiplier effect has also been demonstrated

through the charity’s partnership with Project Alert. In May 2025, NaijAidUK and HealthAid Nigeria fully funded first aid training for 70 students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. The training was delivered by Project Alert’s winning team from a Train-the-Trainer first aid competition held in Lagos the previous October. The students received both classroom instruction and hands-on practical training in essential life-support

techniques, alongside complimentary first aid kits to support continued preparedness. The initiative reflected NaijAidUK’s broader commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to become first responders within their communities. In 2015, Nehan-Babalola was caring for her father at General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, when she encountered the realities of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. She saw committed doctors and nurses working under difficult conditions, but their ability to deliver care was constrained by inadequate equipment. “I saw how dedicated Nigerian doctors and nurses were, but their impact was limited by a lack of equipment. That experience motivated me to act,” she recalled. With her medical and training background in the United Kingdom, she began sourcing functional medical equipment from UK hospitals and arranging for them to be donated to healthcare facilities in Nigeria. What started as a response to one family’s experience gradually developed into a wider humanitarian intervention. As part of its commitment to strengthening emergency response capacity alongside healthcare professional training, NaijAidUK has donated 20 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The donation is designed to complement the ILS training by making essential emergency response equipment more accessible and supporting the capacity of trained healthcare professionals to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

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INTERVIEW

Charles Odibo: Obidient Connect Will Turn Passion into Victory in 2027 In the run-up to the 2027 elections, the Big Tent Coalition has unveiled Obidient Connect, a digital platform designed to organise voters, engage the diaspora and protect electoral integrity. Coordinating the initiative is communications expert Charles Odibo, Director of Media and Communications at the coalition. In this exclusive interview, he explains the initiative, why Nigerians should register and how it could shape Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential campaign. Sunday Ehigiator brings the excerpts: What exactly is Obidient Connect?

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bidient Connect is the organisational backbone of the entire Obidient Coalition Movement for the 2027 elections. It is more than an Information Technology platform designed to map every Obidient to their polling unit, create local volunteer structures, engage diaspora Nigerians for funding, and protect votes through a citizen-driven action. In short, it takes our passion and translates it into a structured, grassroots-driven electoral machine.

Why is grassroots organising so central to your strategy?

Because elections are not won on social media. They are won at the 176,864 polling units across Nigeria. In 2023, we had unmatched energy, but not enough structure at the grassroots. Obidient Connect fills that gap. It allows us to build unit-by-unit, ward-by-ward, and local government-bylocal government networks that can mobilise voters, monitor elections, protect results, and ensure that certified polling unit results are transmitted to our own central portal in real time on election day. That is how we will win the 2027 presidential election.

What specific features does the platform provide for users?

It does five key things. First, it maps you to your polling unit. Second, it allows you to volunteer as a captain or supporter at that unit. Third, it connects with the diaspora so they can donate as they can. Fourth, it includes a secure communication system for verified updates and voter education. Finally, on election day, it enables us to capture and transmit all polling unit results in real time.

Beyond the mechanics of the platform, what are the national issues that will define the 2027 elections?

Nigeria is in the middle of a human development crisis. Over 130 million of our people live in multidimensional poverty. Education and healthcare systems are collapsing. Our infrastructure is weak, just look at the national embarrassment on the Benin to Onitsha express road, insecurity is spreading, and unemployment is at record highs. The current government has failed to meet its social contract with the people. 2027 is therefore not just about changing leadership, it is about saving Nigeria from decline. Our position is clear: the country must shift from consumption to production, invest in education and healthcare, lift millions out of poverty through job creation, and secure the country. Obidient Connect ensures that Nigerians who care about these issues are not just angry, but organised to make a difference.

Let’s talk about insecurity. How does the Obidient Movement view this challenge?

Insecurity is both a symptom and a driver of our underdevelopment. When millions of young people are unemployed, undereducated, and hopeless, insecurity festers. We need a leadership that understands security is not just about guns, but about jobs, education, and community empowerment. The Obidient vision is to rebuild Nigeria so that insecurity is addressed at its roots.

The diaspora played a huge role in amplifying the Obidient Movement in 2023. How does Obidient Connect engage them this time

Nigerians in the diaspora cannot vote, but they are deeply invested in the future of this country. With Obidient Connect, they now have a structured and transparent way to contribute financially. Small, consistent monthly donations - $10, $20,

$50, or $100 - will fund voter education, logistics, training of polling unit captains, and transportation of volunteers. They can even adopt specific polling units. This way, their love for Nigeria translates directly into grassroots power on the ground.

You’ve spoken about the diaspora’s role. How does their support go beyond funding? Nigerians in the diaspora are some of the most skilled and successful people in the world. They contribute billions of dollars in remittances annually. With Obidient Connect, they now have a structured way to support nation-building directly - by sponsoring polling units, funding voter education, and helping us build transparency tools. Their involvement is about both money and expertise.

Critics may say technology can’t overcome Odibo. the entrenched structures of money politics in Nigeria. How do you respond?

Money politics thrives on voter apathy and disorganisation. We all witnessed what happened at the just concluded Osun State governorship poll. When citizens are mobilised, educated, and supported, they become resistant to inducement. Obidient Connect is about turning millions of Nigerians into organised citizens who understand their power and are determined to use it. That’s far stronger than any envelope on election day.

Poverty is another major concern. What is your position on reducing it?

Poverty in Nigeria is man-made, not destiny. Our economy has been run for the benefit of a few rather than the majority. By prioritising production, SME growth, agriculture, and infrastructure, we can lift millions out of poverty. Obidient Connect will help ensure Nigerians elect a government that is focused on inclusive economic growth rather than waste and corruption.

Critics argue Nigeria’s institutions are too broken for any platform or movement to change outcomes. How do you respond?

Institutions are built by people. When citizens are passive, broken institutions thrive. But when citizens are organised and vigilant, institutions are compelled to work better. Obidient Connect is about empowering Nigerians to take ownership of their democracy. It’s a first step toward stronger institutions.

Let’s turn to infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Why do you emphasise these sectors?

Because they are the foundations of human development. No country can grow if its schools are broken, hospitals are inaccessible, and roads are collapsing. Nigerians die daily from preventable conditions. Millions of children are out of school. This is unacceptable. The Obidient agenda prioritises investing

in human capital as the driver of economic transformation. If elected, Peter Obi will treat education and healthcare as national emergencies.

