SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2025

Cardoso: Foreign Capital Inflows

After 15 Years, Nigeria Wins Back Seat on IMO’s Highest Governing Council

Fifteen years after it was last elected into the highest governing council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nigeria yesterday won a fiercely contested election as Category C Member of IMO.

The coveted position, which had eluded Nigeria, had been a major embarrassment for successive governments that failed to achieve the feat.

In all, 26 countries vied for the position meant for 20 countries. Nigeria was elected with 116 votes, beating countries like Denmark, Kenya, and Bangladesh, among others.

With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C - countries

recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation within the IMO Council.

The elected countries in Category C are: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus,

Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.

Countries elected into Category B, representing nations with the largest

interests in international seaborne trade, are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services,

saw the election of China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Nigeria’s return to the Council is expected to bring significant benefits to the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, strengthening international partnerships, enhancing access to technical support, boosting investor confidence and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu Okays National Tax Policy Implementation Committee

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) ahead of the January 2026 take-off date of the new tax law.

According to a statement issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the committee, which Mr.

Joseph Tegbe chairs, will ensure the implementation of the administration's landmark tax reforms in line with the economic aspirations of the government and the people of Nigeria.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, will oversee the committee's work.

The Committee will undertake extensive

consultations across the public and private sectors to ensure broad-based input into the implementation process.

In establishing the Committee, President Tinubu emphasised that effective implementation of the Tax Acts is central to the nation's economic transformation agenda and critical to strengthening public finance management while safeguarding the legitimate

expectations of investors and the productive sectors.

According to the President, "These new Tax Acts reflect our administration's commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses.

"The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee will ensure coherent, effective, and

well-aligned implementation across all levels of government."

The NTPIC's mandate emphasises broad stakeholder consultation through nationwide engagements with the private sector, professional bodies, and subnational governments, alongside public awareness campaigns to support effective implementation of the new tax laws.

Jonathan: Guinea-Bissau’s Ousted President Embaló Masterminded ‘Ceremonial Coup’

Explains why he returned to Nigeria with Ivorian aircraft ECOWAS suspends country from decision-making bodies

Chuks Okocha and Micheal Olugbode in Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who recently returned from election monitoring duties in GuineaBissau—where he was trapped and later evacuated after the military seized power—has alleged that the “so-called coup” in the West African country was engineered and proclaimed by the ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and was not a genuine military coup per se.

This comes as the

Authority of Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), yesterday, suspended Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making bodies of the regional bloc.

The coup leaders on Thursday swore in an Army General as Guinea-Bissau’s new Head of State to serve as transitional president for a period of one year.

Gen. Horta N’Tam took the oath in brief and quiet proceedings at the army headquarters, a day after the Army coup that toppled

Embalo and the country’s democratic structures.

Jonathan told Journalists in Nigeria that it was Embaló that first announced what he termed a “ceremonial coup” before the military came in to take over, saying that he was surprised and embarrassed by such an action.

The former Nigerian president said the ousted President made phone calls to other countries and spoke with journalists that there was a coup, unlike a normal coup d’état.

He said: “There was no

coup in Guinea-Bissau. What happened in Guinea-Bissau, I wouldn’t call it a coup. It was not a coup. Maybe some people will describe it as a ceremonial coup. It was President Embaló who announced the coup, before later, a military man came up and addressed the world that they had taken charge, which is strange.

“Embaló not only announced the coup, but he was using his phone, making calls and addressing media organisations around the world that he had been arrested. I am a Nigerian

CARDOSO: FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOWS RISE BY 70% TO $20.98BN IN OCTOBER

transparency and price discovery in the foreign exchange market.

He also described Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list as one of the country’s most significant achievements in 2025, reiterating that grey listing carried a high cost, with countries typically facing a 7.6 per cent of GDP in inflows in the first year, equivalent to more than $30 billion in potential investment in Nigeria’s case.

He said this at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) 60th annual bankers’ dinner in Lagos, yesterday.

On Foreign Capital Inflow, he said: “Foreign capital inflows reached US$20.98 billion in the first ten months of 2025, a 70 per cent increase over total inflows for 2024 and a 428 per cent surge compared to the $3.9 billion recorded in 2023, reflecting a clear resurgence in investor confidence.”

He added: “Nigeria’s grey-

listing carried a significant cost: countries in this category typically experience a 7.6 per cent of GDP drop in capital inflows in the first year, for Nigeria, that translates to more than $30 billion in potential investment.

“Exiting the list therefore signals a major restoration of confidence and eases compliance frictions for correspondent banks. The global financial community has welcomed Nigeria’s exit, noting improved access to international finance and smoother cross-border payments.”

He further projects that with the recent monetary reforms, disinflation would continue in 2026.

“Recent reforms have begun to ease inflationary pressures, stabilise the exchange rate, and restore investor confidence. Our vision is clear: a Central Bank of Nigeria that is trusted and respected.

“As we transition towards a full-fledged inflation-targeting framework, this partnership will deepen, ensuring fiscal and monetary policies reinforce each other in delivering durable price stability.”

He further noted that Nigeria was beginning to reap the benefits of economic diversification, pointing to a marked decline in the dominance of the oil sector.

“A case in point is Nigeria’s improved economic diversification: with oil now accounting for a smaller share of our GDP, 33 per cent of government revenue, and 51 per cent of exports significantly reducing our vulnerability to oil price shocks.”

On the country’s external reserves, he reiterated that the ongoing build-up reflects genuine economic strength rather than external borrowing.

He added: “What is most

important here is that our FX reserves are being rebuilt organically, not by borrowing, but through improved market functioning, stronger non-oil exports, and robust capital inflows.”

On the banking sector, Cardoso disclosed that the CBN was redesigning Nigeria’s credit-risk framework as recapitalisation progresses.

He said: “Our decisive actions on regulatory forbearance mark another turning point. As recapitalisation progresses, we are redesigning the credit-risk framework to enforce stronger governance, greater transparency, and firmer accountability across the sector.

“We are determined to break the boom-and-bust cycle that has accompanied past recapitalisation efforts.”

He added that MSMEs remain central to the CBN’s strategy, noting that microfinance

and close to 70, and I know how they keep ex-heads of State when a coup takes pl ace.

“The military doesn’t overthrow a government and a sitting President they have overthrown would be allowed to be using their phones and addressing press conferences, that he has been arrested. Who is fooling who?

“What happened in Guinea-Bissau is quite disturbing to me, who believes in democracy. I feel more pain than the day I called Muhammadu

lending expanded.

“MSMEs remain central to our efforts. This year alone, microfinance lending expanded by over 14 per cent, and new digital-credit products reached more than 1.2 million small enterprises evidence of the sector’s growing depth and capacity. We are improving access to credit, supporting microfinance institutions, and expanding financial products tailored to smaller enterprises.”

On the exchange-rate framework, he affirmed the Bank’s commitment to stability, noting: “We are committed to maintaining the current flexible exchange-rate framework that allows the naira to act as a shock absorber while limiting excessive volatility.

“To strengthen this framework further, we will shortly be unveiling the revised FX Manual to expand market participation and tighten documentation

Buhari to congratulate him when I lost the election as a sitting president. What is happening is that we are going back to the past in Guinea-Bissau when the military was in charge.

“The election was peaceful. During the meeting of Heads of Observers' missions, and all the observers gave their account, nobody said anything different. The elections were peaceful, the counting of votes was carefully done, conduct of

Continued on page 20

standards, enhance EFEMS surveillance, and ensure consistent implementation to avoid any possibility of policy reversal.”

Providing an update on the recapitalisation exercise, he stressed that the process remains firmly on schedule.

Cardoso said: “With just four months to the conclusion of the recapitalisation exercise, I am pleased to report that the process is firmly on track. Several banks have already met the new capital thresholds, while others are advancing steadily and are well-positioned to comfortably meet the March 31, 2026 deadline.

“To date, twenty-seven banks have raised capital through public offers and rights issues, and sixteen have already met or exceeded the new requirements, a clear testament to the depth, resilience, and capacity of Nigeria’s banking sector.”

The Directors present the summary financial information of Fidelity Bank Plc (“the Bank”) for the period ended 30 September 2025. These summary financial information are derived from the full financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2025, and are not the full financial statements of the Bank.

FIRST LADY HOSTS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the

Police Begin Documentation of Kidnapped Papiri Students, Staff

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Police have begun the documentation of students and teachers kidnapped at Papiri town of Agwara local government of Niger state last week.

Already, the police yesterday, invited parents of the affected kids and teachers to appear before its staff to give details of those missing.

The action of the police it was learnt followed lack of credible statistics on the number of children kidnapped, those that have returned and reunited with their parents.

It had been reported that over 259 students as well as 13 teachers were kidnapped by terrorists with only 66 escaping from their claws in unknown circumstances.

Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Police

Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a telephone interview with THISDAY. Abiodun said: "We have invited the parents to come and give us information about the children including those that have reunited with their parents."

He, however, did not say how many names have been put on the register now opened.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC, also said the government had not been able to confirm the number of students/ pupils abducted from the school, adding that neither was he able to say how many victims have been recovered.

Governor Bago in the interview alleged that the school was ordered closed

FG, FHFL, AWES Hand Over 100 Free Homes to Kaduna Widows

John Shiklam in Kaduna

One hundred widows in Kaduna State have received free houses under the Social Housing Project, the flagship initiative of Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL).

Speaking during the handover of keys to beneficiaries in Kaduna, the Managing Director of FHFL, Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar, said the project was implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Adashe Women’s Empowerment Society, (AWES) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

He said the initiative

delivers “100 energy-efficient two-bedroom semi-detached homes for widows, addressing their immediate housing needs while fostering long-term economic empowerment.”

Mukhtar explained that the heart of the project is the deployment of prefabricated panels known as the Expanded Polystyrene System (EPS) introduced through FHFL’s partnership with NASENI.

The pilot scheme integrates housing delivery with skills acquisition, livelihood support, and entrepreneurship training.

He added that AWES provided the land and facilitated capacity-building programmes for the widows in urban farming, ICT, catering, tailoring, and cosmetology.

since 2021, adding that government never gave a counter order for the reopening of the school

before disclosing that investigation into the issue would be carried out at the appropriate.

The Governor also said the missionary that established the school had since relocated to Ireland, while the foreign road construction workers that managed the institution after had left the area.

Enugu Annuls Union Involving Teenage Girl, Warns Against Risks of Underage Marriage

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

A marital union between a teenage girl and man has been annulled by the Enugu State Government following a viral video of the marriage ceremony.

The said wedding, which took place at Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze Local Government, involved 15-year-old Precious Oyiga and a 33-year-old man, Sopuluchukwu Odoh.

But the government waded in and dissolved the

marriage without delay after its attention was drawn by the viral video in social media.

The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, said that the government moved swiftly to nullify underage marriage, saying that it was an “illegal, harmful, and unacceptable union."

However, she noted that the illegal marriage had already been consummated before the intervention of the government.

Narrating the steps taken before the invalidation of the marriage, Enih said that the ministry had earlier invited for questioning, all the parties involved in the marriage saga.

According to her, the interrogation was meant to understand the motive for marrying off the underage girl despite the huge risks involved in such marriages.

She identified the inherent dangers of early marriage to include lifelong psychological trauma, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, and

economic disempowerment.

The Gender Affairs Commissioner explained that the concerned persons had failed to honour the invitation, thereby prompting the ministry to take appropriate action by working with security agencies to arrest them.

She listed those arrested to include bride's parents, groom’s parents, the groom, and the matchmaker, Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka, a native doctor, popularly known as an Ezenwanyi (queen).

Malami: My Engagement with EFCC Successful ·Court orders release of 27 houses wrongly seized

The immediate past AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has revealed that his engagement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following the commission’s

invitation, was successful.

Malami made the revelation in a post on his X handle.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention.

“The engagement was successful and I am

eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continue to unfold,” he wrote.

Following his invitation, the senior lawyer, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, had

assured of his willingness to appear before the anti-graft agency.

“I am informing my family and friends that EFCC has invited me to clarify on some issues, and as a citizen of law and order and patriot, I am willing to honour this invitation without any hesitation.

Aiyedatiwa Approves Recruitment of 500 New Amotekun Officers

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the recruitment and training of 500 new officers for the State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, towards the improvement of the security architecture of the

state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who gave the revelation in Akure, said the aim is to critically beef up security across the 18 council areas of the state and ultimately protect life and prosperity.

This is just as the governor revived the office of the Justices of the Peace (JPs),

giving citizens an active role in local justice delivery after nearly 17 years of inactivity.

The governor, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola who led the inauguration emphasised a renewed commitment to the

rule of law and community cohesion.

Aiyedatiwa described the occasion as a turning point in reinforcing justice at the grassroots, in consonant with the 'Order, Security and the Rule of Law', which is the first component of the OUR EASE agenda of his administration.

NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF CREDITORS COMMITTEE AND CREDITORS JOINTLY

RE: NIGERIAN INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES LIMITED (IN ADMINISTRATION)

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 487 & 494 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020 AND REGULATION 5.11 OF THE INSOLVENCY REGULATIONS, 2022

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Meeting of the Creditors Committee members and Creditors of the Company in Administration will be held on December 6, 2025, via video conferencing at 3:00 PM (GMT) prompt to transact the following businesses:

a. Update on progress of implementation of the Administrator’s proposal of July 2023;

b. Update on money provisionally realized;

c. Updateonverificationofclaims;

d. Update on the challenges of the administration; and

e. Any other business

NOTE:

Meeting Platform: The meeting shall be held over the Zoom meeting platform. The meeting can be accessed via the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83150681344.

The meeting ID and Passcode are: 831 5068 1344 and 444192 respectively.

Dated this 28th day of November, 2025.

NISL (IN ADMINISTRATION)

OKORIE KALU Esq. Administrator (by Court Order)

NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION AND OF CREDITORS JOINTLY

RE: NISL VENTURES LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION)

PURSUANT TO SECTION 588 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Meeting of the Committee of inspection of the Company in Liquidation will be held on December 6, 2025, via video conferencing at 4:00 PM (GMT) prompt to transact the following businesses:

b. Update on Liquidation of assets;

c. Update on money provisionally realized;

e. Update on verification of claims;

f. Update on the challenges of the Liquidation and

f. Any other business

NOTE:

Meeting Platform: The meeting shall be held over the Zoom meeting platform. The meeting can be accessed via the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83150681344.

The meeting ID and Passcode are: 831 5068 1344 and 444192 respectively.

Dated this 28th day of November, 2025.

NVL (IN LIQUIDATION)

OKORIE KALU Esq. Liquidator (by Court Order)

Worrisome Trend of Military Rule in Africa

In Praise of President Buhari

TWhen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad governance and untold level of corruption, government could not live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the federal and state levels.

Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a ticking bomb.

he resurgence of military takeovers across parts of Africa has become a pressing concern for regional and global institutions. With eight countries - Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Sudan, Gabon, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau currently under military rule, the pattern signals deeper governance failures that must be addressed urgently by both the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

These interventions rarely arise from nowhere. They are often the culmination of longstanding political mismanagement. A common trigger is the determination of some leaders to remain in office indefinitely, using constitutional amendments, electoral manipulation or coercive tactics to extend their tenure. This “sit-tight syndrome” creates frustration within the population and, in some instances, opens the door for opportunistic military officers seeking power for themselves.

Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state President Buhari inherited in 2015.

It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the Buhari government.

Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the PDP government but its penchant for imprudence and lack of accountability denied it the courage of implementing the policy. What the President literally did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for any thief to come close.

Poor governance, corruption, weak institutions, and failure to deliver basic services further erode public trust. Many of the affected countries struggle with deteriorating infrastructure, widespread insecurity, weak economic performance and inadequate social services. Despite abundant natural and mineral resources, millions continue to face unemployment, hunger and hopelessness conditions that feed instability and make military intervention appear, to some citizens, like an alternative to entrenched civilian misrule.

Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back in national spending.

While coups may temporarily disrupt the status quo, they are not solutions. Military governments lack democratic legitimacy and often suppress civil liberties, limit political participation and weaken constitutional order. For these

Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

reasons, military takeovers must remain firmly condemned.

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level of transparency and accountability.

Still, African leaders must confront the truth: preventing further coups requires more than condemnation. It calls for genuine reform. Leaders need to place citizens at the centre of governance, demonstrate accountability, avoid abuse of power, and commit to inclusive, transparent administration. Public resources must be managed responsibly, and all groups, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region must feel represented and protected.

After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually.

And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice value chain.

For the eight countries currently under military regimes, diplomatic engagement is essential. The AU and UN must work with firmness and clarity to negotiate timelines and frameworks for returning power to elected civilian authorities. Restoring democracy is vital not only for these individual nations but for the stability and credibility of the continent.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals. Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could not dream of.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State

Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic advantages.

Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja

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TConvicted ‘Witches’ in Massachusetts

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

Thank you, committee members, for the opportunity to testify here today. My name is Leo Igwe, a citizen of Nigeria and a citizen of the world. I hold a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of Bayreuth and wrote my thesis on witchcraft accusations in Ghana, West Africa. I have campaigned against witch persecution and ritual attacks since the 90s, and in 2020, I founded the Advocacy for Alleged Witches to end witch hunting and related injustices in Africa by 2030. It is natural for the Advocacy for Alleged Witches to support Bill H. 1927, urging the exoneration of eight individuals convicted of witchcraft in Boston and all others accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.

This exoneration will serve as a statement of hope and relief to tens of thousands in Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, India, and Papua New Guinea who still suffer similar accusations, persecution, and miscarriage of justice in this century. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

OLabels Help

n the TV news there was a scene of President Trump and a turkey, “Gobble”. There should have been a label saying “President Trump pardons a turkey (on the left)”.

Of course, he has pardoned many turkeys before, just look at the list including amongst others, politicians, crooks and rioters, a list too long to publish here. It would also be inadvisable to publish suggestions online given the possible legal responses. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man. The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions. Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder. Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice. AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

BOOST FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Chairman of Beijing Shiji Qingteng Education Technology

and

LP Crisis: INEC Monitors Abure-led Party NEC Meeting, Baba-Ahmed Attend

Indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have finally recognised the Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) emerged yesterday, as the commission monitored the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the faction held at the party's national secretariat.

The INEC team was led by Rakiya Dattijo from its Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department.

A former vice-presidential candidate of the party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, was also in attendance.

The NEC, during a special meeting it convened at the Utako national secretariat of the party in Abuja, reviewed the March 27, 2024, National Convention of the party held in Nnewi, Anambra State, where the current NWC

emerged, and reaffirmed all the officers produced at the convention to continue as its leaders.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Julius Abure-led Labour Party was reaffirmed by its National Executive Council (NEC) yesterday.

In its resolution after the meeting, the NEC said the latest decision was in line with the April 4 judgement of the Supreme Court, which vested in political parties the power to regulate their internal affairs.

Abure, who read the communique issued at the end of the meeting, quoted a portion of the apex court’s judgement to back the stance of the NEC.

“The reason for the nonjusticiability of internal disputes of a political party is simple, and that is that in the eyes of the law, a political

HIV/AIDS: WHO Urges More Effort to Address Funding Gaps, Tackle Stigma

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked African countries to respond more positively to an unprecedented HIV funding challenge that is threatening decades of progress.

In the same vein, the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has asked the federal government to fully integrate HIV services into the national health system to improve funding and strengthen access to care.

It also said that the measure will curb persistent stigma and discrimination suffered by the affected persons.

A message by the WHO Regional Director for Africa,

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, to mark World AIDS Day 2025 said that urgent measures need to be taken to address HIV's fragile funding landscape, safeguard the gains, and protect lives.

"On World AIDS Day, we renew our shared commitment to ending HIV in Africa, a challenge that persists, but one we have the power to overcome.

"This year’s theme: ‘Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response’ challenges us to redefine our response to an unprecedented HIV funding landscape that is threatening decades of progress.

"These pullbacks make it more urgent than ever to safeguard the gains, and protect lives," he said .

party is a corporate entity with its constitution, rules, regulations, and guidelines which are binding on members who have joined freely have consented to be so bound (See Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of

Assembly & Ors. (2025)

LPELR-24588 (SC).)

“Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members. Political

parties and their members should therefore have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution,” the court stated.

Speaking further in defence of the decision of the NEC, Abure said, “Consequent upon the above, NEC in session reaffirmed those elected as national officers of the party at the National Convention held in 2024 in Anambra State on the 27th of March 2024.”

Again, Ogonis Reject Oil Resumption Without Full Remediation, Autonomy

Blessing Ibunge in Port

Harcourt

The federal government's ongoing plan to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland may have run into troubled waters following the current position of people of the area.

At a stakeholders' dialogue on oil extraction resumption in Ogoni, yesterday, convened

by Lokiaka Community Development Centre, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the leaders representing various communities and civil society groups in Ogoniland, insisted on completion of the remediation, restoration of environment and livelihoods destroyed by years of oil exploration by oil multinationals.

They also insisted on full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights that includes a demand for resource control, among others, and full implementation of the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), before oil extraction is resumed in the area.

An environmental management consultant from

K-Dere community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Erabanabari Kobah, expressed surprise that talks about oil extraction resumption are ongoing when their environment and livelihoods destroyed through previous oil extraction activities have not been remediated, restored and handed over to their people.

Delay in Clearing Pension, Gratuity Arrears Worries Abia Pensioners

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

Pensioners in Abia State have cried out over the delay by the state government in clearing the pension and gratuity owed them, lamenting that the development has left them languishing in hardship.

A pressure group under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abia State Council, which addressed journalists in Umuahia, the state capital, on the said government’s delay in clearing their retirement

benefits noted that the development was becoming a blemish on government’s goodwill.

In 2024, the government and Abia NUP leadership reached a Memorandum of Agreement which purported that the pensioners have agreed that they will forfeit their gratuity if they will be paid 100 per cent of their pension every month.

Pensioners rejected the MoA on the grounds that gratuity was a personal, constitutional right and nobody or group

had the right to negotiate it away. The Abia Pensioners Forum maintained that the MoA was dead on arrival.

Following the controversy it generated, Governor Alex Otti, on March 23, 2024, promised to revisit the matter. But the leader of Abia Pensioners Forum, Barr. Okey Kanu, who read from a prepared text, said they had called the press conference “because of the failed promise of our Governor to revisit the purported waiver or forfeiture of our arrears of pensions and gratuity and to inform the public of our continued predicament.”

The group, lamented that the continued delay and deprivation of pensioners in the implementation of the Committee’s Report and fulfillment of the governor’s promise have continued to cause unnecessary anguish to pensioners in the state; but warned government against shortchanging them whenever they want to clear the said arrears.

NGO Hosts High-level Dialogue on Justice Sector Reform, Others

Onuminya

Innocent in

Sokoto

The International Alert Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation championing dispute resolutions, has convened a meeting of senior government officials, judges, legislators, civil-society

representatives, traditional leaders, and development partners in Sokoto, Sokoto State.

The two-day meeting was to strengthen justice-sector reforms in north-west Nigeria, highlighting the Multi-door Courthouse initiative and a new climate-action project

aimed at reducing conflict drivers.

According to the country Director, Dr. Kingsley Udo, the programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria

(SPRiNG) programme, highlighted the urgent need to improve access to justice amid rising insecurity, banditry and communal violence. Participants were reminded that swift, affordable dispute resolution can curb the escalation of grievances into conflict.

SOLIDARITY VISIT...

GLAD TO MEET YOU...

Obasanjo Decries Nigeria's Persistent Insecurity, Demands Decisive Action

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has decried Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, declaring that the country “is being killed,” warning that citizens may need to seek international support if the government fails to protect them.

Obasanjo made the remarks in Jos yesterday, at the second edition of the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Alter. The former president reflected on the state of the nation and Nigeria’s prolonged struggle with violent crimes and

insecurity.

According to him, insecurity has now reached an intolerable point.

“One problem we have is insecurity, and it has been with us. It did not begin with this administration, not even with the administration before it,” he said, adding that,“ from the kidnapping of the Chibok girls until now, Insecurity has continued to go from bad to worse.”

He criticised attempts to rationalise killings along ethnic or religious lines, describing such excuses as dangerous and unacceptable.

“For anybody at any time to

say that when Nigerians are being killed, the explanation is that those killed belong to this group or another nonsensical group. We are being killed. We are Nigerians, no matter the religion or where you come from, we are being killed", he said.

Obasanjo added that government at all levels must face its constitutional responsibility. “The first responsibility of any government is the protection and security of its citizens, but our government seems incapable of protecting us.”

The former president warned that Nigerians may be justified

in calling for external support from international bodies if the government cannot do anything about the security of its citizens.

“If our government cannot do it, we have a right to call on the international community to do for us what our government cannot do. We should have no apology for that," he declared.

He also questioned the reason security agencies were not using available technology to track and neutralise criminal gangs.

“In these days of technology, nobody should be able to hide anywhere after committing a crime,” he said. “Before I left government, I knew we had the capacity to identify and

Suspension: A' Court Reserves Judgment in Akpabio, Natasha's Appeals

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, reserved its judgments in the appeals against a Federal High Court judgment which invalidated the six months suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

A three-member panel of justices of the appellate court reserved judgments after all counsel to the parties adopted and argued their processes for and against the appeals.

While the leadership of the Senate, on one hand, had lodged an appeal against the trial court's verdict, faulting the six months suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking a nullification and subsequent setting aside of the same trial court's verdict that imposed a fine of N5 million for contempt of court.

In the main appeal, the legal team of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had challenged the jurisdiction of the lower court, arguing that the matter bordered on the internal affairs of the National Assembly

and is therefore insulated from judicial review under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

The lower court had declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of the senator’s constituents’ right to representation.

In a notice of cross-appeal dated July 11, Mr Akpabio, through his lead counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, asked the appellate court to nullify the judgment, describing it as erroneous and a gross miscarriage of justice.

In the 11-ground appeal, he faulted the trial court for dismissing his preliminary objection and for issuing orders that, according to him, interfere with parliamentary procedures protected by law.

He further argued that matters relating to suspension of members, utterances made during plenary, and resolutions of the Senate fall squarely within the protective scope of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, and cannot be subjected to external adjudication.

Keyamo Foresees First Nigerian International Airshow Attracting FDIs

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

locate anybody in Nigeria who committed a crime. Now we have the capacity with drones, you can take them out. Why are we not doing that?”

Obasanjo insisted that the killings must stop, saying, “Every Nigerian life that is lost is a shame for Nigeria. We are tired of being killed. The killing of Nigerians must stop.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his address, described the Unity Carol as a symbol of Plateau’s resolve to heal and unite despite years of conflict.

“Individually, we can worship God in our homes, but God is delighted when we come together as a people in unity,” he said.

Mutfwang emphasised that the state cannot progress without internal cohesion.

“Plateau is a blessed state, but we have not been able to achieve much because we are fighting one another,” he said. “Let us drop the things that divide us and focus on the things that unite us.” He added that the state’s unity was essential for defeating insecurity, noting that, “with unity we will be able to shut the door against the enemy that troubles us.”

The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol, initiated last year, was envisioned as a three-day festival of worship meant to serve as a bridge across ethnic, religious, and political divides.

NNPP Crisis: Court Affirms Agbo Major's Leadership

Wale Igbintade

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued fresh orders restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or engaging with any faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) other than the leadership headed by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major.

as a stay of any contrary or inconsistent action, recognition, or communication by INEC or the respondents concerning the party’s leadership.

Justice Kawu also ordered accelerated hearing and abridged timelines for all parties to file their processes, fixing 10 December 2025 for substantive hearing.

A subsequent ruling on 27 November permitted substituted service on 16 respondents via the NNPP National Secretariat in Abuja and further restrained INEC—whether by its officers or departments from monitoring, attending or participating in any congress or convention organised by the factional group until the main suit is determined.

He believes strongly that the event would attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to the country.

Speaking shortly after the facility tour, the minister noted that he undertook the inspection with his team

Ahead of the first Nigeria International Air Show to be hosted in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday inspected infrastructure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA).

comprising the ministry's Permanent Secretary, the private organisers who are collaborating with the federal government, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Air Force Authority and a couple of other people who are also collaborating

with government. He stated that the show would kick off next Tuesday, and would run through to Thursday, with various events lined up every day, including an air display by the Nigerian Air Force on the first day and on the last day.

Justice Bello Kawu, sitting at High Court No. 14, Apo, granted the orders on 25 and 27 November 2025 in two separate ex parte applications filed by the NNPP, which accused a rival faction led by Dr. Ajuju Ahmed and several others of attempting to mislead the electoral commission despite existing court judgements affirming the Agbo Major leadership.

In the first ruling delivered on 25 November, the court granted the NNPP leave to apply for judicial review by way of mandamus and held that the leave shall operate

The respondents include prominent members of the factional group: Dr. Ajuju Ahmed, Hon. Abba Kawu Ali, Prince Nwaeze Onu, Hon. Aladipo Alayokun, Ladipo Johnson, Arc. Mohammed Abacha, Mustapha Alkassim and others.

ENGAGING CHARISMATIC BISHOPS...

FRC Boss: Board Directors Will Now Be Held Fully Accountable for Sustainability, Climate Reporting

Despite Losing $38m, Air Peace Expresses No Intention of Detaining Lessor’s Aircraft

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace Airlines Limited, has said that despite losing over $38 million in the transaction with the lessor, Smartlynx Airlines, which recently withdrew four aircraft leased to the Nigerian operator on a breach of contract, it never had any intention of detaining any of the lessor’s aircraft.

According to the contract Air Peace had with Smartlynx Airlines, the Nigerian airline was expected to operate the four aircraft till 2026, but the lessor suddenly requested to withdraw them against that agreement

Two weeks ago, Air Peace allowed Smartlynx Airlines to take three of the aircraft and the fourth aircraft was later released

to the lessor.

In a statement signed by the airline’s management, Air Peace said it released the four aircraft to the lessor because it did not intend to hold back any of the aircraft despite the breach of the contract by Smartlynx Airlines.

“Our current issues with the trio of Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU (hereinafter referred to as “Smartlynx”) stem from the operation of damp lease agreements involving four aircraft, during which Smartlynx deliberately defrauded Air Peace of several millions of dollars. This is in addition to the severe disruptions to Air Peace’s scheduled operations during peak season, resulting in monumental reputational and operational damage to the airline.

of Nigerian corporate firms that climate and sustainability governance is now a core fiduciary responsibility, adding that board directors would be held accountable for sustainability and climaterelated disclosures.

Olowo delivered this message on Wednesday, in Lagos, in his welcome address during the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) Nigeria Directors' Engagement Series theme: ‘IFRS S1 and S2 – What Every Board Needs to Know’ held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said, “My message to the board will be clear: climate and sustainability

governance is now a core fiduciary responsibility and directors are accountable and will be held accountable,” adding that “we will hold board directors accountable for sustainability and climate related disclosures.”

He said that "directors must ensure that sustainability disclosures are decision-useful, verifiable, comparable, and integrated with financial information.

"This means strengthening internal processes, improving data quality, building capacity within management teams, and ensuring that risk management frameworks fully incorporate climate-related scenarios."

He added, "It also means moving from symbolic commitments to measurable actions that reflect genuine board oversight and accountability."

According to him, "today’s conversation is timely and strategic, as boards across the world navigate an increasingly complex corporate landscape—one where sustainability information is no longer peripheral but central to value creation and long-term resilience.

"I commend CGI Nigeria for bringing directors together to deepen understanding of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, the two standards that are redefining global expectations

around sustainability-related disclosures," he said.

Olowo highlighted that the FRC remains committed to supporting all institutions— listed, unlisted, premium-board companies and other public interest entities —in this transition.

“We are deepening regulatory guidance, expanding stakeholder engagements, and working with partners such as CGI Nigeria to enhance the capacity of directors and preparers. Our goal is simple: to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just compliant, but leading, credible, and globally competitive in sustainability reporting.

Creative Industry Unites as MultiChoice Nigeria Leads Walk Against Piracy

LASAA Launches 2026 Mobile

Advert Permit

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) yesterday launched the Year 2026 Mobile Advert Permit, introducing an enhanced, technology-driven system designed to simplify compliance for owners of branded vehicles across the State.

The newly unveiled permit features a unique QR Code, enabling instant verification and it provides real-time access to key permit information.

LASAA Mobile App which provides authentication can be downloaded from Google Play Store or IOS.

This innovation is part of the Agency’s continuous effort to improve transparency, reduce

documentation challenges, and ensure a seamless process for advertisers and business owners.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, emphasised the importance of compliance and the convenience the new system offers.

“This upgrade reflects our commitment to creating an efficient, transparent and userfriendly regulatory environment. We encourage all owners of branded vehicles to take advantage of the streamlined process and obtain their Mobile Advert Permit promptly. It is easier, faster, and helps us maintain orderliness on Lagos roads,” he said.

The fight against content theft intensified on Thursday as MultiChoice Nigeria led stakeholders in a Walk Against Piracy from Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, drawing a powerful mix of Nollywood actors, filmmakers, directors, writers, media personalities, regulators, students, and members of the public.

