THURSDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Enugu Wins N100m Model Green State Award, as Oluremi Tinubu Unveils Nationwide RHI Green Nigeria Challenge

Says State is clean Mrs. Mbah: We’ll keep pushing

Enugu State has bagged a N100 million award as the cleanest state in Nigeria, as

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge. The challenge is a nationwide environmental competition

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ENUGU WINS N100M RENEWED HOPE MODEL GREEN STATE AWARD...

L-R: Wife of the Deputy President of the Senate, Hajia Laila Barau; Wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas; Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah; Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Amb. Dr. Olufolake AbdulRasaq; Wife of Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, during the presentation of a cheque for N100m and award to Enugu State as Model Green State by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), at the unveiling of its Green Nigeria Challenge during the 3rd Quarter High Level Meeting with State First Ladies/RHI Coordinators, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wednesday

challenge at the quarterly meeting with Wives of State

aimed at encouraging families, youth groups, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental cleanliness. Mrs. Tinubu unveiled the Continued on page 9

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday asked the federal government to carry out a comprehensive audit of power sector infrastructure and After Another Grid Failure, NLC Demands Audit of Power Sector Infrastructure

Continued on page 9

ADC Celebrates as INEC Confirms David Mark National Chairman, Aregbesola Secretary

Opposition party to Senate, Akpabio: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has lapsed, further obstruction abusive Says Senate’s treatment of female senator may further hinder women’s political participation

Accuses APC of stifling opposition in Lagos 2027: Electoral body, stakeholders decry premature political campaigns

Yakubu: It undermines INEC’s ability to track campaign finance limits

and Sunday

in Lagos

Democratic Congress

(ADC) yesterday hailed the confirmation of David Mark as its National Chairman and

L-R: Group Managing Director of UTM FLNG Ltd, Mr. Julius Rone, OFR, and Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr.

discussing gas in focus at GASTECH in Milan, yesterday

NUPRC Approves 94 Decommissioning, Abandonment Plans,

Total FDP

Liabilities

Hit $4.4bn

in Two

Years

Secures over $400m in pre-sale obligations Commission vows to ensure safeguarded divestment, smooth assets sale transition Compliance with industry audits mandatory, says NEITI

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday disclosed that it has approved 94 Decommissioning and Abandonment (D&A) plans since April 2023, representing total liabilities of $4.424 billion, arising from all Field Development Plans (FDPs) submitted within this period.

The commission stated that this was done in strict alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, explaining that these liabilities would be remitted progressively over the production life of the respective fields into designated escrow accounts.

The Chief Executive of the commission, Gbenga Komolafe, who made the disclosure during his remarks at the Nigerian Extractive In-

dustries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Companies Forum in Lagos, explained that over $400 million in decommissioning liabilities had already been secured by the organisation.

Maintaining that the NUPRC under him was setting stricter rules for recent asset transfers, Komolafe who was represented by the Deputy Director, Human Resources, Corporate Services & Administration, Efemona Bassey, noted that Nigeria was applying lessons from costly global divestment cases to safeguard its oil and gas sector.

Komolafe spoke on the theme: “Divestments, Liabilities, and the Impact of Ongoing Reforms on Extractive Companies in Nigeria,” a statement in Abuja by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu stated.

The NUPRC chief said the

commission had drawn lessons of divestments from the North Sea, where decommissioning was estimated at £27 billion by 2032; the Gulf of Mexico costing over $9 billion and in Canada’s Alberta, where more than 97,000 inactive or abandoned wells now carry

an estimated decommissioning and abandonment cost of between C$30 billion and C$70 billion.

In Australia, Komolafe stated that Northern Oil & Gas Australia in 2019 left behind liabilities of more than AU$200 million.

He stated that the lessons from these experiences guided the recent divestment approv- als from NAOC to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; SPDC to Renaissance Africa Energy; and TotalEnergies to Telema Energies. He added: “Without a robust and enforceable framework for abandonment and decommissioning, divestment transitions can create lasting financial and environmental burdens.

Afreximbank Launches New Entity to Promote Large-scale Trade in Value-added Goods

Nume Ekeghe

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched the African Trade and Distribution Company (ATDC) to catalyse large scale trade in raw materi- als, minerals and value-added products from across Africa.

Afreximbank, through the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), established

In Italy, NNPC Woos Investors, Highlights Prospects in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Says over 200 oil fields currently undeveloped

Emmanuel Addeh

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has called on international investors to direct their attention to Nigeria and tap into the huge opportunities in the nation’s energy sector.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari made the call while fielding questions from NBC’s Hala Gorani during the Energy Talk segment of the 2025 Gastech

Exhibition & Conference, currently taking place in Milan, Italy, a statement by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, stated last night.

The GCEO who commended President Bola Tinubu for improving Nigeria’s investment climate and positioning the country as the preferred investment destination for the energy sector in Africa, stressed that the new NNPC management is keen on attaining its

set targets towards delivering value to its shareholders.

According to him, while a number of investors were already coming into the country with gas-based industries such as petrochemicals and methanol plants, more investments were required to build infrastructure to support the federal government’s aspiration to power the nation’s transportation sector with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

ATDC in collaboration with Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), Equitane DMCC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

A statement yesterday explained that the new entity has already secured a $1 billion funding pledge from Afreximbank to invest in aggregation of valueadded goods, support logistics and distribution networks as well as financing its subsidiaries’ business operations.

The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah

officiated the operational launch of ATDC in an event held during the ongoing Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria.

This was in the presence of the Acting Prime Minister of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Sifi Ghrieb and other heads of government and ministers from African and Caribbean countries.

Also unveiled during the launch was ATDC’s flagship subsidiary, ATDC Minerals (ATMIN), dedicated to trading and financing minerals and hydrocarbons.

Oramah was quoted in a statement yesterday, to have said: “Africa is rich in resources; but historical dynamics have skewed our trade outwards. Traditionally, the continent has relied on others to add value to its commodities and minerals as well as to trade them.

“Through ATDC and ATMIN, we aim to close the loop and to take back control of how our commodities and minerals in global Africa are produced and traded across value chains by integrating them in local economies to benefit more people.”

UK Finance Institution, Firm Launch Facility to Advance Mini-grid Use in Nigeria

Emmanuel

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, and Odyssey Energy Solutions, a technology company accelerating distributed energy in emerging markets, have launched a new financing facility to support the rollout of electricity mini-grids for families

and businesses across Nigeria.

With $7.5 million funding from BII, the facility leverages Odyssey’s proprietary procurement platform and supply chain credit solution to support mini-grid developers, a statement in Abuja said. The finance will be deployed to support Nigeria’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES)

programme backed by the World Bank, which aims to improve energy access for 17.5 million Nigerians. Specifically, Odyssey works to bridge the gap between commitment and disbursement of DARES connections-based subsidies by addressing the financing bottleneck of upfront costs such as acquiring equipment and import duties.

66th AnnuAl ConferenCe of the nigeriAn eConomiC SoCiety, neS...

L-R: Minister of Live Stock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Chief Executive Officer of Alpha African Advisory Limited, Sanyade Okoli; President, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Prof. Adeola Adenikinju; Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chairman of the occasion, Shamsuden Usman, during the 66th Annual Conference of the NES at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado Abuja on Tuesday

Obi Laments Tinubu’s Fresh $1.75bn Loan, Says, ‘Our Children Will Inherit Only Debt, Despair’

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has warned that if urgent steps are not taken to put a stop on what he described as “Nigeria’s reckless borrowing culture” the country’s children risk inheriting nothing but debt and despair.

He particularly took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s fresh request for a $1.75 billion World Bank loan despite recently announcing that government revenues

for the year had been met in ObiAugust.therefore cautioned the Tinubu-led government against continuing on the reckless path of borrowing without productivity.

Obi, who stated these in a statement he shared on his X

handle, said he had received numerous messages about the nation’s growing debt while away on a short leave, stressing that the fact that even government officials had begun expressing concerns over the country’s rising debt profile, signalled a dangerous trend

Population of Children under School Feeding Programmes Reaches 466 Million Worldwide

A new report has revealed that school meals programmes are the largest social safety net in the world, helping countries absorb shocks, with nearly 80 million more children worldwide now receiving meals through government-led programmes than in 2020.

According to the latest edition of The State of School Feeding Worldwide, a flagship biennial report released by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), this is a 20 per cent increase, in just four years, in the number of children receiv-

ing meals in school through domesticNationalprogrammes.governments are leading the global expansion, prioritising children’s well-being, the WFP report said.

Nigeria recently relaunched its school feeding programme with a target of 10 million children nationwide.

The growth of school meals programmes is fastest in countries that are part of the School Meals Coalition, a global network led by over 100 governments, six regional bodies, hosted by WFP as its secretariat, and supported by over 140 partners across sectors.

Although Nigeria is a member of the coalition, its school feeding programme has been enmeshed in transparency controversy, especially under the past government of late President Muhammadu Buhari, when the then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, claimed to have spent over N500 million to feed pupils in Ogun and Lagos states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in less than two months, at a time the entire country, including schools, was on COVID-19 lockdown.

FCTA Demolishes 35 Illegal Structures at Abuja’s River Park Estate

which he has consistently warned against. He said while there was nothing wrong with borrowing, he quickly pointed out that what matters was ensuring that every loan translates into real and measurable productivity.

Obi noted that Nigeria’s tragedy lies in the fact that the trillions that had been borrowed cannot be traced to any meaningful impact in the critical sectors for which they were supposedly borrowed.

power, yet darkness persists; we borrow for infrastructure, yet roads remain impassable; we borrow for health, yet hospitals are without basic equipment.”

“There is an absence of a visible, measurable impact from our borrowings. Where are these borrowings going?” he asked.

Growth fastest in School Meals Coalition, where Nigeria is member Low income countries record 60% increase in number of benefiting children Congratulates

olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday demolished about 35 substructures at the River Park Estate, Abuja, for what it said was wanton breach of planning regulations and in defiance of the recommendations of a ministerial committee that all undeveloped plots in the estate be reverted to the FCTA.

The WFP report, stated that two out of every three newly reached children with school meals were in the coalition member countries. It outlined how the coalition was being celebrated as a model of modern multilateralism, adding that through its efforts, the number of countries with national school meals policies has nearly doubled since 2020, from 56 to 107.

In his words, “The more we borrow, the more poverty deepens, unemployment worsens, healthcare remains in shambles, our education system is deteriorating, and more people are being thrown into poverty.”

Obi compared Nigeria’s situation with countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, and Bangladesh, which he noted borrowed heavily but invested wisely in productive sectors.

He further added: “But, in ours, the situation is the reverse; we take loans for

Obi specifically expressed concern that over 70 percent of government revenue was being spent on debt service, while leaving virtually noth- ing for critical investments in education, health, job creation, and poverty alleviation. He said; “I have always insisted that borrowing should be strictly tied to productive ventures that will generate measurable economic returns, not for consumption or waste.

“Just days ago, Mr. President announced to the country that we have met our revenue for the year, yet he is on the news again today, attempting to borrow another $1.75 billion World Bank loan.

The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the enforcement at the site, accused the affected developers of going ahead with construction despite the withdrawal of their lease agreement.

to remove any upcoming development.

He said the action followed reports that developers were working to circumvent the directive. Galadima disclosed that they insisted that the over 30 foundations at excavation level that had already been dug be covered, warning that they would not hesitate

“About a week ago there was an event at the Honourable Minister’s office where two committees submitted their report. One of the committees was on issues surrounding the River Park estate development. And one of the recommendations being forwarded was that all undeveloped plots within the estates be reverted back (sic) to FCT Administration.

President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt felicitations to Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, on his 50th birthday.

Tinubu also congratulated His Royal Highness, Chief of Kagoro, Dr Ufuwai Bonet, on his 90th birthday.

The president, in a release issued on Wednesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Ewalefoh’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s

infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

He stated that under Ewalefoh’s stewardship, the commission had strengthened regulatory oversight, deepened transparency in project delivery, and aligned its work with the Renewed Hope Agenda through bold and sustainable reforms.

The president recalled the PPP Summit convened by ICRC in June, which he had the honour of declaring open. The summit united government, investors, and development partners around a clear framework

that had restored confidence and provided fresh momentum for PPP-driven growth, the statement said.

Tinubu wished the directorgeneral renewed strength, wisdom, and greater success in serving the nation, and encour- aged him to sustain his efforts to deliver world-class infrastructure that met the aspirations of all Nigerians.

The president also congratulated Bonet, a First-Class Chief and Deputy Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, on his 90th birthday.

Report: Africa’s Infrastructure Loses $12.7 Billion to Disasters Annually

With $1.7bn, $1.1bn, South Africa, Nigeria most impacted

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A report by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global coalition dedicated to enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, has put the average annual loss of infrastructure, including buildings caused by disasters in Africa, at $12.7 billion.

According to the report, of the damage, 70 per cent is caused by floods followed by earthquakes, which are less frequent but more catastrophic,

at about 28 per cent.

The CDRI is a coalition of 59 member countries and organisations, includ- ing national governments, international organisations, and businesses collaborating to share knowledge, conduct research, and invest in disaster resilient infrastructure.

“Climate change is expected to increase the impact of di- sasters on infrastructure by as much as 27 per cent,” the report said, without giving a date. “Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-

ADC C E l E br ATES AS I n EC Conf I rm S

Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in what marked a new phase in the party’s leadership.

ADC commended the electoral body in a post on X by its National Publicity Secretary, BolajiHowever,Abdullahi.ADC condemned the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan’s return to the senate after the expiration of a controversial six-month suspension imposed on her by the upper chamber.

Governors and Coordinators of RHI at the presidential villa onTheWednesday.challenge, with the motto, “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is in three categories, namely, households, communities, and state, offering a grand prize of N20 million for the best-performing household, N50 million for the best community, and N100 million for the best state.

At the event, the first lady presented a cheque for N100 million as well as a plaque to the wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who received the honour on behalf of Enugu as “Model Green State.”

Mrs. Tinubu emphasised, “They earned it. It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean.”

She recounted a conversation with Mrs. Mbah, praising the proactive approach of the government to tackling environmental issues.

“When she sees anything that the governor doesn’t want to see—any litter around —they call and fix it immediately. And I think that’s the best way to go,” she added.

RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is divided into three categories.

The Household Category focuses on 11 northern states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara) that are vulnerable

The opposition party de- scribed the recent impediments to the resumption of legislative duties by the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District as abusive and a flagrant affront on Nigeria’s democratic values.

ADC said the senate’s treatment of the female senator might further impede women’s political participation in the country.Equally, yesterday, the Lagos State chapter of ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state

to desertification, encouraging tree planting with a minimum of one tree per household to qualify.

The Community Category invites local governments, youth groups, schools, and non-governmental organisa- tions (NGOs) nationwide to reclaim and transform degraded or abandoned spaces into parks, gardens, and eco-friendly areas.

The State Category involves competition among states (excluding Enugu, which has already been rewarded) based on tree coverage along major roads and inner streets, encouraging tree planting.

On the motivation behind the initiative, the Nigerian first lady shared her personal history andSheinspiration. stated, “As a biologist, I’ve always loved to go clean.

During the time my husband was governor of Lagos State, I used to go clean clogged drains. I was young, and I used a lot of Mrs.energy.”Tinubu emphasised leading by example, saying, “People have to see you do what you want them to do. And it’s more appealing and attractive that way.”

Reflecting on her experience at the international level, Mrs. Tinubu recalled attending the G20 Summit in Brazil with President Bola Tinubu. She recounted, “One of the things they are going to be looking at is plastic waste. Every country is buying into

related disasters,” it added.

At a regional level, the worst devastation is in eastern Africa at $5.5 billion, followed by northern Africa at $2.3 billion.

The continent’s south suffers damage of approximately $2.3 billion, while $1.58 billion is lost in the west, the report said.

At a country level, the nations with the worst destruction are South Africa at $1.7 billion, Nigeria with $1.1 billion and Algeria at $1 billion, the CDRI explained.

Smaller nations with sparser infrastructure have fewer losses,

of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against opposition parties.

ADC’s position came as INEC and other stakeholders in the election management process decried the premature campaigns by political parties, their supporters, and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elec- tion, even before the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the polls.

Reacting to the recognition of the ADC leadership by INEC, Abdullahi wrote yesterday, “We congratulate ADC members

it, cleaning their oceans and waterways because the fauna in the sea is being affected by waste dumped into the sea.”

The first lady highlighted ongoing efforts by the RHI to address the issue, which included RHI’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“We are working with the Minister of Environment. We’ve had several meetings, including one in Lagos, and teams have visited Ghana to learn more,” she said.

She disclosed that RHI will be working with the ministry to establish environmental clubs for senior secondary schools and environmental societies for tertiary institutions, with its

review of the entire privatisation model.

While reacting to the reported collapse of the national grid which threw most states of the country into darkness, the labour movement called on government to stop further deployment of public resources to support the privatised entities

In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, NLC said that the federal government should undertake a fundamental review of the privatisation model itself, with a view to reviving this critical sector.

NLC said: “Since the govern- ment has N4 trillion to invest in the sector, we suggest that the funds must be redirected

although the damage more significant is relative to their economies. Average annual loss represents 1.5 per cent of Lesotho’s gross domestic product, 1.25 per cent for Mauritius and 1 per cent for Comoros.

African governments already provide 80 per cent of adapta- tion financing — 26 per cent through their national budgets and 54 per cent from loans, according to the report.

“Alongside this, the world must increase support for Africa to address the consequences of

and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria. We commend @ INECNigeria and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for standing on the right side of history and for standing up for the cause of multi-party democracy. Arise and shine, Nigeria!”

In a change of the party’s particulars on its website, INEC listed the new executive members of the party, confirm- ing the resolution of months of leadership tussle within ADC. The commission further recognised No. 4, Oyo Street,

modalities still being fine-tuned.

Speaking to newsmen, Mrs. Mbah thanked the Nigerian first lady for the recognition. She also thanked her husband, Governor Peter Mbah, state functionaries, and the people of Enugu for their efforts that earned the state the award.

She said, “First, I want to thank the first lady and the mother of the nation for recognising Enugu State as a green and clean state. I also want to thank my husband, the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his tireless effort to keep Enugu clean and green. I thank the commissioners, the local government chairmen, and relevant agencies, like ESWAMA, for their efforts too.

towards a public-led initiative to build new generation capacity and revitalise the transmission infrastructure instead of handing it over to the Generation Companies (Gencos) and Distribution Companies (Discos).

“This is not a plea; it is a declaration of intent. The light must come on, by any means necessary. Once again, we call for a comprehensive public audit of the entire power sector. We call for a fundamental review of the privatisation model itself, with a view to reviving this critical sector. This has become an imperative.

“The working class and the suffering masses of Nigeria will no longer tolerate this

a changing climate that it did not contribute significantly to,” it added.

The working paper also spotlighted the urgent need to embed resilience into infrastructure planning across the continent to safeguard economies and communities from escalating climate and disaster risks.

Drawing on insights from the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI), the paper revealed that despite African governments already doing 80 per cent of

Area 2, Abuja as the registered office of the coalition party.

Similarly published on INEC’s website was Mani, Ibrahim Ahmad as ADC National Treasurer; Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary; and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

Nafi’u Bala, a former gover- norship candidate of the party in Gombe State and ex-National Deputy Chairman, had declared himself the interim national chairman of ADC.

“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but also by being proactive, moving around, carrying out inspection, and doing all the needful. They had actually helped in making Enugu State clean.

“I promised Her Excellency, the First Lady, that we will not relent. We will keep pushing to remain that role model state.”

RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is poised to inspire a nationwide commitment to a cleaner and greener environment, with key submission deadlines set for 2026.

Interested participants are advised to learn more and submit entries at www.rhinitiative.org.

darkness. We will no longer accept explanations for a crisis that is manifestly man-made. That government has continued on this path of deliberate failure demonstrates its unseriousness in getting the sector fixed.”

Earlier, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) announced that it had begun the restoration of the national electricity grid, hours after a system disturbance led to blackouts in several parts of the country.

The latest incident took place around 11.20 am, THISDAY learnt, leaving just 20MW supply to Ibadan Distribution Company (Disco), out of the 12 power distributors currently in existence in the country.

adaptation financing, 26 per cent through national budgets and 54 per cent via loans, the scale of the challenge calls for enhanced global cooperation.

ADC to Senate, Akpabio: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Has Lapsed, Further Obstruction Abusive

ADC condemned the continued obstruction of Akpoti- Uduaghan’s return to the senate, describing it as abusive and an affront on Nigeria’s democratic values.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mal- lam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the senate leadership of defying both legal precedent and moral responsibility by refusing to allow the Kogi Central lawmaker to resume her duties after serving a six-month suspension.

ADC warned that the ongoing blockade reflected a broader APC government’s anti-democratic temper, which had sought to silence opposition voices and punish dissent. The opposition party concluded that singling out Akpoti-Uduaghan for such harsh treatment might further suppress women’s political participation.

ADC said it observed with deep concern the continued obstruction of Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the senate after the completion of her six-month suspension. Abdullahi stated, “We consider this development not only malicious, but also

But at the initial time of putting this report together around 3.05pm, data from the Independent System Operator showed that about 495MW out of the over 4,000MW which was available earlier, had been restored.

However, as of 8.21pm, electricity had been restored to the tune of 1,583MW, as Abuja Disco had the lion’s share of 243MW; Ikeja Disco had 239MW, while Eko Disco was supplied 204MW, according to the data available.

A statement released by the newly created NISO said that the latest incident was due to the tripping of a Generation

Signed by: The Banki- Braithwaite Family

The Explainer

NOA COMPLIES WITH PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON PERSONNEL AUDIT

The National Orientation Agency has complied with the directive of President Bola Tinubu for Ministries, Agencies and Departments to carry out staff audit with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a more effective public service.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the staff audit exercise is a crucial step towards building a more accountable and performance-driven institution, adding that the Agency remains committed to aligning its operations with the reform agenda of the present administration.