What is your own role as Coordinator of Obidient Connect?

My role is to drive penetration of the platform nationwide and globally. That means ensuring millions sign-up, use it, and trust it. It also means engaging the diaspora, building media partnerships, countering disinformation, and positioning Obidient Connect as a world-first citizen-led election integrity project. Ultimately, my success will be measured by whether this platform helps deliver Peter Obi’s victory in 2027.

How do you see Obidient Connect shaping election day itself?

On election day, Obidient Connect will be the nerve centre. Polling unit captains will mobilise early voter turnout. Trained agents will transmit results from each polling unit. Beyond Peter Obi, why should ordinary Nigerians care about this platform? Because it’s about their future. Obidient Connect is not just about electing Peter Obi; it is about reclaiming democracy and putting power back in the hands of citizens. It’s about ensuring your PVC counts, that your vote is protected, and that your voice matters. If we succeed, it will change Nigerian politics forever, beyond one election cycle.

Finally, what’s your call to action to Nigerians at home and abroad?

Very simple. If you are in Nigeria, sign-up to Obidient Connect today and register with your polling unit. Volunteer if you can. If you are abroad, commit to a monthly donation. Share the platform with your friends and family. This is not the time to be a spectator. Every Obidient and other well-meaning Nigerians must match voice with action. Together, we can make 2027 the year Nigerians take back their country.

The 2026 Akure Group Lauds Tinubu, Pate on FUTATH Crisis Resolution Fidelis David inAkure

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he Akure Businessmen and Professionals Roundtable (ABPR) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on the resolution of the labour crisis which engulfed the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTATH). This is coming on the suspension of the industrial action embarked upon by organised labour in the university. An industrial crisis by the Ondo state organised labour unions which engulfed FUTATH, which was called off yesterday, had grossly affected the teaching hospital, causing untold hardships to patients, students and apprehension to its host community and residents of Ondo State in general. In a release issued by Dr. Olufemi Oyinsan, ABPR acknowl-

edged Prof Pate’s interventions towards the suspension of the strike action, and his commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda of the federal government in the health sector, especially President Tinubu’s fulfillment of his promise of the teaching hospital project to the Akure patriarch, Dr. Reuben Fasoranti. ABPR also described as “empty threats” boasts from some quarters, which it said were against the president’s vision for Akure people, that any individual could withdraw the Akure General Hospital project from the Federal Government. “ABPR welcomes the recent intervention by Prof Pate to restore normalcy of operation in FUTATH, in fulfillment of the Renewed Hope agenda. The unfortunate and unwarranted crisis created by the Ondo State Organised Labour Unions truncated this laudable Tinubu project at the newly established teaching hospital,” the release said. While expressing “complete solidarity” with the Ondo State

health workers agitating for absorption into the FUTA Teaching Hospital, the statement also expressed its pleasure that, following the minister’s intervention, the Federal Ministry of Health has begun taking steps to obtain approval of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to widen the authorized takeoff establishment of the hospital, to accommodate additional staff from the old UNIMED Teaching Hospital. It called on the Lucky Aiyedatiwa government to strengthen its health delivery by expanding the Akure Mother and Child Hospital and build additional hospitals to replace the Akure General Hospital handed over to the FG. ABPR however expressed what it called “our deep disappointment” at the lukewarm posture of the Ondo State Government and some highly-placed persons in the state capital to the labour crisis, which it said gave room for its festering and closure of the public hospital for such a long time, with its attendant effects on its hapless patients.

T H I S D AY, Th e S ATURDAY, N e w S PA P e r • AUGUST 29, 2026

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Expression

‘Beehive of Activities’ Wrong

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ET us welcome Nigeria Political Economist to this column. Its August edition, Volume 1 No. 7, goofed: “…our share in those agreements are (is) not the same as we have in the joint venture (a comma) so it’s lower.” News of August 2 did not make any difference on so many occasions in its use of the English language: “Will the emergence of Ribadu as the NSA have any positive impact on the security challenges facing the nation and put an end to terrorism and other forms of criminal activities to a stop?” When you write windy sentences, you go adrift like we have here! Do we take it that Ribadu and his principal are helpless on Boko Haram and insecurity? What happened in Okene, Kogi State, a long time ago, was the preface to the currency of anarchy! “South East governors and the looming impeachment threat” Existential humanism: Looming impeachment? Yes. Looming impeachment threat? No! “Unilag, Akoka, was last Friday a beehive of activities as….” My alma mater was a hive/beehive of activity/industry (not activities/ industries) as…. “…confined her to the four-wall of her home with no help in sight.” What is ‘four-wall of her home’? Are there common triangular apartments? Simply put, the lady was confined to her home—the balderdash about ‘four-wall’ (instead of just wall) is a descent into lexical savagery! Still on News: “Disappearance of coins weigh (weighs) down on pricing system.” This is a clear case of subject-verb disagreement that, if not for the writer’s/sub-editor’s/

proofreader’s slipshoddiness, the computer’s spelling and grammar mechanism would have detected the culprit’s absent-mindedness. “…the need to revisit the use of coins to curb fraudulent pricing trends that eats (why?) deep into consumer budgets.” This way: consumers’ budgets. Finally from News Review of events of yesteryear: “He was rushed to hospital for treatment.” This is an unintelligent sentence. When the former editor of Daily Sun, Steve Nwosu, was taken to hospital after a gunshot by a bandit, it could not have been for picnicking, sun-bathing or revelry! So, just tell readers—who are not gullible—that the journalist was taken (not the cliché ‘rushed’) to hospital. Was there an ambulance for ‘rushing’ him? No! “One is gratified by the rising attention on (to) consumerism in the organized private sector.” “In addition, there had been no report that he had gone to condole (condole with) the family of the late….” “…he may be able to warm (worm) himself in (to) the recognition and acceptance of the various nationalities and interest groups in Nigeria.” “The police officer noted that since armed bandits have shifted their operation to the churches….” Whoever wrote ‘armed bandits’ does not understand the nature of banditry. There is no banditry without arms. Otherwise, it becomes another form of criminality, not banditry. A bandit is a member of an armed gang. “I am not sure the present leadership of (the) NNPC has grassroot knowledge of the oil industry.” No linguistic fraud: grassroots