The walk was part of a broader national advocacy

campaign aimed at protecting Nigeria’s creative economy from the escalating damage of piracy. Participants marched through the Ikeja axis, distributing flyers, engaging passers-by, and educating the public on the dangers of piracy and its impact on livelihoods.

Veteran actor Saidi Balogun, one of the leading voices at the walk, described piracy as “a silent killer draining the lifeblood of the creative industry.”

“People see the glamour but forget the sweat, months of work, and the hundreds of jobs behind a single film,” he said. “When you pirate a movie, you are killing someone’s dream, someone’s job, and the future of an entire industry. It must stop.”

Screenwriter, and producer, Obi Emelonye, warned that piracy poses an existential threat to the next generation of creatives.

“Piracy is a menace eating

deeply into the industry. If we do nothing, young creatives coming behind us will inherit an economy with no structure, no revenue, and no incentive to create,” he stated. “We cannot allow that future.”

The regulatory perspective came from Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Charles Amudipe, who emphasised both the legal and personal risks tied to piracy.

Lafarge Africa Renovates School in Ogun State

Sunday Ehigiator

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Lafarge Africa Plc, a member of the Huaxin Group, a leading Nigerian building solutions company, has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and community development through the remodelling and upgrading

of Christian Pelamourges Memorial Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School, Agbesi, Ewekoro, Ogun State.

The comprehensive renovation encompassed the refurbishment of five blocks of classrooms, extension of the Head Teacher’s office, and the construction of new dining and toilet facilities.

It also included significant

structural improvements such as new roofing, electrical and plumbing works, plastering, tiling, and painting across the classroom blocks. In addition, new furnishings, including desks, chairs, and library shelves, as well as dining tables, were provided to enhance comfort and functionality. A fully functional playground

and football field were also installed for the use of pupils and staff alike. Speaking about the project, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing education as a key driver of sustainable development.

FG Renews Commitment To Tackling Insecurity

Seeks Support from Allies to Fight Terrorism Urges Africa to embrace new energy tech or face global marginalisation

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The federal government has renewed its unflinching commitment to tackling insecurity, calling on regional

and international allies to strengthen collaboration in the collective fight against insecurity.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator

George Akume, gave the assurance when a powerful delegation of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by its President, Archbishop Prof. Leonard

Bature Kawas, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Also, Akume has raised a fresh alarm that Africa could be left behind in the global energy transition if governments and

Ngige: Gunmen Who Attacked My Convoy Accused My Security of Working for ‘Zoo Govt’

Laments insurgents may be building arms for operations, Obi visits, commiserates with ex-gov

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Former governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, has given an account of how his convoy was attacked by gunmen on Wednesday.

Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour and Employment in former president Muhammadu Buhari’s government spoke

to journalists when the 2023 presidential candidate Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, visited him to commiserate with him on the attack.

Ngige said he had been in Anambra since Saturday, and had sent his personal aides on errand, including taking one of his cars for maintenance when they were attacked on their way back, leading to the death of one lady, while

his police orderly was shot in the leg and dispossessed of his rifle and his uniforms.

Ngige dispelling rumours of death said: "As you can see, I'm alive, I'm not dead, so there should be no panic or fear. They attacked my convoy while they were coming back around Umuoji when they saw some vehicles racing towards them, and later reversed and chased

after them, and started shooting.

“They were all dressed in police and army uniforms, so my convoy driver dribbled them until they ran into a shop and they caught up with my police security men who battled with them until their bullets were exhausted. They took away rifles and uniforms and that was after they shot one in the leg.

Appeal Court Strikes out Nnamdi Kanu's Alleged Violation Case Against DSS' DG, AGF

S'East traders seek Tinubu’s intervention in IPOB leader’s life sentence

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, struck out the appeal by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

This was as the South East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (SEAMATA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the life sentence handed down to IPOB leader, Kanu.

A three-member panel of the appellate court struck out

the appeal on the grounds that it has become academic following Kanu's terrorism conviction by a Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 20. According to the panel, Kanu's claim that his fundamental rights to human

dignity, right to quality health care and religion were being breached by his continued detention in the facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) was no longer feasible since his conviction, life imprisonment sentence and remand in prison custody.

Vice President Shettima, Governors, Thousands

Attend Funeral of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and clergymen attended the funeral prayer of renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. Shettima led the federal government delegation to the funeral following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.

The funeral prayer led by a Maiduguri-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh at the Bauchi Eid Ground at exactly 4:36p.m. drew thousands of mourners from within and outside the country who came to

pay their final respects. Crowds began trooping into the state capital early in the morning, reflecting the wide influence and spiritual stature of the late scholar among followers of Tijjaniyya and the general Muslim community.

industry leaders fail to urgently adopt and develop cutting-edge technologies shaping modern energy systems.

In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the SGF stated that the Tinubu-led administration is doing everything within its power to ensure the security of lives and property, and also sought collaborative support from international allies to fight the menace.

“But the government is seriously committed to eradicating insecurity... We need support from our allies to be able to fight terrorists in the land,” he said.

He acknowledged the vote of confidence passed on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is a testament to the efforts made by this administration toward tackling insecurity and

other challenges facing the country.

Akume added that the present administration has been partnering with traditional leaders, businessmen, the private sector, political leaders and the religious leaders toward building a strong and virile Nigeria for all. He therefore urged the religious bodies to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

Speaking earlier, the President of CBCN, Archbishop Prof. Leonard Bature Kawas, reaffirmed their commitment to support the Tinubu-led administration in its quest to fight insecurity and also passed a vote of confidence in the administration. He assured him that they are committed to praying for peace and unity to prevail in the country.

Coronation Merchant Bank Appoints Paul Abiagam MD/CEO

Coronation Merchant Bank has announced the appointment of Mr. Paul Abiagam as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The confirmation coincided with the bank’s 10th anniversary, marking the start of a chapter defined by heightened ambition and deeper institutional maturity.

A statement explained that Abiagam steps into the role after serving as Acting Managing Director, a period during which the bank delivered one of its strongest performances in recent years.

“Growth accelerated across core metrics, profitability improved substantially, and client engagement

deepened. The bank also expanded its balance sheet, reinforced its capital position, and strengthened its market presence, all reflecting the clarity and conviction of its leadership.

“2024 proved transformative; the bank launched new business verticals: Public Sector and Financial

ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT...

COURTESY VISIT...

DSS Invites Datti Baba-Ahmed Over Alleged Inciting Remarks

The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the founder of Baze University and former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, over comments authorities consider potentially inciting and capable of provoking tension within the country, a senior security source has revealed.

According to the source, security agencies have raised concerns about Baba-Ahmed’s recent public statements on various media platforms, particularly his repeated claims of an alleged “constitutional crisis” in Nigeria.

“A few days ago,

Baba-Ahmed appeared on national television, criticising the judiciary and the military for allowing the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the source said.

The source added, “He went as far as suggesting that the military was emboldened to ‘look the public in the face and call them bloody fools’ because of this swearing-in.”

The source noted that such remarks carry undertones capable of heightening political tension, especially given the sensitivity of the current national climate.

He added that similar rhetoric had contributed to instability in countries

Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death by Hanging for Murdering Girlfriend

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to death by hanging over the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Nkemenna Otuene, a 300-level biochemistry student of the same institution.

The incident occurred on October 20, 2023, at Okoligwe’s apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers state.

The convict strangled Justina, to death during an argument, dismembered her body, packed the remains into a bag, placed it in a wheelbarrow, and was about to dispose of it when he was caught by neighbours who alerted the police.

Delivering judgement yesterday, the Presiding Judge, Chinwe NsirimNwosu, ruled that the prosecution, led by the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, proved beyond reasonable doubt all three ingredients of murder: that the deceased died, that it was the intentional act of the defendant that caused the death, and that the act was done with the knowledge that it would result in death.

The judge described Okoligwe’s actions as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil,” adding that there was no material contradiction in the prosecution’s evidence.

“The defendant is hereby sentenced to death by hanging on the neck until he be confirmed dead,” Nsirim-Nwosu ruled.

such as Guinea-Bissau, making it necessary for security agencies to intervene early.

“This invitation has nothing to do with politics,” he explained.

The concern, he said, is for the corporate existence of the nation, stating, allowing such rhetoric to go unchecked could

pose long-term risks.

He further stated that some of Baba-Ahmed’s recent assertions— including claims that the judiciary and military were “complacent” in not stopping the inauguration, and his description of national security efforts as a “joke”—could erode

public trust in state institutions if left unaddressed.

The source emphasised that the DSS engagement is in line with standard protocol.

“These sessions are not punitive. They are preventive. The aim is to clarify intent, provide context, and prevent the

escalation of narratives that may inadvertently fuel unrest," he stressed. He maintained that security agencies are committed to managing the situation professionally and ensuring that public discourse does not undermine national stability.

JONATHAN: GUINEA-BISSAU’S OUSTED PRESIDENT EMBALÓ MASTERMINDED ‘CEREMONIAL COUP’

officials was okay. The same thing with party agents. When they had finished collating the results, the nine regions were ready.”

Speaking further, the former Nigerian President said: “When they were ready to announce the results, Embaló announced that there is a coup. That they have taken over and they have arrested him. But, from every indication, no body arrested him.”

Jonathan then charged ECOWAS and AU to ensure that the result of the election, which according to him, was ready, should be announced and let the winner be known and acknowledged.

Jonathan also explained why he returned to Nigeria aboard an Ivorian aircraft, saying he felt the need to speak to Nigerians to thank them “for the show of empathy and encouragement” when he was trapped in the West African country.

According to him, both President Tinubu and Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara made arrangements to evacuate him and his delegation from Bissau.

But the Ivorian team secured landing clearance first due to the stronger regional links between the country and Guinea-Bissau.

“While we were in Bissau and this so-called coup happened, the information

we got was that the whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious or political divides.

“And I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu, and the Ivorian president, President Ouattara.

“Both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us, but somehow you know Côte d’Ivoire is closer to Guinea-Bissau, and there’s always some relationship between the Francophone countries and the Lusophones, who are among the Francophones.

“They were able to penetrate their system to get a a landing permit before Nigeria could do that. So the Ivorian aircraft was already on its way to pick us up,” he said.

He explained that Côte d’Ivoire’s aircraft was already en route when he was informed that the Nigerian jet had received approval to depart.

“So when we learnt that the Nigerian aircraft were about to leave, we asked them not to bother. That is why, if you see the pictures, I was brought by an Ivorian aircraft,” he said.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making

bodies of the regional bloc.

The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, under the chairmanship of President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the Mediation and Security Council (MSC), met virtually on Thursday at the level of Heads of State and Government following the military coup on Wednesday and suspended Guinea-Bissau after reviewing the situation.

The West African leaders acted in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, warning the coup leaders to restore the democratic order and return to their barracks.

A communique issued after the meeting read: “The MSC decides, in accordance with the provision of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001(A/ SP/12/01), to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS Decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country.”

“The MSC also said it holds the coup leaders in the country individually and collectively responsible for the protection of the life and property of all citizens and residents of Guinea-Bissau and for the security and safety of all detainees.”

It also advised the army to return to their barracks and maintain peace and their constitutional role, even as it ordered the ECOWAS Stabilisation and Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to continue helping protect the institutions of GuineaBissau.

“The MSC decided to continue to monitor the situation in Guinea Bissau and reserves the right to use all options provided for by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the 2012 Supplementary Act on Sanctions, including sanctions on all entities deemed culpable of disrupting the electoral and democratic process in Guinea Bissau,’’ it added.

The MSC then mandated the chair of the Authority to lead a high-level mediation mission to Guinea-Bissau to engage with the leaders of the coup, to ensure the complete restoration of constitutional order.

The appointed members of the mission include Faure Gnassingbe, President of Togo; Jose Maria Pereira Neves, President of Cabo Verde; and Bassirou Diomaye, President of Senegal, and will be accompanied by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray.

•Tourism •Arts&Culture

Solomon Bonu: Implementation of Lagos Tourism Master Plan Will Be Money-spinner for State

The Member representing Badagry Constituency 1 in Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, in this conversation, says non-implementation of the Lagos State Master Plan on Tourism is severely hampering the growth of the sector. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

As Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, at what level of implementation is the Master Plan for Lagos State Tourism Development? When we talk about tourism, we talk about population because you have to have the population and the destination. God blessed us in Lagos, and we have the population and we have the destination. How can we utilise all these and how can we turn all these to money-spinning machine? For me, I have the knowledge at executive arm of government having served as a Special Adviser on Tourism to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and today I’m in the legislative arm of government. Currently, I initiated a plan. I called all the past permanent secretaries and past directors in the Ministry of Tourism. The goal was to look at how we can implement the Lagos State Master plan. I was in the ministry then when we launched the Master Plan. But you could see it clearly that the ministry is not doing what it ought to do. You cannot run tourism without a Master Plan. And I give credence to those who helped us to package the Master Plan. I have a copy here. So we now decided to come up with a programme, set up a committee and start the implementation of this Master Plan. Already, I’m in talks with the Governor to give us the approval. Don’t give it to tourism, if he gives it to tourism, they won’t do what they are supposed to do. Those who have knowledge about it, let’s bring them on the table. That goes to show that by the time we get that approval, all the stakeholders will be involved. You know, tourism is all about transportation. Is transportation taking its course in the area of tourism? We have agro-tourism sector. Is that taking place? We have medical tourism. Is that taking place? And other things. It goes beyond putting artistes on the stage. What is the return of investments? By Friday and Saturday, come to this park in front of the House, you can’t drive in. For fun-seekers. What are we deriving from that? There’s nothing in that park. When people come, they just spread their mats on the floor and start engaging each other. The population is becoming too much. So all these things are embedded in the Master plan that we’re supposed to do. But the implementation of the Master Plan must start now. We want Lagos State to be one of the world’s destinations. And we can’t do it alone. So for the Master Plan, we are in talk with Mr. Governor to give us approval. I’ve set up the committee with over six past permanent secretaries and over eight past directors in the Ministry of Tourism. By the time we get that approval, we open it up. The document is ready. The House of Assembly has passed it into law. So rest assured, by God’s grace, next year, things will fall in place.

Constitutionally, the House of Assembly oversighting of ministries and MDAs is one of the things that drives transparency in

Bonu

governance. How has the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture accounted for the money so far expended from their budget?

You see, when it comes to the issue of accountability, it is not only the Lagos State House of Assembly. There are some things that we cannot see. That you can see out there. That is the reason why when the budget is passed into law, it becomes a public document. You have the right to ask questions. It’s not that we are not doing our own oversight function. But at times it will be difficult for us to see everything. So it is your responsibility as a stakeholder to ask questions; you said you have done this. How much was expended on this project? If they were unable to give an answer, you are free to approach us to do justice to that. The House has already started Public Accounts, inviting all the ministries. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Tourism is expected to face the Public Accounts Committee. With the Auditor General, we will ask some questions. So it is now left for you people. If you notice that anything is going wrong in the area of the Ministry of Tourism, you are free to just notify us. That is why we have public petitions. So many people have been writing petitions to the House. Just recently, I attended to one petition over one issue in the Ministry of Tourism. Somebody brought it up and invited the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism that this is in the public domain. So I have written my report and I’m going to submit it to the House, and all of us will debate it. The moment we pass any budget, it automatically becomes a public document So if you pick any holes in any one, you are free to come up with it. If you are not satisfied because it is taxpayers’ money and we must use it for the purpose of development.

Lagos State government has been pumping

a lot of money into tourism, which of the projects has your committee oversighted in the last one year?

When you talk about oversight, for me Ministry of Tourism projects are divided into two. One, the infrastructural aspect of it and the other one is the consumables. The infrastructural aspect of it, is that maybe you want to build a film city, you want to build ‘Point of No Return in Badagry.’ But the other part of it is the consumables like Detty December. Talking about infrastructure, my committee visited the theatre at Oregun to see what is going on there because the Governor has given approval. We asked questions to know how much they were given and how much they had spent. Why is the job slow, to the level that we have invited the contractor to this office with my committee. And we have asked a series of questions from the contractor. We will shortly come up with our own reports. Some other projects are going on around here. There is a project that they call head bust of the past governors in Lagos, which can serve as monuments. The project is close to the Governor’s office. When we got there, and we saw what they were doing, we commented on its poor execution by the contractor. If you are creating head bust of somebody, it must resemble that person. At first instance, the question we asked how did you get this job? Do you qualify for the job? Who gave you the job? How did you bid for the job? Because if approval is being given by the governor, you have to publicise it. People will come and bid. Honestly, what we saw is that the man in question doesn’t know what he is doing. And we asked him to go and remove it and refund the public money to the public account because he doesn’t know what he is doing. He just managed to remove one, and we are still watching him. We now took him to another place to show him a similar project. We asked him does

this one resembles this person? Somebody did it. Why can’t you just copy it? Those are kind of our oversight functions that we are doing. Instantly, instead of us coming to the House to come and give report which will go a whole long, we give that judgement that remove this thing, we don’t want to see it because it’s no commensurate with funds released. And we will even go deeper. We are inviting the commissioner very soon. How did you give out the job? How did that man come across the job? So we are going to ask questions. We’re the watchdog.