President Tinubu had directed the Office of Head of service of the Federation to ensure that MDAs carry out the audit during the International Civil service day event which held in Abuja in June 2025.

Issa-Onilu noted that the audit was carried out simultaneously in all State Directorates of the agency with senior headquarters staff supervising the exercise which lasted three days. He said the exercise would help identify human resource gaps, eliminate redundancy, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that every staff member is strategically placed to contribute meaningfully to the Agency’s mandate and the broader objectives of national development.

Reflecting on the directive, he explained that the nationwide personnel audit within the federal civil service will equip the government with accurate data to make informed decisions regarding staffing needs.

Speaking on the need for collective effort, Onilu urged all government agencies and ministries to fully comply with the personnel audit directive, emphasising that cooperation across all sectors is vital to achieving an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the federal workforce.

He further stated that the exercise is not intended to witch-hunt anyone, but rather to align human resources with the Agency’s renewed strategic focus under the current administration and the demands of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Director further assured that the Agency will carefully collect and protect all information in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, to ensure timely public access while maintaining strict data privacy and security standards.

NOA Kano Engages Chief Imams on Five Key Thematic Areas

In furtherance of its nationwide enlightenment campaign, the Kano State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently paid a strategic advocacy visit to Chief Imams at Alfurqan Juma’at Mosque to seek their support in promoting five critical national thematic areas to their followers.

The visit, led by the State Director, Alhaji Rabi’u Ado, was aimed at enlisting the cooperation of religious leaders in sensitising the public, especially students and community members, on key issues central to national development and unity.

The two prominent clerics engaged were Dr Bashir Abdullahi Umar and renowned Islamic scholar Malam

Tijjani Bala

During the meeting, Alhaji Ado outlined the five key thematic areas driving the current NOA campaign, including national values reorientation targeting secondary and tertiary students to discourage immoral graduation practices, and a nationwide campaign on flood mitigation.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enlighten citizens on government policies and programmes, promote the Nigerian Identity Project while restoring respect for national symbols, and enhance security awareness across

country.

In response, the Chief Imams expressed their commitment to partnering with NOA in ensuring that these messages reach their communities effectively.

They vowed to use their platforms to encourage followers and students to embrace these initiatives for the betterment of society.

Together, they reaffirmed the importance of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and supporting government campaigns.

The advocacy visit reflects NOA Kano’s dedication to collaborating with community influencers to deepen public understanding and participation in national development efforts.

As part of the ongoing two-week nationwide sensitisation campaign, the State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has deepened citizens’ awareness on the ongoing sensitisation campaign through strategic engagements across three major media platforms in the state.

The media outreach, which aimed at expanding public understanding of critical national issues, featured the State Director of NOA, Mr Adebiyi Stephen Adefarasin, who was hosted on NTA Osogbo, Radio Nigeria Gold 95.5 FM Ilesa, and the OSBC Radio 104.5 FM.

During the media engagements, the State Director of NOA, Mr Adebiyi Adefarasin provided detailed insights into the five thematic focus areas of the campaign, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the areas include, public sensitisation on government policies and programmes, national values reorientation for students, flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, promotion of the Nigerian Identity Project and national symbols, and awareness on national security and community vigilance.

The listeners and viewers across the platforms, who lauded the clarity and relevance of the information shared by the NOA, also commended the Agency for bringing such critical national conversations directly to the people through accessible media channels.

in Oyo

The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has restated its commitment to grassroots sensitisation on disaster preparedness and response during a Roundtable Discussion on the 2025 Flood Preparedness and Response, organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibadan Operations Office.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Federal Secretariat Hall in Ibadan, the State Director of NOA, Mrs Ajolayo Sinmat Akande, represented by the Deputy Director of Health and Social Care, Mr Babatunde Ogundipe, underscored the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate the impact of flooding in the state. She stressed that the synergy between NOA and other partners across the 33 local government areas was vital to ensure sensitisation reached vulnerable grassroots communities.

“Flood disasters can be prevented or reduced if people are properly informed. NOA will continue to partner with stakeholders to ensure that communities take proactive steps to protect lives and property,” she noted.

The state director also assured that the agency would continue to mobilise communities, raise awareness, and build resilience against disasters, in line with its mandate of enlightening citizens and promoting public safety.

BORNO NOA CAUTIONS STUDENTS AGAINST RECKLESS SIGN-OUT CELEBRATIONS

The Borno State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has advised students of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri against reckless sign-out celebrations through immoral and extravagant life styles.

While addressing students of the55Polytechnic on positive values and behavior modifications among young people, the State Director of NOA, Mr Michael Daniel Bdliya, advised students to prioritise their safety and focus on better academic performance and good character.

He discussed the five thematic areas of focus, emphasising the importance of promoting positive values and behaviors.

According to him, the areas include government policies, programmes, and activities; flood mitigation and disaster preparedness; national security awareness; national values

re-orientation for students and youth; and the Nigerian Identity Project and national symbols.

Mr Bdliya also highlighted NOA’s mandates, including sensitising the public on government policies, programmes, and activities.

He further outlined various government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Social Safety Nets Expansion, Renewed Hope Infrastructural Fund, and National Youth Investment Fund.

The State Director also emphasised that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund aims to ensure that no qualified student is denied access to tertiary education due to poverty, with over N59 billion disbursed to over 600,000 students.

Also speaking, the Head of Department of Special Duties, Mohammed Kolo, urged students to respect national symbols, including the National Flag, Nigerian currency, National Anthem, and National Pledge.

He emphasised the importance of promoting patriotism and national pride among young people.

In his remarks, the Student Union President of Ramat Polytechnic, Mohammed Zakariya, appreciated NOA for choosing the institution for the programme and promised that students would abide by the advice given.

As part of its ongoing nationwide enlightenment campaign, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ogun State, recently held a roadshow across strategic parts of Abeokuta to sensitise residents on key national issues under the Agency’s Five Thematic Areas.

The NOA Team Led by the Acting State Director, Mrs Oyebisi Andu, the roadshow commenced at the popular OPIC Roundabout, Oke-Ilewo, with active participation from NOA staff, members of the Citizens Value Brigade, representatives from the press, and officials from the South West Zonal Office led by the Zonal Director, Mrs Olufunke Salako.

The thematic areas of focus included national value reorientation for youths and students, national security awareness, disaster preparedness and flood mitigation, sensitisation on government policies and programmes, and the Nigerian identity project with the promotion of national symbols.

The sensitisation team made strategic stopovers at key locations, including the Phone Market (Tarmac) at OkeIlewo, the motorcycle park and market at Panseke, and the June 12 Market near the Post Office, Abeokuta.

At each location, selected staff addressed the crowd in multiple languages, including English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, to ensure inclusive communication with the diverse population.

Pamphlets detailing the National Identity Project and copies of the new national anthem were distributed to passersby and traders at the Ibara Central Business District.

The team also engaged directly with residents, answering questions and encouraging active civic engagement through understanding of government policies and national symbols.

NOA Sensitises Plateau Residents on National Issues via Hausa TV Programme

The Plateau State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has engaged citizens through the Hausa television programme Mu Tattauna on NTA Jos, spotlighting critical national issues and encouraging widespread support for government initiatives.

Addressing viewers on the programme, the State Director of NOA, represented by Deputy Director, Mr Yohanna Gogin, highlighted the Agency’s Five Thematic Areas, emphasising their crucial role in promoting national unity, peace, and civic responsibility.

Speaking in Hausa, Mr Gogin emphasised the need for citizens to actively participate in governance and uphold shared values that promote social cohesion. He reiterated NOA’s mandate to drive continuous value re-orientation and public sensitisation across Plateau State, stressing that these efforts are essential for sustainable development and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

The programme provided a broad platform to engage the public, ensuring messages on patriotism, integrity, and collective responsibility were clearly communicated to a wide Hausa-speaking audience.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has extended its National Identity Project to tertiary institutions in Adamawa State, sensitising students and staff on national values, civic responsibility, and the significance of embracing national symbols. The institutions visited include; Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola; the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Yola; and the College for Legal Studies, Yola. Each engagement was designed to interact with students on issues of national concern, while also addressing the peculiar challenges facing students in their academic environment.

While addressing students of Adamawa State Polytechnic in Yola, the State Director of NOA, Mr Richard Bala Dangari, explained that the agency’s outreach was not only about raising awareness but also about encouraging students to take ownership of their roles in building a united and progressive Nigeria.

On the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) he explained that it is a tool to expand access to higher education for students across the country. Mr Dangari also cautioned final year students against extreme ‘sign out ‘ practices and other social vices that sometimes accompany such practices.

The state director also urged students to be vigilant, report suspicious activities, and take personal responsibility for their safety within and outside the campus.

How CBN Reforms, Stable Economy is Opening Domestic Markets for FDI inflows

In the first quarter of 2025, capital inflows to Nigeria stood at $5.6 billion according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data. But behind the numbers are people and businesses beginning to feel the change. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) notes that investment decisions are shaped by economic, institutional, and market-related factors. For Nigeria, its vast market size, growth potential, improved macroeconomic stability and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reforms, especially those that allow foreign investors to repatriate profits, are emerging as strong incentives. Precious Ugwuzor reports

There is rising interest from domestic and global investors in Nigeria assets, as seen in the latest capital inflows to the country.

The rising investors’ interest is linked to fallout of crucial reforms instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Olayemi Cardoso leadership. The reforms have led to macroeconomic stability and raised the level of foreign investors interests in Nigeria assets.

Upon assuming office in October 2023, the apex bank leadership had prioritised reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience.

CBN’s policies, including the currency reforms, led to investment inflows from abroad, and reduced interventions in the domestic forex market.

The unification of exchange rates and the clearing of over $7 billion FX backlog raised the country’s investment outlook, with multilateral organizations, like the World Bank describing it as bold intervention to improve the economy’s sustainability in the long run.

Also, Nigeria’s sovereign risk spread has fallen to the lowest level since January 2020, erasing the premium accumulated during the pandemic and subsequent strain on its economy. All these are deliberate efforts to woo investors and sustain capital inflows to the economy.

What the IMF is saying

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to states are determined by a mix of economic, institutional, and market-related factors. Key determinants include the host country's market size and growth potential, the quality of its infrastructure and business climate, and its level of macroeconomic stability and political stability. Trade openness, factor costs (such as labor and wages), and effective government regulations also play a significant role.

In International Monetary Fund (IMF) Working Paper, by Ewe-Ghee Lim, titled: “Determinant of, and the Relation Between, Foreign Direct Investment and Growth” detailed that FDI determinants generally come in two forms: investor surveys and econometric or in-depth case studies.

“We reviewed two large investor surveys first. The first is a recent survey of CEOs, CFOs, and other top corporate executives of the Global 1000 companies. The survey cites large market size, political and macroeconomic stability, GDP growth, regulatory environment, and the ability to repatriate profits as

the five most important factors affecting FDI,” he said.

He said that heavy manufacturers remain mostly interested in the large emerging markets, commitment to privatisation.

The IMF also discovered that the most important determinants of FDIs inflows were the size of the market, the cost of labor and FDI policies.

Also to be considered are the investors viewed restrictions on repatriation of earnings, local content and local ownership requirements as serious setback to FDI.

“In general, the technologyintensive sectors such as general machinery and electronics were the most sensitive to restrictive FDI policies. Interestingly, fiscal and tax incentives were viewed as having little or no effect on FDI decisions. Such incentives policies were viewed as perhaps indicative of a positive political attitude towards investment, but also unstable because they could just as easily be reversed,” the report said.

Reforms impact on FX inflows

These reforms have led to surge in capital inflows into the Nigeria economy. The inflows rose to $5.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report has shown. The inflows represent 67.12 per cent jump from $3.4 billion recorded in the same period of last year.

The latest “Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2025” report released represents 10.86 per cent surge from the $5.1 billion reported in fourth quarter of 2024.

“In Q1 2025, total capital

importation into Nigeria stood at US$5642.07 million, higher than $3.37 billion recorded in Q1 2024, indicating an increase of 67.12 per cent. In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 10.86 per cent from $5.08 billion in Q4 2024,” the report stated.

The NBS also stated that portfolio investment ranked top with $5.2 billion, accounting for 92.25 per cent, followed by other investment with $311.17 million, accounting for 5.52 per cent.

The report indicated that, “Foreign Direct Investment recorded the least with $126.29 million accounting for 2.24 per cent of total capital importation in Q1 2025.”

According to the NBS, the banking sector took the lead with the highest inflows in Q1 2025.

The report stated, “The Banking sector recorded the highest inflow with $3.1 billion, representing 55.44 per cent of total capital imported in Q1 2025, followed by the Financing sector, valued at $2.09 billion (37.18 per cent), and Production/ Manufacturing sector with $129.92 million (2.30 per cent).”

The report further noted that capital importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3681.96 million, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.

In emailed note to investors, Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke, explained that Portfolio Investment (92.2 per cent of total capital) dominated flows, rising by 30.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter, and 150.8 per cent year-on-year to $5.2 billion.

The bulk of the FPI flows was to

Money market instruments (up 162.2 per cent year-on-year to $4.2 billion), while Bonds (up 108.5 per cent) and Equities (up 137.7 per cent) attracted $877.4 million and $117.3 million respectively.

Other analysts at Afrinvest explained that capital importation captures financial and physical capital entering a country from offshore sources, based on banking sector and Customs records. These inflows expand the capital stock available to drive economic growth and often serve as a litmus test of an economy’s health and international investment competitiveness.

They explained that on the surface, the rise in quarterly capital importation to a five-year high might suggest renewed foreign investor optimism in the domestic economy.

“In our view, this spike was driven by opportunistic investments in the money market, where Treasury Bills, Bonds, and OMO bills offered rates above 20 per cent in the period. However, such flows are highly sensitive to shifts in domestic monetary policy, global risk sentiment, and macroeconomic shocks, and flows momentum could wane when the CBN pivots to a more accommodative rate stance,” they said.

“Meanwhile, the share of FDI – a cheaper and more impactful capital on long-term economic growth – continues to diminish. This trend is reflective of low confidence in the long-term prospects of the economy amid the legacy issues of insecurity, weak institutions and enforcement of law, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a high corruption perception”.

Continuing, they stated that weak traction into non-financial sectors such as Manufacturing, ICT, Construction, Oil & Gas, and Transporation, paints a less compelling picture of the overall surge in capital inflows in Q1. We note that while the uptick may support currency stability and short-term growth spurts, the underlying quality of these inflows mirrors previous episodes of hot-money dependence that heightened vulnerability to external shocks.

“Lastly, the concentration of investments in Lagos and Abuja (only 0.4% of the $5.6bn inflows were directed elsewhere) spotlights the deep competitiveness gaps across sub-nationals. Hence, subnational governments need to strengthen their business environments and improve overall investment attractiveness,” they said.

Kindness, Compassion in Action as the Ramnani-Mahtani Initiative Takes Centre Stage in Ifako Ijaiye

Mary Nnah

In a powerful display of compassion and generosity, international businessmen and philanthropists

Mr. Sudeep Ramnani and Mr. Jai Mahtani have extended their outreach programme to indigent widows and widowers within the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The outreach is in partnership with Pukka Logistics and Support Services Ltd and the Tabitha New Life Foundation (TNLF).

On August 29, 2025, their representative, Mrs. Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, led a welfare team to distribute food items to those in need, bringing relief and hope to the recipients.

This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to support the Nigerian government in ending hunger and food poverty in the country.

Mrs. Akingbelu-Banjo highlighted that the outreach programme, which began in March 2024, had already impacted thousands of Nigerians across various local government areas, with the long-term goal of reaching every local government area within the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The philanthropic duo's commitment to making a difference in the lives of Nigerians is evident in their tireless efforts to provide support and relief to those

Beneficiries at the r amnani, Mahtani Outreach initiative struggling. The food items distributed during the outreach program will undoubtedly bring great relief to the widows and widowers, who are grateful for the kindness and generosity shown to them.

Amb. Adunke Olatunji, the Founder of TNLF, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, praising Ramnani and Mahtani for their compassion and commitment. She noted that TNLF welcomes future partnerships and support, and looks forward to continuing this collaboration.

The outreach programme is a demonstration of the power of kindness and compassion, and a reminder that even small gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

As Ramnani and Mahtani continue their outreach efforts, their work serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact that can be made when individuals and organisations come together to support a common cause. It expresses hope and kindness, showing that even in the face of adversity, there are still good Samaritans who are willing to lend a helping hand.

The widows and widowers who benefited from the programme are a reflection of the impact that such initiatives can have on people's lives.

As the duo continues their outreach efforts, their commitment to supporting those in need is an inspiration to us all. The partnership between Ramnani and Mahtani and the Tabitha New Life Foundation is an example of what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together to support a common cause.

1952 Africa and LIMCAF Announce The Legacy Exhibition: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Masters, Today

Africa’s leading art foundation, 1952 Africa, in partnership with Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), is proud to announce The Legacy Exhibition, a landmark showcase opening on 20th September 2025 at the 1952 Africa Art Gallery in Lagos.

This special exhibition brings together 28 past winners of LIMCAF’s

annual art competition, each of whom has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most exciting creative voices. By presenting these artists’ works, The Legacy Exhibition affirms that legacy is not only about what has been inherited, but also about what is being created and carried forward today.

“Tomorrow’s Masters,

Today”, the guiding theme of the exhibition, highlights the role of emerging artists in shaping Africa’s creative future while celebrating the continuity between generations of talent.

Speaking on the exhibition, Amanda Madumere, Programme Manager, 1952 Africa, said, “At 1952 Africa, we are committed to amplifying African voices

and building bridges between emerging talent and global opportunities. The Legacy Exhibition is a statement that these artists are already shaping the narrative of African art today. Collectors, curators, and art lovers will encounter works that are as rooted in heritage as they are visionary for the future.”

Oji-Ngwu, Programme

Director at LIMCAF, added, “For 18 years, LIMCAF has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing young talent across Nigeria.

Some of these artists have since become global voices, yet they return to honour the platform that first empowered them.

“Partnering 1952 Africa extends our mission, affirming that tomorrow’s

masters are already among us, and their works deserve to be seen, collected, and celebrated.”

The exhibition will feature a diverse collection of paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and textile art, offering a panoramic view of the creativity and innovation driving Nigeria’s contemporary art scene.

Mediacraft Associates Wins Award for Excellence in Reputation Management

Mediacraft Associates, a leading communications and public relations agency, has been named ‘Most Outstanding Corporate Reputation Management Firm Nigeria 2025’ by the World Business Outlook Awards. This is in recognition of the agency’s outstanding work in strategic communications and brand storytelling. The grand annual ceremony and presentaton will take place on November 8, 2025 in Pullman Bangkok King Power, Thailand

The award celebrates Mediacraft’s ability to deliver measurable impact for its clients through creative campaigns, innovative media strategies, and a deep

commitment to shaping meaningful narratives.

Commenting on the award, Mediacraft CEO, John Ehiguese said: “This recognition is a testament to the passion, creativity, and relentless commitment of our team to delivering results that matter. Winning this award reinforces our mission to help brands communicate with authenticity and connect with their audiences in impactful ways.”

The World Business Outlook Awards is an annual event organised by Singapore-based digital business magazine, World Business Outlook,which celebrates exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions to

the Business and Finance sector. Their mission is to highlight the best in business excellence.

Mediacraft Associates went through three rigorous rounds of evaluation by a highly cerebral award panel, beating several other top agencies in Nigeria before emerging as winner in the corporate reputation management company category.

In 2024, Mediacraft was named ‘Best Public Relations and Integrated Brand Communications Consultancy Nigeria’ by the same body in a grand event held in Thailand.

As Mediacraft celebrates this milestone, the 22-yearold agency remains focused

on pushing boundaries, delivering industry-leading work, and helping clients navigate today’s everchanging communications landscape.

Mediacraft Associates is a full-service Public Relations and Integrated Brand Communications consultancy firm operating out of Lagos, Nigeria. It is also the exclusive Nigeria affiliate of the FleishmanHillard global PR network, one the largest PR networks in the world. A registered member of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Mediacraft also has international affiliations with Africa Communications Group (ACG), South Africa,

and MC Group, Germany. We aim to provide bespoke Communications solutions to a discerning clientele which cut across various sectors of the economy.

Since opening shop in September 2003, Mediacraft Associates has grown steadily to become one of the leading PR firms in Nigeria. Currently, Mediacraft is the largest agency by size with a staff strength of 50 full-time employees.

Over the years, the top-flight PR agency has provided smart and disruptive communications solutions to such brands as Stanbic IBTC, Interswitch Group, Olam Agri, Boston Consulting Group, Mastercard,

Nigerian Breweries, Sahara Foundation, Exxon Mobil, Absa, Truecaller, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi Aventis, Flourish Ventures, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), Western Union, ICAN, among others. At the LaPRIGA in 2019, Mediacraft was named ‘PR Agency of the year’ by the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Mediacraft is the brainchild of Mr. John E. Ehiguese, a thoroughbred Communications specialist with over 30 years’ stellar experience. More information about Mediacraft can be found at https://mediacraft. ng/

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WORKERS AND RIGHT TO SHELTER

Delta State sets the stage for the construction of a workers’ housing estate,writes EMMANUEL JAMES

AGONY OF A MOTHER KALU OKORONKWO writes how a young man’s life is cut short with a bullet from a Governor’s aide

We no longer live and act like a nation, argues CHIBUEZE

DARLINGTON ANUONYE

WHEN WE CAN BE EAGLES?