knowledge. “They demanded for money only after they had made sure that the victim would not survive the shooting” Delete ‘for’. “Most victims of sexual exploitation were found to be young girls aged between 13 to 18 years. Between 13 and 18 or from 13 to 18. “Crisis management in oil producing areas” A hyphen between ‘oil’ and ‘producing would have indicated scholastic depth. “I doff my hat for the resilience of those who staked their necks to confront the excesses of the immediate past.” Dogma at the barricades: I doff/take off my hat to (not for) newspaper contributors, the occasional Freudian slips notwithstanding. “Others just ridiculed me outrightly” A protester at the American embassy: Others just ridiculed me outright. “NCP raises alarm over alleged harrasment of market women” Across the nation: harassment. Also note that ‘harassment’ is uncountable, unlike ‘embarrassment’. “…but the incidence rather than subdue you, (sic) should spur you to greater heights.” The human angle: incident (not incidence). “Gather every members of your family….” Either every member of your family or all members…. “Obasanjo, critics exchange banters” ‘Banter’ is uncountable. “…the chilling story of Calabar’s rival gang members who not only slaughter themselves (one another) but.…” “Eagles confront Malawians under scorching sun” This way: in the scorching sun. ‘”In times past, the media might even have queried the gaming, or the double standards….” Profes-

sionalism: double standard. “We maintain that like every other institutions established by law….” Either every other institution or all other institutions. “Customs intensify air border patrol” No news: Customs intensifies. “PHCN has (had) earlier indicated that progress made towards stabilizing power supply has been reversed.” “Abubakar who was on a one-day working visit to Kano to round up (off) his familiarization tour of police formations in the country.…” I can understand the mix-up because of IGP’s involvement! “Osun Polls: INEC chiefs hold last minute (last-minute) talks” “Unijos alumni holds convention” For the last time: alumni hold, but alumni association holds. “But none has raised more eyebrows than the vulgar display of wealth at (on) the occasion….” “Reneging on the agreement is palpably reprehensible and affront on (to) the sensibility of Nigerians.” FEEDBACK WE have a big challenge in our profession. Poorly-trained journalists are operating without informed supervision. Words such as ‘confess’, ‘reveal’, ‘disclose’ and ‘hint’ are routinely used inappropriately. A journalist without a standard dictionary is like a man without eyes! Does a doctor discard his stethoscope after graduation? Voracious reading is integral to journalism. (Sunny Agbontaen/ Benin/08055162531).

The Two Nigerias We Live In

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here is a Nigeria where a woman stands before a food seller, calculating how many cups of rice her remaining money can buy before deciding that perhaps the children can manage with something less expensive. There is another Nigeria where a man leaves home at dawn, not because he is particularly diligent or eager to beat the Lagos traffic, but because he is trying to combine three jobs, two side hustles and an occasional favour from a friend in order to keep his family from falling through the widening cracks. There is the young graduate who has spent years acquiring certificates, only to discover that certificates are now decorative items unless accompanied by connections, influence or a relative who knows somebody who knows somebody. There is the pensioner calculating which medicine can be postponed until next month. There is the civil servant wondering how transport to work has become a major item in the family budget. There is the tenant who wakes up one morning to discover that his landlord has suddenly developed the entrepreneurial spirit of Aliko Dangote. The rent goes up. Shop rent goes up. Transport goes up. Food goes up. School fees go up. Hospital bills go up. Electricity tariffs go up. The only thing that appears reluctant to go up with similar enthusiasm is the income of the ordinary Nigerian. Yet, somewhere in another universe, the figures are looking impressive. Trillions have been saved. Revenues have increased. Allocations to states and local governments have risen dramatically. Foreign reserves are being discussed. Macroeconomic indicators are being celebrated. Inflation may be moderating statistically, even if the woman in the market is still wondering which statistics can be cooked and served for breakfast. This is increasingly the fundamental problem with the Nigerian economic conversation: the

Nigerian people and their government often appear to be living in two different universes. In the official universe, there are graphs, percentages, projections and encouraging figures. In the real universe, there are empty wallets, shrinking meals, unpaid hospital bills, jobless young people and families quietly selling possessions in order to maintain the appearance of being okay. And Nigerians are talking. They talk on radio call-in programmes. They cry on social media. They complain in buses, markets, offices, churches, mosques, beer parlours and neighbourhood meetings. Every day brings another testimony of hardship, another desperate appeal, another story of somebody who has reached a point where survival itself has become a full-time occupation. But there appears to be a communication breakdown of monumental proportions. The people say, “We cannot breathe.” Government replies, “But look at the figures.” The people say, “Food is beyond our reach.” Government replies with revenue allocations. The people say, “Our children cannot find work.” Government announces a new policy framework. The people say, “We are dying in hospitals.” Somebody reminds them of a proposed infrastructure project. There is nothing inherently wrong with macroeconomic gains. A serious country needs them. Foreign reserves matter. Revenue matters. Investment matters. Infrastructure matters. Economic reforms sometimes require difficult transitions. Nobody is suggesting that government should run the economy from the kitchen table. But an economy cannot be declared successful simply because the arithmetic is improving while the people doing the living are deteriorating. The real test of economic management is not how impressively a minister can recite figures at a press conference. It is whether those figures eventually translate into affordable food, accessible healthcare, meaningful employment, functional transport, reasonable housing and a measurable

reduction in human misery. Nigeria’s poverty challenge is becoming frightening not merely because people are poor, but because the ladder out of poverty is disappearing. A young person without a job may once have hoped to acquire a skill, get employment, start a business or gradually improve his circumstances. Today, capital is scarce, borrowing is expensive, electricity is unreliable and basic survival consumes so much energy that planning for the future has become a luxury. Meanwhile, government continues to speak proudly about savings arising from the removal of subsidies. Nigerians were told that the country could no longer continue bleeding resources into an unsustainable system. Fair enough. But a legitimate question remains: where, exactly, are the savings visibly working for the people? If trillions have indeed been released or saved, citizens should not have to employ forensic accountants and diviners to understand where the benefits have gone. There ought to be clear, accessible and verifiable evidence: these are the savings; this is where they were deployed; these are the schools, hospitals, roads, transport interventions, employment programmes and social protections they have financed; and this is how ordinary Nigerians are better off. Instead, explanations sometimes become so broad and technical that the people emerge more confused than enlightened. Government may be telling the truth, but opacity has a way of making even good news sound suspicious. The other disturbing contrast is the widening gulf between the hardship of the people and the lifestyle of sections of the political and affluent class. At a time when families are reducing meals, government convoys still glide through traffic like visiting royalty. Public offices still maintain protocols and privileges that belong to a country much richer than the one being governed. Political office remains one of Nigeria’s most successful escape routes from the economic realities endured by ordinary citizens.