What is happening to the ‘Point of No Return’ project in Badagry?

The former governor stopped the job because of certain cogent points that I raised concerning the project. Everybody in the EXCO passed the vote that the contractor cannot do the job. Now, I’ve taken the present Governor down to the ‘Point of No Return,’ and he has given assurance that he will reconstruct that place and it’s all over everywhere. As I’m talking to you, he has given financial approval for the job and they are on the process. I don’t know whoever they are going to give the job to. But what I am sure of is that that the ‘Point of No Return,’ is coming back to life any moment from now.

According to performance index you were ranked among the best among first-timers in the House. Given your experience, what can Lagos sustain every year for people to look up to in the area of tourism?

On my performance in the House, I give God the glory. I thank Mr. Governor, I thank Mr. Deputy Governor who identified me. My kind of story is very deep. I was picked without knowing anybody. One day, I got a call from a lady that I should send my CV, and I thought it was one of these fraudsters. At the background, I had a voice, which was the Deputy Governor’s voice then I knew it was real. So a week or two weeks later, the noise was everywhere, you are being appointed into cabinet. I looked at myself among the 40. What kind of impact can I make? What can I do as contribution towards the law of Lagos? So when we get to the House, I didn’t keep quiet because some people sent me down here to speak for them. And I make sure that I keep on relating with the executive arm of the government. In the past two and half years I’ve taken Mr. Governor to Badagry two times and it has a developmental meaning. There are some kind of developments coming on the way. Just of recent, I came up with a bill on Yoruba Heritage Week. Yearly, we must be doing it just to promote the culture of Lagos State. By the time that one commences, all the Lagos indigenes far away, would be coming back home. Not everybody is a Christian; not everybody is a Muslim.

Paintings by Glover, Adamson, Rare Carved Elephant Tusk Surface at Uncle Sam Art Exhibition

Two masterpieces of paintings by Prof. Ablade Glover of Ghana, Nigeria’s Kenny Adamson, and a rare 100-year-old carved elephant tusk have surfaced at the inaugural edition of Uncle Sam Art Exhibition scheduled to open December 16, 2025 and runs till December 20 at Alexis Galleries, Victoria Island, Lagos.

While the two paintings of Prof. Glover and the rare exquisite 100-year-old carved elephant tusk are for sale at the exhibition, Adamson’s paintings in the collections of Uncle Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, are not for sale.

Speaking with THISDAY exclusively, the brain behind the exhibition, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, who is also the Curator and President of Tourists Club

International, organisers of the exhibition, said that the Uncle Sam Art Exhibition is conceived to be an international art exhibition.

“The international scope is already represented in this maiden edition,” Osa said. “We already have two accomplished US-based artists participating in this inaugural edition. We have two works from the distinguished Emeritus Professor Dele Jegede and three masterpieces from the US-based colourful and philosophical painter, Fidelis Atumah, also known as Atumakanism Afrikanism.”

Mbonu-Amadi, who is also the Arts Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, praised the three paintings by Greg Onyeka whom he described as Master of cubism and camouflage.

“The world is yet to see what I see in Greg Onyeka. People bandy about big names in the art industry; I don’t. I assess artists based solely on the quality of their works. One day, the world will see what I

see in Greg Onyeka and Fidelis Atumah, popular known as Atumakanism Afrikanism,” he said.

He invited all art lovers, especially ardent collectors to come and be immersed in the best of African arts at Alexis Galleries from December 16 to 20, 2025.

“Christmas comes early at Alexis Galleries on account of the Uncle Sam Art Exhibition,” he enthused.

Beyond his influential journalism career, Uncle Sam Amuka is a passionate promoter of the arts and an art collector. He pioneered the inclusion of cartoons and cartoonists in Nigerian newspapers, leaving a lasting legacy in both media and the arts.

For this purpose, a diverse group of Nigerian and U.S.-based artists came together to create original works exclusively for the USA Art Exhibition 1.0.

This event marks the beginning of an annual art exhibition series known as the USA Exhibition — standing for Uncle Sam Art Exhibit

Archbishop Adewale Martins:

Mass Abduction of School Children in Nigeria is Troubling

Insecurity in Nigeria has grown so severe that it now poses a major national concern, threatening the very fabric of our existence. Hardly a day passes without reports of violence, destruction, or loss of life. Over time, these incidents have taken on a troubling pattern, often leaving churches and Christian communities at the receiving end—raising both national and global alarm. While some describe the situation as persecution, others view it as “genocide,” underscoring its urgency. In this exclusive interview, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, reflects on the escalating crisis. He warns that the mass abduction of school children is deeply troubling and reflects a broader failure to protect citizens. He stresses that Nigeria’s insecurity persists largely because of a lack of political will, urging leaders to take decisive action to safeguard lives and restore public confidence. Ferdinand Ekechukwu and Sunday Ehigiator bring the excerpts.

There have been allegations about Christian genocide in Nigeria, which has raised debates across divides. Given your position, do you think there is Christian genocide in Nigeria?

Well, I think that the discussion around whether there is genocide or not is such that it is capable of covering the real major issue. The word genocide is not the same as the word rain, for example. Genocide has a definition that is as different from the word rain as everybody can say there is no controversy around it. I think it is more useful not to focus on the word and leave out the issues. I believe that the major issues around it, we want to know what the facts are, what is the truth of the situation in our country. I think that if people are talking about persecution of Christians, there is a context to it which I think is important in the whole discussion. I mean, we had a time when Ibrahim Babangida was president of this country and he smuggled Nigeria into the Organisation of Islamic Countries. That is the context in which we are talking about persecution in Nigeria. We have had the fact that efforts have been made to put the Sharia law into the constitution of Nigeria. These efforts have been going on and they have not ended. We have the fact that there are some states in Nigeria that have Sharia law in implementation and it is still there today. Even though Nigeria is a secular state, these efforts have been made, and those states that have introduced the Sharia law, they are states that also have people of other religions. So this is the kind of context in which people are talking about genocide or no genocide. As I said, I don’t want to get involved in the use of the word, but I think we are talking about the fact that people feel persecuted. I mean the present insecurity and killings

that we have now. You remember that it started many years ago and it was only churches that were being attacked. It was only Christian institutions that were being attacked. And it went on for a while until at some point in time, I think because people were beginning to get conscious of the fact that only churches were being attacked, then there were attacking of other institutions, mosques and the rest of it. When you go to the beginning of these insecurity, you find out that it started with attacks on Christian institutions. So, and unfortunately also, we find out that even these attacks as it is today, especially on the Christian, they are oftentimes in places that are populated mostly by Christians. I’m talking about Benue, Plateau States in particular and other similar states. So, all of these give impression that there is an agenda against Christians. We know too that when these peoples are attacked in their villages, they are forced to go to Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camps. They remain in IDP camps for years, while their villages are either left uninhabited or even inhabited by bandits. They cannot go back to their homes, simply because bandits have made it unlivable for them there. And those places are populated mostly by Christians. So, all of these naturally leave quite an impression. You also remember the fact that in parts of the north, you couldn’t build a church ordinarily on your own. We have reports that you can’t build, not because you don’t want to build, but because you don’t get the approvals that are needed from civil authorities. All of these contexts naturally leave a great impression that there is a problem with Christians and Christianity, or there is a problem for Christians and Christianity in those areas of the country. I can also say that when these people are driven from their homes and their homes are occupied by either bandits or make it impossible for

them to go back, it naturally leaves a lot to be desired. then, of course, let’s talk about all the issues. Of course, about a month ago, we heard of some effort to, as it were, introduce or, is it even to inaugurate, some economic strategy. Economic strategy has a name that naturally will bring some concern to people. If you call it the National Halal Economy Strategy, naturally, it rings a bell in the minds of people when all of these other situations are already happening around us. So, I think that it is necessary not to get bogged down by the words, but rather to face the issues and be able to come to an understanding of what exactly is happening among us. Thank God that economic strategy was put on hold. I think that was a very sensitive, I mean, that was a good decision to make. But I think we need to go through the House and the public debate in order to be able to... So, this is a context, I think, in which people feel, in which Christians feel, maybe not even Christians, but Christianity feels it is under persecution.

United States President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” after the Biden administration removed Nigeria from the list. How do you respond to Trump’s stance?

Well, again, calling us a ‘country of particular concern’ has its own implications. But I think what is even more important is that the addition of our country, again, should simply make us to wake up to the needs to do something about what brought it up in the first instance. Obviously, President Trump has his own ways of expressing his thoughts and feelings and desires and how he wants to do it and all of those things. But I think from a patriotic point of view, you feel uneasy that he’s speaking about us in that way. You feel uneasy, you

Archbishop Adewale Martins: There is Lack of Political Will to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria

feel, we’re an independent country, why is he talking about us like that? But at the same time, we need to look at the context and see what we are going to do in order to get out of that situation. I think that’s more important than to be bogged down by what he calls us and what he doesn’t call us.

Would you say this designation, in a way reflects Nigeria’s situation?

In many ways, when he talks about us as a country of particular interest, we are indeed a country of particular interest because of the situation that we are undergoing at the moment. But I think we need to look beyond also our own situation as a country. I think what is happening to us now has a global dimension to it, which we cannot set aside, and indeed, it’s important for even trump himself to recognise that this is not just about this country. Our country is only an example of, in my own understanding, a bigger agenda that is there in our world that needs to be addressed by all countries. I believe, for instance, that there is a global effort to introduce another kind of civilisation to our world. a civilisation that it is believed is superior to the degenerating culture that you find in some parts of the world. I’m saying this because you see the efforts to introduce another civilisation playing out in different ways. yeah, well, my own understanding of it, I don’t know enough about al-Qaeda, but al-Qaeda is often the one behind these whole things. I mean, what works in one situation does not work in another. and so you find out that there is an effort to change the demography in some parts of the world and therefore be able to tweak things in order to introduce a new civilisation. perhaps that works in some parts of the world. But for us, maybe it’s to engineer such groups as Boko Haram, as IsWap, and all of these other terrorist groups. I think it’s to use them to try and be the point from which this new civilisation is introduced to Nigeria, of course, and the rest of africa, and then further afield. and so I think it’s important that even though, yes, trump is concerned about a country of particular concern, he should also be concerned about the fact that there is an effort to introduce a new civilisation. they have it in the u s., they have it all over the world, in which this aggressive effort to create another civilisation is justified or not. that’s not the issue, but being able to make the effort and pursue it in such an intentional way, for me, is a cause of concern, which I believe all people need to pay attention to.

Still within the context of insecurity, Nigeria has witnessed multiple mass abductions of schoolchildren recently. What aspect of this tragedy troubles you the most? every aspect of it is troubling. every aspect of the kidnapping of children is certainly very troubling. every child has the right to be able to study in an environment that is safe and secure, and that doesn’t feel under any threat. so that people will go there at all, and cause them the trauma that they are doing is certainly very troubling. and that not just go there, but also now carrying them away into the forest and use them for ransom purposes is obviously very troubling. and there is nothing that can be good about the situation of kidnapping children from schools. I mean, you have destroyed, so to speak, their childhood, and they will not be the same anymore. I mean, when some of them get married out to people, and at that tender point of their lives, they are not ready for this kind of stress, it’s obviously not good.

What urgent measures would you recommend to government to protect students across the country?

Well, the government has all the paraphernalia of securing people. the police, the military, the other security agencies they need to be mobilised more in order to make them present, at least to give a sense of security to the staff and the students of those schools. I think, I mean, there are security experts in government and out of government. they are the ones who should really be working these things out for us, so as to ensure that our children are safe. I think we really are doing very badly when our children cannot study in an environment that is conducive.

Do you think shutting down schools, as we have seen in some states in the north and some federal unity schools, is the way out of this situation following these attacks?

Well, to the extent that children who have suffered trauma need to be given a moment of respite, it is appropriate that schools should be shut down. But that can only be a temporary measure. there have to be ways and means of ensuring that the safety

and security of our children goes beyond shutting, I mean, they have to come back to school anyway. It is their future we are talking about, it is the future of the country, their families. so the security simply needs to be beefed up. Our security experts need to just work it out and ensure that people get what is due to them as citizens.

Many factors have been ascribed to insecurity. In your view, what factors are driving the rise of insecurity we are seeing today?

Well, I mean, I mentioned earlier on about this global thing that is certainly part of it in my own understanding. I also think that, you know, the story we hear about Boko Haram, for instance, is that it was introduced for political purposes, for election purposes. so what is there to say that it is not for the same purpose when 2027 is around the corner? One cannot rule it out as one of the factors that is responsible for this. and certainly, the fact that... anyway, let me leave it at that. I think those are factors that I believe must be part of the insecurities.

In your recent press statement, you said some elements deliberately want to throw Nigeria into chaos. Can you shed more light on this? yes, I thought that the elements that want to create chaos and what I’ve mentioned before. the global movement that is zeroing down on our country, al-Qaeda, and then, of course, those groups within our own country that al-Qaeda and the world global movement is able to use, the Boko Haram, the Lakorawas, the Gwandins, and all of these. I believe that in many ways, those are the things I would see as wanting to create chaos in the country.

And you don’t think it’s a case or the result of leadership failure or weak political will?

Well, my own reading of the situation is that, yes, these groups are creating the insecurities and the rest of it. But for too long, we have not had an adequate response to the challenge that it poses to our country. Governments have come and gone, military chiefs have come and gone, many years now, and the problem remains. For me, it shows, in some sense, a lack of the will to deal with the situation and deal with it appropriately well enough. I mean, people have been talking about different kinds of ways of helping to resolve those kinds of issues. But why are we still there? so, obviously, it is a lack of will to do that which needs to be done. and oftentimes, we have heard, true or false, about instructions being given to attack or to go to some particular place. and then some other counter-instruction comes that says you should not go ahead. We have been hearing about all of this. It shows that there is not the will to deal with the situation as there should be. and this is very unfortunate.

How much of this insecurity do you think stems from socio-economic deprivation?

Well, there’s the saying is that the idle hand is the devil’s workshop. so, naturally, when people are unemployed, when people have nothing to look forward to, they are poorly educated, the social net does not include them. Naturally, it creates a fertile ground for the sort of thing that we are talking about. so, social problems, economic problems, certainly are part and parcel of why we are where we are. I

think if some of those guys that are recruited by these different groups had something tangible to look forward to, they are not likely to, at least most, are not likely to join. and those who are being recruited by force, they certainly would not be amenable to being recruited by force if they had something to look forward to.

How can Nigeria rebuild trust between government and citizens amid these security failures?

Well, I think that first of all, government needs to show that it pays attention to whatever concerns are brought forward. I mean, for instance, Christians have this concern now. the only way to build trust is to say, well, all other governments have not done it; we are going to ensure that this is done. I mean, the present government, that will generate trust. and not just saying it, but also saying actions to back it up certainly will help to build trust, will help to build confidence. and the fact that people know they are being taken seriously makes a lot of difference.

As a leader in the Catholic Church, how is the Church contributing to peace building and conflict resolution in Nigeria?

Well, the Catholic Church over the years has tried to make her own contributions to building peace. For instance, at the moment, I am the chair of what we call the Church and society department of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the Catholic secretariat of Nigeria. and part of the Church and society is the Caritas Nigeria, which has as its aim to help to build peace all over the country. and where there are humanitarian problems, to be present to take care of them. and this has been going on for years. In all the places where we have these troubles shooting up wherever, the Caritas Nigeria is present offering support and help. and out there in Kaduna, we have the sisters of the OLe who are engaged in peace building across religious divide. and they really are working in that regard. We have the Justice development and peace Commission that is all over this country doing bits and pieces there in order to ensure that communities are together and they are doing right. and of course, from time to time, when needs arise, the Conference makes statements of what needs to be done in order that peace can be established and that it can continue to be sustained. so I believe the Catholic Church is doing its own bit.

But do you think religious leaders—Christian and Islamic—have done enough to discourage violence and extremism?

Well, I can say that we are trying our best; trying our best in the sense of the fact that we are constantly letting our people know that every human being is createdintheimageandlikenessofGod.andtherefore, he deserves respect; he deserves his right to life, and his right to good life. that is one of the things that we preach is part of the social teaching of the church, universal social teaching of the church. and we have constantly been preaching that as church. Of course, anomalies and all the other, I believe we are doing our best as far as that is concerned. and of course, we try not to escalate situations when they arise, but rather see how to find solutions to problems. so I believe we are doing our best.