“Nigeria is a strange place, a country where a corpse can be kidnapped. Please, bury him there in London. Accept my condolences.” Those were the words I heard the moment I entered my doctor’s office. The surgeon, a Nigerian who has been living in the US for almost 40 years, was speaking to someone on the phone. Before they ended the call, the man thanked my doctor for “validating his fears.” I was still imagining the unspoken pain the men struggled to suppress when a friend of mine sent me President Tinubu’s message calling on “Nigerians abroad to return” home because our “nation is rising again.” Two hundred and seven years ago, in a letter to his friend J.H. Reynolds, British poet John Keats asked a question that is essential to our situation: “Why should we kick against Pricks, when we can walk on Roses? Why should we be owls, when we can be Eagles?” Keat was reflecting on the aims of poetry but reading him today gives one impression that he was speaking for us, Nigerians in diaspora.

On Tuesday August 19, at least 27 people were murdered in Katsina State while worshipping in a mosque. As citizens of a religious nation, Nigerians, for all our political suffering, embraced the idea that if we were in God’s presence we would be safe. But this spiritual consolation has been wantonly taken away from us. Only two years ago, Owo, a town in Ondo State, was the site of a similar massacre involving over 40 worshippers on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Since 2023 villages in Plateau State have been besieged by terrorist groups in an intercommunal conflict. These killers seem to draw strength from the silence of the government. On January 28, 2021, the BCC informed the world that Orlu, a once quiet town in Imo State had been occupied by gunmen. Over four years since the report, Imo, Anambra and Enugu States are still in the clutches of these killers. These might seem like mere statistics to an outsider, but we are talking about human beings dying in a most unfortunate manner and in avoidable circumstances. Recently, a youth corps member was brutalised and stripped naked by an oppressive vigilante network in Anambra. This group lacks both the training and the empathy to function in a civilised society, but it does not matter since they serve the interest of the governor who, despite an impressive resume as

a brilliant professor of economics and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, exemplifies incompetence in his role as governor.

There is a sense that Tinubu is aware of the growing consensus among critics that Nigeria is a crime scene. How does the president expect us to listen to him and return home? The opening lines of Somali British writer Warsan Shire’s poem ‘Home’ has been quoted quite often by people around the world who are wrestling with the loss of their homes or grappling with the idea of what a home is; people at the margin of life and those bearing witnessing to how exile can become the final crossing of that irretrievable margin. “No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark,” Shire writes. “You only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well.” The truth the poem expresses is both vulnerable and powerful. It does not seem that the leaders of Nigeria read poetry, so we do not expect them to understand the power of Shire’s work. But do they not know, do they not see, do they not hear that they presiding over the ghost of what used to be a vibrant nation?

When Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart, he was thinking about the subliminal way in which colonial power disguised itself as a friendly handshake. We have a more sinister, more treacherous set of colonisers today, who, already living with us, have no need to invade our lives. They are one of us. So, they corrupt our hearts with tribalism. The only thing worse than Buhari’s presidency is that Nigerian elders who knew the man’s precedent repackaged him as a visionary democrat and foisted him

on us, the younger generation, who had neither any real sense of the time he ruled in the 1980s as a soldier nor any lesson in history to reveal that time to us. I hope that tomorrow a future generation will not be compelled to think of our present rulers as anything more than politicians who clung on to power with a grandiose sense of entitlement.

I am inclined to rethink my assumption that our politicians corrupt us with their own evil. Perhaps the influence is mutual. Perhaps they are only able to drive us this far into insanity, into violence, into bigotry, because we already have these seeds in us. All they need to do—and have done—is to water the seeds and watch us grow like grass and spread like wildfire. Today, the seed of bigotry has sprouted in Nigeria, and, like the proverbial okra, it is threatening to outgrow its planter. What else explains the politicisation of death in Nigeria? What else justifies the silence of the Northern leaders on the gruesome and publicised murder of Deborah Yakubu in 2022 over the allegation of blasphemy? What about the indifference leaders from South have shown towards the banditry and death long ongoing in the North? We no longer live and act like a nation, and no amount of pretence can hide this reality. If we insist that we are still a nation, should we not be bothered that our ideal of nationality is so fraught, so bigoted, so alienating?

Anuonye is on the editorial board of World Literature Today at the University of Oklahoma

KALU OKORONKWO writes how a young man’s life is cut short with a bullet from a Governor’s aide

AGONY OF A MOTHER

Nigeria has become a land where the gap between power and citizens is measured not only in poverty and privilege, but in blood. Nothing illustrates this more blatantly than the tragic killing of 22-year-old Moses Mba, gunned down in Calabar by a security aide attached to the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Moses, like millions of young Nigerians, had dreams, hopes, and the right to life.

But his story ended abruptly, not in the crossfire of terrorism or banditry, but at the reckless hands of those sworn to protect. His death is not just another statistic; it is a chilling metaphor for a nation where ordinary citizens bleed while their leaders feast.

Every nation pays a price for poor leadership, sometimes in lost opportunities; sometimes in wasted resources. In Nigeria, however, the price is written in blood. Leadership failure has left a trail of corpses, grief, and trauma. It is no longer just about corruption or inefficiency, it is now more about lives wasted because those entrusted with the duty of protection and progress have failed.

According to the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Mba Onyekwere Victoria, Moses who would have turned 23 in November this year was unarmed and defenseless when he was confronted not by criminals but by state security personnel wielding power like a private weapon. On August 1, 2025, Moses was said to have gone to the Government House, Calabar, to preach the gospel when the security details attached to the Government House pounced on him, beat him to pulp, shot and left him in the pool of his blood.

For his family, the loss is immeasurable: a son gone, a dream extinguished and a future stolen. Sober, devastated and mourning the tragic death of the first fruit of her womb, a growing man who woke up to a bright morning and a day full with positive expectations.

Nothing in the firmament prepared Mrs. Mba for the agony that awaited her. Not even a nightmare for she slept soundly like a new born. You could imagine how the news hit her. She was inconsolable. Surrounded by family, friends and sympathizers, Mrs Mba amid the confusion going on in her mind sent a petition through her lawyer to the AIG Zone 6, wanting justice for her son. For three long weeks, there has been lethargy and inertia on the part of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the gruesome murder of Moses by a Police aide attached to Governor Otu of Cross River State.

Mrs Mba narrated her futile attempt so far to get justice for her late son: “I have been trying to fight this case legally through the law and the government, but they are trying to deprive us justice. The AIG of Police in Charge of Zone 6, after more than three weeks sent a notice to investigating Police Officer to fish out and arrest those involved in my son’s murder but noting has been done till today”, laments the bereaved mother, add-

ing that “they said the Governor’s name is involved and nothing would be done about it”.

She explained further that after her son was beaten and shot dead at about 11 am, he was abandoned in his pool of blood and was only taken to the hospital at about 7pm by the Red Cross.

However, recent report has quoted the Cross River State Commissioner of Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang as saying that the Cross River State Governor, has condemned the killing and ordered the arrest of the aide responsible for the shooting of Moses.

The murder of Onyekachi Moses Mba is no longer just a crime, it has become a national litmus test for accountability in governance. Will Governor Otu match his words with action or will this become another chapter in Nigeria's growing tale of state protected violence?

Moses’ story is not isolated, it is part of an ugly pattern in Nigeria where security agencies, tasked with protecting lives, too often become instruments of brutality, particularly when attached to the powerful.

He has become part of a wider narrative of state enabled violence, from the streets of Lagos during the #EndSARS protests, to highways littered with tales of citizens mowed down by reckless convoys, to communities scarred by extrajudicial killings. Moses’ blood joins countless others, staining a nation where leadership has too often failed in its most basic duty: to protect life.

Moses’ killing recalls the painful memories of October 2020, when young Nigerians, frustrated with decades of police brutality, poured onto the streets under the banner of #EndSARS. Their demand was simple: stop Police brutality and killings, Instead, the state responded with violence.

At the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, security operatives opened fire on peaceful protesters, leaving behind bodies, chaos, and a broken social contract.

Moses’ death is not an accident of history, it is part of a systemic culture where the lives of citizens, especially the youth, are expendable in the eyes of the powerful. The bullets that ended his life carry the same logic as those fired at Lekki Toll Gate in October 2020: the convenience, ego, or impunity of those in authority outweigh the sanctity of Nigerian life.

Okoronkwo is a communications strategist, a leadership and good governance advocate

Delta State sets the stage for the construction of a workers’ housing estate,writes EMMANUEL JAMES

WORKERS AND RIGHT TO SHELTER

In Nigeria today, where affordable housing remains a national crisis, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is steadily carving a reputation as a leader who not only talks about workers’ welfare but acts decisively to secure it. On Tuesday in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori made a landmark stride in this direction by formally presenting a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). The document, covering a 10.1-hectare parcel of land at Core Area 2 in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, sets the stage for the construction of a workers’ housing estate, an intervention aimed at easing the suffocating rent burden on junior and middle-level employees. The ceremony, attended by labour leaders, FMBN executives, and state officials, was not just a bureaucratic event. It was a symbolic gesture that underscored Oborevwori’s deep commitment to tackling one of the most persistent challenges confronting Nigerian workers: the right to decent and affordable shelter. The governor minced no words in explaining the urgency of the project. “Most of the salaries of our junior and middle-level workers are consumed by rent. That is why this housing scheme is so important,” he said. For a civil servant earning less than ₦100,000 monthly, rental costs, especially in urban centres like Asaba and Warri— can gulp as much as 60 to 70 percent of income. This leaves families struggling with little left for food, education, and healthcare. By creating affordable housing estates in partnership with the FMBN, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Oborevwori administration is addressing not just a housing issue but a broader social equity question. Secure, affordable shelter is directly linked to productivity, family stability, and even security. To demonstrate his seriousness, Oborevwori waived statutory fees amounting to nearly ₦200 million on the land allocated for the housing estate. “Although the C of O was ready since January 2024, the presentation was delayed by administrative processes. We waived statutory fees in the interest of workers,” the governor revealed. This singular gesture highlights a leadership style that prioritises long-term welfare over immediate state revenue. In an era when many governments lean on high levies and taxes, Delta’s leader is deliberately absorbing costs to make housing affordable for those who keep the wheels of governance and commerce turning daily. Nigeria’s housing deficit remains staggering. Estimates put the shortfall between 20 and 22 million units. This crisis is compounded by rapid urbanisation, a growing population, and the high cost of construction materials. According to UN-Habitat, Nigeria needs to build at least 700,000 homes annually to close the gap, yet current capacity barely scratches the surface. Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul,

FMBN’s Executive Director for Loans and Mortgage Services, acknowledged this reality while commending Oborevwori. He noted that the Ibusa estate fits neatly into the bank’s broader mandate to provide affordable housing for Nigerians. “With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project of Mr. President, our target is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta is very key to the success of this national plan,” Abdul said. The Ibusa estate will not only provide homes but will also serve as a pilot for scaling such interventions across Delta State and, potentially, across the South-South region. Governor Oborevwori’s housing initiative is not an isolated programme but part of a broader vision to improve the lives of workers. His administration has rolled out policies that touch healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agricultural development, all aimed at raising living standards. Housing, however, remains pivotal. Experts argue that stable housing is a gateway to other improvements: children study better in stable homes, families save more, and communities thrive. The multiplier effect is immense. Construction itself generates jobs for artisans, suppliers, and service providers, boosting local economies. Already, the governor’s move is drawing praise from labour leaders who see it as a direct response to workers’ daily struggles. The Nigeria Labour Congress in Delta has repeatedly called for affordable housing schemes as one of the surest ways to address poverty among workers. Interestingly, Abdul of the FMBN used the occasion to challenge Delta’s local councils to contribute actively to the National Housing Fund (NHF). “If local government councils contribute to the NHF, the bank can extend housing projects to the grassroots,” he said. This call is significant because rural and semiurban communities often face the worst housing conditions, dilapidated homes, slums, and overcrowding. With active participation from LGAs, the benefits of Oborevwori’s worker-centric housing model can reach even the remotest corners of the state. Observers note that Delta under Oborevwori is undergoing a quiet transformation.

James, writes from Agbor, Delta State

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

STEMMING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

All stakeholders should do more to contain the menace

Lagos State has once again drawn the attention of the nation to a disturbing social problem: the surge in violence against women and children. The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro revealed recently that the state recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence in one year - between August 2024 and July 2025. These included 243 cases of defilement, 244 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 99 cases of rape, 48 cases of sexual harassment, and 25 cases of sexual assault. There is a significant rise in the trend compared with the same period last year.

While we commend Lagos State for establishing an institution to deal with the challenge, it is important that other states also begin to deal with what has become an epidemic with serious social implications. Indeed, recent studies across the states replicated the national malaise.

the violence against women has been elevated in public spaces, culminating in their assault, indecent exposure, and emotional humiliation. The viral video of the Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and the female Youth Corper in Anambra State, Jennifer Elohor Edema, are, to say the least, vexatious.

Yet in many cases, abused women rarely report the violence they endure, for fear of being stigmatised by the society. Besides, deep-seated patriarchal interpretations within our various faiths preach endurance. Inevitably, the victim and the abuser are usually advised to find a way to settle their differences, rather than make public the injury or the violence within.

Every woman deserves respect for her dignity, her privacy, and her bodily autonomy

Assault and battery, even though serious offences in our law books, are hardly ever perceived as crimes by many of our law enforcement agencies, unless the acts ultimately culminate in death. In some instances, the police are extremely insensitive when dealing with the sexual abuse of minors, adding to the trauma of the survivors and their families. Besides, a pattern where survivors of sexual violence become targets of intimidation with the aid of law enforcement agents is unacceptable. It is imperative that the authorities make more efforts to understand the underlying causes and dynamics of this growing violence against Nigerian women and girls, if only to redeem the stability of the family unit, and consequently, the larger society.

While spousal abuse cuts across both sexes, women are predominantly the victims. Of late,

T H I S D AY

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Curbing these incidents is therefore a collective responsibility. It is also the duty of governments, at all levels, to protect the most vulnerable by supporting the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and wherewithal, including safe houses, wherein abused children and women can be securely accommodated, counselled and enabled to regain some confidence and self-respect.

Ultimately, it behoves all Nigerians to remain diligent and cast away the complacency that has hitherto been the bane of the victims of abuse in our midst. Ignoring the subtle signals of violence inflicted on our women and children can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society. As Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking rightly stated, every woman deserves respect for her dignity, her privacy, and her bodily autonomy. It’s time to put an end to this disgraceful trend, by enforcing the laws in the books- from Child Rights Act to all laws protecting women’s rights. And if need be, by strengthening old laws to stem the abhorrent behaviour.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GROWING IMPACT ON RURAL COMMUNITIES

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, and Nigeria is no exception to its devastating effects. While urban centers grapple with heatwaves, poor air quality, and flooding, rural communities face a different but equally alarming reality: shifting weather patterns, unpredictable rainfall, and increased vulnerability to food insecurity. These changes threaten not only the environment but also the livelihoods and survival of millions who depend on agriculture and natural resources.

In many rural regions of Nigeria, farming has traditionally relied on predictable weather cycles. For decades, planting seasons were well understood, and harvest times followed consistent patterns. However, climate change has disrupted these rhythms. Rainfall now often comes either too early, too late, or in excessive bursts that wash

away seeds and erode the soil. Farmers who once depended on generational knowledge to guide planting now find themselves gambling with nature, often with devastating results. Beyond erratic rainfall, rising temperatures are having a profound effect on agriculture and health. Warmer climates encourage the spread of pests such as the army worm, which attacks maize—a staple food for many Nigerians. Heat stress also affects livestock, reducing milk and meat production and threatening the food supply chain. For human populations, higher temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. One of the most visible consequences of climate change in rural Nigeria is desertification, particularly in the northern states. As vegetation disappears due to drought and overuse of land, communities are left with barren

landscapes that cannot sustain crops or livestock. This environmental degradation not only forces people to migrate in search of greener pastures but also increases competition for limited resources, which can spark conflicts between farmers and herders.

Water scarcity is another alarming challenge. Rivers, streams, and natural ponds that once served as lifelines for rural communities are drying up faster than they can be replenished. Without access to clean water, communities are exposed to higher risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Women and children often bear the brunt of the crisis, walking long distances to fetch water—time that could have been spent in school or engaging in economic activities.

Agatha Marcus, Dept of Mass Comm., University of Maiduguri

th

irthday

Mrs. Evelyn Okunbo to our Beloved Mother

Mummy today, we your children celebrate you, a woman of uncommon grace, love, and strength.

You have been our anchor, our guide, and our blessing. At 70, your life continues to inspire us with values of kindness, resilience, and wisdom.

We thank God for the gift of you and pray for more years of sound health, peace, and joy. Dearest Mum, we are proud to call you mother.

Congratulations on your 70th birthday.

Signed: Deborah Okunbo On behalf of Your Children.

Much Ado About Natasha’s Suspension From Senate

The decision by the National Assembly to stop the embattled Kogi Central Senatorial District representative in the 10th Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from resuming after the expiration of her six- month suspension pending the determination of her case at the Court Appeal is generating fresh reactions. Sunday Aborisade reports.

When her six-month suspension officially ended on September 4, 2025, one might have expected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to stride back into the Senate chamber and reclaim her seat, both literally and symbolically. Instead, she found the doors to the hallowed red chamber and her official office, still firmly locked

In a letter dated September 4, 2025 addressed to the embattled senator and signed by the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the National Assembly made its stance clear: no administrative process will facilitate her return while the appeal of the Senate President remains pending before the Court of Appeal.

The letter states succinctly, “The matter therefore remains sub judice until the judicial process is concluded. No administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption.”

This development deepens what has already become a defining constitutional and political saga in Nigeria, one that raises urgent questions about the fine line between legislative discipline and electoral mandate.

On March 6, 2025, the Senate imposed a sweeping six-month suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The action followed accusations that she violated Senate Standing Rules. Specifically, she was accused of bringing the Senate into disrepute, disrupted proceedings, refused to comply with seating assignments, and spoke out of turn.

As punishment, her office was locked, her pay suspended, her security detail withdrawn, and she was barred from representing herself as a senator.

The spark for this punitive action was a heated confrontation during the February 20, 2025 plenary, in which AkpotiUduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. That clash triggered both a disciplinary probe and a broader political firestorm.

At the heart of the controversy is a far more consequential allegation. That of sexual harassment.

In late February, 2025, AkpotiUduaghan accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of inappropriate advances during a personal visit to his home in December 2023, including insinuations of “quality moments” and quid-pro-quo expectations tied to legislative action.

She submitted a petition alleging misconduct, but it was swiftly dismissed by the Senate ethics committee on procedural grounds and promptly met with her suspension.

The response from civil society was fierce. SERAP, a prominent rights group, decried the suspension as “patently unlawful,” arguing that it punished Akpoti-Uduaghan for exercising her right to free expression and threatened

democratic values.

Nationwide protests under the slogan “We Are All Natasha” added fuel to what became one of Nigeria’s defining human-rights flashpoints in recent memory.

Within days of the Senate’s action, Akpoti-Uduaghan headed to court. On March 4, a Federal High Court granted an interim injunction restraining the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary measures.

That injunction was short-lived because by March 19, the court lifted it, paving the way for the Senate’s actions to continue.

Meanwhile, the hearing of her suit had been scheduled but the legal drama took a sharp turn on July 4, when Justice Binta Nyako ruled the suspension excessive and unlawful, citing constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules that failed

to specify a maximum suspension period.

Nyako held that depriving AkpotiUduaghan of her seat effectively denied her constituents representation for the legislative year, which according to the Judge, was a disproportionate breach of democratic principle.

The judgment stipulated that she should apologize to the Senate and that she should pay a N5 million fine. She was also asked to publish public apologies in two newspapers. Yet importantly, the court did not immediately enforce her recall, as the Senate had moved to appeal.

By mid-July, Akpoti-Uduaghan had indicated her readiness to resume duties, informing the Senate she would return on July 22, asserting that the court’s decision should be respected. The Senate declined, citing lack of receipt of the official court judgment and reiterating that the matter remained subjudice.

As of September 9, 2025, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat remains empty. The six-month suspension has lapsed,

“Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspended return to the Senate is a moment charged with symbolism. It is a cautionary tale about scapegoating, patriarchy, and abuse of process. It underlines how institutional instincts, protecting power or preserving decorum, can clash with constitutional guarantees and democratic mandates. At stake is not just one senator’s fate, but the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic architecture.”

yet the Senate insists on waiting for the Court of Appeal’s final decision.

To her constituents in Kogi Central, this delay is no mere procedural hiccup, it is a tangible denial of representation. It begs urgent resolution: If the Appeal affirms the suspension, the Senate’s inaction aligns with tradition. But it still risks disenfranchising voters.

If the Appeal upholds the Federal High Court ruling, failure to reinstate her could provoke further legal and political backlash. In the larger space, this moment may compel reform, both of parliamentary rules around suspension duration and of institutional respect for judicial checks.

The case raises profound questions about constitutional governance in Nigeria.

Firstly, it tests the scope and limits of legislative disciplinary power. While parliaments globally expect members to abide by conduct codes, punitive measures must not undercut the democratic voice of constituents, or override judicial verdicts.

Secondly, it implicates the separation of powers. Can the legislature effectively disregard or delay reinstatement when a court has ruled that the sanction is unconstitutional? The Senate’s refusal to act until the appeal is concluded underscores the tension between judicial pronouncement and institutional deference.

Thirdly, it foregrounds gender dynamics and women’s rights in Nigerian politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experience, one of the only four women in a 109-seat Senate, exposes systemic vulnerabilities.

Observers, including women’s rights advocates, argue that such punitive measures discourage women from speaking up, especially in maledominated spaces.

Online discussions reflect widespread public frustration. Commentators on the social media and analysts on the traditional media were unanimous in their opinion that the development would continue to  “discourage women from speaking up when they find themselves being sexually harassed.”

One of them notes: “This is not just about Natasha anymore; it’s about the erosion of democratic values and the weaponization of legislative authority to silence opposition.”

These sentiments cut across party lines, reflecting the raw societal impact of the case, beyond institutional wrangling.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspended return to the Senate is a moment charged with symbolism. It is a cautionary tale about scapegoating, patriarchy, and abuse of process. It underlines how institutional instincts, protecting power or preserving decorum, can clash with constitutional guarantees and democratic mandates.