There is something morally uncomfortable about preaching sacrifice to people while those entrusted with leadership appear largely insulated from it. Nigerians are being told to tighten their belts, although many have reached the stage where there is simply no belt left to tighten. This is why the government must be careful about its current economic messaging. Statistics should not be used to invalidate suffering. A citizen complaining that garri has become expensive does not necessarily need a lecture on gross domestic product. A father unable to pay hospital bills may not be comforted by a glowing presentation about fiscal consolidation. The government may genuinely believe that the reforms are working. Perhaps, in certain respects, they are. But reforms that cannot communicate their human benefits, or cushion their human costs, will eventually lose the confidence of the people expected to endure them. The two Nigerias cannot continue travelling in opposite directions: one riding on spreadsheets and projections, the other trudging through markets and motor parks, hospitals and unemployment queues. At some point, the numbers must meet the people. Because Nigerians do not live inside macroeconomic indicators. They live in houses they must rent, on roads they must travel, with children they must feed, and in bodies that sometimes require medical attention. And if the people are still asking, every morning, how they will survive till evening, then somebody, somewhere, needs to look beyond the beautiful figures and ask a more inconvenient question: What exactly are we saving the economy for, if the people keep losing their lives to it?

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R A U G U S T 29, 2026

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ANALYSIS

Zacch Adedeji: Building Smarter, Simpler, More Predictable System By introducing digital systems, e-invoicing, unified taxpayer identification, standardised procedures and wider participation, the Nigeria Revenue Service under Zacch Adedeji, is building a tax system that is easier to comply with, difficult to evade and better suited to a modern economy, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

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igeria’s tax system has undergone one of its most significant transformations in decades. Under the leadership of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the reform agenda seeks to move tax administration away from a predominantly manual, fragmented and compliance-heavy system towards one that is increasingly digital, integrated, data-driven, transparent and easier to navigate. However, the reform is not merely about collecting more taxes. It is about changing the way government administers revenue. The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which commenced on January 1, 2026, sets out uniform procedures intended to facilitate tax compliance and optimise revenue. The broader reform programme was also designed to widen participation in the tax system, reduce leakages, improve information-sharing, standardise procedures and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base. For ordinary Nigerians, however, tax reform can sound complicated and intimidating. For many individuals, the word “tax” immediately raises questions about deductions from salaries, new levies, penalties and possible demands from tax officials. For businesses, the concerns may be about compliance costs, documentation, digital systems and uncertainty over how new rules will affect operations. For investors, the central question is if Nigeria provide a tax environment that is predictable, transparent and sufficiently stable to support long-term investment? What the Nigeria Tax Administration Act Means One of the most important components of the new architecture is the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. In practical terms, the Act provides the administrative framework for how taxes are assessed, collected and accounted for. It also defines the responsibilities of tax authorities and seeks to establish more uniform procedures. For the average taxpayer, the significance of this is that tax administration should increasingly be based on clearer and more standardised procedures rather than inconsistent practices. The law applies to persons required to comply with tax laws, whether acting personally or on behalf of another person. It also defines areas of responsibility for the NRS and other tax authorities. This standardisation is particularly important in a country where businesses have sometimes complained about overlapping demands, uncertainty over applicable obligations and the administrative burden of dealing with multiple systems. A more coherent system can reduce those frictions. It can also improve the government’s ability to identºify who should pay what, where payments should go and whether the money collected has actually been remitted. Digitalisation: Moving Tax Administration Online Perhaps the most visible aspect of the reforms is the growing use of technology. The NRS now operates digital taxpayer services through which taxpayers can manage several aspects of their tax affairs. The official taxpayer self-service portal provides facilities including profile management, e-invoicing, self-tax filing, payments, tax-clearance certificates, tax-wallet information, refunds and assessments. The significance of this cannot be overstated. The Service has launched Rev360, a digital tax administration platform designed to create a more integrated, taxpayer-focused experience. The platform supports the NRS’ stated transition to what it describes as Tax Administration 3.0, with objectives including better service delivery, compliance management, transparency and simpler interactions with taxpayers. This matters because the traditional tax office is not necessarily the most efficient place for a modern taxpayer to conduct routine business. A small entrepreneur should not have to spend hours travelling to a government office simply to obtain information, file a return or resolve a straightforward administrative issue. A professional who operates from Lagos but has clients across Nigeria should be able to interact with the tax system electronically. A large corporation should be able to integrate its financial and invoicing systems with the tax authority without relying on a maze of paper processes. The NRS taxpayer self-service platform allows taxpayers to manage profiles, file taxes, make payments, obtain tax-clearance documents, view assessments, track refunds and manage e-invoicing.

That does not mean every discrepancy should automatically be treated as fraud. Businesses make mistakes, systems fail and legitimate differences can occur. It means the system can become more evidence-based and risk-focused, allowing the tax authority to concentrate enforcement resources where there are genuine reasons for concern.

Adedeji

The NRS has also emphasised the importance of technology integration across revenue authorities. Adedeji recently described technology integration as critical to the success of the new tax laws and urged sub-national tax authorities to embrace it to improve efficiency. E-Invoicing: What Does It Actually Mean? An electronic invoice (e-Invoice) is a digital record of a commercial transaction between a seller and a buyer. Instead of relying entirely on paper invoices or fragmented accounting records, transactions can be recorded and transmitted through an approved electronic system. The NRS has been rolling out its electronic invoicing system in phases. The earlier national e-invoicing regime was introduced for large taxpayers, with the system designed to provide greater transparency, efficiency and real-time visibility into business transactions. The subsequent phased rollout has extended attention to medium and emerging taxpayer categories. The NRS has said the implementation is being sequenced through engagement, pilot testing, go-live implementation, post-deployment review and eventual compliance enforcement. For businesses, e-invoicing should not be viewed solely as another government requirement. Properly implemented, it can help businesses maintain better records of sales and purchases, reduce disputes, improve accounting and establish reliable documentation of transactions. For government, it creates greater visibility into economic activity. For the wider economy, it can help formalise transactions and reduce the opportunities for sales to be deliberately hidden from the tax system. That is particularly important in an economy where a significant amount of commercial activity takes place outside highly formal corporate structures. Widening the Taxpayer Base Another major pillar of the reform is expanding participation in the tax system. Nigeria has a large population and a huge informal economy. One consequence is that the formal tax base can carry a disproportionate share of the burden. This raises an important fairness question. If one company properly declares its income