A prominent cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleiman,

recently argued that more attention should be placed on Islamic clerics who inflame tensions. In the light of the last question you just answered, in terms of building and maintenance in Nigeria, how important is the role of religious leaders in sustaining peace?

Well, I’m aware of that, I understand, I didn’t see it myself, but I understand that when all these issues began, the sultan of sokoto and the president of CaN made a joint appeal for peace. that is something. But certainly, it should not just be at the apex level. that call should also be going on at the lower levels, in the different churches, in the different mosques, such that when the leaders of the two major religions talk at that level, there has to be a way of ensuring that those who are down the line are also, because we have heard of situations in which we hear of how sentiments are being whipped up in mosques. Of course, maybe there are some also in our churches. But the important thing is for everybody to recognise the fact that either war or indiscriminate killings or people being aggressive towards one another does not help anybody. In the end, everybody loses. and, of course, the future is put in jeopardy. so, I believe that it’s something the call and the effort should be made by all Islamic and Christian and even people of other religions. We should all be looking for peace.

You earlier mentioned our DSS and security personnel, and what they are doing. Do you believe our security agencies are adequately equipped and motivated to tackle these threats? What reforms would you recommend for a more effective National security response?

Well, I know that I have seen video clips of military personnel speaking out about the fact that they don’t have adequate equipment and all of that. I mean, I’m not sure that any military person will do that if it is not true. so if that is the case, then it is absolutely important that such persons should not just be simply punished, what they are saying, should be looked into. and they need to be given the kind of equipment that they need. But beyond that, to also be empowered to do that which they should do with the equipment. I mean, we have heard, as I said before, we have heard of instructions being given and then counter instructions being given overriding that. so naturally that creates a problem for the men on the field. apart from that, there has also been this discussion around state police. I think, as a person, with my little knowledge, that it is important to think about it very carefully. yes, indeed, there have been problems with the use of police in the past. that governors and the rest of them, political, they use them. But is there no way that all the experts we have can plug all those loopholes? Because I think we have more to gain if we have police that are in smaller pockets. We have more to gain than if everybody is the way it is at this moment. so I believe that that is another way of helping to secure the nation better.

What message would you give to Christian and Muslim leaders about working together to restore peace in divided communities? absolutely, we have an urgent and very necessary role to play. First of all, when we begin to recognise our common humanity, that we all are children of God, we all are citizens of the country. We all have dignities as children of God. that should override any other sentiment. Our common humanity is the basis, the foundation for our living together. and it should be emphasised. everybody should understand that and put that first in their response to issues. and I believe too that religious leaders also want to be aware of the fact that what they say to their followers carries some weight. and therefore we should be measured, we should be careful because words, as they say, they are so very fragile. Once it breaks, it’s difficult to put together. and words can easily create fire rather than peace. so, I think it’s important for all of us to just simply be aware of this.

As a shepherd of millions of Nigerian Catholics, what message do you have for Christians and all Nigerians during these perilous times?

We are all Nigerians by the Grace of God, irrespective of our differences. and the differences are many. But when we recognise the fact that our differences can be exploited by people for their own personal, selfish goals, then we should be wise and not allow ourselves to be set against one another. respect one another, respect our positions, respect our differences, but never allow these differences to be sources of conflagration, the burning down of this country. We should all be preaching that, we should all believe that and preach it and live by it.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Wizkid’s Lagos–to–Global Limelight

Captured in New HBO Documentary

Atrailer released by Home box Office (HBO) has revealed that ‘Long Live Lagos”, a documentary tracing Wizkid’s rise from Lagos streets to worldwide acclaim, is set to arrive on the American premium television network and service. It promises a rare, intimate look at the man behind the music, and what his success means to his countrymen and the African diaspora all over the world.

The much-anticipated documentary debuts Thursday, 11 December, airing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max. “Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” sits within HBO’s ongoing Music Box series, known for spotlighting key stories in contemporary music. With limited music infrastructure and few industry pathways, the

31-year-old built his sound with raw determination.

Directed by Karam Gill, executive-produced by Bill Simmons, the film offers a close look at the moments, memories and milestones that shaped Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. Through archival footage, the film places his journey within the broader global ascent of Afrobeats, indicating every song was a step forward. Every performance pushed him into new territory.

The documentary features interviews from cultural voices, including Femi Anikulapo-Kuti. Gill includes commentary from noteworthy folks around Wizkid, his manager and partner, Jada Pollock; renowned talent and artist manager, Sunday Are; among several others, including music journalists, and his fans who reflect on Wizkid’s influence across Africa and beyond.

The film celebrates Lagos while acknowledging the weight of global fame. It is as much a story about a city as it is about a superstar ‘Made

in Lagos’. The Documentary follows Wizkid’s journey from Surulere, a bustling suburb where he nurtured his dreams, to global stages, highlighting how his rise has helped reshape international perceptions of African music and identity.

‘Long Live Lagos’ runs 83 minutes and premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it was noted for its personal and cultural depth, drawing attention for its blend of personal insights and broader cultural commentary. The film points out how colonial legacy, specifically Nigeria’s relationship with its former colonizer Great Britain, impacts its current culture.

The narrative of the film takes viewers behind the scenes of Wizkid’s groundbreaking feat as the first African artiste to headline the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on 29 July 2023, though some note the concert buildup could show more specific challenges. But the cameras capture more than the lights and sound.

Cheers, Tributes as Family, Friends Celebrate Ademola Haastrup at 80

The atmosphere was radiant, the hall beautifully adorned, and the mood joyful. Guests arrived in colourful attire, reflecting the splendour of the occasion. It was immediately evident to all who attended that a great man was being honoured.

Such was the carnival-like ambience at the grand celebration of Prince Ademola Haastrup, a retired senior police officer, recently at Marcellina’s Place, Ikeja. The event brought together family, friends, former colleagues, and well-wishers in an outpouring of admiration and thanksgiving for a life of impact and purpose.

For many in attendance, it was a moment of reflection — a reminder of the blessing of longevity and the joy of being surrounded by a loving family that cherishes one’s legacy while still alive.

A Love That Has Endured the Test of Time

Leading the chorus of tributes was Princess Olufunke Haastrup, the celebrant’s devoted wife, who spoke with deep affection about their enduring bond. “I thank God for the love we have

shared for 56 years,” she said. “Your dedication to our home and your unwavering faith in God reflect the good Christian that you are. You have always been a hardworking man and a generous giver — one who worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort and well-being of both your immediate and extended family.”

A Godly Father and Disciplinarian

Burna Boy Abruptly Cancels Two US Tour Stops Amid Recent Performance Backlash

Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has abruptly cancelled two upcoming shows on his ‘No Sign of Weakness’ United States tour, including a major stop scheduled yesterday, at The Armory in Minneapolis.

The cancellation, confirmed on Ticketmaster, came less than 24 hours before the performance.

A second concert, slated for December 1, 2025, in Chicago, has also been cancelled.

Tour organisers have yet to provide an official explanation, but the move follows growing public criticism directed at the Grammy-winning artiste.

Controversy erupted earlier this week after footage went viral showing Burna Boy ejecting a couple in the front row during his concert in Colorado. The pair was escorted out after appearing to fall asleep during his performance, prompting a mix of boos and cheers from the audience.

The incident sparked intense debate across social media, particularly after Burna Boy addressed the matter during an Instagram Live session.

In the broadcast, he insisted he only wanted “supporters who buy my tickets”, a remark that drew further criticism from fans and commentators.

Public sympathy increased after reports emerged that the woman involved was grieving a recent personal loss, adding another layer

of sensitivity to the situation.

In the early hours of yesterday, Burna Boy confirmed the cancellations through his Instagram Story, sharing a direct link to the ticketing page showing both the Minneapolis and Chicago dates marked as cancelled. All other dates on the No Sign of Weakness tour remain unaffected.

Neither Burna Boy nor his management team has released an official statement addressing the controversy or clarifying whether the backlash contributed to the decision.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Prince Adeniran Haastrup painted a heartfelt picture of his father’s strong moral compass and godly upbringing. “From when we were very young, daddy would say he didn’t care what we all did, but on Sundays, everyone must go to church,” he recalled. “He always said he didn’t know how to visit the house of any oracle or idol — he only knew how to serve God, who never failed his parents, and who has never failed him. He made sure to pass that faith and discipline on to us.”

Adeniran also spoke about his father’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to duty. “Even when he was granted leave, he rarely took vacations. He would always find a reason to work or to help someone. His senior officers respected his judgment, focus, and integrity. He was always given the toughest assignments — and though it often kept him away from home, it taught us the value of hard work.”

A Sacrificial Spirit

According to Adeniran, perhaps the most striking quality of Prince Haastrup is his selflessness. “Daddy would always say he didn’t care if he went hungry,

as long as his children — and even others — had food to eat and a roof over their heads. When his elder brother passed in his 50s, Daddy took full responsibility for his children too. He has seamlessly played the roles of disciplinarian, father figure, mentor, and adviser.”

He further expressed gratitude to God for fulfilling the prophecy of longevity over his father’s life. “Just as the Bible says that rain does not return to the sky without watering the earth, every word God has spoken about his life has been fulfilled. We always believed he would live to a ripe old age — and today, we celebrate that testimony.”

A Legacy of Love and Service Echoing similar sentiments, Prince Adegbayi Haastrup, the celebrant’s second son, described his father as a man of generosity, guidance, and determination. “I once told him I wanted to attend the University of Lagos, and he did everything possible to make it happen. When I had issues with some friends, he was upset at first, but he handled the situation with wisdom. That’s who he is — always there for family, friends, and even strangers.”

At a black and white themed dinner which was held recently in Lagos, the founder of the BusyBee Events and convener of BusyBee Excellence Awards, Bisi Sotunde, in partnership with SOFITEL Cotonou Hotel and Spa, hosted the 9th edition of the BusyBee Excellence Awards, in recognition of deserving professionals in the event industry.

The gathering, which was an intimate convergence of leading practitioners in the event industry value chain, stood as a celebration of resilience, growth, and a toast to optimism on what the future holds. Sotunde, who spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the occasion, said this year’s awards represent a fulfillment of purpose for her.

“Look at the night! You have amazing people seated; you have awards being given out and people being celebrated,” she explained. “These are people of the community that we have coached, mentored, and supported. This night’s awards makes me very fulfilled because we have made an impact in the Nigerian event industry and in the international space at large.”

While the red carpet serenaded guests to classical music, sumptuous finger foods and amazing live performances, putting guests in a celebration mood, the event’s main hall was draped in black with lush white petals on the center pieces and decorative candles with soft gold lights holding the ambience in grandeur for the entire evening.

With voices rising and falling with each

performance and award announced, amidst pomp and glee, the message was clear– that the industry sees the hard work that professionals put into their craft and is ready to reward it. Two awardees were rewarded with all expense paid trip.

The awards and gala night was a culmination of a two-day event, themed “Building Legacy Brands a Summit for Events SMEs”, which featured a Masterclass session, aimed to deepen regional collaboration between the Nigerian event industry and the hospitality industry of the Republic of Benin.

Sotunde equally called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to further grow and expand Nigeria’s $20 billion event industry. “As an industry leader, we are very available to partner with the state as well as the federal government,” she declared.

perSpeCTIVeS As Adeniyi Drives Customs’ AfCFTA Integration Through C-PACT Summit

Donatus Eleko

Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is often discussed in terms of policy, diplomacy, and economic ambition. Yet, one institution stands at the heart of its practical success. That institution is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

As Africa pushes toward deeper economic integration, the role of Customs becomes even more critical. Without an efficient, technology-driven, and regionally aligned customs system, the promise of AfCFTA risks remaining on paper.

Since assuming office, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has positioned himself as a pivotal figure in bridging this gap. Known for his reform-oriented leadership and strong grasp of trade facilitation dynamics, Adeniyi has shifted attention towards the urgent need to embed Nigeria Customs fully into AfCFTA’s operational structures. His push reflects an understanding that seamless border processes, harmonised standards, and coordinated enforcement are the backbone of any functional free trade area.

Adeniyi’s strategy goes beyond internal reforms as it includes building partnerships with regional customs bodies, strengthening Nigeria’s presence in AfCFTA technical committees, and advocating for a more central role for Customs in continental trade negotiations. His approach signals a departure from the old model where customs administrations were treated as mere revenue collectors rather than strategic drivers of economic competitiveness.

Under his watch, the NCS has intensified efforts to modernise its systems—expanding digitalisation, improving risk management, and emphasising intelligence-led operations. These initiatives are not only aimed at improving efficiency but also at aligning Nigeria with the standards required for full AfCFTA participation. For Adeniyi, integration into AfCFTA’s frameworks is not optional; it is a national economic imperative.

This, he reiterated during the NCS hosting of the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit at the State House, Abuja, recently. At the summit, President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The summit brought together Customs chiefs, policy experts, and private-sector players from across the continent to advance the implementation of the AfCFTA. The closing ceremony, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, marked the end of a series of technical sessions and high-level discussions hosted by the Comptroller-General of Customs and coordinated deliberations throughout the summit.

Nigeria’s hosting of the C-PACT Summit comes with far-reaching benefits for the country and the continent. The summit positioned Nigeria as a central hub for conversations shaping the future of African trade, customs modernisation, and cross-border cooperation.

By gathering customs chiefs, trade experts, and policy leaders from across Africa, Nigeria has strengthened its diplomatic influence and reinforced its leadership role in implementing the AfCFTA. This visibility boosts investor confidence, enhances Nigeria’s trade reputation, and showcases its readiness to drive regional economic integration.

Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi said the summit provided Africa with “a credible platform to move from fragmented efforts to collective solutions,” stressing that the resolutions reached would guide Customs administrations

in strengthening border procedures, improving compliance systems, and reducing the longstanding non-tariff barriers that slow cross-border trade.

He noted that the C-PACT initiative, which Nigeria proposed and championed, would now serve as “a working mechanism for African Customs administrations to engage regularly, share operational experiences and harmonise processes in support of AfCFTA.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Comptroller-General said the one-year extension of his mandate by President Tinubu included key performance indicators directly tied to the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Adeniyi, who in July this year assumed the position of the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the governing body of the organisation, comprising the Heads of 186 Customs administrations, also stated that the NCS has, over the last three months, intensified its engagement with Customs administrations across Africa to ensure that Customs is properly integrated into the AfCFTA implementation structures.

He recalled recent engagements in Ghana with the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasising that Customs must drive rules of origin enforcement, preferential duty implementation and trade preference administration, core elements that determine whether AfCFTA works in reality or remains aspirational.

The CGC stated that implementing a free trade agreement requires significant capacity building and a strong political commitment, as it involves the progressive suspension of Customs duties among member states.

He explained that past regional integration efforts, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, suffered setbacks because participating countries failed to implement commitments consistently, stressing that AfCFTA must avoid that pattern.

According to him, African economies are divided into regions with varying levels of readiness. Still, recent engagements have helped build consensus that Customs must sit at the centre of AfCFTA execution.

Adeniyi said his persistent advocacy for Customs inclusion at continental meetings led to the emergence of C-PACT, a framework designed to foster direct partnerships among African Customs administrations, private-sector operators, regulators and international partners.

He said Nigeria’s export volume has increased by more than 30 percent in two years, and the objective now is to redirect more of that trade into African markets where the opportunities are larger and the impact on continental growth more meaningful.

The Customs CG further commended AfreximBank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, commercial banks, NPA and other agencies for aligning with the Customs Service to deepen trade facilitation.

He also announced that 30 African Customs administrations participated in the summit, including 22 represented at the Director-General level, with strong participation from West, Central, East, Southern, and North Africa.

He added that for the first time, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation attended a Nigeria-hosted Customs conference, signalling strong global support for Nigeria’s leadership role.

He said the conference began with private-sector sessions to understand the challenges traders face, including non-tariff barriers, cargo delays, and inconsistent implementation of trade preferences across Africa.

The President, who was represented by Shettima, charged African nations to dismantle inefficient borders, modernise

their Customs systems, and commit to a unified trade architecture capable of reshaping the continent’s economic future. He said Africa’s prosperity depends on deliberate reforms that convert its large market and population into a functional economic bloc.

Shettima told delegates that Africa must replace fragmented markets with coordinated policy implementation, stressing that every country must demonstrate political will, institutional alignment and the readiness to deploy technology that simplifies trade.

He said, “The administration’s reform, exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation, and stronger Customs digitalisation, were designed to create a trade-friendly environment that could compete globally and power Nigeria’s continental ambitions.”