Report: Achieving Global Internet Connectivity by 2030 Will Require $2.8trn Investment

Emma Okonji

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for global digital technology development, has said it will cost an investment plan of between $2.6 and $2.8 trillion to achieve a universal and meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030, based on current market prices.

ITU derived the whopping $2.8 trillion investment plan from a

report it released recently in collaboration with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The report, titled: ‘Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint’, outlines the challenges, projected costs, and collaborative strategies needed to make sure everyone, everywhere, can use the Internet, including the estimated one-third of humanity currently offline.

According to the report,

the largest investment component of $1.5 trillion to $ 1.7 trillion is required for hard infrastructure, alongside substantial funding for human and institutional capacity, mainly in developing countries. Giving details of the report, ITU SecretaryGeneral, Doreen BogdanMartin, said: “Digital connectivity means creating opportunities for education, jobs, and access to essential services that can transform lives and communities. While significant resources

are needed to meaningfully connect everyone, these are investments that will contribute to a prosperous digital future for all.”

Acting Governor of CST, Haytham AlOhali, said: “The world needs between $ 2.6 trillion and $ 2.8 trillion to connect humanity by 2030. This figure is nearly five times higher than the last assessment conducted in 2020 in partnership with ITU during the Saudi chairmanship of the G20. Such a dramatic increase

underscores the urgency for international cooperation, collective investment, and the sharing of expertise if we are to achieve the vision of universal, meaningful connectivity for all.”

Highlighting the challenges of connecting billions of people globally, ITU estimates that 2.6 billion people are still excluded from the digital world, with connectivity closely linked to levels of socio-economic development. In 2024, an estimated 93 per cent of the population in high-income

countries was using the Internet, compared to just 27 per cent in low-income countries.

The new report on achieving universal meaningful connectivity builds on ITU’s original 2020 Connecting Humanity study, published under the direction of the G20 during the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by identifying critical gaps with the anticipated costs for addressing them.

Emma Okonji

Zoho, a global technology company, recently released a new research report, which revealed that Nigerian businesses are setting a global standard in balancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption with robust privacy protection.

The study titled: ‘The AI Privacy Equation: The Nigerian Model of

Responsible AI Adoption’, was conducted by Arion Research on behalf of Zoho.

The company also said it saw a customer growth of 75 per cent in 2024 in Nigeria, one of its key markets in the African region.

Zoho made the two key announcements on the sidelines of Zoholics Nigeria, the company’s annual user conference,

which held recently in Lagos.

Speaking at a press conference, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria, Mr. Kehinde Ogundare, said:

“We continue to invest in Nigeria as businesses here accelerate their adoption of technology to grow and scale. The latest study around AI and Privacy proves that Nigerian businesses are leading the way in responsible

AI adoption, as they temper the new technology with privacy measures. This mirrors Zoho’s philosophy of building contextual and privacyfirst AI models that can help businesses realise tangible benefits. We infuse our AI solutions— from conversational and prescriptive to agentic and generative—with business context so that it can provide organisations

with decision intelligence.”

The report, which surveyed 386 respondents in Nigeria, reveals that 93 per cent of Nigerian organisations have already begun their AI journey, with 31 per cent achieving advanced AI integration across the organisation, and 26.5 per cent implementing AI across multiple departments. This indicates that more

than half of Nigerian businesses have moved from an experimental phase to operational deployment of AI. Furthermore, 84 per cent of the respondents report strengthening privacy measures since implementing AI, with 66 per cent describing these improvements as significant, the report said.

L-R: Special Assistant to the EVC on Foreign Relations, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu and another official of NIDCOM during Dabiri-Erewa’s courtesy visit to NASENI in Abuja… recently

Tripoint Travels to Tackle Youth Unemployment with Internship Programme

Stories by Emma Okonji

Tripoint Travels has taken the bold first step in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, unemployability and underemployment. Through its newly launched Tripoint Academy Internship Programme, the organisation is pioneering

a model that trains young Nigerians to be truly employable, while also offering them real job opportunities.

Managing Director of Tripoint Travels and founder of Tripoint Academy, Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, described the programme as a prototype designed to prove that Nigerian Youths, when

given the right skills and guidance, could become assets to any industry.

“I came to the realisation, being an entrepreneur myself and running Tripoint Travels, that we need to have good employees. What that means is, we need intrapreneurs in our organisations for us to be able to grow, scale up and

thrive in any industry,” she said.

According to her, the programme is more than an internship because she believes that more organisations will adopt the model.

Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (Nigeria), Dr. Olawale Anifowose, who commended the initiative,

NCS to Honour Individuals, Governments, Institutions at NITMA 2025

said: “Tripoint Travels has confronted one of the biggest challenges businesses face, which is talent management and finding the right people to work within their company. By equipping young people with practical skills, they are setting an example other organisations should follow.”

One of the graduates, Taiwo Fapohunda, echoed the impact of the programme. He said: “It has been an eye-opener that has shifted me to become a better person. With the skills and confidence I have gained, I know I can grow and contribute meaningfully in the world of aviation and beyond.”

Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos to announce this year’s NITMA awards,

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the foremost IT professional association in Nigeria and Africa’s largest IT Society is set to recognise and celebrate individuals, state governments and institutions, for their outstanding and excellent contributions towards the acceleration of Information Technology (IT) development in Nigeria and the Diaspora, at its annual National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA 2025), scheduled to hold November 2025 in Lagos.

the President of NCS, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, said the awards would recognise outstanding governors and individuals that are making enormous investments in Information Technology (IT).

PalmPay Champions Local Partnerships, Trust at GITEX Nigeria 2025

PalmPay, Africa’s leading neobank, reaffirmed its commitment to building trusted financial ecosystems at GITEX 2025, the continent’s premier technology and AI summit held at Landmark Centre, Lagos, recently. Vice President of

Partnerships at PalmPay, Chibuzor Melah, joined a high-level panel discussion during the just concluded GITEX event themed: ‘From Idea to Infrastructure - The African Tech Executive & Founders’ Playbook’.

Speaking at the panel, Melah outlined the key

challenges facing financial inclusion on the continent, including heavy reliance on cash and low levels of financial literacy.

He stressed that addressing the challenges requires more than just innovation, adding that it requires tailoring

technology to local realities, building local talent, and always putting customers first.

“As a financial company, our greatest responsibility is to earn trust. Security and compliance must come first, because customers deserve to feel protected.”

Zoho Launches Product, Expands AI Suite with Agents Tools

Zoho, a global technology company announced the launch of Zia LLM—the company’s proprietary large language model, a no-code agent builder, Zia Agent Studio, over 25 deployable Zia agents, and a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to open up Zoho’s vast library

of actions to third-party agents.

Speaking on the initiative, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria, Mr. Kehinde Ogundare, said: “Today’s announcement emphasises Zoho’s longstanding aim to build foundational technology focused on protection of customer

data, breadth and depth of capabilities because of the business context, and value. Our LLM model is trained specifically for business use cases, keeping privacy and governance at its core, which has resulted in lowering the inference cost, passing on that value to the customers, while also

ensuring that they are able to utilise AI productively and efficiently.”

According to him, Zoho has successfully launched its own large language model, Zia LLM, built completely in-house by leveraging NVIDIA’s AI accelerated computing platform.

Zinox Partners KongaCares to Computerise Schools

In a bid to equip Nigerian students with computers, Zinox Technologies, in partnership with KongaCares, has unveiled the Computerise Nigeria Initiative during the just

concluded GITEX at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.

The ambitious onecomputer-per-child programme aims to provide at least one million young

Nigerians with laptops and supporting digital infrastructure.

In his address, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu commended

Zinox Technologies for its consistent leadership and innovation, noting that the company has continued to provide affordable solutions that directly support digital education.

Sophos Births Initiative to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has announced that Sophos Endpoint is now natively integrated and automatically included in all Taegi Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Taegis Managed Detection and Response (MDR) subscriptions.

The milestone gives customers immediate access to combined prevention, detection, and response

capabilities in a single platform – while lowering costs and simplifying operations.

Chief Product Officer at Sophos, Raja Patel, said: “Integrating Sophos Endpoint with Taegis delivers a best-in-class unified protection, detection, investigation, and response platform – while also reducing customer costs. Too many organisations still treat endpoint protection like a commodity, and that’s exactly the mistake attackers are counting on.

With a global community of over 450 million active users, Truecaller has become more than just a caller ID service; it’s a trusted guide in helping people understand not only who is reaching out, but the intent behind every call.

Truecaller has started providing deeper contextual insights using AI on incoming calls received by its users, going way beyond showing just the caller’s name.

Global CEO of Truecaller,

Rishit Jhunjhunwala, said: “People hesitate to answer unknown calls because they lack context and in today’s world, context is everything. Truecaller was built to solve this: not just to identify who’s calling, but to help customers understand why people make certain calls.

Truecaller’s Caller ID is powered by a dynamic, AI-driven engine that interprets billions of signals from calls, messages, and user feedback across the globe — every single day.

Ekine: Brand Perception Will Improve Quality of Products

The Convener, Consumers Value Awards, Mr. Akonte Ekine, speaks about the impact of the initiative and the awareness it has created among brand consumers in the last three years and how consumers have been able to exercise their rights through voting in shaping brand perception across various products. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

After three years of CVA, how would you assess the concept and consumer participation?

The Consumers Value Awards has grown significantly over the last three editions. What started as a vision to give consumers a voice in rewarding value-driven brands has now become a national movement. Participation has risen steadily each year, both in terms of brands listed and consumers engaging in the voting process. We’ve seen consumers actively campaigning for their preferred brands, which show the level of ownership and belief in the process. For us, that validates the concept — consumers want to be heard, and CVA is a credible platform for that.

How are companies reacting to the results of CVA so far?

Companies are paying close attention. Many see the recognition not just as an award but as an endorsement by the consumer. For some brands, it has become a badge of honour that they proudly showcase in their marketing. Look at globacom when they won the award two years ago with the massive publicity on it, you can also see Checkers Custard, Waw detergent and Reload Multivitamin publicities on winning the award to mention those and even Leadway Insurance conversation on their first win of the award.

Overall, the response has been positive and constructive, with brands appreciating that the results reflect genuine consumer perception.

Are there specific examples of how companies are using the CVA result to adjust their product and service offerings?

We are yet to have any of such information, however, we do have conversations with winners and nominated brands requesting for backend data and I think smart marketing teams will use that amongst other data available to them to interrogate the brands.

We don’t want to claim what we have not experienced but truth be told, what CVA provide is a subtle strong valuation opportunity for brands as influencer of brand marketing and product development initiative.

What informed the introduction of government agencies into the programme this year?

Government agencies are major service providers, and in many cases, consumers interact with them more than private brands. We realized that empowering consumers to vote on their experiences with public service

agencies creates accountability, transparency, and pressure to improve. It also provides the agencies themselves with valuable feedback they may not ordinarily receive in formal reports. Including them makes CVA a more holistic reflection of consumer experiences. Let also add that our goal is not political but pure better service experience for us all as consumers of government services

How would the companies so voted ensure the credibility of the voting by the public?

The credibility of CVA lies in the transparency of our voting process. It is an open, digital system where consumers directly cast their votes without interference.

We don’t collect money from companies to influence results, and we publish the entire process for accountability. For the companies, their responsibility is to continue to earn consumer trust so that votes reflect authentic satisfaction rather than short-term hype. Ultimately, credibility is maintained because it is the people themselves who decide. To cast your vote, you will get an OTP in your inbox or Spam. Just take the four digit PIN and put in the dialogue box. The email address is validated to vote across all the categories.

Is CVA a feedback mechanism on perception and feelings by consumers of product offerings and satisfaction?

Absolutely, CVA is more than an award — it is a consumer perception index. It captures how consumers feel about the value they are receiving in exchange for

their money, time, and loyalty. The results highlight satisfaction levels, service gaps, and areas where brands are excelling. That’s why it is such a powerful feedback tool for companies, because it reflects the true voice of the marketplace.

Is this a pro bono service to companies to understand where they are in the face of consumers?

Yes, the voting and recognition process is entirely pro bono. Brands do not pay to be listed or to be voted for — the awards are earned strictly on merit through consumer votes. Our role is to provide the platform and ensure credibility.

This makes CVA unique because it levels the playing field: whether you are a multinational, a local brand, or even a government agency, the only factor that counts is the consumer’s voice. That neutrality is what gives CVA its strength and integrity.

What makes the Consumers Value Awards different from other industry awards?

The difference is simple — CVA is powered entirely by consumers. Many industry awards are judged by panels or influenced by sponsorships, but CVA is strictly based on the votes of everyday consumers. This makes it the most democratic and transparent

recognition platform in the country as at this moment. When a brand wins, it is because the people have spoken. That consumer-driven model is what sets us apart.

How do you ensure that rural and less tech-savvy consumers are represented in the voting process?

Inclusivity is central to our mission. We know that consumer experiences go beyond urban centers and smartphone users. That’s why we have invested in communication campaigns such as this and others. Our mobile-friendly voting portal is lightweight and works well even on basic devices. Over time, we’re exploring offline support systems to give more consumers, regardless of literacy or technology access, a chance to participate.

L-R: Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo; Head of People Function, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ngozi Ben-Ude; Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen; President, Lady Mechanic Initiative, Sandra Aguebor; Senior People Business Partner, APM Terminals, Sholabomi Tokosi; Senior Ways of Working Lead at APMT, Jan Jensen and People Business Partner, APMT, Timothy Osahon at the launch of APMT Apapa’s Female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme, at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa…yesterday

CSCS, Regulator, Operators Move to ImplementT+2 Settlement in November

Kayode Tokede

The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Nigeria’s premier clearing and settlement house, has received strong backing from capital market regulators and operators for its transition to a T+2 settlement cycle,

scheduled to commence on 28th November 2025.

This move marks a significant milestone in advancing efficiency, risk mitigation, and global competitiveness within the Nigerian capital market. The market currently operates under a T+3 settlement cycle,

which presents several challenges including elevated counterparty risk, lower liquidity, operational inefficiencies, and exposure to market volatility.

At a stakeholder webinar hosted by CSCS on the theme, “Advancing Market

Efficiency through T+2 Settlement,” key regulators and operators reaffirmed their readiness for this transition.

Speaking at the event, Executive Commissioner (Operations), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bola Ajomale, emphasised

Dangote Cement Mulls Interim Dividend Payout to Shareholders by 2026

Kayode Tokede

The new Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, yesterday said management of the cement producing company by 2026 will consider interim dividend to shareholders amid its expansion plans.

Ikazoboh at Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) during a combined Closing Gong Ceremony and Facts Behind the Figures presentation, set out a five-point agenda

aimed at sustaining the company’s growth trajectory and strengthening its role in Africa’s industrial and economic development.

He stated that his priorities include sustaining the company’s governance structures, driving growth and market transformation, accelerating innovation to reduce the group’s carbon footprint, expanding engagement with partners and host communities, and investing in its workforce.

His appointment comes after Alhaji Aliko Dangote, president and founder of Dangote Group, stepped down as chairman of Dangote Cement in July 2025.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, described the transition as an important moment for Nigeria’s capital market. “Dangote Cement has long been a cornerstone of our Exchange, contributing significantly to market depth, liquidity, and

investor confidence.

The appointment of Ikazoboh, with his track record in governance and market reforms, signals continuity and ambition. At NGX Group, we remain committed to providing a credible and innovative platform that enables companies of this scale to thrive.”

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola, said the Group is positioning itself as a partner in corporate transformation.

WACT-APM Terminals, GIVO Commissions First Solar-powered Recycling Plant in Onne

In a major step toward environmental sustainability and community development, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria, in partnership with Garbage In Value Out (GIVO) has launched a solar-powered recycling plant in its host community, Onne, Eleme LGA, Rivers State.

The innovative facility is designed to recycle

plastic waste into reusable products while harnessing renewable solar energy to power its operations. This project aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, clean energy adoption, and job creation.

Speaking at the launch of the event, the Managing Director of the West Africa Container Terminal-APM Terminals Nigeria, represented by

Daniella Sylva said:

“This remarkable facility is not only dear to the Onne Community, but also strongly aligns with APM Terminals’ drive to embrace more ecofriendly and sustainable means of operation.

“In partnership with Givo, we are supporting the Onne Community in overcoming the daunting challenge of managing plastic wastes. With the full operation of this recycling plant, the

residents of Onne and neighbouring communities will have the opportunity to generate income by exchanging plastic wastes for value. Beyond helping to protect the community, this initiative will stimulate economic activity and empower residents because the majority of those engaged in the plant’s operations are from the Onne community with the youths taking center stage.”

the commission’s commitment to modernising the Nigerian capital market.

“The Commission’s plan is to move to a T+1 cycle next year, in alignment with trends in developed markets, and ultimately target T+0. We urge all market

participants to prepare for this shift and adequately engage their clients. This initiative is a critical component of our broader capital market reforms aimed at enhancing global competitiveness,” Ajomale stated.

Ghana Expo, Investment Forum Set to Boost Trade and Investment in Nigeria

The Ghana Tourism Authority, in collaboration with key stakeholders from trade and industry, has announced the Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum, a landmark event aimed at showcasing Ghana’s business potential, strengthening tourism and trade ties, and attracting cross-border investment.

The Expo is scheduled to take place in Nigeria from September 24–27, 2025, at Eko FM Auditorium, Agidingbi, Lagos.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) are working closely to explore new ways of building innovations and technology, using the expertise and skills of Nigerians living in the diaspora, as well as those at home.

The Executive Vice

The Expo themed: ‘Unlocking Investment Potential Through Intra-African Trade and Tourism’, will bring together Ghanaian entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and international business leaders. The forum will serve as a strategic platform for Ghanaian businesses across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, creative arts, fashion, finance, and services to connect with Nigerian and international counterparts.

Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu and the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Abike DabiriErewa, during a strategic meeting at NIDCOM headquarters described this collaboration as a “timely intervention”, noting that it will help connect Nigeria’s local innovators with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.

Affirming Promotion of Oral Hygiene, Dental Care

As part of its efforts to promote oral and dental care, Nature’s Renaissance International (NRI), an indigenous health and wellness company, has added two new toothpastes to the market. The UATD EYI Toothpastes were unveiled at a launch event in Lagos last month. The launch showcased UATD EYI Charcoal Toothpastes for adults, enriched with herbal extracts such as turmeric, and UATD EYI Children Toothpaste enriched with strawberry and grape-flavoured variants. Sunday Ehigiator reports

The launch marks a significant step for the company and for Nigeria’s growing personal care industry as the toothpastes are proudly formulated and manufactured locally. The new toothpastes, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Nature’s Renaissance International (NRI), Prof. Clinton Brown Odiagbe, are part of a broader mission to utilise Africa’s natural resources to promote both health and economic empowerment.

NRI describes the product as not only a breakthrough in oral hygiene but also a symbol of African innovation and empowerment. “The purpose of today’s event is to unveil and celebrate the launch of our latest innovation, UATD EYI Toothpastes. These products represent a breakthrough in dental care, setting a new standard in quality and marking an exciting addition to our product line.

“Alongside this launch, we are also introducing PASTE4ALERT, a unique empowerment package designed to drive impact and opportunity,” he added. “This product is not just a breakthrough in oral care; it is also a celebration of local excellence, deeply rooted in empowerment and purpose. Thanks to our partnership with Colori Cosmetics, a reputable manufacturing partner. UATD EYI Toothpastes are proudly made in Nigeria and for Africans.

“It’s a testament to our belief that Africa has what it takes- the resources, the people and the partnership to build world-class solutions. We are confident that NRI will continue to set new standards-not only in product innovation but in driving a powerful movement to help Africa break free from the cycles of poverty and poor health.” He noted that the company had invested heavily in local expertise and materials to develop a product that meets global standards.

“The UATD EYI adult charcoal toothpaste is infused with Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract and offers a range of health benefits, which include teeth whitening, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and relief for sensitive teeth,” Odiagbe explained that the new products demonstrate how natural remedies can be transformed into world-class solutions that combine health benefits with economic empowerment.

“The launch introduced UATD EYI Charcoal Toothpaste for adults, enriched with herbal extracts such as turmeric, then strawberry and grape-flavoured options for children.

He further noted that, unlike regular toothpaste, the charcoal variant goes beyond oral hygiene, helping to relax nerves and improve sleep. This is

CS-SUNN Lauds Nasarawa Governor for

Igbawase

The Civil Society Scaling Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his strong commitment to improving child and maternal nutrition in the state.

A member of CS-SUNN, Dr. Terfa Kene, stated this during an advocacy visit to the state governor at Government House, Lafia.

Dr. Kene explained that Governor Sule’s approval of two hundred and fifty million naira counterpart funding to UNICEF, his backing for six months

car awards to NRI distributors across the nation, emblematic of the empowerment opportunity of the NRI model.

Speaking at the product unveiling, led by the Head of Department of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Titus Tile, said, “The production is natural, using raw materials from our indigenous plants. And what it will do is that through the value chain of cultivation, processing and consumption, people will get jobs, and value for monetary gains, including the benefits. There are benefits, including the medicinal value of charcoal. Charcoal has medicinal values which have long been verified.”

nature made friendly. It is not just about whitening teeth, but supporting overall wellness,” he said.

Odiagbe, who is also a professor of natural medicine, said his interest in herbal solutions stemmed from personal experiences, including a spinal injury in his youth that was healed by a traditional bone doctor. He added that exposure to Chinese and Indian herbal practices later strengthened his resolve to develop African-centred remedies.