and pays the applicable tax while another company with comparable economic activity deliberately conceals its transactions, the compliant business is effectively disadvantaged. Expanding the taxpayer base is therefore not necessarily synonymous with making every Nigerian pay more tax. It means identifying taxable economic activity more effectively and ensuring that people and businesses that are legally required to contribute are brought into the system. The objective should be to distribute responsibility more fairly. Technology is central to this process because a modern government can use legitimate information from different public systems to identify economic activity more accurately than a system that depends entirely on taxpayers physically presenting themselves at tax offices. The NRS’s digital taxpayer services and identification systems are part of this emerging architecture. But wider participation must go hand in hand with public confidence. Taxpayer information is sensitive. The public must therefore be assured that data is handled responsibly, that access is governed by clear rules and that technology is being used to improve administration rather than create arbitrary demands. From Fragmented Records to Better Intelligence One of the most important but least understood aspects of modern tax administration is informationsharing. A government cannot administer a complex economy effectively if different institutions maintain disconnected records that cannot be reconciled. For example, a company’s registration information, tax identity, declared transactions and other legitimate government records may exist in different places. When such information can be appropriately connected, the tax authority can build a ºmore accurate picture of economic activity. That has two sides. For compliant taxpayers, better information can reduce duplication and make it easier for government to verify declarations. For those deliberately hiding income or transactions, it reduces the opportunities for concealment. This is where data-driven tax administration becomes fundamentally different from old-style tax collection. The tax authority is no longer relying solely on what a taxpayer chooses to present. It can increasingly use information to assess whether declarations are consistent with available evidence.

What the Reforms Mean for Individuals, Businesses For individuals, one of the most important messages is that tax reform should not automatically be interpreted as a new tax demand. There is an important difference between tax policy and tax administration. Tax policy determines such matters as what is taxable, who is liable and applicable rates. Tax administration concerns the systems and procedures through which those laws are implemented. The Nigeria Tax Administration Act is primarily an administrative framework. Its stated objective is to facilitate compliance and optimise revenue through consistent and efficient administration. For employees, professionals, traders and self-employed people, the growing emphasis on digital administration means that accurate records will become increasingly important. This can actually benefit individuals. A person who knows exactly how much he earns, what he spends and what income is taxable has a better understanding of his own financial position. For businesses, the reform presents both responsibilities and opportunities. The responsibility is where a business has a tax obligation, it must comply with the applicable law, maintain appropriate records and submit accurate information. But businesses can also benefit from a system that is more predictable and standardised. Investors do not look only at tax rates when deciding where to put money. They also look at the quality of administration. They want to know whether rules are clear, whether they are consistently applied and whether competitors are subject to the same standards. A predictable tax system can therefore be an economic advantage. Building a Tax System for the Future The transformation being pursued by the NRS under Adedeji is therefore best understood as an attempt to modernise one of the most important interfaces between the Nigerian state and its citizens. No reform of this scale can be completed overnight. The NRS is building towards a system in which technology replaces unnecessary paperwork, information replaces guesswork, standardisation replaces fragmentation and wider participation replaces excessive dependence on a relatively narrow group of taxpayers. The Nigeria Tax Administration Act provides the legal foundation for more uniform and efficient administration. Digital platforms are changing how taxpayers interact with the Service. E-invoicing is bringing greater visibility to transactions. Information-sharing is improving the ability to identify economic activity. And wider taxpayer participation is aimed at creating a more equitable revenue base. For individuals, this should mean clearer obligations and easier access to services. For businesses, it should mean better records, more predictable procedures and a more level competitive environment. For investors, it means greater clarity about Nigeria’s fiscal architecture. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

GLOBAL SOCCER

NEWSPAPER

NEWS

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 24, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

29.8.2026

NEWS

GEOPOLITICS OUR BANE

PAGE. 29

FEMI AZEEZ A GREAT CAREER LEAP With 19 goals contributions (11 goals and eight assists) in what was generally agreed to be his breakthrough season with Millwall, it therefore came as a little surprise as Super Eagles winger, Femi Azeez was onTuesday night named in the PFA Championship Team of theYear,after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Millwall

NEWS

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • A U G U S T 29, 2026

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GLOBAL SOCCER

FEMI AZEEZ

A Great Career Leap

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uper Eagles winger, Femi Azeez was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Millwall. He was honoured for his outstanding performances, at a gala dinner held at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday evening. Azeez was recognised alongside some of the division’s outstanding performers after earning the backing of his fellow professionals. His selection caps a breakthrough campaign in which he established himself as one of Millwall’s most important attacking players. The Nigerian scored 11 league goals in 35 Championship appearances for Millwall, helping the club finish third and secure a place in the promotion play-offs. Azeez’s excellent form at club level subsequently earned him his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle, and made an immediate impact on his Nigeria debut during the Unity Cup, scoring twice against Zimbabwe in a 2-0 victory. The recognition further highlights Azeez’s rapid rise, with the Nigerian now looking to build on his impressive club campaign and establish himself as a regular part of the Super Eagles setup. Meanwhile, Azeez continues to attract interest over his future at Millwall, with English Championship side, West Ham United joining the race for his signature. The 25-year-old has not hidden his ambition of playing in the Premier League and Millwall’s failure to secure promotion has only increased speculation over his future this summer. Europa League winners, Aston Villa and newly promoted Premier League side, Hull City have already been linked with the Nigerian winger, setting up a fierce battle for his signature before the transfer window closes. According to Transferfeed, West Ham United have now entered the race to sign Azeez from Millwall this summer. The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League last season and are determined to secure an immediate return to the top flight. As part of those plans, the club is looking to strengthen its attack. One of the reasons behind their interest in Azeez is the departure of Dutch winger, Crysencio Summerville, who recently completed a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. With Summerville gone, Azeez is seen as a player capable of filling the void on the wing. His pace, creativity and ability to operate in different attacking positions make him an attractive option as West Ham look to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion. However, the London club will first have to convince the Nigerian international to choose them ahead of Aston Villa and Hull City, who also remain interested in signing him. Millwall are reportedly demanding around £30 million to part with the winger. If West Ham are willing to meet that valuation and win the race for his signature, they could secure one of the Championship’s standout performers ahead of the new season. Earlier in an interview with Sky Sports, Azeez talks about his incredible form for Millwall last season that has helped spark their promotion push. For all of Millwall’s brilliance this