The VP stated that Nigeria’s National Single Window, set to go live in March 2026, would significantly reduce clearance timelines from 21 days to under seven, thereby fully aligning the country with the AfCFTA’s digital trade requirements and positioning Nigeria as a standard-setter in port automation. Shettima urged African governments to transform commitments into measurable outcomes that traders, manufacturers, and logistics operators can feel daily, saying “Integration cannot be declared. It must be engineered.”

Representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Wale Edun, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Anite, stated that customs reforms are central to Nigeria’s fiscal transformation.

Judicial Divide on ARCON’s Constitutional Powers

Adeyemi Pitan

Recent developments in Nigeria’s marketing communication and advertising industry following the enactment of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022 have raised important questions about the constitutionality of the Act and the extent of the National Assembly’s legislative authority to centralize regulation across the sector.

The Act attempts to bring all players under a single federal regulatory system. Two recent Federal High Court decisions have now produced conflicting interpretations of the National Assembly’s authority, especially regarding outdoor advertising and hoarding, which are not expressly listed in either the Exclusive or Concurrent Legislative Lists.Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Lagos Division declared ARCON’s powers unconstitutional when applied to outdoor advertising by relying on a strict textual reading of the Constitution, while Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Lokoja Division upheld the same powers by adopting a broad and harmonizing approach that considers the overall structure of Nigeria’s constitutional order.

The Lagos decision arose from Massilia Motors Limited v. ARCON delivered on November 7 2025. Massilia Motors had installed outdoor signage consisting of flags bearing its Mitsubishi brand and tagline. ARCON described the installation as an unapproved lamp pole advertisement, demanded prior approval, and later issued a Criminal Summons after non-compliance. Massilia Motors challenged ARCON’s authority. Justice Aluko held that Paragraph 1(k)(i) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution vests exclusive power over outdoor advertising and hoarding in Local Governments and declared sections of the ARCON Act unconstitutional to the extent that they regulate outdoor advertising. ARCON’s enforcement actions were set aside and costs were awarded to the plaintiff.

Only five days later, on November 12, 2025, Justice Dashen of the Lokoja Division delivered judgment in Godec Power Nigeria Ltd v. Attorney General of the Federation and ARCON. The plaintiff took a similar position by challenging ARCON’s constitutional authority. Justice Dashen upheld the validity of the ARCON Act in full.

He held that the National Assembly has legislative competence under Items 49, 62 and 68 of the Exclusive Legislative List. He distinguished control of the physical structures used for outdoor advertising, which he accepted as falling within Local Government authority, from the regulation of advertising content and professional standards, which he held to be matters properly within federal competence. The suit was dismissed with costs against the plaintiff.

Justice Aluko relied on a strict literal approach. He held that the words of Paragraph 1(k)(i) are clear and leave no room for distinction between the advertising medium and advertising content. In his view, Local Governments control both. He relied heavily on Section 1(3) of the Constitution to strike down any part of the ARCON Act that touches outdoor advertising, and he refused to read any implied limits or distinctions into the text.

Justice Dashen approached the same issues from the opposite interpretive direction. Drawing from authorities such as A.G. Bendel v. A.G. Federation, Nafiu Rabiu v. Kano State and Ishola v. Ajiboye, he emphasised that constitutional provisions must be read as a coherent whole rather than in isolation. He examined the legislative powers of the National Assembly in detail.

Under Item 49 he held that advertising is an organised profession similar to engineering and accountancy and therefore within federal authority. Under Item 62 he held that advertising is incidental to trade and commerce and therefore within the reach of federal regulation. Under Item 68 he relied on established precedent confirming that the National As-

sembly may exercise incidental powers broadly where necessary to give effect to matters already within its jurisdiction.

The Lokoja judgment also revived the distinction between regulating the physical medium of signage and regulating advertising content and professional conduct. It held that the Constitution assigns Local Governments only the power to control physical structures and locations, leaving the regulation of content, ethics and standards to federal authorities.

The ARCON Act, with its broad definitions and emphasis on consumer protection and professional practice, fits squarely within this federal domain. Justice Dashen further noted the impracticality of requiring national advertisers to seek approval from over seven hundred Local Governments, which would create an unworkable regulatory environment.

The two decisions now stand in clear conflict. The Lagos judgment rests on a narrow reading that gives absolute priority to Paragraph 1(k)(i), while the Lokoja judgment harmonizes that paragraph with the broader legislative powers granted to the National Assembly. The holistic approach is more consistent with Supreme Court guidance in cases such as A.G. Ondo v. A.G. Federation, which insists that courts must avoid interpretations that fragment constitutional powers or frustrate national regulatory schemes where both levels of government can operate without contradiction.

The Lagos judgment raises legitimate concerns about federal overreach but does so by adopting an interpretation that is too rigid and that does not accommodate the broader constitutional framework. The Lokoja judgment offers a more coherent and workable interpretation that preserves the role of Local Governments while affirming the federal government’s authority to maintain nationwide advertising standards.

Pitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Dangote Refinery Expansion Disrupts Global Oil Market

Omolabake Fasogbon

From 650,000 to 1.4 million bpd, a capacity surge that promises to reshape supply chains and strengthen Africa’s energy influence Nigeria’s energy landscape is on the verge of a defining shift. The announcement of the planned expansion of the Dangote Petroleum refinery from its current 650,000 barrels per day capacity to an unprecedented 1.4 million barrels per day has sent ripples across global oil markets. For Nigeria’s economy, the development represents a turning point. For the global refining industry, it signals the arrival of a new heavyweight.

When completed in 2028, the enlarged refinery will rank as the world’s largest single train processing facility, surpassing India’s 1.24 million barrels per day Jamnagar refinery. For Nigeria, it marks a decisive step towards establishing itself as a global refining powerhouse. In parallel, Aliko Dangote has announced the expansion of the group’s fertiliser capacity from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per year, demonstrating an equally ambitious push in agriculture and agro-industrial value chains. Together, these projects hold far reaching economic implications for Nigeria and for the global energy and commodities markets.

To drive the refinery expansion, Dangote Group has signed a new contract with engineers India Limited. The fertiliser upgrade is also under way following a strategic agreement with the German firm thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertiliser Technology to license advanced granulation technology for four new urea units.

Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported refined products has, for decades, depleted foreign exchange reserves and intensified pressure on the naira. With the Dangote refinery already reducing the country’s import needs, the expansion

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moves Nigeria closer to a future in which the nation not only meets domestic demand but also commands an export surplus.

A refinery of 1.4 million barrels per day has the potential to eliminate billions of dollars in yearly fuel import costs. It will strengthen the balance of payments, ease persistent forex pressures, and offer a stabilising anchor for Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment. The combination of foreign exchange savings and foreign exchange inflows from refined product exports could recast the country’s financial outlook.

refining within Nigeria retains the value that crude exports release abroad. by converting local crude into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas and petrochemicals, the Dangote refinery will generate significantly higher economic value. economists anticipate considerable additions to national GDP, stronger tax revenues, and greater income from ancillary industries such as petrochemicals, logistics, maritime services and advanced manufacturing.

As petrochemical units expand, industries that rely on polymers, plastics and industrial chemicals will benefit from stronger supply, thereby deepening Nigeria’s industrial base and enhancing non-oil export potential.

The scale of the refinery and fertiliser expansion is set to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. opportunities will grow across engineering, operations, maintenance, logistics and supply chain management. International partnerships with leading engineering and technology firms will deepen skills transfer, ensuring Nigerian engineers and technicians are trained to global industrial standards.

Abundant refined products and petrochemical feedstocks will significantly reduce input costs for manufacturers in plastics, packaging, automotive components, textiles, pharmaceuticals and agroprocessing. The cost and reliability advantages

SIN e SS STO r I e S

from local supply will support Nigeria’s drive to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and expand non-oil exports.

A refinery of this size will have decisive implications for the continent. West and Central Africa rely heavily on imported fuels. With surplus capacity, the expanded Dangote refinery can serve as a reliable regional supplier, reducing exposure to global shocks and lowering transport and shipping costs. Nigeria would become an anchor of energy stability for its neighbours.

With 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, Nigeria is positioned to become Africa’s largest exporter of refined products and an influential player in regional pricing and supply arrangements. This move shifts Nigeria from dependence on crude exports to leadership in refined product markets.

The global refining system has tightened in recent years due to closures in europe and North America and slow investment in new facilities.

Ethical Professionals Key to Tax Reform Success, Says CITN President

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has stressed that the successful implementation of the new tax reforms hinges on the conduct and efficiency of tax professionals.

President of CITN, Innocent ohagwa, made this assertion at the Institute’s 2025 Fellowship Conferment and Award Dinner in Lagos recently, where 685 members were elevated to fellowship status.

The President congratulated the new Fel-

lows, reminding them that the new status conferred a greater responsibility of service and leadership, especially as the country prepares for a major, technologically driven shift in its tax administration.

He said, “The ongoing tax reforms represent one of the most robust and decisive shifts towards a more efficient tax administration in Nigeria. This new era requires more efficient, ethical, and sound tax professionals. As Fellows, you must lead the way.”

He charged all tax professionals in the country to rededicate themselves to professionalism and deepen their technical competence to ensure the reforms move from paper to practice. earlier, Chairman of the membership and Professional Conduct Committee, Dr. Yemi Sanni described the fellowship as a public affirmation of excellence and commitment to the highest ethical standards earned through years of diligent practice, continuous learning, and leadership.

Push for Effective Governance Strengthens amid Digital Tax Shift

Stakeholders who gathered for the Chief Information officer (CIo) & C-Suite Conference & Awards Africa in Lagos, recently have emphasised that robust governance frameworks are paramount to the success of Africa’s accelerating digital tax reforms and its AI-driven future.

Hence, they called for stronger collaboration, smarter infrastructure, and bolder policies to support the continent’s digital transition.

Speaking at the event, executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal revenue Service (LIrS), Dr. Ayodele Subair reiterated integrating technology in taxation, citing how digital uptake had raised Lagos revenue to up to N1 trillion IGr annually.

In his address themed “redefining Fiscal

Policy in an era of Innovation”, he asserted that the future of fiscal policy in Africa must be driven by technology, data, and effective governance.

He highlighted how the growth of e-commerce, fintech, virtual assets, mobile payments, and cross-border digital services is reshaping traditional taxation, noting governments must rethink policy and administrative structures.

“beyond investing in digital, evolve digital tax shift requires a governance model that balances innovation with inclusion, ensuring that as we expand the tax net, we do not widen the digital divide”, he said.

The conference themed ‘The Digital Tax Shift’ provided operators, experts, and regulators a

platform to explore how digital technology can navigate emerging tax structures in Nigeria and across Africa.

Convener of the conference, Abiola Laseinde remarked that despite Nigeria is home to four of Africa’s five biggest unicorns, it still lacks adequate infrastructure to fully leverage emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Infrastructure must be in place for seamless AI deployment, allowing policymakers to build systems that fully leverage and scale technology”, she stated.

President of CIo and C-Suite Club Africa, olusegun Dada informed of how CIos are blending central roles in corporate strategy to align with digital shift.

Caverton Signs MoU with Chinese University

Aviation expert, Captain Akinsete olushina, of UAv Integration Unit, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has commended Caverton offshore Support Group (CoSG) for always moving ahead of the curve in the cutting edge technology to enhance its operations.

Akinsete made this remark in Lagos yesterday, during the signing of memorandum of Understanding (moU) between Caverton Group and ShenZhen University of Information Technology (SUIT) of China on UAv ‘Drone’ production, which aims is to drive and boost technology research and development in

Nigeria. The moU focuses on the development status and market demand of the drone industry, drone standardsetting methods, and Nigeria’s policy landscape. According to him, Caverton, as a game changer in the aviation sector, was always ahead in technology and its story of growth and excellence is there for people to see.

“It is my pleasure to be here today, and it is very important what we are witnessing today. You see, with the amount of investments and fortitude that have been invested by Caverton to put up this structure at its centre and steps taken by the group from China to assist in this new venture, I can assure you that the future is UAv no doubt.”

The addition of a significant new refining hub in West Africa will alter supply and demand balances. The Dangote facility will increase global supply at a time when many Western nations are rolling back fossil fuel investments in line with energy transition goals.

This expanded capacity also strengthens geographic diversification in global refining, reducing the world’s dependence on traditional processing hubs in Asia, europe and the middle east. The refinery’s scale further signals the rising influence of emerging markets in global energy dynamics.

The additional supply of gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and petrochemicals is expected to moderate product premiums in regions that depend heavily on Atlantic basin trade flows, including West and Central Africa, Southern europe and parts of Latin America.

For the expanded refinery to operate at full capacity, Nigeria must significantly increase crude oil output. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the upstream sector, which must address issues of theft, pipeline vandalism and underinvestment in order to meet future demands.

The planned expansion of the Dangote Petroleum refinery represents more than an industrial upgrade. It marks a redefinition of Nigeria’s economic trajectory and a shift in global refining architecture. The scale of investment promises to stabilise Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment, speed up industrialisation, strengthen regional energy security and reshape global supply chains.

A 1.4 million barrels per day Dangote refinery is not only a national industrial milestone. It is a continental and global event, one that positions Nigeria at the forefront of world refining and petrochemical markets. It is a capacity surge that promises to remake supply chains and amplify Africa’s voice in the global energy system.

Pazino ECC Diversifies, Introduces New Paint Line

Pazino engineering & Construction Company, Pazino eCC has announced the launch of new line of paints, Pazino Paints designed to transform spaces and bring visions to life. manager, Public relations of the firm,ochuko okpoko explained that the latest was designed with Nigerian climate in mind, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy and protection.

okpoko reiterated the company’s commitment to the environment, informing its investment in low volatile organic Compounds(voC) paint that are safe for indoor use, affordable, quality and available in different colours to suit every taste and style.Chief executive officer of the firm, Ambassador Patrick Agbaza added that the company’s foray into paint products was a natural progression, leveraging its expertise in construction and property development. He expressed the company’s belief in spaces that inspire, which the new products were designed for.

“building on our legacy of excellence in real estate, we’re thrilled to venture into the world of paints with a product range that embodies our commitment to quality, durability, and esthetic appeal. each variant is crafted with the highest quality ingredients and rigorous testing to ensure exceptional performance, durability and finish,” he said.

for UAV Development, Training

Speaking further, he said,” It is quite clear that UAv is taking over most of the rotary aerial works. Apart from carrying passengers, most aerial works now are being done by UAvs.

“my initial visit here was at the preliminary stages and today, due to the commitment and visionary leadership of Caverton Group, I can see the transformation in terms of assembly line and training facilities.”

Akinsete was optimistic that the new venture will be a fantastic union between the two giant entities.

“We expect that something good will come out of this,” he said, as he expressed his gratitude to the team who travelled all the way from China to share their knowledge.

He wrapped up his remarks by pledging his support from the NCAA to be of assistance when the need arises. “You have our full support because that is where the future lies.”

In his welcome address, Chief operating officer (Coo), Caverton offshore Support Group (CoSG), rotimi makanjuola, thanked the August visitor for coming to Caverton Helicopters all the way from China to partner with them.

Taking his guests down the memory lane, makanjuola dived into the company’s trajectory and its exploits in marine, shipping, aviation and, lately, boats manufacturing as well as, recently, the marine arms of the Caverton Group, which unveiled the first electric ferry in Nigeria.

NASENI: Two Years Under Khalil Halilu FeATureS

Sunday ehigiator reviews the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure under the leadership of Khalil Suleiman Halilu

When Khalil Suleiman Halilu assumed office as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in September 2023, the institution stood at a critical crossroads.

Established as the engine room for Nigeria’s industrial and technological development, NASENI had long carried a reputation for promise rather than performance. Its mandate was vast, its potential immense, but its impact on daily life and the wider economy remained limited.

Two years later, an unmistakable transformation has taken root. NASENI today is referenced in presidential speeches, endorsed by state governments, courted by global investors, and celebrated by engineers, farmers, innovators, students, pilots, and manufacturers.

Across 36 states and the FCT, its footprint is visible in restored tractors, solar-powered farms, women drone pilots, CNG conversion centres, electric vehicles, diagnostic kits, defence technologies, smart devices, STEM classrooms, agritech parks, and national innovation hubs.

The agency’s evolution from an institution of prototypes to a driver of national transformation is captured in its guiding mantra: ‘From Policy to Action’. But beyond slogans, the past two years reveal a deeper story; a story of reform, discipline, innovation, and impact driven by a young technocrat determined to prove that Nigeria can build what it needs and compete with the world.

The Institutional Reforms

One of the most dramatic shifts under Halilu was the introduction of a performance-based governance culture that tied the agency’s operational rhythm to measurable outcomes.