Since its inception in 2020, Odiagbe explained that NRI has remained committed to advancing herbal healthcare, producing over 16 certified herbal health products that have been used by more than three million Nigerians. The high point of the launch event was the presentation of

He also shed light on the efforts the government is making to ensure traditional medicine is promoted. “Government is promoting the use of natural herbal products, and that is why there is a department. If not for the promotion of it, there wouldn’t be a department. We have a policy on traditional medicine now, and we have an essential medicinal list that includes a list of traditional plants in Nigeria. We have a herbal cornucopia that is looking into the standard of medicinal plants. We have organisations like the National Institute of Research, and also the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency. All these are government structures to make sure that traditional medicine is promoted.”

Dignitaries, including His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; representatives of the Honourable Minister of Health, led by the Head of Department of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Titus Tile; Dr. Dogara Okara, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; wife of former president Obasanjo, Mrs. Alice Bola Obasanjo, represented by Dr. Mrs. Abisoye Adebanke Alabi; and Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, graced the occasion.

Improving Child/Maternal Nutrition

of paid maternity leave, and his resolve to donate land for the proposed Project ASPIRE Hub is a testament to efforts to neutralise the 39 per cent child stunting rate in the state.

He highlighted that the ₦250 million already approved as counterpart funding to UNICEF unlocked Nasarawa State’s participation in the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).

Kene assured that the financing would enable the state to procure critical commodities such as “Ready-toUse Therapeutic Food (RUTF), micronutrient powder and fortified

supplements,” with most states yet to fulfil this obligation.

Kene, who reinforced the urgency of tackling malnutrition, said, “Stunting affects the brain development of a child. If we do not address it, we may not have the human resources we need in the future.”

“Although Nasarawa’s action distinguishes it as one of the few investing concretely in nutrition, by making these funds available, the state strengthens its chances of reducing its 39 per cent stunting rate and addressing the 23 per

cent of underweight children in the state.

“With this commitment, Nasarawa State has shown that it is ready to lead by example in tackling malnutrition and investing in the future of its children,” the CS-SUNN team said.

He further emphasised that Nasarawa State is already on the advantage side, as “Project ASPIRE Hub,” a long-term investment in nutritionsensitive development, through its demonstration farm, would focus on sesame, rice and yams already produced in the state.

APMTerminals EmpowersYoung Women with Groundbreaking Female MechanicTraining Initiative

Oluchi Chibuzor

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, APM Terminals Apapa has launched a pioneering Female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme aimed at empowering women in its host communities.

The official inauguration took place yesterday at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and was attended by beneficiaries, community representatives, and industry leaders.

Speaking at the event, the Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, congratulated the 20 young women, aged between 18 and 26, who were selected after demonstrating determination and commitment during the application process. He

Mastercard has announced the successful onboarding of its employees in Nigeria onto the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) flagship training platform, the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA).

The milestone underscores Mastercard’s commitment to privacy, data responsibility, and regulatory compliance, while advancing its broader ambition to embed responsible data practices across Africa’s digital economy.

The VPA is a training program developed by the NDPC to equip professionals with essential knowledge on personal data governance, lawful processing,

emphasised that education and personal development are essential drivers of progress and observed that stepping into a traditionally male-dominated profession requires courage and resilience.

While acknowledging that women remain underrepresented in technical and operational roles at the port, he stressed that the new initiative would help create an inclusive environment where both men and women can thrive without discrimination.

Knudsen encouraged the trainees to dedicate themselves fully to the programme, adding that he hoped to see many of them return for internships at APM Terminals Apapa as part of efforts to build a more diverse workforce.

To support the participants, the company provided protective work gear including

cybersecurity hygiene, and emerging regulatory obligations.

“Privacy is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a core pillar of digital trust. By enrolling all our Nigerian staff in the NDPC Virtual Privacy Academy, we are embedding privacy awareness into the fabric of our operations and supporting Nigeria’s digital rights agenda,” said Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard.

Deputy Chief Privacy, AI and Data Responsibility Officer, Mastercard, Derek Ho, said: “The Virtual Privacy Academy represents a landmark opportunity to scale privacy knowledge in a

overalls, safety boots, helmets, and gloves. Knudsen further urged the young women to prioritise their safety while proving their capabilities in the workplace, reminding them that resilience, self-belief, and bravery would be key to succeeding in their chosen fields.

Nigeria’s first female mechanic and President of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engineer Sandra Aguebor, also attended the event and commended APM Terminals Apapa for sponsoring the training and equipping the participants with the resources needed to excel. She noted that women have a critical role to play in today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly automated industries, and should be afforded the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

way that is both practical and impactful. Our collaboration with NDPC is equipping professionals with the tools to make ethical, informed decisions that protect individuals while enabling innovation.”

National Commissioner/ CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said: “We are proud to work with Mastercard to deliver real-world solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. The Virtual Privacy Academy will play a critical role in empowering professionals with the knowledge and confidence to uphold ethical data practices in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

Bankit MFB Showcases Nigeria’s Fintech Growth at GITEX Africa

Bankit Microfinance Bank (MFB), Nigeria’s fastestgrowing digital bank, has successfully showcased its innovations and growth journey at the just concluded GITEX Africa, one of the continent’s largest platforms for technology and innovation. At the event held in Lagos from the 3rd to 4th of September 2025, Bankit MFB highlighted its strides in fintech in

Nigeria, reinforcing its role as a CBN-licensed and NDICinsured digital bank committed to driving financial inclusion having engaged stakeholders, government officials, thought leaders on its growth trajectory and future plans earning major commendations and signalling its readiness to play a bigger role in Africa’s digital economy.

Chief Operating Officer

for Bankit MFB, Simpa Yekini, said: “At Bankit, we are re-imagining what it means to bank in Nigeria. Our rapid growth validates the demand for secure, technology-driven banking solutions. Showcasing our innovations at GITEX Africa allowed us to reinforce our mission of making everyday banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding while building new strategic connections.”

Rotary Club Ewutuntun to Host District Governor of International District 9111

The President Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, Rotarian Olukayode Stephen Ogundipe disclosed that, “the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Rtn Prince Henry Akinyele and his entourage will pay his official visit to the Club on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Ibis Royale hotel, Airport road, Lagos at 10am.”

According to Ogundipe,

the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, “the entourage will be received at Ewutuntun Arcade at Beesam Junction, Airport road and to pay a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Oloyede Al-Maroof”. In her contribution, the

Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Rtn Bukola Alamu stated that, the District 9111 Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele shall present scholarships and awards to selected Secondary students at the Summer School Centre lessons at Oshodi Snr School, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos and plant trees for a green environment.”

Sterling HoldCo Projects N149.27bn Gross Earnings for Q4 2025

KayodeTokede

Following its sistained strong performance, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, yesterday projected N149.27 billion gross earnings for the fourth quarter(Q4) ended December 31, 2025.

The financial institution stated that the projection is based on the Group’s performance in the

first half of the year, when profit after tax rose by 157 per cent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 per cent to N212.61 billion, and earnings per share rose to 89 kobo from 56 kobo.

“Together, these results highlight a strong year-todate trajectory, reinforcing profitability and boosting investor confidence in the Group’s long-term outlook,”

the management said.

According to the filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Sterling HoldCo expected interest income of N116.73 billion and interest expenses of N42.88 billion, resulting in net revenue from funds of N73.85 billion.

From the filing, the Group also anticipates credit impairment charges of N16.84

billion, with other income projected at N28.37 billion, bringing net operating income to N85.37 billion.

Operating expenses are forecast at N67.24 billion, leaving a profit before tax of N18.13 billion. After accounting for a projected tax of N1.88 billion, profit after tax is estimated at N16.25 billion for the quarter.

Sterling’s cash flow outlook

underscores the strength of its balance sheet.

The Group projected N13.56 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, alongside N266.16 billion in financing inflows and N187.93 billion in investing activities.

This is expected to deliver a net increase of N91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with the cash and bank balance

closing at N549.90 billion by year-end, compared to N458.11 billion at the start of the quarter. The management noted that “These forecasts build on the Group’s performance earlier in the year, reflecting the continuation of this momentum, supported by a disciplined focus on cost management, diversified income streams, and prudent balance sheet growth.

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 09 September 2025, unless otherwise stated.

CARICOM’s Banking Sector at the Brink: The John Doe Summons and the Coming Financial Apocalypse

One morning soon, a bank card issued by a Caribbean lender may simply stop working in New York. A remittance wire from a son in Florida to his mother in Grenada may vanish into the ether. Tourists landing in Antigua could find their cards being declined at the hotel check-in desk. These will not be tech glitches. They will be the tremors of a financial earthquake triggered not by a credit crisis, but by an insidious legal instrument wielded not with SWAT teams but by court orders.

By Femi (‘Tex’) Ogunkolati

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) aided and abetted by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has unleashed its most existential weapon yet on the offshore finance world. It is known as the John Doe summons. And for the fragile financial ecosystem of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community of 15 states and territories it is no longer a question of managing damage. It’s a question of the last person out turning off the lights. Perhaps, the final nail in the coffin and the end of what can only be described as an inglorious era.

A Weaponized Summons with Global Reach

The John Doe summons is the IRS’s scalpel for slicing through secrecy. It’s used when U.S. authorities suspect wrongdoing by a group of unnamed individuals and want third parties such as banks, service providers, trust companies, and lawyers, who for years have quietly toiled away earning their income by assisting individuals and perhaps turning a blind eye to the realities to their questions and instructions. Easy money earned by them may now be the very invoices that lends them jail time. Similarly, the summons covers couriers, and even clearinghouses and obligates them to hand over the documents that will help identify the tax cheats. In short none is exempt. On December 23, 2024, a federal court in Manhattan authorised the latest salvo: sweeping John Doe summonses targeting Trident Trust Group, a major offshore services provider operating in over 30 countries, including several in the Caribbean.

The Trident investigation is wide-reaching. It seeks records on US clients dating back to 2014, and includes enquiries made of major U.S. banks like Wells Fargo, Citibank, Bank of America. Even well-established delivery services such as FedEx and DHL fall under its ambit. Trident has been named repeatedly in major investigative exposés, including the Pandora Papers. And while the IRS stops short of accusing the firm itself of wrongdoing, its business model, a latticework of nominee directors, shell companies, and offshore trusts has long been a red flag to the raging bull of U.S. regulators.

Here’s where it hits CARICOM like a sledgehammer: many of Trident’s corporate structures pass through the ‘sleepy’ Caribbean’s financial system. And the IRS isn’t targeting banks in the Caribbean directly. It’s hitting them where it hurts in their U.S. correspondent accounts.

Collateral

Damage with a Passport Stamp

The John Doe summons is designed to be all intrusive. Even clients who are not U.S.

citizens could conceivably fall into its net simply by using a U.S. mailing address, holding a U.S. mobile phone number, or naming a U.S. citizen as a trust beneficiary. For small Caribbean jurisdictions that rely on trust services business, tourism, and diaspora remittances, this is a financial neutron bomb.

For Banks in the Bahamas, Barbados, and the numerous service providers in Nevis that once quietly and perhaps unwittingly facilitated wealth structuring, the writing is on the wall. They now face reputational ruin and maybe years of litigation. If what happened to Swiss banks is anything to go by, it may probably trickle down to their staff. Once labelled “high-risk,” a bank becomes radioactive to global partners. The consequence is de-risking, a terrifyingly antiseptic term that in practice means major U.S. and European banks cut ties with their Caribbean counterparts to avoid compliance burdens and liability. It’s happening already. The Caribbean Association of Banks reports that virtually every local bank has lost at least one correspondent relationship. For small economies with thin capital markets, this is not just inconvenient it’s potentially fatal. Tourism suffers. Importers can’t pay for goods. Families can’t send money home. The unbanked swell, and so too do the ranks of the disenfranchised.

A System That Punishes the Small for the Sins

of the Powerful

CARICOM’s predicament is deeply ironic. The U.S. and Europe have allowed Delaware and London to flourish as secrecy jurisdictions, but it is Bridgetown, Santo Domingo, Castries, St George’s, Saint Johns and Charlestown that will

bear the brunt of enforcement crackdowns. The IRS and DOJ make no allegations of wrongdoing against Caribbean banks in the Trident case. But that hardly matters. In today’s compliance climate, guilt by proximity is contagion enough. The threat to CARICOM’s financial industry cannot be overstated

Plausible deniability and oblivion are no longer sufficient defence. The rules have shifted. It’s no longer about ticking the boxes. Compliance now means interpreting the “spirit of the law,” acting like a regulator even when you’re not one. Consider the portent for disaster If a bank doesn’t proactively report or shut down a suspect client, it risks losing access to the U.S. financial system altogether. Loss of the Corresponding Banking relationship means it may as well just close shop. That’s tantamount to a death sentence in a world predicated on US dollars. Now consider the effect on the industry as banks are mandated to enforce compliance.

The tragedy is that many in CARICOM saw this coming or ought to have seen it coming. But they either lacked the political or financial capital to pre-empt it. Their glib acquiesce or failure to recognise a paradigm shift in the offshore zeitgeist is a damning indictment on their policy decision making. The choice now is stark: overhaul or obsolescence. The time for surface-level reforms is over.

Banks must go beyond perfunctory KYC checks. They need forensic compliance programs capable of rooting out beneficial ownership, mapping fund flows, and detecting red flags in real-time. This means capital outlays, hiring compliance specialists, and retraining staff. These are all expensive but crucial propositions in economies still recovering from the

pandemic and tourism shocks. Some regional voices are calling for a unified response, perhaps even a pan-CARICOM compliance backbone or a shared correspondent banking hub. Others pin hopes on central bank digital currencies to create parallel rails for financial transactions. But these are long shots. Time is short. The good news however is that there are a select few financial institutions that had the foresight to anticipate the demise of these trust service arrangements and proactively sought to strengthen compliance in an attempt to ensure the fidelity of their relationships with global banking. This will afford them the opportunity to benefit from nascent U.S banking regulations such as the Genius Act which is set to exercise a profound effect on the U.S. dollar ecosystem.

The Real Risk:

A Parallel System Emerges

If CARICOM is shut out of the formal banking system, what fills the vacuum? Informal finance, unregulated crypto channels, and hawala-style networks are all lurking at the fringes. These systems lack oversight and accountability. Ironically, the enforcement crusade meant to curb financial opacity could catalyse a much darker ecosystem of underground banking. This is the nightmare scenario for global regulators, a return to the shadows, but this time without the paper trail. If that happens, the entire premise of the John Doe summons as a compliance tool backfires. Tax evasion won’t end. It will just move deeper underground. But this cannot be a winning strategy for CARICOM’s banking industry.

A Moment of Reckoning for the Region and for the World

The John Doe summons against Trident Trust is more than a legal manoeuvre. It is a geopolitical shockwave. It reveals how U.S. enforcement policies however justified can and will reshape entire regions. It exposes the asymmetry in global finance, where a summons from Washington can rewire the banking map of the entire Caribbean without a single vote cast or consultation held.

For CARICOM banks, the message is blunt: adapt now, or risk being ghosted by the global economy. For Washington, the question must be asked: is financial access a privilege for the powerful or a necessity for the vulnerable? Either way, time is running out. The Caribbean is being unplugged. Who, if anyone, will plug it back in?

• Femi Tex Ogunkolati is a British Nigerian investor and Consultant that specialises in project and global finance. He is renowned for the nuanced perspective his incisive commentaries bring to complex economic issues shaping the Global South and beyond.

GAMING WEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

At Lagos Stakeholder Engagement, FSGRN Clarifies Grey Areas

Nseobong Okon-Ekong highlights some of the topics that invited arguments at a recent meeting of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) with different cadres of operators in the industry

The FSGRN continues its series of educational engagements with stakeholders in the industry, while pushing for expansion that will increase its membership from the current

number of 22 states. These ongoing efforts fortify the regulatory environment and align it with global best practices. The latest meeting was attended by the leadership and members of the Association of Nigerian

Bookmakers (ANB), the Licensed Lottery Operators Forum, and Casino operators.

Following the pivotal Supreme Court ruling in November 2024 (Suit No. SC/1/2008, Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. AG Federation & Ors.), the FSGRN formalized its presence on the Nigerian gaming landscape. The court invalidated the National Lottery Act outside the FCT, confirming that gaming and lottery regulation fall squarely within state jurisdiction. This was hailed as a landmark endorsement for federalism and state autonomy in regulatory affairs, consolidating state-led regulation. The Supreme Court decision and the URL system empower state agencies rather than centralizing authority.

The FSGRN is at the forefront of reshaping Nigeria’s gaming landscape through constitutional affirmation, unified licensing frameworks, data security enhancements, and active legal engagement. These initiatives are laying the foundation for a transparent, efficient, and state-resilient gaming sector that protects consumers, incentivizes innovation, and preserves Nigeria’s federal balance.

Contentious talking points

The FSGRN has announced the introduction of an 11% flat tax on Good Causes for Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) across all operators, effective from January 1, 2026. From the same date, licence fees have been fixed at N100 million per annum for each category of operator: Lottery, Sports Betting, and Casino. The distinction between online and retail operations has been removed, and all operators are expected to comply. The regulators emphasized that enforcement will be rigorous across all collaborating states.

The FSGRN secretariat will collect Universal Reciprocity License fees. However, all other taxes and payments

are to be remitted directly to the state in which transactions occur. Operators are therefore required to strengthen systems that track customer activity (such as geo-fencing and geo-tracking, or the collection of such information at onboarding) by location to ensure accurate monthly remittances of payments and taxes.

All outstanding payments from November 2024 (post-judgement) must be remitted to the FSGRN. An account will be communicated to the ANB and Operators Forum for this purpose. The applicable rate for these arrears will be the former National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) until the 11% GGR tax takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Discussions on Withholding Tax on Winnings were raised. As this remains a state-level issue, operators were advised to engage with their respective state Internal Revenue Services. The Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), through its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Are, indicated that engagements with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service were already advanced. Are, who also doubles as chairman of FSGRN, noted the reservations while also acknowledging the binding nature of the law.

The ANB and the Operators Forum appealed to the FSGRN to reconsider the 11% GGR tax in light of challenging operating conditions and high and significant platform costs. Responding, the FSGRN insisted that its proposed rate was already lower than the European average of 19%.

The leadership of the FSGRN agreed to revert to the secretariat within seven days on whether adjustments were possible. Additionally, the FSGRN secretariat is expected to respond by Friday, September 12, 2025, on a proposed payment plan for the backlog of taxes owed from November 2024.

Nigerian Pro League’s Eighth Season and Making of Esports Culture

Beyond the steady increase in prize money, the newly unveiled champions of the Nigerian Pro League reveal a growing interest in Esports culture in Nigeria and Africa, writes Iyke Bede

Last Saturday in Ikeja, Lagos, Neon Rising, one of 16 Esports teams in the Nigerian Pro League grand finals, fought their way to the top. The win makes them the tournament’s eighth champion after battling through a field of 125 teams across the harmattan and rainy season splits. They walk away with N1 million from a N2 million prize pool. Yet beyond the victory, Season 8 speaks to the steady rise of Esports culture in Nigeria and across the continent.

The popularity of Esports has steadily grown, bringing together gaming and non-gaming audiences in a shared culture centered on music, sportsmanship, and youthful expression. Esports organisers like 10N8E note the shifts each season to curate the flow of the event, capturing and highlighting players’ passion, and inquiring into crowd retention to understand what keeps audiences invested. So far, this approach has yielded some results: the turnout this year was overwhelming, with more people per square inch of the venue. This attention to detail has also extended to players’ welfare.

“I would say this edition is giving us a clearer vision of what is possible. Today is another kind of milestone in that whole process. The vision is the same,” said Founder/CEO of 10N8E, Adebayo Onigbanjo. “This year, we are able to give a device to the teams. But it’s only one device per team. If you think about it, the global standard is you want to give every player a device so they’re competing evenly. Last year, we didn’t give a device. This year, we gave one per team. So hopefully, next year, we’ll give four.”

Onigbanjo added, “For us, it’s about continuous improvement. Last year, we looked at a number of things we didn’t like. For example, in last year’s setup, we had a wall separating the players from the crowd. Over time, we realised that even though not everyone understands the game, putting up that wall was the wrong approach. It only created more distance and less interest. This year, we removed that barrier.

“So while the players are on the stage, people hanging around can see the game in the background. They hear the sounds, feel the excitement, and gradually, the energy becomes infectious.”

With the small but impactful changes introduced each year, Onigbanjo noted that the tournament’s influence extends beyond the event itself, inspiring younger people to explore career paths — from gamers to developers, content creators to event organisers, casters to social media managers.

“Most of the people here are students from UNILAG, LASU, and Yabatech. They are still figuring out their paths, looking at what they are studying and how it applies in real life, Onigbanjo explained. “Esports offers them a new possibility: that they can become professional gamers. It is another sport, electronic sports.”

Onigbanjo noted that in any society, students need a variety of options to choose from.

“Our team comprises graphic designers, casters, YouTube producers, GFX creators,

and social media managers. While we are not yet a global company like Facebook or even a Nigerian giant like Dangote, those roles are relevant across industries. Even if we serve as the feeder, the first job out of school or something students do while in school, it still gives them experience they can point to later: ‘I was a social media manager for this league.’ That matters.

“Culturally, we hope to influence that mindset. Esports is huge, and if we are ever going to see the Burna Boy of Esports,

they will come from this environment. That is important to us,” he said.

Onigbanjo pointed out that influence is already visible within the community. According to him, some players who once competed in the league have transitioned into team ownership, demonstrating that esports in Nigeria is no longer just about playing the game, but also about building structures around it. Furthermore, he stated, Nigerian teams are now stepping onto continental stages, asserting their presence.

Imole Millionaire Confirms October

Imole Millionaire, the lottery brand recently licensed to operate in Osun State, has confirmed that its flagship Osun Mega Draw will launch on October 9, 2025. The shift from the initially announced September date allows the team to refine operations and deliver what its promoters describe as Nigeria’s most ambitious state-backed lottery.

The promoters claim that construction of their ultramodern headquarters in the heart of Ilesha has been completed. The ultramodern facility, designed to serve as the operational hub for ticket sales, draw coordination, and customer support, signals the seriousness of their commitment to a long-term presence in Osun State.