Femi Azeez (l) celebrating one of his goals with one of his goals for Millwall teammates

season at both ends of the pitch, it is unlikely they would be where they were in the Championship promotion race without the sparkle of Azeez. Into his second campaign with Millwall, it feels like the one where the 25-year-old winger has really arrived at this level. “Last season was a bit of a feeler for me,” Azeez, who joined from Reading in 2024, tells Sky Sports. “League One to the Championship is a big jump, especially when you look at the quality there at the top of the league last season. “I do feel like this season I’ve come into my own. I put in a lot of work in the off-season, and I’ve been able to express myself a little more and show what I can do. I feel more relaxed and my confidence is high. “I’ve been loving it. We’ve got an amazing group of players around me and also got an amazing gaffer as well. So I think I’m going into every game with confidence knowing that I can go and shine, I can go and do what I know I can do.” Eleven goals, plenty of which have been absolute belters, and eight assists, have made Azeez a hero at The Den. Those numbers are made all the more impressive by the fact he has only started 25 games and made 27 league appearances. “I’ve had a couple of patches where everything I touched just turned into gold,” he says. “I think about that October month as well when I scored four on the bounce coming back from an ankle injury. “I do watch some of my goals and I do think, ‘wow, that is incredible’. But I know I can do that now and I try to emulate that every game.” It has not been an easy road for Azeez to this point. A decade ago he was released by Watford as a 14-year-old, and had to battle his way back to this level through

the non-league scene in London. A few years later he was signed by Reading in 2019, where he spent five years before joining Millwall. He feels those early setbacks helped to shape him into the player and person he is today. “It’s been a journey for sure!” he says. “As a 14-year-old hearing that you’re going to get released is obviously heartbreaking and I was upset for quite a while, I’ll be honest. “I’ve seen both sides of the game so I think that as a young player going through that definitely hardens your mind and hardens your mental state. “As a 16 or 17-year-old you’re playing against grown men who have kids and who have something to fight for. It’s definitely an experience. “I still take that into my games now, knowing that football can change so quickly and anything can happen in one moment and I could be back in the same position. “It’s humbling definitely. Being where I am now is a massive privilege and it’s something that I’ll work my hardest not to let go of. I always knew that football is what I wanted to do and I was going to make this happen one way or another. “I’m strong-minded and I’ve had support from my parents and my brother, as well, who helped me along the way. I always knew this was what was going to happen. If I put my mind to it, I was going to be in the position that I am now. “From where I’ve come from and the experiences I’ve had, to be in this position right now is incredible. I never lose sight of that because it has been a journey and it’s been one of those journeys where I can look back at myself and be proud of that. “I guess it is surreal because looking where I come from, looking at my back-

ground, with all these amazing players in the Championship and to kind of be one of the best performing in the league is amazing.” And now, just seven years after he was on loan at Hanwell Town in Isthmian League South, he could be helping steer Millwall to the Premier League. The Lions have had several near misses with the play-offs in recent seasons, but a superb campaign so far has fired them into contention for automatic promotion. “The feeling around the club and around the changing room is definitely positive,” he says. “If we continue doing what we do then we know what can happen. “If we think about promotion or getting to the next level I think we can get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to stay humble. But with the gaffer and the lads in the changing room we will.” And it feels like with the dramatic rise he has enjoyed this season, the sky is the limit for Azeez himself. “It has been a long road to get here but I’m still only 25,” he says. “I’ve got plenty of years left in the game. “Sometimes I do remind myself I’m not the finished product just yet, so I’ve got plenty of years to grow. I put in the work and I want to reach my potential, but also surpass my potential. “It is exciting to think what could happen, but I don’t want to look too far ahead because if you look too far ahead you can kind of live in a fantasy land. “My mind and my mental state is just to keep grounded, keep working hard and just keep improving every day. That’s the main thing.” With the summer transfer window still opened till September 1, it is still unclear which club Azeez would be plying his trade.

NEWS

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • A U G U S T 29, 2026

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GLOBAL SOCCER EKO 2026 : NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE GAMES

Yemi Idowu answering questions from journalists at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos, yesterday

Yemi Idowu Condemns Geopolitics in Nigerian Football, Demands Radical Return to Grassroots Basics Kunle Adewale

NFF CRISIS

ounder of Nathaniel Idowu Foundation and key member of the 10-Year Nigerian Football Master Plan Committee, Chief Yemi Idowu, has declared that the recent administrative catastrophe paralysing Nigerian football is entirely not surprising. Speaking with brutal candour on the systemic failures plaguing the nation’s favourite sport, Idowu asserted that the current collapse is the logical outcome of a broken system that prioritises political maneuvering over structural development and grassroots investment. While describing the current crisis as unfortunate, Idowu insisted that it presents a golden, non-negotiable opportunity for a radical restructuring. However, he issued a stern warning to stakeholders: the country must not repeat the administrative blunders of

the past. While acknowledging the efforts of the outgoing leadership, he made it clear that trying your best is no longer enough to sustain the demands of modern football. In a vital disclosure regarding sports financing, at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos, the Nat Boys of Lagos proprietor revealed that the federal government has injected unprecedented financial resources into sports development recently. He asserted that the financial allocations poured into sports between 2023 and 2026 exceed the combined sports budgets of all previous Nigerian administrations put together. Idowu argued that the crisis is not a result of a lack of funds, but rather a total failure to implement the structural reforms already explicitly laid out in the government-approved Football Master Plan. He fiercely criticized the bureaucratic habit of setting up endless committees to

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review previous committees, calling it a form of self-delusion and demanding that administrators stop lying to themselves. Idowu pointed out that the current structure of Nigerian football is completely upside down, arguing that a functional national team is impossible without vibrant regional, state, and local government competitions. He questioned the logic of competing in continental youth tournaments without any domestic framework to discover and nurture local talent. He asked how the country could expect results at an African Under-17 competition when there are no state or local government under-17 leagues running consistently. Instead, he criticized administrators who prefer to sit in Abuja, invite unverified players from places like the Canary Islands whom nobody knows, gather them in a camp for four weeks, and expect a miracle.