At the heart of this transformation was the decision to implement a 100 per cent budget reorientation tied strictly to deliverables. For the first time in the agency’s history, every project had a timeline, a responsible team, a measurable output, and a clear justification tied to national priorities.

Complementing this approach were five institutional frameworks created to provide strategic clarity. The Accelerated Technology Transfer Strategy opened pathways for sourcing global technologies, localising them, and rapidly adapting them to Nigeria’s needs.

The Green Economy Roadmap aligned NASENI’s work with Nigeria’s sustainability goals. The Innovation-to-Commercialisation Framework finally bridged the age-old gap between research outputs and market-ready products.

The 3Cs Blueprint, centred on Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation, gave the agency a unified identity. And the deployment of a full Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system introduced transparency and digital governance into every arm of operations.

To strengthen execution, the agency created Project and Implementation Management Offices that ensured that initiatives no longer stalled after procurement or design but moved swiftly to delivery. This suite of reforms, taken together, birthed what NASENI staff now describes as “the NASENI way”: a disciplined, accountable, innovation-driven culture focused on national impact.

Rise of Indigenous Products

Perhaps the clearest evidence of NASENI’s transformation lies in the products it has developed, commercialised, and pushed into the Nigerian market. Within two years, the agency announced the commercialisation of 44 indigenous products, many of which were already in active use across the country.

In the energy sector, NASENI’s innovations include solar irrigation pumps, solar panels, cookstoves, and smart meters. These technologies are now central to national debates on reducing diesel dependence, boosting rural agriculture, pursuing cleaner energy, and empowering women.

The solar pumps, in particular, became one of NASENI’s shining stars; a solution that cuts irrigation costs by up to seventy per cent and has been approved by the National Economic Council for nationwide deployment.

In the mobility sector, NASENI’s work on electric tricycles, electric pickup vans, electric motorcycles, and CNG conversion centres has positioned the agency as a key player in Nigeria’s shift to clean mobility. NASENI’s CNG centres in Abuja, along with its training of engineers in conversion technology, became a major catalyst for the government’s national gas transition plan.

The health sector felt NASENI’s impact through the establishment of the NASENI-Troment Rapid Diagnostics Factory in Abuja, capable of producing world-class rapid diagnostic kits. Assistive technologies for people living with disabilities also emerged from the agency’s engineering clusters.

In ICT and STEM, NASENI introduced a wave of digital tools, from tablets and laptops to educational kits and the innovative HatchBox STEM Lab; now used by teachers and students across states.

Infrastructure That Shapes the Future

Beyond manufacturing products, NASENI under Halilu executed more than 55 national projects, each designed to address structural problems facing Nigeria’s economy and society.

One of the most significant is the 40-hectare Solar Industrial Park in Nasarawa, designed to become a renewable energy hub capable of creating up to 4,000 jobs and powering industries in the North Central region. The project aligns with NASENI’s broader green economy roadmap.

Another is the CNG Reverse Engineering Centre in Abuja, which has already trained hundreds of engineers as Nigeria intensifies its transition away from petrol and diesel.

But the most ambitious project of this era may be the National Asset Restoration Programme, a bold effort to revive Nigeria’s broken-down agricultural machinery. With over fifty-five thousand abandoned tractors across the country, NASENI moved swiftly, restoring more than one thousand units within months.

This intervention saved states billions of naira, revived mechanised farming, and unlocked immediate agricultural productivity. States such as Borno publicly announced an agricultural revival after the agency restored their fleets.

NASENI also advanced the aviation and defence sector through NASCAV Technologies, which delivered Nigeria’s first UAV School and facilities for aircraft recovery. Work on helicopter components, unmanned vehicles, and defence equipment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and DICON, expanded Nigeria’s local content in national security.

Empowering Citizens through Technology

NASENI’s transformation under Halilu has also been deeply people-centred, with empowerment programmes cutting across gender, geography, discipline, and skill levels.

The SheFly Programme became widely celebrated for training rural women farmers in drone operation and maintenance, providing them with new tools for precision agriculture, mapping, and surveillance.

The DELT-Her Women in Engineering Fund grew dramatically, from barely over one hundred applicants in its first edition to almost ten thousand in its second. Grants were increased to help more women pursue engineering education, build startups, and participate in research. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

How CBN’s Reforms, Monetary Policy Decisions Support Reserves, Tackle Inflation

James emejo

Nigeria’s inflation rate has continued to cool, falling to 16.05 per cent in October from 18.02 per cent in September 2025.

The inflation rate drop was largely driven by the monetary policy decisions and positive outcome of key reforms instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which triggered continued FX stability, a spike in foreign reserves to $46.7 billion. CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, highlighted the positive impact of monetary policy decisions, including making the naira more competitive at international markets, and improving the investment climate for global investors.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says structural reforms are beginning to filter through to the broader economy, helping to stabilise the naira, ease lending rates and moderate inflation numbers.

For the bank, the recent monetary policy actions reflect a deliberate strategy to restore macroeconomic stability after years of fiscal and external pressures.

These developments reflect the commitment and focus of the Bank’s leadership in restoring stability to the financial system, adding that lower lending rates are emerging as one of the tangible outcomes of the CBN’s policy trajectory.

The CBN said alignment of fiscal and monetary policies is indispensable at a time when technological innovation and digital finance are rapidly transforming the financial landscape.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) retained the benchmark interest rate at 27 per cent during the last meeting in Abuja.

The central bank, however, adjusted the standing facility corridor around the MPR at +50/-450 basis points, and retain the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) at 45 per cent, merchant banks at 16 per cent, and 75 per cent for non-TSA public sector deposits as well as kept the Liquidity Ratio unchanged at 30 per cent.

Addressing journalists after the two-day meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – the last for 2025 – CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the committee’s decision was underpinned by the need to sustain the progress made so far towards achieving low and stable inflation.

The MPC also reaffirmed its commitment to a data-driven assessment of developments and outlook to guide future policy decisions.

Already, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that in October 2025, Inflation reduced to 16.05 per cent from 18.02 per cent in September 2025. This was contained in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report of October.

NBS said, “In October 2025, the Headline inflation rate eased to 16.05 per cent relative to the September 2025 headline inflation rate of 18.02 per cent.”

On a year-on-year basis, NBS said the Headline inflation rate was 17.82 per cent lower than the rate recorded in October 2024 (33.88 per cent).

The report said this shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in October 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., October 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.

NBS added, “On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in October 2025 was 0.93 per cent, which was 0.21 per cent higher than the rate recorded in September 2025 (0.72 per cent).

“This means that in October 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than the rate of increase in the average price level in September 2025.”

The ongoing moderation in the inflation rate, rising competitiveness of the naira and growth in foreign reserves all point to a positive phase in Nigeria’s economic position.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

relied on these indicators to project a 3.9 per cent growth for Nigeria in 2025, as well as expanded stability in the FX markets.

The FX reforms, instituted by the Olayemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), new policies instituted by the Federal Government to boost local production, reduce forex demand pressure, and lessen domestic prices have been instrumental to macroeconomic stability.

The expectations are that the apex bank sustains the forex reforms while the fiscal authority strengthens efforts at enhancing FX earnings, especially from gas, oil and non-oil exports.

State of the Naira

The naira has achieved a notable milestone, strengthening by 3.5 per cent against the U.S. dollar over the past ten months, reaching N1,450/$ at the parallel market. This recovery, though modest, signals a crucial shift, driven by coordinated adjustments to fiscal and monetary policies by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The start of the year saw the Naira trading at around N1,555/$. However, a brief period of instability saw the rate slip to a high of N1,597/$ by the end of April. The subsequent six months were marked by intense policy intervention. The naira briefly firmed up at N1,475/$ in October 2025 at the official market before settling at N1,500/$ at the parallel market yesterday, marking a 3.5 per cent gain from the January starting point.

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso says naira is turning the corner, and becoming more competitive in the international markets.

He said Nigeria’s economy has been fully restructured and is now resilient, with huge buffers against global risks.

He spoke during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) press briefing at the ongoing IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, US. Cardoso, who is the leader of the Nigeria delegation at the meetings, said the naira, has equally emerged as a competitive currency, with the economy witnessing positive trade

balances and large businesses moving from imports to export of locally produced goods and commodities.

According to him, the positive economic indicators have combined to create resilient and strong buffers, keeping the economy in great shapes.

Speaking on the impact of the trade tariffs on the domestic economy, the CBN boss, said the tariffs are less of problems for the country.

“And for us again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed to the tariffs, and the impact of that was relatively modest. We now have a more competitive currency with the results that, for once, we have a situation where we have a positive balance of trade surplus, and we expect it to be six per cent in GDP for some time,” he said.

“So basically, what is happening is a complete restructuring of the economy, where we are encouraging people to go into domestic production, and, of course, discouraging imports,” he added.

“And I think we were very fortunate, because a lot of the things that were needed to have been done, we did them much earlier, and as a result of that, we’re able to create resilience and buffers against potential shocks,” he stated.

Views from other stakeholders

The Director-General, the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) Dr. Baba Musa, has called on government to ensure that 3.9 per cent growth for Nigeria in 2025 translate to decent jobs, rising incomes, improved productivity, and broader social welfare.

In his report presented at the recently concluded 2025 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC, titled: “Nigeria’s Economic Outlook at a Turning Point”, he said as Nigeria moves further into 2025, Nigeria’s economic story is one of resilience, renewal, and strategic recalibration.

Musa, who is also the President, Nigerian Economic Society, said Nigeria’s economic trajectory is increasingly encouraging with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.9 per cent in 2025, up from 3.5 per cent in 2024, with further acceleration to 4.2 per cent in 2026.

Musa said Nigeria in 2025 is at a critical inflection point, cautiously optimistic yet structurally fragile.

“Gains in growth, inflation moderation, and investment confidence mark important progress, but the work is far from complete.

To sustain the recovery, Nigeria must maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen structural reforms, and ensure that growth translates into tangible improvements for citizens. Achieving this requires collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and development partners,” he said.

According to him, by committing to policy consistency, human capital investment, and inclusive growth, Nigeria can consolidate its recovery and emerge as a more competitive, resilient, and equitable economy in the years ahead.

“Globally, economies are grappling with slowing growth, projected at 2.7% in 2025 by the IMF for advanced economies, and heightened geopolitical risks that affect trade and investment. Against this backdrop, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable determination. Domestically, inflationary pressures, infrastructure deficits, and unemployment persist, yet they now represent policy frontiers rather than defining constraints,” he said.

Musa said recent policy measures, ranging from fiscal consolidation to targeted monetary adjustments, have laid the groundwork for a sustainable growth trajectory.

“The real test, however, lies not only in achieving stability but in ensuring that it translates into tangible socio-economic outcomes: decent jobs, rising incomes, improved productivity, and broader social welfare. If Nigeria deepens reforms, invests strategically in human capital, and leverages its structural advantages, the country can achieve not only recovery but inclusive and durable economic transformation,” he said.

He said the growth for Nigeria is underpinned by stronger oil production following operational improvements and policy reforms in the petroleum sector.

“Recovery in services, particularly telecommunications, financial services, and transport, reflecting resilient domestic demand. Improved agricultural output, thanks to favorable weather patterns and government support for mechanization and inputs,” he said. He said the recent GDP rebasing has also given a more accurate reflection of the economy, capturing growth in high-potential sectors such as digital services, modular refining, and the creative industries. This expanded view highlights opportunities for job creation, innovation, and revenue generation that were previously underappreciated.

According to him, inflation remains elevated but is gradually moderating.

“Headline inflation declined to 18.02 per cent in September 2025, down from 20.12 per cent in August, reflecting improved food supply, seasonal harvests, and targeted interventions in the energy market.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s interest rate cut, the first since 2020, signals a nuanced policy shift: a deliberate effort to balance price stability with growth and employment objectives. This approach is consistent with modern macroeconomic management, where inflation targeting is tempered by the need to stimulate investment and production in key sectors,” he said.

“Investor sentiment is improving, illustrated by Shell’s approval of the HI Offshore Gas Project, expected to supply 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Nigeria LNG. Economically, such projects deliver multiplier effects: they stimulate domestic suppliers, create high-skill and semi-skilled jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable energy hub in Africa. They also enhance balance of payments stability, by promoting export-oriented production,” he said.

Other steps to support economy

The CBN under Cardoso is cultivating multiple FX sources to increase dollar inflows, boost dollar access to manufacturers and retail end users.

From moves to improve diaspora remittances through new product development, the granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller FX model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs, the apex bank has simplified dollar-inflow channels for authorized dealers and other players in the value chain.

GLOBAL SOCCER GLOBAL SOCCER

Be N j A m IN Fre D er I ck S HATT ere D Dre

A m

WhenNigeriaparticipatedintheUnityCupinMay,SuperEaglesHeadCoach,EricChelle feltitwasonlyfairtogiveBenjaminFredrickachanceconsideringthatthecompetitionwas being held at Community Stadium where the former Flying Eagles star has played some gamesforBrentford.The20-year-oldindeedgrabbedtheopportunitywithbothhandsand has since made the Super Eagles centre back position his birthright, displacing the team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong in the process. However, his dream of making a name for himself at next month’s AFCON, after a knee injury knocked him out of the biennial tournament,isupintheair

After warming himself into the hearts of soccer loving Nigerians with some scintillating performances for the Super Eagles, FCV Dender EH defender, Benjamin Frederick was already dreaming of making a name for himself and country at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations billed for Morocco, but that dream would never come to pass after being ruled out of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

The 20-year-old has been a revelation to the Green and Whites since getting his maiden invitation to the senior team back in May.

Given that the Unity Cup was hosted by Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, it only made sense for Eric Chelle to give a call-up to the young Brentford defender.

The Simoiben Academy graduate played 90 minutes as Nigeria secured a victory in the penalty shoot-out against Jamaica after a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Since his debut, Frederick has started all six of Nigeria’s competitive games, and the Super Eagles haven’t lost in regular time every time he’s featured.

The Brentford loanee played 120 minutes in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon, before replicating the same against DR Congo during the November International break.

However, he looked jaded towards the end of the game, and even had muscular cramps, but he continued the game as the Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams ended.

Eyebrows were raised when Frederick missed Dender’s 2-1 against Royal Antwerp last weekend.

It has now been discovered that he missed the game due to a knee injury. The 20-yearold will miss the entirety of the 2025 AFCON tournament to focus on his recovery.

Frederick’s injury is a big blow for Eric Chelle, who’s grown fond of the youngster. Ekong has seen his spot in the Super Eagles’ first 11 displaced since the Brentford man broke.

The 20-year-old, one of the most consistent performers under head coach Eric Chelle, reportedly sustained the injury during training on Friday with Belgian Pro League side FCV Dender EH, where he is on loan from Premier League outfit, Brentford.

The news was confirmed by Oluwashina Okeleji, who revealed on Tuesday via his X handle that the injury will sideline the defender until after the tournament.

“Brentford FC’s Nigeria defender Benjamin Fredrick set to miss AFCON 2025 with knee injury picked up in training at Belgian club Dender on Friday,” Okeleji reported.

“Expected to return to action after the tournament. The rising star started his country’s last six games under Eric Chelle.”

Since making his senior debut in the Unity Cup against Jamaica on 31 May, a match Nigeria won 5–4 on penalties after a 2–2 draw, the defender has become one of Chelle’s most trusted players. He has started six consecutive matches for Nigeria, showing versatility and maturity while slotting in at both centre-back and right-back.

He also featured for the entire 120 minutes in Nigeria’s tense CAF World Cup playoff games against Gabon and DR Congo, underlining

his growing importance to the national team setup.

His impressive run made him a near-certain inclusion in the AFCON preliminary list expected this week, until injury struck at the worst possible moment.

Beyond the national team, the injury complicates things for Dender, who sit bottom of the Belgian Pro League with eight points from 15 matches. Fredrick, who has made 14 league appearances this season, starting 10, has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult campaign.

He has now missed the club’s last three fixtures against Royal Antwerp, Westerlo, and Standard Liège. Ironically, Dender finally secured their first win of the season, a 2–1 victory over Antwerp, on a day he wasn’t listed among the injured players.

With Fredrick now ruled out until 2026, the club must find defensive alternatives as they continue their fight for survival.

For Nigeria, this is more than just a personnel loss, it’s the loss of a young defender who had seamlessly transitioned into international

football and brought fresh steel into the Eagles’ backline. His composure, versatility, and physical presence were set to be valuable assets at AFCON 2025.

Fredrick’s composed style, aerial dominance and tactical awareness have convinced Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who has boldly selected him ahead of experienced captain Troost-Ekong in recent months. The former Flying Eagles star also delivered standout performances in both the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Playoff matches, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young defenders in Africa.