Adding star power to the venture, popular Afrobeat musician B-Red, Davido’s cousin and son of Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been unveiled as the official brand ambassador for Osun Mega Draw.

Supported by the Osun State government,

9 Launch

awareness and make

Safer Gaming for Africa Conference Holds

The first Pan-African online conference on responsible gambling will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. This half-day online conference is solely dedicated to responsible gambling.

Safer Gaming for Africa brings together regulators, operators, community groups, and international experts from South, East, and West Africa to discuss player protection and how to build a safer gaming ecosystem.

Sessions include an opening speech by Bashir Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority. The keynote will focus on Gambling Harm in South Africa. A panel session is being held on the topic of ‘Responsible versus Problem Gambling’ across African jurisdictions. A workshop

will be held on identifying and overcoming barriers to safer play. It will not all be talk as a Technical Showcase has been slated to take place with the Launch of the AHA MINAKI App. Participants will gain access to cutting-edge research and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. The conference will also foster collaboration among charities, regulators, and grass-roots advocates.

Anchored in Abuja by the not-forprofit organization GambleAwareNG, the conference has secured collaboration from other groups with similar goals, including Gamblepause Initiative Africa, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, Responsible Gambling Kenya, GAMINGWEEK, and GamCare Uganda.

Over 1000 prospective lottery agents have signed up to join the network, and the company is finalizing training and accreditation to ensure full compliance with lottery regulations.

Expanding access beyond Ilesha, Imole Millionaire has opened a satellite office in Ede. Plans are underway to establish offices in other major towns, with the goal of making ticket purchases convenient for residents in every part of Osun.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

NASENI tEAm VISItS NIDCOm...

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the visit of the NASENI team to NIDCOM headquarters ... yesterday

Presidency Vows to Fix Digital Payment, e-Commerce, Ensure Quality Financial Services

Our target is financial inclusion for all Nigerians, says Hadejia

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency has disclosed that it is working towards removing all problems associated with seamless digital payments and e-commerce across the country.

The effort being spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President via the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and development partners is to ensure citizens seamlessly transfer money using their mobile phones and other devices.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, who made this known in Abuja, during a stakehold- ers roundtable reiterated the resolve by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to drive financial inclusion, using different strategies for different digital payment infrastructure that essentially reach the last mile and serve the financially

excluded.

According to him, there are very few countries in the West that have the kind of ease of payment and banking that is available in Nigeria.

He said: “It doesn’t happen anywhere in the world, and by the time we begin to address this issues, we can use that reach to enter into the e-commerce stage.

“And like I said, from our own perspective, we are also worried about the exclusion that is inherent so that eligible Nigerians, no matter where they are, can have access to quality, simple financial services that are beyond educational and poverty

“Fromlevels. the Office of the Vice President’s perspective, we look at digital payment and identity as really the last stumbling block in opening up e-commerce in Nigeria.

“Yes, there is e-commerce going on, but I think the big- gest impediments surround the ease of payment, the identity

issue and several things we are pushing, which are all interlinked.

“We are driving financial inclusion in the Office of the Vice President, which has to do with the strategy for different digital payment infrastructure

that would essentially reach the last mile and serve the financially excluded.

“So, resolving these will amount to killing several birds with one stone. We have been to India and seen what robust PPI can do to e-commerce, and

not just e-commerce but trade generally.”

The Deputy Chief of Staff assured that by the time government was able to make payment seamless, cell phone users would be able to receive and make payment easily.

“You have a situation where, in a few years, the amount or volume of transaction from digital platforms is in excess of the traditional credit card. So, you have the likes of Wizard and Master card taking an interest, jumping into this space.

Skills Acquisition: Era of Working in Isolation Over, Shettima Tells NCS

Lauds Gov Sani for setting up first state council on skills

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for collective action to actualise the administration’s skills acquisition drive, saying the era of working in isolation is over.

He also commended the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for setting up and chairing the first Kaduna State

Academy of Medicine Raises the Alarm Over Dropping Standard of Medical Education

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMED) has expressed deep concern over the challenges facing the health sector, particularly the escalating decline in the quality of medical education in the country.

The academy, which promotes excellence in the knowledge of medical sciences, also decried the budgetary allocation to hospitals and tertiary health institutions in the country, which it said was grossly inadequate.

Speaking at the academy’s

2025 Annual Lecture, Induction Ceremony and Scientific Conference, held in Abuja, President of NAMED, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Samuel Ohaegbulam, said most universities were not adhering strictly to their approved quota, resulting in unacceptable numbers of students in classes.

Ohaegbulam said some class- es had over 400 students. Even if the academic staff strength were commensurate with such numbers, institutions will still struggle to provide adequate infrastructure, equipment and

mentoring for all, he said.

According to him, “We should be concerned about the quality of undergraduate medical education in the country. The universities are not adhering strictly to their approved quota, resulting in the unacceptable number of students in a class.”

Ohaegbulam said postgradu- ate medical education also faced a different challenge – that of not finding enough graduate students to be admitted since most of those that graduated preferred to seek greener pastures overseas.

Council on Skills, describing it as exemplary and urging other subnational governments to follow suit.

The Vice President charged relevant stakeholders to unite in ensuring that every Nigerian acquires the skills needed to thrive in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the 7th meeting of the National Council on Skills (NCS) at the State House, Abuja, Shettima noted that the skills revolution

was one of the covenants the Tinubu administration has entered into with the Nigerian people and is central to its promise of human capital development.

He urged government officials, public servants, and the private sector to forge the needed harmony, focus, vision, and drive to accomplish the council’s objectives.

“Let me be clear about what this means. The era of operating in silos is over. We must move towards a

new streamlined workflow that embeds collaboration directly into the process of curriculum development and funding.

“This new process isn’t just for our own convenience; it is for the ambitious artisan in Kaura Namoda seeking certification; for the mid-career worker in Ebute-Metta; and for the technical colleges across the nation that need funding to become true centres of excellence,” Shettima emphasised.

NASENI, NIDCOM Partner to Drive Diaspora Innovations

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) are working closely to explore new ways of building innovations and technology, using the expertise and skills of Nigerians living in the diaspora, as well as those at home.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Khalil

Suleiman Halilu and the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a strategic meeting at NIDCOM headquarters described this collaboration as a “timely intervention”, noting that it will help connect Nigeria’s local innovators with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.

Mr. Halilu, highlighted NASENI’s key projects, including

Revolut, a payment platform already serving thousands of Nigerians with low-cost, real-time transfers; the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which funds Nigerian scientists and innovators, both in home and diaspora; and Delta-2, a partnership with the Czech Republic entering its third phase this September to bring new technology and international collaboration to Nigeria.

UMAHI ON TOUR OF ONGOING CONSTRUCTION OF ELEME JUNCTION...

Minister of Works, David Umahi (second left), speaking with RCC site engineer, during the minister’s inspection of ongoing construction of Eleme Junction – Onne Junction dual carriageway in Eleme, Rivers State, on Tuesday

Rupert Murdoch Buys Out His Children to Seal Fate of Media Empire

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Rupert Murdoch, the 94-year- old media titan, has ensured that his vast corporate empire — boasting Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post among other titles — will retain its quintessential conservative identity after his death.

Through a series of complex transactions, Murdoch and his son Lachlan — his intended heir — have struck a deal to buy out the shares of Lachlan’s three eldest siblings: Prudence, Elisabeth and James.

Lachlan is now set to control both his father’s companies, Fox Corp. and

News Corp., after the elder Murdoch’s death. Each is to receive $1.1 billion, according to a person with direct knowledge who spoke on condition of anonymity, as precise details of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed, NDR reported.

In recent years, James had become an increasingly out-

spoken critic of the direction of Fox News and other Murdoch news outlets, including the Journal and News Corp.’s Australian papers.

He particularly cited coverage of the January 2021 siege of the U.S. Capitol, Fox’s support for President Trump and the frequent disparagement of climate change on Fox and

Abuja Chamber Laments Lack of Support from FCTA, Announces 20th Abuja International Trade Fair

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administra- tion (FCTA) to do more to support the chamber, which is responsible for growing the business environment.

Obegolu stated this during a media briefing to announce the 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre. He lamented that the

chamber had been deprived of government support even when all businesses in Abuja were members of the chamber.

Obegolu stated, “Our chal- lenge is government support, especially the Abuja federal capital city. We are doing the Abuja federal capital city’s business by promoting the economies of the Abuja.

“But we have not been seeing their hand in the support for the activities of the chamber, especially the trade fair. By promoting this fair, we are promoting the economies of the Abuja federal capital city, and actu-

AFRIMA 2025 Nominations

ally the department of the economic activities of the FCT is supposed to come fully on Representedboard.” by ACCI

Second Deputy President/ Chairman of the 20th edition of AITF, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, Obegolu, further stated, “Minister of the FCT is supposed to see us as the chamber of the Abuja Federal Capital Territory, and why we should receive support to help us organise our programme.

“That will put the country and the capital city at a higher platform, and most importantly,

get additional support of resources to organise a more befitting international trade fair, befitting of the name of the federal capital city of Nigeria.”

He said this year’s exhibi- tion would celebrate two decades of ACCI’s leadership in hosting the country’s larg- est multi-sectoral trade fair, creating a strategic platform for business growth, invest- ment, and innovation both nationally and internationally.

in the company’s Australian papers.Elisabeth and Prudence had also felt betrayed by the decision of Rupert and Lachlan to sue them and James without warning in a probate court in Reno, Nevada, to try to sever them from any influence over the company’s future.

The old Murdoch family trust will be dissolved, under terms of this settlement, the report added. A new one will be created, with Lachlan in full control. Murdoch’s two youngest daughters, Grace and Chloe, from his third marriage to Wendi Deng, will be equal financial beneficiaries, but have no say. Murdoch divorced Deng in 2013.

To help fund the payments, the Murdoch companies are selling shares currently worth more than $1.4 billion. That means the percentage of voting shares held by the new family trust has been diluted, from roughly 40 per cent to around one-third in both Fox

Corp. and News Corp. News Corp. and Fox Corp. declined comment for themselves and Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch, citing the pending transaction. A spokesperson for James Murdoch similarly declined comment and representatives of the other siblings could not be reached.

James had been Lachlan’s chief rival for corporate control for a generation. And he has been restive about the abilities of Lachlan to lead their family’s companies into the future, without the singular drive of their father.

Murdoch decided on Lachlan, who shares his conservative outlook; if anything, the son is considered more ideological than his father. Both men argued that, after the media mogul’s death, the company would need stability in the top leadership ranks and consistency in its core conservative principles to retain the loyalty of its audiences.

Announced, Emerging Artists Take Center Stage DMT, Globacom Sign Strategic MoU to

The 25th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) nominations have been announced, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talents from across the continent. The awards ceremony is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, 2025. Among the nominated

artists are VJ from Senegal, Nkosazana Daughter from South Africa, and Ken.D from Nigeria, who are among the new generation of artists making waves in the African music scene.

Established artists like Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Davido are also featured in various categories.

The Best Female Artiste

in Western Africa category includes nominees like Amaarae, Ayra Starr, and Wendy Shay, alongside emerging artists Cherish and Cyndy.

In Southern Africa, Nkosazana Daughter’s amapiano track “Emsakazweni” has earned her a nomination, while TBO and PYY are nominated for their collaboration with Zee Nxumalo on “Ngisakuthanda”.

Boost Telecommunications Infrastructure in Delta State

Disc Media & Telecoms Limited (DMT), a leading provider of fixed internet and telephony services in Delta State, and Globacom Limited (GLO), Nigeria’s foremost indigenous telecommunications company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at improving broadband internet access and telecommunications services in the region.

The MoU, signed on Sep- tember 8, 2025, at the GLO

Enterprise Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, outlines a collaborative framework through which both companies will leverage each other’s infrastructure to deliver enhanced connectivity and internet services to residents, businesses, and institutions across Delta State.

“This partnership underscores our shared vision to deepen broadband penetration and digital inclusion across Nigeria, starting with Delta State,” Barr. Andrew Odum (SAN), Board Chairman, Disc Media & Telecoms Limited.

Mr. Harold Monu, Managing

Director of DMT, stated: “This MoU represents a major step forward in our commitment to building a digitally empowered Delta State.

“By combining DMT’s robust metro fibre infrastructure with GLO’s national backbone and service capabilities, we are creating a win-win scenario - not just for our companies, but for the people and businesses that depend on reliable connectivity. We believe this collaboration will lay the groundwork for long-term growth, innovation, and service excellence.”

SIGNING UP FOR THE ICONS...

L-R: Sen. Abdulhamid Mallam Madori, Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs and former Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkey, shares laughter with Etuk Uko, Programmes Manager, OrderPaper Nigeria, when the senator formally signed up as a nominee of the ICONS of the Fourth Republic

Oyedele: Savings from Subsidy Removal Not Enough to

Transform Nigeria’s Economy

Says under-$50bn federation budget can’t power a 200m-person economy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has said savings generated from the removal of fuel subsidy since 2023 were grossly inadequate to fund the country’s huge development goals.

Oyedele spoke yesterday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at a one-day capacity building training on the Nigeria Tax Act (2025) for members of State House Press Corps.

He insisted that Nigeria must embrace a comprehensive tax reform agenda to reposition the economy for sustainable growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s total annual budgetary outlay — covering the federal govern- ment, 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and all 774 local government areas — is less than $50 billion. He described the figure

as insufficient for a country of over 200 million people.

Oyedele stated, “Even if you remove corruption and waste completely, the resources at our disposal are not enough to transform Nigeria. Subsidy savings alone cannot deliver the level of infrastructure and services required. Our fiscal space is simply too small.”

Oyedele said the subsidy regime had left the federation on the brink of collapse, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) not only withholding remittances but also leveraging future crude production as collateral to pay for petrol imports.

He said the recently debated five per cent fuel surcharge was not a new tax, but a provision that had existed in the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act since 2007.

Oyedele explained that the new Tax Reform Law

transferred the surcharge to a broader fiscal framework, with safeguards for transparency.

He stated, “This surcharge will not commence automatically in 2026. It requires a commencement order from the Minister of Finance, duly published in the Gazette. The intent is to ensure openness and

accountability in application, unlike in the past.”

Oyedele added that more than 150 countries dedicated fuel-related levies to road maintenance, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue to depend on printed money to fix its infrastructure.

He stated that while South

Africa boasted an infrastructureto-GDP ratio of 85 per cent, Nigeria was struggling at around 30 per cent, a gap that directly undermined productivity and growth.

“You cannot grow an economy when people and goods cannot move around efficiently. The reality is that

we need dedicated funding for roads and infrastructure. Subsidy savings will not cover this gap,” Oyedele said. On concerns about the introduction of a new tax identification system, Oyedele clarified that there will be no fresh card or registration exercise.

NiMET Provides Efficient System to Communicate Weather Report to Airlines

Group: Forecast failure led to farming disaster in Kwara

Chinedu Eze and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has migrated to more efficient system to communicate to pilots by introducing e-flight folder that provides virtual access to comprehensive set

of flight briefing applications – weather reports to pilots/ airlines.

Such weather reports play critical role in flight safety, especially in-flight take-off and landing and the new system has replaced manual equipment, which diminishes better planning and safety decision.

The agency said the deployment of the e-flight folder is part of its ways

of embracing digitalization and innovative technological tools.

But in another meteorology forecasting related development, a major farming disaster has hit communities in Asa Local Government Council of Kwara State following the failure of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which thousands of

farmers had relied upon for planting decisions.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, a leading pro-democracy and civic advocacy group, Kwara Must Change (KMC) in Kwara State described the forecast of the NiMet 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as “a huge failure” with devastating consequences for food security, rural livelihoods, and farmer confidence.

UNIABUJA Governing Council Approves Promotion of 104 Academic Staff to Professorial Rank Coalition: Smear Campaign Against Ojulari by

The Coalition of Civil Society for Energy Reform has said the ongoing smear campaign, lies and misinfor- mation against the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petro- leum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, by the oil cabals was meant to derail the reforms at NNPC.

Its convener, Hon. Awaal Dairu, in a statement issued Wednesday noted

that the smear campaign was a dangerous plot not only against an individual, but against the stability of Nigeria’s energy sector and the credibility of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He maintained that since assuming office, Ojulari has brought discipline, efficiency, and foresight into the operations of NNPC, saying his reform-driven style has ensured fuel stability.

Dairu stressed that Nige-

ria has not experienced any form of fuel scarcity, long queues, or panic buying under his watch, describing it as a stark contrast to past years of uncertainty.

He added: “We, the undersigned coalition of civil society organizations, strongly condemn the ongoing campaign of lies and misinformation being peddled against the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The 11th Governing Council of the Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja has approved the promotion of 104 academic staff to professorial rank.

The council led by Sen. Olarenwaju Tejuosho gave the approval at the 78th extraordinary meeting of council that held on Tuesday 9 September 2025

and Wednesday 10 September 2025 at the University’s Main Campus.

In a statement signed by the university’s spokesperson, Dr. Habib Yakoob, it said, “While 58 of the staff were promoted to the rank of Professor, 46 others were elevated to the rank of Associate Professor.”

The breakdown of the exercise revealed the academic staff were promoted across various

disciplines, including - Agricul- ture, Animal Science, Islamic Studies, Islamic History and Ethics, Clinical Sciences, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Theatre Arts, Social Science Education, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Pharmacology, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences.

Valedictory session hosted in honour of late sir ifeanyi atueyi... L-R: Director of Programme, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), Dr. Lolu Ojo; President, NAPharm, Prof. Lere Baale; wife of late Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Lady Joan Atueyi; Founder and Pioneer President, NAPharm, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; and Vice-president, NAPharm, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, during the valedictory session hosted by the NAPharm in honour of late Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba, Lagos on Tuesday

Court Denies Bail to Alleged Al-Shabab Terrorists Behind Owo Church Attack, Fixes Date for Hearing

alex enumah and linus aleke in Abuja

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday refused to grant bail to five individuals accused of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group.

The defendants allegedly

orchestrated a deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of over 40Justiceworshippers.Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, dismissed the bail application, stating that the terrorism charges against the accused

were capital in nature.

He held that the defendants were alleged members of a terrorist organisation and posed a potential threat to witnesses and the overall integrity of the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite agreed with the arguments presented by the Department

of State Services (DSS), which maintained that the evidence against the accused was substantial and could not be overlooked.

The court further noted that the DSS’s submission—that the defendants might flee if granted bail—was not contested by the defence

Kayode Ojo Won’t Lose Focus Despite Attacks, Says Campaign Team

The Kayode Ojo Campaign Organisation yesterday stated that no amount of propaganda, lies, and political skimming will prevent Engineer Kayode Ojo, its aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, from emerging winner of the Ekiti State APC governorship primary election scheduled for next month.

The Campaign Organisation stated this in a press statement signed by the Chairman of its Consultative Forum, Mr. Kayode Oluyemo.Oluyemo, in a reaction to a recent article published in a national newspaper where the writer had described Kayode Ojo as a regular loser, said: “It

is unfortunate that such foul language is coming from a national newspaper. I see it as part of a coordinated media attacks against Kayode Ojo ahead of the primary election.

“The Kayode Ojo political structure has remained formidable and continues to wax stronger across Ekiti state over the years due to constant interaction with the people by the politician as against the assumption of the writer.

“Kayode Ojo visits Ekiti regularly and enjoys popularity among party members especially at the grassroots. This is to reas- sure our teeming supporters of victory at the poll in order to rescue Ekiti State.

“Kayode Ojo, the Ikoro-Ekiti born engineer, is also known for his philanthropic gestures. This quality has made his name a household one and on the lips of everyone in Ekiti State today. So, describing such a politician as a perennial loser is not only reckless, unethical, and unguided but exasperate and“Itenraged. is crystal clear that the popularity of Kayode Ojo across Ekiti State today, especially among APC members, is the inability of the incumbent gov- ernment in the state to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu since assumption of Office.

“Ekiti people are worried

about APC’s electoral stand vis-a-vis performance, despite the huge allocation at the dis- posal of the governor, hence their unflinching support for KayodeOluyemoOjo.” declared that Kayode Ojo was persuaded by Ekiti people to contest: “The people of Ekiti, particularly the senior APC members across the sixteen local government areas in the State, invited him to contest when they saw that the APC may lose election to the opposition over poor performance.

and was therefore deemed credible.

Additionally, the judge upheld the DSS’s position that the defendants had failed to present credible sureties who could guarantee their appearance throughout the trial.

He also accepted the DSS’s assertion that granting bail would pose a judicial risk—a point that was not challenged by the defence Consequently,counsel. the court found that the defendants did not provide sufficient grounds to warrant bail and dismissed the application accordingly.

Earlier in the proceed- ings, before addressing the substantive issues of the bail application, Justice Nwite declared the motion on notice incompetent.

He cited the omission of the defendants’ names from the motion paper, in violation of legal Furthermore,requirements. he criticised the submission of a joint two-paragraph affidavit supporting the bail appli-

cation for all five accused persons, pointing out that the law requires individual affidavits for each defendant in such cases.

The court, however, granted an accelerated hearing and fixed 19 October 2025 for the commencement of trial.

It is recalled that the bail application, dated 11 August 2025, was argued on 19 Au- gust 2025 by defence counsel Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim, who claimed that the defendants had assembled reliable and responsible sureties.

However, DSS counsel Dr Callistus Eze opposed the application, contending that the gravity of the charges increased the risk of the defendants fleeing.

He urged the court to refuse the bail request and to keep the accused in DSS custody.

The accused persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

Cross River Govt: Kwankwaso’s Visit to Calabar Has No Political Undertones

Pan-African Oil, Gas Service Companies

IATF 2025: Oilserv Raises Hope on Opportunities for

Peter uzoho

One of the biggest oil and gas servicing companies in Africa, Oilserv Nigeria Limited, has urged international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Africa to optimise the opportunities offered them by the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies. Speaking during a session at the just-ended Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF’25), in Algier. Algeria,

Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, explained that the ability of the company to have successfully carried out complex and standard engineering contracts within Nigeria and other countries makes it a better competition.