NFF Names Abdulrahaman NPFL Chief as League Kicks Off The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF yesterday appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This comes on the day the new season kicked off with the star match at theAdamasingba Stadium, Ibadan between Nigeria’sCAFConfederationCup flag-bearers Shooting Stars and newly-promoted Inter Lagos

appointment arises following the FC. Abdulrahaman, who holds directive on Thursday, August a doctorate degree in sports 27, to all Board Members and administration, comes into of- Chief Executive Officers of the fice with a rich experience and various Leagues, as well as the deep understanding of football Chief Operating Officers who organisation and administration, are not members of NFF Staff, to vacate their positions. havingworkedacrossthevarious Abdulrahaman’s appointLeagues. ment is with immediate effect. NFF’s interim General SecThe NFF had on Thursday apretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme pointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, said Abdulrahaman’s as its interim General Secretary.

Cherki Inspires Man City to Crush Crystal Palace Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as Manchester City made it two Premier League wins out of two under Enzo Maresca - and left Crystal Palace without a point after back-to-back defeats. Haaland, last season’s leading scorer with 27 league goals, opened his account for the season to set City on their way with a guided header after being picked out by Antoine Semenyo in the 17th minute. In an entertaining game, Cherki doubled the lead with a lovely 54th-minute finish after dancing past a couple of challenges, before Palace pulled one back two minutes later when Gianluigi Donnarumma became the first City keeper to score a Premier League own goal since Costel Pantilimon in December 2013. Yeremy Pino’s free-kick over the City wall struck the bar before hitting the back of Donnarumma and then going in off the post. However, Cherki’s deflected 59thminute finish off Chris Richards made it 3-1, before Haaland rounded off a fine performance with City’s fourth

following good work by Phil Foden. Palace had started on the front foot with three attempts in the opening five minutes, the best of which saw Italy stopper Donnarumma keep out Eddie Nketiah’s shot following a razor-sharp

pass by Adam Wharton. But City quickly took control and after Elliot Anderson had been denied by Dean Henderson, Haaland pounced before Foden missed a golden chance to double the lead when he fired over from 10 yards.

Bayern Pummel Stuttgart 5-1 in League Opener Bayern Munich started their Bundesliga title defence with a comfortable victory over Stuttgart. Dayot Upamecano put them ahead with a clever header across the goal from Joshua Kimmich’s corner. Stuttgart goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow made several good saves to frustrate Bayern before his side then levelled as Josha Vagnoman smashed home. Michael Olise put Bayern back ahead, slotting in when Kimmich’s through ball found him in space. Stuttgart goalscorer Vagnoman was then unlucky to put the ball into his own net when he slipped

as he tried to clear Alphonso Davies’ cross. Olise thought he had scored a second goal from Harry Kane’s pass but it was ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside. And Aleksandar Pavlovic tapped in their fourth after unselfish play from substitute Ismael Saibari. Bundesliga debutant Saibari, a £43m summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, fed Luis Diaz to add fifth goal in stoppage time. Vincent Kompany’s side have started the season with two wins, having beaten Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup last week.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy/ Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub Committee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden National Intermediate Games tagged Eko 2026, Gbenga Omotoso (right) with the LOC Chairman/ Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube at the press parley recently

Beyond the Podium: How Lagos is Rewriting the Playbook for Nigerian Youth Sports at Eko 2026 LagosStateissettorewritetheplaybookforyouthsportsbyhosting the maiden National Intermediate Games from October 1 to 15, 2026. Tagged Eko 2026, the state is deploying uncompromisable NIN biometric screening to decisively crush age cheating and the toxic “win-at-all-cost” syndrome, restoring absolute integrity to Nigeriangrassrootssports,writes KunleAdewale

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or decades, the narrative of grassroots sports development in Nigeria has been haunted by an open secret. It is a shadow that darkens the achievements of genuine prodigies and leaves a trail of disillusionment in its wake: the twin plagues of age cheating and the toxic “win-at-all-cost” syndrome. Young talents, bursting with authentic potential, have frequently found their dreams eclipsed by fully matured adults masquerading as teenagers. Desperate coaches and overambitious state administrators, blinded by the short-lived glory of a gold medal, have continuously sacrificed the long-term health of the nation’s sports economy on the altar of immediate, fraudulent gratification. However, a systemic shift is on the horizon.As Lagos State prepares to host the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games from October 1 to 15, 2026, the Centre of Excellence is not merely preparing to lay out the red carpet for over 14,000 young athletes. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos is transforming the competition, tagged Eko 2026, into a high-stakes battleground for structural integrity, fair play, and ethical regeneration in Nigerian sports. Conceived under the National Sports Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, the National Intermediate Games were specifically engineered to fix a glaring structural defect. Historically, a vast chasm has existed between under-15 youth championships and the elite, seniorlevel National Sports Festival. This vacuum between early adolescence and adulthood is precisely where the nation’s brightest prospects often fade into oblivion—or where

desperate actors resort to forging multiple identities to stay relevant. By creating a dedicated competitive sanctuary strictly for athletes aged 15 to 18, the National Sports Commission and the Lagos State Government are establishing a critical bridge. This age bracket represents the definitive crucible of athlete development, the exact window where raw talent must be strictly monitored, ethically nurtured, and seamlessly transitioned into high-performance professional tiers. Yet, creating the platform is only half the battle. The true triumph of Eko 2026 lies in the unyielding stance Lagos State has taken against identity fraud. At a recent media briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the local leadership made it clear that the traditional, easily manipulated physical screening methods of the past are officially obsolete. Lagos has deployed a formidable digital arsenal to sanitise the playing field. In an unprecedented cross-agency alliance, the Local Organising Committee, co-chaired by the DirectorGeneral of the Lagos Stateß Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, and the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has partnered directly with the National Identity Management Commission. For the first time in the history of a national multisport festival of this scale, screening will rely stringently on the biometric backend of the National Identification Number system. This digital intervention acts as an uncompromisable gatekeeper. The biometric framework is meticulously calibrated to cross-reference historical registration data, rapidly flagging conflicting birth years, suspicious name