Speaking after his commanding performance against Gabon and how quickly he has warmed himself into the hearts of Nigerian football fans: “I’m happy Nigerians appreciate what I’m doing, but for me, this is just the beginning. I’m learning every day. I thank the coaches and my teammates for believing in me. My job is simple—defend well, stay focused, and help the team qualify for the World Cup.”

The young defender, who kept superstar

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet for most of the match, said he prepared mentally for that challenge:

“Aubameyang is a top striker with so much experience. I knew I had to stay switched on for 120 minutes. It wasn’t easy, but defending big players is what makes you grow.

“We fight for each other. Even when Gabon equalised late, nobody panicked. We stayed calm and trusted our quality. That mentality is what took us through extra time, and we must keep that energy for DR Congo.”

When asked about the overwhelming love from fans at home and abroad, he smiled:

“Nigerians are passionate. Their support means everything to us. We feel it. I promise to keep giving 100% every time I wear this jersey. I’m just getting started.”

Nigeria must now prepare for the tournament without one of its most exciting emerging talents.

As a rising star has been halted, disrupting a national team plan, the young defender is now forced to watch Africa’s biggest stage from the sidelines.

Promoter Warns Anthony Joshua on Consequence of Losing to Jake Paul

Promoter Eddie Hearn cannot imagine Anthony Joshua losing to Jake Paul, but said: “If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire, I think we should all retire. So, AJ the weight of boxing is on your shoulders”.

He expects Joshua to halt Paul within two rounds at most. The boxing world would come to a shuddering, and in Eddie Hearn’s view, terminal halt if Jake Paul were to beat Anthony Joshua. Paul, once a YouTuber and now a fighter, is boxing Joshua on December 19 in Miami. Joshua of course is an Olympic gold medallist, a two-time heavyweight world champion, and by far the bigger man of the pair. His skill level and experience vastly

overshadow Paul’s, who has had 13 professional fights and operates around the cruiserweight limit. Losing to Paul would be a disaster for Joshua, and become a stain on his legacy. But his promoter Hearn cannot see that happening. Joshua and Paul come faceto-face for the first time ahead of their fight in Miami on December 19. “He is a top 50, in the world, cruiserweight,” Hearn said of Paul. “He is a legitimate cruiserweight now. I just don’t think he’s world class and I don’t think there’s any non-world class cruiserweight that can step up to heavyweight and beat Anthony Joshua. “Maybe I’m wrong. If I’m wrong, I think my time’s up. Not just AJ and me retire, I think we shouldallretire. So,AJ the weight

of boxing is on your shoulders, my man!” Hearn naturally expects Joshua to dispose of Paul quickly. “I really believe this is going to be a straightforward obliteration,” the promoter told Sky Sports. “This is a real fight. This is a sanctioned contest. “It is completely illegal to have any kind of agreement of how the fight would play out. “Fair play to Jake Paul. He’s signed up for a real fight,” he continued. “Within less than a minute of that fight he is going to think to himself: ‘What on earth have I done here?’And more importantly: ‘What am I going to do?’ “There is absolutely no escape forJakePaul in this fight… You will find out very quickly what this game is all about. And it will not be pleasant for you.” It’s not clear yet what for AJ would constitute success.

Fulham Boss u nconvince with Chukwueze’s p erformance for Starting Shirt

Fulhamcoach,MarcoSilvahas explained that he still needs to see more brilliant performances from Samuel Chukwueze before he can give the forward an increase in game time.

Chukwueze joined Fulham fromAC Milan in a season-long loan on the last day of the summer transfer window. However, his start to life at the club has been slow.

All six of his appearances so far have come off the bench. His most recent outing, however, showcased his real quality.

Chukwueze entered the fixture in the 64th minute and changed the complexion of the

game completely. He quickly took up the mantle of being the tormentor-in-chief for the Cottagers and eventually supplied the assist for Raúl Jiménez’s lone goal.

Given that performance, it would be expected that Chukwueze would earn a more prominent role on the team in the coming weeks.

However, Fulham coach Marco Silva, while appreciative of Chukwueze’s efforts, maintains that the Super Eagles star needs to do more before he becomes a regular starter.

“If you look in three months, how many times he was out of

this club was too long for a new player,” Silva said, per Jack Kelly.

“I have the privilege to see him in the sessions, doing the type of things that he adds differently for us – creativity, last pass, last definition. “I’m pleased with him, but I have to see more. It’s not his fault that I have to see more. I think all the context didn’t give us the chance to see more.

“I need to see more in session and more time in games to see the adaptation for the intensity, for the aggressiveness in the right way that PL demands from players.

He is a very good player I knew before. That he has the talent I knew before.”

Okoye Left unimpressed with result Despite penalty

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was left disheartened following his side’s loss to Bologna in the Serie A yesterday. The 26-year-old was left on the bench in both of Nigeria’s games during the 2026 FIFAWorld Cup qualifiers against Gabon and DR Congo. Abrace from Tommaso Pobega and a 94th-minute strike from Federico Bernadeschi confined Udinese to their fifth league loss this season. However, Okoye denied Riccardo Orsolini from 12 yards earlier in the game,

but that didn’t matter much as his side were swept out of the way in front of their fans. After the defeat against Bologna, the former Watford goalkeeper was delighted to have parried his first penalty in Serie A, but the final result left a bittersweet aftertaste. “I’m happy for the penalty save, but not for the match, which we had started well anyway,” the 26-year-old said in quotes revealed by Udinese’s official website. “That’s football: I saved a penalty, but then I made a mistake on the

second goal. “We have to move on and analyse the good and the least good things we do today. “Are we the worst defence? We risk often; this is our football. We win, but we also lose like this. We need to improve on defence. I have to improve first. “Mistakes are part of the game, but we have to reduce them. It’s important to learn from thesemistakes.“Infootball,themost importantthingistheresult,butwe also want to play well. “We have to stick together and think about the next game,” the Super Eagles goalkeeper concluded.

Chelsea, Arsenal to be Broadcast Live on SuperSport

The London derby and top-of-the-table clash between Chelsea and Arsenal is the pick of the Premier League fixtures on SuperSport’s live broadcast this weekend. The weekend will also see DStv and GOtv customers enjoy open access to tom’s Premier League matches down to GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga packages.

Today’s matches begin at 4:00 p.m. with Manchester hosting Leeds. This game along with all the premier matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

Everton meet Newcastle at 6:30 p.m. as the Toffees chase a third consecutive victory. Newcastle, despite beating City

last weekend, stumble into this fixture after a midweek Champions League loss to Marseille. The day ends with Tottenham against Fulham at 9:00 p.m., with Spurs searching for their first win in four matches across all competitions. Sunday’s fixtures begin at 1:00 p.m. with Crystal Palace hosting Manchester United. At 3:05 p.m., West Ham take on Liverpool.

UBO Champion

‘ID Buster’ to Battle Ghana’s Dodoo

Reigning UBO (Africa) light-heavyweight champion, Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu, will return to the ring in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, as he faces Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo at GOtv Boxing Night 34. The encounter is one of the six line up for the event that will hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square on 26 December.

The blockbuster encounter, billed as one of the headline fights of the event, will bring together two fierce West African rivals with contrasting but equally compelling storylines. Idowu, Nigeria’s rising knockout specialist, enters the fight riding a wave of momentum after his emphatic title defence earlier in the year. His explosive style and growing fan base make him a potential standout attraction at GOtv Boxing Night.

Dodoo, on the other hand, will go into the bout with a reputation for durability and tactical discipline, qualities that have made him one of Ghana’s most respected light- heavyweights. His camp has already described the fight as “a statement opportunity” and promised to halt Idowu’s ascent.

Speaking in Lagos, Idowu said he welcomes the challenge and sees the bout as another step toward global recognition.

“I respect Dodoo, but on fight night, respect ends at the bell. I’m ready to give fans a per- formance they won’t forget,” he said.

Organisers, Flykite Produc- tions, say GOtv Boxing Night 34 is designed to deliver a festive- season spectacle, featuring elite match-ups, emerging talent and top-tier entertainment. With Nigeria–Ghana boxing rivalries historically producing fireworks, expectations are high thattheIdowu–Dodooshowdown will be the night’s most electrifying contest and possibly a springboard toward bigger international op- portunities for the victor.

Scramble for Spots Intensify at Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Governor’s Belt Showdown

The race to secure places in the prestigious 2025 Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Governor’s Belt intensifies this weekend, as fighters step into the ring for the November Monthly Championships. Today, the Agege Stadium will host a fierce contest where boxers battle for coveted slots in the end-of-year Governor’s Belt bouts.

With competition heating up, every punch will carry the weight of ambition, as athletes aim to prove themselves wor- thy of a place in one of Nigeria’s most respected grassroots boxing events.

LBHF’s monthly champion- ship will deliver fireworks this weekend as three female bouts and seven male contests headline the card.

In the women’s category, Mis- tura Otenaike of Surulere will slug it out with Aina Adekiwonsa of Lagos Island in the 48kg division. Eniola Idowu faces Oyindamola Agboola in the 45kg class, while an exhibition bout will see Zainab Ibrahim of Queen Elizabeth Junior Secondary School take on Peculiar Ifemaye of Glory International School, Agbado, in the 27kg class.

The men’s contests promise fierce action. The opening bout pits Kareem Yusuf of Amuwo

against Olamide Bello of Yaba in the 53kg category. In the 60kg division, Kola Ogunsemore of Lagos Mainland battles Qudus Akinwande of Badagry, while Ganiu Ayomide of Agboyi Ketu faces Daniel Nkem of Oshodi in another clash at the same weight. Other bouts include Seun Habu vs Fasosi Paisol in the 70kg, Christian Obi vs Paul Melvin in the 85kg, and Victor Okagbue vs Daniel Nwose in the 90kg. In the men’s exhibition contest, Modeed Omotayo of Layeni Ju- nior Secondary School will square off against Michael Adedapo of Julius International School in the 30kg division.

Festac Bulls Win AmuwoGames 2025 as Festival Ends in Style

The 5th edition of AmuwoGames came to an exciting close on Sunday as the Festac Bulls emerged overall champions at a vibrant ceremony held at ImanTheCollege. closing event, which ran from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, was attended by key dignitaries including Hon. Stella Osafile (Lagos State House ofAssembly, Amuwo Odofin 1), Adegoke-AdeyemoOluwaseyi (Publisher, Inside Watch Africa), represen- tatives of festival sponsors, and Miss Chinyere of the Lagos State

SportsFestacCommission. Bulls topped the medal table with 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze, followed by GRARhinos (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze) and Mile 2 Hawks (3 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze).

This year’s festival, which recorded over 50,000 participants, was held under the theme “Cancel Scam Culture”, a message that strongly resonated with youth athletes and emphasised hard work and integrity.

The football tournament also featured major cash prizes, with

500,000, 300,000, and 200,000 awarded to the top three teams by the tournament sponsor. Organisers thanked the com- munity, sponsors, and the Lagos State Sports Commission for their support, noting that AmuwoGames continues to promote grassroots talent, discipline, and unity in Amuwo Odofin. According to Seun Ayeni, founder and chief convener of Amuwo Games, 16 tournaments took place, which includes foot- ball, cycling, chess, gravel among others.

Government College Ughelli, FGCW Dominate GCU Relays

Government College Ughelli and Federal Government College, Warri, delivered record-breaking performances at the seventh edition of the GCU Relays at the weekend, whilst emerging as the overall champions in both the Boys and Girls categories.

At the highly competitive one-day Inter–collegiate Ath- letics Meet, former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Navy Commodore (rtd) Nesiama Omatseye, deployed his many

years of experience and expertise gained from active participation at World Athletics Events to deliver a first-class execution of the GCU Nesiama,Relays. who served as the Meet Technical Director, ensured that accurate times returned were well documented, including the Sub 10 secs achieved by Govern- ment College Ughelli. Stepson Osiokor not only propelled the host to crowning glory, but also clinched the Victor Ludorum Trophy.

The Victrix Ludorum trophy

was awarded toAgbadobi Nwa- baku of Novena University Staff School, Ogume. Her sterling performance wasn’t enough to prevent Federal Government College, Warri, from carting home the overall best trophy award for Girls.

Whilst star of the moment Stepson Osiokor dominated the sprints and anchored the Relays for GCU, Agbadobi not only swept the sprints but anchored Novena School to the Girls’ 4×100m Relay.

60TH ANNUAL BANKERS’ DINNER...

L-R: Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, at CIBN 60th Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos…yesterday

OKEY IKECHUKWU

EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Olabayo and the Possibility of a Cataclysm

President Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency on Security. Then what? Yes, what next and what does that boil down to at the end of the day? I hope it will, by some magic, make locals give more intel to the military, paramilitary and security agencies. I also hope that it will translate into greater supply of the right types of arms and ammunition, as well as more drone-driven military interventions, to our fighting forces.

Whether it does any of the above or not, the undeniable fact before us today is that the Nigerian State stands challenged in ways that it has never been challenged before. Every aspect of the decade-old security crisis is expanding in scope, frequency, dimension and audacity. In particular, the sudden spike in kidnapping, abductions and outright murders within the last the last few weeks leaves one wondering whether this is a deliberately organized upsurge, to reinforce what Donal Trump of the United Staes said about Nigeria. Is the government, and Nigeria, being set up to appear generally ungoverned and ungovernable today?

If yes, why? If not, are there other forces at play Here, that are feeding off our misdeeds over the years and inflicting just recompense on all and sundry?

Primate Theophilus Olabayo, head of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh and renowned cleric who has made many correct predictions about Nigeria in the last four decades ominously declared, a few weeks ago: “Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpower”.

He asked Nigerians to expect an increase in security problems and criminal acts across the country. He spoke of more hunger, the

effects of endemic corruption and how the last three months of this year may take us on a path, or paths, not contemplated by anyone. He warned about the possibility of hunger, unemployment, anger, general hardship, and the accompanying frustration spiraling into chaos. And he urged the government to quickly take steps to avert what he sees as clear and present dangers.

In his exact words, as published in Thisday Newspaper three weeks ago, “… there are powerful people, even within his (Tinubu’s) party, sponsoring instability ahead of 2027. The president must act quickly because between now and January, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. If we are not careful, hunger and anger will destroy this country”.

He spoke of religious killing, pointing

out that everyone is now affected; both Christians and Muslims. “It’s more of a general insecurity problem”, he said. Continuing, he added: “Armed robbers and other criminal elements have worsened the situation. Nigeria is in a hopeless condition”.

Continuing still, Olabayo said: “The President himself must lead by example… If we don’t, there will be unrest, even war, between the rich and the poor. Our lawmakers, too, must make sacrifices. But instead, they are flaunting wealth; building mansions, buying cars, and acquiring property at home and abroad. It will get to a point where people will sell their children just to survive. Poverty is only beginning”.

He added: “We must be our brothers’ keepers and be honest with ourselves. Corruption must end, and we must fear God. Some of the people behind these atrocities are within the security system, using it to enrich themselves. There must be total cleansing”. Then he concluded, as reported in the aforementioned newspaper: “Our leaders must sacrifice for the good of the nation. They know those behind terrorism and killings; they should arrest them and cleanse the system. If they take bold action, Nigeria will rise again”.

And I add; He who has ears to hear…

If we take the security issues outside the domain of Primate Olabayo’s telling, and almost self-fulfilling, pronouncement, we can see that the unbelievable rise in security and related challenges today demand desperate and honest measures. So, I ask, is there anything new to be said to Mr. President about solutions that he has not been told, perhaps several times, before?

In an article which appeared on this page on 20th January, 2024, titled, “Mr. President, Arm Your People”. That was

two years ago.

The article began thus: “Our people say that a father who allows his son to enter the village square for a wrestling contest and then enforces a family rule of not grappling with anyone in public has guaranteed the defeat of his son, even before the latter’s opponent is known. That appears to be the position of the average Nigerian today. Thus, except the Federal Government urgently reviews the existing policy on arms possession in Nigeria, the nation’s growing reputation as a mass killing field will become its marker, and identity trademark”.

The article spoke of how Miyetti Allah set up a Nomadic Vigilante Group in Nasarawa State, a spitting distance of the Presidential Villa. The reason for setting up the organization was “to help improve national security”. The article asked: “If reason and common sense are not being stood on their heads here, why should Miyetti Allah’s expression of “shared commitment to economic prosperity, job creation, and the fight against banditry and cattle rustling” not start in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno and Bauchi states”.

Pointing out that these states had the highest negative security indices, extremely high poverty ratings and every other thing that diminishes life in Nigeria today, the article had this to say: “If, as stated by the initiators of the vigilante programme, part of the reasons for setting up the group is to “help flush out the bad elements among them in the state”, the question WHY NASARAWA STATE? Still remains.