Represented by the Chief of Staff of the Company, Mr. Cephalus Wariri, Okwuosa said Oilserv has over the years, lever- aged the benefits of working with

Afreximbank for some massive transformation, which offered them both skill and capacity. According to him, “We have handled huge Turn-Key projects and is currently driving Africa’s biggest gas project and as well dominated the area and developed flow stations which have made it possible to bring service and products through collaboration with Nigeria, NNPCL across areas of need.”

The Office of the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has stated the recent visit of the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPC, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the state has no political undertone but was purely a business reconnaissance trip.

While in the state, Kwankwaso had paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otu, but was received by the state deputy governor, Mr. Peter

Odey, because the was on a working visit outside the country.Though Kwankwaso said his visit was apolitical, reactions from some political quarters have given political colouration to his visit to the state.

On Wednesday, the Governor’s Office through Otu’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, issued a press statement Kwankwaso’s visit saying it had nothing to do

with politics, but a purely business trip.

The statement issued by Obogo was tagged “Clarifica- tion on Needless Mischief Over Ex-Gov Kwankwaso’s Visit to Calabar.”

The document read in part: “It has become necessary to address, in the strongest and clearest of terms, the needless hysteria, the idle conjectures, and the mischievous insinuations trailing the recent visit of former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Cross River State.

HANDOVER CEREMONY OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED OKOKOMAIKO POLICE STATION...

L-R: Divisional Police Officer, Okokomaiko Police

Gulf of Guinea Round-Table: Global CEOs, Top Diplomats, Ministers, Govs Meet in New York Ambassador

By Louis Achi

Global CEOs, top diplomats, ministers, governors and indus- try leaders gather in New York to unlock the Gulf of Guinea’s over $800 billion energy, oil & gas, aviation, minerals and maritime opportunities and a projected $ 3trillion Coastal Africa’s economy as the 80th UN General Assembly opens in the US.

Themed, “Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea: A Roadmap

Ibrahim Gambari to chair forum

for Peace and Security,” the round-table which holds on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, will explore the Gulf of Guinea, Africa’s most strategic region.

The round-table is convened by The New Diplomat, an Abuja based policy think tank, in collaboration with the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) headquartered in Angola with diplomatic coverage over about 19 coastal African countries.

The premier event will be chaired by Nigeria’s Professor

Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, scholar-diplomat, former Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, former United Nations Under Secretary-General, erstwhile Chief of Staff to late former President Muhammadu Buhari and two-time President of the United Nations Security Council.

According to Ambassador Oma Djebah, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Thailand with concurrent accreditation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in

UK Hails Gov Sani On Improved Security, Upgrades Kaduna’s Travel Advisory Status

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The United Kingdom (UK) has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for significant improvement in security across the state.

UK’s Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Develop- ment Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, made the commendation on Wednesday during the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework

(K-MAF) dialogue.

She said, as a result, Kaduna has been moved from the “red” to the “amber” category in the UK’s travel advisory.

Rowe noted that “Security is a key enabler of growth and development, and Kaduna has weathered periods of heightened security chal- lenges.”

She said the UK acknowledges the progress recorded by the state government under Sani’s leadership, adding

that Kaduna will now host the UK-funded SPRiNG programme — Strengthening Peace, Resilience and Inclusive Governance.

“Building on this mo- mentum, Kaduna will be host to the FCDO SPRiNG programme.

“SPRiNG is designed to address drivers of conflict, strengthen peacebuilding mechanisms, and support inclusive governance,” Rowe said.

PDP Zoning: Lagos, Osun Stakeholders Reject Party’s Zoning, Insist on Gbenga Hashim

Chuks

Okocha in Abuja

The agitation against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s zoning arrangement gained fresh momentum during the week as stakeholders in Osun and Lagos States staged rallies, declaring the zoning formula “null and void” and adopting business leader and ideological politician, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as their preferred candidate.

In Osogbo, the rally converged at the City Hall and was led by the South West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), Alhaji Abass Olaniyi. It featured prominent party stakeholders including a former PDP State Secretary, a former Woman Leader, and other grassroots mobilizers.

The participants argued that zoning has outlived its

usefulness and should no longer dictate political choices in Nigeria.

“The era of division is over in Nigeria. What the country needs now is competence, capacity, and a unifier like Gbenga Hashim,” Alhaji Abass Olaniyi declared to loud applause.

In Lagos, another rally attracted PDP local government and senatorial officials, alongside former state party executives.

Bangkok, the forum aims to unlock the Gulf of Guinea’s over $800 Billion energy, oil & gas, minerals, aviation and maritime investment opportunities.

His words, “the high-level forum will also spotlight coastal Africa’s rich economy projected at $3trillion in order to harness the inherent benefits of its vast economic, investment, minerals, oil & gas, energy, aviation and maritime capabilities for the overall benefits of public and private sector players in the Gulf of Guinea region.”

Ambassador Oma Djebah,

Company (Genco) facility, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other Gencos, leading to a system disturbance.

“The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) informs the general public that the national grid experienced a system disturbance at 11:20 hrs on 10/09/2025. The disturbance was caused by the tripping of a Genco, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other GenCos, leading to a system disturbance.

“NISO immediately com- menced restoration of the grid at 11:45 hours, beginning with supply to Abuja from the Shiroro power plant, and substantial restoration has been achieved across the country. A full investigation into the im- mediate and remote causes is underway.

“ The outcome (s) of the investigation report would determine the remedial and proactive actions to be taken to forestall future occurrences. We crave your indulgence to bear with us as restoration is still ongoing,” the statement added.

However, before then, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and several

also a former two-time Commissioner for Information, Delta State further revealed the high- level roundtable would bring together global public-private sector players, including regional organizations chiefs, public- private sector leaders, energy, oil and gas, maritime, minerals and aviation organizations chiefs, development finance experts and cross-sector regulators with the overarching objective of leveraging the abundant op- portunities and potentials in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Similarly, Ambassador

other Discos had announced a power outage affecting their franchise areas via their different social media handles.

AEDC, in a public notice posted via its official X handle afternoon, confirmed that the outage was due to a loss of supply from the national grid, which occurred at 11:23 a.m.

Besides, Kano Disco stated:

“ Dear Valued Customer, We regret to inform you that at 11:20hrs today, we experienced a widespread power outage affecting our entire network, resulting in a loss of supply to our customers.

“At present, the exact cause of this interruption is unknown, and we are actively working to determine the root cause of the issue. Meanwhile, we are pleased to report that restoration efforts are underway, and we have begun receiving supply across some of our feeders. Our teams are working diligently, in collaboration with our Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) partners, to expedite the restoration of power supply across our network as swiftly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it stated.

Also, Ikeja Electric said: “Dear

Mohammed Bello Abioye, former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Pakistan with concurrent accreditation to the Maldives, who is a co-host at the high-profile event said expected outcomes from the high-level roundtable, include strengthened economic development frameworks, en- hanced investors’ confidence through clearer strategic institutional and governance frameworks, expanded networks for B2B, G2G, and P2P coopera- tion in maritime, oil and gas, energy, aviation, minerals and infrastructure development.

esteemed customer, please be informed that we experienced a complete loss of supply to all our feeders at 11:20 hrs today (10/09/2025). We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding as we work in collaboration with our critical stakeholders to restore supply promptly.”

In the same vein, Kano Disco expressed regret over the incident, urging its customers to remain vigilant and safeguard electricity infrastructure from vandals’ activities during this time.

“Dear Valued Customers, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred at 11:20am today, 10th September 2025. This has resulted in our inability to distribute electricity to our esteemed customers across our franchise area.

“We are appealing to our valued customers to kindly bear with us as we monitor the situation for quickest restoration. Additionally, we urge you to remain vigilant and safeguard electricity infrastructure from vandals’ activities during this time. Thank you for your patience and continued support,”Kedco stated.

UNVEILING OF BET9JA AS THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF REMO STARS...

L-R: Senior Marketing Manager, Bet9ja, Mr. Omene Osuya; Head, Legal and Compliance Department, Bet9ja, Barr. Adewale Akande; Chief Executive Officer, Remo Stars, Mr. Adedoyin Ogungbefun; and Senior Marketing Manager, Retail, Bet9ja, Jennifer Olatunji, at the unveiling of Bet9ja as the official sponsor of Remo Stars, held in Ogun State… recently

EFCC Interrogates Mele Kyari over Turn Around Maintenance of Refineries

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, over finances related to Turn Around Maintenance of refineries during his tenure as NNPCL GCEO.

deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent.

“It is important to recall that the suspension of Senator Natasha was imposed by the Senate, not by a court of law. And whether one agrees with the basis for that decision or not, the tenure of that disciplinary action has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is, therefore, both illegal and morally indefensible.

“This is not about partisan politics. It is about a dangerous precedent being set within our legislative institutions, one that reduces democratic represen- tation to the whims of a few individuals rather than the will of the electorate. It is about a political culture that appears more invested in punishing dissent than in upholding justice.”

The coalition party added, “Let it be clearly stated, the people of her constituency elected Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan to speak on their behalf. Denying her access to the chamber is, by extension, denying her constituents the right to be heard.

“It is especially troubling that during the course of her suspension, Senator Natasha was denied her salary, legislative aides, and access to her office. These are not privileges, but instruments of public service. To strip an elected senator of these tools is not discipline, it is institutional mugging.”

ADC said, “Even more

According to a source, Kyari had reported at the

disturbing is the posture of the senate leadership, which has continued to act as though leg- islative power can be exercised without accountability.

“We challenge the senate president and his colleagues to explain why a suspension that has run its course should be made indefinite by stealth.”

Abdullahi said several respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) had rightly ob- served that suspension,Akpoti-Uduaghan’s having fully lapsed, could no longer be used as a justification to deny her return.

ADC added, “A pending legal appeal does not suspend constitutional rights, nor does it grant any official the power to override the mandate of the electorate.

“To continue barring her from office is, therefore, a violation of the constitution. The senate, as the nation’s highest law-making body, must not be seen to violate the very laws it exists to uphold.

“We also note with concern the clerk of the National Assembly’s refusal to process her resumption because the matter is subjudice. While the clerk may claim administrative caution, what is being projected is administrative complicity.

“His role is not to adjudicate but to facilitate. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished.”

ADC stressed, “Senator Natasha is one of only four women in a Senate of 109

headquarters of the anti-graft agency, on Wednesday to answer questions about the management of the TAM funds.

“We’re questioning him on allegations of financial misappropriation relating to the refineries’ maintenance while he was in office.

members. Nigeria’s paltry female representation of 2.7 per cent is already among the worst records of women’s political participation, even in Africa.

“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the senate would only discourage women’s participa- tion and make Nigeria appear even worse in the eyes of the world.”

ADC Accuses APC of Stifling Opposition in Lagos

The Lagos State Chapter of ADC accused the ruling APC of organising a campaign of intimidation against opposition parties in the state.

In a statement issued yesterday, signed by the party’s leader, Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, ADC alleged that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was “running a Gestapo reign” in Lagos by disrupting lawful political gatherings and infringing on the freedom of association.

Owokoniran’s remarks followed reports that hoodlums, allegedly acting at the behest of the state government and APC, disrupted a rally organised by ADC in Alimosho, where the party formally welcomed former Labour Party (LP) governor- ship candidate, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, into its fold.

Owokoniran stated, “The ruling party’s manipulation of the masses to gain easy access to power in 2027 has been foiled by the ADC coalition tactical strategy, which has proven to

“This is part of an ongoing investigation. He was invited, and he honoured the invitation”, the source said, adding that, “He is still with us.” as at very late yesterday.

be viable, effective, and reliable.”

He added, “The occurrence in Alimosho is just one in a series of orchestrated plots to stifle opposition in the state.”

The ADC leader cited several incidents in recent weeks, including the sealing of a rally venue in Surulere and the forcible takeover of another fully paid venue in Alimosho, as evidence of what he called a pattern of harassment.

Owokoniran said, in the statement, “On Wednesday, our venue at Surulere event was sealed, we had to move to a member’s property. On Saturday at Alimosho, another fully paid-for venue was forcefully taken over in a bid to stall the coalition event. Couldn’t they reason that since they failed to stop the unveiling of the coalition in July, they would not be able to stop the people’s movement?”

Owokoniran insisted that the unveiling of the ADC coalition was a “formal quit notice” to APC, warning that “harassments and intimidations will not help the standoff between us and the ruling party in this election cycle”.

The party urged APC to focus on governance instead of obstructing opposition activities.

“You can block our gathering, but you can’t block the heart of the people, who have long rejected the policies of your government’s long-awaited solu- tion to the lingering economic crisis in Nigeria,” Owokoniran told APC.

THISDAY could not confirm whether he was eventually released as at the time of going to press. Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja, had last month made an order temporarily freezing four accounts in Jaiz Bank, linked to Kyari over suspected fraud.

According to Owokoniran, ADC has emerged as the “true opposition party” in Lagos, determined to “rescue the people’s mandate captured by self-acclaimed progressives now showing their true colours and baring despotic fangs”.

He added, “It will be better for the APC government to concentrate on whatever it could do to improve people’s wellbeing within the limited time left because what they are trying to stop are mere mobilisation and affirmation ceremonies.

“The coalition has been concluded and already sealed in our hearts. They can, therefore, hinder our ceremonies but it is too late to abort our resolve.”

2027: INEC, Stakeholders Decry Premature Political Campaigns in Nigeria

Ahead of the 2027 elections, INEC and other stakeholders in the election management process decried premature campaigns by political parties before the release of the election timetable and schedule of activities.

The stakeholders spoke yesterday in Abuja, at a one-day roundtable on the challenges of premature/early political campaigns in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said the purpose of the roundtable was to discuss the disturbing trend of campaigning in public for elections, specifi- cally the off-cycle governorship

The order by Justice Emeka Nwite was sequel to an ex-parte application brought and argued by the EFCC.

elections, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, and the 2027 general election, long before the period earmarked for such activity under the law.

Yakubu stated that Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibited the commencement of campaigns earlier than 150 days – five months – before polling day, and provided that campaigns must end 24 hours prior to that day.

The chairman explained that the idea was to prioritise governance over electioneering from one electoral cycle to another.

According to him, political parties, candidates, and their supporters seem to be perpetu- ally in election mode, even when the electoral commission has yet to release the timetable and schedule of activities for elections or ahead of the timeframe provided by law.

Yakubu said around the country, they had seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates.

He stated, “These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits, as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.

HOUSES FOR DELTA JUNIOR AND MIDDLE CIVIL SERVANTS...

L-R: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; the representative of the Managing Director/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Dr. Mohammed Abdu, and Executive Director, Business Development & Portfolio Management, FMBN, Mrs. Chineye Anosike, when the governor was presenting Certificate of Occupancy of a 10.1 hectares of land for the construction of houses for junior and middle civil servants in Asaba…recently

“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign.

“However, the major challenge for the commission is the law itself. Sections 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes sanctions, albeit mild (a maximum amount of N500,000 on conviction), on any political party or a person acting on its behalf who engaged in campaigns 24 hours before polling day.”

The chairman lamented that there was no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days before an election.

“Here lies the challenge for the commission in dealing with early campaigns by political parties, prospective candidates and their supporters,” he stated.

Yakubu pointed out that while the problem of early campaigns in Nigeria was not new, the seeming inability of the commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework called for deep reflection.

He stressed that it was in that context that INEC considered it appropriate to convene the meeting in which legislators, leaders of political parties, civil society organisations, experts, practitioners, and regulators will brainstorm on the way forward.

Chairman, Board of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Professor Abdullahi Zuru, said Nigeria’s democracy was still in transition, and like every evolving system, faced serious challenges.

Zuru believed one of the most worrying challenges was the increasing resort to early campaigns by political actors and their surrogates in many forms.

He stated, “We have seen aspirants use cultural festivals and religious gatherings to drop hints about their ambitions, often disguised as appreciation or philanthropy.”

He said billboards and branded vehicles sometimes appeared with cleverly crafted slogans that stopped just short of open solicitation, but left little doubt about the intent.

Zuru stressed that more recently, social media influencers and content creators had become key players and fronts, flooding platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, YouTube, and X, with songs, skits, and hashtags that projected particular aspirants many months before the permission of the law.

He stated that what was being witnessed today was an increasing determination to circumvent, stretch, and even undermine the law.

Zuru explained, “Often, third-party actors, such as as- sociations, professional groups, religious groups or political support groups are used as convenient fronts for disguised early“Thecampaigning.implications of this trend are far-reaching. When aspirants or parties compete to dominate visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness and raises the cost of political competition.

“Moreover, it distracts from governance, as elected officials become more concerned with sustaining political relevance than delivering public service. Over time, it erodes public confidence in our electoral system and fuels cynicism about whether the law can truly be enforced.

“We must be frank in acknowledging the scale of the challenge and bold in designing solutions. We must refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined in today’s digital age.“We must strengthen enforce- ment, ensuring that violations are detected early and sanctioned firmly, be it by political parties, individuals, or their proxies.

“We must engage media organisations and social media platforms, encouraging them to cooperate in moderating content that undermines the electoral timetable. And we must intensify civic education to enlighten citizens, especially the youth, on the dangers of endorsing and promoting early campaigns.”

Zuru stressed that democracy thrived on fairness, order, and respect for the rules, regulations

and guidelines governing the electoral process.

He said campaigns conducted within the timeframe stipulated by law ensured a more level playing field, reduced political tension, and enhanced the credibility of elections.

The TEI board chairman stated that respecting the law was not a limitation on political participation but an affirmation that the country’s democracy was rooted in integrity, not expediency.Delivering his keynote remarks, titled, “Towards Addressing the Challenges of Premature Election Campaigns in Nigeria,” former INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, said for elections to be meaningful, democratic and beneficial to the citizens, they should have integrity — be rule-based, transparent, free and fair, and have a level-playing field for all participating political parties and candidates.

Jega said the preparation and conduct of polls must be seen to be professional, efficient, non-partisan, and impartial.

He explained that campaigns were very important aspects of elections because they played a significant role in deepening democracy. He said through these, parties and candidates advertised themselves, their ideas and positions, to the electorate so that they could be chosen and elected from an array of competing parties and candidates.

The former INEC chairman stated that, like all aspects of elections, campaigns were es- sentially rule-based, with their period and duration defined by either the provisions of the constitution or Acts of the legislature, and regulated by Election Management Bodies (EMBs).

According to him, the more carefully and unambiguously defined and strictly applied the sanctions are, the greater the deterrence against violations by parties and candidates.

Jega stated, “Conversely, the more vaguely defined, if at all, and poorly sanctioned, the more likely the violations by political parties and candidates.

Hence, effective sanctioning is essentially the panacea for addressing the challenges of all election campaigns, especially premature“Prematurecampaigns. election campaigns are undesirable aberrations in democratic elections, posing serious challenges to the integrity of elections. If not appropriately checked, they pose one of the most serious threats to elections and undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.”

Jega explained, “Premature election campaigns are basically campaigns done outside the legally defined period. They create an uneven playing field; disrespect and violate the law; they confer unfair advantages to parties/candidates who jumped the gun; they breed/ entrench a culture of lawlessness and impunity; and they create political tensions; and they may even generate tensions and conflicts and undermine law and order.

“To protect the integrity of the electoral process, most electoral systems require campaigns to be conducted according to the rules and regulations provided in the electoral legal framework; with due respect to the calendar of the elections; respecting the right and freedom of other parties to organise and campaign and reach out to the voters; respecting the election managers and not interfering with the performance of their duties; and using the official complaint process and the legal system for appeals (ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, 2012).

“Although the Nigerian elec- toral legal framework contains some provisions regulating elec- tion campaigns, as it provides for period of commencement and end of campaigns, regret- tably, premature campaigning has remained inadequately regulated and has become increasingly widespread, characterised mainly by the display of posters featuring politicians, across political parties, but especially of incumbents, at both federal and state levels, literally ‘jumping the gun’, some two years before the official election/campaign period.

“Many, if not most of these,

are what can be termed as ‘thirdparty’ campaigns, ostensibly carried out by candidates’ support groups, with dubious financing, most likely in crass violation of campaign financing legislations.”

Jega stressed that there were allegations that some parties/ candidates sponsored the premature campaigns, hiding behind dubious “third parties”, thereby also breaching campaign finance laws.

He explained that premature campaigns consisted of, not only the erection of billboards with candidates’ portraits and messages soliciting votes or endorsements, but also included the use of public media and resources to advertise records of “achievements” of incumbents, or use of official positions and commissioning of projects for electioneering purposes.

Jega added, “When incum- bents do it and get away with it, or other ‘third parties’ do it on their behalf and get away with it, a spiral of illegalities and lawlessness is unfolded, undermining the rules-based system and the integrity of the electoral process.

“There is no doubt that currently in Nigeria the prevalence of premature campaigns raises serious challenges to the prepara- tions and conduct of the 2027 elections, and, therefore, need to be sanitised urgently.

“It is being done quite bra- zenly, especially by incumbent elected officials at all levels and tiers of government.”

Jega lamented that candidates or parties who began campaign- ing early often gained more visibility and influence than other candidates. He said this created an uneven playing field, reduced political competition, and, ultimately, escalated campaign spending.

Jega also said premature campaigns shifted focus from governance to politics, especially when incumbents engaged in early campaigning, and diverted attention to politicking rather than fulfilling their mandates to the electorate.

He stated, “Indeed, in the Nigerian context, premature campaigns quite often heat the

polity, increase political rivalry, as well as engenders hate speech, and ethno-religious polarisation.

“This often triggers violence, especially in politically volatile areas, deters peaceful political participation, and weakens the enforcement mechanism to punish the offenders.