variations, and the systemic “multiple identities” that have plagued school sports for generations. By integrating the national database into athlete accreditation, Lagos is ensuring that an individual who registered an adult identity years prior cannot magically shrink into a 16-year-old intermediate sprinter. This technological blockade sends an unequivocal message across the Federation: if you cannot prove your age digitally, you will not step onto the track. The necessity for such drastic measures is deeply personal to the Lagos sports hierarchy. Recalling past frustrations, Lekan Fatodu noted that Lagos had previously filed the highest number of ageeligibility petitions during junior tournaments after discovering that opposing states were fielding athletes as old as 20 years against genuine teenagers. When an adult competes against a developing 15-year-old, it is more than an unfair contest; it is a form of athletic theft that permanently breaks the spirit of the young participant. It is this exact dynamics that breeds the destructive “win-at-all-cost” mentality, forcing young, honest athletes to believe that honesty is a handicap and that fraud is the only pathway to validation. By drawing a digital line in the sand, Eko 2026 aims to shift the cultural paradigm. The state’s leadership edigitases that the true metric of success for these games will not be computed by the weight of a state’s medal haul, but by the clean verification of the talents discovered. The goal is to cultivate an environment where a silver or bronze medal won through sheer grit, sweat, and integrity is infinitely more celebrated than a gold medal stained by deception. This is a crucial re-education for coaches, parents, and athletes alike, reinforcing the timeless sports truth that real development is a marathon, not a fraudulent sprint. Read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

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SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 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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NDC LEADERS RALLY FOR 2027 BATTLE...

L-R: National Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe; Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; Vice Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and National Leader/Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, after strategic meeting in Abuja…yesterday

OBINNACHIMA EDGY OPTIMIST obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com

What FTSE Russell’s Decision Means for Investors, Nigeria

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TSE Russell, a global index provider behind many of the world’s investment benchmarks, on Thursday announced that from the opening of trading on September 21, 2026, it will restore Nigeria to its Frontier Market classification. A day after the cheering news, Nigeria’s economic and financial outlook received another major boost yesterday as Moody’s Ratings upgraded the country’s outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’, citing the improving external position and stronger-than-expected economic growth. Moody’s affirmed Nigeria’s B3 long-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings, but changed the outlook to positive, citing a stronger external position, robust current account surpluses and better-than-expected economic growth. The announcement by FTSE Russell is expected to end a three-year period in which the West African country was designated “Unclassified.” Wholly owned by the London Stock Exchange, the FTSE Frontier Index provides a comprehensive and transparent series of benchmarks for the performance of large, mid and small cap equity securities from eligible Frontier markets in Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Some countries under the Frontier Market category are Morocco, Ghana, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Malta, Serbia, Croatia, among others. When Nigeria lost its Frontier Market status in 2023, it effectively disappeared from the radar of many institutional investors. The reason was due to the limited access to forex and long delays in repatriating funds. Now, with forex backlogs cleared, improved forex liquidity and exchange rate stability attained and the country meeting several of the criteria required for re-entry, it is set to be restored. Also, another factor that contributed was Nigeria exiting the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 and European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola

deficiency list in January 2026. The reclassification followed a period of uncertainty after FTSE Russell in June placed the planned reclassification under further review following the country’s transition from a T+2 to a T+1 settlement cycle. The global index provider had raised concerns that the shorter settlement period could effectively make Nigeria a prefunded market for international institutional investors, an arrangement considered negative under its Delivery versus Payment criterion. In response, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had clarified that foreign portfolio investors were not required to prefund their accounts, while trades cleared and settled through Central Securities Clearing System remained subject to the standard Delivery versus Payment framework. SEC introduced the T+1 settlement regime from June 1, 2026, as part of efforts to modernise the Nigerian capital market, improve efficiency, and align the market with international standards. With the concern addressed, the planned reclassification is now to proceed, effectively restoring Nigeria to a market category from which it was removed in September 2023. Indeed, a change in a country’s classification

by a global index provider may sound like an obscure event reserved for investment analysts, stockbrokers and fund managers. But it is not. It however sends a powerful signal about how the international investment community views the quality, accessibility, liquidity and reliability of a financial market. This index reclassification for Nigeria would reopen the door to global funds that track FTSE’s Frontier Market Index. With reforms undertaken by the federal government and regulators in the financial market, the reclassification is expected to expand foreign inflows potentially bringing the hundreds of millions in passive investment that typically follow frontier-market index inclusion. One of the greatest disadvantages faced by less-developed capital markets, including those in West Africa, is invisibility. A market can have profitable companies, attractive valuations, growing consumer demand and promising economic prospects, yet remain largely ignored by international investors because it is difficult to access, difficult to research or simply absent from the benchmarks used by global fund managers. That is also where this index inclusion becomes important. Investment managers overseeing billions of dollars do not make every investment decision from scratch. Many funds are constructed around benchmarks. Others use indexes as their starting point for determining where to allocate research resources and capital. When a market becomes part of a recognised global index universe, it becomes easier for international investors to identify it, measure it and compare it with other investment destinations. However, it is important to stress that visibility does not automatically produce capital. But without visibility, attracting capital becomes considerably difficult. Which is another major benefit of frontier market classification. A vibrant capital market, as we have in Nigeria in recent times, needs more than

domestic investors. Domestic pension funds, insurance companies, retail investors and institutional investors provide an important foundation, but international participation deepens the market, broaden demand and introduce new sources of capital. That is why institutions such as the FTSE Russell's Frontier Index are very relevant. They create the possibility of attracting both active and passive investors. Perhaps the most important long-term benefit of this reclassification is the pressure it will put on market regulators and operators to keep improving the rules. That is because FTSE Russell's classification framework is built around standards that markets must meet. Its review process assesses markets and monitors their progress, with countries that may be promoted or demoted placed on a watch list. This creates an important incentive for policymakers, regulators, exchanges, market operators and financial institutions. Once a market wants to remain part of an internationally recognised investment universe, complacency becomes expensive and investors expect transparent rules. For international investors, frontier markets provide opportunity for them to diversify their portfolios. Frontier economies are often driven by domestic factors that differ from those affecting larger developed and emerging markets. For investors whose portfolios are heavily concentrated in developed markets, adding carefully selected frontier-market exposure can introduce different sources of return. The biggest prize in all of this is confidence. Confidence that the rules are transparent, confidence that investors can enter and exit freely and protection of minority investors. Now, for Nigeria, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulators and institutions, as well as companies to ensure that this new door remains open and that what international investors find on the other side is a market worthy of their confidence.

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