“There are so many ways politicians exploit legal loop- holes to engage in premature campaigns, such as consultative meetings, project commissioning, ceremonial events, and distribution of so-called palliatives.

“These acts ultimately make laws become ineffective; they encourage a culture of impunity, particularly for the ruling parties at all levels of governance in the federation.

“Similarly, premature campaigns always erode the integrity of elections, by creating perceptions of abuse of power, and complicity or duplicity of the EMB.”

Jega pointed out that to protect the integrity of the electoral process, and to nurture and enhance perception of impartiality and neutrality of the electoral management body, many electoral jurisdictions not only clearly defined premature campaigns in the electoral legal framework, and provided sanctions for them, they also endeavoured to strictly penalise the crass manifestations of them, with penalties ranging from fines to Heimprisonment.recommended that all election campaign offences, especially premature campaign offences, should be carefully defined, with stiff penalties specified and strictly applied, where applicable.

Jega stated that all candidates and their parties, especially incumbent office holders and their political parties, should be held responsible and penalised for premature campaigns for them by third-parties.

He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) should pay special atten- tion to third-party campaigners and thoroughly interrogate their sources of funding.

sTRaTEGisiNG FOR TiNUBU’s RE-ELECTiON…

Director-General, Tinubu Support Group(TSG), Tanko Yakasai; Convener, BAT Ideological Group, Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi, and Member, TSG, Regina Iyabo, during an interactive session hosted by the group in Abuja…recently

Bandits Kill One, Cart Away 100 Cows in Fresh Attack in Kwara

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

Suspected bandits have killed one person and carted away hundreds of cows when they attacked a Fulani settlement in Bokungi near Tsaragi in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident, according to THISDAY checks, happened last Tuesday night when the residents of the community were said to be sleeping. It was gathered that the suspected bandits, who were said to be heavily armed, stormed the area around midnight and began shooting to disperse residents.

Asaba Community Endorses Oborevwori for Second Term

The people of Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta have declared their support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to continue in office till 2031.

The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Asaba, by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, who led a delegation from the kingdom.

The Asagba commended Oborevwori for his outstanding achievements in infrastructure, human

capital development, and urban renewal, describing his leadership style as people-oriented and unassailable.

”The love of my people for you is boundless, unshakable and irreversible.

”In the past two years of your administration, Asaba has witnessed rapid urbanization, improved security, and exponential investment across sectors, making it one of the fastest-growing state capitals in Africa,” he said.

Sokoto Approves N38.8bn Budget Reallocation

Onuminya innocent in sokoto

The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved a technical amendment to the 2025 budget, redirecting over ₦38.8 billion to priority projects without increasing the total budget size. This move is designed to improve budget performance, address urgent needs, and ensure that funds are utilised effectively.

According to the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Abubakar Zayanna, the adjustment will make the budget more realistic,

intentional, and aligned with public financial management standards. The budget size remains unchanged at ₦526.88 billion, but funds will be moved from dormant or underperforming areas to those with better revenue performance. The reallocation is expected to help achieve 70-80 percent budget performance by year-end. Additionally, the council approved the rehabilitation of flood-damaged sections of Ali-Akilu Road and Abdullahi Fodio Road to improve drainage and ease water flow in affected communities.

During the raid, according to sources close to the taown, the bandits reportedly shot dead one Alhaji Mumini’s eldest son, Muhammadu, who was said to have been married only a month ago. Sources said that when the attackers could not break into Mumini’s house, they went straight to his herd and rustled all his cattle.

The stolen livestock, it was learnt, was estimated at nearly 1,000 cows.

Sources added: “They came around 12 a.m. on Tuesday night, shooting as they moved. Alhaji Mumini’s first son was

killed in the process, and they took nearly 1,000 cows.” Sources further said the attackers were said to have passed through Fengewa, where local vigilantes and Nigerian soldiers attempted to confront them.

Activist Tasks FG to Extend N3.8trn Infrastructure Devt to Niger Delta

sylvester idowu in Warri

A peace and environmental advocate, Sheriff Mulade, has called on the federal government to allocate a fair share of infrastructural projects to the Niger Delta’s coastal communities, particularly in the development of critical roads and bridges.

Reacting to the government’s planned N3.8 trillion upgrade of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge yesterday, Mulade urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to channel similar energy and resources into the creeks.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had recently announced that the bridge’s

overhaul will address deep structural concerns, coming months after N21 billion was spent on emergency repairs. Meanwhile, Julius Berger declared the Carter Bridge in Lagos beyond repair, recommending a N359 billion replacement.

Mulade lamented decades of oil and gas exploitation that have left

Niger Delta communities impoverished, stressing that while the Third Mainland Bridge project is laudable, similar attention should be given to projects like the Warri-Gbaramatu-Escravos Bridge, the ForcadosOgulagha Bridge, and the extension of the Ayakoroma Bridge to Burutu-Forcados Terminal.

Ecosystem Restoration: CSO Sensitises N’Delta Communities

Blessing ibunge inport

harcourt

A Civil Society Organisation, Kabetkache Women Development Resource Centre, has embarked on a capacity building for local communities in the Niger Delta region that

are impacted by oil pollution, on how to treat their soil, while waiting for proper remediation.

The two-day training, which took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, had participants from Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.

Speaking with journalists shortly after a practical session at a remediation site at Baraliagbo, Norkpo community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, Executive Director, Kabetkache, Dr. Emem Okon, emphasised women’s role in remediation, noting that they are mostly impacted by pollution. She explained that the organisation is training the participants on what remediation is and how to carry it out, adding that they have been advocating environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.

Benue Constructs 1,080 Housing Unit Estate in Makurdi

George Okoh in makurdi

The Benue State Government, through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), has commenced the building of 1,080 housing units called Eco-City Estate.

The project is located at the former Benue Brewery Limited (BBL) Quarters in Makurdi, the state capital.

Group Managing Director, BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, stressed the urgent need for sustainable and affordable

housing in Benue State. He said the project, when completed, would bridge the housing deficit and high-cost accommodation in the state.

According to him, “We are starting with 32 units, the next phase is 48, and we also have the 30 hectares of land that will have 1,000 housing units. We are looking at the duration of the project as a year; this will be done within six months, and the other phase within 24 months.”

Mutfwang Recommits to Economic Empowerment of Women

seriki adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated over 440 shops at the newly constructed Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government

Area, with a strong emphasis on empowering women who make up the majority of traders in the state.

The project executed by the Jos Metropolitan Development Management Board (JMDB)

comprises 164 shops, 16 warehouses, 133 small lockup shops, 15 small shops, 166 stalls, office spaces, a motor park, and open areas for hawkers.

The governor applauded the

efforts of JMDB for ensuring that development in the state capital is far-reaching, noting that the project will provide direct opportunities for the economic empowerment of women and youths.

OyEBaNJi sUBMiTs NOMiNaTiON FORM...

L-R: Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun

State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Deputy National

Dangote Cement Shareholders Receive N3.3 Trillion Dividend in 15 years

Kayode Tokede

Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc have received over N3.3 billion in dividends over the last 15 years. Beside this impressive dividend payout, the shareholders have also significantly benefited from capital appreciation the cement stock has recorded.

Behind the Figure.”

The Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, disclosed this yesterday on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) during the “Facts

Suspected Gunmen Kill 3 Police Officers in Kogi

ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three police officers by suspected gunmen at a checking point in Egbe, a community that shares a boundary with Kwara State.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Ovye, who confirmed the incident, noted that it happened in the early hours of yesterday.

Aya asserted that the

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has deployed a police tactical team to the area, adding that they are on the trail of the gunmen.

“I can confirm to you that three officers on duty were killed today in Egbe, a border community with Kwara State.

“The Commissioner of Police has deployed a tactical squad to the area. We are currently on the trail of these men of the underworld, and they will all be arrested soon,” he started.

Oyebanji: No Division in Ekiti APC

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has maintained that there is no division in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state contrary to the speculation in the media.

Oyebanji disclosed this yesterday in Abuja after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms to seek re-election in the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Ikazobor, who just assumed the position of the chairman from Aliko Dangote, thanked the shareholders for standing

by the company, while also assuring them of consistent good returns on their investments.

He said Dangote Cement remained resolute in

transforming Africa by creating sustainable value for all its stakeholders, as it will do all to achieve its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement

and clinker. He said: “To our investors, you have my unwavering commitment to safeguarding and growing your investment.”

Umahi Decries East-West Road Slow Work Pace, Insists on Dec 15 Deadline

Blessing ibunge in port harcourt

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has frowned at the slow pace of construction work at the Eleme-Onnesection of the East-West Road in Rivers

State.

The minister made the complaint while inspecting the ongoing project at the section last Tuesday.

During the inspection of the project, Umahi ordered the contractor, RCC, to ensure that the work is

completed by December 15 this year, warning that the federal government would not extend the timeline beyond that date.

According to him, “On this Eleme-Onne project, the quality of the work is excellent, but the pace

of the work is totally unacceptable. And let me make it very clear to the contractor: this project can never be reviewed by a kobo, nor can there be any POP -variation of price -or any other claims on the project.

Former Kwara Speaker Advocates the Inclusion of IREV in the Electoral Act to Reduce Rigging

Hammed shittuinIlorin

Ahead of 2027 general election, a constitutional lawyer and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Kwara state, Prof. Ali Ahmad, yesterday advocated inclusion of Independent National Electoral Commission Results

Viewing Portal(IReV) in the Electoral Act as way of putting an end to the reported cases of elections rigging in the country.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin Prof. Ahmad, who is also a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, said that the development would

go a long way of bringing transparency in the conduct of elections in the country.

He said: “I want to say that, let the IReV be in the electoral act of the country, the era of rigging any elections would be a thing of the past in the country. “The usage of IREV for our elections would allow every voter to vote at their polling units and the results are transmitted electronically to the INEC portal and it will help to get results instantly rather than depending of collation officers who may at times inflated the results of the elections on the way to collation centers.

Publisher Laments Increase in Tuition Fees, High Cost in Education Sector

ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

On the allegation of division within the party in the state, the governor noted: “The beauty of democracy is freedom of expression. People are entitled to their opinions, but the massive show of support we have here today does not reflect a divided party.

“Former governors, deputy governors, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders are united behind the APC in Ekiti State. Ours is one of the strongest chapters in the country.

He added that he also maintained cordial relationship with the former Governor of the state, especially his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Worried by the incessant increase in the tuition fees for both public and tertiary institutions in Kogi State, the Publisher of the Lokoja-based monthly magazine, the Policy and

Lawmakers Magazine, Friday Ogungbemi, has urged the government at all levels to rescue the education sector.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ogungbemi and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, as

he lamented that the astronomical increase in the school fees is uncalled for, noting that the parents are not finding it easy with the present economic system in Nigeria today.

According to him, the education sector at both national and sub-national

levels has long suffered a setback as a result of the failure of governments, through the appropriate agencies, to effectively carry out their constitutional functions and roles as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ogun Wins Sustainability Award at IATF 2025 in Algiers

James sowole in abeokuta

Ogun State yesterday emerged as the winner of the Most Sustainable Going Green Stand award at the Intra African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 event held in Algiers, Algeria. According to the

organisers, the award is in recognition of Ogun State’s exceptional contribution to the 2025 IATF held in Algiers, Algeria between September 4 and September 10. The extraordinary exhibition was organised by the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank)

in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCTA Secretariat and hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

The plaque indicating Ogun State’s success was signed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President

of Nigerian and Chairman of the IATF 2025 Advisory Council.

While participating in a high-level panel session titled, “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns” at the IATF 2025.

Chelle Remains Optimistic Despite Super Eagles Fading Hopes

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Despite the draw result against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening which has left Nigeria six points adrift of Group C leaders, South Africa, Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, remains optimistic of Super Eagles qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

With two matches left to

2026 WORLD CUP

play, Nigeria’s direct qualification appears hazy as South Africa need just a win and a draw to pick the ticket with 21 points.

Benin Republic on 14 points after demolishing Lesotho 4-0 on Tuesday night, can take the runners up slot if they win a game and draw the other to

attain 18 points.

The highest Eagles can attain now is 17 points, that is, if they win the two games remaining against Lesotho and Benin Republic next month.

But Coach Chelle believes that qualification is still possible for Nigeria and that his team will fight until the end for a

place at the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“To draw with South Africa in South Africa is a good result, but we wanted to win, so we’re a bit disappointed,” Chelle observed shortly after the hard fought draw game in Bloemfontein.

“My players are profession- als, and I know they will still

Ayoola, Musa Win 2nd Atanda Musa U-15 National Championship

Umar Ayoola on Tuesday defeated his younger brother, Usman Ayoola, while Khadijat Musa defeated Chinenye Okafor to emerge champions at the 2nd Atanda Musa U-15 National Table Tennis Championship, hosted by the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos. The two-day tournament was sponsored by former Commonwealth champion, Atanda Musa as part of his efforts to support the development of table tennis, in collaboration with the Lagos State Table

Tennis Association and the Lagos Country Club.

According to Musa, his decision to sponsor the competition was driven by a desire to give back to society and to help discover new talents for the country.

The grand finale attracted top officials of the Lagos Country Club as well as table tennis legends, including Kasali Lasisi.

In the girls’ final, Musa and Okafor renewed their rivalry in a repeat of the 2025 Efunkoya

Cup clash. This time again, the Osun State-born Musa edged her Abia counterpart 3-2, extending her dominance.

The boys’ final thrilled the fans as the Ayoola brothers showcased their exceptional skills. Despite taking an early lead, the younger Ayoola sought revenge for his loss at the Efunkoya Cup but was narrowly defeated in another explosive five-set encounter. Umar eventually prevailed 3-1 to be crowned champion.

A delighted Atanda Musa

reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the championship as long as resources permit: “I want to ensure this tournament remains a permanent feature in the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) calendar. I am excited about the quality of talents we’ve seen, and we will keep improving the competition. My pledge is to keep hosting it annually and to make it even bigger, with more players breaking into the national limelight,” Musa said.

want to win the remaining two games. A lot can happen over the next one month. But before that, we will have to analyse our performance on Tuesday, which will not be easy.”

The Franco-Mali born gaffer however praised his players performance despite failing to secure maximum points in their World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa.

His Captain, William Ekong inadvertently swept a clearance into Super Eagles net before Calvin Bassey equalised with his first international goal for Nigeria.

“For me, it was a great game

with a lot of intensity and ag- gression,” observed the former Mali gaffer. “Both teams tried to play good football despite the (poor) pitch. Congratulations to South Africa, they had a very strong game, and I’m proud of my team as well.” Chelle admitted that Eagles’ game plan was to take all three points to keep alive their qualification hopes.

“We came here to win, we took risks by keeping a one-on-one setup at the back, but unfortunately, in just 10 seconds, we conceded. After that, the players showed great spirit to fight back.”

...Rohr Dreams of Qualifying Benin Republic for the World Cup

Head Coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, is dreaming of qualifying the Cheetahs for the 2026 World Cup despite trailing leaders South Africa by three points in Group C.

Rohr who led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Rus- sia before he was sacked, has powered the neighboring Benin to 14 points behind the Bafana Bafana while Super Eagles are three points behind the Cheetahs.

The Franco-German coach and his Cheetahs are praying for Bafana Bafana to drop points for them to benefit from the remaining two matches.

“There are two games left and anything is still possible. With 14 points now, we have the chance to finish first in the group, but also to be among the best runners-up,” Rohr told reporters on Tuesday night shortly after hammering Lesotho 4-0 in Abidjan.

He remains confident of the capacity of his wards to get the qualification job done.

“We absolutely must continue on this path. The team has become balanced, it no longer concedes goals.

It fights together.

Speaking about Benin Republic’s remaining two matches , Rohr stressed there is nothing to worry about Rwanda and Nigeria. He’s even buoyed by the fact that the Cheetahs defeated Nigeria in the first round game in Abidjan.

“We remain hopeful without falling into excessive optimism. We know it will be difficult. We know Rwanda; we have already beaten Nigeria here. So yes, anything is possible,” concludes Rohr who is the last coach to qualify the Super Eagles for the World Cup.

NPFL Moves against Unaccredited Youth Leagues

NPFL clubs have been warned against participating in any youth league not sanctioned by the Clubsboard. have been directed to stop taking part in the N-Youth League, which has no affiliation with NPFL.

“There is the NPFL Youth League, which is active. It will

amount to demarketing it for clubs in the top division to take part in such alongside lower division and amateur teams.

“The NPFL board is the only authorised body by the NFF to organise a youth league for the clubs in the elite division,”observed a statement from the NPFL yesterday.

L-R: executive Director of Programmes, Partnership – Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab; Deputy Director of Family Health, Gates Foundation, Ms. Rodio Diallo; Nigeria Country Director, Gates Foundation, Mr. Uche Amaonwu; Senior Adviser of the CeO Roundtable, Isabel Torres; National Coordinator of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovations and Initiatives of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju; during the Gates Foundation CeO Round-Table Forum on Health Systems Strengthening in Abuja, yesterday

Let’s Talk About Suicides

The past two weeks have been tough for me health wise, but I appreciate all those who have either called or sent messages. I also thank God for His mercies. I am getting better. I couldn’t write this column last week and I had neither the motivation nor the presence of mind to do so this week either. But I noticed last night that the 2025 ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ (10th September every year) passed us by in Nigeria without much awareness about an affliction that takes the lives of several of our citizens almost on daily basis. Meanwhile, Nigeria remains one of the few countries in the world where attempted suicide is still treated as a criminal offence under both Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code Act. As a reminder of the challenge at hand, I am republishing an abridged version of a column I wrote on the issue six years ago. On that occasion, I reminded readers of the immortal words of David O. McKay: “The most important of life’s battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.”

===========================

Following the death in March 2017 of a medical doctor who jumped headlong into the lagoon off Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, I argued on this page that because some wounds can easily be covered up, we do not always know what people around us are going through or what action they might take when pushed to the edge. I used a two-minute Youtube clip titled ‘Silent Battles’ to illustrate my point in a piece titled ‘The Silent Battles of Life’. Recent developments in our country indicate that many of our citizens do indeed need help without knowing where to turn. That makes them susceptible to depression, a state that has been described as being surrounded by a thousand people yet feeling completely alone.

A 25-year-old graduate of Madonna University returned home from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

scheme to stab himself to death, following signs of depression which his parents noticed and actually did all they could to help. A night guard at the Ekiti state scholarship board hanged himself with clothing material tied to the railing of a building at the ministry of education, after telling his sister-in-law that he was tired of life. A middle-aged man walked into the premises of Wema Bank in the Sango area of Ibadan, stripped naked, climbed the network mast and jumped to his death. A 400-level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) posted a revealing suicide note on his Facebook wall and then drank two bottles of ‘Sniper’ to end it all. Faced with the prospect of being withdrawn from the Niger Delta University, a medical student plunged into a river in Ammasoma, Bayelsa State.

From failing examinations to being dumped by a lover to desperation resulting from the biting economic situation or health complications and peer pressure, far too many Nigerians are reaching their breaking point and taking their own lives through various means. And if there is anything that recent tragedies have taught, it is that there are many otherwise normal people

who nurse a feeling of emptiness and despair that could in turn trigger what is almost becoming an epidemic in our country. More worrisome is that there is now a body of research that suicide can indeed be contagious with the reported death of one person contributing to such decision by others. In her thesis on this issue, Dr Madelyn Gould puts the blame partly on the media. Even in our country, you see in some publications distasteful photographs of victims dangling on the rope. “Media coverage of suicides has been shown to significantly increase the rate of suicide, and the magnitude of the increase is related to the amount, duration, and prominence of coverage”, said Gould.

Suicide of course is not peculiar to Nigeria. It is a global challenge. In the last 45 years, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide rates have increased by 60 percent globally and now a leading cause of death among young people–the group at highest risk in a third of all countries. In the US, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between the age of 15 and 24 while, going by WHO estimates, nearly 30 percent of all suicides worldwide occur in India and China.

The president of the association of psychiatrists of Nigeria, Dr Taiwo Sheikh, recently put the number of psychiatrists in Nigeria at about 250. “We are training psychiatrists, both at the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College, but three out of every five psychiatrists we produce leave the country for greener pastures. One major thing that is eating the field of mental health is brain drain”, he told PUNCH newspaper which did a detailed report on suicide cases in Nigeria. The implication is that even for those who want to seek help, there may be nowhere to go in a nation that has ‘surplus doctors’. But it is also reassuring that many Nigerians are now speaking out on how those going through any

form of stress, personal losses, heart- break, frustration, grief or experiencing depression can be helped. We need an urgent national conversation on mental ill-health which might be more prevalent than we imagine because the system makes it difficult for people to even acknowledge they have such challenges to avoid stigmatization.

The most famous psychiatric hospital in the country is in Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Yet, ‘Aro’ or ‘Aromental’ has for decades been the name with which we tag anybody who may have issues that ordinarily deserve a duty of care. Also, because there is no support system, many cannot optimize their potentials. So, beyond counting the body-bags of suicide victims, we need to de-stigmatize the challenge of mental ill-health.

If there is any lesson from recent tragedies, it is that we should be sensitive in how we respond to the plights of others, even in the social media. Although the concern of Dr Robert Brandt was more about professional colleagues in the field of medicine in his piece, “Silent Battles that cannot be Won Alone”, his admonition is nonetheless useful for us all: “I know from multiple friends who have been in that dark place that healing often starts with finding a person who will listen to them. Spouting advice and saying ‘just get over it’ cures nothing. Be kind and listen, truly listen. It can be the start of the healing process.”

The Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) and other similar non-profit organisations can be found online, raising awareness on mental health issues in our country and how people can be helped. But sometimes the choice as to whether to carry on or give up is ours to make. In the difficult times in which we live, it is easy to yield to some dark inner pressure when confronted with problems for which we have no immediate solution. In such moments, we must always remember that life, as one writer aptly captured it, is not about waiting for the storm to pass, “it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”